Devotion for October 27, 2020

“He even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” (Acts 21:28)

The early days of the Church were lived in the shadow of the temple. It wasn’t immediately apparent that we shouldn’t keep going there. The Jerusalem church went to the temple daily in the days after Pentecost. It was truly a house of prayer for all people. The rhythm of Sabbath Saturday and the Lord’s Resurrection Day of Sunday was kept. Paul could find no reason why everyone shouldn’t be going to the temple. The dividing wall of hostility had been broken down in Christ! (Ephesians 2:14) There was no longer any distinction between Jew and Gentile, slave or free, male or female. All are one in Christ!

Paul actually believed all of these things, and brought a man from Ephesus into the temple. He escorted a Gentile into a place where he was forbidden, and ended up facing a long journey, trial, imprisonment, and eventually death, for believing in the reconciling work of Jesus Christ. Yet even then in his sufferings, Paul continued to proclaim the great works of Christ. Friends, we cannot lose, for Christ has given us the victory. There is nothing to fear. Not even death will hold us down. All things work for your good.

Prayer
In Christ now meet both east and west; In Him meet south and north. All Christian souls are one in Him Throughout the whole wide earth. There is one race, the human race and there is One God who loves all equally and desires all people to come to the knowledge of truth. Lord, may we be instruments of that truth. In Jesus name. Amen.

Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike

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Pastor Bailey
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