Podcasts about iconium

Acts 14:19-28 KJV - 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. 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, 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. 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: 26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. 27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. 28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.

When ambition and pressure run high, it's easy to chase after success, recognition, and security—especially when so much feels uncertain. But in these times, we're reminded that true strength isn't always found in pushing forward at all costs. Jesus calls us not just to hustle for the world's rewards, but to pause and ask: What is the cost of winning everything if we lose ourselves in the process? Retreat isn't weakness—it's wisdom. It's a chance to reconnect with our purpose, to stand firm in faith, and to remember that our worth isn't measured by titles or possessions, but by the health of our souls. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================ This Week's Scripture: // Acts 14:8-20 // In Lystra and Derbe In Lystra there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk. When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: “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. In the past, he let all nations go their own way. Yet 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.” Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them. Then 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. But 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.

In this episode, we journey through Acts chapter 14, following Paul and Barnabas as they face rejection and persecution in Antioch. Despite the jealousy of the Jews and opposition from Roman leaders, the apostles remain steadfast, shaking the dust off their feet and pressing on to Iconium—85 miles away—to boldly preach the Gospel. Join us as we explore how their unwavering faith led many Jews and Greeks to believe, even amidst trials, reminding us that true signs of God's grace are seen in steadfastness and transformed lives.

2 Timothy 3:1-16But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. 9 But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.10 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, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

Having departed from Antioch, Paul and Barnabas came to Iconium, another significant town in Galatia. The ministry here was one of the most successful missions that they engaged in, and the results were predictably tumultuous. But in the course of this passage we learn a few things about how gospel proclamation ought to go. How the gospel was preached had a significant impact on the results.

You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 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. Indeed, all who desire to…

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?

Acts 13:44-52 44 The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. 46 And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles,     that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'” 48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.49 And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. 50 But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. 51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Key Words: Jews, Crowds, Boldly, Necessary, Light, Gentiles, Glorifying, Dust Keystone Verse: I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth. (Acts 13:47) Download Bulletin

Grace is offensive. Holiness is offensive. Yet people everywhere are hungry for both. This tension sits at the heart of the missionary journeys of Paul and Barnabas as they navigate the treacherous waters of sharing the gospel in first-century cities.Following their progress through Antioch, Iconium, Lystra and beyond reveals a striking pattern. Initial enthusiasm often erupts into fierce opposition when the exclusive Jewish establishment realizes that God's chosen family is expanding to include "any old, pork-eating, idol-worshipping social reprobate." The message that anyone could come, repent, be baptized and experience transformation threatens those who've built their identity on being spiritually superior.What's remarkable is not just the opposition they face—public denunciation, stoning, plots against their lives—but their extraordinary resilience. They knew when to stay and when to flee, when to endure and when to move on. Their teaching to new believers wasn't false promises of ease but the stark reality that "it is necessary to go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God." This counterintuitive approach strengthened rather than weakened the early church.The episode in Lystra highlights a particularly relevant challenge for modern Christians. When Paul heals a lame man, the crowd mistakes him for Hermes and Barnabas for Zeus, completely missing the true source of the miracle. In our spiritually curious but biblically illiterate world, even supernatural encounters won't automatically point people to Jesus without clear explanation.Following Jesus will make your life better, but not necessarily easier. The spiritual disciplines Paul practiced—solitude, fasting, prayer—build the resilience needed for the journey. In a society increasingly lacking the ability to handle setbacks, these practices prepare us for the inevitable valleys on the path to the kingdom. The gospel still grows most vigorously not in the soil of comfort, but through the faithful perseverance of those willing to count the cost.© Bentley Baptist Church Inc. www.bentleybaptist.org

In today's episode, we explore Paul's exhortation to Timothy to keep the faith in the midst of growing opposition and false teaching. Paul provides a two-fold encouragement: remember the past and remain rooted in the Word of God. Through this passage, we are reminded that faithful Christian living involves following godly examples and standing firm on the unshakable foundation of Scripture. This episode is a challenge to all believers to live lives of conviction, endurance, and biblical fidelity.Main Points Covered:

Wednesday, 21 May 2025   And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. Matthew 10:14   “And who, if not he should receive you nor he should hear your words, departing the house or that city, you out-swing the dust of your feet!” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus continued his instructions about greeting a house when looking to stay with someone in a city. Concerning someone whose peace is not received, Jesus says, “And who, if not he should receive you nor he should hear your words.”   The word dechomai, to receive, is introduced. HELPS Word Studies says, “to receive in a welcoming (receptive) way. ... [The personal element is emphasized ... which accounts for it always being in the Greek middle voice. This stresses the high level of self-involvement (interest) involved with the ‘welcoming-receiving.'”   If the peace spoken to the house is not well-received, it symbolically returns to the one who made the greeting. The apostles' words were heard, their mission was explained, and the one to whom the appeal was made found it unsuitable to the state of their household.   This is essentially what Jesus is speaking of. If this is the case, and their words have been rejected, He next says, “departing the house or that city, you out-swing the dust of your feet!”   The word ektinassó, to out-swing, is first used here. It is derived from ek, out or from, and tinassó, to swing. Thus, it literally signifies to out-swing. Saying “shake off,” as most translations say, is a suitable and understandable translation.   One can imagine them walking out of the house or the city, putting their foot forward, and swinging it back and forth as a symbolic gesture of their displeasure at how things transpired. This is something that is seen by Paul in Acts 13 –   “Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region. 50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 15:48-52   A third new word is also seen in this verse, koniortos, dust. It is derived from koniaó, to whitewash or plaster, and ornumi, to rouse. Thus, one can think of something being pulverized. That leads to the thought of dust, which blows about like something as it is pulverized.   This symbolic gesture is a way of indicating that the very dust of the house or city that they visited was repulsive to them and they wanted to be rid of it, lest they carry a vestige of it with them, reminding them of the dirty treatment they received.   Life application: Concerning the act of shaking off the dust in this verse, the Pulpit Commentary, among other similar commentaries, says –   “Treating it as a heathen place, whose pollution must be shaken off. For the very dust from a heathen land was to be reckoned as polluting, since, as Rashi says on Talm. Bab., ‘Sabb.,' 15b (cf. Lightfoot, 'Hor. Hebr.,' in loc.), ‘It may be doubted, of all the dust of a heathen land, whether it were not from the sepulchre of the dead.'”   Because of this comment from Rashi, Vincent's Word Studies says –   “The very dust of a heathen country was unclean, and it defiled by contact. It was regarded like a grave, or like the putrescence of death. If a spot of heathen dust had touched an offering, it must at once be burnt. More than that, if by mischance any heathen dust had been brought into Palestine, it did not and could not mingle with that of 'the land,' but remained to the end what it had been - unclean, defiled and defiling everything to which it adhered." The apostles, therefore, were not only to leave the house or city which should refuse to receive them, ‘but it was to be considered and treated as if it were heathen, just as in the similar case mentioned in Matthew 18:17. All contact with such must be avoided, all trace of it shaken off' (Edersheim, ‘Jewish Social Life in the Days of Christ').”   There is a problem with this, which is that there is nothing to support the conclusion that this was how Jews felt about the dust of pagan lands. It is illogical and a pointless commentary. First, many Jews lived in the diaspora. Paul was born and raised in Tarsus of Cilicia.   Acts 2 notes that Jews were visiting from all over the empire. Further, Rashi was born in France in 1040 AD, studied in Germany, and then returned to France. Commenting on the filthy nature of pagan lands by someone who was born, raised, and died in them just means that he was an arrogant, close-minded, and racist person who thought he was better than those among whom he lived.   Jesus was making a point about the treatment of the apostles in the land of Israel, not among Gentiles. In Acts 13, Paul was making the same point about Jews in a Gentile nation.   God is not worried about the dust of foreign lands. His concern is about the defiled nature of those who come against the gospel. Be sure not to pass on ridiculous commentaries that are not based on a rational analysis of Scripture or how God deals with humanity.   Rashi, like the Jews in Acts 13, rejected Jesus Christ. Therefore, Rashi, not the dust of the land in which he lived, was defiled and unacceptable to God.   Heavenly Father, the earth is Yours and all its fullness. You are pleased with Your creation, whether in Ome, Japan, or Pueblo Viejo, Ecuador. The things that displease You don't concern the nature of the lands or the clarity of the water. Rather, You are pleased with those who have received Your Son, Jesus. Upon all others, Your wrath remains. Help us to get the word out so that the world will know the glory of Jesus! Amen.  

Iconium Ministry | Acts 14:1-7 | 14 May 2025 - Wednesday Evening | Dr. Brad Weniger, Pastor

Reading IActs 14:21-27After Paul and Barnabas had proclaimed the good newsto that cityand made a considerable number of disciples,they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch.They strengthened the spirits of the disciplesand exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying,“It is necessary for us to undergo many hardshipsto enter the kingdom of God.”They appointed elders for them in each church and,with prayer and fasting, commended them to the Lordin whom they had put their faith.Then they traveled through Pisidia and reached Pamphylia.After proclaiming the word at Perga they went down to Attalia.From there they sailed to Antioch,where they had been commended to the grace of Godfor the work they had now accomplished.And when they arrived, they called the church togetherand reported what God had done with themand how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.Reading IIRevelation 21:1-5aThen I, John, saw a new heaven and a new earth.The former heaven and the former earth had passed away,and the sea was no more.I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem,coming down out of heaven from God,prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,“Behold, God's dwelling is with the human race.He will dwell with them and they will be his peopleand God himself will always be with them as their God.He will wipe every tear from their eyes,and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain,for the old order has passed away.”The One who sat on the throne said,“Behold, I make all things new.”GospelJohn 13:31-33a, 34-35When Judas had left them, Jesus said,“Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.If God is glorified in him,God will also glorify him in himself,and God will glorify him at once.My children, I will be with you only a little while longer.I give you a new commandment: love one another.As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.This is how all will know that you are my disciples,if you have love for one another.”

Where's Your Iconium? 5-18-25 Fr. Filipski

May 18, 2025 Acts 13:44-52 (ESV) 44 The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. 46 And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'” 48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. 50 But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. 51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Join us as we dive into Acts 14 and explore the exciting events in the early Christian church! In this video, we'll discuss the pivotal apostles' journey to Iconium, the miraculous healing of a lame man, and their resulting persecution. We'll also examine the significance of Paul and Barnabas' ministry in Lystra and Derbe, and how the people received their message of salvation. Get ready to gain a deeper understanding of the book of Acts and the spread of Christianity in the 1st century!

Reading 1Acts 13:14, 43-52Paul and Barnabas continued on from Pergaand reached Antioch in Pisidia.On the sabbath they entered the synagogue and took their seats.Many Jews and worshipers who were converts to Judaismfollowed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to themand urged them to remain faithful to the grace of God.On the following sabbath almost the whole city gatheredto hear the word of the Lord.When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousyand with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said.Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said,“It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first,but since you reject itand condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life,we now turn to the Gentiles.For so the Lord has commanded us,I have made you a light to the Gentiles,that you may be an instrument of salvationto the ends of the earth.”The Gentiles were delighted when they heard thisand glorified the word of the Lord.All who were destined for eternal life came to believe,and the word of the Lord continued to spreadthrough the whole region.The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipersand the leading men of the city,stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas,and expelled them from their territory.So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them,and went to Iconium.The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.Reading 2Revelation 7:9, 14b-17I, John, had a vision of a great multitude,which no one could count,from every nation, race, people, and tongue.They stood before the throne and before the Lamb,wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands.Then one of the elders said to me,“These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress;they have washed their robesand made them white in the blood of the Lamb.“For this reason they stand before God's throneand worship him day and night in his temple.The one who sits on the throne will shelter them.They will not hunger or thirst anymore,nor will the sun or any heat strike them.For the Lamb who is in the center of the thronewill shepherd themand lead them to springs of life-giving water,and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”GospelJohn 10:27-30Jesus said:“My sheep hear my voice;I know them, and they follow me.I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.No one can take them out of my hand.My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all,and no one can take them out of the Father's hand.The Father and I are one.”

One of the better known stories in the Bible is when Paul was in Athens and confronted the idol worshippers. He gave a challenging speech on Mars Hill, (modern Bibles translate it as Areopagus) Paul observes how religious (AV ‘superstitious') they are! (Acts 17 v.22).“Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious: for I passed along and observed the objects of your worship.” He seizes on the fact they had even made an altar to the unknown god, in case they had missed one! This is Paul's chance to describe the God they do not know as the one true God, a God that is REAL and not the product of human imagination. Today we have ‘evolution' as a concept of human imagination which is, in a sense, ‘worshipped' by many of the intellectuals of this age.This ‘evolution God' frees its worshippers from any sense of developing a conscience that they need to obey and serve as the ‘being' that created them. At the end of Acts 17 we read how “some mocked” [v.32] Paul's message, especially the teaching that the dead are to be raised. This is comparable to the way you hear some ‘mock' today at belief in the Bible.It occurred to us to wonder why Paul performed no miracle at Athens as this would have challenged the thinking of the people. When the Apostle's started their preaching there had been a dramatic healing in Jerusalem. Miracles occurred again in Cyprus and then at Iconium where “the Lord bore witness … granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands” [14 v.3] and again at Lystra and Philippi. The healings helped convince many, so why not at Athens?We suspect that the people of Athens were so set and confident in their ways of religious thought that they did not deserve to witness a miracle! Is not that comparable to today? But is not the resurrection of the nation of Israel from the dead a miracle!? . It is to those who know the word of God – a wonder that those who knew that word in the 19th Century could anticipate this event, despite the lack of any political indication of this150 years ago. When the miracle of Christ's return overwhelms the world – it will be too late to start believing. Belief in God has its foundations built on a true faith grounded in a real knowledge of His word! How strong is your foundation? 

After leaving Antioch in Pisidia 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 10:12 – 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 in2 Corinthians 1 verse 8-10 (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 (14:22) 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 ie circumcision and the 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 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.

After leaving Antioch in Pisidia 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 10:12 – 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 1 verse 8-10 (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 (14:22) 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 ie circumcision and the 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 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.

To support the ministry of Celebration Church please click here: https://subsplash.com/celebrationchurchtn/giveSubscribe to receive our latest content: https://tr.ee/2b6XuDKlaS...FOLLOW US►► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwmccollum/►► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rwmccollum/►► Twitter: https://twitter.com/rwmccollum#celebrationchurchnashville #online #jesus #celebrationchurch #church #onlinechurch #sermon #nashville....When they (Paul and Barnabas) 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, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God."Acts 14:21-22A thoughtful reading of these 2 verses should make one wonder... “How far have we fallen away from the biblical model of how to encourage the saints?” The modern American church does it by promising people an easy pathway to Paradise. But the Apostles had a different message!"It is necessary to pass through many troubles on our way into the kingdom of God."Acts 14:22 (HCSB)“If you find it easy to be a Christian, you probably aren't one.”Matt WalshWe hope you enjoy this weekend's Bible study, “Blessing and Testing”.

6 April 2025 | This week Pastor Evan concludes the Pastoral Epistles sermon series in 2 Timothy 3:10-4:8 on how we can overcome our sinful nature, persecution and deception by being rooted in sound biblical teaching. 2 Timothy 3:10-4:8 All Scripture Is Breathed Out by God 10 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, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom[a] you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God[b] may be complete, equipped for every good work. Preach the Word 4 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound[c] teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

Acts 16:1-15Timothy Joins Paul and Silas1Paul 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. 2He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. 3Paul 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. 4As 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. 5So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.The Macedonian Call6And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. 8So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. 9And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.The Conversion of Lydia11So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, 12and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days. 13And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. 14One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. 15And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.

Barnabus and Paul are on a missionary journey together, traveling through towns in the Roman empire to tell others the good news of Jesus Christ. They have just left Antioch of Pisidia where they preached Christ in a Jewish synagogue, and while many of the people received them warmly, the Jewish community at large was displeased and expelled them from their district. Today, Barnabus and Paul visit Iconium where the Lord performs signs and wonders through them. When they discover some have plans to stone them, they flee to Lystra. There, a man who is unable stand is healed, and the crowds declare our missionaries to be Greek gods in human form. Jews come from the previous two towns and successfully stone Paul, but escapes death and continues preaching the gospel. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Episode NotesFor Daily Prayers and more become a Member on PatreonVisit our Website for more www.commonprayerdaily.com Daily Office - Friday in the Fifth Week After Epiphany Opening Words:I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth. Isaiah 49:6b Confession:Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God. Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.   Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.   The InvitatoryLord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Alleluia. Psalm 95:1–7The Lord has shown forth his glory: Come let us adore him.Come, let us sing to the Lord; * let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving * and raise a loud shout to him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, * and a great King above all gods.In his hand are the caverns of the earth, * and the heights of the hills are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, * and his hands have molded the dry land.Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, * and kneel before the Lord our Maker. For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. * Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice!The Lord has shown forth his glory: Come let us adore him.  The PsalterPsalm 88OLord, my God, my Savior, *by day and night I cry to you.Let my prayer enter into your presence; *incline your ear to my lamentation.For I am full of trouble; *my life is at the brink of the grave.I am counted among those who go down to the Pit; *I have become like one who has no strength;Lost among the dead, *like the slain who lie in the grave,Whom you remember no more, *for they are cut off from your hand.You have laid me in the depths of the Pit, *in dark places, and in the abyss.Your anger weighs upon me heavily, *and all your great waves overwhelm me.You have put my friends far from me;you have made me to be abhorred by them; *I am in prison and cannot get free.My sight has failed me because of trouble; *Lord, I have called upon you daily;I have stretched out my hands to you.Do you work wonders for the dead? *will those who have died stand up and give you thanks?Will your loving-kindness be declared in the grave? *your faithfulness in the land of destruction?Will your wonders be known in the dark? *or your righteousness in the country where all is forgotten?But as for me, O Lord, I cry to you for help; *in the morning my prayer comes before you.Lord, why have you rejected me? *why have you hidden your face from me?Ever since my youth, I have been wretched and at the point of death; *I have borne your terrors with a troubled mind.Your blazing anger has swept over me; *your terrors have destroyed me;They surround me all day long like a flood; *they encompass me on every side.My friend and my neighbor you have put away from me, *and darkness is my only companion.  Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.  LessonsIsa. 61:1-9The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion-- to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory. They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, foreigners shall till your land and dress your vines; but you shall be called priests of the Lord, you shall be named ministers of our God; you shall enjoy the wealth of the nations, and in their riches you shall glory. Because their shame was double, and dishonor was proclaimed as their lot, therefore they shall possess a double portion; everlasting joy shall be theirs. For I the Lord love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed.The Word of the Lord. Thanks Be To God.  Te Deum laudamusYou are God: we praise you;You are the Lord; we acclaim you;You are the eternal Father:All creation worships you.To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,heaven and earth are full of your glory. The glorious company of apostles praise you.The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;Father, of majesty unbounded,your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide. You, Christ, are the king of glory,the eternal Son of the Father.When you became man to set us freeyou did not shun the Virgin's womb.You overcame the sting of deathand opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.You are seated at God's right hand in glory.We believe that you will come and be our judge.Come then, Lord, and help your people,bought with the price of your own blood,and bring us with your saintsto glory everlasting.  2 Tim. 3:1-17You must understand this, that in the last days distressing times will come. For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, inhuman, implacable, slanderers, profligates, brutes, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to the outward form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid them! For among them are those who make their way into households and captivate silly women, overwhelmed by their sins and swayed by all kinds of desires, who are always being instructed and can never arrive at a knowledge of the truth. As Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these people, of corrupt mind and counterfeit faith, also oppose the truth. But they will not make much progress, because, as in the case of those two men, their folly will become plain to everyone. Now you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and suffering the things that happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. Indeed, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But wicked people and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.The Word of the Lord.Thanks Be To God.  Mark 10:32-45They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, "See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the Gentiles; they will mock him, and spit upon him, and flog him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise again." James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." And he said to them, "What is it you want me to do for you?" And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" They replied, "We are able." Then Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. So Jesus called them and said to them, "You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many."The Word of the Lord. Thanks Be To God.  Benedictus Dominus DeusBlessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *he has come to his people and set them free.He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *born of the house of his servant David.Through his holy prophets he promised of old,that he would save us from our enemies, *from the hands of all who hate us.He promised to show mercy to our fathers *and to remember his holy covenant.This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, *to set us free from the hands of our enemies,Free to worship him without fear, *holy and righteous in his sightall the days of our life.You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, *for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,To give his people knowledge of salvation *by the forgiveness of their sins.In the tender compassion of our God *the dawn from on high shall break upon us,To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, *and to guide our feet into the way of peace.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.  The Apostles CreedI believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.     The PrayersThe Lord be with you.And also with you.Let us pray. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.    Suffrages BV. Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance;R. Govern and uphold them, now and always.V. Day by day we bless you; R. We praise your name for ever.V. Lord, keep us from all sin today; R. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.V. Lord, show us your love and mercy; R. For we put our trust in you.V. In you, Lord, is our hope; R. And we shall never hope in vain.    The CollectsCollect of the DaySet us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.  Daily Collects:A Collect for PeaceO God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A Collect for Grace O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that, guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  Take a moment of silence at this time to reflect and pray for others.  Collect of Saint BasilO Christ God, Who art worshipped and glorified at every place and time; Who art long-suffering, most merciful and compassionate; Who lovest the righteous and art merciful to sinners; Who callest all to salvation with the promise of good things to come: receive, Lord, the prayers we now offer, and direct our lives in the way of Thy commandments. Sanctify our souls, cleanse our bodies, correct our thoughts, purify our minds and deliver us from all affliction, evil and illness. Surround us with Thy holy angels, that guarded and instructed by their forces, we may reach unity of faith and the understanding of Thine unapproachable glory: for blessed art Thou unto ages of ages. Amen.   A Prayer of St. John ChrysostomAlmighty God, you have given us grace at this time, with one accord to make our common supplications to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will grant their requests: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen.     DismissalLet us bless the LordThanks be to God! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen 

Lucas Da Costa delves into Acts 14 vs 1 - 28, following Paul and Barnabas' journey to Iconium and Lystra.    

In this passage we see Paul and Barnabas travelling to 2 different cities: Iconium and Lystra. In Lystra, the crowds witness a miracle and attempt to worship Paul and Barnabas as gods. Paul preaches a gospel message in response.

Hungering for GodJanuary 5, 2025Pastor Ken Ecker 1. Hungering for God involves fasting from the pleasures of life. 1 Timothy 4:1-3 NIV1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.Acts 14:21-23 NIV21 They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. 23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.Daniel 9:3 NIV3 So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.Isaiah 58:6-9a 6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? 8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. 9 Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.” 1.  Hungering for God involves fasting from the pleasures of life.2.  Hungering for God involves feasting on the presence of God. Psalm 81:10 10 I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it. Matthew 6:16-18 16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Jeremiah 14:11-12 11 Then the Lord said to me, “Do not pray for the well-being of this people. 12 Although they fast, I will not listen to their cry; though they offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Instead, I will destroy them with the sword, famine and plague.”1. Hungering for God involves fasting from the pleasures of life.2. Hungering for God involves feasting on the presence of God.3. Hungering for God involves fasting and prayer together.

Thursday, 2 January 2025   Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10   “Your kingdom – it come. Your will – it be done as in heaven, even upon the earth” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus began His words concerning the manner of prayer that is appropriate. He continues that example with “Your kingdom – it come.”   There are various views on what Jesus is referring to here. Several are 1) The spiritual kingdom of God ruling over all people, 2) the literal millennial reign of God in Christ that the Jews expected would come immediately, 3) the Lord ruling over all the nations of the world with them subject to His laws (which is similar in thought to the millennial reign but generally held by those who dismiss a millennial reign with Israel as chief of the nations).   A kingdom implies one is reigning as a king. When Paul speaks of the kingdom, it means that Christ is ruling as King. That is to be taken as an axiom. For example –   “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13, 14   Therefore, it cannot be dismissed that Christ is the King of the church. However, the church is a spiritual entity. This probably does not encompass what Jesus is referring to. He is speaking about the rule of the Father (Your kingdom – it come).   Paul speaks elsewhere of the “appearing of His kingdom” (2 Timothy 4:1) and being preserved for “His heavenly kingdom” (2 Timothy 4:18). Likewise, because of Old Testament prophecies, the Jews anticipated a literal kingdom on the earth from which the Messiah would reign.   In fact, that was the last question His disciples asked Him about in Acts 1:6. Jesus didn't tell them that wasn't coming. Instead, He implied that it was coming, but that they had something else to do in the meantime. The book of Acts then describes that “something else” as the church began to develop. In this process of developing the church, it says –   “And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, ‘We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.'” Acts 14:21,22   And so there is a kingdom now with Christ ruling which we have been conveyed into. There is the literal fulfillment of that kingdom yet ahead for us as well at the rapture. There is a millennial kingdom that also lies ahead. Finally, there is the ultimate fulfillment of the kingdom idea as explained by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15 –   “Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. 27 For ‘He has put all things under His feet.'” But when He says ‘all things are put under Him,' it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. 28 Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.” 1 Corinthians 15:24-28   This ultimately is the future kingdom Paul speaks of elsewhere. We are a part of it now spiritually, but it is realized in stages. At the same time, other kingdom concepts are being worked out, such as the millennium. As this is true, Jesus' words about the Father's kingdom, “it come,” must encompass all of these.   In other words, it is a general statement concerning the ruling authority of God at all times. It is a petition that in whatever dispensation man finds himself, and in whatever aspect of His kingdom we currently exist, we should pray that it be a part of our existence at that moment and into the future. That then actually parallels the next thought, “Your will – it be done.”   It would be unheard of to expect this to be speaking of some unspecified time in the future, such as the coming millennial reign. Rather, it is a right now and forever statement. The church is in the kingdom right now, even if it is a spiritual entity. Those in the church will be a part of a literal kingdom in the future. Israel will be at the head of the nations in an established kingdom in the millennium. And so forth.   In each of these outcroppings of God's redemptive plan, those who are a part of what is going on are to desire God's will to be done “as in heaven, even upon the earth.” Until the final heavenly kingdom spoken of by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15 is fully realized, it should be the prayer of God's people to desire that what is occurring on earth should be as it is in God's heavenly kingdom at all times.   Life application: Jesus' words are to Israel while under the law. It was during the time of the law that the millennial kingdom was promised. Therefore, it cannot be that Jesus' words are speaking only of the church. In fact, the disciples at that time had no idea a church age was coming, as noted in Acts 1:6. They were anticipating a literal kingdom to come right away.   Therefore, Jesus' words must be inclusive of that. But their lack of understanding of the other things God was doing does not negate that those things exist or would come to pass. Therefore, the prayers of God's people are that what God has planned is what should come about, even if we do not have a full understanding of it.   Now that the Bible is complete, we have the fuller picture they lacked, but the truths remain the same. We should pray for the millennial kingdom's coming. We should pray for the literal kingdom for the church to come (rapture ahead... whoo hoo!). We should pray for the ultimate kingdom of God to be realized when “God may be all in all.” As this is so, let us pray about it...   Lord God, we pray that Your kingdom comes. We also pray that Your will be done, on earth just as it is in heaven. We pray that You, as our King, will lead us into Your heavenly kingdom where we can experience what we now can only anticipate. We pray for Israel to open her eyes to Your Messiah, Jesus, so that He can exercise His rightful rule over them as a nation as they lead the nations during the millennium. Lord God, we pray for these things that You may be glorified in Your people. Amen.

Send us a textFor an ad-free version of the podcast plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month and also help keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free  for listeners everywhere at;patreon.com/JeremyMcCandlessSubscribe here to receive my new church history podcast every few weeks at.https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.comI'm so glad you are joining us today. In this episode, we're diving into Acts 14:1-28 with a focus on a timely and important topic: "Don't Get Discouraged." Life is full of challenges, and sometimes we face discouragement in various aspects of our lives. But through the story of Paul and Barnabas, we can find strength and encouragement to persevere. Let's explore how we can stay strong in our faith and find courage even in the toughest times.Episode Notes:Episode Summary: In this episode, we delve into Acts 14, where Paul and Barnabas face significant opposition and challenges during their missionary journey. Despite the trials, they demonstrate remarkable perseverance and faith, offering valuable lessons on dealing with discouragement.Key Points:Facing Discouragement: Life can get difficult, and discouragement can affect all areas of life, including relationships and work. Within the church, discouragement can also creep in. How should we respond?Paul and Barnabas' Journey: During their first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas faced intense opposition, yet they persevered. Their journey through Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe was filled with both triumphs and trials, showing their commitment to their mission.Miracles and Misunderstandings: In Lystra, Paul healed a man crippled from birth, leading the locals to mistakenly worship Paul and Barnabas as gods. Their reaction to this incident teaches us about humility and the importance of directing glory to God.Enduring Through Trials: Despite being stoned and left for dead, Paul continued his mission, demonstrating the power of steadfast faith. His message to new believers was clear: expect trials, but remain steadfast.Encouragement in Hard Times: Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in each church, ensuring support and leadership for the new believers. Their return to Antioch of Syria marked the completion of their journey, where they reported all that God had done.Practical Takeaways:Expect Problems: Challenges are a part of life, and expecting them can help us prepare and respond better.Endure and Minister: Perseverance in the face of adversity is crucial. Use your experiences to minister to others who may face similar challenges.Seek Courage: When discouraged, seek the courage that only faith can provide. Look to examples like Paul, who faced incredible trials yet continued his mission.Trust in God: Rely on God's strength and trust in His plan, even when the path is difficult. Remember, when you get discouraged, you need courage. Let's draw inspiration from Paul and Barnabas and stay committed to our calling.Support the showJeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | PatreonHelp us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

12/08/2024 Hwihu Kang 2 Tim 3:1-17 3 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. 9 But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men. 10 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, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Paul and Timothy: A Legacy of Faithful Discipleship BE FRUITFUL & MULTIPLY SERIES Introduction: * Paul didn't just teach Timothy but was also deeply invested in his growth, modeling discipleship for generations to follow. 1. Choosing Timothy: The Importance of Recognizing Potential Acts 16:1-3 Paul went first to Derbe and then to Lystra, where there was a young disciple named Timothy. His mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a Greek. 2 Timothy was well thought of by the believers[a] in Lystra and Iconium, 3 so Paul wanted him to join them on their journey. In deference to the Jews of the area, he arranged for Timothy to be circumcised before they left, for everyone knew that his father was a Greek. Paul's encounter with Timothy offers a powerful model for discipleship. Despite his young age and multicultural background, Timothy's faithfulness set him apart, showing that dedication to God can transcend cultural boundaries. Paul recognized Timothy's potential and didn't let his youth, family heritage, or background discourage him from pouring into him. This passage challenges us to ask ourselves if we, too, are attentive to those God places around us, especially young believers. It takes intentionality to see others as God sees them, valuing their present character and future impact. With their openness and unbounded imaginations, young people are especially receptive to guidance. Investing in them is more than an act of mentorship—it's planting seeds that will grow and bear fruit for generations. True discipleship means walking alongside others, encouraging them, and nurturing their gifts to carry on the legacy of faith. 2. Equipping and Encouraging: Building Confidence and Spiritual Strength 1 Timothy 4:12 - 12 Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.  2 Timothy 1:5-7 5 I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. 6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. Paul's encouragement to Timothy highlights discipleship's profound impact in empowering others to follow their purpose with confidence and courage. Despite Timothy's youth, which could have been seen as a barrier, Paul urged him to lead boldly and be an example in his words, actions, love, faith, and purity. This instruction emphasizes the value of affirming young believers' potential, showing them that their age does not define their faith. Faith is energized not by age but by one's dedication to God. Paul's words also reveal the importance of impartation in discipleship. When he laid hands on Timothy, he imparted a spiritual gift, symbolizing that we, too, are entrusted with the authority to pass on what God has placed in us. Our gifts are not meant solely for our benefit; they are to be shared and multiplied through those we disciple, enabling us to extend God's influence and power through generations. This impartation and encouragement prepare young believers to stand firm and become carriers of the gifts and purposes God has set before them. As disciples, we are called to nurture and remind young believers of their identity in Christ. Our encouragement helps them focus beyond temporary feelings, grounding them in their God-given identity and purpose. Discipleship offers support and shapes their journey to live fully in their calling, equipped with confidence and clarity in Christ. 3. Multiplying the Message: Entrusting the Gospel to Faithful Disciples 2 Timothy 2:2 2 You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. Paul's instruction to Timothy to invest in “faithful men” who would, in turn, teach others underscores a fundamental principle of discipleship: multiplication. Discipleship is about nurturing personal growth and creating a legacy of faith by equipping others to carry on and expand the mission. The question arises: to whom should we devote most of our time? Paul's guidance is clear—it should be those who are faithful, teachable and committed to passing on what they receive. By focusing on individuals who show both dedication and reliability, we invest in disciples who will actively share and multiply the truths they've learned. This selectivity doesn't mean neglecting others but reflects a strategic approach to maximizing spiritual impact. The goal of discipleship is to produce generations of faithful leaders who will continue to teach, nurture, and expand the gospel's reach. Like Paul, we are called to pour deeply into those ready to take on the responsibility of spiritual multiplication, ensuring that what God has entrusted to us will continue to bear fruit in others. 4. Persevering Together in Faith: A Relationship of Mutual Growth
 2 Timothy 3:10-14 10 But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, patience, love, and endurance. 11 You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. 12 Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. 14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are authentic, for you can trust those who taught you. Those we impact most deeply are the ones who witness not just what we teach but how we live. Faithful followers are drawn to those with a proven patience and resilience track record. Timothy observed all that Paul endured and stood by Paul to the end because of his steadfastness, helping him in his most challenging moments. We can trust these devoted individuals to carry forward our legacy. They take the lessons learned through our words and deeds and pass them on, multiplying the impact for future generations. Call to Action: Look for Timothy's in your life, or if you're like Timothy, seek out a Paul's. I encourage you to step into God's plan for spiritual multiplication by investing in others as Paul did. -- Praise Tabernacle Dr. Joshua Kennedy,  Pastor 2235 Ocean Heights  Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234 pastorjosh@praisetabernacle.com praisetabernacle.church  (609) 927-4560(w),

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.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:1 Timothy 4-5; 2 Thessalonians 1-3 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome, dear ones, to the Daily Radio Bible podcast on this 29th day of November, day 334 in our journey through the scriptures. I'm your host, Hunter, and I'm here to walk with you as we dive into God's Word, letting it guide us closer to the Living Word himself. Today, we'll be exploring passages from 1 Thessalonians chapters 4 and 5, and 2 Timothy chapters 1 through 3. We'll be reminded of our call to live holy lives, the promise of Christ's return, and the importance of steadfastness in our faith journeys. Alongside these powerful scriptures, we'll reflect on avoiding the temptation to check out from our spiritual responsibilities and instead, heed Paul's encouragement to engage actively in God's work. We'll conclude with a time of prayer, offering gratitude and seeking strength for the day ahead. Join me as we kindle the fire of His love in our hearts and navigate the path together. Let's begin. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL Transcript: Hunter: These teachers oppose the truth, just as Janus and Jambres opposed Moses. They have depraved minds and a counterfeit faith, but they won't get away with this for long. Someday, everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Janice and Jambres. But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach and how I live and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. But the Lord rescued me from all of it. Hunter: Yes. And everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know that you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. Hunter: It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. The end is coming. The end is near. That's what these so called teachers were saying. And though it is a true statement that the end is coming and is near, these guys were taking it up a notch. They were false prophets trying to lead God's people astray. They were trying to get them to come in from the fields of God's work and head up on the rooftops. Hunter: In effect, they were saying, abandon your call to the gospel. Come, put your flight suits on because Jesus is about to come and take us out of here. Sell out and check out. That was their false message. Now I've never been tempted to sell everything and put on a flight suit and sit on my rooftop to wait for the Lord to come back. No teacher has bamboozled me enough to go that far. But we can look at history, and we can see that there are those that have. This reference in Thessalonians is perhaps the first time we see this apocalyptic escapism come upon the church, but there is something similar that we can be tempted to. Hunter: We can be tempted to find some kind of spiritual justification for checking out and running away. Paul wants to encourage this church in Thessalonica, and he wants to encourage us. There's a work to do. God has reconciled the world to himself in Christ. He has set us free by his grace, and we have a responsibility to proclaim this message to the world, to come back to God. We have a responsibility. He is calling us not to be idle and check out. He's calling us to engage, to roll up our sleeves, and keep at the work that he's called us to do. Hunter: Paul's trying to shore up these folks. They've been rattled. People have told them that it's time to check out. But Paul is telling them this is the time to move forward. There are lots of ways that we can check out. You can check out with the bottle. You can check out online. You can check out a 100 different ways. Hunter: But Paul says, don't do it. Instead, he says, go forward. Don't grow weary in doing good. Keep your hand to the plow. Keep doing what God has asked you to do. Jesus is coming back, but there is work to do in our lives and in this world. There are men and women and boys and girls waiting to hear, waiting to see, waiting to be set free. Paul's prayer is that our hearts, in the meantime, would be full of understanding of what God has called us to as individuals and as communities of faith. Hunter: He prays that we would be a full expression of the love of God. He prays that the mark that distinguishes us would not be that we checked out, but that we engaged with acts of love and kindness in this world. The Lord is coming back. But until that time, we keep at what God has called us to do, allowing his joy to be our strength. And that's the prayer that I have for my own soul. That's the prayer that I have for my family, for my wife, my daughters, my son. And that's the prayer that I have for you. May it be so.  

"A fellow-countryman and friend of St Basil the Great and other great saints of the fourth century, Amphilochius early forsook the bustle of the world and withdrew to a cave where, as a solitary, he lived in asceticism for forty years. The episcopal throne in Iconium then fell empty, and Amphilochius was chosen in a wonderful way and consecrated as Bishop of Iconium. He was a marvellous shepherd and a great defender of the purity of the Orthodox faith, and took part in the Second Ecumenical Council in 381. He fought zealously against Macedonius, and against the Arians and the Eunomians. He personally begged Theodosius the Great to drive the Arians out of every city in the Empire, but the Emperor did not comply with his request. After a few days, Amphilochius came before the Emperor again. When the bishop was taken into the presence-chamber, the Emperor was sitting on his throne with his son Arcadius, whom he had taken as co-Emperor, sitting at his right hand. Entering the room, Amphilochius did reverence to Theodosius, but ignored Arcadius as though he were not there. Infuriated by this, the Emperor Theodosius commanded that Amphilochius be instantly driven from court. The saint then said to the Emperor: 'Do you see, 0 Emperor, how you do not tolerate a slight paid to your son? In the same way, God the Father does not tolerate dishonour paid to His Son, turning with loathing from those who blaspheme against Him, and being angered at that accursed Arian heresy.' Hearing this, the Emperor understood the reason for Amphilochius's seeming disrespect towards his son, and marvelled at his wisdom and daring. Among many other works, Amphilochius wrote several books on the Faith. He entered into rest in 395 in great old age, and went to immortal life." (Prologue)   Saint Amphilocus was a kinsman of St Gregory the Theologian: his father's sister Nonna (August 5) was St Gregory's mother. Amphilocus himself was a lifelong friend of all three of the great Cappadocian Fathers: Sts Basil, Gregory the Theologian and Gregory of Nyssa.

10 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, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.—2 Timothy 3: 10-13

In this Bible Story, Paul is nearly stoned to death by Jewish Christians who seek to control Gentiles by the law. They are dangerous and controlling. Yet Paul does not let the stones stop him. This story is inspired by Acts 14. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Acts 14:19 from the King James Version.Episode 229: As Paul and Barnabas entered Iconium to preach, both Jews and Gentiles were receptive and restored by the message of love and mercy in Jesus that they brought. But not everyone in the city was happy about this change. Certain men of influence added poison to these teachings and stirred the people against Paul and Barnabas. So they fled to Lystra where they healed a man and were called gods by the men of the city. Just as Paul and Barnabas convinced the crowd that they were mere men, the elders of Antioch came and captured Paul, bringing him out to the city to be stoned. But because of what God did for him, Paul went right back to the city the next day to continue preaching the good news of Jesus.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textStep into the vibrant world of early Christianity with us as we uncover the passionate journeys of Paul and Barnabas during their mission across Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch. Ever wondered how they fortified the faith of early disciples amidst relentless challenges? Discover the strategic and spiritual measures they took, such as appointing elders in every church, to ensure the enduring strength of these fledgling communities. You'll learn how their triumphant return to Antioch set the stage for one of Christianity's most significant milestones—the opening of the door of faith to the Gentiles.Our exploration doesn't stop there. Join us as we navigate through the intense debate that shook the early church: the issue of circumcision. Dive into the heated discussions that took place at the Jerusalem Council and feel the weight of the arguments presented by Peter, Barnabas, and Paul that led to a transformative decision. This episode unpacks the crucial insights of James and highlights a groundbreaking moment in church history, one that fostered unity and inclusivity among believers. Experience a narrative that weaves faith, leadership, and the evolving dynamics of early Christianity into a compelling story that still resonates today.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Acts 14:1-7 - Iconium

Send us a text“In Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together, and spoke in such a manner that a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks. But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brethren. Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be done by their hands. But the people of the city were divided; and some sided with the Jews, and some with the apostles. And when an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and the Jews with their rulers, to mistreat and to stone them, they became aware of it and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding region; and there they continued to preach the gospel. At Lystra a man was sitting who had no strength in his feet, lame from his mother's womb, who had never walked. This man was listening to Paul as he spoke, who, when he had fixed his gaze on him and had seen that he had faith to be made well, said with a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he leaped up and began to walk. When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they raised their voice, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have become like men and have come down to us.” And they began calling Barnabas, Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their robes and rushed out into the crowd, crying out and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men of the same nature as you, and preach the gospel to you 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. In the generations gone by He permitted all the nations to go their own ways; and yet He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good and gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” Even saying these things, with difficulty they restrained the crowds from offering sacrifice to them. But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. But while the disciples stood around him, he got up and entered the city. The next day he went away with Barnabas to Derbe. After 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, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.”‭‭Acts‬ ‭14‬:‭1‬-‭23‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Welcome back to the podcast! Today we're going to spend some time studying Paul's first missionary journey, answering the question: What are the marks of a Biblical missionary?--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Today we're going to spend some time studying Paul's first missionary journey. Tracing his travels through Acts, we can break his travels into three parts:First Missionary Journey (Acts 13-14): Paul, along with Barnabas, traveled through Cyprus and parts of modern-day Turkey, including cities like Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe.Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:36-18:22): This journey began after a disagreement with Barnabas. Paul traveled through regions of Asia Minor and then to Europe, including cities like Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth.Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:23-21:17): Paul revisited many of the places he had previously established churches, such as Galatia and Ephesus, and continued his ministry in Macedonia and Greece.Today we'll answer this question: Q. What Are the Marks of a Biblical Missionary?Today we'll identify Three Marks.First: What is a missionary?Defn: A “sent one” who goes to a different culture to share the good news about Jesus.“Missio” means to be sent. Implication: sent on God's mission. In the case of Paul & Barnabas: sent by the Holy Spirit, but through the local church (13:1-3)Comes from Great Commission:Matthew 28:19 (NLT) 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.Why does this question matter?Not all missionary efforts are biblical!Our church: do these missionaries actually make disciples? Think of it like an investment…Goal: make moneyIf it didn't make money, would you keep investing? At some point, NO!Back to biblical missions:Goal: make disciplesIf it didn't make disciples, would you keep investing?Example: missionaries in SpainLiving like they were retiredNo fruit, no disciple-makingOur church: evaluating our investmentsIndividually, tooSo let's get to the text, the first-ever Christian missionTo discover Three Marks of Biblical MissionariesThree things that were true back thenThey're still true todayMark 1: Biblical missionaries proclaim the gospel. (14:1-7)Easy to forget this and make the focus “doing good” for societySome famous missionaries and their humanitarian impact: John Eliot (1604–1690)Known as the "Apostle to the Indians," Eliot was an English Puritan missionary who focused on converting Native Americans in New England.Eliot advocated for the rights of Native Americans, often opposing

Welcome back to the podcast! Today we're going to spend some time studying Paul's first missionary journey, answering the question: What are the marks of a Biblical missionary?--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Today we're going to spend some time studying Paul's first missionary journey. Tracing his travels through Acts, we can break his travels into three parts:First Missionary Journey (Acts 13-14): Paul, along with Barnabas, traveled through Cyprus and parts of modern-day Turkey, including cities like Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe.Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:36-18:22): This journey began after a disagreement with Barnabas. Paul traveled through regions of Asia Minor and then to Europe, including cities like Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth.Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:23-21:17): Paul revisited many of the places he had previously established churches, such as Galatia and Ephesus, and continued his ministry in Macedonia and Greece.Today we'll answer this question: Q. What Are the Marks of a Biblical Missionary?Today we'll identify Three Marks.First: What is a missionary?Defn: A “sent one” who goes to a different culture to share the good news about Jesus.“Missio” means to be sent. Implication: sent on God's mission. In the case of Paul & Barnabas: sent by the Holy Spirit, but through the local church (13:1-3)Comes from Great Commission:Matthew 28:19 (NLT) 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.Why does this question matter?Not all missionary efforts are biblical!Our church: do these missionaries actually make disciples? Think of it like an investment…Goal: make moneyIf it didn't make money, would you keep investing? At some point, NO!Back to biblical missions:Goal: make disciplesIf it didn't make disciples, would you keep investing?Example: missionaries in SpainLiving like they were retiredNo fruit, no disciple-makingOur church: evaluating our investmentsIndividually, tooSo let's get to the text, the first-ever Christian missionTo discover Three Marks of Biblical MissionariesThree things that were true back thenThey're still true todayMark 1: Biblical missionaries proclaim the gospel. (14:1-7)Easy to forget this and make the focus “doing good” for societySome famous missionaries and their humanitarian impact: John Eliot (1604–1690)Known as the "Apostle to the Indians," Eliot was an English Puritan missionary who focused on converting Native Americans in New England.Eliot advocated for the rights of Native Americans, often opposing

This is number 242 in our series of “Get Biblical Understanding.” In this session we're reading many but certainly not all of the biblical verses that have to do with a Deterrent.Webster's dictionary of 1828 (which many of its definitions are taken from the Scriptures) records the act of deterring as discouraging or stopping by fear; to stop or prevent from proceeding, by danger, difficulty or other consideration which disheartens, or countervails the motive for an act.We are often deterred from our duty by trivial difficulties.MATTHEW 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. MATTHEW 24:45-47 “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. MARK 13:13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. ACTS 5:40-42 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. ACTS 14:21-22 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, 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. ROMANS 2:7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:Thanks for listening and we hope you'll join us again as we search the Scriptures in order to “Get Biblical Understanding.”

I. A multitude believesII. Iconium is dividedIII. A flight from persecution

In chapter 14 of the Book of Acts, we hear how Paul and Barnabas continue their journey to spread the good news of Jesus to the ends of the earth. Their journey took them to the city of Lystra where Paul found himself in a LOT of trouble. His message made some of the leaders there very, very angry. But we will hear how not even angry crowds could stop the spread of the gospel. After you listen, head over to ⁠readkaleidoscope.com⁠ and check out the podcast tab to submit your answers for a chance to win fantastic prizes! So gather around, young explorers, and let's make learning about the early church—an unforgettable adventure packed with fun and rewards! Podcast Questions: When Paul arrived in Iconium, how did the people treat him? Where did Paul flee to? What happened to the man who could not walk? Remember, you can submit your answers here, for a chance to win a prize! And if you would like to submit a joke for the podcast, you can email it to hello@readkaleidoscope.com Recommended Resources ⁠Kaleidoscope + Yoto⁠ ⁠Good News: The Story of Acts Illustrated Book⁠ Follow us: ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠ Thanks to our Sponsor This episode was made possible in part by Lithos Kids. Are you looking for a storybook Bible for your younger kids? Head over to lithoskids.com and use the code KIDSBIBLES to get 15% off your order. AND you can download the Old Testament audiobook free, for a limited time, with the code FREEBIBLE. -- Editing and support by ⁠The Good Podcast Co.

He was born in Iconium during the reign of Aurelian, and knew St Thecla. He was arrested, tortured and condemned to death for his Christian faith. But before his execution was carried out, the cruel Emperor Aurelian died, and Chariton was freed. He travelled to Jerusalem and took up the ascetical life in the Palestinian wilderness. Monks gathered around him, and in the course of his life he established three monastic communities in the Holy Land. He died in peace at a great age. According to the Prologue, the practice of tonsuring monks originated with St Chariton.

I'm so glad you've joined me at the intersection of faith and true crime here at The Unlovely Truth. Does your church or ministry struggle with physical, emotional, or spiritual safety issues? I'm your host, church safety advocate Lori Morrison and I'm so glad you've joined me today. Our churches need to be the safest places in our communities, so our mission on this podcast is to find actionable steps to improve every aspect of safety in our houses of worship and beyond. We will investigate The Unlovely Truth about real crime news stories happening in real churches. I've got new cases to talk about today, so let's dive right in.    Highlights from this episode include:   A podcast sharing stories of survivors from inside a denomination gets shut down More news from troubled megachurch Gateway Houston Finally, a church that got it (mostly) right   Acts 14:1-7 The same thing happened in Iconium. Paul and Barnabas went to the Jewish synagogue and preached with such power that a great number of both Jews and Greeks became believers. Some of the Jews, however, spurned God's message and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against Paul and Barnabas. But the apostles stayed there a long time, preaching boldly about the grace of the Lord. And the Lord proved their message was true by giving them power to do miraculous signs and wonders. But the people of the town were divided in their opinion about them. Some sided with the Jews, and some with the apostles.   Then a mob of Gentiles and Jews, along with their leaders, decided to attack and stone them. When the apostles learned of it, they fled to the region of Lycaonia—to the towns of Lystra and Derbe and the surrounding area. And there they preached the Good News.   Wow. There are so many parallels here to what we've been talking about for the last 6 months or so on the podcast. Let's break this down a little bit at a time and let me talk about where I'm seeing these parallels. So Paul and Barnabas are going in there spreading the good news they're doing what they're supposed to be doing. And they're being very effective. But some people didn't want to hear what they had to say. And that reminds me so much of, in so many churches when someone stands up. To tell the truth. People will try to shut them down.  And it even says, you know, some of the Jews, however, spurned God's message and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against Paul and Barnabas. I know so many of you, if you haven't had this happen to you, you've seen it. Someone brings up an issue. And leadership turns around and makes them the issue. They're the problem.    The whistleblower is the problem, not the problem being the problem. Scripture tells us though that the apostles stayed there a long time. They were bold. And that, because they did that. God proved that their message was true. Now, I don't know if He's going to give any of us miraculous signs and wonders the way he did here, but you never know.   Why wouldn't God give us that same boldness that they had? Why wouldn't he allow us to have the grace of being able to boldly state what we know to be true? And having that make a change. Now, of course, the passage goes on to say that the people in the town were divided.   Some sided with the apostles and some sided with the Jews. Then a mob of Gentiles and Jews along with their leaders, decided to attack and stone them. Not everybody in leadership is doing the right thing and we have to be able to call those people out.    The apostles knew what was going to happen. They found out, and so they fled.  Sometimes we have to leave. When they fled, they still spoke what they knew to be true. And that's what we all have to do, too.   Let me know what you think of this episode! Send me an email a lori@theunlovelytruth.com or message me on social media. I love it when people are willing to have hard, but impactful conversations that strengthen physical, emotional, and spiritual safety   Visit my website to access more episodes. If you would like to contact me about booking me as a speaker, or ask about my consulting services, please email me at lori@theunlovelytruth.com.    Ways you can support the work of The Unlovely Truth:   Share the episode    Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn    Check out my Amazon Author Page to find resources on personal safety, and safety training for churches.    "Wall of Silence" podcast almost silenced - listen to it here   Here we go again with Gateway Church   A church that didn't totally mess up