FOR THE RENEWAL OF THE WORLD

Paul, in his missionary journeys, went to those countries which today we call the Middle East. Unsettled by war today, at that time many were Roman colonies and there were no restrictions against the missionaries.  Paul had a variety of companions: sometimes Luke, a doctor, would accompany him, or Priscilla and Aquila, Timothy and Silas, or Barnabas and John Mark.  Many of these people made their own journeys, so the church grew quickly.


Each city had its own synagogue as a rule.  Paul preferred to speak first in the synagogues to the ruling Jews, using the Old Testament scriptures with which the Jews were familiar and sacred.Then, Paul would move on to the Old Testament scriptures which announced the coming of Christ, the Messiah.  From there, Paul would explain that the Messiah had come, but he was not accepted, had suffered and died, had risen from the dead and is now sitting at the right hand of His Father, God.


The book of Isaiah, among others, speaks of how the nation of Israel was given a mission to serve God, but because of sin and rebellion, they failed.  God, then sent his son, Christ, as Messiah to fulfill his mission on the earth.


Sometimes, the Jewish leaders would become jealous of the new order and remind Paul that God had given Israel the blessing of being called God's servant.  Paul reminded them in return that Jesus was called God's Servant, with a capital S!


All of these men and some women, did their part to reach the multitudes with Christ's message that the world must be renewed.  They went as far and as wide as their eras would allow them, and we see this very day that Christians are still to be counted in the Middle East.  In the centuries that followed Paul and the others, we have seen much turmoil, wars and fears of war, but there will always be  an element of Christ alive throughout the earth.  Perhaps, it is not a popular element in the world today, but the fact still remains, "Christ still lives and has His Being" among those who know and love Him.


So count me in as one who knows Him and loves Him!  I hope this includes you!


Jo inMN