Revealed Desire

Every human mind is a great slumbering power until awakened by a keen desire and by definite resolution to do.
Edgar F. Roberts

Acts 11:23-26
Then when he arrived (speaking of Barabus) and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord. And he left for Tarsus to look for Saul; and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. NASU

A wonderful thing happened here that is something we should always keep in mind, especially in today’s political atmosphere. It was due to persecution and hardship that the church grew. It grew because people who were of a made up mind determined that they would remain true to the Lord.

When the church of the Jews set out to Antioch, they found that the Hellenists or the Gentiles were also being saved. It was persecution that revealed growth and showed Christian values, even from outside what was considered religious circles. This was a considerable step for the church, and one that would finish what God had in mind all along.

It was here; in Antioch that disciples were first called Christians. It was not inside what was called the church, but from outside what is called the Church. Today is a good time to look around again. God may have something going on, He may be reaching out one more time, before that last time, outside of what we call “church” to finish what He had in Mind all along…God Bless

Pastor William