March 22, 2020 Through many Tribulations, you must enter the Kingdom of God!

Through many tribulations you must enter the kingdom of God! Acts 14:1–28 (ESV) Verses 21-23 21When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. March 22, 2020 – Acts 14:1-28 Their 1st Missionary Journey: Cyprus, Antioch of Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, and back to Antioch. A Theme Keep on in your faith, because through many tribulations you must enter the kingdom of God! Some observations in Acts 14:1-21: Iconium: Tribulations…. Kingdom of God… 23And Lystra: Tribulations…. Kingdom of God… with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. Derbe: Tribulations…. Kingdom of God… when they had appointed elders for them in every church, --- Revelation Demands Response --From Acts 14:22-23 1. Your soul is more important that your body! Acts 14:22; 15:32, 41; 18:23; 1 Thessalonians 3:2 2. Tribulations are God’s path for you into His rulership! Acts 14:22b; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 3. Experiencing tribulations and His kingship brings praise! And when they arrived and gathered the church (in Antioch) together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. (14:27) Application questions on the back à Abide in the Word this week... I will build My Church! Through many tribulations you must enter the kingdom of God! (Acts 14:1-28) 1. Your soul is more important that your body! strengthening the souls of the disciples, (14:22a) Acts 14:22; 15:32, 41; 18:23; 1 Thessalonians 3:2 During the Covid-19, take care of your body: Stay at home when you or a family member are sick. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Cover your sneeze or cough with a tissue or your arm. Get in the habit of NOT touching your face. Forgo shaking hands at church for a wave or a friendly smile. If you or someone you know tests positive for COVID-19, please let us know so we can find a way to help, pray for everyone involved, and take any necessary precautions here at Grace. During the COVID-19, list how will you spiritually take care of your and strengthen your soul? (from our study in Acts) 2. Tribulations are God’s path for you into His rulership! encouraging them to continue in the faith and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. (14:22) Also read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 During the COVID-19, List “tribulations” that the COVID-19 crisis has brought to your life? (Think of fears, changes, anxieties, financial issues, relational issues, spiritual issues) From our study and especially verse 14:22, write out how you can see these tribulations specifically pushing you towards a deeper grasp of His Lordship. 3. Experiencing tribulations and His kingship brings praise! And when they arrived and gathered the church (in Antioch) together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. (14:27) During the COVID-19, As you strengthen your soul and translate tribulations as entry lanes to His Lordship, write out how you will “declare all that God has done” to your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. (begin with journaling!) From our study, write out a prayer to the Lord thanking Him for what you have learned. Our vision is to know…follow…and love Christ! Building passionate followers of Christ!