Acts 13:13-41
Reflect
Paul and Barnabas begin their ministry in Pisidian Antioch at the Synagogue. When learning how to share our faith, we are told to begin with some belief that we have in common. This is what Paul and Barnabas do. Paul shows God’s work in 450 years of their history, and how it leads up to Jesus. His strategy and boldness planted a church in this city in a little more than one week! They preached on the first Sabbath with a wonderful response; the next Sabbath there was a mixed response (some receptive, some hostile). They took the receptive ones and started a church that lasted hundreds of years and spread the Word throughout the region (v49). With the growth of the church, also came persecution.
Apply
I just finished reading the book “In The Midst of Wolves” by Donald Miller. It is a history of the German Baptists in the Volhynia area of Russia. He traces the growth of the churches, the amazing revivals with hundreds of baptisms. He also tells of the persecution, hardships and displacement that occurred, as well as the martyrdom of pastors. Many of these families immigrated to the United States and Canada, becoming a rich part of our NAB churches and heritage. Remember that the Gospel came to you at a great cost.
Pastor Jerilyn
Pray
- Pray through the prayer section in our program.
- Pray for Karen Alksne, our Congregational Life Ministry Associate.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Mike Bartusek and his family.
- Pray for our Hospitality Coordinator, Irene Dickau.