GOD’S PROMISED PRESENCE

Acts 18:1-28 

Thursday, 29 January 2026

“…for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city.” -Acts 18:10

The Book of Acts outlines the continuation of Christ’s ministry on earth through His disciples in the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul travelled from place to place with the Gospel though he met with oppositions and persecutions. As Paul faced intense confrontations in his missionary outreaches, the one described in our reading today was in Corinth – a city reputed for its sensual life. Corinth was the political capital of Achaia and the center of worship of a pagan goddess. In this hostile setting, having gone through tumultuous encounters previously, the LORD is encouraging Paul with the comforting words of His presence!!

Throughout the Bible – whenever God’s children were faced with troubles from the enemy or persecution for His name, He strengthened them with His presence. When Stephen was being martyred, the glorious presence of the Lord standing in heaven imparted the extraordinary strength to forgive his executioners!! (Acts 7:55). When the Apostles were put in jail, the Lord opened its door (Acts 5:19); in another instance when they prayed together, the Lord endued them with divine power and the place where they gathered was shaken (Acts 4:31); when Peter was in jail, when Paul and Silas were in jail, the doors were opened and the chains were broken!!

When God’s children were put in the fiery furnace He came down in it and walked with them;His angels came in the lion’s den to be with Daniel; He was there to strengthen a weak Gideon;He spoke with a startled Joshua; and He strengthened the stammering Moses!! That’s the assurance of His presence!

Are you passing through an intense time that you feel overwhelmed? – His presence is assured! Today’s message is reaching to some who are going through extreme stressful circumstances, and you feel there is nothing more to life—DON’T GIVE UP! Jesus has promised abundant life for you!! He is right near you to save you! Will you call out to Him now?

Our GOD is a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1)!! He is a comforting Father.

While speaking to Paul, we also note the Lord’s concern for people. He says, “I have many people in this city ….” He is not referring to believers – the people of Corinth at that time, were known to be the most sensual people. There was a phrase in Greek “to act like a Corinthian” as a synonym for sexual immorality. Among such a community, God has His people! What would God have found in them to be so concerned? How would we react to such situations? Others ridiculed Corinthians for their sensual way of life – yet God found among them “many” to be His people. The way God values people is different from ours. Even in the wretched parts of the world God has His people! Jonah thought the Ninevites were not worthy to enjoy God’s forgiveness – but God said, He has compassion for them! He sent the unwilling Jonah to preach that they may repent and turn to Him.

Are we compassionate to the people that we see in our neighborhood, in our village, in our city? Do we value them? God says, He values them. “Do I have pleasure in the death of the wicked,” declares the Lord GOD, “rather than that he should turn from his ways and live? “For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies” says the Lord GOD. “Therefore, repent and live.” -Ezekiel 18:23, 32. They need to hear the Good News of Jesus!

God has many people in your city and out there in the world. He promises His presence with you!

The Call: “Go therefore...”     -Matthew 28:19

Listen: 'God of this city'