From the mouth of the Apostle Paul they’ve learned the Message. A Message that as those who follow in the footsteps of Christ, we are today to speak out just as loud as the Apostle Paul did in that first century Athenian marketplace, to the point that the leaders of the city have asked that he present himself before them to give an account of his teachings. And what were his teachings in a city full of idolatry?
   That the Almighty God creator of the heavens and earth is not a God that needs anything from human kind, but Who in His mercy found it right to LOVE US ALL for “The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all His creation.” Psalm 145:9 From the life of Paul we should learn and preach through our way of life that GOD LOVES US AND TAKES CARE OF US even in the most dire circumstances as Paul and Silas experienced in prison. “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:7
   Knowing all these we’ll hopefully find our footing in an identity not dictated by the world but by our Loving Father for GOD LOVES US WHEN OTHERS DON’T and even when we don’t love Him or ourselves. “The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” Psalm 118:6 and indeed the Apostle Paul showed it plenty in his life that the Lord is able to deliver us from all according to His good understanding and plan for our lives.
   All that said, life is still hard and unpredictable and the enemies of God are many so it is understandable when in the thick of it we might find ourselves worked over by doubt. As a beacon of light for those moments stands the cross of our Lord for GOD LOVES US AND SENT HIS SON, JESUS as a testimony to His love and forgiveness of our sin. “For God loved the world so much that he gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
   Is it then any wonder that the Apostle Paul was consumed by the desire to let mankind know this indeed good news? What better way to tell someone you love them than to share with them the best news there is for GOD LOVES US AND WANTS US TO SHARE HIS LOVE. It was Jesus whose words were a driving force in Paul’s life because “Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” John 13:34
   So let’s pick up the challenge Troy Church and LOVE by spreading the GOOD NEWS!