As we read about Paul and the church in Acts, we continue to see Paul in the trenches of ministry, the daily grind of living to let others know about Jesus. As one who is also in ministry, there are a number of things to note from this chapter:
*Paul was constantly persuading people to believe! (4)
- Again & again he spent his days knowing Jesus and making him known (wow – this would make a great mission statement)
* Paul was constantly including others! (3,5 & all over)
- He never wanted a “lone ranger” ministry but saw the importance of the body of Christ.
*Paul constantly saw the same three responses to the Gospel: Hostility, Questioning, Belief! (4,6,8…)
- Although the hostile and questioning peeps burdened him, the joy of seeing others truly believe has to be exciting.
*Paul received encouragement from the Lord for his faithfulness! (9-10)
- A passionate calling brings with it the burden of ministry. And at just the right times, God gives encouragement!
It’s hard to even think of ministering for the Lord as a “daily grind” because it is such a privilege to serve & represent the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!~ But it must have been hard at times for Paul. I mean come on, he’s been beaten, left for dead, flogged, tossed in and out of jail numerous times, etc… But Paul was committed, even making vows to the Lord (verse 18 totally sounds like something a youth pastor would do!).
SO WHAT?!
*Paul was called into ministry & ALL those who have put their trust & faith in Christ are called as well. You may not be paid staff at a church, but we’re all God’s ambassadors to a foreign country (earth)! In what ways are you & I currently involved in ministry? If you’re not already, talk with me. I’d love to help you see how you can serve your Lord where you are!
*Who are you & I burdened for to know Christ? Let’s daily beg God for their souls? He cares for them more than even we do! In each student ministry I’ve been a part of, we challenge students to Pray-Persue-Persuade:
- Pray: Daily beg God for at least 3 friends to know Jesus!
- Pursue: Just begin to “bring God up”!
- Persuade: Friends toward Jesus!
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