BOLDNESS OF THE WIND
Read: Acts 14
MIRACLES CONFIRM THE TRUTH OF OUR MESSAGE OF GRACE
What confirms the message of the gospel today?
We shouldn’t discount God’s willingness to confirm the message of his grace by performing signs and wonders. Jesus also said that love between believers authenticates the Christian message (John 13:35).
Why did the apostles sometimes flee for their lives and sometimes not? (14:6)
They depended on common sense and the Spirit’s leader to decide the best option in each situation. They never backed down in principle (4:19-20), but they didn’t take foolish risks either.
Legend of Zeus
Zeus, the ruler of the gods, and Hermes, his spokesman, once visited Lystra. Disguised as ordinary travelers, dusty and tattered, they walked the streets begging for food. Finally a kind old couple fed them. Zeus and Hermes rewarded them by granting them a wish. When Paul, the spokesman, and Barnabas, probably taller and more imposing, performed this miracle, the citizens concluded that Zeus and Hermes had returned-until Paul convinced them that he and Barnabas were mere mortals.
WE MUST ALWAYS DEFLECT PRAISE TO JESUS
We obey Jesus so that others will know Him!
SCIENCE DOES NOT REFUTE FAITH, IT INSPIRES IT
Some people believe faith actually contradicts fact.
FAITH IS A REASONABLE STEP IN THE SAME DIRECTION THAT THE EVIDENCE IS POINTING
Faith goes beyond merely acknowledging that the facts of science and history point toward God. It’s responding to those facts by investing trust in God.
TRUTH IS A RELATIONAL CONCEPT, POINTING US TO SOMEONE WHO IS TOTALLY WORTHY OF OUR TRUST
We are not being asked to know yet another fact but to enter into a relationship with the one who is able to sustain and comfort us.
FAITH ENABLES US TO MEET THE ONE WHO IS TRUTH PERSONALLY
Facts of science and history, then, can only take us so far. At some point, the truth demands a response.
BELIEVERS DO LIFE TOGETHER
When their missionary journey ended, they went back to Antioch and stayed with the disciples there probably more than a year. Rooted is launching again in September. Sign up for a group!
WATCH THE MESSAGE AGAIN: https://vimeo.com/283331311