Tag: jesus

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.

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The Heart Of The Gospel Acts 10:34-48.

~ Robert Spiller ~ Leave a comment

Pause for thought

God made it clear to Peter and through Peter to us that the Gospel, the good news about Jesus Christ is for everyone! There is no barrier outside of ourselves that can stop us hearing or telling others about Jesus 10:34-35.

Peter preaches the gospel as recorded in verses 34-43 it is a concise statement of all that Jesus did starting at His baptism and anointing with the Holy Spirit. He showed His Father was a good God who loves people by healing many and delivering them from the devil’s oppression. He was taken and crucified showing what man’s sin can do. He rose again to life, showing that Gods power can not be defeated. Peter witnessed to the truth of what he was telling to those assembled, he was a witness to the truth of all these events. The result of all this is the redemption of everyone who believe and forgiveness of sins through the name of Jesus.

I love it ! The Spirit fell upon all who heard Peters message, this description of the Holy Spirits interaction with these new believers is so similar to the parable Jesus told and how the Father of the prodigal showed his heart of love to his returning son by falling upon his son in love 10: 44 ,Luke 15:20.

Just as the Jewish believers had received the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, now the Jewish believers who had accompanied Peter to Caesarea witnessed the Holy Spirit falling upon these gentile believers in an identical way, for they. heard them speak with tongues and magnify God in the same way as they had. The filling of the Holy Spirit is the same for these gentile Christians here in Caesarea, as it had been in in Jerusalem for the Jewish Christian’s 10: 44-48

Please note believers baptism immediately followed conversion as was always the case in Acts, a very good example that we should strive to follow. Peter was asked to stay for a few days no doubt he did some teaching but this was not to prepare these converts for baptism, that first step in discipleship was behind them!

A verse to remember

He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name. Acts 10:43 N.L.B.

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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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Hand Picked Fruit? Acts 8:26-40.

~ Robert Spiller ~ Leave a comment

Pause for thought

What do you think? Are you a windfall or a hand picked fruit? “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain” the words of Jesus, John 15:16. He chose us in Him before the Foundation of the world that we should be without blame before Him in love, Ephesians 1:4.

Philip was preaching to great crowds with much success 8:5-8 Yet he obediently did as the angel directed and went down to the road that ran through Gaza. Because Philip went where God sent him, he was able to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit telling him to run and join the chariot of the high Ethiopian official, who “just happened “ to be reading about the Christ from Isaiah 53:7-8 , who but the “author” of the very scripture was able to explain the scripture to the Ethiopian than the one who in dwelt Philip?

Philips obedience was equalled by the Ethiopian who 1 Asked for help to understand 2 was willing to listen to Philip as he explained the scriptures 3 Had an open heart towards God 4 Understood and obeyed.

The Lord chose Philip to bear fruit, and chose the Ethiopian to become a believer in Jesus Christ. Your experience will be different from the Ethiopians, he was an important official but he needed a saviour the same as yourself! All Gods children are chosen in Jesus, but it doesn’t stop there, All Gods children are called to be fruitful, please read John 15:1-17.

A verse to remember

Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, see here is water! What hinders me from being baptised? Then Philip said, said, “If you believe with all your heart you may.” And he answered and said , “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

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Preaching the message of Life Acts 5:17-42

~ Robert Spiller ~ Leave a comment

Pause for thought

The Apostles had Angelic help escaping from the prison, this was repeated on other occasions Acts 12:7, 16:26, also in Acts 10:3, and 8:26, and 8:29 an Angel gives instructions to Philip and in 8:39 the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away to his next preaching engagement just a few just a few of the incidents where Angels ministered on behalf of Christians see Hebrews 1:14.

Acts 5 contrasts the disobedience of Ananias and Sophira and the obedience of the Apostle’s, the former were seeking praises from people, the Apostles determined to obey God and seek His praise ( I think any reward they might get was far from their minds) 5:29.

They were to preach “all the words of this life” (N.K.J) these instructions were directly opposite the words of the religious leaders of the day. Like today these are words of LIFE for dying men.

Ananias and Sophira lied to the Holy Spirit. When we preach we must preach what is true, “the whole gospel” then we can be sure of the Spirit’s help alongside John 15:26. For “He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness and judgement”John 16:8-11.

The Home Bible class ( not a modern invention) as well teaching as in the Temple courts was an important way for the early Christians to share their faith 5:42.

A verse to remember

And every day, in the Temple and in their homes, they continued to teach and preach this message “ The Messiah you are looking for is Jesus”

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The dishonesty of Ananias and Sapphira Acts 5:1-16

~ Robert Spiller ~ Leave a comment

Pause for thought

The church faced internal and external problems as today. Outside, the church faced the pressure of persecution, while inside was pride, dishonesty, and greed. All the while the Apostles didn’t loose their focus on spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. They didn’t cave in to the problems at all but the Holy Spirit made them stand firm. Problems wether within or without can be stepping stones in the purposes of God rather than stumbling blocks 5:12. See also Romans 8:28.

The account of Ananias and Sophia reminds us that Satan prowls around seeking whom he may devour 1 Peter 5:8 This couple were seeking to be noted for their giving, the proceeds from the sale of land that was theirs to do with as they pleased but when they lied to Peter that they were giving all the proceeds of the sale they were lying to God the Holy Spirit. We can’t be certain if these two were Christian’s if so they lost their lives but not their souls. or perhaps they were hangers on like those who now through fear dared not join the church 5:13.

In Mathew 6:3 Jesus said “don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” he is teaching that our motives for giving to God and to others must be pure. When in leadership I had no idea what members of the fellowship were giving, this was for benefit of all involved for obvious reasons. Best be a secret giver!

A verse to remember

No one else dared join them, though everyone had high regard for them. And more and more people believed and were brought to the Lord, crowds of both men and women. Acts 5:13-14. N.L.T.

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Peter preaches powerfully in Solomon’s Porch Acts 3:12-26

~ Robert Spiller ~ Leave a comment

Pause for thought

The healing of the man at the Beautiful gate was orchestrated by God, it was a “God incident” in fact Luke makes it clear in Acts 1:1 that what Jesus did and taught until He was taken up into heaven was just the beginning and would continue through the Apostles. When Peter saw his opportunity to speak to the gathered crowd he was not limited by what he could see with his eyes, he was given what to say by the Holy Spirit. No well prepared sermon here! 3:12.

We should always pray for guidance for help with decision making, for not every opportunity is what it seems at first, but there are definitely God opportunities and God moments but they still require faith to proceed 3:11.

Peter pointed out to the astonished crowd that the evidence before them proved that Jesus Christ is alive! And by His power the man was healed. The statement of Peter is most important because it showed the Apostles fully understood that the power was delegated to them by Jesus to do Gods will. This is made very clear in verse 16 Yes the faith that comes through Him (Jesus) has given him this perfect soundness.

Peter showed the crowd who gave him the authority and power to heal, Jesus name proclaimed in faith is a saving name. We must remember that it is Jesus Christ Himself, not the sound of His name who answers our prayers 3:16.

Gods covenant promise to Abraham was never limited in its scope 3:25 -26

A verse to remember

You killed the author of Life, but God raised Him to life. And we are witnesses of this fact! Acts 3:15 N.L.T.

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

Peter preaches powerfully in Solomon’s Porch Acts 3:12-26

~ Robert Spiller ~ Leave a comment

Pause for thought

The healing of the man at the Beautiful gate was orchestrated by God, it was a “God incident” in fact Luke makes it clear in Acts 1:1 that what Jesus did and taught until He was taken up into heaven was just the beginning and would continue through the Apostles. When Peter saw his opportunity to speak to the gathered crowd he was not limited by what he could see with his eyes, he was given what to say by the Holy Spirit. No well prepared sermon here! 3:12.

We should always pray for guidance for help with decision making, for not every opportunity is what it seems at first, but there are definitely God opportunities and God moments but they still require faith to proceed 3:11.

Peter pointed out to the astonished crowd that the evidence before them proved that Jesus Christ is alive! And by His power the man was healed. The statement of Peter is most important because it showed the Apostles fully understood that the power was delegated to them by Jesus to do Gods will. This is made very clear in verse 16 Yes the faith that comes through Him (Jesus) has given him this perfect soundness.

Peter showed the crowd who gave him the authority and power to heal, Jesus name proclaimed in faith is a saving name. We must remember that it is Jesus Christ Himself, not the sound of His name who answers our prayers 3:16.

Gods covenant promise to Abraham was never limited in its scope 3:25 -26

A verse to remember

You killed the author of Life, but God raised Him to life. And we are witnesses of this fact! Acts 3:15 N.L.T.

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

The New Church after Pentecost. Acts 2:25-47.

~ Robert Spiller ~ Leave a comment

Pause for thought

Peter told the people to listen carefully as he explained to them that David when writing Psalm 16.: 8-11 was not speaking of himself, but writing as a Prophet of the Messiah’s resurrection and glorification 2:25-29.

Another of David’s prophecies in psalm 101:1 records the conversation between God the Father and God the Son 2:34.

Peter proves that the resurrection of Jesus the Christ is prophesied by King David in the scriptures, and expects his hearers to readily accept Jesus of Nazareth as their promised Messiah 2:36.

Peters call to those devout Jews to repent, was a call to change their minds about who Jesus really was. They responded and believed that Jesus really was the one David had spoken of, their long promised Messiah who had died to take away their sins. On day one over 3000 new Christians joined the church 2:41-47.

Acts 2:38 Baptism is not a means of forgiveness and salvation ( This verse is better understood as “because of remission of sins” Believers are baptised in water because their sins have already been remitted and because of their faith in Christ, not that sins should be remitted) Although baptism doesn’t save us for the early church there was not a long separation between believing in Christ and getting baptised as is often the case today. And the same can be said about the gift of the Spirit. The words of Peter need to be heard and acted upon today “ repent, believe, and be baptised and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” ( I feel todays church keeps new believers hanging about to long)

A verse to remember

Now He sits on the throne of highest honour in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father as He had promised, gave Him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you hear and see today Acts 2:33 N.L.T.

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

The coming of the Holy Spirit Acts 2:1-24

~ Robert Spiller ~ Leave a comment

Pause for thought

The coming of the Holy Spirit was by the predetermined purpose of God. The Apostles and disciples were gathered together in one place, and they were of one accord, Greek Holothuroideamadon meaning unanimous, being in agreement, group unity, having one mind and purpose. Strongs #3661:

The rushing mighty wind reminds us of the felt yet unseen power of God John 3:8.

This is the only record in the New Testament of cloven tongues like fire that rested upon each one, and was the fulfilment of the prophecy of John the Baptist concerning Jesus Matt 3:11.

They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak as the Spirit gave them utterance, God put words in their mouths. Notice the tongues were understood by the hearers because what they heard was in the hearers mother tongue. They each heard in their own languages the wonderful works of God. Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 14:2 that a believer who speaks in an unknown tongue speaks to God, these were the praises towards God the devout Jews were hearing in their own languages Acts2:8.

Peter led by the Holy Spirit Quotes from Joel 2:28-32 which is a last days prophecy for-telling the events starting with the day of Pentecost and the events that are yet to happen at the coming of Christ. Joel’s prophecy was only partially fulfilled at Pentecost and through the generations until now, but we could be the final generation that sees the whole prophecy fulfilled in our life time?

Verses to remember

And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophecy, Your young men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on my maid servants I will pour out my Spirit in those days; And they shall prophecy. Act 2:17-18. N.K.J.T.

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