Sunday Summary for July 22, 2012

It is Sunday afternoon as I write this and I am still excited about this morning's service! I am so grateful for the Lord's blessing upon His Word. Several of our Church family commented on how the message spoke to them - what a blessing to know that God still speaks to His children through his Word.

The message was from Acts 16:6-40. This passage answered the question: "What will a Gospel Centered Ministry Encounter?" Paul has embarked on his second missionary journey. He is joined by Silas, Timothy and Luke in this passage of Scripture. Here are some highlights from the message.

1. We will encounter "No" as we go - So don't GIVE UP!
According to verses 6 and 7, the missions team encountered clear and unmistakeable "No's" concerning the places they had hoped to go. What was true for them remains true for us today. There are dreams and desires that we may want to fulfill; but it often seems like we hit roadblocks and hindrances to fulfilling "our"plans. We will encounter some "No's" along the way but we should never give up! On the other hand we do not need to "kick the door down" we just need to eagerly anticipate the unfolding of God's plan. Closed doors only make the open doors all the more exciting to go through - Don't Give Up!

2. We will encounter those whom God has prepared to receive the Gospel - So SPEAK UP!
Paul had a vision of a man in Macedonia asking for his help. When Paul and the team arrived they were led of God to a group of women who were eager to hear their message. One lady is singled out - Lydia. Her heart was tender toward the things of God. "The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul." (v. 14 ESV). God is working in the hearts and lives of people to make them ready and attentive to the Gospel message. we need to be ready to SPEAK UP when we meet them.

3. We will encounter distractions along the way - So don't LET UP!
After the joy of leading a Tender soul to Christ the missions team encounters a troubled soul. They met a demon possessed slave girl. What she said about Paul and Silas was true; it was the right message but from the wrong messenger (v.17). They could not be aligned with a demon possessed girl. Here we learn of Satan's methods for distracting us in the work to which we have been called. He first seeks an alliance with us and if that does not work he quickly turns antagonistic toward us. It is interesting to note that through a wrong alliance the church and her members will always suffer but when antagonism comes the church can be strengthened. Decide now that you will not LET UP when distraction come.

4. We will encounter Difficult Circumstances - So we need to LOOK UP!
The committed Christian life has never been an easy life. Temptations, troubles and trials are all part of this side of eternity. When the demon possessed girl was set free from the demon that controlled her her owners were angry because they lost a good source of income. This led them to make false accusations about Paul and Silas and that ultimately led to a harsh incarceration of them. They were beaten with rods and placed in a maximum security cell with their feet in stocks. Battered, bruised, bleeding and bound in jail and yet these two men chose to pray and sing at midnight! Wow! When the outlook is bad the uplook can truly make a difference. No doubt they were familiar with the words of Christ as recorded in Matthew 5:11-12. So where are you? If you are like me you are no where near the circumstances Paul and Silas found themselves in - if they can pray and sing in their condition - what is stopping you? Quit looking around and start looking up!

5. We will encounter questions - So POINT UP to the Savior!
The jailer asked the most important question that anyone can ask, "What must I do to be saved?" Isn't it great that Paul did not give him a long list of requirements and regulations. The answer was clear and simple; "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved." After the simple answer Paul spent a little more time sharing "the word of the Lord" with him (16:32). There are still people today who need someone like you to point them to the Savior. Will you be ready to POINT UP to Jesus if the opportunity comes your way this week?

Why not take a few minutes to read through Acts 16:6-40 and then think about these statements...

• Never GIVE UP, even when you encounter a "no" look for His plan over your plan.
• Always SPEAK UP when you sense God has prepared others to hear the Gospel
• Never LET UP even in the face of distractions.
• Always LOOK UP when in the midst of difficult circumstances.
• Be sure to POINT UP to Christ so others can know how to be saved.

Sunday night we turned to the book of Job in seeking an answer to the question "Why do bad things happen to good people?" I will share some thoughts and ideas with you on Tuesday concerning this important question.

I'm honored to serve as your Pastor,
Mike