Tag: jesus

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

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.

Please send any feedback, comments, 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

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

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.