Acts 20:1-6 Mission Field Is Large

Acts 20:1-6 NIV
The mission field is large. It is where you are. It is all around you. It is world-wide. There was an awful lot of area for those first disciples to cover; a lot of people to reach. Paul spent his ministry trying to reach all of them with the Good News of the Kingdom. After encouraging the disciples who served with him in Ephesus, he left them and set out to encourage others with the Good News of the Kingdom.

I was in a small group not long ago when the question was asked what we should do if our attempts to share God's peace with someone are rebuffed. Here is the answer that I hear from scripture: shake the dust off of your feet; shake the dust out of your clothes (Mark 6:10-12, Acts 18:6); and thank God that for the blessing of peace that has returned to you (Matthew 10:12-14) even as you move on to share the Good News with someone who needs and will hear it. The mission field is; after all, quite large. Sharing the Good News is a win/win for those who share it. If it is received, we have gained a brother or sister. If it is not, we have the peace of God which we have tried to bless others with. Do not fear to share the Good News. Do not be afraid to be rebuffed. The Lord is with you. His peace is a blessing to you.

The mission field is large. There are still a lot of people to reach. Our mission is not something that happens just in the sanctuary of our churches where we feel safe. Our mission will take us out into the world sharing the Good News of the Kingdom in Christ Jesus and encouraging others in the faith.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 3:1-10 Reaching Out So Others May Praise The LORD

Acts 3:1-10 NIV
We may not be wealthy, but we all have something to give. We can give generously of the gifts that God has given us; helping our neighbor up when they cannot get up on their own. Although, it often appears to be difficult for those who do not believe; for Christians extending our hand to actually help lift and support in their time of need is indeed possible. All things are possible through Jesus Christ, our LORD, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Peter and John were on their way to the temple to pray when they ran across a lame man who was going to the temple gate to sit and beg. Peter reached out to him and gave him something more precious than money. In the name of Jesus Christ, he reached out to the man and the lame man was healed. The lame man was made whole. The man believed that it was by the power of God, Himself, that he now had the ability to walk. He jumped to his feet and went with Peter and John into the temple courts walking and jumping and praising God.

What a difference reaching out to someone can make; from sitting at the temple gate as a beggar to praising God within the temple. What a difference faith in the name of Jesus Christ can make; from not being able to walk to being able to run with the testimony of what the LORD has done for us.

Reach out your hand to your neighbor so that all may rejoice in the temple of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J