Miracles confirm the message that Paul and Barnabas preached on their mission trip. These signs served as credentials demonstrating they were the servants of the true God. In Iconium, some, both Jew and Gentile, believed the message, and others did not. Miracles can’t produce conviction or faith on their own. The Gospel message must accompany …
The reality of spiritual warfare began in the Garden of Eden and continues to this day. We observe another chapter of this spiritual warfare when Barnabas and Paul were on a mission trip proclaiming the Gospel. Acts 14:5 Then a mob of Gentiles and Jews, along with their leaders, decided to attack and stone them. 6 When …
The encouragement of genuine faith is critical for every believer, especially during difficult seasons of ministry, as we see in the story of Paul and Barnabas. Acts 14:1At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed.[1] This moment …
The disruptive truth was the reality of Saul’s ministry as He proclaimed the Gospel. His transformation was undeniable. Once a fierce opponent of the Gospel, he now boldly proclaimed Jesus as Lord. Acts 9:23 After a while some of the Jews plotted together to kill him. 24 They were watching for him day and night at the …
A transition can occur when God interrupts our direction. Saul thought he was serving God by persecuting the church. Acts 9: 1Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. 2 He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for …
Remember Jesus’s words amid adversity—like a parent’s advice before you venture out into the real world for the first time. When a young adult goes out into the world for the first time, their parents are no longer there, and they have to learn how to depend on the Lord themselves. Unfortunately, not everyone in …
Jesus wanted His disciples to persist despite rejection, so He gave them a heads-up about what was to come. John 16: 2 For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God.[1] There was already a precedent for …
Jesus warns the disciples of the battles to come so they don’t abandon the faith. John 16:1 I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith. [1] The Greek word translated “abandon” here is skandalizo. Its primary meaning is to be offended. Strong’s Lexicon defines it as to cause a person …
Hardening my heart to the miracles of Jesus might seem unlikely, yet this occurred in Bible days and still happens today. In God’s mercy, He reveals Himself through signs and wonders so that people will believe and that believers will have their faith strengthened. How would seeing a miracle or hearing a personal testimony of …
The consequences of rejecting Jesus are eternal and begin in this life as people walk down the broad road of the world. The profound implication for those who reject Jesus explains why He calls people to come to Him in faith. If you have never believed in Him, the Lord is calling you today! It’s …