Acts 9:36-43 Here comes The Rock, aka Peter

Good evening y'all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO COMPLAIN!!!

   Today has been a great day of fellowship and seeing how God takes care of potentially dangerous and ugly situations.  May tomorrow be a day filled with praise and glory for GOD.

  Acts 9: ³⁶ Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and alms deeds which she did.

  Now remember, Peter had just cured a man of palsy and the Glory went to GOD, as it should.  However, now there is a damsel named Tabitha, aka Dorcas, who was full of good works and alms deeds for the LORD.

  Well, she is working away and then, and then.........she becomes ill.  Acts 9: ³⁷ And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.   And not only did she become ill, but she died.  What a tragedy to lose such a worker for GOD. So, what to do now but plan her burial. But, wait----there is another possibility.

Acts 9: ³⁸ And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.   The people heard about this man Peter and that he was near by-----well-----he just healed a man with palsy.  Hmmmm, wonder what he can do with a dead woman.  Let's get him and give it a go! Now understand these are disciples, NOT APOSTLES. There is a difference. We are disciples of Christ.

Acts 9: ⁹ Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.    When Peter arrived Tabitha had been washed in accordance with the Jewish custom of "purification of the dead" and prepared in the upper room.   Peter, doing as Jesus had done, sent the widows and other mourners out of the room.  Peter said, "Tabitha qumi (Tabitha arise).  The end result of the Holy Spirit being in Peter was that Tabitha (Dorcas) opened her eyes, sat up, gave her hand to Peter, and he presented her alive to all the saints and widows who waited outside.

  Because of GOD using Peter to perform this miracle, many throughout the region around Joppa believed in the LORD.

  Acts 9:⁴⁰ But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. ⁴¹ And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
⁴² And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
Once Peter had done this Simon, a tanner, took him in showed hospitality to him. Acts 9: ⁴³ And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
You can perform these same miracles when you are right with God and it will bring honor and glory to God.  May you see the miracles in your life. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Acts 9: 32-35 Peter - what are you doing?

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

  So, Saul went back to Jerusalem, the disciples were fearful of him, UNTIL, they heard him preach the word of Jesus Christ the Messiah.  Yes, this would be a big BIG HUH??

As Gomer Pyle would say, "surprise, surprise, surprise."  Saul is now off to a new world he would never have dreamed about.  Verse 32 takes us to Peter.

  Acts 9: ³² And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.   The last we heard of Peter was in Acts 8:25 when he and John returned from Samaria.  Peter seems to have been ministering to the Christian communities of Judea.  He travels to Lydda, a city in ancient Philistine country, to minister to a Christian congregation there.  One of the believers of "The Way" was a man named Aeneas.  ³³ And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.   When Peter came upon this man he spoke saying:           Acts 9:³⁴ And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.³⁵ And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

  Peter, being full of faith, had no problem saying this to Aeneas.  Why did this happen?  All we do should bring honor and glory to God.  Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit, walking with God each step of each moment of each day, and being in tune with God he knew what God wanted him to do.

  After Aeneas was healed notice what happened----- "all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron did what????????   They turned to the LORD.  This was in a plan of God and the miracle worked to change peoples hearts.  Wow!!

    So, why can't we just go into hospitals and heal each person?  The question that would rest here is:  Would this bring glory to God or.....to YOU??  Yep, God knows what is to be done at the exact moment.  We have to be open to be the messenger that God wants us to be at the time HE dictates.  Are you open to God?  Be still and know that I AM!!

  Peter is going to continue on. As he is in Lydda, well, let us do this tomorrow.  Have a GOD filled day. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Acts 9:26-31 Come on, Saul of Tarsus, NO WAY--- A DISCIPLE!?!??

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

  Hey, if any of you have special prayers please email me and we can start a pray chain, oh, I know, no another one.  This would be one of our family and friends.

   Okay, let us get back to Saul of Tarsus.  He escaped being killed in Damascus by being lowered in a basket on the outside of the wall.  Now he is in Jerusalem and goes to the disciples.  But, wait,  caution on the side of the disciples.

   ²⁶ And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.

  Why are they afraid?  Because he was the main persecutor of the members of The Way, Christians.  This man, how could you believe him; it is a trick.  Now understand, here walks a man, Saul of Tarsus, a man of whom The Way (Christians) are fearful.  Saul tends to be a loner in his mission for God, however, whenever a friend was needed God provided this man.  In this case, the cause for fear and hesitation on the part of the disciples, God steps in sending a man named Barnabas. Acts 9: ²⁷ But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

  Exactly who is Barnabas?  “Barnabas” wasn’t his birth name (Joseph was), it was his nickname meaning “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36). He was always encouraging, thus his name. Wow! What a legacy to leave.  Anyway, Barnabas presented Saul to the disciples as one who had truly been saved and did preach the word of Jesus the Messiah. Acts 9: ²⁸ And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.

  When we speak of boldness we must think of Saul.  Why?  He left Jerusalem with papers from the High Priest to gather and imprison all the Christians.  Now, he is back in Jerusalem, not triumphantly with Christians going to prison; but preaching the good news of Jesus Christ the Messiah.  Yeah, he was not well received by the powers in the synagogue.  Saul speaks out boldly against the Grecian Jews and they plotted to have him slayed. 

  Saul, a new Christian, seems to jump from one hot bed of coals to another. Acts 9: ²⁹ And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.

  Now, the disciples heard of the rumors and took action.  Acts 9: ³⁰ Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

  Now Saul is going back to his native Tarsus.  The churches probably heard Saul was coming, but something was different. Huh?  What is going on here? Acts 9: ³¹ Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

  When this says the churches rest throughout all Judaea, Galilee and Samaria it simply means they were not going through the persecution that Saul had once brought on them.  Jerusalem had not replaced him at this time.

   The churches had weathered this storm (others would follow) and they were edified.  Edify means to improve morally and/or intellectually. Soooo, these churches were growing, they feared the LORD, and had the comfort of the Holy Spirit. 

   Wow!! What a change!  We'll keep an eye on Saul (who doesn't become Paul until Acts 13) while watching another bold believer named Peter. (Yes, the one who denied Christ 3 times before the crucifixion) 

  Hope you are enjoying the study.  I am lovin' it!  Let me know your thoughts. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Acts 9:20-25 Saul does an about face, making people wonder, angering the Jews in the synagogue

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

    The eyesight was returned to Saul.  He ate, gained strength, and then began to preach in the synagogues.  Acts 9: ²⁰ And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

   What is going on here?  Here is the man who persecuted people for speaking of Jesus Christ, and now IS HE PREACHING JESUS?  Is he mad?  Has he lost his mind?  What is going on?  This had to be some of the thoughts of the Jews he persecuted.

  The people who heard him stood amazed, if not a bit confused. Acts 9: ²¹ But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

  This vile and evil man is switching sides?  Is this a trick?  What political group is paying him?  This is not the man we heard about!

  Acts 9:  ²² But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. ²³ And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:
  Saul increased the more in strength - I cannot help but believe not only did his physical strength become greater, but his spiritual strength grew greatly.  This did confuse the Jews and you would think they did not trust him.  Obviously this is true in v. 23 when the Jews took counsel to kill him.  He was not a silent cell trying to corrupt, he was vocal and probably, the Jews, thought polluting the minds of others.
  How do they silence him?  Kill him - that's the easy way.  So, what comes next in Acts 9:
²⁴ But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.
²⁵ Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.
It appears that a new convert alerted Saul of the plot to kill him.  Some commentaries say that a convert's home was on the wall and they lowered him down via a basket on the outside to escape the wrath and vengeance of the Jews.  Here is what one commentary says of Saul's conversion. In v.22 and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, now - "One can imagine the astonishment of those Jews in the synagogue at Damascus when they heard the man, whom they all respecte and to whom they looked for leadership in quenching the spreading flame of Christianity, stand up in their midst and proclaim Jesus of Nazareth as God.  The Damascus Jews were completely taken back; they could not believe their eyes or ears.  But Paul proved that his conversion was real." (King James Commentary, Nelson Publisher, Page 1351).
  God can do anything; God can do the impossible; God is limited by what we believe.  Do you truly believe, or know that it is the right thing to say in Christian circles?  Time to soul search. Love you all.  May you be as bold as Saul.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Acts 9:17-19 Ananias goes to Saul, a conversion occurs

Good morning all. It is a God morning. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO COMPLAIN1

  Remember, GOD speaks to Ananias, tells him to go to Saul.  Ananias is leery as this man, Saul, is a persecutor of "The Way" - the Christians.  However he is obedient.  I do wonder though if what God said in verse 16 didn't help to sway Ananias some: 16 "For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake."  If you think about this, Paul had a "thorn in his side" of which never left. Hmmm!  Interesting.

   Okay,  Acts 9: ¹⁷ And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

   Woweeeee!  What a conversion.  Also, how many days was Saul blind and did not eat?  3 days!  Jesus returned after crucifixion in what?  3 days.  Coincidence?  Hmm!

  Now here is a man, a persecutor of the Jews who has had a revelation, a Come to Jesus meeting, and is totally reversing his belief.  Ananias understands now what God wants him to do, he does and knows the Holy Spirit will fill Saul.

  Ananias laid hands on Saul, and Acts 9: ¹⁸ And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

  Notice, God is involved and a key word here is IMMEDIATELY he, Saul, was blind no more, he got up, and was baptized.  Saul, after being baptized, regained his strength and spent time with the disciples at Damascus.

  Acts 9: ¹⁹ And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

  Wow - what a conversion.  Many of us need this come to Jesus meeting and a reminder of for whom and for what purpose are we here on earth. God is good.  Jesus called us to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Acts 9: 10-16 Saul is in Damascus, now a man named Ananias has a vision

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO COMPLAIN.  Okay, a brief commercial for PRAYER!  God wishes to communicate with YOU, how often do you take just a moment in a quiet place once, twice or more a day and visit with YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN?  Think about this, if your family communicated with you as you do God would it be a good relationship?

   Okay, Saul is in Damascus, blind and has not had food or drink for 3 days.  What is to happen to him?  Can you even begin to imagine what you would be thinking if you were in his shoes?

   Acts 9: ¹⁰ And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

   This man is in tune with God who speaks to him and he responds saying I am here Lord.

  Acts 9:   ¹¹ And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, ¹² And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
  Now imagine this is you, you are Ananias.  God tells you to go to Saul of Tarsus. WHAT?  Have you lost your mind Lord? I am supposed to go to a man who seeks us out to destroy us? But, but, but...........
  Ananias, a man of God, but not a stupid man responds to God with: 
¹³ Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
¹⁴ And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
   Ananias knows of Saul, knows of the evil he has done, has authority from the chief priests, and yet, you, LORD, want me to go to this man?  Can we talk, please?  God speaks:  ¹⁵ But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
¹⁶ For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
   Now, here is the time of obedience or disobedience for Ananias.  We find ourselves in this situation often.  He knows the LORD is speaking to him, he knows what Saul of Tarsus has done and is capable of.  Imagine you being in this situation; God is speaking to you, you know GOD is all powerful, but you are living in the world and know the authority that Saul of Tarsus has.  God said he is a chosen vessel, yet, from the worldly view how is this possible?  It isn't, UNLESS, you are GOD, then we know HE can use anything for HIS good. This is what he is telling Ananias.
  The problem arises here is that we may take our eyes off GOD, and look at the world.  By doing so, a big fall in waiting in the shadows; yet, by being obedient I know GOD will bless me some way, some time, some how.  Soooooo........
   Who do I trust - GOD - or what I know of the world? We know what Ananias will do, but, - Where do you stand right now, today?  Trusting God or relying on what you know of the world?  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny 

Acts 9:6-9 Saul is trembling and astonished

Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  Thank you for your prayers for Erin Gerometta.  She is home recovering at this time.

   Okay, remember, Saul has a letter in hand, going to Damascus to "squelch" the "way", the Christians, bring them back to Jerusalem to be punished.  Suddenly, on the road this brilliant light comes forth,  This light blinds Saul and SPEAKS to Saul.  The brilliant light asks, "why doeth thou persecute me", yes, Saul is trembling, astonished and asks who this is. The light speaks and says, "I am Jesus ......"

   Acts 9: ⁶ And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

  Now, Saul is scared, almost to death, and asks what would Jesus want him to do.  Jesus only gives him a command - get up, go into the city and instructions will follow.  Wow!!! What a "COME TO JESUS MEETING THIS WAS!!"

  ⁷ And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

   The other men with Saul were speechless.  Now here is says "hearing a voice" but if you will study the Greek this is the verb akouo , which means to hear something. In Luke 22:9 he says they heard not the voice.  The men with Saul heard something, but did not understand it.  Basically it would be just sounds they hear, but did not understand what was being said.  You might compare it to our hearing Vietnamese, we hear sounds, but understand nothing. :)

  ⁸ And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

  When Saul got up off the ground, opened his eyes, he was BLIND.  The men with him led him into Damascus (where he was on a mission to eliminate "The Way").  

   ⁹ And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

Can you imagine the fear that was within Saul, being 3 days unable to see and so distraught that he did not eat or drink?  Wow!  In 2 Corthinians 12:1-4 Paul mentions this experience.  Saul is probably thinking what is happening, what did I do?  I am only doing God's work.  Why am I blind?  OR, maybe, the experience caused him to re-evaluate his position and what he thought he was doing was in God's will.  

   A good lesson for us. Am I doing God's will, or gods will?  Yes, there is a difference - one being spiritual and one being secular (of the world).  Do you truly love your neighbor or just tolerate them? Are you doing God's will or your will?  Food for thought. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

He saw the light and.........Acts 9:3b-5

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  I ask prayers for Erin Gerometta (daughter) who is having a major surgery this afternoon.  Thank you.

  Okay, so Saul is on his way to Damascus armed with official papers from the High Priest to bring back refugees from Jerusalem and Judaea who had fled persecution.  Suddenly, about midday,(Acts 9:3b  and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: ) a light shined out of heaven that completely engulfed the light of the sun.  The light was so great that Saul fell to the ground, knowing the one generating the light was greater than he. Then he heard a voice,and this voice called out and said:(Acts 9:  ⁴ And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?)

  Let us look at this a moment. The "voice" asked - why persecutest thou me.  You may think Saul was not persecuting God/Jesus, but the Christians.  The point here is that sin, regardless of its character, is, in the end directed against the LORD GOD.

  Saul thought he was just persecuting Christians who were just following the way and needed to be dealt with; however, he was persecuting the God of Heaven. Saul is shaken and: Acts 9: ⁵ And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

   Saul, a Pharisee realized he was dealing with someone far greater then himself by asking 'who art thou, LORD'.  The response must have really shook him as it was a reply he would never in a million have expected when the voice said, " I am Jesus whom thou persecutest " , WOW!!

  Yes, Saul was shaken, probably trembled and felt terror deep inside. So what does Saul do???  Oh, we'll get more into that tomorrow.  Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Acts 9:1-3 Saul and his transition to Paul

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

   Let us look at Saul, the man who watched the coats of the mob who stoned Stephen.  The man who showed no remorse of the twisted court finding Stephen guilty of what he was not guilty of.

    Saul, who is a learned man, took it as his "mission" to eradicate the Jews believing in Christ called "The Way" and desired to squelch this movement. Well, let us see what happens.

  Acts 9: 1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

   Saul was ruthless, mean, and hateful in his attempt to eliminate this movement of Christians.  Notice, Luke says Threatenings and SLAUGHTER.  So, he was not out the politely tell them to stop doing this Jesus thing - he was there to stop them at all costs.

   ² And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

  Now, Saul in his vengence, was so determined that he wanted letters to validate his persecution of the Christians.  Saul now is going far out beyond Jerusalem, being a zealous Pharisee, asked for letters from the High Priest to bring back, bound, any Christians who tried to flee from Jerusalem to Damascus.  Saul wante to bind them and drag them back to Jerusalem to stand trial.

  So, Saul set out to Damascus, letters in hand, ready to crush "The Way" and get the people right, as was he.  However, he did not expect the unexpected encounter he was about to have.

  ³ And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

   So, now, as he came near Damascus "he saw the light"; however, at that time he did not know what the "light" was.  Yes, let us continue tomorrow. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Acts 8:40-41 The first original tele-transport (like star trek)

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

  Remember today, someone may be stressed, having a rough day, or just plain frustrated - they need to remember to be nice and we need to show God's love.  Maybe this will push them over the rough spot and sailing will be smooth thereafter.

   Okay, Philip witnessed to the eunuch from Ethiopia, who was elated and suddenly, yes, suddenly Philip disappeared.  Where did he go?  The eunuch did not appear to notice as he was rejoicing in his salvation.

   ³⁹ And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

   A miracle happens at this very instant, Philip is caught up by the Spirit of the Lord and taken to Azotus.  Where?  Azotus, the old philistine city of Ashdod,  which is today a small city 18 miles Norteast of Gaza.

  Philip traveled along the coast, preaching and sharing the word of God on his way to Caesarea.  Philip was one of the miracles seen after Jesus left, being taken from one place to another in the twinkling of God's eye.  Amazing!  His preaching was a refreshing treat considering all the persecution to Christians that was happening at this time.

⁴⁰ But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

    Miracles are still alive and well today, we just don't look for them, expect them, or explain them away.  Take time today to just look around at the miracles God have created.  If you don't believe you can find one just look in the mirror - you, yes, YOU ARE A MIRACLE!  Created by God!  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Acts 8:35-39 Philip witnesses to the Ethiopian and then..........

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

  We just finished when the eunuch said he did not understand what he was reading in Isaiah and now it is Philips time.

  ³⁵ Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

  Notice this says, Philip opened his mouth and preached what?????  JESUS!  This is what we are to do as we traverse the land in our daily ventures - PREACH JESUS!  Think about this......if you don't tell someone about Jesus, which is salvation and eternal life in heaven......if you don't tell them the opposite is in effect which means you, by being silent, have said they can go to hell.  THINK ABOUT THIS!!  What do you think?

  So, Philip is telling about Jesus of whom Isaiah spoke. ³⁶ And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?  Obviously the eunuch understood and wanted to have the baptism, salvation, to live eternally.  We are assuming Philip told of the complete acceptance of Jesus Christ.

  Philip wants to be certain this is not just talk and comes back with a question.  ³⁷ And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.   The eunuch said he believed that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, which Philip perceived to come from the heart.  So what next?

   ³⁸ And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.   They are near water,(it matters not what water) and they stop and Philip baptized the eunuch.  Is this not what we all should do?  Witness, preach Jesus Christ, then baptize and rejoice in the salvation that just happened?  It is indicated that Philip's instruction told of the next step, baptism, to show outwardly the dying to the old man and life of a new man in Christ.

   So, now Philip has witnessed, baptized, and then what?  ³⁹ And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.  The eunuch was rejoicing and don't you think he shared the good news.  But wait, where is Philip?  Do you think in the jubilation of the eunuch he did not even notice that Philip was gone, no longer with him?  Hmmm?? The Spirit of the LORD caught away him.......where is he.  We'll see more tomorrow. Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

 

Acts 8: 26-34 Do you understand what you read?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  How oft do we see words, yet they fail to penetrate our thoughts?  We call out words on a page yet no comprehension.

  Let us look at Philip and his encounter with the eunuch from Ethiopia.  First the LORD spoke to Philip through an angel - ²⁶ And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

  Philip obeyed and then he encountered the eunuch who was the chamberlain to the Queen of Ethiopia - Candace - ²⁷ And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

  This eunuch has a very high position - in charge of the treasure - BUT - he came to Jerusalem for worship.  This Ethiopian was reading from the prophet Isaiah, yet not really understanding what he was reading.  The eunuch ²⁸ Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.(Esaias is Isaiah)

   Then, as often happens to us, the spirit of the LORD moves on Philip (the difference is Philip responded to the spirit, often we question in lieu of obeying) urging Philip to go nearer the Ethiopian.  ²⁹ Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
³⁰ And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
   The time for evangelism is always present and so, Philip goes near, no, he "ran thither to him" , yes, he ran.  Once close to him Philip heard him reading  Isaiah and then asked the question we often ask each other:  Do you understand what you are reading?

   Now the Ethiopian says basically, nope, I don't understand a word and I need a teacher to explain it to me.  ³¹ And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

  At this point it is obvious God is involved since this eunuch from Ethiopia, who knows not Philip, says I need a teacher - come up and sit with me - teach me.

   ³² The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
³³ In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
³⁴ And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
   Obviously the eunuch is still living under the law and not aware of Jesus Christ as the Messiah, the point of entry for salvation.  The scripture is Isaiah 53:7-9.  The eunuch asked Philip whether or not the prophet was speaking of himself as the sheep before the slaughter and the lamb dumb before his shearer or was he speaking of some other man.

  Now comes the time for Philip to reach out and teach of Jesus Christ.  We'll start here tomorrow.  Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Acts 8:24-25 Peter struck terror in Simon

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

   Life is full of decisions.  For each decision we make there is a result.  If I eat only donuts for breakfast, then I will reap the results.  Results are not always immediate, but they do come about.  Eating donuts each morning may not seem bad, but then one day the doctor says..............yes, and it is not what we want to hear.

  Well, Simon, who seems to have been doing all he did with sorcery and magic was for his benefit.  Now, Peter tells him his heart is not right with God.  Also, that he cannot "buy" his way into the Holy Spirit or God with money.  Simon is now terror struck from Peters words - so what does he do?  Does he walk away as the rich young ruler did? Look at the word:  Acts 8 : ²⁴ Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
  Simon now wants Peter to pray for him so that not any of these things come upon him.  Question:  Is Simon still missing the point?  Yes, Peter can pray for him, yet what action does Simon need to take?  Should he be praying to God for salvation?
  Again, decisions, choices, I can ask you to pray for me, BUT, what am I doing in the meantime?  Just waiting and expecting?  OR, praying myself?  Do you think Simon may be just waiting and expecting? Hmmmm!
²⁵ And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
  After dealing with Simon Magus, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, and it appears that Philip was with them.  They continued to preach among the Samaritans as they traveled along the road.  Wow!  When the Holy Spirit comes upon them, they are movers and shakers.  As we continue tomorrow what happens to Philip?  We will see. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Acts 8:18-23 Simon does not get it! He wants to buy his way in!

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Greeting to you from Beaumont today where it is overcast and rainy.  May the SON shine upon you all this day.  Blessings.

   Okay, the apostles Peter and John went to Samaria to "see wats up" and found that there truly was a conversion.  They laid hands on the people and the Holy Spirit came.

   Yet, with this movement you will find true believers who have accepted Jesus Christ as their saviour and then there will be the emotional ones who, as the seeds cast on the hard ground, will have shallow roots and fall away. Look at Acts 8: ¹⁸ And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

  Here is a man who, in my opinion, was emotionally moved because everyone else was moved, went forth, but not for any other reason except personal gain.  This Simon saw this as a materialistic venture he could possibly profit from or gain position.  He is wanting to "pay" his way in.  Do you think he missed the mark?

  ¹⁹ Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

  He is wanting to share the Holy Ghost, yet for the wrong reasons.  Come on, just let me pay and give it to me.  How many of us today say this very thing?  Yet, it is a present from God.

  Peter admonishes him as he can see this man, Simon, has a fascination with magic and sorcery and this is his bondage.  Simon now is scared and what happens?

  ²⁰ But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. ²¹ Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
  Peter speaks plainly to Simon telling him his heart is not right.  If we pray for someone and their heart is not right with God, they will not open up to God and accept His free gift of salvation.  As pastor preached yesterday, so often we tend to hold on to the past, saving it for that "rainy day" when we can pull it out again. We have to let go and let GOD.  Listen to what Peter boldly tells Simon:
²² Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
²³ For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
     Peter pulls no punches and speaks the truth.  Wow!  Many of us need to hear the truth about us, repent, go to our knees and visit wholeheartedly with GOD. And in saying this, I am definitely preaching to myself.  Love you all.In Christ's Love and Grace,
Johnny

Acts 8:14-17 Samaria saved, the Holy Spirit comes

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

What do you have to complain about today?  TOO BLESSED TO COMPLAIN!

   Okay, let us look at Acts 8 beginning with verse 14.

¹⁴ Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
  What is happening here?  The apostles are in an all Jewish church and hear that Samaria.....wait......who.....SAMARIA????  Samaria had not heard, but received the word of God.  This is important - the difference between heard and received.  The Bible does not say they heard, but that they RECEIVED the word of God.  Received = conversion.
  Remember, Samaria was a place where under Ahab, king built altars to Baal through the encouragement of his wife Jezebel. Samaria was the capitol of Northern half of Israel when Israel broke in to two halves.
  So, Peter and John are sent to see what is going on in Samaria, the Baal capitol of the north (if you will).
¹⁵ Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
  When they arrived they realized the people had been baptized, but were yet to receive the Holy Spirit.  Peter and John, realizing the conversion was real began to pray for the Samariatans.
¹⁶ (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
¹⁷ Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
    This special function of Peter and John was not to be repeated.  The first instance of the Holy Spirit's coming upon a group of individuals was in the upper room and they were all Jews.  Peter and John bring the power of Pentecost to another group of people, the Samaritans.
  Wow!!  The power of the apostles!  You have that power!  Once you truly believe AND it will bring glory to God;  YOU CAN DO IT!!  Tomorrow Simon, seeing all this says, "Hey guys, how do I get some of this?"  More later. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny

Freedom - Galatians 4:3-7

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

   I do hope your fourth of July was safe, enjoyable, and restful.  It is the day we celebrate freedom from religious suppression, outrageous demands from a nation far away, and we have our independence.  Through Christ we are no longer in bondage to the world.

 

Galatians 4:3-7 King James Version (KJV)

³ Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
⁴ But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
⁵ To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
⁶ And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
⁷ Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

  Enjoy your inheritance. Have a wonderful day. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Acts 8:12-13 And then there came Philip

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

  Okay, yesterday we talked about Simon the sorcerer who swayed Samaria.   Let us continue on in Acts 8: ¹² But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

  Philip, one of the apostles, arrives in town (Samaria).  He began preaching about Jesus and the kingdom of God.  Then, the people who were bewitched by Simon the Sorcerer came to know the LORD as saviour and were baptized.  Philip;s word was the TRUE WORD OF GOD!  This is what we MUST share as we go out.

  Acts 8: ¹³ Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

  Notice in here it says Simon himself believed, he was baptized, and continued with Philip and WONDERED!  This is the key word.  It casts doubt on Simon's true conversion.  He shows no sign of repentance, no confession of sin, and "wondered" and as we go on "beholding the miracles and signs which were done". 

  Apparently Simon wanted the secret of Philip's power.  His concern seemed to be to get close to Philip and learn the secret of how Philip was able to heal the sick and do miracles.  What he did not realize, because he was just going through the motions, was that the secret was Jesus Christ and being a disciple of His.

   So, now, this Samaria, which was the site of the Jewish church, did they have a real conversion or was it.........?????  It may be time to investigate.  Tomorrow how will we find out if it is true conversion.  Thank you for reading. Love you all

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

 

Acts 8:9-11 Beware false disciples or sorcerers such as Simon the Sorcerer

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

   In Acts 8:9 the Bible mentions Simon who used sorcery with the people of Samaria.  He was frequently know as Simon Magus, and with his sorcery he did sway many people of Samaria and some Christians of Rome were corrupted by this man's false teaching.

  Acts 8: ⁹ But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:

  Because of his sorcery many said he was a man who God gave great power.  Please remember, this is also what satan does to lure people into his lair.  This caused many to listen to him and follow him.

   Acts 8: ¹⁰ To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.

  Acts 8: ¹¹ And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

  People are always looking for "something better" than they already have. This Simon bewitched them with his sorcery and people began to follow him.  We can easily say how foolish as we have read the book titled Bible, however, we still have people looking for that "miracle" or that "special something" to follow, to believe in.  In all this they tend to forget about GOD, who is a living God, our redeemer, our salvation.

    The search for us should have ended when JESUS gave his life, however, satan is roaming freely on the earth and until JESUS CHRIST returns we are all subject to be tricked, have doubt, lose faith, lose hope, and fall into a state of frustration, seeking that state of utopia which only comes when we join the throngs of heaven.

  So, Simon the sorcerer is in Samaria, and what happens when Philip arrives?  Hmm!  We will look at this tomorrow. Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny