Political parties send out messages and promises to the people, but even though we all hear the same message, we each respond to those messages differently. In this chapter of Acts, Paul visits three different cities, and whilst he brings the same message to each city, the good news of Jesus, people responded to the news differently. Today, we have this same message to share with others. We are not responsible for how people respond to the message we bring, but we are to faithful, like Paul, in delivering the good new of Jesus to others.

God has made us for partnerships and when we come together with others, disagreements can occur, as was the case in this passage. As a church, we aim to live in unity with each other as we strive to live like Christ. Paul and Barnabas could agree on the mission but not agree on the team. The gospel is about getting the right balance of staying firm and true to God's Word, but also being flexible when appropriate. We are called to be partners with each other and to be partners with God so that He can speak through us as we minister to others. Are you ready to partner with God?

Peter has unlocked the door to heaven for the Gentiles and now Paul and Barnabas continue to take the good news to those who haven't heard. In these two chapters they will face everything thing from a warm reception to being misunderstood, mistreated and even an attempt to take their lives. But they are faithful in sharing the good news about Jesus, that through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses. Firstly, we must believe and accept Jesus and secondly we too should be faithful in sharing this good news no matter what is happening around us. Take a step of faith and walk through the door.

We see in this chapter of Acts how the Gentiles are being accepted as followers of Jesus, founded on the Word of God. We need to spend time reading God's Word so that our life matches God's expectation for us. The Gentiles were encouraged through Barnabas visiting Antioch and observing the establishment of the church with great numbers of people coming to faith in the Lord. We need to accept, encourage, give and receive for each other as we faithfully serve Jesus.

Jesus' arrival in this world was not met with special privileges. He was born in stable and came humbly to live amongst with the people. There are lots of things, as we live today, that can make us afraid. The truth and reality is that God is with us in all things as we are reminded in Isaiah 41:10. We need to stand firm in our faith in God and trust in Him in the circumstances we face each day.