Moving Forward

I am writing this while on a biblical study tour in southern Turkey. We are traveling along the roads taken by the apostle Paul on his journeys as recorded in the Book of Acts. My road is presently a level, paved, four-lane highway with convenient rest stops. Paul’s roads were different. He walked along stone roads and paths that took him through some rough country as he went from city to city—taking the gospel to the Roman world. While I am in a nice air-conditioned motor coach with internet connection, Paul walked. He carried with him his food and perhaps a tent or some kind of portable shelter, possibly made of goat hair, to sleep under. It was a difficult journey. But each day he kept moving forward.

When Paul arrived in the cities of this region, he would go into a Jewish synagogue to engage the townspeople with the message of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God. Some believed his message, while most did not. In one city of this region the people gladly received his message and thought he was a god come down to earth and wanted to sacrifice to him. Paul stopped that from occurring only to have them turn on him a few days later and nearly stone him to death. Dragged out of the city nearly dead, he got back up and went on down the road and preached the same message. Each day he kept moving forward.

My wife and I have set ourselves to make this trip to learn more about the Bible. In my thoughts I realize the physical circumstances of my present trip are no comparison to that of Paul’s. But there is a similarity, in that I have fellow travelers with whom I share an interest in the study of Scripture—even though we may come at it from different beliefs and religious traditions. It is stimulating to discuss our beliefs and hear the stories of fellow travelers. We come to deepen our understanding of the Bible, but along the way we learn much about people, human nature and the diversity of experiences which make up humanity. All of us keep moving forward to the goal of the Kingdom of God. 

We deal with the divisions of today’s world. Politics and ideology divide and lead to war and strife. Religion separates us into our mental enclaves of “righteous exclusivity.” Only God the Father and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, are not divided in purpose.

Understanding the true purpose of life as God intends is the one sure hope of unity.

Unity of faith has been an elusive dream of mankind. Spiritual unity must first occur in the heart, and that comes from engagement with the true God and the true purpose for which we were created. Pray for God’s help in moving your life closer to the knowledge of salvation.

Our Bible study aid, Why Were You Born?, is an important resource that can help you discover meaning and purpose for your life. I encourage you to read it when you can.

Until next time,