(NKJV): Acts 14:21-22 = “And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch…Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the Faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”
(CEV): Acts 14:21-22 = “Paul and Barnabas preached the good news in Derbe and won some people to the Lord. Then they went back to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch in Pisidia…They encouraged the followers and begged them to remain Faithful. They told them, “We have to suffer a lot before we can get into God’s kingdom.”
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT CONTINUE IN FAITH ?
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” “As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.” “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”
2 Tim 3: 12-16 – even though things get worse, still CONTINUE IN The Word of God
Gal 6: 9 – KEEP ON KEEPING ON – On the way to victory we will face the weary test but don’t give up: Be humble, CONTINUE IN FAITH & in due season God Will Elevate you.
The most important decision you can make in your life, is to make Jesus the Lord of your life: Everything changes after that. If you don’t CONTINUE IN the Word after that, then everything is not going to Change.
Don’t sit in little groups at work & gossip about; your boss, or what is wrong with the job, etc – instead thank God that you have got a job, because somebody will like to a job like yours; but if you REMAIN Faithful God will Promote you.
The Faith we have received from our Lord Jesus Christ is a Precious one and needs to be maintained. God is Encouraging us to continue in this Faith even in the face of persecutions and tribulations.
Apostle Paul and Barnabas went from city to city preaching the Gospel. The Jews from Antioch and Iconium successfully persuaded the multitude to stone Paul until he seemed dead. Strangely, when Paul resuscitated, he continued preaching and Encouraging the disciples never to let go of their Faith no matter the tribulation they go through.
Our Lord Jesus Christ will surely Come Back to earth again. We are hopeful of receiving a Heavenly City where all our pain and suffering will be no more. We will receive the Fullness of the Kingdom of God, where God’s Glory Shines brighter and brighter.
Our labour in the Lord will never be in vain and our perseverance will be worth it. The glory that awaits us far exceeds the weight of our suffering. Therefore, we must not compromise because of hardship but rather continue in the Faith . Through much tribulation, we will enter into the kingdom of God
You may have to treat somebody good for a long, long time before he/she ever treats you right, but don’t be tired of doing right because The Bible Says: (Gal 6: 9 – And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.)
Sometime ago, a lady asked me why I was wasting my time working so hard in ministry when I would gain nothing at the end. When she left, I encouraged myself that great is my Reward in Heaven. Beside Salvation, God is Going to reward each and every one of us for our service in His Vineyard. Jesus is Coming again. Let us press on towards the goal and fight a good fight of Faith .
I want to encourage us to continue in the Faith . Don’t give up or give in to enticements. Very soon when our Lord Jesus Comes again, we shall rule with Him in high places. Keep up the Faith .
Prayer
Heavenly Father, please grant me the grace to persist in the Faith irrespective of the troubles and enticements that come to lure me away from you. Keep me in You LORD,
in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
