Thursday, May 19, 2005

Set Apart

Acts 26:15 "'Who are you, sir?' I asked."And the Lord replied, 'I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. 16 Now stand up! For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and my witness. You are to tell the world about this experience and about other times I will appear to you. 17 And I will protect you from both your own people and the Gentiles. Yes, I am going to send you to the Gentiles, 18 to open their eyes so they may turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God's people, who are set apart by faith in me."

Here in Paul's defense we get a beautiful picture of the gospel (good news). As enemies of God we deserve to be set apart for destruction. I am a gentile, who used to live in darkness and was held firm in the power of Satan. Through the message of Christ, I am now set apart for the glory of God. He opened my eyes and transferred me from the dominion of darkness into the kingdom of light! I have received forgiveness and have been given a place in the house of God. All of this confirmed by faith- trusting in Christ to keep these promises (assurance of things hoped for and the evidence of these promises even when not seen).

My prayer is that you will do the same. All of my blessings are undeserved- you can be set apart for these blessings today. It's time to turn to Jesus Christ. He is a wonderful protector and provider!

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