Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrived and won the crowds over. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing he was dead. When the disciples surrounded him, he got up and entered the city again. The following day he left with Barnabas for Derbe. Paul and Barnabas proclaimed the good news to the people in Derbe and made many disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, where they strengthened the disciples and urged them to remain firm in the faith. They told them, “If we are to enter God’s kingdom, we must pass through many troubles.” They appointed elders for each church. With prayer and fasting, they committed these elders to the Lord, in whom they had placed their trust. After Paul and Barnabas traveled through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. They proclaimed the word in Perga, then went down to Attalia. From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been entrusted by God’s grace to the work they had now completed. On their arrival, they gathered the church together and reported everything that God had accomplished through their activity, and how God had opened a door of faith for the Gentiles. They stayed with the disciples a long time. (Acts 14:19-28, CEB)
Even though there is nothing we can do to earn God’s grace that doesn’t mean we can do nothing. Worst part of being a Lutheran. We are saved by grace, not by our own works, but we still have to do the works!
James the book Martin Luther didn’t like says, Faith without works is dead. We do not want dead faith. Be like Paul, who was stoned and drug out of the city presumed dead, but then got back up and went to work.
Our lives should be lived sharing the good news of Jesus in everything we do. We should live our lives in such a way that every action preaches the love of Christ.
Live Love out Loud.
Loving People. Loving God.
aSacredRebel 