• Home
  • About Us
  • Words From Pastor
  • Archived Sermon Audio
    • Past Sermons Part 2
    • Past Sermons Part 1
    • "The Word Of God" Series
    • "Developing A Christian Mind" Series
    • "Hell" Series
    • "Essentials To Revival" Series
  • Activities
  • Departments
    • Men's Fellowship
    • Ladies Fellowship
    • Hilltoppers
    • Youth III
    • Explorer's Club
  • Contact
  • Videos

No Hesitations

3/9/2015

0 Comments

 
Paul and his companions then left Paphos by ship for Pamphylia, landing at the port town of Perga. There John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem. But Paul and Barnabas traveled inland to Antioch of Pisidia. On the Sabbath they went to the synagogue for the services. After the usual readings from the books of Moses and the prophets, those in charge of the service sent them this message: “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, come and give it.” (Acts of the Apostles 13:13-15 NLT)

 After evangelizing the island of Cypus, Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark left from Paphos (Western port of Cyprus) to go north into the land of Asia Minor (today called Turkey). They sailed to Pamphylia (Southern Roman province in Asia Minor). They, then traveled by boat up river to Perga (a port town). John Mark parted from them and returned to Jerusalem. The exact reason is unknown but it appears that it was an illegitimate reason because this causes a major conflict between Paul and Barnabas in Acts 15:36-41. John Mark was a young man, it appears. He was under the mentorship of these brethren. The task of traveling like these men were was quite demanding. It is possible that John Mark was overwhelmed by the circumstances and decided to go back home. Sometimes we, too, have people forsake us. It can be very disappointing and cause a lack of trust. Those of us who ascribe ourselves as followers of Jesus must count the cost of following Him completely. Sometimes the journey gets rough. When things are rough and we don't understand the choices of others, we must stay focused and finish the task God has given us. The beauty of it all is when God graciously restores those broken relationships and, once again, we are reunited in service to Jesus with those who may have abandoned us earlier in ministry. In 2 Timothy 4:11, Paul instructs Timothy to bring Mark with him when he comes to join him. By that time, years had passed and Paul may have seen a maturity in John Mark that had developed over that time. Perhaps Paul realized he was too harsh on John Mark. Either way, restoration of relationship had occurred. What a beautiful thing to watch God soften our hearts and work in our lives in such a manner as to see broken relationships healed by His loving grace.

 Paul and Barnabas traveled on to Antioch of Pisidia (a city in that region). When they arrived, they sought out the Jewish synagogue. They attended the sabbath service. This was on Saturday. The true Jewish sabbath is from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown. While they attended, the leaders asked if they had something to share. A wide open door was made to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. With no hesitation, Paul stood to preach. We'll examine more on that tomorrow.

0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Picture

    Rev. Curtis Norris

    Archives

    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    December 2013
    June 2012
    April 2012

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Words From Pastor
  • Archived Sermon Audio
    • Past Sermons Part 2
    • Past Sermons Part 1
    • "The Word Of God" Series
    • "Developing A Christian Mind" Series
    • "Hell" Series
    • "Essentials To Revival" Series
  • Activities
  • Departments
    • Men's Fellowship
    • Ladies Fellowship
    • Hilltoppers
    • Youth III
    • Explorer's Club
  • Contact
  • Videos