Acts 19 "The Answer"

Acts 19 – Brandon Hatmaker “ The Answer”
Wednesday, May 7, 2008

“Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.” –Acts 19:8-10

There are so many arguments today about what saves you. While I don’t want to be the guy who referenced Oprah on his blog (I’ll do it anyway), with this “Whole Earth” thing, she’s found recently that if you are searching for significance in life, the debate on what you do with Jesus cannot escape you. She’s found it a very difficult path trying to keep neutral.

Paul and the early disciples were not arguing whether or not God existed. That was not the question. They all believed in God. They were arguing the person of Christ and His offer of Salvation. Somehow today, people of faith often settle for the argument about God’s existence and how we should live faith in God (if you do, and if you do, how you do). So many settle with the thought that if they can convince someone that God exists, it’s good enough. We do this at the expense of arguing our depravity and desperate need for redemption through Christ. This is not good. We simply cannot make Jesus a minor part of the equation.

This was the argument at Corinth (and pretty much every temple where Jesus was taught). Paul was not willing to bend. Jesus is the difference in faith. He’s inclusive and full of Grace. No doubt. And the Bible is clear.

Salvation is eternal. It’s not temporary. Jesus is not a substitute. He’s the answer. Thank you Jesus. We should find great comfort in this today. It’s in this reality that we find hope and peace. Not in something man-made or man-dreamed. It’s worth pursuing. It’s worth sharing. It’s most certainly worth living, and standing strong for.