THE NEVER ENDING STORY

Acts 28:23–29 NASB95

23 When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. 24 Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe. 25 And when they did not agree with one another, they began leaving after Paul had spoken one parting word, “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, 26 saying, ‘Go to this people and say, “You will keep on hearing, but will not understand; And you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive; 27 For the heart of this people has become dull, And with their ears they scarcely hear, And they have closed their eyes; Otherwise they might see with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart and return, And I would heal them.” ’ 28 “Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will also listen.” 29 When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.

Acts 28:30–31 NASB95

30 And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.

THE HOLY SPIRIT CALLS US TO CONTINUE PAUL’S MINISTRY.

PAUL PREACHED REGARDLESS OF HIS CIRCUMSTANCES.

TEACHING, PREACHING AND PERSUASION WILL ALWAYS BE NEEDED.

BEING CLOSER TO GOD’S DOES NOT MAKE HEART PROBLEMS DISAPPEAR.

THE DEVIL PROVIDES WORLDLY DIVERSIONS.

PEOPLE HOLD OUT FOR DEATHBED CONVERSION.

2 Corinthians 6:2 NASB95

2 for He says, “At the acceptable time I listened to you, And on the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is “the acceptable time,” behold, now is “the day of salvation”—

PRIDEFUL AVERSION TO HUMBLY COMING TO GOD.

Luke 18:11 NASB95

11 “The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.

PAUL FULFILLED HIS PURPOSE IN THE LORD. NOW IT’S YOUR TURN.

2 Timothy 4:6 NASB95

6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.

Acts 13:36 NASB95

36 “For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep, and was laid among his fathers and underwent decay;

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

DOES THE REJECTION OF SOME MEAN GOD IS THROUGH WITH THE JEWISH PEOPLE?

WHY DIDN’T PAUL STOP PREACHING THE GOSPEL WHEN SOME REJECTED?

WHAT STOPS YOU FROM BEING CONSISTENT IN WITNESSING?

WILL YOU PRAY WITH SOMEONE FOR COURAGE AND ACCOUNTABILITY?

WILL YOU REFLECT AT MISSED OPPORTUNITIES AND PRAY FOR THOSE PEOPLE BY NAME?