“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me...”
“Thanks to Your redemptive work, Jesus, on the cross, I too have Your Holy Spirit!”
“Because the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor...”
“Thank You Lord for anointing me to bring good tidings... a good word... a word of salvation from the Lord to people who are poor in one way or another.”
“He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted...”
“Thank You Lord for healing broken hearts via Your Holy Spirit working through me.”
“To proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound...”
“Addictions or bondages fall off like opened handcuffs because You, Lord, are the key to unlock every lock. You are the Master Key. Solitary confinement is left behind and family fellowship becomes the new normal with You, Lord!”
“To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn...”
“Yes, come Lord Jesus, bring Your wonderful presence into our world. Destroy the works of the evil one, and comfort all who were so badly wounded and hurt by him.”
“To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness...”
“Thank You Lord for all the times You have consoled me! You took my ashes and gave me Your beauty! You lifted off my heaviness and gave me Your joy! You transformed me from a withering leaf into a tree of righteousness. Help me to take that comfort to others.”
“The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” [1]
“Thank Heavenly Husbandman for ensuring that our plants LIVE and GLORIFY You!”
“Living for You Christ is a daily adventure! We have an eternal purpose. Thank You for vibrant love. Thank You that You are with us and in us.” “We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” [2]
“Praise the Lord!”
[1] Isaiah 61:1-3
[2] 2 Corinthians 4:7
21st Century Jeremiah is a publishing site that is managed and operated by Mark Czanderna for the expressed purpose to provide for you free Bible-based and Christ-exalting resources. My goal is to align myself with the prophetic words of God as carefully and accurately as Jeremiah the prophet did in his day, but include the additional revelations that the Lord Jesus Christ provided for us in the Gospels, the Book of Acts, the Epistles of the Apostles and the Book of Revelation.
Tuesday, June 29, 2021
Monday, June 28, 2021
Looking to the Lord
Do you or the people around you need help? Is your first tendency to think you have the answer, or do you look to the Lord?
David was a king over a kingdom. He defeated many enemies in battles including Goliath the giant. However, when he needed an answer, where did he look for help?
“I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. [1]
He looked not to the hills, but to the One who made the hills, the heavens, and the earth.
“Unto You I lift up my eyes, O You who dwell in the heavens. Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, until He has mercy on us. [2]
David kept on looking to the Lord until he got a response. He wasn’t like “Okay, I’ve given You enough time Lord to respond to my request, and because I don’t see You doing anything, I am going to take matters into my own hands.” No, he humbly waited on the Lord. The Lord has the best solutions for all concerned.
“Happy is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.” [3] Ceaseless reverence towards God yields happiness.
“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” [4]
The Apostle Paul had a face-to-face encounter with the risen Lord. The Lord did amazing miracles through him. God used him to write nearly half the New Testament. What was his take on himself and what was his take on God? Did he rest on his laurels? No, he knew that he needed to keep leaning and keep learning. He kept his eyes ever focused on the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. May the Lord help us to do likewise today, during this new week, and always.
[1] Psalm 121:1-2
[2] Psalm 123:1-2
[3] Proverbs 28:14
[4] Philippians 3:13-14
David was a king over a kingdom. He defeated many enemies in battles including Goliath the giant. However, when he needed an answer, where did he look for help?
“I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. [1]
He looked not to the hills, but to the One who made the hills, the heavens, and the earth.
“Unto You I lift up my eyes, O You who dwell in the heavens. Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, until He has mercy on us. [2]
David kept on looking to the Lord until he got a response. He wasn’t like “Okay, I’ve given You enough time Lord to respond to my request, and because I don’t see You doing anything, I am going to take matters into my own hands.” No, he humbly waited on the Lord. The Lord has the best solutions for all concerned.
“Happy is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.” [3] Ceaseless reverence towards God yields happiness.
“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” [4]
The Apostle Paul had a face-to-face encounter with the risen Lord. The Lord did amazing miracles through him. God used him to write nearly half the New Testament. What was his take on himself and what was his take on God? Did he rest on his laurels? No, he knew that he needed to keep leaning and keep learning. He kept his eyes ever focused on the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. May the Lord help us to do likewise today, during this new week, and always.
[1] Psalm 121:1-2
[2] Psalm 123:1-2
[3] Proverbs 28:14
[4] Philippians 3:13-14
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
Unbewitched In Jesus
“O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified?” [1]
“In calling the Galatians foolish, Paul did not mean they were morally or mentally deficient. Instead, Paul used the ancient Greek word anoetos, which had the idea of someone who can think but fails to use their power of perception.
The knowledge and understanding were there, but they were not using them.
The thinking of the Galatians was so clouded – and so unbiblical – that it seemed that some kind of spell had been cast over them. Barclay translates bewitched as put the evil eye on. The ancient Greeks were accustomed to and afraid of the idea that a spell could be cast upon them by an evil eye. The way to overcome the evil eye was simply not to look at it. Paul wanted the Galatians to keep their eyes steadfastly upon Jesus.
Some people are too accommodating to wrong, unbiblical ideas. This is a sign of spiritual immaturity, even as a baby will stick anything into its mouth.
Paul wondered how the Galatians could have missed the message because he made it clear enough to them. Any opinion which takes away from the glory of Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice is a detestable opinion. Get the real atonement of Christ thoroughly into your soul, and you will not be bewitched.” (Spurgeon) [2]
In the Bible, Elymas the sorcerer tried to stop a Roman politician from believing in Christ. The proconsul, Sergius Paulus, was an intelligent man. He wanted Barnabas and Paul to share God’s Word with him. Elymas tried to stand in their way. [3] But Paul, “filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him, and said...
‘O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.’ [4]
“And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.” [5]
Takeaways: Don’t be bewitched. Do believe in Christ. Pray especially for political leaders that they will want to listen to God’s Word and believe in Jesus.
[1] Galatians 3:1
[2] EnduringWord.Com Galatians 3
[3] Acts 13:6-8
[4] Acts 13:9-11
[5] Acts 13:11-12
“In calling the Galatians foolish, Paul did not mean they were morally or mentally deficient. Instead, Paul used the ancient Greek word anoetos, which had the idea of someone who can think but fails to use their power of perception.
The knowledge and understanding were there, but they were not using them.
The thinking of the Galatians was so clouded – and so unbiblical – that it seemed that some kind of spell had been cast over them. Barclay translates bewitched as put the evil eye on. The ancient Greeks were accustomed to and afraid of the idea that a spell could be cast upon them by an evil eye. The way to overcome the evil eye was simply not to look at it. Paul wanted the Galatians to keep their eyes steadfastly upon Jesus.
Some people are too accommodating to wrong, unbiblical ideas. This is a sign of spiritual immaturity, even as a baby will stick anything into its mouth.
Paul wondered how the Galatians could have missed the message because he made it clear enough to them. Any opinion which takes away from the glory of Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice is a detestable opinion. Get the real atonement of Christ thoroughly into your soul, and you will not be bewitched.” (Spurgeon) [2]
In the Bible, Elymas the sorcerer tried to stop a Roman politician from believing in Christ. The proconsul, Sergius Paulus, was an intelligent man. He wanted Barnabas and Paul to share God’s Word with him. Elymas tried to stand in their way. [3] But Paul, “filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him, and said...
‘O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.’ [4]
“And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.” [5]
Takeaways: Don’t be bewitched. Do believe in Christ. Pray especially for political leaders that they will want to listen to God’s Word and believe in Jesus.
[1] Galatians 3:1
[2] EnduringWord.Com Galatians 3
[3] Acts 13:6-8
[4] Acts 13:9-11
[5] Acts 13:11-12
Tuesday, June 8, 2021
Praise to the Almighty! (Psalm 62:2, 5, 8-11; 63:2)
“Truly my soul silently waits for God; from Him comes my salvation.” [1]
Soul, hush, listen, God is ready to save!
“My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.” [2]
Don’t hurry through this time with God. Expect to receive from Him.
“Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah” [3]
He is a good, good Father. Draw near to Him. He enjoys helping you. Pour out your heart to Him. God is your refuge... your safe place... a safe Father to whom you can speak whatever you need to talk about. He created you. He loves you.
“Surely men of low degree are a vapor, men of high degree are a lie; if they are weighed on the scales, they are altogether lighter than vapor.” [4]
So, many tout the power of people, but they are vapors that appear for a moment and afterwards are gone. God is eternal.
“Do not trust in oppression, nor vainly hope in robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.” [5]
Don’t resort to manipulation, pressure tactics or thievery. Don’t set your affections on dollars. Set your heart on God. He will do great and mighty things that you could not even begin to consider or imagine. He is a good, good Father.
“God has spoken once, twice I have heard this: that power belongs to God.” [6]
Yes, God Almighty, maker of heaven and earth is powerful!
So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory.” [7]
“Yes, worshipping You, God, is where power and glory exists! You inhabit the praise of Your people. Praise be to Your holy Name!”
[1] Psalm 62:1
[2] Psalm 62:5
[3] Psalm 62:8
[4] Psalm 62:9
[5] Psalm 62:10
[6] Psalm 62:11
[7] Psalm 63:2
Soul, hush, listen, God is ready to save!
“My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.” [2]
Don’t hurry through this time with God. Expect to receive from Him.
“Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah” [3]
He is a good, good Father. Draw near to Him. He enjoys helping you. Pour out your heart to Him. God is your refuge... your safe place... a safe Father to whom you can speak whatever you need to talk about. He created you. He loves you.
“Surely men of low degree are a vapor, men of high degree are a lie; if they are weighed on the scales, they are altogether lighter than vapor.” [4]
So, many tout the power of people, but they are vapors that appear for a moment and afterwards are gone. God is eternal.
“Do not trust in oppression, nor vainly hope in robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.” [5]
Don’t resort to manipulation, pressure tactics or thievery. Don’t set your affections on dollars. Set your heart on God. He will do great and mighty things that you could not even begin to consider or imagine. He is a good, good Father.
“God has spoken once, twice I have heard this: that power belongs to God.” [6]
Yes, God Almighty, maker of heaven and earth is powerful!
So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory.” [7]
“Yes, worshipping You, God, is where power and glory exists! You inhabit the praise of Your people. Praise be to Your holy Name!”
[1] Psalm 62:1
[2] Psalm 62:5
[3] Psalm 62:8
[4] Psalm 62:9
[5] Psalm 62:10
[6] Psalm 62:11
[7] Psalm 63:2
Monday, May 31, 2021
Grateful for God’s Guidance
“The Lord orders the steps of a good man, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand.” [1]
Recently, two words have come to the forefront of my mind: perception and revelation.
Perception:
“The ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses.”
“The state of being or process of becoming aware of something through the senses.”
Revelation:
“The divine disclosure to humans of something relating to human existence or the world.” [2]
Both perception and revelation are vital to good navigation.
God gave us our natural senses to help us perceive situations and navigate through them. We can use our natural senses to observe and make conclusions.
God also gives us revelation by His Holy Spirit. He advises us to pray to Him...
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” [3]
There are so many matters that surpass our understanding, but the Lord says that we can ask about those matters and receive help from Him. We can even give thanks for those matters, knowing He will protect us and help us through them.
God says that He orders the steps of a good person. He leads people in good ways.
God delights in walking with us in this way. We are not perfect. We make mistakes. We totally mess up sometimes, but even then, He uphold us with His hand. He corrects us and continues to help us in life’s journey. God is a very gracious and kind life coach.
[1] Psalm 37:23-24
[2] Oxford Languages
[3] Philippians 4:6-7
Recently, two words have come to the forefront of my mind: perception and revelation.
Perception:
“The ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses.”
“The state of being or process of becoming aware of something through the senses.”
Revelation:
“The divine disclosure to humans of something relating to human existence or the world.” [2]
Both perception and revelation are vital to good navigation.
God gave us our natural senses to help us perceive situations and navigate through them. We can use our natural senses to observe and make conclusions.
God also gives us revelation by His Holy Spirit. He advises us to pray to Him...
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” [3]
There are so many matters that surpass our understanding, but the Lord says that we can ask about those matters and receive help from Him. We can even give thanks for those matters, knowing He will protect us and help us through them.
God says that He orders the steps of a good person. He leads people in good ways.
God delights in walking with us in this way. We are not perfect. We make mistakes. We totally mess up sometimes, but even then, He uphold us with His hand. He corrects us and continues to help us in life’s journey. God is a very gracious and kind life coach.
[1] Psalm 37:23-24
[2] Oxford Languages
[3] Philippians 4:6-7
Saturday, May 29, 2021
Play Skillfully with Joy
“Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! For praise from the upright is beautiful. Praise the Lord with the harp; make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings. Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy.” [1]
David’s aim as a song leader and musician was to foster a desire for God and for God’s glory. His lyrics focus our rejoicing... our celebrating... on God.
Who are righteous and upright? They are the chosen of God. God has been gracious to them, and they are being gracious to others. As Paul remarked to the Corinthians, “And what do you have that you did not receive?” [2] Our Lord Jesus took our sins away and gave us His Holy Spirit so that we may serve God rightly and with uprightness.
Worship is about ascribing worth to God. Charles Spurgeon wrote, “To rejoice in temporal comforts is dangerous, to rejoice in self is foolish, to rejoice in sin is fatal, but to rejoice in God is heavenly.” [3]
Worshipping God is beautiful. It pleases Him and creates the sense of appreciation for beauty.
“Praise the Lord with the harp; make melody with an instrument of ten strings.” Here, the Lord calls out musicians to offer their skills to help His people praise and worship Him.
Musician, have you ever offered your skill to idols? The idol of self-worship? The idol of self-pleasure? In this Psalm, the Lord provides an opportunity to be freed from self-serving motives to receive a higher calling... namely, to serve Him and others with the gifts and talents that you have received from God. To lead people to God instead of astray from Him!
“Sing to Him a new song.” God is the Creator of creativity. As we offer our voices and musical talents to Him, we should not be surprised when creative ideas for new songs to praise Him come to us.
“Play skillfully with a shout of joy.” Do learn! Do rehearse! Don’t be bashful when it comes to praising God with song and music! Turn up the volume. Skillful musicianship and joy to sing for God is good. It pleases God and it pleases those who love to worship Him.
[1] Psalm 33:1-3
[2] 1 Corinthians 4:7
[3] Enduring Word Commentary
David’s aim as a song leader and musician was to foster a desire for God and for God’s glory. His lyrics focus our rejoicing... our celebrating... on God.
Who are righteous and upright? They are the chosen of God. God has been gracious to them, and they are being gracious to others. As Paul remarked to the Corinthians, “And what do you have that you did not receive?” [2] Our Lord Jesus took our sins away and gave us His Holy Spirit so that we may serve God rightly and with uprightness.
Worship is about ascribing worth to God. Charles Spurgeon wrote, “To rejoice in temporal comforts is dangerous, to rejoice in self is foolish, to rejoice in sin is fatal, but to rejoice in God is heavenly.” [3]
Worshipping God is beautiful. It pleases Him and creates the sense of appreciation for beauty.
“Praise the Lord with the harp; make melody with an instrument of ten strings.” Here, the Lord calls out musicians to offer their skills to help His people praise and worship Him.
Musician, have you ever offered your skill to idols? The idol of self-worship? The idol of self-pleasure? In this Psalm, the Lord provides an opportunity to be freed from self-serving motives to receive a higher calling... namely, to serve Him and others with the gifts and talents that you have received from God. To lead people to God instead of astray from Him!
“Sing to Him a new song.” God is the Creator of creativity. As we offer our voices and musical talents to Him, we should not be surprised when creative ideas for new songs to praise Him come to us.
“Play skillfully with a shout of joy.” Do learn! Do rehearse! Don’t be bashful when it comes to praising God with song and music! Turn up the volume. Skillful musicianship and joy to sing for God is good. It pleases God and it pleases those who love to worship Him.
[1] Psalm 33:1-3
[2] 1 Corinthians 4:7
[3] Enduring Word Commentary
Friday, May 28, 2021
You Shall Love the Lord Your God
From the beginning, the enemy of our soul, the devil, questioned why we should trust God? He began by questioning our first mother, Eve, and then, proceeded by advocating that she should fully mistrust God.
When Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth, He demonstrated in many ways that God is 100% trustworthy. His miracles involved helping people who could not repay Him – such as blind beggars, lepers, and paralyzed people. The Holy Spirit anointed Him for this ministry.
This morning, I want to advocate for loving God. Think about it! What an adventure! To love the God who created and sustains all things! And to know that He values and accepts your love and mine. Though He is Almighty, He embraces our love for Him.
In my adventure this morning to love the Lord, my first stop was the verse in the Bible where Jesus tells a lawyer of the Pharisees what the great commandment of the Law is. I was surprised when I saw the context in which a human being, even a religious leader at that time, was asking this question. He was one of many that day trying to entangle Jesus in His talk. The three prominent religious groups of that day, the Pharisees, Sadducees and Herodians, were working together to get a soundbite from Jesus that they could use against Him. [1] It is in this context, that Jesus declares that loving God is the great commandment.
Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment.” [2]
So, we see there is a battle for our affections. The enemy hurls questions and accusations (sometimes even via elite religious leaders) at us to change the trajectory of our heart. Jesus says to us, “Love God with all your heart, soul and mind.” Keep loving God always.
King David had many challenges throughout his life. His own father-in-law tried to kill him multiple times. After David became king, his own son turned many in the country against him and a civil war ensued. To his great sorrow, his son, Absalom, was killed. He continued as king but lost a son that he loved. What did David resolve to do?
He wrote, “I will love You, O Lord, my strength.” [3]
“Dear Heavenly Father, we love You. Thank You that You loved us long before we ever started loving You but thank You as well for bringing us to this place where we realize that You value and appreciate our love for You. We love You. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.”
[1] Refer to Matthew 22:15-16, 23, 35
[2] Matthew 22:37-38
[3] Psalm 18:1
When Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth, He demonstrated in many ways that God is 100% trustworthy. His miracles involved helping people who could not repay Him – such as blind beggars, lepers, and paralyzed people. The Holy Spirit anointed Him for this ministry.
This morning, I want to advocate for loving God. Think about it! What an adventure! To love the God who created and sustains all things! And to know that He values and accepts your love and mine. Though He is Almighty, He embraces our love for Him.
In my adventure this morning to love the Lord, my first stop was the verse in the Bible where Jesus tells a lawyer of the Pharisees what the great commandment of the Law is. I was surprised when I saw the context in which a human being, even a religious leader at that time, was asking this question. He was one of many that day trying to entangle Jesus in His talk. The three prominent religious groups of that day, the Pharisees, Sadducees and Herodians, were working together to get a soundbite from Jesus that they could use against Him. [1] It is in this context, that Jesus declares that loving God is the great commandment.
Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment.” [2]
So, we see there is a battle for our affections. The enemy hurls questions and accusations (sometimes even via elite religious leaders) at us to change the trajectory of our heart. Jesus says to us, “Love God with all your heart, soul and mind.” Keep loving God always.
King David had many challenges throughout his life. His own father-in-law tried to kill him multiple times. After David became king, his own son turned many in the country against him and a civil war ensued. To his great sorrow, his son, Absalom, was killed. He continued as king but lost a son that he loved. What did David resolve to do?
He wrote, “I will love You, O Lord, my strength.” [3]
“Dear Heavenly Father, we love You. Thank You that You loved us long before we ever started loving You but thank You as well for bringing us to this place where we realize that You value and appreciate our love for You. We love You. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.”
[1] Refer to Matthew 22:15-16, 23, 35
[2] Matthew 22:37-38
[3] Psalm 18:1
Thursday, May 27, 2021
Overcoming a Significant Loss
Let us pray for those who are struggling to overcome a significant loss.
Grief is a natural response to loss. After a person has a surgery such as rotator cuff, it can take up to a year to gain full range of motion again. A significant loss can be like that emotionally. It is a wound that requires time to heal.
The Good News is God doesn’t abandon us during our times of grief. God assures of His help in His Word. For example...
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” [1]
When we cannot be our normal self, due to grief, some may distance themselves from us, but the Lord draws near to us. The word for crushed in the original Hebrew means to be pulverized into powder. When a person is crushed, the Lord is ready to save them and restore them. It is a very vulnerable and fearful place to be. Praise the Lord! He does not depart from the broken heart and the crushed spirit; He provides His presence and salvation.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” [2]
What did the Holy Spirit’s anointing work Jesus to do? Preach good news to the poor! Heal the brokenhearted... and so forth. God’s Spirit worked through Jesus in this way, and He is the same Holy Spirit today. He wants to work through our lives in similar ways.
“And when Jesus went out, He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them and healed their sick.” [3]
The word for compassion in the original language of this passage is σπλαγχνίζομαι. It means to have the bowels yearn, i.e. (figuratively) feel sympathy—have (be moved with) compassion. Jesus actually feels a stirring in His gut when He sees people who are hurting.
“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” [4]
Wait on the Lord! Let Him heal you! Don’t go alone. It is hard to rule over your emotions when something so emotionally difficult is thrown at you. Let the Lord encourage you! He is the One who strengthens faint hearts. His goodness will come to you in many ways that you did not imagine or expect as you wait on Him.
[1] Psalm 38:14
[2] Luke 4:18
[3] Matthew 14:14
[4] Psalm 28:13-14
Grief is a natural response to loss. After a person has a surgery such as rotator cuff, it can take up to a year to gain full range of motion again. A significant loss can be like that emotionally. It is a wound that requires time to heal.
The Good News is God doesn’t abandon us during our times of grief. God assures of His help in His Word. For example...
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” [1]
When we cannot be our normal self, due to grief, some may distance themselves from us, but the Lord draws near to us. The word for crushed in the original Hebrew means to be pulverized into powder. When a person is crushed, the Lord is ready to save them and restore them. It is a very vulnerable and fearful place to be. Praise the Lord! He does not depart from the broken heart and the crushed spirit; He provides His presence and salvation.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” [2]
What did the Holy Spirit’s anointing work Jesus to do? Preach good news to the poor! Heal the brokenhearted... and so forth. God’s Spirit worked through Jesus in this way, and He is the same Holy Spirit today. He wants to work through our lives in similar ways.
“And when Jesus went out, He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them and healed their sick.” [3]
The word for compassion in the original language of this passage is σπλαγχνίζομαι. It means to have the bowels yearn, i.e. (figuratively) feel sympathy—have (be moved with) compassion. Jesus actually feels a stirring in His gut when He sees people who are hurting.
“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” [4]
Wait on the Lord! Let Him heal you! Don’t go alone. It is hard to rule over your emotions when something so emotionally difficult is thrown at you. Let the Lord encourage you! He is the One who strengthens faint hearts. His goodness will come to you in many ways that you did not imagine or expect as you wait on Him.
[1] Psalm 38:14
[2] Luke 4:18
[3] Matthew 14:14
[4] Psalm 28:13-14
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Fully Experiencing God’s Love
“When that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. “[1]
What is perfect or complete? What is partial? The original word for perfect in the above verse also has the meaning of complete. Earlier in this chapter Paul spoke of great feats such as personal sacrifice and heavenly gifts of prophesying and speaking in tongues. But he does so to emphasize that apart from love these actions are only partially complete and imperfect.
“Now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.” [2]
Sin has so marred our world that it is difficult to find a clear reflection of God’s love. We can read of the acts of Jesus in the Gospels and acts of the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts, but our ability to sense all the love of God for us and others in these passages are dull. Therefore, though God is giving us clear pictures via the Scripture and by His Spirit’s presence, we still are not experiencing the depth of love that exists in heaven.
Paul’s prayer for us was that Christ would dwell in our hearts by faith; and that we would be rooted and grounded in Christ’s love. He prayed that we would be able to comprehend with all the saints the width, length, depth, and height of Christ’s love. Christ’s love surpasses knowledge. We need more than book knowledge of Him. We need an ongoing personal relationship with Him. [3]
“Now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” [4]
We will not need faith when we see God face to face. We will not need to hope in the coming of Jesus once He comes. But we will always need love for love is what binds us together. Love is the key ingredient to all wonderful and meaningful relationships. Love perfects that which is partially completed.
“Dear Heavenly Father, please help us experience the fullness of Your love today. Yes, please grant us faith in You. Please grant us hope in You. But primarily, please grant each of us the depths of Your love in ever increasing manner until we see You face to face. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.”
[1] 1 Corinthians 13:10
[2] 1 Corinthians 13:12
[3] Ephesians 3:17-19
[4] 1 Corinthians 13:13
What is perfect or complete? What is partial? The original word for perfect in the above verse also has the meaning of complete. Earlier in this chapter Paul spoke of great feats such as personal sacrifice and heavenly gifts of prophesying and speaking in tongues. But he does so to emphasize that apart from love these actions are only partially complete and imperfect.
“Now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.” [2]
Sin has so marred our world that it is difficult to find a clear reflection of God’s love. We can read of the acts of Jesus in the Gospels and acts of the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts, but our ability to sense all the love of God for us and others in these passages are dull. Therefore, though God is giving us clear pictures via the Scripture and by His Spirit’s presence, we still are not experiencing the depth of love that exists in heaven.
Paul’s prayer for us was that Christ would dwell in our hearts by faith; and that we would be rooted and grounded in Christ’s love. He prayed that we would be able to comprehend with all the saints the width, length, depth, and height of Christ’s love. Christ’s love surpasses knowledge. We need more than book knowledge of Him. We need an ongoing personal relationship with Him. [3]
“Now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” [4]
We will not need faith when we see God face to face. We will not need to hope in the coming of Jesus once He comes. But we will always need love for love is what binds us together. Love is the key ingredient to all wonderful and meaningful relationships. Love perfects that which is partially completed.
“Dear Heavenly Father, please help us experience the fullness of Your love today. Yes, please grant us faith in You. Please grant us hope in You. But primarily, please grant each of us the depths of Your love in ever increasing manner until we see You face to face. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.”
[1] 1 Corinthians 13:10
[2] 1 Corinthians 13:12
[3] Ephesians 3:17-19
[4] 1 Corinthians 13:13
Tuesday, May 25, 2021
Holy Spirit Inspired Worship to the Lord
“Thus says the man raised up on high, the ANOINTED OF the GOD of Jacob, and the SWEET PSALMIST of Israel: ‘The SPIRIT OF the LORD spoke by me, and HIS WORD was on my tongue.’” [1]
By God’s Holy Spirit King David brought forth sweet songs to glorify God. Can you imagine having a singer/song writer for a president whose speeches and songs were about the goodness and mercy of God!
David spoke to his priestly leaders to appoint from among them singers and musicians with stringed instruments, harps, and cymbals. They were to raise their voices with resounding joy. [2]
Being a percussionist, I enjoy music that involves strumming, crashing, and beating. Why? Because rhythm tends to draw people into clapping and movement. Participation!
“Heman and Jeduthun... were designated by name, to give thanks to the Lord, because His mercy endures forever; ...to sound aloud with trumpets and cymbals and the musical instruments of God.” [3]
The goal of David’s worship leaders was to inspire people to give thanks to the Lord because the Lord’s mercy endures forever.
God’s mercy is vital to us individually and corporately. So, why not revolve our music around the theme of His mercy? Let the trumpets, cymbals and musical instruments resound! We have no idea as to the number of ways in which we offend God each day, but He has mercy on us like a father pities his child. Let us praise Him for that!
“David and the captains of the army separated for the service some of the sons of Asaph, of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, stringed instruments, and cymbals. ...Who prophesied with a harp to give thanks and to praise the Lord.” [4]
“The captains of the army took part in the selection and organization of the worship leaders for Israel. David sensed a connection between the security of the kingdom and the honoring of God. David employed 4,000 Levitical musicians in the service of praising the Lord. Their service related to prophesy in the sense that God inspired it. Their music was a gift of the Holy Spirit for the people of God. Their praise was seen as ‘prophecy’ in that it proclaimed God’s Word with God’s authority.” [5]
“Holy Spirit, please inspire in us delight to bring glory, honor, and praise to the Lord with music and singing. Please be glorified in our lives.”
[1] 2 Samuel 23:1-2
[2] 1 Chronicles 15:16
[3] 1 Chronicles 16:41-42
[4] 1 Chronicles 25:1, 3
[5] Enduring Word Commentary on 1 Chronicles 25 and a reference to 1 Chronicles 23:5
By God’s Holy Spirit King David brought forth sweet songs to glorify God. Can you imagine having a singer/song writer for a president whose speeches and songs were about the goodness and mercy of God!
David spoke to his priestly leaders to appoint from among them singers and musicians with stringed instruments, harps, and cymbals. They were to raise their voices with resounding joy. [2]
Being a percussionist, I enjoy music that involves strumming, crashing, and beating. Why? Because rhythm tends to draw people into clapping and movement. Participation!
“Heman and Jeduthun... were designated by name, to give thanks to the Lord, because His mercy endures forever; ...to sound aloud with trumpets and cymbals and the musical instruments of God.” [3]
The goal of David’s worship leaders was to inspire people to give thanks to the Lord because the Lord’s mercy endures forever.
God’s mercy is vital to us individually and corporately. So, why not revolve our music around the theme of His mercy? Let the trumpets, cymbals and musical instruments resound! We have no idea as to the number of ways in which we offend God each day, but He has mercy on us like a father pities his child. Let us praise Him for that!
“David and the captains of the army separated for the service some of the sons of Asaph, of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, stringed instruments, and cymbals. ...Who prophesied with a harp to give thanks and to praise the Lord.” [4]
“The captains of the army took part in the selection and organization of the worship leaders for Israel. David sensed a connection between the security of the kingdom and the honoring of God. David employed 4,000 Levitical musicians in the service of praising the Lord. Their service related to prophesy in the sense that God inspired it. Their music was a gift of the Holy Spirit for the people of God. Their praise was seen as ‘prophecy’ in that it proclaimed God’s Word with God’s authority.” [5]
“Holy Spirit, please inspire in us delight to bring glory, honor, and praise to the Lord with music and singing. Please be glorified in our lives.”
[1] 2 Samuel 23:1-2
[2] 1 Chronicles 15:16
[3] 1 Chronicles 16:41-42
[4] 1 Chronicles 25:1, 3
[5] Enduring Word Commentary on 1 Chronicles 25 and a reference to 1 Chronicles 23:5
Monday, May 24, 2021
Humility and Resolve
“And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt and prayed, saying, ‘Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.’ Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him.” [1]
When Jesus considered what the Father was leading Him to do for others, He asked if the task could be taken from Him, but ultimately surrendered Himself to His Father’s will.
Jim Collins wrote in the Harvard Business Review: “The most powerfully transformative executives have a paradoxical mixture of personal humility and professional will. They are timid and ferocious. Shy and fearless. They are rare—and unstoppable.” [2]
During His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus showed humility as He kneeled to the ground. He showed humility as He did not seek friends to rescue Him from what to many would be an unreasonable expectation. He showed humility as in recognition of His weakness, He prayed, “Take this cup away from Me.”
The troops were coming...
A betrayer had betrayed Him
Arresters would arrest Him
False accusers would falsely accuse Him
Mockers would mock Him
Whippers would whip Him
Executioners would execute Him
Jesus showed resolve when He prayed, “Nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Ferocious, fearless, unstoppable! Like a soldier rushing into a battle, Jesus showed unswerving commitment to the desired outcome. He defied every influence to divert Him from His calling.
Jesus proved that "when we are alone with God, the forces that would drain our will are diminished of their strength. God purifies and strengthens our choices. He who demands the most surrender of our will is the One who wants and makes our will to be its strongest and best. " [3]
An angel appeared to Jesus from heaven to strengthen Him. The strengthening angel from the Father needs to be factored into any decision to go forward with God’s will and not our own.
Annie J. Flint lost her parents when she was just a child. Both her foster parents also passed away. Her budding career as a pianist was cut short by crippling arthritis. Yet, the Lord gave her grace to write inspirational songs to encourage others. I especially like the third verse of her song entitled, “He Giveth More Grace.”
“When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.”
[1] Luke 22:41-43
[2] Harvard Business Review, January 2001, Jim Collins
[3] John Ortberg on The Strong-Willed Leader
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Building with Grace, Gratitude and Love
“According to the grace of God, which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed of how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” [1]
God’s grace allowed Paul to be a worker on God’s building. “Thank You Heavenly Father for Your grace!” King David went as far as to sing loud praises God to while on his bed...
“Let the saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud on their beds.” [2]
How many of us have thought of our beds as a stage from which to put on a music concert in honor of God? David did.
As God’s builders it is important to keep an attitude of gratitude lest the enemy spoil our progress with discontentment. When the Israelites found fault with God’s leading and His leader, Moses, it did not lead to blessings, but great loss.
“When Paul founded the church in Corinth (Acts 18), he set the only foundation that can be laid – the person and work of Jesus Christ. Yet he knew that others would come after him and build on the foundation he set.” [3]
The Church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord. We should not only begin with the foundation of Christ but continue steadfastly building with Him. Jesus said...
“If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.” [4]
All our work should be to the Lord and for His glory. Christ is overall. Our Heavenly Father honors individuals, churches, communities and countries who serve Christ.
We serve Christ well when led by His Spirit via the Bible; when praising Him from whom all blessings flow; when praying for one another; and when loving for one another. As Jesus said... “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” [5]
“Thank You Heavenly Father for the blueprint and for the grace to will and to do Your good pleasure. Thank You for Your love. Help us to love one another as we build. May You be glorified! In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.”
[1] 1 Corinthians 3:10-11
[2] Psalm 149:5
[3] Enduring Word Commentary
[4] John 12:26
[5] John 13:35
God’s grace allowed Paul to be a worker on God’s building. “Thank You Heavenly Father for Your grace!” King David went as far as to sing loud praises God to while on his bed...
“Let the saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud on their beds.” [2]
How many of us have thought of our beds as a stage from which to put on a music concert in honor of God? David did.
As God’s builders it is important to keep an attitude of gratitude lest the enemy spoil our progress with discontentment. When the Israelites found fault with God’s leading and His leader, Moses, it did not lead to blessings, but great loss.
“When Paul founded the church in Corinth (Acts 18), he set the only foundation that can be laid – the person and work of Jesus Christ. Yet he knew that others would come after him and build on the foundation he set.” [3]
The Church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord. We should not only begin with the foundation of Christ but continue steadfastly building with Him. Jesus said...
“If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.” [4]
All our work should be to the Lord and for His glory. Christ is overall. Our Heavenly Father honors individuals, churches, communities and countries who serve Christ.
We serve Christ well when led by His Spirit via the Bible; when praising Him from whom all blessings flow; when praying for one another; and when loving for one another. As Jesus said... “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” [5]
“Thank You Heavenly Father for the blueprint and for the grace to will and to do Your good pleasure. Thank You for Your love. Help us to love one another as we build. May You be glorified! In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.”
[1] 1 Corinthians 3:10-11
[2] Psalm 149:5
[3] Enduring Word Commentary
[4] John 12:26
[5] John 13:35
Monday, May 17, 2021
Christ Crucified Emphasis
“When I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” [1]
Paul’s arrival in Corinth is described in Acts 18. He came and met a Christian couple named Aquila and Priscilla, who were tentmakers by trade, like Paul. He ministered in Corinth for more than a year and a half, supporting himself by tent making.
Paul didn’t come as a philosopher or a salesman. He emphasized Jesus Christ and Him crucified. He was an ambassador, not a salesman. He didn’t cater to what his audience wanted. [A]
“That your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” [2]
Preaching strategies centered on the wisdom of men – around emotion, entertainment and human personality – may yield response, but fail to bring people to Christ. What you draw them with is what you draw them to. If someone can be persuaded into the kingdom by human wisdom, they can also be persuaded out of the kingdom by human wisdom. [B]
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit.” [3]
God reveals His thoughts to us via His Spirit. We must have a relationship with Him to have the benefits of knowing who He is and what He knows.
“The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” [4]
The ancient Greek word for natural man is “psuchikos.” It describes the materialist, who lives as if there were nothing beyond this physical life. This is the kind of life common to all animals. Life on this level is without spiritual insight. [C]
This brings us back to Christ. If a person or group of people reject Christ and Him crucified, there is no use trying to teach them about God. They want us to create a back door or another way to God, and there is no other way to the Father, or to be filled with the Holy Spirit, than to embrace Jesus Christ and to confess Him as Lord and Savior.
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Son Jesus Christ and thank You for Your Holy Spirit. Please lead us to those whose hearts You have prepared to embrace and confess Jesus Christ. For it is in His Name that we pray. Amen.”
[1] 1 Corinthians 2:1-2
[2] 1 Corinthians 2:5
[3] 1 Corinthians 2:9-10
[4] 1 Corinthians 2:14
[ABC] Comments derived from the Enduring Word Commentary
Paul’s arrival in Corinth is described in Acts 18. He came and met a Christian couple named Aquila and Priscilla, who were tentmakers by trade, like Paul. He ministered in Corinth for more than a year and a half, supporting himself by tent making.
Paul didn’t come as a philosopher or a salesman. He emphasized Jesus Christ and Him crucified. He was an ambassador, not a salesman. He didn’t cater to what his audience wanted. [A]
“That your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” [2]
Preaching strategies centered on the wisdom of men – around emotion, entertainment and human personality – may yield response, but fail to bring people to Christ. What you draw them with is what you draw them to. If someone can be persuaded into the kingdom by human wisdom, they can also be persuaded out of the kingdom by human wisdom. [B]
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit.” [3]
God reveals His thoughts to us via His Spirit. We must have a relationship with Him to have the benefits of knowing who He is and what He knows.
“The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” [4]
The ancient Greek word for natural man is “psuchikos.” It describes the materialist, who lives as if there were nothing beyond this physical life. This is the kind of life common to all animals. Life on this level is without spiritual insight. [C]
This brings us back to Christ. If a person or group of people reject Christ and Him crucified, there is no use trying to teach them about God. They want us to create a back door or another way to God, and there is no other way to the Father, or to be filled with the Holy Spirit, than to embrace Jesus Christ and to confess Him as Lord and Savior.
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Son Jesus Christ and thank You for Your Holy Spirit. Please lead us to those whose hearts You have prepared to embrace and confess Jesus Christ. For it is in His Name that we pray. Amen.”
[1] 1 Corinthians 2:1-2
[2] 1 Corinthians 2:5
[3] 1 Corinthians 2:9-10
[4] 1 Corinthians 2:14
[ABC] Comments derived from the Enduring Word Commentary
Sunday, May 16, 2021
Let God be God
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” [1]
Almost everything we do in life requires knowledge, understanding and wisdom. For example, how to bake a cake or how to assemble an object that requires assembly. If we assume we can do whatever it is without reading the instructions, we may lose the investment due to irreversible damage to the ingredients or parts. Life and death is this way. We should not assume that we are on the right track if we have not checked the instructions. Very people get a second chance, that is, to die, and get their life on earth back again.
“Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.” [2]
The Psalmist wisely asks the Lord for instruction. He rightly believes that God is God, and that His Spirit is good, and that God will lead him uprightly.
“The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” [3]
God, in His Word, the Bible, states that we all have a sin problem. Sin separates us from God. We need someone to pay our sin debt. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to pay our sin debt. God forgives and helps those who believe in His Son. So, Christ is God’s Savior for us.
“God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty. As it is written, ‘He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.’” [4]
The world wants to be ooed and awed with over-the-top theatrics, but God has chosen weak things to bring salvation – like a shepherd boy putting down a giant warrior with a sling and stone (David) – like an uncle and a niece halting the annihilation of their people by fasting, praying and following the Lord’s guidance (Esther) – like His Son dying and resurrecting from the dead (Jesus). Rather than boasting, “I did it my way,” the Bible urges us to glory in the Lord.
“Happy are the people who are in such a state; happy are the people whose God is the Lord!” [5]
Life is so much better when we let God be God, and we simply be His people.
[1] Proverbs 16:25
[2] Psalm 143:10
[3] 1 Corinthians 2:18
[4] 1 Corinthians 2:27, 31
[5] Psalm 144:15
Almost everything we do in life requires knowledge, understanding and wisdom. For example, how to bake a cake or how to assemble an object that requires assembly. If we assume we can do whatever it is without reading the instructions, we may lose the investment due to irreversible damage to the ingredients or parts. Life and death is this way. We should not assume that we are on the right track if we have not checked the instructions. Very people get a second chance, that is, to die, and get their life on earth back again.
“Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.” [2]
The Psalmist wisely asks the Lord for instruction. He rightly believes that God is God, and that His Spirit is good, and that God will lead him uprightly.
“The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” [3]
God, in His Word, the Bible, states that we all have a sin problem. Sin separates us from God. We need someone to pay our sin debt. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to pay our sin debt. God forgives and helps those who believe in His Son. So, Christ is God’s Savior for us.
“God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty. As it is written, ‘He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.’” [4]
The world wants to be ooed and awed with over-the-top theatrics, but God has chosen weak things to bring salvation – like a shepherd boy putting down a giant warrior with a sling and stone (David) – like an uncle and a niece halting the annihilation of their people by fasting, praying and following the Lord’s guidance (Esther) – like His Son dying and resurrecting from the dead (Jesus). Rather than boasting, “I did it my way,” the Bible urges us to glory in the Lord.
“Happy are the people who are in such a state; happy are the people whose God is the Lord!” [5]
Life is so much better when we let God be God, and we simply be His people.
[1] Proverbs 16:25
[2] Psalm 143:10
[3] 1 Corinthians 2:18
[4] 1 Corinthians 2:27, 31
[5] Psalm 144:15
Friday, May 14, 2021
Hope in the Lord
“For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” [1]
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to pray for a dearly loved brother in Christ who has and is experiencing a great test of his faith in Christ. His breathing was labored. His sister testified to me of how before this trial began that he had a sense of urgency to believe in Christ. Throughout this trial, he has been leaning on the Lord and His Word, even posting Scripture on Facebook. In the midst of the most severe trial, he has found hope in God’s Word and in God.
Please pray for this brother in Christ, the Lord knows his name.
My prayer for all who read this post is...
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [in Christ], that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” [2]
[1] Romans 15:4
[2] Romans 15:13
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to pray for a dearly loved brother in Christ who has and is experiencing a great test of his faith in Christ. His breathing was labored. His sister testified to me of how before this trial began that he had a sense of urgency to believe in Christ. Throughout this trial, he has been leaning on the Lord and His Word, even posting Scripture on Facebook. In the midst of the most severe trial, he has found hope in God’s Word and in God.
Please pray for this brother in Christ, the Lord knows his name.
My prayer for all who read this post is...
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [in Christ], that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” [2]
[1] Romans 15:4
[2] Romans 15:13
Friday, May 7, 2021
Overcoming Discouragement and Experiencing Victories
“I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate on Your precepts and contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your Word.” [1]
David, the Psalmist, rejoiced in, meditated on, contemplated, delighted in, and intentionally remembered God’s Word. He was happy to say so!
His relationship with the Lord yielded for his faith when others cast doubt on him. Take for example, the day that he conquered the bully Goliath. Before he fought the giant, he had to overcome the skeptical dispositions of an older brother and his king.
His oldest brother, Eliab, said to him, “Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.” [2]
His king said to him, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.” [3]
After hearing David’s testimonies about what the Lord had done for him, Saul put his own armor on David. If David had wore it, he would have died that day. Instead of relishing in the opportunity to be dressed like a king for battle, David resolved to remain with the formula that had worked for him in the past... Slingshot + stones + God = victory. [4]
Next, the words of the giant were shot at David. The giant looked down on David in a demeaning way and said, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” He cursed David by his gods. [5]
David was not discouraged. He was not demoralized. Why? He had faith in God and what God can do because he had been reading God’s Word...
1) “I come to you in the LORD’s name... whom you have defied.”
2) “This day THE LORD will deliver you into my hand...”
3) “The battle is the LORD’s. HE will give you into our hands.” [6]
God gave David numerous victories as he continued to read God’s Word and trust in God!
[1] Psalm 119:14-16
[2] 1 Samuel 17:28
[3] 1 Samuel 17:33
[4] 1 Samuel 17:38-40
[5] 1 Samuel 17:43
[6] 1 Samuel 17:45-47
David, the Psalmist, rejoiced in, meditated on, contemplated, delighted in, and intentionally remembered God’s Word. He was happy to say so!
His relationship with the Lord yielded for his faith when others cast doubt on him. Take for example, the day that he conquered the bully Goliath. Before he fought the giant, he had to overcome the skeptical dispositions of an older brother and his king.
His oldest brother, Eliab, said to him, “Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.” [2]
His king said to him, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.” [3]
After hearing David’s testimonies about what the Lord had done for him, Saul put his own armor on David. If David had wore it, he would have died that day. Instead of relishing in the opportunity to be dressed like a king for battle, David resolved to remain with the formula that had worked for him in the past... Slingshot + stones + God = victory. [4]
Next, the words of the giant were shot at David. The giant looked down on David in a demeaning way and said, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” He cursed David by his gods. [5]
David was not discouraged. He was not demoralized. Why? He had faith in God and what God can do because he had been reading God’s Word...
1) “I come to you in the LORD’s name... whom you have defied.”
2) “This day THE LORD will deliver you into my hand...”
3) “The battle is the LORD’s. HE will give you into our hands.” [6]
God gave David numerous victories as he continued to read God’s Word and trust in God!
[1] Psalm 119:14-16
[2] 1 Samuel 17:28
[3] 1 Samuel 17:33
[4] 1 Samuel 17:38-40
[5] 1 Samuel 17:43
[6] 1 Samuel 17:45-47
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Triumph with the Trinity
Our Triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – is our source of life, peace, identity, righteousness, holiness, leadership, familial belonging, strength, prayer-life, knowledge of divine will, victory over every kind of trial, and of abiding love. This is according to the Bible.
I have highlighted below phrases and sentences from Romans 8 that focus on what the Spirit, Son and Father do for us who are in Christ Jesus.
If you are not in Christ Jesus, I urge you to ask Him to forgive your sins and to be your Lord and Savior. Place your trust in Him! He will give you His Holy Spirit to help you walk with God.
“The Spirit gives life!” (vs. 2)
“The righteous requirement of the law is fully met in us who live according to the Spirit.” (vs. 4)
“Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” (vs. 5)
“The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” (vs. 6)
“If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.” (vs. 9)
“The Spirit gives life because of righteousness.” (vs. 10)
“If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you.” (vs. 11)
“If by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” (vs. 13)
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” (vs. 14)
“The Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’” (vs. 15)
“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (vs. 16)
“The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” (vs. 26)
“The Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” (vs. 27)
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?” (vss. 31-32)
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (vs. 37)
“I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (vss. 38-39)
I have highlighted below phrases and sentences from Romans 8 that focus on what the Spirit, Son and Father do for us who are in Christ Jesus.
If you are not in Christ Jesus, I urge you to ask Him to forgive your sins and to be your Lord and Savior. Place your trust in Him! He will give you His Holy Spirit to help you walk with God.
“The Spirit gives life!” (vs. 2)
“The righteous requirement of the law is fully met in us who live according to the Spirit.” (vs. 4)
“Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” (vs. 5)
“The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” (vs. 6)
“If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.” (vs. 9)
“The Spirit gives life because of righteousness.” (vs. 10)
“If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you.” (vs. 11)
“If by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” (vs. 13)
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” (vs. 14)
“The Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’” (vs. 15)
“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (vs. 16)
“The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” (vs. 26)
“The Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” (vs. 27)
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?” (vss. 31-32)
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (vs. 37)
“I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (vss. 38-39)
Tuesday, May 4, 2021
By the Spirit They Won
Enemies were besieging their city. The city’s leaders asked for terms of peace. The enemy’s condition for peace was that everyone in the city had to have their right eye gouged out. The city’s leaders replied, “Give us seven days so we can send messengers throughout Israel; if no one comes to rescue us, we will surrender to you.” The enemy granted their request.
“When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him... [Praise God!]
King Saul took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent the pieces by messengers throughout Israel, proclaiming, “This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not follow Saul and Samuel.”
The terror of the Lord fell on the people, and they came out together as one... [Praise God!]
Saul had an united military force 330,000 strong. By the Spirit of God, they won.
After the battle was over, Samuel the prophet gathered the people together to make fellowship offerings unto the Lord and to celebrate their victory. [1]
Samuel addressed the participants at this celebration, saying:
“If you fear the Lord and serve and obey Him and do not rebel against His commands, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the Lord your God—good! But if you do not obey the Lord, and if you rebel against His commands, His hand will be against you, as it was against your ancestors.”
“Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. But be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.” [2]
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to be a sacrifice for our sins... a sacrifice who brought us into fellowship with You and with one another. Thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to bring us into fellowship with you and with one another. Thank You for giving us Your commands in the Bible. Thank You for Your grace that gives us will to do according to Your good pleasure. We praise You for protecting us from evil. May we ever worship and serve You faithfully! In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.”
[1] 1 Samuel 11:1-15
[2] 1 Samuel 12:14-15, 21, 24
“When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him... [Praise God!]
King Saul took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent the pieces by messengers throughout Israel, proclaiming, “This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not follow Saul and Samuel.”
The terror of the Lord fell on the people, and they came out together as one... [Praise God!]
Saul had an united military force 330,000 strong. By the Spirit of God, they won.
After the battle was over, Samuel the prophet gathered the people together to make fellowship offerings unto the Lord and to celebrate their victory. [1]
Samuel addressed the participants at this celebration, saying:
“If you fear the Lord and serve and obey Him and do not rebel against His commands, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the Lord your God—good! But if you do not obey the Lord, and if you rebel against His commands, His hand will be against you, as it was against your ancestors.”
“Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. But be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.” [2]
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to be a sacrifice for our sins... a sacrifice who brought us into fellowship with You and with one another. Thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to bring us into fellowship with you and with one another. Thank You for giving us Your commands in the Bible. Thank You for Your grace that gives us will to do according to Your good pleasure. We praise You for protecting us from evil. May we ever worship and serve You faithfully! In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.”
[1] 1 Samuel 11:1-15
[2] 1 Samuel 12:14-15, 21, 24
Saturday, May 1, 2021
Blessedness
“To him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.” [1]
The work referred to here is the work of trying to justify oneself before God. Trying to behave in a god-like (godly) way to impress oneself or God! Such a futile lifestyle!
The Lord revealed to King David of Israel a more blessed way...
“David describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: ‘Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.” [2]
The word “Blessed" here is from the Greek word makarios (Μακάριος), which means to be happy or blissful, but it also means a self-contained happiness. The idea is that our happiness is independent of our circumstances. It is self-contained, meaning that regardless of what is happening to us externally, we can be truly happy internally.” [3]
To David “blessedness” was:
God imputing righteousness to him apart from works (God did the work)
God forgiving and covering his lawless deeds (God had him covered)
God imputing no sin to him (because his sin was placed on another - Christ)
This is a grace-based salvation from sin... God’s grace!
Jesus “was delivered up because of our offenses and was raised because of our justification.” [4]
Jesus took care of our righteous standing before God on the cross and in His resurrection from the dead.
King David understood this “blessedness.” God’s “blessing” yielded for David songs of praise to God. He used the word “praise” 164 times and the word “sing” 59 times in the Book of Psalms. Thanks to the Lord, his mouth was filled with praise and his heart with song.
May the Lord bless you today!
[1] Romans 4:5
[2] Romans 4:6-8
[3] http://christianity.com/.../teachi.../what-does-blessed-mean
[4] Romans 4:25
The work referred to here is the work of trying to justify oneself before God. Trying to behave in a god-like (godly) way to impress oneself or God! Such a futile lifestyle!
The Lord revealed to King David of Israel a more blessed way...
“David describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: ‘Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.” [2]
The word “Blessed" here is from the Greek word makarios (Μακάριος), which means to be happy or blissful, but it also means a self-contained happiness. The idea is that our happiness is independent of our circumstances. It is self-contained, meaning that regardless of what is happening to us externally, we can be truly happy internally.” [3]
To David “blessedness” was:
God imputing righteousness to him apart from works (God did the work)
God forgiving and covering his lawless deeds (God had him covered)
God imputing no sin to him (because his sin was placed on another - Christ)
This is a grace-based salvation from sin... God’s grace!
Jesus “was delivered up because of our offenses and was raised because of our justification.” [4]
Jesus took care of our righteous standing before God on the cross and in His resurrection from the dead.
King David understood this “blessedness.” God’s “blessing” yielded for David songs of praise to God. He used the word “praise” 164 times and the word “sing” 59 times in the Book of Psalms. Thanks to the Lord, his mouth was filled with praise and his heart with song.
May the Lord bless you today!
[1] Romans 4:5
[2] Romans 4:6-8
[3] http://christianity.com/.../teachi.../what-does-blessed-mean
[4] Romans 4:25
Friday, April 30, 2021
How to be Right with God
“Now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed...” [1]
Wait! There is a righteousness revealed that is apart from the law? Isn’t law-keeping the only way to be right with God?
“Even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe.” [2]
Wait! God accounts those who believe in Jesus Christ righteous?
YES!
“For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” [3]
Justified by grace? You mean that God has created a way around being a perfect law-keeper? YES! Through redemption! Believe in the Redeemer! God has set forth His Son Jesus Christ as our Redeemer.
“God set forth [Jesus] as a propitiation [a sin covering – a sin canceller] by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness...” [4] Through faith – believe in JESUS!
“That He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in JESUS.” [5]
Did you get that? God remains just by justifying sinners who have faith in His Son Jesus Christ. God imputes the perfect righteousness of Christ to everyone who believes in Christ.
So, what happens to the great American pass time of boasting?
“Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith.” [6]
Self-boasting is excluded because everyone is made righteous by One and the same Savior: Jesus Christ. No one can stand before God as perfectly holy apart from receiving God’s gift of righteousness; namely the righteousness of Christ placed into one’s account by God.
“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.” [7]
This is Paul the once great Pharisee talking. He used to pride himself in how zealous he was for keeping God’s laws. Now, he is boasting in Christ alone. He says that his and our only hope of being right with God is to believe in His Son Jesus Christ. YES! It is that simple because Jesus did all that was needed to make us right with God on the cross!
[1] Romans 3:21
[2] Romans 3:22
[3] Romans 3:22-24
[4] Romans 3:25
[5] Romans 3:26
[6] Romans 3:27
[7] Romans 3:28
Wait! There is a righteousness revealed that is apart from the law? Isn’t law-keeping the only way to be right with God?
“Even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe.” [2]
Wait! God accounts those who believe in Jesus Christ righteous?
YES!
“For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” [3]
Justified by grace? You mean that God has created a way around being a perfect law-keeper? YES! Through redemption! Believe in the Redeemer! God has set forth His Son Jesus Christ as our Redeemer.
“God set forth [Jesus] as a propitiation [a sin covering – a sin canceller] by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness...” [4] Through faith – believe in JESUS!
“That He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in JESUS.” [5]
Did you get that? God remains just by justifying sinners who have faith in His Son Jesus Christ. God imputes the perfect righteousness of Christ to everyone who believes in Christ.
So, what happens to the great American pass time of boasting?
“Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith.” [6]
Self-boasting is excluded because everyone is made righteous by One and the same Savior: Jesus Christ. No one can stand before God as perfectly holy apart from receiving God’s gift of righteousness; namely the righteousness of Christ placed into one’s account by God.
“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.” [7]
This is Paul the once great Pharisee talking. He used to pride himself in how zealous he was for keeping God’s laws. Now, he is boasting in Christ alone. He says that his and our only hope of being right with God is to believe in His Son Jesus Christ. YES! It is that simple because Jesus did all that was needed to make us right with God on the cross!
[1] Romans 3:21
[2] Romans 3:22
[3] Romans 3:22-24
[4] Romans 3:25
[5] Romans 3:26
[6] Romans 3:27
[7] Romans 3:28
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Called to Preach the Gospel
“Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ”
“There were several ancient Greek words used to designate a slave, but the idea behind the word for servant (doulos) is “complete and utter devotion.”
“Called to be an apostle”
“The idea of being an apostle is that you are a special ambassador or messenger.”
“Separated to the Gospel of God”
“Some think Paul alludes to the name of Pharisee, which means ‘Separatist.’ When he was a Pharisee, he was separated to the law of God; and now, being a Christian, he was separated to the Gospel of God.” [1]
“Through Him we have received grace and apostleship”
“Without GRACE, the help of God, he could not have been an apostle.” [2]
“I am ready to preach the Gospel to you who are in Rome” [3]
Readiness to preach the Gospel was Paul’s gift and high calling from the Lord.
“For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes”
“The Gospel of Jesus Christ has power. We do not give it power; we only stop hindering it when we present it effectively. The Gospel’s power to salvation comes to everyone who believes.” [4]
“For in it [the Gospel] the righteousness of God is revealed”
“The Gospel speaks of the righteousness of God that is given to the sinner who puts their trust in Jesus Christ. William Barclay explains the meaning of this ancient Greek word dikaioo, which means ‘I justify,’ and is the root of dikaioun ‘righteousness’: ‘All verbs in Greek which end in oo… always mean to treat, or account or reckon a person as something. If God justifies a sinner, it means that God treats the sinner as if he had not been a sinner at all.” [5]
“The just shall live by faith”
By faith in who or what? By faith in Jesus Christ. Faith by itself merits nothing. Faith is receptivity. Faith receives Christ and all that He has done for us. This faith rests on the merits of Christ! What He did for us on the cross! By His resurrection! By His presence via the Holy Spirit! He gives the Holy Spirit to those who believe in Him.
[1] Romans 1:1 and Enduring Word Commentary
[2] Romans 1:5 and Enduring Word Commentary
[3] Romans 1:15
[4] Romans 1:16 and Enduring Word Commentary
[5] Romans 1:17
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
On Fire for Jesus
In Acts 27, Paul and 275 others survived a shipwreck. Thanks to God’s grace, they were close to shore. They used pieces of the wooden ship to float to shore. Everyone survived.
While on the island of Malta, the natives kindly kindled a fire to warm them. Paul gathered a bundle of sticks for the fire as well. However, as he neared the fire, “Ouch!” A viper bit his hand. A viper’s bite is deadly. The natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, and remarked, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.” [1]
Paul was doing a good deed. It’s amazing how people jump to false conclusions when something bad happens to a good person. Nevertheless, the Lord told Paul previously that he would stand before Caesar. Paul shook the viper off into the fire. The snake died. He lived. “The natives changed their minds and said that he was a god.” [2]
After that, a leading citizen of the island entertained Paul and others courteously for three days. The man’s father was sick with fever and dysentery, so Paul prayed for him, and he was healed. Then, the rest of those on the island who had diseases came and were healed. Revival! It was no coincidence that they crashed into this island.
Paul and his company received many honors during their three month stay in Malta, and the locals met all their needs. [3] God made a way where there seemed no way.
When Paul reached Rome, he was allowed to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him. He dwelt there two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him. What did he do? He preached the kingdom of God and taught people about the Lord Jesus Christ. He did so with confidence. No one stopped him anymore. [4]
What about Paul’s appearance before Caesar? How did that go? Apparently very well. In his letter to the Philippians, he wrote of saints in Caesar’s household. How did that happen? Did Paul witness to them as he did to the two Roman governors, Felix and Festus, and as he did to King Agrippa and his wife Drusilla? Perhaps!
“All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.” [5]
Before he left this world, he wrote a challenge to us in his letter to the Corinthians, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” [6] I have heard of the ice bucket challenge, but who wants to be cold or lukewarm? Let’s imitate Paul! Let’s be on fire for Jesus!
[1] Acts 28:1-4
[2] Acts 28:5-6
[3] Acts 28:7-11
[4] Acts 28:15-16, 30-31
[5] Philippians 4:22
[6] 1 Corinthians 11:1
While on the island of Malta, the natives kindly kindled a fire to warm them. Paul gathered a bundle of sticks for the fire as well. However, as he neared the fire, “Ouch!” A viper bit his hand. A viper’s bite is deadly. The natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, and remarked, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.” [1]
Paul was doing a good deed. It’s amazing how people jump to false conclusions when something bad happens to a good person. Nevertheless, the Lord told Paul previously that he would stand before Caesar. Paul shook the viper off into the fire. The snake died. He lived. “The natives changed their minds and said that he was a god.” [2]
After that, a leading citizen of the island entertained Paul and others courteously for three days. The man’s father was sick with fever and dysentery, so Paul prayed for him, and he was healed. Then, the rest of those on the island who had diseases came and were healed. Revival! It was no coincidence that they crashed into this island.
Paul and his company received many honors during their three month stay in Malta, and the locals met all their needs. [3] God made a way where there seemed no way.
When Paul reached Rome, he was allowed to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him. He dwelt there two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him. What did he do? He preached the kingdom of God and taught people about the Lord Jesus Christ. He did so with confidence. No one stopped him anymore. [4]
What about Paul’s appearance before Caesar? How did that go? Apparently very well. In his letter to the Philippians, he wrote of saints in Caesar’s household. How did that happen? Did Paul witness to them as he did to the two Roman governors, Felix and Festus, and as he did to King Agrippa and his wife Drusilla? Perhaps!
“All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.” [5]
Before he left this world, he wrote a challenge to us in his letter to the Corinthians, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” [6] I have heard of the ice bucket challenge, but who wants to be cold or lukewarm? Let’s imitate Paul! Let’s be on fire for Jesus!
[1] Acts 28:1-4
[2] Acts 28:5-6
[3] Acts 28:7-11
[4] Acts 28:15-16, 30-31
[5] Philippians 4:22
[6] 1 Corinthians 11:1
Monday, April 26, 2021
A Timely Prayer and Word from God
“All hope that we would be saved was finally given up.” [1]
There were 276 people (mostly prisoners) on the ship. [2]
Paul warned those in charge before they set off to sea, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” But the Roman centurion in-charge was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by Paul. [3]
While at sea, the weather turned bad for many days.
The 276 people on the ship minus one now had no hope of surviving. They stopped eating. In their minds they were about to die. But one among them, Paul, had good news from the Lord for them...
“I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ Therefore, take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it had told me. However, we must run aground on a certain island.” [4]
God had a plan for Paul. He was to be brought before Caesar. And the Lord granted him the lives of everyone on the ship in answer to his prayers for them. Paul believed!
Next, Paul urged them to eat. They were so stressed that they had not eaten for 14 days. He told them, “This is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.” Paul took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it, he began to eat. Then they were all encouraged and took food themselves.” [5]
After the ship struck rocks near to an island and began to break apart, the soldiers planned to kill the prisoners lest they escape. “But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose.” He commanded the prisoners to jump overboard and swim to land. Everyone escaped safely to land. [6]
How many people are living without hope today? They are not eating or sleeping properly. They need a “Paul” to pray for them. They need a “Paul” to speak words from Jesus to them.
“Heavenly Father, here we are, please use our lives to pray for them and to give them a timely word in due season. For this we pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”
[1] Acts 27:21
[2] Acts 27:37
[3] Acts 27:10-11
[4] Acts 27:21-26
[5] Acts 27:33-36
[6] Acts 27:42-44
There were 276 people (mostly prisoners) on the ship. [2]
Paul warned those in charge before they set off to sea, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” But the Roman centurion in-charge was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by Paul. [3]
While at sea, the weather turned bad for many days.
The 276 people on the ship minus one now had no hope of surviving. They stopped eating. In their minds they were about to die. But one among them, Paul, had good news from the Lord for them...
“I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ Therefore, take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it had told me. However, we must run aground on a certain island.” [4]
God had a plan for Paul. He was to be brought before Caesar. And the Lord granted him the lives of everyone on the ship in answer to his prayers for them. Paul believed!
Next, Paul urged them to eat. They were so stressed that they had not eaten for 14 days. He told them, “This is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.” Paul took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it, he began to eat. Then they were all encouraged and took food themselves.” [5]
After the ship struck rocks near to an island and began to break apart, the soldiers planned to kill the prisoners lest they escape. “But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose.” He commanded the prisoners to jump overboard and swim to land. Everyone escaped safely to land. [6]
How many people are living without hope today? They are not eating or sleeping properly. They need a “Paul” to pray for them. They need a “Paul” to speak words from Jesus to them.
“Heavenly Father, here we are, please use our lives to pray for them and to give them a timely word in due season. For this we pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”
[1] Acts 27:21
[2] Acts 27:37
[3] Acts 27:10-11
[4] Acts 27:21-26
[5] Acts 27:33-36
[6] Acts 27:42-44
Sunday, April 25, 2021
Paul’s Message and Challenge
His Message...
“...Having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come—that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.” [1]
His message was in line with the Hebrew Bible. He rightly discerned the focus of Scripture, namely the Messiah Jesus, who died and rose again. Paul also had a personal relationship with Christ. Paul told King Agrippa with great passion what Jesus Christ meant to him.
The words of a song recorded by Avalon well describe Paul’s love for the Lord...
“Everything to me
He's more than a story
More than words on a page of history
He's the air that I breathe
The water I thirst for
And the ground beneath my feet
He's everything, everything to me.” [2]
His Challenge...
“King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.” [3]
“Do you believe?”
Paul wanted everyone that he came into contact with to enjoy the blessing of knowing God and to enjoy knowing that when they died, they too could live with God forever... when they believed and confessed Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
The words of another song recorded by Bill & Glory Gaither capture the essence of Paul’s Holy Spirit empowered passion for Jesus...
“Everybody ought to know
Everybody ought to know
Everybody ought to know
Who Jesus is.” [4]
Do you know Jesus? If not, why wait another moment? Believe and Confess Jesus as your Lord and Savior today!
[1] Acts 26:22-23
[2] “Everything to Me,” Recorded by Avalon. Songwriters: Cates Chad Robert / Smith Sue C. Lyrics © New Spring Publishing, Inc.
[3] Acts 26:27
[4] Everybody Ought To Know,” Recorded by Bill & Gloria Gaither. Songwriter: Harry Loes. Lyrics © New Spring Publishing, Inc.
“...Having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come—that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.” [1]
His message was in line with the Hebrew Bible. He rightly discerned the focus of Scripture, namely the Messiah Jesus, who died and rose again. Paul also had a personal relationship with Christ. Paul told King Agrippa with great passion what Jesus Christ meant to him.
The words of a song recorded by Avalon well describe Paul’s love for the Lord...
“Everything to me
He's more than a story
More than words on a page of history
He's the air that I breathe
The water I thirst for
And the ground beneath my feet
He's everything, everything to me.” [2]
His Challenge...
“King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.” [3]
“Do you believe?”
Paul wanted everyone that he came into contact with to enjoy the blessing of knowing God and to enjoy knowing that when they died, they too could live with God forever... when they believed and confessed Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
The words of another song recorded by Bill & Glory Gaither capture the essence of Paul’s Holy Spirit empowered passion for Jesus...
“Everybody ought to know
Everybody ought to know
Everybody ought to know
Who Jesus is.” [4]
Do you know Jesus? If not, why wait another moment? Believe and Confess Jesus as your Lord and Savior today!
[1] Acts 26:22-23
[2] “Everything to Me,” Recorded by Avalon. Songwriters: Cates Chad Robert / Smith Sue C. Lyrics © New Spring Publishing, Inc.
[3] Acts 26:27
[4] Everybody Ought To Know,” Recorded by Bill & Gloria Gaither. Songwriter: Harry Loes. Lyrics © New Spring Publishing, Inc.
Saturday, April 24, 2021
Paul’s Resurrection Testimony
Arrested and imprisoned back in Acts 21:27-30, after people stirred up a riot against him.
In Acts 23:11, the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.”
Two years later, in Acts 25, Paul is still detained and waiting for a verdict on the charges levied against him.
Acts 28:16: “When we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.”
8 of 28! 28.57%! That is the number of chapters and percentage of Acts that spring from Paul’s experience with angry mobs, arrest, and detention. Paul also authored the books of Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon while he was in prison. That is an additional fifteen chapters of the Bible! Amazing, that a man who suffered so many setbacks is still positively impacting people today!
Vital to Paul and to the world was his proclamation of Christ.
While requesting counsel from King Agrippa on Paul’s case, Governor Festus made the following statement about Paul in Acts 25:18-19...
“When the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation against him of such things as I supposed but had some questions against him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who had died, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.”
The governor got it right. For Paul, his existence was about the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Believe in Jesus! Be saved by Him. Enjoy paradise thanks to Jesus! Jesus paid the entry fee when He died for our sins on the cross, and when He rose from the dead on the third day!
He’s Alive!
In Acts 23:11, the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.”
Two years later, in Acts 25, Paul is still detained and waiting for a verdict on the charges levied against him.
Acts 28:16: “When we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.”
8 of 28! 28.57%! That is the number of chapters and percentage of Acts that spring from Paul’s experience with angry mobs, arrest, and detention. Paul also authored the books of Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon while he was in prison. That is an additional fifteen chapters of the Bible! Amazing, that a man who suffered so many setbacks is still positively impacting people today!
Vital to Paul and to the world was his proclamation of Christ.
While requesting counsel from King Agrippa on Paul’s case, Governor Festus made the following statement about Paul in Acts 25:18-19...
“When the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation against him of such things as I supposed but had some questions against him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who had died, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.”
The governor got it right. For Paul, his existence was about the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Believe in Jesus! Be saved by Him. Enjoy paradise thanks to Jesus! Jesus paid the entry fee when He died for our sins on the cross, and when He rose from the dead on the third day!
He’s Alive!
Friday, April 23, 2021
Paul’s Message to Governor Felix
Chief priest, elders/officials, the Governor, a famous orator, and a courtroom packed with people! Paul on trial! What’s his topic of choice at this moment? The resurrection of the dead!
The accusations against Paul were...
“We have found this man a plague, a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.” [2]
Imagine that! Some people don’t like Paul rallying others to believe in Jesus of Nazareth!
Paul, though vastly outnumbered, relied on the truth to defend himself:
“They neither found me in the temple disputing with anyone nor inciting the crowd, either in the synagogues or in the city. Nor can they prove the things of which they now accuse me.” [3]
But then, he circled back to his main concern... to witness for Christ... to witness for the resurrection:
“Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you this day.” [4]
The Roman Governor Felix commanded “the centurion to keep Paul and to let him have liberty and told him not to forbid any of his friends to provide for or visit him.”
Later, Governor Felix “sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.” Paul reasoned with the Governor “about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come.” [5]
This man, Paul, was he whom the Lord used to write most of the books in the New Testament. His writings about Christ have been read and taught in seminaries, schools, and churches around the world many times over. He invested heavily in Christianity. His investment still yields returns today. Trials turned to gold! Not into the perishable gold of this world, but into the metaphoric gold of numerous souls in heaven via his witness for Christ!
May the Lord help us all to be so bold for Jesus the Nazarene...
“Restore us, O God; cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved!” [6]
[1] Acts 24:15
[2] Acts 24:5
[3] Acts 24:12-13
[4] Acts 24:21
[5] Acts 24:23-25
[6] Psalm 80:3
The accusations against Paul were...
“We have found this man a plague, a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.” [2]
Imagine that! Some people don’t like Paul rallying others to believe in Jesus of Nazareth!
Paul, though vastly outnumbered, relied on the truth to defend himself:
“They neither found me in the temple disputing with anyone nor inciting the crowd, either in the synagogues or in the city. Nor can they prove the things of which they now accuse me.” [3]
But then, he circled back to his main concern... to witness for Christ... to witness for the resurrection:
“Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you this day.” [4]
The Roman Governor Felix commanded “the centurion to keep Paul and to let him have liberty and told him not to forbid any of his friends to provide for or visit him.”
Later, Governor Felix “sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.” Paul reasoned with the Governor “about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come.” [5]
This man, Paul, was he whom the Lord used to write most of the books in the New Testament. His writings about Christ have been read and taught in seminaries, schools, and churches around the world many times over. He invested heavily in Christianity. His investment still yields returns today. Trials turned to gold! Not into the perishable gold of this world, but into the metaphoric gold of numerous souls in heaven via his witness for Christ!
May the Lord help us all to be so bold for Jesus the Nazarene...
“Restore us, O God; cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved!” [6]
[1] Acts 24:15
[2] Acts 24:5
[3] Acts 24:12-13
[4] Acts 24:21
[5] Acts 24:23-25
[6] Psalm 80:3
Thursday, April 22, 2021
The Conspiracy Conquering God
“Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer.”
So goes the third verse of the hymn, “What a Friend we have in Jesus.” [1]
“Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.” [2]
Be of good cheer Paul. Be of good cheer you who witness for Christ.
The angel of the Lord brought this message to Paul while he was on trial due to the misdeeds of others. A mob of people who spoke louder than the law were trying to convict him based on emotion and not on the rule of law. Does that sound familiar?
“When Paul’s sister’s son heard of their ambush, he went and entered the barracks and told Paul.” [3]
Those who hated Paul feared the court would fail to convict him, so they planned an ambush against him to kill him. “There were more than 40 who had formed this conspiracy.” [4]
These forty conspirators told the chief priests and elders that they had bound themselves with oaths to not eat until they had killed Paul. They needed the help of the religious leaders to have Paul moved from one location to another so while in transit they could ambush and kill him. [5]
Thankfully, Paul’s nephew overheard the plot and informed Paul. Paul asked a centurion to take his young nephew to the commander. He did! The commander took the boy by his hand and gave him an opportunity to speak. The commander took the boy’s information seriously and ordered two centurions to “Prepare 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen, and 200 spearmen to go to Caesarea at the third hour of the night [9 pm].” Paul was spared. The plot against him was foiled. [6]
The Lord encourages the discouraged hearts of His witnesses. Even by sending angels to speak to us! The Lord promised to bring Paul through his trial. The Lord also foiled the spiteful plot of his conspirators to kill him through the ears and loving actions of a faithful young nephew.
May the Lord be with you today!
[1] Lyrics by Joseph Scriven
[2] Acts 23:11
[3] Acts 23:16
[4] Acts 23:13
[5] Acts 23:14-15
[6] Acts 21:16-23
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer.”
So goes the third verse of the hymn, “What a Friend we have in Jesus.” [1]
“Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.” [2]
Be of good cheer Paul. Be of good cheer you who witness for Christ.
The angel of the Lord brought this message to Paul while he was on trial due to the misdeeds of others. A mob of people who spoke louder than the law were trying to convict him based on emotion and not on the rule of law. Does that sound familiar?
“When Paul’s sister’s son heard of their ambush, he went and entered the barracks and told Paul.” [3]
Those who hated Paul feared the court would fail to convict him, so they planned an ambush against him to kill him. “There were more than 40 who had formed this conspiracy.” [4]
These forty conspirators told the chief priests and elders that they had bound themselves with oaths to not eat until they had killed Paul. They needed the help of the religious leaders to have Paul moved from one location to another so while in transit they could ambush and kill him. [5]
Thankfully, Paul’s nephew overheard the plot and informed Paul. Paul asked a centurion to take his young nephew to the commander. He did! The commander took the boy by his hand and gave him an opportunity to speak. The commander took the boy’s information seriously and ordered two centurions to “Prepare 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen, and 200 spearmen to go to Caesarea at the third hour of the night [9 pm].” Paul was spared. The plot against him was foiled. [6]
The Lord encourages the discouraged hearts of His witnesses. Even by sending angels to speak to us! The Lord promised to bring Paul through his trial. The Lord also foiled the spiteful plot of his conspirators to kill him through the ears and loving actions of a faithful young nephew.
May the Lord be with you today!
[1] Lyrics by Joseph Scriven
[2] Acts 23:11
[3] Acts 23:16
[4] Acts 23:13
[5] Acts 23:14-15
[6] Acts 21:16-23
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
From Saul to Paul
“Then a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there, came to me [Saul]; and he stood and said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that same hour I looked up at him. Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth. For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’” [1]
Saul, like us all, needed someone to be the hands and voice of Jesus to him. The Lord sent to him Ananias.
Ananias was devout. The word devout in the original Greek New Testament is εὐλαβής which literally means to “take hold well,” primarily, “cautious,” “careful as to the realization of the presence and claims of God, reverencing God.” [2]
Ananias had a good reputation in the eyes of God’s people.
The Lord used Ananias to pronounce the word of restoration of vision to Saul’s blind eyes. The Lord Jesus did the miracle. Ananias just announced it. Ananias stood next to Saul. He called the Pharisee who once persecuted Christians “brother.”
Acts 22:14-15 is a four-point summary of the duty of everyone before God:
1) To know His will (led and empowered by the Holy Spirit),
2) To see the Just One (Jesus), and,
3) To hear the voice of His mouth (His Word).
4) To be His (Christ’s) witness of what you have seen and heard.
Basically, a Bible preacher or teacher goes to the Lord via the Bible to see what is there and reports back to people what the Lord has shown him or her from God’s Word.
In Acts 22:16 Ananias gives Saul five action steps:
1) Arise (Get up – do)
2) Why wait (Seize the moment)
3) Be baptized (Surrender your life to Jesus)
4) Wash away your sins (Turn from doubt to faith in Jesus)
5) Call on the Name of the Lord! (Start praying in Jesus’ Name)
Saul obeyed. The Lord used him to plant churches and to author more books of the New Testament than any other writer. The Lord gave him a new name... Paul.
[1] Acts 22:12-16
[2] Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words
Saul, like us all, needed someone to be the hands and voice of Jesus to him. The Lord sent to him Ananias.
Ananias was devout. The word devout in the original Greek New Testament is εὐλαβής which literally means to “take hold well,” primarily, “cautious,” “careful as to the realization of the presence and claims of God, reverencing God.” [2]
Ananias had a good reputation in the eyes of God’s people.
The Lord used Ananias to pronounce the word of restoration of vision to Saul’s blind eyes. The Lord Jesus did the miracle. Ananias just announced it. Ananias stood next to Saul. He called the Pharisee who once persecuted Christians “brother.”
Acts 22:14-15 is a four-point summary of the duty of everyone before God:
1) To know His will (led and empowered by the Holy Spirit),
2) To see the Just One (Jesus), and,
3) To hear the voice of His mouth (His Word).
4) To be His (Christ’s) witness of what you have seen and heard.
Basically, a Bible preacher or teacher goes to the Lord via the Bible to see what is there and reports back to people what the Lord has shown him or her from God’s Word.
In Acts 22:16 Ananias gives Saul five action steps:
1) Arise (Get up – do)
2) Why wait (Seize the moment)
3) Be baptized (Surrender your life to Jesus)
4) Wash away your sins (Turn from doubt to faith in Jesus)
5) Call on the Name of the Lord! (Start praying in Jesus’ Name)
Saul obeyed. The Lord used him to plant churches and to author more books of the New Testament than any other writer. The Lord gave him a new name... Paul.
[1] Acts 22:12-16
[2] Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words
Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Triumphant Over Troublemakers
“...The Jews from Asia seeing him [Paul] in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on [lynched] him.” [1]
“The Jews of Asia” were set against him [Paul] wheresoever he went as Acts 14:19; 17:5 show. [2]
“Their charges against him are partly flat lies, partly conclusions drawn from misapprehension of his position, partly exaggeration, and partly hasty assumptions. When passion is roused, exaggerations and assumptions soon become definite assertions.” [3]
Paul was a Jew. He was not against these Jews of Asia. He was for them. He was making every effort to point them to their Messiah.
Perhaps, it was a false accusation that was Paul’s thorn in his side. He called his thorn “a messenger of Satan to buffet me.” False accusations leading to persecution were a constant trial for Paul. [4]
A riot broke out in the city. Paul was lynched and beaten. A Roman Commander saw the violence and stopped the rioters from killing Paul. The Officer asked the people what Paul had done. “Some among the multitude cried one thing and some another.” [5]
Satan is called the accuser of the brothers. He was at work that day. [6]
Josephus, the famous Jewish historian, in writing about the conquering of Jerusalem in the days of the Hasmoneans and Maccabees, made the comment: “Because two brothers could not get along, we lost our freedom and liberty to Rome.” The Hasmoneans and Maccabees had been successfully defending Jerusalem from foreign invaders until they turned on one another.
The enemy divides to conquer. Jesus said that a house divided against itself cannot stand. [7]
What percentage of our news today is inflammatory and accusatory? Where are the voices for forgiveness and reconciliation? Who is urging us towards goodwill?
Jesus declared, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” [8]
“Dear Heavenly Father, please help us to sow peace not discord. Truth not falsehood! Forgiveness not bitterness! Goodwill not ill-will. Please pour Your love into our interpersonal relationships. This we pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”
[1] Acts 21:27
[2] Matthew Poole’s Commentary
[3] MacLaren’s Expositions
[4] 2 Corinthians 12:7
[5] Acts 21:30-34
[6] Revelation 12:10
[7] Matthew 12:25
[8] Matthew 5:9
“The Jews of Asia” were set against him [Paul] wheresoever he went as Acts 14:19; 17:5 show. [2]
“Their charges against him are partly flat lies, partly conclusions drawn from misapprehension of his position, partly exaggeration, and partly hasty assumptions. When passion is roused, exaggerations and assumptions soon become definite assertions.” [3]
Paul was a Jew. He was not against these Jews of Asia. He was for them. He was making every effort to point them to their Messiah.
Perhaps, it was a false accusation that was Paul’s thorn in his side. He called his thorn “a messenger of Satan to buffet me.” False accusations leading to persecution were a constant trial for Paul. [4]
A riot broke out in the city. Paul was lynched and beaten. A Roman Commander saw the violence and stopped the rioters from killing Paul. The Officer asked the people what Paul had done. “Some among the multitude cried one thing and some another.” [5]
Satan is called the accuser of the brothers. He was at work that day. [6]
Josephus, the famous Jewish historian, in writing about the conquering of Jerusalem in the days of the Hasmoneans and Maccabees, made the comment: “Because two brothers could not get along, we lost our freedom and liberty to Rome.” The Hasmoneans and Maccabees had been successfully defending Jerusalem from foreign invaders until they turned on one another.
The enemy divides to conquer. Jesus said that a house divided against itself cannot stand. [7]
What percentage of our news today is inflammatory and accusatory? Where are the voices for forgiveness and reconciliation? Who is urging us towards goodwill?
Jesus declared, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” [8]
“Dear Heavenly Father, please help us to sow peace not discord. Truth not falsehood! Forgiveness not bitterness! Goodwill not ill-will. Please pour Your love into our interpersonal relationships. This we pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”
[1] Acts 21:27
[2] Matthew Poole’s Commentary
[3] MacLaren’s Expositions
[4] 2 Corinthians 12:7
[5] Acts 21:30-34
[6] Revelation 12:10
[7] Matthew 12:25
[8] Matthew 5:9
Monday, April 19, 2021
Disciples Despite Adversity
The proper response to the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is to go and make disciples in His Name as He commissioned us to do.
Acts 20:4 speaks of the fruit of Paul’s discipleship ministry: Sopater, Aristarchus, Secundus, Gaius, Timothy, Tychicus and Trophimus. He recruited laborers for the Gospel harvest. I discovered via cross-referencing that all but Gaius came from cities that persecuted Paul. In other words, the odds of success in these places were severely against Paul. Yet, by God’s grace he prevailed.
Below is my finding from the cross-referencing research:
Sopater of Berea – people from Thessalonica incited a riot against Paul in Berea [1]
Aristarchus and Secundus were Thessalonians - a riot was incited against Paul in Thessalonica [2]
Gaius of Derbe – Paul was stoned in Lystra and traveled to Derbe the next day [3]
Timothy was from Lystra – the people stoned Paul here [4]
Tychicus and Trophimus were from Ephesus – a riot broke out against Paul [5]
Paul lived for the Great Commission. Despite adversity, the Lord helped Paul to make disciples.
Paul told the elders of the Church in Ephesus...
“And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the Gospel of the grace of God.” [6]
“Dear Heavenly Father, please grant us the grace to make disciples that will advance the proclamation of Your great love for humanity and of Your saving grace. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.”
[1] Acts 17:13-15
[2] Acts 17:5-7
[3] Acts 14:19-20
[4] Acts 14:19-20; 16:1-2
[5] Acts 19:23-41 (riot) Acts 20:4; Ephesians 6:21–22; Colossians 4:7; Titus 3:12; 2 Timothy 4:12; western text indicates Tychicus was an Ephesian; Acts 21:29 (Trophimus)
[6] Acts 20:17, 22-24
Acts 20:4 speaks of the fruit of Paul’s discipleship ministry: Sopater, Aristarchus, Secundus, Gaius, Timothy, Tychicus and Trophimus. He recruited laborers for the Gospel harvest. I discovered via cross-referencing that all but Gaius came from cities that persecuted Paul. In other words, the odds of success in these places were severely against Paul. Yet, by God’s grace he prevailed.
Below is my finding from the cross-referencing research:
Sopater of Berea – people from Thessalonica incited a riot against Paul in Berea [1]
Aristarchus and Secundus were Thessalonians - a riot was incited against Paul in Thessalonica [2]
Gaius of Derbe – Paul was stoned in Lystra and traveled to Derbe the next day [3]
Timothy was from Lystra – the people stoned Paul here [4]
Tychicus and Trophimus were from Ephesus – a riot broke out against Paul [5]
Paul lived for the Great Commission. Despite adversity, the Lord helped Paul to make disciples.
Paul told the elders of the Church in Ephesus...
“And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the Gospel of the grace of God.” [6]
“Dear Heavenly Father, please grant us the grace to make disciples that will advance the proclamation of Your great love for humanity and of Your saving grace. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.”
[1] Acts 17:13-15
[2] Acts 17:5-7
[3] Acts 14:19-20
[4] Acts 14:19-20; 16:1-2
[5] Acts 19:23-41 (riot) Acts 20:4; Ephesians 6:21–22; Colossians 4:7; Titus 3:12; 2 Timothy 4:12; western text indicates Tychicus was an Ephesian; Acts 21:29 (Trophimus)
[6] Acts 20:17, 22-24
Sunday, April 18, 2021
Have You Received the Holy Spirit
Paul was looking for disciples in Ephesus and found twelve. He asked them, “Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed? They replied, “We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Spirit.” Paul laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit evidenced by gifts of the Holy Spirit. [1]
This is how the Lord’s work strengthens and thrives. Disciples must be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Electricity is a helpful current. It drives a lot of our technology and even helps in many cases our machines to work, but if the people of God are not living, acting, and moving in the power of the Holy Spirit, we cannot produce and maintain the kind of disciples that God’s work needs to be strong and to thrive.
Paul wanted to know, “Have you received the Holy Spirit?” The twelve Ephesian disciples had not and were honest to admit, “We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Spirit.”
The Holy Spirit produces good fruit in a Christian’s life: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” [2] Such fruits bring us together in harmony and help us to appreciate one another and to celebrate one another’s victories in Christ.
Gifts of the Holy Spirit include divinely imputed wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophetic utterances, discernment, and divine speech. [3]
It is scary and stressful to do anything for God in one’s own strength. The Holy Spirit empowers believers who want to serve God with the necessary fruits and gifts to serve Him well.
Long ago there was a man named Zerubbabel. He became governor of Judaea under the Persians. Influenced by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, he rebuilt the Temple. The Prophet Zechariah encouraged the Governor saying, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.” [4]
“Dear Heavenly Father, please continue to send Your precious Holy Spirit upon us Your people so that Your kingdom is seen and experienced here on earth. May Your kingdom come, and Your will be done. For we pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”
[1] Acts 19:1-7
[2] Galatians 5:22-23
[3] 1 Corinthians 11:8-10
[4] Zechariah 4:6
This is how the Lord’s work strengthens and thrives. Disciples must be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Electricity is a helpful current. It drives a lot of our technology and even helps in many cases our machines to work, but if the people of God are not living, acting, and moving in the power of the Holy Spirit, we cannot produce and maintain the kind of disciples that God’s work needs to be strong and to thrive.
Paul wanted to know, “Have you received the Holy Spirit?” The twelve Ephesian disciples had not and were honest to admit, “We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Spirit.”
The Holy Spirit produces good fruit in a Christian’s life: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” [2] Such fruits bring us together in harmony and help us to appreciate one another and to celebrate one another’s victories in Christ.
Gifts of the Holy Spirit include divinely imputed wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophetic utterances, discernment, and divine speech. [3]
It is scary and stressful to do anything for God in one’s own strength. The Holy Spirit empowers believers who want to serve God with the necessary fruits and gifts to serve Him well.
Long ago there was a man named Zerubbabel. He became governor of Judaea under the Persians. Influenced by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, he rebuilt the Temple. The Prophet Zechariah encouraged the Governor saying, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.” [4]
“Dear Heavenly Father, please continue to send Your precious Holy Spirit upon us Your people so that Your kingdom is seen and experienced here on earth. May Your kingdom come, and Your will be done. For we pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”
[1] Acts 19:1-7
[2] Galatians 5:22-23
[3] 1 Corinthians 11:8-10
[4] Zechariah 4:6
Saturday, April 17, 2021
God’s Word is Powerful
“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” [1]
The entire universe was created as God spoke His Word and He sustains all the planets, stars, sun and moon by His Word. All things are upheld by the power of His Word [2]
The entrance of God’s Word gives light; it gives understanding unto the simple. [3]
The Word of God prospers those who receive it. [4]
A man from Alexandria [Egypt] came to Ephesus [Turkey]. His name was Apollos. He was eloquent in speech. He was mighty in the Scriptures. He had received instruction in the ways of the Lord. He was fervent in spirit. He was diligent to teach the things he knew about the Lord.
Apollos received a blessing as he served the Lord’s Word. This happened while he was speaking boldly in a synagogue. A couple named Aquila and Priscilla heard him speak and recognized that he only knew Scripture up until the time of John the Baptist. So, they took him in, and explained to him the way of God more perfectly... they taught him about Jesus. [5]
Scripture is powerful to transform a person’s life but even more so when one receives the revelation of its trajectory. The trajectory of Scripture is to point people to God’s Messiah, His Son, Jesus Christ.
This man from Alexandria, Egypt [a city noted for its huge library] proceeded to mightily convince people publicly via the Scriptures that Jesus is the promised Christ [Messiah] of God. [6]
“Dear Heavenly Father, please help us Your people to fully understand the power of Your Word and how it points people to Your Son Jesus Christ. And then, help us, like Apollos, to use that knowledge effectively to convince many people to believe in Christ. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.”
[1] Hebrews 11:3
[2] Hebrews 1:3
[3] Psalm 119:130
[4] Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:1-3; Isaiah 55:11
[5] Acts 18:24-26
[6] Acts 18:28
The entire universe was created as God spoke His Word and He sustains all the planets, stars, sun and moon by His Word. All things are upheld by the power of His Word [2]
The entrance of God’s Word gives light; it gives understanding unto the simple. [3]
The Word of God prospers those who receive it. [4]
A man from Alexandria [Egypt] came to Ephesus [Turkey]. His name was Apollos. He was eloquent in speech. He was mighty in the Scriptures. He had received instruction in the ways of the Lord. He was fervent in spirit. He was diligent to teach the things he knew about the Lord.
Apollos received a blessing as he served the Lord’s Word. This happened while he was speaking boldly in a synagogue. A couple named Aquila and Priscilla heard him speak and recognized that he only knew Scripture up until the time of John the Baptist. So, they took him in, and explained to him the way of God more perfectly... they taught him about Jesus. [5]
Scripture is powerful to transform a person’s life but even more so when one receives the revelation of its trajectory. The trajectory of Scripture is to point people to God’s Messiah, His Son, Jesus Christ.
This man from Alexandria, Egypt [a city noted for its huge library] proceeded to mightily convince people publicly via the Scriptures that Jesus is the promised Christ [Messiah] of God. [6]
“Dear Heavenly Father, please help us Your people to fully understand the power of Your Word and how it points people to Your Son Jesus Christ. And then, help us, like Apollos, to use that knowledge effectively to convince many people to believe in Christ. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.”
[1] Hebrews 11:3
[2] Hebrews 1:3
[3] Psalm 119:130
[4] Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:1-3; Isaiah 55:11
[5] Acts 18:24-26
[6] Acts 18:28
Friday, April 16, 2021
Christianity’s Primary Objective (Acts 17)
“Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days [3 weekly meetings] reasoned with them out of the Scriptures.” [1]
“The Greek word translated ‘reasoned’ is the root for our English word dialogue. There was exchange, questions and answers. He dialogued with them ‘from the Scriptures.” (Hughes) [2]
“Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.” [3]
Paul did the work in Thessalonica, Greece, of demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead. He presented persuasive evident to his listeners.
The first reaction...
A great multitude of devout Greeks (even chief women) believed in JESUS. [4] Praise the Lord!
The second reaction:
Those who were jealous recruited a mob of lewd people and started a riot. They attacked the house of Jason and brought him and others who supported Paul before the rulers of the city. Their accusation against was:
“These that have turned the world upside down are come here also... They are contrary to Caesar... They say that Jesus is king.” [5]
Thankfully, the rulers let Jason go. [6]
In the meantime, Paul and Silas traveled to Berea, Greece. The Bereans received God’s Word with readiness of mind. They searched the Scriptures daily. Many of them believed including highly honored Greek women and men. [7]
Wonderful!
Then, angry people arrived from Thessalonica and stirred up the people against Paul once again, so he went and preached to people in Athens, Greece. [8] An Athenian man named Dionysius and an Athenian woman named Damaris, and others believed in Jesus. [9]
Leading people to believe in Christ was the primary objective of Christianity when it began. And today, we are still pointing people to Him.
Jesus gives those who believe in Him new and abundant life. He takes the guilt of sin away because He forgives all our sins. He gives us His Holy Spirit. His Spirit gives us love, joy and peace that we never experienced prior to our faith in Christ. And He gives us eternal life. I pray, if you have not believed in Christ yet, that you would believe in Him today.
[1] Acts 17:2
[2] Enduring Word Commentary
[3] Acts 17:3
[4] Acts 17:4
[5] Acts 17:5-7
[6] Acts 17:9
[7] Acts 17:11-12
[8] Acts 17:13-15
[9] Acts 17:34
“The Greek word translated ‘reasoned’ is the root for our English word dialogue. There was exchange, questions and answers. He dialogued with them ‘from the Scriptures.” (Hughes) [2]
“Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.” [3]
Paul did the work in Thessalonica, Greece, of demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead. He presented persuasive evident to his listeners.
The first reaction...
A great multitude of devout Greeks (even chief women) believed in JESUS. [4] Praise the Lord!
The second reaction:
Those who were jealous recruited a mob of lewd people and started a riot. They attacked the house of Jason and brought him and others who supported Paul before the rulers of the city. Their accusation against was:
“These that have turned the world upside down are come here also... They are contrary to Caesar... They say that Jesus is king.” [5]
Thankfully, the rulers let Jason go. [6]
In the meantime, Paul and Silas traveled to Berea, Greece. The Bereans received God’s Word with readiness of mind. They searched the Scriptures daily. Many of them believed including highly honored Greek women and men. [7]
Wonderful!
Then, angry people arrived from Thessalonica and stirred up the people against Paul once again, so he went and preached to people in Athens, Greece. [8] An Athenian man named Dionysius and an Athenian woman named Damaris, and others believed in Jesus. [9]
Leading people to believe in Christ was the primary objective of Christianity when it began. And today, we are still pointing people to Him.
Jesus gives those who believe in Him new and abundant life. He takes the guilt of sin away because He forgives all our sins. He gives us His Holy Spirit. His Spirit gives us love, joy and peace that we never experienced prior to our faith in Christ. And He gives us eternal life. I pray, if you have not believed in Christ yet, that you would believe in Him today.
[1] Acts 17:2
[2] Enduring Word Commentary
[3] Acts 17:3
[4] Acts 17:4
[5] Acts 17:5-7
[6] Acts 17:9
[7] Acts 17:11-12
[8] Acts 17:13-15
[9] Acts 17:34
Thursday, April 15, 2021
Would You Go There for One?
Why return to a place that tried to kill you by stoning you?
Talk about reasons to be offended...
Paul returned to Derbe and Lystra where the people had dragged him outside the city after stoning him. [1] They assumed he was dead, but he survived. Now, he is back. So, the line, “I’ll be back” did not originate with Arnold Schwarzenegger. In fact, Jesus preceded Paul in this scenario. Jesus was executed by people who opposed Him, but Jesus came back. You cannot keep God’s man down.
During his second visit to Lystra, Paul met a disciple named Timothy. Timothy turned out to be an extreme blessing from God to Paul. In dying to self... returning to Lystra for the sake of Christ and others, great blessings came forth.
Jesus taught. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” [2]
Below are highlights of Paul’s new disciple Timothy:
His name means “honoring God” or “precious to God.”
Timothy had an exceptional reputation among the local Christians. [3]
His grandmother and mothers were believers in Christ. [4] They and Paul (among others) mentored him.
God used Paul, Silas, and Timothy to strengthen people’s faith. [5]
Paul dispatched Timothy to the Corinthian Church to help them remember the ways of Christ. [6]
Paul regarded Timothy as a “dearly beloved son.” [7]
When Paul directed his attention to the churches in Macedonia, he knew he could trust Timothy to deal with the situation in Ephesus. [8]
Timothy was faithful to study God’s Word. [9]
He was a preacher of God’s Word and an evangelist. [10]
Timothy partnered with others in the ministry of the Gospel. This contrasts with society’s go-it-alone attitude. The Spirit calls us to work with other believers in bringing the lost to faith and discipling new believers in their walk with Christ.
Talk about reasons to be offended...
Paul returned to Derbe and Lystra where the people had dragged him outside the city after stoning him. [1] They assumed he was dead, but he survived. Now, he is back. So, the line, “I’ll be back” did not originate with Arnold Schwarzenegger. In fact, Jesus preceded Paul in this scenario. Jesus was executed by people who opposed Him, but Jesus came back. You cannot keep God’s man down.
During his second visit to Lystra, Paul met a disciple named Timothy. Timothy turned out to be an extreme blessing from God to Paul. In dying to self... returning to Lystra for the sake of Christ and others, great blessings came forth.
Jesus taught. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” [2]
Below are highlights of Paul’s new disciple Timothy:
His name means “honoring God” or “precious to God.”
Timothy had an exceptional reputation among the local Christians. [3]
His grandmother and mothers were believers in Christ. [4] They and Paul (among others) mentored him.
God used Paul, Silas, and Timothy to strengthen people’s faith. [5]
Paul dispatched Timothy to the Corinthian Church to help them remember the ways of Christ. [6]
Paul regarded Timothy as a “dearly beloved son.” [7]
When Paul directed his attention to the churches in Macedonia, he knew he could trust Timothy to deal with the situation in Ephesus. [8]
Timothy was faithful to study God’s Word. [9]
He was a preacher of God’s Word and an evangelist. [10]
Timothy partnered with others in the ministry of the Gospel. This contrasts with society’s go-it-alone attitude. The Spirit calls us to work with other believers in bringing the lost to faith and discipling new believers in their walk with Christ.
[1] Acts 14:6, 19-20, Acts 16:1
[2] John 12:24
[3] Acts 16:1-2
[4] 2 Timothy 1:5
[5] Acts 15:19-20; 16:4-5
[6] 1 Corinthians 4:17
[7] 2 Timothy 1:2
[8] 1 Timothy 1:3
[9] 2 Timothy 3:14-15
[10] 2 Timothy 4:2, 5
[2] John 12:24
[3] Acts 16:1-2
[4] 2 Timothy 1:5
[5] Acts 15:19-20; 16:4-5
[6] 1 Corinthians 4:17
[7] 2 Timothy 1:2
[8] 1 Timothy 1:3
[9] 2 Timothy 3:14-15
[10] 2 Timothy 4:2, 5
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
Paradise as a Gift of God’s Grace
“We believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved.” [1]
Peter and the apostles believed that they were saved eternally by the grace of our Lord Jesus.
What about you?
Are you trusting in your own merits? What you have done or what you have not done? Or are you trusting in the grace of our Lord Jesus to give you eternal life in paradise?
Rewards in this world are so often based on performance. A person might even rate their own life's worth based on how well they do at something. But can you ever have peace with God when you are trusting in your performance? God made and sustains the whole universe. Who can impress God? And what if you were incapacitated to do anything for yourself or others? Would you still be a life worthy of life?
Once, a criminal rebuked another criminal for blaspheming Jesus. He confessed that they were worthy of death, but that Jesus was innocent. In this way, he transferred his hope of salvation from self-performance to faith in the merits of Christ to save him. He addressed Jesus as Lord. He asked Jesus to bring him to paradise. Jesus granted his request.
The believing criminal exhibited amazing faith in Christ. Jesus can save me when I have nothing to offer Him but a broken and messed up life. He can save me when many people are insulting and mocking Him. He can save me when He is about to die on a cross. Jesus can bring me to paradise if I simply ask Him to do so.
Below is the exact exchange:
“Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, ‘If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.’
But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’
And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.’” [2]
He admitted that he was a sinner and that he needed Jesus. Most everyone else was doubting and cursing Jesus. He believed that Jesus would be entering an eternal kingdom. He wanted Jesus to remember him.
“Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.’”
I hope that you, like me, have experienced the miracle of saving faith in Jesus. He forgives all our sins when we ask Him to do so, and He gives us eternal life as a gift of grace when we trust in Him.
[1] Acts 15:11
[2] Luke 23:39-43
Peter and the apostles believed that they were saved eternally by the grace of our Lord Jesus.
What about you?
Are you trusting in your own merits? What you have done or what you have not done? Or are you trusting in the grace of our Lord Jesus to give you eternal life in paradise?
Rewards in this world are so often based on performance. A person might even rate their own life's worth based on how well they do at something. But can you ever have peace with God when you are trusting in your performance? God made and sustains the whole universe. Who can impress God? And what if you were incapacitated to do anything for yourself or others? Would you still be a life worthy of life?
Once, a criminal rebuked another criminal for blaspheming Jesus. He confessed that they were worthy of death, but that Jesus was innocent. In this way, he transferred his hope of salvation from self-performance to faith in the merits of Christ to save him. He addressed Jesus as Lord. He asked Jesus to bring him to paradise. Jesus granted his request.
The believing criminal exhibited amazing faith in Christ. Jesus can save me when I have nothing to offer Him but a broken and messed up life. He can save me when many people are insulting and mocking Him. He can save me when He is about to die on a cross. Jesus can bring me to paradise if I simply ask Him to do so.
Below is the exact exchange:
“Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, ‘If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.’
But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’
And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.’” [2]
He admitted that he was a sinner and that he needed Jesus. Most everyone else was doubting and cursing Jesus. He believed that Jesus would be entering an eternal kingdom. He wanted Jesus to remember him.
“Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.’”
I hope that you, like me, have experienced the miracle of saving faith in Jesus. He forgives all our sins when we ask Him to do so, and He gives us eternal life as a gift of grace when we trust in Him.
[1] Acts 15:11
[2] Luke 23:39-43
Tuesday, April 13, 2021
Does Anything Phase Them?
Paul and Barnabas faced so many trials due to their dedication to preach God’s Word, but only became stronger and influenced more people after each trial. God was with them.
For example, they traveled to a Greek city-state called Iconium. Iconium was a prosperous commercial and agricultural center with five large roads going out from it. They preached in a Jewish synagogue there with the result that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed in Christ. [1]
Wow! Angels rejoice over one sinner who repents. [2] Many had believed, so heaven must have been full of celebration that day.
Paul and Barnabas must have been happy! I know that I have no greater joy than when the Lord uses my life to lead someone to faith in Him.
Life on earth would be so great if it was always about successes with no setbacks. BUT... the very next verse says that unbelievers poisoned the people’s minds against the preachers. “But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren.” [3]
“’Poisoned their minds against the brothers’ - literally translated - they ‘made their souls evil against,’ pointing to an assault on the feelings not intellect. The ‘soul’ is that inward place of feeling that may be influenced by others.” [4]
So what did Paul and his team do? Surprisingly, they stayed. “Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.” [5]
The people of Iconium were blessed with bold speakers for the Lord. They spoke of God’s grace. God did signs and wonders among them.
Paul and Barnabas stayed in Iconium until a violent attempt was made by people with their rulers to abuse and stone them. When they became aware of the plot, they fled to others cities and preached the gospel there. [6]
In Lystra, Barnabas and Paul were blessed once again with a large audience of listeners. Praise God! Every preacher’s dream!
However, their success was tempered with another setback. Those who opposed their preaching in Antioch and Iconium came to Lystra. The opposition persuaded the crowds to stone Paul. They dragged him out of the city. They supposed he was dead, but he wasn’t. What did he do, he got up, went back into the city, and departed the next day to another city (Derbe). [7]
They made many disciples in Derbe. Then, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch... the cities where they experienced ill-treatment from the enemies of the Gospel. They strengthened the souls of the disciples. How did they do this? They exhorted them to continue in the faith. Their message to disciples was, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” [8]
“Dear Heavenly Father, please revive in us Your people, a fervency to preach Christ to unbelievers, and to strengthen them to become His disciples. This I pray in Your Son’s Name, Jesus Christ, and by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.”
[1] Acts 14:1
[2] Luke 15:7, 10
[3] Acts 14:2
[4] Enduring Word Commentary
[5] Acts 14:3
[6] Acts 14:5-7
[7] Acts 14:19-20
[8] Acts 14:21-22
For example, they traveled to a Greek city-state called Iconium. Iconium was a prosperous commercial and agricultural center with five large roads going out from it. They preached in a Jewish synagogue there with the result that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed in Christ. [1]
Wow! Angels rejoice over one sinner who repents. [2] Many had believed, so heaven must have been full of celebration that day.
Paul and Barnabas must have been happy! I know that I have no greater joy than when the Lord uses my life to lead someone to faith in Him.
Life on earth would be so great if it was always about successes with no setbacks. BUT... the very next verse says that unbelievers poisoned the people’s minds against the preachers. “But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren.” [3]
“’Poisoned their minds against the brothers’ - literally translated - they ‘made their souls evil against,’ pointing to an assault on the feelings not intellect. The ‘soul’ is that inward place of feeling that may be influenced by others.” [4]
So what did Paul and his team do? Surprisingly, they stayed. “Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.” [5]
The people of Iconium were blessed with bold speakers for the Lord. They spoke of God’s grace. God did signs and wonders among them.
Paul and Barnabas stayed in Iconium until a violent attempt was made by people with their rulers to abuse and stone them. When they became aware of the plot, they fled to others cities and preached the gospel there. [6]
In Lystra, Barnabas and Paul were blessed once again with a large audience of listeners. Praise God! Every preacher’s dream!
However, their success was tempered with another setback. Those who opposed their preaching in Antioch and Iconium came to Lystra. The opposition persuaded the crowds to stone Paul. They dragged him out of the city. They supposed he was dead, but he wasn’t. What did he do, he got up, went back into the city, and departed the next day to another city (Derbe). [7]
They made many disciples in Derbe. Then, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch... the cities where they experienced ill-treatment from the enemies of the Gospel. They strengthened the souls of the disciples. How did they do this? They exhorted them to continue in the faith. Their message to disciples was, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” [8]
“Dear Heavenly Father, please revive in us Your people, a fervency to preach Christ to unbelievers, and to strengthen them to become His disciples. This I pray in Your Son’s Name, Jesus Christ, and by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.”
[1] Acts 14:1
[2] Luke 15:7, 10
[3] Acts 14:2
[4] Enduring Word Commentary
[5] Acts 14:3
[6] Acts 14:5-7
[7] Acts 14:19-20
[8] Acts 14:21-22
Monday, April 12, 2021
Set Apart, Sent and Filled with the Holy Spirit
“As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.” [1]
“So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went...” [2]
“Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit...” [3]
“And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” [4]
Guidance and Reliance! They listened to the voice of the Holy Spirit. They obeyed His voice, and He filled them. He also filled their disciples.
What else happened?
They preached God’s Word in places of assembly. [5]
A Roman Proconsul (civil governor) believed in Jesus despite the efforts of a sorcerer to turn him away from the faith. [6]
They successfully preached the forgiveness of sins and justification before God by faith in Christ: “Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man [Jesus Christ] is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.” [7]
As they continued faithfully to preach Christ week after week... “the whole city came together to hear the word of God.” [8]
Their listeners were “glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.” “The word of the Lord spread throughout all the regions.” [9]
“Come Holy Spirit, please fill us afresh, guide us and help us to successfully point more people to Jesus. To God be the glory! For it is in Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.”
[1] Acts 13:2-3
[2] Acts 13:4
[3] Acts 13:9
[4] Acts 13:52
[5] Acts 13:5
[6] Acts 13:6-12
[7] Acts 13:38-39
[8] Acts 13:44
[9] Acts 13:48-49
“So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went...” [2]
“Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit...” [3]
“And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” [4]
Guidance and Reliance! They listened to the voice of the Holy Spirit. They obeyed His voice, and He filled them. He also filled their disciples.
What else happened?
They preached God’s Word in places of assembly. [5]
A Roman Proconsul (civil governor) believed in Jesus despite the efforts of a sorcerer to turn him away from the faith. [6]
They successfully preached the forgiveness of sins and justification before God by faith in Christ: “Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man [Jesus Christ] is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.” [7]
As they continued faithfully to preach Christ week after week... “the whole city came together to hear the word of God.” [8]
Their listeners were “glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.” “The word of the Lord spread throughout all the regions.” [9]
“Come Holy Spirit, please fill us afresh, guide us and help us to successfully point more people to Jesus. To God be the glory! For it is in Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.”
[1] Acts 13:2-3
[2] Acts 13:4
[3] Acts 13:9
[4] Acts 13:52
[5] Acts 13:5
[6] Acts 13:6-12
[7] Acts 13:38-39
[8] Acts 13:44
[9] Acts 13:48-49
Sunday, April 11, 2021
Herod dies Peter Lives
King Herod had just put the Apostle James to death by execution. When he saw that executing a Christian leader pleased his constituents, he had the Apostle Peter arrested. He assigned four squads of soldiers to guard Peter. Normally, one to two soldiers guarded a prisoner. Was this extreme precaution taken because he feared an uprising from the people or was it to build a political narrative against Christians? Did he want Christians to be perceived as a great threat to peace and stability in his country? Whereas, in fact, they were promoting love, joy, peace and goodwill among people. [1]
Acts 12:1 says that Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the Church.
Back at the Church, constant prayer was offered to God for Peter.
“The word constant also has the idea of earnest; literally, the word pictures someone stretching out all they can for something. ‘The verb ektenos is related to ektenes, a medical term describing the stretching of a muscle to its limits.’” (MacArthur)
Luke 22:44 uses this same word ektenos for the agonizing prayer of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Much of our prayer is powerless because it lacks earnestness. Too often we almost pray with the attitude of wanting God to care about things we really do not care too much about.
Earnest prayer has power not because it persuades a reluctant God. Instead, it demonstrates that our heart cares passionately about the things God cares about, fulfilling Jesus’ promise If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you (John 15:7).
It is also important to see that the Church prayed to God. It may seem obvious, but often our prayers are weak because we are not consciously coming into the presence of our great and holy God, offering our requests to Him.” [2]
The Lord sent an angel to undo Peter’s chains and to escort him out of the prison. Neither the guards nor Peter were fully aware of what was happening at the time. Peter thought he was having a vision. The two guards chained to Peter did not wake up. Guards at two guard posts did not see Peter. The iron gate of the city opened to Peter of its own accord. Peter walked down a few more streets, the angel disappeared, and then, Peter realized he was not dreaming. His escape was for real. [3]
The next day, Herod commanded that the prison guards be put to death. [4]
Soon after that, the angel of Lord struck Herod with a disease and he died, but the word of God grew and multiplied. [5]
[1] Acts 12:1-4
[2] Enduring Word Commentary
[3] Acts 12:6-11
[4] Acts 12:18-19
[5] Acts 12:21-24
Acts 12:1 says that Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the Church.
Back at the Church, constant prayer was offered to God for Peter.
“The word constant also has the idea of earnest; literally, the word pictures someone stretching out all they can for something. ‘The verb ektenos is related to ektenes, a medical term describing the stretching of a muscle to its limits.’” (MacArthur)
Luke 22:44 uses this same word ektenos for the agonizing prayer of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Much of our prayer is powerless because it lacks earnestness. Too often we almost pray with the attitude of wanting God to care about things we really do not care too much about.
Earnest prayer has power not because it persuades a reluctant God. Instead, it demonstrates that our heart cares passionately about the things God cares about, fulfilling Jesus’ promise If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you (John 15:7).
It is also important to see that the Church prayed to God. It may seem obvious, but often our prayers are weak because we are not consciously coming into the presence of our great and holy God, offering our requests to Him.” [2]
The Lord sent an angel to undo Peter’s chains and to escort him out of the prison. Neither the guards nor Peter were fully aware of what was happening at the time. Peter thought he was having a vision. The two guards chained to Peter did not wake up. Guards at two guard posts did not see Peter. The iron gate of the city opened to Peter of its own accord. Peter walked down a few more streets, the angel disappeared, and then, Peter realized he was not dreaming. His escape was for real. [3]
The next day, Herod commanded that the prison guards be put to death. [4]
Soon after that, the angel of Lord struck Herod with a disease and he died, but the word of God grew and multiplied. [5]
[1] Acts 12:1-4
[2] Enduring Word Commentary
[3] Acts 12:6-11
[4] Acts 12:18-19
[5] Acts 12:21-24
Saturday, April 10, 2021
Thriving Not Surviving
Persecution of the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem led to the spread of Christianity to regions outside this city where our Lord was crucified and resurrected on the third day.
Peter ended up in the home of some Italians in Caesarea. [1] These Gentiles believed in Christ. At first, some early believers contended with Peter for eating with non-Jews, but after hearing firsthand from him what had happened, they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.” [2]
Others scattered by the persecution traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch (see the map). Some began preaching the Lord Jesus to the Greeks. The Lord was with them. A considerable number of Greeks believed and turned to the Lord. Barnabas and Saul joined the effort in Antioch. They discipled people there for a full year. Antioch is where the disciples of Jesus first came to be called Christians. [3]
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for taking what was meant for evil, namely the bloody and deadly persecution of Christians in Jerusalem, and turning it into catalyst to spread the Good News of Your Son Jesus Christ to non-Jews like me and others. Please help us Your Church to see what You are doing in 2021, and to become a part of it, because we know that You are always doing great and mighty things due to Your great love for people. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.”
[1] Acts 10:1
[2] Acts 11:1-18
[3] Acts 11:19-26
Peter ended up in the home of some Italians in Caesarea. [1] These Gentiles believed in Christ. At first, some early believers contended with Peter for eating with non-Jews, but after hearing firsthand from him what had happened, they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.” [2]
Others scattered by the persecution traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch (see the map). Some began preaching the Lord Jesus to the Greeks. The Lord was with them. A considerable number of Greeks believed and turned to the Lord. Barnabas and Saul joined the effort in Antioch. They discipled people there for a full year. Antioch is where the disciples of Jesus first came to be called Christians. [3]
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for taking what was meant for evil, namely the bloody and deadly persecution of Christians in Jerusalem, and turning it into catalyst to spread the Good News of Your Son Jesus Christ to non-Jews like me and others. Please help us Your Church to see what You are doing in 2021, and to become a part of it, because we know that You are always doing great and mighty things due to Your great love for people. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.”
[1] Acts 10:1
[2] Acts 11:1-18
[3] Acts 11:19-26
Friday, April 9, 2021
Visions and Dreams
“And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams.” [1]
The Lord Jesus gave Ananias a vision in which He named the street and the owner of a home. He gave Ananias a man’s name. The Lord instructed Ananias to go to the man and place his hand on him. Ananias obeyed the Lord. He found the man, Saul, praying. Ananias laid his hand on him, and Saul’s vision was restored. The Holy Spirit filled Saul. Saul was baptized. [2]
The Lord gave a Roman Centurion named Cornelius a vision of an angel of God. The angel told Cornelius that God had heard his prayers. The angel instructed Cornelius to send men to Joppa, to the owner of a certain business/home, and to ask for a man named Peter. Peter would tell Cornelius what to do. After the vision ended, Cornelius obeyed the angel’s instructions. [3]
The Lord repeated a vision to Peter three times. As the vision ended, the messengers of Cornelius arrived at the gate of the house. They asked for Peter. The Holy Spirit said to Peter, “Behold, three men are seeking you. Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.” [4]
Peter ministered in the home of Cornelius that day. He told him and his cohorts about Jesus. He declared to them that Jesus is the One “ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.” [5]
Like Saul, whom Ananias ministered to, Cornelius and his cohorts, believed in Jesus, were filled with the Holy Spirit, and were baptized that very day. [6]
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for pouring out Your Spirit in these last days. Thank You for visions and dreams. Thank You for grace to believe. Please continue to bring people to Your Son Jesus Christ, for it is in His Name that we pray. Amen.”
[1] Acts 2:17
[2] Acts 9:10-15, 17-18
[3] Acts 10: 1-8
[4] Acts 10: 9-20
[5] Acts 10:38-43
[6] Acts 10:44-48
The Lord Jesus gave Ananias a vision in which He named the street and the owner of a home. He gave Ananias a man’s name. The Lord instructed Ananias to go to the man and place his hand on him. Ananias obeyed the Lord. He found the man, Saul, praying. Ananias laid his hand on him, and Saul’s vision was restored. The Holy Spirit filled Saul. Saul was baptized. [2]
The Lord gave a Roman Centurion named Cornelius a vision of an angel of God. The angel told Cornelius that God had heard his prayers. The angel instructed Cornelius to send men to Joppa, to the owner of a certain business/home, and to ask for a man named Peter. Peter would tell Cornelius what to do. After the vision ended, Cornelius obeyed the angel’s instructions. [3]
The Lord repeated a vision to Peter three times. As the vision ended, the messengers of Cornelius arrived at the gate of the house. They asked for Peter. The Holy Spirit said to Peter, “Behold, three men are seeking you. Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.” [4]
Peter ministered in the home of Cornelius that day. He told him and his cohorts about Jesus. He declared to them that Jesus is the One “ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.” [5]
Like Saul, whom Ananias ministered to, Cornelius and his cohorts, believed in Jesus, were filled with the Holy Spirit, and were baptized that very day. [6]
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for pouring out Your Spirit in these last days. Thank You for visions and dreams. Thank You for grace to believe. Please continue to bring people to Your Son Jesus Christ, for it is in His Name that we pray. Amen.”
[1] Acts 2:17
[2] Acts 9:10-15, 17-18
[3] Acts 10: 1-8
[4] Acts 10: 9-20
[5] Acts 10:38-43
[6] Acts 10:44-48
Thursday, April 8, 2021
A Revelation of Jesus Christ
Suddenly, a light shone around him from heaven. He fell to the ground. He heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
He asked, “Who are You, Lord?”
The Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”
So, he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”
Then, the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” [1]
Saul of Tarsus arrested Christians. He consented to the stoning of God's servant Stephen. When the Lord appeared to Saul in a vision, he had two questions for the Lord:
1) “Who are you?”
2) “Lord, what do You want me to do?”
Jesus verified that it was He who was speaking to Saul. He added two facts:
1) When you persecute Christians, you persecute Christ
2) It is hard to kick against goads.
What are goads?
“A goad was a long, extremely sharp stick used to get an ox going the way you wanted when plowing. One jabbed the hind legs of the ox with the goad until the ox cooperated.” [2]
Jesus had been goading Saul, but Saul kept kicking against the goad.
The Lord Jesus Christ compared Saul’s defiance of Him to a rebellious ox that prefers goading to working. Usually, oxen cooperate with farmers who goad them. Saul refused to be led by Jesus despite his pain.
The Lord Jesus graciously appeared to Saul. Saul had done everything against Jesus and His followers. Now, Saul knew Jesus as His Lord and Savior. [3]
After His conversion, Saul began to preach Christ in the synagogues or places of religious gatherings. He preached that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. [4]
Saul increased in strength. He proved to many that this Jesus is the Christ. [5]
I wonder how many are kicking against the goads today. Jesus graciously revealed himself to Saul. After he met Jesus, he was forever changed. Have you met Jesus? If not, I pray that you too will receive a revelation of Him that transforms you, assures you that He is real, and solidifies your confidence that in Christ you have God's gift of eternal life.
[1] Acts 9:3-7
[2] Enduring Word Commentary
[3] Acts 9:17-18
[4] Acts 9:20
[5] Acts 9:22
He asked, “Who are You, Lord?”
The Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”
So, he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”
Then, the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” [1]
Saul of Tarsus arrested Christians. He consented to the stoning of God's servant Stephen. When the Lord appeared to Saul in a vision, he had two questions for the Lord:
1) “Who are you?”
2) “Lord, what do You want me to do?”
Jesus verified that it was He who was speaking to Saul. He added two facts:
1) When you persecute Christians, you persecute Christ
2) It is hard to kick against goads.
What are goads?
“A goad was a long, extremely sharp stick used to get an ox going the way you wanted when plowing. One jabbed the hind legs of the ox with the goad until the ox cooperated.” [2]
Jesus had been goading Saul, but Saul kept kicking against the goad.
The Lord Jesus Christ compared Saul’s defiance of Him to a rebellious ox that prefers goading to working. Usually, oxen cooperate with farmers who goad them. Saul refused to be led by Jesus despite his pain.
The Lord Jesus graciously appeared to Saul. Saul had done everything against Jesus and His followers. Now, Saul knew Jesus as His Lord and Savior. [3]
After His conversion, Saul began to preach Christ in the synagogues or places of religious gatherings. He preached that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. [4]
Saul increased in strength. He proved to many that this Jesus is the Christ. [5]
I wonder how many are kicking against the goads today. Jesus graciously revealed himself to Saul. After he met Jesus, he was forever changed. Have you met Jesus? If not, I pray that you too will receive a revelation of Him that transforms you, assures you that He is real, and solidifies your confidence that in Christ you have God's gift of eternal life.
[1] Acts 9:3-7
[2] Enduring Word Commentary
[3] Acts 9:17-18
[4] Acts 9:20
[5] Acts 9:22
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
Relentless Faith
The martyrdom of Stephen was only the beginning. Great persecution hit the Jerusalem Church. Some from the Jerusalem Church scattered to Judea (south) and others to Samaria (north). Among those who stayed behind, many were arrested and imprisoned by Saul of Tarsus.
Those who fled from Jerusalem were preaching God’s Word everywhere. [1]
Such a relentless faith! The Holy Spirit empowered them to keeping spreading the good news about what Jesus did for the salvation of the world, namely, His self-sacrifice for sin on the cross and His resurrection from the dead three days later.
One of the Jerusalemite Christians named Philip traveled to a Samarian city and preached Christ there. Multitudes listened to him and there was immense joy in that city. Those who believed were baptized.
After that, the Lord led Philip to meet the treasurer of Queen Candace of Ethiopia. The man was sitting in his chariot and reading Isaiah 53:7-8 when Philip approached him. Talk about perfect timing! The Treasurer asked Philip, of whom Isaiah was speaking. He was describing Israel’s future Messiah. So, Philip started there, and preached to him Jesus. The Treasurer believed in Jesus and was baptized that same day. [2]
After that, Philip preached Jesus in many cities till he came to Caesarea. [3]
Christianity is still spreading. As of April 7, 2021, the top twenty countries where Christianity is growing the fastest (based on percentage increases from year to year) are:
1. Nepal
2. China
3. United Arab Emirates
4. Saudi Arabia
5. Qatar
6. Oman
7. Yemen
8. Mongolia
9. Cambodia
10. Bahrain
11. Benin
12. Burkina Faso
13. South Sudan
14. Bhutan
15. Mali
16. Brunei
17. Guinea
18. Kuwait
19. Singapore
20. Turks and Caicos Islands [4]
[1] Acts 8:1-4
[2] Acts 8:5-8, 12, 26-37
[3] Acts 8:40
[4] discipleallnations.wordpress.com/2013/08/25/the-top-20-countries-where-christianity-is-growing-the-fastest/
Those who fled from Jerusalem were preaching God’s Word everywhere. [1]
Such a relentless faith! The Holy Spirit empowered them to keeping spreading the good news about what Jesus did for the salvation of the world, namely, His self-sacrifice for sin on the cross and His resurrection from the dead three days later.
One of the Jerusalemite Christians named Philip traveled to a Samarian city and preached Christ there. Multitudes listened to him and there was immense joy in that city. Those who believed were baptized.
After that, the Lord led Philip to meet the treasurer of Queen Candace of Ethiopia. The man was sitting in his chariot and reading Isaiah 53:7-8 when Philip approached him. Talk about perfect timing! The Treasurer asked Philip, of whom Isaiah was speaking. He was describing Israel’s future Messiah. So, Philip started there, and preached to him Jesus. The Treasurer believed in Jesus and was baptized that same day. [2]
After that, Philip preached Jesus in many cities till he came to Caesarea. [3]
Christianity is still spreading. As of April 7, 2021, the top twenty countries where Christianity is growing the fastest (based on percentage increases from year to year) are:
1. Nepal
2. China
3. United Arab Emirates
4. Saudi Arabia
5. Qatar
6. Oman
7. Yemen
8. Mongolia
9. Cambodia
10. Bahrain
11. Benin
12. Burkina Faso
13. South Sudan
14. Bhutan
15. Mali
16. Brunei
17. Guinea
18. Kuwait
19. Singapore
20. Turks and Caicos Islands [4]
[1] Acts 8:1-4
[2] Acts 8:5-8, 12, 26-37
[3] Acts 8:40
[4] discipleallnations.wordpress.com/2013/08/25/the-top-20-countries-where-christianity-is-growing-the-fastest/
Sunday, April 4, 2021
Jesus is Alive and Still Working
After His resurrection, His apostles experienced His power and His grace.
Through their hands Jesus did many signs and wonders among the people. [1]
“Believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women.” [2]
The apostles were briefly imprisoned by the High Priest and his gang. Briefly, because an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and urged them to keep preaching the Gospel in the temple, which they did. [3]
The high priest had them arrested again, which gave them another opportunity to tell him and his gang about Jesus. [4]
Peter proclaimed to them...
“The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” [5]
The high priest had them beaten, commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. [6]
The apostles departed from them, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the Name of Jesus. And guess what? “Daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.” [7]
It’s amazing what witnessing a dead person come back to life on the third day, ascend to heaven 40 days later and pour forth His Holy Spirit on you, can do!
“Dear Heavenly Father, please renew and restore Your mighty power and grace among us the followers of Your Son, Jesus Christ, so that we, like our early Church leaders, proclaim with great joy and love Your Gospel everywhere. For it is in the Name of Your Son Jesus that we pray. Amen.”
[1] Acts 5:12
[2] Acts 5:14
[3] Acts 5:17-20
[4] Acts 5:21-28
[5] Acts 5:30-32
[6] Acts 5:40
[7] Acts 5:41-42
Through their hands Jesus did many signs and wonders among the people. [1]
“Believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women.” [2]
The apostles were briefly imprisoned by the High Priest and his gang. Briefly, because an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and urged them to keep preaching the Gospel in the temple, which they did. [3]
The high priest had them arrested again, which gave them another opportunity to tell him and his gang about Jesus. [4]
Peter proclaimed to them...
“The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” [5]
The high priest had them beaten, commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. [6]
The apostles departed from them, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the Name of Jesus. And guess what? “Daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.” [7]
It’s amazing what witnessing a dead person come back to life on the third day, ascend to heaven 40 days later and pour forth His Holy Spirit on you, can do!
“Dear Heavenly Father, please renew and restore Your mighty power and grace among us the followers of Your Son, Jesus Christ, so that we, like our early Church leaders, proclaim with great joy and love Your Gospel everywhere. For it is in the Name of Your Son Jesus that we pray. Amen.”
[1] Acts 5:12
[2] Acts 5:14
[3] Acts 5:17-20
[4] Acts 5:21-28
[5] Acts 5:30-32
[6] Acts 5:40
[7] Acts 5:41-42
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