Rooted Together

We are all called to intentionally and faithfully share the gospel with everyone we meet. In Acts 17 Paul demonstrates how to do this as he is recorded as going to the synagogue "as usual" for it was his habit to do so. Whether it is our schools, jobs, or social clubs we must have places where we intentionally build relationships in which we can have gospel conversations. 

Paul shared the gospel with everyone that would listen. Let us also share Christ with everyone that God has put in our lives. This chapter challenges us to share the good news of great joy with all those whom we encounter where ever we meet them. 

God uses all things, even hardships to advance His Kingdom. In this chapter, Paul follows God's call to go to Macedonia where he will be beaten and arrested. Why would God call Paul to go to a place where hardships would be waiting? Hardships can sometimes be a vehicle of God's grace. For Paul, being placed in the prison wasn't ideal but it leads him to a chance to share Christ and lead the jailor and his family to believe in Jesus. So it is with us, that our hardships should point others to a closer relationship with Jesus. 

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What do we do when there are disagreements? We see in Acts chapter 15, that a correct view of God will mend division and broken relationships. 

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How do we measure success or even calling? If we take the world's definition, then Paul and Barnabas should have quit after the first two cities. The formula for this chapter is preaching-interest-opposition-persecution-ran out of the city. But I've left an important detail out. Paul and Barnabas made many disciples in each city, evidenced by their going back to encourage and build up those disciples. So the main idea for our chapter is that God works through hardships and persecution to bring glory and kingdom growth. 

Throughout the different cities, Paul clearly shows what it looks like to endure hardships. Often when life gets hard we assume it's time to do something else, but we will miss God moving if we don't endure until God calls us to move. Look to the chapter to see the story unfold. 

Stick to the important things for God's glory. God is with Paul and Barnabas, through all of their trials. Their time wasn't an easy one, they again were run out, beaten, and threatened. God doesn't promise an easy life and ministry. He promises to be there with and empower us to endure. Paul understands this when he says in verse 22, "Part of entering the kingdom of God involves hardship." Paul himself endured many trials and hardships throughout his ministry. 

Your ministry success must be reliant on God and not current circumstances. Do all that you do through, in, and with the power of God. 

In all we do, we do them in the power of the Holy Spirit, being saturated in the presence of God. What does this look like? It looks like understanding the importance of seeking God. It's been a part of my personal journey recently, as it seems to be a theme God is teaching me through my Bible reading, a book I'm reading, and sermons I am listening to. This was important to the early church it should be for us too. Second, we must understand that time with God takes time. Don't rush, spend quality time with God. Even in setting Paul and Barnabas apart for the mission of God, the church in Antioch took time to fully give the whole process to God. What if our time looked like that? When we do spend time with God we get the privilege of being a part of what he is doing around the world. So pray, fast, and seek God in all that you do.