Friday, April 30
Read Acts 14
Think About It:
- Paul and Barnabas did many miraculous works, one of which is recorded in Acts 14:7-10. Yet, they did not travel as miracle workers. Their focus was always preaching the gospel. Faithfully preaching the gospel to those who hear it and believe it to be true brings about the opportunity for miracles to take place. The crippled man heard Paul preach about Jesus. When he heard about Jesus, his face and manner showed that he believed Jesus could touch his life; he had faith to be healed. He made the important transition from hearing about the work of Jesus to believing that it was for him. Not everyone makes this same transition, but they should. Do you believe in Jesus? Do you believe in His ability to change people’s lives? Do you believe that Jesus can change your life or the life of someone you care about?
- Acts 14:22 tells us that we must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God: This was the message that helped strengthen and exhort the disciples Paul and Barnabas ministered to. This was a simple message, proved in Paul’s personal experience. Paul could preach that message because he had lived that message. This is for many a forgotten message. Today many consider any kind of tribulation completely counter-productive to Christian living, failing to note the significant place suffering has in God’s plan. What about you, do you expect life to be smooth sailing once you have accepted Jesus as your Savior? Have you been through some tests and trials in your walk with the LORD? If so, your story could be the encouragement someone else needs to hear. Are you in the middle of some tribulation right now? Ask God to lead you to someone who has words of encouragement that can help strengthen you.
Family Time:
- What happened to the crippled man in Lystra?
- How did the crowds react to the healing?
- Why did Paul and Barnabas tear their clothing?
- What happened to Paul?
- What miracle did God perform for Paul?
- The Passion Translation of verse 22 reads: “At each place they went, they strengthened the lives of the believersand encouraged them to go deeper in their faith. And they taught them, it is necessary for us to enter into the realm of God’s kingdom, because that’s the only way we will endure our many trials and persecutions.” What do you think this means?
