(Revelation 1:5-7 NIV) and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. "Look, he is coming with the clouds," and "every eye will see him, even those who pierced him"; and all peoples on earth "will mourn because of him."So shall it be! Amen.
I like the verses because of they way it reminds us of Christ's life and sacrifice. The love, grace, and forgiveness of sins because of his blood on the cross. And then ALL we see him returning, even those who pierced him all will mourn. I try to imagine my reaction if I get to see him and I worry I have failed Him somehow. "So shall it be! Amen," is a statement finality. If you a not a Christ Follower. His glory, that we live in, is all powerful. If one doesn't believe it now. Wait...
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Monday - Acts 28
Act 28: 3-6 --- 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. When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, "This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live." But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
Ok, I hate snakes. So the fact Paul defeats the snake is one thing. But the fact that this miracle changed people's minds to follow Christ is awesome.
Acts 28: 25-31 --- They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: "The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet: "'Go to this people and say,
"You will be ever hearing but never understanding;you will be ever seeing but never perceiving." For this people's heart has become calloused;they hardly hear with their ears,and they have closed their eyes.Otherwise they might see with their eyes,hear with their ears,understand with their heartsand turn, and I would heal them.' "Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!" For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!
The last verses retell us Paul's life in summary. He is always sharing god's word, still giving the warnings to the non believers and continues to go boldly. Amen!
How must we humble ourselves to become a disciple of Paul's character? Can we? It certainly will fulfill our lives to try...
Ok, I hate snakes. So the fact Paul defeats the snake is one thing. But the fact that this miracle changed people's minds to follow Christ is awesome.
Acts 28: 25-31 --- They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: "The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet: "'Go to this people and say,
"You will be ever hearing but never understanding;you will be ever seeing but never perceiving." For this people's heart has become calloused;they hardly hear with their ears,and they have closed their eyes.Otherwise they might see with their eyes,hear with their ears,understand with their heartsand turn, and I would heal them.' "Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!" For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!
The last verses retell us Paul's life in summary. He is always sharing god's word, still giving the warnings to the non believers and continues to go boldly. Amen!
How must we humble ourselves to become a disciple of Paul's character? Can we? It certainly will fulfill our lives to try...
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Sunday - Acts 27
Acts 27 - my favorite Chapter in Acts! What e great story for Paul. Still a prisoner but leading all types of men and groups of men his is unyielding faith in Christ. During the storm on many different occasions he leads, gives direction to survive and processes faith in Christ. Paul is living out the charge to be a disciple for Christ. He has given up all, endures for Christ, praises Christ with agape love, and saves lives. What an adventure in this Chapter...
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Sat - Acts 26
(Acts 26:24-31 NIV) At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane." "I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 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?" Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. After they left the room, they began saying to one another, "This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment."
I like Paul! Even when the King asks Paul if Paul thinks that in a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian ... Paul says yes... In a short time or a long time and all those listening. What a disciple for Christ!
I like Paul! Even when the King asks Paul if Paul thinks that in a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian ... Paul says yes... In a short time or a long time and all those listening. What a disciple for Christ!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Friday - Acts 25
(Acts 26:24-31 NIV) At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane." "I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 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?" Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. After they left the room, they began saying to one another, "This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment."
I like Paul! Even when the King asks Paul if Paul thinks that in a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian ... Paul says yes... In a short time or a long time and all those listening. Whatr a disciple for Christ!
I like Paul! Even when the King asks Paul if Paul thinks that in a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian ... Paul says yes... In a short time or a long time and all those listening. Whatr a disciple for Christ!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Thursday - Acts 24
(Acts 24:14-16 NIV) However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.
Paul is defending his character or more impotantly, Christ and the scripture, even in the face of continued persecution. If we consider our call as Christ's disciples to GO...are we ready to endure this level of persecution as Paul? Today, we're you persecuted as an American Christan at work or school? How did you deal with it and how did you defend the Word of our Lord? Paul is traveling all over the world and is relentless in building Chist's church.
I also like the below verses as Paul deals with deceit and even trickery...but he never stops "going" while even in prison. He continues to stand with strength for Christ.
(Acts 24:24-27 NIV) Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you." At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him. When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.
Think about how this can be applied to our Bible study Sunday of Chapter 1, RADICAL....
Paul is defending his character or more impotantly, Christ and the scripture, even in the face of continued persecution. If we consider our call as Christ's disciples to GO...are we ready to endure this level of persecution as Paul? Today, we're you persecuted as an American Christan at work or school? How did you deal with it and how did you defend the Word of our Lord? Paul is traveling all over the world and is relentless in building Chist's church.
I also like the below verses as Paul deals with deceit and even trickery...but he never stops "going" while even in prison. He continues to stand with strength for Christ.
(Acts 24:24-27 NIV) Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you." At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him. When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.
Think about how this can be applied to our Bible study Sunday of Chapter 1, RADICAL....
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Acts 22
"Then he said: 'The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard. And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.' (Acts 22:14-16 NIV)
These verses sort of gave me a "RADICAL" chuckle... Your receive your reward as chosen, you get a set of instructions, you are a representative of God and Lord as witness/disciple and there is no time to waste! "What are you waiting for? Get up...." in others words - GO NOW & spread the gospel. But this is every Christians call, isn't it?!!! 3 verses, easy lesson.
These verses sort of gave me a "RADICAL" chuckle... Your receive your reward as chosen, you get a set of instructions, you are a representative of God and Lord as witness/disciple and there is no time to waste! "What are you waiting for? Get up...." in others words - GO NOW & spread the gospel. But this is every Christians call, isn't it?!!! 3 verses, easy lesson.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Acts 21
After receiving the commander's permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic: (Acts 21:40 NIV)
...and the better part of the story is in Acts 22 as Paul begins his defense. Good commentary in footnotes about Aramaic/Hebrew languages.
(in other words Acts 21 is filled with historical data and apostles from Paul's current and past travels but I found only Acts 21:24 to be of interest today. The purification rites, living in obedience to the law...more history but the NIV footnote was interesting.)
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Chauncey's verses, Acts 20
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 20:24 NIV)
This is the first of 3 verses in this Chapter that are parallel to our Radical discussion this afternoon at Bible Study. As disciples for Christ our lives are nothing except in service to him. How am I doing with finishing the race? Some days I question if I'm even off the starting line! But I will continue to share and lead wherever possible and wherever the race takes me. God's Grace is too awesome not to share.
Second verse - Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. (Acts 20:28 NIV)
Keep watch, over your flock, be shepherds, THE CROSS, Jesus' blood. A lot of responsibility our Father has placed on us. But we must remember, that God will only charge us with what HE all ready knows we can handle. HE will give us the time to get the things done that HE wants us to accomplish.
Third, In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Acts 20:35 NIV)
No one said it would be easy, in fact, being a disciple requires us to give up a lot, no everything according to the Luke Chapter 14:
This is the first of 3 verses in this Chapter that are parallel to our Radical discussion this afternoon at Bible Study. As disciples for Christ our lives are nothing except in service to him. How am I doing with finishing the race? Some days I question if I'm even off the starting line! But I will continue to share and lead wherever possible and wherever the race takes me. God's Grace is too awesome not to share.
Second verse - Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. (Acts 20:28 NIV)
Keep watch, over your flock, be shepherds, THE CROSS, Jesus' blood. A lot of responsibility our Father has placed on us. But we must remember, that God will only charge us with what HE all ready knows we can handle. HE will give us the time to get the things done that HE wants us to accomplish.
Third, In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Acts 20:35 NIV)
No one said it would be easy, in fact, being a disciple requires us to give up a lot, no everything according to the Luke Chapter 14:
Acts Chapter 20 study is tonight
Join Ben S. and I as we move through the book of Acts. We are on Chapter 20 tonight. Share the scripture that speaks to you and tell us why. God Bless!
PS. I will be back later tonight with my scripture...
PS. I will be back later tonight with my scripture...
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