In our previous message “The Invisible Things Within The Promises Of God” (Session One) we learned that believers in God through His Son Jesus Christ comes with a variety of challenges, which come from unbelievers who choose not to honor God. In today’s message, we shall learn about how our discipleship under Jesus Christ teaches us to share the basic saving message of the death burial and resurrection of our LORD Jesus even though it will many times be met with opposition, denial, and even rejection in our message called “Developing A Gospel Tenacity”

Old Testament Scripture Reading Psalms 116:1 – 10 (KJV)

Psa 116:1  I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.

Psa 116:2  Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.

Psa 116:3  The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.

Psa 116:4  Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.

Psa 116:5  Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.

Psa 116:6  The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.

Psa 116:7  Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.

Psa 116:8  For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.

Psa 116:9  I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.

Psa 116:10  I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:

New Testament Scripture Reading: Acts 14:1 – 7 (KJV)

Act 14:1  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. (They= Paul & Barnabas)

Act 14:2  But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

Act 14:3  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.

Act 14:4  But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

Act 14:5  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,

Act 14:6  They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:

Act 14:7  And there they preached the gospel.

Transforming Power Statements / Special Scripture Notes:

1) Since the fall of Adam, God’s grace has taught man the values of parental respect and imparted the responsibility to train up children to honor God and parents (Pro 22:6) so that human society could continue to prosper against the sin nature and the forces of darkness.

2) When the Psalmist had personally tasted of the grace, mercy and acceptance of God through a personal relationship, he was blessed to be there; and almost immediately, others who did not know God, began to afflict him causing grief, both emotionally and physically; but the Spirit of God reminded him to return to his rest and remember the bountiful grace of God!

3) The same reactions are found in the New Testament when the Church was sent out with the Gospel Of Jesus Christ, and were opposed, afflicted, and even put to death for sharing the best news on earth, like the converted Apostle Paul (who hated the church originally) who eventually became the greatest among many in the New Testament!