In the first century, the Gospel of Jesus Christ spread from Israel into surrounding countries.

Of course, printed Bibles weren't carried. In fact, there wasn't access to any form of modern communication.

Instead, God used a surprising cast of characters who traveled on foot.

Their courageous story, crossing into unfamiliar territory, many times in the face of opposition,

is an inspiration to us all. Today, on Insight for Living, Chuck Swindall is teaching from Acts

Chapter 15 and 16. He titled his message, Traveling as Paul traveled.

And we begin with prayer.

We thank you, our Father, for your son, who is the fairest Lord Jesus, the ruler of all nature,

the son of God, the son of man. Him we cherish and him we honor. He's our soul's glory

and joy and crown. The meadows are fair and the woodlands are fair

and they're robed in the blooming garb of spring, but Jesus is fairer. He's pure. He makes the woeful heart to sing. Thank you, Father, for meeting our every need and for touching us deeply where no surgeon's scalpel can ever reach, deep within the folds of our soul and the scrolls of our

spirit.

You touch us and you heal us and you add balm to our wounds and you relieve our minds of the cares of this age. Some today sit in this gathering,

feeling mistreated and misunderstood. You understand? Your son went through all of that.

Some are in a situation that is borderline unbearable.

You understand.

Your son died in that kind of situation.

Thank you for slipping your almighty hand into our hearts and encouraging us with your truth. Thank you for your spirit that moves

among us without concern for rank or gender or age or level of or past sins, or present pain.

You look beyond it all, Lord, and you meet our needs.

He's the beautiful Savior, the Lord of the Nations.

Glory and honor, praise, and adoration. Be unto him now and forevermore.

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