| II Kings 9:14-10:31; Acts 17:1-34; Psalm 144:1-15; Proverbs 17:27-28
“As soon as it was night, the brothers sent Paul and Silas off to Berea. On arrival, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. The people here were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, since they welcomed the message with eagerness and examined the scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Consequently, many of them believed, including a number of the prominent Greek women as well as men.” (Acts 17:10-11)
It is our responsibility to know what we believe. We cannot just absorb everything that we are given. The Bereans were known to be studiers. They were open to hear the message of Paul and Silas but they didn’t believe it right away. They searched out the scriptures to see if what they said lined up with the Word. That is exactly what we must do. If we will pray and seek God through His Word then He will keep us from deception.
I think it’s pertinent to mention the scripture states the Gospel appealed to “prominent” men and women. In some circles, Christians are typically thought of as back-woods, superstitious, ignorant people, easily led by any smooth talker. I’m encouraged with the documentation of scholars and well-to-do folks getting the message. In other words, the content of the cross of Christ is for everyone.
A little further down in the chapter, verse 30 reads, “Therefore, having overlooked the times of ignorance, God now commands all people everywhere to repent, because He has set a day on which He is going to judge the world in righteousness by the man He has appointed. He has provided proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.” (17:30-31) Paul preached the very simple message – we must be born again! And if you don’t believe me, go study it for yourself…
PRAYER:
Lord, please open the eyes of my understanding, reveal truth to me. Keep me from getting caught up in foolishness and falseness that comes from deceptive people. I submit myself to the authority of Your Word. I also want to thank You that Christianity has such a variety of believers. I am not alone. In Jesus’ name, amen. |
