Dear Reader,
Next week, our Pastor Emeritus, Randy Mickler, will begin a study on the Book of Acts. I am genuinely excited about this because Acts has been speaking to me in fresh ways lately. In particular, Acts 18 has been on my heart.
In this chapter, we find the Apostle Paul arriving in Corinth with a clear calling. He is sent to bring the gospel in a city known for its wealth, power, and moral compromise. Paul does not shy away from speaking truth. He names greed and lust as destructive forces that were damaging the city and even drawing new believers away from Christ.
In the middle of this spiritual battle, Paul is not alone. He meets Aquila and Priscilla, two strong leaders who stand beside him in ministry. Later, when Silas and Timothy arrive, Paul feels an even greater burden in his spirit to preach the word with boldness.
The chapter unfolds in a striking way.
First, Paul engrosses himself in preaching. His whole heart is invested in the message of Christ.
Second, opposition rises. Jewish leaders resist him and blaspheme, and Paul tells them plainly that they are working against their own good.
Third, the responsibility shifts. Paul shakes out his garments as a sign that their rejection is now on their own heads. He will no longer carry the weight of their resistance.
Finally, Paul turns to the Gentiles. This is where the story takes an encouraging turn. A Roman named Justus opens his home for worship, and Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believes in Christ. Many others in Corinth hear the message, believe, and are baptized.
What I love about Acts 18 is the picture of perseverance. Paul does not let rejection stop him. He speaks the truth with clarity, he recognizes when hearts are closed, and he pours himself into those who are ready to hear. The result is a growing movement of faith in a city that desperately needed the light of the gospel.
I believe this same pattern still speaks to us today. We are called to speak truth with courage, to entrust the results to God, and to walk faithfully with those who are ready to receive the message of Christ.
In the 21st century, we have no choice but to be this kind of Christ follower. As a church planter, I’m asking God to give me the boldness of these faithful people who have gone before me. Time is short. Jesus is the way. Be bold!
James
Rev. James A. Williams
Senior Pastor
Grace Resurrection Methodist Church
Next week, our Pastor Emeritus, Randy Mickler, will begin a study on the Book of Acts. I am genuinely excited about this because Acts has been speaking to me in fresh ways lately. In particular, Acts 18 has been on my heart.
In this chapter, we find the Apostle Paul arriving in Corinth with a clear calling. He is sent to bring the gospel in a city known for its wealth, power, and moral compromise. Paul does not shy away from speaking truth. He names greed and lust as destructive forces that were damaging the city and even drawing new believers away from Christ.
In the middle of this spiritual battle, Paul is not alone. He meets Aquila and Priscilla, two strong leaders who stand beside him in ministry. Later, when Silas and Timothy arrive, Paul feels an even greater burden in his spirit to preach the word with boldness.
The chapter unfolds in a striking way.
First, Paul engrosses himself in preaching. His whole heart is invested in the message of Christ.
Second, opposition rises. Jewish leaders resist him and blaspheme, and Paul tells them plainly that they are working against their own good.
Third, the responsibility shifts. Paul shakes out his garments as a sign that their rejection is now on their own heads. He will no longer carry the weight of their resistance.
Finally, Paul turns to the Gentiles. This is where the story takes an encouraging turn. A Roman named Justus opens his home for worship, and Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believes in Christ. Many others in Corinth hear the message, believe, and are baptized.
What I love about Acts 18 is the picture of perseverance. Paul does not let rejection stop him. He speaks the truth with clarity, he recognizes when hearts are closed, and he pours himself into those who are ready to hear. The result is a growing movement of faith in a city that desperately needed the light of the gospel.
I believe this same pattern still speaks to us today. We are called to speak truth with courage, to entrust the results to God, and to walk faithfully with those who are ready to receive the message of Christ.
In the 21st century, we have no choice but to be this kind of Christ follower. As a church planter, I’m asking God to give me the boldness of these faithful people who have gone before me. Time is short. Jesus is the way. Be bold!
James
Rev. James A. Williams
Senior Pastor
Grace Resurrection Methodist Church
Posted in Rev. James Williams Weekly Blog
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