October 22, 2020: SOAP #3976:  Job 11-12; Acts 15-16

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 15:36  Sometime later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.”…
39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

OBSERVATION:  During Paul’s first missionary journey, he and Barnabas evangelized and planted churches.  Now as they prepare for a second journey, Paul and Silas have the emphasis of lets “see how they are doing…” and on “strengthening the churches.” 

APPLICATION:  As I ponder Paul’s ministry during this second journey, I see his goal at the beginning of this journey—to strengthen the church.  I see that he did not stop evangelizing and doing miracles, but there are several other emphases. Paul’s presence, his teaching, his writing letters, his setting the churches in order, and his discipling Timothy and others who traveled with him.

In Paul’s ministry, parents may find good ideas about their continuing ministry to their adult children. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, in considering this aspect of Paul’s ministry, I see some similar aspects to the ministry you have given me.  Lord, use these SOAPs to faithfully explain your word and strengthen believers.  Use our visits in this area to encourage and strengthen churches. May you be glorified!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!