Day 184 - Job 26-28 & Acts 11
19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 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. 25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. 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 11:19-26 ESV)
The challenges facing the Early Church were many, including martyrdom. However, the Lord was working, and people were coming to saving faith in Jesus. The name “Christian” is applied to the followers of Jesus.
Barnabas encourages those who bare the name Christian “to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose.”
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
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
No comments:
Post a Comment