Tag: bible

Whose Church is it Anyway? Matthew 16:13-20

~ Robert Spiller ~ Leave a comment

Pause for thought

Peter answered Jesus, You are the Christ the Son of the Living God. Jesus answered, you are blessed indeed, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. You are Peter, and upon this rock, I will build My Church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.

Everything that can be shaken will be shaken Hebrews 12:26-29 I believe we are living in that period of history, where everything is being shaken, that is except the only unshakeable thing The Lord’s Church which is unconquerable Matthew 16:17-19.

Jesus clearly tells us that He is the builder and the Head of His church. Pastors in particular can come under great pressure to add something to the glorious Church of God. This is where some methods and concepts can be introduced that are not necessarily the Church that Jesus Christ said He would build. We all must test everything and God deliver us from good ideas that masquerade as God ideas.

Jesus His session.

Appearing in the presence of His Father on our behalf Hebrews 6:20;9:24.

Sitting at the Fathers right hand as King-Priest. This is not a period of idleness, Jesus is our Mediator, intercessor, and Advocate Revelation 12:10-11.

Building His church by bringing conviction, repentance and faith to men by the power of the Holy Spirit Acts 5: 31; 11:18; 2 Timothy 2:25.

Directing the affairs of His Church, Ephesians 1:22, Colossians 1:15-19;2:9-10; Revelation 1-2-3.

Bestowing gifts and ministries upon His church individually and corporately 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 28-30; Ephesians 4:8-10; Romans 12:1-6.

A verse to remember

And God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and He gave Him authority for the benefit of the church. Ephesians 1:22 N.L.T.

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

~ Robert Spiller ~ Leave a comment

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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Paul Sails for Rome Acts chapter 27:1-44

~ Robert Spiller ~ Leave a comment

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

~ Robert Spiller ~ Leave a comment

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.(part three)

~ Robert Spiller ~ Leave a comment

Pause for thought

Some may be wondering at the title given to this series, about the amazing grace given to me. if you stick with it all is revealed in part five!
Every Christian has a glorious testimony about Gods grace, and how their lives have changed since receiving that grace. . In the words of John Newtons great hymn “it’s grace that taught my heart to fear and grace that fear relieved”

Our stories haven’t finished being written yet, so let’s all take heart, it’s easy to look at the present world situation, but let’s all look up to Jesus Christ, for the best is yet to come!

Memory verses

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it , but to save it. John 3:16-17. N.L.T.

There is no judgement awaiting those who trust in him. But those who do not trust him have already been judged for not believing in the only Son of God. john 3:18. N.LT.

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The Plot To Kill Paul Acts 22:22-23:35

~ Robert Spiller ~ Leave a comment

Pause for thought

When the Roman Commander was told that Paul was born a Roman citizen, he treated Paul better than if Paul had simply been a Jewish prisoner.
The Holy Spirit was able to use Paul’s Roman Citizenship to good purpose. Paul escaped the attempt on his life, because of the protection of the soldiers. He was able to receive visitors while under arrest, another privilege of being a citizen of Rome. later standing before before Festus, Paul was allowed to appeal to Caesar. Paul used his Roman citizenship to good effect 23:11.

Paul angered the Sanhedrin by addressing them as Fathers and brothers, he was showing himself as equal, to the leaders, ( he was a leading Pharisee himself, and it was members of this group that had sent him to Damascus years before to arrest Christian’s) Paul was aware of what Ananias was truly like, that was why he said Ananias was like a white washed tomb looking fine on the outside, but filthy on the inside. 23:3
When Paul says he hadn’t realised that Ananias was high priest, he was probably meaning that he didn’t recognise that a man so unclean as Ananias could possibly be the High Priest ( William Barclay)

Paul’s strategy was to divide and conquer the opposition. He appealed to the Pharisees being once a Pharisee himself who believed in the resurrection. Immediately a division occurred between the Sadducee’s who did not believe in spirits, Angels or the resurrection. And the Pharisee’s who believed in both 23:8.

The Holy Spirit’s purpose was that Paul should testify before Gentiles, Kings, and Israel. Paul’s Roman citizenship and his Pharisaic Jewish heritage were both used by God to bring about Gods purpose in Paul’s life and ministry.


A verse to remember

Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid of them! The Lord your God will go ahead of you, He will be with you, He will neither fail you nor forsake you Deuteronomy 31:6. N.L.T.

Please send any feedback, comments, or prayer requests to jesusinprint@gmail.com

Paul’s Testimony Acts 22:1-21.

~ Robert Spiller ~ Leave a comment

Pause for thought

When Paul addressed the Jewish crowd in their own language they became very quiet. There were the usual trouble makers who had made a point in criticising Paul as he preached in foreign cities, now they had followed Paul to Jerusalem. They were not surprised to hear him addressing the mob in their own language they already knew full well who Paul was. Nevertheless Paul identified with the people he was addressing, 1 he was a Jew and he never forgot it, 2 Although he was born in Tarsus he was educated in Jerusalem by the great Jewish teacher Gamaliel in the strictness of Jewish Law. 3 He was not only a persecutor of Christians he pursued them to death.

Up to this point Paul had shown the crowd that he was entirely like them. Now he stresses his differences with the crowd, 1 Paul proclaimed that Jesus Christ was God and the saviour of all men, they did not believe Jesus to be God or that any other nation could experience salvation. 2 Paul was called to evangelise the Gentiles, they wanted to keep God to themselves 22:21

Like Paul we identify with those who live in this world, but there the difference ends, Christ has redeemed and called us for a special task to spread the good news of Gods love to anyone who will listen.

Memory verse

You are to take His message everywhere, telling the whole world what you have seen and heard Acts 22:15 N.L.B.

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Compromise In Jerusalem. Acts 21-15-40.

~ Robert Spiller ~ Leave a comment

Pause for thought

Although the decree of the Jerusalem counsel was written and decided (Acts 15) there was still controversy both within the Jerusalem church (Acts 21:20) and in the wider Jewish community. Fearing trouble from baseless accusations that Paul was teaching against not just circumcision and the Law but the Temple and Judaism. The Jerusalem leaders headed by James the Lords brother persuaded Paul to accompany and pay for four Jewish men who were making a vow over seven days in the Temple, this they hoped would show that Paul still kept and honoured the Law 21:24. I feel sure that the relevancy of these things to Paul were gone, but for the sake of the Jerusalem church Paul agreed to their plan. I believe Paul’s compromise was not weakness but a sign of strength.

At the time of Pentecost Jews from the whole Roman Empire were in Jerusalem. Some who were at odds with Paul and had seen him in Asia preaching the gospel, mistakenly thought Paul had taken Trophimus a Greek into the Temple, they started a riot and then tried to kill Paul. Compromise on this occasion almost led to disaster!

Paul was rescued by the Roman garrison, and was given permission to address the crowd. It’s noticeable that no mention of the Holy Spirit is made although He obviously caused Luke to write about these events. However when Paul motioned with his hand It was at that moment and during Paul’s address that the anointing of the Holy Spirit was evident 21:40

Compromise is sometimes needed to avoid disagreements about minor issues getting out of hand, like Paul we need to be firm about the essentials of our faith but flexible on those non essentials!

Memory verse

When I am with those who are oppressed, I share their oppression so that I might bring them to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone so that I might bring them to Christ 1 Corinthians 9:22 N.L.T.

Please send any comments, questions, or prayer requests to jesusinprint@gmail.com

Compromise In Jerusalem. Acts 21-15-40.

~ Robert Spiller ~ Leave a comment

Pause for thought

Although the decree of the Jerusalem counsel was written and decided (Acts 15) there was still controversy both within the Jerusalem church (Acts 21:20) and in the wider Jewish community. Fearing trouble from baseless accusations that Paul was teaching against not just circumcision and the Law but the Temple and Judaism. The Jerusalem leaders headed by James the Lords brother persuaded Paul to accompany and pay for four Jewish men who were making a vow over seven days in the Temple, this they hoped would show that Paul still kept and honoured the Law 21:24. I feel sure that the relevancy of these things to Paul were gone, but for the sake of the Jerusalem church Paul agreed to their plan. I believe Paul’s compromise was not weakness but a sign of strength.

At the time of Pentecost Jews from the whole Roman Empire were in Jerusalem. Some who were at odds with Paul and had seen him in Asia preaching the gospel, mistakenly thought Paul had taken Trophimus a Greek into the Temple, they started a riot and then tried to kill Paul. Compromise on this occasion almost led to disaster!

Paul was rescued by the Roman garrison, and was given permission to address the crowd. It’s noticeable that no mention of the Holy Spirit is made although He obviously caused Luke to write about these events. However when Paul motioned with his hand It was at that moment and during Paul’s address that the anointing of the Holy Spirit was evident 21:40

Compromise is sometimes needed to avoid disagreements about minor issues getting out of hand, like Paul we need to be firm about the essentials of our faith but flexible on those non essentials!

Memory verse

When I am with those who are oppressed, I share their oppression so that I might bring them to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone so that I might bring them to Christ 1 Corinthians 9:22 N.L.T.

Please send any comments, questions, or prayer requests to jesusinprint@gmail.com

Be Open Minded But Don’t Be Gullible Acts 13:1-15

~ Robert Spiller ~ Leave a comment

Pause for thought

Central to Paul’s message was the suffering of Christ for our sins, I remind myself that Jesus had to suffer physical and mental pain including being forsaken by God His father. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ was the message preached by Paul and Silas. As he wrote in his letter to the Corinthians For I decided to concentrate only onJesus Christ and His death on the Cross 1 Corinthians 2:2.

The message of Jesus death for our sins sounds foolish to those who don’t believe. But we know that death is not the end of the road, because Jesus did not remain dead, His resurrection showed His power over death and the grave for all who put their trust in Him as their saviour 17:3

The people of Berea were open minded, this can become harder with age! I truly believe that God has fresh things for us as we listen to the Holy Spirit. Always search the scriptures comparing what is being preached with what the Bible says. A truly Spirit filled message will never contradict the scriptures 17:11

Memory verse

The people of Berea were more open minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the scriptures day after day to check up on Paul and Silas, to see if they were really teaching the truth. Acts 17:11. N.L.T.

Please send your comments, questions, or prayer requests to jesusinprint@gmail.com