Day 188 - Job 35-37 & Acts 14
But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. (Acts 14:19-23 ESV)
What would you do if someone had attempted to kill you? Would you go right back to the activity that led to the attempt? That is exactly what Paul did after he was stoned and left for dead. He continued sharing the Gospel message encouraging believers to remain faithful.
Most of us don’t have to make the kind of choice presented to Paul. However, “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” There are Christians today who are being stoned for their faith. In the face of persecution, they refuse to give up Jesus. The picture shows a Christian worshiping in his church in Allepo after ISIS radicals killed and destroyed. Yet he and his fellow believers know the truth.
“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 ESV)
Thank You, heavenly Father, for protecting Paul so that He could continue to serve You. Please watch over and protect my brothers and sisters in Christ who are facing extreme persecution. And please grant us the courage and trust in You so that all who bear your name can serve You faithfully. ln Your time, grant us all the gift of eternal life with You in heaven. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
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