At different times, in several countries recently, the people turned on their radio or television and discovered there had been a coup in their country - another leader or ruler was now demanding their loyalty.
Here is a true story of a change that was strongly opposed by riots; but it is a change you have to decide about!
Let us find out why there was this riot in Thessalonica, in Greece.
Two men had arrived in the city, and had been holding discussions with the people. Their names were Paul and Silas. (verse 1.) “Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. ‘This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,’ he said.” (verses 2-3.)
Before we hear about what caused the riot, I want to ask YOU do you believe that Jesus Christ is the “Messiah”, the One whom God sent to be the only Saviour of the world? (1stJohn 4:14. John 3:16-19.) or do you want to believe you can get forgiveness through someone else, who maybe even uses Jesus’ name? (Matthew 7:21-23. Acts 4:12.)
I hope you will believe that ONLY JESUS CHRIST Himself is able to forgive and save you. Some of those who heard Paul “were persuaded” and put their faith and trust in Jesus alone to save them. (verse 4.)
“But, other Jews were jealous; so, they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city.” (verse 5.) They were unable to find Paul, so they attacked the home of a local man called Jason. “They dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: ‘These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another King one called Jesus.’” (verses 5-7.)
What side would you have been on if you had been there? Or a better question is, “What side are you on today?” For you and me today there is another King - Jesus. He is NOT the natural choice, or the popular choice of the people. (John 6:43-47, 64-65.) People prefer to have religious leaders and priests more like themselves! (John 5:43-44.)
Beware! You must not reject the claims of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, to be your only Saviour and spiritual King. (Acts 5:29-32.) Turn to Him now in faith and trust Him to forgive your sins and to control your life. This would be a wise choice indeed. How foolish the crowds were in Thessalonica to reject the claims of King Jesus. (Psalm 2. Matthew 7:24-27.)
“They put Jason and the others on bail and let them go.” (verse 9.) but those people will stand condemned before God for rejecting King Jesus. (Luke 19:12-27.)
Read Acts chapter 17, verses 1-9.
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