Jeff Shelnutt Sermons: Recent Episodes
Jeff Shelnutt
The serpent's temptations begin to work in Eve's mind. The appeal of the fruit to her physical senses, her heart, and her pride converge. Deceived, Eve eats. This is followed by Adam's open rebellion as he also eats. Feeling exposed, they sew fig leaves together in a futile attempt to cover their guilt and shame. Where the first man fails the test in the garden, the Son of Man succeeds in the wilderness.
If Genesis 1-2 explain God's intention for the creation of man, then chapter 3 describes what went wrong. In the dialogue between the serpent and Eve, the identity of this malevolent presence in the garden becomes apparent. We see from the passage the two temptations Eve faced: the temptation to doubt God's Word and the temptation to deny God's Word. Beneath his lies, the serpent calls into question the goodness of God.
The first time Scripture records the words of Adam, they are in reference to the first woman. With poetic phrasing, Adam expresses the togetherness of marriage. This is followed by the model for marriage. And finally, this passage reveals the priorities of marriage.
As the priest of the sacred space called the garden of Eden, the first man is provided with all he needs. However, the Lord makes him aware of his incompleteness, the one way in which Adam's life is "not good." How God chooses to remedy his relational desires tells us that man also needs 1) relationships with others, 2) a specific companion, and 3) a suitable helper.
What did the first man do in the garden where God placed him? He worked. From this passage we learn that work is good and purposeful. We also see that for the Christian, God intends for work to be worship. Finally, in order for Adam to demonstrate love for His Creator, God gives him a test. Love can only be real if one has a choice to love or not.
What will God do with the man He created? Put him in a garden. From this we see the provision of God, the plan of God, and the presence of God. In Eden, heaven met earth. Though the first man lost access to the garden, through Jesus Christ we enjoy fellowship with God once again.
This psalm teaches us something about worship, particularly coming into God's presence in worship. We learn from David's words that 1) God is always present; that 2) we must come into His presence; and 3) the church is where God is most present.
The creation week is over. Or is it? This passage begins a detailed recounting of the sixth day creation of man. In it we see the 1) potential of the first man, 2) the intimacy God shared with the first man, and 3) the power of the last Adam over the first man.
The seventh day of creation is different from all the other days. It sets the pattern for the rest that God offers. But we are only able to enter that rest because He first entered His. In this passage we observe God's rest of satisfaction, God's rest in a cosmic temple, and God's eternal rest. Now, the invitation of Jesus to all is, "Come to Me all you are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."
We are each created in the image of God. This means we are called to represent God well. But how do we go about doing that? In this passage we discover God's purpose for every human being. We are each called to multiply and fill, subdue and rule, and receive and enjoy. Though this creation commission has been distorted by sin, it has also been transformed into the Great Commission by Jesus Christ.
According to a recent study, most Americans believe Jesus rose from the dead (66%). They just "seem to see little connection between Jesus rising and their daily lives." Yet, the Apostle Paul wrote: "If Christ has not been raised... then your faith also in in vain." The resurrection matters because it is a historical fact, a spiritual necessity, and is future focused.
As imagers of God, we are to represent Him in the ways He intends for us to do so. From this passage we discover man's original identity and responsibility. Though sin now means we no longer reflect God as we should, the Lord does not cease to see us as made in His image, nor should we cease to see one another as image-bearers.
On the fifth and sixth days of creation God creates animated life. The Lord speaks the first blessing in the Bible to the fish and the birds. This establishes the pattern that God's commands always follow His blessings. The abundance, beauty, and creativity of creation are balanced with its variety, functionality, and order.
The fourth day sees the creation of the sun, moon, and stars. Not only do these give light to the earth, they serve as signs that move us to worship God. The fourth day creations filled ancient man with awe. They do no less for modern man, especially as technological advancements continue to reveal the vastness and wonders of space. Man is the focus of God's creation. And though the light of this world, the sun, is life-giving, only the Light of the world, the Son, gives spiritual life.
On the second day of creation God creates a space where He undisputably reigns. On the third day He creates a place where He will work. What God is doing in your life today is good. What God is doing in your life today is also preparing you for what He will do in the future.
God speaks creation into being through His Word. He is a speaking God. The first thing God creates is light. He is also a God who reveals Himself. God's Word together with God's light bring spiritual life. It is by God's light that we properly see reality. In God there is no darkness at all. Therefore, the light is good.
The first book of the Bible opens with a statement that answers some of the most fundamental questions of existence. Knowing what God did in the beginning gives us insight into what we can expect Him to do in our lives. The God who brings order out of chaos is preparing to bring form and structure to a formless and empty earth.
In this last message on the Ten Commandments, we consider how the Israelites reacted to God's Law. The Law is holy, righteous, and good. Yet, it serves a different purpose for the non-Christian than it does for the Christian. The Ten Commandments still apply to the church, but the desire and ability to keep them is a result of God's work in the heart. Commandments that reveal sin become laws of love.
At first glance the tenth commandment appears to be simply tacked on to the end of other more "serious" laws. But the difference between this commandment and the other nine is significant. It's the only one that deals with an internal act that only God can see. Coveting is the sin that has the potential to open our eyes to every other sin. Our desire for what is not rightfully ours to possess is rooted in discontentment.
This commandment is rooted in the context of judicial proceedings. However, speaking falsehood is not only bearing false witness, but also slander, gossip, flattery, and exaggeration. If Jesus is the Truth, then His people must speak and live truthfully.
The eighth commandment protects private property. Private property ownership is a biblical concept. Christians are called to be generous in their giving, but you must first possess something in order to give it. The eighth commandment forbids far more than theft. It also encourages far more than simply refraining from taking what is not yours. You are a steward of whatever possessions you have been entrusted with by God.
In order to understand how breaking the seventh commandment is so destructive, we must first understand the design of marriage. We discover that what is prohibited by this commandment goes far beyond the act of adultery. It addresses all sexual immorality, including that which occurs in the thought life. We can resist immorality when tempted, but only through the faithful and merciful High Priest, Jesus Christ.
The sixth commandment forbids the deliberate taking of innocent human life. The Old Testament gives us many examples of the types of killing that constitute murder. From these we glean principles that equip us to battle our contemporary culture of death. More than the physical act, murder is a matter of the heart.
The outworking of the fifth commandment goes far beyond the parent/child relationship. It is not an exaggeration to say the stability of society is dependent upon it. The way you treat your parents is a mirror that reflects your relationship to the Lord. We see in this commandment the responsibility of children, the responsibility of parents, and the responsibility of God.
Once we deglamorize the nativity scene, we realize the many inconveniences surrounding the birth of Jesus. There was an inconvenient census, journey, setting, and birth. It's when things are not what we'd prefer them to be that we often get glimpses of God at work. The Son of God was born right into the chaos, the bustle, and the inconveniences to show us that it is God who took the initiative to draw near.
Of the Ten Commandments, the fourth commandment is the most challenging in understanding its application to the church today. This message 1) explores the origins of the sabbath; 2) looks at how the sabbath is twisted; 3) clarifies the sabbath's meaning in the New Testament; and 4) seeks to apply the sabbath to the Christian life today.
We often think of the third commandment as only pertaining to what comes out of our mouths. But as we'll see, its application goes far beyond speech. In continuing to consider what the Ten Commandments teach us about worship, we should not underestimate what is in a name. Neither should we underestimate the extent of the third commandment, nor its depth.
While the first commandment teaches us WHO to worship, the second commandment teaches us HOW to worship. Not many today in the modern West are guilty of physically bowing down to an idol. But we have all created an image of God in our minds that is inaccurate. In this message we explore the meaning of, the reasons for, and the fulfillment of the second commandment.
The first commandment is first for a reason. It tells us Who must be the object of our worship. By considering this foundational commandment, we discover who God is and what He does. Since worship is transformative, we also consider what we will become.
Often when the Ten Commandments are listed, the prologue is omitted. Yet it is these first two verses of Exodus 20 that give us the context for the Ten Commandments. These laws were audibly spoken to Israel by God Himself. They are applicable to every single person in every age. In this passage we see that 1) God spoke absolutely; 2) God spoke in love; and 3) God spoke freedom.
As Peter closes out his letter to the scattered churches, he reminds us that the God of all grace makes Himself available to those who suffer. As Christians, we never "move on" from the grace of God. We needed it at salvation, need it presently for our sanctification, and will need it in the future for our glorification.
Peter understood that the source of the hostility directed against the followers of Jesus is a personal and malevolent entity the Bible calls the devil. Though this is the first time Satan is mentioned in the letter, the passage reminds us of the overlap between the physical and spiritual realms. In order to resist this enemy of God and God's people, we must know 1) what to look for; 2) how to respond; and 3) what to keep in mind.
In humility, we are told to cast all of our anxieties upon the Lord. Therefore, it is prideful to worry and fret. In our passage we observe 1) how to be humble toward one another; 2) why to be humble toward one another; 3) how to be humble toward God; and 4) why to be humble toward God.
Elders in the local church are under-shepherds, serving the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ. As those who give spiritual leadership and oversight, elders are called to shepherd the people of God humbly, willingly, selflessly, and by example.
The Lord is concerned about the purity of His church. It is here He begins to lovingly discipline those who follow Jesus. This discipline arrives in the form of trials. Peter alludes to two Old Testament passages, he ask two questions, and he encourages Christians to respond in two ways.
In this passage Peter speaks about three things that are strange for everyone but Christians. First, suffering is normal in the Christian experience. Secondly, rejoicing in suffering is normal. Thirdly, feeling no shame for suffering is normal. It is possible for the Christian to rejoice in trials as he anticipates the future joy of Christ's return.
One of the ways the Lord preserves His church in a world hostile to it is through the gifts He gives to His church. Peter talks about these gifts in two broad categories: speaking and serving. Every Christian has received a gift and is responsible to use it in service to God's people. From this passage we consider how to recognize and use your spiritual gifts.
Peter could accurately write "the end of all things is near." From God's perspective, everything after the resurrection of Jesus Christ is included in the ending. With this is in mind, we are told to keep three things in focus: disciplined prayer, fervent love, and uncomplaining hospitality.
Baptism is a declaration that the Christian stands on the spiritual victory Jesus Christ secured through His resurrection. How do we live out of that which Jesus accomplished on our behalf? This passage tells us. It has to do with our choices. We must 1) choose obedience, 2) choose real pleasure, and 3) choose to remember the dead.
This is a notoriously difficult passage to interpret. Much of the difficulty for the modern reader is not knowing what was going through Peter's mind when he wrote it. There is a way to look at this passage, however, that brings clarity. And through understanding Peter's intentions, we gain a deeper understanding of the significance of baptism.
We understand by this point in Peter's letter that followers of Jesus will face, at least on occasion, antagonism for living out their faith. We need something more than understanding. We need to be ready. In this passage, there is 1) a reason for readiness; 2) the hope of readiness; 3) acting out of readiness, and 4) the results of readiness.
A close look at the book of First Peter shows that Psalm 34 undergirds much of Peter's reasoning. Here he quotes from Psalm 34:12-16. In how Peter handles and applies this OT passage to his contemporary situation, we learn how to better apply the psalms to our lives. We discover three things about Psalm 34: 1) the context; 2) the instruction; and 3) the meaning.
When the Christian faces antagonism or hostility for his faith, there are two responses. One is toward those who are in the church, his brothers and sisters. The other response is toward those without. The truth is, when we bless those who curse, we are fulfilling the very purpose of God.
In this section Peter continues addressing the marriage relationship. He begins by giving an Old Testament example to follow by pointing towards Sarah's attitude toward Abraham. Then there is an understanding to embrace as we discover what it means for a husband to live an understanding manner with his wife. Finally, there is an honor the husband is called to continually bestow upon his wife. This mirrors the honor God bestows through Christ.
As Peter continues to deal with how the Christian should respond in different social situations, he now turns to the husband/wife relationship. Beginning with the wife, this passage gives us insight into God's view and ideal for submission in marriage. Not only will the godly character of a believing wife influence her unbelieving husband, Christian marriages act as both a stabilizing and subverting influence in every society. The principles outlined for a wife's behavior have application to us all.
You do not follow Jesus' example in order to become a Christian; you follow Jesus's example because you are a Christian. Specifically, there is a call for every Christian to follow the example of Jesus when treated unjustly. Jesus was silent before His accusers because He entrusted Himself and His circumstances to God. As we do the same, we will find the Lord lead us to the cross, through the grave, and into glory. By following the paradigm of Jesus' suffering, God will use the Christian for His redemptive purposes.
Relationships can be complicated. And this was especially true for early Christians. Slavery in the first century Roman Empire was a reality. Though faith in Jesus Christ sets a person free from the bondage of sin, it doesn't necessarily change his social condition. It was easy enough for a slave who became a Christian to relate to a good and gentle master. But what about when his boss was harsh and unreasonable? Peter answers this question by considering that which finds favor with God.
For the Christian there are two extremes in attempting to relate to society around him: either accommodation or isolation. The biblical path, however, is proclamation. A significant way the Christian proclaims the reality of God to a watching world is through submission to existing power structures. The irony is that only in submission does the Christian find true freedom.
The apostle Peter calls Christians to disarm hostility and influence others for God and for good. In order to do this, we must know 1) what to reject; 2) what to embrace; and 3) what to keep doing. When you are slandered as one who does evil, the response is not verbal, but behavioral. For some, observing consistent godly behavior will make the difference in their decision to choose spiritual life over spiritual death.
Every Christian has been called out of spiritual darkness into God's marvelous light. By pulling four specific phrases from the Old Testament, Peter describes what it means to be the people of God who proclaim His excellencies. From this passage we discover three things: who we are, what we do, and why we do it.
Reaching back to the imagery of the Old Testament, Peter points out that Jesus Christ is the Cornerstone of a new temple. Not only is God building a better house through the church, Christians are also a new and better priesthood. As those called to bring spiritual sacrifices of praise and service wherever God has placed them, gathered Christians are now the dwelling place of God's presence. Like Israel of old, the Lord will use the corporate witness of the worshiping church to reveal Himself.
There are no shortcuts to spiritual growth. We must be on guard against certain behaviors. We must also long for spiritual nourishment. This passage tells us where to find that nourishment. We also discover why tasting the kindness of the Lord is an ongoing experience for the growing Christian.
Sincere and fervent love among Christians is not optional. In fact, the love followers of Jesus show for each other is a primary means that God uses to disarm the hostility of a watching world. In this text we discover the glory, the way, the source, the power, and the potential for loving one another well.
God relates to the Christian as both a Father and a Judge. There will be a future judgment for everyone, believer and non-believer alike. The Christian will not be condemned because Jesus Christ was condemned in his place. Yet, there will be eternal rewards based on a Christian's deeds. Not only that, but God's judgment includes His present discipline. By submitting to God's discipline, we grow in likeness to the Lord Jesus. Knowing that we were redeemed from a meaningless way of life through the blood of Christ sets us free to focus on the things of God.
Bombarded by distractions, the Christian needs focus if he is to be holy as God is holy. In this passage we discover what to focus on, how to focus on it, and what proper focus produces. Living in the tension between the resurrection and the return of Jesus Christ reminds us that holiness is not something we can produce. The holy behavior God expects of the Christian is the holiness of Christ's life within.
The Old Testament prophets saw dimly what we are privileged to clearly comprehend. The suffering and glories of Jesus Christ were hinted at in the Old Testament Scriptures, but clearly unfolded in the Gospel to the church. Not only is the death and resurrection of Jesus the foundation of the Christian life, suffering and glory is also the pattern for the Christian life. It is through the suffering brought about by trials that God uses us to impact others.
No one likes trials, yet they are common to us all. For the Christian, no trial is an accident. God designs each trial for a reason. We consider from our text 1) the nature of trials; 2) the purpose of trials; and 3) the outcome of trials. Though a trial is not enjoyable, it can be embraced. And in doing so, we will see Jesus more clearly.
It is possible to greatly rejoice regardless of your circumstances. Peter tells us how. It all has to do with the greatness of God's mercy demonstrated through Jesus Christ. Every Christian experienced a spiritual birth in the past, will receive an inheritance in the future, and is protected by the power of God in the present. It is in reflecting on these truths that we find joy consistently available.
As the apostle Peter begins this letter to Christians scattered across Asia Minor, he reminds them of the importance of calling. Here we see the call to a vocation, the call to a location, and the call to salvation. The Father knew of your current situation before you found yourself in it. The Spirit is working through your situation to make you holy. And the sprinkled blood of the Son provides continual cleansing in your situation. The Christian must be clear on his calling in order to make an impact in a hostile environment.
In Matthew's account, the two Mary's arrive to a dramatic scene at the empty tomb. We discover that the resurrection of Jesus Christ 1) gives you proper perspective; 2) renews your rest; and 3) brings God to you. The death of Christ opens the way into God's presence. In seeking God, the resurrection ensures that God will find you.
Every Christian experiences seasons of silence. In Psalm 22, David grapples with the silence of God. He demonstrates how we must remember past deliverances, persevere in present prayer, and hope in future fulfillment. Yet, there is more going on in this Psalm than for what David's life alone gives account. The prophetic words clearly point to the crucifixion of Jesus. It is at the Cross we discover why God's silence never means God's absence.
David begins this psalm reminding us that sin is not something external, but internal to each of us. The answer to our rebelliousness against a good Creator is not trying harder but seeing clearer. We need a vision of God's limitless love. Once we see ourselves in God's light, there is only one proper response: to trust in the way provided for us. Where do see God's love on display? At the Cross of Jesus Christ. It is only in Christ that we will be satisfied
The Acts of the Apostles comes to a conclusion without a resolution. The reason for this is because the acts of the Holy Spirit through the church are not finished. God's people are still called to be witnesses; the Gospel is still going forth. As Paul issues a warning to the unbelieving Jews visiting his rented quarters in Rome, we make these observations about the Word of God: it is relevant; it is accurate; and it is enduring.
Paul finally makes it to Rome. His circumstances improve, though he remains under house arrest. The apostle never tires of telling others about Jesus. Even as the book of Acts begins to come to a conclusion, we find Paul proclaiming the Gospel. From this passage we learn three simple lessons about evangelism. They are: 1) Be proactive; 2) Be ready; and 3) Be aware.
As Paul finishes the final leg of his journey to Rome, we are offered some surprising insight into engaging the culture. The Christian must engage without compromising his convictions or without isolating from others. There are three ways the text helps us navigate this. We must first interact with the culture. Secondly, we disarm the culture. And finally, we find in the cross and resurrection, freedom from the culture.
Paul miraculously healed the father of the leading man on the island of Malta. In doing so, Paul was following the example of the Lord Jesus. He was also exercising the authority of the Lord. By following the guidance of God, Paul operated in the power of God, and therefore, made an impact for God. The Christian is always representing the Lord Jesus Christ.
Two people can experience the same thing and come to opposite conclusions about its meaning. The inhabitants of Malta observed a snake fasten itself to Paul's arm. They went from viewing Paul as a murderer trying to escape justice to a god in their midst. Both conclusions were based on their observations and both were wrong. In this passage we are warned against three false conclusions: 1) a Christian should never suffer; 2) a Christian should always know why; and 3) a Christian is always understood. By accepting we usually don't know why something happens, we are in a much better position to understand what God would have us do.
Providence is a word we don't use very often these days. But the idea of God's providence is found throughout Scripture and is presently active in our lives. In love and wisdom God is caring for and directing all things. In this passage we see how God's providence relates to our cooperation. We observe how providence is displayed in practical matters. And we notice how far God's providence extends. Everyone benefits from the providence of God. But only the Christian recognizes it for what it is.
Everyone aboard the ship with Paul faced a storm that was disorienting, unpredictable, and volatile. We all face these seasons in life. This text teaches us to prepare for a coming storm we must first, heed wisdom, and secondly, expect difficulty. When you are in the midst of the storm, it is time to, thirdly, receive grace. It is often when we are brought to the end of ourselves that we are really ready to receive the help of God.
Paul begins his journey by ship to Rome to stand trial before the Emperor. The Lord reveals Himself through ordinary means along the way. As we seek to recognize what God is doing in our own circumstances, we consider from the passage the answer to three questions: Who is with you? What's around you? Where are you? The ordinary is brimming with the activity of God.
As Paul concludes his last recorded defense in the book of Acts, the Roman governor Festus and the Jewish King Agrippa respond. Like a modern man, Festus doubts the miraculous. Even though Agrippa believes the OT Scriptures, he ignores the implications of what he's heard. Both men fail to embrace the opportunity before them to respond to the Gospel. Paul, however, in spite of his chains, faithfully discharges his duty. It is easy to think of Paul as the hero of his own story. To do so is to miss the point. Jesus Christ looked beyond the present suffering to the joy of resurrection. So must the Christian.
It is clear as Paul has made his various defenses before governors, and now a king, he is focused on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The danger for the Christian is that the resurrection fails to make a moment-by-moment impact upon his life. When the risen Lord encountered Paul, Jesus spoke clearly and personalized the experience to him. This encounter not only transformed Paul, it continued to transform him as he lived out of the resurrected life of Jesus that dwelled within him. The Holy Spirit personalizes the resurrection for every single believer.
Before King Agrippa, Paul describes how he once was a Pharisee of Pharisees. He then goes on to tell of his actions as a persecutor. But all this changed when he met the risen Lord Jesus. Having received a new commission, Paul became an ambassador for another Kingdom. Every Christian battles the inner Pharisee and the hidden persecutor. Both must be suppressed. In this way the Christian, like Paul, focuses on his primary identity as one who shows others how to be reconciled to God through faith in Christ.
As Paul stood before the stately and dignified King Agrippa and Bernice, it was tempting for him to feel overwhelmed and insignificant. The world system represented by the Roman and Jewish authorities, looks upon the Christian as an afterthought, his beliefs as irrelevant, and makes accusations that are indefinite. What is an afterthought to the non-Christian is a forethought to God. Instead of seeking to understand the Christian, the world system changes definitions of words. Charges must be indefinite because objective truth is offensive. It is only in Christ that Paul, or anyone, finds significance and meaning. Only the Christian knows the "why" of life.
Far from simply wise men who happened to notice a new star from their home east of Israel, the magi understood the significance of what they observed in the sky. Compelled to worship the recently born King of the Jews, they demonstrated the impulse that drives us all. Herod the Great denied the worship of God because he worshiped himself--a tendency we each must guard against. Finally, the magi found the Son of God and fell down prostrate before Him. The reality of their worship was on display as they presented their treasures to Jesus.
The Roman governor, Felix, left Paul in prison for two years. Upon his installment, the new governor, Festus, immediately sets about to deal with Paul's case. In the meantime, the Lord has been working through Paul's season of inactivity and waiting. His confinement refined his character, and his time for reflection brought greater clarity on the will of God. As a result, Paul's defense is short and to the point. The Lord will accomplish His purposes even as He gives you and me the freedom to cooperate with His plan.
Felix is unwilling to rule on Paul's case. His indecision means Paul is left in custody for two more years. To live is to make decisions. Even refusing to choose is a choice. In Felix's dealings with Paul, we observe the excuses, the failure, and the tragedy of indecision. When Felix is confronted with the Gospel, Paul discusses righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come. As he equivocates on deciding Paul's fate, Felix hovers in indecision about his own. Thankfully, there is a way out and a way forward in decision-making.
In our last of seven messages that explore the essentials of the Christian faith, we consider the future. The physical resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ ensures that He will physically return as King and Judge. The eternal destination of each person is based on what each decides to do with Jesus in this life. It matters how we live today because choices we make now ripple into eternity. Christians long for the physical restoration of all creation, the merging of heaven and earth. Everything wrong will be made right. The Lord will leave no loose ends dangling, but will execute perfect justice.
Paul is placed on trial before the provincial governor, Felix. According to Roman law, the accused must face his accusers. The attorney, Tertullus, brings charges on behalf of the ruling Jewish Council. In order to build a case, Tertullus obscures the truth. Essentially, Paul is accused of "hate speech." When Paul is allowed to answer the charges, he reveals the truth. Though lying takes many forms, there is only one way to tell the truth. God always honors the truth and vindicates the truth-teller. There is a day coming when every human being will give an account. Those who will be declared righteous on the Day of Judgment are those who are declared righteous by faith in Jesus Christ today.
The decision is made to quickly transfer Paul from Jerusalem to Casarea so that his case might be heard before the provincial governor, Felix. Over 400 hundred Roman soldiers accompany the apostle. The Lord protects His own when they are opposed for their witness. It is not a matter of whether you will encounter opposition for following the Lord Jesus. The question is what form will the opposition take? Through this passage the Christian is instructed both how to forget his fears, and how to forget himself when facing opposition. Whether you know it or not, Jesus is the center of your story. You are either acknowledging this centrality or the Holy Spirit is orchestrating events in your life to bring you to that realization.
In Roman custody, Paul has already been rescued from the angry mob in the temple courts and from the wrath of the ruling Jewish council. At this juncture, the Lord stood by Paul in the night and gave him a word of encouragement and a promise. This promise is what will sustain Paul in the long season of imprisonment ahead. Paul then learns of a secret plot to have him killed. What the world so often calls coincidences, the Christian calls providence. The seeming coincidences confirm that God is working out His promises.
It is obvious from Scripture that the church is near and dear to the heart of God. His intention is to work through local congregations to accomplish His eternal plan. From this passage in Ephesians, we discover the church's identity, the church's foundation, and the church as God's dwelling place. Nowhere else on earth do we find a group of people from such different backgrounds, experiences, and personalities who are supernaturally brought together for such a common goal and a holy purpose.
The Roman commander who arrested Paul places him before the Jewish Council. Paul begins his remarks with a reference to his conscience. We observe through this encounter what the conscience does, how the conscience works, and how to maintain a good conscience. Respecting those in authority positions is a matter of the conscience. Sometimes it is not clear whether one has sinned, made a mistake, or simply made a bad decision. In cases like this, one must appeal to God for a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In his defense to the unbelieving Jews in the temple courts, Paul reveals that the motivation for the Christian to do evangelism is love. He describes how the Lord spoke to him twenty years earlier in this same place, sending him to minister to the Gentiles. While this statement enraged the crowd, it also offers insight into how the Lord guides each of us to be a witness. As Paul was on the verge of being interrogated by scourging, he disclosed his Roman citizenship. From this we observe how the Lord provides the opportunity to be a witness. The motivation, the guidance, and the opportunities to evangelize those around us are provided by the Lord.
Under arrest in the the temple courts, Paul makes his defense before an antagonistic crowd. In order to confront misunderstanding with truth, Paul shares the story of his conversion. He demonstrates that he knows his audience and is therefore able to address their ignorance. Ignorance of truth is spiritually deadly. Every Christian has a conversion story. A conversion story is the account of how the truth of God as revealed in the Word of God became a reality through an encounter with Jesus Christ.
Three very important words in the Bible are grace, salvation, and faith. Understanding what each word means is essential to understanding the Gospel. We find all three of these ideas together in one place in Ephesians 2:8-9. The Lord has provided a rescue plan, a way to reconcile individuals to Himself. God's salvation is a gift. It is not deserved nor can it be earned. Faith is the means by which God has determined His gift of salvation be received. It is always a temptation to believe we have to do something when in fact Jesus Christ has already done what God requires.
We all make assumptions we should not, and this includes making assumptions about the Lord. We don't think as Christians we should face what Paul did when he was arrested in the temple courts. Yet Paul was in the very center of God's will. When we follow the Lord we might be faced with false accusations, or dangerous situations, or even help from an unlikely source. God is not safe. At least, He does not define safety like modern society defines it. What God promises is not always protection, but His presence.
At last Paul arrives in Jerusalem. He is warmly received by the leaders of the church in Jerusalem. However, in Paul's long absence from the city rumors and accusations have mounted against him to the effect that it was believed he taught Jews everywhere to abandon the Law of Moses. James proposes a solution, which Paul accepts. In this solution and Paul's reaction to it, three principles emerge. When it comes to our focus as Christians, we learn first, what cannot change; second, what really matters; and third, what is to be done. And each of these principles is rooted in the Law of Love.
On the final leg of his journey to Jerusalem, Paul and his traveling companions stop in the cities of Tyre and Caesarea. Paul is convinced the Holy Spirit is leading him to Jerusalem. However, as he draws closer to the city he receives what seem to be mixed messages from other believers who are also being led by the Spirit. Through reconciling the apparent contradictions in the this passage, we discover how the Holy Spirit guides the Christian; how this guidance is different under the New Testament than it was under the Old Testament; and how you know the Holy Spirit is in fact the One who is guiding you.
An essential doctrine of the Christian faith is that we hold the 39 books of the Old Testament and the 27 books of the New Testament to be inspired by God and to be authoritative over every area of life. To believe the Bible is God's true and inerrant message to man is to believe in inspiration and authority. We consider together how we know the Bible is God's Word and why the Bible speaks with the authority of God Himself.
In his message to the Ephesian elders, Paul warns against false teachers. Where do they come from? What do they want? How do we recognize them? False teachers propagate a false gospel. Seeking to point people to themselves instead of to Jesus, these wolves disguised as shepherds teach from the Word of God without teaching the Word of God. There are many false gospels, but only one that is actually good news. The gospel Paul preached did not make others dependent upon him. In fact, to prove this he served others with his owns hands, demonstrating it is more blessed to give than to receive.
Paul continues his message to the Ephesian elders. Using the analogy of shepherds, and drawing from the prophet Ezekiel, Paul reminds these overseers of the whole purpose of God that he declared to them. The church belongs to God. The leadership of any local church is under the authority of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Paul gives three specific charges: guard yourself, shepherd the church, and build up others. These are responsibilities of any elder, to be carried out in sacrificial service. The Good Shepherd laid down His life for the sheep; this is the pattern for local church leadership.
Paul calls the elder of Ephesus together in order to leave them with parting instructions. In the first half of his message, Paul points to himself as an example of sacrificial service. This is not done from a place of pride, but humility. Paul is not focused on himself, but on the Lord Jesus. Beginning with the necessity of humility in leadership, Paul then speaks to the elders about continuing in uncertainty. And finally, he emphasizes that finishing the course requires grace.
This is the third message in our Christian Essentials series. Together, we are diving into those core doctrines that define Christianity. Having considered the triune nature of God, and the depravity of man, we are now in a position to look at the doctrine of the Son. Jesus Christ was fully God and fully man. We cannot err on one side or the other, but must hold both beliefs simultaneously as the Bible presents them. Because Jesus was fully man, He could live and die on behalf of men. Because Jesus was fully God, He could bear the wrath of God sin deserves. The person of Christ refers to who Jesus is. The Work of Christ refers to what He has done.
This passage is the first description of early Christians meeting on a Sunday. It gives us a glimpse of what the gathered believers in Troas did when they came together for worship. In this message, we ask four questions: 1) Who meets together? 2) When do we meet? 3) Where do we meet? 4) What do we do when we meet? By allowing the Word of God to shape and calibrate our times of worship, the people of God are encouraged and the Lord Jesus is exalted.
After leaving Ephesus, Paul's destination is Jerusalem. He revisits the churches in Macedonia and in Achaia. However, learning about a plot against him by the non-believing Jews in Corinth, he takes a detour. Because of this unexpected change in plans, Paul ends up in Troas. While ministering to the church there, a young man is killed by falling asleep and falling to his death. The detour has turned into a disaster. Paul faces the disaster in faith, raising Eutychus from the dead. The destination for every Christian is the likeness of Christ. Detours are not accidents but events used by God in order to reach the destination. For the Christian, disaster will never have the final say.
Every form of idol worship represents a desire for security, significance, or satisfaction. The mob in Ephesus formed at the behest of those who felt their financial security threatened. Though Paul desired to address the confused and angry crowd, the disciples and his friends kept him from doing so. The apostle's friend in the highest place, the Lord, invites everyone to taste and see that He is good. The goddess Artemis, whom the crowd so vehemently defended, could not speak, see, or hear, much less could she offer assistance to the crowd who chanted her name. You become like what you worship. The One Paul worshiped delivered him from the hands of the mob who proved powerless, like their idol, to accomplish their goals.
As Paul makes plans to visit Jerusalem and then Rome, he aligns his intention with God's intention. Paul is ever looking forward, seeking to land where the Gospel has yet to be proclaimed. In his ultimate desire to go to Spain, Paul does not neglect to remember the poor. No sooner does Paul purpose and plan to do the will of God, he faces opposition in Ephesus. The local craftsman rise up against the apostle, revealing their idolatry is deeper than Artemis worship. When you pursue the will of God, false gods will be revealed. The subtle power of idolatry is dealt with at the cross of Jesus Christ.
There are certain essential doctrines that lie at the core of Christianity. These beliefs pertain directly to what it means to believe the Gospel. In the second message of this series, we consider the fall of the first man, Adam, and the resultant depravity inherited by every man and woman. With Romans 5:12 in the forefront, we ask and answer three questions: 1) What went wrong? 2) What does it mean? and 3) How are things set right?
Those who had believed in Ephesus began to publicly confess and disclose practices that displeased God. As a transformed people, they brought out into the light what was formerly kept in the dark. Ephesus was a city steeped in the practice of magic. It was believed that much of the effectiveness of so-called magical powers depended on the secrecy surrounding the magical spells. Those Christians who used to engage in such things brought their books of magic and burned them publicly, breaking the influence of darkness in their lives. In this passage we learn about the necessity of confession; when sin needs only to be confessed privately to God; and when sin should be confessed publicly to others as well. We also see the value of denouncing sin publicly, denouncing sin voluntarily, the cost involved in doing so, and the spiritual gain that results.
After departing the synagogue, Paul spends two years teaching in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. Ephesus will prove to be an incredibly fruitful mission field with regional impact. Though God opens the door for the powerful advancement of the Gospel, the Adversary does not easily concede his long-held ground. Attempts by some who do not personally know the Lord Jesus to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus backfire on them. The residents of Ephesus, steeped as they were in magical practices, learn that the authority and power of Jesus cannot be claimed or used like a magical formula.
Arriving back in Ephesus from the north, Paul encounters twelve disciples of John the Baptist. Something about them is off. Like a wise soul doctor, Paul poses a couple of questions in order to evaluate their spiritual health. Revealing their symptoms by their responses, the twelve help Paul reach a diagnosis. The apostle then proceeds to apply the cure. In their own uninformed way, the disciples of John are living according to the Law. Paul reveals how the Gospel of Jesus Christ can set them free.
There are certain doctrines that have always and must always be affirmed by Christians. Of these core beliefs, affirming the truth of the Trinity is essential for relating to God as Creator and as Redeemer. The first part of the message deals with some key passages in the New Testament and Old Testament that address the triune nature of the Godhead. The second part breaks down why the Trinity matters to the individual and to the church.
As Paul concludes his second missionary journey, he briefly visits the city of Ephesus where he leaves Aquila and Priscilla. The married couple encounter Apollos in the synagogue, a man who spoke accurately about Jesus, but who lacked certain information. Priscilla and Aquila take Apollos aside, instructing him more fully. The result is that Apollos becomes a powerful witness for the Lord Jesus both in Ephesus and in Corinth. What did Apollos already possess and what did he lack? The answer and the grace-filled way in which Priscilla and Aquila handled the situation honored God, ministered to Apollos, and built up the church.
Paul received the promise while in Corinth that no one would harm him. In this passage we observe a specific incident in which God kept that promise. The decision of the proconsul, Gallio, not only benefited Paul, but also paved the way for the name of Jesus to be more widely proclaimed. Paul then goes on to conclude a vow as a demonstration of his gratitude to God. The way in which you respond to God when He keeps a promise will make the Lord Jesus Christ more widely known.
Paul receives a vision from the Lord with the promise that no one will harm him during his stay in Corinth. This instructs us in the nature and purpose of visions in the New Testament. In this passage we also discover three things about claiming the promises of God. First, consider the promise in its proper context. Secondly, determine the principle embedded in the promise. Thirdly, after you have considered the context and determined the principle, God may choose to personalize the promise to you.
Jesus confronts a funeral party outside of the small village of Nain. Life confronts death. Jesus has compassion on the bereaved widow who has now lost her only son. The Lord meets you in your despair and sorrow. God must be your ultimate source of comfort and peace. The purity of the Son of God overcomes the defilement of the corpse. Reminiscent of Elijah and Elisha, Jesus raises the dead man back to life.
Mary Magdalene is left all alone before the empty tomb. Having not only experienced the loss of her Lord and Teacher, now--to make matters worse--His body is gone. The Second Gardener finds Mary and she recognizes His presence in His voice. Everyone is seeking something; many don't realize that they are actually seeking Someone. The resurrection of Jesus Christ calls for a response.
Paul arrives alone in the city of Corinth, a city infamous for the arrogance of its citizenry and its glorified sexual promiscuity. The Lord provides friendship to Paul through Aquila and Priscilla. Working the same trade as the married couple, Paul labors alongside of them while ministering the Gospel and testifying of Jesus Christ in the local synagogue. The circumstances that God provides for Paul's ministry in Corinth allow him to "do all things for the sake of the gospel." The resistance of many of the Jews is met by the solid conversion of Titius Justus. The Lord provides a platform for Paul to continue what will be a long and fruitful ministry in the city.
In this last psalm of Book Two of the Psalter, Solomon prays for the ability to rule his kingdom justly, righteously and with compassion. The Bible defines justice, revealing how everyone must be held to the same standard. The righteous king will act with compassion. This psalm speaks of a king whose reign will endure and whose borders are boundless. Where Solomon failed to fulfill God expectations, the Lord Jesus succeeded. It is only in King Jesus that we see the perfect meeting of justice, righteousness and compassion. Not all is right now; but all will be right as we anticipate the reign of the ideal King.
The Apostle Paul concludes his message to the intellectual elite of Athens. Focusing on God as the source of all life, Paul connects the truth of God's Word to His audience by way of general revelation. Idolatry in every form minimizes God, reducing Him in our eyes to something He is not. Having concluded building his case for the offense of idolatry, Paul declares that God is calling all people everywhere to turn from their idols and to turn to Him. The proof that Jesus is Lord and Judge is the Resurrection.
Paul begins his address on the Areopagus by making known to his audience the "unknown God." The Apostle focuses on three truths in describing God. First, He is the Creator. Secondly, God is the Sustainer. Both of these truths are evident through the witness of the creation. Both of these truths also tell us that God is personal and relatable. Thirdly, Paul points out that God is a seeking God. The only reason anyone is able to seek and find God is because God first seeks them. And this seeking out in love is demonstrated in the incarnation of Jesus Christ.
Paul is provoked by the sea of idolatry in which the residents of Athens swim. While conversing about Jesus and the resurrection, he is summoned to the Aeropagus to give an account of his teaching. Though Athenians were religious, they were blinded by the false spirituality they pursued. There is a universal problem of idolatry. Everyone has a tendency to make a god out of everything except God. There is also a universal knowledge of God. Everyone knows intuitively that the Creator exists. And there is a universal need to worship. Everyone worships something. Paul takes these universal truths as his starting point to share the good news of Jesus Christ.
God shows His people favor so that they might make His ways known to the ends of the earth. It is faith working through love in practical ways that will impact others. God desires that all the peoples praise Him. In the universal quest for happiness, this psalm tells us that joy is grounded in God's justice and guidance. The curse upon the present creation will be lifted. In the meantime, how the Christian navigates the tension of the in-between is a testimony of God's blessing.
Having to flee in the night from Thessalonica, Paul, Silas and Timothy arrive in Berea to find a receptive audience in the local synagogue. The Bereans examined the Scriptures with great eagerness. They tested what Paul said about Jesus of Nazareth against the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. Everything must be examined in light of Scripture. This includes different interpretations that one might hear, as well as life in general. The grid for determining truth is the Word of God.
The unbelieving Jews in Thessalonica stir up animosity toward the young church. Not finding Paul and his missionary companions, the mob drags Jason and other believers before the city authorities. The unbelieving Jews not only pursued the wrong means, they also pursued the wrong end, denying that Jesus is King. The Christian has a better King than Caesar--a King that is coming again.
Paul boldly presses on to the city of Thessalonica in spite of the persecution he and Silas received in Philippi. In the local synagogue, Paul uses a combination of Scripture and logic to prove that Jesus of Nazareth is the promised Messiah. Paul works with his hands to support his ministry. Through different approaches--preaching, conversing, and witnessing by setting an example--the missionary team leads people from very different walks of life to the Lord.
The psalmist remembers what God has done in the history of Israel. He recognizes what God is doing through his present hardships. And he anticipates what God will do in the future. The deliverance at the Red Sea was a pattern for every future deliverance. The Red Sea experience of every Christian is their conversion story. Prayer is anticipating what God will do in the future, anchored in what God has done in the past, and recognizing what God is doing in the present.
After Paul and Silas expound the Gospel to the Philippian jailer, his joyful response is to first cleanse their wounds. He and his household are then baptized, and they share a fellowship meal with the missionaries. When the city magistrates attempt to send Paul and Silas away quietly, they are alarmed to learn that they have beaten and imprisoned two Roman citizens. Paul is not concerned for his own rights, but he is mindful of the future of the Philippian church. Also, we take some time to explore the importance of believer's baptism.
Paul and Silas are asked a simple question by the jailer in Philippi: "What must I do to be saved?" Their answer, "Believe in the Lord Jesus," is both simple and profound, with significant implications for this life and for the life to come. While taking the time to unpack the meaning of salvation, the problem of sin, the person and work of Jesus, and the authority of His Lordship, this message will also explore the relation of good works to salvation. You will have an opportunity at the end to pray to receive the Lord Jesus, or, if you are a Christian, to rededicate yourself to His Lordship.
Paul and Silas were beaten and placed in stocks in the inner cell of the prison in Philippi. Their obedience to God's call brought them intense physical and emotional pain. Yet they chose to pray and praise in response. When suffering strikes, there are three responses to it that we discover in this passage: singing in the suffering, expecting God to move in the suffering, and testifying to others through the suffering.
Paul and his team continue to proclaim the Gospel in Philippi. Being repeatedly followed by a very vocal slave-girl who is possessed by an evil spirit, Paul commands the spirit to depart from her. Though the girl is set free, Paul and Silas are apprehended, beaten and placed in prison. This passage reveals a supernatural worldview, push back from the supernatural realm, and a willingness to sacrifice physical freedom for the spiritual well-being of another.
King David flees from Absalom, his son, who has stolen the throne and the hearts of the people. In the wilderness, David is sustained by seeking God, seeing God, and remembering God. Only a vision of the surpassing lovingkindness of God in Jesus Christ will produce lasting change.
Paul and his team have been led to Macedonia and find themselves in the city of Philippi. This is a new season of ministry. How does Paul go about navigating this new season? When Lydia responds to the Gospel, she immediately bears spiritual fruit by exercising hospitality. She invites the missionary team to make her home their base of operations.
Because of the excitement and idealization of the Christmas season, we often fail to realize the negative social consequences that both Mary and Joseph faced. Matthew tells the story of Jesus' birth from Joseph's perspective. He had many reasons to fear, but the Lord's word to him was, "Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife."
Paul and Silas return to visit the churches previously established. Paul, desiring to take a young Timothy along with them, circumcises him because of the Jews in the area. Paul opposed circumcision for salvation, but now endorses it for witness. What does it mean to "become all things to all men"?
The cries of Psalm 60 erupt out of a feeling of abandonment in the midst of the battle. The promise of God will come to pass, though His people experience discipline along the way. God will never reject His own, even if the circumstances seem to indicate otherwise.
As Paul and Barnabas, along with Silas and Judas, share about the decision of the "Jerusalem Council" in Antioch, the text demonstrates how the book of Acts is generally descriptive rather than prescriptive. Paul and Barnabas disagree over Mark's accompaniment, causing the two to embark on separate missionary journeys. The Lord is not the author of conflict, but He does use this disagreement to further His kingdom purposes.
James gives his judgment on the matter of whether or not Gentile converts should be circumcised and required to keep the Law of Moses. He offers four things that Gentile believers should avoid. Though these four prohibitions are strange to our modern ears, they made perfect sense to those who received them. How can we apply these principles today?
Paul and Barnabas go to Jerusalem to defend the Gospel against those who claim that circumcision and keeping the Law of Moses are necessary conditions of salvation. Peter recounts the conversion of Cornelius and how the Holy Spirit was given by faith in Jesus Christ alone. The yoke of the Law is a burden no one can bear; but Jesus offers a yoke of rest.
David flees to the Philistines to escape King Saul and while there feigns madness. This psalm is David's reflection on his spiritual and emotional condition while evading death at the hands of the Philistines. As God becomes bigger to us through the promises of His Word, our fears become smaller.
Paul and Barnabas return to strengthen and encourage the churches they planted. They prepare the relatively new believers for coming trials, and appoint elders who will lead and guide the disciples when the two apostles are gone. They teach the disciples to trust God's certain promises as they face an uncertain future.
Paul and Barnabas arrive in the first thoroughly gentile destination. We observe in this text how to seize natural points of contact for sharing God's Word; how everyone worships something; and how God has met the deepest need of every person in Jesus Christ.
Paul and Barnabas face opposition to their preaching in Iconium. At the same time many respond to the Gospel, so Paul and Barnabas stay in the city for a long time in order to build up the young church. These new believers are equipped with principles to stand firm in when opposed.
There are various reactions to the Word of God preached by Paul in the synagogue at Psidian Antioch. There is the immediate reaction of those in attendance and a delayed reaction a week later. There is a positive reaction by the gentiles who gathered to hear Paul preach again, and a negative reaction by the prominent men and women of the city who sent Paul and Barnabas away. Everyone is responsible for how he or she reacts to the Word of the Lord.
David, the psalmist, reflects on how he was betrayed to King Saul by Doeg the Edomite. The Lord will silence the boastful and uproot the one who places his trust in power, position and possessions. The man or woman who lives consciously in the presence of God will be firmly established in the love of God.
In the second half of his message in the synagogue of Psidian Antioch, Paul outlines the four key Gospel events: Jesus' death, burial, resurrection, and the witnesses who saw him alive. Paul ties Old Testament passages together to prove that Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of God, the promised Messiah, and the eternal King who will sit on David's throne. Finally, Paul concludes that trusting Jesus brings true freedom as he proclaims both forgiveness and justification found only in Him.
Paul addresses the Jewish synagogue in Psidian Antioch. In this first half of his message, Paul speaks of God as the One who has moved in the history of Israel. God takes the initiative. He is always moving toward Jesus, both in history and in your life.
Barnabas and Saul embark on their first missionary journey. Taking John Mark as a helper, they sail to Cyprus and proceed to travel across the entire island, sharing the word of God. The proconsul, Sergius Paulus, summons them. Though interested in their message, the proconsul's court magician and false prophet, Bar-Jesus, proceeds openly opposes truth. Bar-Jesus is temporarily blinded as a judgment, and the proconsul believes. The greatest miracle is the supernatural work of salvation in the life of Sergius Paulus.
The Lord summons His people to give an account for breaking the covenant. The people of God are charged with formalism and hypocrisy. Thankfulness is the counter to formalism and repentance the way to immediately combat hypocrisy. But the ultimate cure for both is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The church at Antioch represented the ethnic and cultural diversity of that city. The make-up of a congregation will reflect its locale. Authentic diversity cannot be manufactured. The church seeks God with fasting and prayer. Barnabas and Saul are set aside for a specific purpose. The church confirms God's call upon their lives and sends them out with more prayer and fasting.
The Lord vindicates His church. Herod craves control and is judged for it. Like Herod, we too try to control our own lives, our circumstances, and the lives of others. The Lord receives glory when we repent of desire to be in control and acknowledge His ultimate control. The church will grow and multiply when God's people are faithful to share the truths found in His Word.
If God does not intervene, Peter will not escape his impossible situation. While he rests in the peace of God, the church prays. God works practically and supernaturally. Answered prayers should not surprise the Christian, but be the consistent experience of God's people.
An attack against the church by King Herod sees James executed and Peter imprisoned. This spiritual intimidation tactic is leveled at the leadership. The church is not dependent upon her leaders for survival, but upon her Head, Jesus Christ. Believers gather at Mary's home to fervently pray for Peter.
The Lord is near and ready to help those who call upon Him in the midst of the chaos. The Lord of the heavenly hosts is also the God of Jacob. The turmoil of life brings us to the end of ourselves that we may learn to lean on the Lord.
The prophecy of Agabus gives insight into prophecy as a gift in the New Testament. The revealed will of God creates a desire that we are called to act upon. Saul and Barnabas carry famine relief funds to Jerusalem.
As the church is planted in Antioch, there are three ways that we see God building His church: through unnamed evangelists, through encouragement, and through everyone's gifts and abilities. Barnabas realizes the limits of his abilities and returns from Tarsus with Saul. Together they are able to take the church at Antioch to the next level spiritually.
Peter gives an account to the Jerusalem church of his visit to the house of Cornelius. He doesn't defend his actions, but simply relates what God has done. When God calls you to take a difficult step in which you know you will be misunderstood, He will go before you and fight for you.
The psalmist longs to experience the presence of God. While thirsting for the living God, Psalm 42 exhorts the people of God to remember, to wait in expectation, and to rest. Whether in the drought or in the flood, the Spirit of God hovers, awaiting the word of the Father to bring peace to the anxious heart.
The Holy Spirit is not a force, or an energy field, or merely power that emanates from the Father. The Holy Spirit IS God. Yet, the Holy Spirit is the most misunderstood member of the Trinity. This passage describing the Gentile household of Cornelius receiving the Holy Spirit offers insight into the Holy Spirit as a person, a gift, and as the One whom transforms the Christian's life to be more like Jesus.
David is so prominent in Scripture that his father, Jesse, is easily overlooked. However, much of the physical, emotional and spiritual development of David is due to Jesse's influence upon his life. What might be seem like an insignificant role as a father will have eternal repercussions.
Peter finally makes the connections that explain why he was sent by God to the Gentile, Cornelius. Peter connects with his Roman audience in order to present the Gospel in such a way that they can understand. The life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ should be the focal points of every Gospel presentation.
Psalm 37 instructs the faithful in how to walk wisely when the wicked prosper. By keeping a composed heart, recognizing God's concealed help, and maintaining a correct view, the Christian is equipped with wisdom for faithful living.
God prepares Peter to share the Gospel with Cornelius. Both Peter and Cornelius are uniquely positioned to hear God speak. The call of the Lord may not make sense, but the confusion will be cleared up as you take the next step of obedience.
The focus of the Acts narrative is now brought to bear on Peter. As the church spread out geographically, the Lord is positioning it to spread out spiritually. Peter is used by the Lord to heal a paralytic and to raise a corpse to life. Peter follows the pattern of Jesus, expects God to work, and does not hesitate to seize the opportunities before him.
A transitional passage between the conversion of Saul and the resumption of Peter's ministry, Acts 9:31 reveals five marks of a spiritually healthy church.
After his conversion, Saul immediately begins to proclaim Jesus as the Son of God and Israel's Messiah. He is led to Arabia, and upon his return learns a lesson in humility while fleeing Damascus. Barnabas vouches for Saul among the Apostles in Jerusalem. Saul experiences the three new identities of every believer--disciple, brother and witness.
Psalm 33 conveys to God's people the call to praise, the motivation for praise, and the need to wait with praise.
The Lord uses a faithful disciple, Ananias, to pray for Saul. It is faithfulness in the little things that prepares the Christian to be used of the Lord in the big things. Every disciple, no matter the ministry they have been called to, is an instrument in God's hands. A brief discussion on the meaning of baptism.
While on his way to arrest believers in Damascus, Saul encounters the resurrected Lord Jesus on the road. His conversion demonstrates characteristics that every person who puts their trust in Jesus will experience.
The Lord leads Philip away from preaching to the crowds in the Samaritan villages to share the Gospel with one man on a desert road. Philip's encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch offers important principles for personal evangelism.
The psalmist reflects on man's attempts to secure wealth as a hedge against poverty, exposure, and rejection. In the final estimation, behind every fear is the fear of death. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ, as foreshadowed in this psalm, is the ultimate security of the Christian.
The Samaritans respond to Philip preaching the Gospel. Many believe and are baptized. But it is not until Peter and John arrive and lay their hands on them that they receive the Holy Spirit. Simon too "believes," but misunderstands the free gift of God.
This message answers three questions: What is persecution? How does persecution affect the church? How should the church respond to persecution?
David's prayer after reflecting on his sins against Bathsheba, Uriah and the nation of Israel. The consequences of sin on the soul. The restoration of God granted to the broken-hearted and repentant.
The third and final message covering Stephen's defense before the Sanhedrin. An account of Stephen's execution as the Lord Jesus stands to welcome him into His eternal kingdom.
The second of three messages on Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin. Moses was raised up as a deliverer of Israel. His experiences foreshadowed the true Deliverer.
In the first of three messages, Stephen begins to answer his accusers. God is not bound to a place.