JUL 13

Colossians 1:12-14
Memorise Acts 26:18
“…turn them from darkness into light...”

DO YOU REALIZE THE GOSPEL HAS POWER?

Paul in Acts 26:18 testifies that Jesus Christ gave him the following commission to the Gentiles: “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” This is the same process described in Colossians 1:12-14, and thus tells us that Paul is thankful to God that his commission to the Gentiles is being fulfilled, even though in the case of the Colossians he did not directly bring the gospel to them. Paul gave thanks for the power of the gospel, that those in darkness may have their eyes opened to see their sinful estate, and thus be freed from Satan’s clutches by the forgiveness of their sins, and receive their inheritance as adopted children of God.

So often when we go tracting or evangelizing, we lack faith, assuming that the non-Christians in this world are weary of listening to the gospel, having already heard of Christ so often from other sources. We forget that evangelism is actually 100% effective; that whomsoever God has meant to save, that person will be saved, for their spiritual eyes will eventually be opened by the power of the gospel. We forget that we ourselves were once lost in sin as well, and we only saw our need for a Saviour by the power of the gospel. Like Paul, our commission as ambassadors for Christ is simply to preach the gospel, and to leave the rest to the power of the gospel that is greater than the power of darkness. The gospel seed we have sown may be reaped by another, but like Paul we all rejoice in the power of the gospel and that we are given a part in this great commission. Knowing this, we should no longer quake in fear when faced with the prospect of preaching to others. Dear teen, have a compassion for your friends who do not realize they are in spiritual darkness, and realize that if God wants them to be saved, then the gospel will work in their hearts, and they will certainly be saved. Like Paul we can rejoice that God has given us a part to play in this.

Thought: Satan is the ruler over darkness, and over the lives of those not saved.
Prayer: May I do my best in the gospel work that lost souls be saved from darkness.