So yesterday in church as Dr. Eckman taught, he mentioned a story I hadn't considered using, but it was so profound that I added it to my story set.
Today's story is based on Acts 13:3-12. It is quite short, but so profound. I am ashamed to say that in all the years that I have read through the Bible I have never noticed Sergius Paulus until yesterday. But, Oh how I love him now!
This story models for us how to travel to far places to share the good news and what to do when confronted with opposition that hurts the faith of those seeking truth.
1. Fast and pray with your believing community.
2. Trust your community to lay hands on you and send you. (This represents support, authority, and provision).
3. Make sure you are sent by the Holy Spirit.
4. Proclaim the Word of God upon arrival in the synagogue (the place where the religious go).
5. Travel in pairs like Paul and Barnabas and welcome others join you (Mark).
6. Travel sharing all over.
7. When requested, go to share with the one requesting you to share.
8. When confronted with evil opposition or false teaching that hinders the faith of others rebuke them in the Holy Spirit's leading. Confront it head on.
9. Speak a miracle into happening. I confess that this one is harder for me. It may be my lack of faith or upbringing. I know God can do the miraculous, but I might not pray something like strike him with blindness. I am more likely to pray LORD, give us a miracle like you did for Paul with the evil magician. Move in such a way that he is silenced and those watching are amazed. Move in such a way that they cannot help but believe. So, I will pray for bold belief to speak what I must so that the enemy is silenced and faith increases.
10. Watch as others believe and are amazed at the teaching of God's Word.
I am so glad I caught this little story. It really is profound as a model for us as we go and share the good news of Jesus.
It is fun to be in the Word, to be with Jesus so we can be transformed.
Shalom y’all!
