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But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles (Galatians 1:15-16, NLT).
Jesus called Paul to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. Paul’s calling was clear and concise, but I’ve often wondered about Paul’s missionary methods of accomplishing God’s will.
His practices would drive the analytical, “make your plans by SWOT analysis after you get an MBA (Master of Business Administration)” emphasis of many businesses and ministries crazy.
Let’s examine a few of them. . .
- Keeping in Step With the Spirit
If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25, ESV).
Often, Paul started one direction on his missionary travels and then was forbidden by the Spirit, not allowed by Jesus, or received a vision of a Macedonian that prompted him to change directions.
Paul’s detractors could (and probably did) accuse him of lacking focus and not communicating his ideas in a timely manner.
One moment, Paul was going this way, and the next, another way — all led by God — but seemingly nuts to those not used to the Spirit’s ways. The Spirit also led Paul to places like Philippi, Corinth, Ephesus, and even Rome, which became the locations of his chief missionary victories.
- Preach Until Persecuted
I know I sound like a madman … been put in prison … been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned (2 Corinthians 11:23-25, NLT).
Reading about Paul’s first, second, and third missionary trips in the Book of Acts, we notice his rather unnerving ministry plan — “preach until persecuted” and then move to another city and repeat the process.
Today, pastors and church leaders are taught to be more accommodating, making the gospel palatable, trying not to offend, and nuancing worship assemblies to be attractional.
Very little persecution or stoning today, and as a pastor of one church for 49 years, I breathe a sigh of relief. But should I? And with the church becoming more culturalized at the expense of radical truth — should we?
- No Fundraising
That’s crazy! How can we run a church or organization today without understanding and implementing proper fundraising techniques? But Paul did, and his missionary endeavors established the church throughout the known world of his time.
Paul wrote. . .
I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation (Philippians 4:12).
God supplies what He calls. Paul knew this secret. With full confidence in God’s provision, Paul obeyed without fear of lacking finances. He would accept offerings from his friends, work at tentmaking when funds were low, and walk in the always miraculous provision of God.
Paul says this to us today. . .
This same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19).
Amen! As we follow God’s calling in our lives, there’s nothing wrong with going a little crazy!