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I am very slow getting this lesson posted and I do apologize for that.
In the first week of this study we focused on God's call to follow him. This week we will further explore the idea
of 'calling,' as we discuss hearing God's voice amid the confusion of our world.
6 They went through the region of Phygia and Galatia and were prevented by the Holy Spirit from speaking
the message in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit
of Jesus did not allow them. 8 So bypaooing Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 During the night a vision appeared to
Paul: a Macedonian man was stnding and pleading with him, "Cross of the Macedonia and help us!" 10 After he had seen
the vision, we immediately made efforts to set out for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to evangelize them.
Acts 16: 6-9
We should take great comfort in knowing that even Paul was confused about the will of God occasionally. Even after
much prayer, he still got it wrong sometimes. This was Paul's second missionary journey, and after visiting some of the churches,
he wanted to move South into the region known today as Turkey. Believing he was to evangelize this area, the missionaries
set off. But we are told that the Holy Spirit closed the road to Asia. Now, we don't know exactly HOW He
closed the road, but He did. So Paul and his companions headed North to Bithynia. But, again, the Holy Spirit
closed that road, too. Well, the came from the East, they couldn't go South or North, which leaves West.
So they headed West to Troas. It was here that Paul had a vision of a man from Macedonia calling out "Come over
to Macedonia and help us." So they immediately headed for Macedonia, takikng the Gospel to Europe for the very fist
time. From Europe, the Word came to America and then to Scott City, Kansas to Immanuel Southern Baptist Church and eventually
to this web page.
All this because some confused missionaries kept moving when they hit 'road closed' signs.
Think about it:
When was the last time you made a decision that changed the direction of your life and work?
What is the closest you have come to having a clear message from God?
What is something you feel God may be calling you to do?
Something fun. Here is a websight I found that has some fun puzzles and pictures to use in conjunction with today's
lesson.
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