Category: What do you think?

The Power of an Unfinished Story

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STEVE MORGAN

In literature, there is a well-known idea called “the power of the unfinished story.” Some authors choose not to end their stories neatly. Instead, they stop suddenly or leave parts untold. This invites readers to think, imagine, and even participate by wondering how the story might continue. Writers like Edgar Allan Poe and Jane Austen left stories incomplete. The Lighthouse and Sanditon are examples. But this idea does not only belong to literature. The book of Acts in the New Testament ends in a similar way. It ends without closure. The author, Luke, leaves it open, as though the story must continue through those who follow Jesus today.

When Acts ends, the Apostle Paul is under house arrest in Rome. His journey to that point is full of danger and faith. In chapter 27, Paul and other prisoners survive a shipwreck after their vessel breaks apart near an unknown island. Soldiers plan to kill the prisoners to stop them from escaping, but the Roman officer Julius prevents it, moved by his respect for Paul. Everyone reaches land safely. It happened exactly as God had told Paul in a vision. The group finds themselves on the island of Malta, where local people welcome them kindly and build a fire to warm them.

As Paul helps by gathering sticks, a viper bites his hand. The locals assume he must be guilty of a terrible crime and that the gods are punishing him. But when he shows no sign of harm, their opinion changes. But now they now believe he is divine. It’s amazing how easily people’s views can shift when they lack a steady foundation. Paul’s survival, however, is not a matter of luck. It is one more sign that God’s presence remains with him through every hardship. Just as God was with him in prison, during the storm, and now on this island, He continues to guide His servant.

While on Malta, Paul meets a man named Publius, the chief official of the island. Publius welcomes the group into his home, but his father is seriously ill. Paul prays for him, lays his hands on him, and the man is healed. Soon, many others on the island come to Paul for healing, and God restores them too. In each case, are we not shown that He is with us? Though not every believer experiences miracles, God still makes Himself known, often through quiet assurance, timely words, or the encouragement of others.

After three months on Malta, Paul and the others set sail again. When they arrive in the Italian port of Puteoli, they meet fellow believers who invite them to stay for seven days. These Christians, guided by the Holy Spirit, offer kindness to strangers they have never met. Their warmth gives Paul the strength he needs for the rest of his journey. Consider how deeply Christians depend on each other for encouragement. Faith grows stronger in fellowship. Even a prayer, a word, or a small act of care can lift another person when life feels heavy.

As Paul nears Rome, more believers come out to meet him. They travel from nearby towns along the famous Roman road, the Appian Way, to greet him. Seeing them, Paul thanks God and gains new courage. When he finally reaches Rome, Paul is placed under house arrest but is allowed to rent his own space and welcome visitors freely. Even in chains, he continues to preach about the kingdom of God and to teach about Jesus Christ. His voice cannot be silenced.

Paul’s first visitors are Jewish leaders from the local synagogues. He explains why he was arrested and shares the message of Jesus as the promised hope of Israel. The leaders admit they have not received reports about Paul personally, but they have heard about “this group” of followers of Jesus, and that they are, “spoken against everywhere.” We see this today. Christianity has faced rejection and misunderstanding. The message of Christ was not popular then, and it is not always popular now. Yet, as Jesus said, “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.” (John 15:18) True faith is not measured by public approval but by steadfast trust in God.

Paul continues to teach from morning until evening. Some listeners believe his message, but others turn away. Quoting the prophet Isaiah, Paul explains that some hearts have grown hard and refuse to see or hear the truth. He then declares that the message of salvation will go to the Gentiles, who will listen. The story of Acts closes with Paul still in his rented home, still teaching about Jesus “with all confidence, no one stopping him.”

Luke ends the book without resolution. We are not told what happens next. We don’t know whether Paul stands trial, whether he is released, or even how his life ends. This unfinished ending may be deliberate. It suggests that the story of God’s work through His people is not over. The acts of the early apostles were only the beginning. The work of the Holy Spirit continues through every believer who carries the message of Jesus into the world. Each of us adds a line to the unfinished story.

Could it be that the book of Acts remains open because the mission of the Church is still unfolding, and we are part of it?

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6

The Change That Comes With Faith

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AMY TURNER

When a person puts their trust in Christ, something real takes place within them. The outside may look the same, but the inside has been made new. The Bible teaches that in Christ, the old self is left behind and a new life begins. This does not mean that temptations disappear or that old struggles instantly vanish. It means that a different kind of life now exists, one that is guided by the Spirit instead of by darkness.

Through Christ, believers gain new strength and new desires that influence the way they think, speak, and act. What was once impossible, things such as growing in faith and maturity, are now possible because of His presence.

This change is not yet complete. There will come a time when the work of renewal is seen fully. Scripture reminds us that when Christ returns, His people will finally be like Him, free from the brokenness of the past and complete in His likeness. Until then, Christians live in the assurance that they are already made new, even while they continue to grow.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Isaiah’s Warning to Judah and the Hope of Redemption

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JOHN COPIC

In the time of the prophet Isaiah, many questioned whether his writings could have come from one person. Some scholars in the 1800s believed that the book had been written by two or even more authors because of the different styles found within it. Yet Isaiah’s message is unified. It tells of prophet chosen by God who served for more than forty years, speaking to the people of Judah during the reigns of Kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah.

Isaiah began his ministry when Uzziah ruled Judah. Uzziah was a strong and faithful king for much of his life, but pride led to his downfall when he tried to take on the role of a priest by burning incense in the temple. This act brought God’s judgment on him, and he was struck with leprosy. His son Jotham shared the throne with him until Uzziah’s death. Even during these times of relative peace, Isaiah’s words carried warnings about the nation’s growing spiritual sickness.

When Uzziah’s son Ahaz became king, Judah’s condition worsened. The nation turned to empty religious practices while ignoring true devotion to God. They offered sacrifices, kept holy days, and prayed often, but their hearts were far from Him. Isaiah warned that these outward actions meant nothing without faith and obedience. God’s people were compared to Sodom and Gomorrah where people lived in places of great sin and had little knowledge of God. Judah, however, had been blessed with truth and light yet chose to live in rebellion. He told them that their cities would burn and their land would be left in ruins but reminded them that God had kept a small remnant from Sodom and Gomorrah. the remnant was a faithful few who had not turned away. This idea of a remnant runs throughout the book, showing that God always preserves a people for Himself even in times of judgment.

The prophet also pointed out the hypocrisy of their worship. God had given them sacrifices and holy days, but He rejected them when they were done without sincerity. He said their hands were covered in blood, and He refused to hear their prayers. Instead, God called them to change their ways. And then came one of the most powerful promises in Scripture: “Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” Forgiveness was possible if the people would turn back to God, they would find mercy. If they refused, they would face destruction.

Later in the chapter, Isaiah compared Jerusalem to a once-faithful woman who had become unfaithful. The city that was meant to be full of justice had turned to corruption. Leaders chased after bribes, and the poor were ignored. Yet even in this dark picture, God promised hope. He would purify His people like metal refined in fire. Their judges and counselors would be restored, and the city would once again be called “the city of righteousness.”

God’s message through Isaiah is not only about wrath. It was also about redemption. Those who turned back to God would be restored. The unfaithful could become faithful again. While outward religion is empty without a sincere heart. True faith shows itself in obedience, justice, and mercy. The promise of cleansing from sin points ahead to Jesus Christ, who would bring complete forgiveness through His sacrifice.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

Turning from Sin and Learning a New Way of Life

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DON HEBERT

When Jesus began teaching in the Gospel of Mark, his first message was, “Repent and believe the gospel.” His words are not just a random spur-of-the-moment command. He gave an invitation into a new life with God. To repent means to turn away from sin and turn toward Christ. It is a complete change of direction toward the living for God.

Repentance is not just feeling sorry for doing wrong. It involves rejecting sin and choosing to obey Christ. Believing the gospel means trusting that Jesus lived perfectly, died for our sins, and rose again to give us new life. The Bible says that it is God’s kindness that leads us to repentance. When we see the goodness and mercy of God through Jesus, our hearts begin to change. The love of Christ moves people to stop clinging to sin and start following him. We no longer love the things that once ruled our lives because we have found something greater.

When a person repents and believes, they become a new creation. God forgives their sin and welcomes them into his family. But repentance does not stop at conversion. Christians continue to repent throughout life because sin still tries to take root in the heart. We grow in holiness by repeatedly turning from sin and returning to God.

Scripture describes believers as both forgiven and still being changed. We are saints, yet we struggle with sin and also suffer in this world. God’s work in us is not finished. When we enter his presence, we often see our sin more clearly. But conviction is not condemnation. Conviction is a sign that God is drawing us closer to himself.

Ephesians chapter 4 teaches how repentance looks in daily life. The passage does not use the word “repent,” but it describes repentance means in action. Based on this chapter, repentance means to put off the old way of life and put on the new. Followers of Jesus are called to quit living like the world around them. Before knowing Christ, people lived for their own desires, unaware that their hearts were hard toward God. But believers are to walk in a different way because they have been made new.

The Christian life is like learning in the school of Christ. We are always learning from Him. We learn about His truth, His ways, and His character. When I speak about “learning Christ,” I mean to shape our thoughts and actions after His example. We act differently on the outside because God has changed us on the inside.

Paul writes that believers must take off the old self and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. As our minds are renewed by God’s word, our behaviour begins to change. The image of God, once broken by sin, is restored as we follow Christ’s example.

Ephesians 4 also gives us examples of how repentance transforms everyday life. Those who once lied should now speak the truth. Speech should build others up, not tear them down. Words have power, and corrupt talk grieves the Holy Spirit. Christians are called to speak in ways that show grace and love, not anger or cruelty. I believe that repentance also changes how we work. Those who once took from others are to work honestly and share with those in need. Work becomes an act of service rather than selfish gain. Even anger is addressed. Anger itself is not always sin, but when left unchecked, it can lead to bitterness, resentment, and harm. Instead, believers are called to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving—just as God has forgiven us in Christ.

Following Jesus means walking in love and His sacrifice on the cross shows what real love looks like. and our repentance is not a one-time act but a lifelong turning of the heart. It is the daily movement of faith that keeps us close to Christ and growing in his likeness.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

2 Corinthians 5:17

The Need for a New Heart

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AMY TURNER

In the book of Ezekiel, God promises to replace a heart of stone with a heart of flesh. This picture shows the need for deep change INSIDE every person.

In 1967, Dr. Christian Barnard carried out the first human heart transplant. At the time, it was considered an extraordinary step in medicine. Today such operations are more common, but they still remind us that some conditions cannot be treated with medicine, diet, or lifestyle alone. When the heart is too damaged, the only option is replacement.

The Bible explains that all people are born with hearts that are not spiritually healthy. At first, the signs may not be obvious, but with time the evidence shows. Human effort cannot cure this condition. Only God can provide the new heart that is needed for real life.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

2 Corinthians 5:17