February 5, 2012 Newsletter

This week we talked about warnings.  Nowadays, almost everything comes with a warning label, including prescription and nonprescription drugs, electrical appliances, toys, and even cleaning supplies.  Some warnings seem obvious and almost unnecessary, but someone has actually been hurt doing that very thing.  In other words, there is real danger or there would not be a warning.  At the end of Acts chapter 20 we find some of the warnings Paul gave to some of his loved ones.  Paul was travelling back to Jerusalem, and on the way he stopped in Miletus, where he had the Ephesian elders meet him there (Acts 20:17).    Paul addressed the elders in Acts 20:18-27.  Paul starts off by describing his service in Ephesus.  Paul pointed out that he was faithful, humble, compassionate, endured affliction, and served God whole-heartily.  Paul goes on and expresses his expectations for himself in Jerusalem.  He knew that chains and afflictions awaited him there.  Paul was willing to give his life for the Gospel.  In Acts 20:28-31, Paul gives warnings to the leaders of the church.  Paul tells them to: 1) watch out for themselves and the church, 2) watch out for attacks from outside the church, 3) watch out for attacks from within the church, and be alert and remember the things Paul has taught them.  These warnings still hold for us today.  Satan is always looking for ways to hurt the church.  He wants to hurt one’s testimony for the Lord.  He doesn’t want churches to be large, strong, and unified.  What happens when we ignore these warnings?  We often get hurt and the function of God’s church is hindered.  We can only blame ourselves if we don’t heed the warnings in God’s Word or of our spiritual leaders.

Have a great week!

Randy