My Pastor, Dr. Lucius M. Dalton, of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church taught a Bible study class tonight that really resonated with me. Pastor Dalton discussed Acts 20:1-12 as part of our ongoing year long study of the book of Acts.
In this passage, Paul is preaching from sundown throughout the night to a receptive group in Troas. During his sermon, a young man sitting in a window falls asleep and out of the window, down three stories to his death. Paul threw himself on the man, much like the prophet Elijah did in 1 Kings 17:21-24 (read all of chapter 17 for context), and brought him back to life.
Pastor Dalton pointed out that throughout his missionary journey, Paul was preaching about the death, burial and resurrection of the Messiah, Jesus. When Paul resurrected the dead young man, it became a living example of the resurrection Paul had been preaching about.
What hit home most of all for me, was when Pastor Dalton told us that if we truly examine our lives, each of us can see God at work resurrecting our lives. We need to be bolder witnesses for Christ like Peter and Paul, said Pastor Dalton. The apostles Peter and Paul didn't let anything stand in their way when preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They were constantly under threat, beaten and even jailed, but didn't let that stop them. "Each of us probably passed up and opportunity today to tell somebody about what Jesus has done for us," said the pastor. This statement is so true and inspired me to be a bolder witness, not only on the Internet, but
to the people I encounter in person.
We don't have to prove the resurrection of Jesus scientifically, but talk about the resurrection of our lives, thanks to Jesus. Resurrection is all around us in nature, pointed out the pastor. The fall brings leaves falling to the ground, followed by a dormant winter period for plant life, and spring brings about a resurrection of plants again. Pastor also reminded us that the reason why we worship at church is to celebrate Jesus' resurrection.
The theme of tonight's lesson taught by Pastor Dalton was resurrection. "God is still resurrecting us today," said Pastor Dalton. "You might be down," he continued, "but Jesus can resurrect you." Bravo, Pastor Dalton. No matter how bad our lives may be, if we believe in Jesus, confess our sins to help and accept Him as Saviour, he can bring about great changes in our lives. Lives of contentment with what we have and need and not focused on the things of this world that we want.
God bless you for reading my blog. I appreciate your time.
Steve Kendall
