ACTS 14
"But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren."
"God is good and the road of faith is hard." This was a quote from last week's message that I told everyone would ring true from here on out in our study through the book of Acts. Not only is this true in our study, but even in our reality today. Different time and place, but same truth rings true today. For those that follow Jesus, God will always be good, and the road will be filled with challenges.
For the Jesus followers in Acts, this week's scripture shows that the challenges will follow even if we try and walk away from them. From here on out, we are going to see Paul and his band of believers make many journeys preaching the Gospel to anyone they come in contact with. On their journey, they will experience mixed reactions much like we read last week in chapter 13. Some will be cut to the heart and follow Jesus, and some will become angry and throw stones. This is a pattern we will see almost every week. However, there is something new that we pick up on in chapter 14 that has not yet been experienced before by Paul and others. It seems as if the enemies they are making in one town follow them into the next. The people that either don't believe that Jesus is the son of God or refuse to subscribe to the truth that salvation is for both Jew and Gentile, are so angry that they are traveling with the believers to throw stones!
For believers, we see that it's impossible to outrun the mob or escape the hardship that comes with faith. If we place our faith in Christ and dedicate our life to the mission of the Great Commission, the angry mob will always be waiting on us where we go or traveling with us as we leave. Jesus never hid this truth from His followers. All throughout the scriptures, Jesus is beyond clear about the cost of discipleship. In Matthew 8, Jesus says, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the son of Man has nowhere to lay His head." Not only is the road of faith hard, but it also seems to be everlasting and relentless.
Even though this is a difficult truth to come to grip with, there is a greater truth that follows what Jesus says in Matthew 8. Right after Jesus tells the disciples about the price it takes to follow Him, He shows His power and provisions by calming the storm. I, for one, always believe what comes before and after a verse is essential to the full story we are reading.
For example, yes, Jesus does tell His followers that the road is hard and that the mob will follow you town to town, but He also quickly demonstrates His power over the wind, waves, and even mob.
In Acts 14:22, God's word tells us, "We must go through many tribulations to enter the kingdom of God." This is true, even today, but praise God that we have Jesus in every storm! In Matthew 28, Jesus gives the mission call to His followers. A call to go out and make disciples. As the mission closes, Jesus tells them, "Do not be afraid, as I am always with you."
Stay faithful church.
For the Jesus followers in Acts, this week's scripture shows that the challenges will follow even if we try and walk away from them. From here on out, we are going to see Paul and his band of believers make many journeys preaching the Gospel to anyone they come in contact with. On their journey, they will experience mixed reactions much like we read last week in chapter 13. Some will be cut to the heart and follow Jesus, and some will become angry and throw stones. This is a pattern we will see almost every week. However, there is something new that we pick up on in chapter 14 that has not yet been experienced before by Paul and others. It seems as if the enemies they are making in one town follow them into the next. The people that either don't believe that Jesus is the son of God or refuse to subscribe to the truth that salvation is for both Jew and Gentile, are so angry that they are traveling with the believers to throw stones!
For believers, we see that it's impossible to outrun the mob or escape the hardship that comes with faith. If we place our faith in Christ and dedicate our life to the mission of the Great Commission, the angry mob will always be waiting on us where we go or traveling with us as we leave. Jesus never hid this truth from His followers. All throughout the scriptures, Jesus is beyond clear about the cost of discipleship. In Matthew 8, Jesus says, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the son of Man has nowhere to lay His head." Not only is the road of faith hard, but it also seems to be everlasting and relentless.
Even though this is a difficult truth to come to grip with, there is a greater truth that follows what Jesus says in Matthew 8. Right after Jesus tells the disciples about the price it takes to follow Him, He shows His power and provisions by calming the storm. I, for one, always believe what comes before and after a verse is essential to the full story we are reading.
For example, yes, Jesus does tell His followers that the road is hard and that the mob will follow you town to town, but He also quickly demonstrates His power over the wind, waves, and even mob.
In Acts 14:22, God's word tells us, "We must go through many tribulations to enter the kingdom of God." This is true, even today, but praise God that we have Jesus in every storm! In Matthew 28, Jesus gives the mission call to His followers. A call to go out and make disciples. As the mission closes, Jesus tells them, "Do not be afraid, as I am always with you."
Stay faithful church.
SCRIPTURE TO GO ALONG WITH THE MESSAGE
Read Matthew 8:23-27 as this is when Jesus calmed the wind and the waves. This will be referenced come Sunday morning.
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