strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, " We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God. "

1. Their purpose was to exhort, encourage, support and strengthen the new converts.

2. Paul urged them to continue in the faith.

1. NOTE : There is a popular doctrine called "once saved, always saved" which teaches that once one becomes a Christian, they can not be lost.

2. WHY would Paul exhort them to continue in (not quit, not give up, not go back) if such was not possible?

3. The statement of Paul is - We must though many tribulations enter the kingdom of God. There will be hardships, challenges, difficulties, persecutions, and threats. They way to the kingdom of God in heaven is to endure the hardships of this life.

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Old Testament