Israel’s Dark Setting

The setting is Israel before the glory days of King David. There has been a long period—a couple hundred years—of intermittent warfare, cycles of events during which Israel would suffer invasion followed by famine.

An Urgent Charge

Paul wrote with urgency, “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season.”

Anchor of Reality

All those going through a storm need to be engaged in the process. No one is promised a magical escape clause. Passivity is faith’s enemy. It isn’t an acceptable option to fold our arms and wait for the storm to pass.

Grace Leads You Home

Long before my mother died, she and a neighbor friend compiled a book of God’s promises taken from the Scriptures. Each made her own. My mother used that little book as a primer for her prayers.

The Ultimate Authority

A man from Macedonia had said, “Come over and help us.” God had in mind a seller of purple, an exploited slave girl, and a rugged, brutal Roman jailer. When you travel as God would have you travel, like Paul, you’re sensitive to doors that open.

Authentic Ministry

Paul’s ministry was saturated with the Word of God. Fifteen times in chapters thirteen and fourteen the phrases “God’s Word,” the “Word of truth,” the “teaching of the Lord,” the “Law and the Prophets,” and the “Good News” are mentioned.

Unexpected Opportunities

Paul and Barnabas arrived at Pisidian Antioch, weary and aching from their perilous march through the mountains. Still, they wasted no time in making their way to the synagogue early enough to find a good seat.

From God’s Perspective

Any study of the life of the apostle Paul requires a serious look at the subject of pain. Suffering is not a pleasant subject to explore.

Biblically Correct

Isn’t that closing comment a great line? The wicked man may have more clothes in his closet, but he’ll wind up leaving them to us. Remember the materialistic line that is framed around license plates? “He who dies with the most toys wins.”

Things That Matter

Thinking God’s thoughts is our highest goal. That’s one of the reasons I’m such a proponent of the discipline of Scripture memorization.