Podcasts about Derbe

In Acts 14:19- 22, Paul is stoned in the city of Lystra. Those stoning him thought he was dead; they dragged him outside the city, but the disciples gathered around Paul and he got up and he and Barnabas left for the town of Derbe.   It's easy to look at this story and in a human sense say, "Well, that didn't turn out well," when actually some amazing things went on there in Lystra.   In Galatians 6:17 we read Paul talking about this event saying, "from now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus." The leftover marks from the stoning. And 2 Corinthians 11:25 Paul tells us "…once I was pelted with stones."   Yet inspite of that horrible event -  3 lives were changed (2 Timothy 1:5) - 3 people were converted to faith in Christ in the city of Lystra: A grandmother - Lois A mother  - Eunice A teenager - Timothy  After being stoned, believe it our not, Paul goes back to Lystra to see Timothy. Acts 16:1-2 tells us that Paul takes Timothy as his son in the faith and Timothy accompanies Paul in the following missionary journeys. Timothy becomes one of Paul's dearest friends and trusted co-workers. This all happened in a city where everything looked like it had gone wrong.   What we learn: A profound lesson: often times in those places where we feel things have not worked out well, God is working behind the scenes to do things that are absolutely amazing. From these verses we get to see what happened in the spiritual realm at the stoning at Lystra that day.  God was moving mightily, even though with human eyes it didn't look good. It was! God was working!   As we face challenges and difficulties today, we need to be strong and courageous and take heart, because just as the Hebrew Scriptures say: "The Lord our God is with us!"     Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.   View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class   For the full list of videos in this series, Dig Deeper, https://www.awakeusnow.com/dig-deeper   For more check out our Sunday series, God ACTS! https://www.awakeusnow.com/god-acts-then-now   Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service   Or watch from our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@AwakeUsNow/videos    Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Minimum Requirement Christian Or A Maximum Committed Christ Follower; Which Are You? Acts 16:1-5 1Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek. 2The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. 3Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. 5So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.

Acts 14 is a lesson in church planting. It is a lesson on how God's people are called to call others into a relationship with Jesus, and to build congregations in homes, in unusual places, underground in some parts of the world, wherever the Spirit of God is moving.    God gives to His people strength, guidance, direction and power to carry out the mission Jesus has given us in making disciples of the nations.   The story pics up in Acts 14:1 in Iconium and there Paul and Barnabas teach both Jews and Greeks the Good News of Jesus and many came to faith. But a group of Jews who refused to believe in Jesus stirred up opposition. Paul and Barnabas however, were not intimidated and continued to preach and perform signs and wonders. Then there began a plot to stone them, so they fled and head to Lystra where they see a man that was lame.   As Paul spoke the Good News of Christ, he saw the man had the faith to be healed and Paul tells the man to "stand up and walk." Following this miracle the crowds, in their own language, spoke of Paul and Barnabas being gods; Zeus and Hermes. As Paul and Barnabas figure out what is being said and see people wanting to offer sacrifices to them, they tear their clothes and tell them they are human just like them and refuse to receive anything from the crowd. They tell them they are bringing them the Good News of a Living God.    As the story continues Paul is being stoned, the angry leaders of the church and others, left him outside the town as dead, but the disciples gather around Paul and then he gets up and heads to Derbe where he and Barnabas again won a large number of disciples for Christ. (See 2 Timothy 3:10-11)    But then, Paul and Barnabas return to those cities where they had been persecuted and they encourage the disciples to remain true to the faith. They tell them that as believers we must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.   Salvation is free but living the christian life is hard.   THEN + NOW - Spreading the Kingdom - church planting When we are around people who have a confused notion of what is real and what is true we are to do as Paul did: Bring them the Good News of Jesus - tell them Jesus' story. One God - tell them there is One god, not many like they had Creator - that the One God is Creator of all Good - That God is good Strengthen one another - We are to be grounded in the Word of God, the word of truth, and to take the narrow road.  The word gives direction and understanding, and exposes what is false, evil and deadly. Encourage believers - we are to encourage believers going through tragedy and loss, reminding them of God's promises, building them up in confidence and hope in Christ. Commissioning - As believers we are commissioned. Our purpose is to reach the world for Christ. We are called to being committed to carrying out the commission of Jesus. We are not called to be comfortable, we are called to be comforters. We are not called to be contented with the status quo, we are called to be committed to carrying out the commission of Jesus. This is needed in every age, every generation and in every land.     Pastor shares a personal family story…   Pastor concludes with: How dangerous it is to embrace religion without embracing Christ.  It's a danger to be comfortable with the status quo rather than to have hearts that grieve for those who don't yet know the Lord.  How dangerous it is to simply want to maintain what we have rather than follow what Jesus has commanded us to do to winning the world to faith in Him.   We are to answer the Lord's call, "Send me! Send me!"     This week's READING ASSIGNMENT: Acts chapter 14-15.      Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.   Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/god-acts-then-now   Or watch from our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@AwakeUsNow/videos   Join us Sundays live or on demand from our website  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

Always Give Glory To God And Point To Him For Others To See Acts 14:14-20 14But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: 15“Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them. 16In the past, he let all nations go their own way. 17Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” 18Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them. 19Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. 20But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.

Have you ever wondered if your faith could survive real opposition — or if good news is only “good” until it costs you something? In this message from Acts 14, we follow Paul and Barnabas as they carry the gospel into three cities — Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe — and discover that the good news […]

This lesson traces the first missionary journey of Barnabas and Paul, highlighting their ministry in Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. The preacher emphasizes the recurring pattern of revival among believers and violent opposition from unbelievers, illustrating how the gospel divides communities. A key focus is the recognition of Barnabas as a primary leader, evidenced by his being called Jupiter in Lystra, which underscores his significant role alongside Paul. The narrative concludes with their return to Antioch to report God's works and establish elders, followed by the Jerusalem Council's defense of salvation by grace alone. The sermon encourages believers to contend earnestly for the faith and share the gospel boldly despite potential conflict.

This lesson traces the first missionary journey of Barnabas and Paul, highlighting their ministry in Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. The preacher emphasizes the recurring pattern of revival among believers and violent opposition from unbelievers, illustrating how the gospel divides communities. A key focus is the recognition of Barnabas as a primary leader, evidenced by his being called Jupiter in Lystra, which underscores his significant role alongside Paul. The narrative concludes with their return to Antioch to report God's works and establish elders, followed by the Jerusalem Council's defense of salvation by grace alone. The sermon encourages believers to contend earnestly for the faith and share the gospel boldly despite potential conflict.

In Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, Paul and Barnabas face intense opposition, even violence. Paul is stoned and left for dead - yet he rises and continues the mission. Seven coordinating blogs begin here: https://lightofchristjourney.com/2026/08/23/the-encouragement-of-genuine-faith/ A video of the story can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/JXBKNgHbZPA

Remember To Share The Good News Of Jesus, Leave The Saving Up To The Holy Spirit Acts 14:1-7 1At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed. 2But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the other Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 3So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders. 4The people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews, others with the apostles. 5There was a plot afoot among both Gentiles and Jews, together with their leaders, to mistreat them and stone them. 6But they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding country, 7where they continued to preach the gospel.

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1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 4 Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. 27 When the seven days were almost completed,…

July 10, 2026Today's Reading: Acts 14:19-15:5Daily Lectionary: Judges 6:1-24; Acts 14:19-15:5“Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. After preaching the Gospel to both Jews and Greeks in Iconium, Paul remained there a while, “speaking boldly in the Lord” (Acts 14:3), before departing for Lystra. However, a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed that Satan shot his flaming darts through the “poison” of the unbelieving Jews. He sowed the seeds of division and violence, stirring up some Gentiles and Jews to stone Paul and Barnabas. Upon learning of this, they fled to Lystra and Derbe. Yet some Jews pursued him, coming from Antioch and Iconium to persuade the crowds to stone Paul. What God said to Ananias concerning Paul came true: “I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name” (Acts 9:16). He is afflicted by such violence, but is he crushed? He is perplexed by unbelief, but is he despairing? He is persecuted, but is he forsaken? He is struck down and even assumed dead (Acts 14:19), but is he destroyed? Not at all—for the very life of Jesus is manifested in his earthly body. The power of Christ rests upon him in his weakness. He shares Christ's suffering and becomes like him in his death. So, after arising and entering the city with the disciples, he journeys onward to Derbe the very next day. He is not crushed but renewed. He is not driven to despair but filled with hope. He is not forsaken but filled with the Spirit. He is not destroyed but strengthened for the work God has called him to do. Each trial becomes an occasion for endurance, for building character, and for rejoicing in the promise of God's eternal glory. After preaching the gospel to Derbe, he again returns to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, “strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). What an encouragement! Elders are appointed for ministry in the church, and the hearts of the faithful are committed to the Lord through prayer and fasting. From Pisidia to Antioch, the Word of God takes root, and a door of faith is opened to the Gentiles (Acts 14:27). In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. My walk is heav'nward all the way; Await, my soul, the morrow, When God's good healing shall allay All suff'ring, sin, and sorrow. Then, worldly pomp, begone! To heav'n I now press on. For all the world I would not stay; My walk is heav'nward all the way. (LSB 716:6)Rev. David Woelmer, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Smithville, Texas. 

Acts 14 reveals that genuine faith is tested and proven through pressure. Paul and Barnabas faced opposition in Iconium, praise in Lystra, suffering on the road to Derbe, and the challenges of discipleship as they revisited new believers. Through every trial, they remained bold, humble, faithful, and focused on Christ. Like gold tested on a touchstone, true faith leaves its mark when rubbed against the hardships of life, because it is anchored in Jesus, who endured the ultimate suffering and secured the ultimate victory.

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There is a lot to unpack in the readings today. Let's get started! St. Paul is traveling in Derbe and Lystra, which is in modern day Turkey. He meets young Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish mother and a Greek father. Timothy's parents must have had a strong influence on their son, because he is highly recommended by the believers of that area. Paul invites Timothy to join him in his travels from city to city proclaiming the love of God for all peoples. Paul and Timothy also spread the decisions reached by the apostles and presbyters in Jerusalem, commonly known as the decrees of the Council of Jerusalem. The Council of Jerusalem basically said the following (Acts 15): that Gentile converts did not need to follow the Mosaic Law of the Jews, specifically circumcision, to be saved. It affirmed that Gentiles - and all believers - receive salvation through God's grace alone.  The Council of Jerusalem also listed four other requirements. Believing Gentiles were to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, sexual immorality, meat from strangled animals, and blood. They were also asked to continue to remember the poor within their churches, something which Paul was happy to comply. Perhaps some explanation is needed about “meat from strangled animals and blood.” Ancient pagan practices of drinking blood and cooking animals in blood was not an accepted practice in the dietary law of the Jews. It might have been a compromise to help make nonbelieving Jews more comfortable in sharing meals with believing Gentiles. The Gospel of John highlights the difference between living in the world and not being of the world. The “world” can desensitize us. When we watch a steady stream of violent programming, for example, we lose something of our basic human compassion for others. When we let ourselves be consumed by sensuality, we can lose basic respect for the other person and everyone's uniqueness in the eyes of God. Believers know their limits. St. James (1:27) puts it this way: “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” James is saying that we must strive to maintain personal holiness by avoiding corrupting influences, selfish values, and the compromising sins of society while still engaging in it. We serve and honor God through our thoughts and actions. As Christians, we must make every effort to turn aside from the capital sins of pride, envy, wrath (anger), sloth, greed, gluttony, and lust. These sins are counteracted by their corresponding virtues: humility, generosity, chastity, meekness, temperance, kindness, and diligence (zeal). Overcoming laziness, for example, is the result of persistent effort and devotion to spiritual and daily duties. We cultivate all of these virtues through prayer and grace, correcting habits through small acts of charity, utilizing the sacraments to strengthen our willpower, and regularly examining our lives to keep these capital sins at bay. It is exciting to follow Paul and Timothy's travels around Asia Minor, but God's invitation to radical conversion and new life is just as alive today. Instead of asking, “What is God calling me to do?,” the better question might be: “Who is God calling me to be?” Easter Blessings,Fr. Kevin MacDonald, C.Ss.R.

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com      #The brotherhood manifesto #TripleCsurvivor      Acts 14 19 Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. 20 However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. 1. Persecution is Real, But God's Purpose is Greater Paul faced brutal opposition—Jews from previous cities followed him, stirred up the crowd, and stoned him, dragging his body outside the city gates thinking he was dead. This shows the cost of bold gospel preaching. Yet Paul's story reminds us that opposition does not equal defeat. God can sustain His servants through physical danger, rejection, and apparent failure. Application: When you face pushback for your faith—at work, in relationships, or in culture—remember Paul. The same God who preserved him is with you. Difficulty doesn't mean you missed God's will; it may confirm you're on the right path. 2. The Strength of Community and the Power of Getting Back Up After the stoning, the disciples gathered around Paul, and “he rose up.” The text doesn't say an angel appeared or a dramatic miracle was described—simply that faithful believers surrounded him, and he got back on his feet. This highlights two powerful truths:   We need each other. Isolation makes recovery harder. God often uses ordinary acts of faithfulness (gathering, praying, encouraging) to bring supernatural strength.   Application: Don't try to endure hardship alone. Surround yourself with disciples of Jesus, and be the kind of person who runs toward the hurting instead of away from them. God specializes in raising up what the world writes off as finished. 3. The Mission Continues—Don't Stay Down The very next day, Paul got up, went back into the city (the same place that tried to kill him), and then traveled on with Barnabas to Derbe. He didn't quit, hide, or take an extended break. His resilience propelled the gospel forward. This is a picture of relentless obedience. The enemy's best shot wasn't enough to stop God's plan. Application: What “stoning” have you experienced—failure, criticism, health issues, betrayal? Paul shows us the next faithful step is often just getting up and taking the next step in obedience. The mission is bigger than our wounds. Keep moving forward. Key Takeaway for the Whole Passage: Faithfulness to Jesus doesn't guarantee safety, but it does guarantee that God can turn even stoning into a stepping stone for greater impact. Like Paul, may we rise up, lean on the community of believers, and keep advancing the gospel no matter the cost.

Acts 14:8-22,8 Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. 9 He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, 10 said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and began walking. 11 And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. 14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, 15 “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. 16 In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” 18 Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them.19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 20 But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. 21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.We conclude our worship gathering here each week with the commissioning, reciting Jesus' words to us in Matthew 28:19-20. He tells us to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all I have commanded you…”The authority given to us from Jesus Christ, to “make disciples” from all the nations, applies to all sorts of tasks: it includes local tasks such as raising children, encouraging a brother or sister in Christ, confronting a friend who is drifting, or explaining the gospel to a Lyft driver. But it also goes beyond our local horizon to tasks like learning a new language to communicate in a different country. When we come to “missions” Sunday, we mean something specific. Missions means that someone is sent, with purpose, for a goal. And the specific goal we understand with that term is, “cross-cultural witness” about Jesus. Why is that?The Great Commission does not allow us to be content with our own home or neighborhood. It requires us to look beyond the horizons of our city, and of our nation or people. God has a special and distinct delight in creating disciples from among all nations.That nudge, that delight, that push to emphasize “all nations” is what we call “missions.” Of all that God calls us to do, one part that requires a reminder and special attention, is to pray for, to send, and to go toward peoples who have not yet heard or accepted the gospel.And in Acts 14 we have an example of the first missionary team to the nations, Paul and Barnabas.This story gives us a picture or model of what it looks like to bring the good news about Jesus to a new place. Whatever situation we face today, we can ask how to respond in ways that reflect what we see from the Apostles. My hope is that this text stimulates us to send cross-cultural witnesses (missionaries). And, I pray that it would confirm some people in this room with the desire to join that work.How does cross-cultural witness glorify God? Cross-cultural witness glorifies (or makes much of) God—through Light, Life, and Love.Light: It shines light into darkness.Life: It brings new groups of people to Jesus.Love: It helps believers walk in a cross-shaped way.1) Light: Light into Darkness (vv. 9-18)How does cross-cultural witness glorify God? It shines light into darkness. This is the main point of the story about Paul and Barnabas's witness in the town of Lystra.The story has three parts: a healing, a misunderstanding, and then light (the explanation).HealingThe Apostles announced the saving power of Jesus through a miracle.Paul says to a lame man, “Stand upright on your feet” (14:10). And the man rises. In fact, the text says that he “sprang up”, and began walking. The people of Lystra were no fools. They must have known this man. They knew he could not walk and had never walked. He was disabled from birth. There was no orthopedic surgery at this time. No Dr. Peter Cole to set those bones, and no physical therapy to train him to walk. And yet, in a moment, the power of Jesus changed everything.We are all familiar with showcased, staged healings. It is difficult for us to contemplate what a real public healing would look like. What would you feel if you were there? Remember, this is someone the townspeople knew. The evidence, for them, was clear as the blue sky. This man couldn't walk, and now he can.And that makes their reaction a bit less surprising.Misunderstanding“And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, ‘The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!'” (v. 11) Paul and Barnabas didn't understand what was said. Notice that the people were speaking in Lycaonian. Paul and Barnabas were undoubtedly speaking Greek, and we think most people would have spoken Greek as well. Cities such as Lystra were founded as Greek cities several hundred years earlier.But this verse tells us that there was a deeper culture, an older culture, an older language still at play. When the people were startled by this obvious miracle, they responded in their native language.Verse 12 explains the confusion,“Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.”It would be a big surprise for you and me to be mistaken as “gods”. I think it was a surprise for Paul and Barnabas as well. The people saw the miracle and concluded this must be a divine visit. They picked the most likely visitors from the Greek pantheon—Zeus, king of the gods, and Hermes, the messenger of the gods. The misunderstanding went even deeper when the priest of Zeus proposed sacrificing an ox to celebrate the visit from these god-like figures. The text says that when Barnabas and Paul “heard of it,” that is, someone had to tell them what was going on…they spoke up and explained the true situation.Think about what Paul and Barnabas were feeling at that moment. “We've been totally misunderstood!” Even after Paul's explanation, Luke records that “even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them” (14:18).So, despite a clear word from Paul, there was misunderstanding.Dear friends, have you ever been misunderstood in your gospel witness? It happens that we try as best we can to make the gospel clear, and yet people around us hear it through their own lens. Perhaps, “Ah, so you are religious and I'm not.” “So you hold a particular political view.” Or, as I experienced with a driver in Vietnam once, “You ask Jesus for good stuff, and I ask Budda for good stuff. We're basically the same.”But I want us to see in this text that misunderstanding has a purpose. It fuels clear gospel witness. Misunderstanding forces us to new and fresh ways of speaking. Misunderstanding is the stuff of cross-cultural witness because it forces us to push through. It forces us to learn a new language, whether a literal language or the vocabulary of a sub-culture we've never experienced—maybe even one in our own city.LightA misunderstood healing gives Paul a chance to speak. And he has a message, a beam of light into darkness. He says in verse 15,“We bring you good news.”What is that good news?What was the great problem regarding god in the ancient world? Because there were so many powers in the universe, so many potential gods, the greatest challenge was to know which god should be worshipped. All the sacrifices in the pagan world were attempts to ask, “Will this help?” “Will that help?” My Vietnamese friend treated Buddha in the same way: He can help me get what I want.That is why Paul says in verse 15, “We bring you good news!” It frees us to learn that there is one God above all. It is freeing to hear that this God has spoken. If I am worried about offending one of the many gods, to hear that there is one God above them all changes things.Remember that the priest of Zeus is waiting there with a sacrificial ox. But Paul doesn't say, “Just like Zeus, the god I proclaim is the king of the gods. He directs the lightning. He shows his power in the sky.”The Living God is not like Zeus. He is not a part of creation, but completely separate from it. As the “living” God, he is life and he gives life. He created all things and so rules over all things.And people need that same word today. Without a belief in the living God, people have no real connection to what is bigger than themselves. A world without a creator has a great emptiness. All our quests to be part of something bigger than ourselves are pointing in that direction. We may settle for building our own little empire, or devoting ourselves to a political cause, or vaguely hoping that “helping people” gets us a bit more meaning, but in quiet moments we know that we are alone in this universe without connection to one who created all things.Dear friends, this is the “light” of the gospel message. The God who made the world, the one whom we cannot avoid, has spoken and acted for us in Jesus.Luke doesn't record the end of Paul's message here, but he does in Acts 17, when Paul visits Athens. There Paul says,“The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead” (Acts 17:30-31).The resurrection of Jesus Christ has announced God's salvation and judgment to the world.Some of you are facing difficult conversations with friends and family about what you believe. You may be uncertain about how to make clear what you mean by faith in Jesus. Paul's witness here reminds us that even in the midst of misunderstanding, the gospel announces real, solid light to every culture and sub-culture, to every sector of society, and to every man and woman. And the work to make that gospel light clear is the glorious work of witness, particularly cross-cultural witness.2) Life: New Followers of JesusCross-cultural witness glorifies God because it results in life: that is, new followers of Jesus.What Does Christian Conversion Look Like? (v. 15)It is to “turn from vain things to a living God” (Acts 14:15). Paul explains this to the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians 1:10, “you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.” Notice the contrast: Vain things, idols, that is, whatever claims to meet our needs. Instead we should turn to the “living God.” “Living God” does not mean simply that “he exists.” Rather, he is life and he gives life. He is not an inert, distant power or force—like gravity. But he is active, alive, and giving life.Psalm 36:9,“For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.” This reminds us why the message is good news.Turning to God is not just doing what we are told: like getting back to your homework after wasting 30 minutes scrolling. It is not like getting serious after throwing around some jokes with friends, or setting yourself a long list of goals to make yourself better. Instead, the New Testament describes conversion as turning from darkness to light. It is stepping away from emptiness and toward fullness. It is to reorder your desires and values so that you look up to the one who is the most valuable and say, “Yes! I have everything I need in You!” Everything else is “vanity,” insufficient, incomplete, temporary, and ultimately unsatisfying. If we have Jesus, then we lack nothing. Our cup is full. And we are satisfied with all that God is for us in Jesus. He is to us, not only Lord and Savior, but also our treasure.Have you turned from vain things to the Living God? Have you given up on empty pursuits (and you know deep down that they are empty) to look toward the God who gives real life? Paul calls the people of Lystra to the most significant moment of their lives. He tells them not to miss out on what God gives. And if you have not yet put your faith in Jesus, then God announces this to you again today: Come to him.And the miracle is that people in Lystra believed.New Disciples and New ChurchesActs 14:21-22,“When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith....”They “made many disciples” and they returned to “strengthen the souls of the disciples.” In the midst of misunderstanding, people believed. When Paul and Barnabas came back to Lystra, perhaps a month or two later, there were “disciples.”This is the great promise of gospel witness. Real lives are changed. Human lives take a new direction. And those believers make churches, churches that often endure. Do you remember Paul's companion, Timothy? Do you know where he is from? Lystra. This very town (Acts 16:1-3).I know Lystra is not on a tour of Bible lands today. That part of Turkey was conquered by Muslims in the Middle Ages, but the church in Lystra survived for at least four hundred years after this event. There is evidence that the bishop of Lystra attended a church council in 451 AD. So, the cross-cultural witness here produced fruit for hundreds of years to come.How does cross-cultural witness glorify God? It brings life and joy that transform the lives of men and women…and then it bears fruit in churches and communities for decades and centuries. So, Cities Church, if a mature member of this church says, “Yes. I want to give my life for that work in a fresh, cross-cultural environment,” will we get behind them? Are we ready to send a member or members of this church to live and witness cross-culturally for the sake of new spiritual life? Might that perhaps be you? 3) Love: Believers Walk in a Cross-shaped Way (vv. 19-20)Cross-cultural witness brought Light (out of darkness and into light), Life (new life that grows in Christ), and then Love (Believers now walk in a cross-shaped way).Acts 14:19-20,“But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 20 But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe.”Can you imagine this scene? As Paul, you are hit in the head with a stone that knocks you out. Next thing you know, you wake up in the dust on a road outside the town.Imagine what that felt like for Barnabas. Here we are, a few months into this journey. We've seen some success, we've seen people come to faith. And even in Lystra it looked hopeful after the misunderstanding. But then, it all comes crashing down in a mob action directed at Paul. How do you respond to that? Luke records this very simply: Paul got up, went into the city, and left the next day with Barnabas. These guys knew what they were about, and they were not surprised.We have been studying John 17, and Jesus makes this perfectly clear:“I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” (John 17:14)“As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” (John 17:18)Paul and Barnabas looked at each other that day and said, “Brother, we are not of this world. But we are sent into the world. The world hates our Savior, and so it hates us as well.”Here is how Paul reflected on that day when he wrote to Timothy several years later, 2 Timothy 3:10-12,“You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…”When Paul thinks through his “persecutions and sufferings”, he goes back to this event. He tells Timothy, you want to know what my life looks like? Remember Lystra. We can call it a cross-shaped life. Just as Jesus told us,“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” (Luke 9:23-24)Do you believe that, dear friends? The life of love is a life poured out for others in serving them and proclaiming the good news about Jesus Christ. And cross-cultural witness among unreached people makes this abundantly clear. C.T. Studd, one of the missionaries to China in 1885 said about his years there: “For five years we never went outside our doors without a volley of curses from our neighbors.” Those who engage in front-line, pioneering cross-cultural witness often face a negative response from people. And yet there is glory in it. Would it not be a glory to display that cross-shaped life as a witness to a people group among whom there are few believers? Would it not be a grace to spend your life working through the frustration of cross-cultural misunderstanding to see new spiritual life spring up? Would it not be worth it to find yourself spent, tired, and poured out for the sake of people who might not hear the gospel clearly any other way? And for every Christian, it may be that you will face a “volley of curses” when you go outside your door. You might even face such a thing today. And that is why Paul's exhortation to the new believers in Lystra applies also to us, Acts 14:22:“strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”Your “many tribulations” might look like anything: this includes both opposition and just plain difficulty. Paul says to you that “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” This is from God and God is with us in it.The TableAnd how do we know that God is with us in difficulty? One way is through the witness of the Lord's Supper.Believers have a life shaped by the cross. Behind our struggles with misunderstanding and opposition is a confidence in Jesus, who suffered and died for us. And so, if you feel inadequate for a difficult situation. If you feel like your knees would buckle when faced with opposition. If you sense that your body and soul are not sufficient for the risk-taking life that we see in Paul and Barnabas here, then God has a word for you here at this table. Jesus Christ endured all for you, and he gives himself to you to be received in faith, just as we take and eat these elements. And if Christ is in you by the power of the Spirit, then all of heaven works for your good.

Acts 20: 1 And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. 2 And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece, 3 And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia. 4 And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. 5 These going before tarried for us at Troas. 6 And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days. 7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. 8 And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. 9 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. 10 And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing himsaid, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. 11 When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. 12 And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

Acts 10: 1 There was a certain man in Cæsarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, 2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. 3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. 4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. 5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: 6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. 7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; 8 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.Acts 11:25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.Acts 12 A jail break!Acts 13: 44 ¶And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.Acts 14: 19 ¶And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. 20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived. . . . — Acts 16:1 In the United States, where I live, it is common for people to have parents and grandparents from different countries or ethnic backgrounds. A neighbor or coworker might have ancestors from India, Africa, and Europe, for example.This wasn't as common in ancient times, and that is why the writer of Acts points out that Timothy had a Jewish mother and a Greek father. In his home community Timothy was unique in that way. Because of that, Timothy may have struggled to find a community in which he truly belonged. Was he Jewish? Was he Greek? Timothy became a believer in Christ, and the community of believers spoke well of him.When Paul and his missionary companions came along, they invited Timothy to come with them. As they discipled Timothy, they likely made clear that his faith, the faith given to him by God and by which he was “in Christ,” made him part of a growing, deeply bonded, and truly beautiful community: the church. Timothy, like them, was a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), part of a growing gathering of new creations.Today, if you meet other Christians, take note that together you are part of that growing gathering. Keep your eyes open for what lies behind the faces, the eyes. You'll be seeing new creations. With you, they are signposts of God's renewal in this world, pointing to his new creation. Lord, help us to see all believers in Jesus as new creations, your handiwork, signposts of glorious things to come. For Jesus' sake, Amen.

Galatians 1:3-5 “Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” – Galatians 1:3–5  CSB Saul/Paul introduced at the martyrdom of Stephen. He's ravaging Jesus' followers, Acts 8:1-3. Jesus appears to Saul/Paul, changing his life direction. Receiving a conversion to faith in Jesus as Savior, Saul/Paul is baptized, commissioned, and begins to preach Jesus' Good News, Acts 9:1-31, 28:12-18. Saul, now Paul, and team are commissioned from Antioch for the expansion of the Jesus movement, Acts 13-14. This includes the region of Galatia, a Roman province. Cities like Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe are in the area. Paul and his ministry team pioneered the Jesus movement and church here.  What do we learn? There is freedom in Jesus' Good News. What should we do? 1.    Read Galatians 1 – 2 this week. 2.    Write at least one truth from it. 3.    Pray, asking God what may be pulling you from this. 4.    Think about the contrast between Jesus' Good News and what may be pulling you from it. 5.    Choose to draw closer to Jesus and withdraw from what may be pulling you away from Jesus' Good News.

Acts 16:1-10 (ESV) 16 Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. 2 He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him […] The post Discerning God's Call (Acts 16:1-10) first appeared on Hope of Christ Church.

Message from Michael Campbell on March 15, 2026

David Keddie continues our FNF series on Acts by teaching from Acts 14 and Paul's sermon to the people of Lystra: Acts 14:8 Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. 9 He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well,[b] 10 said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and began walking. 11 And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. 14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, 15 “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. 16 In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” 18 Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them.19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 20 But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. 21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

Acts says that Paul was stoned in Lystra, but the next day he left for Derbe. Was he really stoned? Let's find out together as we read Acts 14:1-20 and Psalm 146.

Since before the world was created, God has had a master plan to deliver people from evil. He cared for us so much that He was willing to endure pain to redeem us. In Acts 14:20, we read about Jesus and the disciples preaching in a city called Derbe. It says that, “Jesus then was busy strengthening the souls of his disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations, we must enter the kingdom of God.” God wants us to know that the journey we are on ends with a destination, and along the journey, we must be prepared to endure hardship for his sake. His compassion for the whole world is summed in maybe the most famous verse in all Scripture, John 3:16, which says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” And that's it. That's the whole point of living this Christian life. It isn't complicated in terms of understanding, but it can be hard to live out. There are currently 7.4 billion people on the planet, and most have not received Christ. Many have not even heard Him yet, hard as that is to believe. There's still a lot of work to be done. 700 years before Jesus, the prophet Isaiah saw God's throne in a vision. And the Lord said there, “Who can we send? Who will go for us?” Isaiah eagerly said, “Here I am. Send me.” This is the willing heart God is looking for. We live in this world with all its misery and beauty, chaos and harmony. We are to share the Good News of Jesus. And if we do that from a willing heart, God is faithful to use our efforts to advance His kingdom. And that is our purpose. Would you pray with me?Father God, your great plan from the beginning is right on schedule. It's always on schedule. We love you. Nothing, and no one, stops you from accomplishing your will. See us through to the end, Lord, that we can accomplish your will for our lives. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Acts chapter 16, we explore Timothy's background in Derbe and Lystra as the son of a Jewess and a Greek father, his circumcision by Paul to reach the Jews without linking it to salvation, and the principle of sacrificing personal liberty for the gospel's sake as outlined in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. The discussion covers Paul's journey through Phrygia and Galatia, being forbidden by the Holy Ghost to preach in Asia or Bithynia, and receiving a vision to go to Macedonia. In Philippi, it examines Lydia from Thyatira worshiping God and her household's baptism after hearing the gospel, the damsel possessed with a spirit of divination following Paul and Silas before her exorcism, their imprisonment and beating for disrupting profits, the earthquake opening the prison, the jailer's question of what he must do to be saved with the answer to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and their release after Paul asserts Roman citizenship.

Daily Dose of Hope January 5, 2026   Scripture:  Galatians 1   Prayer:  Heavenly Father, We come before you at the beginning of a new year, a new week, and even a new reading plan, and we thank you for all you've done for us.  You are such a good God.  You are a God who provides, protects, cares, loves, saves, sustains, guides, and directs our paths.  As we head into all these "new" things, Lord, we pray that you will lead us also into a new sense of understanding about who you are.  Help us grow, learn, and be open to thinking about our walk with you in new ways.  Challenge us, Lord.  Stretch us.  Get us out of our comfort zone.  All for your glory.  We want to be stronger disciples.  We want to know you better and be bold in our witness.  It's in your name we pray, Amen.   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading.  Today, we are starting our new reading plan, a journey through the letters of Paul.  We will walk through all thirteen of Paul's letters, going in chronological order.  My prayer is that this new reading plan will be a blessing to you and you will learn and grow in your walk with Jesus.   According to the book of Acts, Paul went on three missionary journeys.  (Some scholars think he may have taken a fourth to Spain but we don't have a lot of evidence for that.)  What we do know from Scripture is that during those three extensive journeys, Paul established churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), in Macedonia, and Greece.  We also know from the end of Acts that Paul went to Rome to stand before Caesar, and there was a church already established there when he arrived.  Apparently, believers from other other places had already established a Christian community.    But all of these churches were young and had their struggles.  Paul sent pastoral letters to many of the churches in response to specific needs or concerns.  He often gave encouragement but he also gave strong criticism and warning as needed.  Some of Paul's letters helped these congregations work through doctrinal issues, while others address more practical concerns.  These letters were hand-delivered to the churches and read aloud to the congregation.  So, as we read these, keep in mind they were intended to be read to a group of believers.  Sometimes individuals are mentioned but the group as a whole is the audience.  The letter would then be passed along to other churches in the region.    The first letter Paul wrote was to the churches in Galatia, what we call the book of Galatians.  The region of Galatia was in central Asia Minor and included several cities to which Paul evangelized during his first missionary journey, including Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe. Most scholars believer that Paul penned this letter around AD 48 or 49.   What was going on with the Galatians?  Why was the letter necessary?    Since Paul had established the various congregations in Galatia, the churches had been plagued by false teachers. These false teachers were Jewish Christians who fiercely rejected the Gospel that Paul preached, that people are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Rather, these Jewish Christians were saying that to be saved, people must also be circumcised and follow the whole law of Moses. Besides rejecting the Gospel, they also attacked Paul's credibility. Throughout the letter, we will see Paul continually going back to these two themes-his credibility and apostleship AND the gift of grace offered by the Good News of Jesus.    In this first chapter, Paul is clear that anything less than the true Gospel is not the Gospel at all. Those who teach that something other than faith is needed for salvation are twisting the Good News and Paul expresses shock that the Galatians would be so quick to believe this false teaching.  He tells them that the Gospel he teaches is not from humans but from the risen Lord himself.  He provides support to this by sharing his own conversion story from strict Judaism to belief in Jesus Christ and what God had affirmed to him through this miracle.    Salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone is the core teaching of our faith. Are there times in which we try to twist this doctrine? Do we add or subtract from it?  How often have we been around "good churchgoing people" who think that salvation comes from simply being a good person?  Or, people think that in order to receive salvation, they need Jesus and good works?  It can be subtle.  We have to really dig deep here.  What do you believe about salvation?  Do you, deep down, believe that you are saved by Jesus Christ ALONE – by his saving work on the cross and nothing else?  Or, have you tried to add or subtract from this?   Take some time today and really pray on this.  It's crucial, my friends.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

A miracle, a mob, and a decision to go back—this journey through Acts 14 shows why real gospel impact depends on more than first encounters. We follow Paul and Barnabas from Lystra to Derbe and back again as they strengthen new believers, appoint elders, and teach a countercultural truth few want to hear at first: through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. Far from despair, that line becomes a roadmap for discipleship, clarifying how Scripture, community, and perseverance shape us into people who look like Jesus in the places it matters most.We talk about equipping as the heart of making disciples, drawing on Ephesians 4's vision for apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to mend what is broken and train believers for works of service. The Greek idea of katartizo—mending nets and setting bones—gives a concrete picture of how the Word heals and straightens what life bends. From there, we challenge the myth of spiritual neutrality: stop feeding on the Word and prayer, and you don't just stall—you slide backward. Hebrews 5 and 2 Timothy remind us that formation requires steady nourishment so that we can teach others, not just sip milk forever.We also face the tension between a culture that treats happiness as life's meaning and a gospel that finds meaning in faithful endurance. Looking at Christ's example—no deceit, no retaliation, entrusting himself to the Father—we explore how suffering becomes both formation and witness. The early church sang in prisons; today, resilient joy and patient love remain a startling apologetic. If transformation is real, it will appear when comfort is absent. Join us as we step into a deeper, sturdier vision of growth: minds renewed by Scripture, hearts strengthened by grace, and lives that steady others in the storm.Video available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5PsykkDEII

Daily Dose of Hope December 10, 2025   Scripture – Acts 14   Prayer: Almighty God, We come before you today, in the middle of our week, with both humility and gratefulness.  You are so powerful, so holy, and so wise.  We need you.  We seek you.  We are desperate to hear a word from you today, Lord.  We also know that we have failed over and over again.  Lord, forgive us for our sins, for the ways we fall short.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, hear our prayers...Jesus, help us stay focused on you and your Word today.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that goes along with the New Hope Church Bible reading plan.  Today, we are working through Acts 14.   Today, we read more about Paul and Barnabas' missionary journeys.  Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe are all in what is now south-central Turkey, just to provide some geographical context.  In Lystra, they were preaching and noticed a man who was disabled since birth, in that he could not walk.  The Scripture says that they could tell he had faith to be healed so they healed him.  And then basically all heck breaks loose!  The locals believe they are gods and want to make sacrifices to them.  Talk about getting the wrong idea.    Think about it.  In these towns, they worshiped the Greek and/or Roman gods.  Their everyday lives were very much intertwined with this kind of god worship.  Want a better crop?  Pray to this god and give him a few sacrifices.  Want to be more fertile?  Pray to this god and offer some sacrifices here and there.  That was their world.  And so it makes sense that when Paul and Barnabas healed, that must mean they are gods.  Of course, Paul and Barnabas were appalled at all of this but it won't be the last time something like this occurs.  The Gospel was freeing, refreshing, but also a totally new concept for many of these people groups.  It takes them time to understand what it means to follow the one true God.   As the chapter closes, we learn that they appoint elders everywhere they go.  The church needs leaders.  They visit the places they have been before and basically check on them.  They commit the leaders to the Lord.  It's amazing to me that God raised up leaders so quickly in these young churches.  These were baby Christians but God knew exactly what they needed.  A church needs structure.  A church needs guidance.  Without it, it would be easy to have total anarchy.  Everyone has a role and a job.  That's how the body of Christ is most effective and fruitful.  Paul is setting up a model that he knows works well.    What attributes make for a solid, fruitful, effective Christian leader?  Who do you know that leads well in the church and who do you know who doesn't lead well.  I often say we learn just as much from those who lead poorly as those who lead well.  What have you learned from the Christian leaders you have served under?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

As we continue to follow the missions of Paul and Barnabas, Fr. Mike highlights the fickle nature of humanity and the futility of striving for the praise of men. He also encourages us to remain courageous in the tribulations we face, finding strength in other believers, and running toward the eternal and imperishable goal of salvation. Today's readings are Acts 14, 1 Corinthians 9-10, and Proverbs 28:7-9. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Have you ever had your winning plan all together only to have the Holy Spirit put a jimmy wrench in it? In today's lesson, "From Derbe to Philippi", we'll take a look at Paul& Silas' journey and how the Holy Spirit re-directed them because the was some people on the other side waiting for them.

Acts 20:1-12   After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia. 2 When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece. 3 There he spent three months, and when a plot was made against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. 4 Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. 5 These went on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas, 6 but we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days we came to them at Troas, where we stayed for seven days. 7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. 9 And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. 10 But Paul went down and bent over him, and taking him in his arms, said, "Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him." 11 And when Paul had gone up and had broken bread and eaten, he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed. 12 And they took the youth away alive, and were not a little comforted.   Key Words: Encourage, Sabbath, Bread, Speech, Dead, Alive, Comfort Keystone Verse: And when Paul had gone up and had broken bread and eaten, he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed. And they took the youth away alive, and were not a little comforted. (Acts 20:11-12)   Download Bulletin

After leaving Antioch following the persecution from the Jews Paul and Barnabas come to Iconium and enter the synagogue and begin preaching. Chapter 14 of Acts tells of the unbelieving Jews who stir up the peace of the city, whose people then make an attempt to stone the two Apostles. Their response is to flee to the nearby cities of Lystra and Derbe in Lycaonia (which means "wolf country") in the wild north of Turkey. Verse 10 says that the Apostles cure a crippled man. The unsophisticated heathen now decide that Paul and Barnabas are gods clothed as men. These citizens think that Barnabas is Zeus, the chief god; and Paul is Hermes, the messenger of Zeus. Paul and Barnabas quickly tear their own clothes trying to convince the pagan priests that the Apostles are men like themselves. Paul and Barnabas teach the people of Lystra from the Word of God. The first quotation used was from Jeremiah 10verses12 - one should read the entire context where "Yahweh the Living God" is contrasted with the idols of the nations. Next the population of Lystra turn on Paul, who continues to be persecuted by the Jews who came from Iconium. They stone Paul and drag him out of the city thinking that he was dead. Paul writes on this in 2nd Timothy 3; and I believe he also alludes to it in 2 Corinthians 1verses8-10 (which seems to imply that he was in fact resurrected at that time). Did Paul avoid these vicious foes? No! He stands again and walks back into Lystra - what a witness this is to the power of God. The next day the Apostles continue to travel to Derbe. These cities are part of Galatia - the Apostle Paul would later write a letter to the Galatians. Shortly after the events we have read, Paul and Barnabas revisit those believers and tell them (14verses22) that, "it would be with great pressures on believers that God would bring them into His kingdom". Paul's personal example strongly bore witness to that. The Apostles make administrative arrangements in the communities of the believers and return to Antioch in Syria from where the first missionary journey had started. There they rejoice with their home ecclesia about what God had accomplished through them. Chapter 15 commences by telling us that the Apostles, Paul and Barnabas, had not been with their home ecclesia for very long before believers from Jerusalem come to Antioch in Syria seeking to enforce Jewish customs on these newly baptised converts. A decision is made to resolve the matter by way of a conference in Jerusalem- the year is 44AD. Verse 5 speaks of the matters which are of prime concern to the converts from the Pharisees i.e. keeping the laws of Moses. Peter commences the discussion by explaining how by the conversion of Cornelius God had indicated that these matters were not necessary. What mattered was what they believed. Further the keeping of law was a yoke of bondage which the Jews themselves were not able to keep. Paul and Barnabas speak next and describe how the miracles and signs God did through those Apostles was evidence of God's acceptance of Gentiles, who He would save by His grace. James, the Lord's half-brother, who had acted as Chairman of the Conference, summarises the outcomes in verses 13-21. He adds many supporting Scriptures in his summary. The Council (Conference) writes a letter, the contents of which we are told in verses 22-35; only four binding essentials were to be required of Gentile believers and these were mostly moral behaviours and an attempt not to offend Jewish believers. Two representatives from Jerusalem (Judas and Silas) are chosen to accompany Paul and Barnabas with the circular letter to Gentile converts which was to begin its journey at Antioch. The chapter concludes with a sad rift between Barnabas and Paul over the matter of whether Barnabas' nephew John Mark should accompany them in this task. The result is that Barnabas takes Mark with him and goes to Cyprus, while Paul travels with Silas throughout Syria and Cilicia.

How to Go to Church Video Galatians Summary Thanks to everyone who supports TMBH at patreon.com/thetmbhpodcast You're the reason we can all do this together! Discuss the episode here Music by Jeff Foote

Galatians Summary Thanks to everyone who supports TMBH at patreon.com/thetmbhpodcast You're the reason we can all do this together! Discuss the episode here Music by Jeff Foote

When a violent attempt was made . . . to abuse and stone them, they . . . fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region. And they were preaching the gospel there. [1 hour]

Acts 14:20 TPTWhen the believers encircled Paul's body, he miraculously stood up! Paul stood and immediately went back into the city. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.

Acts 15:36-16:5 36 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” 37 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. 16 Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. 2 He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.   Key Words: Return, Withdrawn, Disagreement, Separated, Commended, Strengthened Keystone Verse: Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. (Acts 15:40) Download Bulletin

Acts 14 14 Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 3 So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 4 But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles. 5 When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them,6 they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country, 7 and there they continued to preach the gospel. 8 Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. 9 He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, 10 said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and began walking. 11 And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds.14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, 15 “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. 16 In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways.17 Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” 18 Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them. 19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 20 But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. 21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch,22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. 24 Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia, 26 and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled.27 And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they remained no little time with the disciples.   Key Words: Preach, Word, Gospel, Believe, Faith, Turn, Mistreat, Tribulation Keystone Verse: When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. (Acts 14:21-22)   Download Bulletin

Send us a textActs 20:1-6After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia. When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece. There he spent three months, and when a plot was made against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. These went on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas, but we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days we came to them at Troas, where we stayed for seven days.Support the show

Acts 20:1-16 English Standard VersionPaul in Macedonia and Greece20 After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia. 2 When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece. 3 There he spent three months, and when a plot was made against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. 4 Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. 5 These went on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas, 6 but we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days we came to them at Troas, where we stayed for seven days.Eutychus Raised from the Dead7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. 9 And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. 10 But Paul went down and bent over him, and taking him in his arms, said, “Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.” 11 And when Paul had gone up and had broken bread and eaten, he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed. 12 And they took the youth away alive, and were not a little comforted.13 But going ahead to the ship, we set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul aboard there, for so he had arranged, intending himself to go by land. 14 And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and went to Mitylene. 15 And sailing from there we came the following day opposite Chios; the next day we touched at Samos; and the day after that we went to Miletus. 16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia, for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.English Standard Version (ESV)The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. 

Send us a textActs 16:1-5Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.Support the show

Send us a textActs 14:19-23But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.Support the show

Send us a textActs 14:1-7Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles. When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country, and there they continued to preach the gospel.Support the show

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comActs 14 Paul and Barnabas continue their missionary journey, preaching the gospel in Iconium, where many people believe. However, opposition arises, forcing them to flee to Lystra and Derbe. In Lystra, Paul heals a man who has been crippled from birth, leading the crowd to mistake them for the Greek gods Zeus and Hermes. Paul and Barnabas tear their clothes and urge the people to worship the living God rather than men. Jewish opponents arrive from Iconium and Antioch, resulting in Paul being stoned and left for dead; however, he survives and continues preaching. They travel back through previous cities, strengthening the disciples, encouraging believers to remain faithful, and reminding them that hardship is a part of entering God's kingdom. They appoint elders in each church and entrust them to the Lord. All glory belongs to God for every good work done in His name. Paul and Barnabas performed miracles that changed lives, drawing praise from the people. However, they emphatically redirected that praise to God, proclaiming that He created all things and that every blessing comes entirely from His graciousness. We too must share God's gifts, bless others, and ensure everyone knows that all good things come from above. The goal is to build local churches with full allegiance to God and His will. This includes praising Him and honoring His design for churches, such as establishing elders in every church.  Great Protector, we praise You for the blessings You bestow upon Your people. We believe You equip us to do good work in any environment, even when opponents of Christ are present. Please grant us wisdom to know how to serve You and others. When people respond positively, instill in us the humility to give all credit and praise to You. We ask for the maturity to not only stand firm but also to become active encouragers of others to do so as well. Use us in Your local churches, establishing them according to Your will and for Your glorification.   Thought Questions: -       The time came when apostles had to move on to teach others. How do you know when it is time to do that with someone in your life? -       Paul went from being called a god to being stoned almost immediately. What does that tell you about the life of a sharer of the gospel? -       Teaching people is more than initial submission to Christ. Why is it important to continue to strengthen and encourage disciples?

As we continue to follow the missions of Paul and Barnabas, Fr. Mike highlights the fickle nature of humanity and the futility of striving for the praise of men. He also encourages us to remain courageous in the tribulations we face, finding strength in other believers, and running toward the eternal and imperishable goal of salvation. Today's readings are Acts 14, 1 Corinthians 9-10, and Proverbs 28:7-9. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.