Acts 19
"And [Paul] entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus" (Acts 19:8-9).
Paul's ministry was one of reasoning and persuading about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, and the fact Jesus is the Messiah promised by the Old Testament. Wherever he went, he reasoned with and persuaded people about the kingdom of God. In Ephesus, he reasoned for three months in the synagogue and for two years in the hall of Tyrannus. I wish I could have been there to hear him.
One of my modern day heroes is Francis Schaeffer. Like Paul, he had a ministry of reasoning and persuading. I'd like to be more like him and have a ministry similar to his. I love reasoning and persuading about the truth of the gospel and of the Bible. The Bible is such an awesome book, and the Christian worldview, I feel, is unbeatable.
Father, help us by your Spirit to develop the skills of reasoning and persuading from the Scriptures and from reason and experience. Help us all to think carefully about the Bible and what it asserts. Help us to understand the Old Testament and how it relates to Jesus. May we have understanding and wise hearts to see what you want us to see. I pray for more people's eyes to be opened to the truth of the gospel. Thank you you are a God of love but also of logic and reason. In Jesus' name, amen.
- Jeff Coleman