Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
Long Time
Today's Verse:
Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. ~Acts 14:3
I grew up in the days when business establishments were well-known for being in the same location for a long time. They would employ people who would remain employed there for a long time. Today, the spirit of competition and the drive to succeed have resulted in many people not staying at the same place for very long. In the ministry, it is important for us to recognize the value of doing something and being at the same place for a long time. Paul and Barnabas were led of the Spirit to the city of Iconium to preach the gospel and to start an independent Baptist church. In spite of opposition, we are told, “Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord.” I want to challenge us today on the value of "long time."
There is familiarity by staying long time.
You cannot build a lasting reputation without staying somewhere or doing the same thing for a long period of time. You build a good name when you stay a long time. You are known for being reliable. Paul and Barnabas abode long time speaking boldly in the Lord. Over time, the people of Iconium knew that there was a church in their town where the preaching was bold, lively, and convicting. Over time, the talk of the town was, “God is doing something in that Baptist church. If you want an answer for your problem, go to that church.” Do people know that you are a member of your church? Do people know that you have been a long-time member? Do people know that you are a Christian?
There is faithfulness in staying long time.
Paul and Barnabas knew that the best thing that they could do to give glory to God and build a church in Iconium was to be faithful. Faithfulness implies that you do not have a divided opinion. Faithfulness means you stay with the stuff. They were faithful in their doctrine. I’m thankful that the preaching of the gospel will always work and have God’s blessings. They were faithful in their delivery. We are told that they so spake that a great multitude believed. Their preaching was bold and biblical. They were faithful in their duties. The Lord enabled them through signs and wonders to minister to the needs of the people. They gave credibility to the power of the gospel by staying long time.
There is fruitfulness in staying long time.
A great multitude of Jews and Greeks believed on the Lord. When you stay at it long enough, you will see the result. When you continue to saturate the city with the gospel, more people get saved. The evidence of a fruitful ministry was that Gentiles and Jews were getting saved. God broke down the middle wall of partition and showed the prevailing culture that the grace of God touches everyone. The longer you stay, the wider the net is cast for more people to be saved. The darkness of sin is overcome by the light of the gospel.
Do you long to see lasting results through soulwinning? Stay at it daily, weekly, and monthly. Knock on a minimum number of doors per week. Give out a minimum number of tracts per week. Make it a goal to invite people to church always. Do you see more difficult prayers answered? Keep praying, even if it means you will be praying long time. Do you want to see your church have the blessing of God upon it? Stay in the church, and be at the services all the time.
Establish yourself as a Christian who will be “long time.”
Have a faithful God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 66-69
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