seekeroftruth
Well-Known Member
Acts 14:21 They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. 23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. 24 After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia, 25 and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.
26 From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. 27 On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.
Check out verse 27. Check out verse 22. The church was never supposed to be about what the "people" want.
The church was always about what God wants.
Barnabas, Paul, and those who were with them on a Mission, to start the fire in people's hearts.
The Holy Spirit gave them the spark.
Church is where the flames were fanned, using healing, feeding, helping, and praising.
The elders were appointed to watch the fire and keep it burning after Barnabas, Paul, and those who were with them left.
Barnabas and Paul started the fires.
