Note for 20250729

Acts

Fourteen

Part 14 - Acts 14 - Endurance

Watch at:

Listen at: https://on.soundcloud.com/7PivsDG0lPj4tlqe7W

The House of Bread · Note for 20250729 - Acts - Part 14 - Acts 14 - Endurance

Acts 14:1-28 KJV

[1] And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. [2] But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. [3] Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. [4] But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. [5] And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them, [6] they were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: [7] and there they preached the gospel. [8] And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked: [9] the same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, [10] said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. [11] And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. [12] And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. [13] Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. [14] Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, [15] and saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: [16] who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. [17] Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. [18] And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them. [19] And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. [20] Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. [21] And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, [22] 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. [23] And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. [24] And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. [25] And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: [26] and thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. [27] And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. [28] And there they abode long time with the disciples.

https://bible.com/bible/1/act.14.1-28.KJV

It always impresses me when I read how Paul walks right back into the city after being stoned and left for dead outside the city. It impresses me further that he and Barnabas return to the cities from where the hostile Jews came from and then to encourage the local church saying that through much tribulation must we enter into the Kingdom of GOD. I don't think I have enough words to admire their faith in GOD. What I can say though, is that it makes my troubles look like a walk in the park.

Friends, as you probably know by now, yesterday on the 28th of July 2025, a mighty earthquake shocked Myanmar. The toll on human life has surpassed 3600 souls from the last account. This morning, briefly, I looked at the political and military turmoil the country has been under since the coop in 2021, and found a disturbing record of persecution of (among others) Christian ministries. My further investigation into the matter can be summed up by what I heard by the Spirit a few years ago, that lightning does not strike the wrong person. I remember reading an article a few years back of Myanmar military attacking minorities like Christians groups. I remember that their was an outcry at the time about it, and of memory serves, they were accused of genocide. Then I remember:

Isaiah 34:2 KJV

[2] For the indignation of the LORD is upon all nations, and his fury upon all their armies: he hath utterly destroyed them, he hath delivered them to the slaughter.

https://bible.com/bible/1/isa.34.2.KJV

In me, I mourn the lives lost in this earthquake, just I still remember the earthquake in Turkey in 2023 that took 55 000 souls. I also remember how the earth shook at the crucifixion. Then there is also this account:

Acts 4:31 KJV

[31] And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

https://bible.com/bible/1/act.4.31.KJV

I further remember how GOD permitted Satan to move against Job, to test him and I wonder how far my understanding falls short of God's wonder. I see the trouble that has come upon the nations. How they are struck with war and pestilence, yes, and even that which man would account to natural sources, or even give glory to mankind of performing. Then I remember how it was GOD that sent Nebuchadnezzar against Jerusalem to judge them. What do I know, like Paul and Barnabas I am just a man too. The thing is, to those who pay no attention, earthquakes like these seem far in between and are called even by the insurance industry as "acts of GOD." And we just happen to be reading from the Book of Acts. Friends, because I have an eye on it, I can tell you that these violent earthquakes are increasing both intensity and frequency.

I know, today seems more like a news report, but it is not. This, once more, is a warning of the signs of times, and I am begging you not to be pacified by the media concerning the times we are living in. As record breaking storms and temperatures continue, as the world is becoming more violent, both the people and the land, not forgetting the heavens, know that the hour draws near.

My call to you today is not to fortify the houses of brick and clay alone, but more so, to fortify the house of the Holy Spirit of GOD. Yes, to gather oil for your lamp while it is still to be found. For a dark night is rising, just as Christ warned.

John 9:4-5 KJV

[4] I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. [5] As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.9.4-5.KJV

John 1:4-5 KJV

[4] In him was life; and the life was the light of men. [5] And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.1.4-5.KJV

For interest's sake, look at the verse numbers I quoted above, four and five, in chapters 1 and 9. No, I am not going to jump to numerology or anything like that, but it is interesting, hardly a coincidence. Where is the Spirit of GOD dwelling here on earth, brothers and sisters in the common faith in Jesus Christ? Where will this Light go, if man's faith is described as a "great falling away?" Will light remain on this day? Are we not witnessing the rise of a dark kingdom, or are those just stories told to scare children?

A little more sleep, a little more slumber, what concerns awaits the sleepy head?

Selah, Shalom

www.thehouseofbread.co.za

Verse of The Day

From the YouVersion Bible App

John 8:12 KJV

[12] Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.8.12.KJV

Short Note:

If you read my note on Acts 14, shall we put this to coincidence, or confirmation? After all, I do not select the verse of the day here on YouVersion. Friends, please pay attention. There are many Spiritual warnings right now. Do not let sleep and slumber rob you from the knowledge in Jesus Christ.

Shalom

Download

Listen online or download the entire “The Book of Acts” playlist at: https://on.soundcloud.com/o0oUcdDmJ6ibIHDkp1

The House of Bread · The Book of Acts

Now Live, The House of Bread Radio App with 24/7/365 music channel to enjoy scripture based (in-house produced) music for a tranquil environment at home. Also Available for a while already, the Stern Watch Radio App, with teachings and gospel music the rest of the time.

House of Bread Music Radio App

Download link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.houseofbreadmusic

The Stern Watch Radio App

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.sternwatch or scan the QR Code

Search This Blog

The House of Bread