Mon, Jan 19th - 5:18AM

CONTINUE IN THE FAITH

Acts 14:19–22

 One of the words of encouragement I always hear from many old-time Christians and pastors is that in times of trials and failures, we just need to continue in our faith.

 It is very important to understand that we are only travelers in this world. We are just passing through. When we became born-again Christians, we started a spiritual journey. Of course, every journey must come to a certain location or destiny, and for us that is God’s heavenly Kingdom.

 But most people reject this message of hope. No other religion has been assaulted as much since Christianity was founded. Christianity has always been the target of ridicule, persecution, and even crime, just for the sake of stopping us from spreading what we believe is true. So, what should we do then? Paul in our text experienced rejection and suffered for being a follower of Jesus Christ. It is important that we understand this truth: that our faith in God must continue, despite all this hate that we don’t deserve. Let’s examine this text:

 Acts 14:19–22 Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowds to their side. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of town, thinking he was dead. 20 But as the believers gathered around him, he got up and went back into the town. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe. 21 After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, 22 where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.

I. PEOPLE REJECTING OUR MESSAGE

 In verse 19 there were Jews who influenced the people in Lystra to reject Paul’s message. As a result, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of town, assuming he was dead.

 There are people in our lives who will reject us. Some people don’t like us because of who we became. Paul was a respected Jew, but now they don’t like him because he is no longer participating in what they do. He is a changed person now.

 It’s also true for us — the devil hates us. He even influences people to hate us, to avoid us because now you hate and avoid their evil ways. When we were missionaries in Cambodia, I heard some testimonies of Cambodian Christians, they said that in the past they were persecuted by stoning and dragging them out of their village, because they no longer participate in burning incense or offering food to their ancestors. This kind of assault never rescinded. People will reject us because of who we became. They don’t like the new you. They will only want you or accept you if you deny Jesus and join their sinful way of life.

 There are also people in our lives who like us personally but reject our message. Most of the time, they are those in our family and friends. They will want you or accept you to be with them in every good thing in life, like family celebrations, sports and games, during holidays, vacations, and travel. But when you begin to talk about Jesus, they will slowly slip away, feel uncomfortable, begin to make excuses, and some will right away reject your message about Jesus and your testimony.

 But in our story, despite all these, Paul continued in his faith in God. He remained focused on what he must do. In verse 20 it says: But as the disciples stood around [Paul’s apparently lifeless body], he [surprisingly] stood up [fully restored to health] and entered the town. On the following day he went with Barnabas to Derbe. Paul stood up and went to another place to preach again. He believes that although there are people who will reject him and his message, yet still there are people who will gladly receive him and his message.

 Truth is, we may stumble and fall sometimes, but it’s not the end. We stand up and continue to do the will of God even though people reject us, don’t understand us, and even harm us.

II. WE MUST CONTINUE IN THE FAITH

 Everyone was surprised when Paul got up and went inside the city, and then the following morning went to another city and called people to become followers of Jesus. And then along the way, as he went back to Antioch, this is what he did and said: Acts 14:22 They strengthened the hearts of the disciples, urging them to continue [to believe and practice] the faith.

 Here we notice that to continue in the faith means to believe and practice what you say you believe. This is necessary in bringing people to Jesus. Most people will not come to Jesus not because of what we say but because they don’t see us practicing what we believe. This is the real meaning of being a disciple of Jesus: to be an example of obedience and surrender to our Lord Jesus.

 Learning and doing what you believe will help you finish the journey of faith. Remember, we have a race that we need to finish. Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

 This is what Paul is doing here: there are things we have to learn and apply in our own lives. And those life lessons we learned sometimes are the result of hardships and persecutions. There are people in our lives whose main goal is to stop us from serving God. They’ll throw us a lot of stones of accusations and lies. They’ll drag us into conflicts, so we will be put into embarrassment and get frustrated in the long run. And yet we learn to entrust everything to God. We learn to be patient, to become humble, and to forgive those who violate us. But the question is, despite all these — will you still stand on what you believe? Will you still hear the voice of God, or will you slowly drift away from the will of God in your life?

 We also notice that to continue in the faith means to endure trials: Acts 14:22 …and [explaining] that entering God’s [heavenly] kingdom requires enduring many trials. Following Jesus is not for those who have weak hearts. And if you have a weak heart, God can strengthen your heart if you will surrender your life to Him.

 A weak heart cannot survive rejection and trials. A weak heart is a product of pride. You cannot continue in your journey of faith if you have a stubborn, prideful, and rebellious heart. Paul, as a Roman citizen, had all the rights to take revenge, but he did not do it. Instead, he allowed God to lead him, so he continued. The strength of his heart is shown when he got up and moved on.

 I encountered a lot of temptations to stop serving God and give up. Thank God for His grace, but I believe, like Paul, we also need to contend and pursue what we believe even if it’s hard and uncomfortable. I noticed some Christians who allow their situations and unbelieving loved ones to dictate how they must serve the Lord. Pastor, it’s raining, I cannot come to church. I have no money; I cannot come to church. I need to work overtime, I cannot come to outreach. My parents would be angry if I don’t do this; my friends are here in my house, and so on.

 How about it’s time to tell yourself and them: I’m a Christian now, and I have to demonstrate my love and devotion to my Lord — Jesus Christ — by prioritizing Him above all else.

 I heard a preacher say, it doesn’t matter how you started; what’s most important is how you finish.

III. THE KINGDOM OF GOD

 In every journey there must be an end where you will reach the final destination. Clearly Paul encourages the disciples to continue in their faith despite hardships and persecution — so that they may enter the Kingdom of God, their final destination. It means to be saved until we enter the heavenly Kingdom of God. In verse 22 it says, they encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.

 The Kingdom of God that Paul is talking about is our future dwelling place. Our final destination, where we will rule with Jesus. Many Christians don’t understand this. But here’s the reality when we become followers of Jesus:

 First. It’s a lifetime commitment. It means whatever happens, we must endure and overcome those things and people that try to stop us from serving God. Paul said we will suffer MANY hardships. MANY means the weight or the length of hardships. How long must we endure? Until we enter the Kingdom of God. Matthew 24:13 But the person who endures to the end will be saved.

 Secondly. We can lose our salvation if we neglect our relationship with God or go back to our old sinful lifestyle. In Luke 9:62 Jesus said to him, “Whoever starts to plow and looks back is not fit for God’s kingdom.” Meaning entering God’s future Kingdom is guaranteed only for those who continue in the faith.

 So, ultimately our everyday choice is important — life in Jesus forever in His heavenly Kingdom or suffering in hell forever punished by the anger of God? Remember Jesus’ warning: Matthew 7:13–14 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate (narrow gate means enduring hardships and persecutions — not easy). The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

 Paul understands that he must continue in the faith until he dies. He said in 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought well. I have finished the race, and I have been faithful. Like Paul, if we will focus on the Kingdom of God:

 First. Our hearts will grow stronger every day. We can be able to get up like Paul and move on and focus on telling people about Jesus.

 Secondly. One of the marks of a Christian life for those who continue to serve God is the obvious joy in their hearts. I saw this in my mother church: brethren who serve God for more than 30 years. Despite difficulties and persecutions, the joy and passion are still there. We never heard Paul complain in our text despite being beaten so hard, despite being so tired walking from city to city just to share the gospel. In fact, even when he was inside the prison, he encourages believers to rejoice always.

 Lastly, Paul understands that when we enter God’s Kingdom, it is not just being in heaven or being with Jesus; it’s also a place where we will receive rewards because of the things we did and the things we endured while we were here on earth. 2 Timothy 4:7–8 I have fought well. I have finished the race, and I have been faithful. 8 So a crown will be given to me for pleasing the Lord (surely God sees everything we do, in secret or in public. He has a Book of Remembrance. Read in Malachi 3:16). He added: He judges fairly (Praise God! Ultimately, God will vindicate us from all ridicule, accusations, and persecution we experienced in this life, because we have a righteous Judge who judges fairly). Paul said, and on the day of judgment he will give a crown to me and to everyone else who wants him to appear with power.

 One day while I was riding my bicycle in the Philippines, a brother from Australia called me that he is going to send money for Caleb and James’ birthday. Unfortunately, I was biking along the highway, and it will take me one hour to arrive at the city proper so I can receive the money. It was so hot and I was so tired, but I must continue to get that money. And I got it!

 The reward is waiting for us — so, don’t lose heart, continue in the faith, fight well and be faithful until we enter the God’s Heavenly Kingdom.

Mon, Jan 19th - 5:14AM

Entrusting All Our Needs to God

The reason you are confident to use your ATM card because you know you deposited money in your bank account. And having a bank account means entrusting your money to that bank. Entrusting means to put something into someone’s care or protection or assign the responsibility for doing something to someone. This is also true in our relationship with God. We can entrust to God our life and future or we can put God as the one responsible for all our needs.

In this year, do not be afraid to commit all your needs to God. He is our good Father in heaven who genuinely cares for all we need in this life. Jesus said in Matthew 7 verse 7 to 11 ‘’Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. ‘’You parents-if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So, if your sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

Consider with me first, about Our Needs in Life

Our text begins with 3 action words — Ask, Seek and Knock. And these three words have each of them answered — when you ask, you will receive when you seek you will find and when you knock — the door will be opened. These words (ask, seek and knock) tell us that God knows we have needs in life, he knows that we are looking for something we need in this life and He knows that there are areas in our lives that we need to overcome. But one thing we need to do to have all of these, and that is to PRAY. In James 4 verse 2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask.

God understands that nobody can say, “I do not have anything I need in this life.” That’s not true. Since we were born our life is full and surrounded by needs.

This year, God exactly knows what we need. Actually, before we even pray, God knows it already. Listen to the psalmist in Psalms 139 verse 4 (David said) Before a word is on my tongue, you Lord, (you) know it completely.

Now, I don’t mean you can pray or ask God to give you whatever you want. Your wants may make you happy but it doesn’t mean it’s what you really need in life. Think of this: What are the things you want that you can still live or function properly in life even without it? Most of the time we buy things that are not needed. It’s just because we feel we want it even though it’s just a waste of money. But what are the things you really need this year that you cannot live or cannot help you function properly if those things will not be given to you?

Jesus teaches us that whatever we may need this year, God makes it sure that we will receive an answer when we pray to Him. This is one of His promises we can claim as long as we live.

About asking. Perhaps you are asking God to give you money so that you can buy whatever you need in your school, job, family, yourself / perhaps to give you strength and healthy body / perhaps healing when you’re sick / or solution to a particular problem or if not solution perhaps miracle. About seeking. Perhaps you are seeking guidance, wisdom and knowledge for a particular situation and decision making / perhaps you are looking for an answer or looking for purpose and motivation. About knocking. Perhaps you want to overcome a bad habit / perhaps you need to break through the wall of unbelief in Jesus / maybe a wall of confusion and fear that you need to overcome.

Whatever you need or might need this year, Jesus is inviting you to come to Him and tell Him those needs in prayer.

Now, let’s talk about Answering Our Prayers

Jesus did not only encourage us to come to God in Prayer, He also teaches us to have a right attitude when we come to Him. As a child of God or as a follower of Jesus, we should understand that although God cares for us and He desires to help us, but it doesn’t mean that all that we need in life will be given to us automatically or right away.

Notice, how Jesus repeated the same words in verse 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Did you notice the increasing effort and the determination to continue as if God is making hard for us to get our answer?

Well, that is not the case. This year as you begin your journey of getting closer with God, you will soon discover that God has three different answers — like how we also answer people who need us. Actually, every parent knows this: They don’t answer “yes” all the time to their children, sometimes they will say “no” and “wait.” This is also true with God. He loves us so much as His children that sometimes He will say ‘’no’’ or delay His answer for our protection and for our own survival. Our job is to trust God and believe that He knows what’s best for us.

So, why God answers “no” to our prayer? Why He delays His “yes” answer in our prayers? Why God’s answer sometimes not automatic or right away? Let’s go back to ask, seek and knock, because these words tell us three things, so we would understand how God answers our prayers.

1st Faith. Having faith is the number one reason why God answer our prayers. And lack of faith is also the number one reason why God will never answer our prayers. The bible says in Hebrews 11 verse 6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Faith means believing in God even you don’t see Him. It means believing for who He is (His character, His nature) and believing for whatever He say He will do. Jesus said for everyone who asks, seeks and knocks (I’m emphasizing on everyone who).

It tells you that every person who prays to God must come with expectation and belief that God will answer his prayer. For example: a child never comes to his parent doubting if what he is asking for and what he is looking for will not be given to him or if he is knocking, he never doubts that the door will not be opened for him.

Next is Persistence. It’s the attitude of not giving up. Another version says: ‘’Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. If you do not keep on praying it tells a lot of things about your attitude towards God. If you give up easily or prayed for just a few times. It may look like you are not serious and uninterested with what you are praying for. It may look like you are impatient and tired of waiting that you don’t expect anymore.

Thirdly is about the will of God. Remember God knows what’s best for us. Maybe you pray with good intention but if it is not the will of God, it’s better that He will say “no” to your prayer than allow you to put in danger and be out of His will. Or maybe, what you are praying for is not the will of God as of the moment, perhaps you have to wait for more days, months and even years. Like marriage, success, have a lot of money, healing; But why wait? Because God wants to teach you foundational principles that you must learn first, so you would be ready and be wise enough to process and handle your answer.

That’s why you must keep on asking, seeking and knocking. The goal is not to give up in prayer. Believe in God, His track record as a good and faithful God. Make sure that what you are praying for is the will of God and that you are willing to do His will at all cost.

Lastly, let’s talk about Our Good Father in Heaven

Jesus reveals to us who God is. He is a good Father in Heaven to all His children. This is opposite to those who teach and believe that although there is God who created the world but this God went away or disappeared and doesn’t care of His creation, including us.

This teaching is evil and affects many people so badly. This belief creates emptiness in the heart of man. Because when hard times, difficulties and problems come, people’s tendency is to feel lonely and hopeless thinking that nobody cares about them. They feel abandoned and rejected. They begin to think that they are alone in this journey. Unfortunately, to some people, death is their only escape.

Some become so proud of themselves, thinking that whatever they have today is just the result of their hard work and diligence. Their pride led them to do evil things, thinking they are not accountable to anybody even to God. But when they fall, they don’t come to God for help instead they blame God. They either hurt themselves or other people, most of them choose to run away.

But we, God’s children are different. We are cared for by our Father in Heaven. Everyone who believes in Jesus, He gave them the right to become children of God. He said in John 1 verse 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: So, when Jesus says ask, seek and knock, He is talking to the children of God. Those who belong to God as part of His family. Those who have personal relationship with God like father and son.

So, now it becomes easy for us to understand and believe that God really answers prayer; because answered prayer and praying to God in Jesus Name is all about relationship. So, when God answers “no” or when he delays His answer, you understand that God is working even you don’t see it and feel it, because in between your unceasing prayer and receiving your answered prayer is the intimate relationship you have with your Father in Heaven. It’s the very thing that says “no matter what happens, I know I am in good hands and everything that I’m praying for.”

The problem with many is that they only pray when problems arise, when only there’s pressing need at the moment, most of them are pressured to follow tradition or forced by religious mandate. But beneath the surface and superficial is having no personal connection and relationship with God (whatsoever).

God is a good Father, that’s how Jesus described His loving Father. He said for comparison in verse 9 to 11 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? if you then, being evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Nothing compares with God’s goodness to His children. But the point Jesus is making is that even though there are evil parents in the world their children entrusted their whole being to them. Again, it’s because of relationship. Jesus said “how much more your heavenly father gives good things to those who ask, seek and knock.” What a privilege we have! What a great joy! We are forever guaranteed of benevolence and provision of our Heavenly Father.

You will have a lot of things that you need this year. Will you entrust all your needs to God your Father? But for some of us, maybe the question that you must honestly answer first is this: Will you allow God to be your Father?

The good news is, in Jesus Name you can. Repent and believe in Jesus and as He promised He will give you the right to become one of God’s children. I know I did. I allowed God to be my Father. There are so much wonderful things I experienced in the past in my relationship with God that until today I experience those things that are just the result of simple and unceasing prayer; like a child in the arms of his father.

If you are a child of God, I encourage you to ask, seek and knock this year. God is waiting. He is powerful enough and He is more than willing to provide all your needs in this life.