Summary: In a time of discouragement, God spoke a vital word to Paul, one that renewed his motivations for the gospel call. Two great truths from this word apply to all those who trust in Christ.
Reflection Questions:
1. Do you identify with the image of running through the mud as a picture of fading motivation? Does this apply currently to an area or call on your life?
2. What motivates you to press on in those things God has called you to? How can you tell what they are?
3. God encourages Paul by speaking to him: I am with you. What comfort and encouragement does that provide? How does this statement move from the head to the heart, from theory to experiential truth?
4. What might change about your calling if you believed God was already at work in the people there?
In Acts, the story follows the gospel expansion from city to city as Paul and his coworkers obey the Spirit’s call. As they proclaim the gospel, the word of the Lord spreads throughout Gentile lands and many become disciples. And something more. God establishes His church among various people and places. The churches are local, diverse, communal, and caught up in God’s saving mission.
We see the gospel on the move – moving into cities, neighborhoods, lives. Settling in and turning the world upside down. The same God has the same good news. Through this series, we’ll look at the church now & then, here & there. What can we learn from its different receptions and different responses? In our time and place, what changes and what remains the same?
