Introduction:     The Bible teaches us that the last days before the rapture are not going to be easy (2 Tim.3:1) “perilous times” = “savage days”. In this life there are storms. It is easy to be saved (grace by faith), but it is hard to live for Jesus in a world that so opposed to the things of God. There is a real need for strong believers today! What is a strong believer? Strong Christians have done at least these three things. A Strong Christian is one who:

I.           RECEIVES THE WORD (V.13)
Taking the Word of God at face value. How did they receive the Word?

            A.        Appreciatively - as the Word of God and not the word of man.

The word of man is:

                        1.         Prejudice

                        2.         Powerless

            B.         Internally - The ears of the heart

The second “receive” = welcomed the Word (into the heart)

            C.        Supernaturally - “effectually worketh”

What does the Bible work in us?

                        1.         Knowledge of God

                        2.         Repentance and Faith

                        3.         Hope, Direction, and purpose

                        4.         Calmness

II.         JOINS THE CHURCH (V.14)
I don’t believe in organized religion, but I do believe in the ministry of the local N. T. Church ! (Ills. The game isn’t won at the pep rally). Our enemy uses isolation (Ills. Demoniac in the tombs.) The Church is to be joined:

            A.        Spiritually - “brethren”

You don’t join the church by applying for membership. You are born (spiritually) into the Church.  

            B.         Physically - “which are in Judaea ”

These are real Churches. These folks drew their strength from the example of other believers that worshiped God in the Church! The Church is bound together by Christ Jesus (14c)
Strong Christians are involved physically in the local Church!

III.       HONORS THE LORD (VV.15-16)
There are those who dishonor God because they dishonor His Son. If you reject Jesus you have not honored God. I want to honor the Lord, don’t you? A Church can dishonor the Lord by:

            A.        Rejecting His Son And His Teaching (15a)

Prophet after prophet had been sent to the established religious and self-righteous. They killed the messengers, but they could not kill the message, Jesus Christ is the only true and living God and the Savior of mankind! (Jn14:6)

B.         Ridiculing True Believers (15b)

Because they received Jesus they were rejected and persecuted, sometimes by those that they loved. In these last days, you may face this kind of treatment. You are going to have to be strong! (Ills. The Lukewarm Church Of The Last Days).

            C.        Resisting Soul-Winning Efforts (v.16)

“Fill up” = to pile up. The religious but unredeemed are on their way to hell. Each makes a choice, but do not forbid others the joy of eternal life!

Conclusion:       I want to honor the Lord! How do I do that? By receiving His Son, by loving His Son, and by sharing His Son. Beloved, just keep on glowing, keep on growing, and keep on going!