Acts 19: Immersed

Finding True Life Change Through Immersion in Christ

When we think about baptism, we often focus on the physical act of immersion in water. But baptism represents something much deeper - a permanent change that happens when we are immersed in Christ.

What Does Baptism Really Mean?

The Greek word "baptizo" gives us important insight into what baptism truly means. A Greek historian's pickle recipe helps us understand this concept. In the recipe, vegetables are first dipped (bapto) in boiling water temporarily, but then baptized (baptizo) in vinegar solution, which produces a permanent change.

This illustrates an important truth: baptism isn't just about getting wet - it's about being transformed. When we baptize someone, we believe a permanent spiritual change occurs. As Romans 6:3-4 tells us:

"Don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may have new life."

Is Baptism Just About Salvation?

When we focus solely on the question "At what point was someone saved?" we can miss the deeper message of what God wants to do in our lives. The gospel offers so much more than just guilt remission or a ticket to heaven.

God wants to create such a drastic change in us that:

1. We get a new name

2. We receive a new purpose

3. People can "smell Jesus" on us

When we truly meet Jesus, we can't go back to our old ways. It would be like being cured of cancer and then asking for the cancer back. True immersion in Christ creates in us a desire for freedom and new life that makes our old life unappealing.

What Does Jesus Really Offer Us?

In John 3, Jesus talks about being "born again" and entering the "kingdom of God." He's not just talking about going to heaven someday - He's talking about a new life that begins now.

Jesus offers us the chance to:

1. Shed our old life

2. Be made new

3. Be freed from destructive patterns

4. Experience eternal life beginning now

When Paul baptized the twelve disciples in Acts 19, he wasn't just baptizing them to save them from hell. He was baptizing them because he knew that through the power of the Spirit, they would be made new. Their lives would be so changed that they would go on to share this gift with others, who would then share it with more people.

What Are You Immersing Yourself In?

Here's a simple truth: what we immerse ourselves in will change us. We become like the things we immerse ourselves in.

Ask yourself:

1. What am I immersing my life, time, and energy in?

2. Where do I go when I'm sad or tired?

3. What do I turn to when I have a bad day?

These questions reveal what we're truly immersed in. Jesus offers to be the one who makes the best change in us.

One man shared how he had immersed himself in video game culture as a young husband and father. He had money and few responsibilities, so he poured himself into games. When he felt like he couldn't win in life, he would escape to video games to feel successful.

One day, he realized he didn't like what he saw in his life, despite being a believer who had been baptized and was even in full-time ministry. Jesus spoke to him: "Abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branch. I will give you everything you're looking for."

He sold all his video games and immersed himself in Christ instead. The result? He became a better father, husband, and pastor because he stopped yoking himself to worldly things and immersed himself in Christ.

How Do We Immerse Ourselves in Christ?

Immersing ourselves in Christ requires:

1. Faith - believing in Jesus

2. Repentance - turning away from sin

3. Baptism - dying to self and rising to new life

4. Receiving the Holy Spirit - gaining power for change

5. Daily immersion - continuing to abide in Christ

This isn't about trying harder to be better. It's about relying on Jesus through faith, repentance, and the power of the Holy Spirit. As Titus 3:4-5 reminds us:

"When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing and rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit."

How Can We Help Each Other Stay Immersed?

We weren't meant to walk this journey alone. We need each other to stay immersed in Christ:

1. Join a small group where you can be honest about your struggles

2. Find accountability partners who will help you repent

3. Immerse yourself in God's Word daily

4. Use reading plans to stay consistent

One person shared how they were struggling with their faith and wondering if God was really there. Before they could meet with a pastor, they talked with their small group, who helped them through their doubts. That's the power of community!

Life Application

The invitation is clear: immerse yourself in Christ daily, not just in a one-time baptism experience. Jesus offers real change, freedom from sin, and a new life - but it requires ongoing immersion.

This week, ask yourself:

1. What am I currently immersing myself in that might be keeping me from experiencing the change God wants for me?

2. How can I intentionally immerse myself in Christ through His Word, prayer, and community?

3. Is there an area of my life where I need to repent and turn back to God?

4. Who can I invite to walk alongside me in this journey of immersion?

Remember, what we immerse ourselves in will change us. Choose to be immersed in Christ, and watch how He transforms you from the inside out.

Acts 18: False Teachers

How to Handle False Teaching in the Church: Lessons from Acts 18

When someone teaches something incorrectly in the church, how should we respond? This question has challenged believers for centuries, and the Bible provides us with clear guidance on approaching these delicate situations with both truth and grace.

What Does False Teaching Look Like in the Church?

False teaching isn't always obvious. Sometimes it's not completely wrong but simply incomplete. In Acts 18, we meet Apollos, a learned man with thorough knowledge of the Scriptures who "spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only of the baptism of John" (Acts 18:24-25).

Apollos had most of the picture right - he understood Jesus was the Messiah and could prove it from Scripture. However, he was missing key components about baptism in Jesus' name and the gift of the Holy Spirit. His teaching wasn't heretical, just incomplete.

How Should We Respond to Incorrect Teaching?

When Priscilla and Aquila - tentmakers, not theological scholars - heard Apollos teaching, they didn't:

1. Send an angry email

2. Publicly shame him

3. Wait years to confront him

4. Post criticisms on social media

5. Talk about him behind his back

Instead, "they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately" (Acts 18:26). Their approach teaches us several important principles:

1. They created a safe space - inviting him into their home, not confronting him publicly

2. They approached with humility - not as superior critics but as fellow believers

3. They focused on building up, not tearing down - their goal was to equip him better

4. They recognized his value - they saw his potential and wanted to enhance his ministry

What Makes Teaching Spirit-Filled and Accurate?

From Apollos, we learn several characteristics of good teaching:

1. Accuracy

Good teaching is grounded in Scripture and presents truth accurately. Apollos was "a learned man with thorough knowledge of the Scriptures" who taught "accurately" what he knew.

2. Passion

Apollos "spoke with great fervor" - the original language suggests boiling water, indicating energy and excitement. Good teaching isn't dry or monotonous but conveys the excitement of the gospel.

3. Humility

Despite his education and eloquence, Apollos was humble enough to receive correction from tentmakers. Good teachers remain teachable, recognizing that God can speak through anyone.

4. Spirit-Filled Focus

Spirit-filled teaching always points to Jesus. If Jesus isn't central to the message, it's not Spirit-filled teaching. The Holy Spirit's role is to move people toward Jesus and build up the church.

5. Life Change

Good teaching produces fruit - changed lives and strengthened believers. After receiving correction, Apollos "was a great help to those who by grace had believed" (Acts 18:27).

When Should We Confront False Teaching?

The passage shows two different approaches:

1. With opponents of Jesus: Public debate is sometimes necessary (Acts 18:28)

2. With fellow believers: Private, gracious correction is the way (Acts 18:26)

When dealing with fellow believers who love Jesus but have incomplete understanding, we should prioritize unity while gently correcting. As Ephesians 4:2-6 reminds us: "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

Why Unity Matters in Doctrinal Disagreements

Jesus prayed for unity among believers "so that the world may believe that you have sent me" (John 17:21). Our unity is a powerful testimony to the truth of the gospel.

When we quarrel about words, Scripture warns that it "is of no value and only ruins those who listen" (2 Timothy 2:14). Many people have walked away from faith not because of Jesus but because of how His followers treat each other.

Life Application

How can we apply these principles in our own lives?

1. Examine your response to disagreement: When you encounter teaching you disagree with from fellow believers, do you respond more like Priscilla and Aquila or with public criticism?

2. Prioritize unity in essentials: Ask yourself - does this person believe Jesus is the Son of God and the only way to salvation? If so, approach disagreements with grace, recognizing you're talking to family.

3. Create safe spaces for dialogue: Instead of distant criticism, invite people closer for meaningful conversation about Scripture.

4. Check your motives: Are you more concerned with being right or with building up the body of Christ?

5. Focus outward: Instead of spending energy arguing with fellow believers about minor points, redirect that passion toward reaching those who don't know Jesus at all.

Questions to Consider:

1. Is there a fellow believer or church I've been critical of that I need to approach with more grace?

2. Am I more focused on winning theological arguments or on building unity in the body of Christ?

3. How can I create safe spaces for honest dialogue about Scripture without damaging relationships?

4. In what ways might I need to be more humble and open to correction in my own understanding?

Remember, our unity as believers is not just a nice ideal—it's a powerful testimony to the world about the reality of Jesus Christ.

Acts 18: Understanding God's Will

Finding God's Will: How to Know and Follow His Direction

Have you ever had to make a decision where you weren't 100% sure it was the right one? Perhaps a job change, a relationship commitment, or relocating your family? These pivotal moments leave us wondering: How can we know God's will for our lives? How can we be confident we're following His direction and not just our own desires?

When Even Biblical Heroes Struggled with God's Will

Moses, before becoming God's chosen deliverer, tried to take matters into his own hands. He killed an Egyptian who was abusing an Israelite, thinking this was how God would use him to deliver His people. But when his actions were discovered, Moses fled into the wilderness for 40 years.

Even after God clearly spoke to him through the burning bush, Moses made excuses: "Who am I that I should go? What if the Israelites won't listen? I don't speak well." Despite hearing God's direct call, Moses struggled to accept God's will for his life.

Paul's Journey and Discerning God's Direction

In Acts 18, we find Paul completing his second missionary journey. In Corinth, amazing things were happening—Paul had met Aquila and Priscilla, worked as a tentmaker, and preached in the synagogue. When opposition arose, he moved his ministry elsewhere, and many Corinthians came to Christ.

The text mentions something curious: "Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchrea because of a vow he had taken." Why would Luke include this detail? Paul had taken a Nazarite vow, which involved refraining from wine, not cutting his hair, and avoiding uncleanness. This vow, rooted in Old Testament tradition, would have opened doors for Paul to reach his Jewish brothers and sisters.

Paul explained his approach in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23: "Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone to win as many as possible... I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some."

How Did Paul Know What Was God's Will?

When Paul arrived in Ephesus, the people asked him to stay longer, but he declined, saying, "I will come back if it is God's will." How did he know it wasn't God's will to remain in Ephesus when the people were receptive to his message?

The Chess Game Analogy

Think of God's will like a chess game. A beginner might focus on taking as many pieces as possible, but the true point of the game is the king. Similarly, what God orchestrates in our lives is bigger than our individual situations

By the time each player in chess has moved just five pieces, there are 69.3 trillion (TRILLION!) unique move sequences possible. Now imagine what God is orchestrating with billions of people, each with countless possible actions!

When We Miss God's Will

There are times when we wonder if we've missed God's calling, when we question if we recognized His will correctly. There are also times when we leap ahead of God, taking matters into our own hands like Moses did.

But we can find comfort in Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Even when we miss God's will, He can work our missteps into something beautiful that glorifies Him and furthers His kingdom.

How Does God Reveal His Will to Us?

Hebrews 1:1-2 tells us: "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son."

Many of us pray things like, "Lord, stop me if I'm wrong and bless me if I'm right" or "Close the door if it isn't your will." But that's not the biblical example.

If we want to know God's will, we must cultivate a loving relationship with Him. God wants to be known. He wants us to know:

1. Him

2. His purposes

3. His ways

God Reveals Himself

When God speaks to us, He often reveals something about Himself that's exactly what we need in that moment:

1. To Abraham at 99 years old, still childless despite God's promise: "I am God Almighty" (Genesis 17:1)

2. To Jesus' followers facing persecution: "I am the living bread... whoever eats this bread will live forever" (John 6:51)

God Reveals His Purposes

God wants us to know what He plans to do. When God came to Noah, He didn't ask, "What do you want me to do?" He revealed what He was about to do—destroy the world in a flood—and invited Noah to join Him.

As Proverbs 19:21 says, "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."

God Reveals His Ways

God's ways are different from our ways (Isaiah 55:8). His ways will always draw people into a loving relationship with Him. They are redemptive.

When Jesus told His disciples to feed 5,000 people, their solution was to send everyone home. Jesus' way was to have the people sit down, bless what little food they had, and perform a miracle.

How God Invites Us to Join Him

God invites us to join Him in four primary ways:

1. Through the Holy Spirit

Many struggle with aligning with God's will because they haven't received the indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit. As Peter said in Acts 2:38, "Repent and be baptized... and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

We can't live according to God's will on our own strength. We must first die to ourselves by joining Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection.

2. Through God's Word

The Bible is "God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). If we want to know God's will, we should start by studying His Word.

You cannot live consistently according to God's will if you are not consistently in His Word.

3. Through Prayer

When we seek God for wisdom, He opens the floodgates. As Paul wrote in Colossians 1:9, "We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives."

4. Through Circumstances

Rather than choosing a direction and asking God to close doors if it's wrong, God opens doors and invites us through them. Sometimes He gives us just one step at a time, opening one door after another as we follow Him.

5. Through Fellow Believers

Though God's Word prepares our hearts, it's often the call from a brother or sister in Christ that gets us off the bench and into the game.

This is why it's important not just to attend church but to participate actively with fellow believers who know us well enough to speak God's will into our lives.

Jesus: The Embodiment of God's Will

Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God's will for us. As John 14:6-7 says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

If you want to know the will of God, come to Jesus. If you want to align yourself with that will, make Him your focus.

Hebrews 12:1-3 encourages us to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith," who endured the cross and now sits at God's right hand.

Life Application

This week, consider these questions to help align yourself with God's will:

1. Am I actively cultivating a relationship with God through His Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers?

2. Where might I be trying to figure out God's will on my own terms rather than seeking Him first?

3. Is there an area where I've been asking God to "close the door if it's not Your will" instead of waiting for Him to open a door?

4. How can I better fix my eyes on Jesus this week, making Him my focus rather than my circumstances?

5. Is there a door God has opened that I've been hesitant to walk through?

Remember, God's will isn't complicated—He wants you to know Him, His purposes, and His ways. Like a chess game, it's not about your individual moves but about the King and His ultimate plan. Trust that even when you feel uncertain, God is orchestrating something beautiful through your life as you seek to follow Him.

Acts 18: Handling our Fear

Finding Peace in Fear: God's Promise to Be With Us

Have you ever found yourself gripped by fear? Whether it's the common fears like spiders and heights, or deeper anxieties about failure, sickness, or the unknown - fear is a universal human experience. But how does God address our fears? What is His solution when we find ourselves afraid?

What Causes Fear in Our Lives?

Fear comes in many forms. For some, it's the basic phobias - spiders, snakes, clowns, or heights. For others, it's deeper concerns:

• Loss of control

• Being judged or looked down on

• Sickness and death

• Financial troubles

• Global concerns

• Not being good enough

• Being alone

• Fear of change

• Fear of the unknown

• Rejection

• Failure

When we're afraid, our natural response is to seek comfort and safety. Children instinctively run to their parents when scared. Similarly, as believers, our response should be to seek God's presence when fear grips us.

How Paul Faced His Fears

In Acts 18, we find the Apostle Paul in a frightening situation. He had been preaching in Corinth for a year and a half when the Jews brought him before the Roman proconsul Gallio. When Gallio dismissed their case, the crowd turned on Sosthenes, the synagogue leader, and beat him severely while Gallio showed no concern.

Paul had already experienced beatings, imprisonment, and even stoning in his ministry. Seeing Sosthenes beaten, Paul likely wondered if he would be next. It would be completely normal for him to feel afraid in this situation.

But before this incident, God had already addressed Paul's fear:

"One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: 'Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.'" (Acts 18:9-10)

God's solution to Paul's fear was simple yet profound: "I am with you."

How Do We Typically Handle Fear?

When fear strikes, we often try various approaches:

• Talking to someone

• Finding practical solutions

• Developing better habits

• Seeking distractions

• Exercise or physical activity

• Creative outlets

• Prayer and Scripture

While these can be helpful, God's ultimate fear fix is the promise of His presence: "I am with you."

God's Consistent Promise Throughout Scripture

This wasn't a new promise. When God called Moses to confront Pharaoh - a terrifying assignment - Moses asked, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" God's response was the same: "I will be with you" (Exodus 3:11-12).

When Joshua faced the daunting task of leading Israel into battle against nations with giants, God told him: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9).

Isaiah 43:1-2 reinforces this promise: "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."

Why Doesn't God Just Remove Our Troubles?

Some might ask: If God is with us, why doesn't He just remove our difficulties? The daughter of the Kansas City Chiefs' owner, who lost a cousin in a tragic accident, put it this way: "Following Jesus doesn't spare us from pain, but it means we never face it alone."

God doesn't always remove our struggles because:

1. Our faith shines brightest in difficult times

2. Our perseverance through trials encourages others

3. We develop strength and character through challenges

4. Our response to fear demonstrates who we trust

The promise isn't that we'll avoid all hardship, but that God will be with us through it all.

The Ultimate Promise in Christ

In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gives the Great Commission, calling believers to make disciples of all nations. This can be a frightening task - sharing our faith, entering messy situations, and stepping out of our comfort zones. But the promise remains: "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Paul himself later wrote in Romans 8:38-39: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Life Application

What fear is gripping you today? Whatever it is, God's solution remains the same: He is with you.

This week, practice bringing Jesus to the center of your fears:

1. Identify your fears honestly. What's really causing your anxiety, worry, or anger?

2. Invite God into those fearful places. Rather than trying to escape or numb your fears, bring them to God.

3. Meditate on God's promise of presence. Remind yourself daily: "God is with me in this situation."

4. Step out in faith despite your fears. Remember that God's presence gives you courage to face what scares you.

5. Look for evidence of God's presence. Where do you see Him working in your situation?

Ask yourself: Am I trying to handle my fears alone, or am I truly believing that God is with me? What would change if I fully embraced the truth that the Creator of the universe is by my side through this challenge?

Remember, following Jesus doesn't mean we won't face scary situations, but it does mean we'll never face them alone. His presence with us can carry us through our deepest fears.

Acts 18: When Others Reject The Gospel

Finding Peace When Others Reject the Gospel

Have you ever tried to share your faith with someone who just wasn't interested? Perhaps you've experienced the heartbreak of watching a loved one reject the message of Jesus despite your best efforts. This painful situation raises an important question: When should we continue sharing, and when should we walk away?

When Sharing the Gospel Becomes Difficult

In Acts 18, we find the Apostle Paul facing this exact dilemma. After arriving in Corinth and working as a tentmaker with Aquila and Priscilla, Paul began devoting himself fully to preaching when Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia.

"When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. But when they opposed Paul, they became abusive. He shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, 'Your blood be on your own heads. I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.'" (Acts 18:5-6)

This moment represents a turning point. Paul had been faithfully sharing the gospel with his fellow Jews, using Scripture to show how Jesus fulfilled the prophecies about the Messiah. He pointed to approximately 300 different Old Testament passages that pointed to Jesus, including:

1. Jesus being a descendant of King David (2 Samuel)

2. Coming from the tribe of Judah (Genesis)

3. Arriving before the second destruction of the temple (Daniel)

4. His suffering, death, and resurrection (Isaiah)

Despite this evidence, many rejected his message and became hostile toward him.

Why Do We Keep Trying When People Reject the Gospel?

What drives us to continue sharing our faith even when faced with rejection? For Paul, there were several motivations:

1. A Sense of Responsibility

In Ezekiel 33:8-9, God says:

"When I say to the wicked, 'You wicked person, you will surely die,' and you do not speak to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin, but I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved."

Paul felt this responsibility deeply. He knew the truth about salvation through Jesus and couldn't bear the thought of people perishing without hearing it.

2. Love for His People

Romans 10:1 reveals Paul's heart: "Brothers and sisters, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved."

Like Jesus who wept over Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37), Paul had a deep love for his fellow Jews. This love drove him to continue sharing despite the risk of rejection and even physical harm.

When Is It Time to Walk Away?

Looking at Paul's pattern throughout Acts, we find that his decision to move on wasn't based on a specific timeframe but on the condition of people's hearts.

In Acts 19:8-9, we see this pattern clearly: "Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them."

The turning point came when people:

1. Became obstinate in their hearts

2. Refused to believe

3. Publicly maligned the gospel

When hearts hardened to this degree, Paul would redirect his efforts toward those who were more receptive.

The Wisdom of Protecting What Is Sacred

Jesus taught in Matthew 7:6, "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces."

This isn't about labeling people as animals but about protecting what is precious. Just as you wouldn't give something valuable to someone who doesn't recognize its worth, there comes a point when continuing to share the gospel with someone who consistently rejects and disrespects it becomes unwise.

The gospel is precious—it's the most beautiful message we have to share. When someone repeatedly treats it with contempt, it may be time to direct our efforts elsewhere.

What Happens When We Redirect Our Efforts?

Interestingly, whenever Paul redirected his efforts, revival followed:

"Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized." (Acts 18:7-8)

By focusing on those whose hearts were open, Paul saw tremendous fruit. In Ephesus, his redirection led to a two-year ministry where "all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord" (Acts 19:10).

How Should We Approach Those Who Reject the Gospel?

1. Never give up hope - We continue to believe God can do anything, including softening the hardest heart.

2. Don't push them away - Maintain loving relationships even when they reject your message.

3. Don't judge them - Remember Jesus' warning about judging others.

4. Don't become "the ugly Christian" - Treat people with respect and love, even when they disagree.

5. Recognize you're not their savior - Only Jesus can save them; you're just the messenger.

6. Trust God's timing - Everyone's journey to faith is different.

Life Application

This week, I challenge you to:

1. Evaluate your approach: Are you continuing to push the gospel on someone who has clearly shown they're not receptive? Consider whether it might be time to step back while maintaining a loving relationship.

2. Look for open doors: Who in your life might be more receptive to hearing about Jesus? Instead of focusing all your energy on those who reject your message, redirect some effort toward those who might be waiting for someone to share with them.

3. Pray for wisdom: Ask God to show you when to speak and when to be silent, when to persist and when to redirect.

4. Trust God with your loved ones: If you have family members who reject the gospel, release the burden of being their savior. Continue to love them, pray for them, and trust that Jesus is still knocking on their door.

Ask yourself:

1. Am I treating the gospel as something precious when I share it?

2. Have I been trying to be someone's savior instead of trusting God with their salvation?

3. Who in my life might be more receptive to hearing about Jesus that I've been overlooking

4. How can I maintain loving relationships with those who reject my message?

Remember, we never give up on people because we never stop believing that God can do anything. But sometimes, the most loving thing we can do is to respect their choice while continuing to pray that God will work in their hearts in His perfect timing.