End of Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul's extended stay at Corinth winds down as he ends his second missionary journey and returns to Antioch (Acts 18:12-23). Although at Corinth there is a final recorded encounter with the Jews. The Jews approached Gallio the Governor of Achaia and Paul was accused of breaking the law and making people worship God in ways contrary to the Roman law. Gallio wanted to have nothing to do with the finer details of what seemed to him as the teachings of Judaism and threw the case out of court.
He said that if they were making a compliant of some criminal misbehavior then he would listen, but if it only involves the finer details of the tenets of their faith juxtaposed to the new Christian school of thought, then they should settle the matter by themselves. The only person who got physically hurt was Sosthenes who was the leader of the Synagogue. He was publicly beaten by the mob for probably losing the case at court. Did this humiliation or something Paul said later make him become a close companion of Paul (1 Corinthians 1:1-3)? Crispus (Acts 18:8) his predecessor had joined Paul along with his household and many others much earlier. Although the Christians were hammered by the Romans and the radical Jews they did not retaliate physically and try to return tooth for a tooth. They stayed true to teachings of Christ that instructed them to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:38-42), love their enemies (Matthew 5:43-48), and do good to those that persecute them (Matthew 5:10-12).
Despite the threats to destroy the faith, Christianity blossomed, flourished and gained momentum as Paul went through Ephesus, Caesarea, Jerusalem and then to Antioch. Although Paul's ministry slowly shifted away from the Jews to the Gentiles, he courageously defended the faith and bore the brunt of all the backlash that came against him.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
Blossoming Church of Corinth
Paul spent considerable time in the synagogue debating and teaching to try to convince the Jews and Greeks about the gospel message. When Silas and Timothy came to Corinth, he spent even more time teaching and preaching. Did they bring for Paul flusher financial support, more moral support, or larger labor force? Have you explored the avenues where you can make your contribution to the church?
Paul's message in simple words was that Jesus was the Messiah the Jews were waiting for. But this did not sit well with the Jews, so after a while they opposed and insulted him. In response to their rejection Paul shook the dust of his robe and decided to focus on the Gentiles.
After all the unpleasantness with the Jews, Paul stayed with Titius Justus, a Gentile who lived next door to the synagogue. Paul also brought many to the faith in Christ including Crispus a leader of the synagogue and his entire household. Was this how the church in Corinth was born?
One night Christ (the light of the world) appeared in a vision and encouraged Paul not to be afraid. The inspiring words brightened his hope for the city of Corinth, and assured him that no one would harm him, because many people in the city believed in Christ (Acts 18: 9-10). This encouraged Paul to continue to minister to the people of Corinth for another year and a half. Did not Christ's assuring words hold true for Paul that he could continue to minister to the people of Corinth ? Have you experienced moments in your life when you have been enlightened by a word of scripture or a encouraging word from a fellow believer that has spurred you on in your journey?
Paul spent considerable time in the synagogue debating and teaching to try to convince the Jews and Greeks about the gospel message. When Silas and Timothy came to Corinth, he spent even more time teaching and preaching. Did they bring for Paul flusher financial support, more moral support, or larger labor force? Have you explored the avenues where you can make your contribution to the church?
Paul's message in simple words was that Jesus was the Messiah the Jews were waiting for. But this did not sit well with the Jews, so after a while they opposed and insulted him. In response to their rejection Paul shook the dust of his robe and decided to focus on the Gentiles.
After all the unpleasantness with the Jews, Paul stayed with Titius Justus, a Gentile who lived next door to the synagogue. Paul also brought many to the faith in Christ including Crispus a leader of the synagogue and his entire household. Was this how the church in Corinth was born?
One night Christ (the light of the world) appeared in a vision and encouraged Paul not to be afraid. The inspiring words brightened his hope for the city of Corinth, and assured him that no one would harm him, because many people in the city believed in Christ (Acts 18: 9-10). This encouraged Paul to continue to minister to the people of Corinth for another year and a half. Did not Christ's assuring words hold true for Paul that he could continue to minister to the people of Corinth ? Have you experienced moments in your life when you have been enlightened by a word of scripture or a encouraging word from a fellow believer that has spurred you on in your journey?
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Corinth
On his second missionary journey Paul moved from Athens to Greece. Corinth was a town around 50 miles away from Athens. It was here the famous Temple of Aphrodite (Goddess of love, lust and beauty) that lead people down the path of immorality, luxury and lust was located.
Paul met Priscilla and Aquila in Corinth. It is notable that the duo are always mentioned as a couple in the Bible. They had been expelled from Italy by the order of Claudius Caesar who issued a decree to deport all Jews from Rome. Were they expelled because of the tension that was growing among the communities of the Jews and Christians? Were they Christians before they met Paul? Did the Romans view Christianity as a branch of the Jewish Faith?
Here we see another dimension of Paul. He lived and worked with Priscilla and Aquila who were tent makers (leather workers). The Jews always raised their children to be proficient in some skill or profession so that they would be able to comfortably support themselves. For Paul tent making was the profession that sustained him while he pursued his career as a preacher. It also enabled him to travel widely as there was always a demand for tents that were largely used by the Roman soldiers. Is it not amazing that Paul says he toiled night and day so that he would not be a burden to anyone else (2 Thessalonians 3:8).
On his second missionary journey Paul moved from Athens to Greece. Corinth was a town around 50 miles away from Athens. It was here the famous Temple of Aphrodite (Goddess of love, lust and beauty) that lead people down the path of immorality, luxury and lust was located.
Paul met Priscilla and Aquila in Corinth. It is notable that the duo are always mentioned as a couple in the Bible. They had been expelled from Italy by the order of Claudius Caesar who issued a decree to deport all Jews from Rome. Were they expelled because of the tension that was growing among the communities of the Jews and Christians? Were they Christians before they met Paul? Did the Romans view Christianity as a branch of the Jewish Faith?
Here we see another dimension of Paul. He lived and worked with Priscilla and Aquila who were tent makers (leather workers). The Jews always raised their children to be proficient in some skill or profession so that they would be able to comfortably support themselves. For Paul tent making was the profession that sustained him while he pursued his career as a preacher. It also enabled him to travel widely as there was always a demand for tents that were largely used by the Roman soldiers. Is it not amazing that Paul says he toiled night and day so that he would not be a burden to anyone else (2 Thessalonians 3:8).
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Sermon on Mars Hill
So they invited Paul to their council of philosophers at the Areopagus to hear his angle of thought and reasoning. It is here at Athens he gave the famous message at the Mars hill another name for Areopagus. He said,"Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands, Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things."
He clearly said that our focus should not be on an idol crafted by man as our God. We are to repent of our sins and turn our hearts to a living God, who came down to earth as Jesus. Jesus died but was raised to life so that we may all hope in the gift of eternal life. Was this not what Jesus commissioned all his disciples to do when He opened their minds in Jerusalem after his resurrection (Luke 24:45-49)? Paul's message was on Christ our way, truth and life. It is through Christ we become part of the Kingdom of God. Some joined Paul as believers, of whom was Dionysius a member of the council of Philosophers. But to others the resurrection and the impending judgment seemed to be too far-fetched. Do you get discouraged when the gospel is rejected when you present it? Take courage, for there was a time when many deserted Jesus when He declared that he was the Way (John 6:60-66).
The response of the Athenians when they heard about the resurrection of a dead man, some of them laughed, others said they wanted to hear more later and only a few really believed. Don't we come across many who come to gatherings purely for discussion and debate. Paul cautions us not to waste our time in unproductive or fruitless conversations. Our joy, thanks and prayers should always be for those who believe that they may grow in their understanding and love for Christ.
So they invited Paul to their council of philosophers at the Areopagus to hear his angle of thought and reasoning. It is here at Athens he gave the famous message at the Mars hill another name for Areopagus. He said,"Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands, Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things."
God has set the boundaries for the rise and fall of man. His purpose is that man will seek Him, and in the course of their exploration will find Him. God is not far away from us. We live, move and exist in God. We are His offspring. Paul declared that God is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent.
He clearly said that our focus should not be on an idol crafted by man as our God. We are to repent of our sins and turn our hearts to a living God, who came down to earth as Jesus. Jesus died but was raised to life so that we may all hope in the gift of eternal life. Was this not what Jesus commissioned all his disciples to do when He opened their minds in Jerusalem after his resurrection (Luke 24:45-49)? Paul's message was on Christ our way, truth and life. It is through Christ we become part of the Kingdom of God. Some joined Paul as believers, of whom was Dionysius a member of the council of Philosophers. But to others the resurrection and the impending judgment seemed to be too far-fetched. Do you get discouraged when the gospel is rejected when you present it? Take courage, for there was a time when many deserted Jesus when He declared that he was the Way (John 6:60-66).
The response of the Athenians when they heard about the resurrection of a dead man, some of them laughed, others said they wanted to hear more later and only a few really believed. Don't we come across many who come to gatherings purely for discussion and debate. Paul cautions us not to waste our time in unproductive or fruitless conversations. Our joy, thanks and prayers should always be for those who believe that they may grow in their understanding and love for Christ.
Monday, April 09, 2007
In-Thing
At Athens Paul had many opportunities to debate with Epicurean (pleasure seeking) and Stoic (indifferent to or unaffected by joy, grief, pleasure, or pain) philosophers. Some of the famous philosophers whose school of thought that the Athenians followed were Aristotle, Socrates, and Plato (5th and 4th century BC). When Paul tried to present the gospel message to them they were surprised but indifferent to the message. They were far too absorbed in spending their time discussing the latest philosophies and thoughts that were prevalent and emerging in the world at that time.
Do you have any idols or what the idols personify in your life? Any that prevent you from coming close to the living God? Does your pursuit for wisdom, work, wealth, and war draw you away from God? Are you leading a life that is seeking only the pleasures that life has to offer?
Are we so absorbed in our own lives that we have lost touch with the needs of the poor and needy? Have we forgotten the words of Paul that says, Christ became poor so that we may become rich in Him (2 Corinthians 8:9). Is our faith shallow or deep? The idols we worship are lifeless, while our God is a life giving God. Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly(John 10:7-11)."
At Athens Paul had many opportunities to debate with Epicurean (pleasure seeking) and Stoic (indifferent to or unaffected by joy, grief, pleasure, or pain) philosophers. Some of the famous philosophers whose school of thought that the Athenians followed were Aristotle, Socrates, and Plato (5th and 4th century BC). When Paul tried to present the gospel message to them they were surprised but indifferent to the message. They were far too absorbed in spending their time discussing the latest philosophies and thoughts that were prevalent and emerging in the world at that time.
Do you have any idols or what the idols personify in your life? Any that prevent you from coming close to the living God? Does your pursuit for wisdom, work, wealth, and war draw you away from God? Are you leading a life that is seeking only the pleasures that life has to offer?
Are we so absorbed in our own lives that we have lost touch with the needs of the poor and needy? Have we forgotten the words of Paul that says, Christ became poor so that we may become rich in Him (2 Corinthians 8:9). Is our faith shallow or deep? The idols we worship are lifeless, while our God is a life giving God. Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly(John 10:7-11)."
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Workers
Athens was a renown city for its centers for art, learning and philosophy. It still is one of the oldest cities in the world with a recorded history of more than 3000 years. Athens was named after the Goddess Athena. She was the goddess of wisdom, and cunning intelligence and discipline of war. She was often accompanied by an owl and the goddess Nike who personified victory.
At Athens Paul found that the prevalent culture was saturated with idols and idol worship. He was exceedingly distressed (Acts 17:16-21). Tarsus his birthplace also had a similar culture. He used to go to the local synagogue and speak to the Jews and the devoted Greeks. He also used to speak to any group of people who would listen to him at the public square.
Is our faith in Christ only a personal experience or is it to made public through proclaiming it in the streets, shopping malls and sports stadiums? God requires more people who have met Christ and have been transformed by the gospel message. God needs more people who are capable of communicating this gospel message to others. We grow and are nourished spiritually when we do the will of God for our lives. Jesus said, "One sows and another reaps(John 4:34-38)." Keep your eyes open there are always hearts longing for the seeds of the word of God to be sown. What is the joy of your calling as a worker?
Athens was a renown city for its centers for art, learning and philosophy. It still is one of the oldest cities in the world with a recorded history of more than 3000 years. Athens was named after the Goddess Athena. She was the goddess of wisdom, and cunning intelligence and discipline of war. She was often accompanied by an owl and the goddess Nike who personified victory.
At Athens Paul found that the prevalent culture was saturated with idols and idol worship. He was exceedingly distressed (Acts 17:16-21). Tarsus his birthplace also had a similar culture. He used to go to the local synagogue and speak to the Jews and the devoted Greeks. He also used to speak to any group of people who would listen to him at the public square.
Is our faith in Christ only a personal experience or is it to made public through proclaiming it in the streets, shopping malls and sports stadiums? God requires more people who have met Christ and have been transformed by the gospel message. God needs more people who are capable of communicating this gospel message to others. We grow and are nourished spiritually when we do the will of God for our lives. Jesus said, "One sows and another reaps(John 4:34-38)." Keep your eyes open there are always hearts longing for the seeds of the word of God to be sown. What is the joy of your calling as a worker?
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Fine-tooth-comb
They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. (Acts 17:11)
The same night that Jason was falsely thrown into prison, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to the prosperous city of Berea( Modern day Veria), the chief metropolis in Macedonia at that time (Acts 17:10-15). When Paul preached in a synagogue they were more broad minded and gladly received the gospel message.
Here we see that the people were more scholarly in their approach to the faith. They searched the scriptures with a fine-tooth-comb and found that Paul was preaching the truth. Do you search the scriptures in depth, when you hear something different preached to you? Many Jews , some prominent Greek women and many men were brought to the faith. Here again Luke stresses that the people who were becoming believers were from all strata of society.
When the Jews in Thesalonica who were only 50 miles away from Berea, heard that Paul was preaching there, they came down and started creating trouble again. It is unknown how long Paul stayed at Berea few weeks or few months. Paul was immediately escorted to Athens by some believers. It is unknown whether he walked the distance or traveled by ship to Athens. Timothy and Silas remained to continue to minister to them. Later those who escorted Paul to Athens returned with the message that Timothy and Silas were urgently needed in Athens.
They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. (Acts 17:11)
The same night that Jason was falsely thrown into prison, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to the prosperous city of Berea( Modern day Veria), the chief metropolis in Macedonia at that time (Acts 17:10-15). When Paul preached in a synagogue they were more broad minded and gladly received the gospel message.
Here we see that the people were more scholarly in their approach to the faith. They searched the scriptures with a fine-tooth-comb and found that Paul was preaching the truth. Do you search the scriptures in depth, when you hear something different preached to you? Many Jews , some prominent Greek women and many men were brought to the faith. Here again Luke stresses that the people who were becoming believers were from all strata of society.
When the Jews in Thesalonica who were only 50 miles away from Berea, heard that Paul was preaching there, they came down and started creating trouble again. It is unknown how long Paul stayed at Berea few weeks or few months. Paul was immediately escorted to Athens by some believers. It is unknown whether he walked the distance or traveled by ship to Athens. Timothy and Silas remained to continue to minister to them. Later those who escorted Paul to Athens returned with the message that Timothy and Silas were urgently needed in Athens.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Topsy Turvy life
Paul and Silas traveled through the district of Macedonia and came to Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-9). Here we see that Paul customarily went for the synagogue services and in this case for three services in a row. He spoke to them about the prophesies and sufferings of the Messiah and His rising from the dead. Is it not amazing that the Jews welcomed Paul and Silas into their synagogues to listen to their sermons. Paul must have been such a powerful speaker that everybody wanted to hear what he had to say.
His sermons were so authoritative that some Jews, godly Greek men, and important women of the city converted to Christianity. It is interesting that Paul went first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles. In the process he formed a body of individuals of Jew and Gentile origin; rich and poor who became an active and vibrant church of Thessalonica.
The popularity of Paul and Silas made some of the Jewish leaders jealous. Were they angry that some Jews converted to Christianity or that Paul was speaking of Jesus as the Messiah? Were they jealous that Paul was drawing in Greek men and many prominent women into the Faith?
So they gathered a group of rowdies from the streets and attacked the home of Jason were Paul and Silas were residing. There are times when Christ is preached there is a chance for chaos and confusion to prevail. Here we see Jason a hidden gem of the faith,who entertained them as guests and by default was drawn into the dangers of being associated with the early Christian missionaries.
They had Jason and some other believers thrown in jail for treason against loyalty to Ceasar. Is it not ironic that as Christ hung on the cross Pilate had ordered that a notice be put stating this is the King of the Jews? Yet we must always remember that the path Christ chose was the path of suffering to enter into the Kingdom. Was not treason the same charge that Christ was sent to be crucified (John 19:12-16)? However Jason and the other believers posted bail and were set free.
Paul and Silas traveled through the district of Macedonia and came to Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-9). Here we see that Paul customarily went for the synagogue services and in this case for three services in a row. He spoke to them about the prophesies and sufferings of the Messiah and His rising from the dead. Is it not amazing that the Jews welcomed Paul and Silas into their synagogues to listen to their sermons. Paul must have been such a powerful speaker that everybody wanted to hear what he had to say.
His sermons were so authoritative that some Jews, godly Greek men, and important women of the city converted to Christianity. It is interesting that Paul went first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles. In the process he formed a body of individuals of Jew and Gentile origin; rich and poor who became an active and vibrant church of Thessalonica.
The popularity of Paul and Silas made some of the Jewish leaders jealous. Were they angry that some Jews converted to Christianity or that Paul was speaking of Jesus as the Messiah? Were they jealous that Paul was drawing in Greek men and many prominent women into the Faith?
So they gathered a group of rowdies from the streets and attacked the home of Jason were Paul and Silas were residing. There are times when Christ is preached there is a chance for chaos and confusion to prevail. Here we see Jason a hidden gem of the faith,who entertained them as guests and by default was drawn into the dangers of being associated with the early Christian missionaries.
They had Jason and some other believers thrown in jail for treason against loyalty to Ceasar. Is it not ironic that as Christ hung on the cross Pilate had ordered that a notice be put stating this is the King of the Jews? Yet we must always remember that the path Christ chose was the path of suffering to enter into the Kingdom. Was not treason the same charge that Christ was sent to be crucified (John 19:12-16)? However Jason and the other believers posted bail and were set free.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Burning the Midnight Oil
Praying & Singing Hymns
Acts 16:34 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—he and his whole household.
Is it not wonderful that whatever may be our circumstances God is always listening to all our prayers and petitions. We see this joy in the life of Paul and Silas as they continue to faithfully praise and give thanks to God, even as they are shackled in prison for evangelism (Acts 16:25-34). It is this joy Paul and Silas experience despite being beaten black and blue and thrown in prison. They knew the joy of the presence of Christ would never leave them.
Suddenly around midnight the earth shakes and their hands fall free of the shackles. As the terror of the earthquake fills the night, prayers for freedom from their chains are answered. Yet they do not run away but stay on. When the doors of the prison fall open, the jailer is so afraid all the prisoners escaped, he almost kills himself. Yet Paul cautions him from the cell not to do so. The jailer is so grateful that he falls at the feet of Paul and asks what he must do to be saved? Paul tells him to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Imagine the happiness of the jailer when he finds his prisoners still in jail. Coming to know Christ and the promise of eternal life is the key he unlocks to find freedom to everlasting joy. There is no guarantee our life is free from trials and tribulations on earth. However is it not wonderful that whatever our circumstances God is always listening to all our prayers and petitions ? Jesus' promise still stands if we ask in faith we will receive lasting joy of the Holy Spirit who renews and strengthens us every
The Jailer took Paul and Silas to his home and washed their wounds. He was overcome with joy over the gospel message that his entire household opened their hearts to the Lord Jesus and were baptized by them. The jailer who was terrified and almost took his life, came to know and experience the love of Jesus Christ and his heart was filled with joy and thanksgiving. What a transformation of a mans heart when the gospel message of grace and mercy was laid it.
Their sincerity to Jesus even at midnight to reach out to a terrified jailer with the gospel message is memorable story of the Acts of the Apostles. All this would not have happened if they tried to escape and ignore the trembling jailer. They could have escaped from prison and fled from Philippi disgraced, but with a dramatic turn of events they were honorably discharged with apologies from the city officials (Acts 16:35-40). Is this not the very essence of the gospel message, if we believe in the Lord Jesus we will inherit the eternal joy of living in the presence of God? In the parable of the Good and Faithful servants, Jesus concludes by saying well done and to enter into the joy of the Lord (Matthew 25:14-30).
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Fortuneteller
At Philippi Paul and his team meet a slave girl who had the ability to tell fortunes (Acts 16:16-24). She was so good at what she did that she earned a lot of money for her slave masters. When the slave girl came across Paul and Silas she started following them around shouting that they were servants of the living God and were there to tell them how to be saved. When she did not cease to shout, after a few days Paul out of exasperation cast the demon out of her in Jesus name. Paul in his letter to Galatians specifically forbade us to not be a part in demonic activities (Galatians 5:16-26).
When the slave masters realized that their source of income was ruined, they created a big commotion in the town and dragged Paul and Silas to the city officials, had them beaten and thrown in Jail. To make sure they wouldn't escape they had their feet clamped and and thrown into one of the inner dungeons. For being faithful to God Paul and Silas had to endure the disgrace of being beaten in public and thrown in prison. Is this not a challenge to all of us that even though we may go through trials for standing up for the truth we should remain faithful.
At Philippi Paul and his team meet a slave girl who had the ability to tell fortunes (Acts 16:16-24). She was so good at what she did that she earned a lot of money for her slave masters. When the slave girl came across Paul and Silas she started following them around shouting that they were servants of the living God and were there to tell them how to be saved. When she did not cease to shout, after a few days Paul out of exasperation cast the demon out of her in Jesus name. Paul in his letter to Galatians specifically forbade us to not be a part in demonic activities (Galatians 5:16-26).
When the slave masters realized that their source of income was ruined, they created a big commotion in the town and dragged Paul and Silas to the city officials, had them beaten and thrown in Jail. To make sure they wouldn't escape they had their feet clamped and and thrown into one of the inner dungeons. For being faithful to God Paul and Silas had to endure the disgrace of being beaten in public and thrown in prison. Is this not a challenge to all of us that even though we may go through trials for standing up for the truth we should remain faithful.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Witch of Endor
The Old Testament has specific laws against prophecies given from other Gods or powers in the spiritual realm. If the prophecy is true we should further question ourselves on the source (Deuteronomy 18:21-22). We are expressly asked to see whether the prophesies draw us closer to God or away from Him. If they direct us to God then they are true prophets or if they draw us away from God they are false prophets (Deuteronomy 13:1-5).
King Saul was specifically condemned by the Prophet Samuel when he out of desperation tried to consult him through a witch (medium) at Endor after his death(1 Samuel 28:1-25). Did Saul really speak to Samuel who had died? Was Saul's concern more about his own future plans as opposed to the future plans he had in God? Had not Samuel clearly told him that God had rejected him from being King (1 Samuel 15:1-23)? Why was Saul living in denial of what he had heard what Samuel had already told him before he died? King Saul was so overwhelmed with jealousy and anger toward David, the anointed King of Israel, that he kept hoping against hope that one of his own sons would follow as King after his time.
Let us not out of our own desperation or anguish try and seek refuge and solace in mediums that will draw us away from our Heavenly Father. When we move away from God and shift our focus on other sources we lose our hold on God and find ourselves in distress and despair. Our focus must always be on God who loves and cares for us.
The Old Testament has specific laws against prophecies given from other Gods or powers in the spiritual realm. If the prophecy is true we should further question ourselves on the source (Deuteronomy 18:21-22). We are expressly asked to see whether the prophesies draw us closer to God or away from Him. If they direct us to God then they are true prophets or if they draw us away from God they are false prophets (Deuteronomy 13:1-5).
King Saul was specifically condemned by the Prophet Samuel when he out of desperation tried to consult him through a witch (medium) at Endor after his death(1 Samuel 28:1-25). Did Saul really speak to Samuel who had died? Was Saul's concern more about his own future plans as opposed to the future plans he had in God? Had not Samuel clearly told him that God had rejected him from being King (1 Samuel 15:1-23)? Why was Saul living in denial of what he had heard what Samuel had already told him before he died? King Saul was so overwhelmed with jealousy and anger toward David, the anointed King of Israel, that he kept hoping against hope that one of his own sons would follow as King after his time.
Let us not out of our own desperation or anguish try and seek refuge and solace in mediums that will draw us away from our Heavenly Father. When we move away from God and shift our focus on other sources we lose our hold on God and find ourselves in distress and despair. Our focus must always be on God who loves and cares for us.
Monday, April 02, 2007
Open and Shut Doors
Open and Shut Doors
As Paul and Silas continued on their second missionary trip through Phyrgia and Galatia, the Holy Spirit told them not to go to Asia and Bithynia. There are times in our own lives when the Holy Spirit advises us to stay away from some areas. It is through prayer and keeping our eyes open we discern what God plans for us to do. Then again one day Paul had a vision of a man standing before him from Macedonia (Modern day Greece) and he was convinced, that was where the Holy Spirit was leading them to next.
As Paul journeys on, Luke the author of Acts joins them (Acts 16:11) as they head toward Philippi in the district of Macedonia. Here they meet Lydia a wealthy business women and some other women. They listen to Paul's gospel message and open their hearts to Christ and are baptized by Paul. Lydia invites them to stay with her in her house during their stay there. Could this have been one of the earliest women's fellowships in the early years of Christianity? Lydia and her friends played an instrumental role for the growth and ministry of the church in Philipi.
Sometimes we may not understand why the Spirit of Christ opens some doors and closes others. But in the life of Paul, he was able to build a strong relationship with the churches and in the later part of his life when he spends time in Rome at prison, he writes letters to these churches. These letters today have been treasured and accepted all over the world as part of the inspired Word of God in the Bible.
Prayer:- Dear Lord open our eyes to see your hand leading us as we discern your plans for our life ahead. Strengthen us to stay faithful to the growth and ministry of the church when we encounter obstructions along the way. Amen
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Mission Focused
Mission Focus
For I have no one like Timothy, who naturally cares for your wellbeing. For all seek their own interests, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. (Philippians 2:20-21)
Paul on his second mission trip brought Silas along and came to Lystra where they met Timothy (Acts 16:1-5). They were convinced that Timothy would be a good travel companion for them. Timothy was well respected by believers in Lystra and Iconium and Paul knew that he could use him for preaching the Word during his mission trips.
Timothy's grandmother and mother were strong believers and had been raised him in a good Christian home. Although Timothy did not have to be circumcised, Paul urged him to do so anyway. This act of his to go beyond the call of duty was done out of reverence and respect for the Jewish believers. Their ministry strengthened the faith of the churches and many were brought to Christ.
Paul decision to make Timothy join them proved to be very valuable choice, as he stayed on with Paul till he reached Rome. There he was a source of great support and encouragement for Paul especially when he was imprisoned in Rome. Paul looked upon Timothy as his own son(Phil 2:19-24). Paul was grooming him to continue his ministry after his time. Paul said that Timothy's focus was always on the matters that concern Jesus Christ.
Finding the right people who will be faithful and loyal to the mission of the group or organization they serve, is part of the process of building a praiseworthy ministry.
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