(Acts 16: 6-10; 18: 9-11)
Paul was directed by the Holy Ghost several times during his mission. Paul and his companions were "forbidden" by the Holy Ghost to preach in Asia so they moved on to Bithynia, but the Holy Ghost told them not to teach there. Paul then had a vision (dream) of a man in Macedonia that was praying that they come and help the people of his city. Paul felt that the dream was from God and his companions and him journeyed to Macedonia. Paul then was in Macedonia and did not feel comfortable, but he had another dream where the Lord told him that everything would be okay because he had many people in the city looking out for him.
The spirit often reaches out to me, telling me when I should talk to certain people. I did not serve a mission, but do believe in the phrase "every member a missionary". I usually feel prompted to talk to people that I can see are sad. It is hard for me to talk to them because I am a sympathetic crier and often end up crying with them! I have gotten more used to this and feel better after I talk to those that I am prompted to talk to. I think I can do a better job following promptings I get to help others though. Sometimes I do not always follow promptings because I feel like it would be awkward.
2. Why Paul was able to teach the gospel effectively (Acts 16: 9-33)
- he was sensitive to the spirit
- he followed the promptings of the spirit
- he prayed
- he prayed to God, even when he had hard trials (when he was in jail)
- he praised God
- Paul sent the evil spirit out of a woman who was following them for many days
- He taught the man who was keeping locked up in jail and baptized him.
What can I learn from Paul's missionary experience?
- I can learn to love those who persecute me and treat everyone with kindness and respect, even if they do not treat me with respect. I can also learn to praise and pray to God in my times of trial and he will "set me free". (even if that only means to change my perspective, not my circumstances)
How is the jailer an example of a true convert?
- The jailer is an example of a true convert because he forsook his other life and believed on the Lord Jesus Christ
How does Mosiah 4: 9-10 expand my understanding of Acts 17: 30-31?
- Mosiah helps me understand the verses in Acts because it is obvious that the time that was talked about in Acts is our time, right now.
I love the verses in Mosiah, so I am going to put them here:
9 Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.
10 And again, believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you; and now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them.
11 And again I say unto you as I have said before, that as ye have come to the knowledge of the glory of God, or if ye have known of his goodness and have tasted of his love, and have received a remission of your sins, which causeth such exceedingly great joy in your souls, even so I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own nothingness, and his goodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of humility, calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the faith of that which is to come, which was spoken by the mouth of the angel.
After reading Acts I know to be a better missionary of God I need to follow the promptings I receive from the spirit and always give thanks to God and Jesus, even when I do not feel very grateful for the circumstances that I find myself in.
Above is a picture of the jailer being converted by Paul's teachings.
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