Words which travel
Once Paul became a follower of Jesus, his energy and enthusiasm sent him travelling.
"As they went from town to town, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in the faith and increased in numbers." Acts 16:4,5
Paul didn't have any of our 21st century ways of sharing his message- he knew that he had to personally travel, speaking to people and sometimes living and working among them for months as he taught them about Jesus and how to live as Christians.
How lucky we are today to be able to not only read the words of Paul in our own language, but without leaving our armchairs to be able to access the thoughts, sermons and lives of men and women from all over the world who can share with us what it means to follow Jesus. We can travel across continents and across time to be encouraged, challenged and inspired.
Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica:
"We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labour of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters, that he has chosen you, because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction." 1 Thessalonians 1:2-5
Who has encouraged you in your faith? Is there a Christian writer, speaker or pastor whose words increased your faith, your love and your hope in Jesus?
This Lent, why not recommend or give a book to someone else who needs encouragement? Or maybe write to the author or pastor who meant so much to you to say thank-you. Let us give thanks for those whose words have travelled into our hearts.
"As they went from town to town, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in the faith and increased in numbers." Acts 16:4,5
Paul didn't have any of our 21st century ways of sharing his message- he knew that he had to personally travel, speaking to people and sometimes living and working among them for months as he taught them about Jesus and how to live as Christians.
How lucky we are today to be able to not only read the words of Paul in our own language, but without leaving our armchairs to be able to access the thoughts, sermons and lives of men and women from all over the world who can share with us what it means to follow Jesus. We can travel across continents and across time to be encouraged, challenged and inspired.
Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica:
"We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labour of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters, that he has chosen you, because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction." 1 Thessalonians 1:2-5
Who has encouraged you in your faith? Is there a Christian writer, speaker or pastor whose words increased your faith, your love and your hope in Jesus?
This Lent, why not recommend or give a book to someone else who needs encouragement? Or maybe write to the author or pastor who meant so much to you to say thank-you. Let us give thanks for those whose words have travelled into our hearts.
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