From the Daily Dose Journal Series

It all works together

Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen: ~ Acts 13:16

Sometimes it feels like the Old Testament and the New Testament tell two different stories. For a long time, I mostly turned to New Testament scriptures when I needed encouragement or strength. But the more I’ve studied the Bible as a whole, the more I’ve realized that the New Testament stands firmly on the foundation laid by the Old. Without the faith and failures of the Old Testament saints that started all the way back at creation, we would not have the hope of the New Testament Church or the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

In today’s scripture, Paul and Barnabas arrive in Antioch. As was their custom, they went to the synagogue on the Sabbath, just like many of us go to church on Sunday. On that day, they were invited to share a word of encouragement. Paul stood up and began by telling the entire story of God’s faithfulness to Israel, from Egypt to the wilderness, from King David to the promised Savior, Jesus. He taught how all of history pointed to the coming Messiah, Jesus, the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Today, it’s easy for us to look back and see the connections. We have access to all the scriptures in one great book. But for the people Paul was speaking to, this was brand new. His message stirred their hearts so deeply that almost the entire city came the following Sabbath to hear more.

So, what made the message so powerful? Why don’t we often see that same city-wide hunger today? One reason may be the mistaken belief that everyone has already heard the gospel. But research shows that over 40% of people in America have never clearly heard the message of salvation. That explains some of the confusion and lostness we see in our world.

So what can we do about it?

Here are some ways we can begin to be more active in sharing the salvation message:

1. Start with prayer – Ask God to open your eyes to people around you who are searching for truth and hope.
2. Prepare your story – Think about how you can share your testimony or a simple explanation of the gospel in a natural, personal way.
3. Be available – Ask the Holy Spirit to bring people across your path, and be ready to love, listen, and speak when the opportunity comes.
4. Invite someone – Whether it’s to church, a small group, or even a Bible study over coffee, extend a warm invitation. A simple invite can change a life.
5. Partner with others – Join with other believers in prayer and outreach. Boldness grows in community.

This kind of lifestyle doesn’t happen by accident, it starts with intention and a heart that is willing.

Today I want to encourage you to pray for boldness. Let God stir your heart the same way He stirred an entire city through Paul’s message. There are people around you who are desperate for hope, and your voice, your story, and your presence could be the very thing God uses to draw them in. You don’t have to be a preacher, just a willing witness. Let your life be a living example that it really does all work together, from Genesis to Jesus, from your past to your purpose.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 13:13-41

13 Now when Paul and his party set sail from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia; and John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem.

14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down.

15 And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.”

16 Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen:

17 The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He brought them out of it.

18 Now for a time of about forty years He put up with their ways in the wilderness.

19 And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He distributed their land to them by allotment.

20 “After that He gave them judges for about four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.

21 And afterward they asked for a king; so God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.

22 And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’ 23 From this man’s seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior—Jesus—

24 after John had first preached, before His coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

25 And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘Who do you think I am? I am not He. But behold, there comes One after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to loose.’

26 “Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent.

27 For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him.

28 And though they found no cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate that He should be put to death.

29 Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb.

30 But God raised Him from the dead.

31 He was seen for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people.

32 And we declare to you glad tidings—that promise which was made to the fathers.

33 God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son,

Today I have begotten You.’

34 And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus: ‘I will give you the sure mercies of David.’

35 Therefore He also says in another Psalm:

‘You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.’

36 “For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption;

37 but He whom God raised up saw no corruption.

38 Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins;

39 and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.

40 Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you:

41 ‘Behold, you despisers, Marvel and perish! For I work a work in your days, a work which you will by no means believe, though one were to declare it to you.’ ”

Journal:

• What part of your personal story could help someone else see God’s bigger plan?
• Write out one way you can start a conversation about Jesus this week and ask God to give you an open door.