Book of Acts, Chapter 19

 Chapter 19

Paul in Ephesus

1 And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. 2 And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John's baptism.” 4 And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. 7 There were about twelve men in all.

8 And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. 9 But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. 10 This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.

The Sons of Sceva

11 And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them. 13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” 14 Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. 15 But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” 16 And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. 18 Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. 19 And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.

A Riot at Ephesus

21 Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” 22 And having sent into Macedonia two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.

23 About that time there arose no little disturbance concerning the Way. 24 For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen. 25 These he gathered together, with the workmen in similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth. 26 And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods. 27 And there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be counted as nothing, and that she may even be deposed from her magnificence, she whom all Asia and the world worship.”

28 When they heard this they were enraged and were crying out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 So the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul's companions in travel. 30 But when Paul wished to go in among the crowd, the disciples would not let him. 31 And even some of the Asiarchs, who were friends of his, sent to him and were urging him not to venture into the theater. 32 Now some cried out one thing, some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together. 33 Some of the crowd prompted Alexander, whom the Jews had put forward. And Alexander, motioning with his hand, wanted to make a defense to the crowd. 34 But when they recognized that he was a Jew, for about two hours they all cried out with one voice, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

35 And when the town clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, “Men of Ephesus, who is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great Artemis, and of the sacred stone that fell from the sky? 36 Seeing then that these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash. 37 For you have brought these men here who are neither sacrilegious nor blasphemers of our goddess. 38 If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. 39 But if you seek anything further,[g] it shall be settled in the regular assembly. 40 For we really are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause that we can give to justify this commotion.” 41 And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

To Live Is Christ, All Other Things Are Temporal

Therefore all other things are rubbish. 

Have you ever seen pictures like this? This is a picture of a town following a Tornado passing through. This is what was left in its wake. Each one of these piles of rubbish was a home. A place where people lived, dreamed, loved, and lost. Each one of these people had cherished possessions that they kept in places of honor, or locked up to protect them. Never in their wildest dreams did they think that one day, this is what they would be looking at. It is all gone. Everything. In a moment, their lives were forever changed.

In most cases, most people in this situation do what they can do. Move on. Rebuild, and start gathering new stuff. Why? Because all the stuff they used to have is gone. Because all that is in this physical realm is temporal. It will all be gone one day. Look what Jesus said to His disciples when they were admiring the beautiful buildings and synagogues of the time.

"Jesus left the temple and was going away when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” Matthew 24:1-2

Why would He say that? Because it is true. We read things like this.

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more." Revelation 21:1

And this

"For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind." Isaiah 65:17

Jesus tells us this day is coming.

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." Matthew 24:35

We know that we do not know when it will happen. Jesus tells us this.

"Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot, they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed." Luke 17:26-30

I want you to think about this. Forget the "End Times" for a second. I know, many love to think about, talk about, and even argue about, the "End Times," but I want you to think about that Tornado. The day before, everyone in that town was simply living their lives. They were going to work or school, they were dating, getting married, and going on vacation. Saving up for that next big thing. They were arguing about what was for dinner and what movies to watch. The kids were playing and laughing. Then, with minimal warning, it was all gone out of nowhere.

Think about 9/11/2001. over 3000 people woke up for the last time that day on this earth. It was an ordinary mundane Tuesday. I was off that day. Nothing really planned. I turned on the news and saw a plane crash into the World Trade Center. Then another. In a moment, with little warning, everything was gone, things changed forever.

The point is, what will happen tomorrow? What about before we even finish discussing this today? The truth is, we do not know. My Grandmother was a great lady. She was well-loved in town. She pretty much fed the entire town from time to time. I thank God regularly for allowing me to be born where and when I was and for the fact, that I had the honor to grow up in my Grandmother's house. My Grandfather had Parkinson's Disease. My Grandmother had to do everything for him. One day, at around 2 am she stood up and dropped dead to the ground following a major heart attack.

In all these cases, The Tornado, 9/11, and my Grandmother, none of these were the "End Times." But for them, those involved, it was the end of their time. It does not have to be "The End Times." for you to be called home. Look at the parable of the Rich man and his barns in Luke 12:13-21 Jesus tells us that even though we do everything we can to build up our own riches, it does not really matter in the end. He said this.

"But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God."

Jesus tells us that we should

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

He says,

“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."

Why?

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

Every other goal is bound to death and decay. Think about that. I will say it again. Every other goal is bound to death and decay. I firmly believe that this is why Paul made the statement that we are discussing today.

"Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake, I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ" Philippians 3:8

Take that brand-new car. You saved, you worked hard, and you were able to go get it. You have now had that car, once shiny and new, for a few years. Now a few more. It is paid for. It is yours. You grew up in that car. Your Family has gone to many places. It has served you well. But now? Now things are starting to fail. It breaks down. It doesn't run right. Before you know it? It sits in a field and rusts away. That once beautiful shiny new car that you could not live without, is now nothing more than forgotten rubbish.

It really does not matter how well it was built. In the long run, it really does not matter how well you cared for it. In time it just becomes rubbish. Why? Because it is nothing more than a temporal thing, in a temporal world. But here is the thing, you are not. Are you still with me? This just became a two-parter. Hey, we do what God leads us to do. This just became a two-parter. We are talking to someone today.

You are not temporal. You never were. Oh, you were not always saved, but you were never temporal. God created you out of love, to live for and with Him. You were never temporal. God gave you this time on this earth for a reason, but you were never meant to stay here. Well, you were, but then Adam messed that up, so then, you were never meant to stay here, in this broken world. You are not temporal.

God had to lay down His Godhood, and put on flesh, to come and to teach, and to save, as many of us that are truly willing to believe and accept Him. He had to do it to bridge the gap WE created, between temporal and immortality. But look here. Daniel wrote this.

"And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." Daniel 12:2

Jesus put it this way.

"Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment." John 5:28-29

You ARE going to live on. After this life here in the temporal world, you will live on. Where you continue to live is your choice. What makes more sense to you? Building up treasures here on this earth that you will leave behind? Concerning yourself with the things of this temporal world? No. I submit to you, that it is far wiser to start seeking first the Kingdom of God. Trust in Him to meet your needs. Make sure that you are ready when the time comes to move on. As God asked the rich man, so think about it for yourselves if your "End Time" was to come today, who's stuff with all your stuff be? More importantly, what do you have waiting for you when you get there? More on that next time.

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 18

 Chapter 18

Paul in Corinth

1 After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, 3 and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.

5 When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. 6 And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” 7 And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue. 8 Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized. 9 And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” 11 And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

12 But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal, 13 saying, “This man is persuading people to worship God contrary to the law.” 14 But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to accept your complaint. 15 But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things.” 16 And he drove them from the tribunal. 17 And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of this.

Paul Returns to Antioch

18 After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow. 19 And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined. 21 But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus.

22 When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch. 23 After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

Apollos Speaks Boldly in Ephesus

24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27 And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.

Live is Christ, Introduction.

 What else can we compare? 

I want you to imagine this. Here you are, simply living your life. You are going to work every day just to come home, pay bills, and do it again the next day. When all of a sudden, out of nowhere, comes this raggedy man. He calls you by name. He says "Follow me."

Now think about this. You see this raggedy man heal the sick, give sight to the blind. You see Him walk on water and calm storms. You hear Him tell you about the love God has for you. He tells you things like 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. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:2-6

You hear Him say things like this.

"Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”"

You come to understand that this is not a raggedy man at all, but this is the living Word of God. This is indeed God Himself. Then you see them come and arrest Him. You witness them strip Him and beat Him. You witness them nearly beat Him to death. Then you do witness them put Him to death on the cross. You hear Him cry out for forgiveness for the very people that put Him on the cross.

Three days later, you witness something that simply cannot be. You witness Him walking and talking. You see Him eating and you even see His scars. You witness Him literally rise from the dead, as He told you He would do.

Then He tells you this.

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

I know I know. I can hear some of you saying things like, "Well, I did not witness this." Yes, you did. {Holding up the Bible} It is all right here. The entire Old Testament tells you that this day is coming. The entire Bible screams out Jesus is coming and that He was here. When you read this, the living Word of God, you ARE witnessing all these things in it. It was written for this very reason.

One man that, like you, did not witness these things first hand, as a matter of fact, he did not even believe the things that are here were true, found them to be. He said this.

"For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21

Now, this was a man that was well-liked. A man that received a great salary for doing a great job in his religion. He was hunting down and arresting those that believed in this Jesus. Then He met Him. Then he learned that nothing else mattered. He said this.

"But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith, that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead." Philippians 3:7-11

What does it mean? To live is Christ? To die is gain? This is what we will be talking about for the next few weeks. Think about all that the Bible tells us that Jesus did. How He lived. What He tells us we should do. How we should live. Like this.

"But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”" Matthew 20:25-28

What else can we compare? What else on this earth, can we compare to what we will receive from God? Remember this parable that Jesus taught us?

"Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God."

Jesus asked us this question. What profit would it be to a man to gain the whole world? Well here.

"For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Luke 12:13-21

Over and over again, Jesus tells us we should not worry about this life. That we should not worry about what to eat or drink, or our clothes but we should rely on God for our daily needs. Rather we should be working to build up our 401 E or our Eternal Retirement Plan.

To Live is Christ? Because He lives and does not die, I shall live and not die. As long as I accept His way, Truth, and Life, which IS Christ Jesus. As long as I allow His sacrifice to be mine. This is what we will talk about next time. Here is the plan, unless God changes it, coming up here at TAG.

1- To live is Christ

2- All things are temporal. Therefore, rubbish.

3- Standing firm, to the point of death.

4- Nothing else matters.

When you become a child of God, the Creator of all things, The Lord of lords, and the God of gods, THE Alpha, and Omega, The Great I AM, GOD, becomes your Daddy. If God is your Daddy?

"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, distress, persecution, famine, 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 8:31-39

That right there should show you that there is nothing else that can compare. That there is nothing else that is even worthy to compare to being a child of God. That 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 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!!

Book of Acts, Chapter 17

 Chapter 17

Paul and Silas in Thessalonica

1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. 5 But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd. 6 And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, 7 and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” 8 And the people and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard these things. 9 And when they had taken money as security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.

Paul and Silas in Berea

10 The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. 11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. 12 Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men. 13 But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds. 14 Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there. 15 Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed.

Paul in Athens

16 Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. 18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. 19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? 20 For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” 21 Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.

Paul Addresses the Areopagus

22 So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. 24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. 26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, 28 for

“‘In him we live and move and have our being’;

as even some of your own poets have said,

“‘For we are indeed his offspring.’

29 Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. 30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”

32 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” 33 So Paul went out from their midst. 34 But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.

Simply True, Jesus

 Jesus IS the Only Way.

Welcome. Today we will be wrapping up our series entitled Simply True. We have already discussed,

1 -The importance of knowing the Truth, and the Truth is absolute.

2- God is real and true if you believe in Him or not.

3- The Bible is absolutely true with no contradictions, or falsehoods. It is the living Word of the only living God.

4 -Heaven and Hell are real places. It does not matter what you choose to believe. One is far better to strive for than the other.

5- Satan is true. He is real.

Today we will simply be talking about God's plan of salvation and the fact it is all-inclusive and the only true way to escape the very true and real place called Hell. I know this message today WILL offend some people. It will hurt feelings. It will cut to the spirit swifter than any two-edged sword.

Jesus said this.

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household." Matthew 10:34-36

I understand. When you hear the name Jesus, most have the manger come to mind. You think of the Christmas story and many think about their childhood hearing Linus tell the Christmas story straight out of Luke ending in,

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,

goodwill toward men." Luke 2:14

This is straight out of the King James Bible. Most other translations say this.

"Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Most just assume that this means Jesus came to bring peace on earth, and all you have to do is believe and all is good. This, however, is not true. As a child of God, we can without a doubt, have peace in the storms of life, but there will be storms. We can have a Godly and indescribable peace. Especially in times of trouble.

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

This is by accepting Jesus and His sacrifice. This is by being adopted into His family. Look here.

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

However, here is the problem. Many will NOT accept Him. They will choose to either not believe, or they will choose to outright reject, or they will choose to think they can go it alone. Most of the time, this is because they like their sin. They love their life and all that it consists of. Any thought of having to change? This sets some into a fit of rage and hate. All of a sudden, YOU are the problem because you changed. You are the hateful one. You are the one who needs help because of this Jesus and stuff.

It is because of Jesus that all of a sudden,

"For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household."

Jesus is not saying that He came for this purpose. That He came for the sole purpose of dividing families and loved ones. He is saying that because of Him, this will happen. Just say His name, and people lose their minds.

I remember not too long ago I shared a meme on Social Media. I did not comment. I did not elaborate in any way. It was a picture of a rainbow. It said "But 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." People lost their minds. I was attacked. I was called Hateful and a bigot. I was unfriended by some. Even had some family attack me. Why? People love their sins. They see nothing wrong with them. They do not want to hear otherwise.

As a matter of fact, it was during this debate that someone said to me. "What difference does it make if a God I do not believe in wants to condemn me?" Also during this debate people said things like living and letting live. All can worship whatever gods they want and Jesus has nothing to do with some of them. Some mistakingly argued that Jesus would love gay people and He would condemn me for hating on them.

Jesus warned us of this sort of thing. He said this.

“Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!" Luke 6:22

Why? Because He is Truth. He is the Way. He is Life. He is GOD! Sorry not sorry, there is NO OTHER WAY! Look here at a few quick passages.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1

A little later

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14

One of the clearest examples of Jesus telling us He is God is here.

"Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” John 8:58

The Bible and Jesus by the way, make it clear HE is God. How then can you get to God, if you leave out God? That would be like saying something to this effect. "I want to go see Peter Carlock." Someone says, "ok, here is his address. Just go see Pete." "Pete? No-no-no. I want to see Peter Carlock. I'm not going to this address. I'm not going to see Pete. I will get there another way."

Do you see how silly that sounds? Pete is, of course, Peter Carlock. I am who I am and am where I am and if you want to see me, you need to do what you were told to do. Did you choose not to? Well, then I'm sorry, but whomever you think you may be going to see is NOT me.

Jesus IS God. If you leave Him out of the equation, then I'm sorry, but whomever you think you may be going to see is NOT God. Does this mean that every religion that does not have Jesus at the center of it is a lie? YES! Any man-made tradition, that excludes God, is a lie sent from hell. Without God, you will never find God. Without Jesus, you will never find God. Because simply, Jesus IS God.

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 16

 Chapter 16

Timothy Joins Paul and Silas

1 Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. 2 He was well spoken of by the brothers[ at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.

The Macedonian Call

6 And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7 And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. 8 So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

The Conversion of Lydia

11 So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days. 13 And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. 14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. 15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.

Paul and Silas in Prison

16 As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. 17 She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” 18 And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.

19 But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. 20 And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city. 21 They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice.” 22 The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. 23 And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. 24 Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.

The Philippian Jailer Converted

25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, 26 and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened. 27 When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” 29 And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. 34 Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.

35 But when it was day, the magistrates sent the police, saying, “Let those men go.” 36 And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace.” 37 But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.” 38 The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens. 39 So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city. 40 So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.