WHO DO YOU LISTEN TO AND OBEY

PROCLAMATION

“Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey; whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?”  Romans 6:16 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome.  His point here was that believers should be dead to sin and alive in Christ. (Romans 6:11)  He said that every man is the servant of the master to whose commands he yields himself to. (Romans 6:16)  He ends this chapter by saying that the result of sin is death, temporal, spiritual, and eternal, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. (Romans 6:21-23)

 

APPLICATION

If we frequently give in to sin, then we are slaves of the devil.  However, if we frequently obey The Word of God, then we belong to Him.  If we love The Lord God, then we will keep His commandments. (John 14:15)  Believers are not perfect, we are ashamed of the times when we used to sin and when we slip and fall back into it. (Romans 6:21)  We should not use our bodies as instruments of unrighteousness and sin.  We should be instruments of righteousness, doing those things which are pleasing to The Lord and that give Him glory. (Romans 6:13 and 12:1)

 

ONE MAN'S SIN CONDEMNED US AND ONE MAN'S DEATH JUSTIFIED US

PROCLAMATION

“Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people.”  Romans 5:18 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome.  After stating that we are justified by faith, (Romans 5:1) he said that  should glory in our sufferings because suffering produces perseverance, and perseverance produces character, which produces hope. (Romans 5:3-5)  Then Paul said that sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin. (Romans 5:12)  He also said that God’s abundant provision of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through one man, Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:17)  He summed it up by saying that one man’s sin condemned all people and that one man’s righteous act justified all people. (Romans 5:18)

 

APPLICATION

Through the disobedience of one man all of us were made sinners, and through the obedience of one man all of us were given the opportunity to be made righteous. (Romans 5:19)  Sin leads to death, but through the grace of God, righteousness leads to eternal life through belief in Jesus, The Christ. (Romans 5:21)  Jesus came into this world so that all people might be saved, but only those who believe in Him will be saved.  Adam’s sin led to all of us being born into sin. (Psalm 51:5)  However, belief in Jesus, The Christ, will lead us to salvation and eternal life. (John 3:16 and Romans 10:9)

 

RIGHTEOUSNESS IS NOT EARNED

PROCLAMATION

“This is why ‘it was credited to him as righteousness.’  The words ‘it was credited to him’ were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness, for us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.  He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.”  Romans 4:22-25 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome.  Here Paul was telling them about Abraham, the father of the faithful.  He reminded them that the scripture says that Abraham believed that God would keep His promise and because of his faith in God he was credited with righteousness. (Romans 4:18-25)  Paul told them that all of the people who had faith in God would also be credited with righteousness and their sins would be forgiven just as King David had said. (Romans 4:6-8 and Psalm 32:1-2)  

 

APPLICATION

Because of our sinful human nature, alone at our best our “righteousness” is but as filthy rags in His sight. (Isaiah 64:6)  It is by the grace of God that we are saved, it is His gift to us, and we did not do anything to earn it. (Ephesians 2:8-9)  If we believe and have faith in God, then we too will be credited with righteousness.  Our faith will be tested, but if we hold on to our belief we will be rewarded.  The testing of our faith leads to the development of perseverance, which helps us mature as Christians. (James 1:2-4)  Because Christ died for our sins, as believers we can live and be credited with righteousness. (Romans 4:25 and 1 Peter 2:24)

 

 

FOR ALL HAVE SINNED

PROCLAMATION

“This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.  There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”  Romans 3:22-24 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul.  He begins this chapter by continuing the discussion regarding Jews and Gentiles that he began in the previous chapter.  He states that the Jews were given The Word of God (Roman 3:2) and they were God’s chosen people.  However, after the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, The Christ, all who believe in Him are justified and through faith in Him there is no difference between Jew and Gentile.  Because all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all need redemption through Christ.

 

APPLICATION

All of us, each and every one of us, have sinned. (Romans 3:10 and 3:23)  The penalty for our sin is death and eternal separation from The Lord God. (Romans 6:23 and Revelation 20:12-15)  However, Jesus, The Christ, who was without sin, paid the penalty for our sins with His death on the cross and all who believe in Him and His birth, life, crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection will be deemed righteous and be given eternal life. (John 3:16)  By His sacrificial atonement on Calvary and the shedding of His blood, Christ died in our place so that we might have the opportunity for salvation.  If we confess Him with our mouth and believe in Him in our heart, we will be saved (Romans 10:9-10) and our ethnicity or nationality will not matter. 

 

 

OUR HEART NEEDS TO BE CIRCUMCISED BY THE SPIRIT

PROCLAMATION

“A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.  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.”  Romans 2:28-29 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

The Apostle Paul wrote these words under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  He begins by stating that is unacceptable and inexcusable for those who do the things which they condemn others for doing.  Those who pass judgment on others for doing something and yet do the same thing, will not escape the judgment of God. (Romans 2:1-3)  The Lord God will repay each person according to what they have done. (Romans 2:6-10)  Then Paul speaks out against those who teach or preach against a sin then they commit it themselves. (Romans 2:21-24)  After this he goes on to describe who is a Jew.  He clearly states that being a Jew is not a birth right but a behavior.  One can be a Jew outwardly or physically, but if they do not obey the law of God then they are not a Jew inwardly or in their heart.  And, conversely, one who is not a Jew by birth but who keeps the law of God, he then is a Jew by his behavior, and he will receive God’s praise.

 

APPLICATION

Some people will say, “Do as I say do, not as I do” but that is not Christ-like.  Our actions speak much louder about us than do our words.  It is our behavior which defines us and not our words.  When Judgment Day comes, we will all be judged on our actions, (Revelation 20:12) our words, (Matthew 12:36) and our thoughts (Hebrews 4:12) by The Lord God who sees and knows our hearts. (Proverbs 21:2)  Let us pray that The Holy Spirit of God will make us real Christians, not just outwardly appearing to be one, but inwardly, in our heart and spirit.  We want to truly be one of God’s people.

 

DO NOT BE ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL

PROCLAMATION

“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.  For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from the first to the last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’ ”  Romans 1:16-17 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

The Bible Book of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Paul begins this epistle by explaining who he is, why he is writing this letter, and to whom he is writing it. (Romans 1:1-7)  After stating that he longs to see them in person, (Romans 1:8-13) and to preach to them. (Romans 1:15)  He then states that he is not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus, The Christ.  Then Paul goes on to explain why mankind needs the gospel and he proceeds to list the sinful behaviors of mankind. (Romans 1:18-32)

 

APPLICATION

The Bible Book of Romans is frequently referred to as “The Roman road to salvation” because it clearly presents what it takes for a person to be saved.  Believers are encouraged to first read this book and The Bible Book of John as they begin Christian walk.  Here, Paul makes it clear that he is not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus, The Christ.  He explains that in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed.  This is something that we should know and that we should tell others.  We should also be aware of the fact that Jesus, The Christ, said, “If you deny me before men, I will deny you before my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:33)  We do not want Him to say to us, “Depart from me …” (Matthew 7:22-23)  Where ever we are, we should also be able to boldly state, “I am a believer in Jesus, The Christ, and I am not ashamed of the gospel.”  The gospel has the power of God unto salvation.

 

WHEN TROUBLE STRIKES

PROCLAMATION

“Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand.”  Acts 28:3 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by Luke, the physician and traveling companion of the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  After Paul was arrested by the Roman commander, (Acts 21:33) and ordered taken to the barracks, (Acts 22:24) he underwent a series of trials.  Paul testified in his own defense before the Sanhedrin council, (Acts 23:1-10) before Governor Felix, (Acts 24:10-21) before Governor Festus, (Acts 25:6-11) and before King Agrippa. (Acts 26:1-31)  As a Roman citizen, Paul requested an appeal before Caesar, and it was granted. (Acts 26:32)  As they sailed to Rome, the winds were not in their favor. (Acts 27:4)  Paul warned them not to continue sailing but they did not listen to him. (Acts 27:9-11)  The winds turned into a violent storm. (Acts 27:13-20)  After two weeks at sea in the storm, they struck a sandbar, and the ship was broken into pieces. (Acts 27:27-41)  The crew and the prisoners all made it safely to shore. (Acts 27:44)  Altogether there were 276 people on board the ship. (Acts 27:37)  The people on the island of Malta welcomed them and helped them to build a fire because it was raining and cold. (Acts 28:1-3)  That was when Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake.  However, he did not die; he just shook the snake off and kept on working. (Acts 28:5-6)  Eventually, Paul healed every sick person on the island before continuing on to Rome. (Acts 28:7-9)

 

APPLICATION

We all go through various trials and tribulations along our journey called life.  At times bad storms will occur and disrupt the lives of good people.  We just need to keep the faith, speak the truth, and keep on doing the right thing.  When trouble strikes, first, don’t panic because that will only make things worse.  Second, just shake it off and count it all as joy (James 1:2) because God can use it for our good. (Romans 8:28)  Third, keep on working for The Lord.  He did not say that we would not have any troubles in our life.  He said that He would never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)  There will be storms in our life, but He will be with us during the storms and He has the power to control the storms. (Mark 4:39)  So, when trouble strikes, don’t panic, keep the faith, shake it off, and keep on doing what thus says The Lord.

 

LISTEN TO THE WARNING FROM THE MAN OF GOD

PROCLAMATION

“… So Paul warned them, ‘Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.’  But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship.”  Acts 27:9-11 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by Luke, the physician and traveling companion of the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter Luke recorded the events surrounding their journey to Rome, including the storm that they encountered on their voyage.  Because Paul had requested an appeal from Caesar, Governor Festus handed Paul over to a centurion named Julius and they boarded a ship for the voyage to Italy. (Acts 26:32 to 27:2)  The beginning of the voyage was uneventful.  When they reached Myra in Lycia, they boarded an Alexandrian ship which was sailing for Italy. (Acts 27:5-6)  The voyage from that point was difficult.  When the reached Fair Havens near the town of Lasea, Paul warned them not to continue the voyage. (Acts 27:7-10)  They did not listen to Paul and got caught in a violent storm.  After days of violent battering from the storm, they threw everything overboard and were planning to jump ship. (Acts 27:13-20)  Paul spoke to them again and warned them not to leave the ship.  He said that the ship would be destroyed but they would all live if they stayed with the ship. (Acts 27:21-26)  After two weeks at sea in the storm, they began to approach land.  Some of the sailors, fearing that they would be dashed against the rocks, attempted to escape the ship in lifeboats.  Paul told the centurion that unless they all stayed with the ship, they would not be saved.  This time they listened to Paul’s warning. (Acts 27:27-32)  They cut loose the lifeboats, stayed on the ship, and they were all made it safely to the island even though the ship was broken into pieces. (Acts 27:39-44)

 

APPLICATION

We should listen to the advice from the man of God and heed his warnings.  We could avoid some of the bad things and situations in our lives if we would obey The Word of God.  Not heeding The Word can be bad, but we do not have to continue down that path.  It does not matter how much bad we have done, with the help of The Lord, we can turn our life around.  If we believe and ask Him to forgive us, He is faithful and just, and He will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

ALMOST PERSUADED THEM

PROCLAMATION

“ ‘King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets?  I know you do.’  Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?’ ”  Acts 26:27-28 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by Luke, the physician and traveling companion of the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Here Luke recorded Paul’s self defense to King Agrippa against the charges the Jews had brought against him. (Acts 26:1-32)  At the end of Paul’s presentation, King Agrippa said to him: “Almost thou persuaded me to be a Christian.” (Acts 26:28 KJV)  Afterwards, King Agrippa told Governor Festus: “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.”  Then Agrippa also said: “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

 

APPLICATION

When we tell our story and witness to others about Jesus, The Christ, and what He has done for us, it is possible that some of them may be persuaded, or almost persuaded, to become believers.  In this text, Agrippa was almost persuaded by Paul’s story.  Today, we are to tell our story.  However, it is not our job to convince or convert them.  That is the preview of The Holy Spirit of God.  Our job is to tell them about Christ.  What they do with the information we give them is out of our control.  All we are to do is to plant the seed.  The germination of the seed, the watering of it, and its growth and development is in God’s hands. 

 

 

ON TRIAL

PROCLAMATION

“… Festus went down to Caesarea.  The next day he convened the court and ordered that Paul be brought before him.  When Paul came in, the Jews … brought many serious charges against him, but they could not prove them.  Then Paul made his defense: ‘I have done nothing wrong against the Jewish law or against the temple or against Caesar.’ ”  Acts 25:6-8 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by Luke, the physician and traveling companion of the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Luke recorded that when Paul was arrested, Felix was governor.  After two years, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. (Acts 24:27)  Three days after arriving in the province, Festus went from Caesarea to Jerusalem where he met with the chief priests and the Jewish leaders. (Acts 25:1-2)  They wanted Festus to transfer Paul to Jerusalem because they were preparing to ambush and kill him along the way. (Acts 25:3-5)  After he had spent about ten days with them, Festus went down to Caesarea.  Soon after he go there, he convened court and ordered that Paul be brought before him. (Acts 25:6-7)  The Jews who had come down from Jerusalem brought charges against Paul but could not prove them.  In his own defense before Festus, Paul said that he had done nothing wrong against the Jews or Caesar. (Acts 25:7-8)  Paul appealed to Caesar and, after conferring with his council, Festus declared that Paul be taken to Caesar. (Acts 25:9-12)  King Agrippa came to Caesarea to pay his respects to Festus.  When Festus told the king about Paul, he wanted to hear from Paul for his self. (Acts 25:13-22)   

 

APPLICATION

Here the apostle Paul was on trial by Governor Felix, Governor Festus, and King Agrippa for the accusations against him by the Jews.  Today, Christians are on trial by the non-believing people of the world.  They don’t share our beliefs and they don’t believe us.  They say that our actions and our words are not consistent.  We need to do a better job with our Christian walk

PEOPLE WILL TRY TO DISCREDIT BELIEVERS BY LYING ON US

PROCLAMATION

“You can easily verify … I went up to Jerusalem to worship.  My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city.  And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me.  However, I admit that I worship The God of our ancestors as a follower of The Way …”  Acts 24:11-14 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

The apostle Paul was arrested and escorted to the governor for a hearing.  After the elders and their lawyer, Tertullus, had presented their case against him to Felix, the governor, Paul was allowed to speak. (Acts 24:1-10)  Paul basically said that the charges against him were false.  He said that he was in the temple when they seized him but that he had done nothing wrong.  He said that he was on trial because he publicly declared that he believed in the resurrection of the dead. (Acts 24:17-21)  When Felix had heard Paul, he sent him back to prison.  Felix called for Paul frequently and talked with him, and yet still kept him in prison for two years as a favor to the Jews. (Acts 24:25-27)

 

APPLICATION

As believers we are encouraged to share The Word of God with others and tell them about Jesus, The Christ.  However, when we tell some non-believers about The Lord Jesus, we will offend or upset some of them.  In an effort to keep us quiet and to keep others from believing us, some people will lie on us or about us in order to discredit us.  The Bible says when men persecute us and say all manner of evil against us falsely that we should rejoice because great will be our reward in heaven. (Matthew 5:11-12)  So, let us keep on spreading the gospel in spite of what they say.

 

SOME PEOPLE WILL NOT LIKE YOU IF YOU BELIEVE

PROCLAMATION

“Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, ‘My brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees.  I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.’”  Acts 23:6 (NIV) 

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by Luke, the physician and traveling companion of the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Luke recorded that when Paul addressed the Sanhedrin council, he knew that some of them were Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection, angels, or spirits, and some of them were Pharisees, who believed in all these things. (Acts 23:7-8)  This created a great disturbance among the Sanhedrin which spilled over into the city.  Some of the Jews took an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. (Acts 23:9-15)  But the commander of the Roman army found out about the plot and had Paul taken out of town at night under heavy guard. (Acts 23:16-24)

 

APPLICATION

The Christian faith is based upon belief in the birth, life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, The Christ.  There are many people in this world who do not believe in these things and they hate those who do believe in them.  Some people even want to kill all Christian because of their religious beliefs.  Jesus said that the world would hate believers because the world hated Him. (John 15:18)  Not everybody believes that Jesus is The Christ and the promised Messiah.  However unpopular it may be, as believers we need to stand by our beliefs.  Jesus said if we deny Him before men, He will deny us before His Heavenly Father. (Matthew 10:33) 

MAN'S JUDGMENT IS BIASED GOD IS ALWAYS JUST

PROCLAMATION

“The commander ordered that Paul … be flogged and interrogated … As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said, ‘Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty?’ ”  Acts 22:24-25 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Here Luke recorded that after Paul was arrested, he spoke to the crowd in their native language. (Acts 22:1-2)  He told them his story including that he was born a Jew, educated by Greek scholars, and that he was a zealous persecutor of the followers of Christ until his conversion on the road to Damascus. (Acts 22:3-20)  Things were going well until he said that The Lord had sent him to preach to the Gentiles.  When he said that the crowd turned on him. (Acts 22:21-24)  As the soldiers were about to flog him, Paul told them that he was a Roman citizen.  They were alarmed and concerned because they knew that Roman citizens were to be treated differently as prisoners than other people. (Acts 22:25-29)

 

APPLICATION

With The Lord God there is no respect of persons. (Acts 10:34, Romans 2:11, and Ephesians 6:9)  He does not play favorites.  A person’s position, title, rank, or riches does not matter to God, for He sees the heart of man. (Jeremiah 11:20 and 20:12)  We tend to judge people by what they have.  Today, the law appears to be applied differently to the rich and famous than it is to the average person and the poor people.  As believers we are to love all of our brothers and sisters, (John 13:34, 15:12, and 15:17) and our enemies, (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27, and Luke 6:35) and we are not to judge anyone. (Matthew 7:1 and Luke 6:37)  We are not to use a double standard for how we treat people.  We should speak to, treat, and respect the CEO and the janitor, the rich and the poor, in the same manner.

SPEAK TO THE PEOPLE ABOUT THE LORD

PROCLAMATION

“As the soldiers were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander, ‘May I say something to you?’ … ‘Please let me speak to the people.’ … Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd.  When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic: …”  Acts 21:37-40 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Here Luke records that the apostle Paul, after making several stops along the way while travelling to Jerusalem, finally arrived there.  When he arrived, the people there warmly received him. (Acts 21:17)  The next day, he met with the elders and gave them a detailed report regarding what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. (Acts 21:18-19)  After seven days, some of the Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul in the temple.  They stirred up the crowd and the people seized Paul. (Acts 21:27-29)  They dragged him out of the temple and began beating him in order to kill him but were stopped by the Roman soldiers. (Acts 21:30-32)  Paul was arrested, for his own protection, and taken to the soldiers’ barracks, but he still wanted to speak to the people. (Acts 21:33-40)

 

APPLICATION

Even though the people had dragged him out of the temple and beaten him, the apostle Paul still wanted to tell his story about Christ to the people who had just tried to kill him.  During good times and difficult times, in bad situations, and to non-receptive crowds, believers should not shy away from speaking up for The Lord God.  Believers are called to witness for The Lord, (Isaiah 43:12) to tell others about His goodness towards us.  No one can tell our individual personal story, regarding what The Lord has done for us, better than we can.  We need not be ashamed or afraid to speak, even to people that we do not know.  Jesus said that if we deny Him before men, He will deny us before His Father in heaven. (Matthew 10:33)

 

COMPLETE THE TASK WHICH THE LORD GOD HAS GIVEN US

PROCLAMATION

“And now, compelled by The Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.  I only know that in every city The Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.  However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task The Lord Jesus has given me, the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”  Acts 20:22-24 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Here Luke records that the apostle Paul, after travelling through Macedonia and Greece, (Acts 20:1-6) raising the dead boy in Troas, (Acts 20:7-12) and after arriving in Miletus, sent for the elders of the church. (Acts 20:17)  He told them that he had been compelled by The Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem.  He also said that The Holy Spirit had warned him that prison and hardships lay ahead of him, (Acts 20:23) and that they would not see him again. (Acts 20:25)  He advised them to keep watch over themselves and the people of God.  He said that wolves would rise up to devour the sheep. (Acts 20:28-31)

 

APPLICATION

None of us are going to live forever.  Our physical death is a part of living, the end of it.  Some people know or can feel when the end of life is near.  Paul knew that the end of his life was near.  He told them that his life was worth nothing to him. (Acts 20:24)  What was important was finishing the task which The Lord Jesus had given to him.  Some of the apostles and the early disciples considered it an honor to suffer in the name of The Lord or for doing His work.  The Bible says blessed are you when men shall persecute you for His sake. (Exodus 20:11)  We need to get to that point where doing the work of The Lord is more important than anything else, even more important than life itself.  The Lord said that He would never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)  Our primary goal is, or should be, to finish the race and complete the task which The Lord God has given to us.  If it be His will that we die while doing His work, then so be it.  In the end, we want to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant …” (Matthew 25:21)

 

DO NOT CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD IF YOU DO NOT KNOW HIM

PROCLAMATION

“God did extraordinary miracles through Paul … Some Jews … tried to invoke the name of The Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed.  They would say, ‘In the name of The Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.’  Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish priest, were doing this.  One day the evil spirit answered them, ‘Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?’  Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all.  He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.”  Acts 19:11-16 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Here Luke records that while Paul was in Ephesus, he met twelve disciples of John, the baptizer, and baptized them in the name of The Lord Jesus.  He laid his hands of them and they received The Holy Spirit. (Acts 19:1-7)  The Lord God did extraordinary miracles through Paul.  Even the handkerchiefs that he had touched cured the sick. (Acts 19:11-12)  Certain Jewish exorcists tried to copy Paul and invoke the name of The Lord Jesus to call out the evil spirits from demon-possessed individuals.  However, the evil spirit turned on them, and beat them severely.  This became known all throughout Ephesus and the name of The Lord Jesus  feared and held in high honor. (Acts 19:11-20)

 

APPLICATION

If you do not know Jesus, The Christ, or The Lord God, it is not wise to call on His name.  If you are non-believer, you should only call on Him to confess your sins and to ask Him to come into your life as your personal savior.  Otherwise, you probably should not call upon his name.  The Lord God is not to be played with.  Unfortunately, today many people who do not have a relationship with Him use His name in their casual conversation and in profanity.  We are not to use the name of The Lord God in vain. (Exodus 20:7  If you are not going to reverence Him, then you should not talk about Him or try to invoke His powers.  These seven men learned that the hard way.  Hopefully, no one else will have to learn this lesson painfully.

 

LET US BE CONSIDERATE AND HUMBLE WHEN WE SHARE AND HELP

PROCLAMATION

“Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos … had been instructed in the way of The Lord … he spoke with great fervor … though he knew only the baptism of John.  He began to speak boldly in the synagogue.  When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately … he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the scriptures that Jesus was The Messiah.”  Acts 18:24-28 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Here Luke records that in Corinth, Paul met a Jewish believer named Aquila and his wife Priscilla.  Because Aquila was also a tent-maker, Paul stayed with them. (Acts 18:1-4)  After a year and a half, Paul left Corinth (Acts 18:11) for Syria and Aquila and Priscilla accompanied him. (Acts 18:18-19)  However, when they arrived at Ephesus, Paul left Priscilla and Aquila and went on alone.  It was here in Ephesus that they met Apollos, a Jewish believer, who was knowledgeable in the scriptures, but he only knew of the baptism of John.  Priscilla and Aquila had learned about Jesus, The Christ, from Paul when he stayed with them.  They took Apollos aside and privately they shared with him what they knew about Jesus, The Christ.  They helped Apollos, who was already an eloquent speaker, to become more knowledgeable and better.

 

APPLICATION

None of us knows everything, especially about Jesus, The Christ.  Those who heard the apostles preach learned a lot, and those who hear the Man of God preach today can learn a lot.  Those who also read and study The Word of God regularly will learn even more.  However, when we share that which we know with others, we should be very careful regarding how we share it.  The goal is to help edify others, not to put them down publicly or in private.  The purpose is not to show off how much we know, but to enhance the knowledge of others.  Every serious and knowledgeable Bible student is not necessarily a good teacher.  If we cannot help someone with what we know, then our knowledge is useless.  Let us learn how to be humble when we help others and not do it to show off.  We should always “THINK” before we speak and make sure that what we say is “Truthful, Helpful, Insightful, Necessary, and Kind.”  It is not always what we say but how we say it that is hurtful.  Be considerate.

 

BECAUSE OF THE LORD GOD WE LIVE MOVE AND EXIST

PROCLAMATION

“For in Him we live and move and have our being.  As some of your poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’ ”  Acts 17:28 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Luke records that Paul and Silas had to leave Thessalonica after they preached that Jesus was the Messiah.  The non-believing Jews had formed a mob there and were looking for them, so they fled. (Acts 17:1-10)  They went to Berea, but the non-believing Jews from Thessalonica heard that they were preaching there, and they went to Berea and stirred up the crowd against them. (Acts 17:10-15)  Paul then went to Athens and noticed that the city was full of idols and he was disturbed. (Acts 17:16-18)  While there he found an altar with the inscription, “To The Unknown God”, and he preached to them about Him. (Acts 17:22-23)  While he was speaking to them, he said that it was because of The Lord God that we live, move, and have our very being.

 

APPLICATION

There are a lot of intelligent and well educated people who believe in scientific things, but they do not believe in Jesus, The Christ, or His death, burial, and resurrection.  They do not believe that God created the earth and all things therein. (Revelation 10:6)  They do not believe that man was made from the dust of the earth and God breathed into him the breath of life and he became a living soul. (Genesis 2:7)  It is not our place to convince them to believer in God, we are only to tell them about Him.  The Holy Spirit of God will convict, convince, and convert them as He see fit.  Believers know that it is because of The Lord God that we live, move, and have our being.  When we die, our soul will return to The Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6-8) and our bodies will return to the dust from which it came. (Genesis 3:19, Psalm 104:29, and Ecclesiastes 12:7)  Our bodies are just the house that we live in until we die.  Our souls will not die but will spend eternity somewhere. (Matthew 25:46)  The question is: “Where will you spend eternity?”

 

PRAYING AND PRAISING GOD CAN CHANGE THINGS

PROCLAMATION

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.  Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken.  At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.”  Acts 16:25-26 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

Paul went to Macedonia in response to a vision he had. (Acts 16:9-10)  There he met Lydia, a wealthy woman who worshiped God.  He baptized her, and he and Silas stayed at her house. (Acts 16:13-15)  One day, on their way to the place of prayer, they met a female slave who had a spirit within her by which she predicted the future.  Her owners earned a great deal of money from her fortune-telling.  For many days she followed them around shouting, “These men are servants of The Most High God …” and annoyed Paul so that he called the spirit out of her. (Acts 16:16-18)  This upset her owners who lost their hope of making more money through her.  So they had Paul and Silas arrested.  Because of the charges which they brought against them, they were stripped, beaten, severely flogged, thrown into prison and put in the stocks. (Acts 16:19-24)  While in prison the prayed and praised God, and suddenly their chains fell off and the prison doors flew open.  They did not leave the prison.  When the jailer saw what had happened, he led them out of the prison and brought them to his house.  There Paul and Silas spoke the word of The Lord to all that were in his house, and the jailer and his whole household were saved. (Acts 16:27- 34)

 

APPLICATION

We are encouraged to always pray (Luke 18:1) and His praise should always be on our lips. (Psalm 34:1)  However, when things have gone from bad to worse, and life has gotten us down, and it seems that there is no way out, it is hard to be positive.  When things appear to be at their worst, that is the time when we should pray and praise The Lord anyhow.  The Lord God can make a way out of no way.  There is no problem or situation that is so bad that God cannot fix it.  We need to exercise our faith in order for it to get stronger.  It takes some pretty strong faith to praise Him when things are much worse than we ever imagined.  Remember, we cannot have a testimony without first going through a test.  Trust in The Lord.  Pray until something happens.  Praise Him in the midst of our storms because all things work together for the good of those who love Him. (Romans 8:28) 

 

DISAGREE WITHOUT BEING DISAGREEABLE

PROCLAMATION

“Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, ‘Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached The Word of The Lord and see how they are doing.’  Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work.  They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company.  Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of The Lord.  He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.”  Acts 15:36-41 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Luke records that when Barnabas and Paul left Antioch to begin their first Holy Spirit directed missionary journey, John Mark was with them as their helper. (Acts 13:1-5)  However, when they sailed to Perga in Pamphylia to continue their journey, Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem. (Acts 13:13)  The reason why Mark left them is not recorded, but it is clear that Paul felt that Mark had deserted them, and he did not want to take him on another journey.  The disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over Mark was so sharp until they parted company and went on separate missionary journeys in different directions.  They did not split the church in Antioch where they were like “co-pastors”.  They both continued to do the work of The Lord but with different travelling companions for their second missionary journey.

 

APPLICATION

It is quite common for people to disagree.  Unfortunately, from time to time, believers will also disagree with one another.  This even includes the men of God.  Usually these disagreements are about something other than The Word of God.  The Christ-like way to handle such occasions is to disagree without being disagreeable.  Non-believers will judge all Christians by the behavior they see exhibited by believers.  Young and new believers can be negatively impacted by their observation of “heated” disagreements between believers.  It is not good for us to cause “young believers” to stumble because of what they see or hear from believers. (Matthew 18:6)  We should not tear the church apart because of our human differences and disagreements.  There is plenty of work for all of us to do in different venues.

 

BELIEVERS MUST ENDURE MANY HARDSHIPS IN THIS LIFE

PROCLAMATION

“They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples.  Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.  ‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,’ they said.  Acts 14:21-22 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Luke records that Paul and Barnabas preached so effectively in Iconium that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed. (Acts 14:1)  But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the people so that the city was divided.  There was a plot to stone them, but they fled to Lystra. (Acts 14:2-7)  In Lystra, Paul healed a man who was lame from birth and the people thought that they were gods and wanted to offer sacrifices to them. (Acts 14:8-18)  Some of the Jews who came from Antioch stirred up the people, won over a large crowd and they stoned Paul and left him for dead. (Acts 14:19)  The next day Paul and Barnabas left for Derbe. (Acts 14:20)  After preaching there they retraced their steps and went back to the cities of Lystra, Iconium and Antioch.

 

APPLICATION

It is not easy to be a Christian.  There is a price to be paid for being a believer and following Christ.  Jesus, The Christ, said that we must take up our cross and follow Him. (Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, and Luke 9:23)  He also said that we would be hated among men for His sake. (Matthew 10:22, Mark 13:13, Luke 21:17, and John 15:18)  However, if we endure the hardships in this life, we will be rewarded in the next life. (Matthew 5:10)  So, keep the faith, we may suffer now but joy is coming. (Psalm 30:5)

 

BELIEVERS ARE FORGIVEN OF EVERY SIN

PROCLAMATION

“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.  Through Him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the Law of Moses.”  Acts 13:38-39 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These words were written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Luke records that The Holy Spirit directed Barnabas and Saul, who is also called Paul, to leave Antioch and go to Pisidian Antioch by way of Cyprus. (Acts 13:1-13)  There, on the Sabbath, they went to the synagogue and sat.  After the reading of the law, the leaders of the synagogue asked them to speak. (Acts 13:14-15)  Paul stood up and preached the gospel, and he ended with the above two versus. (Acts 13:16-39)  Afterwards, he was asked to speak again on the next Sabbath and Jews got jealous when almost everyone in the city gathered to hear him. (Acts 13:42-47)

 

APPLICATION

Those of us who believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, The Christ, are forgiven of all of our sins, past, present, and future.  We are no longer under the Law of Moses; we are under the grace of God.  This forgiveness of sin applies not only to the Jewish believers, but to the Gentile believers also. (Acts 13:46-48)  The Law of Moses cannot save anyone.  It only serves to reveal our shortcomings.  Only those of us who are covered by the blood of Jesus can be saved and have our sins forgiven. (1 John 1:7)

 

CORPORATE PRAYER IS POWERFUL

PROCLAMATION

“Then Peter came to himself and said, ‘Now I know without a doubt that The Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.’  When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying.”  Acts 12:11-12 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Luke records that Herod had arrested some members of the church and was planning to execute them. (Acts 12:1)  He had James, the brother of John, put to death with a sword.  When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he had Peter arrested and planned to execute him after the Passover. (Acts 12:2-4)  While Peter was in jail awaiting execution, chained between two soldiers, an angel of The Lord appeared, released him, and led him out of the prison into the city. (Acts 12:6-10)  Peter initially thought that he was seeing a vision (Acts 12:9) but when he came to himself, he realized that The Lord God had saved him.  Once he was outside of the prison, he went to Mary’s house where the believers had gathered and were praying for him.  They were praying for him but when they heard him, they could not believe that their prayers had been answered. (Acts 12:13-17)

 

APPLICATION

There is power in prayer.  Jesus, The Christ, said that men ought to always pray. (Luke 18:1) Prayer changes things.  There is power in the prayer of a believer.  The prayer of a righteous man is very effective. (James 5:16)  There is also power in corporate prayer.  Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20)  Great and wonderful things happen when the people of God are gathered together in one place and are on one accord.  Jesus said, “And all things, whatsoever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive.” (Matthew 21:22)  So, let us pray until something happens.

THE TRUTH CAN SILENCE SOME OF OUR CRITICS

PROCLAMATION

“When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, ‘So then, even to Gentiles God granted repentance that leads to life.’ ”  Acts 11:18 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATIONS

These words were written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Luke records that the apostles and believers criticized Peter for taking The Word of God to the Gentiles and for going into the house of, and eating with, “uncircumcised men.” (Acts 11:1-3)  Peter told them the hold story starting from the beginning. (Acts 11:4-16)  When he had finished he asked them, “So if God gave them the same gift He gave us who believed in The Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?” (Acts 11:17)   When they heard this, they had no further objections.

 

APPLICATIONS

Sometimes we can be criticized, even by believers, for doing what The Lord God has told us to do.  Some people will not like it when we tell the truth.  When our critics are believers, the truth will silence them. (Acts 11:18)  However, if our critics are non-believers, the truth can upset them and even enrage them to the point of violence.  That was what happen to Peter and John (Acts 5:40) and to Stephen. (Acts 7:54-58)  Jesus, The Christ said, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake … Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matthew 5:10-12)  We are encouraged to always tell the truth.  However, we should always think before we speak to make sure that what we say is “Truthful, Helpful, Insightful, Necessary, and Kind.”

 

OUR HEART IS IMPORTANT NOT OUR RACE ETHNICITY OR NATIONALITY

PROCLAMATION

“He said to them: ‘You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile.  But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean.’ ”  Acts 10:28 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Luke records that a devout and God-fearing man named Cornelius, who was a centurion in the Roman army, had a vision in which he was told to send for Simon Peter. (Acts 10:1-6)  About the same time Peter had a vision in which The Lord God told him not to call anything impure that He had made clean. (Acts 10:9-16)  While Peter was still trying to figure out his first vision, The Holy Spirit came to him and told him to go with the three men who were looking for him because He had sent them. (Acts 10:17-19)  Peter went with them and when he arrived at the home of Cornelius, he told them that their law did not allow a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile, but God had shown him that it was okay. (Acts 10:23-29)  Cornelius had invited his relatives and close friends to his home to hear the message that God had for them. (Acts 10:24)  Peter found a large gathering in the house (Acts 10:27) and preached to them until The Holy Spirit came upon all of those who heard him. (Acts 10:44-46)

 

APPLICATION

With The Lord God there is no respect of persons, (Acts 10:34 and Romans 2:11) there are only believers and non-believers.  Believers are to accept all other believers as brothers in Christ, regardless of their racial, ethnic, or national differences.  All believers possess The Holy Spirit of God within them.  Our differences do not matter.  All that is important is that they believe in Christ.  If they believe, then they are to be accepted.  If they do not believe, then we are to share the gospel with them.  It is the job of The Holy Spirit to convict, convince, and convert them. Only He adds to the church and He does so as He sees fit. (Acts 2:47)