Acts Bible Study Chapter 14: This passage recounts the missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas to various cities in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). In Iconium, they face opposition but continue to preach boldly, performing miracles that lead to some conversions. However, a plot to stone them forces them to flee to Lystra and Derbe, where they continue to spread the Gospel.
Winning through service
Paul commands in Phil 1:28, “In nothing be terrified by your adversaries!” I have had to learn this over the years. However extreme the circumstances, I have such a sense of comfort, consolation, joy and peace in Christ. My confidence, my trust is in Him. I’ve been one year in a communist prison, faced cancer twice, had my business stolen from me. But never have I suffered fear! I believe my every extremity was allowed in order to fulfil a greater purpose.
The Lord will answer you!
Held by the love of God
We are held by love, an invisible power that doesn’t let us escape out of the Grace of God! Oh, what a wonderful description of being a ‘prisoner of God’. We are held ‘captive’ to His Love… It so binds us, so holds us… But it’s not only God’s Love for us, but our love for Him! Our love for Him acts as a lock, a guard, to prevent us from getting away! So, you and I, we’re a ‘prisoner’ of the Lord! Not in the sense of pain and suffering, but something full of Glory, full of joy! I follow the Lord because I love Him! I preach the Gospel – because I love Him! I see the miracles – because I love Him! My whole life is governed by love. Love is surely one of the most powerful forces!
The God of exceedingly abundantly
Let the faith of God come into YOU in such a way that YOU can expect MORE! Not less. With God, it’s not a partial fulfilment, it’s ABOVE what we can think! God is not only able to answer your prayers, whatever they are, but whatever you ask for, He is willing to give you MORE! And it is for His GLORY!
Possess all the blessings of God (Secret to 70 years of ministry)
I want you to possess all the blessings of God! The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 1, ‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.’ To most of us, the ‘heavenly places’ are Heaven itself, something future. But what Paul is saying, is that God has blessed us NOW with all spiritual blessings – blessings which we should now be enjoying!