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Too Soon to Quit — 10/19/2026 10:00 AM
Today's speaker is Dr. Jerry White, retired pastor and father to President Thomas White of Cedarville University. Dr. White encouraged us to be bold in our witness for Jesus Christ, knowing we have God's presence and protection. His text is Acts 18:9-10.
Notes
This morning in chapel, Dr. Jerry White, retired pastor and father to President Thomas White of Cedarville University, spoke on Acts 18:9–10, where God encourages Paul in a vision. Our culture is against Jesus, and if we stand for Him, we will face opposition. But as long as we’re breathing and able to keep going, it’s too soon to quit on Jesus.
Every person is different. You are not like Paul. God created you with unique talents and abilities, and the only person you need to be is you. God has people you’re going to reach that nobody else will.
Even though you’re not Paul, you will face opposition just like he did. In the vision, God told Paul not to be afraid, meaning that Paul must have been afraid. Why wasn’t he confident? One reason is probably because he was tired. When you’re tired physically, it will affect you spiritually. Paul also may have felt like a failure. He had been preaching to people who attacked his intellect and didn’t listen to anything he said. You will have those days too. But when we get low, we don’t quit. Why not? These verses list three reasons.
The Personal Promise of God
The first reason why we don’t quit is because of God’s promise to be with you personally. His name, Emmanuel, means “God with us.” When you face your lowest point, He is by your side. Look to Him when you don’t know which way to turn. Look to Him when you’re not sure how to get back up after you’ve fallen down.
The Protection of God
The second reason why we don’t quit is because of God’s protection. God tells Paul that no one will attack him to harm him. This doesn’t mean nobody will ever come against Paul; it means God will take care of him through the struggles.
The same is true for you. Things will happen in life that you don’t understand or want. But God knows exactly what He is doing. Nothing happens that surprises Him, and nothing happens that has not been filtered through His loving hands. Let Him use you even when it’s difficult, because it’s not about you; it’s all about Him. He will walk with you through the pain and help you grow and mature into the person He wants you to be. Trust and depend on Him.
The Potential for Kingdom Growth
The third reason why we don’t quit is because there is so much potential for salvation in the people around us. There are people that need Christ. Keep learning and being a witness to them! As long as there is one more lost soul that needs Christ, don’t stop.
Jesus could have come down from the cross, but He stayed there. He stayed for you. Don’t stop because it isn’t comfortable or easy. Don’t quit because you don’t want to do it anymore. Keep pressing on!