December 19, 2018 - GOD GROWS HIS CHURCH

Day 353 - (Today’s Bible readings: Judges 4; Psalm 140; Acts 11:1-18)

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?

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 

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!