Acts - Week 7 / Friday

Reading for today: Acts 14:21-28

These verses wrap up the first missionary journey taken by Paul and Silas. You can see on the map of their journey that they retraced their steps when they got to Derbe. That in itself was pretty remarkable because they had been treated pretty roughly in some of those places.

But they went back to check on the status of the churches they had started when they came through initially. They basically did three things in each city: They strengthened the believers in these new churches and encouraged them to remain in the faith; not trying to gloss over anything, they warned the believers that hardships would come in this walk with Christ; and then, after praying and fasting, they appointed elders (leaders) in each church.

The appointing of elders was important because these new churches all needed some organization in order to be able to work together and carry on the work of the Lord. Paul and Barnabas wanted these churches to succeed, so they helped them get organized for continuing success.

It has been proven again and again that the best method of evangelism is the starting of new churches. That was true in Paul and Barnabas' day, and it still holds true today. That's why the new site that we have started at Grove Elementary School in Wisconsin Rapids is so exciting. It has the potential to be one more effective means for us to reach our community for Christ. But just as Paul and Barnabas prayed and fasted for the success of each new church that was established, it is important that we follow their example and pray and fast for the success of this endeavor. God has opened a wonderful door of opportunity for us in Rapids. Let's make the most of it!

(The blog will resume on Monday with Jim Mathias doing the writing for Week 8)