◆“Standing Firm in Faith” (Acts 14:21–23) June 22, 2025

Paul and Barnabas were sent out from the church in Antioch on their first missionary journey. They traveled to the island of Cyprus, then landed at the port town of Perga in Asia Minor. They journeyed through the region of Galatia, and now they are on their way back to Antioch, the church that sent them. In other words, they circulated the message of the Gospel.

They visited once, preached the Gospel, planted a church, and then revisited those locations on their return to Antioch. Thus, these churches were still young—freshly established gatherings of people newly believing in Jesus. In those early days, everyone’s faith was ablaze, and they lived passionately for their church life.

Yet Paul encouraged them to “stand firm in the faith.” He understood that standing firm is not something that comes naturally or easily. He knew that challenges that threaten faith can come to anyone.

Paul says, “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” This is true for Christians in every era and in every region. Threats to our faith will arise, and that is why we must stand firm.

What kinds of things threaten our faith? Let me list a few.

1. Difficult circumstances.
   Events happen that make us wonder, “I believe in God—so why is this happening?”

– Corrie ten Boom, because of her faith, hid Jews during Nazi Germany and was sent to a concentration camp, despite being German.
– Johnny Erickson Tada became paralyzed from the neck down at the age of 17.
– Elisabeth Elliot, a missionary wife serving among indigenous people in Ecuador, had her husband killed by those same people.
Each of these happened after their faith began—not before.

2. Unanswered prayers.
   Mother Teresa experienced many prayers that seemed to go unanswered, even though her ministry was well known and celebrated.
3. We ourselves become stumbling blocks.
   We repent, we decide to trust Jesus as our Savior and walk with God—but soon discover that we fall back into our old patterns. We resume harmful behaviors, and inside our hearts we still find coldness and jealousy. We ask, “Am I really a Christian? Have my sins really been forgiven? Am I truly cleansed?” The devil whispers doubts in our hearts.
4. The church itself may cause stumbling.
   Paul experienced this, too. In 2 Corinthians 11:26 he speaks of the troubles with false brothers, and in verse 28 he says he is burdened with the concerns of all the churches. None of the churches were perfect, and that caused suffering for members and guests alike.

At Corinth, factions formed over the question, “Who is the best preacher?” They debated among themselves. There was immorality within the community—something that would never have been accepted outside—and yet because Christians “must forgive one another,” the issue remained unresolved.

5. Old habits and traditions can threaten our faith.
   People who cared about fortune-telling might pay attention to morning TV shows that say, “Your star sign is favorable today,” or “Wear this color for good luck.” But because the Lord is with us and God stands by us, there is no need to be bound by such things. Yet even believers might find themselves drawn to it.

As you see, faith can be threatened in many ways. And behind all this there is a powerful evil intent—spirits working to keep people from being saved, or to cause believers to drift, to fall away, or even to destroy their faith entirely.

How can we stand firm in faith?

First, let us give up the idea that “once I believe in Jesus, everything will be fine,” or that faith grows automatically and smoothly. Hardships will come to all, disappointment with ourselves will follow every believer, and old habits are often deeply rooted.

Step 1: Count your blessings.
Hymn #103 in the Shinsei Hymnal begins, “Until hope itself is fading…,” speaking to sorrowing hearts caught in life’s storms: “When you count the Lord’s favor, your heart will find rest.” We may be surprised to realize that God’s grace surrounds us in countless ways—but we often take it for granted and overlook it.

We have been helped, guided, protected. Even if we can’t recall specifics, remember: Christ has borne your sins, and taken your judgment upon Himself.

When we count our blessings, our hearts naturally turn toward God. In that moment, beyond our struggles and failings, we are given the power to see hope.

Corrie ten Boom endured great suffering, yet she kept her gaze on Christ and never lost hope. After the war, she traveled the world, sharing a message of forgiveness and reconciliation—an account detailed in her book The Hiding Place.

Johnny Erickson Tada, much like Japanese artist Tomioka Hoshino, held a paintbrush in his mouth and said, “Because my body became paralyzed, I found what I could do.”

Elisabeth Elliot, empowered by God, preached the Gospel to the tribe that killed her husband—and many of them came to faith.

You might say, “I could never do something like that.” And you’d be right. These are all works of the Holy Spirit.

Let us trust God’s sovereignty and providence. We cannot foresee what God will do. But in Romans 8:28 Paul declares, “We know that in all things God works together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.”

So we leave everything in God’s hands.

Paul also says in Romans 8:18, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

Elisabeth Elliot wrote Through Gates of Splendor—published in Japanese as Jungle Martyrs—a testimony that what she endured became “the gate to God’s splendor.” In her suffering was the revelation of God’s glory. She gazed toward the glory that would one day be revealed.

Let us follow these predecessors in faith. Let us rely on the Holy Spirit and stand firm in faith. And let us pray for one another, that we may remain steadfast.

Sermon script modified based on proofreading and translation with ChatGPT.