4-7-06 Acts 14:22

Acts 14:22 (KJ21)
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.

Acts 14:22 (NAS)
strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God."

Acts 14:22 (NIVUS)
strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said.

Acts 14:22 (NLT)
where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that they must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations.

Do you remember when you first met the Lord Jesus Christ? Do you remember how excited you were? At that time you knew that you had found the best for your life and you "knew" that you would never turn back to your old ways. As time went on, the daily routine and pressure began to wear on you and you began to lose your first zeal and love of knowing the Lord.

Yeshua your Messiah knew that you would need help. He, therefore, established His Church, a community of believers where you could find strength and become more firm in your faith. Committing yourself to the Lord and to His church enables you to become stable, set fast, and fixed. There you are kept intact and can stand unharmed. The Church is a place where you can escape from worldly pressures and find safety. It is also the place where you are prepared to fight the good fight of faith. You are trained to be a disciple; you begin to practice your faith.

As you have been strengthened and comforted, you now desire to help others to be established. You should exhort, instruct, and comfort your brothers and sisters in Christ the Lord. Let your life be an encouragement and consolation to others. Help them to continue and persevere in their faith and belief.

It is necessary that younger believers understand that they will face tribulations, pressure, and distress. Troubles may press them hard; they may feel afflicted, broken, and wounded. However, they should also see that these things will not keep them from entering into the Kingdom of God. As they see you holding fast to your confession of the Lord, they too will also continue in their faith.