May 17 - An Open Door.

I Corinthians 16:9
“For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.”
 
The Lord had opened a door for Paul, to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles.
Acts 14:27
“And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.”
 
Paul knew that there were many people who were against him preaching to the Gentiles.
Philippians 3:17-19
“Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ; Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)”
 
The Lord has also opened a door unto us. His last words before He ascended up into Heaven were the Great Commission.
Matthew 28:19-20
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
 
What are we doing with the door that has been opened unto us? Are we sitting back and letting others carry out the Great Commission? Christ did not exclude any of us from His command. He promises to equip us with the power to be witnesses of the Gospel.
Acts 1:8
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
 
Start in your Jerusalem, wherever that may be.
 
There will be persecution. The adversaries will come, some even camouflaged as Christians. Our enemy walketh about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, and he will flee. “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”
Ephesians 6:11-13
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
 
Stand today with the whole armour of God so that you, like Paul, can say…
Ephesians 6:19-20
“And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”
 
We have an open door. Be bold, and use your time wisely.
 
 
Bible Reading:
I Samuel 28-29  |  I Corinthians 5  |  Psalm 107