Paul And Barnabus In Turkey

Paul and Barnabas are no longer on the island of Crete. They're now in the country we call Turkey where they will continue to bring the good news to the Gentiles. At this time the Romans rule this area like much of the known world. Although the Romans have influence, many of the people believe in the Greek gods.   At Lystra a man was sitting who had no strength in his feet, lame from his mother's womb, who had never walked. This man was listening to Paul as he spoke, who, when he had fixed his gaze on him and had seen that he had faith to be made well, said with a loud voice, "Stand upright on your feet." And he leaped up and began to walk.   The man was sitting and listening to Paul. The man believed the good news that Paul was telling people. Paul could see that he had faith to be made well. So Paul gave the man a challenge to test his faith. How did Paul test his faith? Paul said "Stand upright on your feet." The man's reaction to Paul's command was proof of his faith. The man not only stood he leaped. For the first time in his life he was on his feet and everyone could see that this was a miracle.   For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.   Because this man believed he reacted correctly and got up. What would happen if he did not obey Paul's command "Stand upright on your feet."? The man would have shown that he did not have faith. That is why when we hear God give us a command to do something we need to obey or work as He directs us, otherwise it shows that we do not have faith that He can work His power in us. The wonderful thing about taking a step of faith it that we find ourselves leaping for joy. Acts 14:8-10, James 2:26 (NASB)

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