Guided by the Holy Spirit

Acts 16:6-8

“6 They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7 When they had come opposite Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them; 8 so, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas.”

Throughout Paul’s journeys, he listened to the voice of the Holy Spirit, leading him where God wanted him to go.  We are told in the scripture above that Paul was forbidden to preach the gospel in Asia (now Asia Minor) and that he tried to go into Bithynia but was not allowed by the Holy Spirit so he went to Troas.  

The Holy Spirit is given to each person who comes into the faith.  Even though we are indwelled by God’s spirit, we must be able to recognize God’s voice among all the voices in our heads, and then choose to obey God’s voice.

Paul wrote, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2).

We are to allow the Holy Spirit to transform through the use of prayer, scripture study, worship, service, and sacrifice.  As we are being transformed, the Spirit of God will speak to us.  Over time, we will recognize God’s voice above all of the others.  

Then, we must choose to obey it.

And when we do, God will lead us on our journey.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)

The Turning Point

 Acts 13: 1-3

“1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the ruler, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.”

Reading the names of the prophets and teachers we find that the church at Antioch was a diverse church.  There are people from Cyprus, North Africa, Romans, aristocrats, and finally a man from Tarsus.

The Holy Spirit worked in and through the members of the church at Antioch and led them to the decision to appoint Barnabas and Saul to carry the gospel throughout the known world, a decision that was the turning point for Christianity, and vital to its survival.

Of course, we see the wisdom of this decision now, looking back.  I wonder if they knew it at the time?  I am sure there were disagreements as to who should be sent or to whom they should carry the messages.  Nevertheless, God’s will was done.

Sometimes I worry about our divided Church; so many denominations, so many interpretations of scripture, so many opinions and emotions.  

But then I remember that the gospel was once carried by two men into many foreign lands, and they were beaten, stoned, imprisoned, robbed, left for dead, and shipwrecked.

Yet,  the good news survived.

And the word of God transformed millions of people.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)

The Spread of the Gospel

Acts 12:20-25

“20 Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. So they came to him in a body; and after winning over Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for a reconciliation, because their country depended on the king’s country for food. 21 On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat on the platform, and delivered a public address to them. 22 The people kept shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a mortal!” 23 And immediately, because he had not given the glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. 24 But the word of God continued to advance and gain adherents. 25 Then after completing their mission Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem and brought with them John, whose other name was Mark.”

King Herod, who allowed himself to be thought of as a god, who may have thought of himself as a god, died.  Meanwhile, the word and the work of the one true God continued to live and grow and flourish.

The crucifixion of Christ, the stoning of Stephen, the death of James and all of the other Twelve with the exception of John, did not stop the will of God or the spread of the gospel throughout the world.

The Apostle Paul wrote,  “What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” (Romans 8:31)

God’s will…. will be done.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)

Memorial United Methodist Church

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The Yes

Acts 11:25-26

“25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.”

For nine years Saul had labored in Tarsus after fleeing to Tarsus from Jerusalem by way of Caesarea.  There he worked but what he did we do not know for sure.  More than likely he preached the gospel in the synagogues in and around Tarsus. Saul had been told by Christ that he had an important mission to fulfill but I wonder if Saul had begun to feel forgotten.

Enter Barnabas, who had not forgotten Saul, and who selected Saul to help him equip believers in the new church in Antioch.  So successful were they in Antioch that the believers there became the first people to be called Christians.  Saul had proved himself to be worthy and ready for his great, important mission so long ago promised by Christ (Acts 9:15).

There is a verse in 1Corinthians 1:20a that was written by Saul (called Paul by the time he wrote 1Corinthians) that says: “For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him [Christ].

Saul found his yes in Christ.

Indeed, Christ is the yes to all who believe.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)