Chapter 42 — PAUL'S YEARS OF MINISTRY

Paul was a strong worker for God. Paul traveled continually from place to place. Sometimes Paul walked through enemy country. Sometimes Paul traveled over water through storms and fierce winds. Paul let nothing stop him from doing God's work. Paul was a servant of God and must do God's will. Through preaching and writing, Paul gave a message that brought help and strength to God's church. Paul's message is for us also who live at the close of this earth's history. The message tells of the dangers that will threaten the church. The message tells of false teachings the people of God will have to meet.SRme 1.1407

Paul went from country to country and from city to city preaching Christ and organizing churches. Wherever people would listen, Paul worked to teach men and women what was right. If only a few people believed, Paul still organized them into a church. Paul never forgot the churches he had started. Paul always gave his care and interest to also to small churches.SRme 1.1408

Paul had to do other thing besides preach. Paul worked with his hands to earn his living. Paul organized churches and wrote letters to churches already organized. Paul was a man with many talents, but he said, "This one thing I do" (Phil. 3:13). Paul's one great aim was to be faithful to Christ. Before Paul's conversion, he had spoken insulting words against Christ. Then Paul had done all in his power to make others insult Christ. While Paul was doing this, Christ showed Himself to Paul. From that time the one great purpose of the apostle's life was to serve and honor Christ whose name he had hated. Paul's real desire was to win people to the Saviour. Jews and Gentiles might persecute him, but nothing could turn Paul from serving His Lord.SRme 1.1409