Belief and Unbelief: Where Have You Placed Your Hope?

“The people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews, others with the apostles.”

Acts 14:4(opens in new tab)

Dear Friends,

Belief and unbelief—this is a theme throughout the Bible. Spiritual things are not easily explained because they can’t be physically seen. God Himself is invisible, so many people have trouble believing in Him. But just because He is not visible to the naked eye doesn’t mean He is not real. He loves us and sent His Son to save us. That is the gospel. Yet, although His Son, Jesus, came in human flesh, people still struggle to believe—in Bible times and now.

A City Divided by the Gospel

Acts clearly shows this contrast between belief and unbelief. As Paul and Barnabas continued their missionary journey, they encountered it everywhere they went.

After leaving Pisidian Antioch because of persecution, they traveled to the city of Iconium. There they followed their usual pattern of first visiting the Jewish synagogue, where they preached the gospel so effectively that many Jews and Gentiles believed. But once again, there were others who didn’t believe.

Some of the unbelievers stirred up trouble, poisoning people’s minds against the brothers. Rather than immediately leaving, Paul and Barnabas stayed in Iconium for a while, speaking boldly for the Lord, who gave them the power to perform signs and wonders. These miracles gave credence to their message and confirmed the truth of what they preached.

Still, the people of the city were divided.

The division became so intense that the unbelievers plotted to stone God’s men.

But Paul and Barnabas became aware of the plot and fled to the cities of Lystra and Derbe. There they continued to preach the gospel.

Throughout the centuries, the message has continued to spread around the world with mixed responses.

Why the Gospel Still Divides

Today, the gospel message is still polarizing. Many people don’t believe in a God they can’t see, while others don’t want to believe a message they don’t like.

In his letter to the Romans, Paul explains from the Old Testament Scriptures that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. This truth doesn’t sit well with many people who assume that if they are good and do good things, their eternal future is secure. In fact, the idea rankles them. But Paul clearly states that no one is righteous or good enough on their own, and God does not play favorites.

Paul goes on to explain that God’s way for us to become righteous is through faith in Jesus Christ. In Him alone, we receive forgiveness of sins and are justified freely by His grace.

Those who have been justified by faith have peace with God. This peace gives us confidence that whether we live or die, we are right with Him.

“My Hope Is in the Lord”

A few years ago, when my father was on his deathbed, I asked him if he was scared of dying. His confident response was, “My hope is in the Lord!”

His words comforted me as I sat there knowing that I was about to lose my dad. He wasn’t relying on his good works to get him to heaven but on his faith in Jesus. This gave me confidence that I would see him again.

He was ready to go.

What a comfort to know that we don’t have to rely on ourselves. Jesus Christ died and rose again so that in Him we can be right with God. The righteous live—and die—by faith.

Where Have You Placed Your Hope?

Belief and unbelief—this theme continues today.

The people of Iconium had to respond to the gospel message, and so do we. We can rely on ourselves, or we can place our faith in Jesus Christ and what He has done for us.

Where have you placed your hope?

Love,

Mama

This reflection is part of my Walking Through the Book of Acts devotional series, where we explore the early church, the work of the Holy Spirit, and what it means to follow God with courage and faith.