Today’s lesson concludes our walk through the book of Acts. Hasn’t it been amazing? We hope you have enjoyed the journey and have learned much. But, as you know, the story continues. We hope you will continue on with us as we apply the Word of God to our everyday lives. Next week we will have a one week study on “Renewing Your Mind”. Join us as we discover practical ways to transform your mind from its old way of thinking to a mind of Christ. You really don’t want to miss this; it is going to be awesome. This one week study will be followed by a seven week devotional study on Complete and Reckless Abandoned Life for Christ.
Destination Rome
May 18, 2012 By
Coffee Talk for Friday May 18, 2012
Today’s Focus is: Paul Preaches in Rome under Guard
Blessing: Dear Father, Thank You for this study in the Book of Acts. I pray we can revive the church body in this century. That we would preach like there is no tomorrow, we would trust and obey in faith. Be bold in the power of the Holy Spirit. Love You with all of our heart, mind, body and soul. Love others to heaven no matter the cost. Oh that we would set the world on fire for Jesus, that He is the only thing that people need. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.
Daily Bread: “’Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen.’ For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!” (Acts 28:28-31)
Please read chapter 28
Main Course:
Paul and all of the others survived (275 others) and came on shore at Malta. On the island they found kindness from the locals and stayed for 3 months until they could sail safely to Rome. Paul arrived in Rome and the Lord provided brothers in the faith along the way and this encouraged Paul. Jesus is Paul’s everything, and He is ours too. Paul was shown divine favor in Rome and was allowed to live by himself with a soldier to guard him.
Three days after arriving in Rome, Paul called together the Jewish leaders and preached the Gospel to them, and proclaimed his innocence explaining his appeal to Caesar was why he was still in chains. Day and night, Paul did not stop sharing and teaching that Jesus is the Messiah. Many came to him to listen to what he had to say. Just as Paul always did when speaking to a Jewish audience, he would reason with them from the Old Testament how Jesus was the fulfillment of the prophets and of the Scriptures. Some believed and were born again; however, many disagreed among themselves and left.
Look at how powerful this passage is: “Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: ‘The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet: “‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’”” Acts 27:24-27.
Paul’s final days as a teacher and “missionary” were quite different from his earlier years. Since he was under house arrest, he could not travel. However, God knew what He was doing. Paul was confined in Rome at a time when people everywhere were talking about “this sect”, so Paul simply waited for God to bring people to him. *1
For three decades Paul’s message never changed, and he was sold out that Jesus is the promised Messiah. God’s Son sent to die in our place and risen from the dead victoriously, to reconcile us to our Creator God!
From his guarded rented room, the Apostle Paul turned Rome upside down. Paul not only preached and taught, but he also wrote the book of Romans and many Epistles in the New Testament. Never underestimate what God can do with a life surrendered fully to Him. I want to encourage you to surrender all to Jesus today and see where the Lord will take you next.
Highlights:
Paul’s message never changed; he was not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus. Paul was so faithful and so caring of the Jewish people, he never gave up sharing to the Jews first and then the Gentiles.
Reflection:
Pray that you can be as faithful as Paul in sharing with others about Jesus and how He has changed your life for all eternity.
Your Turn:
- Please look up Colossians 4:10. Was Paul all alone in being in chains?
- Please look up Philemon 24. Who was by Paul’s side?
- Please look up Philippians 1:13 & Philippians 4:22. I often think about the soldiers and guards that would hear the Gospel over and over again. Did they become believers?
Closing Prayer: Dear Father God, How blessed we are by the ministry You worked through the Apostle Paul. Lord, please pour Your grace out on those in ministry that are not seeing the end results of their labor. Please encourage them and bless them. Please protect them just as you did Paul, and show them that You are their Banner! In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.
© 2012 by Brenda Bearden. All rights reserved.
Do You KNOW Him? If you want to know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, visit Extreme Encouragement today.
Reference: *1 The Knowing Jesus Study Bible, NIV Edward Hindson, D.Phil., Edward Dobson, Ed.D. Zondervan Publishing House 1973 (cr) page 1508 Jesus Focus An Unchanging Message first part only.
The Shipwreck
May 17, 2012 By
Coffee Talk for Thursday May 17, 2012
Today’s Focus is: Two Hundred Seventy-Six Souls on Board
Blessing: Father, I am so blessed by this passage. Your grace is so amazing! Please bless all reading this Bible study and help them to know You deeper today. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.
Daily Bread: “In an attempt to escape from the ship, the sailors let the lifeboat down into the sea, pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow. Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, ‘Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.’ So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it drift away” (Acts 27:30-32).
Please read Acts 27:27-44.
Main Course:
After 14 days, the ship was still being driven across the Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean Sea, south of Italy). Around midnight, the sailors thought that they may be approaching the shoreline and took sound testing. With a weight attached to a rope that has measurements, the sailors would drop it into the sea to check the depth of the sea in different locations. As the depths declined, it could indicate that they ship was approaching land. The first reading was 120 feet to the sea floor and the second reading was only 90 feet in a short time. The sailors dropped all four anchors from the ship in that spot fearing that if they keep going, they could crash into rocks before making land safely. Interesting fact, these four anchors were discovered in 2002! Once again, science proves what we already know to be true! God is so amazing!
Then we read about mutiny on the high seas…some of the sailors try to escape via the lifeboat, but the solders cut the ropes of the lifeboat and foil the attempt. Just before dawn Paul pleas with the men to eat and keep up their stamina so that they can survive, see none of them have eaten in the past 14 days. Paul took some bread and thanked God in front of them all. After all of them had eaten as much as they wanted, they lighten up the ship by throwing the grain into the sea.
At daybreak, they saw the sandy beach and decided to run the ship aground; so they cut all four anchors and left them right there to be discovered in 2002 (emphasis mine). The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent them from running away, but God’s grace prevails again. The centurion wants to spare Paul’s life so he orders all who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land, spoiling the solder’s plans. The rest were to gather places of wood to drift over to the shoreline to safety.
Highlights:
God is so faithful, even when we are not! How blessed I am to read this account of this shipwreck. 276 souls spared through the 14-day hurricane!
Reflection:
God is Who He says He is, and He always does what He says He will do! You can count, even rest, on His promises!
Your Turn:
- What Bible passage (of one of God’s many promises) have you been able to stand on when going through a storm in your life? Have you been able to share that passage as a lifeline to others?
- Look up John 14:18. This is a wonderful promise. Look through the Word, find God’s promises, and memorize them. Have them ready for any needs that may happen in your life or others’ lives around you.
Closing Prayer: Dear Father God, Bless the readers today Lord, please help them to know You as Father and Your Son, Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.
© 2012 by Brenda Bearden. All rights reserved.
Do You KNOW Him? If you want to know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, visit Extreme Encouragement today.
In the Storm
May 16, 2012 By
Coffee Talk for Wednesday May 16, 2012
Today’s Focus is: Paul’s Divine Protection in the Storm
Blessing: Dear Father, Thank You so much for today’s message of protection in the storms of life! Please help us to remember You are always with us. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.
Daily Bread: “Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you’” (Acts 27:23-24).
Please read 27:13-26
Main Course:
Today we read about Paul and the rest of the souls onboard the ship fighting for dear life. Yesterday we emphasized how God is always with us even when we are in a literal storm, or in a storm of life. “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5b). We are about to see God’s deliverance and protection for Paul.
The ship is carried out and the hurricane approaches them with full force. This must have been so frightening for all (except maybe Paul for most of the trip) as the seconds felt like hours. Fear on their faces must have been overwhelming at times. Soon the captain had to give way to the storm and then the ship was at the mercy of the driving waves. The crew had to bring the lifeboat onboard to make it secure and then they sent ropes under the ship to undergird the ship to hold it together. They lowered the sea anchor but were then driven along with the violent waves. Can you imagine what it must have been like in the belly of this vessel during this hurricane?
The next day the crew began to throw cargo overboard and on the third day, they throw the ship’s tackle over! After many days of no sun or stars, the men gave up any hope of being saved. After a long time in the rage of this storm, Paul stands up and reminds them that he had warned them of the danger ahead if they continued to brave the open seas so late in the season past the Fast.
Then Paul shares something wonderful, a divine message from a heavenly host. Keep your courage Paul says, because “not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.” Wow! Grace, grace God’s grace! Then Paul said that they would still “run aground on some island” (Acts 27:22-26).
Do you think that maybe they are going to listen to him this time? I think Paul has their undivided attention! Luke and the others onboard in Christ must have felt so blessed. What about those who did not believe? Did this message still not bring them hope?
This record of the storm also helps to remind us that God is always in control! “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Please take courage in whatever storm you find yourself in and take it to the Lord. He already knows the outcome.
Highlights:
Paul exercised faith and stood on the personal promise of God that he would preach the gospel in Rome. We see the Lord again reach out to Paul supernaturally, through a divine being, to encourage Paul and deliver a message of grace…not only for Paul but also for every soul on that ship!
Reflection:
God is in control, you need to reflect on this truth. He is in control even when it does not make any sense.
Your Turn:
- What can you do to keep your eye on Jesus during the hard times of life? Record this in your journal or a note book. Pray and reflect on this.
- How is Paul an example we can follow? (example: take God at His Word)
Closing Prayer: Dear Father God, I praise You for Your grace for us all. Your grace saved a wretch like me. May others feel Your grace and come to Jesus through this Bible study! Bless all who come, in Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.
© 2012 by Brenda Bearden. All rights reserved.
Do You KNOW Him? If you want to know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, visit Extreme Encouragement today.
Sailing on a Promise
May 15, 2012 By
Coffee Talk for Tuesday May 15, 2012
Today’s Focus is: Paul’s Departure to Rome
Blessing: Dearest Heavenly Father, Thank You for another day to celebrate the gift of salvation and to share that with others. Father please guide us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the times grow more evil and we need You now, more than ever! In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.
Daily Bread: “Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement. So Paul warned them, ‘Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.’ But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship” (Acts 27:9-11).
Please read Acts 27:1-12.
Main Course:
Today we read about Paul traveling as a prisoner with his final destination of Italy, Rome. Paul boarded a ship in Adramyttium (NW coast of Asia, modern day Turkey) with a centurion named Julius belonging to the Imperial Regiment. Let me remind you that Paul is still in custody and in chains! The next day they land in Sidon and Julius shows kindness to Paul by allowing him to have his friends provide for his needs. I feel God’s favor in this passage, don’t you?
They put out to sea again and later found a “grain” ship, the“Alexandrian” headed for Italy so they boarded this vessel. They put out to sea but made very little headway and after many days, they made it to the shore of Cnidus. The wind, however, did not allow them to hold course. So they put out again moving along the coast, landing in Fair Havens. ( Soon to be moving along the sandbars off the coast of Africa many feared to be a graveyard for ships)
Paul’s bound up under custody with other prisoners, yet he is in the Father’s will for his life. Think about this…he is in a heap of trouble that he did not cause, traveling on a vessel that carried grain for the Empire, and at a deadly time to be traveling on the open sea. Vs.9 explains, “Sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement.” The Fast was in late September and it was dangerous to travel on sea from mid-September through late October (hurricane season).
So adding to the list of prisoner wrongfully accused, he is under custody in a vessel out to sea in extremely hazardous weather (still in God’s will)! Paul issues a warning about the eminent danger ahead and that there will be great loss if they forge on…it fell on deaf ears sad to say. I am starting to think Paul has been speaking the wrong language lately; no one can hear him, he is not being heard. The harbor in Fair Havens was not suitable to winter the season. Therefore the captain’s advice overruled Paul’s and they pushed out to sea again to find a better harbor, but found themselves in the middle of a storm!
Life may be crazy for you now, yet you too can be in the middle of God’s will for your life. Please be encouraged. If you know you are not the source of your issues/problems, hang in there and know He is with you always! As children of God even when we slip up and sin and bring issues/problems down on us He is waiting for us to run to Him and ask for forgiveness and turn away from that sin. He always forgives us and remains closer than a friend! Amen!
Highlights:
The Greek word “euros” means “East winds” the Latten word “aquilo” means “North winds.” I think Paul found himself in the middle of both. (North-Easter) Even when life is challenging and makes no sense, fully rely on God. Stay in His Word, pray, pray, pray. Sing praises and worship Him while you wait on Him to rescue you. Remember the battle is His…do not resist Him, run to Him!
Reflection:
Paul knew he was going to Rome, and lived in this promise from Jesus (Acts 23:11). Live as one who knows who you are in Christ Jesus. Do not allow yourself to believe a lie over the truth of God’s Word. Paul lived his life unwavering and uncompromising the truth of the Gospel. Live for Christ every moment of every day, until He returns or brings you home.
Your Turn:
- Please look up Romans 1:16 and jot down what Paul was saying in this passage and meditate on this passage.
- Do you remember a “storm” in your life when down the road after things settled, you could look back and see God’s hand moving, rescuing you? Write this in your journal, pray, and thank Him right now for His great love!
Closing Prayer: Dear Father God, How wonderful You are to all of us who call You Father. Even before we did, You blessed us and are blessing others that do not know You. Your mercy and grace are truly amazing. Please use us to bring those who do not know You, to You for salvation in Your Son, Jesus. In His Name we pray, Amen.
© 2012 by Brenda Bearden. All rights reserved.
Do You KNOW Him? If you want to know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, visit Extreme Encouragement today.
Here We Go Again
May 14, 2012 By
Coffee Talk for Monday, May 14, 2012
Today’s Focus is: Paul’s Fifth Defense of Six Total
Blessing: Dearest Heavenly Father, We praise You for another week and day of life in Christ Jesus! Please help us to savor this last week in the book of Acts to understand how Paul was just a man, yet was used in extraordinary ways for Your Kingdom. Help us to see that we too can be used in a mighty way, keeping a one-track mind as Paul did. To know Christ and Christ Jesus alone! Father we ask for Your continued protection of us and our families as we go about the work You have prepared in advance for us to do. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.
Daily Bread: “And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our ancestors that I am on trial today. This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. King Agrippa, it is because of this hope that these Jews are accusing me. Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?” (Act 26:6-8).
Please read chapter 26
Main Course:
Today Paul is back in front of more “dignitaries” and Paul demonstrates how his faith “worth more than gold” can defiantly stand before all men! If you were brought before the Supreme Court to stand trial for your faith, could you be found as Paul was? Found guilty as charged, a true believer in Jesus Christ?
King Agrippa permitted Paul to speak and speak he did. Paul gives his testimony of his conversion a third time, and this time he gives new information. Look at verse 14, “We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’” Now look at verse 16, “’Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me.’” We find out Jesus spoke to Paul in Aramaic and Jesus promised that Paul would see more of Jesus! How personal, how wonderful! He comes to us all in a very personal way. Are you waiting on Him? Are you expecting Him? Are you listening for Him?
Paul continues to explain the events of his conversion, but moreover Paul gives the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Unfortunately, this message fell on deaf ears. Spiritually, the dignitaries were opposed to the message. In verse 24, Festus shouted “You are out of your mind, Paul!” To those who are perishing The Cross is foolishness (2 Corinthians 4:3). Then the climax of rejection is in verse 28, “Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?’” Pride is a deadly sin. They all left the room, turning away from the truth and discussing how Paul had no reason to have any charges against him.
The last verse of this passage peeked my interest “Agrippa said to Festus, ‘This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.’” Why would the Lord see fit to let us know this? I was thinking and meditating on this, and just in my small mind I think the Lord was letting us know He planned for Paul to travel to Rome (just as Jesus promised Paul earlier) and this is a reminder to me that the Lord’s sovereign hand is always at work on His perfect will (emphasis mine).
Highlights:
Paul remains faithful to the truth of the Gospel. No matter who the audience was, he did not waver. He did not concern himself with the mockery and he knew that people’s responses were not up to him. Paul remained faithful even in light of rejection.
Reflection:
Do you have someone you have been sharing the Gospel with, and praying for? Have you endured sarcastic remarks and endless excuses? Do not give up Dear One. Continue to pray for them and always be available for God to work though you. Leave all of the results up to the Lord. Just meditate on Paul’s relentlessness and do not give up, encourage yourself in the Lord.
Your Turn:
- How do you handle rejection? Pray about this and remember to leave the results up to the Lord.
- Can you be consistent in sharing your story as Paul did, no matter the audience?
- Write down the names of the people you are praying for salvation and be as faithful as you can to pray for them.
Closing Prayer: Dear Father God, Thank You so much for this study. Please help us to always be ready to share the Gospel! In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.
© 2012 by Brenda Bearden. All rights reserved.
Do You KNOW Him? If you want to know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, visit Extreme Encouragement today.
A New Trial for the “Troublemaker”
May 11, 2012 By
Coffee Talk for Friday May 11, 2012
Today’s Focus is: A Faithful Servant of Jesus Christ.
Blessing: Dear Father, Thank You for this example of a faithful servant to the gospel no matter the circumstances. Lord, help us to be bold as well in the days and times we live in. Fill us Holy Spirit with a double portion to always speak life unto salvation in Jesus. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.
Daily Bread: If, however, I am guilty of doing anything thing deserving death, I do not refuse to die. (Act 25:11) Please read chapter 25.
Main Course:
Back in Jerusalem the Jewish leaders were asking Festus if he would extend them a favor and have Paul transported back to Jerusalem to stand trial. The Jewish leaders were planning an ambush (second plot) to overtake Paul and kill him before he could ever make it to his trial. Festus flipped the request and asked some of the leaders to travel with him to Caesarea were Paul’s day in court would convene. After several days, court was convened and Paul made his defense. (4th of 6defenses)
“I have do nothing wrong against the law of the Jews, or against the Temple, or against Caesar.” Paul covered it all, and knew just as Festus did that Paul’s accusers had no proof of any infraction of the law. Festus tried to return a favor to the Jewish leaders and asked Paul if he was willing to travel back to Jerusalem to stand trial and Paul cleverly appealed to his rights to stand before Caesar’s court.
Paul, being a citizen of Rome, appealed to Caesar and Festus did not waste any time ‘washing his hands’ to this mess and said “To Caesar you will go.” Now Festus has some guests visiting him and he seeks council with King Agrippa and Bernice (She was consort and sister of an incestuous relationship with Agrippa) when they arrive in Caesarea. Festus hoped that Agrippa’s knowledge of Jewish affairs would help him understand the charges brought up against Paul. King Agrippa (Last Herod in the New Testament) and Bernice came into the courtroom with great fanfare and pomp. Festus opens up the conversation saying he would like to have the king investigate the charges and help him to be able to send Paul to his majesty with a written explanation specifying charges against Paul. To which Festus was at a loss due to his lack of knowledge of the Jewish laws.
What a mess Paul was in the middle of, but he did not waver and proclaimed his innocence. A big mess, yet right in the middle of God’s will for Paul’s life! Dear one are you right in the middle of a mess in your life? You can be in God’s will and still be is the mess of your life. With everything in you do not lose your faith; the Lord is with you always. He knows the beginning to the end and knows the outcome of all situations.
Highlights:
Paul remained confident and faithful even during several kangaroo court sessions. Paul was also faithful to the gospel message and did not waver in compromise.
Reflection:
Are we able to be like Paul? YES, we have the Holy Spirit in us too and can fully rely on the Lord’s strength in any situation! Please be encouraged today that in Jesus you will never be alone!
Your Turn:
- Is unbelief holding you back from expecting peace in the middle of life’s great messes?
- What can you do to stop unbelief?
- How can you fully rely of the Lord?
- If you do not know Jesus as Lord and Savior, please cry out to Him today. He stands at the door of your heart asking if He can come in and change you from the inside out!
Closing Prayer: Dear Father God, If anyone reading this study today is in one of life’s big messes, please pour out Your grace on them Lord. Please Father is anyone is reading this and does not know Jesus Your Son, please help them to see the truth of Your Word! In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.
© 2012 by Brenda Bearden. All rights reserved.
Do You KNOW Him? If you want to know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, visit Extreme Encouragement today.
Back to the Courtroom from the Jail Cell
May 10, 2012 By
Coffee Talk for Thursday May 10, 2012
Today’s Focus is: Paul before Felix…for Two Years!
Blessing: Dear Father, Please help us to remember those like Felix in prayer, who hear the truth of the gospel but do not respond. We are so blessed to see the extent that You go to for just one soul to be saved! Thank You for this window into Your heart! In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.
Daily Bread: As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” Acts 24:25.
Please read chapter 24.
Main Course:
Today Paul is still incarcerated and back on trial for some trumped up charges. Now the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some elders and a lawyer to plea before the governor Felix. They accused Paul of being a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world.
That made me chuckle, how melodramatic, all over the world, really people. This shows how they had to reach deep to find something to accuse Paul of, pretty week if you ask me. The lawyer went on to explain that Paul was the ring leader of the sect of the Nazarene and even tried to desecrate the Temple. This last accusation must have hurt Paul the most being a lover of the Law and of God’s house of prayer.
Paul however gladly defends his innocence by responding to the false accusations requesting proof, to which they had none! “However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets,and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man”. (Acts 24:14-16) How is that for a powerful response? I’m sure it quickened the hearts of every Jewish person in attendance.
Look at that hidden secret “here will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked” This is a profound revelation of the Holy Spirit to Paul. Paul is saying all will be resurrected some unto life with Christ and some unto eternal damnation. Jesus proclaimed this truth too. “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned”. (John 5:28-29)
This must be sobering to those who believe this life is all we have and there is no after life. But the Bible is very clear about this truth all will stand in judgment some will be found not guilty in Christ and some will be found guilty in their sins. Our bodies will be changed to last for eternity, but choose today to have your body eternally in heaven with Jesus! Paul knew Old Testament Scripture and the Holy Spirit taught him this powerful truth. “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2.)
Felix had knowledge of the Way and called for adjournment of the proceedings and told Paul when Lysias the commander comes he would decide Paul’s case. Felix ordered Paul back to jail, however he allowed Paul to have his friends attend to Paul’s needs. Several days later Felix came to Paul with his wife Drusilla who was a Jewess, daughter to Herod Agrippa the king that tried to steal God’s glory and was eaten by worms from the inside out! (Acts 12:19-23)
Felix and his wife listened as Paul explained faith in Jesus Christ. “As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, ‘That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.’” (Acts 24:25) Oh how sad! If only Felix and his wife would have responded to the convictions of the Holy Spirit and turned to Jesus for salvation they would have been transformed in a mighty way. God had sent his best man for the job and the Bible never lets us know if they were ever saved from eternal damnation. The passage goes on to say that Felix continued to call for Paul to talk to him and in his heart he wished Paul would just offer him a bribe. How sad and this went on for two years!
I once heard a true story by John MacArthur about a horrific plane crash into the side of a mountain (this is just paraphrasing) All that was recoverable was some wreckage and the plane’s “black box” recorder. Before the crash the sounds reordered in the cockpit were the electronic voice commands of the plane’s auto warnings “Pull up! Followed by loud sirens… Pull up!… Pull up” Then you hear the pilots talking about how this had to be an error. They just ignored the warnings and drove the plane into the side of the mountain and there were no survivors! I wonder if Felix heard similar warnings that finally ended two years later. Or did it just happen that first day with Paul and Felix when he got so scarred that he stopped what God was doing in his heart…just like the pilots ignored it until it was gone. Please respond today to the Holy Spirit speaking the truth to you about Jesus, don’t let another warrning to pull up go away from you respond Dear One. Today is the day of your salvation in Jesus Christ.
Highlights:
Paul spoke boldly because Jesus Himself told Paul that he would indeed go to Rome to preach the Gospel. So Paul’s faith lived out was to the fullest of that promise! In faith in Jesus Paul stood clear of conscience on trial and boldly shared his discourse with Felix and his wife!
Reflection:
We must live by faith and not by human reasoning. We must share our faith no matter how it is received. Just be obedient to God and He takes care of all of the details.
Your Turn:
- Why do you think Felix and his wife did not surrender to the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
- Are you praying for someone like them? I want to encourage you to continue to pray for them.
- Do you think the Lord had Paul in jail to protect him?
Closing Prayer: Dear Father God, Thank You for showing us the treasures hidden in Your Word! We love and praise You. If there is anyone reading this Bible study that does not know You personally please help them to find a way. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.
© 2012 by Brenda Bearden. All rights reserved.
Are you hearing the warning signs? Are you ready to acknowledge your Savior? If you want to know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, visit Extreme Encouragement today.
Grace Under Pressure
May 9, 2012 By
Coffee Talk for Wednesday May 9, 2012
Today’s Focus is: Paul’s courageous demonstration against his accusers and divine encouragement from Jesus Himself!
Blessing: Dearest Heavenly Father, We praise You this middle of the week and ask for Your Devine protection. Please help us to serve You as the early church believers did. Sold out for Christ putting everything on the line for the spread of the gospel. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.
Daily Bread: The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” Acts 23 :11
Please read chapter 23.
Main Course:
Today’s message is all about divine encouragement. What an amazing encounter Paul experiences with Jesus standing by him and imploring him to “Take courage!” This is the third time in the book of Acts that the Lord Himself spoke to Paul to encourage him. In the 18th chapter Jesus said to Paul in a vision, “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.” Also in chapter 22 Jesus places Paul into a trance and says, “Quick!” “Leave Jerusalem immediately, because they will not accept your testimony about me.” Jesus goes on to say, “Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.”
What tender love and divine care He had for Paul as Paul obediently did the will of the Father. Jesus was just in time with just the right encouraging words for Paul. It must have been like manna for Paul’s soul! Jesus is right there for us too, everyday every moment of life. Just read His Words to the disciples.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”. John 14:27.
If you read the gospels you will find so much encouragement from Jesus and so much compassion! Please be encouraged knowing you are never alone in Christ Jesus!
Now Paul must appear before the Sanhedrin and at this assembly, Paul being a “Pharisee of a Pharisee” makes a hostile statement: “I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead.” This statement was power packed because Paul knew that the room was divided. The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead, neither angels nor spirits, and the Pharisees acknowledge them all.
Paul effectively divided his accusers into opposite sides in this ongoing debate and a great uproar broke out. The Pharisees started to take up for Paul and this evoked more violent argument so much that the commander of the troops had Paul removed for his safety! After the Lord encouraged Paul the next morning, the Jews had set a plot to kill Paul, but Jesus had promised Paul that he would indeed testify in Rome.
So no matter what these men plot against Paul Jesus is in control of Paul’s life! Their foolish plan is unfolded by one of Paul’s relatives and Paul is transferred to Caesarea accompanied with a detachment of two hundred solders, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen and a letter for a governor of Rome! I do not know about you but the Lord really did it up right. I sure more than Paul could even imagine, my take away is that Jesus can do a much better outcome than we could ever muster up, if we just surrender obediently to His will.
I hope you are encouraged today and know Jesus is with you always when you are His! If you do not know Jesus personally, please do not put this off any longer. Please pray right now and ask Him to be your Savior and Lord. If you pray this today rejoice and click on the link below. Find a Bible teaching/preaching church and talk to the pastor about your prayer to the Lord and be baptized. Please do not put this off any longer for Jesus stands at the door of your heart right now knocking will you let Him in?
Highlights:
Jesus Himself encouraged Paul so many times and He is encouraging you too! Paul showed grace under enormous pressure and wisdom too. Paul was obedient even in the face of such accusations.
Reflection:
We have the Holy Spirit within us to encourage us every day! Anne Graham Lotz said, “The Holy Spirit is like another Jesus, He is God living in our hearts.”
Your Turn:
- Are you listening to the Holy Spirit within in times of need? Are you Being quiet and waiting on the Lord for encouragement?
- Are you seeking Him in the Scriptures for His divine encouragement?
Closing Prayer: Dear Father God, Thank You so much for this chapter of encouragement! May we always be expecting Your divine encouragement! In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.
© 2012 by Brenda Bearden. All rights reserved.
Do You KNOW Him? If you want to know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, visit Extreme Encouragement today.
Words From a Heart Filled with The Holy Spirit.
May 8, 2012 By
Coffee Talk for Tuesday May 8, 2012
Today’s Focus is: Paul’s powerful testimony.
Blessing: Dear Father God, Please help us to give our testimony like Paul did to whomever we are being led to for Your glory. Help us to be bold for the gospel and be filled with Your Agape! In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.
Daily Bread: “Then he said: ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard. And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’ Acts 22:14-16
Please read chapter 22.
Main Course:
Yesterday we had a cliffhanger and left just as things were getting exciting. Paul is going to give his defense to the angry mob filled with fellow Jews. This moment shows his heart as he begins to speak Aramaic or possibly Hebrew to them. (That must have grabbed their attention making them quiet down quickly.)
Paul gives them his resume: I am a Jew, brought up in this city under Gamaliel who was the most prominent rabbi of his time and very well known among the Jews. Paul, a student of the Law and the Old Testament, and a Pharisee with extensive training in rabbinic traditions, was zealous for God. Paul explains that he use to persecute this Way (What the church body was called at first) unto death and was on his way to do that very thing with approval from the priest and high Council to Damascus.
Suddenly…Paul’s life would never be the same! You may not have a dramatic encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ as Paul did but your life will never be the same. One encounter with Jesus changes everything. Paul was converted on the road to Damascus by Jesus Himself and He had major plans for Paul’s life. I love verse 21 of this chapter. Jesus says “Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.” This brings joy to me a Gentile; however it did not have the same response for this crowd. The crowd screamed “Rid the world of him!” “He is not fit to live!” then they threw off their cloaks and threw up dust into the air.
The Roman commander ordered Paul to be taken into the barracks. As the solders began to flog Paul he asked if it was legal to flog a Roman citizen. After it was brought to light that Paul was indeed a Roman citizen born in Tarsus they withdrew immediately from harming him and the next day had Paul brought before the Sanhedrin (The ruling body, Jewish peoples supreme court including the High Priest) to find out the charges against him. Wow what has Paul gotten into this time? Join us tomorrow as we continue the adventure of the beginning of the early church.
Highlights:
Paul’s compassion for his fellow Jews is breath taking and shows the heart of God. Paul never gave up no matter where he was first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles. Paul had an amazing testimony to share with this listeners yet it was not received as Paul would have liked it! He was rejected and the message of the gospel was rejected, but I am sure God used it for days to come in each person’s life in that crowd that day.
Reflection:
Even if we share the gospel obediently and it is rejected by others, do not loss heart. You do not know what God is doing in the heart of the person you have poured yourself out to. Share in faith that one day you may see that person fully surrendered to Jesus! We may never know until we get to heaven. So in faith always share the truth of the gospel in Jesus Christ.
Your Turn:
- Do you find yourself pre-judging a person and turning away from sharing your faith in Jesus Christ because you just know they will reject you?
- How does God want you to respond to today’s message?
- Please look up 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. What is Paul saying in these verses?
Closing Prayer: Dear Father God, Thank You for the wonderful example of Your love displayed in Your servant Paul. Jesus is who Paul proclaimed every chance he could. Christ and Him crucified and risen in victory the 3rd day! May we be just as zealous for You Father to bring You glory in Your Son. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.
© 2012 by Brenda Bearden. All rights reserved.
Do You KNOW Him? If you want to know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, visit Extreme Encouragement today.
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