Wed 28 Feb 2007

“I hurt for these people”
Jesus in Matthew 15:32 (the Message)

Acts 17:16-34
(this is a great story about when Paul challenged a city obsessed with idols – if you’ve got three minutes, read it now!)

If Paul was around today and came to Rugby, what would he be distressed to see?

What are you distressed about at the moment?

Following Christ leads us to become more sensitive to people and situations that need Jesus. God created us, lives in us and knows us intimately - every fibre of our lives, so feeling angry/upset/uneasy about something can be a personal indicator as to how He feels and where He can use us.

Paul responded to his anger/distress by discussing the issue of idols with lots of people, who then asked him to talk about the issue to a lot more people, so he preached about Jesus and people became Christians. (That was his style.)

What’s your style? Your response to distress will be unique but if you’re obedient to His voice and Word then opportunities will come up for you to share Jesus with people in a relevant way.