Ever gotten some news and it has changed the way you see things? This can range from something quite simple like finding our Liverpool aren’t the greatest team in world football to the really deep stuff like discovering what God’s plan for your life is. These of course are only examples, but I’m sure you have some similar experiences.

Using my Liverpool example there, I remember being drastically upset, (I was young) the mere thought that some other team was actually better was a real discomfort for me, and while I began to accept the undeniable truth, I still had friends who held to the truth that Liverpool were the greatest.

In the First century this idea of being offended by some new truth wasn’t anything new really. Paul regularly engaged with people in the ‘marketplace’. This is where people would have the chance to worship whatever god they wanted. Have a look at Acts 17 if you want to see what went on there. The point is, there was a vast array of opinions, and people had their own views on what the truth was. I wonder is this relatable to the world we now live in?

Paul recognised this- he even passes comment on it in his letter to the church in Corinth.

“So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense.” – 1 Cor. 1:23

Paul held to the truth that had been revealed to him. He wasn’t swayed by passing opinion or the voice of the crowd. He went to the marketplace, he went to the synagogue’s and he preached the same message of who Jesus was. He is the Messiah, and he was crucified for our sins. The fact of the matter is, this ‘truth’ isn’t going to be accepted by everyone. Jews and gentiles alike took issue to it then, and it is no surprise that it is still a problem now.

That shouldn’t stop us though. We still need to go into that marketplace, whether that be college, work, family, friends. We need to remember what our job is as Christians. We need to hold to the truth of Jesus Christ.

So go into your marketplace this day, this week, this month, be strong and courageous in the message you bring. And always be ready to give a reason for the hope you have in you.