Directions For The Path Forward

Directions For The Path Forward

Acts 14:21-28

Introduction

Every day in many different ways we ask ourselves about the path forward in our country as we battle coronavirus. No matter what opinion you hold, there is a longing not to stay where we are now. As have navigated now into Phase One in Louisiana, some loosening of restrictions is observed. There will be a Phase Two and Phase Three. How do we make our way through this as a family, as individuals, and as a church?

As Christian people we would like to hear words of wisdom from Scripture. The text today recounts the end of Paul and Barnabas’ first missionary journey. They endured so many struggles, but kept going. Even at the end of this mission, there is a sense that there is much more to do. As we endure our lives in the COVID-19 pandemic, don’t we have a sense that there is much more ahead for us? We just need directions for the path forward.

I think we can find some directions in this setting of Paul and Barnabas ending their mission, with a knowledge that there is a big mission ahead.

Today I want to mention four slogans that we might hear as we read this text.

1. Spread the Word.

Acts 14:21 After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia

The Gospel is the only news that everyone needs to hear. We are hearing a LOT OF NEWS right now. Much of it is conflicting. Let’s be known for sharing the love of Christ during this time. Without the power of technology, Paul and his crew of missionaries headed out across dangerous territory to preach the good news. Dr. Bob Pierce -

“Others have done so much with so little, while we have done so little with so much!” (via Wiersbe)

Today we have the ability to reach out across the globe with the gospel - and it is happening. But also we have opportunity to reach across our parish and bless others with the greatest news ever heard.

In this coronavirus pandemic, social media has become a place where people who love Jesus have spread the good news that Jesus Saves to anyone who would want to hear it.

Paul and Barnabas were interested in teaching about Jesus, but also making many disciples - helping people not only make a decision to follow Jesus but to give their lives to living the Jesus Life.

2. Stay the Course.

Acts 14:22 where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.

Paul and Barnabas are retracing their trip, maintaining contact with the churches he has planted, providing ongoing counsel and encouragement. They encouraged the disciples to stay the course.

-They needed strength - to be strong is to be committed and knowledgable of the Christian faith. We sometimes forget what a strengthening resource our Bible is. When we feel weak, discouraged, or helpless - we should turn to

the strength available within our reach.

-They needed encouragement. We all get discouraged in life - and in our life with the Lord. Whatever it is that makes you discouraged in your walk, the key is to have encouragers in your circle of friends and family. One of the best ways to be encouraged is to be an encourager.

-They needed expectation - to know that there would be some suffering. The new believers have (known persecution and will know the pressure of Judaizers’ attempts to turn them from the “faith way”. Paul commands them to remain true to the faith. (Larkin) Hardship is not a reason to abandon faith, it is a reason to stay the

course, to stick with the plan, to never give up!

Strength, encouragement, and realistic expectations. Spread the Word, Stay the Course and…

3. Practice the Presence.

Acts 14:23 Paul and Barnabas also appointed elders in every church. With prayer and fasting, they turned the elders over to the care of the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.

This verse tells us of the early Christians practicing the presence of the Lord. These words tell us of their awareness and focus on the presence of God in their midst.

They appointed leaders to lead the church in the ways of the Lord. The organization of the church included appointing elders to lead the church. The church of the New Testament was led by a plurality of elders, not by a single individual. These elders would ensure that the church functioned as they should in light of the gospel of Christ.

They engaged in practices that demonstrated their faith in the Lord. This important step was accompanied with prayer and fasting - which were common ways that the early church practiced the presence of