"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)
Sunday, July 07, 2024 - Day 189 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Job 35-37; Acts 14)
PERSECUTED YET FAITHFUL
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. Others, especially in our country, find themselves the victims of the cancel culture crowd who refuse to allow opinions other than their own to be aired. However you can be at peace, fellow followers of Christ, you are on THE right track.
“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.
“See” you at the Communion rail this morning!
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.
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