Rest in the Lord (Back 03June2019)

Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God,

I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship.

Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you.

Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go.

This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it.

For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do.

Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.

By these He has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desires.

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.

For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they will keep you from being useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans12; Joshua1; 2Peter1

Fellow Christ followers and gospel carriers; we are going to take a break for a week.

For His glory we exist, please read past posts,i have really enjoyed going back to the beginning.

We will be back journeying to gain understanding and serve our Lord on the 27^th of May 2019

Favour; an opportunity to witness (ACTS 28)

And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns.

When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.
Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.

So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God,

persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening.

And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.

So when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had said one word:

“The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, saying,

Go to these people and say:
You will listen and listen, yet never understand;
and you will look and look, yet never perceive.
For the hearts of these people have grown callous,
their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes;
otherwise they might see with their eyes and hear with their ears,
understand with their heart, and be converted, and I would heal them.

“Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!”

And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves.
Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.

our Lord Protector and Provider (ACTS 27)

Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over,

Paul advised them, saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.”

Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul.

And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised to set sail from there also, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete opening toward the southwest and northwest, and winter there.

Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up.
But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said,

“Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss.

And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’

Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. However, we must run aground on a certain island.”

And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.

We are never alone when we belong to the Father, if you have been reading with us you know has been a prisoner for years now. He knows he is always protected and provided for by the Lord.

The promise made by God (ACTS 25&26)

‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.

But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you.

I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’

“Therefore,” he said, “let those who have authority among you go down with me and accuse this man, to see if there is any fault in him.”

When he had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood about and laid many serious complaints against Paul, which they could not prove, while he answered for himself, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I offended in anything at all.”

So Paul said, “I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you very well know. For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one can deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar.”
Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, “You have appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go!”

And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers. To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?
“Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them.

Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”
And Paul said, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.”

Our Lord the promise made by the Father.

I have hope in God (ACTS 24)

Then Paul, after the governor had nodded to him to speak, answered:

“Inasmuch as I know that you have been for many years a judge of this nation,

I do the more cheerfully answer for myself, because you may ascertain that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship.

And they neither found me in the temple disputing with anyone nor inciting the crowd, either in the synagogues or in the city.

Nor can they prove the things of which they now accuse me.

But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets.

I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust.

This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.
“Now after many years I came to bring alms and offerings to my nation, in the midst of which some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with a mob nor with tumult.

They ought to have been here before you to object if they had anything against me.

Or else let those who are here themselves say if they found any wrongdoing in me while I stood before the council, unless it is for this one statement which I cried out, standing among them,

Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you this day.’ ”

So he commanded the centurion to keep Paul and to let him have liberty, and told him not to forbid any of his friends to provide for or visit him.

And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him.

But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound.

Guarded Protected and directed (ACTS 23)

But the following night the Lord stood by him and said,

“Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.”
And when it was day, some of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

Then there arose a loud outcry. And the scribes of the Pharisees’ party arose and protested, saying,

“We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God.”

This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them.

Coming with the troops I rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman.

And when I wanted to know the reason they accused him, I brought him before their council. I found out that he was accused concerning questions of their law, but had nothing charged against him deserving of death or chains. And when it was told me that the Jews lay in wait for the man,

I sent him immediately to you, and also commanded his accusers to state before you the charges against him.
Farewell.

And when the governor had read it, he asked what province he was from. And when he understood that he was from Cilicia, he said, “I will hear you when your accusers also have come.” And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s Praetorium.

Guarded protected and directed by the Lord.

The will of the Lord be done (ACTS 21&22)

And finding disciples, we stayed there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem.

Thus says the Holy Spirit, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ”
Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem.

Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart?

For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem, for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.”

But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written and decided that they should observe no such thing,

except that they should keep themselves from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality.”

Now it happened, as I journeyed and came near Damascus at about noon, suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me.

And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’

So I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’
“And those who were with me indeed saw the light and were afraid, but they did not hear the voice of Him who spoke to me. So I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Arise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all things which are appointed for you to do

Now it happened, when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance and saw Him saying to me,

Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.’

So I said, ‘Lord, they know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believe on You.

And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed,

I also was standing by consenting to his death, and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’

Then He said to me, ‘Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.

Testify of the gospel of the grace of God (ACTS 20)

You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility,

with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews;

how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house,

testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there,

except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

“So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, 

which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 

I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. 

Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. 

I have shown you in every way, by labouring like this, that you must support the weak. 

And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 

‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 

Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.
  

Surrender all (ACTS 19)

serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews;

how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
“And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more.

Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.

Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.

Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.

 “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me.

I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak.

And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.

Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.

And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totalled fifty thousand pieces of silver.

So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.

Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”

When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. Now the men were about twelve in all.

Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.
And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”

Paul is saying farewell as he goes to Jerusalem. Surrender all to the Lord.

It encourages us also as fellow Christ-followers and Gospel-carriers with Paul to give of ourselves in entirety to the Father and His plans.

You can sense that Paul knew that his journey would not get easier but he is committed.

We also face the choice to continue knowing that the road ahead would not be easy; may the Spirit enable and assist us to forge ahead.

Gospel Proclaimed (ACTS 18)

Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision,

“Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.”

And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.

But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean.

From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue.

Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household.

And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.

Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue.

When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace;

for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.