Phil Rowlands

Hello, my friends!

Have you ever wondered about the power of a message that can change lives? Today, let's dive into an incredible journey that shaped the early Christian church and continues to inspire us today. I'm talking about the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas, a tale of courage, faith, and the unstoppable force of God's grace.

Picture this: a bustling city called Antioch, where a group of believers are fasting and praying. Suddenly, the Holy Spirit speaks, setting in motion an adventure that would span cities, cultures, and continents. “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them,” the Spirit says (Acts 13:2). And just like that, a world-changing mission begins.

Now, you might be thinking, “What's so special about this journey?” Well, my friends, it's not just about the places they visited or the miles they travelled. It's about the revolutionary message they carried – a message of God's grace that would turn the world upside down.

As Paul and Barnabas set sail for Cyprus, they carried with them the greatest news the world has ever known. Imagine being there as they stood in synagogues, marketplaces, and before government officials, declaring that salvation is available to all through faith in Jesus Christ. Can you feel the excitement? The controversy? The hope?

In Paphos, they encounter a sorcerer named Elymas, who opposes their message. But Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, confronts him boldly. “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord?” (Acts 13:10). Wow! Talk about not pulling any punches! This wasn't just a clash of personalities; it was a spiritual battle, with the truth of God's grace standing firm against the deceptions of the enemy.

But here's the beautiful part: even in the face of opposition, the message of grace continued to spread. In Antioch of Pisidia, Paul delivers a powerful sermon, tracing God's faithfulness through Israel's history and culminating in the person of Jesus. Listen to these words that must have shocked many of his hearers: “Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this Man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by Him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses” (Acts 13:38-39).

Do you see what Paul is saying here? It's not about following rules or being “good enough.” It's about believing in Jesus and receiving forgiveness and freedom as a gift! This is the heart of the gospel, friends. It's all about God's grace, freely given to us through Christ.

As Paul and Barnabas continued their journey, they faced both acceptance and rejection. In Iconium, they spoke boldly for the Lord, “who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands” (Acts 14:3). Even when opposition arose and their lives were threatened, they pressed on, determined to share this message of grace.

In Lystra, we see a dramatic turn of events. After healing a man lame from birth, the people mistake Paul and Barnabas for gods! Can you imagine their shock? But instead of basking in misplaced glory, they tear their garments and cry out, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them” (Acts 14:15).

This, my friends, is the heart of true ministry. It's not about elevating ourselves or seeking praise. It's about pointing people to the living God, the source of all grace and goodness.

But the journey wasn't all smooth sailing. In Lystra, Paul was stoned and left for dead. Can you imagine the pain and fear he must have felt? Yet, by God's grace, he got up and continued his mission. What incredible resilience! It reminds me of Paul's later words in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

As they travelled from city to city, Paul and Barnabas weren't just preaching; they were planting churches. They understood that the message of grace needed to take root in communities of believers who could continue to grow and spread the good news. In Acts 14:23, we read, “And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.”

Isn't it amazing how God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things? Paul and Barnabas weren't superheroes. They were regular folks like you and me, empowered by the Holy Spirit to share the message of God's grace. And here's the exciting part: God wants to use us in the same way!

You might be thinking, “But I'm not a great speaker like Paul” or “I don't have the courage to face opposition.” Remember, it's not about our abilities, but about God's grace working through us. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:10, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain.”

So, what can we learn from this incredible journey? First, that the message of God's grace is powerful enough to transform lives and communities. It's not just a nice idea; it's a life-changing truth that can set people free from guilt, shame, and the endless cycle of trying to earn God's favour.

Second, sharing this message often comes with challenges and opposition, but God's grace is sufficient for every trial. When we face difficulties in sharing our faith, we can draw strength from the examples of Paul and Barnabas, knowing that God's power is made perfect in our weakness.

And finally, we are called to be bearers of this good news, just like Paul and Barnabas. Whether it's in our neighbourhoods, workplaces, or to the ends of the earth, we have the privilege of sharing the message of God's grace with those around us.

Be blessed today, my brothers and sisters. May you be filled with awe at the power of God's grace, and may you be bold in sharing this incredible message with those around you.

Remember, you don't have to be perfect or have all the answers. You just need to be willing to point others to the One who is the answer to every human need. As you go about your day, ask God to open your eyes to the opportunities He's placing before you to share His grace. Who knows? Your words of grace might be the very thing someone needs to hear today. Let's embrace this journey of faith, trusting in God's grace to guide us, strengthen us, and work through us to bring His love to a world in need.

Phil