Tag: god

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Please send any feedback, comments, 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

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

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

Holy Spirit Boldness. From Iconium To Lystra And Derby. Acts 14:1-20.

~ Robert Spiller ~ Leave a comment

Pause for thought

Wherever Paul and Barnabas went they caused a stir. Their Gospel was either loved and accepted or hated and rejected. The true gospel will always cause division. In Lystra because of the miracles they were even mistaken for gods, and then at the instigation of some jealous Jews Paul was stoned and dragged outside the town and left for dead. When Paul and Barnabas visited a place the Holy Spirit working through them always stirred things up. In fact whenever God is at work in the lives of his disciples today it is always by the Holy Spirit. The opposition to Paul and Barnabas seemed no doubt quite reasonable to those who opposed them. However the Jews from Antioch and Iconium were not only resisting Paul’s testimony, it was God the Holy Spirit they were resisting. As in Paul’s day the devil will always try to make opposing the work of the Spirit seem reasonable. It seems that when the Holy Spirit is working the flesh displays itself as it did when some in Lystra tried to make gods of Barnabas and Paul. The Jews from Antioch probably felt they were proved right by this spectacle. When the Holy Spirit is at work there are often fleshly excesses, but we must not throw out the baby with the bath water or call Spirit flesh or flesh Spirit 14: 19-20

I think sometimes one of the reasons that we have limited success in our churches is because we play it too safe, I wonder if some of the early church leaders considered Paul well balanced? I’m certain he was, but perhaps what they considered balanced “being full of the Holy Spirit” some would struggle with in 2024.

A verse to think about

This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, “Stand up strait on your feet” And he leaped and walked. Acts 14:9-10, N.K.J.V.

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

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 !

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

Peter defends God’s Grace. Acts 11:1-23.

~ Robert Spiller ~ Leave a comment

Pause for thought

This incidence is of such importance that it must never be overlooked, which is why the Holy Spirit led Luke to record it twice first in Acts 10 and again in Acts 11 about what happened when Peter preached at Caesarea. Jesus Himself showed his message was for all people as recorded by the Holy Spirit in -John 4:1-42 for Samaritans, Mark 5:1-20 for Greeks, Luke 7::1-10 for Romans.

Peter’s defence was not an argument ; it was a statement of facts. The Holy Spirit had been poured upon these Gentiles in the same way as had been given to the Jewish Christians at Pentecost. What Peter related could be attested to by the six brothers who traveled with him and who witnessed the Gentiles being filled with the Holy Spirit. This was God’s doing therefore there could be no argument 11:17.

Before Acts 10:44-46 the gospel was preached to Jews only, afterwards it was deliberately preached to Gentiles. Peter teaches us that we must work with God not against Him 11:17. I well remember Dick Bells words to me in the mid seventies “find out what God is doing and get in on it!” Here are three thoughts that come to me, 1 good ideas are not always from God, 2 Talent is not the same as Holy Spirit anointing, 3 Wait on the Lord for His timing. Remember Jesus only did what He saw His Father doing John 5:19.

The Holy Spirit led Peter to preach in places where if he had held on to his prejudices he would never of gone!

A verse to remember

And since God gave these Gentiles the same gift He gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to argue? Acts 11:17 N.L.B.

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

Peter is given an object lesson, What Jesus did on the Cross was for the whole Gentile world, as well as the Jewish world. Acts 10:1-23.

~ Robert Spiller ~ Leave a comment

Pause for thought

Despite his devotion and his prayers to the one true God, and his charitable giving to the poor, Cornelius was an unsaved man who needed to hear the gospel. He believed in God but this did not make him a Christian! Sadly there are many today who attend church and believe in God who deceive themselves and others because association with Christian’s doesn’t make you one. Happily for Cornelius his prayers and actions were noticed by the Lord, who prepared Peter so that Cornelius and his household could hear and respond to the Gospel 10:1-2.

Peter while praying falls into a trance, it was while Peter was in this state of mind that God spoke to him through a vision of ritually unclean animals, and a voice from heaven insisting he should kill and eat. This was against his Jewish convictions and must of been extremely hard for Peter to understand 10:14

The Holy Spirit breaks into Peters musings and tells Peter not to doubt but go with Cornelius’s servants, “because I have sent them” Sometimes we can spend too much time before obeying God. With a few notable exceptions, most of those called by God to specific tasks responded quickly 10:19.

God answers the sincere prayers of those who seek Him, often by sending the right person and answer at the right time 10:4

We must always be open to letting the Holy Spirit change our long held wrong views !

A verse to remember

The voice spoke again, “ If God says something is acceptable, don’t say it isn’t “ Acts 10:15 N.L.T.

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