" 'We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.' So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they [Paul and Barnabas] commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed."
It is intriguing how the Holy Spirit juxtaposes here the fact that be-
lievers will have tribulation in their kingdom journey on earth, with the establishment of the local churches' eldership boards [or sessions]. It's as if God is saying, "Look, it's going to be tough--now here is your community of support."
Life is not easy. Let us not try to live the Christian walk on our own. To do so is a recipe for certain failure. Let us take advantage of God's provision of His church.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Jacob got the blessing in the garment of his elder brother. So, in the garment of Christ, our older brother, we obtain the blessing." --Thomas Watson, in his sermon, "Christ All in All"]
