Good Question

July 13, 2005

Read: Acts 16:16-34

"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" So they said, "Believe on the Lord
Jesus Christ, and you will be saved." - Acts 16:30-31

Bible In One Year: Isaiah 19-21

"Finding the right questions is as crucial as finding the right answers,"
says devotional writer Henri Nouwen. Yet how easy it is to run ahead of
God's Spirit as we talk to unbelievers about Christ, giving pre-packaged
answers before we listen to their questions.

This tendency was highlighted several years ago when someone scrawled the
words "Christ is the answer!" on the side of a building. A cynical
passerby added these words: "What is the question?"

Paul and Silas, thrown into prison for the gospel's sake, provoked a deep
spiritual question in the heart of their jailer. This question was raised
not because they had preached a three-point sermon at him but because they
prayed and sang hymns to God. When an earthquake opened the prison doors
and broke their chains, the jailer was about to kill himself, fearing that
he would be put to death if his prisoners escaped. But Paul and Silas
stopped him by choosing to stay in prison for his sake. At this he cried
out, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30).

Today, as then, the Spirit will create the right questions in people's
hearts and make them ready for the right answer—Jesus Christ. —Joanie
Yoder

Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love,
Tell of His power to forgive;
Others will trust Him if only you prove
True, every moment you live. —Wilson
© Renewal 1952, The Rodeheaver Co.

Christians worth their salt make others thirsty for the water of life.

From: JeanAustria@astec-power.com

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