Ministering to the Lord

As we gather scattered across cities and nations, one thread holds us. We are His.

Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers... As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."Acts 13:1-3

There were several phases to the work of God at Antioch. The first was the preaching of the scattered believers after the persecution in Jerusalem. The second was the witness carried to the Gentiles, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.

The third phase was Barnabas sent from Jerusalem. He came, rejoiced in the grace of God, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. The fourth was his initiative to go to Tarsus and bring Saul, and for a whole year they taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

But above all we see a church that ministered to the Lord and fasted. The blessings they received did not fill their hearts with pride but humbled them in prayer.

I have found myself asking the question, "Am I engaged in this ministry?" Our frailty is never an obstacle to the Saviour's power.

G and J.