A Different House

Acts 13:42-47

And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

See, this is some good food fixed here. I know, there is some spiritual food set upon the tables of Psalm 23:5. But have you ever come upon anything more filling. Imagine everyone coming after the service was done just to hear the Word of God also. Nor was this crowd invited; rather, it wanted to be. See, the doors were being locked and the lights blown out in the synagogue. Then here comes the crowd of people considered to be outcasts. Each one is begging, 'tell me, tell me. I want to hear this word from God also. I know you have one.' Not only that but notice how they demanded not to hear these words right now. They understand something which the Jews do not. For it is likely late and the apostles are tired. So are they travel worn and hungry. These Gentiles are kind enough to have him speak next Sunday: same time, same place, same message. Doubtless they wanted to hear from this God also who sent these men so far. Has anyone wondered how come these Gentiles which have heard little of the Word, have more faith and maturity than their Jewish counterparts. See, a service has yet to be finished; here come the people with their needs and little faith needing to be encouraged.

Just as they did Jesus, so they surrounded his apostles. It amazes me that Paul encourages them all. No matter what is going on, there is not a person he makes not time for. So also, he builds up the babies in the faith. Here comes all the Jewish people back from the countryside and from the service who needed a Word of God. See, the religious proselytes of that day were those who knew of the faith yet were not considered so. For this cause must you also continue in the grace of God. It matters not if you know of him. If you do not put your shoes on, you of little faith and walk with him, he cannot do much for you. How many times do we pray the words, 'God is great, God is good, let us thank him for this food.' But my friends, how many continue in this grace even after the meal is finished. Oh to walk beside him as the eternal Father. He has many places to go to prepare such a meal as that of Revelation 19:9.

And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

Here we see a better word than Abel spoken and envy the green-eyed monster fresh out of Eden. You might be wondering what these all have to do with each other. See, envy, contradicting, and blaspheming are all symptoms of such. If unchecked, these same leads to the slaying of the prophets and all before them. Herein is the blood of Abel and of Christ the righteous made perfect in Hebrews 12:23. It is not the absence of the monster that is troubling these spiritually. Rather, it is a classic case of misplaced fatherhood. But even here is the very presence and power of God thereof made manifest. Remember, the Word when preached came with power. For so it is a living Word. For herein is the power to change men's hearts and lives. My friends, I would not bother preaching you this Word unless it were so. Nor is it a Word that one would willingly die for unless it was true. See, in it is Jesus. It is life and it is power indeed. Some of you wonder why you preach and have no effect.

It matters not if a fight breaks out. It matters not if they gather you and all your family to feed unto the lions for your testimony to Christ. Preach Jesus and let him take care of himself. Release him into the situation. The demons must flee. Sickness must bow in his presence. The darkness will roll back before him. You might be afraid right now, dear believer. Just know it will not be this way for long. King Jesus of Luke 18:37 "is passing by." Now come together and hear the Word with us today. Go hug your neighbor and tell them that Jesus loves them. Go out into the highways and byways to compel them to come into Luke 14:23 so that his house may be full. Somebody ought to bring in their city and sit everybody at the feet of Jesus. Do not tell me about the slumlords, the drug lords, and council lords without first telling me about Christ the Lord. Somebody ought to focus less on the political and economic problems of our day and more upon the Word of God.

Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

Note that Paul and Barnabas did not just hide in fear and wish these people also would go away. In this text is found Paul's answer to the concerning question as to whom the book of Hebrews is written. Should it be just like this sermon, only for the Jewish nation; or should it be for the Gentiles also. See, even now God is building up his household of faith. God has been calling to the lost and found even since the beginning of time. Remember, in Abraham's house there was Hagar, the maid also. Throughout all of Israel's history we see his provision for those of this special house of faith. Now, I know, we are busy walking with Jesus. For so we would not have left the Father's house alone. Nor yet did we go empty handed. Is not the Father with us also as we go into the highways and byways to make sure his house is filled. Indeed, Hebrews is written to the church going through something. See, I should not have to turn to another and justify my preaching the Word unto all. I should not have to hear how this one and that has made you mad. Nor yet should I hear how offended the grace of God makes you.

For this cause, have the Jews of that day been rejected. They did not want any others blessed nor did they wish the blessing for themselves. Indeed, for so they pushed the grace of God away along with the promises of life eternal. Nor could any others be freely blessed until these had been dealt with. Come on now, my friends. I know God promised faith unto Abraham's seed. For was not Hagar also of the same seed together with him. The promises and the Word of God are by faith for the people of God. It matters not to him that you might be white, black, or ancient Abyssinian. God has ordained salvation to come into his whole house, not just to your town or those few people you like. Whosoever will in Revelation 22:17 means just that. Let God shine his light in your hearts as you go walking with him today. Trust me, your path will be so brightly lit that all will know of the God who walks beside.