“After Paul and Barnabas had proclaimed the good news in that city, and made a considerable number of disciples, they returned to Lystra and Iconium and to Antioch. They strengthened the spirits of the disciples and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying, ‘It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.’ They appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, commended them to the Lord in whom they had put their faith.”
When they reached their home base, Antioch, they called the church together and celebrated how God had worked through them, and brought others to the Lord. How God had ‘opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.’
How exciting as the life of the first Christian communities developed and grew. The Spirit of God was at work, using these two apostles, and with the power of the Spirit present, growth took place. But we do not stifle the Spirit. Today, as church, we open doors of welcome. We cannot be complacent, but excited, that the same Lord who called them, calls us to do the same thing. Why not ask someone to join you at church or bible study. Why not invite someone to return to the practice of the faith. It might be the only thing they are waiting for. Let God use you. God works through us.