After Paul and Barnabus left Antioch…
they entered into Iconium…
And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. Acts 14:1
So spake they…
that a great multitude were converted!
So spake they…
that their enemies conspired against them…
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. Acts 14:2
So spake they…
that the city was divided…
But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. Acts 14:4
So they continued…
with the boldness and power…
of the Living God!
Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. Acts 14:3
Until, a conspiracy was discovered…
And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them… Acts 14:5
And turned to their advantage…
They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: And there they preached the gospel. Act 14:6-7
And the gospel message spread abroad!
And it came to pass, in Lystra,
they met a desperate soul…
with a GREAT need…
And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked: The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. Acts 14:8-10
Behold! The healing power of the Living God
revealed for all to see!
The people were…
Awestruck. Astonished. Mistaken…
So given to the vanities of idolatry…
And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. Act 14:11-13
Paul and Barnabus scarcely restrained them…
Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them. Acts 14:14-18
In the midst of that…
enemies rose up against them…
and stoned Paul …leaving him for dead.
And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. Acts 14:19
Unwavering, the disciples looked on…
Resolute. Fearless. Valiant.
Paul walked back into the city…
Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. Acts14:20
And continued to preach…
and teach…
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Acts14:21
Determined. Courageous. Steadfast.
The disciples returned and continued …
Confirming. Ministering. Exhorting.
Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. Acts 14:22-23
Effective preaching.
Bountiful harvest.
Intense persecution.
Productive perseverance.
Extraordinary needs.
Incredible miracles.
Valiant disciples.
Thriving church.
AMEN!
May it be so…again!
Well I could use some encouragement, as my church has practically stopped my street evangelism in it's tracks! Or was it the Lord? I am having trouble finding a team here in Fort Myers. Bradenton was lovely, my church got us tents, puppets, bible, almost anything we wanted in order to share the gospel. I'm sitting on a ton of tracks, and bibles, not wanting to go at it alone. Please pray for God to send laborers in our field! Thanks so much. I decided to add my blog the people who stayed with me in my heart. I have some good stories, but another sad one, because I just found her picture by accident, so I needed to tell her story. Her name was Amanda....
ReplyDeletehttp://harvest-team.blogspot.com/2011/12/amanda.html
I'll read your blog now...take care. Till His Nets are Full!