Press On
Acts 17:16-33 – Paul in Athens
#leadership #mensministry
Don’t underestimate the power you have to encourage your friends. It’s amazing how much difference a simple note, a kind word, or a steady presence from a Christian brother can make. Press on, men. God is not finished building, and the Day He has set has not yet arrived. We are closer than we think, and His Kingdom grows ever brighter.
We cannot be a light to others without God’s fire, the fire of His love.
Good counsel from God’s precepts is one thing. Listening carefully and then actually applying it to our lives is another. Press on anyway. God gave us the Sacraments to help us grow. We gather, hear His Scripture, repent, pray, and receive communion with the risen Christ so that we may remain in Him. Don’t stop going to Church. His command is that we abide in Him, and by His grace we shall.
God is for us, not against us. We know this, yet we need to be reminded of His love weekly. Yes, we have a right to complain, to bellow, to moan, groan, and bray. Life is hard. Wicked weeds grow up around us, and poison roots seem to abound. Many who say “Lord, Lord” bear little fruit. If they were tasked with separating the wild oats from the wheat, they would not know where to begin. Too many churches are as empty of the Holy Spirit as the white of an egg is empty of flavor.
But do not exercise that right to complain. Brothers, fix your eyes on what lies ahead: eternity. We have much to live for. Great adventures remain and great battles still to fight. God knows how difficult this life is. He hears our cries of desperation. He knows our needs and loves us today as fiercely as He did on the day we were born, despite our foibles, failures, regrets, and stubbornness. God loves us!
Keep close to Jesus. In His grace we are refreshed, healed, recreated, and renewed, ready for battle. Every man of God has a place on the field. Keep speaking the truth. Many will believe in Jesus through your quiet, faithful witness. Be ready to take quick action to protect believers in need. Be willing to stand for justice.
The latest fad or new-fangled idea is not what matters. In God we live and move and have our being, not because of what we think, or any attribute of ours, or our parents. Every good thing comes from our Father in heaven. All our present good and all our eternal security rest on Him alone. The Gospel of Jesus Christ, planned before time, is what matters.
All truth points to the Truth. You are not my judge, nor I yours. The Man who was crucified, died, buried, and raised by the power of God - He alone will judge us all. God has fixed that Day. As surely as right differs from wrong, as surely as the weeds are distinct from the wheat, His judgment will be just.
Gents, in every circumstance today, maintain your integrity. Do not give up on God. Trust Him in all things. In middle age, I find it tougher to lose weight, health flags, and experience feels overlooked. Press on. Christians have a growth mindset. No matter our age, we grow. Trust God.
We have certainty in His love and His promises. If you must turn your back, turn it on Satan, on evil, and on those who steal, cheat, and lie.
Build friendships. When trouble comes, what comfort it is to grow in faith and endurance alongside men who love God and love us. Be there for your friends. Your presence alone speaks volumes. Just be there.
It is okay to lament. In sorrow, loss, and suffering, we contemplate the brevity and futility of this life and the peace, hope, and goodness of heaven. If we must groan, pour it out to God. He knows, He cares, He understands, and He consoles.
Rejoice in the truth and join yourself to Jesus Christ, the Author of life.
Lord God, thank You for this brief life and every day of it. Build Your church through Your faithful ones, I pray.
Yes, the Greeks in Athens worshiped an “Unknown God” (Acts 17:23). Almighty God makes Himself known, plainly. True ignorance is one thing. Willful rejection, disdain for God, hypocrisy, the love of money so prevalent even in evangelical circles, and false teaching are quite another.
None of us is innocent before God. Only through Christ are we made righteous (Job 4:17; Acts 20:21). There is only one Gospel for all, Jews and Gentiles alike, for God shows no partiality and has no multiple gospels. It is this: repent of sin, turn to God, and have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Never covet other people’s stuff or build your mission on accumulating money. That is obvious folly and proof of false teaching. Work hard to supply your own needs and the needs of others. Be that kind of soil, good soil that produces a healthy sheaf of wheat for the harvest.
Like the ancient Athenians, we too are religious. Is it a fair assessment to say many Americans worship money, status, and power? We elevate politicians, commanders, and influencers. How far the ancients drifted into Arianism, Mohammedanism, and the heresies of the ages. And how far we modern men have strayed from the one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church founded and sustained by our Creator and Savior.
Many have asked why I’m becoming Catholic. I’ll tell you. I seek to be Catholic because there is only one church. As I study Scripture and history, the more I'm convicted of that. The Church was founded by Jesus, and His Kingdom will grow via His church until He returns. Jesus commands us to be unified. I can’t wake up every morning, fall to my knees, and pray the Lord’s Prayer for “His will to be done” while rejecting His clear will in John 17 for unity in His church. I’m becoming Catholic so that I can know Him more and so that I can indeed be sanctified by the Fire of God so that I can share His light more clearly.
God protects and provides. May we be ready today to say no to the world and yes to Jesus. Lord Jesus, thank You for the counsel and faith of good friends. Make us those friends. You alone, Lord God, are the source of happiness, peace, and joy. Please bless my family and friends today, and all who read this, with Your grace.
Amen.
Comments