Read Acts 21:19–25. How was the church affected when they heard the missionary reports of the apostle Paul? At the same time, even amid the good reports, there were indications of division among the believers. What were those problems, how did Paul respond, and what lessons are there for us today? See also 1 Cor. 9:19–23.

When Paul came back with his missionary report the Church glorified God. There were some who could not look past the fact that the converts we’re gentiles. When we set out to do something for God there will be thoes who try to poke holes in what we  are doing.  Even though the converts caused some distention in the church they were able to come to a sensable resolution. When we report to the Church we may get the same response but we must continue to work and be faithful to our calling.

Today we also struggle with division among us as to how to best reach souls. What are some of the struggles particular to the church in your part of the world, and how can you help bring about resolution?

One of the questions that comes up is when is it appropriate to baptize a person.  Somethings we change the great commission to go ye therefore and make Seventh-day Adventists , instead of  go ye therefore and make disciples.  At the end of the day we must look at the bigger picture, and see what will matter most in the final analysis.

Prayer: Lord God Almighty, Thank you for what you have done for us and through us. Help us to keep the main thing the main thing. In Jesus name amen.

Examine Acts 4:1–31. What did Peter and John report back to their companions, and what did this report prompt the church to do? What lessons are there for us today?

Peter and John teach us a biblical principle. Peter and John were connected to the power source of their ministry Jesus Christ! Their very presence commanded notice of their relationship with Jesus Christ (Acts 4:13). The force which they presented their message was so compelling that the Sanhedrin attempted to permit them from speaking or teaching in the name of Jesus. Peter and John had something to report about! Not only did they bring a report back to their own leaders but Jerusalem was a buzz about their miracle ,which is why the Sanhedrin wanted to silence them (Acts 4:16).

When the report came forth from Peter and John an amazing prayer meeting took place. I can imagine that the people were encouraged and set on fire by the miraculous things which were happening by the power of the Holy Spirit. I do not have to imagine because the text says the were filled with the Spirit, and spoke the word of God boldly. Reporting is a biblical principle which encourages others to step out in faith and be used in the same way that those reporting have been used.

John and Peter quoted Scripture before both the leaders in Israel and the other Jewish believers, showing how crucial it was to their faith and their witness. How central and crucial is Scripture in your own life? (Hint: you can know the answer by asking yourself how much time you spend with it)

They quoted the scriptures because they recognized what they were experiencing is exactly what the scriptures said would happen. This shows me they could discern the movement in the present based upon their understanding of scripture. Their understanding of scripture was connected to their daily living. I believe it would do us all good to read and live the scriptures more.

Prayer: Father help us to examine what we are reporting, and what we are not reporting. May you even give us something to report about! Draw us toward a deeper commitment to you. Thank you in Jesus name amen.

I would like to experience more power in ministry.