Fear is a liar - Follow God's lead = Acts. 14:21-25

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Fear is a mighty thing.  The difference between a hero and a coward, many times, is fear.  A hero believes it has to be done at any cost, whereas a coward will back off if it is too difficult and let someone else do it.

   Yes, there is a difference between being a hero and knowing your capabilities.  But so often the coward is looking for another way out.  Well, you cannot be a coward to live and work in God's army.  You have to move fear out of the way. Listen to the words of this song Fear is a Liar by Zack Williams.  Skip the ad and listen to the words, watch the video.

   Acts 14: 21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

  Now, they preached, taught, and returned to where Paul and Barnabas had been received with open arms by some, yet run out of town by the descending Jews who viewed them as a threat.  Even stoned as Paul was in Lystra.  Did fear hold them back?  Many would have said let us travel another way and avoid these cities.  Paul and Barnabas had new converts in these cities they visited and needed to help reinforce their beliefs, encouraging them to continue in "The Way", the belief in Jesus Christ as the Messiah and saviour.

22 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.  

  This is the "follow up work" we all must do to encourage, restore, and push our brothers to remain in the faith.  They are now spiritual beings who will fight opposition yet we know the end result is the kingdom of God. Hallelujah!  

  P & B ordained elders, strong faith keepers, prayed and fasted and gave them over to the LORD.  How oft should we pray and fast about the many trials and tribulations we have in our life.  Yet, we are so blessed!  We do not experience the persecution as did the disciples; yes, we are persecuted in America for being Christians and we do need to fight back; however, our persecution is nothing like the disciples had or our brothers and sisters experience today in the third world countries and the anti-Christian countries.  Look at what Paul and Barnabas did:  23 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.

24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:

  These men were ruthless for Jesus Christ and went forth with boldness.  Can you say you stand up and go forth boldly for Jesus Christ?  Below is a map of their journey. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny