Men Of The Word CCH

Colossians 2:1-10

2012-01-24T05:18:00.001-05:00

Last week, we learned that Christ is:
First born before all creation.
All things were created by Him.
All things were created through Him.
All things were created for Him.
All things are held together by Him.
He is above all.
And in Christ we have:
Fullness of life.
Reconciliation and peace through the blood of the cross.
We are made Holy, blameless and sinless in His sight, if we continue n the faith!
We have the treasure (the gospel), that has been hidden from man for generations, now available to us!

Colossians 2:1 Paul has a great struggle within himself, because he desires to see the Colossians and Laodiceans face to face.
v2-3 For encouragement, joined together in Love, reaching full assurance of understanding, and the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and the son. In whom the treasures are hidden of (true) wisdom and knowledge.
v4 Do not let anyone deceive you with persuasive words.
v5 I am with you in Spirit, I am glad to hear that you lives as you should and your faith in Christ is strong!
v6-7 As you believed in Christ at first, so continue to walk with Him. Deeply rooted and strengthened in Him. Living with thanksgiving.
v8 Watch out! Don’t let anyone cheat you through deep thoughts or worldly wisdom or traditions, and not according to Christ. I Corinthians 2:6 However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.
v9 For in Jesus dwells the fullness of God.
v10 You are complete in Him, who is the head of all ruler and authority.

Colossians 2:1 For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and[a] of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
4 Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. 5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it[b] with thanksgiving.
8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

• Do not let anyone deceive you with smooth talking or well crafted arguments.
• Become deeply rooted or anchored in Jesus.
• Live with thanksgiving, not complaining!
• Do not let anyone cheat through vain philosophies, worldly traditions or eartly wisdom.
• For we have the fullness of God, in Jesus Christ (we are complete).

Colossians 1:15-29

2012-01-17T05:30:00.000-05:00

In the first part of chapter one, Paul explains that in Christ we have:
• Knowledge of God’s will.
• Spiritual understanding.
• Strengthened with power to be patient and longsuffereing.
• Rescued from darkness.
• Transferred into the Kingdom.
• Purchased with Jesus’ blood, granting forgiveness for our sinful condition.

Colossians 1:15 Christ is the fleshly image of the unseen God, He existed before anything that was created.
v16 Through Jesus God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him.
v17 He existed before anything, and He holds everything together.
v18 Jesus is the head of the church, He is the beginning, He is supreme over all of the dead. He is first in all things.
v19 It pleased the Father, that everything is lives fully in Christ.
v20 All things are reconciled to God by Jesus. wether in heaven or earth, having made peace through the cross, by His blood.
v21 We we separated by our wicked works, yet He reconciled us to God. Ephesians 2:1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
v22 By His death burial and resurrection, to present us Holy, blameless and perfect in His sight. Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
v23 if we live in the faith (continually, as an overall lifestyle), grounded and steadfast, not moving away (intentionally moving away from God, not an occasional failure) from the good news, which is preached to every creature.
v24 Paul rejoices in his sufferings for the cause of Christ, fo r the body of Christ.
v25 Paul became a minister to fulfill God’s calling in his life; the spreading of the word.
v26 The mystery (hidden truth of the gospel) has been hidden for generations, is now revealed to His saints (through Jesus).
v27 Jesus, we preach to every man in all wisdom, that they may be presented perfect in Christ.
v28 To this end, Paul continues to teach and preach.

Colossians 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.
21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.
24 I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, 26 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. 27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which[d] is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. 29 To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.

Christ is:
• First born before all creation.
• All things were created by Him.
• All things were created through Him.
• All things were created for Him.
• All things are held together by Him.
• He is above all.

In Christ we have:
• Fullness of life.
• Reconciliation and peace through the blood of the cross.
• We are made Holy, blameless and sinless in His sight, if we continue n the faith!

We have the treasure (the gospel), that has been hidden from man for generations, now available to us!

Colossains 1:1-14

2012-01-10T05:23:00.000-05:00

Colassians is very similar to the book of Ephesians: Ephesians was about the body of Christ, Colassians is more about the Head of the body of Christ. Colassians was written about 60-61 AD. Philemon was also written about the same time. Paul had never been to Colasse, the church was founded by Epaphras, who was one of Paul’s disciples. Because it was written about the same time as Ephesians, there are a lot of similar texts and people mentioned common to both epistles.

Colossians 1:1-2 Greeting to Colossians from the writer.
v3-8 Paul gives thanks for the Colossian believers their:
• faith
• love
• hope
• fruit
As they heard and believed the truth of God. The Word declared to them by Epaphras, a minister of the gospel.
Paul’s prayer for the Colossians:
v9 To be filled the knowledge of God’s will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.
v10 That you Christian life would be pleasing to God, to be fruitful ( Eph. 5:22-23) in every good work AND grow in knowledge.
v11 strengthened with power and might to be patient and longsuffering.
v12 Giving thanks to the Father for enabling us to share in the inheritance with His chosen people (those who believe by faith).
v13 He rescued us from the powers of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His Son’s love.
v14 He purchased us with His blood, granting to us the forgiveness of our sins (Adam’s condition).

Colossians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.[a]
3 We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; 5 because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit,[b] as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth; 7 as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, 8 who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.
9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood,[c] the forgiveness of sins.

In Christ we have:
• Knowledge of God’s will.
• Spiritual understanding.
• Strengthened with power to be patient and longsuffereing.
• Rescued from darkness.
• Transferred into the Kingdom.
• Purchased with Jesus’ blood, granting forgiveness for our sinful condition.

Colassians Intro

2012-01-03T05:33:00.001-05:00

Philippians 4

2011-12-27T05:19:00.001-05:00

In chapter 3, Paul wanted us to realize that we are not perfect, yet we yearn for perfection in Christ Jesus. We must forget the past, we are all ready forgiven! We strive for the mark, the calling of our Lord Jesus Christ. Having this mindset, for there are those who seek to please themselves (though they appear to be Christians), whose end is destruction because they only consider earthly things. Our citizenship is in heaven and we will be conformed to His image.

Philippians 4:1 Paul adored the christians in Philippi, he was so proud of their witness, and he encouraged them to “Stand strong.”
v2-3 Paul urges these two women to be of the same mind (settle their differences), as well as everyone there who labored with he and Clement, should help and encourage them.
v4-5 Rejoice and let your gentleness be know to all. The Lord is coming soon.
v6 Do not worry, but pray about everything. Let your requests be made known to God.
v.7 God’s peace will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
v8 Things to focus your mind on, that will not lead you into temptation, unrest, anxiety or emotional upheaval. true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable, think on these things.
v9 Follow me in these things and the may the God of peace be with you.
v10 Paul is thankful for their renewed support.
v11-13 Paul knows how to poor and how to live wealthy, in all things Christ sustains.
v14 Nevertheless, thank you for your support.
v15-19 Thank you for meeting my needs, may God bless you for that.
v20-23 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.
2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And[a] I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ[b] who strengthens me.
14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.[c] Amen.

• Always be full of joy in the Lord!
• Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do.
• The Lord is coming soon.
• Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
• Put into practice what you have learned, and the God of peace will be with you.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-20T05:10:00.000-05:00

Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife,[a] who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold,[b] an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 “ Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”[c]

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Philippians 3:12-21

2011-12-13T05:12:00.000-05:00

Last week, Paul reminded us to rejoice in the Lord (don’t always make being a Christian so difficult). To also worship God in the Spirit and have no confidence in the flesh. For we must choose Christ over all things, because our righteousness can only come from God, through faith in Christ.

Philippians 3:12 I haven’t attained perfection, but I march forward to possess the perfection that first possessed me, in Jesus Christ!
v13-14 For I (Paul), do not think that I “have arrived at perfection,” but the one thing I DO, forgetting the past and pressing toward the prize (or goal) of the high calling of Jesus Christ!
v15 Let us be mature and have this same mindset. God will reveal it to you, if you think differently.
v16 To the degree of your understanding, walk by this rule (mentioned in v13-14) and have the same mind-set as Paul.
v17 Follow my example in this thinking and doing.
v18-19 Many walk, whose end is destruction, whose glory is in pleasing themselves. Their glory is their shame, for they are minded of earthly things.
v20-21 Our citizenship is in heaven and we wait for the return of our savior Jesus Christ. He will transform our earthly bodies into His heavenly body. He will use the same power to accomplish this as He will use to subdue all things.

Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 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, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule,[b] let us be of the same mind.
17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

• We must realize we are not perfect, yet we yearn for perfection in Christ Jesus.
• Forget the past, you are all ready forgiven!
• Striving for the mark, the calling of our Lord Jesus Christ.
• We must have this mindset, for there are those who seek to please themselves (though they appear to be Christians), whose end is destruction because they only consider earthly things.
• Our citizenship is in heaven and we will be conformed to His image.

Philippians 3:1-11

2011-12-06T05:23:00.000-05:00

Paul’s advice from last chapter was for us to explore the salvation God has for us. To not complain, and remain blameless. To shine as lights before men, drawing them to him. And to esteem highly, those men who serve you.

Philippians 3:1 Finally, REJOICE IN THE LORD! Paul’s reminds the church at Philippi, that he never tires of warning them of the dangers that await them. He does it for their (and our) benefit.
v2-3 Beware of those who say you must be circumcised (he calls them dos and evil doers), for we who worship god in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus are the circumcision. We who have no confidence in the flesh.
v4-6 Paul’s testimony of what he could have bragged about. The pride of Israel!
v7 Paul left it all behind to pursue Christ! Knowing the consequences of his decision.
v8 To know Christ as my personal savior makes everything else seem as garbage. Paul had lost everything of his former life style.
v9 To have true righteousness that can only come from God, through faith in Jesus Christ.
v10-11 To know the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings. That I might attain resurrection from the dead!

Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.
2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit,[a] rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, 4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

• Rejoice in the Lord (don’t always make being a Christian so difficult).
• Worship God in the Spirit and have no confidence in the flesh.
• We must choose Christ over all things.
• Our righteousness can only come from God, through faith in Christ.

Philippians 2:12-30

2011-11-29T05:29:00.000-05:00

Humility and unity are two keys to victorious living in Christ. Without them, we become bogged down in our own daily struggles. Jesus was victorious on the Cross, because He humbled Himself to His Father’s will!

Philippians 2:12 Paul praises the church at Philippi, for following his instructions, both while he was with them and even more importantly, now that he is not. He cautioned them to “work out” their own salvation, with respect to Him. Which is to say that though Christ completed our salvation on the cross, each one of us must “work out” or “live out” our salvation as we grow more like Him. We are not saved into perfection, but into grace. We will each have our own trials which change us to be more like Jesus (Romans 8:28-29).
v13 God is working in you, to do what pleases Him.
v14-15 Do everything without complaint, so that no one can criticize you, and you may be found blameless in a perverse generation; shining as light before men!
v16 Hold on to the Word, that I may rejoice in your success!
v17-18 I will rejoice with you , and I would like you to rejoice with me, for your life is an offering to God.
v19-20 I am sending you Timothy, because he has the same mind as I, he will care for you.
v21 Not everyone seeks after the things of Christ, most seek after their own benefit.
v22-24 You know Timothy’s character, I am sending him to you now. I hope I will be able to come soon after.
v25 I also felt the need to send my brother and co-laborer Epaphroditus back to you as a a messenger, he ministered to my needs.
v26-27 He was longing for you all, and was saddened that you found out he was ill. He was sick, almost to death, but God had mercy on him.
v28-30 I send him to you more eagerly, so that you may rejoice. Receive him with gladness, and hold him in high esteem. For he came close to death for the cause of Christ. Not regarding his life, to provide for your needs.

Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.
19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. 20 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. 23 Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. 24 But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.
25 Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; 26 since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27 For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; 30 because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.

• Explore the salvation God has for you.
• Do not complain, remain blameless.
• Shine as lights before men, drawing them to him.
• Esteem highly, those men who serve you.

Philippians 2:1-11

2011-11-22T05:08:00.001-05:00

At the end of chapter 1, Paul exhorted the church to “let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Then, in verse 29, he encouraged, “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” We know that there are going to be external challenges that face every believer, Paul’s encouragement is to remain humble through them.

Philippians 2:1 If there is any;
• comfort of love - compassion for each other
• fellowship of the Spirit - desiring unity
• any affection and mercy - care and concern for others.
v2 Make me truly happy by;
• by being like-minded - everyone pursuing God
• having the same love - Agape
• being of one accord - striving for unity
• of one mind - the mind of Christ
v3 Flee from self-ish desires, think of others first.
v4 Look out for each others best interests.
v5-7 Let’s have Jesus mind-set, though he was equal to God, he chose to leave the God-head, and become as we are, men.
v8 He humbled himself (even) as a man, though He has every reason to think highly of Himself, He became humble as a servant, even to the point of death on the Cross.
v9 Therefore, God exalted Him highly above all.
v10 That at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow (those in heaven, in earth and beneath the earth).
v11 That every tongue should confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father!

Philippians 2:1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

• Humility and unity are two keys to victorious living in Christ. Without them, we become bogged down in our own daily struggles.
• Jesus was victorious on the Cross, because He humbled Himself to His Father’s will! So we too, should be humble to our Father's will.

Philippians 1:19-30

2011-11-15T05:16:00.000-05:00

In the opening verses of this epistle, we learned that Paul’s vision for the church at Philippi, was to see his afflictions as a way for the gospel to be spread.

Philippians 1:19 This is what keeps Paul moving forward as a witness; the gospel is spread either by truthful intent or selfish intent, Jesus was preached either way.
v20 He continues to preach with boldness, wether by life or death.
v21 Either way to live in Christ, or to die and be with Christ.
v22 Paul does not know which way he will be going, but if he lives on he will continue to serve the Lord, earning fruit for his labor.
v23-24 He is having a tough time choosing, being pulled in both directions; to be with Christ or to be here on earth. Yet, it is better for you if I remain.
v25-26 So as I do remain, I will continue with you for your progress. So that, your joy in Christ may overflow.
v27 Only let your conduct be worthy, so that you remain as one spirit, striving together in the faith.
v28-30 Do not be afraid of your adversaries, which would prove to them that you are going to be destroyed. Show your salvation, that Jesus might be glorified, in that, you can share in His afflictions, as I have.

Philippians 1:19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For[c] I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.
27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation,[d] and that from God. 29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.

• Paul had a tough struggle, to remain here or to be with Jesus.
• Paul knew he would remain a while longer, so their joy may be increases.
• He warns to guard our conduct, showing forth Christ.
• He wanted the Philippian church to persevere, showing that Jesus was who He said He was.
• He wanted them to know, that they would face opposition.

Philippians 1:1-18

2011-11-08T05:16:00.001-05:00

Paul wrote this epistle from his imprisonment in Rome areound 60-62 AD. It was a church Paul planted in what is now Greece. He left Luke there as its first pastor. Paul loved this church.

Philippians 1:1-2 Greetings from Paul and Timothy, “grace and peace to you.” We can have nothing better than grace and peace in this life.
v3-5 I remember you often and thank God for the memories I have of you. I remember you in prayer, you brought me joy and fellowship always.
v6 Confidence in Jesus ability to finish what He started, salvation is not a ”once and done” event, but a continual refining to make us more like Jesus. That is we are save when we accept what He did for us on the cross and that He rose from the dead to give us everlasting life; but that is not the end, He wants us to have victory in this life and after. So, He continues to work on us to make us more like Him. (Romans 8:28-29)
v7 You are all part of my afflictions, as I share the gospel of grace.
v8 I desire to be with you all, with the love of Jesus.
v9-11 I pray that you may abound in knowledge, agree with things that are right in God’s Word, that you are sincere in your salvation, that you are filled with the fruits of righteousness (fruits of the Spirit [Gal 5:22-26]).
v12-13 The tribulations Paul was going through, actually play a part in furthering the kingdom. So that, everyone around him know that he believes in Jesus Christ.
v14 Most believers now have been given a spirit of courage after seeing Paul’s witness in chains, his courage was contagious!.
v15-18 Some preached out of envy for Paul, some out of love. Those who were envious, preached to make a name for themselves. The others out of love, seeking to please the Lord.
Regardless, the gospel was preached and Paul rejoiced!

Philippians 1: 1 Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops[a] and deacons:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thankfulness and Prayer
3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; 7 just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. 8 For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 The former[b] preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

• Paul loved this church.
• Paul wanted them to grow in every way in the Lord.
• Paul saw his afflictions as a way to advance the gospel.
• Many preached the Lord because for this, some for the right reason; some out of ambition.
Either way, the gospel went out!

Philippians Overview

2011-11-01T05:19:00.001-04:00

• Philippians is a practical look into our faith as we live our lives daily.
• Written about 60-62 AD, around the same time as Ephesians.
• Written by Paul while imprisoned in Rome.
• Church founded in Europe (modern day Greece) by Paul on his second missionary journey around AD 50 (Acts 16:11-40).
• Phillipi was a colony of Rome, so its citizens were given special privileges.
• The magistrates could have been in grave danger had Paul reported their beating of a Roman citizen without a trial (Acts 16:35-40).
• One of the few churches that sent out support to Paul (Philippians 4:15).
• History has it that Luke was the pastor the first six years.

Chapter One Paul sees Christ as his life (1:21).
Chapter Two Christ is the model for true humanity.
Chapter Three presents Christ as the one who transforms us into His glorious body.
Chapter Four He is Paul’s strength in his trials.

Ephesians 6

2011-10-25T05:12:00.000-04:00

Paul called us to be filled with the Holy Spirit in verse 18 of chapter 5. Then goes on to give us instruction of how that should work in our relationships; wives to husbands and husbands to wives. This week picks up where last week left off.

Ephesians 6:1-3 Children obey you parents and live long on the earth. A command followed by a promise.
v4 Fathers, do not antagonize your children, but raise them in the training and encouragement of the Lord.
v5-8 Workers, obey your leaders as you do the Lord, with reverence and respect. Not with lip service, but as you would be doing the will of God! As to the Lord and not the men you work for, knowing that whatever good you do, you will receive the same from the Lord.
v9 Bosses, do the same, knowing your boss is in heaven and He shows no partiality.

v10-17 Paul’s final word to the Ephesian church: Be STRONG (a command) in the power of His might! Put on the whole armor of God, because we are fighting a battle with enemies we cannot see - evil rulers of the unseen world, mighty powers of the dark, and evil spirits in heavenly places. In order to stand in the fire, put on the whole armor:
The belt of truth - guards against our fleshly desires
Shoes of the gospel of peace - quick to run to help and bring peace.
The shield of faith - Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17), grow our shield, make them big.
Helmet of salvation - protects our thoughts.
The sword of the spirit (the Bible) - Offensive weapon, the Word of God!
v18-19 Praying always making petitions in the Spirit with all perseverance for all the saints and me (Paul).
v20 Paul is in prison, speaking boldly as he should.
v21-24 Conclusion and blessings.

Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: 3 “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”[a]
4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
5 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; 6 not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.
9 And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also[b] is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[c] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
21 But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you; 22 whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts.
23 Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

• Respect and honor should abound in every relationship we have, the ones we have chosen and the ones we have not chosen.
• Lastly, Paul commands us to be brave in the power of His might.
• Put on the whole armor (not in part) to defend against our unseen enemies.

Ephesians 5:18-33

2011-10-18T05:12:00.000-04:00

Followers of God -- God Seekers! That is what Paul told us we should desire to be in Ephesians 5:1. That we should walk as children of the light, making out time on earth count, because evil pursues us continually (v5:8, 15-17).

Ephesians 5:18 Be filled with the Holy Spirit! We become indwelt when we accept Christ as our savior, but filling is a repeated experience.
v19-20 Speaking in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs - making a melody of God in your heart! Being thankful for ALL things. Serving each other (in humility).
v22-24 Wives should submit to husbands, just as the church should be in submission to Christ as the head or leader.
v25 Husbands love wives as Christ love the church. Regardless of the churches attitudes toward Christ, He always love us. That is how we should love our wives.
v26 We should present the Word.
v27 That we should keep them pure.
v28-29 As we love our own bodies. We satisfy our own needs and nourish our bodies.
v30 We ALL are members of His body!
v31 When we become married we two are one, so we should build up, not tear down.
v32 It is a great mystery, how Christ loves the church.
v33 Let us love our wives and wives honor their husbands.

Ephesians 5:18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.[c]
22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body,[d] of His flesh and of His bones. 31 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”[e] 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

• Be filled with the Holy Spirit (a command).
• Always have a song or psalm or spiritual song fill your heart!
• Always give thanks.
• Always honor one another.
• Wives love husbands.
• Husbands love wives wives as Christ loves the rebellious church (not that wives are rebellious, but that He loves us anyway, regardless of our mood or circumstances).
• Be the leader as Christ is the leader of the church.
• Build up, as Christ builds up the church.
• We are co-joined if we are married, build each other up!

Ephesians 5:1-17

2011-10-11T05:21:00.001-04:00

Last week, Greg taught on I Peter chapter 1, Peter teaches the saints about trials as pilgrims in this present land, that purify us as gold! Our hope (in Christ) must rest fully on the grace He has blessed us with...so now we venture back into Ephesians Chapter 5 where Paul continues on what actions we should take to be more Christ-like.

Ephesians 4:30-32 - Because we should not grieve (or bring frustration to) the Holy Spirit by continuing in sin after we are saved, fleeing all evil that is our human nature and being kind to each other as Christ forgave us.
Ephesians 5:1-2 We should follow God as children that love and respect Him. Just as Christ gave himself for us a sweet smelling sacrifice to God for our sins.
v3-4 Leave all fornication, uncleanness or desires for the belongings of others be an accusation against you. No filthiness, or foolish talking or joking be done, but giving thanks.
v5 None of these things has an inheritance in the kingdom of God.
v6-7 Do not be deceived, the wrath of God comes on the sons of disobedience. Do not be part with them.
v8 You were once in darkness, but no you are children of the light! Walk in the light.
v9-12 Choose the fruit of the Spirit, proving what is acceptable in the Lord! Flee from darkness and expose it! It is even shameful to speak of the things they do.
v13 The light exposes all things, the light makes everything visible.
v14 Arise, you who sleep and walk in the light.
v15 walk carefully, not as fools but as wise.
v16 making the most of every opportunity, for the days are evil.
v17 Do not be unwise, but try to understand what the will of the Lord is.

Ephesians 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know,[a] that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit[b]is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. 14 Therefore He says:
“ Awake, you who sleep,
Arise from the dead,
And Christ will give you light.”
Walk in Wisdom
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

• Walk as God’s children.
• Do not be deceived by the foolish ones.
• Walk in the light, for He exposes all darkness.
• Make the most of your time, for it is short and evil pursues you.
• Seek to understand the will of the Lord.

1st Peter Chapter 1 1:24

2011-10-04T21:21:00.002-04:00

While at the Deep South Men’s Conference this weekend Jerry asked me to stand in for him because he has been called to be at work early each day this week. Having just returned from that Blessed event. I sort of wanted to carry on that theme from our teaching there. It should be no surprise, the Holy Spirit had a different agenda. This morning we are going to be in 1st Peter Chapter 1.
God willing, whenever I’m asked to fill in, we can pick up in 1st Peter where we leave off today. Standby, for change, since that is my agenda. Where the Spirit leads, we must follow:

The Apostle Peter wrote this epistle during the reign of Nero at the height of Christian persecution. Think about the sentence of death of that pastor in Iran and imagine if you can every Christian in the known world subject to that level of persecution. Peter writes to the Saints encouragement to the believers. Dictated to Silvanus ( A.K.A. Silas) about two years from being put to death on a cross upside down.
Chapter 1
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,  To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:  
Notice that Peter refers to the dispersed saints as Pilgrims, referring I believe to the short time we believers have here on earth.
Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
Note grace and peace blessing
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen[a] you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
Starting with the basics, mercy Christ’s resurrection , living hope, inheritance incorruptible and undefiled resurrection. Again Peter point out that the present trials and suffering are only temporary .Read Matthew 10: 21-23
Question: What make our faith so much more precious than gold? What is your view on the difference in happiness and joy? 
10 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, 11 searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us[b] they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.
Peter reminds the believers the testimony of the prophets speaking of Christ’s sufferings and the Glory to follow.
This last sentence is pretty profound, we get ministration s from the Holy Spirit that even angels desire to look into. What could that be?
13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”[c]
Question: How does Peter call believers to be Holy? Why?
And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you 21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

Why did it take Christ sacrifice and his resurrection to achieve all that it did? How do we know this is true?
22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit[d] in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,[e] 24 because   “ All flesh is as grass,  And all the glory of man[f] as the flower of the grass.  The grass withers,  And its flower falls away,  25 But the word of the LORD endures forever.”[g]  Here Peter quotes from Isaiah 40 6—8
6The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: 7The grass withers, the flower fades: because the spirit of the LORD blows upon it: surely the people are like grass. 8The grass withers, the flower fades but the word of our God shall stand for ever.
Peter’s introduction and prelude is over The Gospel and Christ the Chief Cornerstone.
Verse 24; Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.

The Apostle Peter’s introduction in Chapter 1 is a prelude and out- line of outlines his message. Next in Chapter 2 he gets to the meat.
Grace and Peace. May the Lord Bless you and keep you
GC

Ephesians 4:17-32

2011-09-27T05:16:00.000-04:00

Last week was about the purpose of spiritual gifts - to equip the saints for the work of the ministry and for the “building-up” of the church!

Ephesians 4:17 Do not live as the unsaved gentiles.
v.18 Whoa have been alienated from God, having their understanding darkened (or covered).
v19 Who, not caring, live in their sin, thinking that there is nothing better, having no morals at all.
v20-21 But not in Jesus, you have heard Him and have been taught by Him:
v22-24 Get rid of your old habits and desires. The renew your way of thinking by putting on this new creation; in righteousness and true holiness. We must act upon faith to do this!
v25 Put away lying, speak the truth.
v26 Be angry and sin not, do not go to bed angry!
v27 Do not allow the devil an opportunity to take a part in your life (by following your temptations).
v28 Do not steal, but earn your keep. Give to those in need.
v29 Keep your mouth shut, unless you are building-up someone else!
v30 Do not bring anguish to the Holy Spirit, who dwells in you, who seals your salvation (Eph. 1:13-14).
v31 Get rid of the bad stuff: bitterness, judgement, anger, quarreling disputes (debates), evil speaking and the desire to harm others.
v32 Be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving. Just like God did for you!

Ephesians 4:17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of[d] the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
25 Therefore, putting away lying, “ Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,”[e] for we are members of one another. 26 “Be angry, and do not sin”:[f] do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil. 28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

• Paul encourages us, to get rid of our old ways of thinking and habits (the Old Man), and seek after God’s desire for our lives (the New Man).
• We grieve the Holy Spirit, when we live contrary to the new life we have been granted (just like a child can grieve the parents by going down the wrong path).

Ephesians 4:11-16

2011-09-20T05:16:00.000-04:00

The first part of chapter 4, talks about unity, how we must endeavor (or set a goal of) unity in the body of Christ. We are all one and the same in Christ, we are His body.

Ephesians 4:11 God gave each of us gifts; some to be apostles (men divinely chosen to represent Christ), some prophets (proclaimers of truth), some evangelists (leading the lost to Christ), and some “pastors and teachers” (teaching and leading in the Word).
v12 The purpose of ALL spiritual gifts is found in verse 12&13:
1) for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry,
2) for the edifying of the body of Christ.
v13 Until we all become unified in our faith and knowledge of the Son of God - the same as Jesus had!
v14 This will always be until Christ returns -- We should no longer be tossed to and fro as a boat in the ocean (chasing shadows), by every wind of doctrine, by men who lie in wait to deceive us.
v15 We must speak the truth in love, that we may grow-up in all things that Jesus has for us and bring honor to Him.
v16 The whole body is joined together and each part must perform its function, causing the the body to grow together in love!

Ephesians 4:11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

• God has blessed each of us with Spiritual Gifts.
• The purpose of these gifts is to: equip the saints for the work of the ministry AND to edify the body of Christ!
• Until we all become one in faith and knowledge, just like Jesus had for us.
• We should not be “squirrely” Christians, chasing every form of doctrine and rumor that pops up.

Ephesians 4:1-10

2011-09-13T05:23:00.001-04:00

In the first three chapters, Paul explains exactly who we are and what we have in Christ. Then, he prays for the church to realize or come to the understanding of exactly the very things he just taught about what we believe. Now he is going to teach on “how we should act as a result of what we believe.”

Ephesians 4:1 Paul refers to himself many times in this book as a prisoner of the Lord (as he is writing from prison, he can identify with the concept). Live a life that honors what God has called each of you to do with your life, through Jesus Christ.
v2 With humility and gentleness and patience, bearing each other’s burdens in love.
v3 Trying (with all that you have) to keep unity of the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.
v4-6 We are one body in one God, with one Lord and one Spirit. We are all one in the same One!
v7 But we were each given a different measure of Christ’s gift (gifts of the Holy Spirit).
v8 Ps. 68:18
v9-10 He had to descend to lead away the captives before He could ascend. In this Jesus fulfilled prophecy! He also gave spiritual gifts.

Ephesians 4:1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you[a] all.
7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore He says:
“ When He ascended on high,
He led captivity captive,
And gave gifts to men.”[b]
9 (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first[c] descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)

• Unity comes at no small price, we must be willing to give up “our way,”to fulfill peace “His way.”
• We are all one in the One.
• He descended to rescue the captives (those who died in faith before Christ), and rose again to defeat death an fulfill God’s promise!

Ephesians 3:14-21

2011-09-06T05:18:00.001-04:00

As Paul explained, in our last study, that we are all joint heirs with Christ. Paul now prays for realization of our inheritance.

Ephesians 3:14-15 Paul issues this prayer on behalf of the church at Ephesus, to God; the Father of all in Jesus Christ, of which we are all a part of.
v16 That He would grant us according to His riches, to be strengthened in from the inside by His Holy Spirit.
v17 That hHe might dwell in our hearts, through faith. That we would be grounded in love.
v18-19 That we may be able to comprehend God’s great love which passes all understanding. That we may possess all that God has for us.
v20-21 To God who is above all that we could ask or think, according to His power that exists within us, to Him be the glory (in the church) throughout eternity.

Ephesians 3:14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,[c] 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

• All of God’s family is named in Jesus Christ, we must e part of it!
• Let us be strengthened from the inside, according to His riches in heaven.
• Christ must dwell in our hearts through faith in Him.
• That we may be our roots may grow deeply in God’s love!
• That we may understand God’s love, which is beyond our natural ability; that we may experience God’s fullness in life.
• To God is able to accomplish more than we could ask or think, be glory in the church, created in Jesus forever!

Ephesians 3:1-13

2011-08-30T05:13:00.001-04:00

Last week, Paul explained how Jews and gentiles are one, as the church. We are joined together as a building, with the teachings of the apostles and prophets being the foundation and Jesus being the chief cornerstone. We are ALL one body, not divided, but joined together in unity.

Ephesians 3:1 Paul, a prisoner (because of his faith) in Jesus Christ to the gentiles.
v2-4 You know how I was given the grace to understand God’s plan for you (Acts 9:15). So that I may explain to you the mystery of Christ.
v5-6 This mystery was not made known in the past, but it has now been revealed by the Holy Spirit to the Apostles and prophets, that the gentiles should be joint heirs with Israel (those who believe), and partakers of His promise in Christ.
v7 Which, by His grace, I am now a minister.
v8-9 I (Paul) am least among the saints, but was given the grace to teach this mystery to ALL, the unsearchable (endless, boundless) riches of Christ! To make clear the hidden things of Christ which have been in place (but hidden) since the beginning of time, through Jesus Christ, who made all things.
v10-13 The intent was to make this wisdom known to rulers and powers in heavenly places, according to God’s eternal purpose. He accomplished this purpose in Jesus, whom we have boldness and access through faith in Him! Do not lose heart because of my suffering for you, it is for your glory.

Ephesians 3:1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles— 2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, 3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, 4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), 5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: 6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, 7 of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.
8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all see what is the fellowship[a] of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ;[b] 10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. 13 Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

• Paul was called, by God, to reveal the mystery of salvation to the gentiles.
• Because of this, we can know the unsearchable riches we possess in Christ Jesus, the mysteries that have been hidden from man since the beginning of time, when Jesus created all things.
• To the extent, that we should know the many sided wisdom of God. We have boldness and access to God through Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:11-22

2011-08-23T05:14:00.002-04:00

Were were dead men walking before we met Jesus. In this condition we were doing what comes natural (sin), but God, reached down to us for He is rich in mercy. HE provided a way for us to be raised up with Him, that is through Christ Jesus. He wants to show us His kindness. We are saved only by grace, through faith in Him. We did nothing on our own to have a relationship with Him, He reached down to us! We are His artwork, created for good work, which God planned before we walked the Earth.

Ephesians 2:11-12 Remember that as gentiles we were not part of the nation of Israel, without the law, having no hope.
v13 United in Christ, we have now been made near by the blood of Christ.
v14 Jesus is peace to those who truly know Him. He has broken down any walls of separation between Jews and gentiles.
v15 He abolished anything that was between us, making one flesh from the two groups (Jews and gentiles).
v16 He reconciled both sides together on the cross, putting away any hatred between the two.
v17-18 He preached peace to both gentiles and Jews, for through Him, we both have access to the Father through the Spirit.
v19 Therefore, you are no longer strangers, but fellow citizens and members of the household of God!
v20 Having built on the foundations laid by the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone!
v21 All of us together, being the holy temple, being rightly joined together in the Lord.
v22 You are also the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit!

Ephesians 2:11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands— 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

• God joined together both Jews and gentiles, through the blood of Christ.
• Jesus is our peace and He broke the divisions on the Cross, making us one body.
• We are a Holy Temple joined rightly together, with Jesus as the chief cornerstone, built on the foundation of the apostles doctrine and the prophets..
• We are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 2:1-10

2011-08-16T05:16:00.001-04:00

In Chapter One of Ephesians, Paul makes it clear that God, who formed the world, has a plan for each of us who believe in Jesus Christ. That we have been redeemed by the blood of Christ. That He desires to have us with Him in glory! We are sealed by the Holy Spirit, who dwells inside of all that believe, who are called according to his plan of salvation in Jesus Christ. This same Jesus is over ALL, kingdoms, powers, rulers; everyone and everything!

OLD CONDITION ---
Ephesians 2:1God made us alive, for we were walking dead men.
v2 As such, we walked according to what came natural, by the leading of the devil, who now works in the sons of disobedience (or those who chose not to obey).
v3 Which we were (before we became saved), doing what came natural (sin). Children subject to God’s wrath.
NEW CONDITION ---
v4 BUT GOD! Rich in mercy, loved us as only He could (we did not deserve it)!
v5 Even though we were dead, He made us alive in Jesus, through His grace.
v6 He has all ready made a place for us in heaven, because of Jesus.
v7 In the future He will show us the greatness of His grace, that He granted to us in Jesus! v8-9 We are saved only by grace, through our faith in what He did for us. Not because of anything we did, but the gift is from God to us. Because we cannot boast, because we did nothing to earn this!
v10 We are His workmanship (His craft, His art, His creation), created in Christ Jesus for good works, which He planned for us before we were born; that we should do them.

Ephesians 2:1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

• Were were dead men walking before we met Jesus.
• Doing what comes natural (sin).
• But God, reached down to us for He is rich in mercy.
• He provided a way for us to be raised up with Him, that is through Christ Jesus.
• He wants to show us His kindness.
• We are saved only by grace, through faith in Him.
• We did nothing on our own to have a relationship with Him, He reached down to us!
• We are His artwork, created for good work, which God planned before we walked the Earth.

ja

Ephesians 1:15-23

2011-08-09T05:19:00.002-04:00

In the first 14 versus of Ephesians chapter 1, Paul reveals our redemption, forgiveness and grace we have in Jesus Christ. He points to our inheritance, which we will have in Christ; which is sealed by the Spirit, which is our guarantee to His calling.

Ephesians 1:15-16 Paul has heard of their faith and love for others, and prays for them always: (his desire for them and for us):
v17 He prays for their wisdom and knowledge of God through Jesus Christ.
v18 He prays for eyes of understanding, that we may know the hope of His calling and the glory of His inheritance.
v19-20 He prays that we may know the exceeding great power He grants us, who believe. According to the working of His mighty power, which He worked in Jesus when he raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His own right hand!
v21 Above all rule and authority and power, and any and every name, not only in this age, but the age which is to come.
v22-23 That ALL things are under His feet. Jesus is given to be the head over ALL things to the church, which is His body. The fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Ephesians 1:15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding[c] being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

• We need wisdom and knowledge of who God is and what He has for each of us.
• We need understanding of the riches we have through our inheritance in Christ.
• We have access to His mighty power that raised Jesus from the tomb and set Him at His right hand.
• He is above ALL power and authority on earth and in heaven, both now and in the future.
• ALL things are under Jesus feet (He has authority over ALL), He is the head of the church, who is His body.

ja

Ephesians 1:1-14

2011-08-02T05:09:00.002-04:00

Paul spent nearly three years in Ephesus on his second missionary journey. He labored there with his friends and fellow tent-makers Aquila and Priscilla. Ephesus was the center for the temple of Diana (an erotic love goddess). Here the manufacturers of the Diana idols were losing business because people where following Jesus as Paul taught. Paul wrote this epistle from his Roman imprisonment in about 60AD. The focus of Ephesians is the believer’s position in Christ.

The first 14 verses are each a message within themselves, as Paul reveals to each of us, what it is that we have in Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:1-2 Greeting from the Apostle Paul.
v3 God has blessed us (right now) with every spiritual blessing (fruit of the spirit) in the heavenly places (literally heaven, which we now have access to in this life).
v4 He chose us in Him (salvation), before the foundation of the world (creation), that we would by holy and without blame in Him (justification).
v5 He determined for us to be adopted as sons of Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will. It pleases Him for us to accept Him as savior!
v6He has blessed us in His son, by His grace.
v7 In Him we have redemption and forgiveness, according to His grace.
v8 Which He gives abundantly in all wisdom and understanding.
v9 He made know (to us) the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure. It pleases Him for us to understand what we have through salvation in Jesus Christ!
v10 That one day when He calls us all home, He might gather all back to Himself.
v11 In Him, who we obtained this inheritance. Being pre-determined according to His plan.
v12 That we should be the praise of His glory!!!!
v13 In Him, you trusted, believed and where sealed with the Holy Spirit! v14 Who is our guarantee of our inheritance until we are redeemed, to be the praise of His glory!!!

Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,
To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.
7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both[a] which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.
13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who[b] is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

• God’s plan, before the foundations of earth, was for us to be His praise and glory.
• He determined a way for us to be His, through His son Jesus Christ.
• Though we have sinned, we appear holy and blameless through Christ.
• We have a future home and a present blessings from God, in Christ!
• He desires for us to know and understand the mysteries of this life; they are found in Jesus Christ.

ja

Galatians 6

2011-07-26T05:16:00.002-04:00

Paul concludes this book with ways to live out the life that Christ has given to us...

Galatians 6:1 If some was has fallen, help them up. Do not beat them down! Unless you wish to suffer the same fate.
v2 Help each other out, fulfilling what Jesus meant by, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
v3 If you think you are something special, you are deceived. God loves each of us the same.
v4-5 Examine yourself, to see what you have accomplished in Christ. Do not compare it to what others are doing or have done, each of us should obey as God calls, He does not call each with the same calling.
v6 If you are blessed by a teacher, share God’s blessings in your life with them (so they may also be encouraged in God’s work in your life).
v7-8 Whatever we spend our efforts in, we will also receive the outcome of our workings; wether good or bad.
v9-10 Do not get weary from doing the right thing, we will eventually be fully blessed. Especially do good to those who are believers.
v11 Paul penned this epistle himself. He had poor eyesight and wrote very big!
v12-13 Those who are compelling you to be circumcised only desire the credit for making you what they want you to be (they care nothing about your relationship in Christ.
v14 May I only glory in the cross of Christ, nothing else has value.
v15 In Christ we are a new creation, circumcision or not has no meaning.
v16 As you live by this epistle, may you have peace and mercy, along with Israel (the Israel of God, God’s chosen people).
v17-18 Do not trouble me, for my body shows the marks of serving Christ. By the grace of Jesus may you know Him.

Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load.
6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
11 See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! 12 As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 13 For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom[a] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.
16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
17 From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

• Help each other when we stumble and fall.
• Care for each other’s needs.
• Be humble.
• Keep your eyes on your own work (that God has called you to).
• Share God’s blessings in your life with others.
• Do not get weary in trying to do good, you will reap in due season.

ja

Kingdom of Heaven

2011-07-22T08:25:00.002-04:00

Objective
Our objective tonight is to know in our hearts what the Kingdom of Heaven is and if we (as Christians) have access to it in this present life.
• In Matthew 3:2, John the Baptist declared, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand!”
• In Matthew 4:17, Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!”
• In the Matthew, Jesus refers to the Kingdom of Heaven about 32 times. Most of those in the beatitudes, explaining who will inherit this kingdom.
• The Kingdom of God is used 69 times throughout the New Testament.
• A comparison would yield the two interchangeable in most cases, but written as different expressions by different authors.

What is this Kingdom of Heaven / God?
Matthew 3:2 , Matthew 4:17, It is available now to the believer and has been since Jesus came to the earth.
Mark 1:15. “The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the Gospel. The very first part of getting into this “Kingdom” is salvation; believing the gospel; Jesus lived a perfect sinless life and died on the cross to pay our sin debt, was buried and rose again, defeating death for us, that we might live eternally with Him! Not only that, but abundant life here and now!
Luke 12:31 tells us that we should, “seek the Kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you.” We should be seekers of the Kingdom, always moving towards it like a traveler seeking his final destination. Every thing else is scenery along the way. Once we become a citizen, we have diplomatic immunity!
Luke 17:21 tells us, “For indeed, the Kingdom of God is within you.” This Kingdom exists within us, how is this possible? It is not us, but the Holy Spirit that dwells in us, that brings the Kingdom of God to us.
Acts 14:22 reveals to us that , “We must go through many tribulations to enter the Kingdom of God!” Our very trials of life draw us to the point where we enter this Kingdom, the road is not always easy, but knowing our final destination makes these trials less severe.
Romans 14:17 explains, “the Kingdom of God is not in eating an drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Here it is, the Kingdom of God -Peace, Joy, Righteousness in the Holy Spirit!
We cannot be apart of it without faith in Jesus Christ, without seeking Him in the Spirit, without choosing this Kingdom as our final destination.

How do we get there?
Galatians 5:16 - 25.
The conflict: v16-18. There is a great battle that originates at our salvation; the Spirit of God that now dwells within us and our natural desires (what I want). They are opposites, they cannot coexist. We will choose to feed one or the other.
What cannot get us there: v19-21. These are plainly seen, available in each of us. We do not have to make any hard decisions to do the works of he flesh, they come natural!
From the Contemporary English Translation: 19People's desires make them give in to immoral ways, filthy thoughts, and shameful deeds. 20They worship idols, practice witchcraft, hate others, and are hard to get along with. People become jealous, angry, and selfish. They not only argue and cause trouble, but they are 21envious. They get drunk, carry on at wild parties, and do other evil things as well.

The keys to the Kingdom, Galatians 5:14 Others first!

How does this work, in life?
The choices that propel us into the Kingdom: v22-25. The fruit of the Spirit, on the other hand, is a lifestyle choice. We must run with all of our being towards the Spirit’s drawing into the Kingdom of God. Other wise we fail and stumble, doing only what comes natural. Just as verse 16 says, we must choose to “walk in the Spirit” not “in the flesh!”
As we seek Him and put others first, our life is transformed into this Kingdom of Heaven life. We begin to show these fruits of the spirit. We lean less and less on our own understanding, but begin to trust fully the Word of God, no matter how odd or strange it may seem, because we begin to realize it (the Word) is truth and we (our flesh and its desires) are the lie.

• The Kingdom of God is here and now, not far off in a distant place.
• To be a part of this Kingdom, we must know Him.
• To enter this Kingdom, we must put others first.
• God wants us to have this kingdom today! Not to live in constant fear and anguish and stress.
• All we have to do, is what He has provided for us in the Spirit. To love one another and to choose to exist only in Him! To increase our faith in His Word as the only truth.

Finally brothers, I Corinthians 16:13-14, “13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love.”

Galatians 5

2011-07-19T05:20:00.001-04:00

In Chapters 3 & 4, Paul gives the Galatian believers a reason to question their new-found religious belief that they must keep the Mosaic law in order to be the best Christian they can be. This week, Paul will begin to show the liberty that we have in Christ, that we often take for granted...

Galatians 5:1 Paul tells us, that we must choose to hold on to the freedom that Jesus paid for on the cross. We should not, again become entangled in the bondage of legalism.
v2-3 If we choose the way of the law, the cross of Christ was for no reason. We are a debtor to keep the whole law.
v4 When we choose to go the way of the law, grace has no effect! We make the grace of God powerless in our lives, because we choose the judgement of God instead.
v5-6 Faith working through love, is the hope that believers have in Christ, nothing else matters.
v7-12 Who trips you up? This persuasion does not come from Jesus. If Paul still preached circumcision, why would the Jews be trying to kill him?
v13 We have been called to liberty, we should not use that liberty to entertain our flesh, but to serve others!
v14-15 We should love our neighbor as our self, not consume each other.
v16-18 Choose to walk in the Spirit, do not choose to please the flesh. The Spirit and the flesh oppose each other. If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the bondage of the law.
v19-21 A list of fleshly pursuits, we should avoid. These are all natural desires, built into our sin nature. If we live with a purpose to pursue these desires, we will not inherit the Kingdom of God (Romans 14:17), we cannot have the peace and joy of God and live in sin.
v22-25 A list of the fruits we should pursue. These are all spiritual pursuits, that are available to us through our Spiritual nature. The law has no bearing against the Spirit filled life.
v26 Do not be conceited, tempting on another in our freedoms.

Romans 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free,[a] and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. 2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. 3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. 4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.
7 You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 10 I have confidence in you, in the Lord, that you will have no other mind; but he who troubles you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is.
11 And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased. 12 I could wish that those who trouble you would even cut themselves off!
13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!
16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery,[c] fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders,[d] drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

• We are set free, to serve, but we must choose the Spiritual things over the law.
• Our freedom is not an opportunity to fulfill our desires, but to serve each other.
• Pursue the Spiritual things, so that we don’t fulfill our fleshly desires.
• If we pursue our natural desires we will not have the joy and peace that God offers to the believer.
• Do not be puffed up over our freedoms.

ja

Galatians 4

2011-07-12T05:20:00.001-04:00

In Chapter 3, Paul asked the question, “who has bewitched you?” Or convinced you , that you need something other than grace by faith in order to be saved. Paul actually knew it was a set of trouble making false believing Jews, who taught that the gentile believers must keep the law in order to be saved. Galatians 4 is a continuation of chapter 3...

Galatians 4:1-3 When we are children, though heirs (and masters of all), we are raised just as the slaves. We are subject to the authorities over us, basically in slavery in the world.
v4-6 But, when the time was right, God sent his only son into the world to set us free, that we might receive the full rights as sons. Because we are sons, his Spirit draws us to cry out for Him.
v7 So, we are no longer children or slaves, but heirs and sons of God. (Romans 8:16-17)
v8-11 How is it then, that you want to return into bondage all over again? You are observing Jewish feasts and rituals, Paul felt as if he had wasted his time on the Galatian believers, because they were so quick to abandon the grace that he had taught them.
v12-16 Paul begins pleading with them. Because of an illness he suffered, he was there longer than he intended to be and made many friends. He asks, “What happened to your joy?” They loved Paul so much, they would have done anything for him, yet now they hold contempt because he was correcting them.
v17-20 The people who want you to be zealous, do so for the wrong reason. Paul’s tone is extreme remorse for what has happened to his friends in Galatia. He was even confused over their desire to return to bondage.
v21-31 The account of Abraham’s two children. One of the promise, one of the flesh. We are likened unto the one of the promise, but we must be rid of the child and mother of the flesh. Not to be held captive by it again. You cannot keep the law and be set free st the same time.

Galatians 4:1 Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, 2 but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. 3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. 4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born[a] of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of[b] God through Christ.
8 But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods. 9 But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years. 11 I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain.
12 Brethren, I urge you to become like me, for I became like you. You have not injured me at all. 13 You know that because of physical infirmity I preached the gospel to you at the first. 14 And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. 15 What[c] then was the blessing you enjoyed? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?
17 They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be zealous for them. 18 But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you. 19 My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you, 20 I would like to be present with you now and to change my tone; for I have doubts about you.
21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman. 23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise, 24 which things are symbolic. For these are the[d] two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar— 25 for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children— 26 but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all. 27 For it is written:
“ Rejoice, O barren,
You who do not bear!
Break forth and shout,
You who are not in labor!
For the desolate has many more children
Than she who has a husband.”[e]
28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise. 29 But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now. 30 Nevertheless what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.”[f] 31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free.

• We were once under the bondage of our sin nature.
• At the appointed time, Jesus came and set us free from bondage to be joint heirs and sons of God.
• Why would we desire to be back under bondage?
• Paul is greatly perplexed over his friends in Galatia, that they would allow others to come in, who seemed righteous (but were not) to deceive them in such a manner, as to lose their joy.
• You cannot be free and a slave (of the law) at the same time.

ja

A Time Of Prayer This Morning!

2011-07-05T05:25:00.000-04:00

Romans 6:22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

All freedom comes at great expense, ours is no different. Jesus paid it all, not because we deserved it or earned it, but because of his love for us!

j

Galatians 3

2011-06-28T05:30:00.001-04:00

Chapter 2 outlined the reasons why gentile believers need not keep the law (the Jerusalem council did not require it [Acts 13]) or give special treatment to Jewish believers...

Galatians 3:1-5 The Galatian believers had been tricked into thinking they needed something other than salvation by faith. The working of the Holy Spirit does not require our works, it requires our Faith!
v6-9 Abraham saved by faith in the Messiah to come, not by the law.
v10-14 “The Just shall live by Faith” (Hab.2:4) Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law in Duet. 21:23. He knew no one could be justified by the law.
v15-18 The law was written 430 years after God’s promise to Abraham, so that God’s promise to Abraham was not voided by the law.
v19-22 What purpose does the law serve? So that we should come to the One in whom the promise was made to Abraham. The promise by faith in Jesus Christ to those who believe.
v23-27 Before faith came, we were kept for the faith that was to be revealed afterward. The law was our tutor. Showing us that we needed a savior.
v28-29 We are all equal under the cross, joint heirs with Jesus.

Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth,[a] before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you[b] as crucified? 2 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have you suffered so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?
5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”[c] 7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.”[d] 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.
10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.”[e] 11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.”[f] 12 Yet the law is not of faith, but “the man who does them shall live by them.”[g]
13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”[h]), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
15 Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. 16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,”[i]who is Christ. 17 And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ,[j] that it should make the promise of no effect. 18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
19 What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator. 20 Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one.
21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. 22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

•Someone had “convinced” the gentile believers in Galatia, that they needed something other than the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
• Paul makes a point to prove that Abraham was saved by the same faith and that the law came much later.
• The law was not to do away with faith, but to prove that we could not be justified by the law, only through a savior.
• We are all equal under the cross, Joint heirs.

ja

Galatians 2

2011-06-21T05:17:00.001-04:00

We learn by the Holy Spirit, not through the teachings or writings of a man. By man we learn in our head, by the Holy Spirit, we learn in our heart. Paul further explores the Gospel of Grace in Galatians chapter 2...

Galatians 2:1 After teaching the gospel of grace for fourteen years, a dispute arose that caused Paul, along with Barnabas and Titus to return to Jerusalem. (Acts 15:2)
v2 Paul met privately with church leaders to make sure he was correct in his teachings on grace.
v3 Titus wasn’t even compelled (by the church leaders at Jerusalem) to be circumcised.
v4-6 False brethren crept in and began to spy out the freedom we had in Christ. They thought they were somebody, but we gave no submission to them.
v7-8 The gospel for the gentiles was given to me, and the gospel for the Jews to Peter.
v9-10 Then the other apostles, blessed them to reach the gentiles, but gave them guidelines to adhere to, so that no one stumbled (Acts 11:30).
v11 I had to rebuke Peter for this very purpose.
v12-14 Peter would fellowship with the gentiles when no Jews were around, then forsake them and show favor when the Jews showed up.
v15-16 We are Jews by birth, but we must be justified by faith, just as the gentiles.
v17 If we accept salvation through Christ, then abandon the law and be found a sinner, is it Jesus that made us sin?
v18-19 No! Jews died to the law to live in Christ.
v20 We are crucified in Christ, and He lives in us and through us. He died and gave himself for us.
v21 The grace of God does not come through upholding the law, unless Jesus dies in vain.

Galatians 2:1 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and also took Titus with me. 2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain. 3 Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. 4 And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage), 5 to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
6 But from those who seemed to be something—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man—for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. 7 But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter 8 (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles), 9 and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do.
11 Now when Peter[a] had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; 12 for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. 13 And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.
14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you[b] compel Gentiles to live as Jews?[c] 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.
17 “But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is Christ therefore a minister of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I build again those things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19 For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”

• The keeping of the law is not required to “saved by faith,” though tempting to Jewish believers to make it part of the Christian life (legalism).
• Even Peter and Barnabas gave preference to the Jewish believers when the leaders from Jerusalem came up. The seduction of legalism makes us feel “right.”
• We were crucified with Christ and it is He that lives within us (we did not earn it), we live by faith! Unless He died in vain.

ja

Galatians 1

2011-06-14T05:23:00.002-04:00

We are skipping over 1 & 2 Corinthians to keep from over-lapping other studies going on at CAlvary Chapel Heartland...

Galatians
Time: written between 49-56 AD.
Setting: the churches of Galatia, a region including churches in Iconium, Lystra and Derbe.
These churches were started by Paul and ministered to on each of his missionary journeys covered in Acts.
The key problem: was that Judiasers had crept in and began teaching that gentiles must become Jewish proselytes and keep the Jewish law, in order to be saved.
Galatians 1:1-5 Paul’s greeting. An apostle called by God and not by man.
6-9 The key problem, they had turned away from salvation by grace. Paul lets them know that anything else, should be condemned.
v10 If we please men, we are not Christ servants!
v11-12 Where Paul’s message came from, Jesus Christ.
v13-19 Paul’s former life, conversion and study of the truth.
Paul leraned by revelation through Jesus Christ, not through some other teacher.
v20- 24 Paul’s ministry and teaching

Galatians 1:1 Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead), 2 and all the brethren who are with me,
To the churches of Galatia:
3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.
11 But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.
13 For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. 14 And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, 16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter,[a] and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. 20 (Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.)
21 Afterward I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ. 23 But they were hearing only, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God in me.

• Main purpose of Galatians was to confront teaching of anything other than salvation by grace through faith.
• We cannot please man and also be a servant of Christ. The two are usually contrary.
• We learn by the Holy Spirit, not through the teachings or writings of a man. By man we learn in our head, by the Holy Spirit, we learn in our heart.

ja

Time of Prayer...

2011-06-07T05:18:00.000-04:00

This morning we'll spend some much needed time in prayer.

Next week we'll begin a new study in the book of Galatians.

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Final Salute in Romans

2011-05-31T05:17:00.001-04:00

As we finish up the book of Romans, Paul greets many of the saints and offers final warnings...

Romans 16:1-15 Paul’s greeting sot fellow christians who have aided in the building of the family of God.
v16 How to greet one another.
v17 -18 Be ware of those who bring division and contentions in the church. Stick to the teaching of sound doctrine.
v19-20 Compliments to the church in Rome.
v21-23 More final greetings to Paul’s close helpers and ministers.
v24 Final salute to the church at Rome.

Romans 16:1 I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, 2 that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also.
3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house.
Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia[a] to Christ. 6 Greet Mary, who labored much for us. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
8 Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved. 10 Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my countryman.[b] Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.
12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.
16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. The[c] churches of Christ greet you.
17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus[d] Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. 19 For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
21 Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you.
22 I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord.
23 Gaius, my host and the host of the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, and Quartus, a brother. 24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

• Paul encourages those who serve the Lord with all of their heart. Those who were notable among the brethren for their humble service.
• Paul warns of those who bring division and strife to the church. By those who are self-serving and self-seeking to make a name for themselves.
• Paul gives a final salute, a testimony by itself.

ja

Liberty In Practice

2011-05-24T05:27:00.000-04:00

Last week, Paul instructed us to not make vain disputes over personal convictions. That we should not judge each other’s motives, but genuinely love and exhort each other. Whatever is not faith, is sin (v.23)...

Romans 15:1-2 We should not use our strengths to condemn the weak, but to encourage them. We should seek to build those who are weaker than us, not tear down. We should honor our neighbor, to build him up.
v3-6 Just as Christ esteemed us, whose insults were upon Him and gave us the hope of the scriptures that we may have hope in our weakness. Knowing that He cared for us in our weakness. He is glorified in this, that we love one another.
v7-13 Accept one another (even those who struggle) as Christ accepted you. Fulfilled in the Old Testament scriptures, that the God of hope would fill us with joy and peace in believing, that we may abound in hope in the power of the Holy Spirit! (v13).
v14-16 Paul’s confidence in those he has written to. Paul wrote boldly to proclaim the Gospel to the gentiles, that he would be true to the calling of Christ. The offering is referring to the conversion of the gentiles.
v17 -20 Paul realizes that he could only do those things that God called him to. Being bold in his calling to bear witness and do signs and fully preach the gospel. Paul was preaching where the gospel was not known, so as to not build on another’s foundation.
v21-29 Paul’s plans for travel to visit Rome. He was going to first bring the offerings of the gentiles to the Jews in Jerusalem.
30-33 Pray for Paul, that he does not have to endure the Jews accusations in Jerusalem, that he come freely to Rome.

Romans 15:1 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.”[a] 4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. 5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us,[b] to the glory of God. 8 Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, 9 and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written:
“ For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles,
And sing to Your name.”[c]
10 And again he says:
“ Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!”[d]
11 And again:
“ Praise the LORD, all you Gentiles!
Laud Him, all you peoples!”[e]
12 And again, Isaiah says:
“ There shall be a root of Jesse;
And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles,
In Him the Gentiles shall hope.”[f]
13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
14 Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.[g] 15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God, 16 that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God. 18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient— 19 in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. 20 And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation, 21 but as it is written:
“ To whom He was not announced, they shall see;
And those who have not heard shall understand.”[h]
Plan to Visit Rome
22 For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you. 23 But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, 24 whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you.[i] For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while. 25 But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. 27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. 28 Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain. 29 But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel[j] of Christ.
30 Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, 31 that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you. 33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

• Encourage those, who struggle and build them up.
• We know that He loved us while we were yet sinners, so we too ought to do the same for others.
• Paul had to boldly commit to doing the things God called him to.
• Paul had hoped to travel to Rome after going to Jerusalem.

ja

Christian Liberty

2011-05-17T05:28:00.000-04:00

Romans 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. This is where we left off last week, given our responsibilities to our government and neighbors. Often times we have convictions about life, that God may have laid upon our hearts, that we are convinced other should have, too.....

Romans 14:1-4 Receive those who are weak, but do not dispute over fruitless things. We each have in our mind, what God requires of us, yet not all os us think the same things are important (or that God made different things more important to some of us than others). This is not to say that we are “right” but to admonish us to not diminish the convictions of others.
v5-8 Regardless of how we esteem each day, we are the Lord’s (wether we admit it or not), Again, we all have different ideas that are important to us, let us not diminish what God has put on another’s heart. Wether we live or die we belong to the Lord.
v9-12 The saved and unsaved belong to the Lord. Why do we waste our time judging each other’s motives (because we really don’t understand them). Let us only be concerned with giving an account for our own actions.
v13-18 By judging others, we may cause them to stumble because of our harsh words or actions. It is God who will judge all. The “kingdom of God” is joy and peace and righteousness. Being humble, in this way, is service to God and men.
v19 Let us pursue the things that build-up each other and lay the differences aside (don’t forget Rom. 13:12 the night is far spent), we do not have time for petty quarrels.
v20-23 Do not destroy the works of God for food. Whatever is not from faith is sin. Happiness is found in being faithful to God, and being able to live the way God has convicted you of.

Romans 14:1 Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. 2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. 4 Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.
5 One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord;[a] and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ died and rose[b] and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. 10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.[c] 11 For it is written:
“ As I live, says the LORD,
Every knee shall bow to Me,
And every tongue shall confess to God.”[d]
12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.
14 I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who serves Christ in these things[e]is acceptable to God and approved by men.
19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. 21 It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.[f] 22 Do you have faith?[g] Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. 23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.

• We often spend too much time trying to be “right.”
• We should be concerned more with what we believe, than trying to prove some one else to be “wrong.”
• We should work to not be a stumbling block to those around us, by speaking out against someone else’s convictions.
• We belong to the Lord, both saved and unsaved.
• The “kingdom of God” is joy and peace and righteousness.
• Whatever is not faith is sin.
• We can find happiness in living the life that God has laid upon each of our hearts.
ja

Our Responsibilities To Gov’t And Others

2011-05-10T05:20:00.001-04:00

Because of what Jesus did, we learned we have a responsibility to God. We must use our Spiritual Gifts, while being humble in service to others. We are to overcome evil by pursuing good.

Romans 13:1-4 We have a responsibility to be subject to our government. They have been given their authority from God. We must live rightly, then we do nit have anything to fear from our government. It is their job to protect, to punish and to promote welfare. The government is God’s minister to us for good and punisher of evil.
v5-7 In honoring our government, we can have a clear conscience. Therefore, be subject and pay taxes, customs and honor.
v8 Love one another and fulfill the law.
v9 All other commandments hang on this love.
v10 love is the fulfillment of the law.
v.11-12 Time is short, let us put on the armor of light.
v13 Walk as we should, not as we want!
v14 Put on (take action) Jesus Christ, it does NOT COME NATURALLY! Make no allowance to do the things of the flesh.

Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.
8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,”[a] “You shall not covet,”[b] and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”[c] 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Put on Christ
11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

• The Government is empowered and selected by God.
• We are subject to this same government and its statutes.
• We should love our neighbors ads ourselves.
• The time is short! Be diligent in doing what is right.
• Take action to be like Christ, it is not a natural occurrence.

ja

Our Responsibility To God

2011-05-03T05:23:00.000-04:00

Paul finished up, in Chapter 11, making the case for Jesus as the Messiah to his brother Jews by glorifying God. Letting them know that it is God’s desire that they should be as Paul, knowing Jesus.

Romans 12:1 Paul urges us to become a sacrifice that is acceptable to God. We must yield not only with our bodies, but in our minds; where all of our actions are formulated. It requires effort, and does not come easy, but because of what Christ did for us on the cross, it is our reasonable service back to God.
v2 In order to not be conformed to this world, we must re-shape our minds around the Word, that we may be able to know what is good and acceptable in the perfect will of God.
v3 As each of us has received grace from God, we should be humble and extend grace to others.
v4-8 We should use our natural abilities and gifts to serve God, not with jealousy or envy. We all have different gifts.
v9 Let love be pure. Hate what is evil, hold on to what is good.
v10 Love each other, giving one another honor.
v11 Not slackers, but diligent serving the Lord.
v12 Seeking hope, patient in trials, and always praying.
v13 Helping each other out, always being hospitable.
v14 Bless those who hate you and do not curse.
v15 Rejoice in rejoicing, weep with the hurting.
v16 Be like-minded together, humble not serving yourself.
v17 Do not repay evil, respect the things of others.
v18 Live peaceable with each other, as much as possible.
v19-20 Do not avenge yourselves, but allow the Lord to repay.
v21 Overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,”[a] says the Lord. 20 Therefore
“ If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”[b]
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

• Being a believer requires effort.
• We must be humble in our service to others.
• We must use the gifts God has blessed us with, as we are all different parts of the body of Christ.
• We must always be mindful of the example Christ lived before us.

ja

The Remnant Of Israel

2011-04-26T05:28:00.000-04:00

Last week, Paul laid out the simple plan for salvation (Rom. 10:9, 13) and where faith comes from (Rom. 10:17). He pleaded with his Jewish brothers for their salvation!
Paul pointed out that Israel rejected Christ and they rejected the Old Testament Prophets (who spoke of Jesus). He did so by quoting scriptures that stated the gospel would go to the gentiles because of Israel’s hardened heart.

Romans 11:1-2 Has God cast away His people? No, Paul himself was Jewish, and he had been used mightily by God!
v3-4 God answers Elijah, that there was still a remnant of God, that had not given in to the evil of their day. (I Kings 19:10-18).
v5 Even today, there is a remnant by the grace of God.
v6-7If it is by grace, works has no part in it. If by works, grace has no part in it.
v8 God gave them a spirit to not understand what was happening (because of their hardened heart).
v9-10 And He quotes David about their lack of understanding.
v11 Through their stumbling, salvation has come to the gentiles!
v12 If the stumbling of Israel has created a prize for the rest of us, how much more would their belief create?
v13-15 Paul, speaking to the gentiles now, wishes he could use them to provoke some Jews into salvation, bringing them back from the dead.
v16-19 Paul illustrates to the gentiles, that they have been grafted into the family of God and should not boast in what they have, since the foundation was laid by the Jews.
v20-21 The he warns us to be humble in our adoption, because we too can be broken off.
v22-24 How much better would the believing Jews have it since they were not grafted in, but natural branches.
v25-27 Paul wants the Jews to understand, that their pride stands in the way of their salvation, that is simply provided. Verse 26 refers to salvation made available to all Jews
v28-32 To the gentiles, do not despise the Jews, God’s calling on them is irrevocable, and He will have mercy on them.
v33-36 God’s owns all things: wisdom, and knowledge. He is all in all!

Romans 11:1 I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, 3 “LORD, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life”?[a] 4 But what does the divine response say to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”[b] 5 Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace.[c] But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.
7 What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded. 8 Just as it is written:
“ God has given them a spirit of stupor,
Eyes that they should not see
And ears that they should not hear,
To this very day.”[d]
9 And David says:
“ Let their table become a snare and a trap,
A stumbling block and a recompense to them.
10 Let their eyes be darkened, so that they do not see,
And bow down their back always.”[e]
11 I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles. 12 Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness!
13 For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, 14 if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh and save some of them. 15 For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?
16 For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. 17 And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, 18 do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.
19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” 20 Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. 22 Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness,[f] if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. 23 And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?
25 For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And so all Israel will be saved,[g] as it is written:
“ The Deliverer will come out of Zion,
And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob;
27 For this is My covenant with them,
When I take away their sins.”[h]
28 Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, 31 even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. 32 For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.
33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
34 “ For who has known the mind of the LORD?
Or who has become His counselor?”[i]
35 “ Or who has first given to Him
And it shall be repaid to him?”[j]
36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

• There is always a remnant of God’s people.
• Israel stumbled and it brought salvation to all people.
• We, as gentiles should not become proud, but remain humble, because we are living on a foundation built by the Jewish nation.
• God will honor His chosen people, Israel. His salvation reached out to them.

ja

It was for me He died!

2011-04-22T11:39:00.000-04:00

Salvation Simplified

2011-04-19T05:32:00.002-04:00

Two weeks ago as we studied in Romans Chapter 9, Paul made a desperate plea for his brother Jews to believe that Jesus is the Messiah. He used Old Testament scripture to prove that if they did not accept Him (Jesus), the gentiles would. God made salvation available to the gentiles and it became a huge stumbling block for the Jewish people

Romans 10:1-4 Paul lets his wishes (regarding salvation) be known again to his Jewish brothers. The Jewish nation tried to establish their own righteousness. Jesus is the completion of the law (v4).
v5-7 The passages Paul refers to here, Moses is saying to Israel that they need to live by faith in God’s word. They did not have to ascend or cross the ocean to obey it. They could not make it their way (by earning it)!
v8 They had the words of faith buried in their hearts and in their minds (the scriptures).
v9 Salvation is even easier, they (and we) only have to confess and believe to be saved!
v10-13 There is no difference in Jews or gentiles who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. WHOEVER calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved!
v14-15 Where does the word come from for us to believe? It comes from those who are willing to preach it (Is 52:7)!
v16 Not everyone believes.
v17 Faith comes from the Word of God. This is why our faith grows from the reading and teaching we receive from the Bible. This is why it is important to be in a Bible teaching, Bible believing church. We must surround ourselves with the Bible for our faith to grow.
v18 Paul quotes Psalm 19:4, everyone has heard, and has no excuse.
v19-21 Paul quotes Deut. 23:21, Is. 65:1-2, to prove to Israel that God has reached out His hand of salvation to them and since they rejected Him, He reached out to the gentile nations. This has angered the Jews.

Romans 10:1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel[a] is that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
5 For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, “The man who does those things shall live by them.”[b] 6 But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’”[c] (that is, to bring Christ down from above) 7 or, “‘Who will descend into the abyss?’”[d] (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”[e](that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”[f] 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”[g]
14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:
“ How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,[h]
Who bring glad tidings of good things!”[i]
16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “LORD, who has believed our report?”[j] 17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
18 But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed:
“ Their sound has gone out to all the earth,
And their words to the ends of the world.”[k]
19 But I say, did Israel not know? First Moses says:
“ I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation,
I will move you to anger by a foolish nation.”[l]
20 But Isaiah is very bold and says:
“ I was found by those who did not seek Me;
I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me.”[m]
21 But to Israel he says:
“ All day long I have stretched out My hands
To a disobedient and contrary people.”[n]

• Paul loved his Jewish brothers and wanted them to accept Jesus as their messiah.
• They cannot be saved by doing the law. Likewise, we cannot be saved by being good or living a certain way.
• Faith in Jesus death, burial and resurrection is the only way to heaven (salvation).
• Faith comes by the hearing of the Word!
• Israel’s second stumbling block is the fact that God offers salvation to the gentiles.

ja

Forgiveness...

2011-04-15T09:15:00.001-04:00

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ GOD forgave you.

Forgiveness is one of the most powerful tools we have as Christians! We can forgive, because Christ forgave us for nailing Him to the cross with our sin. He had victory over the grave and now grants us the same power to forgive those who "nailed us."

Don't let bitterness and anger rob you joy and peace, forgive someone today!

And You He Made Alive!

2011-04-13T09:14:00.000-04:00

Ephesians 2 Verses 1-22

A few Months back, I had the privilege of leading a study in Ephesians 1. This morning I’d like to pick up with Ephesians 2. Herein the Apostle Paul laid some great foundational truths for the believers.
And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
We’ve been brought near by his blood

 11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands— 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Uncircumcised aliens, without hope. Now Christ is our Peace.

 14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. 19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
No longer are we “Children of Disobedience” and strangers. But through Faith in Jesus Christ, we are now the Children of the Most High.

20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Christ, the Chief Cornerstone, our Kinsman redeemer. Our King, who knows use each by name, paid the price to reconcile us with God. Brothers, that’s you and I. The unfathomable Love of God!

GC

FREEDOM LIFE!

2011-04-06T09:01:00.000-04:00

Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free,[a] and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

We are to enjoy the freedom from the yoke of bandage that Christ has feed us from, yet we need to not let that yoke (again) entangle us. We must STAND UP to the sin the so easily ensnares us, and TRUST JESUS to keep us free. (Heb. 12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us).

God did not make us spiritual robots, we will still battle the flesh that we live in. It takes courage and perseverance to remain free!

Paul’s Plea To His Jewish Brothers Part 1

2011-04-05T05:35:00.001-04:00

Last study, we learned of God’s incredible promises to us:
• He knows what we need, and the Spirit (that dwells in us) asks for it, before we even know we need it (v27)!
• Everything in life has a purpose for the believer, nothing is chance or luck (v28).
• God has a plan for everyone that is born; for us to be changed to be like Jesus (v29).
• Even though we sin, we are not condemned because the only one who can condemn us has made us perfect in the eyes of God (v34)!
• We are more than winners, through Jesus (v37)!
• Nothing can separate us from the love of God, once we accept His salvation, provided by Jesus’ death , burial and resurrection (v35-36, 38-39)!
• Now Paul, over the next 3 chapters, is going to make a final plea to his Brother Jews, showing them why it was difficult for them to accept that Jesus was the messiah...

Romans 9:1-5 Paul lays out his burden and desire for his fellow Jews, that he would rather parish apart from God, if they would accept Jesus. He points to their special place with God.
v6-9 Everyone who is a Jew is not necessarily living in a relationships with God a a Jew. That is, they can be children of God’s promise to Abraham and be counted as his seed, and not live faithful lives.
v10-13 Isaac had two sons, and before they had done good or evil, it was told to Rebecca, “The older shall serve the younger (Gen. 25:23)” and “Jacob I have loved and Esau I have hated (Mal 1:2, 3).” God’s election refers to the knowledge that God has that is not bound by time, of either choosing those who will fulfill His promise or the knowledge of who will, prior to them working out His promise, because He is not bound by past, present and future.
v14 Does this make God unfair? NO!
v15-16 Paul quotes Exodus 33:19, reminded his JEwish brothers, it is God who shows mercy on whomever He pleases.
v17-19 Paul quotes Ex.9:16 and reminds his brothers of Pharaoh, and how God harden Pharaoh’s heart after Pharaoh choose not to be obedient to God’s command through Moses. Who are we to rebut God, when He calls on us to accept Him.
v20-21 Can the created thing have power over the one who created it? Does God owe us an explanation?
v22-24 Paul asks a hypothetical question, if God was long suffering with the Jews, whom he made to show His mercy and glory, could He not choose to have mercy on the gentiles, who were bound for destruction?
v25-29 Paul quotes Hos. 2:23 and 1:10, then Rom. 11:5 and Is. 10:23 & 28:22, then Is 1:9 & 13:10.
v30-32 Is it possible that the gentiles found righteousness in faith, even though that has not been their goal? And the Jews, who sought to be righteous through the law, were not, because the could not get over the stumbling block?
v33 Paul quotes these prophecies concerning Jesus: Ps. 118:22 & Is. 28:16.

Romans 9:1 I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, 2 that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen[a] according to the flesh, 4 who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises; 5 of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen.
Israel’s Rejection and God’s Purpose
6 But it is not that the word of God has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel who are of Israel, 7 nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, “In Isaac your seed shall be called.”[b] 8 That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed. 9 For this is the word of promise: “At this time I will come and Sarah shall have a son.”[c]
10 And not only this, but when Rebecca also had conceived by one man, even by our father Isaac 11 (for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls), 12 it was said to her, “The older shall serve the younger.”[d] 13 As it is written, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.”[e]
14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not! 15 For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.”[f] 16 So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to the Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.”[g] 18 Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens.
19 You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?” 20 But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?
22 What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory, 24 even us whom He called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
25 As He says also in Hosea:
“ I will call them My people, who were not My people,
And her beloved, who was not beloved.”[h]
26 “ And it shall come to pass in the place where it was said to them,
‘ You are not My people,’
There they shall be called sons of the living God.”[i]
27 Isaiah also cries out concerning Israel:[j]
“ Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea,
The remnant will be saved.
28 For He will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness,
Because the LORD will make a short work upon the earth.”[k]
29 And as Isaiah said before:
“ Unless the LORD of Sabaoth[l]had left us a seed,
We would have become like Sodom,
And we would have been made like Gomorrah.”[m]
Present Condition of Israel
30 What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; 31 but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness.[n] 32 Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law.[o] For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. 33 As it is written:
“ Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense,
And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”

• Paul loved his Jewish brothers and wanted them to accept Jesus as their messiah
• Paul reasoned with them, using the Old Testament scriptures to show that God could choose whom He wanted to have mercy on.
• And if He could choose, why was it so hard to realize that He chose to bless the gentiles (who had lived unrighteously, but chose God by faith) and not Israel (who was chosen as the blessing of God, but they tried to live righteous by the law without faith).
• Israel stumbled at Jesus as the Messiah!

• As believers, we must be careful to live by faith, not by works (as Israel did)!

ja

Greater Love...

2011-03-31T15:33:00.000-04:00

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

From the mother of one of the Fukushima 50:
Speaking tearfully through an interpreter by phone, the mother of a 32-year-old worker said: “My son and his colleagues have discussed it at length and they have committed themselves to die if necessary to save the nation.
“He told me they have accepted they will all probably die from radiation sickness in the short term or cancer in the long-term.”

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/03/31/japans-nuclear-rescuers-inevitable-die-weeks/#ixzz1ICuPk0mG

A Time Of Prayer This Morning!

2011-03-29T05:35:00.001-04:00

Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.
3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

James 5:8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.

God would not have us ignorant of the difficulties of this life. He tells us how to obtain faith (Romans 10:17). He tells us what faith is (Heb 11:1-3). He tells us what we need to do in these perilous times (James 5:8). He tells us that we are to read, study and keep His word (all though this verse speaks of the book of Revelation), to be ready for what is to come (Rev 1:3).

Do not be unprepared for difficult times, instead be prepared by the Word of God! Study and grow in faith, so that you will not be shaken in adversity.

How's Your Armor? Ephesians 6

2011-03-24T09:11:00.003-04:00

How's Your Armor?

^^Click on the link above^^

I was given the opportunity to teach last Sunday,
Teaching on the Full Armor of God, boy do we need it today....
Ephesians 6:10:18

ja

Victory in Jesus!

2011-03-22T05:16:00.001-04:00

The glory that is to come is the hope that we all share, but we all must wait for. But one day, we will be with Jesus sharing in his glory! More than that, though we have Victory in Jesus right now....

Romans 8:26 We are not always wise enough to know exactly how to pray in each situation, but the Spirit, who lives in us, knows and makes intercession for us.
v27 God, who searches hearts, knows the mind of the Spirit and makes intercession for us, according to His own will. He knows what we need, before we even ask for it!
v28 ALL things work together for our benefit, if we are His!
v29 His desire for each of us, is to be like Him and with Him!
v30 We will be glorified with Jesus, because of what Jesus did for us!
v31 If God is on our side, what do we worry about????
v32 He did not keep His Son from us, so why would He keep anything else.
v33 Who can bring charges against any of our failures, God justified us!
v34 Who can condemn us? Only Christ who died for us!
v35-36 Who can separate us from God’s love? Nothing, He died to have a relationship with us!
v37 We are more than conquerors!
v38-39 We are inseparable from God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit!

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us[b] with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written:
“ For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”[c]
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

This is one of the best passages to explain who we are and what we have in Jesus!

• He knows what we need, and the Spirit (that dwells in us) asks for it, before we even know we need it (v27)!
• Everything in life has a purpose for the believer, nothing is chance or luck (v28).
• God has a plan for everyone that is born; for us to be changed to be like Jesus (v29).
• Even though we sin, we are not condemned because the only one who can condemn us has made us perfect in the eyes of God (v34)!
• We are more than winners, through Jesus (v37)!
• Nothing can separate us from the love of God, once we accept His salvation, provided by Jesus’ death , burial and resurrection (v35-36, 38-39)!

ja

Put On The Whole Armor of God! Notes...

2011-03-21T08:58:00.003-04:00

Notes from Sunday morning's message at Calvary Chapel Heartland.

You'll have to be quick on the pause button to view each frame!!!

Romans 8:37

2011-03-18T08:42:00.003-04:00

In all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

The victory is all ready one for us, by the same Jesus who died on the cross to pay our debt. Yet, He rose again and won the victory.

What is there that we should fear in this life?

j

Joint Heirs With Jesus!

2011-03-15T05:36:00.002-04:00

We can have peace with God and joy in tribulation as believers. We are reconciled with Him through Jesus Christ. Paul continues to reveal to us the importance of the Spirit filled life an the death of the our bondage to our flesh....

Romans 8:12 Because we are set free (and not condemned), we are debtors, but not to our sin nature (although that is what our flesh would tell us)., we are in debt to our saviour, who has set us free.
v13 If we live by the flesh, we oppress the Spirit in us. If we live by the Spirit (by killing the deeds of our flesh), we begin to live the Spirit filled life.
v14 To be led by the Spirit is to be the sons of God. (Rom 6:14, 7:4)
v15 We received the Spirit, not to return to be a slave of fear, but of adoption, where we can cry out “Abba, Father.”
v16-17 The Spirit bears witness that we are children of God. If are children, then also heirs. If we are heirs, we are joint heirs with Christ. If we share with Him in His sufferings, we will be glorified together with Him. (Acts 26:18)
v18-19 The sufferings of our day, will very small compared to the glory that will be revealed in us. The whole creation waits for the revealing of the sons of God! (2 Peter 3:13)
v20-25 The whole creation longs to be delivered from corruption. Not only the creation, but also those of us who have accepted Jesus as our saviour. We await the redemption of our sinful body to our glorified ones. We hope in it and persevere because we believe what God has promised.

Romans 8:12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

• We are in debt to God, because of what He has done for us. Not against our will, but willingly in debt.
• We should be fearless, because we have the Spirit within us that confirms that we are children of God.
• If we are children, we are also joint heirs with Christ. We will suffer in this life, but receive glory in the next.
• Our sufferings do not compare to the glory we shall see!
• The whole creation looks forward to the day that this corrupt earth passes away and a new one begins.
• Because of our hope (faith) in our future glory with God, we will persevere and wait eagerly!

ja

No Condemnation!!!

2011-03-08T05:25:00.000-05:00

In Chapter 7, Paul pointed out that we are no longer bound to sin (because Jesus defeated it, through his death, burial and resurrection), but we are alive to serve the new life in the Spirit and not the letter of the law. Jesus set us from the law of sin that dwells in us....

Romans 8:1 There is no condemnation to those who walk according to the Spirit (or those who have a desire for Spiritual things).We live according to the way the Spirit would have us to live, not according to the way our flesh (emotions and desires) would have us to live, because we have accepted Jesus as our saviour.
v2 The law of the Spirit has made us free from the natural laws of sin and death (separation from God)..
v3-4 The law could not be perfected in us, because our flesh (body and will power) is weak, but God sent his Son, that the laws if righteousness would be completed, so that we are now free to pursue Spiritual life.
v5 We constantly think about the things we pursue, wether they be Spiritual or carnal (worldly).
v6 To seek after the flesh (emotions and desires), brings death (separation from God), but to seek after Spiritual things brings peace and life.
v7 The worldly mind and constant thought of worldly things brings separation from God and is anger against Him.
v8 Those who pursue the worldly life, cannot please God.
v9 If we are truly saved, we have the Spirit living within us.
v10 If Christ is in us, so is the Spirit, because of His righteousness.
v11 He will bring us life, through the Spirit that lives within us.

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,[a] who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

• God has set us free from our worldly desires to seek after the things of the Spirit.
• Our emotions and desires, bring separation from God.
• Our desire for spiritual things, brings about life and peace.
• Seeking the Spiritual life is the key to peace and joy in the Christian experience.

ja

You have to listen to this!

2011-03-07T07:40:00.005-05:00

Nick and Lucy Della Valle acting out Bartimaeus healing at Calvary Chapel Heartland. A different perspective on a well known portion of scripture!

You will be blessed!

http://www.ccheartland.org/teachings/teachings-recent.da

then click on the Nick and Lucy link.

1 Peter 4:7-8

2011-03-03T11:42:00.000-05:00

I Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”

If we really believe we are living in the period scripture refers to as the end times, we should put away our petty squabbles and love one another so fervently, that we look beyond each others faults and love one another as Christ loved us and died for us!

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

None of us live blameless lives.

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Now is the time to be more like Jesus!

Struggling With Sin Part 2

2011-03-01T05:24:00.001-05:00

Last week we learned that our old nature was buried and dead as we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. We now live in a new relationship with Him, we no longer have to obey our old (sin) nature. We learned the law exposed sin, and as it did, it spurred us to rebellion. To do the very thing the law warned us against, we pursued. But the law was not evil...

Romans 7:14 The law is spiritual, but we live in a carnal state (not understanding spiritual matters), slaves to sin.
v15 It is difficult to understand our very nature. What we purpose to do, we avoid. What we purpose not to do, we readily accept. Gal 5:17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
v16 If I do what I say I don’t want to, I am in agreement with the law.
v17 It is not me that does it, but the sin nature that dwells in me (the one that I am a slave of).
v18 Nothing good lives within me. I have the ability to choose with my mind, but am unable (in my own power) to perform it.
v19 I want to do good, but don’t. I want to avoid evil, yet I don’t.
v20 If I do what I choose not to do, it is (the power of) sin that does it.
v21 The law exposes the sin within me.
v22 I choose to love the law of God that changes the inward man.
v23 There is (now) another law within me, bringing into captivity the law of my rebellious heart (which is sin).
v24-5 Jesus Christ will deliver us, even though we serve the law of God with our minds, but the law of sin with out flesh.

14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.
21 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

• We live our lives to try to be free from sin, yet we constantly battle our master (our sin nature). We do those things we don’t want to do, and don’t do the things we should.
• Our body is a death trap (sin brings death) and it is bound by our sin nature.
• Jesus is the only way we can be free from our sin nature, we can not do it on our own! We choose to serve God with our minds, yet our body wars against us.

ja

Living Well for God's Glory

2011-02-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

I Peter 5:12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

This does not mean they will glorify God immediately, but when God speaks to them they will realize why you lived the way you did and give God the glory for you in their lives!

Often times we do not know whose lives we touch or who we minister to, but one day God will get the glory!

Struggling With Sin Part 1

2011-02-22T05:36:00.001-05:00

As Christians, we often struggle to see ourselves as bondservants to Christ, mainly because of the freedoms we have today and our rebellious nature. Paul used many illustrations to explain who we are in Christ. This week, chapter 7 opens by using marriage to explain our “death to sin” and our “life with Christ”...

Romans 7:1-3 Paul uses the illustration of marriage to explain, how under the law a man and woman are always married as long as both parties are still alive and well. However, should one party die, the other is released from the law of marriage to remarry.
4-6 We were once married to sin, but Jesus buried our sin when He died on the cross and was buried. When He rose again, we were freed to become His bride. No longer living in our previous marriage (we are free from sin), now living in our current marriage as the bride of Christ! We are delivered from the law, because we are no longer under sin.
7-12 Is the law evil? certainly not. The law showed us what evil was. As it did, our rebellious nature turned to the very sin the law exposed. v11 Sin took the opportunity and deceived me and it killed me. The very sin we take part in is killing us, but Jesus rescues us from the death that sin brings. Sin was using what was good (the law) to produce sin in us.

1 Or do you not know, brethren (for I speak to those who know the law), that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives? 2 For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband. 3 So then if, while her husband lives, she marries another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law, so that she is no adulteress, though she has married another man. 4 Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God. 5 For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death. 6 But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.
7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.”[a] 8 But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead. 9 I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died. 10 And the commandment, which was to bring life, I found to bring death. 11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me. 12 Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.

• Spiritual life is often difficult to grasp, however Paul often used common terms and situations to explain deep spiritual truths. We often want to remain “married” to the sinful life we have all ready buried with Christ. But our new nature should strive to perfect the new relationship we have as the bride of Christ!
• The law revealed sin to us, yet as it did our human nature was often drawn into the very sin that was exposed by the law.
• Sin can use something good to deceive us to sin.

ja

Death to Sin Part 2

2011-02-15T05:18:00.001-05:00

Last week, Paul showed us the principle to live to God, because our old nature (sin) was buried with Jesus and our new life rose with Him. In doing so, we make ourselves available to do the righteous works of our Lord, and we dismiss the power that sin has over us! This week he makes it practical...

Romans 6:15 Should we continue in sin, after accepting God’s grace? NO!
v16 We are slaves to the master that we obey. Who is our master?
v17-18 Thank God that though we were slaves to our sin, we obeyed from the heart (or believed unto salvation), and were delivered from our sin nature. Now we are free to be slaves of righteousness.
v19 Paul speaks in simple terms, because we are weak and give in to our temptations. We have been slaves to our flesh for so long, but now we can be slaves of righteousness!
v20 WHen we were slaves to sin, we did not consider righteousness.
v21 What fruit did that type of slavery yield? Are you ashamed of it? Heb 9:14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death,[c] so that we may serve the living God!
v22 Now we are set free! Slaves of God and the fruit it yields to everlasting (or eternal) life!
v23 Sins wages are death (or separation from God) and the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ! Sin creates separation from God, if you are unsaved it is eternal. If you are saved, it creates separation from God in our daily lives, both can be repaired through repentance and acceptance (Romans 5:8, 12, 17).

Romans 6:15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! 16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? 17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. 18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. 19 I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.
20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

• In practice we must see ourselves as slaves set free from the bondage of sin. Set free by Jesus Christ. Now we become bond servants (or willing slaves) to him because of what He did for us!

ja

Have you ever been bothered by your past sin?

2011-02-10T11:41:00.000-05:00

Heb 9:14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death,[c] so that we may serve the living God!

God can cleanse your conscience, so that you may live fully for Him, unhindered by your past!

Death to Sin Part 1

2011-02-08T05:20:00.002-05:00

The free gift of God came from one Man’s death, Jesus Christ. Through that we receive justification, “abundance of grace” and the gift of righteousness (Rom 5:18-19). And nothing we do can “earn” these. Yet we often wonder if by sinning more, do we allow God more opportunities to bless us?

Romans 6:1 SHould we allow God more opportunities to bless us?
v2 Absolutely not! How can we, after receiving God’s gifts, take advantage of the giver?
v3 If we have accepted Jesus’ payment on the cross for our sins, we have taken part in his crucifixion or his death, in that our sin was part of His atonement for us.
v4 So, if we have been buried with Him and he has been raised from the dead. We too are risen to walk in a new life (for Him).
v5 If we were buried with Him, we are risen with Him.
v6 That our old self was buried with him, that we are free from the sin nature that we have been enslaved to as descendants of Adam (Rom. 5:12).
v7 We must die to our selves to be free from sin.
v8-9 If with died with Christ we will also live with Him. Knowing that He rose from the dead, death could not contain Him!
v10 The death he died was only once for ALL sin. The life He lives is forever unto God.
v11 So we should also, envision our selves to be dead one time to our sin nature, and alive forever more to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
v12 Because of this, we should choose to not let sin be our master in our mortal bodies. We should not obey our desires.
v13 Choose to not offer our bodies to fulfill our desires. Instead choose to make ourselves available to God to do good!
v14 Sin is no longer our master, because we are no longer under the law, but now under grace!

Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

• In accepting Jesus as our saviour, our sin was buried with Him.
• In His resurrection we are with him, because He overcame death and rose again! He also gives us new life
• Jesus died once for all, and lives forever to God. We should also count our old nature dead, and live to God on Jesus Christ!
• We must choose to ignore our desires. We must choose to make ourselves available to God! • Neither of these happen by chance, we must make a choice to live for God!
ja

Men's Breakfast, February 5, 2011

2011-02-05T06:25:00.001-05:00

In Him We Were Also Chosen

2011-02-01T09:16:00.004-05:00

Ephesians 1 Verses 5-14

Early this morning, I rose early and checked the news. As has been the lead story fro the last few days is the unrest in Egypt is in the headlines. The news analysts and political pundits what will happen next. I couldn’t help but think, that the world’s rush to the end of the age is speeding up faster and faster. Even though the ramification of Islamic extremists taking control over Egypt is troublesome, the truth is, we already know the end of the story. What we have in our Salvation through Jesus Christ is God unerring truth and assurance that the Lord is in charge.
As the Apostle Paul assures us….
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
God gave us his best, his Son Jesus. He predestined us through his Son, to be adopted son of the Most High
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us.
The riches of God’s grace is lavished on us. Why? Because it in accordance with HIS pleasure and will.

With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
God is orchestrating the world’s events. What is more, he has given all of us, his Word, to give us a very clear view of what is going to occur, thousands of years ago.
11 In him we were also chosen,[e] having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
God is telling us, the adopted Sons and Daughters by Faith in Jesus Christ, marked with Gods Seal, the Promised Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit that guides us and reveals Gods truth’s to us.
Are we seeing the fulfillments of the Prophesy’s of end times from Ezekiel, 38, Daniel's Seventy Weeks and the Revelation? I don’t see how any of that can be in doubt. Since we are already in Victory, and God is working his will, the world with continue to wonder and worry what is next. We already know what is next.
So much so, it should be a reminder that we should be about of Father’s business. The time is short, and the harvest is great. Soon we’ll be called home. We are commanded to take the Gospel to the entire World, for we will soon be hearing the Trumpet calling us to our Lord in the Air.

GC

Romans 5:1-8

2011-01-27T13:38:00.002-05:00

Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have[a] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Righteousness and Condemnation

2011-01-25T05:29:00.002-05:00

Last week we learned that we are justified by faith in Christ Jesus, not by our works. Our tribulations bring about endurance or patience. Our endurance builds our character. Our character gives us hope. Romans 5:8 tells us that God loved us before we became perfect and while we still rebelled against Him.

Romans 5:9 Not only are we made “right” through His blood, we are saved from what we truly deserve because we ALL SINNED. Because we all sinn ed, we deserved God’s wrath.
v10 We were the enemies of God (not the opposite), yet He paid our sin debt, so that we could be reconciled to Him!
v11 Not only are we reconciled, but we rejoice in what God did for us, even though we hated Him!
v12 Through Adam sin and death entered into the world (Gen. 2:17, 3:6-7).
v13-14 Though sin was not accounted until after the law, yet sin reigned from Adam to Moses. Moses was a likeness of Christ.
v15 By one man’s sin, many have been separated from God. But by the grace of Jesus, many have received life!
v16 The gift is different from the offense because the offense brought condemnation the gift brought justification!
v17 If death entered by the sin of one man, how much more will righteousness reign in life through Jesus Christ!
v18-19 One man’s offense brought condemnation to all, and through One Man’s act a free gift to all men, resulting in a life made justified!
v20 The law made more clear the offense, but where sin abounded, grace (not getting the punishment we deserve) abounded even more.
v21 As sin reigned in death, grace reigned through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ!

Romans 5:9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned— 13 (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. 15 But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. 16 And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. 17 For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)
18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. 19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.
20 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, 21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

• Sin entered the world through Adam’s sin.
• All have sinned.
• The law taught us what sin was and sin was not accounted until God gave Moses the law. Even so, death (sin) reigned in all people. The law was given to show us the offense.
• The free gift of justification came through the death of Jesus Christ.
• One man’s sin brought condemnation, one Man’s death resulted in reconciliation with God and abundant life that grace may abound in our lives.

ja

Peace and Joy With God

2011-01-18T20:51:00.000-05:00

Abraham found salvation through faith, just as we do in Christ. His faith was in the CHrist to come, ours is in the the Christ who has come. This week we’ll begin to look at the benefits of a life with Christ (Romans 5:1-8)....

Romans 5:1 We are made perfect (just as if we had not sinned), by faith (our faith in Jesus). We have peace with God because of Jesus. In chapter 4, Paul made the case that we can not make ourselves righteous by keeping the law, because we can’t do it.
v2 We have access to grace (forgiveness for our mistakes, without our due penalty). We can rejoice in God’s glory, in which we can have hope.
v3 We can glory in our trials, knowing God will use them to produce Patience.
v4 That Patience produces Character. Character produces Hope.
v5 This Hope does not disappoint us, because God gave us the Holy Spirit to confirm this Hope, that was given to us.
v6 When we were in our weakness (sin), Christ died for us.
v7 Rarely does one die in the place of a righteous man, maybe someone would die for a good man.
v8 God loved us so much, that even though we were sinners (against Him), He sent Jesus, who died for us. So, that we could have a relationship with Him.

Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have[a] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

• We are made perfect (though we are not perfect) in Christ.
• We have peace (though we live in perilous times) though Christ.
• We are not given the punishment for our sin, because Jesus paid our debt on the cross.
• We now have hope, because of Jesus restored our fellowship with God.
• Even in trials, God teaches us to be more patient.
• When we become more patient, we grow in character.
• Our character makes us realize we have hope.
• We will not be disappointed in our hope, because the Holy Spirit confirms what God is doing in our lives.
• When we could not do anything for ourselves AND while we were bound by our own sin against God, He sent Jesus to die for our sins, because He loves us so much! He wants a relationship with us!
ja

No MOW today due to the ice storm!

2011-01-10T21:25:00.002-05:00

Abraham’s Faith Unto Salvation

2011-01-04T05:21:00.001-05:00

Last week, we traced parts of the Romans’ Road, that All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. We learned that God’s gift of grace is freely given (we cannot earn it) and our redemption is through Jesus Christ and Him alone. Therefore we are justified through faith and nothing we can do. Abraham was also justified by faith....

Romans 4:1-8 Abraham was counted righteous apart from the deeds of the law (v3 Gen 15:6, v7 Psalm 32:1-2).
v9-12 Abraham was counted righteous before the law or circumcision existed. Abraham was the father of many nations (Gen 17:5).
v13-15 The promise God made to Abraham regarding his seed, had nothing to o with the law, but was made because of his faith. To live by the law requires no faith in God, but is faith in works.
v16-22 Abraham was counted righteous because he believed God! That’s what faith is, believing what God says and acting upon it! As Abraham’s offspring, we have the same justification (through faith). Abraham’s faith caused him to believe God’s promise of a son, even though he and Sarah were dead in childbearing.
v23-25 The life of Abraham was recorded for our benefit, so we could see salvation in Jesus Christ, who was raised from the dead to be our justification.

Romans 4:1 What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh?[a] 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”[b] 4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.
5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, 6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works:
7 “ Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,
And whose sins are covered;
8 Blessed is the man to whom the LORD shall not impute sin.”[c]
9 Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also, 12 and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised.
13 For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, 15 because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression.
16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all 17 (as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”[d]) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; 18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.”[e] 19 And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. 22 And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.”[f]
23 Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, 24 but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.

• Abraham was justified by his faith in God’s promise.
• He was justified before the law was given.
• No works could justify him.
• Abraham’s life was recorded for our benefit, so we could see salvation in Jesus’ resurrection, which is by FAITH.

ja

All Are Guilty, But Salvation Is Free!

2010-12-28T05:28:00.002-05:00

Paul explained the the Jews judgement of others, yet they had their own faults. The Jews were proclaiming the law, yet living unjustly.

Romans 3:1-2 The Jews advantage, was that they were caretakers if God’s Word.
v3 What if some (Jews) did not believe, would that make God’s Word without effect?
v4 Certainly not. (Ps 51:4) God’s judgements a right and true.
v5 If our sin amplifies God’s righteousness, is his wrath (or punishment) unjust?
v6-7 No, because how shall God judge the world. If the truth of God is increased through our lies, why are we also judged?
v8 Some would say, we do evil so good may be more evident. They have their judgement.
v9 Are Jews better than everyone else? No, we are all guilty under the law of sin.
v10-18 (Ps 5:9, 10:7 and 36:1) There are none righteous.
v19-20 The law tells us of sin, no flesh can be justified by the law. By the law is the knowledge of sin.
v21-22 The righteousness, revealed by the prophets came true in Jesus Christ. There is no difference.
v23 All have sinned and come short of the glory of God!
v24 Being justified freely, by His grace through Jesus Christ.
v25 Jesus is the full payment of our sin. God passed over our sins because of what Jesus did for us.
v26 Demonstrating His righteousness to us because of our faith in Jesus Christ.
v27 So we cannot brag, we have not earned this.
v28 A man is justified by faith, separate from anything we could do.
v29 He is the God of both Jews and gentiles.
v30 There is only one God, who will justify ALL be faith.
v31 DO we do away with the law, NO! We complete the law.

Romans 3:1 What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? 2 Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God. 3 For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? 4 Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written:

“ That You may be justified in Your words,
And may overcome when You are judged.”[a]

5 But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.) 6 Certainly not! For then how will God judge the world?
7 For if the truth of God has increased through my lie to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner? 8 And why not say, “Let us do evil that good may come”?—as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just.
9 What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.
10 As it is written:

“ There is none righteous, no, not one;
11 There is none who understands;
There is none who seeks after God.
12 They have all turned aside;
They have together become unprofitable;
There is none who does good, no, not one.”[b]
13 “ Their throat is an open tomb;
With their tongues they have practiced deceit”;[c]

“ The poison of asps is under their lips”;[d]
14 “ Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.”[e]
15 “ Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16 Destruction and misery are in their ways;
17 And the way of peace they have not known.”[f]
18 “ There is no fear of God before their eyes.”[g]

19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all[h] who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. 29 Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, 30 since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.

• The Jews were privileged as keepers of God’s Word.
• Our unrighteousness amplified God’s righteousness, but we should not be unrighteous on prupose, God will judge.
• All have sinned.
• All are saved by faith in Jesus Christ.
• Nothing we can do will earn us salvation, it is free!
• Salvation is equal, there is no one whose salvation is better than anyone else’s.

ja

Jesus is Born! (Luke 2)

2010-12-21T05:26:00.001-05:00

Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife,[a] who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Glory in the Highest
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold,[b] an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 “ Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”[c]
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely[d] known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

ja

Judgement of The Jews

2010-12-07T05:14:00.001-05:00

Last week Paul laid out the depravity of man. How we as humans, though we know God is (because we can see Him in everything), strive to remove Him from everything and He turns us over to our own sinful desires. Even the women become evil when this happens. Homosexuality becomes rampant. The result is chaos, outlined in chapter 1, versus 29-32.

Romans 2:1-3 Therefore man’s sinfulness is inexcusable. We judge those who are in sin, then live in sin ourselves.
v4 It is the goodness of God that leads to repentance!
v5 In accordance to the hardness of our unrepentant heart, we store up judgement against ourselves.
v6-7 God will render to each his due. Eternal life to those who seek glory, honor and eternal life!
v8-9 To those who are self-seeking and hate truth, tribulation and anguish. To the Jew first and the gentile.
v10 Glory, honor and peace to everyone who seeks good, the Jew first then the gentile.
v11 God show nNO PARTIALITY!.
v12-16 Those of us who have sinned without the law, are guilty. Those of us who have sinned, having the law are also guilty. We are not justified just by listening to the preacher, we are justified by acting in faith upon what we hear! God will all judge according to the gospel of Jesus Christ!-
v17-27 Paul outlines the original calling of the Jews v17-20. Then a contrast with the truth of human nature. Pride and sin become the master, the Jewish nation became the slave. COunting their circumcision as non-existent.
v28-29 The calling of God’s people is not some outward sign, but an inward heart, whose praise is not from men, but from God!

Romans 2:1 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2 Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?
5 But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. 6 God “will repay each person according to what they have done.”[a] 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. 9 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11 For God does not show favoritism.
12 All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. 14 (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.) 16 This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.
17 Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God; 18 if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; 19 if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21 you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24 As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”[b]
25 Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. 26 So then, if those who are not circumcised keep the law’s requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised? 27 The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the[c] written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.
28 A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29 No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.

• Our sinfulness is inexcusable. but God’s goodness leads us to repentance.
• Our righteousness is not determined by how much Bible we listen to, but how much of what we hear changes our lives from the inside. Faith takes action, without it, we have no faith.
• The Jews had the law, but in choosing to live contrary to the law, have lived as though they were not Jewish. God desires those who would live according to His heart, from the inside out, regardless of their birth. Jesus paved the way for all nations to be sons of God!

We know that God honors those who live for Him, according to His calling, wether Jew or gentile!
ja

The Sinfulness of Man

2010-11-30T05:38:00.002-05:00

Last week we heard Paul’s introduction, his greeting and his calling to share the gospel. Today’s study, Paul outlines man’s fallen nature and why we need a saviour. Last week we ended with verse 17, “the just shall live by faith.”

Romans 1:18-19 We, as men, have know of God’s great displeasure in our sin, yet we suppress the truth of God, even though we know the truth!
v20-23 Since the beginning of time, even though we could clearly see God in everything and knew that He was, we did not glorify Him as God. we became foolish and our hearts were darkened, we professed knowledge, yet we have been fools. Choosing to worship created things and images, rather than God!

Four indicators that man is living apart from God: 
v24-25 So God, Gave up on man, allowing us to pursue our own foolishness, worshipping something created, rather than the Creator.
v26 Even the women went against nature and were corrupt. Society takes a bid downhill turn when “even the women” are corrupt in their thoughts!
v27 The big indicator listed alone is homosexuality, men lying with men. This is listed alone as a key to the depraved mind of man, an indicator that society has gone too far away from God.
v28 The second key listed alone is our desire to remove God from our thoughts and our knowledge, also listed alone.

v29-32 The running list of our depravity in action. Our sin that separates us from a Holy God! It is easy to find ourselves somewhere on this list!

Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality,[c] wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving,[d] unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

• Our very sin nature has pulled us away from God, since the beginning of time.
• Pride from the beginning has caused man to think he had no need of God. Because of pride, man decided he did not need God, and created his own gods.
• God allowed man to follow in his own foolishness.
• Paul lists the indicators of man’s sinfulness and his desire to chase unrighteousness.

I am glad Romans doesn't end here, but this is only the beginning. That His salvation follows our recognition of our need for Him!
ja

Introduction to Romans

2010-11-23T05:21:00.002-05:00

It has been said that Romans is perhaps the Crown Jewel of the New Testament. This book is written to all Jews and gentiles to explain our relation ship to a Holy God. Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome, from Corinth on his third missionary journey (around 57-58 AD). It was delivered to Rome by a believer named Phoebe (16:1-2). At the time of Paul’s ministry, Rome was the greatest city in the world (estimated population of somewhere between 1 - 4 million depending on the source).

Romans 1:1-6 Separated to the gospel, promised through the Old Testament prophets, concerning Jesus as the Messiah, who gives grace to all who by faith receive Him.
v7-8 - Grace and Peace from the Lord and God the Father. Your faith is spoken of throughout the world.
9-12 - The God I serve in sharing the gospel, I pray to Him for you daily (without ceasing), that somehow I may see you in person, to impart to you a spiritual gift, that is encouragement.
13-15 I have been hindered to come to you. I have a compelling obligation to preach to the world, to those who are of the Greek lifestyle and those who are not, both the wise and the unwise. I am ready to preach the gospel!
16-17 - I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, it is the power of salvation to all who believe. The righteousness of God is revealed through it.

Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life[a] was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power[b] by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from[c] faith for his name’s sake. 6 And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. 9 God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you 10 in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.
11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters,[d] that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.
14 I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. 15 That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last,[e] just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Paul wrote Romans form his third missionary journey in Corinth (Greece).
Romans contains the keys to salvation and the productive and effective Christian Life!
Paul desired to go to Rome, and eventually did.
Paul was called or separated to share the gospel with ALL.
Key Verse - 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

ja

Prayer

2010-11-16T05:17:00.005-05:00

Having just completed the book of Acts, we will spend this morning in Prayer!

Next week we begin probably the most foundational book in the New Testament; Romans!

Romans1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

Paul’s Witness as a Prisoner

2010-11-09T05:32:00.003-05:00

Paul was now ship wrecked as a prisoner, normally prisoners would be executed in a shipwreck so that they would not escape. Yet, God again spares Paul, by those he hold him captive.

Acts 28 v1-2 They found an island called Malta, where the natives showed the crew and prisoners kindness.
v3 Paul was bitten by a viper, that attached to his hand.
v4 The natives thought this was a judgement on Paul, that he was a murderer.
v5-6 When Paul shook the snake off and was not harmed, they were all amazed, saying Paul was a god. (Mark 16:18 they[b] will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”)
v7-8 Publius was a wealthy citizen, that housed Paul and company for 3 days. His father became sick, and Paul prayed for him and laid hands upon him and healed him!
v9 The news spread fast and many came to Paul to be healed.
v10 They honored Paul and his company by providing many things for their journey.
v11-15 Every where they ventured, they ran into brethren who accommodated them and encouraged them, even though they were not all believers and some were Paul’s captors.
v16 Again Paul was given permission by his captors to be visited by his friends.
v17-20 Paul begins his witness to the Jews at Rome. He refers to “the hope of Israel”, who is Jesus!
v21-22 The Jews of Rome wish to hear from Paul.
v23 Paul gives testimony of Jesus and how He fulfilled the Law of Moses and the Words of the Prophets.
v24 Some were persuaded, some were not.
v25-28 Paul quotes Isaiah 42:1 and 49:6, wishing they would hear the word of the Lord.
v29-30 Paul was able to live in a house he rented and teach the gospel for 2 years!

Acts 28:1 Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. 2 And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. 3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4 So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.” 5 But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
7 In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. 8 And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. 9 So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. 10 They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.
11 After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island. 12 And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days. 13 From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli, 14 where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. 15 And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.
16 Now 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.
17 And it came to pass after three days that Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. So when they had come together, he said to them: “Men and brethren, though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, 18 who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death. 19 But when the Jews[a] spoke against it , I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation. 20 For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you , because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”
21 Then they said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren who came reported or spoken any evil of you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere.”
23 So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. 24 And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. 25 So when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had said one word: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our[b] fathers, 26 saying,
‘ Go to this people and say:
“ Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand;
And seeing you will see, and not perceive;
27 For the hearts of this people have grown dull.
Their ears are hard of hearing,
And their eyes they have closed,
Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them.”’[c]
28 “Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!” 29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves.[d]
30 Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.

• Paul always is given grace by his captors, no doubt by the hand of God!
• Paul gives witness to the folks on Malta.
• God always encourages and helps Paul through the body of Christ. It is important to be in fellowship!
• Paul goes to Rome and gives witness to the Jews in Rome. Some believe and some don’t.
• Paul lives two more years in Rome and is allowed to stay in his own rented home.

ja

Paul Gets Shipwrecked

2010-11-02T05:18:00.002-04:00

Paul is sent to Rome by ship in the care of a centurion named Julius, but trouble lay ahead...

Acts 27 v1 Paul is prisoner under Julius of the Augustan Regiment.
v3 Paul is treated kindly by Julius.
v9-11 Paul advises Julius not to take the next leg of the journey, but the centurion (wanting to complete his mission) ventures on.
v18-20 They are met by a severe tempest, so much, that all hope was lost (v20).
v21-27 Paul gives witness of Jesus words to him and his confidence that they will survive.
v31-32 Paul advises Julius, to not let anyone leave the ship, remembering the words of the angel in verse 24. For they will perish if they leave.
v33-36 Paul feeds the crew and encourages them with a word from the Lord.
v42 It was the soldiers role, in those days to kill the prisoners in an event like this, so they could not escape.
v43-44 Julius wanted to save Paul, and helps him get to land.

Acts 27:1 And when it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to one named Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment. 2 So, entering a ship of Adramyttium, we put to sea, meaning to sail along the coasts of Asia. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, was with us. 3 And the next day we landed at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him liberty to go to his friends and receive care. 4 When we had put to sea from there, we sailed under the shelter of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. 5 And when we had sailed over the sea which is off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. 6 There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing to Italy, and he put us on board.
7 When we had sailed slowly many days, and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, the wind not permitting us to proceed, we sailed under the shelter of Crete off Salmone. 8 Passing it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea.
9 Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, 10 saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” 11 Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul. 12 And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised to set sail from there also, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete opening toward the southwest and northwest, and winter there .
13 When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their desire, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete. 14 But not long after, a tempestuous head wind arose, called Euroclydon.[a] 15 So when the ship was caught, and could not head into the wind, we let her drive. 16 And running under the shelter of an island called Clauda,[b] we secured the skiff with difficulty. 17 When they had taken it on board, they used cables to undergird the ship; and fearing lest they should run aground on the Syrtis[c] Sands , they struck sail and so were driven. 18 And because we were exceedingly tempest-tossed, the next day they lightened the ship. 19 On the third day we threw the ship’s tackle overboard with our own hands. 20 Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us , all hope that we would be saved was finally given up.
21 But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. 22 And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, 24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 25 Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. 26 However, we must run aground on a certain island.”
27 Now when the fourteenth night had come, as we were driven up and down in the Adriatic Sea , about midnight the sailors sensed that they were drawing near some land. 28 And they took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms; and when they had gone a little farther, they took soundings again and found it to be fifteen fathoms. 29 Then, fearing lest we should run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern, and prayed for day to come. 30 And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, when they had let down the skiff into the sea, under pretense of putting out anchors from the prow, 31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the skiff and let it fall off.
33 And as day was about to dawn, Paul implored them all to take food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day you have waited and continued without food, and eaten nothing. 34 Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.” 35 And when he had said these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it he began to eat. 36 Then they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves. 37 And in all we were two hundred and seventy-six persons on the ship. 38 So when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship and threw out the wheat into the sea.
39 When it was day, they did not recognize the land; but they observed a bay with a beach, onto which they planned to run the ship if possible. 40 And they let go the anchors and left them in the sea, meanwhile loosing the rudder ropes; and they hoisted the mainsail to the wind and made for shore. 41 But striking a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the prow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves.
42 And the soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape. 43 But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land, 44 and the rest, some on boards and some on parts of the ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to land.

• Paul is blessed by his guard, who allows Paul to visit friends and speak freely (God continues to watch over Paul, even through his captors).
• Paul is always concerned with the people who hold him captive.
• Paul witnesses to the entire crew, guards and prisoners.
• Paul nourishes the crew and shares the Word of the Lord with them.
• They wreck and make ground safely just as Paul had witnessed to the entire crew.

What an example Paul was to a few captors and ships crew, in his witness and care for those around him! Despite the surrounding storm, Paul was constantly pointing his captors to God!
ja

Paul Before Festus and Agrippa

2010-10-26T05:29:00.003-04:00

Paul was brought up to Festus (Felix’s successor), King Agrippa (Felix’s father-in-law), Acts 9:15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

Acts 25 v1-12 The Jews try to trick Festus into returning Paul to Jerusalem, where they would lay an ambush for him. Festus wisely asks them to come back to Caesarea with him to try Paul. Paul defends himself before Festus in the same manner as with Felix.
v13-22 Agrippa comes to visit Festus and agrees to hear Paul.
v23 With much todo, Paul is brought before Agrippa and his wife Bernice.
v24-27 Much in the same way Lysias the Roman commander stated, Festus proclaimed how he determined Paul was in need of a higher court, because of what he found out.
Acts 26 v1-23 Paul gives his testimony, explaining in detail how he met Jesus on the road to Damascus. The reason the Jews were trying to kill him was because of his stand for Jesus. Agrippa was Jewish, though totally in support of Rome.
v24 Fetus, not understanding what Paul was saying, claims him to be mad.
v25-27 Paul refutes Festus.
v28 ALMOST PERSUADED!!! v29 Paul wishes they all would accept Jesus!
v30 They agress he has done nothing worthy of death and Agrippa claims he might have been set free, if he had not appealed to Caesar.

Acts24:1 Now after five days Ananias the high priest came down with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus. These gave evidence to the governor against Paul.
2 And when he was called upon, Tertullus began his accusation, saying: “Seeing that through you we enjoy great peace, and prosperity is being brought to this nation by your foresight, 3 we accept it always and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. 4 Nevertheless, not to be tedious to you any further, I beg you to hear, by your courtesy, a few words from us. 5 For 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. 6 He even tried to profane the temple, and we seized him,[a] and wanted to judge him according to our law. 7 But the commander Lysias came by and with great violence took him out of our hands, 8 commanding his accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him.” 9 And the Jews also assented,[b] maintaining that these things were so.
The Defense Before Felix
10 Then Paul, after the governor had nodded to him to speak, answered: “Inasmuch as I know that you have been for many years a judge of this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself, 11 because you may ascertain that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with anyone nor inciting the crowd, either in the synagogues or in the city. 13 Nor can they prove the things of which they now accuse me. 14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. 15 I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead,[c] both of the just and the unjust. 16 This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.
17 “Now after many years I came to bring alms and offerings to my nation, 18 in the midst of which some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with a mob nor with tumult. 19 They ought to have been here before you to object if they had anything against me. 20 Or else let those who are here themselves say if they found any wrongdoing[d] in me while I stood before the council, 21 unless it is for this one statement which I cried out, standing among them, ‘Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you this day.’”
Felix Procrastinates
22 But when Felix heard these things, having more accurate knowledge of the Way, he adjourned the proceedings and said, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will make a decision on your case.” 23 So he 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.
24 And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25 Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” 26 Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him.[e] Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him.
27 But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound.

Acts 25:1 Now when Festus had come to the province, after three days he went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem. 2 Then the high priest[a] and the chief men of the Jews informed him against Paul; and they petitioned him, 3 asking a favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem—while they lay in ambush along the road to kill him. 4 But Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself was going there shortly. 5 “Therefore,” he said, “let those who have authority among you go down with me and accuse this man, to see if there is any fault in him.”
6 And when he had remained among them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day, sitting on the judgment seat, he commanded Paul to be brought. 7 When he had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood about and laid many serious complaints against Paul, which they could not prove, 8 while he answered for himself, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I offended in anything at all.”
9 But Festus, wanting to do the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and there be judged before me concerning these things?”
10 So Paul said, “I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you very well know. 11 For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one can deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar.”
12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, “You have appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go!”
Paul Before Agrippa
13 And after some days King Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to greet Festus. 14 When they had been there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying: “There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix, 15 about whom the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me , when I was in Jerusalem, asking for a judgment against him. 16 To them I answered, ‘It is not the custom of the Romans to deliver any man to destruction[b] before the accused meets the accusers face to face, and has opportunity to answer for himself concerning the charge against him.’ 17 Therefore when they had come together, without any delay, the next day I sat on the judgment seat and commanded the man to be brought in. 18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation against him of such things as I supposed, 19 but had some questions against him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who had died, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. 20 And because I was uncertain of such questions, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there be judged concerning these matters. 21 But when Paul appealed to be reserved for the decision of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I could send him to Caesar.”
22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I also would like to hear the man myself.”
“Tomorrow,” he said, “you shall hear him.”
23 So the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp, and had entered the auditorium with the commanders and the prominent men of the city, at Festus’ command Paul was brought in. 24 And Festus said: “King Agrippa and all the men who are here present with us, you see this man about whom the whole assembly of the Jews petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and here, crying out that he was not fit to live any longer. 25 But when I found that he had committed nothing deserving of death, and that he himself had appealed to Augustus, I decided to send him. 26 I have nothing certain to write to my lord concerning him. Therefore I have brought him out before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after the examination has taken place I may have something to write. 27 For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner and not to specify the charges against him.”

• Paul knows his audience and addresses them accordingly.
• Festus enlarges his testimony to Agrippa.
• Paul explains in detail to Agrippa, because he knows Agrippa understands since he is Jewish.
• Agrippa is “almost persuaded.”
• Paul’s desire was that they all would be persuaded to believe in Christ.
ja

Paul's Trial Before Felix

2010-10-19T05:26:00.002-04:00

Paul was kept prisoner in Herod’s Headquarters waiting for the Jew to arrive from Jerusalem...

Acts 24 v1 The Jews arrived 5 days later with a wringer; Tertullus.
v2-8 Tertullus begins by paying compliments to Felix, whom the Jews hated. Then makes accusation of the troubles Paul stirred up. As they were set to judge him by their law, Lysias interfered and rescued Paul. His accusers said, he profaned the temple and caused dissension among the Jews.
v9 The other Jews agreed.
v10-21 Paul makes his defense. He was there to worship. He was peaceable to all men. And where are those Asia Jews, who first brought charges against him in Jerusalem.
v22 Felix has knowledge of the Way (maybe more so than Paul’s accusers) and sends for Lysias.
v23 Paul was given a very loose arrest, as Felix allowed Paul’s friends to visit.
v24 Later, Felix and his wife wanted to hear about faith in Christ.
v25 Felix became afraid, and sent Paul back to his house arrest.
v26-27 Felix had hoped Paul would purchase his own release, but he did not. After 2 years Porcius Festus replaced Felix, but Felix kept Paul prisoner.

Acts 24:1 Now after five days Ananias the high priest came down with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus. These gave evidence to the governor against Paul.
2 And when he was called upon, Tertullus began his accusation, saying: “Seeing that through you we enjoy great peace, and prosperity is being brought to this nation by your foresight, 3 we accept it always and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. 4 Nevertheless, not to be tedious to you any further, I beg you to hear, by your courtesy, a few words from us. 5 For 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. 6 He even tried to profane the temple, and we seized him,[a] and wanted to judge him according to our law. 7 But the commander Lysias came by and with great violence took him out of our hands, 8 commanding his accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him.” 9 And the Jews also assented,[b] maintaining that these things were so.
10 Then Paul, after the governor had nodded to him to speak, answered: “Inasmuch as I know that you have been for many years a judge of this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself, 11 because you may ascertain that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with anyone nor inciting the crowd, either in the synagogues or in the city. 13 Nor can they prove the things of which they now accuse me. 14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. 15 I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead,[c] both of the just and the unjust. 16 This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.
17 “Now after many years I came to bring alms and offerings to my nation, 18 in the midst of which some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with a mob nor with tumult. 19 They ought to have been here before you to object if they had anything against me. 20 Or else let those who are here themselves say if they found any wrongdoing[d] in me while I stood before the council, 21 unless it is for this one statement which I cried out, standing among them, ‘Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you this day.’”
22 But when Felix heard these things, having more accurate knowledge of the Way, he adjourned the proceedings and said, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will make a decision on your case.” 23 So he 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.
24 And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25 Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” 26 Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him.[e] Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him.
27 But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound.

• Once again the Jew drum up charges on Paul, yet the very crew that started the trouble (the Jews from Asia) were not there.
• The Jews brought in a professional orator to make the accusations more believable.
• Paul, in his defense, did not dispute with anyone in the temple or incited anyone, as he was there to worship.
• Paul found favor with Felix, who called for Lysias.
• In the meantime, Paul was give a loose imprisonment, and was allowed visitors frequently.
• Felix was also curious about Christianity, but was seemingly unwilling to give-up his lifestyle to accept Christ.
• His wife Drusilla was Agrippa’s daughter.
• 2 years pass and no Lysias, meanwhile Felix is called to Rome and replaced by Porcius Festus.
ja

Plot to Kill Paul

2010-10-12T05:34:00.002-04:00

Jesus had assured Paul that he would testify for Him in Rome, still the Sanhedrin plotted...

Acts 23 v12-13 More than 40 Jews banded together and took an oath that they would not eat until they had murdered Paul.
v14-15 They reported to the council, their intentions, and asked them to inquire again of Paul, just as in the previous meeting.
v16 Paul’s nephew heard of the plot and reported it to Paul.
v17-18 Paul had the centurion take his nephew to the commander and report the things he had heard.
v19-22 The commander inquired of the young man privately, and asked him to tell no one.
v23-24 The commander called two centurions and asked them to prepare 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen, and 200 spearmen to escort Paul safely to Felix the governor by night.
v25-30 The commander, Claudius Lysias, wrote an eloquent letter to accompany Paul to Felix. Of course he adjusted some of the facts to make it sound much better!
v31-32 The soldiers presented Paul to Felix in Caesrea.
v34-35 Felix questioned Paul concerning where he was from. He kept Paul in Herod’s Praetorium (headquarters).

Acts23:11 But the following night 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.”
12 And when it was day, some of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. 13 Now there were more than forty who had formed this conspiracy. 14 They came to the chief priests and elders, and said, “We have bound ourselves under a great oath that we will eat nothing until we have killed Paul. 15 Now you, therefore, together with the council, suggest to the commander that he be brought down to you tomorrow,[c] as though you were going to make further inquiries concerning him; but we are ready to kill him before he comes near.”
16 So when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their ambush, he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. 17 Then Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, “Take this young man to the commander, for he has something to tell him.” 18 So he took him and brought him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner called me to him and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to say to you.”
19 Then the commander took him by the hand, went aside, and asked privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?”
20 And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask that you bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire more fully about him. 21 But do not yield to them, for more than forty of them lie in wait for him, men who have bound themselves by an oath that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him; and now they are ready, waiting for the promise from you.”
22 So the commander let the young man depart, and commanded him , “Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me.”
Sent to Felix
23 And he called for two centurions, saying, “Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at the third hour of the night; 24 and provide mounts to set Paul on, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.” 25 He wrote a letter in the following manner:

26 Claudius Lysias,
To the most excellent governor Felix:
Greetings.
27 This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them. Coming with the troops I rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman. 28 And when I wanted to know the reason they accused him, I brought him before their council. 29 I found out that he was accused concerning questions of their law, but had nothing charged against him deserving of death or chains. 30 And when it was told me that the Jews lay in wait for the man,[d] I sent him immediately to you, and also commanded his accusers to state before you the charges against him.
Farewell.

31 Then the soldiers, as they were commanded, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. 32 The next day they left the horsemen to go on with him, and returned to the barracks. 33 When they came to Caesarea and had delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him. 34 And when the governor had read it , he asked what province he was from. And when he understood that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, “I will hear you when your accusers also have come.” And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s Praetorium.

• The Jews now hated Paul because he preached the truth of Jesus.
• They plotted to kill him and took a vow, but usually the Jews had was to escape their own vows, so it is doubtful any starved to death.
• It took 470 men to get Paul safely out of Jerusalem by night. He left Jerusalem safely, just as Jesus had promised!
ja

Prayer

2010-10-05T05:20:00.000-04:00

This morning, a time of prayer!

James 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

Paul's Second Defense

2010-09-28T05:35:00.001-04:00

So Paul had defended his faith in Jesus Christ, and had defended himself as a Roman citizen. Still the commander was curious about Paul, and ordered him to appear once again before his accusers....

Acts 23 v1 Paul explains his life before God to the council.
v2 The high priest Ananias, commands Paul to be struck on the mouth.
v3 Paul defends himself with scripture: the Law required Paul to be proven guilty before being struck, and they had yet to charge Paul with anything (Deut. 25:1-2).
v5 Paul did not realize he was the high priest. Again quotes scripture (Ex. 22:28). He claimed Lev. 5:17-18, where the accused did wrong unknowingly, it was not the same as knowingly committing a sin.
v6 Paul then realized that 1/2 of the group were the Sadducees and 1/2 was the Pharisees. HE then made is case for the resurrection.
v7-8 This caused a dispute between the two groups because the Sadducees did not believe in angels or the resurrection of the dead.
v9 Then the Pharisees actually took Paul’s side.
v10 The commander once again, had to go in and rescue Paul.
v11 The following night, Jesus stood by Paul and said, “ Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.”

Acts 23:1 Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.” 2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! For you sit to judge me according to the law, and do you command me to be struck contrary to the law?”
4 And those who stood by said, “Do you revile God’s high priest?”
5 Then Paul said, “I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”[a]
6 But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!”
7 And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the assembly was divided. 8 For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection—and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both. 9 Then there arose a loud outcry. And the scribes of the Pharisees’ party arose and protested, saying, “We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God.”[b]
10 Now when there arose a great dissension, the commander, fearing lest Paul might be pulled to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them, and bring him into the barracks.
11 But the following night 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.”

• The commander still was curious about Paul and this Jesus he proclaimed.
• Paul defended himself against the rulers with the Old Testament.
• Paul realized a difference in the crowd, and based his defense on the resurrection, causing a division in his accusers.
• After the battle, Jesus spoke to Paul, comforting him.
ja

Paul's Defense

2010-09-21T05:23:00.002-04:00

Paul knew ahead of time, that persecution awaited him in Jerusalem, yet he pressed on the path God had called him to...

Acts 21 v40 Paul is given permission to address the mob that desires to have him put to death!
Acts 22 v1-2 Paul opens the dialogue, calling his accusers “brethren.” Though they hated Paul, Paul’s desire was for them to repent and believe in Jesus! SInce he was speaking in Hebrew, they listened.
v3-5 Paul reflects on who he was prior to his salvation, and how he was as they are... persecuting those who believe in Jesus to the full extent of the law.
v6-11 Paul explains how he met the one and only Jesus, on the road to Damascus! It was a personal revelation from the Son of God to Paul! Salvation is always in this fashion, a personal calling that cannot be denied!
v12-16 Ananias speaks to Paul and prophesies of his calling to take the gospel to all men!
v17-21 Paul reveals to them, his calling to take the gospel to the gentiles, which angered the crowd.
v22-23 The crowd called for Paul’s execution, tore their clothes and threw dust into the air.
v24 The commander withdrew Paul from the crowd and commanded that he be scourged, so they might know the truth of who he was.
v25 Paul questioned their right to punish a Roman citizen.
v26-29 - They decided against scourging and hoped he would not charge them for binding him without charge.
v30 The commander, still wanted to know for sure why the Jews hated Paul, so he took him before the Sanhedrin council to be questioned.

Acts 22: 1 “Brethren and fathers, hear my defense before you now.” 2 And when they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they kept all the more silent.
Then he said: 3 “I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers’ law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today. 4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women, 5 as also the high priest bears me witness, and all the council of the elders, from whom I also received letters to the brethren, and went to Damascus to bring in chains even those who were there to Jerusalem to be punished.
6 “Now it happened, as I journeyed and came near Damascus at about noon, suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me. 7 And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ 8 So I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’
9 “And those who were with me indeed saw the light and were afraid,[a] but they did not hear the voice of Him who spoke to me. 10 So I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Arise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all things which are appointed for you to do.’ 11 And since I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus.
12 “Then a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there, 13 came to me; and he stood and said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that same hour I looked up at him. 14 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. 15 For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’
17 “Now it happened, when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance 18 and saw Him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.’ 19 So I said, ‘Lord, they know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believe on You. 20 And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by consenting to his death,[b] and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’ 21 Then He said to me, ‘Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.’”
22 And they listened to him until this word, and then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he is not fit to live!” 23 Then, as they cried out and tore off their clothes and threw dust into the air, 24 the commander ordered him to be brought into the barracks, and said that he should be examined under scourging, so that he might know why they shouted so against him. 25 And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who stood by, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and uncondemned?”
26 When the centurion heard that, he went and told the commander, saying, “Take care what you do, for this man is a Roman.”
27 Then the commander came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman?”
He said, “Yes.”
28 The commander answered, “With a large sum I obtained this citizenship.”
And Paul said, “But I was born a citizen.”
29 Then immediately those who were about to examine him withdrew from him; and the commander was also afraid after he found out that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.
The Sanhedrin Divided
30 The next day, because he wanted to know for certain why he was accused by the Jews, he released him from his bonds, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down and set him before them.

• Paul considered his accusers as brothers, who had not yet seen the truth of the salvation of Jesus Christ!
• Paul explained how he was just as they are, only he met Jesus on the road to Damascus and could not turn away from the truth of the Son of God!
• Paul had a special calling on his life (see v14).
• Still they wanted to kill him, when he mentioned his ministry to the gentiles.
• Paul’s nationality saved him from the scourging, but the centurion was very interested in knowing why the Jews hated Paul.
ja

Paul's Arrest

2010-09-14T05:25:00.002-04:00

Of the seven things God hates mentioned in Proverbs 6:16-19, the last one says, “and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.” Paul’s ministries were full of Jewish non-believers and people who didn’t like Christians. Now Paul was about to be arrested at the hands of those who continually stirred up dissention...

Acts 21:26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day, having been purified with them, entered the temple to announce the expiration of the days of purification, at which time an offering should be made for each one of them.
27 Now when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, 28 crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against the people, the law, and this place; and furthermore he also brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” 29 (For they had previously[e] seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)
30 And all the city was disturbed; and the people ran together, seized Paul, and dragged him out of the temple; and immediately the doors were shut. 31 Now as they were seeking to kill him, news came to the commander of the garrison that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. 32 He immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them. And when they saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33 Then the commander came near and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and he asked who he was and what he had done. 34 And some among the multitude cried one thing and some another.
So when he could not ascertain the truth because of the tumult, he commanded him to be taken into the barracks. 35 When he reached the stairs, he had to be carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob. 36 For the multitude of the people followed after, crying out, “Away with him!”
37 Then as Paul was about to be led into the barracks, he said to the commander, “May I speak to you?”
He replied, “Can you speak Greek? 38 Are you not the Egyptian who some time ago stirred up a rebellion and led the four thousand assassins out into the wilderness?”
39 But Paul said, “I am a Jew from Tarsus, in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city; and I implore you, permit me to speak to the people.”
40 So when he had given him permission, Paul stood on the stairs and motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying,

Acts 21 v27 The non-believing Jews from Asia, followed Paul to Jerusalem, just to lay accusations against him.
v28-29 They laid out false accusations that Paul taught contrary to the law (he actually taught the fulfillment of it) and that he had brought a gentile into the temple.
v30 They all ran together and dragged Paul out of the temple.
v31 As they plotted to kill Paul, the commander of the garrison got wind of the uproar.
v32 When the crowds saw the centurion and the guards coming, the quit beating Paul.
v33-34 The commander took control of Paul and asked what he had done wrong, he couldn’t get the truth, so he commanded that Paul be taken to the barracks.
v35 When he reached the stairs, Paul had to be carried up, because of the violence of the crowd.
v36 The multitude followed and cried, “Away with him.”
v37-38 Paul requested to speak to the commander. The commander couldn’t believe he spoke Greek, he thought he was an Egyptian, who led a conspiracy.
v39 Paul explained who he was and that he would like to speak to the people (the one’s who were wanting him dead).
v40 So he was given permission to speak.

• Trouble from people will always abound.
• Some people will go to great lengths to prove themselves right or to harm others.
• Paul still had compassion for the crowd that wanted to harm him!

ja

Prayer

2010-09-07T05:10:00.002-04:00

This morning we spent time in prayer!

James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Paul Heads To Jerusalem

2010-08-31T05:27:00.001-04:00

Paul left the Ephesian leaders, determined to make it to Jerusalem...

Acts21:1 Now it came to pass, that when we had departed from them and set sail, running a straight course we came to Cos, the following day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 And finding a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we had sighted Cyprus, we passed it on the left, sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload her cargo. 4 And finding disciples,[a] we stayed there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem. 5 When we had come to the end of those days, we departed and went on our way; and they all accompanied us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city. And we knelt down on the shore and prayed. 6 When we had taken our leave of one another, we boarded the ship, and they returned home.
7 And when we had finished our voyage from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, greeted the brethren, and stayed with them one day. 8 On the next day we who were Paul’s companions[b] departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9 Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. 10 And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’”
12 Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
14 So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.”
15 And after those days we packed and went up to Jerusalem. 16 Also some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us and brought with them a certain Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we were to lodge.
17 And when we had come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. 18 On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19 When he had greeted them, he told in detail those things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law; 21 but they have been informed about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs. 22 What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will[c] hear that you have come. 23 Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow. 24 Take them and be purified with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads, and that all may know that those things of which they were informed concerning you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly and keep the law. 25 But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written and decided that they should observe no such thing, except [d] that they should keep themselves from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality.”
Arrested in the Temple. 26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day, having been purified with them, entered the temple to announce the expiration of the days of purification, at which time an offering should be made for each one of them.

Acts 21 v1-8 Paul makes his way to Ptolemias, passing many of the cities he had previously visited. Giving us a sense of the urgency he felt to make it to Jerusalem.
v9-14 He was given a prophecy concerning his arrival at Jerusalem. That he would be bound. Many pleaded with him not to got, yet Paul knew what was a head and knew that it was the Lord’s will form him. So they released him to God’s will.
v15-16 Then, they and their company left for Jerusalem.
v17-19 They were greeted by James (the brother of Jesus) and the all of the elders of Jerusalem. Paul told them of all of his missionary journeys.
v20-21 The tell Paul of a certain rumor about him and his teachings, that he teaches the Jewish believers to forsake Moses.
v22-26 Then they tell Paul to take four men who had taken of vow of purification to the temple and go with them. Then they explain the role of the gentiles. Paul took the men in the next day, to announce the expiration of their ays of purification.

• Paul knew where God wanted him to go.
• Paul’s friends warned him of what awaited him, yet Paul was determined to do God’s will
• Prophecy told Paul what awaited him, yet Paul was determined to do God’s will. Even tears would not dissuade him, the Lord’s will be done!
• James and the elders at Jerusalem greeted Paul to hear of his missionary journey and they warned him of the trouble that was being stirred up against him, yet Paul wanted to do God’s will.
• To meet the opposition, Paul agreed to the Jewish ceremonial cleansing with four others, so he took them to the temple to announce their days of purification.

ja

Paul’s Farewell to Ephesian Elders

2010-08-24T05:35:00.001-04:00

Paul spent a long night teaching at Traos...

Acts 20:13 Then we went ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, there intending to take Paul on board; for so he had given orders, intending himself to go on foot. 14 And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene. 15 We sailed from there, and the next day came opposite Chios. The following day we arrived at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium. The next day we came to Miletus. 16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.
17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. 18 And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, 19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; 20 how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, 21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. 24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself,[b] 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.
25 “And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God[c] which He purchased with His own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.
32 “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. 34 Yes,[d] you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. 35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37 Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, 38 sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.

Acts 20 v13-16 Paul made haste in his travel, he wanted to be in Jerusalem at Pentecost. Some 28 years after the church began on the Day of Pentecost.
v17 Paul summoned the elders of the Ephesian Church, to meet with them.
v.18-27 Paul testifies of his own ministry among them, how focused it was on teaching any and everyone, regardless of background or religion, the salvation in Jesus Christ. This is an outline of how ministry should operate. He also mentions the awaiting judgement for him in Jerusalem. He faces the opposistion to finish his race (with JOY!).
v28-35 He commissions these leaders to carry on the work he started. Warning them of intruders who will plunder the flock for their own personal gain. Remember to pray and encourage each other (as Paul had done daily). He supported himself, so no one could accuse him.
v36 Then he prayed with them.
v37-38 They all wept freely, knowing they would not see him again. They accompanied him to the ship.

• Paul wanted to get to Jerusalem, but he made time to encourage the elders from Ephesus.
• He gave his ideas and examples of his ministry to them.
• He encouraged them.
• He warned them.
• He turned them over to the Lord.
• He prayed with them.
• He wept with them.
• He left to complete his journey.

ja

Eutychus Falls Asleep!

2010-08-17T05:16:00.001-04:00

Paul embraced his disciples there, then departed for Macedonia, then ended up in Traos...

Acts 20:1 After the uproar had ceased, Paul called the disciples to himself, embraced them, and departed to go to Macedonia. 2 Now when he had gone over that region and encouraged them with many words, he came to Greece 3 and stayed three months. And when the Jews plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. 4 And Sopater of Berea accompanied him to Asia—also Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia. 5 These men, going ahead, waited for us at Troas. 6 But we sailed away from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days joined them at Troas, where we stayed seven days.
Ministering at Troas. 7 Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upper room where they[a] were gathered together. 9 And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. 10 But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, “Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.” 11 Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed. 12 And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted.

Acts 20 v1-5 Paul departed and travelled through Greece, Macedonia, Asia, then on to Traos.
v6 They left Philippi and landed in Traos, where they stayed for 7 days. This was in the spring right after the Passover.
v7 On the first day of the week they, came together to break bread, and Paul taught until midnight.
v8-9 There were many lamps in the windows. A young man named Eutychus, fell asleep, falling from a third story window. The people there, toke him up dead.
v10 Paul fell upon him and embraced him, and said, “do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.”
v11 Now when he had waken, eaten and talked until dawn, he departed.
v12 And when the others witnessed the young man, they were greatly encouraged!

• Paul travelled a great distance to encourage the many churches.
• The believers came together on the first day of the week.
• Paul taught for long hours, because their time together was short.
• Eutychus feel asleep and dropped from three stories up (don;t fall asleep in church).
• Paul brought him back to life, the church was greatly encouraged!
• Anytime we can see God at work, we are greatly encouraged!

ja

Demetrius Causes Trouble

2010-08-10T05:07:00.006-04:00

Paul remained in Asia for sometime after sending Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia...

Acts 19:21 When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” 22 So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a time.
23 And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way. 24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana,[d] brought no small profit to the craftsmen. 25 He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: “Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. 26 Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands. 27 So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed,[e] whom all Asia and the world worship.”
28 Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” 29 So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul’s travel companions. 30 And when Paul wanted to go in to the people, the disciples would not allow him. 31 Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater. 32 Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together. 33 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand, and wanted to make his defense to the people. 34 But when they found out that he was a Jew, all with one voice cried out for about two hours, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!”
35 And when the city clerk had quieted the crowd, he said: “Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple guardian of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Zeus? 36 Therefore, since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rashly. 37 For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your[f] goddess. 38 Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. 39 But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly. 40 For we are in danger of being called in question for today’s uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering.” 41 And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

Acts 19 v23-24 There arose a commotion about “the Way,” seems a wealthy businessman named Demetrius was losing profits, because these new believers were no longer needing their idols made of silver.
v25 -27 Demetrius made a case for all like minded businessmen, saying that Paul had “persuaded and turned away many people, saying there are not gods which are made with hands.” So not only was their business in danger, but also Diana, whose idol worship was in jeopardy.
v28-29 So they stirred the crowds and all chanted “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” They ran in and seized Gauis and Aristarchus, Paul’s friends.
v30-31 Paul’s friends would not allow him to go into the theater to teach, because of the uproar.
v32 The crowd was so confused, many did not know why they had com together.
v33-34 They drew out Alexander, who wanted to speak, but when they found he was a Jew, they chanted for two hours, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” Later in I Timothy 1:20, Paul “delivered him up to Satan.” Also in II Timothy 4:14, he was a coppersmith, who caused Paul much harm.
v35-41 The city clerk quieted the crowd and began to make sense to them regarding their commotion. Stating that Paul and the disciples had done nothing wrong and that the businessmen needed to consider their actions before doing something “rash.” Once he had made these statements, the crowd disassembled.

• There are many who would put profits over a relationship with God.
• They then used “religion” to bolster their financial arguments.
• Confusion and irrational emotion is their favorite method for stirring up the people.
• They stirred up the people in order to get them to rebel against Paul and his teachings.
• Finally, someone with calm understanding, quieted the crowds.

ja

Paul Teaching in Tyrannus’s School

2010-08-03T05:19:00.001-04:00

Paul led Johns’ followers to Christ and stayed in Ephesus for a while....

Acts 19:8 And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. 9 But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. 10 And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
11 Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. 13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We[a] exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” 14 Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.
15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”
16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered[b] them, and prevailed against them,[c] so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. 18 And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. 19 Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.

Acts 19 v8 Paul again wen to the Jews in the Synagogue teaching Jesus as the Messiah.
v9 Some did not believe and spoke evil of them, and he departed with the disciples to the School of Tyrannus (a philosopher of the day). There he taught daily. This was the first use of the phrase “the Way” (another word for Christians).
v10 He led this study for 2 years, and ALL who dwelt in the region of Asia (both Jews and Greeks) heard the gospel.

v11-12 God used Paul in such a way as to perform miracles before the people.
v13 Some of the traveling Jewish exorcists saw Paul use Jesus name also name-dropping Paul, so they began to try his “technique.”
v14 Sceva had seven sons who tried this method.
v15 The evil spirit answered “Jesus I know and Paul I know, but who are you?”
v16 The man possessed by the spirit attacked the priests and overpowered them. They ran out naked and wounded.
v17 This became known to all those who dwelt in Ephesus, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
v18 Many believed!
v19 Those who practiced magic, gathered their books together and burnt them. (about $364,000).
v20 The word of the Lord grew mightily and won the victory there!

• Paul again tries to go to his brothers, but to no avail. The non-believers stirred up trouble against Paul. This is becoming a pattern, but it does not deter Paul from trying.
• Paul goes to the secular and teaches (Jesus) in a philosophy hall, they didn’t mind, he stayed 2 years, teaching daily.
ALL in Asia heard the gospel. Isn’t it amazing, that sometimes non-believers are more hospitable than folks who should know better?
• Paul heals many in unusual ways, and some Jewish exorcists tried to use Paul’s methods (thinking everything was in the technique). But, it was in the power of the Spirit, not by slight of hand.
• The possessed man turned on the exorcists and beat them up.
• The Lord grew mightily in that region and people turned from their ways and burned books of high value because they believed in Jesus.

ja

Disciples of John the Baptist

2010-07-27T05:34:00.001-04:00

Apollos was a believer in the teachings of John the Baptist, but he was not the only one who had not yet heard of Jesus as the Messiah....

Acts 19: 1 And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2 he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”
So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.”
3 And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?”
So they said, “Into John’s baptism.”
4 Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. 7 Now the men were about twelve in all.

Acts 19 v1 While Apollos was yet teaching in Corinth, Paul returned to Ephesus (this was Paul’s third missionary journey), where Apollos learned of Jesus from Aquila and Priscilla.
v2-3 Paul also found disciples of John the Baptist, by questioning the beliefs of those he ran into. His question of the Holy Spirit is based on the fact that we receive the Holy Spirit at salvation (Acts 2:38). Their answer reveals they did not know Jesus as Christ.
v4 Paul explained who it was that John talked about; Jesus.
v5 They believed in Jesus and were baptized.
v6 Then, Paul laid hands on them and they were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke with tongues and prophesied.
v7 There were 12 men in all (plus women and children).

• As Apollos left Ephesus to go to Achaia, Paul left Atioch and Galatia to come to Ephesus.
• We always need to look for ways to give one another a more clear understanding of scripture (we must not assume what one does or does not believe).
• Paul was able to complete their understanding of John the Baptist’s teaching by pointing these disciples to the Christ; Jesus!
• After receiving the Holy Spirit theses believers spoke in tongues and prophesied. (see notes from Acts 1:12-14, 2:1-4).
• Large numbers are not an indicator that God is working, if there was only 1 new believer, it matters to God!

ja

Prayer

2010-07-20T05:12:00.004-04:00

Today we will take time out to pray for needs and praise God for the great things He has done. We will continue our study in Acts next week!

James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

I Corinthians 16: 13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love.

Apollos Preaches

2010-07-13T05:23:00.003-04:00

Toady’s lesson is about using what we know for God, as we will see Apollos taught what he knew for sure....

Acts 18:18 So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow. 19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there; but he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to stay a longer time with them, he did not consent, 21 but took leave of them, saying, “I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem;[c] but I will return again to you, God willing.” And he sailed from Ephesus.
22 And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up and greeted the church, he went down to Antioch. 23 After he had spent some time there, he departed and went over the region of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.
24 Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27 And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; 28 for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.

Acts 18 v18-23 - Paul departs from Corinth, he made a stop at Ephesus. Teaching and preaching there for a while. Then, he headed for Antioch. He went over the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening the disciples.
v24 - Then at Ephesus, arrived Apollos was a Jew, very knowledgeable in the scriptures and an eloquent speaker.
v25 - Though he knew only up to the baptism of John, he taught what he knew accurately and with great conviction.
v26 - As he spoke openly in the synagogue, Aquila and Priscilla, heard him and took him aside and explained the things of Christ.
v27 - The brethren at Alexandria wrote letters, so as Apollos travelled, he would be received. So he travelled and encouraged those believers he taught.
v28 - He debated with the Jews, that Jesus is the Christ!

Many became divided some choosing Paul, some Apollos. But in 1 Corinthinans 3:6, Paul instructs the Christians to keep their focus on God, not the men God uses.

• Paul departed leaving friends behind at Ephesus, promising to return “if the Lord wills.”
• Apollos comes to Ephesus after Paul's departure and taught the scriptures accurately up to the baptism of John.
• Once he a more accurate explanation of Jesus from Paul’s friends Aquila and Priscilla, Apollos debated greatly with the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah!
• God should be our focus, not the men (or women) God uses.
ja

The Beating of Sothsenes

2010-07-06T05:13:00.002-04:00

Last week, Crispus the ruler of the synagogue was converted with his family. Paul remained in Corinth teaching, but then the Jews came in.....

Acts 18:12 When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him to the judgment seat, 13 saying, “This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.”
14 And when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or wicked crimes, O Jews, there would be reason why I should bear with you. 15 But if it is a question of words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves; for I do not want to be a judge of such matters.” 16 And he drove them from the judgment seat. 17 Then all the Greeks[b] took Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. But Gallio took no notice of these things.
1 Corinthians 1:1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,

Acts 18 v12 Gallio was the judge in Achaia (the region where Corinth was). The Jews rose up to bring Paul up for charges.
v13 Accusing Paul of worshipping God contrary to the law.
v14-15 Paul was just about to speak, when Gallio said he would not hear matters concerning Jewish law, but only Roman law.
v16 Then he drove them out (remember Jesus promise in verses 9&10).
v17 Then the Greeks took Sothsenes, and beat him before the judgement seat, but Gallio did not notice.
1 Cor 1:1 ...and Sothsenes our brother.

• Jesus promised Paul, no harm would come to him in Corinth.
• The unbelieving Jews, once again try to take Paul out of commission.
• The regional judge, would not hear matters of Jewish law (perhaps because of Jesus own trial).
• Then, the Greeks took Sothsenes and beat him before the judge, but he did not take notice.
In 1 Corinthians 1:1, Sothsenes is mentioned as a believer. It could be that by witnessing the events around Paul and then being beaten, that Sothsenes became a believer!
ja

Paul Goes To Corinth

2010-06-29T05:41:00.005-04:00

Up to this point, everywhere Paul went, the unbelieving Jews have caused Paul much trouble and physical harm (leaving him for dead in Lystra). Paul departed from Athens, where many did not believe and headed to Corinth....

Acts 18:1 After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. 3 So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.
5 When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. 6 But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” 7 And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus,[a]one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue. 8 Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.
9 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” 11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

Acts 18 v1-3 Paul came to Corinth and met up with Aquila and Priscilla, who also were tent makers as was Paul. Besides being a Pharisee, he was required by Jewish law to have a secondary trade. He worked with them making tents.
v4-5 He testified on the Sabbath, then when Silas and Timothy arrived, he witnessed to the Jews daily. He devoted himself to preaching exclusively.
v6 When they rejected them, he explained to them that their blood was on their own heads, for he had done his part, that is to tell them about Jesus. He also states that from this point forward, his ministry is to the gentiles.
v7 He goes to the house of Justus, whose house happened to next to the synagogue.
v8 Then, Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue believes. The ruler of the synagogue was the care taker / administrator of the facility. He and his household were saved. And many of the Corinthians, hearing the witness of Jesus believed!
v9-10 The Lord spoke to Paul and told him to “Preach on! And do not be afraid, no one will harm you, for I have many people in this city.”
v.11 Paul stayed there a year and a half, teaching the word of God.

• Paul met up with some folks who shared the same trade, and he was able to support himself as he taught in the synagogue.
• When Silas and Timothy arrived, Paul gave himself to witnessing to the Jews daily, yet they rejected him.
• Paul went exclusively to the gentiles, and many believed.
• The spirit constrained Paul to stay in Corinth. Every where Paul had taught previously did not end on the best of terms. He did not give up. God gave him rest here in Corinth.
ja

To The Unknown God

2010-06-22T05:11:00.005-04:00

Up to this point, Paul had ventured into areas that featured fairly common beliefs. Now Paul, Timothy and Silas ventured to Athens, the home of forward thinking, idolatry, science and the arts, and the center for modern philosophy....

Acts 17:16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols. 17 Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there. 18 Then[b] certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, “What does this babbler want to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,” because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection. 19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak? 20 For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. Therefore we want to know what these things mean.” 21 For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing. 22 Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; 23 for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: 24 God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. 25 Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. 26 And He has made from one blood[c] every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, 27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28 for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ 29 Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. 30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”
32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, “We will hear you again on this matter.” 33 So Paul departed from among them. 34 However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

Acts 17 v16-17 Paul was burdened by the Spirit, when he saw rampant idolatry. He reasoned with the Jews and the gentiles at the synagogue.
v18-21 He was teased and tried by those who dwelt there to give them some “new thought” as they were always looking for the “next big thing!” Since Athens was the center for philosophy of their day, everyone was trying to out-think one another conjuring up “new ways of thinking.”
v22-23 Paul was not afraid, instead he stood in the midst of them and began teaching from their alter with the inscription, “To the unknown god.”
v24-31 The God they did not know was the God we serve, Jesus!
v32 When they heard of the resurrection, some mocked and some wanted to hear more.
v33-34 Paul left from their midst and joined with those who believed.

• We live in a society filled with “the next big thing” thinking, we are always looking for something better to explain who and why we are who we are.
• When we encounter those who would believe anything, we must be clear on who Jesus is and why we choose to serve Him.
• Paul was provoked by the Spirit to tell the folks in Athens about Jesus, but very few believed. Why do you think this is so?
ja

Turned the World Upside Down

2010-06-15T05:25:00.005-04:00

Somehow we, as Christians, have began to think that if God is for something, everything will go smoothly. But if God is against it, we will meet opposition....

Acts: 1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas.5 But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. 6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too. 7 Jason has harbored them, and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king—Jesus.” 8 And they troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things. 9 So when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.10 Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men. 13 But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was preached by Paul at Berea, they came there also and stirred up the crowds. 14 Then immediately the brethren sent Paul away, to go to the sea; but both Silas and Timothy remained there. 15 So those who conducted Paul brought him to Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed, they departed.

Acts 17 v1-2 They arrived at Thessalonica, and went to the synagogue and taught for 3 Sabbaths.
v3 They explained and reasoned that Jesus must be the Christ and that He had to suffer and die and rise again on the third day.
v.4 Many were persuaded, including some of the God-fearing Greeks and many of the leading women (possibly wives of the opposition).
v5-6 The Jews who were not persuaded, became envious and sought after evil men and created a mob. They attacked the house of Jason, to get Paul and Silas, but when they did not find them, they dragged out (by force) Jason, and took him to the rulers of the city. “These who have turned the world upside down, have come here too.”
v7 They were staying with Jason. But instead of telling the truth, they used the same argument used earlier by unbelievers, “they teach against Caesar.”
v8 This troubled the leaders of the city.
v9 After Jason posted bind, they let them go.
v10 Immediately, the brethren sent away Paul and Silas to Berea.
v11 These people were more open minded, and listened to Paul, then searched daily for themselves to see if these things were true.
v12 Many believed, men and women.
v13 But the Jews from Thessalonica, and came to stir up the crowds.
v14 They sent away Paul, but Silas and Timothy remained behind.
v15 The brought Paul to Athens, and he sent for TImothy and Silas.

• Not everyone who hears believes, some who do not believe may not want their friends to believe either.
• Opposition is NOT ALWAYS a sign from God that you are doing something wrong! Paul met constant opposition, but he did not give up! He kept on doing what God called him to do!
• He kept on moving for the Lord!

ja

Paul and Silas Set Free

2010-06-08T05:17:00.003-04:00

Paul, Silas went to jail, condemned for setting free the captive slave girl. Spreading the gospel....

^Acts:²⁵ But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. ²⁶ Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. ²⁷ And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. ²⁸ But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”
²⁹ Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. ³⁰ And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
³¹ So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” ³² Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. ³³ And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. ³⁴ Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.³⁵ And when it was day, the magistrates sent the officers, saying, “Let those men go.” ³⁶ So the keeper of the prison reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Now therefore depart, and go in peace.”
³⁷ But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us openly, uncondemned Romans, and have thrown us into prison. And now do they put us out secretly? No indeed! Let them come themselves and get us out.”
³⁸ And the officers told these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans. ³⁹ Then they came and pleaded with them and brought them out, and asked them to depart from the city. ⁴⁰ So they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they encouraged them and departed.

Acts 16 v25 Paul and Silas begin praising the Lord in their distress! The other prisoners listened in.

v26 God caused a great earthquake to shake the prison, so that the doors were opened and the chains fell off. How accurate God is to not harm a person, yet set them free!

v27-8 The jailer was awakened, and thinking the prisoners escaped, sought to take his own life (for his bosses would have anyway, in a much more painful way). But Paul called out to him to not harm himself, for no one had left.

v29 The jailer called for a light to make sure they were all inside, when he found Paul and Silas, he fell down trembling.

v30 He had witnessed the great faith of Paul and Silas, and wanted to be saved. How awesome is a true testimony!

v31 Paul lays out the simple truth of the gospel, “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.”

v32-33 They witnessed to the entire house of the jailer and ministered to the wounds of Paul and Silas. Immediately, they made a public profession and were baptized! Faith in action!

v34 Then they celebrated, with food!

v35-6 The magistrates sent word to let Paul and Silas go.

v37 But Paul pointed out, that they had unjustly mistreated two Roman citizens, they were not leaving quietly!

v38-9 The magistrates came and pleaded with them to go quietly, for they did not know they were Romans.

v40 Paul and Silas returned to Lydia’s house, and encouraged them. You would think Paul and Silas needed encouraging, yet there they were lifting up the other believers!

In a day of self pity and entitlements, it is encouraging to look back at Paul and Silas, who were unjustly imprisoned. They helped a demon possessed girl, be set free! Yet her owners were not pleased because of their loss of income.

Once in prison, instead of complaining and griping, they prayed and sung praises to the Lord. God answered with and earthquake strong enough to open iron prison doors and shackles, yet harmed no one!

The jailer having witnessed their behavior and example, he wanted to be saved! Afterwards, he wanted his whole house to be saved! They all were baptized immediately.

Paul now chooses to reveal his Roman citizenship, putting fear into the magistrates. Set free they return to Lydia’s house.

Instead of being down and complaining of how they were mistreated, they encouraged the believers there!