Tag: faith

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

~ Robert Spiller ~ Leave a comment

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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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.

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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

Two Missionary Teams Instead Of One. Acts 15:30-41.

~ Robert Spiller ~ Leave a comment

Pause for thought

The letter from the Jerusalem Church was entrusted to two messengers, “Judas and Silas” who could Guarantee the validity of the letter and its message.15:22

Sometimes a letter can sound coldly official, but not this one, Inspired by the Holy Spirit and delivered by the hand of disciples in love with Jesus its reception brings great joy and encouragement to the Antioch Christian’s. 15:31

Do we always think before we speak or write? Electronic communication is a blessing when we use it as God intends.

Division between Christian’s can occur but God can turn even these disagreements for good Romans 8:28. Paul himself wrote about two sisters who fell out Philippians 4:2-3 he pleaded that they should strive to agree and that other Christian’s should try to help them come together. All was not lost for now we see two missionary teams instead of one! Was this Gods intended plan all along? We can’t be sure but God can turn our mistakes into His opportunities. Paul and Barnabas couldn’t see eye to eye but eventually Paul changed his mind about John Mark Colossians 4:10.

A verse to remember

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Don’t Play It Safe, Paul Didn’t! Acts 13:1-14.

~ Robert Spiller ~ Leave a comment

Pause for thought

This was the starting point of Paul’s first missionary journey. This was no spur of the moment decision, I believe it had always been Gods plan. The church leaders were seeking the Lord in fasting and worship, when the Lord spoke through one of the prophets that Barnabas and Paul should be sent out. (were these two already sensing the call?) It’s noteworthy that they continued in fasting and prayer before laying hands on them and sending them out. Verse 4 makes it very clear that the call and commissioning and sending forth was the work of the Holy Spirit.

It was at this time that Paul became known as and called Paul. His Hebrew name was Saul but his Roman name was Paul. As the Apostle to the gentiles was this a further reason he chose to use his gentile name?

It’s worth noting that for Barnabas, Cyprus was home territory 13:4. After leaving Salamis they went from town to town preaching the gospel, little did they know what lay ahead at Paphos 13:6! It was not an easy place Paphos was a centre for the worship of Venus, the goddess of love, and was a byword for lustful immortality. Paul led by the Spirit never chose the easy way. The Proconsul of the Island was Sergius Paulus a man who wished to hear the gospel, it seems the Holy Spirit was drawing him and causing him to be open to the gospel. Whenever men turn and receive the gospel, opposing demonic forces will try to stop the work one way or another. Paul did not retreat! Full of the Holy Spirit he looked the sorcerer in the eye ( looked the demon in the eye) and taking authority and naming the works of the devil in the sorcerers life, bound him in physical darkness for a time so that he became dependent on others to lead him. By experiencing physical blindness Paul revealed to the sorcerer first hand how dark were his works and how misled by the devil he was, that he now needed someone to lead him by the hand, We don’t know what the outcome was but hope he repented? That is a possibility as Paul bound him in physical darkness for a limited time 13:11.

Paul remembered his commission was by the Holy Spirit. Which was why he was so bold. He relied totally upon the Holy Spirit to lead him and knew that if that was where God wanted him and who it was he was to lead to repentance and faith in Christ, nothing was going to stop him. The result the Proconsul believed the gospel and as astonished at the power of God13:12

Something to think about

Don’t play it safe Paul didn’t !

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Saul, Full of the Holy Spirit, hits the road running! Acts 9: 20-31.

~ Robert Spiller ~ Leave a comment

Pause for thought

Saul immediately began preaching about Jesus in the Synagogue, he didn’t wait before telling others about Jesus, nor should we!

Saul’s message was clear “Jesus is the son of God” he preached in the very Synagogue’s that the letters from the high priest were to be delivered, empowering Saul to arrest the Christians in Damascus., Saul was certainly expected by those in the Synagogue, but they were not expecting to hear what he was saying!

The more Saul preached, the more powerful his preaching became. Some suggest this was because Saul was well versed in the scriptures, but this is only partially true. The Holy Spirit the author of the scriptures had opened Saul’s eyes and heart ( revelation ) to the scriptures that all spoke of the coming Messiah, revealed as Jesus of Nazareth. Saul was a very strong character, however his strength now came from the indwelling Holy Spirit, despite his strong personality Saul always did as God directed, “ my gracious favour is all you need. My power works best in your weakness”. Saul was to write “for when I am weak ,then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

A verse to remember

The Church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it grew in strength and numbers. The believers were walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Acts 9:31 N.L.T.

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