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I'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:

1. Expect Problems: Challenges are a part of life, and expecting them can help us prepare and respond better.
2. Endure and Minister: Perseverance in the face of adversity is crucial. Use your experiences to minister to others who may face similar challenges.
3. 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.
4. 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.

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Jeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | Patreon

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Dear Listeners and Friends

As we approach this joyous season of Christmas, I want to take a moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you. Your support, prayers, and faithful listening have been a tremendous blessing to me and this ministry throughout the year.

Christmas is a time of great celebration and reflection on the incredible gift of Jesus Christ, who many of us consider our Savior. In Luke 2:10-11, we are reminded of the angel's proclamation: Which said

“'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'"

This message of great joy is the foundation of our faith and the reason we celebrate this season with such enthusiasm.

I pray that this Christmas, your hearts will be filled with the joy of the Lord. May you experience the profound peace that comes from knowing Him, as Jesus Himself said in John 14:27,

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

In a world often filled with uncertainty, His peace is a precious gift.

Christmas is also a time for love, reflecting on the love that many of us experience in our families, a love that God showed us by sending His Son to earth. As 1 John 4:9-10 beautifully states

"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."

May you feel the warmth of His love surrounding you and your loved ones this season.

Thank you for being a part of this journey, for listening to the podcast, for sharing it with others, and for your continued encouragement. Your support has been invaluable, and it is because of you that we are able to continue spreading the amazing story of God salvation plan for humankind and the good news of Jesus Christ.

With heartfelt thanks I wish you and your families a blessed and Merry Christmas filled with love, joy, and peace.

Thanks for being with me.

Support the show

Jeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | Patreon

Help us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a text

This is an edited version of a special update first posted to my Patreon community on the 15th December 2024

Support the show

Jeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | Patreon

Help us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com