Daily Devotions
Beyond Baptism
Reading for November 18th: Acts 13-15
And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Acts 15:41
Much attention is given in the book of Acts to the spread of the gospel. We're told of great numbers who believed and were saved (Acts 2:41; 4:4; 5:14; 6:7). We read about evangelists going everywhere spreading the Word. (Acts 8:4-5, 26-31; 10:23-29; 11:19-21; etc.)
But all of this evangelistic work would have been in vain had there not also been attention given to strengthening the churches that were started. So, while we witness a lot of seed planting in Acts, there is also a lot of watering going on as well. (Acts 2:42; 11:22-23; 14:21-23; etc.)
Let us not forget that the mission our Lord has left us is not simply to baptize, but to make disciples. We are to baptize AND teach those who are made disciples all that Christ has commanded (Mt 28:19).
Father, strengthen your churches with able shepherds and teachers who will feed us with your Word.
