This Sunday in Acts, we will see two more potential hindrances to the advance of the gospel – one actual and the other anticipated.

Paul and Barnabas, who have contended side-by-side for the gospel and bear battle-scars from ministering in tough places, suddenly divide over “a sharp disagreement” about who to take on missionary journey number two and “separate from each other (Acts 15:37-39).” As a result, not one but two missions trips are sent out from Antioch “commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.”

Then when Paul takes on Timothy as a new disciple and ministry companion, anticipating potential future speedbumps to the gospel advancing in areas heavily populated by Jews, he asks Timothy to undergo circumcision – not as a requirement for salvation, but for the sake of the gospel… becoming as a Jew in order to win Jews (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:20). And again, not only is the Lord unhindered by these potential hindrances, they each turn out to serve the spread of the gospel, strengthening churches from city to city.

Randall Gruendyke will be preaching Acts 15:36-16:5 this Sunday and Kenny Clark will be leading our sung worship with the help of Caleb Bilti. Would you take some time this week to read the passage and pray for each as they prepare? And let’s ask the Lord to make these words from Acts 9:31 true of us in the days to come, that “[the Grace Ev Free of La Mirada]” would have peace and continue to be built up and that walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it would multiply.”

See you Sunday, Grace. Come hungry!

Song of the Week