Do you see smoke?

Are we in Venezuela?

What's that we smell?

Are we playing Russia's game? Cuba? Iran?

Is it the Constitution that's burning?

The lady on TV says she's "worried" for our country. 

Another uses the word, "terrified." 

Communists infiltrated the Democratic Party many decades ago. 

They weren't powerful enough to do this to Reagan. 

See how far they've come? 

An Attorney in one district in one state makes a Federal case of it.  

Clintons and Bidens - nothing to fear. The Dept. of Justice has their backs. 

It's the insiders who march in lockstep. 

Don't count on the Republican Party to save us. 

Will the man turn nonsense into victory in 2024? Maybe so.

But, who will defend the Bill of Rights in 2028? 

       Jimmy

 About Critical Theories 

     Christians need wisdom when it comes to Critical Race Theory, and three new books seek to apply Biblical truth to the issue. CRT is a movement of activists and scholars engaged in transforming the relationship among race, racism and power.

     We haven't read these books, but if you are interested. CRT threatens America as we know it:

     Raising Victims: The Pernicious Rise of Critical Race Theory

        by Leonydus Johnson  - "How insidious such an ideology can be. It completely removes the agency of the individual and claims that outcomes are wholly dependent on invisible systems."

     Biblical Critical Theory 

        by French professor Christopher Walkin 

     Darwin Comes to Africa

        by Nigerian author Olufemi Oluniyi  -    "Darwin's ideas like survival of the fittest were rapidly assimilated in the social and political realm and used to justify various might makes right doctrines."

Call to Humility 

A book review

     A British theology teacher Michael Reeves wrote a book, Authentic Ministry; Serving From the Heart.

     We should delight in God for God's sake, because He is God and is worthy of our worship. Jesus did not die on the cross for our self-improvement. 

     I've been praying for healing for someone close to me. A sermon last Sunday awoke me to the truth that giving glory to God, the healer, is priority 1. 

     Through the cross, we can grow our identity in Christ, not in our performance. Reeves recommends we learn to pray boldly, breathing in God's Word, then breathing it out with prayer requests and thanksgiving. 

     We should grow in humility, aware that some forms of success can puff us up, destructive to our character. 

    Suffering is designed for our growth in Christ, painful in the short run, but blessed as we grow with God's corrections. 

 Palestine 1936 

     From a book review: Histories of the Holy Land can be divided among four eras: Hebrews of the Old Testament, Romans of the New Testament, Europeans and Muslims of the Crusades, and Arabs and Israelis of modern day. 

     Oren Kessler wrote Palestine 1936, which tells of a pivotal three-year period of civil unrest that shaped the battlefield for Israel's war of independence in 1948. Though Jews have lived in and near Jerusalem for millennia, the Zionist effort to return a critical mass to their ancient lands began at the turn of the 20th century. 

     In the Balfour Declaration of 1917, the British promised support for "the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people." After a rocky first few years, by 1936 the British found themselves trying to suppress a civil war between Palestinian Arabs and immigrant Jews.  

     The newcomers built Tel Aviv and collective farms (kibbutzim.) But Arabs perceived a Jewish invasion. The most innocent acts led to mob violence and brutal acts of revenge. In Kessler's book, few if any are heroes. All parties, including the British, bear some blame for the many deaths. 

     He describes the early years of this pivotal period, and its meaning for the present. Hopefully, clarity of history can help heal and make progress toward peace. 

~

     By the way, shortly after war in Europe and the Holocaust was over, the U.S. (under Democrats) refused to allow a boat load of Jewish refugees to come ashore. Today, Democrats encourage most anyone to cross our so-called southern border. 

         Jimmy

Surrendering Judgment 

Excerpts from an article

     God does not make emotional errors of judgment. He shows no partiality. He judges justly, and yet mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13).

      Sometimes all men will speak well of you at a memorial service (Luke 6:26.). Other times all men will revile you in life without cause (Psalm 69:4). What does it matter?

     We who are Christ's have an Advocate, Jesus Christ the righteous (I John 2:1-2). We rest in the fact that, as Abraham said, "Will not the Judge of the whole earth do right?" 

Surprising Converts 

by a student of Arab culture

     Most Muslims are nominal in their faith. Their top concerns often mirror ours...parenting, etc. Imams in the U.S. are starting to be more open. Some desire to modernize Islam. There are a number of American Christians from a Muslim background who credit part of their conversion to a dream about Jesus. 

     What are the cultural differences in play when interacting with Muslims? The Middle Eastern culture does not easily forgive. That is a radical concept. Discipleship is often necessary to reframe assumptions about family life and community that are far more important in their culture than our own.

 WORLD magazine

Kingdom of God 

     The book of Acts breaks off with no formal conclusion to what God did through the Holy Spirit and the apostles. Our commentary concludes:

~

     Luke has revealed God's pattern of what the church should be and do. He has given us examples of the faithfulness of believers, the triumph of the gospel against the opposition of the enemy, and the power of the Holy Spirit operating in the church and among people. 

     All churches must measure themselves by what the Spirit said and did among the earliest believers. 

     If the power, righteousness, joy and faith found in our churches are not the same as what we read about in Acts, then we must ask God once more for a renewed faith in the resurrected Christ and for a fresh, new outpouring of his Spirit. 

"Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you; 

guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us."

2 Timothy 1:14

The last letter Paul wrote

Arrival in Rome

Acts chapter 28 

(C)  The last chapter...commentary.

     It was God's will that Paul preaches the gospel in Rome. Yet, Paul arrived in chains, and that only after setbacks, storms, a shipwreck and other trials. 

     God didn't make his way easy. 

     We could be in God's will. Nevertheless, he may direct us in unpleasant paths, even trouble. Yet, we can know that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him" (Romans 8:28).

     Paul lived in a rented house for two years. 

     During this time, he wrote letters to the Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and to Philamon. About AD 63 Paul was acquitted and released. For a few years he continued missions ... and wrote 1 Timothy and Titus. 

     "Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ" (v. 28:31).

     Paul was arrested again in AD 67 and taken back to Rome. There he wrote second Timothy while awaiting his fate. It is believed he was martyred by Emperor Nero.

 Tomorrow: Final comments for today's believers

 Paul Before Caesar  

Acts chapter 27 

     Last night an angel of God ... stood beside me and said, "Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar" (vv 27:23-24).

(C)  As long as God has a place and purpose for one's life on earth, and that person is seeking God and following his guidance, the Lord will protect. 

     Paul is a prisoner on the ship; but he is a free man in Christ, living free from fear in God's presence. 

     In this life, only the sincere and faithful believer experiencing God's nearness can face life's dangers with courage and assurance. God's promises to his people are normally conditional on their obedience to his will. 

     

 Paul Before Agrippa

Acts chapter 26

     Paul tells his conversion experience to the king: "Then I asked, who are you, Lord?"

     I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me" (vv. 15-18).

(C)   1. The lost are blinded by Satan to reality of their fate and the truth of the gospel. Only preaching Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit will open their understanding.

2. "Turn them from the power of Satan to God." Those without Christ are under Satan's control (Eph. 2:2). Proclamation of the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit will rescue men and women from the power of evil (Col. 1:13; 1 Pet. 2:9).

3. That they may receive forgiveness of sins based on faith in Christ who sacrificed himself on the cross.

 4. Forgiven. Delivered. Baptized in the Spirit. Set apart from the world. Living unto God. Fellowship with all those saved by faith in Christ. 

5. That they prove their repentance by their deeds (v. 20). 

 Before Gov. Felix

Acts chapter 24

     Paul: "I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written  in the Prophets... The resurrection of the righteous...to live forever, and the unrighteous, to rise to be judged by God. So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man" (vv. 24:14-16). 

(C)  His faith was in the Old Testament Scriptures as inerrant, infallible and trustworthy in all things. Many teachers of these last days claim to believe only "some things." 

     A clear conscience is one of our essential weapons for successful spiritual life.  

     Felix was frightened. The salvation of all people depends on the faithful proclamation of solemn truths by which the Spirit produces conviction in the sinner. 

Before Gov. Festus

Acts chapter 25

     Paul: "I have done nothing wrong against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar" (v. 25:8). 

(C)  Paul kept the oral law of the Old Testament. He knew the law's moral standards never change, any more than God changes. To him, the law is holy, good and spiritual (Romans 7:12, 14), expressing God's character and requirement for a righteous life. 

We conclude our education in the book of Acts

this week - Monday, moving ahead to chapter 24.

Paul is hauled before one court after another, 

proof that his message was powerful,

and unbelievers couldn't tolerate his truth. 

Our final blogs will focus

on the commentary that helps us today.

Arrested Again

Acts chapter 21

     "When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Paul answered, 'Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus (v. 13).'"  

     "When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, 'The Lord's will be done (v. 14).'" 

(C)  The will of the majority or even unanimous is not necessarily God's will. Paul was not indifferent to his friends; he could not change his resolute purpose - to be willing to suffer imprisonment and even to die for the name of the Lord Jesus. Disciples and the prophet Agabus prophesied of the suffering to come. Paul did not accept their sincere interpretation. He relied on the personal guidance of the Holy Spirit and God's Word to him directly.

A Roman Citizen 

Acts chapter 22

     "Then the Lord said to me, Go. I will send you far away to the Gentiles (v. 21)."

(C)  Paul, having returned to Jerusalem, beaten again and arrested again, was able to address the crowd. He retold how the Lord converted him (Acts chapter 9). When he said the words in verse 21, above, the crowd went baserk. "Rid the earth of him! He's not fit to live!  

     The Roman commander took Paul into the barracks, apologized and served him cookies and coffee. No. No. No. He commanded Paul be flogged and questioned to learn why the people were shouting like this. As Paul was prepped for flogging, he asked, "Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn't even been found guilty?"

Monday: Before the court

Paul - 100 Percent Engaged

Acts chapter 20 

     "I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots..." - v. 19

     "You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you." - v. 20 

     "I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - testifying to the gospel of God's grace."- v. 24 

     "So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears." - v. 31

(C)  v. 19 - Paul saw  [the lost condition of the human race, the evil of sin, the distortion of the gospel and the peril of rejecting the Lord]  as grave realities. 

     v. 20 - Paul preached whatever he believed was useful for the salvation of his hearers. Ministers must be faithful to declare the whole truth of God. They must...teach doctrines that challenge natural prejudices and the desires of sinful nature. 

     v. 24 - Paul's concern was not preserving his own life; what counted most was that he might finish the ministry to which God had called him. Even in the sacrifice of his own life, he would finish with joy and the prayers that "Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death." 

     v. 31 - Overseers must be so united with the Holy Spirit that they are carefully and tearfully concerned for their people, never ceasing to warn the flock of danger...and ever pointing them to the only sure foundation - Christ and his Word. 

 

The Lord Spoke 

Acts chapter 18

     "One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: 

Do not be afraid: keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you." 

(C)  Evidently opposition and hatred against Paul and the gospel were increasing. These same reactions to hate occur at times in the hearts of all God's faithful. See Elijah (I Kings 19:4) and Jeremiah (15:15). The promise of his presence is sufficient to deliver his saints from fear and to give assurance and peace necessary to accomplish God's will. 

In Ephesus 

Acts chapter 19

     "Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power." 

(C)  New believers were taught immediately to turn away from occult practices. One cannot be a true believer in Christ and at the same time deal with spirits or attempt to contact the dead. God condemns such as detestable (Deut. 18:9-13). 

Violent Earthquake 

Acts chapter 16

     "When the owners of the slave girl realized their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas. The crowd joined in the attack, and magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison." 

     "About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God. Suddenly there was a violent earthquake...the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God." 

(C)  1.  A believer's joy is within, not outward circumstances (James 1:2-4).   

2.  Christ's enemies cannot destroy faith in God (Rom. 8:35-39). 

3.  In the worst times, God will provide sufficient grace (Matt. 5:10-12). 

4.  The Spirit rests on those suffering for the name of Christ (1 Peter 4:14).

In Berea

Acts chapter 17

     "Now the Bereans...examined the Scriptures to see if what Paul said was true. Many of the Jews believed, as did...Greek women and men." 

     "In Athens, Paul stood up (on the hill where the highest governmental council met). 'I found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. What you worship as something unknown, I am going to proclaim to you. God (made everything) so that men would seek him and perhaps find him, though he is not far from each of us.'" 

(C)  Those in Berea are a model for us. No interpretation or doctrine is to be accepted passively. It must be examined by personal study of the Scriptures. 

     Paul was greatly distressed at the idolatry and moral corruption in Athens. An attitude of holy anger toward sin and immorality should characterize all those who have the Spirit of Christ. All must turn from sin or be condemned. 

   

Some Believe; Some Don't   

 Acts chapter 14  

     "At Iconium, Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed. The Lord...confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders." 

    "The people were divided." In Lystra, "They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. But, after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city." 

(C)  Those who commit themselves to Christ's lordship...can expect trouble in this world. Living in a hostile world, they must engage in spiritual warfare. Only the lukewarm and compromising "believer" will find peace and comfort. 

     Meanwhile, the hope of believers is "stored up ... in heaven" (Col. 1:5) and will be revealed in the last time" (1 Pet. 1.5). Their hope is not in this life nor in this world, but in the appearance of their Savior. 

No Yoke?

Acts chapter 15  

     "Peter addressed them, 'Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.'" 

(C)  The crucial question at the Jerusalem council was whether circumcision and obedience to the law of Moses were required for salvation. Delegates concluded that Gentiles were saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus.

     God's program for this age is to take from among all the nations a people separated to him...the bride of Christ. 

 While we await Monday's summary of Acts 14, miraculous signs...

today while driving to Home Depot, I was listening to the late Dr. Vernon McGee on radio saying he has "Pentecostal" friends, but "the gift of tongues, raising the dead, miraculous healing" etc. ended with the apostles in the first century. 

Maybe. What do I know? 

The commentary you will read on Monday claims extraordinary confirmation is still needed as we face hostile struggles in the last days. The following were written after the apostles (except for John) were either martyred or otherwise departed. 

        1 Tim. 4:1,   2 Tim. 3:1-13    Eph. 6:12   John 16:33  

"Lukewarm and compromising believers want peace" while the devil continues to be at war with our God. He can't harm God, but he can trouble God's children and our families.     

So, which is it? Dr. McGee said, be saved. But Paul said, be saved and put on the armor of God. 

Should we get better acquainted with the Spirit (our connection) Jesus gives us for good reason? The devil didn't quit after the apostles were gone. Should we be satisfied with the hope of salvation and nothing more?"  

You decide. 

First Missionaries 

Acts chapter 13 

     Beyond Israel for the first time, Paul speaks in Antioch:

     "Brothers, children of Abraham and God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent. The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets. Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed. 

     "When they carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead, and for many days he was seen by those who had traveled with him. They are his witnesses. 

     "We tell you the good news. What God promised our fathers, he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written: 'You are my Son; today I have become your Father.' 

     "Therefore my brothers, through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses." 

(C)  1. Witnessing is the obligation of all believers.

2. Missionaries go to all nations, with God's salvation, to the ends of the earth.

3. Witnesses speak primarily about the meaning of Christ's life, death, resurrection, saving power and the Holy Spirit.

4. Witnesses bring conviction concerning sin, righteousness and judgment.

5. Witnesses will at times suffer. The word "martyr" is derived from the Greek word for witness.

6. Witnessing includes separation from the world and utter reliance on the Holy Spirit. 

7. Witnessing is prophetic, empowered and inspired by the Spirit. 

  

Sword for James; Jail for Peter  

Acts chapter 12 

    "King Herod ... had (the apostle) James, brother of John, put to death with the sword. When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he seized Peter, who was guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. (Wow!) 

     During the night, with Peter bound by two soldiers, an angel freed him. In the morning, there was commotion among the soldiers. Herod ordered that they be executed. 

(C)  From the book of Acts and other NT passages: 

1. A congregation is united by the Holy Spirit, seeking a personal relationship with God and Jesus Christ.

2. Sinners are saved, born again, baptized in water, partake of the Lord's Supper, and expect Christ's return.  

3. God gives five-fold leadership: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. 

4. The church stands in humility, awe and fear before holy God. 

5. Deacons are responsible for temporal, material affairs.

6. The church prays and fasts.

7. Believers separate themselves from world culture.

8. There is suffering and affliction.

9. The church sends missionaries to other lands. 

Tomorrow: Spreading the Word

God Fearing Officer 

Acts chapter 10

     The centurion of a Roman regiment...and his family... 

     Cornelius and family were devout and God-fearing. He gave generously and prayed to God. He had a vision, seeing an angel of God.

     The angel: "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as an offering before God." Cornelius was told to seek a man named Peter.

     Meanwhile, Peter had a vision. Then he said, "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right" (v. 34).  

(C)  God considers our prayers a sacrifice to him, in faith and devotion. 

     Early Christians understood that God's kingdom is not experienced with only a few minutes of prayer. "Pray always" (Luke 18:1). "Pray continually" (1 Thess. 5:17). "Pray everywhere" (I Tim. 2:8). "Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." (Eph. 6:18). 

     Yours truly falls way short of these declarations by Jesus and Paul, but we accept them as requirements for answered prayer. 

On to Antioch

Acts chapter 11

     "Those who had been scattered by persecution (in connection with Stephen) traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. Some, however, began to speak to Greeks also, telling the good news about the Lord Jesus. A great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. Disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.  

(C)   Disciples did not assume those who received God's grace would automatically remain true to the Lord. Barnabas and others helped and encouraged new converts to continue in faith, love and fellowship with Christ and his church. 

     The word "Christian," occurring three times in the NT, denoted a servant and follower of Christ. Today it has become a general term emptied of original meaning. It should suggest that Christ and his Word have become our supreme authority and our only source of future hope.

Tomorrow: James put to death; Peter imprisoned

Saul's Astonishing Conversion 

Acts chapter 9 

     "Saul was breathing out murderous threats against the disciples." He and others were on the road to Damascus to arrest any who "belonged to the Way and take them as prisoners to Jerusalem." 

     "...suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground (blinded) and heard a voice say, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? Jesus told him to continue into Damascus. There, Ananias knew Saul's reputation, but the Lord assured him, This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name. 

(C)   After Paul (formerly called Saul) encounters Jesus and accepts him as Lord and Messiah, he fasts and prays for guidance with deep commitment to God.

     Ananias (verse 13) calls believers "saints." In the church's early years, all believers were called saints, a term for those separated from sin and to God. They were "God's separated ones," or "God's holy ones," those who turned their backs on the world to follow Jesus. The term "saint" did not mean the believer is perfect or incapable of sin. It did convey a conformance to God's ways of righteousness and the necessity that holiness be an internal reality. 

     As for suffering, in Christ's kingdom, suffering for his sake is a sign of God's highest favor. Death-to-self permits true life to flow from the believer to others (Romans 8:17-18). 

     * Seeking the Spirit's fullness should be centered on the Holy Spirit himself and not on external manifestations. 

     The uproar subsided, and "...the church in Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened by the Holy Spirit, and grew in numbers, living in the (respectful) fear of the Lord." It is God-fearers who formed the starting point for the Gentile mission. Fear of the Lord produces trust and obedience. 

Tomorrow: Angel visits a soldier

  

The Church Scattered 

Acts chapter 8

     "On that day (When Stephen was stoned) a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem. All except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria." 

     "Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went." Samaritans received the Spirit. An angel of the Lord directed Phillip, one of the seven, to take the road toward Gaza. There he met an important official of Ethiopia, who was reading scripture in his wagon, and "told him the good news about Jesus." He baptized the man in water. Then the Spirit of the Lord took Philip away...to Azotus. 

(C)  Samaritans publicly committed themselves to Christ by water baptism (Mark 16:16). Thus, they were saved, "indwelt" by the Holy Spirit. Several days later they "received" the Holy Spirit, not for salvation, but power for service and witness." Caution: A supernatural experience not from Christ is counterfeit, accompanied by demonic gifts and powers (Matt. 7:21-23). 

Tomorrow: Saul does a 180 

 Where's Gamaliel now? 

     Friday: Acts 7 - a man who did no harm is stoned to death

     Monday: Acts 8 - the church is scattered

     Today we bridge the gap.

     The apostles were given power to heal, a welcome surprise, but are arrested for "teaching in his name." 

     Gamaliel quiets his restless fellow leaders: If this is human origin, they will fail. If it is of God, you can't fight against God.

     Fair enough.

     A large number of priests come to faith. Others stone Stephen to death for daring to claim their "fathers" killed the prophets.   

     Monday, a great persecution breaks out. Never mind Gamaliel; they'll settle this their way!

     It's all good. The persecuted will begin to spread the gospel elsewhere. 

  

Stephen is Stoned 

 Acts chapter 7 

     His defense before the Sanhedrin begins well: "The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham." Stephen recalled the 12 patriarchs, Joseph, Egypt, Moses, the burning bush, Mt. Sinai, the promised land, David and Solomon. 

     Then, he got their attention: "You stiff-necked people. You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him..." 

     His listeners were furious. They covered their ears, yelling, dragging him out of the city, and began to stone him. A young man named Saul approved. 

     While stones kept coming, Stephen said, "Look, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." Then he fell to his knees and spoke eight remarkable words: "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." 

(C)  Church in Greek is ekklesia, and in Hebrew, gahal. Moses led the Old Testament church. Christ, Abraham's seed, leads the New Testament church - a pilgrim church, far from the promised land. 

     Contrary to some teachings, God does not continue to show love and forgiveness to those whose hearts turn away from Truth. 

     There was a pattern for the tabernacle. And there is a pattern for the church, written in the Gospels, Acts and Revelation chapters 2 and 3. Churches departing from divine revelation do not experience the Spirit's presence. 

     Jesus, seated at the right hand of God (Mark 16:19), stood to welcome the first martyr. The Savior, our intercessor and advocate, is ready to receive you and me. 

Monday: Persecution breaks out

Face of An Angel  

 Acts chapter 6 

     The number of disciples was increasing. Widows of Grecian Jews were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. The Twelve (as the apostles were known) wished to focus on "the ministry of the word of God," not waiting on tables. They said, "Brothers, choose seven men from among you (disciples) who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. 

     Imagine going to a restaurant and your waiter is full of the Spirit and wisdom...and speaks prophetic inspiration. 😀 

     Stephen not only served food, but he also performed "great wonders and miraculous signs." All that didn't sit well with "members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen, Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria and the provinces of Cilicia and Asia." They argued with Stephen. Unable to refute his or the Spirit's wisdom, they spread lies, resulting in his arrest by the elders and teachers of the law.

     Verse 15: Stephen's "face was like the face of an angel."  

(C)  Baptism alone is not sufficient for leadership. Effective church leaders devote time for prayer and ministry. They have single-minded fidelity. 

     Today the seven men chosen would be called deacons. They had a history of perseverance in godliness and faithfulness to the Spirit's leading. 

     Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin was a defense as preached by Christ and the apostles. He was a forerunner of all who defend Biblical faith, and the first to die for it, willingly. 

Tomorrow: Stephen is stoned

What is Right? 

Acts chapter 5

     The apostles (persons sent; formerly called disciples), were involved in healing and other miraculous signs and wonders. People in need came from surrounding towns. 

     Apostles were commanded (Acts 4) not to "speak in the Name." The high priest and associates were jealous, and had the apostles jailed. An angel freed them, and at daybreak they were teaching again. Unaware, the rulers sent for them, only to find the jail empty. But they found them in the temple courts and "without force" brought them before the Sanhedrin, again. 

     They had done wrong by doing right. 

     Peter and others said, "We must obey God. He raised Jesus to life and exalted him... We are witnesses, as is the Holy Spirit. 

     Rulers were furious, and some shouted, "Death!" But Gamaliel advised: "If their activity is of human origin, it will fail. If it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men. You will only find yourselves fighting against God."

     The apostles rejoiced, having been "counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name." 

(C)  The apostles healed (by the Spirit) those tormented by evil spirits. This was a sign that the kingdom of God had come among the people. It is never wrong to pray that through the Holy Spirit we might do good.

     A great question before every believer is not, "Is it expedient, safe, pleasurable or popular among other humans?" But, "What is right in the sight of God?" (Gal. 1:10)

     Pentecost without the lordship of Christ is impossible, for the Spirit in all his power is given only to those living in "obedience that comes from faith." 

     Tomorrow: Face of an angel