I have Secondary Progressive MS and have lived with the disease for twenty seven years. I have been under the care of a physician and neurologist for the past thirteen years. To this day, the only treatment that I have received is medication to relieve pain. Every two weeks, $300 is spent at the Pharmacist. I take high levels of…
Acts 25:13-27Acts 25:13-27
English: World English Bible - WEB
13 Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the King and Bernice arrived at Caesarea, and greeted Festus.
14 As he stayed 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, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, asking for a sentence against him.
16 To whom I answered that it is not the custom of the Romans to give up any man to destruction, before the accused has met the accusers face to face, and has had opportunity to make his defense concerning the matter laid against him.
17 When therefore they had come together here, I didn’t delay, but on the next day sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought.
18 Concerning whom, when the accusers stood up, they brought no charge of such things as I supposed;
19 but had certain questions against him about their own religion, and about one Jesus, who was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
20 Being perplexed how to inquire concerning these things, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there be judged concerning these matters.
21 But when Paul had appealed to be kept for the decision of the emperor, I commanded him to be kept until I could send him to Caesar.”
22 Agrippa said to Festus, “I also would like to hear the man myself.”
“Tomorrow,” he said, “you shall hear him.”
23 So on the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp, and they had entered into the place of hearing with the commanding officers and principal men of the city, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in.
24 Festus said, “King Agrippa, and all men who are here present with us, you see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.
25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and as he himself appealed to the emperor I determined to send him.
26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write to my lord. Therefore I have brought him forth before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, that, after examination, I may have something to write.
27 For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to also specify the charges against him.”
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The most powerful men of all Judea have assembled. It was by the order of the King. A tuxedo affair. The theatre room has had its royal cleaning the day before. All the fanfare deserved for a King erupts with absolute perfection. The trumpets sound and the doors open as King Agrippa with his wife in hand enter the room. They are escorted to the best seats in the house.
Who will be entertaining this elite audience? Acrobats from Spain? An Italian Singer? An introduction is made and the entertainer makes an entrance.
The Apostle Paul.
“You have permission to speak”, is King Agrippa’s only request.
On one hand you have forty Jewish leaders that have vowed not to eat until they have killed Paul and on the other is the Lord’s plan for Paul to speak to Caesar in Rome.
A screen writer could not have set it up any better. We see how Paul’s friends are begging him not to go on to Jerusalem. A Prophet named Agabus begs the same. Yet Paul is urged by the Lord to proceed. When Paul arrives in Jerusalem, the danger that his friends talked about came about and he is arrested and the death sentence is what the Jews want.
In all of this you begin to see how God has a specific plan for Paul. “You will testify my name in Rome”. In all unlikelihood of a prisoner of making an appearance before Caesar, God begins to set up divine appointments with the authorities. And today he stands before the ultimate audience of Judea.
Can you see the picture?
What My Point: As with Paul, God’s story is unravelling in your life. What story? What’s the likelihood of a God story in my life? But all of it is true. Just as Paul was welcomed onto the King’s stage, God is in process of giving you yours. God desires to unravel his story in your life. How will it happen? Always trust God, love him and follow him.
Now let His story begin.
Acts 16:25Acts 16:25
English: World English Bible - WEB
25 But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
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There is no time on our annual calendar that has the right to exude more joy from our heart than in our now. It’s that kind of joy that is synonymous with hope eternally. It’s that kind of emotion that cannot be subdued or suppressed.
It’s that kind of praise that was coming from Paul’s heart and those of his companions while in lock-up, illegally none the less. After quenching the evil spirit of a fortune-telling slave girl and squelching income of her owners, facts are misconstrued to the point of lies and the magistrates find it reasonable to lock them up. Shackled and guarded. Injustice. Yet Paul has organized a praise choir and is belting out the Gaither songs he learned as a child. Nothing but praise and joy because the one to whom he has surrendered has singled him out and declared loved, forgiven, valued and with purpose for all eternity.
In calculated rhythm, Jesus walked the path that has already been decided in the eternity
past. While the devil’s minions march his bidding against our Saviour, our Sovereign God has already chosen the path. In the garden Jesus begins to sweat blood because of the intense emotions which try to consume him. He yields to his creation and allows them to whip him with leather straps with sharp bone at their tips. A crown of nail-like thorns is pressed down on his head and then 3/4 to 1” wide nails are driven through his hands and feet. Finally a spear is thrust in his side and into his heart.
Calculated, sovereign choice, love driven. It’s personal. Paul cannot subdue the love for his Saviour. An effectual love that appropriated it’s fullness in the lives of those that call him Lord.
I hasten to my point: Christians everywhere should contemplate the cross of Jesus Christ. Doing so will put everything else in its proper perspective. The God that balances the world on the tip of his finger wept for you and desired more than anything else your joy that flows from the knowledge of the cross story that gave you forgiveness and hope.
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Acts 11:19-26Acts 11:19-26
English: World English Bible - WEB
19 They therefore who were scattered abroad by the oppression that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews only.
20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Greeks, preaching the Lord Jesus.
21 The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
22 The report concerning them came to the ears of the assembly which was in Jerusalem. They sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch,
23 who, when he had come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad. He exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they should remain near to the Lord.
24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, and many people were added to the Lord.
25 Barnabas went out to Tarsus to look for Saul.
26 When he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. It happened, that for a whole year they were gathered together with the assembly, and taught many people. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
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One of the annoying commercials that come across our TV screen features a Paper Towel Man that soaks up any spill in a moment. That’s all he does.
It may be a silly illustration for a powerful value that we find in today’s Bible character. The primary difference in our story is that the one that has soaked up is also pouring out. (Again, it may be silly but hopefully memorable.)
Today’s passage describes Barnabas as “a good man full of the Holy Spirit and faith” (Acts 11:24Acts 11:24
English: World English Bible - WEB
24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, and many people were added to the Lord.
WP-Bible plugin). It’s because of this spiritual quality that the Apostles in Jerusalem send him to Antioch. Why? Because the Spirit is being poured on on that city. They sent the Spill Expert.
Barnabas does not arrive on the scene to show them how “full” he is. “Look at me everyone. Let’s see if you can be as full as me.” Rather, he look at this situation and discerns an opportunity to pour his life into 1 man – you may have heard of him – Saul of Tarsus. Barnabas finds him and brings him back to Antioch. They work together for a year.
Barnabas created a turning point in Saul’s life and opened the door for Saul’s powerful future ministry that would become much greater than his own. He poured his life into Saul as they shared in the teaching ministry Antioch. You will never find Barnabas guarding his fullness.
My Point: I don’t think God is impressed with the person that is full of the Spirit and faith if all they do is show others how full they are. Our “fullness” needs to be poured out. There’s always someone that you can find to invest your life in as you share in the journey of following Christ fully. And then praise God as you see how God uses the one you mentored.
Who is that person in your life?
Acts 9:36-43Acts 9:36-43
English: World English Bible - WEB
36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which when translated, means Dorcas. “Dorcas” is Greek for “Gazelle.” This woman was full of good works and acts of mercy which she did.
37 It happened in those days that she fell sick, and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper chamber.
38 As Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men Reading from NU, TR; MT omits “two men” to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them.
39 Peter got up and went with them. When he had come, they brought him into the upper chamber. All the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.
40 Peter put them all out, and kneeled down and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
41 He gave her his hand, and raised her up. Calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.
42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.
43 It happened, that he stayed many days in Joppa with one Simon, a tanner.
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Peter is in the town of Lydda working with many that have come to faith in Jesus Christ.
While in the urgency of that moment, a couple runners come to him. They are out of breath – they’ve just run hard for 1 1/2 hours – and urge Peter to come immediately. “Our friend has died!” Peter drops everything and starts off running with them. I’m not sure if he knew why he was running or if he had ever run 1 1/2 hours.
I have to think that by the time they get back to Joppa they’re running on pure adrenaline. There are people posted as lookouts for Peter’s arrival. I can hear the friends of Dorcas shouting back announcements that he’s coming. I doubt if they had cowbells like those cheering in the Olympics but I’m certain that hope and excitement was swelling.
Peter is sent upstairs to where the body of Dorcas is laid and Peter orders everyone out. He kneels and prays. As I read this, I wonder what he prayed and even why did he pray. He didn’t always pray when he healed someone, why now?
Here’s my thoughts. Up to this moment it was all about Peter. “Come on Peter, keep running. They need you.” “Peter’s coming everyone!” “We know you can heal her, Peter.”
Peter kneels before God – an act of humility. “Lord, it’s not about me. In fact, I’m nothing more than your servant. I’ve heard what everyone wants me to do, but what do you ask of me, Lord? I can do nothing without you. You are the resurrection and life, Lord.” Peter is quiet for a time. He ran to this place but is now kneeling low in worship and adoration.
There’s no fanfare as Peter stands to his feet. 3 simple words, “Tabitha, get up.”
My Point: Some times we go through our Christian life doing what others want us to do. Discerning the purposes of God for your life come clear to you only through time alone with God. Value that time in your life.
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Acts 6:15Acts 6:15
English: World English Bible - WEB
15 All who sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face like it was the face of an angel.
WP-Bible plugin, 1 Peter 2:11 Peter 2:1
English: World English Bible - WEB
2
1 Putting away therefore all wickedness, all deceit, hypocrisies, envies, and all evil speaking,
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Mankind has a deep appetite for verbal smut. The Bible calls it calls it “slander”. You may very well be guilty when you ask, “what’s the latest on _______________?”
Slander is a fabricated statement about someone that lowers your respect of them. I don’t think there’s a more damaging sin against the body of Christ when slander is permitted to exist against a brother or sister. There is no end to the pain that it can cause.
This morning I read another great story from the Book of Acts (Acts 6:8-15Acts 6:8-15
English: World English Bible - WEB
8 Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.
9 But some of those who were of the synagogue called “The Libertines,” and of the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and Asia arose, disputing with Stephen.
10 They weren’t able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.
11 Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.”
12 They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and came against him and seized him, and brought him in to the council,
13 and set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law.
14 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place, and will change the customs which Moses delivered to us.”
15 All who sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face like it was the face of an angel.
WP-Bible plugin) where this deadly tool was pulled from Satan’s drawer. The disciple Stephen was full of grace and power and was preaching the news of the resurrected Jesus. Those that didn’t believe in the resurrection tried to debate with Stephen but soon found that he had great wisdom and couldn’t win with the facts. Their only resort was to bring him down through slander.
Think on that for a moment. What hours of truth seeking could not accomplish, a single slanderous statement given to a verbal-smut-craved person brought him down in moments.
What’s my point: I want to encourage you to reject verbal smut. Peter says “get rid of … slander” (1 Peter 2:11 Peter 2:1
English: World English Bible - WEB
2
1 Putting away therefore all wickedness, all deceit, hypocrisies, envies, and all evil speaking,
WP-Bible plugin). By putting it to death means that you don’t buy it on the grocery stand, listen to it on TV or give your time to hearing it about someone you know. It is Spiritual Cyanide among believers.
What the body needs: Is a spirit of grace and truth. Be lovers of what is true – starting with God’s Word. Nurture your appetite for the truth of God’s Word. In John 14:6John 14:6
English: World English Bible - WEB
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.
WP-Bible plugin, Jesus replied, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
A couple good questions to ask someone before listening to their story: Is this what you know or what you heard? What is your motive for telling me?
Acts 19:17Acts 19:17
English: World English Bible - WEB
17 This became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, who lived at Ephesus. Fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
WP-Bible plugin “A solemn fear descended on the city, and the name of the Lord Jesus was greatly honored.”
What were they afraid of?
In our postmodern world we like everything to be soft and subjective; don’t point out anything as Truth lest you become labelled as arrogant and harsh. If you present fearful things about God you’re using wrong motives to scare people into believing. We’ve chosen to like the picture of Jesus carrying a lamb under one arm and a gentle smile on his face. Thanks Michelangelo.
On a particular day, a majority of the Ephesus population was gripped in solemn fear followed by a deliberate choice to honour and praise to God. What grabbed them? An unmistakable, face to face presentation of the power of God. Their response was a deliberate choice to follow God and reject all things that had any association with the devil. In dramatic fashion they brought it all to the stadium field and set it afire. In today’s currency, 5 Million dollars worth.
I don’t meet a lot of people that are gripped in solemn fear of God. Rather, I see people that have chosen the comfort of a life they’ve created and painted a smiley face on a few of their choice sins. Well, except you of course.
I wonder what would happen if Christians in our towns became real and authentic about their spiritual life? A solemn fear that’s what. I’ve seen it. However, it’s a deliberate choice of all things fake that keeps the power away.
Here’s my point: Don’t embrace a Christian culture that majors on the ministry of happy-face painting. True Kingdom citizenship with Christ is actually at enmity with the culture of this world. No truce has been made in heaven. Get real at any cost. That’s what they did in Acts 19.
One day we will all stand at the Judgement Seat of Christ (Romans 14:10Romans 14:10
English: World English Bible - WEB
10 But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
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Anything you need to burn?
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