Today's Passage - Acts 13:24-32

Acts 13:24-32   "Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel. As John was completing his work, he said: 'Who do you think I am? I am not that one. No, but he is coming after me, whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.'  Brothers, children of Abraham, and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent. The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath.  Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed.  When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead..."   Paul especially mentioned two reasons why people would reject Jesus:   First, people reject Jesus because they don't know Christ.  Knowing God is the foundation of faith; many do not believe because they don't know this wonderful savior.  The word "knowing" in this context does not just mean knowing someone as an acquaintance or just by name.  We might "know" the American president, but he probably doesn't know us.  The kind of "knowing" in the Bible refers to an intimate relationship, such as between a couple.  If we want to know God today, we cannot just observe Him from a distance, but we must become intimate with Him and to listen to His word, so that we may understand His will.   A long time ago, I brought the kids out for shopping, and the 3D pictures just came out as a new product.  My two kids were curious, so they got close to the pictures and were excited when they were able to see the 3D image inside.  I looked from a distance and couldn't tell what it was all about, and they told me that I would only be able to see the 3D image if I went closer.  I then found out that I could only see the 3D image if I stood closer and focused on it.  Suddenly, I realize that understanding God works the same way - If we want to know God, we must stay close to Him for a while, and then we will understand His will.   Next, people reject Jesus because they don't understand God's word.  When we read the Bible, we must welcome the Holy Spirit to work inside us.  God's word is like uncooked rice which takes a lot of effort to chew; the Holy Spirit, however, is like a rice cooker that will make the rice edible and digestible.  Therefore, when you read God's word, you need to welcome the work of the Holy Spirit, so that you may truly understand the will of God and let your faith grow.  May the Lord help us to learn to live by the Holy Spirit.   Pray with Pastor Tong   Lord, please help us to know you in our daily life.  We welcome the work of the Holy Spirit so that we may understand the mysteries in your word, and let your word become the foundation of our faith.  I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!       Participate in Shekinah Glory - ROLCC Building Expansion Project - by Donating a Seat for a future new believer!