The Journey Continues

Bob Loudermilk

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Jesus never called His followers simply to become students of His teaching. He called them to become disciples. 

We can spend weeks opening God's Word, discussing profound truths, examining the lives of faithful men and women, and gaining new insights into Scripture, only to quietly return to our normal routines unchanged. We leave with greater understanding, and perhaps even renewed enthusiasm, but unless those truths become part of the way we live, the study has not  accomplished what God intended.

Over the past several weeks, we have immersed ourselves in The Athens Moment, exploring Paul's remarkable ministry in Acts 17. We watched him walk through a city filled with idols, carefully observing the culture before speaking into it. We saw his willingness to listen before he proclaimed, to understand before he challenged, and to build bridges that would lead sincere seekers to Christ. His example reminded us that the gospel has not lost its power simply because the world around us has changed. 

But every study eventually reaches a moment when another question must be asked. Now what? 

That was the purpose of our online workshop this past Saturday. Rather than spending a morning adding information, we spent our time wrestling with application. Together, we considered what it actually means to live as disciples of Christ in our own "Athens." We reflected on the people God has already placed in our lives, the opportunities that surround our congregations, and the practical steps each of us can begin taking immediately. 

Some of the most meaningful moments came not from the presentations themselves, but from the conversations that unfolded. Brothers and sisters from different places, different backgrounds, and different experiences encouraged one another, shared ideas, and discovered that many of us face remarkably similar challenges.

One truth became increasingly clear throughout the morning. God has already given each of us an assignment.

For some, that assignment has a name and a face—a neighbor, a coworker, a family member, or a lifelong friend who has not yet come to know Christ. For others, it may involve strengthening a small congregation, encouraging discouraged believers, opening a home in hospitality, mentoring younger Christians, or simply becoming more intentional about seeing the opportunities God places before us each day. 

None of those assignments are insignificant. The kingdom of God has always advanced through ordinary people who faithfully responded to the opportunities directly in front of them. He asks each of us to be faithful where we are, with the people He has entrusted to our care, trusting Him to multiply what we place into His hands.

That is the pattern we see throughout the New Testament. Andrew simply brought one young boy to Jesus, carrying five loaves and two fish. Philip brought Nathanael. The Samaritan woman told her neighbors about the man she had met at the well. Priscilla and Aquila quietly invested in Apollos. Barnabas encouraged a young believer named Saul when others were hesitant to trust him. None of them could have imagined the ripple effects their simple acts of faithfulness would produce.

I want to express my sincere thanks to everyone who participated in Saturday's session. Your love for God's Word, your thoughtful participation, and your desire to grow have been a tremendous encouragement to me personally.  

It was evident throughout our time together that God is continuing to work among His people, preparing hearts and opening doors for the gospel in ways we often cannot yet see. 

This week, someone in your life needs encouragement. Someone needs a listening ear. Someone needs an invitation. Someone needs a conversation that points them toward Jesus Christ.

May we continue to faithfully walk this journey...together.

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 15:57-58