Book of Acts, Chapter 23

 Chapter 23

1 And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.” 2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?” 4 Those who stood by said, “Would you revile God's high priest?” 5 And Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”

6 Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” 7 And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. 9 Then a great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees' party stood up and contended sharply, “We find nothing wrong in this man. What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?” 10 And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him away from among them by force and bring him into the barracks.

11 The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.”

A Plot to Kill Paul

12 When it was day, the Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. 13 There were more than forty who made this conspiracy. 14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food till we have killed Paul. 15 Now therefore you, along with the council, give notice to the tribune to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case more exactly. And we are ready to kill him before he comes near.”

16 Now the son of Paul's sister heard of their ambush, so he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. 17 Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to tell him.” 18 So he took him and brought him to the tribune and said, “Paul the prisoner called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, as he has something to say to you.” 19 The tribune took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?” 20 And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more closely about him. 21 But do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him, who have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him. And now they are ready, waiting for your consent.” 22 So the tribune dismissed the young man, charging him, “Tell no one that you have informed me of these things.”

Paul Sent to Felix the Governor

23 Then he called two of the centurions and said, “Get ready two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night. 24 Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor.” 25 And he wrote a letter to this effect:

26 “Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings. 27 This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them when I came upon them with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman citizen. 28 And desiring to know the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their council. 29 I found that he was being accused about questions of their law, but charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment. 30 And when it was disclosed to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, ordering his accusers also to state before you what they have against him.”

31 So the soldiers, according to their instructions, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. 32 And on the next day they returned to the barracks, letting the horsemen go on with him. 33 When they had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they presented Paul also before him. 34 On reading the letter, he asked what province he was from. And when he learned that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, “I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive.” And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod's praetorium.

2 Peter 1, Part 1

 2 Peter 1

'Simeon Peter, a servant, and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of a reminder since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." 2 Peter 1

This is what we will be talking about for the next few weeks. Peter is writing this to the Jewish people that have become Christian. Or God's chosen people who have accepted the truth, that Jesus, is indeed the Messiah they have been waiting for. The Messiah is told about in their Scriptures. Remember, Peter was sent to the Jews, and Paul was sent to the Gentiles, or us. However, since we have been adopted into the family of God?

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free, no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28

Therefore, this also applies to us and is something that we should all take to heart. This is something Peter is writing to those that have already accepted Jesus and those that were trying to live a Godly life. Look how he begins.

"Simeon Peter, a servant, and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:"

Simply put, he is talking to those who have said this prayer.

"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 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!"

The Word tells us that when we do that, we

"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

Remember, God's Word tells us that this is open to all. Look here.

"And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Acts 2:21

Now I know, I recently discovered that this is one of those "contradictions" that so many non-believers love to try to point out. They say that this does not jive with Matthew 7:21. Jesus actually says,

"Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."

In my opinion, that is one of the scariest passages in the entire Bible. However, actually, read what Jesus said here again.

"but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."

This means that whoever appeals to and yields to, the authority of the Lord will be saved. Yet? You cannot claim a right to something the Lord authorized while going against what the Lord commands. You cannot say Jesus is my lord, and live a life of sin and death. Jesus even said this here.

"Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?" Luke 6:46

When Jesus tells us that not everyone who says Lord or calls Him Lord will be saved, He is talking about those who use His name but do not do His will. Religious folks that produce no fruit. People that use His name to scam other people. Even the demons know His name. They know God. This does not mean they are saved. They have to accept His sacrifice and seek out what His will is in their life. I do have a clue for you. {Whispers} It's not about you.

If you have said the prayer, and believe in your heart, that Jesus came and died for you, more importantly, was resurrected and He is the paid substitute for you and your sins, then you,

"have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ"

Then, as a child of God,

"May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord."

You see why this is going to take some time. We are almost out of time today and we are still in the greetings. This is extremely important to understand though. We can lay claim to that. We can say that we have peace, and grace, that surpasses all understanding and that the world cannot obtain. We can call the Lord of lords, and the King of kings, our friend. We can call the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning, and the end, the Creator of all that is, was, or ever will be, "Daddy."

You are a grace-covered, peace-filled, blood-bought, child of God. What do you have to fear of this world or any in it? You have nothing to fear. Look here in Romans 8.

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified." Romans 8:28-30

God foreknew YOU. He created you in your mother's womb. You are the way you are because God made you that way. Psalm 139:13-16. Then He sets up a destiny. A plan and purpose for your life. which then brings you to the day, maybe today for some of you, a day when He calls you.

You are not here by accident. You did not go to your friend's church by happenstance. You did not see that Bible verse by coincidence. You are not reading this for no reason at all. God is calling you. You accepted His plan for salvation, now ask Him to show you His plan for your life. Then? Then He justifies you. It is a time of preparation. Look what Paul said he did after his conversion.

"But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him for fifteen days." Galatians 1:15-18

It was after three years. First, he got saved. Blinded, healed, and his entire life changed, yet? He did not do much of anything until he was ready and justified by God. He took the time to prepare. Three years in this case. God knows better than us, when, where, why, how even. Too many times when get saved, and we get on fire for God for this or that and we want to run out and save the world, or whatever. However, this can be dangerous if we are not prepared and or equipped to do it. We all need a time of preparation.

Then we have the last step in an anointed life. Glorification. Whatever it is God calls you to do, will not come back to you void. You will face obstacles. You may face persecution. But if you endure to the end, you will be glorified by God Himself. All you have to do is be obedient to Him and His Will. There is nothing that can compare to having God glorify you for completing what HE asks you to do. Nothing. Nothing can compare to appearing before Jesus Himself, when your time is up here on earth, and hearing Him say...

"Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." Matthew 25:34

Again, the five steps of an anointed life are these. God foreknows you. He sets up a plan and purpose for you and your life. He calls you to accept that. He justifies you. He glorifies you. The question is, what are YOU going to do? Be blessed. Be at peace. Enjoy the fact that God is your daddy. If you do?

"May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord."

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus IS the Lord of all!

Book of Acts, Chapter 22

 Chapter 22

“Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you.”

2 And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said:

3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day. 4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, 5 as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished.

6 “As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. 7 And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ 8 And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ 9 Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. 10 And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.’ 11 And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus.

12 “And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13 came to me, and standing by me said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him. 14 And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; 15 for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’

17 “When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’ 19 And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’ 21 And he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”

Paul and the Roman Tribune

22 Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.” 23 And as they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, 24 the tribune ordered him to be brought into the barracks, saying that he should be examined by flogging, to find out why they were shouting against him like this. 25 But when they had stretched him out for the whips, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?” 26 When the centurion heard this, he went to the tribune and said to him, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen.” 27 So the tribune came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” And he said, “Yes.” 28 The tribune answered, “I bought this citizenship for a large sum.” Paul said, “But I am a citizen by birth.” 29 So those who were about to examine him withdrew from him immediately, and the tribune also was afraid, for he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had bound him.

Paul Before the Council

30 But on the next day, desiring to know the real reason why he was being accused by the Jews, he unbound him and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them.

To Live is Christ, Nothing Else Compares

 What can possibly compare? 

"He will swallow up death forever;

and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces,

and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth,

for the Lord has spoken.

It will be said on that day,

“Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us.

This is the Lord; we have waited for him;

let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”

For the hand of the Lord will rest on this mountain,

and Moab shall be trampled down in his place,

as straw is trampled down in a dunghill.

And he will spread out his hands in the midst of it

as a swimmer spreads his hands out to swim,

but the Lord will lay low his pompous pride together with the skill of his hands.

And the high fortifications of his walls he will bring down,

lay low, and cast to the ground, to the dust." Isaiah 25:8-12

Then look at this.

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” 

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also, he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty, I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:4-8

I want you to look around. What do you see? You see Romans 1 coming to pass

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. His invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things."

America today. The world today. Filled with Idolatry and the worship of self. We hear things like "What God? What truth? Truth is relative. The Bible is filled with contradictions and lies. Made up stories. There are no gods, heaven or hell. No absolutes and no judgments. Be whatever you chose to be. Act however you chose to act. Just be you and nothing else matters."

"Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen."

We are told to keep our "religion" to ourselves and that people are allowed to live and do whatever they choose. You are the one with the problem if you try to warn people about it. Especially this next one.

"For this reason, God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error."

Homosexuality was just the start. Now there is something like 27 genders, Transgender children are being told they are brave and heroes for doing such, in some cases getting famous and making money even. Now NAMBLA is fighting to be recognized as legit as all the other nonsense. That is adult males who want to have sex to kids. Age is only a number after all. Why discriminate against them?

Seriously folks. Look around.

"And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, and malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, and ruthless. Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them." Romans 1:18-32

Pride, Abortion, Idolatry, Self. In some cases, these things are seen as more important than God, family, and even freedom. Jesus told us this.

"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." Matthew 7:13-15

I'm seriously asking you this. What is it that you feel this broken world can possibly give to you that is even remotely worthy to be compared to Heaven? Jesus even asked this question that you should ask yourself.

"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" Matthew 16:26

Remember, life here is brief. Even if you live here on this earth, for a hundred years. What is that in the span of eternity? You will live on after your time on earth. Then what? Jesus called the Rich man who build bigger and bigger barns to store up all his gains in life a fool. Look here.

"But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’" Luke 12:20

In the end. When you are preparing to leave this world and go to God, Is that million-dollar house going to mean anything? That sports car in your driveway? Is that money sitting in your bank account? The number of followers on social media? Do you know what happens when an "Influencer" disappears? All their followers start following the next one.

Instead of worrying so much about all these things, you will leave behind, do you not know it wiser to maybe start thinking about the things you will arrive at? You are going to a real place. You will meet a real God. You will spend forever with Him. Jesus put it this way.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21

He also told us this.

"In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." John14:2-3

I submit to you, that there is NOTHING that compares to being accepted into the kingdom of God. Jesus saved us. He set us free from the laws of sin and death. He laid down His Godhood and came and lived with us and for us, and allowed us to abuse and murder Him. He did so because of His love for us. All He asks for in return is that we have a relationship with Him and spread that good news. I submit to you again, nothing else matters.

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,

“For your sake, we are being killed all day long;

we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:31-38

Accept Jesus's sacrifice for you. Allow His blood to be your blood. His death to be your death. His resurrection is to be your resurrection. He died so that you do not have to. He died so that you may live. All you have to do is accept it. Ask for it. Say this prayer in your own words.

"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 believe 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!"

Live is Christ. Stand firm. Nothing else matters. Nothing is more important. All things that are temporal are rubbish. To live is Christ, and to die is gain.

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 21

 Chapter 21

Paul Goes to Jerusalem

21 And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo. 4 And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed 6 and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home.

7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. 8 On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9 He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. 10 While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”

15 After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. 16 And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge.

Paul Visits James

17 When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. 18 On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19 After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law, 21 and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs. 22 What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. 23 Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; 24 take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law. 25 But as for the Gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality.” 26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them.

Paul Arrested in the Temple

27 When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, 28 crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” 29 For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. 30 Then all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. 31 And as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. 32 He at once took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33 Then the tribune came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He inquired who he was and what he had done. 34 Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. And as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. 35 And when he came to the steps, he was actually carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, 36 for the mob of the people followed, crying out, “Away with him!”

Paul Speaks to the People

37 As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, “May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek? 38 Are you not the Egyptian, then, who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?” 39 Paul replied, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people.” 40 And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying:

To Live is Christ, Stand Firm

No matter what comes your way

 This is going to be a message that you really need to fully get. A message that is going to become more accurate as time goes on. A message that you, as a child of God, not only can, you NEED to stand firm. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His Word is the same yesterday today and forever. Jesus is the same yesterday today and forever. Stand firm.

Society and God used to agree, that the slaughter of the most innocent of all life is murder and wrong. Society changed. Thankfully society is changing the other way back. God never changed. Abortion is murder. Stand firm

Society and God use to agree that marriage is between one man and one woman. Society changed. God has not. Stand firm.

Society, Science, Biology, and God all agreed that if you were born a man you were a man or a woman and you were a woman. Society changed. This does not however change science, biology, and God. It also doesn't change the truth. Stand firm.

Truth is on God's side. ALWAYS. It does not matter what society says. It does not matter what the general consensus says. It does not matter if you agree or not. What God says is absolute truth. Stand firm.

Does this mean they will be angry with you? Yup. Stand firm. Does this mean they will hate you? Yup. Stand firm. Jesus tells us that this will happen.

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours." John 15:18-20

Trust me, I can give you my testimony of people I considered friends and even family who have literally come to hate me for no other reason than I believe in the Truth and God and His word. I posted a meme on Facebook that showed a picture of a rainbow. It said, "The rainbow is a symbol of God's promise to never flood the whole earth again. It is not a symbol of some of the sins that provoked the flood." This is simply the truth. You can find this truth in Genesis 9, well, here it is.

"I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.”" Genesis 9:11-17

Yet, society has taken this symbol and literally call it a symbol of Pride. A symbol of the LGBTQ etc community. They put it on tee shirts, flags, and just about everything. They say display it with pride. Pride in what? Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning. Homosexuality. Which God clearly calls sin. Leviticus 18:1-5, 22-24, 29, Leviticus 20:13, Ezekiel 16:49-51, Romans 1:18-32, just to name a few places in the Word.

I simply posted the mem with the Rainbow and what it said and I was "unfriended" by a friend who claims to be sin free even though she believes she is gay and a witch. I was "called to task" by some friends and family members. This, in their eyes, was hateful and hurtful; and I should never treat anyone like this. That we need to love all people regardless of their life choices and beliefs. Some tell me that Jesus would accept them as they are and love them. I was told that what a god that they do not believe in thinks of them, does not matter. I was told that my truth is not necessarily their truth and I should keep mine to myself.

Sorry, not sorry. I stood firm. I will stand firm. Even though society says all these things, even though some of our "churches" have started to get away from the bible and have started to accept homosexuality and gay marriage as normal and acceptable, we cannot. We must be careful, child of God.

"See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority." Colossians 2:8-10

Stand firm. Love the sinner. Accept the person who may be struggling with this or any kind of sin. But therein lays the key, struggling with. Attempting to overcome. Jesus did accept sinners, He did love all. But He also said, "Go and sin no more." One clear warning was in John 5:1-15

"Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him." John 5:14-15

Of course, we know about the time when the woman was caught in the very act of adultery and they brought her to him to have her stoned. After He forgave her, He said?

"Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” John 8:10-11

In saying, “Go and sin no more,” Jesus was not speaking of sinless perfection. He was warning against a return to sinful lifestyle choices. His words both extended mercy and demanded holiness. Jesus was always the perfect balance of grace and truth.

As the country, and the world for that matter, continue to move away from God and His Word, it becomes more and more important for us to stand firm. As children of God, we are the sowers of the seed, tellers of the truth, and showers of the way.

Does it go against the world? Yup. Will you be hated? Yup. Will it become more and more difficult as time goes on? Yes.

"Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved" Matthew 10:21-22

Let me ask you this. If people look at you, what do they see? Do they see a difference in you and the world? Do they see a better way? In Jesus's "Sermon on the Mount" He gave us the "beatitudes"

" And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:2-12

Can you say that these "beatitudes" describe you? Do they describe how you are living your life? Are you poor in spirit, meek, humble, and are you hungry for righteousness? Do you have a pure heart and are you trying to love others? Are you standing firm? Are you trying to show people that there is a better way even in the presence of persecution and hardships? If you are a child of God, that means He, the Creator of the universe, created you, called you out, and wants to prepare you for something very particular to you and His plan. Stand firm. He also wants to Glorify those He called out. Endure to the end. In truth? Nothing else matters.

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 20

 Chapter 20

Paul in Macedonia and Greece

1 After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia. 2 When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece. 3 There he spent three months, and when a plot was made against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. 4 Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus, and Trophimus. 5 These went on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas, 6 but we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days we came to them at Troas, where we stayed for seven days.

Eutychus Raised from the Dead

7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. 9 And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. 10 But Paul went down and bent over him, and taking him in his arms, said, “Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.” 11 And when Paul had gone up and had broken bread and eaten, he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed. 12 And they took the youth away alive and were not a little comforted.

13 But going ahead to the ship, we set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul aboard there, for so he had arranged, intending himself to go by land. 14 And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and went to Mitylene. 15 And sailing from there we came the following day opposite Chios; the next day we touched at Samos, and the day after that we went to Miletus. 16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia, for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.

Paul Speaks to the Ephesian Elders

17 Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. 18 And when they came to him, he said to them:

“You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable and teaching you in public and from house to house, 21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by[d] the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears. 32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. 34 You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. 35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37 And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, 38 being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.

To Live is Christ, Everything Else is Temporal, Part 2

How are you living? Work? 

Why do you work? Hello, welcome today. I'm serious. Why do you work? Are you saving up for something? A new car? A house? Retirement? Do you work just to survive and to pay bills? Are you just trying to accumulate wealth? What are you working for?

Yes, we are going to talk about money. Do you know what the Bible says about work? First, God created it.

"The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it." Genesis 2:15

Second, we should not be working solely for ourselves. This is one that many have a hard time with. I worked hard for that money. It's my money. Well?

"Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need." Ephesians 4:28

Read that again. "let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need." Say "so that." In order to give. We should be working for the betterment of others. We should be striving to be blessed, so that, we may bless others. Jesus puts it this way.

"Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal." John 6:27

Life is NOT about working for someone else to pay bills and struggle to survive. This is not life. Jesus said,

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10

I'm not telling you to quit your job. Let's be clear. Yes, you work for the Power Company. Yes, you work for the Car Company. Yes, you are a Garbage Professional, Teacher, Cop, Doctor, ETC. Yes, you have a title. However?

"Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." Colossians 3:22-24

We should be respectful, hard-working, dedicated, and loyal. However, we should never be fearful or feel that we rely on ourselves, or other people for our jobs and positions. We do not. God provides. He got you that job. He put you in that position. If you lose your job? Especially for His name's sake? Truly blessed you will be. Yes, God will get you a new job. The Creator of the universe has a bit of authority to get you a new job anywhere He chooses.

I'm about to possibly lose some of you right now. It is kinda funny, and sad at the same time. But a lot of people have an off switch. Watch. Tithe. Give to the local church. See? Some people simply switch off at these words. They stop paying attention. Some even get offended. But I truly want you to think about this. You would have nothing if it were not for God. You would not even be breathing right now. God would be well within His right to require 50 percent. He could demand all of it. But He chooses not to. No, He has decided that a tithe is ten percent. We see the first tithe in Genesis 14 starting at verse 17

"After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley). And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was the priest of God Most High.) And he blessed him and said,

“Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!”

And Abram gave him a tenth of everything." Genesis 14:17-20

This is the first time a tithe is mentioned in the Bible. Abram or Abraham gave away ten percent of his captured goods. It was a thanksgiving offering to God on behalf of the people who had been miraculously rescued and brought home safely. Notice this, Abraham did not give this ten percent out of his own possessions or property. He gave out of his gain from the battle. His "salary" if you will. He did so in gratitude to, and in recognition that, without God, the victory would not have been possible.

So this became a normal practice in the old times. People started to tithe ten percent of their gains, for both gratitude and thanksgiving to God. It was also a way to ensure that all would be taken care of, even if someone was in lack. Then of course, what happens often happened then. Some chose not to tithe. Like today, some felt that they should, or that they needed to keep all 100 percent. What does God feel about this?

"Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts. Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts." Malachi 3:8-12

Why does God want this? Read this again.

"Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house."

This is the reason. Not for the Pastor to gain riches. Not for those giving to gain riches, but so that the church has the ability to meet its needs and to meet the needs of the people less fortunate. Now we get to the point some pastors are using to trick people into giving them money.

God did not create our financial system. We did. God does not need money. We do. Instead of bringing in grains, cows, chickens, milk, honey, fruits, and veggies, today's modern church needs money to

1- Pay bills. lights, heat, AC. ETC.

2- To buy grains, cows, chickens, milk, honey, fruits, and veggies, AKA food to meet the needs of those less fortunate.

3- YES-To meet the needs of the pastor. The pastor should not be part-time. He should not be in need and worrying about where his next meal will come from. He should be spending his time in the word, in prayer, and in the care for others.

Electric is not free. Heat is not free. Food is not free. The pastor's needs are not free. Again, not in God's system, but rather in ours. God promises us that if we do tithe, we do not ever have to worry about that 90 percent. That it will go far farther than that 100 percent ever will. That if we bless others, by blessing the Church, God will bless us in all things. Not that we hit the lotto tomorrow, but in life itself. As a child of God, it is our duty to do this. Remember this passage? James 2:15-16

"If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?"

Seriously. If you say you have faith and love Jesus, yet you do nothing but show up and listen to the pastor, and go home, what do you accomplish for God? God does call for us to tithe, which is 10 percent, for no other reason than it is for the good of those tithing and for the good of those receiving. It is practical, factual, and needed. It should be something, like with Abraham, that we LONG to do. Something we do proudly and humbly. Please keep this in mind. Read it, highlight it, memorize it.

"The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written,

“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. The ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you."2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Now, is there abuse in the church? Of course. Are there pastors and church officials that will take your tithe and use it for their own gain? Yup. Just like bad doctors, police officers, drug company CEOs, whatever, there are bad pastors and administrators in the family of God. Does that change any of the reasons we need to tithe and give offerings? Nope. You are obligated to tithe. If that pastor is misusing the tithes, that is between him and God. Nothing you could ever do could compare to what God can and will do to a deceitful person using Him and His church for selfish gain.

Just to be clear, a tithe is ten percent. An offering is anything more than ten percent. For example, if you make $1000.00 a Paycheck, your Tithe is $100.00. Not $90.00. Not $20.00. Not $120.00 Your tithe IS $100.00. If you chose to, or God puts in on your heart, to give $120.00, then $100.00 is your tithe, and $20.00 is your offering.

Tithes and offerings are to ensure that all God's children's needs will be met. Food, clothes, shoes, and a roof over their heads. ETC. Again it is to meet the needs of the church, pastor, and people. So the next time you give, do not give out of obligation. Is it? Yup. Do not give out of expectations. Does God lie? No. Will He bless you? Of course. But God is not a get-rich-quick scheme. No. When you give, do not do so out of obligation, nor expectations, rather do it, out of love.

Remember what Jesus told us. Where our treasure is our hearts will be also {Matthew 6:21}He told us that if we are wasting our time saving up riches here, where rust and decay happen turning it all to rubbish, or the thief steals it away, or simply we arrive at our own "End Time." It will not benefit us in the least bit. Instead of working for temporal riches, store up your treasures in Heaven. Build on your 401 E Your eternal retirement plan. Give generously. Store up those treasures in heaven. You will be much happier.

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 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 shall 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 of all!