Acts 14-28

The church at Antioch was to become the center of mission activity. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

The evangelizing or missionary work now begins in earnest with Barnabas and Saul being sent off and church planting begins to spread the Body of Christ like never before in history (11) with the first of many of Paul’s missionary journeys taking him all the way into Cyprus and then into Asia Minor (12:25-14:28) even though Paul is nearly stoned to death and thought to have died (14:19).

When Paul is arrested and at his trial appeals to Caesar, he takes the gospel by divine providence, to Rome (21:17-26:32) and during the voyage to Rome wins more converts by miracles done through him (27:1-28:16).

Paul was 33 years old when he was saved and 66 years old when he died. That’s 33 years, but the first three years were spent in Arabia where he was taught by Jesus. Upon his return his life was in danger and so he was sent by his brothers in the Lord back to his home town of Tarsus, where he stayed four years. Barnabas then traveled to Tarsus to seek Paul’s help with teaching the newly converted Syrian Antioch Gentiles. At the end of one year at the Antioch church, eight years had come and gone. Later, he was held in custody three years by the Roman Procurator, spent the better part of a year in a ship in a storm. When he finally was released from house arrest in Rome, five years in custody or in transit had expired. That means that, of the 33 years between his conversion and release, only 20 years were available for actual mission work, but he made the most of those years, establishing many churches, mentoring several ministers, and winning countless souls to Christ. They were not easy years, as he related in one of his letters, he experienced many troubles and once was left for dead after being stoned. But near the end of his life he declared that he had fought the good fight, completed the race and was anticipating his Heavenly reward.

Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” His kingdom is in our hearts. He rules, He reigns upon the throne of our lives. He is our king. We are His subjects. Do we obey Him? Do we serve Him? Are we willing to serve in His quest to bring love, joy and peace to a world in dire need of them? Are we soldiers in His spiritual army?

Onward, Christian Soldiers
Author: S. Baring-Gould (1834-1924)

Onward, Christian soldiers,
marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
going on before!
Christ, the royal Master,
leads again the foe;
Forward into battle,
see his banner go!

Refrain:
Onward, Christian soldiers,
marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
going on before!

At the sign of triumph
Satan’s host doth flee;
On, then, Christian soldiers,
on to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver
at the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices,
loud your anthems raise! [Refrain]

Like a mighty army
moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading
where the saints have trod;
We are not divided;
all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine,
one in charity. [Refrain]

Onward, then, ye people,
join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices
in the triumph song;
Glory, laud, and honor,
unto Christ the King;
This thro’ countless ages
men and angels sing. [Refrain]

Theme of blogs for May 2-6, 2022:

Growth of the Church

Based on the Bible Book of Acts.
1. Monday, May 2: Growth of the Church – Beginnings (Acts 1-2)
2. Tuesday, May 3: Growth of the Church – Jerusalem (Acts 3-7)
3. Wednesday, May 4: Growth of the Church – Palestine and Syria (Acts 8-13)
4. Thursday, May 5: Growth of the Church – Advancing (Acts 14-28)
5. Friday, May 6: Growth of the Church – Advancing Still (Acts Unfinished)