No Concern For His Own Life Because God Was On His Side

Since this is the last post for Acts, I’d love some comments and opinions about what book to study next. For several weeks, I’ll write some posts close to my heart. Feel free to comment. I have studied Romans, Colossians, Titus, Hebrews, James 1&2 Peter. 

I am praying for you! May you have a blessed day full of things to be thankful for. What are you thankful for? Let me know. 

Read Acts 27:1-28:31 (end)

Paul’s treacherous trip to Rome

King Agrippa sends Paul to Rome by ship. It was 2000 miles. That is like sending those accused of crimes all the way back to England from the New World by ship to be tried. (However, England is more like 3000 miles, but you get the point.) It sounds a little extreme. It makes me wonder about Felix, Festus and King Agrippa and how they did not want to take any responsibility for a sentence. Since they could not make everyone happy and keep their popularity in tack, they did nothing. Do we do that?

Interesting points:

1. Aristarchus was on the ship with Paul to Rome. He was also seized in Acts 19:29 but the other disciples would not let Paul speak in his defense for fear of Paul’s safety. Aristarchus was let go when the city clerk dismissed the crowd for fear of getting charged with rioting, but again, he is with Paul now. 

2.  A centurion named Julius showed kindness to Paul and allowed him to go to his friends in Sidon to provide for his needs. Paul must have been pretty trustworthy. Are you trustworthy?

3. During the voyage at sea to Rome, Paul describes it as difficult, wind against us, slow headway, wind did not allow us to hold our course, dangerous, disastrous, bring great loss to ship and cargo and lives, hurricane force winds, violent battering, throw cargo overboard, throw tackle overboard, gave them hope, no food, run aground, let lifeboat fall away, threw grain into the sea, cut loose the anchors, struck sandbar and broke into pieces, swam on planks of wood to shore. WOW! Can you praise God in ALL your circumstances?

4. Paul is bitten by a snake but has no ill effects.

5. Paul said “An angel of God…told me God has graciously given me the lives of all who sail with me.” Who has God given to you to protect and encourage?

6. Paul, a prisoner, encourages the 276 men to have courage and says it will happen just as God has said. Do you encourage ALL, not worrying about their status, higher or lower than you?

7. Paul, a prisoner, gave advice.

8. Paul was allowed to live by himself with a guard n Rome. The leaders of the Jews were curious about what Paul was saying. There was no letter or charges against him. Paul spoke to the leaders of the Jews from morning till evening. He declared and explained the kingdom of God. He tried to convince them about Jesus from the law of Moses and from the prophets. He reasoned with them. He rebuked them. Some were convinced and some disagreed. He gave hope. For 2 years, Paul stayed there in is own rented house and preached boldly without hindrance for two years.

Paul kept speaking about Jesus in all situations and had no concern for his own life. He obeyed and did not shy away from any situation. He used all things to glorify God. What a great example we should follow.

What hinders us from going all our for God and speaking of Jesus to ALL?

What Are Your Hang-Ups?

Read Acts 25:23-26:32
Title in NIV: Paul appears before Agrippa and gives his testimony.

King Agrippa came to Caesarea with pomp. Festus told Agrippa that he could find nothing Paul did that deserves death. He said that Paul had appealed to the Emperor and so he was sending him to Rome but he has nothing to write about Paul. He urges Agrippa to investigate Paul to help him write charges against him. At this point, Festus has no charges and is basically trying to create something so he does not look unreasonable when he sends Paul to Rome.

Paul tells Agrippa that he knows he is acquainted with the Jewish customs and controversies so he is fortunate to be able to speak. Paul starts off telling Agrippa that since he was small, he lived like a Pharisee. However, now it is his hope in what God has promised that he is on trial. "This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night." Paul says that it is because of this hope in the resurrection of Jesus Christ that the Jews are accusing him now. Paul asks, "Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?"

Paul explains that he too used to have a passion against the Christians but on a journey to Damascus, Jesus spoke to him and sanctified him through faith in Him. Paul explains that Jesus told him to be a witness for Him and a servant. Jesus said, "I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, from Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me."

Paul said he listened to the voice of Jesus and did what he said and that is why the Jews want him killed. He said he preached on what Moses and the prophets said would happen: "That the Christ would suffer and as the first to raise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles."

BING, BING, BING!!! That is always the magic word: Gentiles. Have you noticed that in the last several chapters? (22:21) Paul is allowed to speak of his life, his conversion, his mission, but when he says "to the Gentiles," an uproar starts.  Agrippa tells Paul he is out of his mind. Agrippa and the Jews cannot wrap their mind around the fact that Jesus came to give Salvation to the Gentiles, too.

What can you not wrap your mind around? The homeless guy under the overpass is a child of God and needs to know the love of Jesus from Christians, too. The prostitute needs to know how she is a precious jewel to the Lord and needs love, too. The person who won't forgive needs to be forgiven. All the poor are just mooching from the system...but they are children of God, too, who need love from Christians. What are your hang-ups?

Agrippa scoffs and says that Paul can't convert him to be a Christian in such a short time. Paul says that he hopes all who are listening become followers of Christ.

Agrippa says, "This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar." So, Agrippa sends Paul to Rome. And that is what the Lord said would happen in Acts 23:11, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome." So they sent him to Rome with no charges!

How can you hear more clearly what the Lord has for you to do today? How can you follow the Lord's will for your life and not your own? What hang-ups can you release from your character today?

Law= No Faith Needed

These are odd days lately for my posts. Life gets pretty hectic around this time of November. Both kids are in play-off games, my niece is having a baby (as I type!), my husband's uncle had an accident and is in the hospital 6 hours away, I am interviewing clients and writing stories and the parties! I will try to get back on the Thursday schedule. I am revved-up to get this post done right now because I read a chapter in a book I am reading (The Resolution for Women by Priscilla Shirer) about how special I am. I am uniquely. My writing is unique.She writes, "Some readers will only hear, understand, and accept certain things when they read it in your words, from your perspective, written in your voice." I think I will tack that to my cork board above my computer. So, put your talent in that sentence! What are you uniquely made for by God? Are you doing it? Are you shunning it? I'd love to hear your comments.

Read Acts 25:1-22
Title in NIV: Paul appears before Festus.

Remember Felix never passed sentence on Paul...for two years. When Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, the chief priest and Jewish leaders presented their charges against Paul...again. They urged Festus to transport Paul to Jerusalem because they planned yet again to ambush him. I also wonder if any of those 40 men kept their pledge to the point of death to not eat until Paul was killed.

Festus went to Caesarea and heard charges that they could not prove. Paul simply replies, "I have done nothing wrong..."

Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, asked Paul if he was willing to come to Jerusalem to be charged. Remember, they wanted to ambush him. Paul basically replied, "I'm here now. I haven't done anything wrong and you know it. If I am found guilty, I do not refuse to die, but I am not and no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar."

 Festus now had a way out. He said, "You have appealed to Caesar, to Caesar you will go."

Festus discussed Paul's case with King Agrippa. I thought it was interesting that Festus told King Agrippa that he could not investigate their claims against Paul because it was about some man named Jesus that Paul said had risen from the dead. He does not factor in FAITH at all!  That is what is wrong with the law: NO FAITH NEEDED.

Agrippa was intrigued and wanted to hear Paul himself.

We need to have a healthy mix of faith and obedience to the law. We can't have only one aspect of either.

Next week, Paul appeals to King Agrippa!

"In all good conscience"

Read Acts 21:27-3:1
Title in NIV: Paul is beaten by a mob, then arrested. Paul tells his conversion story. Paul announces his Roman citizenship and begins to speak to the Sanhedrin.

Have you ever noticed that people in the Bible are guilty first and have to prove their innocence? Why is it that when a mob is beating someone [Paul], they seize the one getting beat and put him in jail? They don't arresting the ones who stirred up the people or the ones rioting or the ones dragging Paul or the ones trying to kill Paul. When there is no love for Christ, wrong looks right; good looks bad; freedom in Christ looks like betrayal of Moses.

Paul was arrested and then asked who he was and what he had done. The mob was so violent and pressed up against the soldiers leading Paul away that Paul had to be carried. All the while the men were shouting.  There was so much shouting the soldiers could not hear. They assumed Paul was the Egyptian, Theudas, who started a revolt and led 4000 terrorist out into the dessert (Acts 5:36). It all came to nothing and Gamaliel, a teacher of the law said, "For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But, if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourself fighting against God."

Monday, my family went to see the movie Grace Unplugged. (Great Christian movie by the way) In one scene a character, Quinten, tells Grace she is fighting against God. Grace has to make a choice.

When the commander learns that Paul is a Jew, he gives him permission to speak. Paul tells his conversion story and they listen until he says this, "God told me to leave Jerusalem because y'all won't listen. God sent me to the Gentiles." (Texan 'y'all' was added).

Oh the crowd got nasty again and yelled, "Rid the earth of him!" They threw cloaks and dust. The commander ordered Paul to be flogged and questioned to find out why the people were shouting like this. When Paul said he was a Roman citizen, they men fled and the commander was alarmed that he put a Roman citizen n chains. He assembled the Sanhedrin and chief priest and Paul spoke to them.

He said, "My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day."

Can you say that? Can you say that even in the midst of rejection, persecution, death, illness, addiction, fear, and all the other unpleasantness of life?

Til next week, blessings!!

Become All Things to All Men

Sorry I am a week late. Sometimes my paying writing job takes precedence. I also needed extra time to write this blog and God revealed several things to me this week. I thank those people who guided me and approved of this one. You are appreciated.

I would love to know YOUR examples and views. Even if they start out with, Erin, did you ever think about…. or Erin, there is evidence that... or Erin, I would rather not receive your blog any longer. Your comments are welcome and appreciated. I guess after almost three years of writing this blog, I would like it to be more interactive. If comments don’t work on this page, e-mail me…eemfrog@att.net

Read Acts 21:15-26

Paul was warned several times not to go to Jerusalem, but he says he is ready to die for the Lord Jesus. He would rather die sharing the good news with people than stay alive and know he did not snatch them from the fire of hell. Can we say we are that committed? A Christian speaker I heard had a daughter that liked to help homeless people. While giving a homeless man some food and a blanket, (I think) a car crashed into them and she died. The point is she died being Jesus to a man in need. Her father said he would rather know that she died doing good deed than to know she lived and passed that man saying ‘he is not worth it.’He was so confident of heaven that worldly heartaches did not matter much. 

 James reported that thousands of Jews believed and were zealous for the law.  However, they hear that Paul teaches to turn away from Moses and live by his customs. They were having a problem with that. They thought Paul wanted to change all their customs and traditions and laws, too. They thought he wanted them become just like the Gentiles living among them. (The Gentiles did not follow all those laws. They did not come to know Christ that way.) In the Jews view, Paul could not be credible because he was not participating in the laws that they participated in that honor God’s law. These men had already told the Gentiles they did not have to be burdened with anything beyond 3 laws because it would make it more difficult to for them to come to Christ (Acts 15:19, 28). So, to become credible in the eyes of the Jews and so the Jews would listen to him, Paul joined in their purification rites and paid their expenses to get their heads shaved. People would see that he was living in obedience to the law.

In Acts 6, Stephen talked about changing the customs of Moses. They thought that was blasphemy…and he was stoned. Remember these Jews were zealous for God, too. They might have worshiped differently and had traditions that the Gentiles thought were worthless but in Luke 9:50 the concept is “Do not stop them. For whoever is not against us is for us.” Can you say that about Christians across the street with a different name on the building? Can you say that about Christians that worship in a cathedral? They are not against us.

Paul also said in 1 Corinthians 9:19, “Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To Jews I become like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I become like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I become like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but under Christ’s law), so to win those not having the law. To the weak, I become weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.”

Example #1 I know of some Christians who own a tattoo parlor. They are very involved in their church and seen as leaders. They reach people most of us reading this could not reach with the gospel. They make a large part of the community feel welcome. They help people feel accepted and not condemnation about their appearance. Good for them.

Example #2 When a couple comes to my house with kids or I go to their house, it is made clear that their kids did not play outside (or get messy) or watch Disney movies (or a list of PBS shows) or play with toy guns. So, when they come over, my kids did not do those things either and we hid the guns in the closet so there is not an issue. I want to be known for love and kindness so we accommodate them while they are at our house. And, that was okay with me. I want to be known as hospitable and gracious and not known for what I don’t allow in my home.

What is the up side, by the way, for being so staunch on issues that can be different for everyone? Now, do not murder, I understand, but the little stuff, I believe can be negotiated and people should be flexible. People who follow rules THEY have set up and expect everyone to follow them even in the other person’s home is seen as hard-nosed, unloving, not flexible and demanding. Friendships don’t last long that way.

Example #3 I visit my birth mother once or twice a year and have gone to church with her. She goes to a mixed men and women class on Sunday morning where a woman teaches. I do not agree with a woman teaching men in a class. I believe it usurps men’s authority. (Usurp- to seize or hold as in an office or place of power by force or without right. To exercise authority wrongly. 1 Timothy 2:12 BUT THIS IS ANOTHER BLOG TOPIC) I can tell you that my birth mother never knew I felt this way until I asked her if I could use this example on my blog. Good! I am being loving and gracious and kind even if I do not agree.

Paul was acting according to the culture and the authorities that were set up in that place. Now, I don’t believe Paul would have gone along with sacrificing babies. Paul is giving us an example of how to treat people that you don’t have the same beliefs with, but they are not Salvation issues. He is telling us not to force our beliefs on them. He is telling us that if it is glorifying God, even though you don’t do it, it will be okay. Even Matthew says, “Whoever is not against us is for us.” Everyone in that church was very zealous for God. The Jews in Acts were zealous for God and if Paul would have come in there and started saying they didn't have to do this or that, they would not have listened to him for very long and possible stoned him like Stephen. What good would that have done? What would have been the up side of me going in their church and saying I don’t agree with this woman teaching?

I also believe that when we get to heaven people will get debriefed. We will be told all the things we have wrong in our brains. How arrogant we are if we don’t think we will need the debriefing room or if we think we can debrief someone else we see in heaven because they went to the wrong church or something. Let us not be debriefed about our arrogance.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I am not talking about going along with murder, stealing, adultery or even gossip. I am speaking of Disney movies, organic vs. not organic, guns vs. no guns, TV vs. no TV, NIV vs. King James, dresses vs. pants, class vs. no class, women speaker vs. not a women speaker. You get the point…I pray.

            I will end with the speech paraphrased from the movie Courageous. Most will hear this and believe it. Some will hear this and scoff. Some will think this is a great idea, but never do a thing to promote this concept. Some will wholeheartedly put this concept to work in their own lives. Which are you?

Would You Die For the Lord Jesus?

Read Acts 21-14
Title in NIV: Paul is warned to avoid Jerusalem.

If you knew something bad was going to happen on a trip you were about to take, would you take it? What if you knew you were expanding God's kingdom and spreading His Word, would you go anyway? Paul did. He probably found comfort in knowing what to expect. In 23:1, Paul says, "I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day." How many of us can say that with confidence? There are areas in my life I must ask forgiveness because I have let God down.

In Tyre, the disciples warn Paul not to go to Jerusalem. All the disciples and their wives and children pray with Paul before he leaves.

When Paul and his companions reached Caesarea, they stayed with Philip the evangelist for several days. This is the Philip who baptized the Ethiopian eunuch and was suddenly taken away by the Spirit of the Lord. This is the Philip that was one of the Seven who, in chapter 6, were full of the Spirit and wisdom and selected to administer care for widows. (These men were Stephen who was later stoned, Philip, Porcorus, Nicolas, Nicanor, Timon and Parnenas. FYI: Except for Stephen and Philip, the other men are only mentioned once in the Bible, here in Acts.)

I love the little details in the Bible such as vs. 9: Philip had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. That must have been an interesting household!

Agabus came to see Paul. Agabus predicted through the Spirit a severe famine in the Roman world in chapter 11 which prompted the disciples in Antioch to send aid to their brothers living in Judea. Agabus predicted through the Holy Spirit that Paul would be handed over to the Gentiles and bound. Again they pleaded with Paul not to go. In verse 13, Paul says, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." They finally said, "The Lord's will be done."

I hope I would die for the Lord Jesus. I think of the girl who was killed in Columbine who was asked if she believed. I don't know what I would do at the end of a gun.

Next week Acts 21:15-26 If you have any insight on those verses, please comment! I'm going to have to dig to understand why Paul does what he does.

If You Knew You Were Leaving Forever...What Would You Say?

Read Acts 20:13-38

Title in NIV: Paul gives a farewell message to the Ephesian elders.

How would you say goodbye if you were leaving a place where you spread the good news about Jesus and wanted to encourage them to continue in the faith? I think of missionaries going home after a long period abroad. 

Paul went to Miletus and sent for the elders in Ephesus. When they came he spoke to them about witnessing, discipleship, prophecy, love, sin and salvation.

About discipleship he said: I lived with you for a long time.  I served the Lord with great humility and with tears although I was tested by the plots of the Jews. I have not coveted anyone’s gold or silver or clothing. My hands have supplied my own needs for myself and my companions. In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul talks about how he was not a burden to anyone.

About witnessing he said: I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. I have declared to the Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and faith in our Lord Jesus. Now, I am going to witness in Jerusalem. Who knows what will happen to me there. However, my life is worth nothing to me. I just want to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me of testifying the gospel of God’s grace. I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God, therefore I am innocent of the blood of all men.

I never stopped warning you for 3 years night and day with tears.

My thought: Paul held out the gospel and spoke of the good new to all men and he is confident that he tried to snatch them away from the fire (Jude 23). I shutter to think of all the one’s I passed up when I could have held out life to them. Dear Lord, forgive me!

About prophecy he said: In every city the Holy Spirit warned me about prison and hardships that I am facing.

About commandments he said: Keep watch over yourselves and the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.

About sin he said: When I leave, wolves will come in among you and not spare the flock. Even from your own number, men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. Be on your guard.

About salvation he said: I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

About love he said: I showed you by this hard work we must help the weak, remembering what the Lord said, “It is more blessed to give than receive.” They all wept as they embraced Paul and kissed him. They knew they would not see him again and it grieved them. Paul had to tear himself away from them to get on the ship.

Well, at some point, we are all leaving forever...from this earth. Leave a legacy of hope and faith for the next generation.

Blessings!

Read Acts 19:23-41
Title in NIV: Demetrius, a silversmith, causes a uproar at Ephesus.

This story is about how one man can cause huge turmoil. I have a Rainbow Bible. Each topic is in a different color so the reader can understand the subject deeper. For example, every verse about family, genealogies or marriage is in yellow. Every verse about God is in purple. Every verse about love is in green. Every verse about sin and judgement of the ungodly is in dark gray. Today, verse 23-41 is in tan which represents false teachers and idolatry. You should try this Bible. It really will deepen your understanding of the meaning of scripture.

First, you need to know about Demetrius. He was a silversmith in Ephesus. He made idols for the goddess Artemis. She was a Greek moon goddess portrayed as a virgin goddess of hunting, wilderness and wild animals. She was the goddess of childbirth and the protector of girls up until they were married. She could also bring sudden death and disease to girls. (Similarly, her twin brother was the protector of boys.)

Demetrius was pretty upset that Paul was speaking about only one true God. He got the other craftsmen together to tell them Paul was leading the people astray. Of course, Demetrius was concerned only for his business, not for Truth. He was really concerned that the goddess would be robbed of her divine majesty.

After two hours of hooping and hollering, the city clerk tried to calm the crowd. He appealed to the people by convincing them that Ephesus was the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image that fell from heaven. Now, did they ever ask themselves WHY her image fell from heaven as their myth says?

Anyway, the crowd was dispersed. I wonder if Demetrius ever did go through the proconsuls and other courts to bring charges against Paul like the clerk said. All I found was a verse in 3 John that praised Demetrius. I can't say if it  is the same man or not.

Points that came to my mind:
1) Some of the people did not even know why they were there rioting. I did that once. I went to a rally with some people in college and after it was over and I really thought hard about the content, I was totally on the other side.
2) Make sure your cause aligns with God's Word if you are going to get a lot of followers to be passionate about what you are passionate about. I just wonder what will happen to people who insight a riot is opposing God Word. (Like the senator (I think) who spoke for 13 hours about why abortion is actually helping women's health.)  I hope she finds mercy in her heart someday for the innocent! She was saved from abortion and given a chance but will not fight to help other women make the same choice.
3) Paul did not go to the riot to speak. I guess sometimes you just have to allow God to fight for you! That is easier said than done.

Blessings to you! I pray that you find boldness in this new school year.

Find Your Niche

Read Acts 19:1-10

Title in NIV: Paul lays hands on disciples of John the Baptist

This letter was written about 60 years after Jesus was crucified and resurrected. Some had still not heard about the Holy Spirit that Jesus left to believers as their Counselor. Last week we learned that Apollos did not know and his knowledge needed updating which Pricilla and Aquila were eager to do. This week we learn some disciples did not know of the Holy Spirit either. Paul explained that John’s baptism was the baptism of repentance and Jesus’ baptism was the baptism of the Holy Spirit through belief in Jesus as the Christ. These 12 (not the original 12) were baptized into the name of Jesus and received the Holy Spirit.

            Paul then spoke boldly in the synagogue at Ephesus for 3 months. He argued persuasively about the kingdom of God.

(I stopped right here while preparing my in-stepwithspirit blog. Read my new study about the kingdom of God in my heartpoursforth blog. It should be connected to this page, but if you can’t find it, it is   www.heartpoursforth.blogspot.com   You can follow this kingdom study by clicking Follow Me. My journey starts with a sweet Jehovah’s Witness who came to my house.)

            Anyway, of course people became obstinate at Paul’s message. They refused to listen and publicly maligned the Way. So, instead of beating his head against a wall, Paul left them and took all the disciples with him. He taught them for two years. And all the Jews and Greeks in the providence of Asia heard the word of the Lord.

            I envision Paul teaching the disciples in the lecture hall of Tyrannus and people who were curious sitting in on his lectures. I imagine this was not the place for heated debates like the synagogue. Many learned of Jesus by being curious.

            The school of Tyrannus is on the west coast of Turkey. The school is in ruins now, but you can visit it. (I saw on-line pictures.) Tyrannus was probably a rhetor of the time (an eloquent teacher of rhetoric). Also, he was probably a sophist. That is a class of Greek rhetors known for their subtle and wise and expert reasoning. (I had to look up a lot of definitions on this one!)  Paul could have rented the lecture hall when it was not in use probably in the heat of the day when all others were resting. (bible.history.com and israeljerusalem.com/school-of-tyrannus)  

             Find your niche: the place where God wants you to be of most use in his kingdom! You may not SEE evidence that you are growing the kingdom, but I wonder how many of those Jews and Greeks who sat in on his teachings, listened and believed.

Positive Passage For Reflection

Read Acts 18:24-28

Title in NIV: Apollos ministers in Ephesus.

A man came from Alexandria came to Ephesus. He spoke with fervor about the scriptures that he had been taught. However, he only knew the baptism of John. He spoke boldly about his knowledge of Jesus. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him over to their house and explained the way of the Lord more adequately. Apollos then went to Achaia where he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. He vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.

Now, what if Apollos would have took offense at Priscilla and Aquila for correcting him and adding to his knowledge? He would not have been spreading the whole Truth and the best part. I also think we should give consideration to how Priscilla and Aquila approached Apollos. They did not cause a scene and try to talk to him in front of all the people. They did it privately. I’m sure Apollos was more receptive to someone who was respecting him also.

Words that jumped out at me: 

*learned man (woman): are you?

*fervor: do you speak of Christ with it?

*bold: are you bold about your belief in Christ?

*encouraged: do you do it?

*Apollos was adequate, but became more adequate: do you continue in your knowledge of Jesus?

*great help: are you?

*vigorously refuted: do you get passionate and refute those who malign the Truth?

*proved Jesus with his words: do you?

I think this would be a good passage to read every day to give you boldness in speech, passion in your beliefs, fervor in sharing, encouragement for others, growth in knowledge and confidence in word and deed when proving Jesus to the lost.

Blessings to you all! 

Tiny Clues...Do You Miss Them?

Read Acts 18:1-11

Title in NIV: Paul works with Aquila and Priscilla.

Paul went to Corinth. Claudius Caesar had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome at that time so Paul met Aquila and Priscilla. They were tent makers like Paul so he stayed and worked with them.

I love the tiny little clues the Bible has deep in its pages. Most of the time, I admit, I am reading to learn something profound or to have some sort or epiphany—an “Ahh ha!” moment. Realizing that Paul had a profession, a job, is one of those tiny details I missed. It made me realize, he had to balance his time, too, between speaking at the synagogues, making tent, selling tents, repairing tents and being one of the most important men used by God. I wonder…Maybe Paul was put in prison so he could focus on writing some of the books we read in the Bible and not his tent making job. Maybe Paul is a little like the rest of us and put other things before God sometimes. So, God helped Paul get focused and write His inspired Word by allowing him to land in prison where his focus was constantly on God’s Word. (Just a thought)

For a while Paul reasoned with the Jews and Greeks every Sabbath. When Silas and Timothy showed up, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching that Jesus was the Christ. The Jews became abusive so Paul said, “Your blood be on your own heads. I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”  Did you find this little clue? There is a time to let people make their own choices and have peace in your heart that you tried all you could to help them realize all the freedoms Christ has for them. The Jews rejected Paul and stayed in their bondage (old law). Sometimes people don’t want to gain freedom in Christ because they think they will have to give up to much. I can’t imagine someone holding onto misery when freedom is being held out to them like these Jews. Being so comfortable in your sin that you don’t want to give it up to gain freedom is a scheme from Satan.

Paul stayed there a year and a half speaking to those who worshipped God. Titus Justus was one. Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his whole household believed along with many Corinthians who believed and were baptized.

God told Paul, “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.”  How comforting! Apply God’s Word to your life and start speaking about Him today and do not worry about the repercussions. 

Why Did Paul Write 1 Thessalonians?

I've added a new item: Word of the Week (find it in the side bar. This week is integrity. Next week is attitude.)

Read Acts 17:1-15
Title in NIV: Paul and Silas's ministry continues into Thessalonica, Berea and Athens

Paul, Timothy and Silas came to Thessalonica to the Jewish synagogue which was their habit. They reasoned with them for three Sabbath days from Scripture.  He explained and proved that Christ had to suffer and be raised for the dead. A large number of God-fearing Greeks and prominent women joined Paul. Bit the Jews were jealous. They felt like Paul was dividing their loyalty.

The Jews rounded up some bad characters and formed a mob. They went to Jason's house where Paul was staying but Paul was not there so they dragged Jason out before the city the city officials. They announced, "Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are defying Caesar's decree and saying that there is another king." The crowd was thrown into turmoil. Paul and Silas went away to Berea.

The Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scripture everyday t see if what Paul said was true.  Jews believed. Jews in Thessolinica heard this and went there to stir up the crowd. Paul went to Athens but Timothy and Silas stayed.

Timothy and Silas carried on the ministry. Timothy sent word to Paul to update him about the Thessalonian Christians. The letter of 1 Thessalonians was in response to Timothy's letter.

Paul commended the Thessalonians for their diligent faith. He encouraged them to live holy lives. He thanked them for their fellowship because it gave him great joy. He encouraged steadfast faith and explained the second coming.

Make A Difference

Read Acts 16:19-40
Title in NIV: Conversion of the Philippian jailer.

Last week Paul healed a girl from a demon. She was a money-maker for her owner who got very angry and brought Paul and Silas before the authorities. Have you ever noticed that before anything is settled, people accused are beaten? Again, I think this is a case where the authorities went with the popular opinion. It was advantageous for them to side with the people. The authorities seem to always side with what gives their political career a boost...not much has changed!

In any situation, you can make a difference. Paul and Silas sang and prayed to God in prison. Others were listening to them. Suddenly, a violent earthquake shook the prison. The doors opened and the chains fell away. The jailer was about to kill himself  thinking the prisoners go away. Can you imagine being so scared, even scared of something out of your control, that you would rather kill yourself rather than tell the truth and explain? Paul stopped him and let him know that no one had escaped.

It must have been some incident!! The jailer asked Paul how to be saved. Paul said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household." Paul spoke to him and to all the others in his house.

The jailer must have really understood and turned his life to God in a radical way that day. He started tending to the prisoners and washed their wounds. He and his household were also baptized. The also brought them into his house and fed them.  He was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God.  (that was in the dark)

In the daylight, the magistrates sent word for them to be released. But Paul said, "They beat us publicly without a trial... and now want us to go away quietly? No, let them come here and escort us out." The magistrate was alarmed when they learned they were Roman citizens (of course, because they did not want to upset the constituents who support them) and came to appease them and escort them out.

Paul and Silas went back to Lydia's house. You would think that the people at Lydia's house would be encouraging them and tending to them, but Paul and Silas, the prisoners and ones severely beaten, were encouraging them!!

How often are we in a terrible situation and encourage others? How often are we in a terrible situation and tend to other's needs? How often are we in a terrible situation and look beyond our self to see others? Make a difference to others and look beyond yourself to tend to others...even in the midst of your terrible situation. It will make a huge difference to those watching.

How Do You Share the Word?

Read Acts 16:16-18
Title in NIV: Driving a demon from a slave girl.

There are so many things to point out in this passage. You have heard 'the squeaky wheel gets the grease', right? Well, it seems this slave girl was being very annoying. I have a rattle in my steering wheel in my jeep and it gets so bothersome some times I just want to shake it til it stops. I just turn up the radio. Anyway, the title says 'driving out a demon'. But, if I am correct, titles and chapter breaks were added to the Bible later. The scripture says nothing about this being an evil spirit...just a spirit. Hummm! But even the demons know the truth and shutter.

Maybe Paul did not deal with her quickly because she was screaming Truth. There is a scripture that says that even though the motives were not right with a person, their action was the right thing to do and the good news was spread and brought people to Christ.

So, is it fortunetelling if you have to pay for the information and prophesying if you are giving the information for free because it is an inspired message from the Lord? Just a thought.

I wonder what the man did for money after his slave could not tell the future any longer. I wonder how he treated her after that. I wonder if he sold her or beat her. All interesting questions.

Practical: This also made me think of people I've know that are annoying while spreading the Word of God. It is great that they have the zeal, boldness and confidence, but sometimes I feel like they are hitting me over the head with wisdom and knowledge. It is awesome that they are so 'on-fire' for God, but they can be over powering. Just like the sidewalk preacher that is screaming at people. We were walking to a Ranger game one time and a man was on the sidewalk screaming truth. I believed him, but I didn't join him. I wonder if anyone went home that night and dusted off their bible because they heard what he was saying. I wonder how many people got annoyed and 'turned him off' like Paul did?

Just some short thoughts. I'd love to hear yours!

Paul's Missionary Journey/ How To Approach Others

Read Acts 16:1-5

Title in NIV: Enlistment of Timothy by Paul and Silas.

This starts Paul’s second missionary journey. Paul and Silas set out to visit the cities Paul preached in earlier.  (Refer to the map in the side bar.) They went by land this time. They took the road trough Cilicia and through the Taurus Mountains. Then they went to Derby, Lystra, and Iconium. The Spirit told them not to go to Asia so they went to Bithynia. Again the spirit said no, so they went to through Mysia to Troas. There Paul had a vision to go to Macedonia (16:9). Paul, Silas and Timothy boarded a ship to Samothrace then to Neapolis, the port city of Philippi. Luke stayed in Philippi while Paul, Silas and Timothy went to Amphippolis, Apollonia, and Thessalonica. Trouble arose and they fled to Berea.  When their trouble followed them, Paul boarded a ship to Athens. Silas and Timothy stayed to encourage the believers. Paul left Athens and traveled to Corinth. Then he went to Ephesus. Then to Caesarea. Then he traveled to Jerusalem to report on his trip before returning to Antioch.

The next couple of weeks will consist of what happened on the journey Paul and his companions took on the second missionary journey.

When Paul came to Lystra, a man named Timothy lived there. His mother was a Jewess and a believer and his father was a Greek. He had a good reputation. Paul wanted to take him with him so he circumcised him because they all knew his father was a Greek.

I wondered why Timothy had to be circumcised when later in Romans 2, Paul discusses that physical circumcision has nothing to do with a man’s heart. It says circumcision is of no value if you are a law breaker. Basically, following part of the law is not worth much. And, being circumcised does not make you better than anyone else. It is all about the heart and not about the physical.

However, in 1 Corinthians 9, Paul discusses that he makes himself a slave to everyone to win as many as possible. To the Jews, he became like the Jews to win the Jews. To the one’s under the law, he became like one under the law so as to win those under the law…. To the weak, I became weak, to win the weak.  I have become all things to all men to that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel.

My conclusion: Paul circumcised Timothy so that on their journey he would be accepted by those he was preaching to and the message would be accepted, too. My mom suggested that is might be for Timothy’s protection also.

Later in Galatians 2, though, Paul says that not even Titus was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek.

Paul and his companions traveled from town to town delivering the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. The churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.   

Yoke Part 2

Read Acts 15:22-35

Title in NIV: Decision of the Jerusalem council.

The Letter:

To the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia,

             Some have come to you with out our authority and troubled you with their teaching. We are sending Paul and Barnabas, Judas and Silas to confirm what we are writing. It seems good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the requirements we talked about last week: Abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality.

That was short and sweet and to the point. Paul stressed not putting a yoke on the Gentiles (circumcision) that would make it difficult for them to turn to God.

A yoke is something that binds, unites or connects (like matrimony); to joins together or link; to enslave, pair together. Sometimes the yoke is forced like servitude. Sometimes the yoke is a choice like addiction.

What are some customs or traditions that make turning to God more difficult or uncomfortable that we have today? I asked for opinions this week and I received some interesting answers. Thanks to all who responded.

I came up with two categories: yokes we may impose on others and yokes we choose to enslave ourselves with.

Here is the list I received that we may impose (knowingly or unknowingly) on others:

1)      Wanting others to express worship in church the same way you do (raising hands, clapping, no emotion etc.)

2)       Believing others should read the same version of the Bible you do

3)      Believing others should dress at least as good as you do not taking into account that their holy jeans may BE their best

4)      Wanting all the songs you like that does not take into account old or new songs for the other generations

5)      Being a black and white (law) follower. Making everything doctrinal does not take into account grace (Read Romans 14 and 15)

6)      Wanting others to share in the same political opinions you do. The question was asked, “Do I really need to be a Republican to worship here?” (Thanks, S.M.) He also pointed out that in other parts of the country, the opposite party is dominant

7)      Wanting others to adopt your personal opinions on subjects like musical instruments, what is worship vs. entertainment, technology used in service, women’s roles, tattoos, drinking alcohol, children in worship

8)      Treating others judgmentally because in our mind they are not following the Truth (which is only the truth you have created with all your rules in your mind)

9)      The concept of leadership: is it authority or servitude?

10)   We also tell people “You have to be baptized, now,” instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to work in their life. That makes people very uncomfortable when they are not ready. It makes them feel guilty, too and that makes it very difficult for people to turn to God. Pressure instead of Holy Spirit is a yoke.

11)  Trying to enforce our seating chart makes people feel uncomfortable, too.

12)   Writing in your bible.

13)   We make people feel unwanted and unacceptable when they are different than us. Ex. Financially, education, politically…  We put off an attitude that only the ‘well’ can come to church and forget that our church needs to be full of lost, sick, hurt, depressed, broke, …..but oh! Our church IS full of those people! We just wear our mask every Sunday! We make it uncomfortable for those who don’t have masks and express a need

I also received a list from someone that made me think in broader terms (Thanks S.B.) This is a list of things we may bind to ourselves by choice thus enslaving ourselves to it. These yokes are:

       1) technology- cell phones, computers, video games, social media

       2) alcohol, drugs, cigarettes etc.

       3) pornography, sexual perversion

       4) food

       5) money, success, self-recognition

       6) any addiction that we put before God

These are interesting thoughts to ponder and examine in yourself and in your church.

Blessings to all!!

Update and YOKE Part 1

Hello All! Since I last posted, my email was hacked and all my contacts, sent, drafts, folders and inbox messages were deleted...several times. It was all very frustrating. I do however have some funny stories from the whole ordeal. When it was all over, a sweet man gave me a free cinnamon roll from Scholtsky's. I almost started to cry. So now, I am starting all over, literally. My new email is eemfrog@att.net. And if you are wondering what that means, Erin E. McEndree Fully Relies On God. I have to credit one of my kid's teachers for having F.R.O.G. stuff all over her classroom.

So, I'm back. Satan may have tried to stop and derail my blog, but to no avail!! If this touches just one or helps someone or just makes you think, it will be worth it. I have had about 300 hits since last time I posted. I bet people were wondering where I was. (Thanks to all you faithful readers, known and unknown.)

As promised:
Read Acts 15
Title in NIV: Dispute over circumcision of believers and meeting of the Jewish council.

Men from Antioch and Judea were teaching the brothers that, according to the custom of Moses, they must be circumcised to be saved. Paul and Barnabas got council from the apostles and elders in Jerusalem.

Believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees in Jerusalem said Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses.

The apostles and elders met to consider the question. This is what they said:
1) God made a choice that Gentiles might hear the gospel and believe.
2) God knows the heart.
3) God showed he accepted Gentiles giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did the Jews.
4) God made no distinction between us and them.
5) God purified their hearts by faith.
6) Therefore, why do you try to put a yoke on the disciples?
7) Now, we believe it is through grace that we are saved, just as they are.

James spoke and used scripture from Amos that described how God took a remnant of Gentiles for himself and rebuilt and restored them. James said, "We should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God...to make them follow our customs."

James did say:
1) encourage them not to eat food offered to those false gods
2) not to engage in sexual immorality
3) abstain form the meat of a strangled animal and from blood.

A letter saying these things and encouraging the Gentiles was sent to the believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia.

My question to you is...What are some modern day or cultural yokes we knowingly or unknowingly place on people or place on ourselves? (Rules at church? Rules in our own home? Things we bind to our self and want others to follow to them, too?) I would love to hear your thoughts: eemfrog@att.net  or comment on this blog.

YOKE- something that binds, unites or connects;  join together or link, to enslave or pair together

I have already received some interesting replies. Thanks. Part 2 will examine yokes.

Trials Are Blessings in Disguise

Read Acts 14:1-7
Title in NIV: Paul and Barnabas minister in Iconium, Lystra and Derby.

We see boldness again. No doubt given by the Holy Spirit. It was Paul and Barnabas' 'job' you might say to journey from place to place ministering to the people. What if our job was to go into the streets and crowds and preach Jesus? How can we do that? Become a Bible teacher in church (kids or adults)? Become a public speaker? Write books? Write songs?

They were so effective the Jews and Gentiles believed. However, the Jews that refused to believe stirred up Gentiles and poisoned their minds. Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there speaking boldly. Get ready! People will oppose you. Maybe even Christians. But take a lesson from Paul and Barnabas...they did not run away. They stayed and preached until it looked like they would be killed. They were doing miracles through the Holy Spirit but the people were divided anyway. (We can't understand that. We think 'how could they not believe if they saw miracles?' But, we also see miracles all the time and dismiss them.) Paul and Barnabas fled and continued to preach.

It is interesting to me that the Jewish leaders had so many prophesies that pointed to Christ and when they were being fulfilled, they were blinded and could not see them. I think of Mark 4:12, "they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!" I don't thing Jesus was what they expected, so they rejected him.

Do we reject things because they are not what we expect or want? Do we reject death, loss, cancer, illness, explosions, abandonment, car wrecks, additions, divorce, floods, fires, molestation, abuse, offense from a friend or family member, birth defects, Alzheimer's etc. when these precise situations should lead us closer to God. Of course we don't want them to happen, but what do we do when they do? Are you rejecting a gentle wake up call...or a loud one? Are you asking why instead of standing firm in the promises of God? God promises healing and restoration and reconciliation from our trials. He never promises trials will not occur. Are we like the Jews in that we reject what is supposed to bring us closer to God?

I have seen a family identify the good in a year-long struggle with a back surgery. I have seen a family stand firm in the ups and downs while their 10 month old had to go through chemo and the removal of a tumor. I heard a man say that his son was diagnosed with autism and "that is exactly how my son is supposed to be. He is perfect and we will help him be the best he can be." These are beautiful examples of seeing the good in trials and becoming closer to God for his comfort.

Challenge: Praise God in the trials and ask God what he is trying to show you through them. Probably more reliance on Him, would be my guess. We all need that. We all need to be reminded of that. We all need to practice that. Trials may be blessings in disguise to help us become closer to God.

History: The Israelites and Satan

Read Acts 13:13-52
Title in NIV: Paul and Barnabas minister in Pisidian Antioch.

I love chapters in the Bible that give history. I will put it in list form. It is easier that way and I like lists.
The prophets and synagogue rulers urged Paul to speak.

1. God chose our fathers.
2. God made them prosper during their stay in Egypt.
3. God led them out of that country with mighty power.
4. God endured their conduct for about 40 years in the desert.
5. God overthrew 7 nations in Canaan.
6. God gave the land to his people as their inheritance.
7. All this took about 450 years.
8. After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet.
9.  Then the people asked for a king and God gave them Saul.
10. Saul ruled for 40 years.
11. After God removed Saul, He made David their king saying, "He is a man after my own heart."
12. From David's descendants, God brought Jesus as he promised.
13.  Before Jesus, John preached baptism to all the people of Israel.
14. Paul said, "It is to us this message of salvation has been sent."
15. The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus.
16. Condemning Jesus fulfilled the words of the prophets.
17. When all was carried out that was written about Jesus, they nailed him to a tree.
18. God raised him from the dead.
19. Many witnesses traveled with Jesus after his resurrection.
20. Paul said, "We tell you good news: What God promised our fathers, he has fulfilled for us, his children, by raising up Jesus."
21. David saw decay, but Jesus whom God raised from death, did not see decay.
22. THEREFORE, through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.
23. Through Jesus everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses.

Paul and Barnabas were asked to come back next Sabbath and continue talking about the grace of God. The Jews saw the crowds and were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying. Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles." The Gentiles honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. The Word spread through the entire region. Jews incited God-fearing women of high standing and leading men to stir up persecution against Paul and Barnabas.  They were expelled from the region so they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them. The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

A few things that caught my attention: 1) The men spoke boldly. Do I speak boldly about the Lord and what he does in my life?
2) In verse 48, it says the people appointed for eternal life believed. I have a thought about this concept. Last night at church, we read two verses that talked about the devil and his angels falling to earth. So, when I put these two thoughts together, I think that those that are the Lords are appointed for eternal life and Satan's angels are appointed for hell. So, of course, only the one's appointed for eternal life will believe. I still have hope that Satan's angels can be turned to God and that is why we need to be so bold.
3) Even those God-fearing people it talks about can be swayed to do evil. So, be careful to stand firm.
4) There comes a time when you just have to shake the dust off your feet and wipe your hands clean. There comes a time to stop throwing your pearls to swine and move on to be able to do some good in some one who has an accepting heart.


Blessings to you!!

How Did the Disciples Die?

Read Acts 12:1-4

Title in NIV: Herod directs James’ execution and Peter’s imprisonment.

1) I have always wondered what happened to the disciples. When I read that James son of Zebedee, the disciple “that Jesus loved”, was killed by Herod Agrippa in Jerusalem about 11 years after Jesus’ death or 44 AD, I decided to study how the other disciples died.

I used several sources. Most accounts are handed down by tradition. One did not even agree with what the Bible said happened to Judas---so web sites are not all that accurate. I would love to get a map and plot where they preached, too.

2) Andrew preached in modern day Georgia and Bulgaria. Tradition has it that he was crucified on an olive tree at Patrae, Greece.

3) Bartholomew preached in India. Tradition has it that he was crucified with his head downward.

4) John died in Patmos in his old age between 89 AD and 120 AD.

5) Judas hung himself after Jesus’ death. Matthew 27:5  (A web site said he flung himself down a mountain and was torn to pieces AND it gave the Matthew verse. Odd!)

6) Matthew died of old age in Parthia. The book of Matthew was written about 20 years after Jesus’ death. Tradition says he was martyred in Ethiopia.

7) Philip was crucified with his head downward, tradition says, in present day Turkey. You can visit his tomb in Hierapolis. 

8) Peter was crucified with his head downward as he wanted. He felt he was not worthy to die in the same manner as Jesus. He and Paul died at the same time which was 33 or 34 years after Jesus’ death. 67 AD or 68 AD.

9) Simon the Zealot (Canaanite) tradition says, died of old age at 120 years old.

10) Thaddaeus died of old age or was martyred. Tradition says his tomb is in present day Iran.

11) Thomas was thrust through with a spear in all four members of his body. But, when is a mystery. The Latin church says December 21^st, the Greek church says October 6^th, and the Indians say July 1^st.

12) James of Alphaeus was stoned in Jerusalem and I’ll spare you the gory details I found.

On that last note, a verse comes to mind: Matthew 10:28: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Vs. 32 “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in Heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.” Vs. 38 “and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”