Appointed for Eternal Life

July 3

(Acts 13:48-49 NIV) “When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. {49} The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.”

(1 Thessalonians 1:2-6 NIV) "We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. {3} We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. {4} For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, {5} because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. {6} You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit."

(1 Peter 1:1-2 NIV) "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God's elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, {2} who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance."

When Paul and Barnabas took the gospel to the Gentiles, the results were immediate. The Gentiles responded enthusiastically, and those appointed for eternal life were saved. People who had never known God began to honor the word of the Lord, and the good news of Jesus began to spread throughout the region. Paul and Barnabas discovered that the gospel seemed to spread quickly among the Gentiles. Perhaps that is because religious people tend to think they need nothing, while those who are lost in the dark will always move toward a light when they see it. People who are hungry will eat food that others refuse. The gospel will catch fire among those who are dry and weary. The word of the Lord will spread when we share the gospel with those whose hearts have been prepared by God to receive it. This is what it means to be appointed for eternal life. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day