Fan the Flame - a Journey Through Actsഉദാഹരണം

Day 31 - The Gospel Proclaimed

As we move further into the book of Acts, we see God's call to Paul and Barnabas as they are sent on their first missionary journey to the region of Asia Minor. They moved northwest from Antioch in Syria to Antioch in Pisidia. In Cyprus, and here in Antioch, is the first example of Paul's missionary strategy and what he did when he engaged the Jews in the synagogue.

When Paul was sent on his missionary journey, we often see the great results from preaching and teaching and marketplace engagement, we look at the fierce persecutions he faced and see his faith keep enduring. What we see are the results and highlights from many years of preparation. Many years of Jewish school and cross-cultural gospel training. Paul, as seen here, understood the Jewish Law; he understands God's gospel message interwoven in the Old Testament and has learned how to use this cultural understanding to present the message that Jesus is the Messiah.

As our culture changes and shifts, with new generations raised and global migration continues to be more achievable. We need to continue to present an effective gospel message and call our neighbours to follow Jesus and welcome them into the kingdom of God. Paul learned about his culture, and when we send missionaries overseas, they spend time learning to understand the culture. How can you in your local church or neighbourhood, appeal to the culture around you to call people to follow Jesus as Paul so effectively did? What can you do today to understand the culture where you live?

Let’s pray and ask the Lord to fan our hearts into flame today as we seek to obey Him. Be praying that God shows you how to engage the culture of the people around you. Be asking God for questions to ask that will help you understand your neighbours, work colleagues, and family. Then pray for the boldness of Paul and the humility of Jesus as you serve him.

Written by Dan Keevers