Sermon On the Mount

 

 

 

BONDAGE

 

ACTS 15: Some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers that circumcision was necessary for salvation. Paul and Barnabas were sent to Jerusalem to try to rectify the situation and on the way they were meeting   people and telling them that the Gentiles were being converted. When they arrived in Jerusalem they were greeted by the brothers and were told by members of the Pharisees that the Gentiles must be circumcised, therefore obeying the Law of Moses. Peter told them that God made no distinction among men and He gave the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles. He emphasized that salvation was through God’s grace and not works or symbolism. James also supported Peter’s testimony and the fact that the prophets were in agreement. James told them that they should not make it difficult for the Gentile believers. He suggested they write a letter to the Gentiles and have some of their own people accompany Paul and Barnabas to take the letter to them.

 

They did this and also suggested to the Gentiles that they should refrain from eating blood and meat with blood in it or food sacrificed to idols. In addition they told them to refrain from sexual misconduct. The brothers were glad to hear from Paul and were encouraged with the content of the letter. After spending some time there they left for other cities to continue spreading the Good News.

 

What we learn from this chapter is how quickly some want to change the simple act of salvation as Jesus has prescribed it. There are many religions today that attempt to keep its members in bondage by creating requirements for salvation that do not exist in the Bible. Verse 5 illustrates the doctrine of the Pharisees and their convoluted prescription for salvation; totally contrary to the teachings of Jesus; “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses.” Most, if not all religions or cults today decree some form of teaching, also contrary to the Bible. This is why it is so critical for everyone to read the Bible and discover, for themselves, the truth and simple message of salvation. We will all be judged by the content of the Bible; this is a fact. If you believe this then you should read God’s word. It’s informative, interesting, and easy to read. I would suggest as a starting point the gospel of John for those who have never experienced the fruit of the Bible. Open the Book with a genuine heart to learn and the Holy Spirit will do the rest. Try it, you might like it.

 

Sermon On the Mount

 

 

THE POWER

 

 

Acts14: In this chapter we see the power of God demonstrated in several different ways. In the beginning the discussions that Paul and Barnabas had were so powerful that many Jews and Gentiles believed. Those who were not convinced though began to poison the minds of many and they wanted to stone them to death, but when they discovered their plot they left the area, but not before they performed many miracles and signs.

 

In Lystra they came across a man who had been crippled from birth and when Paul looked at the man he recognized that this man had faith. He said in verse 10: “Stand up on your feet!”  A great example of God’s mercy and his faith. The crowd got so excited that they thought Paul and Barnabas were gods. They had all they could do to try to convince them that they were just men like themselves. They explained how God was behind them and how he brought them rain and crops in their seasons and how food was so plentiful. He tried to explain how God made the Heaven and the sea and everything in them. Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd’s confidence. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, thinking he was dead after the stoning which was their intention. But after the Disciples had gathered around him he got up and went back into the city. The next day they left for Derbe.

 

They continued to preach the good news of salvation in that city and won over a large number of believers. Then they returned to various cities and strengthened the Disciples and encouraging them to continue in their work. Paul explained how they would have to go through many hardships, but not to be discouraged. Paul appointed elders and with fasting and prayer committed them to the Lord.

 

Their next stop was in Antioch where they were committed to the grace of God for their works. They gathered the church together and reported to them all God had done through them and how he opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

 

The power of God is awesome as evidenced by the many miracles and signs performed by His Disciples. We are a very blessed people to have such a God looking out for us. Yes, I know there are times when one might wonder if there truly is a God. My friends, I tell you there truly is. He is with us, He provides for us, He promises to never allow us to get into a situation that is too much for us as stated in 1^st Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so you can stand up under it.” Best of all, He loves us and has a place for us to spend eternity with Him. I don’t know about you but I find this revelation to be very exciting and inspiring; it gives me great hope and peace of mind. Let’s enjoy what He has given us, let’s keep our hearts and minds focused on Him. Let us not look to the world where Satan has his dominion. Look up and you will find Him smiling upon those who have faith and love Him, and are willing to serve Him.

 

Sermon On the Net

 

 

 

THE POWER

 

 

Acts14: In this chapter we see the power of God demonstrated in several different ways. In the beginning the discussions that Paul and Barnabas had were so powerful that many Jews and Gentiles believed. Those who were not convinced though began to poison the minds of many and they wanted to stone them to death, but when they discovered their plot they left the area, but not before they performed many miracles and signs.

 

In Lystra they came across a man who had been crippled from birth and when Paul looked at the man he recognized that this man had faith. He said in verse 10: “Stand up on your feet!”  A great example of God’s mercy and his faith. The crowd got so excited that they thought Paul and Barnabas were gods. They had all they could do to try to convince them that they were just men like themselves. They explained how God was behind them and how he brought them rain and crops in their seasons and how food was so plentiful. He tried to explain how God made the Heaven and the sea and everything in them. Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd’s confidence. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, thinking he was dead after the stoning which was their intention. But after the Disciples had gathered around him he got up and went back into the city. The next day they left for Derbe.

 

They continued to preach the good news of salvation in that city and won over a large number of believers. Then they returned to various cities and strengthened the Disciples and encouraging them to continue in their work. Paul explained how they would have to go through many hardships, but not to be discouraged. Paul appointed elders and with fasting and prayer committed them to the Lord.

 

Their next stop was in Antioch where they were committed to the grace of God for their works. They gathered the church together and reported to them all God had done through them and how he opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

 

The power of God is awesome as evidenced by the many miracles and signs performed by His Disciples. We are a very blessed people to have such a God looking out for us. Yes, I know there are times when one might wonder if there truly is a God. My friends, I tell you there truly is. He is with us, He provides for us, He promises to never allow us to get into a situation that is too much for us as stated in 1^st Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so you can stand up under it.” Best of all, He loves us and has a place for us to spend eternity with Him. I don’t know about you but I find this revelation to be very exciting and inspiring; it gives me great hope and peace of mind. Let’s enjoy what He has given us, let’s keep our hearts and minds focused on Him. Let us not look to the world where Satan has his dominion. Look up and you will find Him smiling upon those who have faith and love Him, and are willing to serve Him.

 

9 14 2012

 

Sermon On the Net

THE LIGHT

 

ACTS 13: Barnabas and Paul were instructed by the Holy Spirit to begin a missionary work. Verse 2: “…Set apart for me  Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” They went to Salamis and began to preach the Word in the Synagogues. John was also there with them. In Paphos there was a proconsul that had heard about Paul and the Christians; he was curious and wanted them to speak before him. There was also a sorcerer there who tried to turn the proconsul’s mind. Paul quickly put him in his place, he told him that he would be blind for a little while. Verse 12: “When the pro-consul saw what had happened he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching of the Lord.”

 

Paul and his companions soon found themselves in Pisidian Antioch on the Sabbath. They went to a Synagogue and listened to the reading of the Law and the Prophets. The church leaders asked them to speak if they had a message of encouragement. Paul stood up and addressed the crowd mentioning both Jews and Gentiles. He discussed how the Lord had taken care of Israel during their time in Egypt and how He led them out of that country and endured their conduct for about forty years in the desert. He overthrew seven nations in Canaan and gave the land to the people of Israel as an inheritance which took about 450 Years. Paul continued telling them how the Lord gave the people Judges and then Kings and the fact that through the lineage of the Kings came Jesus. He was very clear and concise to point out that Jesus was not accepted by His people, yet they fulfilled the words of the Prophets of old by having Him crucified. He then pointed out hoe He was raised from the dead and His body saw no decay, which was prophesied through the Prophets. He reiterated how the Father fulfilled His promise to their fathers in Jesus. He told them how David’s body decayed and yet not so with the body of Jesus as was prophesied. Paul made a point of the fact that the Law could not do anything for them, if they wanted salvation it had to be through the name of Jesus Christ. Paul quoted the Priphets and warned them not to have the same thing happen to them in their disbelief. The Lord told them that He was going to do something that they wouldn’t believe.

 

The following Sabbath Paul continued hid discussions and finally told them that because of their unbelief, the good news of salvation was now open to the Gentiles. As was written, ‘I made you a light for Gentiles that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth. When the Gentiles heard this they were glad and felt honored and all who believed were appointed to eternal life. In the meantime the Jews stirred up a protest and told them to leave. Paul and Barnabas shook the dust from their feet (as they were told by Jesus) and left the region. And they were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

 

As I have previously written concerning salvation for the Gentiles, we do have a rebellious Jewish nation to thank for the opportunity to have direct access to God. Remember when the veil in the Temple was torn open; this presented the opportunity for direct access to God for the entire world. We now have direct access to God through Jesus, and only through Him. John 14:6: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Whenever I think of Jesus and eternal life, a smile and a warm feeling of joy does indeed overtake my body. This is what God wants, think of Him and enjoy, enjoy AND enjoy.