Personal motives are tricky. Our motives can be good and pure. Our motives can be hidden and selfish. Our motives can also be so complicated that we don’t even understand them! This week in Acts I will explore Paul’s motives in reaching out to his fellow Jewish countrymen regarding Jesus. Paul is consistent in reaching out to Jews every time he enters a new city. And the Jewish leaders are consistent in persecuting Paul for his belief in Jesus. What could Paul’s motives possibly be reaching out to the Jewish leaders in Rome?
This question actually blows me away. It blows me away because of Paul’s history with the Jewish leaders since his conversion and subsequent ministry. For most of us, the treatment Paul received would motivate us to not talk to the Jewish leaders at all, much less to actively seek them out. Yet that is exactly what Paul does. And the only explainable motive is a deep love for his countrymen. A love that can only come from God. A love that reveals that Paul loves because Jesus first loved him (see 1 John 4:19).
This is convicting, motivating, and inspiring all at the same time. As we finish Acts over the next two weeks, join me in exploring Paul’s motive of love for people. It is helpful as we seek in all of our lives to love God and love neighbor!
“When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in great numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.” - Acts 28:23
- Pastor Curt
Please take note of ways to gather for Sunday Service at The Rock:
1) We are meeting outside at Manhattan Beach Pre-School for our Sunday Service at 4:30 pm. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and Bibles!
2) We will also be live on Facebook Live. If you don’t feel comfortable joining us in person, are feeling sick, or have been exposed to someone who is sick stay connected through this live-stream - CLICK HERE at 4:30 Sunday afternoon.
3) Finally we will provide a video link to the sermon on our website.
Theological Word of The Week:
Inspiration
A term referring to the fact that the words of Scripture are spoken by God. Because of the weak sense of this word in ordinary usage, this text prefers the term “God-breathed” to indicate that the words of Scripture are spoken by God.
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology
Upcoming Events
Children's Ministry
Children can join Cameron every Sunday for Bible time during the service. They will go through the Bible story by story.
Sermon Topic - April 24
Acts: A Holy Spirit Inspired Legacy
Acts 28:16-28
“A Motive of Love”
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