Church

I just completed a "chapter a day" reading in the Book of Acts. What a joy it was for the last several chapters to read about the "adventures of Paul" and his mission trips. The Book of Acts closes with Paul under house arrest in Rome. He lived this way for two years, awaiting his trial. Eugene Peterson has an interesting comment on Acts 28:30-31.

"Paul lived for two years in a rented house in Rome, with a soldier to guard him as he awaited trial. During this time Paul did three things: 1) He welcomed all who came to see him (he was permitted visitors); 2) He preached the Kingdom of God; and 3) He taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. Welcomed, preached, taught. Paul turned his house into a church by doing those three things--welcoming, preaching, teaching. But the moment a church ceases doing these things, it ceases being a church.... And that's it. We don't know how many came to see Paul. We don't know where the house church was located. We simply know that those things took place, simply and naturally, as an overflow of Paul's heart." --Eugene Peterson, Conversations.

Prayer:

"Lord, thank You for the great influential life of the Apostle Paul. I cannot do all Paul could do. But I can invite people and welcome people to my church where the Gospel is preached passionately and the Word of God is taught faithfully. Help me to use my gifts to build up the Kingdom, one soul at a time. Thank you Jesus, in Your Name I pray, Amen."