Book of Acts, Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Peter and Cornelius

1 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, 2 a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. 3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.” 4 And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. 5 And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.” 7 When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him, 8 and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

Peter's Vision

9 The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. 10 And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance 11 and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” 14 But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” 15 And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” 16 This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.

17 Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, stood at the gate 18 and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there. 19 And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. 20 Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” 21 And Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?” 22 And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.” 23 So he invited them in to be his guests.

The next day he rose and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. 24 And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.” 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. 28 And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.”

30 And Cornelius said, “Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’ 33 So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.”

Gentiles Hear the Good News

34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. 43 To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles

44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 45 And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, 47 “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.

Come Together, Good Company

Come together, over Him. 

This is not a Church. This is a building. 

This is the Church. The People are the Church. Say Hi to Pastor Jason Ginn, Ascent Church at 4175 SE Cove Rd, Stuart Fl, 34997. If you are in the area at 9 or 10:45 am on Sunday? Stop by. You will be blessed. The people, in the building, on a public beach, where I believe this photo was taken at a beach baptism, in a private residence, anywhere where the people of God, the children of God meet, THAT is the church.

"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." Matthew 18:20

Do you think He is together with those who have come together for the purpose of fleshly desires? No. Do you think He is there to talk with you, guide you, bless you, in the middle of your sin? No. Remember, we are talking about this.

“Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.” 1 Corinthians 15:33-34

If you have accepted Jesus, if you have repented your sins and your sinful ways, you may have to walk away from those who have not.

"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." Proverbs 13:20

And here

Proverbs 14:7 "Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge."

Why? Because if you stay with those who have not repented, they are still living a life of sin. The life you used to know and do. It is as natural for them as it was once for you. If you do not separate from them, you will fall back into sin. But coming apart from them and your old life is not enough.

You cannot go it alone. Sorry, you really cannot.

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,” Hebrews 10:24-26

Do you know one of the biggest things people find when they join AA or seek out therapy of some sort? One of the common reactions is comfort, that they are not alone. They realize that others are facing similar temptations and troubles.

The church is the same way. You will find many people in the church have been through or are facing things you are facing. You will learn that others are struggling and some have overcome this or that. You will find that if you have a need, there will be someone who steps up and offers you assistance.

Do you know the problem with being left alone? You are left alone. There is no one there to care. No one is there to teach you a better way. No one to laugh with. No one to cry with. Need a hug? Believe it or not, it really is hard to hug yourself and make it meaningful.

No, you need to find a church God leads you to, and be blessed by those there.

When I first received the gift of salvation, I knew nothing really. Oh, I knew Jesus loves me. I know He died for me. But I knew nothing really more than that. I started reading the Word, and I understood some, but I had questions about other things. I heard about all these "contradictions" and I heard about the Bible being nothing more than a work of fiction. I heard about the stories of Jesus rising from the dead are fantasy and impossible.

I heard all these things from people outside of the church. Some of them made some compelling arguments. Some of them sounded like they knew what they were talking about. Some of them tried to convince me, "out of love," that it is all nonsense and a waste of my time.

I started to go to church. I joined a group of believers. I learned that the Bible says this.

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." Colossians 3:16

I learned that the Bible says this.

"For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5

I started to ask my questions. I started to listen to those more mature in faith than I. Do you know what I found out? I learned there are no contradictions. No, not one. There are misinterpretations, misunderstandings, and outright twisting of scriptures. But not one single contradiction. I learned that the Bible is the very LIVING Word of God. That it is living and it gives life. God can speak directly to whomever He chooses through His Word. He can also speak to you through others. I learned that Jesus did indeed rise from the dead and is alive and well today. He is the great I am. I learned this.

"And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.

But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:17-23

Then I learned that the entire Bible, including the old testament, is all about Jesus. An example? Isaiah 53. Even though it sounds like the writer was writing about his witness to Jesus and His life, it was written some 700 years before the birth of Jesus.

I did not know this prior. I learned that no matter how many times you read the Bible, you will get different things out of it. I learned that others who came before me could guide me in better directions.

I remember one day walking into Ascent Church. Which is at 4175 SE Cove Rd, Stuart Fl, 34997. If you are in the area at 9 or 10:45 am on Sunday? Stop by. You will be blessed. I walked into the building and this Godly woman Mary came up and gave me a hug. It was a real hug. It was a loving hug. A meaningful hug. I'm telling you something here, If Mary hugs you, and tells you she loves you and she is praying for you? There is no doubt about it. I have walked into that building in various states of being. Happy, sad, more and more depressed. Depression is real folks. It does not really matter who you are. But when Mary hugs you? Yeah. Peace and comfort come over you.

You do not get moments like this alone. I listened to the Pastor teach on various topics. I started to have a better understanding by hearing the Word. I learned this too.

"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." Romans 10:17

"Well, I can watch that TV Preacher. I do not have to actually go to a church."

That TV Preacher? He does not know you. No one in that ministry knows who you are. They do not know what you are going through. They have no way of knowing if you are happy or sad. They do not even really care about you to tell you the truth. They care about numbers and revenue to keep their ministries on the air.

When you join a local church. They know when you are there. They know when you are not. They know when you are happy and when you are sad. They truly do care about you. It is not just the Pastor. It is the Marys. The Johns. The Peters. It is the friendships you make and the people that become family.

They are there to celebrate with you. They are there to cry with you. They are there to do life with you. You cannot get that alone. You cannot get that from that TV Preacher. You cannot get that in any other way.

Yes. If you stay with that bad company, you will reap what they sow. Your morals will be chipped away and you will fall back into sin. Yes, if you go it alone, you will not grow and will not reap the benefit of the family God is calling you to. Yes, if you do listen to God, and allow Him to lead you to the Church He wants you to be a part of, you will find good company, love, and kindness, and a new family that loves you and wants to do life with you. Do not neglect this precious gift.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I believed He rose from the dead. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall be saved." Romans 10:9. You need to find a Church that God leads you to and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."Colossians 3:10

If you want to tell me, comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!!

Book of Acts, Chapter 9

 Chapter 9

The Conversion of Saul

1 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened.

Saul Proclaims Jesus in Synagogues

For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. 20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.

Saul Escapes from Damascus

23 When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him, 25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.

Saul in Jerusalem

26 And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him. 30 And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

31 So the church throughout all of Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.

The Healing of Aeneas

32 Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed. 34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose. 35 And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

Dorcas Restored to Life

36 Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas.[d] She was full of good works and acts of charity. 37 In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” 39 So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics[e] and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.

Bad Company, Separate

Be ye Separate 

Welcome. Today we will continue our series, entitled "Bad Company." Last time we talked about the fact you were once, bad company. You were with them. You did the same things they did. You may have even been a bad influence over or to someone else.

Then something happened. Then you heard the truth. You heard how God created you. How God created all things. How God loved you so that Jesus had to come and die for you. You heard that if you accept this, you will be saved.

"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God." John 3:14-18

You did just that. You believed. You have faith and it is the faith in Him that you have become saved. You are in Christ.

"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." 2 Corinthians 5:17

However, here is the thing. You are a new creature. They? They are not. What you use to do with them, they are still doing without you. As you now may see what is wrong with these things, they not only do not see, for they have the same eyes, but they ENJOY doing these things. It is as normal as breathing to them. As it once was to you as well.

I know it is difficult. I know it is hard. I know it is even hard to think about it. But look what the Bible says here.

“Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.” 1 Corinthians 15:33-34

You are not them. You are now a new creature with access to heavenly wisdom in all things. Seek that out. Look here.

"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." Proverbs 13:20

And here?

"Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge." Proverbs 14:7

I know. It seems harsh. I understand that it seems I may be calling some of your loved ones fools, and bad people. I guess in a way, I am. Or the Word of God, this, {Holding up the Bible} this is.

It warns us of this danger.

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" 2 Corinthians 6:14

Look, I'm not trying to offend anyone. I'm really not. But you are now a child of God. You now have access to Heavenly Wisdom. They, whoever they may be, are not. They do not. All they have is worldly wisdom.

"For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." 1 Corinthians 1:25

You have access to this wisdom now. As a child of God, you can tap into it.

"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." James 3:17

Look around you. Can you say Facebook? What about Tic-Toc? Youtube? Instagram? Our society is growing increasingly selfish. It is all about me. How many views? How many followers can I have? Look at me. Look at my life. Some platforms even encourage this behavior by promising money and fame to those who do such. But look here.

"But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." James 3:14-18

Now is social media inherently evil? No. Let's get that out of the way right off the bat. It is a tool. Like all tools, like a hammer, it can be used for either good or evil. You can use a hammer to build a house, or you can use a hammer to bash someone in the head, taking their life. A gun is a tool that can be used to provide food, protect your family, and or, murder innocent life. A gun is a tool.

Social media is the same. It can be used to promote self, pornography, or hate, or it can be used to promote the Gospel, the Word, and love. You need to use heavily and Godly wisdom when dealing with social media or pretty much anything in the world.

The Word even warns us about this.

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17

I know many people try. I've tried. If you are honest, you would have to admit you probably have tried as well. Go to church on Sunday. Read the Word. Sing songs. Worship God. Then go out of the church and go to the neighborhood BBQ. Have a beer. Have another beer. Eat a hot dog. Have another beer. Talk trash about this person of that. Have another beer. Do things that make everyone laugh and egg you on.

Go to work Monday, not feeling well, but plowing through because you gotta make that money. You do whatever it takes to get ahead. In some cases, you may even lie, cheat, or steal. You work so hard that you go home and pass out. Before you know it, it is Sunday morning, off to church you go.

Never, during the week have you ever thought about God. You were too busy, you know, living life, to read the Bible, pray, or anything like that. But here you are. Sunday morning. "Praise Jesus!" "Hallelujah!"

"How great is our God, sing it with me
How great is our God, and all with see
How great, how great, is our God!"

Wait. What time is it? Time to head to that ball game party. Right? How many worship songs are we going to sing? When is the Pastor going to stop talking? I sure hope I get that raise/promotion. What's for dinner? Oh yeah,

"How great is our God?"

You get the point. We can not live in both the flesh and the spirit. We just can't. There is nothing wrong with BBQs. There is nothing wrong with ball game parties. Nothing wrong with trying to do the best you can at work. But where is your focus? What are you putting first? God? The alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end. The Creator of all that is, was, and ever will be? Of is your focus on self.

Jesus told us this.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33

Share the word at the BBQ. Share God's grace and mercy at the game party. Lose your Job? God will get you a better one. Jesus told us that we should not be anxious about food, drink, clothing, basically for any of our daily needs. Simply, He tells us, to seek Him first, and all will be given to us.

What are you spending your time doing? Reading or worrying. Praying, or fearing. Are you spending time with your Daddy? Or are you spending time with those who know nothing more than self and worldly wisdom?

Believe it or not, it really is true. What you put in you, you put out. You become what you are feeding on. Are you hanging out with bad company? Or are you joining up with good company? This is what we will be talking about next time. You should never try to go it alone.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I believed He rose from the dead. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall be saved." Romans 10:9. You need to find a Church that God leads you to and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature.

If you want to tell me, comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Book of Acts, Chapter 8

 Chapter 8

Saul Ravages the Church

1 And Saul approved of his execution.

And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. 3 But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.

Philip Proclaims Christ in Samaria

4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city.

Simon the Magician Believes

9 But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. 10 They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” 11 And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.

14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” 24 And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”

25 Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.

Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:

“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter

    and like a lamb before its shearer is silent,

    so he opens not his mouth.

33 In his humiliation justice was denied him.

    Who can describe his generation?

For his life is taken away from the earth.”

34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

Bad Company

The company you keep. 

Why is it we read things like this?

"Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you," 2 Corinthians 6:17

We read things like this.

"This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." 1 John 1:5-10

One more.

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions, are not from the Father but from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." 1 John 2:15-17

Why do we read things like this? Because we are keeping "bad company." Especially when you first get saved. Before you get saved? Guess what? YOU are bad company. But not anymore. The problem is, they still are.

This is what we will be talking about coming up in the next few weeks. Bad Company. Yes, some of you have the song playing in your head right now. We will be talking about,

1- Bad Company

2- Separate from Bad Company

3- Coming together with Good Company.

Let's start with the basics. You and your childhood group of friends. Think about them. You all did the same things. The good, the bad, the ugly. Think about your close nit inner circle of friends you had before you got saved. You all did the same things. The good, the bad, the ugly. You know their secrets and they know yours. You were all the same.

Herein lies the problem. You are no longer the same. The Word declares that once you are saved, that you,

"have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." Colossians 3:10

But they are not new. They have not changed. They are the same. They still drink, do whatever, and mess around with this or that. Sleep around. Look at things you should no longer be looking at. Doing the things you USED to do, but now should no longer be doing. They are still doing and enjoying doing these things.

Here is the problem. In a lot of cases, they want YOU to still be doing all these things too. When you say no? They become offended and they think you think you are better than them. The sad truth is, no matter how much you may desire to have them join you and accept Jesus and give up their sin, unless God Himself calls them, and they decide for themselves to accept the call, they will never even hear what you say. Why? Because you are speaking a new tongue. You are speaking spiritually. They are seeing, hearing, and living in the flesh. look what Jesus told the religious folks of the day.

"Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word." John 8:43

Paul writes this in his letter to Rome.

"For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God." Romans 8:7-8

I understand your compassion and your desire to free those you love from the laws of sin and death. God has blessed me, with three beautiful children. Joshua is not going to be seventeen years old this year. He accepted Jesus into his heart at age 7. Without conversation or prompting, he stood up and walked up to the altar, and asked to be, and was, baptized. Elijah is 11, and Maya is now 7, at this time. When the time comes, it will be their choice. No matter how much I love them, I could even lay down my life for them. It is STILL up to them.

Your friends are the same way. Your other family members are the same way. It is a personal decision to accept and believe or reject and not believe. However, look at this warning in the Bible.

“Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33

The short answer is "No." You really cannot be a new child of God and still remain as you were before. You can not accept Jesus and sin on. look here.

"For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries." Hebrews 10:26-27

You hear how God so loved the world. You hear how Jesus came to earth and lived His life sin-free, only to die to pay the price for YOUR sin and mine. For YOUR sin, His back was torn apart by a cat of nine tails. For YOUR sin, He was tortured and hung on a cross to die. For His love for you, He called you out of the bondage of sin and death. Continue reading a little bit further.

"How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?" Hebrews 10:29

In departing some of his God-given wisdom, Solomon wrote this.

"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." Proverbs 13:20

Are they bad people? Are they really bad company? These are your best friends, and some are even your blood. Your family. Is it fair to call them bad company? Well? Just because they are not bad, in a worldly sense, does not mean they are good for you. They do not have faith. Paul warns us that “Whatever is not from faith is sin." Romans 14:23, and here,

“And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

I encourage you to read all of Romans chapter 8. It gives a clear and concise picture of the difference between walking in the Spirit, of which you are now, or at least you should be, and walking in the flesh, which is what everyone, including your most loved ones, is doing, who have no faith in Jesus or God.

"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 set their minds on the things of the Spirit. " Romans 8:5

A little bit later we read this.

"You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact, the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you." Romans 8:9-11

They are living in the and according to the flesh.

"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. " Romans 8:13

It's like this. You get on a plane and fly to Japan. You get off and what do you see and hear? You see Japanese people doing Japanese things. Talking in their Japanese tongue. Unless you learned these things and this language you will have no idea what is going on. Are they trying to offend you? Are they trying to hurt your feelings? No. They are just simply being them. You do not understand because you are not them. 

You have been adopted into the Kingdom of God. You have become a new person and Heaven is now your home. You have new ways and a new language that your friends and family no longer understand. Most of the time, if we are to be truthful, they do not like the new you.

This is why it is so important, not for their sake, but for your own, that you separate. That you come apart from them. Oh, by all means, share the truth with them. Tell them the good news. But if they cannot hear you? If they are not willing to learn? Chances are more likely that YOU will fall back into your old ways, far before they come to salvation. Besides that, you can still feed into them without being them.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I believed He rose from the dead. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall be saved." Romans 10:9. You need to find a Church that God leads you to and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."Colossians 3:10

If you want to tell me, comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13

Until next time, be well, be blessed, and Jesus IS Lord!

Book of Acts, Chapter 7

 Chapter 7

Stephen's Speech

7 And the high priest said, “Are these things so?” 2 And Stephen said:

“Brothers and fathers, hear me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, 3 and said to him, ‘Go out from your land and from your kindred and go into the land that I will show you.’ 4 Then he went out from the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran. And after his father died, God removed him from there into this land in which you are now living. 5 Yet he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot's length, but promised to give it to him as a possession and to his offspring after him, though he had no child. 6 And God spoke to this effect—that his offspring would be sojourners in a land belonging to others, who would enslave them and afflict them four hundred years. 7 ‘But I will judge the nation that they serve,’ said God, ‘and after that they shall come out and worship me in this place.’ 8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision. And so Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day, and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs.

9 “And the patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him 10 and rescued him out of all his afflictions and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who made him ruler over Egypt and over all his household. 11 Now there came a famine throughout all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers could find no food. 12 But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers on their first visit. 13 And on the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph's family became known to Pharaoh. 14 And Joseph sent and summoned Jacob his father and all his kindred, seventy-five persons in all. 15 And Jacob went down into Egypt, and he died, he and our fathers, 16 and they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.

17 “But as the time of the promise drew near, which God had granted to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt 18 until there arose over Egypt another king who did not know Joseph. 19 He dealt shrewdly with our race and forced our fathers to expose their infants, so that they would not be kept alive. 20 At this time Moses was born; and he was beautiful in God's sight. And he was brought up for three months in his father's house, 21 and when he was exposed, Pharaoh's daughter adopted him and brought him up as her own son. 22 And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words and deeds.

23 “When he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the children of Israel. 24 And seeing one of them being wronged, he defended the oppressed man and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian. 25 He supposed that his brothers would understand that God was giving them salvation by his hand, but they did not understand. 26 And on the following day he appeared to them as they were quarreling and tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers. Why do you wrong each other?’ 27 But the man who was wronging his neighbor thrust him aside, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? 28 Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’ 29 At this retort Moses fled and became an exile in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons.

30 “Now when forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush. 31 When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight, and as he drew near to look, there came the voice of the Lord: 32 ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob.’ And Moses trembled and did not dare to look. 33 Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. 34 I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their groaning, and I have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.’

35 “This Moses, whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’—this man God sent as both ruler and redeemer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. 36 This man led them out, performing wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years. 37 This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers.’ 38 This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. He received living oracles to give to us. 39 Our fathers refused to obey him, but thrust him aside, and in their hearts they turned to Egypt, 40 saying to Aaron, ‘Make for us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’ 41 And they made a calf in those days, and offered a sacrifice to the idol and were rejoicing in the works of their hands. 42 But God turned away and gave them over to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets:

“‘Did you bring to me slain beasts and sacrifices,

    during the forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel?

43 You took up the tent of Moloch

    and the star of your god Rephan,

    the images that you made to worship;

and I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.’

44 “Our fathers had the tent of witness in the wilderness, just as he who spoke to Moses directed him to make it, according to the pattern that he had seen. 45 Our fathers in turn brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before our fathers. So it was until the days of David, 46 who found favor in the sight of God and asked to find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob.[a] 47 But it was Solomon who built a house for him. 48 Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says,

49 “‘Heaven is my throne,

    and the earth is my footstool.

What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord,

    or what is the place of my rest?

50 Did not my hand make all these things?’

51 “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, 53 you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.”

The Stoning of Stephen

54 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 55 But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together[b] at him. 58 Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Love is Action, Love your Enemy.

 Love your Enemy

Hello. Welcome, today. Today we are continuing our discussion on this. Jesus gave us the 11th Commandment.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." John 13:34

We have already discussed 

1-God so loved us.

2-We are to love one another.

Today? Today may be one of the hardest things Jesus even told us to do. It goes against our human nature. Jesus tells us this.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:43-48

We read this in Luke.

"But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful." Luke 6:35-37

3-We are to love our enemies.

Yup. This is true love. I know, I know. I can hear some of you now. "True Love"?!?!?! "No. I love my wife, husband, brother, sister, mom, and dad. I love those I love. Now those that hate me? Those that want to do nothing more than hurt me and destroy what I care about? Those that use me for their own gain? They can kiss-off." 

See THAT is human nature. Not God's nature. Not spiritual nature. THAT is normal. The feeling that if they hate me, I will hate them back is of the flesh. Let me ask you a question. How many of those people you are talking about actually not only want you dead, they want to and are currently planning your torture and death? Seriously. I'm actually asking you this. Look at Jesus. 

"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

Jesus came here knowing that we would do that very thing. He picked the twelve did He not? Knowing that one of those twelve would betray Him? One that He loved and cared for, was with for around three years, and He knew that whole time He would betray Him unto death. 

Look what He told Peter in the garden when they came to do this very thing. 

“Put your sword back into its place. All who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?"

Why did He not? Look here. Read it with me. 

"But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” Matthew 26:52-54

You have read, and heard, John 3:16 so many times, that you may actually be numb to it. Just accept it without much thought. But think about it in this manner. 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Read it in this light. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son," To come to earth, live a perfect sin-free life, healing people, turning people from their sins, and even raising the dead, for the sole purpose, that those He came to save will torture and murder Him in cold blood, in the most gruesome way possible. So that, "whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

Were they His friends? Were they those that loved Him? No. But He loved them. The one that tore His flesh from His back with a cat of nine tails? He loved him. The one that placed that crown of thorns on His head? He loved him. The one that placed that heavy cross on His back and forced Him to carry it? He loved Him. The one that drove the nails through His body, hanging Him on the cross? He loved him. The one who pierced His side? He loved him. 

Look at what Jesus tells us again. 

"I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven." 

Think about what you just read, in the context in which you read it. God loved us so, that even though all this was going to happen to Jesus, He came anyway. or rather, so that, all these things would be done. Why? 

"For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."

In the hopes of saving some of them. 

"For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?" 

Loving your own is nothing new or extraordinary. It is normal. Even racists love each other and would even possibly lay down their lives for each other. But those other people? They would rather kill them than love them. Should the children of God be like them? Or should we be more like Jesus? 

Paul tells us this as a general rule. Turn to 1 Corinthians 13

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not to love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not to love, I gain nothing." 

Why? 

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things."

This is spiritual love. Love that is given to us by God. Love that is like the love of Christ Himself

"Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known."

Crave the best things of God. Seek what spiritual gifts God wants to sow into your life. But never forget this. 

"So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13

Yes. We are to love God because He loved us first. Yes. We are to love one another as He loved us. However, do not forget the last. We are to love our enemies. Paul puts it this way. 

"Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:19-21

Let's try to be the children of God we are called to be. Love. Show love. Do love. Be love. Live kind. Show people there is a better way. Life is too short to live it through hate. 

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I believed He rose from the dead. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall be saved." Romans 10:9. You need to find a Church that God leads you to and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."Colossians 3:10

If you want to tell me, comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!!

Book of Acts, Chapter 6

 Chapter 6

Seven Chosen to Serve

6 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Stephen Is Seized

8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. 10 But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. 11 Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, 13 and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak 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 that Moses delivered to us.” 15 And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.