Tuesday, December 19, 2023 - GOD GROWS HIS CHURCH

 

"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Tuesday, December 19, 2023 - Day 353  - (Today’s Bible readings: Zechariah 8; Psalm 140; Revelation 15:1-8)

GOD GROWS HIS CHURCH

21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord...26(b) For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. (Acts 11:21-26 ESV)

The challenges facing the Early Church were many, including persecution and martyrdom. However, the Lord was working, and people were coming to saving faith in Jesus. 

21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, 

     and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 

Barnabas encouraged God’s people to remain faithful to the Lord.

How are you doing? 

Are you faithful to the Lord?

If so, does you life show it?

 And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. 

The name Christian means little Christ, follower of Jesus.

Fellow Christian, are you living up to your name?

1. Our Father, by whose name 

    All fatherhood is known,

    Who dost in love proclaim 

    Each family Thine own.

    Bless Thou all parents, guarding well,

    With constant love as sentinel,

    The homes in which Thy people dwell.

2. O Christ, Thyself a child 

    Within an earthly home,

    With heart still undefiled 

    Thou didst to manhood come.

    Our children bless in ev'ry place

    That they may all behold Thy face

    And knowing Thee may grow in grace.

3. O Spirit who dost bind 

    Our hearts in unity,

    And teachest  us to find 

    The love from self set free.

    In all our hearts such love increase

    That ev'ry home by this release

    May be the dwelling place of peace.

   (“Our Father, by Whose Name,” Lutheran Service Book 863)

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of saving faith in Jesus, my Savior. Help me to remain faithful and to follow Your command to share Your love with others.  Amen.

Pastor David Paape