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PLANO—History could have been different.
Acts 16 records Paul’s desire to take the gospel into Asia and Bithynia during his second missionary journey. In both instances, Scripture teaches the Holy Spirit did not allow Paul to make those journeys.
Guided by a vision from the Lord, Paul instead went to Macedonia. While there, he shared the gospel with a woman named Lydia—who became what many scholars believe was the first convert in what is now modern-day Europe.
Believers who follow Paul’s lead by putting God’s plans before their own have an opportunity to change history today, according to Nathan Lorick, executive director of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. Lorick spoke about Paul’s obedience and selflessness during the keynote address at the SBTC’s annual Equip Conference held Saturday, July 27, at Prestonwood Baptist Church.
“God can take any of us in this room—who are fully obedient, fully surrendered, and laying down our desires for the kingdom and for His glory—and do things that make us [say], ‘How in the world did that happen?’” Lorick said.
Lorick said SBTC churches can follow Paul’s example and, in doing so, experience the fulfillment of three truths set forth in the Acts 16 passage:
- Obedience puts kingdom needs above personal desires;
- Obedience brings clarity to our own mission; and
- Obedience postures the lives of His followers in a way to be used by Him.
Paul’s obedience paved the way not only for the gospel’s arrival in Europe, but it started a chain of events that influenced the Baptist faith, ignited cooperative missional work, and started a church planting movement that continues today.
It was a timely message for Equip attendees who came from all over Texas to receive leadership training in a wide variety of ministry areas. This year’s conference offered more than 200 breakout sessions taught by leading ministry practitioners. It also included a Spanish track that included a keynote address delivered by Lázaro Riesgo, director of Spanish ministries at Sagemont Church in Houston.
“Our heart’s desire [as a convention] is that you are encouraged, equipped, and edified,” Lorick said, “but really deep down, our heart is that you will take back a heart of radical obedience to the Lord, fully surrendered, and say to Him … ‘God, whatever it is, would you allow me to exhaust my life so that your glory may be my reward?’”
