15/02/2021 - NON-EXPECTED RESPONSE

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Now when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” Acts 14:11

When Paul saw that the man with a crooked foot had faith to be healed, he didn’t waste time and commanded him to get up and walk. People who witnessed such attitude from the man of God were amazed and didn’t know what to say. Because they didn’t have enough knowledge of the Word, they gave Paul and Barnabas the praise that was the Lord’s. This can occur to those who are new to the Gospel or to those who still don’t know the Bible.

Those who are more mature in faith should share the teachings they’ve received from the Father with those who are beginners, so they will grow in their faith. Jesus’ command is that we should teach the things He reveals to us to the ones who hear the good news, making disciples in all the nations (Matthew 28:19). This commandment is valid for those who are saved, no matter if they’re important people in this world or simple people. We will be held accountable of whatever we don’t do on behalf of the people.

Every preacher should focus on teaching the congregation that there are no differences between servants of God. Every person needs to adjust to the condition of a servant of the King of kings, spending part of their time to serve the Lord. The fact that God has called us to do His will should be a reason for us to be grateful. It doesn’t matter if you’re a judge or a simple person; if your desire is to be loved by the Father, you should love Him in a correct way (John 14:21).

Every individual responds to a given situation according to what is in their heart. If one of your disciples declares themselves to you, even knowing that you are married, it proves that you haven’t yet led their heart to love to the Lord and to be holy. When you see such attitude, you should take some steps back to find out why that person isn’t yet a true disciple of the eternal King, the blessed celestial Shepherd. The fact that they’re acting like that could be a reflection of what you are preaching!

Pastors should live in communion with the Lord, to hear from Him what the people need and deliver His message. When they’re leaders of a congregation that belongs to Christ and live in communion with Him, they’ll never be confused. However, if they allow flesh to take over, their ministry will be filled with persuasive words and human wisdom, and they’ll give a terrible testimony of the Gospel, which is the power of God!

When people saw what happened to the sick man, they were impressed, and because they lacked knowledge of the Word, they raised their voices and forgot all that the apostle had spoken about the Truth. On one side, was Paul before the Jews that were following him, and on the other side, were those who had heard the Gospel for the first time but couldn’t separate right from wrong.

Paul and Barnabas wouldn’t allow such a mistake. As announcers of the Truth, they wanted mystical people to leave their old religion, based on false premises, to serve the living God. If the apostles decided to be silent, it would be worse. Afterall, those who are silent agree with what’s wrong. Because of that, they had a lot of work to stop those people from worshipping them. What a day!

In Christ, with love,

Dr. Soares