Acts 14:1-15:35; Psalm 46:1-11; Proverbs 10:24-25
So a bit of a religious conflict has set in - the Jews verses the Christians. But Paul & Barnabas keep on keeping on. They preach the word "boldly and with reliance upon the Lord." (vs. 3) This religious conflict is still waging, for there are many who are blinded to the truth. It is our job as Christians to boldly preach the Word of the Lord with reliance upon Him who sends us. If you truly believe that Jesus Christ is your Lord & Savior, then how can you not tell others about Him?
Notice the tenacity of Paul - he is stoned & dragged out of the city, yet he gets back up & continues preaching. This is a man of great conviction. He truly believes that what he really believes is really true. He has the cure for lives aliments & he's not going to let anything or anyone stop him from telling others. Learn from him, catch his passion!
Now, within the Christian church there was some discord - many thought that to become a Christian, a person had to first become Jewish. Paul & Barnabas disagreed. Notice how they resolved the conflict - they met together to discuss the issue. After thoughtful debate in which they looked to Scripture and at the evidence, they came to the conclusion that God has made a way for EVERYONE to enter into His family. Christianity is not about how good you are, how many rules you follow, or whether you were born into a certain family. Christianity is about faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord & Savior. period. no more.
When you are facing a trial or a difficult decision, do what the disciples did - get together with trustworthy, wise Christians and look at the Scriptures. God has given us everything we need in His book.
Psalm 46 offers good advice in times of trouble - rely on Him, look to Him, cease striving & know that He is in control.
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