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Acts 15:22-17:15<\/strong><\/span> In Acts 15 today we read about Paul not wanting to bring along John Mark on the next missionary journey.\u00a0 Good news is that Paul and Mark were eventually reunited in missionary efforts.\u00a0 Some speculate that it was because Barnabas went with Mark at this juncture, Barnabas\u2019 patient encouragement helped Mark\u2019s eventual effective ministry.\u00a0 In fact, John Mark is the very same Mark who wrote the Gospel of Mark!\u00a0 How\u2019s that for encouragement changing the world?? Is there anyone in your life today who you think could be a great worker for God\u2019s kingdom with some encouragement?\u00a0 Will you be like Barnabas was for John Mark and work with and encourage that person?\u00a0 Below is an image of Barnabas the encourager:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n Great readings about the conversion of Lydia of Philippi today!\u00a0 She was a business woman and a Gentile (like Cornelius) who loved God.\u00a0 And the Lord opened her heart and she believed!\u00a0 Praise God for his continual ministry of opening people\u2019s hearts to the Gospel.\u00a0 Has your heart been opened like Lydia\u2019s was opened?<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span> Today in Acts 16 we will read about the earthquake that comes while Paul and Silas are imprisoned! <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span> <\/span> Great reading about Paul\u2019s travels and preaching in Acts 17 today!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n Worship Video:<\/strong> Today\u2019s readings reminds me of the song \u201cThank You\u201d by 33 Miles:<\/span><\/p>\n
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Today in Acts 16 we read about Paul\u2019s 2nd missionary journey, which took place around AD 49-52.\u00a0 \u2013 (map courtesy of <\/span>ccel.org\/bible\/phillips\/JBPhillips.htm<\/span>) <\/span><\/p>\n
Bible.org\u2019s commentary on today\u2019s Acts readings titled \u201cWhen Division Becomes Multiplication\u201d <\/strong>is <\/span>at this link<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n
As a trembling jailer comes to Paul and Silas we will read this in verses 30 through 34 \u2013 \u201c\u201dSirs, what must I do to be saved?\u201d They replied, \u201cBelieve in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved\u2014you and your household.\u201d Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God\u2014he and his whole family.\u201d <\/em>This is a wonderful look at how many of us become and grow as Christians! We first hear the Good News of how Jesus came to this earth fully human and fully God \u2013 how he lived a sinless life and died on the cross for our sins \u2013 and how he rose from the dead and will come again. Then, through God\u2019s grace, we believe! We simply believe. From there we learn more about God from others and through studying his Word, the Bible \u2013 we can call this discipleship. Then comes a decision to be baptized \u2013 to publicly profess our faith in Jesus as our Savior. Then comes living a joyful life of community with others. Now \u2013 yes \u2013 this is a very abbreviated example of how one becomes and grows as a Christian. \ud83d\ude42 And our various denominations will probably put the order of how all this happens in various ways. But, can you see similarities in your own faith journey with the jailer\u2019s conversion, baptism, and growth as a Christian? Do you remember first hearing the Good News of Jesus\u2019 life, death, and resurrection? Do you remember the day you first Believed? Do you remember learning more about the Word, the Bible? (hopefully you\u2019ll remember this year\u2019s One Year Bible journey! \ud83d\ude42 Do you remember being baptized (or maybe you\u2019ll have photos or stories from your younger years)? Do you now joyfully live life in community with other Christians through your local church? If you haven\u2019t yet experienced all of these things, will you pray to God asking him for the experiences He has planned for you? And, when others in your life come to you like the jailer, asking \u201cWhat must I do to be saved?\u201d are you prepared to give them the joyful answer?<\/span><\/p>\n
Bible.org\u2019s commentary on today\u2019s Acts readings titled \u201cPaul in Philippi: From the Purveyor of Purple to the Purveyor of Pain\u201d<\/strong> is <\/span>at this link<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n
I absolutely love the quote in verse 6 where the Jewish leaders of Thessalonica say: \u201c\u201dPaul and Silas have turned the rest of the world upside down, and now they are here disturbing our city,\u201d they shouted.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 Have you ever heard that the Kingdom of God is an \u201cupside down\u201d kingdom?\u00a0 That the values of the Kingdom of God are upside down compared to worldly values?\u00a0 Paul and Silas turned the world upside down.\u00a0 How are you turning the world upside down in your life today?<\/span><\/p>\n