Pause for thought

The Holy Spirit warned the believers of Paul’s coming suffering if he went to Jerusalem. But they came to the wrong conclusion saying Paul should not go to Jerusalem and begged him to change his mind! However shortly after his conversion Paul was told by the Holy Spirit through Ananias that he would bring the gospel to the Gentiles and Kings and that he would suffer greatly for his Lord. Paul already knew the Lords will for his life, These prophetic words were not new but confirming words for Paul. The events that followed his arrest in Jerusalem did indeed bring Paul before rulers and Gentiles leading him eventually before the Emperor. These events in Paul’s life remind us of the Lords promise in Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them”

Although personal prophecy is a valid way that the Lord does sometimes speak to individuals. King David was reprimanded by God through Nathan (Old Testament) or as was in the case of Agabus and his enacted prophecy warning Paul what was to soon happen if he continued on his Jerusalem journey. Please note that personal prophecy must never dictate or manipulate, nor should the “Word” be given hastily, or have to be given in public! If the prophecy is genuine it will probably be confirming what the recipient already is aware of as was in the case of Paul. And will always accord to written scripture, never leading the recipient to disregard the Word of God in favour of the “words” of some prophet.

When we are unsure about Prophecy then Acts 21:14 is good to remember “ The will of the Lord be done.”

Memory verse

When it was clear that we couldn’t persuade him, we gave up and said, “ The will of the Lord be done.” Acts 21:14. N.L.T.

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Pause for thought

Paul sent for the Ephesian church elders asking them to meet him at Miletus, he told them that this would be their last meeting and declared to them his life’s mission since first he set foot in Asia. 1 he had served the Lord in humility with many tears and trials 20:19.

2 He kept nothing back but told them everything that would be helpful to them. 20:20,27.

3 He preached the same message about repentance and faith in Jesus to both Jews and Greeks 20:21.

4 Now in obedience to the Holy Spirit he was on his way to Jerusalem (he did not please himself) indeed he placed little value on his own life, he just desired to end his ministry with Joy 20:22.

5 The thoughts of what might lie ahead in Jerusalem did not move him away from finishing what Christ had called him for 20:24.

6 God supplied all Paul’s need’s including enabling him to give to the poor through his own labours as a tent maker. He was able to preach the gospel freely 20:34-35.

Paul now gives these leaders some sound advice. 1 Guard yourself (first) then you will be able to guard the Lords people, Remember the Lord gave His life blood for everyone in your care 20:26.

2 Watch! and remember satan will attempt to attack the church from within 20:29-30. Resist him in Jesus name.

3 Paul commends them to the word of His grace for it always builds us up, and the expectation of our inheritance in Jesus Christ 20:32.

A verse to remember

You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” Acts 20:35 N.L.T.

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Pause for thought

When Paul reached an impasse in the synagogue, he withdrew along with the believers to the lecture hall of Tyrannous. It is believed that Paul would have taught during mid day at a time when the hall was vacant because of the uncomfortable mid day heat. The gospel preached in the Holy Spirits power will always draw the hungry if not the comfortable. The message of the Kingdom of God revealed in the powerful name of Jesus was confirmed by the signs of healing and deliverance that God wrought at the hands of Paul 19:11.

Cloths taken from Paul’s body and laid on the sick as an act of faith in Jesus, brought about many healings and deliverances. Some see in these verses the validity for prayer clothes. Whatever our view we must beware of anything that becomes a formula.

The Authority of the Powerful name of Jesus is given only to those who believe in Him. The name of Jesus is not a magic charm, and no one can direct Gods power. These exorcists were trying to use Jesus Name, but they didn’t know Him. Only Jesus can heal and deliver, He chooses who He works through and gives them the authority to minister in His name 19:1

Those who were caught up in evil practices were convicted of their sins, having repented, they burnt the books they showed by their actions the results of true repentance. Demons have no legal right to harass Christian’s who have truly repented 19:20.

Memory verse

The story of what happened spread quickly all through Ephesus, to Jews and Greeks alike. A solemn fear descended on the city, and the name of the Lord Jesus was greatly honoured. Many who became believers confessed their sinful practices. Acts 17-18 N.L.T.

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Pause for thought

Were Apollos of Acts 18, or the disciples of John the Baptist Acts 19 Christians? Bible commentators seem to be at odds. Generally Pentecostal and some Charismatics think they were already Christians but lacking the Holy Spirit. I take a different view, these were disciples of John the Baptist and were still waiting for the Messiah and the promised Holy Spirit. John’s baptism was a sign of repentance from sin, but did not make a person a Christian. When Paul came across these disciples he realised that their believing was incomplete, they had not been “Born again” Only the Holy Spirit gives new birth 18:26, 19:-3, John 3:3.

How refreshing was the reaction of Apollos He was a truly great teacher but he became a greater and more useful man in the church after receiving correction from Priscilla and Aquila 18:7-28.

we can see a similar reaction from the twelve disciples of John the Baptist. They took no offence from Paul’s observation 19:2, but readily got baptised (this is not a re baptism) in the name of the LORD JESUS. Then with the laying on of Paul’s hands, the Holy Spirit came upon them. ( in them at new birth, now on them as they each receive baptism with the Spirit 19: 5-6.

A Verse to remember

Paul said, “ John’s baptism was to demonstrate a desire to turn from sin and turn to God, John himself told the people to believe in Jesus , the one John said would come later” As soon as they heard this, they were baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 19:4-5 N.L.T.

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Pause for thought

Corinth was a thriving commercial City situated on a narrow isthmus about 5 miles wide that separated the Corinthian Gulf and the Saronic Gulf. Sailors often chose to haul their boats overland rather than take the longer journey which could be very perilous as they rounded the southern Cape of Malea. The Temple of Aphrodite dominated the City, with a thousand priestesses (sacred prostitutes) it was here that Paul lived worked and planted the Corinthian Church Acts 18:7-8.

Paul found a Christian couple Aquila and Priscilla who had been expelled from Rome along with all the Jews by Emperor Claudius about A.D. 49. I think this relationship was a divine intervention for they had so much in common, 1 Their faith in Jesus. 2 Their shared nationality. 3 Their trade, tent making. Paul was reminded that he was not alone in Corinth. Real friends are a blessing from the Lord 18:10.

Ever feel on you own? Or feeling under pressure for sharing your faith? We all need likeminded friends. The Lord reminded Paul these two things 1 Jesus is always with us. 2 we are not alone there are other believers where we live. So don’t let the devil get you down, Rejoice in the presence of the Lord and don’t give up on your local church there might be someone who needs your encouragement Acts 18:10.

Memory Verse

“Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will harm you because many people here in this city belong to me.” Acts 18:9b-10 N.L.T.

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Now with audio that was omitted in error!

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Pause for thought

The Athenian philosophers spent most days debating the newest ideas. When they discovered Paul they quickly brought him to the Areopagus (the Greek name given to a large space on Mars Hill) where debates took place, and civil and criminal courts also met.

The Epicureans philosopher believed that everything happened by chance. That death was followed by oblivion, that there were gods but they had no interest in or cared about humankind. That the chief aim of man was to live for pleasure. The Stoics believed that everything was God, that everything that happened was gods will, and must be accepted so we’re very disciplined.

Paul made their alter to the unknown God his starting point, he was reaching out to where they were! True they were religious but ignorant of the One True God. The beliefs of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers is not so different from the beliefs of many today, sadly dare I say both inside and outside some churches!

God does not live in a building made with hands. The church is not a building its people are! 17:24. God created everything and needs nothing, He sustains us we need Him, we don’t do good things to earn or keep our salvation 17:25. Every nationality shares the same blood, Every Christian is redeemed by the very same blood of Christ 17:26. It is only by the grace of God that we find Him, or rather are found by Him 17:27. Idols of gold or silver can never represent Gods divine nature. Repentance from wrong ideas about God is essential for salvation 17:30.
The day of judgement is coming. It is guaranteed by the raising of Jesus Christ from the dead 17:31.

Memory verse

For He has set a day for judging the world with justice by the Man He has appointed, and He proved to everyone who this is by raising Him from the dead. Acts 17:31 N.L.T.

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Pause for thought

No matter what our circumstances, like Paul and Silas we should praise God, for others may be listening and taking note. The Holy Spirit brought the Jailor and his family to faith in Jesus Christ, By using the circumstances of their imprisonment and miraculous release Paul and Silas were able to shared the gospel, they may not of been so quick to believe had they heard grumbling instead of praises. We may not be in a dungeon like Paul and Silas, but we all come face to face with very trying circumstances, it’s never going to be easy but it’s nevertheless true that the one thing that cannot be taken away from a Christian is the presence of Jesus Christ 16:25

The Jailor confirmed his faith in Jesus by deeds, that same hour (immediately) by washing the wounds of Paul and Silas, after this he and his believing household were baptised that same night 16:33

Unless a man’s change of heart (repentance) is accompanied by a change of deeds (fruit of repentance) the question has to be asked is his faith true or counterfeit.

Throughout the New Testament believers baptism was immediate following faith in Christ. A very good principle that should be followed today 16:15,33.

A chorus to remember

If you’ve a special need within your life my friend, and you’re looking for an answer on the way? If by faith you start believing mighty soon you’ll be receiving for the answer is already on the way! Yes the answers on the way this I know, Jesus said it, I believe it, and it’s so, if by faith you start believing mighty soon you’ll be receiving for the answers already on the way. (Writer Unknown)

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Pause for thought

Timothy’s mother and grandmother were both Christian’s, Timothy shared their same faith and testimony. Paul recognised his potential and invited Timothy to join his team that consisted of Silas, Luke, and himself on their upcoming missionary journey.It’s always fascinating to me that many who think they are the first to believe in their family subsequently discover that their ancestors were believers who prayed for those who would come after them. Timothy is an example when godly parents and grandparents pray for and talk about Jesus to their children. 16:1

Like Timothy we must never let our personal freedom become a hindrance or become a barrier to the spread of the gospel 16:3, 1 Corinthians 9:20-21

The “ Spirit of Jesus” is another name for the person of the Holy Spirit, stopped Paul and company from entering Asia which was probably Paul’s desire. So they continued to Troas where Paul had a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading for help. we can understand why Paul interpreted the vision as a confirmation to cross over into Europe, but not how the Spirit guided him from crossing into Asia. Did Paul or others of his team get a “check” uneasiness in their spirit? It’s just as important to know what not to do as what to do! We all would avoid making mistakes if we were a little more patient in waiting on the Lord and seeking the counsel of others. I know it’s not so easy to wait when we have precious seed to sow, but it has to be sown at the right time and in the right field 16:10.

A verse to remember

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realise what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16 N.L.T.

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