When Jesus Testifies

<p>The background to this event:  the team is in Antioch.  The message about the Messiah was received with enthusiasm. The message focused on God’s immeasurable grace by fulfilling his promises made long ago which includes the nations as well as Israel. The message also shows the power of God to do such wonderful feats because Jesus is alive from the dead! But the jealous ones insisted the civic leaders against them and drove them out of the city.  </p><p>Now they walk on to Iconium and have a similar experience with the Message shared!  Here, though there is opposition, it is not physically violent.  So they have peace (a manuscript dated later includes to show why the ‘therefore’ is included) and they stay on.  Verse 3 is central to this passage: Jesus testifies</p><p>            By confirming his word</p><p>            By working miracles using the hands of the disciples!</p><p>Vs 4 speaks of the division in the city and verse 5 shows their intent.</p><p>Vs.6&7 show their escape to continue preaching this message.</p><p>Notice that in none of these places were the disciples evicted! A community of those believing in Messiah Jesus remains and prospers even after the pioneers leave. </p><p>What do we notice about these new communities of fellowship?</p><p>            They are centered around Jesus! Not on moral issues, political issues, not on anything other than Jesus! The new life life is that we become the bearers of the image of Jesus! Not comparing, judging, demanding, but allowing God’s Spirit to transform us.  It requires grace and forgiveness as the foundation of miracles done in our lives. That is the critical ingredient. That is the foundation that we build upon!  (Those who believe can disappoint as well, so that is a subject we will look at as we move forward.)</p><p>The communities of faith are gatherings of small house groups:</p><p>            They are focused on the foundations of relationship</p><p>            They imply new thinking and new activities not based on idol worship or legal control