Scripture: Acts 16:17-18

Message:

Have you ever watched as someone screamed biblical versus at people? yelling the truth in such a way as to make it sound more a threat then a promise. It's at these times I sigh deeply. And think how many souls had been turned away. How many innocent hearts had been hurt and abused.

As mentioned earlier, a friend had recounted a difficult experience. And as I took time to think of his recollection; I remembered these verses from the New Testament. Found in the book of Acts 16:17-18.

17 This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved."
18 She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!" At that moment the spirit left her.

On the surface it really isn't all that negative. I mean, what she was saying seemed to be the truth. Paul was there and he was teaching people about salvation. So what really upset Paul? And why was she more moved by a negative spirit then a spirit of light?

Well it would seem to me that her antics did more to distract from the message then to support it. Much like a person screaming at people. Some of what they say might have a small piece of the truth. Yet it would have been crushed under the mass of "In the face" rhetoric. So essentially it would turn off more people then encourage them.

Also, I'd think that as soon as anyone takes the position of exclusive knowledge of salvation they tend to become zealots for a radical calling. And will do more damage then good. I can understand how people feel when faced with this form of evangelism.. The feelings of being abused and rejected are a real emotional ploy the Devil.

As we are called to be witnesses for Christ let's pray that we do it with the same love and devotion our Lord and Saviour taught us to. Through his word and his very life affirming actions.

Prayer:

Lord, as we are called to be a light unto the World; We pray that we will be a gentle reassuring light. One that draws lost souls to you. As offers comfort and warmth for the body. May our words of encouragement provide peace and assurance of the gift of God for all creation.

Amen