How to plan a mission itinerary

Wednesday   10-21-15  Home in Modesto

Scripture reading:    Job 9-10   Acts 13-14

S=Scripture O=Observation A=Application P=Prayer  SOAP for the soul.

S.  Acts 13:50-52 “...they incited a mob against Paul and Barnabas and ran them out of town...  And the believers were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Acts 14:5-7  A mob of Gentiles and Jews, along with their leaders, decided to attack and stone them.  When the apostles learned of it, they fled for their lives. They went... to... Lystra... and they preached the Good News there.

Acts 14:19-20  Now some Jews arrived... and turned the crowds into a murderous mob. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, apparently dead.  But as the believers stood around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.  NLT

O.  In Antioch of Pisidia (presently Turkey) Paul and Barnabas were “run out of town” and went to Iconium.  In Iconium a mob was coming to kill them so they “fled for their lives” and went to Lystra.  In Lystra they stoned Paul dragged his apparently dead body out of the city.  So he got up, went back into town to wash up and bandage his wounds and they left for Derbe.  Then they went back to these same cities to set up church leadership in each one.

A.  So this is how to set up a missionary evangelism itinerary.  It’s easy.  No phone calls, no pre-campaign ads, no stadium...  Just preach till they run you out of town or stone you to death... and then, if you survive, go preach in the next town.  Are we having fun yet?  In Antioch of Pisidia...  as the missionaries ran for their lives, the new believers were having fun... They were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. 

P.  Lord Jesus, getting run out of town has never been one of my primary goals.  I prefer people to like me and invite me back.  And yes, you sent me to a part of the world where that could happen.  But You have sent many of our friends to truly dangerous areas where fanatically religious political leaders watch their every move, threaten them, invade their private lives and seek to silence their message.  I pray for these Your servants who risk their lives daily to even mention Your Holy name.  Give wisdom where it is needed and courage where it is required.  And please send Your angels to protect them.  This I pray in Your name, Lord Jesus.  Amen.

Ralph