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Yet I never shrank from telling you the truth, either publicly or in your homes. —Acts 20:20
From this verse in Acts, we get “20/20 vision”! Paul reminded the Ephesian elders that his message had been consistent everywhere he had gone, both in public forums and to individuals in their own homes. He did not confine his ministry only to open, public services, but he also went into homes. This was the pattern of ministry for the early Church.
The second part of 20/20 vision was Paul’s declaration for men to turn to God in repentance and have faith in Christ Jesus (Acts 20:21). The message was twofold: repent and believe. This was the pattern of preaching for the early Church. When we stray from the simplicity of this message, we will not be effective in reaching a godless, confused society.
The final part of Paul’s 20/20 vision was the pattern for commitment. Knowing he was facing trouble and death in Jerusalem, he still said, “My life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about God’s wonderful kindness and love” (Acts 20:24). This was the pattern of sacrifice for the early Church. Christians were willing to die to reach the world with the message of salvation.
Have you checked your 20/20 vision lately?
Suggested Reading:
2 Kings 17:1-18:12 Acts 20:1-38 Psalm 148:1-14 Proverbs 18:6-7