Thursday, June 21

THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2018

"We tell you the good news: What God promised our ancestors he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: " 'You are my son; today I have become your father.' God raised him from the dead so that he will never be subject to decay. As God has said, " 'I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.' So it is also stated elsewhere: " 'You will not let your holy one see decay.' "Now when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed.  But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay.

"Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses. Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you... " (Acts 13:32-38)

With Acts 13, we read about the expansion of the early Church's missionary efforts spreading outward beyond Judea and Samaria—to the ends of the earth.

Having received Christ after a life-changing encounter, Paul now headed a missions team that would travel throughout the missionary world in three confirmed missionary journeys, with decent evidence of a fourth trip that included time in Spain.  Carried along by the Holy Spirit, the team would take advantage of many opportunities to spread the Gospel, the good news of Jesus.

While the Gospel message applies to all people from all places, all times, and all backgrounds, the example of the apostles suggests that we will do well to contextualize the Gospel for people, bringing it to life in language and venues that maximizes understanding.

With Jewish audiences, Paul and team would emphasize how, in Christ, we find fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.  Acts 13 records the team's visit to a synagogue, whete they had a hearing for their message.

Among Gentile audiences, the team would emphasize the connection to the created order or the local wisdom of the prevailing culture, such as Greek philosophers or mythology ("to an unknown god," Acts 17).

While Paul receives the focus of the narration as a key leader, we must remember that their missionary efforts also included community.  Paul worked closely with Luke, Timothy, Silas, Barnabas, Mark, and many others.  They identified and worked closely with people of peace and local church leaders.  The team undoubtedly prayed fervently together and encouraged Paul to press forward.  And they suffered together under persecution, both physical and verbal.

What may we observe about today's culture?  How may we place the Gospel into an understandable framework?  What do people seek as their highest goals?

May God bring wisdom to His servants (us) in our day so that we clearly and lovingly communicated the Gospel of hope!

Lord God, thank You for the faithful witness of Your servants in the past.  Give us strength and courage to boldly proclaim Your truth.  We want to see Your Name lifted high in Stamford, Fairfield County, Connecticut, the U.S., and throughout the world.  In Jesus's Name, amen!