This week’s “Reflection” by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching PastorThe Journey Ends
Acts 27 and 28
This past Sunday was week 24 in our study of Acts. In the first part of the book we looked at how to “Be the Church.” Once Paul was on the scene, we then learned what it means to be on a “Road Trip.” This has been an adventure for us as we have learned how the Christian Church started and how it grew. Now that the 28 chapters are completed the “Road Trip” is not over. I think we are now living in chapter 29. The spreading of the church and the spreading of the gospel is still unfolding and will until Christ returns. Now we are part of continuing the work begun by many faithful servants of Jesus. God has now entrusted the good news of Jesus with us. It is our turn to carry it forward.
As you think back on the book of Acts, what is the one thing that stands out the most to you? What one thing impacted you more than anything? How will you be a different kind of Jesus-follower as a result of our Acts study? I’d love to hear from you! God Bless.
I really enjoyed the journey through the book of Acts, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Gary said it so well the book of Acts is still going on today, it is our turn. Thank you so much. I also enjoyed the Hymns led by Jeff this past Sunday. Thank you to both of you for your service to God and our church.
ReplyDeleteThis has been a great presentation of the Book of Acts. Both you and Jeff did a phenomenal job in describing the origins of the Christian church and its incremental growth in spreading the Gospel of Jesus. The one thing that really stood out to me were the trials and tribulations that Paul had to endure and, no matter how painful, he continued to share the Gospel. Even when he was beaten, ridiculed, shipwrecked and bitten by a viper on the Island of Malta, he continued to be a faithful servant by spreading the good news of Jesus. Paul's struggles and grave sufferings have given me insight into how I, personally, can also be a faithful Jesus-follower during all the ups and downs in life - if I lean completely on the power of the Holy Spirit. That is, leaning on His strength, and praying ceaselessly for wisdom and perseverance through my own trials and tribulations in life. It's because of Paul's faith and devotion to the Gospel, and his perpetual leaning on the guidance of the Spirit, that he was able to accomplish the supernatural feat of spreading the gospel throughout these various provinces. Thanks again for presenting such a vivid and detailed portrait of the 28 chapters of this Road Trip that still a work in progress for all followers of Jesus.
ReplyDeleteThank you both (Susan and Angie) for the replies. It is always good to hear what others think of the message(s). I know there is something I wanted to communicate each week and then there is what people hear. Both of you captured the ideas Jeff and I have expressed so well - thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. Now let's go live the gospel adventure and see what Jesus has in store for us!!
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