Acts 14:21-28 The Wasted Wealth of American Believers

As missionaries, Paul and Barnabas engaged in several important ministries, my commentary said.  Of course, first, the preached the gospel and made disciples.  Second, "They strengthened the believers in the things of Christ and encouraged them."  Third, "They organized the churches."  Finally, "They reported to their sending church on the work God had done."

I liked the review of Paul's operating principles that I read:

1)  He worked primarily in the key cities and challenged the believers to take the message to the outlying areas.

2)  He used the Old Testament when preaching to Jews, but emphasized the God of creation and His goodness to the nations when preaching to Gentiles.

3)  He established and organized local churches.

4)  He grounded believers in the Word of God.

My commentary also noted that they "did all of this without the modern means of transportation and communication that we possess today.  'Others have done so much with so little, while we have done so little with so much,' according to one pastor.  The wasted wealth of American believers alone, if invested in world evangelization, might lead to the salvation of millions of lost souls."

Father, continue to lead me to seek Your will for my life and to go where You want me to go.

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford