Sing Unto Him A New Song; Play Skilfully With A Loud Noise ... For He Hath Put All Things Under His Feet - Part 1459

"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: who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. 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. And with these sayings, scarce restrained they the people that they had not done sacrifice unto them." (Acts 14:15-18)

And there came hither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposed he had been dead. 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.

Does this mean that because Paul had been stoned, that he and Barnabas consequently chose not to visit those in Lystra and Iconium and Antioch? Not a chance. Indeed, after the two had preached the gospel in Derbe, and taught many, they returned once again to Lystra and 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. 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." (Acts 14:19-23)

In other words, in the midst of much tribulation (including stoning apostle Paul and leaving him for dead) disciples for the Lord were still entering into His fold. Those believers who would continue in the faith, remaining steadfast in the apostolic doctrine, as had been preached on the day of Pentecost, which marked the beginning of the new testament church. (Acts 2:36-47)

People like Barnabas who had seen the grace of God, and were glad, and that with purpose of heart would cleave unto the Lord. (Acts 11:23)

But part of the process in making disciples (as noted in the scriptures) is also setting in order the things that are wanting [lacking] and ordaining elders in every city. (Titus 1:5) Those who fully know the doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, long suffering, charity, patience of apostle Paul, and others, who hazarded their lives for the Name of Jesus Christ.

"But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them ... the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfectly, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (II Timothy 3:14-17)

It is for this reason that as believers in the gospel of Jesus Christ, we "fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, where unto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." (I Timothy 6:11-12)

Therefore, study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth, giving diligence so that our calling and election is sure -- "for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." (II Timothy 2:15; II Peter 1:11)

"Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God." (Ephesians 5:19-21)

Stand in the offering plate.