Bold Reliance

Scott Beyer
01/24/23 - Bulletin

“Therefore, they spent a long time there, speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord…” (Acts 14:3)

Iconium was a divided city – Christianity was viewed with suspicion by at least half the population.  That sort of intense scrutiny would normally lead us to stay somewhere a short time… not a long time.  Why would Paul and Barnabas do the opposite of what common sense says?  The above verse gives us the answer – their boldness was tied to their reliance on the Lord.

When we are doing what God commands us to do (such as speak boldly about Jesus), we can rely on God to provide for and protect us.  We can rely on God because God is reliable.  His commands are trustworthy, and His support for us is dependable as we pursue those commands.  May your bravery this week be connected to the God who supplies you in His service.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Acts 14:1-7

Questions to ask:

1. How does this show the continuation of Jesus’ work now going on in the church?
2. How is the gospel, Paul’s preaching, and/or Paul’s defense received?
3. What is the Holy Spirit doing in this text?
4. What in our reading shows how Paul handled adversity and difficulty?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

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