Acts 8:5-8 Philip going to Samaria

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO COMPLAIN!! 

   Going on in Acts, we are going to today speak of Philip.  Who was Philip?  He was one of the seven chosen, along with Stephen, to care for the poor.  Now remember also, that when Stephen was stoned and the great persecution came on the church the disciples, not the apostles, scattered throughout the land. So, now let us continue on to Acts 5-8.

  Acts 8: ⁵ Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

Now this Samaria, authorities are not certain if it was the Samaria of the "half-breeds" that the Jews despised and avoided.  Or, possibly, the region of Samaria or even Gutta which is thought to be the birthplace of Simon the Sorcerer.

⁶ And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
   You know the Holy Spirit was with Philip as the people all listen and heard and were actually able to see the miracles that Philip did.  When the Bible says one accord, this means that they ALL had heard, understood, and were bonded together.  No disagreements or misgivings, all believing the same.
⁷ For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
    This is the evidence of the Holy Spirit moving as the unclean spirits came out of the possessed and many were healed - palsies, lame, etc. - ALL HEALED!!
⁸ And there was great joy in that city.
    Can you imagine?  In my mind now this was a city of pure Christianity, love, peace, and praising God.  Utopia!  Great joy in that city.  We will see this again, when Jesus returns and we go to be with the father in heaven.
   Thanks for reading with me today.  Tomorrow more about the ministry of Philip. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
 Johnny

Acts 8:1-4 Persecution of the church led by Saul

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

   Well, we now know that Stephen spoke the truth to the Sanhedrin and people, the word was rejected, false witnesses came forth, and Stephen was stoned but yet he remained calm during his dissertation and commended his spirit to God during the stoning.

   A man named Saul was present and watched over the clothes as others stoned Stephen.  This must have given him the misguided courage he needed.  Pray we read on!

   Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

   Note, Saul approved the death.  Now begins the persecution of the church.  The target was no longer just a man, Stephen, but the church as a whole.  During this time the believers moment was called "the Way".  This persecution tended to be aimed mainly at the Hebrew or Aramaic-speaking Jews.  This persecution was deadly, causing the scattering of the Jews, yet accomplishing the will of God.

  And Stephen?  Acts 8: ² And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.

   They mourned over the death of Stephen. Know that Stephen was the first Christian martyr and they mourned over him, even tho it violated the Jewish law.        But what is coming?  Oh, yes, Saul.  He has not had his "come to Jesus" meeting yet.

   Acts 8: ³ As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

   Saul was ruthless, being the main leader in the movement against the church.  He had papers of permission from the authority of the Sanhedrin and high priest to smash down doors, arrest men and women in their homes, and then send them off to prison.  He did this as an over zealous Pharisee, believing completely that he was keeping the Law pure from the "Way" or "Christians".

   Because of his tirade, the believers were scattered abroad.

       Acts 8: ⁴ Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

   Now, they were doing Jesus' command to spread the gospel unto all the world.  They shared in other regions of Palestine and beyond.  Poor Stephen, yet courageous and the catalyst that set forth more out spreading of the gospel.  Can you see God's hand in all this.  Jesus is gone, the Sanhedrin and high priest still holding on to the law, Stephen chastises them and is stoned, Saul begins the persecution and the word spreads.  GOD IS IN CONTROL!!  Even today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Acts 7:59-60 Stephen's reaction of being stoned

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO COMPLAIN!!

  So, if you remember, the people were angered at what Stephen had said, they rushed at him (a mob scene), took him outside the city, laid their clothes at the foot of Saul (Apostle Paul later) and the witnesses (false witnesses) cast the first stones at Stephen.

  So, think about this a moment.  If they were going to stone you, would you stand there or would you run and attempt to flee from the danger?  Hmmm! Food for thought!

   ⁵⁹ And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

  Notice that Stephen did much the same as Jesus did on the cross.  First, he called upon God and then what?  He asked God to receive his spirit.  This brings to mind that if Stephen's spirit was with the LORD, then would his body feel the pain and suffering of the stones being cast?  Did his spirit leave the body. Not just yet, but it will in a moment.

⁶⁰ And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

  In verse 60 he paraphrases what Jesus said (Luke 23:34 "Father forgive them; for they know not what they do.") saying "LORD, lay not this sin to their charge".
  Then the verse says once he said this he fell asleep.  Much the same as Jesus when He said it is finished.   Do you think Stephen's spirit was gone and he was with God?  Do you think he suffered much anguish during this time?  His spirit was probably troubled as the mob would not listen, but how much did Stephen suffer?
  Stephen appears to be a calm man who presented the truth.  He knew where he would end up when his work for God on earth was finished.  Do you know?  Are you certain of where you will be when your work for God is finished? 
      If you are not sure one of two things are present:  1) satan is casting doubt darts about your salvation and you need to rebuke him, or, 2) you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and need to start one NOW!
   Thank you for reading.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
p.s. let not the doubt darts of satan pierce your armour of God!!!

Acts 7:57-58 Angry at Stephen and cast him out

Good morning all. God is so good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO COMPLAIN!

   I say too blessed to complain, yea, I fall into the trap of complaining about something.  I do what I wish not to do, and do not do what I wish to do.  Think about Stephen.  He stood strong, powerful, and with conviction in his faith in Jesus Christ as the messiah and to spreading the word.  Even tho' the truth will cost him his life.  Let's look at verse    ⁵⁷ Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,

These people could not hear the truth. Please understand that they were angry by the calm and quiet attitude of Stephen.  He did not rant and rave (as our modern politicians do), just presented the facts in a calm orderly manner. The people were not happy, they were upset, angry, to the point of being violent.

   They quit listening to Stephen because THE TRUTH HURTS.  When they ran upon him with one accord this means a mob mentality - they all attacked.

⁵⁸ And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
 We never know God's plans and what he has laid out. Remember this verse and then realize how it comes in to play in the future. 
    These people took Stephen out of the city as they were filled with anger. He spoke the truth, but the truth was challenging who they were, what they believed, and their positions in the community.
  The Jewish form of death was to stone a person, it does appear that the Sanhedrin and members of the council provided the oversight for the murder of Stephen.  By Roman law, this was not legal, however, if Pilate, or the high ruler  at the time looked the other way, then, it didn't happen.  How often does this happen in modern society? 
  Anyway, the action was carried out. The witnesses cast the first stones. However, please note that whatever Biblical version you use it will say: the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
  No where does it say Saul (later Apostle Paul) participated in the death of Stephen, however, he did

consent to his death, he guarded the clothes of those who first stoned Stephen.  No where that I have searched did it indicate that Saul cast a stone.  But, he was part of the death mob.  Do you think this plagued him in later years?  Hmmm! Tomorrow, how Stephen reacted. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Acts 7:54-56 Stephen angers the authorities

Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO COMPLAIN.

   Wow!  How powerful Stephen was in his belief.  Look what happens in verse ⁵⁴ When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

  All Stephen told them cut to the heart like a saw.  Why?  Because they knew he told the truth, just as when someone tells us we did wrong but we don't want to believe it.  His words cut deep, hit a major artery, then they what? "Gnashed on him with their teeth" - not literally, but rage was fueled in their discussions AND hatred toward this man.  Yes, what manner of man is this that would even DARE confront us (so saith the high priest and leaders of the church).

  Then what?  God knows everything, so he gave Stephen a day-vision - look at verse  ⁵⁵ But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

   What was Stephen full of?  Himself?  NO!  Full of the HOLY GHOST.  Then what happened? He starred straight into heaven and.......and.......YES----saw the glory of God and Jesus standing on the right hand of God.  Wow!  How awesome is this?

  Then Stephen spoke audibly of what he saw where all could hear:   ⁵⁶ And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

   When he said this, the coals on the already started fire did burn brightly as the people were angered.  More tomorrow. Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Acts 7:44-53 The completion of Stephen's dissertation and then getting REAL the ones who brought the charges

Hello all, God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO COMPLAIN.
   Let us go through the following scripture verse or verses by verses.  Stephen speaks with the love of Jesus, remaining calm, and is "telling it like it is" to the powers that be.
   

Acts. 7:44-53 (NIV)

⁴⁴ “Our ancestors had the tabernacle of the covenant law with them in the wilderness. It had been made as God directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen. ⁴⁵ After receiving the tabernacle, our ancestors under Joshua brought it with them when they took the land from the nations God drove out before them. It remained in the land until the time of David, ⁴⁶ who enjoyed God’s favor and asked that he might provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. ⁴⁷ But it was Solomon who built a house for him.

     The attention of Stephen is focused on the building of both the tabernacle and the Temple.  He refers to the tabernacle in the wilderness and that it was brought in by JOSHUS.   Then reference is made to the days of David and the fact that it he wanted to build the house of the God of Jacob.  However, his son, Solomon was the one to do so.

⁴⁸ “However, the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says:

⁴⁹ “‘Heaven is my throne,
    and the earth is my footstool.
What kind of house will you build for me?
says the Lord.
    Or where will my resting place be?
⁵⁰ Has not my hand made all these things?’   

    Stephen, at His trial, refers to what Jesus said, "I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will bild another made without hands" (Mk 14:58) This is spoken to explain what the false witnesses charged him with.  Stephens argument is concluding and now he is getting personal.  

⁵¹ “You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! ⁵² Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— ⁵³ you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.”

   What is Stephen saying here?  He is using a descriptive term which has been used many times by God of the Jews.  That they were uncircumcised in heart and ears meant that while they were circumcised i the physical sense, their disobedience in not receiving the message of the prophets caused them to be ungodly in their hearts and lives.  

   Their resistance to the workings of the Holy Spirit is something that their forefather also showed.  Stephen shows the LORD JESUS as one of many prophets whom the Jews betrayed and murdered.  The forefathers killed the messengers who predicted the coming of the Just One or Righteous One, and they, themselves, brought a violent death to the Just One (Righteous One).  Wow!  He did not pull punches!

    May you connect on this section.  Tomorrow with show Stephens nature as that one of Jesus Christ.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

 

Acts 7:17-43 Stephen continues with the history and charges

Hello all, better late than not at all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO COMPLAIN.

  Okay, back to Stephen, one of the deacons filled with the Holy Spirit and with lots of macho.  Stephen, if you read yesterday, is not shy about speaking forth the truth to the high priest and the synagogue attendees.

   Acts 7: ¹⁷ “As the time drew near for God to fulfill his promise to Abraham, the number of our people in Egypt had greatly increased.

  So Stephen continues - V. 18-22 relating the birth and early life of Moses. His learning and wisdom in the sciences of the Egyptians is pointed out and that he was MIGHT IN WORD AND IN DEED!

  V. 23-29 Tells of Moses, age 40, killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew, then confronted by the Hebrews the next day.  Moses fled to Midian.

  V. 30-36  Moses comes in contact with the burning bush and was commissioned to return to Egypt and to stand in the court of Pharaoh demanding that God's people be released from bondage.

   V. 37-43 AND.....and....Stephen continues - the begins to lay the groundwork for his contention that the New Testament church is a natural result from those who have received Jesus as Messiah.  Even Moses proclaimed that god would raise a prophet up from among the Israelites that they should hear and obey.  His name was and is Jesus Christ.

  At the foot of Mt. Sinai the idolatry of the forefathers and the worship of the golden calf.  He mentions Moloch and Remphan, idols they made to worship, and stating that Israel constantly needs prophets to speak against these false idols.  What is interesting is that Stephen was charged by the "false witnesses" of speaking blasphemous words against Moses.  He is showing that those guilty of disrespect to Moses are his heirs, the Israelites, and not his new companions, the Christians.

  Wow, a lot of info here.  I pray that you take time to read the scripture and verify for yourself that what I am studying is, indeed, correct. Tomorrow we will continue Stephen's charges against the high priest and men of the synagogue.  Then, Friday, we will see the nature of Christ in Stephen.  Do you have the love of Jesus in you?  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Acts 7:1-17 Stephens gives historical account

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO COMPLAIN!

  In Acts 7:1 Then the high priest asked Stephen, “Are these charges true?”

  Now, Stephen replies with an apology, if you will, for the Christian faith.  He gives a historical account of the moving of God in the lives of Abraham and his descendants.  Below is part of the dissertation Stephen delivered. Take time to read it and understand.  We will continue with what Stephen said tomorrow.

  ² To this he replied: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Harran. ³ ‘Leave your country and your people,’ God said, ‘and go to the land I will show you.’^[a]
4 “So he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Harran. After the death of his father, God sent him to this land where you are now living. ⁵ He gave him no inheritance here, not even enough ground to set his foot on. But God promised him that he and his descendants after him would possess the land, even though at that time Abraham had no child. ⁶ God spoke to him in this way: ‘For four hundred years your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated. ⁷ But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves,’ God said, ‘and afterward they will come out of that country and worship me in this place.’^{[b] 8} Then he gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision. And Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him eight days after his birth. Later Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of the twelve patriarchs.
⁹ “Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him ¹⁰ and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh king of Egypt. So Pharaoh made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace.
¹¹ “Then a famine struck all Egypt and Canaan, bringing great suffering, and our ancestors could not find food. ¹² When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our forefathers on their first visit. ¹³ On their second visit, Joseph told his brothers who he was, and Pharaoh learned about Joseph’s family. ¹⁴ After this, Joseph sent for his father Jacob and his whole family, seventy-five in all. ¹⁵ Then Jacob went down to Egypt, where he and our ancestors died. ¹⁶ Their bodies were brought back to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a certain sum of money.
¹⁷ “As the time drew near for God to fulfill his promise to Abraham, the number of our people in Egypt had greatly increased.
   Tomorrow will be going into a new king, Moses, and more of Stephens historical account.  I ask God to open your hearts to where this is going and to bless you this day and each day following.  Helping us to love and deal with others as would Jesus. Blessings and prayers to you all. Amen. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Acts 6:9-15 Politics was present, even in this day. Liars, manipulators!

Good morning all, God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO COMPLAIN!!!

     Well, everyone likes status-quo, especially if it is in their favor and benefits them.  Just don't upset the apple cart.  If it is comfortable and I like it - LEAVE IT ALONE! 

   Well, these is where the Jews were in the synagogue.  Just leave us alone, everything is working well and we like it.  Plus, you know at this time Jesus had already been crucified and the apostles were following Jesus' command to spread the word.

   WEEELLLLLLL, let us view further starting with verse 9: ⁹ Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

   The ministry of Stephen may be the link that created some doubt in the mind of Saul of Tarus, later to become the Apostle Paul.  Anyhow, these people did not like Stephen, who was filled with the Holy Spirit, because he preached the wrong message, he preached in the name of Jesus Christ.  Now, this is threatening to these people.

   verse ¹⁰ And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.

  Remember, Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit, whose wisdom is far greater than these men.  They did not like this so what were they to do? 

¹¹ Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.

    Ah-ha, said one, let us find some suborned men (suborned means someone willing to lie, usually for money).  This did tend to be a common practice among the Jews during this era. Bribery went a long way here.

     ¹² And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,

   Sending out instigators to do nothing more than create problems, get the people upset about nothing, but claim that it is something serious. They came forth with slanderous charges of blasphemy against Moses and God.  Since Stephen did not do this, they needed, oh yes, false witnesses to come forth.

    ¹³ And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:  ¹⁴ For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.

   Stephen had quoted Jesus' statement about destroying the body, and it being raised again in three days.  Yes, this statement was misinterpreted when Jesus uttered it and again when Stephen reported it.  So, the persecution of Stephen began as he was dragged from the council, but look at the next verse.

   ¹⁵ And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

  What these men saw, yet failed to realize is they were not seeing the face of a weak, effeminate man, but a face that was aglow with the love of the Lord Jesus for these his persecutors.

   Wow!  How strong and committed Stephen was!  May my faith and your faith be equally as strong.  Tomorrow we go into Stephens response.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Acts 6:5-8 Deacons? Leaders in the word?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  I just ask that you pray for my family as I pray for your family. Blessings.

  Yesterday we stopped at the first of verse 5 "and the saying pleased the whole multitude:"

   So the people are pleased with this decision. Now the rest of Act 6:  ⁵ And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

   Now, the men they chose as deacons are listed -- Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas. 

   Only Stephen and Philip are discussed in much detail in Acts; tradition provides nothing further about Nicanor or Parmenas. Stephen became the first martyr of the church when he was killed by a mob, and whose death was agreed to by Saul of Tarsus, the future Apostle Paul.

  It is interesting to note that the scripture describes Stephen, a man full of the Holy Spirit.  The others little is known.  Philip will be seen in the later chapters.  Prochorus was thought to be kind of a secretary to John the Baptist and Bishop of Nicomedia and later martyred at Antioch.

  Nicolas is listed as a proselyte from Antioch, there is some speculation that he was the founder of the Nicolaitans in Revelation 2:6,15; yet there is not great evidence to substantiate this.

  What happened to Nicanor, Timon, and Parmenas?  Well, we don't know, but obviously they were important at that time and we might well assume they continued with the word. Look at the following verses:

These men were set before the apostles and, well, read: ⁶ Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

  So these men are now anointed with the spirit.  Since they were anointed, now what?  Are there any results?  Ohhhh, yeah---- ⁷ And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

   And what?  word of God increased for one; two-number of disciples multiplied in Jerusalem; and three - a great company of the priest were what?  what?  YES,    OBEDIENT TO THE FAITH!!!

   Next comes a good thing, yet deplorable as an end result.  The good thing is:  ⁸ And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

   Tomorrow we will go into the deplorable; but Stephen was good, full of faith, power, and doing wonders and miracles among the people for GOD'S GLORY!  YEA!!!

  Thank you for reading today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Acts 6:2-4 Serve the tables or pray and preach the word?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO COMPLAIN.

   Yesterday we talked about the Grecians (Hellenists) who were Jews whose native tongue was Greek and the apostles, who were Jews and tongue was Arabic.  The conflict came in that the Grecians (disciples with the apostles) felt that their poor and widows were being neglected in favor of the more traditional Hebrew-speaking Jews.

   Typical conflict in churches happen over the perception of one group verses another.  Their perception is what stirs the coals into a fire.  So........

   Acts 6: ² Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
³ Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
   The twelve apostles spoke to the multitude and spoke saying it was not reasonable that they (apostles) should quit sharing the word of God to "serve the tables".

   At this point they were pointing out the ministry and prayer was the priority and a resolution should be made.  So, to resolve this the apostles told the disciples (note, there is a difference from the apostles, the 12, and the disciples, who are now followers of the word) seek out seven men of good reputation, men who would be responsible for administering the charitable allocations.

   Once these men were chosen then the apostles would, once again, give themselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.

  The first part of Acts 6:" ⁵ And the saying pleased the whole multitude ........"

What they said was pleasing to the crowd.  Now, a question for you----why do you think this solution was pleasing to the crowd?

   a. because the crowd had the idea    b. the apostles just guessed

   c. God led the apostles in this suggestion

   d. all of the above

What they did is well for the church of today to heed.  The church leaders today are not free to devote themselves to the two prime aspects of their ministry - PRAYER & PREACHING OF THE WORD.

   Therefore, members of the local assembly must assume positions of responsibility in order to free the pastor to do the job for which he has been called - prayer & preaching the word.

   Are you taking your share of the responsibility?  OR, are you upset when the pastor does not do what YOU THINK HE SHOULD?  We will finish the rest of 5 and go through verse 8 tomorrow.  Thanks for reading!  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Spreading the word then along came conflicts! Acts 5:42-6:1

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

   What are we to do with the Word of God?  We are to share and spread the Good News daily, all the time, wherever we go.  This is what the disciples did?  Oh, yes, but we can argue they were called and picked by Jesus to do this.  Sooo?  Are you not picked by Jesus to be a believer, a follower, a disciple?

  Yes, but it was different in those days.  And to all this argument I say poooey and foooey!  The disciples went forth, daily, constantly, look at Acts 5: ⁴² Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

   Yes, day after day, from house to house, never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that JESUS IS THE MESSIAH!  Does this tell you something?

   So, what was the result?  Well, let us look at Acts 6: 1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied,

  Because of their constant teachings, the number of disciples was multiplied.  Is this not our calling?  Oh, yes, but many will have the Moses affliction - uh, I don't speak well; I don't know the Bible well enough; I can't talk to people;  I have trouble opening a conversation with people I don't know, etc..  Bunk! BUNK!

   Notice in the above statements they all begin with "I"; it is not about "I", but about Jesus and letting the Holy Spirit lead. Pooey on the lame arguments.

   But then notice, this is what happens in our churches, in our spiritual lives today. Acts 6:1................. there arose a murmuring of the Grecians (Hellenists) against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

   Now, discourse arises among the congregation. Because of their successful teachings (Acts 5:42) there has come an overload for the apostles, making it difficult to care for the common fund of people (widows). 

   Satan is using the Grecians or Hellenists (Jewish Christians whose mother tongue was Greek) to disrupt and come against the apostles.  Now understand too, that the apostles were Hebraic Jews, which also created a conflict.  The accusations here were that the Hebraic Jews were not taking care of the Grecian widows, ensuring their food baskets were of plenty.

   This is when the apostles call together the community and point out that these distractions are taking away from their calling, the ministry of the word of God.

  So, now what happens?  We will continue here tomorrow.  However, I would like for you to take the time to investigate and see what takes you away from YOUR MINISTRY of the WORD of GOD.  Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

What does God want from us?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

  2 Chronicles 7:(KJV) ¹⁴ If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
  First, we must humble ourselves, admitting that God is God and we are not.
  We must submit to God and come to him in brokenness and repentance.
We must pray and seek God's face. Not just prayer, but fervent, continual, and united prayer, which will bring about revival and an awakening.
We should be seeking God, to see him, rather than always asking for a hand out to help us.  We should be seeking God for Himself and not for what He can do for us.
We must turn from our wicked ways; be obedient and not do a walk through  in ritualistic ceremony.  We must truly have repentance in our heart and obey God in all facets of our life.
If we follow through, three things will happen.  One, He will hear us; two-He will forgive our sins; and three - God will heal our land with His favor and blessings.
Yea, as they say in East Texas - if we do all this "it don't git no gooder dan dat"
Thanks for reading. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Isaiah spoke it 700 years before Christ

Good morning and God morning to you all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

   It is so interesting that the more I study the Bible, the more I learn, then the more I don't know.  Crazy, huh?

   Isaiah 60:3-6, 700 years prior to Jesus Christ it was foretold of Jesus coming.  Look at these verses:  ³ And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.  The gentiles shall what? See the light and come out of darkness.
⁴ Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side.  The calling of the Gentiles.
⁵ Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.  Multitudes of people will run to Christ!
⁶ The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the Lord.  The multitudes, the treasure, that is brought upon camels. Gold - The principal commodities with which this country abounded, by which we are to understand whatever is precious. Dromedaries are a smaller type of camel and the ones coming dwelt beyond Arabia.  It was a journey. It was predicted. It is REAL!
  I do hope this stimulated some thought and curiosity in you and you will dig into this further. Love you all - thanks for reading.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Stamina, endurance- God provides!

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO COMPLAIN.

   Okay, so the title - stamina & endurance - God provides - what does this mean to you?  Kate Spade, Anthony Bourdain - took a permanent solution to a temporary situation.

  Look at Job, he endured.  Joseph, he endured.  Noah, he endured. Moses, he endured.  Read about these men, and don't you know they were ridiculed and treated badly so very often, yet, they were with God, and through their constant faith they were able to endure, had the stamina to carry on.

   Yes, depression and mental illness are real sicknesses, but there is a solution other than suicide.  Have I thought about it? Yes, on different occasions in my life when things are frustrating and seem to be spiraling out of control.  Have you at one time or another?  Then rational thoughts tend to prevail and the thought passes.  With some the suicide thought prevails, then pride, stubbornness, and maybe job demands halts any attempts to get help.

  God is our rock, the solid rock I stand.  Only when I open the door to doubt and allow satan or his demons to enter do things become rough and uncharted.  When I stay in prayer and fellowship with God, Jesus, the Spirit, then, things tend to become clearer and more easily handled.  I am not saying smooth sailing all the time, but much better waters to navigate through.

  Let me share some verse with you on stamina or endurance:

  Click on this link to view scriptures! You will find the scriptures in KJV & NIV.

Romans 15: 5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had,

Now, my friend, go forth keeping these verses in mind and remember to have the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had. Love you all.

In Christ's love and grace

Johnny

Thank God or blame God? Hmmm!

Good morning all. God is GOOD ALL THE TIME, all the time GOD is good.

   Did  you try telling people thank you?  If so, what was the reaction?  When people, specially non-Christians, look around they blame God.  What do you mean?

   The volcanic eruptions in Hawaii, Guatemala, wild fires burning in Arizona, N. Mexico, the hurricanes and flooding in America,  the heat wave in Pakistan, the lightning strikes and flooding of the UK.  Many will say how could a "good God" let this happen.

  When bad things happen do we do as Job's wife and say, " Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die!"

  You know, as a child our parents would tell us not to do something because we may get hurt.  Well, if we forged ahead and did it, yes, we got hurt.

  In God's Book of Truths, aka the Bible, He tells us of the things that are to happen. All through the old testament prophets would tell people to repent or suffer the outcome.  Some repented, such as Nineveh, Jonah warned, they turned away from evil, and avoided being destroyed.  Oh, yeah, they eventually went back to their old ways and were conquered by the Babylonians, but, when they repented and turned away from the bad they were spared.

    God tells us in His Word what will happen, yet we let the anti-Christians, the ultra liberals, the ACLU, and many others lead us down the path of destruction. Oh, what to do!  First, we must fall on our face asking forgiveness from God, then pray, pray, pray.  Pray for everyone, political leaders, pastors, people; pray for all to turn to Jesus Christ, see the errors of their ways, repent, and come back to God.

   Will God stop it from coming?  No, but he may delay it some as in Ninevah or Sodom and Gomorrah.  God was going to destroy S & G for its wicked ways and Abraham pleaded with God because his nephew Lot lived there.  Yes, there was a negotiation and the destruction was delayed as God sent 2 angels to retrieve Lot and his family.  S & G turned not from their wicked ways and were destroyed.

   Now, you wonder, why is Johnny rambling on and on.  I just want us all to think about where we are, where America is, where the world is, and what can we do?   

     We can pray continually, spread the seed, the word of God. If you cannot talk easily to people, make business cards with scriptures on them or small Christian tracks to hand out or leave places.  Maybe even a cross or fish inscribed with a verse to look up.

   God tells us the end is coming; we tend to ignore and think it will be okay.  Just like our parents telling us no, yet we plunge ahead.  Will we learn? Yes, but it may only be when Christ returns and every knee will bow. 

    Ephesians 1: ⁷ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace

Thank you for reading with me today. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Thank you God! Do you say it enough?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

   Thank you - 2 simple words that are so often forgotten or said in passing without thought.  When Jesus cleansed the 10 lepers, 1 and only 1 came back to thank him. Are you that 1 or one of the other 9 who danced in joy of being cleansed and failed to thank the one that set you free?

  Thank you is so easy - yet so difficult.  How oft do we feel really thankful for what just happened at that particular moment - then later in the day, tomorrow, and days to come we forget?  And what do we do then?

  When asking God for something, it happens, we either say thank you God, or, as the lepers, go away forgetting to thank the one who made it happen.  Then, even after thanking God for the deliverance, we quickly forget and return to the asking scenario pleading for more.

   Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18   God is alive and present in our lives, and gives us a strong foundation for all that we do.  He is the rock and foundation of our faith, and should be praised!
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. 1 Chronicles 16:8
We should give thanks in all things.  Try today saying thank you to some one for an action they have done, then thank God for bringing them to you so you can show His love and thankfulness to others.
So, THANK YOU, for reading todays study and may your day be readily blessed by God.  THANK YOU GOD for all my friends and family and just for you being GOD!  AMEN!
  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

The HOLY SPIRIT

Good morning everyone. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO COMPLAIN!!!

  So often we talk about the Holy Spirit and tend to just pass it off. No big deal!  It's the spirit, part of the Trinity. Some questions for you:

       When was the Holy Spirit first mentioned in the Bible?

    How many times was the Holy Spirit mentioned in the Bible?

      In Genesis, who was God speaking to?

Well, to begin with, in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Gen 1:1) The earth was formless and empty. Darkness was on the surface of the deep. GOD'S SPIRIT was hovering over the surface of the waters. (Gen 1:2).

   So, in the beginning the THREE were there, the SPIRIT was there, hovering over the surface of the waters.  The Holy Spirit is mentioned many times in various ways in the Old Testament, and, over 90 times in the new testament.  Gen 2: ⁷ And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; ------- the word for “breath” is the same word translated elsewhere as “spirit.”

 

   Often we think the Holy Spirit showed up at Pentecost,  a Jewish harvest festival called Shavuot, and this was its unveiling.  This is not true, however, it did cast another light on how powerful and important the Holy Spirit is.

  In Luke 1:35 the angel tells Mary the Holy Spirit will come on you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.  Therefore also the holy one who is born will be called the Son of God.

  So, here again we see how important the Holy Spirit is.  But wait, there is more Elizabeth is in her sixth month.  Verse 39-40 Mary gets up, why? Divine intervention.  She travels to see Elizabeth.  Now, here it is quite interesting. No land lines, cell phones, etc., so Elizabeth knows not that Mary is coming.  Mary arrives, and when Elizabeth greeted Mary, the babe in her womb LEAPED----and then-----and then----ELIZABETH WAS FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT!!!!

   Elizabeth called out: Luke 1: 42 Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

  Wow!  If you read and study this it is an amazing story.  But let me go back in time to Genesis 1 - ²⁶ And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:

  Notice, God did not say make man in MY image, but OUR image.  To whom could He have been speaking?  The Trinity cross your mind?  Hmmm!  Good food for thought.  Thank you for reading.  When my strange little mind wonders about something, search it out, then it tends to come out in my study. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Fight the good fight!

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

  Fight the good fight.  Why?  We never know when our time here on earth has expired.  We do not come with a notice that says only good through (date) like our food; or, expires after (date).  We come expecting to see tomorrow when we lay our heads down each day or night.

   God should be in our thoughts when we rise in the morning and when we go to sleep at night.  This past week one who has come to church under a bridge expired in an unexpected death.  Yes, other circumstances surrounded the situation, but the point is here, he expected to be with us today - yet he is not.

   The question then asked is: was he a Christian?  Only he and God truly know that answer.  What we have to do is remember that  we are to give our lives for Christ who shed His blood for us and spread the Word unto all the nations.  Life is short, life in the eye of the LORD is only a blink, now my question to me and to you comes from 2 Timothy 4:  ⁷ I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
⁸ Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.  
   Can you read this verse and say it truthfully?  Have you fought the good fight? Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Recognize the chief cornerstone of life

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. 

   Well, we take physical food, thrive on spiritual food, but we must remember what was said before and after Jesus about the cornerstone.

   In Psalm 118: ²² The stone the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone;
²³ the Lord has done this,
    and it is marvelous in our eyes.
²⁴ The Lord has done it this very day;
    let us rejoice today and be glad.

 What stone was rejected?  Jesus Christ!!  What is the cornerstone of Christian life? Jesus Christ!   Who created this?  God!   Why? For our salvation- to save us from a sin-filled world.  Sooo?   VERSE 24  "The LORD has done it this very day, let us rejoice today and be glad".

  Isaiah 53:³ He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. 

      He was despised and rejected.  People were threatened by Jesus and looked down upon Him.

  Now we have to remember that Jesus is not a "DEAD STONE"  but a "LIVING STONE" of which God set in motion.  A dead stone cannot raise itself; however, a praradox, a stone in and of itself can do nothing; however, Jesus being the living stone can do all.  He, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is the source of our spiritual food and gives us LIFE ETERNAL!

   Please take time to read 1 Peter 3: ⁴ As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— ⁵ you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. ⁶ For in Scripture it says:

“See, I lay a stone in Zion,
    a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
    will never be put to shame.

⁷ Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,

“The stone the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone,

⁸ and,

“A stone that causes people to stumble
    and a rock that makes them fall.

They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.

  So, are you eating of the spiritual food and trusting in the precious cornerstone?  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny