Two End Time Parables, and the judgement of the Nations. Matthew 25.

Pause for thought

When trying to understand the meaning of parables we should avoid allegorising, or by over symbolising every detail. Parables are best understood by looking at them in their entirety, don’t read more into the words of Jesus than the simple truth the parable conveys.

Parable of the wise and foolish virgins 25 : 1-13 When Jesus returns to take His people to heaven, will we all be ready? Preparation can’t be borrowed at the last moment! Our faith in Jesus must be our own, and we should be waiting in expectancy!

Parable of the talents 25 : 14-30 Jesus is coming soon! This should spur us on to serve God by making the most of the gifts, time, talents, and money He has given us. Let’s make sure we are about the Lords work utilising our God given gifts when Jesus comes again. Not thinking only of our own selves like the man who buried his talent out of fear, this gave his game away, he didn’t understand the grace and love of God.

The Judgement of the Nations 25 : 31-46 The Sheep and Goats represent individual believers and non believing citizens of the nations of this World. Who are the brothers and sisters of Jesus? Some suggestions include the A Jews, B Christians , C suffering people worldwide? As true believers loving others and helping the needy should be the natural outworking of the love of Christ within us, please read Luke 10 : 29-37. There are also differences of opinion about the meaning of the Judgement of the sheep and goats Nations. 1 These are goat nations who have persecuted Israel and sheep nations who have blessed Israel. 2 That this judgement is in addition to the great white throne judgement. 3 That Jesus is describing the great white throne judgement Rev 20 : 11-15

A verse to remember

The Master said, Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount , so now I will give you many responsibilities, Let’s celebrate together!” Matthew 25 : 23 N.L.T.

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Heaven And Earth Will Pass Away, But My Words Will By No Means Pass Away. Matthew 24:29-51.

Pause for thought

To keep from being deceived by false christ’s we need to understand that Jesus Christs return will be unmistakable Mark 13:26, and obvious to everyone Matthew 24:27.

There are many genuinely held views, most of which seem quite valid! But we must not forget that what we think will not change what God has planned to happen.

Hear what the Bible says

It will be according to Gods timetable 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3.

It will be sudden yet need not be unexpected 1 Thessalonians 5:1-7.

Yet a day of disaster for the unprepared 1 Thessalonians 5:3.

A Day of Salvation 1 Thessalonians 5:9.

A day of comfort 1 Corinthians 15:20-26.

A noisy affair 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-52.

A Joyous reunion! when we Christians all receive new bodies like Christ’s for we shall all be changed inthe blink of an eye 1 Corinthians 15:51-52.

A verse to remember

So be prepared, because you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. N.L.T.

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The Signs of the Times and the End of the Age. Matthew chapter 24:1-31

Pause For Thought

When is Jesus coming again? we are not to know Matthew 24:36, Acts 1:6-7.

How and where will He come ? Matthew 24:30, Acts 1:9, Zechariah 14:4.

Signs pointing to Jesus coming. Matthew 24:4-14 many deceivers coming in the name of the Lord claiming to be Christ. Reports of wars and rumours of wars , earthquakes, famines and troubles. The Gospel will be preached to the whole world.

Warnings from Bible history days of Noah. Matthew 24:37-39, days of Lot, Luke 17:28-30

A verse To Remember

See I have told you beforehand. Mathew 24:25 N.K.J.V.

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Paul’s Ministry in Rome Acts 28:11-31

Pause for thought

Although the Christian delegation from Rome who met Paul at Appii Forum did not know Paul personally they had come to know about this man of God through his reputation and teaching, they would of probably of listened as the Letter of Romans was read to them in their congregations. ( Romans was written before Paul’s visit)

Paul and his companions may of been a bit apprehensive now they were nearing Rome. But how like God to put the idea in the minds of the Roman Christian’s to meet Paul at Appii Forum and escort Paul and the others to Rome 28:15

Paul lived under house arrest in his own accommodation, while thus imprisoned it did not stop him writing letters to the Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians and Philemon. He shared the gospel with any that would listen especially his guards ( I wonder how many were saved as a result of Paul’s imprisonment?) 28:16. Paul wrote to the Philippians that everything that happened to him was for the furtherance of the gospel Philippians 1:12

A verse to remember

Preaching the Kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him. Acts 28:31 N.K.J.

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Bible Truth with Robert Spiller is taking a short break and God willing will recommence later in the spring.

Paul Continues To Minister To Others. Acts 28: 1-10.

Pause for thought

This incident on Malta was a direct fulfilment of the words of Jesus to his disciples as recorded in Mark 16:15-18. Snakes, poison or personal circumstances did not stop Paul, nor can it stop those who know their God.

Whatever the circumstance Paul was prepared to act, as a prisoner and servant he collected wood for the the fire. As a servant of Christ he continued to minister to the sick, as the Lord opened the door of opportunity. Paul was truly a man for all seasons. Paul was able to write “ imitate me as I imitate Christ” 1 Corinthians 11:1 Paul was never arrogant, but was able to write this because of his reverence for Christ.

A verse to remember

Yes the way to identify a tree or a person is by the kind of fruit that is produced. Matthew 7:20 N.L.T.

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Paul Sails for Rome Acts chapter 27:1-44

Pause for thought

When Paul the prisoner takes charge. We must all sink or swim together! This was what in effect Paul told the ships company. Paul was an Apostle and extremely practical, He knew that hungry men are weak men, and weak men would be unable to swim ashore when the time came to evacuate the ship. Paul was brave and full of confidence in his Lord. Paul’s steadfast trust must of encouraged the others who were in turmoil to take and eat the food he had asked the Lord to bless 27:36.

Paul was shipwrecked three times including a day and a half in the open sea 2 Corinthians 11:25. Unlike Paul we may not of been literally shipwrecked, but we all experience the storms of life and at the time a few of these storms can be very scary. However like Paul, the Lord is able to bring us through these storms, but at times the storms can seem so large we can forget to ask! So if you’re in a storm now you know what you must do? ask the Lord for added strength! In addition to many hardships Paul didn’t let the trials he faced “shipwreck his soul” this doesn’t mean he always took things in his stride, but he was able to stand firm because he believed God’s promises. Paul told those on board the stricken ship “I believe it will be just as He said”.

What does a shipwrecked soul look like? Answer, A person who abandons Bible truths and morals in favour of that which is false, will meet with catastrophe (shipwreck) 1 Timothy 1:19.

A verse to remember

So take courage? For I believe God. It will be just as He said. Acts 27:25 N.L.T.

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Words of Truth and Reason. Acts 26:24-32

Pause for thought

The Gospel is completely rational, but to its detractors it seems irrational! The message of the Cross is foolishness to this world but to those having believed it is the power of God unto salvation I Corinthians 1:18-25, Acts 26:25.

Paul was given the ability to relate to diverse groups and cultures enabling him to share the gospel with them. However when doing so he never deviated from its message which had been given him directly by God 26:16 what he preached had been spoken beforehand by God’s prophets 26:22.

Governor Festus reacted loudly to Paul’s claim that Christ was alive! many today react in a similar way. But like Paul, rather than pacifying them by watering down the Gospel, which incidentally is no gospel at all! We must stick to the truth if we want to save ourselves and our hearers also 25:26 and 1 Timothy 4:16.

A verse to remember

But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. Acts 26:25 N.K.J.V.

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Paul’s Early Life, Conversion, and Life Purpose. Acts 26:1-23.

Pause for thought

Paul started his defence by complimenting King Agrippa on his understanding of Jewish customs. Then as Paul continued to speak, his listeners quietly listened to his story. Beginning with his education in Jerusalem, Paul points out that despite his accusers denials, they had first hand knowledge that Paul was born into an important Jewish family, and had himself been an important member of the Pharisees, and was previously well known as a persecutor of Christians 26:5.

A great Light, brighter than the Sun! (Hebrews 1:3) everyone of Paul’s company fell to the ground, I believe this was probably the Shekinah Glory, Mathew 17:2 . Paul thought he was standing up for his religion by persecuting Christian’s, instead he discovered he was persecuting Jesus. Jesus said these things to Paul, but it’s a lesson we all need to remember 26:14-15.

Paul reminded his audience of the commission he received from the Lord, to take the good news to both Jews and Gentile alike, and a promise of God to protect him from both his own people and the Gentiles. I think it’s wonderful and so amazing that Paul was shown his purpose, at the same time as he was converted from Judaism to faith in Christ! 26:16.

God has a plan and purpose for every Christian, we are saved for good works 26:20. If you’re still not sure of your Life Purpose just ask! 26:16.

Memory verse

“to open their eyes so they may turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place amount Gods people, who are set apart by faith in me.” Acts 26: 18. N.L.T.

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100% Pure. A story of Gods grace.(final part)

Pause for thought

In writing this account of the outworking of Christ’s grace in my life, The Holy Spirit has brought to my recollection so vividly the things God has done. It’s like the Lord has been doing something fresh in my life! Am I being called to serve the Lord afresh in my old age?

Memory verse

Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, “The Lord is just” He is my rock! “There is nothing but goodness in Him!”

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100% Pure. A Story of Gods Grace (part seven)

Pause for thought

Human forgiveness is dependent on Divine forgiveness ( Timothy Keller)

Then the King called in the man he had forgiven and said, you evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you? Then the angry King sent the man to prison until he had paid every penny.
That’s what my Heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters in your heart. Mathew 18:32-35.

Memory verse

Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring Lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that Christians all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. 1 Peter 5::8-9 N.L.T.

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