Many would say we are a much more sophisticated society than in the days of the early church. They worshiped idols and statues. Yet we still read and study the writings of philosophers in the first century who were deep thinkers.  

Paul and Barnabas share the gospel even during tribulation at times. They knew Jesus and they loved their lives on the mission he gave them. This wasn’t the call of just a select few. Paul and Barnabas spent time doing what Jesus taught and raising up others to do the same.  

These cities they shared the gospel at worshipped many gods. As soon as Paul and Barnabas show them Jesus, they end up calling them gods. “Now when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.” Acts 14:11-12  

It was okay to worship another god, if they could continue to worship their gods as well. Here is the thing, in love... the first century society is just like ours today. It’s okay to worship God as long as we can continue worshipping the gods we serve now. Yes, we may not make statues that we bow down before or sacrifice to animals, but we do have other things we give ourselves to just as the first century did.  

⁃ Do you put things or people before God?

⁃ Are there things you want with all your heart more than things of God’s kingdom?

⁃ Are there things dominating your time, you using more of your talent for, or you are spending more of your treasures on more than the kingdom of God?  

Our idols don’t come as statues, they come as materials, desires, and the American dream. Paul and Barnabas would say to you and me today, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them,” Acts 14:15  

Search your heart. Anything that has place in you more than Jesus lay them at His feet. Commit yourself afresh today to the things of the Kingdom of God, where the treasures that we store up will not rust or destroy. 

- To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.