[Acts Inspiration For Transformation Series] The Unstoppable Force Of The GospelCampione

I Give Everything Pastor José G. Esparza One day, a pastor told me in dismay, “Pastor Esparza, the pastor of Matamoros (Mexico) has a convention of his churches that begins tonight, and the invited preacher has just canceled because someone has prophesied to him ‘that if he goes to Matamoros he will be kidnapped.’ Can you go?” “Of course!” I answered, without hesitation. When I arrived at the convention, I heard stories about missing children and of some of their families. Others had lost children and brothers in the faith because of the kidnappings. They had not been found. In spite of this, their faith remained intact. You can certainly imagine how much this story made me reflect and helped me to understand the verses we are going to focus on today. Chapter twenty of the book of Acts is a textbook illustration of the determination and courage of the early Christians—a perfect example of selfless dedication to the gospel. On his way to Jerusalem, the apostle Paul stops in the city of Miletus to share a final message with the leaders of this region of Asia. He knows that he will never see them again, so you can understand how important his last words to them are. After making several statements, Paul speaks about the cost of preaching the gospel, a mission that is even higher than preserving his life. He then exhorts the leaders to take care of themselves and of the church of God, warning them about false preachers who will rise from within their congregations. Furthermore, he gives us an account of how he even used his own resources and time, working with his own hands not to be a burden to anyone. Paul’s life was fully invested in the Kingdom of God for the cause of the gospel. And last but not least, he gets down on his knees and prays with them—a humble servant of all. Everybody was in tears, which shows how much love and appreciation these leaders had for the apostle. Even though they would never see his face again, he was leaving behind a legacy of sound instruction and encouragement. Respond What legacy are you leaving behind? We live in such a fast-paced world that focuses so much in the now that we hardly ever stop to think about the eternal consequences of our decisions, commitments, and actions. Paul’s life leads us to ask ourselves: “Am I willing to give everything, including my own life, for the gospel? Am I bringing transformation and proclaiming the truth at all costs?” May God help us do so. May the power of the Holy Spirit fill us up and strengthen us to leave a legacy of eternal value.