November 12 - Acts 16-18
In today's passage we read about Paul's second missionary journey. There are several very significant things that happened on this trip. I believe we can learn a lot that applies to our lives.
First of all at the beginning of chapter 16 Paul met Timothy, and Timothy became one of his main assistants. He was his son in the ministry. This began a long relationship between the two of them, in which Paul mentored him and sent him out for ministry. This is a pattern for us. Have you ever mentored another Christian? It is a Biblical practice. Sometimes we call it "discipling" someone. God wants us to do this as He draws us to a person with whom we have a lot in common. Then, it is a help to both of us.
Next, Paul has the vision to go to Macedonia. This was the first time the gospel went to Europe. Paul was continuing to fulfill God's plan by taking the gospel to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8) Even today we are continuing to take the gospel to people groups that have never heard of Jesus. That is very important to God. He blesses our efforts when we follow Him in reaching an "unreached" people. Our church has adopted the Japanese people, because less than 1 percent of them know Christ. I hope you and your church will do the same thing.
Throughout this mission trip Paul continued to minister in the power of the Spirit, but I could not help but notice that there were fewer miracles in most of the cities on this trip. His ministry was mainly done by teaching. This is a regular pattern, too. God does more miracles at first. Then, He uses His word to convict hearts and draw people to Himself. It is up to us to share His word and to turn our world upside down. (17:6) Even when it is difficult, we keep following Him like Paul did, and God will send the increase. What are you attempting to do for the Lord right now? How are you expanding the borders of your faith and of the gospel? It is important for all of us to keep growing, to keep sharing, and to keep serving the Lord.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Acts 19-21.
First of all at the beginning of chapter 16 Paul met Timothy, and Timothy became one of his main assistants. He was his son in the ministry. This began a long relationship between the two of them, in which Paul mentored him and sent him out for ministry. This is a pattern for us. Have you ever mentored another Christian? It is a Biblical practice. Sometimes we call it "discipling" someone. God wants us to do this as He draws us to a person with whom we have a lot in common. Then, it is a help to both of us.
Next, Paul has the vision to go to Macedonia. This was the first time the gospel went to Europe. Paul was continuing to fulfill God's plan by taking the gospel to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8) Even today we are continuing to take the gospel to people groups that have never heard of Jesus. That is very important to God. He blesses our efforts when we follow Him in reaching an "unreached" people. Our church has adopted the Japanese people, because less than 1 percent of them know Christ. I hope you and your church will do the same thing.
Throughout this mission trip Paul continued to minister in the power of the Spirit, but I could not help but notice that there were fewer miracles in most of the cities on this trip. His ministry was mainly done by teaching. This is a regular pattern, too. God does more miracles at first. Then, He uses His word to convict hearts and draw people to Himself. It is up to us to share His word and to turn our world upside down. (17:6) Even when it is difficult, we keep following Him like Paul did, and God will send the increase. What are you attempting to do for the Lord right now? How are you expanding the borders of your faith and of the gospel? It is important for all of us to keep growing, to keep sharing, and to keep serving the Lord.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Acts 19-21.