July 2nd, 2025
WE ENTER THE KINGDOM THROUGH MANY TRIBULATIONS.
Believers in Christ Jesus were never promised an easy life. The God we serve does not and cannot lie. Each of us, from the Garden of Eden, till Jesus will come back, have the freedom to choose our path in life and in life hereafter. And for this reason, the scriptures is also very clear of what awaits us depending on the path chosen. One of the most profound statements in the Bible is the assurance that whatever we encounter on the path to follow Jesus, we will never journey alone. "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deu.31.8.NIV) ".....and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Mat.28.20.NIV) BUT
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, FOR IN THE SAME WAY THEY PERSECUTED THE PROPHETS WHO WERE BEFORE YOU." (Mat.5.11-12.NIV) This verse was the highlight of Paul's ministry. Otherwise why will he return to the cities he was stoned and left for dead?
"........Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said." (Act.14.21-22.NIV)
At Iconium, there was the attempt to abuse and stone Paul and Barbara's. When they heard about it, they fled to Lystra and Derbe.
In Lystra, they had problem when they could scarcely restrain the multitude from turning them to gods (Acts 14:18), It was here that Jews from Antioch and Iconium, incited the people and which led to the stoning of Paul who was left for dead. He survived and they fled to Derbe.
Surprisingly and instead of avoiding the hostile cities, they returned to all those cities knowing the possible danger that awaits them. They did not see danger, they saw the need to strengthen the brethren they had won for Christ. Are we as matured and very clear of our mission? Are we willing to risk all, even our lives for the Gospel sake? This is our reality.
THE WORD: "They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death." (Rev.12.11.NIV)
KBA Tracts
Follow KBA Tracts on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/19kNSm3rt7/
www.kbatracts.com.ng
.jpeg)
0 Comments