Paul is led through Thessalonica, Corinth, Ephesus, and Philippi. The spirit in knowing where to preach the word of God led Paul. In verses 6 and 7 of Acts 16, Paul is told where he should not go. The Holy Ghost also directs Paul in a vision what he should do, this is verse 9 and 10 of Acts 16. The Lord then speaks to Paul in a vision, “…Be not afraid … For I am with thee … I have much people in this city” (Acts 18:9-11). The Lord uses us as an instrument in his hands to bring about His gospel.
I do believe that we can be tools in bringing about the gospel in people’s lives. I have not had too many opportunities to share what I believe through words. Recently I have been able to teach through doctrine and actions a young girl the basic principles of the Gospel. We met in sessions and I realized that it was harder for me to teach and lead when I had not prayed beforehand. When I prayed prior to the meeting for the Holy Ghost’s direction, things would go smoothly in our discussion. One thing I can improve is to pray for missionary opportunities and then actively search for those opportunities while striving for the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost each day.
Acts 16:9-33
Why is Paul able to be so effective in his preaching of the gospel?
· “And a vision appeared to Paul … Come over into Macedonia … after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia” (Acts 16:9-10). Paul is obedient and acts promptly when given direction.
· Prayer
· Act in faith even when the circumstances are unfavorable
· Teach truth and resist evil (verse 18)
Everywhere Paul goes, he finds a way to teach the gospel. For instance, when Paul and Silas pray in the prison and the doors open and their chains fall off, Paul could have let the jailer assume they had escaped. Instead he uses as a teaching opportunity by telling the jailer to believe on Christ. The jailer is also an example of a true convert. He has the desire to change and asks Paul how he can be saved, which is through believing on the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Many of Paul’s missionary experiences are very challenging both physically and spiritually. We may not encounter the same physical challenges but there many spiritual problems we will have to face. I think the key is to have the spirit with us at all times. That way we will be ready to be an instrument in the Lord’s hands.
Mosiah 4:9-10 gives us instructions on how we should be and what we should teach in our missionary opportunities:
9 “Believe in aGod; believe that he is, and that he bcreated all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all cwisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not dcomprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.”
10 “And again, believe that ye must arepent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in bsincerity of heart that he would cforgive you; and now, if you dbelieve all these things see that ye edo them.”
One way to prepare myself to teach the gospel is to study Preach My Gospel and learn how to express the doctrines of the church in a simplified manner.
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