Read Acts 15:1-27

Acts 15:25-26, "It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul. 26Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

I am, like most American Christians, enjoying all the comforts the Lord has blessed us with.  However, we should not allow the comforts of life to negate our willingness to suffer for the cause of Christ.  Barnabas and Paul were men who "hazarded their lives" for Christ.  The word "hazarded" means to deliver over to be scourged, tormented, or put to death. 

Paul was attacked in Lystra. Acts 14:19 states, "And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead."  Paul didn't quit. As a matter of fact, he didn't even run from his persecutors. He went back into the city and continued to preach the gospel and teach people. 

Will you cling to your comfort or are you willing to get out of your comfort zone?  Jesus suffered for us. We should be willing to hazard our lives for Him.  "...if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf."  (1 Peter 4:16)

Have a great day serving the Saviour!

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  What do you think has caused a lack of commitment in the lives of believers today?

2.  What do you believe causes people to seek comfort over the Lord’s will?

3.  Why do you think Paul and Barnabas were willing to “hazard” their lives for Christ?

4.  Are you willing to sacrifice your comfort to serve the Lord?  Why or why not?