Acts Of The Holy Spirit In The Lives Of Believers
ACTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE LIVES OF BELIEVERS Acts Of The Holy Spirit Bringing Revival To ALL Nations & Peoples! Please, give to Our Missions Today, send a check or money order to: Rev. Mark Tross, 5561 Gladstone Drive North East, Rio Rancho, NM 87144.
Date: Sun, Jan 19, 2003, Subject:
THIS [JESUS]
WELCOME:
Greetings to All our New Members!
Please, IM, e-mail, call, visit and invite others to join us In Jesus.
PRAYER:
Father, As we come before You we ask that You Speak Your Truth Into Our Hearts and Minds. Allow us to fall prostrate before You In Jesus' Name.
Amen.
THE WORD:
This [Jesus] is the stone which was despised and rejected by you, the builders, but which has become the Head [the external angle] of the corner - the Cornerstone. [Ps. 118:22.]
- Acts 4:11
And whoever falls on this Stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed to powder, and it will winnow him, scattering him as dust. [Isa. 8:14; Dan. 2:34, 35.]
- Matthew 21:44
God Is My Rock! He Is The Chief Cornerstone And Capstone, First And Last, Beginning And End, Alpha And Omega!
We My Dear Brothers And Sisters In The Lord Jesus Are The Temple Of The Living God, His Church, The Body Of Christ Jesus And The Representation Of Him Here On Earth! What an awesome responsibility we have been called to!
Do you look in the mirror of God's Word each and every day? Let's get "real" personal here for a moment, forget about the "World" or the "Church" and what they think of us (I do hope that each and every one of you will take this personally), but examine ourselves In The Light Of God's Word, Will And Way.
When the Earth beneath our feet begins to shake and tremble, because it is being knocked off it's axis, the stars fall down from the sky and the mountains tumble to the seas, after we have done All that we can do to stand will we stand therefore?
Will we stand for everything and All that is Holy, Just, Right and True? Judgement begins at The House Of God! HONEY, I'M HOME! When Jesus rocks "your" World, when the storm comes will the house "you" built stand or fall? I want to tell you all that there is nothing wrong with falling (we should All fall prostrate at the feet of Jesus for He Alone Is Worthy Of ALL Glory, ALL Honor and ALL Praise), beholding the Royal Diadem and Crowning Him Lord Of ALL! What wretched men (women and children) we are in and of "ourselves." Who shall save us? There is but One Savior, The Man Christ Jesus!
This Jesus (The Name Above ALL Names by which we MUST be saved) Is The Stone (Our Solid Rock, The Firm Foundation) which was despised and rejected by you. The Word of God is All to clear here that He Is Speaking to THE BUILDERS! We who are called of God (and this is the calling of every Member In The Body) to play a part in helping to "build" His Temple, His Church, His Body are being questioned and challenged here. Heaven forbid, but is there an area in your life where He is still despised and rejected by YOU? Search Me Oh God and Know My Heart. Try Me and Know My Anxious Thoughts! Dare we cry out those words before the One True God and expect Him to answer our pleas? Jesus needs to be Lord of ALL or He Is not Lord at all! If He Is not the Head then how (really) does the Body function?
Have you fallen on "This" Stone? Has "your" heart, mind, spirit, strength, will and way been broken to pieces? Who I ask will put Humpty back together again?
A broken and contrite heart is pleasing to the Lord, because it is most pliable and useful to accomplish His Will and Way!
He Will Fill Your Heart with His Love, your mind with His Thoughts, Align your your spirit with His Holy Spirit, Fill you with His Strength, Walk you In His Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, bring Healing and Wholeness Into your Life and make you One With Him In Jesus! Let me warn you! When judgement comes, he on whom it falls will be crushed to powder, and it will winnow him, scattering him as dust.
From dust we were created and to dust we shall return, but when Jesus comes again we who have put our Faith and Trust In HIm shall be Resurrected with Him In Glory! Nobody who has even the slightest notion of the winnowing fork should take God's Word lightly.
God Is ALL Too Good at gathering those He has scattered, but when He separates the sheep from the goats, when many (if God says, "many" He means MANY) come to Him on That Day and say, "Lord! Lord!" and He says, "Depart from Me, I Never Knew YOU!" where shall we be?
Are we watching and waiting On Him, His Will, His Way? Are we ready, willing and able?
Let us "fall" at the feet of Jesus, so that we can stand before Him On That Day!
"This" Jesus Who Will Judge The Quick And The Dead! Let none of us think we can stand on our own lest we fall. Amen.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Oh Lord God, We humble ourselves before You, repent of any wrong doing in our hearts towards You or our fellow man. Correct us where we need to be corrected, let Your Rod and Staff Comfort us as You Lead Us Unto Jesus, The Author, Finisher of Our Faith, Our Good Shepherd and Peace In Your Holy and Precious name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Pastor Mark
Copyright 2003-2012
All Rights Reserved.
Closing song:
THERE IS NONE LIKE YOU (Lenny LeBlanc)
There is none like You
No one else can touch
my heart like You do
I could search for all
eternity long and find
There is none like You
Your mercy flows like a river wide
And healing comes
from Your hands
Suffering children are safe
in Your arms
There is none like You
God bless and remember that God loves you so much!
Date: Sun, Jan 26, 2003,
Subject: SUPER BOWL, GONE WITH THE WIND OR ACTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN OUR LIVES
WELCOME:
This is our first Sunday together In Jesus and what a Beautiful Day It Is In Him With You! Why not contact All your Christian Friends and Family Now to Ask them to Join Us Today at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship ?
PRAYER:
Father God, We ask that You instill in us Your Heart, Your Mind, Your Vision, Your Zeal and Your Love Today as we look into Your Holy Word. Empower us and enable us to "Be" All that You Call us to. Speak to each and every one of us Today, bring us from Grace to Grace and Glory to Glory according to Your Will and Way. In the Precious and Mighty Name of Jesus we Pray. Amen and Amen!
THE WORD:
And there is salvation in and through no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by and in which we must be saved.
- Acts 4:12
If we truly desire to be a New Testament Church, the Body of Christ and His Representation here on Earth where we live, move and have our being then we must submit to the Lord's Word, Will and Way. Without Faith it is impossible to please God, but what exactly is Faith?
Faith Is The "Substance" of things hoped for and the evidence of things (yet) unseen. Substance here means reality, Truth, tangible evidence, facts and the Spiritual realm in which we live In Christ Jesus is more real than the World we look at, taste, smell, hear and touch in this fragile body of human flesh that we reside in. Jesus Is and MUST Be Our All and All! As we make our Way through the Book of Acts I want to instill in you the Truths of God and the reality of the Life He Has Bestowed upon each and every one of us here and now!
Now when they saw the boldness and unfettered eloquence of Peter and John and perceived that they were unlearned and untrained in the schools
- common men with no advantages - they marvelled; and they recognized that they had been with Jesus.
- Acts 4: 13
We are blessed with some here who have obtained ordination papers, college educations, positions and titles within the Church and the World system, but when all is said and done, when we strip aWay all that we "are" and we get to the very heart and soul of our being do we or does any one else see Jesus? Boldness in and of itself can be brash and come across as proud and arrogant, but to be bold In the Lord, standing on the Truths of God when presented with the Love of God is truly eloquent. When you submit to the Will and Way of God, humble yourself before His Throne of Grace and Mercy, His Holy Spirit comes upon you, rests on your being and eminates Jesus!
And since they saw the man who had been cured standing there beside them, they could not contradict the fact or say anything in opposition.
- Acts 4:14
Forget for a moment that Peter and John are standing with a man who had just been healed, but think about your stance before others. When you stand are you standing In the Lord and In the Power of His Might? Every single Believer on the face of this planet has been cured of sin and death by the Precious Blood of the Lamb! When you "KNOW" and "Understand" the Truths of God's Word and how they apply to your Life In Jesus you will silence the opposition and All who come against you, because Light dispells darkness!
But, having ordered [the prisoners] to go aside out of the counsil [chamber], they conferred (debated) among themselves.
- Acts 4:15
Much debating goes on among the various denominations Today in regards to the doctrines of men, but surely with our Bibles open we can reason together, find the common ground, pray, stand and walk together hand in hand as The Good Shepherd leads us forward through the valley of the shadow of death and into greener pastures With Him. Notice Peter and John are called "prisoners" here when in fact they are the ones who have been set Free Indeed by their Resurrected Lord and Saviour, Jesus and the accusers of the brethren are still held captive by their own sin and unbelief.
Saying, What are we to do with these men? For that an extraodinary miracle has been performed by (through) them is plain to all the residents of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.
- Acts 4:16
The World and unfortunately the Church has major problems when it comes to dealing with "True" Believers and Followers of Jesus. They sit in judgement and denial, cast them out and in fact grieve God's Holy Spirit. Has God sent you some Light lately and you chose to sit alone in the darkness? As a Christian you are a living, walking miracle! The Spirit of the Living God Lives, Moves, Has His Being In you and wants to accomplish God's Perfect Will for your Life through you! As much as we live here on Earth we are seated In Heavenly Places and our residency and Home Is the New Jerusalem!
But in order that it may not spread further among the people and the nation, let us warn and forbid them with a stern threat to speak any more to any one in this name - or about this Person.
- Acts 4:17
God still speaks to us Today and He wants us to speak forth the things of God (Prophecy), His Word to other people He puts in our path and Commands Each and Every One of Us To Go Into All the World and Preach the Gospel (The Good News Of Jesus) To All Nations! Don't let any one under any cirumstances hold you down or keep you back from obtaining God's Will for your Life In Jesus. It doesn't matter who you are, what you are or where you live. What matters is that you "are" a Child Of God and He Is Calling YOU to "Be"a Light to the Nations, to bring the essence of Christ Jesus wherever you go, so that others will come to Life In Him and death to "self."
[So] they summoned them and imperatively instructed tham not ot converse in any way or teach at all in or about the name of Jesus.
- Acts 4:18
Can you relate to this? I've been called to the carpet several times before and have had to make major decisions and changes that I wished I never had to be confronted with, but trials in our walk and realtionship to Christ Jesus builds character, Godly Character! You don't have to have a teaching degree to teach someone of the Will and Way of God.
God teaches us through the ministry of His Holy Spirit and what we learn under His Anointing we are to share with others. There is No Other Name under All of Heaven that Has the Power to Change Hearts and Lives, but the Name of Jesus!
But Peter and John replied to them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you and obey you rather than God, you must decide (judge).
- Acts 4:19
When the disciples of Jesus were turning aWay from Him after His discourse on drinking His Blood and eating His Flesh what was it Peter said? Where else can we go? You Have the Words Of Eternal Life! Have Tough Decisions To Make?
Should we listen to God or man? I think we All Know and Understand that Jesus Is the Answer!
But we [ourselves] cannot help telling what we have seen and heard.
- Acts 4:20
When you know that you know, that you know, you cannot help, but tell the Truth, the Whole Truth and Nothing, but the Truth! God has opened our eyes to see wonderful things In His Word! He has opened our ears to hear His Voice and to listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to us Today as His Church, His Body, His Temple and His Bride! When you know and Love Jesus you cannot help, but want the Whole World to Know of His Love!
Then when [the rulers and council members] had further threatened them, they let them go, not seeing how they could secure a conviction against them, because of the people; for everybody was praising and glorifying God for what had occurred,
For the man on whom this sign (miracle) of healing was performed was more than forty years old.
- Acts 4:21, 22
Facts change, but the Truth of God remains the same! The Lord inhabits the praises of His People and as we come together as One In His Will and Way, No weapon formed against us shall prosper!
There is no condemnation for those In Christ Jesus. God will continue to show His signs and wonders (miracles) as we allow Him to have His Way with us and continue to give Him All the Glory, and Honor Due His Holy Name!
After they were permitted to go, [the apostles] returned to their own [company] and told all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.
- Acts 4:23
As we go along our Way with the Lord Jesus for certain trials and temptations will come our Way, but thanks be to God Who Has Given Us The Victory In Jesus, we have each other to go to, to turn to, to confide in, to trust, to encourage, to help, regardless of what anybody says or does, we have good company here.
And they, when they heard it, lifted their voices together as one united mind to God and said, O Sovereign Lord, You are He Who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything that is in them, [Exod. 20:11; Ps. 146:6.]
- Acts 4:24
My Dear Brothers and Sisters In the Lord Jesus, Let us lift up our voices together as "One" In Him, Unite the Body and our Mind of Christ within to give Thanksgiving and Praise to Him for Being Faithful and True! Surely He Who forms the hearts of All, The One Who created the Heavens, Earth and Sea shall continue the Good Works He Has Begun In and Performs Through Us until He comes again In All HIs Majesty and Glory! Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother In Jesus, Mark
Join our Simple Church Christian E-Fellowship Group Today at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship !
Copyright 2003-2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Possessed by great dread and terror? Acts 5:1-5
Worship:
The Lord Reigneth - Psalm 97:1
The Lord reigneth, the Lord reigneth
Blessed be the name of our God
The Lord reigneth, the Lord reigneth
Blessed be the name of our God
Let the heavens be glad
Let the earth rejoice
Let all men say among the nations
The Lord reigneth, the Lord reigneth
Blessed be the name of our God.
The Word:
BUT a certain man named Ananias with his wife Sapphira sold a piece of property.
And with his wife's knowledge and connivance he kept back and wrongfully appropriated some of the proceeds, bringing a part only and putting it at the feet of the apostles.
But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart that you should lie to and attempt to deceive the Holy Spirit, and should [in violation of your promise] withdraw secretly and appropriate to your own use part of the price from the sale of the land?
As long as it remained unsold, was it not still your own? And [even] after it was sold, was not [the money] at your disposal and under your control? Why then, is it that you have proposed and purposed in your heart to do this thing? -
How could you have the heart to do such a deed? You have not (simply) lied to men - playing false and showing yourself utterly deceitful - but to God.
Upon hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died. And great dread and terror took possession of all who heard of it.
- Acts 5:1-5
In this most familiar portion of Holy Scripture (not that any portion of God's Word should ever become so "common" to us that it fails to speak ever deeper to our heart and soul) Today I hope to approach His Word to us as, "His Word to us!" This internet ministry can be as impersonal or personal as you allow it to be in your life just as the reading of God's Word (whether written on paper or your computer screen) can speak to you here and now as Moses spoke face to face with God. With thousands receiving these messages they still comes to you as, "Thus saith the Lord" on a one on one basis. The question is, "Upon hearing these words, God's Words, do you fall down at the feet of Jesus, humble your "self" before Him in obedience to His Word and die to "self," so that you can Come Alive In His Spirit?" The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom and Jesus Is God's Wisdom! Does God's Word shake you, wake you, break you, make you and take possession of you?
You have been bought with a price (the Precious Blood of Jesus shed on the Cross at Calvary) and as a Believer have been sealed with His Holy Spirit until the Day of Redemption! Do you sometimes tremble when you hear the Truths of God's Word?
Where you there when they crucified my Lord? Where you there when they crucified my Lord? Sometimes it causes me to tremble, to tremble. Where you there when they crucified my Lord?
Yes! You were there In the Heart, Mind and Soul of Christ Jesus as He died upon that tree for you sins!
For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; He is to be reverently feared and worshipped above all so-called gods.
[Rev. 14:7; Deut. 6:5.]
- Psalm 96:4
His lightnings illumine the world; he earth sees and trembles. -Psalm 97:4
THE Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble [with reverential fear]! He sits [enthroned] above the cherubim; let the earth quake!
- Psalm 99:1
God so loved the World (you, me and every soul in it) that He gave His One and Only Begotten Son, Jesus to die on the Cross in our stead, so that we could have Eternal Life In His Name! BUT a certain man... Sometimes we are all to certain for our own good. It matters not that this man, Ananias is mentioned here or his wife (who was a real "gem" and most likely named after the sapphire, because we will tend to her in our next study of Acts), but I ask that you allow God's Mirror to reflect upon your life, your heart, your mind, your soul, your spirit and your strength as it pertains to you In His Holy Word Spoken Today. Today, if you hear His Voice (Hear O Israel! Those who have ears to hear let them hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church, The Temple of the Living God, The Body of Christ Jesus and His Chosen Bride) harden not your heart! Whatever we have or own has been given to us by God as all good things come down from God out of Heaven, but All Is God's! Remember, we are His Garden, the earth Is the Lord's, the fullness there of and He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. What have you kept back from God, wrongfully appropriated or just brought part of to Him? The proof is in the "putting" and when Ananias placed his offering at the apostles feet it was as if he were placing it at the foot of the Cross of Jesus or the Throne of God Himself (whatever you have done to the leas of these, my brethren, you have done it unto me).
Surely, to obey is better than sacrifice, but when we give to God do we give our all or do we rob God of His due? Jesus said, "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, but unto God what Is God's!"
Why is it that when Moses was asking God's Chosen People to give to the building of the Tabernacle that he had to tell them to stop giving (they were refrained from giving according to God's Word in Exodus), because they were giving above and beyond what was necessary? I am not even speaking of tithes and offerings here (although Jesus Himself suggested to those measuring out the tenth of all to do so), but of giving our all to Christ, because He gave His All For Us!
All to Jesus I surrender. All to Thee I freely give! I surrender All! I surrender All! All to Thee my Blessed Savior I surrender All!
Whether Peter is acting in the Gift of Discernment, a Word of Knowledge or a Word of Wisdom matters not, but surely he knew how easily one could be on the wrong side of the things and purposes of God from his own personal experiences.
Judas who sat at the Lord's Table, the Last Supper, the Passover Feast was taken in by the enemy and we are constantly exhorted to guard out hearts, minds and souls from the whiles of Satan (the father of lies)! The Word of God tells us that no liar shall even see the Kingdom of God let alone enter into It!
Have you attempted to deceive the Holy Spirit in any way, shape or form? You cannot hide from God, because He Is All Seeing and All Knowing, so don't deceive yourself and wind up playing the fool.
The heart is deceitful and wicked. Who can know it? Only God, so allow Him to fill your heart with His Love, His Spirit and to lead you In His Will and Way! Let us live our life, His Life unto Him In Love to Him and for one another, so that the World will know we are Christians by our love, HIs Love!
Hear these words! Fall down before Him!
Come and Adore Him! Die to "self" and be alive Unto Christ! Worship Him In Spirit and Truth! Allow Him to take complete and total possession of you, so that we can go into All the World, Preach the Word, so that All will hear of the Love of God, the Good News of Jesus and we will accomplish His Plan and Purposes!
Not by might, not by power, but by His Spirit In Jesus' Name! Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother In Him, Mark
Invite everyone you know and love to join our Christian E-Fellowship Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship and visit:
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/f/FaithfulSource for our "Love of God / God of Love" Series Today!
Copyright 2003-2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Son Day, Today! Acts 5:6-10
Worship:
Psalm 19
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
Chorus: More to be desired are they than gold
Yea, than much fine gold
Sweeter also than honey
And the honeycomb
The statues of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever The judgements of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
Moreover by them is Thy servant warned
And in keeping of them there is great reward More to be desired are they than gold.
The Word:
And the young men arose and wrapped up [the body] and carried it out [and] buried it.
Now after an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not having learned of what had happened.
And Peter said to her, Tell me, did you sell the land for so much? Yes, she said, for so much.
Then Peter said to her, How could you two have agreed and conspired together to try to deceive the Spirit of the Lord?
Listen! The feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out [also].
And instantly she fell at his feet and died, and the young men entering found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.
- Acts 5:6-10
Ananias, husband of Sapphira, had just gone down for the count after being confronted by Peter about a land deal gone sour. Was Peter judging them or exposing them for misrepresentation?
The two of them had conspired to keep things under "their" control (and not that of the Holy Spirit's leading), lied to men - playing false and showing themselves utterly deceitful -but also to God. The wages of sin is death and no matter how the pay day comes, it comes for certain someday. Ever wonder what these young men (and all the other Members of this newly found Group) thought as they wrapped up the body, carried it out and buried it? There are many (Many, many [when God says, "Many!" He means, "Many!"] will come on that Day and say, "Lord! Lord!") even within the Church, the Body Today who propose and purpose in their hearts things contrary to the teachings of Jesus, His Word, Will and Way. Sapphira was married to such a man, but that didn't mean she had to submit to his will, because the Word of God is clear that we are to submit to others In The Lord! We all have a choice, such as, "Choose you this Day who you will serve! Choose Life!" Know you not that those who align themselves with a prostitute are one with them? This woman, although married, prostituted herself against God, The True Husband of Her Heart and Soul!
Three hours have passed since her husband died and no one contacted her about it. Talk about hearing it through the grape vine! How fast does news (unfortunately, mostly bad news, backstabbing and gossip) travel within the Church Today? Peter questions this person face to face and she out and out lies to him!
How could she have the heart to do so?
How grieved was Peter and God's Holy Spirit? How would this situation affect the other Members of this new community of Believers In Jesus as Messiah? Just as when two or three of them gather together In His Name, agree on anything and it shall be done, so will the enemy conspire with two and more to deceive the Spirit of the Lord, the very Elect of God and the World, but The Word of God says, "Be not deceived! God will not be mocked!"
Listen! (I just can't see, hear, write or read that without thinking of Pastor Charles Stanley :)
The enemy is crouching at the door looking for who he can devour. He roams around like a lion. I have heard it said, that his teeth and claws have been removed, but I still wouldn't want to have the force of his powerful jaws and the pounding of his paws upon my being.
Satan wants to take you down and as many Believers as he can right along with you, so don't play with fire or you are destined to be burned! Don't be carried along by every wind and doctrine that blows across the surface of what is called Christianity Today, false teachings or stand in awe of fancy titles obtained by mere mortal man. Respected Pastor, Author and Biblical Scholar Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel Ministries knew Jim Jones of Jonestown fame and believes to this day that he started out in Faith, but somehow fell into deception leading many astray from the Lord even unto death!
Rather than waiting for the other foot to fall, why not repent, fall down at the feet of Jesus to obtain forgiveness and Eternal Life, not suffering, destruction and death. Instead of being carried out and buried in the muck and mire of lies and deception along with others who choose to marry themselves to the father of lies, come unto Jesus, The Way, The Door to Our Father Who Art In Heaven!
Hallowed Be His Name! Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Invite everyone you know and Love to join our Christian E-Fellowship Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship for our "Gifts From God" Series and visit:
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/f/FaithfulSource for "31 Days of Biblical Prayers" Today!
Copyright 2003-2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts Of The Holy Spirit In The Lives Of Believers: Acts 5:11-15
Worship:
Psalm 3:3, 4
My glory and the lifter of my head
My glory and the lifter of my head
And thou, O Lord, art a shield to me
My glory and the lifter of my head
I cried unto the Lord with my voice
I cried unto the Lord with my voice
I cried unto the Lord with my voice
And He heard me out of His Holy Hill
The Word:
And the whole church was appalled - great awe and strange terror and dread seized them - and all others who heard of these things.
Now by the hands of the apostles (special messengers) numerous and startling signs and wonders were being performed among the people. And by common consent they all met together [at the temple] in the porch or covered walk called Solomon's.
And none of those who were not of their number dared to join or associate with them, but the people held them in high regard and praised and made much of them.
More and more there were being added to the Lord those who believed - [that is,] those who acknowledged Jesus as their Savior and devoted themselves to Him, joined and gathered with them - crowds both of men and of women.
So that they [even] kept carrying out the sick into the streets and placing them on couches and sleeping pads, [in the hope] that as Peter passed by at least his shadow might fall on some of them.
- Acts 5:11-15
With Ananias and Sapphira dead and buried side by side this newly formed Body of Believers In Jesus as Messiah was about to move from Grace to Grace and Glory to Glory!
Jesus says, "Let the dead bury the dead!"
Now that's highly unlikely being that the dead are inanimate, but He was speaking of those who were dead Spiritually, not Born-Again Of The Spirit Of God. As Children of the Most High God we are called to bring the Love of God and the Good News of Jesus to the sick and dying around the World, but to those who refuse to heed the Word Of Eternal Life we are to dust off our feet and move on, because we are responsible for the souls of this generation and are Commanded of God to go to All Nations and Peoples!
Our God Is An Awesome God! He Reigns from Heaven Above In Wisdom, Power and Love! It is the Fear of the Lord that is the beginning of Wisdom, Christ Is the Wisdom of God, His Holy Spirit Power rests upon each and every Believer and His Love is poured into our hearts, so that we can pour our lives out as living sacrifices to Him by touching and changing the lives of others around us.
Take notice that the Scripture here tells us that all others heard of these things.
How is it that they heard? Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God, but how will "All Others" hear us if we do not open our mouth, our heart, our mind, our soul, our spirit, our strength or even our wallets to our fellow man by telling them and showing them?
Look at your hands! Go ahead and look at them! Your hands are God's hands. He created them for you to use for His Glory, Praise and Honor! We are His Hands, we are His Voice, we are the ones who make the choice. The Holy Spirit of God Lives, Moves and Has His Being In you to use you to further His Kingdom and although there are many different gifts and talents distributed among the Body of Christ, we "are" All Special In His Eyes and His Messengers of Hope! Jesus Is the Hope of the World! We are the ones Called of God to bring His Hope to the World and Hope will not disappoint us :)
Realize that there is not one person reading this who did not choose to be here by your own consent and meet together as One In Jesus. As the Temple of the Living God, the many parts of us, each and every Member here becomes The Body of Christ with Jesus as the Head of the Church. He Is Our Covering and where the Head goes the Body follows. As much as I would like to go to Israel and walk where Jesus walked, it is even more important that as Jesus Is In This World, so are we and we are to walk as Jesus walked and we are to walk with Jesus as He walks among us Today! Do not think that signs and wonders are not happening among us every single day.
Open your eyes to the World all around you! God Is With Us, healing the sick, raising the dead, the lame walk, the blind see, His Holy and Precious Word Is Going Forth In Power and changing the hearts and lives of countless thousands around the World!
Still there are those who choose not to join and associate with us (even other Believers for whatever reasons), but God has brought us together In Him (each and every one of you here was brought to this place by God for such a time as this) and as we Honor Him, He will honor us and as we Praise Him, He will inhabit the Praises of His People and out of something that was once invisible He will make much of us (as much as we allow Him to), so that more and more people will know and understand that we serve the One True God, The Living God, God Almighty!
Daily we Proclaim the Truths of God's Word, Acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior of the World, Devote ourselves to Him in Prayer, Praise, Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs, join and gather together to lift up one another and the Name above All names by which we MUST be saved! Because of your prayers and constant efforts in working the Works of Christ that were prepared for us to do before the foundations of this planet Earth were laid, God has been adding to His Church, His Body, those men and women who choose to Believe that Jesus Is The Way, Truth and Life and no one comes to The Father, but By Him!
Carry out your sick and dying In Hope!
Lift up your Brothers and Sisters In the Lord Jesus and those who have not yet come to know Him as such by Faith and God will be more than pleased to shine His Light of Life upon you, the Servant of the Most High God (Yes! "YOU!"), so that the Shadow of the Almighty might fall on them In the Precious Name of Jesus. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend in Him, Mark
Invite everyone you know and Love to join our Christian E-Fellowship Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship and visit:
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/f/FaithfulSource for our "31 days of Biblical Prayers" Today!
Copyright 2003-2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts Of The Holy Spirit In The Lives Of Believers: Acts 5:16-20
Worship:
I Will Bless Thee, O Lord
With my hands lifted up
And my mouth filled with praise
With a heart of thanksgiving
I will bless thee, O Lord.
I will bless thee, O Lord
I will bless thee, O Lord
With a heart of thanksgiving
I will bless thee, O Lord.
The Word:
And the people gathered also from the towns and hamlets around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those troubled with foul spirits, and they were all cured.
But the high priest rose up and all who were his supporters, that is, the party of the Sadducees, and being filled with jealousy and indignation and rage
They seized and arrested the apostles (special messengers) and put them in the public jail.
But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and leading them out said,
Go, take your stand in the temple courts and declare to the people the whole doctrine concerning this Life [the eternal life which Christ revealed].
- Acts 5:16-20
Peter, the one swaying about in the breeze like a reed before Messiah came into his life, becomes The Rock, casting his shadow upon the sick in the streets and in their hope, brought healing In Jesus' Name (representing All that He Is)!
When we lift the Person of Jesus up for All the World to see, He draws All mankind unto Himself by the Ministry of His Holy Spirit working in and through our Life! God wants to gather All the lost sheep who are scattered around the World under The Good Shepherd's Rod and Staff which comforts us as He leads and guides us to greener pastures. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem! How Jesus longs to gather you still, under His Wings as a mother hen gathers her chicks. The Christ cries out, "Come unto Me, All who labor and are heavy laden and I Will "Give" You Rest! Jesus Is The Same Yesterday, Today and Forever! He still cures the sicknesses and diseases of those who are troubled with foul spirits in mind, body, soul, spirit, heart, financial, sexual or whatever ails you, because Jesus Is The Great Physician!
We are "not" talking religion (at least not man made rules and regulations), but a personal relationship with God, In Christ by the Holy Spirit living, moving and having His Being In You which Is The Hope Of Glory! Follow "no" man, but the man Christ Jesus! Don't "give" or support any cause, but the Cause of Christ! As God's Grace was being poured out upon the sick and healing them, the high priest rose up and all who were his supporters. Satan, my friends, comes as an angel of light, but when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord sets up a standard against him and The Light of the World chases aWay the darkness! While others around you are being filled with jealousy, indignation and rage, we as Believers are commanded to be filled with the Holy Spirit, filled with God's Grace, Mercy, Faith, Hope and above All, His Love!
We are All Called of God to be His Disciples and each one of us is a "special messenger" (God created you and "gave" you This Life In Him to accomplish His Plan and Purposes to bring Glory, Praise and Honor to His Holy and Precious Name), an Ambassador for Christ Jesus to All Nations and Peoples! Has the enemy been working overtime to seize you, arrest you, put you on hold or even put you in the "public" jail? Notice the Word of God says, public jail.
Unfortunately, many of our trials and tribulations are brought into the "public" eye, the open arena for the "World" to see and hear. It is how we deal with these situations that will make the difference.
As we go through the fire and the flood, our character is both tried and revealed.
Will you come forth as gold or will the wood, hay and stubble within your life be burned up in the fire and leave you standing in the ashes of defeat? Jesus promises to bring us through to the other side In Victory as Overcomers, but sometimes the waiting is the hardest part and the darkest hour is just before dawn.
Do you listen for the songs in the night,
God's Still, Small Voice whispering in your ear the words you long to hear?
Many times it takes the darkness to bring forth the Light. No matter how deep or dark your situation and circumstances may seem, "There is no pit so deep that God cannot go deeper still!" For it was during the night that the angel of the Lord came to the apostles (special messengers), opened the prison doors and set the captives free. The Truth shall set you free, but he who The Son Sets Free Is Free Indeed! He has "given" us His Word, Will and Way! The Holy Spirit is here to lead us out of any and every situation that may be holding us back from fully accomplishing God's Perfect and Acceptable Will for Our Life In Jesus!
What does the Word of God tell us the angel of the Lord said? What does Jesus say to us Today? Go! Yes, "Go!" Go into All the World and Preach the Gospel!
Take your stand In Him (You "are" The Temple of the Living God) and declare the whole doctrine concerning this Life!
What Life? The Eternal Life which Christ revealed! Salvation In Jesus!
Anyone who has been reading my messages for any length of time will notice that many times I capitalize letters in order to emphasize certain words, because the written Word does not alWays have the expression of the spoken Word. It is the Spirit of God that quickens His Word to your hearts and minds and reveals to you the things "Of The Spirit" that He wants you to learn and put into action to make a difference where you live, work or go to school.
Flesh and blood does not reveal these things unto you, but Our Heavenly Father! When explaining what God wants you to go and do, The Word of God is clear in saying and emphasizing, "declare to the people the whole doctrine concerning this Life [the eternal life which Christ revealed]. Let us All take a stand as individuals (and when you have done all that you can to stand, stand therefore) and together as One In Him to bring the Revelation of Christ, The Abundant Life, Eternal Life, The Whole Doctrine Concerning "This Life," Salvation to All Nations and Peoples In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Invite everyone you know and Love to join our Christian E-Fellowship Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship
and visit:
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/f/FaithfulSource for our "31 Days of Biblical Prayers" Today!
Copyright 2003-2010
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts Of The Holy Spirit In The Lives Of Believers: Acts 5:21-25
Worship:
Malachi 4:2
With healing in His wings
With healing in His wings
The sun of righteousness shall rise
With healing in His wings.
The Word:
And when they heard this, they accordingly went into the temple about daybreak and began to teach. Now the high priest and his supporters who were with him arrived and were called together the council (Sanhedrin) and [even] all the senate of the Jews, and they sent to the prison to have [the apostles] brought.
But when the attendants arrived there they failed to find them in the jail; so they came back and reported,
We found the prison quite safely locked up and the guards were on duty outside the doors, but when we opened [it] we found no one on the inside.
Now when the military leader of the temple area and the chief priests heard these facts, they were much perplexed and thoroughly at a loss about them, wondering into what this might grow.
But some man came and reported to them, saying, Listen! The men whom you put in jail are standing [right here] in the temple and teaching the people!
- Acts 5:20-25
There is a War going on! Although there are wars and rumors of wars throughout the World we live in Today, it is the battle for the human soul, a constant Spiritual War fought in the Heavenly realm in which we are engaged. The angel of the Lord had released from prison and commanded the apostles to Go, take their stand in the temple courts and declare to the people the whole doctrine concerning this Life [the eternal life which Christ revealed]. We are also commanded to Go, to All Nations and Peoples and Preach Salvation In Jesus' Name!
Is there any one out there hearing this?
Immediately, the apostles responded and about daybreak they began teaching in the temple. It is clear that not everyone of us has the "gift" of teaching, but we all have something to teach and should be diligent to do so! Teach your children the Way they should go and when they get older they will not depart from It. We are All Students in the School of the Holy Spirit and as Believers are Ministers of God with specific Duties to Instruct others and Admonish them in the Way of God! Surely there is alWays going to be opposition and usually from the "religious" leaders and their staunch supporters, but we are to obey God and not man. Notice that the high priest, his supporters, the council (Sanhedrin), the attendants, the prison guards, military leaders, chief priests and [even] the senate of the Jews had no idea what was going on with the apostles. They thought that they had everything under their control, but when the facts were on the table, they were perplexed, at a loss for words and in wonderment.
We serve a Wonderful God! He Is Our Counselor, Might God, Everlasting Father (of Eternity) and Prince of Peace! In this Spiritual World of Wonder, we can only Wonder ourselves what All this (The Things Pertaining To God) might grow into. Cut an apple in half and count the seeds, but only God knows if planted how many more trees and apples will come from them. Find an acorn on the ground, but only In God can we see the oak tree rooted, grounded in the soil and stretching up towards the Heavens to absorb the Light of the Sun. We are to be as Trees Planted by the Streams of Living Waters, Rooted and Grounded In The Word of God, Abiding In the Vine and Bearing Fruit as we soak up the rays of the Son! What might we grow into?
While the World is hustling, bustling and fiddling about thinking that everything is safely locked up, decently and in order, we as Christians are to be dealing with things in the Spiritual realm, working the Works of God, teaching, preaching and revealing the Eternal Life which is found In Christ Jesus! Could you ever have imagined in your wildest dreams that God would take you from sinner to Saint, darkness to Light, from death to Life In His Holy and Precious Name?
As far as we have come, we have a long Way to go. Together we are traveling on this journey that some day will find an end. We are looking for the Temple of God, The New Jerusalem that will come down from God out of Heaven! Two times in our Scripture portion Today we read of things being "reported" and especially now with 24 Hour News Channels we find ourselves glued to the television set, watching and waiting to hear the latest information as to what is going on in the World around us. Are you watching and waiting for God to "give" you the go ahead? Listen! He already has, so take All the information He has "given" you In His Word, take your stand In Messiah [right here and now] and Teach the People the Whole Doctrine concerning "This Life" [the eternal life which Christ revealed], under the Anointing of His Holy Spirit In and Upon your Life In
Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Invite everyone you know and Love to join our Christian E-Fellowship Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship
and visit:
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/f/FaithfulSource for our "31 Days of Biblical Prayers" Today!
Copyright 2003-2012
All Rights Reserved.
If you would like to help support the preaching and teaching of the Word of God to Africa and India then please, prayerfully consider sending a check or money order for our missions work there Today to:
Rev. Mark Tross
5561 Gladstone Drive North East
Rio Rancho, NM
87144
Thank you for your prayer support and gifts,
Mark and the Entire Simple Church Fellowship Team
Subject: Acts Of The Holy Spirit In The Life Of Believers: Acts 5:26-30
Worship:
I'm Free
I'm free, I'm free
I'm free to be a servant of the Lord (repeat)
He taught me how to praise Him
He taught me how to sing His song
He taught me how to love
I'm free to be a servant of the Lord.
The Word:
Then the military leader went with the attendants and brought [the prisoners], but without violence for they dreaded the people lest they be stoned by them.
So they brought them [and] set them before the council (Sanhedrin). And the high priest examined them by questioning, Saying, We definitely commanded and strictly charged you not to teach in or about this Name; yet here you have flooded Jerusalem with your doctrine and you intend to bring this Man's blood upon us.
Then Peter and the apostles replied, We must obey God rather than men.
The God of our forefathers raised up Jesus Whom you killed by hanging Him on a tree (cross). [Deut. 21:22, 23.]
- Acts 5:26-30
These "Prisoners of Hope" were brought before the high priest and examined, questioned about The Name and their doctrine concerning the eternal life which Christ revealed. This was not the doctrines of men that Paul the Apostle warned us about, but the Doctrine of God Almighty! When the enemy was coming in, like a flood Jerusalem was filled with the Teachings of Jesus, because of Peter''s and the other apostle's obedience to God and not men.
Obedience to God alWays brings His Blessings! Because Jesus was raised from the dead (resurrected) and seated at the right hand of God Our Heavenly Father, the Believers were able to speak under the Anointing Power of The Holy Spirit that was poured out upon them to reach the ends of the World! This Is The Resurrection Life In Christ Jesus that we are to be Living Today!
A hanged man is accursed by God! Jesus became sin for us, so that we would become the Righteousness of God In Christ by Faith In Him. We are to fear not nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage, because just as Joshua took Makkedah, smote it's king and utterly destroyed everyone in it, Jesus defeated sin and death on the Cross at Calvary and gives us Victory over the World In His Holy and Precious Name! He purchased our freedom (redeemed us from the curse (doom) of the Law's (condemnation), by [Himself] becoming a curse for us and through receiving Him, the blessing [promised] to Abraham would come upon us through Faith and we All receive [the realization of] the Promise of The (Holy) Spirit.
Whether you stand in the Temple, Church or the streets teaching the people the Word of God you are involved in the Spiritual Battle and although you might not encounter military conflict, you can count on Spiritual Warfare. Do not dread the people, but fear God and be obedient to His Will and Way. Bring yourself boldly before His Throne of Grace and Mercy, examine yourself to show yourself approved and don't be afraid to ask questions. Ask and you shall Receive!
Jesus says, "If you Love Me, you Will Obey My Commands!" No matter how strictly you may be charged by others not to teach in or about The Name; Follow the Commands and Commandments of God and let His Living Waters flow in and through you to flood the World with His Doctrines of Truth.
What can wash aWay my sin? Nothing, but the Blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing, but the Blood of Jesus. When Jesus was about to be crucified and Pilate washed his hands of the situation, the crowds shouted, "Let His Blood be upon us!" Now the Sanhedrin is accusing the apostles of intending to bring "This Man's" Blood upon them. Only the Blood of Jesus can make our sins of scarlet red as pure, Holy and white as snow. Our sins killed Jesus and it is only by us receiving forgiveness in His Name that we can come into a right relationship with God and have Eternal Life.
In spite of the threats, do not cease for a single day to teach and proclaim the Good News (Gospel) of Jesus [as] the Christ, the Messiah to All Nations and Peoples In His Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Invite everyone you know and Love to join our Christian E-Fellowship Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship
and visit:
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/f/FaithfulSource for our "31 Days of Biblical Prayers" Today!
Copyright 2003-2012
All Rights Reserved.
Rev. Mark Tross
5561 Gladstone Drive North East
Rio Rancho, NM
87144
Thank you for All of your prayers and giving,
Mark and the Simple Church Fellowship Team
Subject: Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? Acts of the Holy Spirit!
Does Anybody Really Care?
- Chicago (The Band and not the Play or Movie)
Worship:
Lion Of Judah
Lion of Judah on the throne
I shout your name, let it be known
You are King of Kings
You are the Prince of Peace
May your Kingdom's reign never cease
Hail to the King!
Hail to the King! Hail to the King!
Lion of Judah, come to earth
I want to thank you for your birth
For the Living Word
For your death on the tree
For the resurrection victory
Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Lion of Judah come again
Take up your throne Jerusalem
Bring release to this earth
And the consumation
Of your Kingdom's reign - let it come
Maranatha! Maranatha!
Maranatha! (Hail to the King, You are my King)
The Word:
God exalted Him to His right hand to be Prince and Leader and Savior and Deliverer and Preserver, in order to grant repentance to Israel and to bestow forgiveness and release from sin.
And we are witness of these things, and the Holy Spirit is also, Whom God has bestowed on those who obey Him.
Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart and infuriates and wanted to kill the disciples.
But a certain Pharisee in the council (Sanhedrin) named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, highly esteemed by all the people, standing up, ordered that the apostles be taken outside for a little while.
Then he [addressed the council] saying, Men of Israel, take care in regard to what you propose to do concerning these men.
- Acts 5:31-35
Who Is "This Jesus" that God raised up from the dead and Exalted On High?
Peter and the other Apostles are proclaiming The Name of Him Who Is The Prince Of Peace, Leader, Savior Of The World, Deliverer Of Our Souls From death, Preserver Of Eternal Life, Granter Of Repentance To All, Bestower Of Forgiveness and Releaser Of Sins! We too (as in also) are Witnesses of These Things and through the Ministry of The Holy Spirit Working In and Through our Life are Called of God to speak forth These Things of God and Proclaim the Truths of His Holy and Precious Word.
You are supposed to "Be" a Witness from where you live, move and have your being to All Nations and Peoples around the World! God has "given" us, bestowed upon us All the Gifts and Talents, Everything we need to live our Life Unto Him and as we Obey Him, our Light will shine out into and chase aWay this present darkness.
If you've ever had a bright light shined into your eyes then you would know that it can certainly be annoying and even blinding. We need to be sensitive to the people we want to minister God's Love and Grace to. Prayer is the key to tearing down any stronghold and as we listen to The Voice Of The Holy Spirit, He Will Lead and Guide us into All Truth and Understanding to deal with any and every situation as it comes our Way. Those who are living in darkness will see a Great Light In Jesus, but not All will receive that Light or come to know It. Jesus came unto His own, but they knew Him not. In this case the council (Sanhedrin) wanted to kill the Disciples, they were infuriated. I'm sure that we could All tell stories of the many different Ways that others reacted to the Good News of Jesus. Some portions of Scripture speak of those who are pricked in the heart and in this thirty-third verse of Acts chapter five, we are told that when they heard This Word they were cut to the heart (The Holy Spirit Will Convict And Convince, but how we react is our freedom of choice, cause everyone is "given" a free will).
It is very interesting that history tells us Paul the Apostle was taught by Gamaliel and to this day the debate goes on as to whether Gamaliel became a follower of Jesus, a Believer In Jesus as Messiah or not. Clearly he had vision and wisdom enough to know that it was futile to fight against the Works Of God! Like Gamaliel, each and every one of us has the ability to stand up for what is right. You may not have the "Gift" of Teaching, but we are All Called of God to "Be" Disciples of Christ and therefore, we All have the Anointing Of God to Teach the Things Of God that He Has Taught us. Gamaliel was highly esteemed by All the people, so how much more so should we uphold the dignity and Honor of our God, Who Is The King Of Kings And Lord Of Lords? Jesus tells us that our Righteousness should exceed that of the Pharisees!
Perhaps there are a few of you here who have been taken (even politely escorted) out of a Church, Temple, Christian Group, Family, Friendship or Marriage and been shown the sign of the double-cross or given the right foot of Fellowship, but Jesus Promises (God Can Not Lie) Never, Ever to leave or forsake us, no matter what! No weapon formed against us shall prosper and it would be most wise of those who deal wrongly with us not to mess with God's Anointed, because "Vengeance Is Mine," says the Lord and He Will repay! Our job (as hard as it may be) is to Love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. "Take care in regards to what you propose to do concerning these men," Gamaliel said when he addressed the council (Sanhedrin). We should All take into account these words when dealing with others, especially those who are of the Household Of Faith! In this fast paced internet World that we presently live in, it is all too easy to hit and run, but where can we go to escape God? Let's live our everyday Life Before Him, Love Him, Love our neighbor as ourselves and Love One Another As Christ Loves us, obeying God rather than man In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Invite everyone you know and Love to join our Christian E-Fellowship Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship
and visit:
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/f/FaithfulSource for our "Prophecy and Fulfillments" Series Today!
Copyright 2003-2012
All Rights Reserved.
Rev. Mark Tross
5561 Gladstone Drive North East
Rio Rancho, NM
87144
Thanks for your prayers and giving,
Mark and the Simple Church Fellowship Team
Date: Sun, Apr 20, 2003
Subject: Resurrection Day / Feast Of First Fruits Message: Acts 6:1-5
Worship:
Before His Majesty The King
We have seen the revelation
He's enthroned on exaltation
So we come in jubilation
To celebrate before the King.
Chorus:
Before His Majesty the King (4x)
For God has made Him Lord and Christ.
This Jesus whom man sacrificed.
Crucified He paid the price.
Before HIm now we come to sing.
(chorus)
To let the light shine we aspire.
To burn with love Lord, we desire.
To dwell within your courts of fire.
Before Your Majesty the King.
(Before Your Majesty the King 3x)
The Word:
NOW about this time, when the number of the disciples was greatly increasing, complaint was made by the Hellenists (the Greek-speaking Jews), against the [native] Hebrews because their widows were being overlooked and neglected in the daily ministration - distribution [of relief].
So the twelve (apostles) convened the multitude of the disciples and said, It is not seemly or desirable or right that we should have to give up or neglect [preaching] the Word of God in order to attend to serving at tables and superintending the distribution of food.
Therefore select out from among yourselves, brethren, seven men of good and attested character and repute, full of the (Holy) Spirit and wisdom, whom we may assign to look after this business and duty.
But we will continue to devote ourselves steadfastly to prayer and the ministry of the Word.
And the suggestion pleased the whole assembly, and they selected Stephen, a man full of faith [that is, of a strong and welcome belief that Jesus is the Messiah], and full of and controlled by the Holy Spirit; and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte [convert] from Antioch.
- Acts 6:1-5
Jesus Is Risen! He is seated at the right hand of God, Our Heavenly Father and has sent us His Holy Spirit to enable and empower us to accomplish His Will here on Earth as it is done in Heaven. The Good Shepherd goes before us in All things and as The First Fruits from the dead, He was offered up as a sacrifice unto God and accepted In His Sight, so that we could offer up ourselves as Living Sacrifices Unto Him and pour out our Lives as a drink offering before a dry and weary land. Serving Our Father Who Art In Heaven and All of humankind is what Jesus came to teach us, but the best of service and good intentions apart from the redemption of mankind and the ministry of God's Holy Spirit being active in our Life is empty, void and lacking.
Just as Faith without Works (The Works of God) is dead, so are works (good deeds) without Faith, because without Faith, it is impossible to please God.
The Word of God tells us that Faith is the substance (the reality) of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen, but to be full of Faith is to have a strong and welcome belief (to cling to, trust in and rely on) the very "fact" that Jesus Is The Messiah / The Christ / The Anointed One Of God! It was the assembly of Believers, the Disciples (each and everyone of us are Called of God to be Disciples of Christ Jesus) who selected (under the leadership and guidance of God's Holy Spirit) people for Service In The Kingdom Of God who were full of and controlled by the Holy Spirit and such high standards were set for the tasks of serving at tables and superintending the distribution of food.
What good would it do us or anyone to feed our bodies and minds, but forget about our souls or the souls of others who are lost apart from a relationship with Jesus? He died on The Cross at Calvary for All, was buried and rose again on the third day in order to bring relief to a sick and dying World.
Never a day should pass that we are not in some Way, shape or form teaching, proclaiming or bringing the Gospel (The Good News) of Jesus [as] the Christ, the Messiah to All Nations and Peoples!
There is no Jew or Greek in the Eyes of God, no male or female, no black, white, red, yellow or brown, so like Him, we should treat one another as equals, loving Him and therefore, loving one another from the heart. As a ministry grows in numbers, we should never forget to treat one another as individuals, one on one in a personal Way, just as God communes, fellowships with us and meets our needs according to His riches In Glory. We are All Members of One Body, The Body of Christ Jesus and we need one another in order to function properly and overcome this present World we live in. Pray for one another, encourage one another, work towards the unity of His Spirit and purpose, help to equip each other for service In His Kingdom and In Jesus' Name we will fulfill the Great Commission! Use the Gifts and Talents that God has "given" you, so that others are not overburdened by trying to do it all. Whatever your Gift, function in the ministry of that "Gift," so that you can bring Glory, Honor and Praise to God within The Body and Shine His Light of Life out into the darkness. If you are called to preach, then preach the Word of God with All the Power and Anointing that God "gives" you!
Look around you. Do you see or know other Brothers and Sisters In Jesus who are of good, attested character and repute, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom? God places the Members of the Body where He sees fit to meet the needs of that Body and He "gives" each of us Everything that we need to live our Life Unto Him! Offering up ourselves for Service Unto Him and each other Is Our Spiritual Service, Worship and Duty. The Church (we as Believers In Jesus "are" The Church, The Temple of The Living God, The Representation of His Body here on Earth just as Jesus was) has a job to do here on planet Earth and in order to do that job, we must approach our duties from a business point of view.
From the waiting on tables, distribution of food, preaching, prayer and the ministry of the Word, every single one of us as Members of The Body of Christ Jesus has a job assignment and task or tasks to perform. Does this please you? It is such a privilege and honor to serve God and each other, to be Chosen of Him, By Him and For Him. Jesus Is The Author and Finisher of Our Faith and It Is His Holy Spirit that Lives, Moves and Has His Being Working In and Through Us for the Glory, Praise and Honor of His Holy and Precious Name!
Join our Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship ) and I couldn't help but realize that not much has really changed since the first Church we read about in Today's Message. Christians in Pakistan and other countries around the World are looked upon and treated as second class citizens, but In God, they are seated In Heavenly Places With Christ Jesus! None of us as Believers should ever neglect God's Holy Word, The Bible, Old and New Covenant, for It Is The Word Of God Unto us for Today and Forever! We are All Commanded of God In His Word, "Continually Be Ye Being Filled With The Holy Ghost!" and His Word Is Spirit and Life! It "gives" us The Wisdom of God, will lead and guide us into All Truth and Understanding, so that we can find our place In Him in which to accomplish the business and duty He has prepared for us to do since the foundation of this World was laid. Devote yourselves to prayer (Pray without Ceasing!) for it is your Life's Breath, Communion and Fellowship with The Father, In Christ, By the Holy Spirit.
Stephen is mentioned in this portion of Scripture as a man full of Faith and controlled by the Holy Spirit along with Philip and others. Stephen, which means crown is destined to become the first martyr of the persecuted Church. Philip becomes an Evangelist and later on we will read of his daughters who prophesy the Word of God! Remember that God poured out His Holy Spirit upon All flesh, so that our sons and daughters (His Sons and Daughters) would and could prophesy, speak forth the Word of God! A proselyte [convert] from Antioch named Nicolaus is also mentioned and neither Saul of Tarsus, who would become Paul the Apostle nor Simon whose surname was Peter were yet given the vision of God to Go to All Nations and Peoples!
None of us is unclean or unfit for Service In The Kingdom of God when we are cleansed by the Precious Blood of the Passover Lamb, Jesus! Jesus presents us before Our Heavenly Father as Holy, Pure and Blameless in His Sight. He intercedes on our behalf, constantly before God's Throne of Grace and Mercy.
His nail scarred hands are laid on us, so that we can go forward, under His Anointing. He Is Alive, we are forgiven and called upon to serve at the tables of this World the Spiritual Food to eat that they know nothing of, so let us prayerfully, distribute evenly to All of Creation the Milk and Meat of God's Holy Word In Jesus' Name. Amen.
May His Resurrection Power be yours,
God bless and Love to All, <')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Invite everyone you know and Love to join our Christian E-Fellowship Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship
and visit:
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/f/FaithfulSource for our "Prophecy and Fulfillments" Series Today!
Copyright 2003-2012
All Rights Reserved.
You can help feed the World and bring the Resurrection Message to All Nations and Peoples by sending a check or money order Today to:
Rev. Mark Tross
5561 Gladstone Drive North East
Rio Rancho, NM
87144
USA
Thank you and May God Bless you for your prayers and giving,
Mark and The Simple Church Fellowship Team
Date: Sun, Apr 20, 2003
Subject: Re: [faithfulsource] Resurrection Day / Feast Of First Fruits Message: Acts 6:1-5
Study notes for resurrection morning's Sunday School lesson
@ New Life Baptist Church
Youngsville, North Carolina
Bookmark First Corinthins 15:12
Key Verse: [1Co 15:20] But now is Christ
risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of
them that slept.
[Levit. 23] (Moses' littany of holy days:)
[9] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, [10]
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When
ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall
reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of
the firstfruits* of your harvest unto the priest: [11] And
he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for
you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave
it. [12] And ye shall offer that day when ye wave the sheaf
an he lamb without blemish of the first year for a burnt
offering unto the LORD.
'The Feast of Firstfruits' called /Bikkurim/ Š. m yrwkb
- an offering of wheatflour and wine.
Ý
a predescendant reference to Christ -
As on the road to Amaus: 'He opened up Moses, and the prophets.'
-- -- -- -- -- -- --
turning to our bookmark, Paul calls attention to this, later in:
Key Verse: [1Co 15:20] But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
being that Christ himself, _is the firstfruits of the resurrection, and our own resurrection from the dead.
Disputed by Sadducees and proven by God; Christ arose from death.
Lesson text: 'a treatise on the resurrection by Paul:'
As Paul begins, the first argument to prove that there is a resurrection from the dead: ie Christ is risen again, therefore the dead will rise again.
[1Cor 15:12-50]
[12] ¶ Now if Christ be preached that he rose from
the dead, how say some among you that there is no
resurrection of the dead? [13] But if there be no
resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: [14]
And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and
your faith is also vain. [15] Yea, and we are found false
witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he
raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the
dead rise not.
-15\ These seemed to admit that Christ was raised, but denied the resurrection of others. He now shows that if Christ be raised, the general resurrection must follow as a result.
\ Is preached (khrussetai). Personal use of the verb, Christ is preached. How say some among you? (pwv legousin en umin tinev?). The question springs naturally from the proof of the fact of the resurrection of Christ (verses 1-11) and the continual preaching which Paul here assumes by condition of the first class (ei--khrussetai). There were sceptics in Corinth, possibly in the church, who denied the resurrection of dead people just as some men today deny that miracles happen or ever did happen.
Paul's answer is the resurrection of Christ as a fact. It all turns on this fact.
\ If persons once dying cannot be raised, as these false teachers say, then Christ could not have risen.
\ Vain (kenon). Inanis, Vulgate. Old word, empty. Both Paul's preaching and their faith are empty if Christ has not been raised. If the sceptics refuse to believe the fact of Christ's resurrection, they have nothing to stand on.
\ In that case we have declared that God did what he never did do.
[16] For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ
raised: [17] And if Christ be not raised, your faith is
vain; ye are yet in your sins. [18] Then they also which
are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. [19] If in this
life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most
miserable.
:16-19\ He repeats the same argument taken from an absurdity, purposing to show how faith is in vain if the resurrection of Christ is taken away.
\ Vain (mataia). Old word from adverb mathn (Mt 15:9), devoid of truth, a lie.
Stronger word than kenon in verse 14. Ye are yet in your sins (eti este en taiv amartiaiv umwn). Because the death of Christ has no atoning value if he did not rise from the dead. In that case he was only a man like other men and did not die for our sins (verse 3).
\ In that case he is not the Savior. He is a dead man, who could not even save himself. Such a one has no power to pardon sins, and "ye are yet in your sins."
\ Secondly, unless it is certain that Christ rose again, all those who died in Christ have perished. So then, what profit comes of faith?
\ old adjective eleeinov, to be pitied, pitiable. If our hope is limited to this life, we have denied ourselves what people call pleasures and have no happiness beyond. The Epicureans have the argument on us. Paul makes morality turn on the hope of immortality. Is he not right? Witness the breaking of moral ties today when people take a merely animal view of life.
[20] ¶ But now is Christ risen from the dead, and
become the firstfruits* of them that slept. [21] For since
by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the
dead. [22] For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall
all be made alive. [23] But every man in his own order:
Christ the firstfruits;* afterward they that are Christ's
at his coming. [24] Then cometh the end, when he shall have
delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he
shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
[25] For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under
his feet. [26] The last enemy that shall be destroyed is
death.
* (536) aparche /ap-ar-khay/ aparch
(8 ea: firstfruits
1) to offer firstlings or firstfruits
2) to take away the firstfruits of the
productions of the earth which was offered to God.
The first portion of the dough, from which sacred
loaves were to be prepared.
Hence term used of
persons consecrated to God for all time.
3) persons superior in excellence to others
of the same class
[27] For he hath put all things under his feet. But
when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest
that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
[28] And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then
shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all
things under him, that God may be all in all. [29] Else
what shall they do which are baptized(a) for the dead, if the
dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the
dead?
(a) that is, Baptised for Christ; who would be dead were He not risen... an arguement concerning the hoplessness of the Sadduceaic view -- that is that Christ was not risen from the dead, because there wert no resurrection.(b )
(b) much like in the Islamic qoran today, wherin it attests at one point - that Christ was _not crucified, and in another that He rather was _not risen from the dead.
As dealing with a dead faith, Paul was carving off from the body, they which dismiss the resurrection. In much the same manner as Saul the Pharisee would have floored a Saducee over the same concern on the floor at the congress of the synagogue.
[30] And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? [31]
> I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our
Lord, I die daily. [32] If after the manner of men I have
fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if
the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we
die. [33] Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good
manners. [34] Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some
have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
\ << I .protest >> 'I challenge your .affirmation' [re: Genesis 42:15-] Septuagint; "Hereby ye shall be .proved:"
\ What motive, if there is no hope beyond, can we apostles have for placing ourselves in constant peril by preaching the resurrection?
Why would John, Peter, Paul; die for nothing for nothing, and for no hope?
\ (mh planasye). Do not be led astray (planaw) by such a false philosophy of life. Evil company (omiliai kakai). Evil companionships. Old word, omilia, from omilov (a crowd, gang, bunch). Only here in N.T. Good manners (hyh). Old word (kin to eyov) custom, usage, morals.
Good morals here. This line of poetry (iambic) occurs in Menander. It may be a current proverb. Paul could have gotten it from either source.
\ Awake up righteously (eknhqate dikaiwv). Wake up as if from drunkenness. eknhfw, only here in N.T.
sin not (mh amartanete). Stop sinning. No knowledge of God (agnwsian yeou). Old word for ignorance, in N.T. only here and 1Pe 2:15. Ignorance of God, agnosticism.
Some today (agnostics) even take pride in it instead of shame (entrophn, turning in on oneself). See on 1Co 6:5 for entroph.
[35] ¶ But some man will say, How are the dead
raised up? and with what body do they come?
But some one will say (alla erei tiv). Paul knows what the sceptics were saying. He is a master at putting the standpoint of the imaginary adversary. How (pwv). This is still the great objection to the resurrection of our bodies. Granted that Jesus rose from the dead, for the sake of argument, these sceptics refuse to believe in the possibility of our resurrection. It is the attitude of Matthew Arnold who said, "Miracles do not happen." Scientifically we know the "how" of few things. Paul has an astounding answer to this objection.
Death itself is the way of resurrection as in the death of the seed for the new plant (verses 36f). With what manner of body (poiwi swmati). This is the second question which makes plainer the difficulty of the first. The first body perishes. Will that body be raised? Paul treats this problem more at length (verses 38-54) and by analogy of nature (Cf. Butler's famous Analogy). It is a spiritual, not a natural, body that is raised. swma here is an organism. Flesh sarx (sarx) is the soma swma body for the natural man, but there is spiritual (pneumatikon) swma body for the resurrection.
[36]] Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not
quickened, except it die: [37] And that which thou sowest,
thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it
may chance of Ýwheat, or of some other grain: [38] But God
giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed
his own body.
Ý Note that the Firstfruits Holy Day, was an offering of wheat flour _already being threshed and chaffed; of oil, and of wine. [re Lev 23:13] Christ is the fulfillment of this image. The annointing of God was upon Him, for He is Christ, the Messiah. He, being the bread of life (typed by wheat flour), was broken for us, and of the wine offering, we know, that His blood was offered up for all.
This offering was one of our... in effect, giving the Messiah back to God. Thus, on the Day of Firstfruits, when all hope wert lost...Christ, is rose from death. He is the Firstfruits of them that slept.
Then on another Sunday, 50 days following the first day that Christ arose; was another firstfruits offering not of wheat but of barley. This day is also called Pentecost, and was the day of the coming of the Holy Spirit from Acts chapter 2.
[39] All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is
one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another
of fishes, and another of birds.
There are different kinds of creature within the creation. Man, beast, fish, and bird. Likewise upwards, as creatures on earth there are bodies in the second heaven, where the stars and the planets run thier courses:
[40] There are also celestial bodies, and bodies
terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the
glory of the terrestrial is another.
[41] There is one
glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and
another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from
another star in glory.
Likewise there is glory both in the physical resurrection of Christ, and in the resurrection of His Spirit:
[42] So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is
sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: [43] It
is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in
weakness; it is raised in power: [44]
It is sown a natural
body; it is raised a spiritual body.
There is a natural
body, and there is a spiritual body.
One of wheat (natural), and one of barley (spiritual);
In Christ, the seed of wheat was sown in a natural body, and raised from death in a spiritual body.
Not that after the Resurrection Jesus wasn't physically risen (God forbid!) but that Adam is eternally, transformed in the resurrection unto eternity...along with Christ, who remains eternally the same.
[45] And so it is written, The first man Adam was
made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening
spirit.
Together, the soul and the Spirit is Christ in us, the Hope of glory. Adam reborn, and Christ alive.
[46] Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual,
but that which is natural; and afterward that which is
spiritual. [47] The first man is of the earth, earthy: the
second man is the Lord from heaven.
{Bikkurim} [48] As is
the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is
the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. [49]
And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also
bear the image of the heavenly.
{Pentecost}
And Pentecost follows the firstfruits of wheat, the day after counting off for seven weeks; on that Pentecost Sunday, was offered up the firstfruits of Barley, and later also came the Holy Spirit of God; that all-consuming fire within which we are burned, but not consumed.
[50] Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood
cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption
inherit incorruption.
And so will the corruption of man be burned away, as he ascends to glory, in the Kingdom of Heaven. to kneel at the feet of Christ. It is the child of God that inherits the Kingdom.
Subject: Acts 6:6-10
Worship:
The City Of The Lord
The City of the Lord sits on a hill,
And the people run to it.
The City of the Lord sits on a hill,
And the people run to it.
They came bringing Life,
They came bringing Love,
They came bringing Joy,
All they had to give.
They came bringing Hope,
They came bringing Truth,
They came bringing Peace,
All they had to give.
The Word:
These they presented to the apostles, who after prayer laid their hands on them.
And the message of God kept on spreading, and the number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem; and [besides] a large number of the priests were obedient to the faith [in Jesus as the Messiah, through Whom is obtained eternal salvation in the kingdom of God].
Now Steven, full of grace - divine blessing and favor - worked great wonders and signs (miracles) among the people.
However, some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen [freed Jewish slaves], as it was called, and [of the synagogues] of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians and of those from Cilicia and [the province of] Asia, arose [and undertook] to debate and dispute with Steven.
But they were not able to resist the intelligence and the wisdom and [the inspiration of] the Spirit with which he spoke.
- Acts 6:6-10
Now that the assembly of Believers selected seven men of good character, full of The Holy Spirit in order to serve tables, they were presented to the apostles, who after praying laid their hands on them. The Church can not move forward without prayer and the anointing of God resting upon each Member for service in His Kingdom! Every one of us is Called of God to "Be" A Disciple of Christ and to spread the Message of God, His Love and The Good News (Gospel) of Jesus! The number of Disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem at this time, because The Word of God was going out under The Power of the Holy Spirit and His Word will not return to Him void, but accomplishes All that He has set It forth to do, so that even the priests (in large numbers) came to Salvation In Jesus' Name. We are All Called to "Be" Kings and Priests, to obtain Eternal Life by Faith In Jesus as The Messiah and Through Him, obedience brings the Blessings of God's Kingdom.
Do you have the Divine Blessing and Favor of God? Are you full of Grace and Truth? It is by Grace you have been saved, through Faith In Jesus. His Word Is Spirit and Life! As Believers, we are commanded to be filled with The Holy Ghost and The Spirit of God Is The Spirit of Grace! Christ In you Is The Hope of Glory and Jesus Is Truth! God's Glory Is His Goodness, Mercy and Grace revealed to us In Christ Jesus! As The Good Shepherd, He goes before us in All things, He Keeps us In His Perfect and Acceptable Will for our Life In Christ Jesus and Surely His Goodness (God Is Good All the time) and Mercy (The Steadfast Love of The Lord never ceases and His Tender Mercies never come to an end) shall follow us All The Days of Our Life In Him!
However, opposition will come, because we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against powers and principalities in high places! Most often than not, it is those within our own camp, the religious and, so called "Spiritual" ones who will arise and undertake to debate and dispute with us as they did with Steven. If Jesus had problems with the Scribes and Pharisees of His Day and Steven had the Freedmen, the Cyrenians, the Alexandrians, those from Cilicia and the province of Asia, then why should we be surprised at the countless amount of Denominations, different religions and cults we have to deal with in this World we live in Today?
Jesus warned us that we would be brought before synagogue rulers, religious leaders, kings and those in power and authority, but He told us not to worry, because at that very hour His Holy Spirit would give us the proper words to speak In His Name. Steven and the six others who were chosen for service were of good repute and full of God's wisdom.
This did not come of their own doing, but they had to apply themselves to prayer, The Word of God and the inspiration of the Spirit with which they spoke. It has been said, "There is no inspiration without perspiration!" Faith without works is dead! The wisdom of this World is foolishness compared to The Things Of God and that is why Steven's debaters were unable to resist the intelligence and wisdom with which he spoke, because he spoke not as man speaks, but as one who was anointed and empowered By God Himself!
How I wish most Christians would think before opening their mouths. We are supposed to speak forth the Things of God as Oracles of God. Jesus said, "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks!" No man can tame the tongue, but God can touch a persons lips and loose their tongue to speak forth The Word of God with such power and authority as to blow aWay any opposition or competition to It! Love Is the Universal Language that Everybody can come to know, be made able to understand and Love conquers All! Whatever you are faced with Today or come up against in your Walk and Relationship with Jesus, He will get you through it! Resist the devil and he must flee from you! Stay in prayer and In The Word Of God and no one, no body, no thing (no weapon formed against you shall prosper) will be able to resist the intelligence, wisdom and the inspiration of the Spirit with which you will speak forth the things of God In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Invite everyone you know and Love to join our Christian E-Fellowship Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship
and visit:
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/f/FaithfulSource for our "Prophecy and Fulfllments" Series Today!
Rev. Mark Tross
5561 Gladstone Drive North East
Rio Rancho, NM
87144
Thank you for your prayers and gifts,
Mark and The Simple Church Fellowship Team
Subject: Sunday May 4, 2003: Acts 6:11-15
Worship:
We Are Gathering Together
We are gathering together unto Him (You), We are gathering together unto Him (You), Unto Him (You), shall the gathering of the people be.
We are gathering together unto Him (You).
The Word:
So they [secretly] instigated and instructed men to say, We have heard this man speak, using slanderous and abusive and blasphemous language against Moses and God.
[Thus] they incited the people as well as the elders and the scribes, and they came upon Steven and arrested him and took him before the council (Sanhedrin).
And they brought forward false witnesses who asserted, This man never stops making statements against this sacred place and the Law [of Moses];
For we have heard him say that this Jesus the Nazarene will tear down and destroy this place, and will alter the institutions and usages which Moses transmitted to us.
Then all who sat in the council (Sanhedrin), as they gazed intently at Steven, saw that his face [had the appearance of] the face of an angel.
- Acts 6:11-15
As Moses' face revealed the Glory of The Lord upon him, so the face of Steven appeared to his accusers to be the face of an angel! The Sanhedrin held Moses, The Temple and The Law in such high esteem that they could not see the forest from the trees. Moses told the Nation of Israel that God would send them a Prophet like himself and that they were to listen to Him or else be cut off from God altogether and Jesus warned that Their House was left desolate for they had made it a den of robbers and thieves.
Like Jesus, Steven was standing before his accusers, All who were false witnesses and liars. Satan is the father of lies and the accuser of The Brethren! I must stress once again that religious people do not necessarily have a personal relationship with God. Notice that these men secretly instigated and instructed men to say slanderous, abusive and blasphemous things against Steven who was only speaking intelligent words of wisdom by the inspiration of God's Holy Spirit. These false witnesses asserted that Steven spoke against The Temple and The Law of Moses; that Jesus would tear down and destroy their sacred place and alter the institutions and usages which Moses transmitted to them.
Jesus Is Greater than Moses and All the Angels of Heaven, but He never came to destroy the Law, but to fulfill It! All of The Law and writings of the Prophets are fulfilled In Him! HIs Body was The Temple of The Living God and as He said, It was destroyed on The Cross of Calvary where He died, He was buried, but Rose Again Unto Eternal Life and Overcame sin and death for All who would come to Believe In His Holy and Precious Name!
He is now seated at the Right Hand of God Our Heavenly Father and has poured out His Holy Spirit upon All flesh, allowing us to be The Temple of The Holy Spirit, His Body here on Earth. As much as Moses gave us the Written Word of God, Jesus Is The Living Word of God!
He came to Earth to reveal to the World what The Father was like. If you have seen Me, you have seen The Father!
Whatever is done in secret will be shouted from the house top! Here we have some religious leaders inciting the people as well as the elders and scribes to bring Steven before the Sanhedrin. All we like sheep have gone astray, but these are, so called "sheep" of God's hand falsely accusing a man of God who is full of His Spirit and Wisdom. Once brought before the council, who sat in judgement against him, they gazed intently at Steven, they stared him down, but all they could find in his face was the appearance of an angel. How much like Jesus, Steven was. What was it like for Pilate, King Herod, The High Priest and others to look into the Face of Jesus, The Face Of God Himself In human flesh?
Like Steven, as Children of the Most High God, we "are" made in the Image of God and are constantly being brought from Grace to Grace and Glory to Glory! When people look at you, do they see Jesus?
Do you "have" your Father's Eyes?
I can almost see Your Holiness as I look around This Place. With my hands stretched out to Receive Your Love, I Can See You On Each Face. Spirit of God lift me up! Spirit of God lift me up! Fill me again with Your Love, Sweet Spirit of God!
Do you have people who secretly instigate against you? Perhaps they heard you speak forth the Things of God, The Truths of God's Word, but accuse you of slander, abuse and blasphemy against Moses and God. Many may rise up against you, but God Is Our Rock! He Is Our Defense! Maybe the Elders within your own Church are against you.
Positions and Titles mean nothing when appointed by men. We Must Obey God!
The Scribes who came against Steven were learned men who studied the Scriptures daily, but without The Spirit Of God within them to "give" them Eternal Life, quicken their spirit and open their eyes to see Wonderful Things In God's Word, revealing HIs Truth and The Revelation of Christ Jesus as Messiah and Savior of the World, they were lost, children of the devil and not Children of God. Unfortunately there are still many who are looking to arrest the Spirit of God in the Life of Believers Today by putting heavy burdens, man made rules and regulations upon others, rather than allowing the freedom that comes by Faith In Jesus to set us Free Indeed!
Jesus The Nazarene has brought down the dividing wall of Jew and Gentile! We "are" One In The Spirit and One In The Lord! No male or female. We are not under The Law, for Christ fulfilled It, but we are to uplift The Law of Liberty In Jesus' Name and Live by The Laws of Love, Loving God, Loving your neighbor as yourself and Loving One Another as Christ has Loved us! As much as Moses transmitted to the Nation of Israel The Commandments of God, we are to be receivers of Jesus, His Love and transmit to All Nations and Peoples, The Good News of Salvation In His Name! We are seated in Heavenly Places In Christ Jesus and as His Disciples we should be Gazing Intently At Him, as The Author and Finisher of Our Faith. Jesus said, "If You have Seen Me then you have Seen The Father!" When people see you do they see [the appearance of] Jesus? We "are" Called to "be" Messengers of God (angels) and to bring the essence of Christ where ever we go. If someone accused you of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you in a court of Law?
Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His Wonderful Face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in The Light Of His Glory and Grace!
Closing Prayer:
Father, Make me like You, Lord. I ask that when people look over my should that they would see Jesus. In my Life, Lord, Be Glorified Today! Bless me, so that I may bless others, keep me and cause Your Face to Shine Upon me In Jesus' Holy and Precious Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Invite everyone you know and Love to join our Christian E-Fellowship Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship
and visit:
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/f/FaithfulSource for our "Prophecy and Fulfillments" Series Today!
Copyright 2003-2010
All Rights Reserved.
Rev. Mark Tross
5561 Gladstone Drive North East
Rio Rancho, NM
87144
USA
Thank you for your prayers and giving,
Mark and The Simple Church Fellowship Team
Subject: Acts
Worship:
His Banner Over Me Is Love
Jesus is the Rock of my salvation,
His banner over me is love.
Jesus is the Rock of my salvation,
His banner over me is love.
Jesus is the Rock of my salvation,
His banner over me is love.
His banner over me is love.
Additional Verses:
2. He brought me to His banqueting table, His banner over me is love
3. He clothed me with His robe of righteousness, His banner over me is love=
4. He gave me peace through the power of the cross, His banner over me is l= ove
5. And now I am a new creation, His banner over me is love
6. There's therefore now no condemnation, His banner over me is love
7. He's gone to make a place for me, His banner over me is love
8. While I wait, His voice I'll heed, His banner over me is love
The Word:
AND the high priest asked [Stephen], Are these charges true?
And he answered, Brethren and fathers, listen to me. The God of glory appea= red to our forefather Abraham, when he was still in Mesopotamia, before he [= went to] live in Haran.
[Ps. 29:3; Gen. 11:31; 15:7].
And he said to him, Leave your own country and your relatives and come into= the land (region) that I will point out to you. [Gen. 12:1.]
So then he went forth from the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. = And from there, after his father died [God] transferred him to this country = in which you are now dwelling.
[Gen. 11:31; 15:7; 12:5.]
Yet He gave him no inheritable property in it, [no] not even enough ground = to set his foot on; but He promised that he would give it to him for a perma= nent possession and to his descendants after him, [even though as yet] he ha= d no child.
[Deut. 2:5; Gen. 12:7; 17:8.]
- Acts 7:1-5
If you were ever charged with a crime for being a Christian, would there be= enough evidence to convict you? Stephen, who had the face of an angel, was =
guilty as charged! He stood up for The Truth (Jesus Is The Way, Truth and Li= fe) in the face of death, but not without first giving one of the greatest s= ermons ever preached. In Acts Chapter 7, we have one of the most complete te= achings about the history of The Nation of Israel and The Church as a whole,=
beginning with Abraham, Our Father of Faith.
Each of us are just passing through, our life is but a breath. We were born= in sin, because of the fall of Adam and need God to set us free from a life= of bondage. All human life is God's Creation, but we only become Sons and D=
aughters of God when we are Born-Again, Born of The Holy Spirit, Born of God= by Faith In Christ Jesus! Not only was Stephen making it clear to his liste=
ners (he who has ears to hear, let them hear what The Spirit Is Saying to Th= e Church Today) that God appeared to Abraham, but The Word of God tells us t= hat God appeared to All Humankind in the Person of Jesus Christ! God does no= t only show up, but He Speaks to His Chosen People and the World through His=
Son.
Many times it feels like you are all alone in your Christian walk and relat= ionship with God, because we are forever leaving things behind us, called aW= ay from friends, family and even the places where we live and are most comfo= rtable, but only so that we can be sanctified, set aside to be used of God t=
o fulfill His Plan, Purposes and be given the desires of our heart In Him. H= e never, ever leaves us alone or forsakes us. Jesus promises that He Will Be=
With us AlWays, even unto the end of the ages. Imagine what was going throu= gh Abraham's mind when God told him all these things. What is going through = your's? God says to us Today, I Will point The Way!
Have you gone forth In Faith? Are you settled in a place where God does not= want you? Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it cannot b=
ring forth new life, so until we die to our "self," live the Crucified Life = In Christ, we cannot experience the Resurrection Life In Jesus' Name.
In Abr= aham's case, his father had to die before God could transfer him to "this" c= ountry, but as Christians, Our Heavenly Father sent His One and Only Begotte= n to die on The Cross of Calvary, so that we could be transformed, renewed a= nd seated in heavenly places In Christ. God Is Our Dwelling Place and we "Ar= e" Citizens of Heaven! The New Jerusalem Is Our Home and we "Are" of The Com= monwealth of Israel!
Like the Levitical Priests, we as Kings and Priests of The Most High God fi= nd our inheritance In Him. Jesus Is Our City of Refuge, our Stronghold, Savi= or and Our God! You can pick up a daily newspaper and read of the present co= nflicts over land in Israel, but The Word of God, which will Never fade aWay=
and endures Forever tells us that The Lord promised The Land of Israel as a= permanent possession to Abraham and his descendants after him. Isaac had no=
t yet been born, but Abraham, being a Man of Faith, walked by that Faith and= not by sight!
Perhaps you have been given a Hope (Hope will not disappoint us), dream, vi= sion (without vision God's People perish) or a Word of God, Word of Wisdom, = Word of Knowledge, but have yet seen His Promises come to birth in and throu= gh your life. God Is Faithful and Jesus Never Fails! God has given us All HI= s Word, Will, Way, Holy Spirit and Name, so that we can be More than Conquer= ors In Christ Jesus! Let the dead bury the dead, but you, leave everything b= ehind, lighten your load and move ahead In God's Plan and Purposes for your = Life In Him! Stand up, stand up for Jesus, whether at home, work or play. He=
Is Our High Priest and we must All answer to Him someday for what we did an= d didn't do.
Whatever He Is Calling you to, do it! You will not be disappoin= ted and everywhere you go, where ever your foot touches the ground, He Will = Give you that Land, that Place In Jesus' Name.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Invite everyone you know and Love to join= our Christian E-Fellowship Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship .
Copyright 2003-2012
All Rights Reserved.
Please, prayerfully consider sending a check or money order for our Churche= s and Orphanages in Africa, India, Cuba, Pakistan, Bulgaria and Nepal Today = to:
Rev. Mark Tross
5561 Gladstone Drive North East
Rio Rancho, NM
87144
and be sure to write in the memo section which country you want 100% of your tax exempt contribution to be designated.
Thank you for your prayers and giving,
Mark and The Simple Church Fellowship Team
Subject: Acts 7:6-10
Worship:
WE FALL DOWN
We fall down, we lay our crowns at the feet of Jesus
The greatness of mercy and love at the feet of Jesus
And we cry holy, holy, holy
And we cry holy, holy, holy
And we cry holy, holy, holy is the
Lamb
TAG ENDING
Holy, holy, holy is the Lamb
The Word:
And this is [in effect] what God told him:
That his descendants would be aliens (sojourners) in a land belonging to other people, who would bring them into bondage and ill-treat them four hundred years.
But I will judge the nation to whom they shall be slaves, said God, and after that they shall escape and come forth and worship Me in this [very] place. [Gen. 15:13, 14; Exod. 3:12.]
And [God] made with Abraham a covenant - agreement to be religiously observed - of which circumcision was the seal. And under these circumstances [Abraham] became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac [did so] when he became the father of Jacob, and Jacob [when each of his sons was born], the twelve patriarchs. [Gen. 17:10-14; 21:2-4; 25:26; 29:31-35; 30:1-24; 35:16-26.]
And the patriarchs [Jacob's sons] boiling with envy and hatred and anger, sold Joseph into slavery in Egypt; but God was with him, [Gen. 37:11, 28; 45:4.]
And delivered him from all his distressing afflictions, and won him goodwill and favor and wisdom and understanding in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who made him governor over Egypt and all his house. [Gen. 39:2, 3, 21; 41:40-46; Ps. 105:21.]
How do you get the entire history of the Jewish People from Abraham to Jesus in one easy lesson? Read Acts Chapter 7.
Abraham was certainly a man of Great Faith to take another step after what God had told him about future events regarding his descendants after him. As Children of Faith, Children of God, we too are pilgrims, aliens, sojourners in a land not our own, because Heaven Is our Home. We are sometimes in bondage and ill-treated, but Jesus breaks the chains that bind, sets us Free Indeed and is with us through it All, no matter what!
Whatever it is you may be going through Today, know that He Is With you, even to the end of the ages. You might be in the fire or the flood, but He Will Get you Through it, work All Things Together for your Good (and His). God will judge the Nations and All that have held you in captivity, If you are in sin, then you are in bondage, serving satan and his wage is death, but if you are In Jesus, then you shall escape judgement, come forth as gold and His Gift Is Eternal Life In Christ!
Why was Moses sent of God to Pharaoh?
"Let My People Go, so that they may Worship Me!" says the Lord. Jesus has set us free from the laws of sin and death, so that we can Worship Him In Spirit and Truth! Like the Covenant God made with Abraham (an agreement to be religiously observed), Jesus brought in The New Covenant, sealed with His Blood. While circumcision of the flesh was the seal of the First Covenant, circumcision of the heart by the Holy Spirit is the sign of The New, but both agreements were fashioned by God and carried out by Faith In Him and His Precious Word. As Abraham passed down his covenant with God from generation to generation, so we are to pass on God's Covenant of Love to our children, grandchildren, All Nations and Peoples. Just as Isaac and Jacob were born of natural descent to Abraham, we are to be born-again, born from above by the Spirit of God and pass It on as Sons, and Daughters of God.
We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but as Believers, we do wrestle. Paul the Apostle wrote of his own personal struggles and the Bible clearly points out the frailties of All mankind. The Word of God clearly points out our faults, no one is perfect and nobody is really "Good", but God Alone. Even the Patriarchs [Jacob's sons] struggled with envy, hatred and anger, but it was Joseph that paid the price for their sin. All have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God (His Goodness, Loving-Kindness, Tender Mercies, Grace and Favor), but Jesus, The Lamb of God has taken aWay the sins of the World, had Mercy on us and Granted us His Peace! We were sold into slavery, bound up in sin, but He paid the debt we could not pay, redeemed and delivered us.
Jesus went through the distress and afflictions of The Cross, the most violent of deaths to win us The Victory In His Holy and Precious Name!
We "are" In His GoodWill, His Grace Is Sufficient for us. He Is The Wisdom of God and has bestowed upon us His Word, Name and Holy Spirit to lead and guide us into All Truth and Understanding. In His Sight we "are" pure, holy and blameless. In His rising from the dead, His Resurrection Life, we "are" Kings and Priests of The Most High God. He has "given" us dominion over All, because He has conquered All and we "are" more than conquerors In His Name! Moses was found to be Faithful in All of God's House. God Is Faithful and Jesus Never Fails!
There is a lost and dying World out there that does not Know Him. Famine is in the land, with great distress, but we can bring Living Waters to the desert. With no "real" Spiritual Food or sustenance mankind will perish, because we do not live by bread alone, but God's Word Is Spirit and Life (Eternal, Everlasting, Abundant). We Must be found Faithful In All His House and bring the Gospel of God, The Message of Faith to All In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Invite everyone you know and Love to join our Christian E-Fellowship Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/faithfulsource
Today!
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Thank you for your prayers and giving,
Mark and The Faithful Source Team
Subject: Acts 7:11-16
Worship:
CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART
Search me O God and know my heart;
Try me and know my anxious thoughts
And see if there be any wicked way in me And lead me in the everlasting way!
Create in me a clean heart, oh God,
And renew a right spirit with - in me.
Create in me a clean heart, oh God,
And renew a right spirit with - in me.
Cast me not away from Your presence, oh Lord, And take not Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation, And renew a right spirit with - in me.
The Word:
Then there came a famine over all of Egypt and Canaan, with great distress, and our forefathers could find no fodder [for the cattle] or vegetable sustenance [for their households]. [Gen. 41:54, 55; 42:5.]
But when Jacob heard that there was
grain in Egypt, he sent forth our forefathers [to go there on their] first trip. [Gen. 42:2.]
And on their second visit Joseph revealed [himself] to his brothers, and the family of Joseph became known to Pharaoh, and his origin and race. [Gen. 45:1-4.]
And Joseph sent an invitation calling to himself Jacob his father and all his kindred, seventy-five persons in all. [Gen. 45:9, 10.]
And Jacob went down into Egypt, where he himself died, as did [also] our forefathers; [Deut. 10:22.]
And their bodies were taken back to Shechem and laid in the tomb which Abraham had purchased for a sum of silver money from the sons of Hamor in Shechem. [Josh. 24:32; Gen. 50:13.]
Feeling kind of dry in your Spiritual walk and relationship with God? Is there a famine in your land? Are you searching for Love in All the wrong places, coming up empty and unfulfilled?
Our Heavenly Father has food for us to eat that the World knows nothing of, He supplies rivers of Living Water in the driest of deserts and Light in the darkness. You can feed you body and feed your mind, but Only God can Feed your Soul with the Sustenance It Needs to Overcome this present World we live in. Only In God will your Soul find Rest and In Jesus Is our Salvation. When you are in distress, He Provides The Way out and supplies All of your needs according to His Riches In Glory!
Stephen is continuing his discourse before the high priest, Sanhedrin (the council), other witnesses, you and me. In The Word Of God we find deliverance from All our afflictions, we win goodwill, favor, Grace, Wisdom and Understanding In The Sight Of God and man for All of our households. We should learn from our mistakes and the triumphs of others.
All Scripture was written for our instruction and edification, so we can grow from image to image, Grace to Grace and Glory to Glory as we study the Life of our forefathers, Jacob, Joseph, his brothers, Abraham and others throughout human history. The fulfillment of prophecy and the Promise of God kept the Hebrew People (God's Chosen Ones) focused, allowed them to increase and multiply in Egypt, so that Pharaoh and the World would come to Know their God!
When Jesus first came to this Earth, He came to His Own, but they Knew Him not. Upon His Second Coming (His second visit) He Will Reveal HImself to His People (The Nation of Israel) and the whole human race. The Word of God says that they will look on Him Who they have pierced, the whole World will Know and See Jesus as The Crucified Savior and King of Kings! Every knee will bow and tongue confess that Jesus Christ Is Lord!
The invitation calling the World to Himself and His Father has been sent to All of mankind by and through the ministry of The Holy Spirit Who convicts and convinces us to repent. The Kingdom of God Is at hand, drawing nearer, more-so now than when we first believed!
Have you told your family, All your kindred, friends, co-workers, neighbors, associates, acquaintances, classmates, All Nations and Peoples of The Love of God and The Good News of Jesus? When Faithful Source was first started in October of 2001, It was mailed out to seventy-five persons in All. Today we reach well over 48,000 people around the World on a regular basis, pray for and financially support Missionaries, Churches, Orphanages and various Works of God in Africa, India, Cuba, Pakistan, Bulgaria and Nepal. The Life of Joseph teaches us that one man and God can make a World of difference.
Jacob went down to Egypt, where he died, but God used him mightily and changed his name to Israel! Come! Let us go up to The Mountain Of The Lord, to The House Of The God Of Jacob! For He Is Our God, we "are" The People of His Pasture and The Sheep of His Hand! By Faith, like Abraham (formally known as Abram), we should go and do whatever The Lord leads us to. Sometimes going down (like Phillip's going down to the desert road as commanded by The Holy Spirit) can lead us to higher ground.
When we humble our "self" in The Sight Of The Lord, He lifts us up! Jacob died to him "self" and the Nation of Israel was delivered from bondage, he died and was buried, but lives forever In The Word of God, by Faith In Messiah! You and I as Believers In Jesus are Called of God to Live the Crucified Life, to be baptized Into Christ, washed in The Blood of The Lamb and Receive Eternal Life In His Holy Name! As Sons and Daughters of God, we "have" The Victory over sin and death, The Victory In Jesus! We "are" The Body of Christ, He Is Risen from the tomb, we have been purchased with His Precious Blood, Redeemed and He has set us Free Indeed! Stephen's Story of Redemption is not over yet! We Must stand before others and tell God's Story with the same boldness of heart under the Anointing of God's Holy Spirit! He has "given" us His Word and His Holy Spirit, so let us Go to All Nations and Peoples In Jesus' Name! Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Invite Everyone you know and Love to join our Christian E-Fellowship Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship
Today!
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Thank you for your prayers and giving,
Mark and The Faithful Source Team
Subject: Acts 7:17-21
Worship:
SALVATION
Salvation, spring up from the ground
Lord, rend the heavens and come down
Seek the lost and heal the lame
Jesus, bring glory to Your name
SECTION 2
Let all the prodigals run home
All of creation waits and groans
Lord, we've heard of Your great fame
Father, cause all to shout Your name
VERSE
Stir up our hearts, O God
Open our spirits to awe who You are
Put a cry in us
So deep inside that we cannot find
The words we need
We just weep
And cry out to You
The Word:
But [in proportion] as the time for the fulfillment of the promise drew near, which God had made to Abraham, the [Hebrew] people increased and multiplied in Egypt,
Until [the time when] there arose over Egypt another and a different king who did not know Joseph - his history and services, and did not recognize his merits. [Exod. 1:7, 8.]
He dealt treacherously with and defrauded our race; he abused and oppressed our forefathers, forcing them to expose their babes so that they might not be kept alive. [Exod. 1:7-11, 15-22.]
At this juncture Moses was born, and was exceedingly beautiful in God's sight; for three months he was nurtured in his father's house; [Exod. 2:2.]
Then when he was exposed [to perish], the daughter of Pharaoh rescued him and took him and reared him as her own son. [Exod. 2:5, 6, 10.]
- Acts 7:17-21
Here we enter into Stephen's telling of Moses who was literally revered and worshipped by the Jewish People. The Book of Hebrews tells us that Jesus is far greater than Moses (even though he was found Faithful In God's House), he told The Nation of Israel that God would send a Prophet like him to them and that they should listen to Him and Obey His Word!
The Christ, The Messiah, The Anointed One, Jesus Is The Promise Of God to All of mankind. When the fulness of time had come, God sent His One and Only Begotten Son into the World to save sinners (All have sinned and fallen short of The Glory Of God, His Goodness, Mercy and Grace). Throughout history, as with Joseph in Egypt, there have been different kings (even Today) who do not "Know" Jesus, the service He has done for All of humanity and do not recognize His Merits. Apart from Him we can do nothing! He Is The King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
As God's Chosen People, Professing Christians, Believers In Jesus, we are to increase, be fruitful and multiply (and we're not talking calculators here). Not only should The Church, The Body Of Christ Jesus, God's Representatives on Earth, Ambassadors For Christ be growing in numbers, SOULS, but we should be investing our time and money into The Kingdom Of God, using All of the Gifts and Talents that God has bestowed upon us to bring Unity, Equip the Saints for Service and Fulfill His Great Commission To us! Are you growing from Image to Image, Grace to Grace and Glory to Glory? Daily we should be changing into His Image, The Perfect Man, Christ Jesus. Like a tree planted by His Streams of Living Water, our Soul should be longing after Him. Is He your heart's desire?
You may be dealt with treacherously, defrauded, defamed, abused (mentally, physically, Spiritually, emotionally, financially, sexually or completely), oppressed on every side, forced to do things that you don't want to or might even be sent to your death (DO NOT for one minute think that people around the World Today are not being persecuted and even crucified for their Faith). As the babies were slaughtered at the command of Herod during the time of Jesus, Moses' life was spared for God's use, but many other children lost their Life.
Notice how verse 20 speaks of "the juncture" when Moses was born? Each and Every One of us has a time in our Life when we are given a choice, a chance to make a decision for Christ and whether we take it or not determines our Eternal, Everlasting destiny. Moses' Mother and Father made a conscious decision to disobey Pharaoh's edict and follow the Word, Will and Way Of God Almighty! Although we are subject to the authorities of the land in which we live and should be good citizens, we are to be obedient to the Lord. The Word Of God tells us to obey our parents and such, so that things will go well with us, but only as much as the people over us are "In The Lord Jesus." As a type of Christ, Moses was beautiful In The Eyes Of The Lord and for three months was nurtured in his father's house. Jesus, The Son Of God Is Beautiful, Wonderful and Marvelous in our eyes. Remember when He was a child and went to Jerusalem to Worship at The Temple during The Feast with His Mother, Mary and His (Step) Father, Joseph? Jesus was alWays busy doing His Heavenly Father's Works and Being About His Father's Business In His Father's House. God Is Faithful and Jesus Never Fails!
The Bible tells us to forsake not the assembling of the brethren. God's House Is To Be A House Of Prayer For All Nations And Peoples! Like a Mother hen, Jesus wants to gather you under His Wings and nurture you. In Jesus, you "are" Exceedingly Beautiful In Your Heavenly Father's Sight, Pure, Holy, Blameless and His Beloved Child. You may be exposed to the elements of this present World (natural and Spiritual), but Jesus came to Earth to rescue you, redeem you and restore you to a right relationship with God. He wants to take you into His Loving Arms, His Everlasting Arms and rear you as His Very Own. God has sent forth The Spirit Of His Son, Jesus into our hearts, so that we could cry unto Him, Abba (Daddy), Father and we "are" Born-Again Of His Holy Spirit, Of His Love as His Sons and Daughters. We "are" His Own, so let us go forward In Him to reach the lost and dying of this World with His Love and Good News In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Invite
Everyone you know and Love to join our Christian E-Fellowship Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship
Today!
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
\
Subject: Acts 5:36-42
Worship:
O Come Let Us Worship
O come let us worship and bow down.
Let us kneel before the Lord our maker.
For truly he is God, and we are the people of his pasture.
We are the sheep of his hand.
Come let us sing for joy to the Lord.
Let us come before his throne.
With thanksgiving in our hearts,
and joyful psalms for him. [chorus]
The depths of the earth are at his
fingertips.
The tallest peaks belong to him.
For the Lord is a great God.
King above all gods.
For he is King, King.
King above all gods.
And he is Lord, Lord
Lord of all the earth. [2X]
[repeat chorus.]
The Word:
For before our time there arose Theudas, asserting himself to be a person of importance, with whom a number of men allied themselves, about four hundred; but he was killed and all who had listened to and adhered to him were scattered and brought to nothing.
And after this one, rose up Judas the Galilean, [who led an uprising] during the time of the census and drew away a popular following after him; he also perished and all his adherents were scattered.
Now in the present case let me say to you, stand off (withdraw) from these men and let them alone. For if this doctrine or purpose or undertaking or movement is of human origin, it will fail - be overthrown and come to nothing;
But if it is of God, you will not be able to stop or overthrow or destroy them; you might even be found fighting against God!
So, convinced by him they took his advise, and summoning the apostles they flogged them and sternly forbade them to speak in or about the name of Jesus, and allowed them to go.
So they went out from the presence of the council (Sanhedrin), rejoicing that they were being counted worthy - dignified by the indignity - to suffer shame and be exposed to disgrace for [the sake of] His name.
Yet [in spite of the threats] they never ceased for a single day both in the temple area and at home to teach and to proclaim the good news (Gospel) of Jesus [as] the Christ, the Messiah.
- Acts 5:36-42
Are you rejoicing Today? Have you come out from the Presence of Almighty God and been counted Worthy - dignified - by His Grace In The Name of Jesus, The Anointed One? Do you Teach and Proclaim the Love of God and the Good News of Jesus as Lord and Savior of All without ceasing every single day of your Christian Life? Each of us, All of us as Believers are Called of God to be His Disciples, Disciples of Christ, Anointed by the Holy Spirit, Empowered and Enabled to Declare the Whole Doctrine, Purpose, Undertaking and Movement concerning The Eternal Life which Christ Revealed! Fear Not! No weapon formed against us shall prosper, in spite of the threats and opposition, we will not and can not fail - be overthrown or come to nothing; nothing and no one will be able to stop or destroy us, because the battle is the Lord's, it's His fight, He goes before us in All things and we "have" the Victory In Jesus! God Is Faithful And Jesus Never, Ever Fails!
Before our time there were many who came and asserted themselves as persons of great importance, self proclaimed Messiahs. They drew numbers of followers, men who allied themselves to them, adhered to and listened to their every word, yet as popular as they became, they eventually were killed, died or perished, all were scattered and their works of human origin (or Satanic) were brought to nothing. Jesus warned us that others would come proclaiming to be "The Christ" but, we were not to listen to or follow them! The Apostles and Disciples once responded to Jesus after many had left and walked aWay from Him, "Where can we go, for You have The Words Of Eternal Life!" His Holy and Precious Word (The Bible) Is Spirit and Life! Many will come to Him on That Day and say, "Lord, Lord," but He will say, "Depart from Me! I never knew you!" We are to be Walking In the Straight and Narrow Way and not the road or highWay to death and destruction on which Many, Many are heading in the wrong direction. Even in most recent years we have All known and seen men and women of God (or at least they appeared to be in most outward forms) who have stumbled, fallen and unfortunately brought down major ministries along with countless followers. These situations and circumstances have allowed countless numbers of people to question God and His Name and Honor were tarnished. If you are a Member of a Church, Temple, Group or any type of Ministry Organization in which the Word of God is not held up to the highest standard, if the leadership is not Walking According to the Will of God and In His Way then withdraw yourself from them. As a Believer, if you are in The Word daily, in prayer, communion and fellowship with The Father and The Son then His Holy Spirit Will Lead and Guide you to where He Wants you to "Be." Do not follow or align yourself with any self proclaimed, self appointed man or woman of God or they will draw you aWay from God's Perfect and acceptable Will for your Life In Christ Jesus! Do NOT Listen to man's word, but God's!
Today, If you hear His Voice, Harden Not Your Heart! In our present case it is clear that we want to bring Unity to the Body of Christ Jesus, Equip the Saints for Service in The Kingdom of God (which Is Righteousness, Peace and Joy In The Holy Ghost) and Fulfill The Great Commission by bringing the Love of God and the Good News (Gospel) of Jesus to All Nations and Peoples! This is NOT of human origin, but is Born of the Very Heart, Mind, Soul and Spirit of The Most High God! Ain't no stopping us now, were on the move! Fight the Good Fight of Faith! If God be for us (and He Is) then who can be or come against us and succeed?
Convinced by the words of Gamaliel, the Sanhedrin still chose to flog the Apostles, they were forbidden to speak in or about The Name of Jesus, but they decided to obey God rather than men.
What will you decide? The choice is ours Today as well, whether we go out to preach, teach and heal as Jesus did or just attend services, have home Bible studies, sing worship songs (it's one thing to sing and quite another to Worship The Lord In Spirit And Truth) or just plain play Church overall. Be Real with God and yourself! Be yourself In Him as He Created you to Go, Do and "Be"! Pray without ceasing and from here on out for every single day of your Life In Christ, Proclaim Him as the Christ, the Messiah In Jesus' Name.
Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In HIm, Mark
All Faithful Source Messages can be
found at:
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/f/FaithfulSource for our "Prophecy and Fulfillments" Series Today!
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts 7:22-26
Worship:
I'M COMING BACK TO THE HEART
VERSE 1
When the music fades
And all is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that's of worth
That will bless your heart
BRIDGE
I'll bring you more than song,
For a song itself
Is not what you have required.
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart
VERSE 2
King of endless worth,
No one could express,
How much You deserve.
Though I'm weak and poor,
All I have is Yours
Every single breath!
CHORUS
I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You,
All about You, Jesus.
I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it.
When it's all about You.
It's all about You.
The Word:
So Moses was educated in all the wisdom and culture of the Egyptians, and he was mighty (powerful) in his speech and deeds.
And when he was in his fortieth year, it came into his heart to visit his kinsmen the children of Israel with help and to care for them.
And on seeing one of them being unjustly treated, he defended the oppressed man and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian and slaying [him].
He expected his brethren to understand that God was granting them deliverance by his hand - taking it for granted that they would accept him; but they did not understand.
Then on the next day he suddenly appeared to some who were quarrelling and fighting among themselves, and he urged them to make peace and become reconciled, saying, Men, you are brethren; why do you abuse and wrong one another?
- Acts 7:22-26
I'm not one to start a Message with So and end with a question, but Stephen is continuing here with his final Sermon (I Hope you'll All be a little more tolerant with me :) I hope when each of you "daily" read The Word of God that you will seek and search for Jesus, The Living Word of God In Every Word. So, please, sit back and relax (but, do pay close attention) as we walk through this most valuable portion of Holy Scripture.
Are your Spiritual eyes opened, heart and mind ready to receive? (So & ?)
The most educated human on the face of this planet is a "fool" (God's Word not mine) compared to The Wisdom and Knowledge made available to All who Believe In Jesus. No matter what your cultural background or heritage may be, Jesus Loves you and wants to Use you to reach the World and further His Kingdom, but it All must be done In His Timing, according to His Word, Will and Way. He died, so that we could Live His Life here on Earth, not in our own strength (not by our own might or power, but by His Holy Spirit working In and Through our Life), but by using His Word and Precious Name. Moses was powerful in his position in Egypt and from what we can see in this passage of Scripture, also in his speech and deeds. Forty years after this incident, while on the back of a mountain, shepherding sheep in the desert, humbled before God, Moses was given a great commission to Go to Egypt and tell Pharaoh to Let God's Chosen People Free, so that they could Worship Him! Moses told God that he was slow of speech. What's your excuse?
Like Jesus, Moses as a type of Christ / Messiah, using The Wisdom of God, His Might, Power, Word and Deed set God's People Free!
He who The Son Sets FREE "Is" FREE INDEED!
Every Believer "Is" Called Of God to Worship Him In Spirit and Truth! As we delight our"self" In The Lord, He "Gives" us the desires of our heart. Like Moses, each and every one of us has something that comes into our heart, to visit our kinsmen (Brothers and Sisters In Jesus), The Children of Israel, The Children Of God with help and to care for them. We are All Commanded to GO! Help those who are less fortunate than us, lost, dying, to care for them and meet All of their needs according to His Riches In Glory.
Do you see the World through God's Eyes? On seeing others unjustly treated or oppressed, do you seek to defend and avenge them? When we deal with situations and things in our own way and timing we can bring death and destruction, but when we do things In God's Timing and Way, we bring Healing and Life In His Name. As Christians, we are not to strike or lash out at others.
"Vengeance Is Mine!" says The Lord. The World will know that we "are" Christians by our Love.
Jesus came to HIs Own, but they knew Him not. Are you frustrated and sometimes disgusted that others do not accept the fact or understand that God has "granted" Deliverance to others by your hand in Jesus' Holy Name? Is there quarrelling and fighting among Members of your Church, Group or Organization?
Only In Jesus is there True Peace and Reconciliation. I would go as far to say that we All "have" the Ministry Of Reconciliation (It's In The Book) and if we, as Believers, confessing Christians are not walking In The Unity Of The Holy Spirit and His Purposes then we are walking in the flesh :(
Why do we abuse and wrong one another? We "are" Brothers and Sisters In Jesus (if we "are" In Jesus), no matter what the name on the building you meet in says. Even the Disciples bickered amongst each other from time to time and Jesus would ask, "Are you still so dull?" I urge you All to pray for The Peace Of Israel, The Peace Of God which passes All Understanding to rule and reign in your heart and mind In Christ Jesus! His Peace, He has left with us to overcome the World In Jesus' Name.
Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Title. Subject: Acts 7:27-32
Worship:
SEND YOUR FIRE
Send Your fire, send Your rain;
Holy oil in Jesus' name.
Loose the wind that brings heaven's change; Send the fire, send the oil, the wind and rain.
Nation to nation, tribe by tribe;
Person to person, for whom my Jesus died.
Speaking out Your Word,
Holy Spirit, be my Guide;
As we wait upon You, Lord,
We will go forth in Your name, O Lord.
(chorus)
Touched by the fire, touched by the flame; Warmed by the Spirit, like the summer's gentle rain.
Preaching such a message
We have power to proclaim;
As we wait upon You, Lord,
We will go forth in Your name, O Lord.
The Word:
Whereupon the man who was abusing his neighbor pushed [Moses] aside, saying, Who appointed you a ruler (umpire) and a judge over us?
Do you intend to slay me as you slew the Egyptian yesterday?
At that reply Moses sought safety by flight, and he was an exile and an alien in the country of Midian, where he became the father of two sons. [Exod. 2:11-15, 22; 18:3, 4.]
And when forty years had gone by, there appeared to him in the wilderness (desert) of Mount Sinai an angel, in the flame of a burning bramble-bush.
When Moses say it he was astonished and marvelled at the sight; but when he went close to investigate, there came to him the voice of the Lord, saying,
I am the God of your forefathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob.
And Moses trembled and was so terrified that he did not venture to look.
- Acts 7:27-32
Jesus came to His Own, but They Knew Him NOT! Who appointed Him the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? We pushed Him aside and wondered, Who made Him Ruler (Umpire) and The Judge Over us?
The Word Of God tells us, There Is One Mediator Between God and man, The Man Christ Jesus! Jesus Himself says, "No man can come to The Father, but By (and Through) Me." Anyone who listens to and recognizes you as A Child Of God, A Son or Daughter Of The Most High God, Receives and Believes (In and On) Jesus as Lord. Great Is their reward In Heaven!
Those who reject Jesus, reject The Father!
The Religious Leaders of Jesus' Day were laying heavy loads upon the backs of the people, man made rules and regulations, but Jesus bears ALL of our burdens and takes aWay ALL of our sin. His Commandments are NOT cumbersome for us, but they set us FREE INDEED!
Love God and One another. This Is "The "simple" Truth."
Many (even in the so-called "Christian" World Today) think and believe that God (Our Father Who Art In Heaven) is out to get them, intending to slay them, cause them harm and just wanting to punish them or hold them back from obtaining their lifelong hopes and dreams, but He Loves us and wants to bring us into a Right Relationship With Him. God wants to help us reach the highest of heights, fill us up to overflowing, allow us to Live The Abundant Life, Free of fear, bring Healing to our Soul and have us Experientially Know His Life Of True, Everlasting Love. Joy, Peace (Shalom), Patience, Fullness, Wholeness, Faith, Hope and God's Richest Blessings "are" ours In Jesus, but in order to Receive ALL of His Glory (Goodness, Mercy and Grace) into our Life, we MUST submit to His Authority.
Just as Jesus was brought into the desert by The Holy Spirit, Moses had some lessons to learn (Alone With God). Our Safety Is In Jesus, He Is our Strong Tower. When we need a "City of Refuge," we can run To Him. In this World, we "are" aliens, exiles, sojourners, travelers, pilgrims, because we "are" just passing through, on our Way To Glory. Heaven Is our Home, we "are" citizens of The Commonwealth Of Israel and The New Jerusalem "Is" our destination. Come!
Let us Go UP (no matter where you are in this World, Jerusalem "Is" AlWays UP) to The Mountain Of The Lord, To The House Of The God Of Jacob, for He "Is" our God and we "are" The People Of His Pasture, The Sheep Of His Hand.
Moses was a Shepherd in Midian for forty years before God actually appeared to him in the wilderness (desert) of Mount Sinai. Perhaps you "feel" as if you are stuck on the backside of a mountain somewhere, lost in the wilderness of despair, in a dry and weary land, but God Remembers you, He has NOT forgotten you and He'll Never, Ever Leave or Forsake you. A fire "is" forever burning, our God "Is" A Consuming Fire, His Holy Spirit (The Hounddog Of Heaven) is forever pursuing you, Calling you To Communion and Fellowship In Jesus and with other Believers around the World. He wants us to Unite The Body Of Christ, Equip The Saints For Service In His Kingdom, set the captives FREE, Preach, Teach and Heal In Jesus' Holy and Precious Name. Look Unto HIm As The Author And Finisher Of your Faith!
Moses was astonished and marvelled at "the sight." Have you turned your eyes Upon Jesus, Looked Full In His Wonderful Face? Do you search In and Through God's Word as if trying to find a lost treasure? Look close and investigate God's "Love Letter" to you, take heed and listen to The Voice Of His Spirit. Draw closer to God and He Will Draw Even Closer To you. He "Is" The God of our forefathers (those who have gone before us In Faith), The God Of Abraham (our Father Of Faith) and of Isaac, Laughter (our happiness and joy) and of Jacob, who became Israel. What will you become In Jesus? When will you completely and totally submit to His Word, Will and Way? He has "given" us Everything we need to live our Life Unto Him. Jesus "gave" us His Life, His Blood, His Holy Spirit, His Name (which "Is" Above ALL names) and His Precious Word! Bow down, tremble before Him, Worship Him In Spirit and Truth.
Open our eyes Lord, so that we might see Wonderful Things In Your Word. We want to see Jesus, reach out and touch Him and say that we Love Him. Open our ears Lord and teach us to listen, to hear Your Voice. Hear, O Israel, The Lord, Our God, The Lord "Is" One!
There is a whole, wide World out there that has yet to have experienced the Love of God or heard of His Good News, so let us take a Good Look and Venture out to All Nations and Peoples In Jesus' Name.
Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts 7:33-37
Worship:
WE ARE HUNGRY
Lord, I want more of You
Living Water (Holy Spirit), rain down on me Lord, I need more of You Living Breath of Life come and fill me up
(X2)
CHORUS
We are hungry, we are hungry
We are hungry for more of You
We are thirsty, oh Jesus
We are thirsty for more of You
(1st time, intro again, chords and chorus)
BRIDGE
We lift our holy hands up
We want to touch You
We lift our voices higher
And higher and higher to You
The Word:
Then the Lord said to him, Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground and worthy of veneration.
Because I have most assuredly seen the abuse and oppression of My people in Egypt, and I have heard their sighing and groaning, I have come down to rescue them. So, now come! I will send you back to Egypt [as My messenger]. [Exod. 3:1-10.]
It was this very Moses whom they had denied - disowned and rejected - saying, Who made you our ruler (referee) and judge? whom God sent to be a ruler and deliverer and redeemer, by and with the [protecting and helping] hand of the Angel that appeared to him in the bramble-bush. [Exod. 2:14.]
He it was who led them forth, having worked wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea, and during the forty years in the wilderness (desert). [Exod. 7:3; 14:21; Num. 14:33.]
It was this [very] Moses who said to the children of Israel, God will raise up for you a Prophet from among your brethren as He raised me up. [Deut. 18:15, 18.]
- Acts 7:33-37
I cannot read this portion of Scripture without The Prodigal Son coming to mind. Remember how when His Son returned, The Father had sandals put on His Feet along with The Robe (remember Richard Burton) and the signet ring? How Joyful Our Heavenly Father must have been when Jesus returned to Heaven Victorious! The Word of God tells us that All the Angels of Heaven Rejoice when just one sinner repents. How Lovely on the mountains "are" the feet of those who bring the Good News, The Gospel of Jesus and The Love of God to All Nations and Peoples. We "are" clothed In His Righteousness (put on The Lord Jesus Christ), Anointed, Empowered and Enabled by His Holy Spirit working in us, through us and God's Hand Resting Upon us. This Holy Ground that Moses stood upon "is" The Same Earth that you and I stand upon Today. Jesus Alone Is Worthy of Veneration!
Our God Is The God Who Sees! As His People, His Chosen Ones, He Sees and Knows (God Is All Knowing) of the abuse and oppression you have suffered and are suffering, He Hears your sighing and groaning. Jesus came down to Earth from Heaven to rescue you and I from sin and death. Whatever He allows to happen to us (whether we like it or not) is for our ultimate Good (Father Knows Best and we "must" Trust Him by Faith). Like Jesus, Moses was a type of "The Messenger." [Exod.3:1-10.] Although Moses was denied, disowned and rejected by the Nation of Israel that was enslaved and in bondage in Egypt (Jesus came to His Own, but they knew Him not), God sent Moses back to Egypt to be a ruler, referee, judge, deliverer and redeemer. God was his protection and help, just as He "Is" with and for us. The Angel of The Lord that appeared to Moses in the bramble-bush led him forth by the hand, worked wonders and signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea and during the forty years in the wilderness (desert). [Exod. 7:3; 14:21; Num. 14:33.]
This "Angel of The Lord" Is "The Same Jesus" that we Love and Serve Today!
When the Disciples were looking up, into the clouds as Jesus was being caught up to His Glory In Heaven after His Resurrection, two angels appeared to them and said, This Same Jesus shall return in the same Way. God raised up for the World a Prophet, The Prophet from among The Nation of Israel (like He did Moses), just as Moses stated in Deut. 18:15, 18. Jesus was raised up from the dead, so that All who would come to Believe In and On Him, by Faith, could come to Eternal, Everlasting Life In His Holy and Precious Name. Humble your"self" In The Sight Of The Lord and He Will Lift you Up, Raise you Up too!
Lift Jesus Up (higher and higher) for All the World to see and He Will Draw All of mankind Unto Him.
Moses was A Servant of The Most High God and we, as confessing Christians "are" Called of God to "be" The Same! As we offer ourselves Up To Him as Living Sacrifices, pour out our Lives before Him and the World, are found Faithful In His House (forsake not the assembling of The Brethren), God Will Use us for His Purposes. He has "given" us All the Ministry of Reconciliation. We are to rule and reign In His Name, point others to The Mediator between God and All of mankind and we'll judge the angels. Tell All the World of Their Deliverer, Redeemer, Protector and Helper In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts 7:38-42
The Word:
This is he who in the assembly in the wilderness (desert) was the go-between for the Angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and our forefathers; and he received to be handed down to us living oracles - words that still live. [Exod. 19.]
[And yet] our forefathers determined not to be subject to him - refusing to listen to or obey him; but thrusting him aside they rejected him, and in their hearts yearned for and turned back to Egypt. [Num. 14:3, 4.]
And they said to Aaron, Make us gods who shall [be our leaders and] go before us; as for this Moses who led us forth from the land of Egypt, we have no knowledge of what has happened to him.
[Exod. 32:1, 23.]
And they [even] made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice to the idol and made merry and exulted in the work of their [own] hands. [Exod. 32:4, 6.]
But God turned [away from them] and delivered them up to worship and serve the host (stars) of heaven, as it was written in the book of the prophets: Did you [really] offer to Me slain beasts and sacrifices for forty years in the wilderness (desert), O house of Israel?
[Jer. 19:13.]
- Acts 7:38-42
How many times have you exulted in the work of your own hands? Jesus told us to Rejoice that our names "are" written In His Book Of Life!
We "are" God's Workmanship, Created In Christ for Good Works In Jesus' Holy and Precious Name! Before the foundations of the Earth were laid, God had you in His Mind to Fulfill His Purposes and you will not be complete or satisfied until you find your Place In Him, but you must do It according to His Word, Will and Way.
Are you wandering around aimlessly in the wilderness (desert)? It is not for you to pick and choose your leader, leaders or make up your own god, gods as you go along. Living Oracles, Words of Spirit and Life have been handed down to us from God out of Heaven! His Spoken Word, Written Word and Living Word "are" fulfilled In Jesus and He has given us His Holy Spirit and Name to get us through this present Life Into Heaven where we shall be together as One In Him throughout All of Eternity!
Have you subjected your"self" Unto Him, submitted to His Perfect and Acceptable Will for your Life In Jesus? God says, "Hear, O Israel," but do you listen and obey? Jesus says, "If you Love Me, you Will Obey My Commandments!"
As the deer panteth for the water (The Streams of Living Waters), does your soul longeth after Him? Is Jesus Alone (He Alone Is Worthy of All Glory and Honor Due His Holy and Precious Name) your hearts desire and do you long to Worship Him (In Spirit and Truth)? Too many of us want to thrust Him aside and reject Him! Do you spend quality time (daily) with Him In Prayer and In His Word?
What goes before you? Your money, reputation, education, titles or Jesus? As The Good Shepherd (No Man Is Good, But God), He goes before you in All things, He Is With you alWays and In All Ways even to the end of the ages. Surely His Goodness, Tender-Mercies and Loving-Kindness shall follow you All The Days Of Our Lives! He'll Never, Ever leave or forsake you, so there is no need to look or go elsewhere. The Disciples said to Jesus, "Where else can we go, for You Alone "Have" The Words of Eternal (Everlasting, The Abundant) Life!" To Know Him "Is" To Love Him (we are All Called of God to Love Him with All of our heart, mind, soul, Spirit and Strength), Knowledge "Is" Power and He has "given" us Everything we need to live our Life Unto Him!
The only thing God wants us to offer up to Him is our"self" as Living Sacrifices.
Give Unto Him the sacrifice of Praise for He inhabits the Praises of His People! The Son has come to dwell in our hearts.
All men, women and children Everywhere (All Nations and Peoples) are to lift up Holy hands, to Adore Him!
Jesus has delivered us from sin and death, so let us turn aWay from the old life and Live The New Life In Christ before Him and the World, showing them of His Love and Glory. The Heavens declare The Glory of God. Not for us to bow down and serve the stars (Jesus Is The Bright Morning Star), but that we would worship The Creator of All! The Law, Prophets, Psalms and Proverbs point to Christ. We are to learn from the past, so that we don't make the same mistakes in the future. God turned aWay from those who turned aWay from Him, He Beckons us to draw near to Him and Promises to draw ever nearer to us In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts 7:43-47
The Word:
[No!] You took up the tent - the portable temple - of Molech and carried it [with you], and the star-idol of the god Rephan, the images which you [yourselves] made that you might worship them; and I will remove you - carrying you away [into exile] - beyond Babylon. [Amos 5:25-27.]
Our forefathers had the tent (tabernacle) of witness in the wilderness, even as He Who directed Moses to make it had ordered, according to the pattern and model he had seen. [Exod. 25:9-40.]
Our forefathers in turn brought [this tent of witness into the land with them when] with Joshua they dispossessed the nations which God drove out before the face of our forefathers. [So it remained there] until the time of David. [Josh. 3:14-17; Deut. 32:49.]
Who found grace (favor and spiritual blessing) in the sight of God and prayed that he might be allowed to find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. [2 Sam. 7:8-16; Ps. 132:1-5.]
But it was Solomon who built a house for Him.
[1 Kings 6.]
- Acts 7:43-47
Have you found Grace, God's Favor and Spiritual Blessing In His Sight? Although King David "did," he was not permitted to build a house, a dwelling place for Him.
Are you a man, woman or child who is seeking and searching after God's Own Heart? Like Abraham, we are All just passing through Life on this Spiritual Journey, sojourners, travellers and pilgrims, but we may not "see" the Promises of God fulfilled in our Lifetime.
All of God's Promises "are" Yes! and Amen! In Jesus, but the Walk of Faith is not alWays an easy one.
The Son of God, Jesus has come to dwell, tabernacle In our hearts! We "are" The Temple of The Living God, the Tent of Meeting, filled with His Spirit of Grace!
How many of us have taken up other gods, idols to worship instead of The One True God? He Alone Is Worthy, yet millions around the World Today still bow down to others. (If anyone out there has information on the star-idol of the god Raphan, images, pictures or the like, please contact me.) If we "choose" to remove ourselves from God, He Will remove us from Him (cast us aWay [into exile]. The outter darkness recorded In Scripture for All to "see" and "hear" about is far beyond Babylon, your worst nightmare or wildest imaginings. Heaven and Hell are REAL Places, complete opposites of each other and the choices we make in this lifetime determine our Eternal Destiny!
The Tent of Meeting, The Tabernacle of God was a witness to All in the wilderness. We as Believers are Called of God to "be" His Witness to All Nations and Peoples! Just as Moses was commanded, directed and ordered to build according to God's pattern and model which he had "seen," we too must follow Jesus' directions. He says, "If you Love Me, you'll obey My Commandments!" Onward Christian Soldiers marching off to war! We "have" our orders, The Bible, God's Holy and Precious Word is out there for All the World to "see." He Will build His Church, using us as we walk according to His Word, Will and Way! God has a plan for your Life In Him, In Christ Jesus, so listen, "hear" what He has to say to you, trust and obey.
Like Joshua, God Will Go Before you In All Things, tearing down walls, breaking down the strongholds of Satan and allowing you to bring Glory, Honor and Praise to Him by taking the land and "having" The Victory In Jesus' Name! I Know that This Is our Time, your Time and my Time! God has brought each of us to This Place for such a time as this, so that we could find our Place and other's Places to make a dwelling Place for the God of Jacob. Go forth as Solomon did, "be" an Ambassador for Christ and build up The House of God In
The Mighty Name of Jesus! Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts 7:48-53
The Word:
However the Most High does not dwell in houses and temples made with hands; as the prophet says, [Isa. 66:1, 2.]
Heaven [is] My throne, and earth the footstool for My feet. What [kind of] house can you build for Me, says the Lord, or what is the place in which I can rest?
Was it not My hand that made all these things?
[Isa. 66:1, 2.]
You stubborn and stiff-necked people, still heathenish and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are always actively resisting the Holy Spirit. As your forefathers [were], so you [are and so you do]! [Exod. 33:3, 5; Jer. 9:26: 6:10; Num. 27:14; Isa. 63:10.]
Which of the prophets did your forefathers not persecute? And they slew those who proclaimed beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, Whom you now have betrayed and murdered,
You who received the Law as it was ordained and set in order and delivered by angels, and [yet] you did not obey it!
- Acts 7:48-53
This is the climax of Stephen's Sermon of the Day to the Jews and they were FURIOUS! He is accusing them of betrayal, murder and disobedience to God's Most Holy and Precious Word. Of course, there is no one among us without sin or capable to cast the first stone at anyone else. All have sinned and fallen short of The Glory of God (His Goodness, Mercy and Grace)! We have All missed The Mark! Thank God that He Is Good All the time (even when we are bad). While we were yet sinners, Jesus died in our stead on The Cross of Calvary. His Tender-Mercies are renewed each and every morning, so that when we confess our sins, He Is Faithful and Just to Forgive us. God's Favor, His Light of Life Shines Upon us even when we are not deserving of It. If not for the Precious Blood of Jesus, we would deserve nothing, but death and separation from God throughout All Eternity!
He Is The Most High God! No One Is Worthy of All Glory, Honor and Praise, but Him! He created this World, Everything In It and Jesus holds All things together. The Holy Spirit Lives, Moves and "Has" His Being In and Through us as we submit to His Perfect Will and Way. The Spirit Is subject to the prophets, so we must yield to Him (even though He Is All Powerful, All Knowing and Ever Present). God will not intrude or force His Way Into or Upon any aspect of your life, but if you really and truly want Jesus to "Be" Lord of your Life In Him, then you must humble your"self" In The Sight of The Lord and He Will Lift you Up (higher and higher, up into Heaven)!
Jesus came to dwell upon the Earth for just a little while, but His ultimate goal was to come and dwell in your heart, so that we would follow Him Into All of Eternity! Heaven Is His Throne and the Earth Is His Footstool. He desires that none would perish, but that All would come to repentance in the Mighty Name of Jesus! How Will the World Know if we, who confess to Believe In and On Jesus do not Go to All Nations and Peoples to tell them The Good News (The Gospel) and show them The Love of God In Christ Jesus? We "are" The Temple of The Living God, He Dwells In us and we need to tell All who are weary and heavy laden that Jesus Is their Rest! Don't be stubborn, stiff-necked, heathenish, uncircumcised in heart and ears or actively resist The Holy Spirit as too many others have done in the past! Let us resist the devil for he must flee from us. We can purify our hearts and minds In Christ Jesus and then He Will Use us to the utmost of His Abilities to accomplish His Perfect and Acceptable Will for our
Life In Him.
Like John the Baptist, we "are" Called of God to go before Jesus and Proclaim The Second Coming of The Righteous One!
Shout It from the housetops! He has "given" us Everything we need to live our Life Unto Him, His Word, His Will, His Way, His Holy Spirit and His Name, Which Is Above All Others! You "are" Ordained of God and Ordered to Go, so let us Trust and Obey Him In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts 7:54-60
The Word:
Now upon hearing these things, they [the Jews] were cut to the heart and infuriated, and they ground their teeth against [Stephen].
But he, full of the Holy Spirit and controlled by [Him], gazed into heaven and saw the glory - the splendor and majesty - od God, and Jesus standing at God's right hand;
And he said, Look! I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at God's right hand!
But they raised a great shout and put their hands over their ears and rushed together upon him.
Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him, and the witnesses placed their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.
And while they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, Lord Jesus, receive and accept and welcome my spirit!
And falling on his knees, he cried out loudly, Lord, fix not this sin upon them - lay it not to their charge! And when he had said this, he fell asleep [in death].
- Acts 7:54-60
As we finish off this seventh chapter of "The Acts of The Holy Spirit In The Lives Of Believers," we see that the servant and the student go through similar circumstances as The Master and The Teacher. Jesus told us to "Be" of Good Cheer, for He had overcome the World, but He also reminded us that In this World we would "have" trials and tribulations.
After listening to Stephen give his sermon (the only One recorded in The Bible) on The Nation of Israel to "The Jews," they were FURIOUS! I have to give them credit for sitting so attentively through it All, but Stephen paid the ultimate price for the Truths he expounded, so eloquently. Stephen's name means Crown or Martyr, so he certainly lived up to his name as The First Christian Martyr after The Resurrection of Jesus, but above All he Lived and died for The Name Above All Names, Jesus! It has been said that the Blood of the Martyrs is the Life of The Church, so let us take note of the fact that Saul, who would later become Paul The Apostle was present, pleased, consenting and entirely approving of the persecution against Stephen and The Church.
Have you ever shared The Gospel Message with anyone and had them grind their teeth at you, shout, put their hands over their ears, so as not to Hear The Truth, rush together upon you (such Unity of Spirit and Purpose :) drag you out of the city and attempt to stone you to death? I hate to say, "What goes around, comes around," but Paul several times reaped what he had sown in this situation here. How did Stephen ever accomplish such things as a young Believer In Jesus As Messiah? The Word of God tells us, "He was Full of The Holy Ghost and Controlled By Him!" All Believers, Everywhere are Commanded of God to "Be" Filled With His Spirit! His Word Is Spirit and Life, so need I say more?
Stephen gazed into Heaven and saw The Glory of God, His Goodness, Mercy and Grace. The Son of Man / The Son of God, Jesus Is the exact representation of God, Our Heavenly Father, Full of His Glory, Splendor and Majesty, so we should Worship Him In Spirit and Truth. I would like Every confessing Christian to Know Jesus for All that He Is. Look! See The Heavens Opened! Jesus is constantly interceding on our behalf before God's Throne of Grace and Mercy! He does not fix our sins upon us or lay them to our charge when we confess them before Him and lay them at the Foot of The Cross of Calvary where Jesus shed His Blood to cleanse us from All unrighteousness!
What Peace we "Have" when we are In such complete and total submission to Christ! No matter what storm we are passing through, He Will Keep Us In His Perfect Peace. Shalom! It Is The Peace of God which passes All of our human understanding and comprehension. On his knees, Stephen cried out as Jesus did upon The Cross, "Father, Forgive them for they know not what they do!" After saying this, Jesus bowed His Head and gave up The Ghost. Even in death (such a horrible and tragic death), Stephen was able to fall asleep, leaning on The Everlasting Arms.
Such Witnesses! Laying their garments at the feet of Saul. What did Jesus say when they caught that young woman in an adulterous situation? "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone," and they All walked aWay, first the oldest and then the youngest. We, The Church, The Body of Christ are Called to "Be" Witnesses to All Nations and Peoples, telling them to lay down their heavy burdens and sins at The Cross, so that they can "Be" forgiven, die to self and Live The Resurrection Life of Christ Jesus, Eternal, Everlasting and The Abundant Life, because He dies in our stead! I ask you, "Are you a Saul or Paul?"
Let us go forward, opening the ears of the deaf, speaking to the heavy hearted, Full of The Holy Spirit and Controlled By Him, revealing The Glory, Splendor and Majesty of God In Christ Jesus! Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus, raise a SHOUT, Unite as One and go out as Witnesses with His Mighty Rushing Wind leading and guiding you where you should go.
Lay your old life at the foot of The Cross, take of your sinful garments and put on the Lord Jesus Christ, "Be" Clothed In His Righteousness. Pray Continually In The Spirit, Believe and Receive All that He has for you! Fall on your knees and Know that He Accepts you as His Own, His Precious Child. Take your Rest In Him and Tell the World The Truth (no matter what) In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts 8:1-6
The Word:
AND Saul was [not only] consenting to [Stephen's] death - [he was] pleased and entirely approving. On that day a great and severe persecution broke out against the church which was in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles - the special messengers.
[A party of] devout men with others helped to carry out and bury Stephen , and made great lamentation over him.
But Saul shamefully treated and laid waste the church continuously, - with cruelty and violence; and entering house after house, he dragged out men and women and committed them to prison.
Now those who were scattered abroad went about [the land from place to place] preaching the glad tidings, the Word [that is, the doctrine concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God].
Philip [the deacon, not the apostle] went down to the city of Samaria, and proclaimed the Christ, the Messiah, to them [the people]; [Acts 6:5.]
And great crowds of people with one accord listened to and heeded what was said by Philip, as they heard him and watched the miracles and wonders which he kept performing [from time to time].
Stephen had peacefully fallen asleep, was buried by men of Faith who mourned losing him, but Saul continued to breathe murderous threats against anyone and everyone that aligned themselves to The Way. Not only did Jesus command the Disciples to go to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the outter-most regions of the then known World, but He also warned them that trials and persecutions would come their Way. God sometimes allows trying and difficult situations to enter into our lives, so that we will draw closer to Him and walk according to His Word, Will and Way. The Nation of Israel was dispersed to the four corners of the globe as a testimony to God's Faithfulness and He promised that He would gather them back to Him and The Promised Land. Here we have The Believers being scattered throughout the regions and subject to cruel, violent acts for no other reason, other than wearing The Name, Christian.
Have you suffered from shameful treatment, perhaps even from those who confess to persecute you in The Name of The Lord? As Believers we unfortunately do have to go through trying times, even if only for His Name's Sake. The key Word here is: Through, because All Things "are" working Together for His and our Good, so no matter what you're in right now, Jesus Promises to See you Through to the other side and He'll bring you forth as gold tried in The Fire!
Are you being scattered abroad? Is God moving you through the land from place to place? As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Maybe God wants you to rub elbows with people different from your"self," but One In Him. Jesus often went from town to town and Church to Church and many times was thrown out of them, but just make sure that if you are presently moving from place to place that it is God's Will and not your own. As much as we are to be like trees planted by His Streams of Living Waters, rooted and grounded In Him, we should be continuously moving onward and upward In Jesus, from Image to Image, Glory to Glory and Grace to Grace!
Each and Every One of us should be Preaching, Teaching and Healing In Jesus' Mighty Name (where ever we find ourselves or where ever The Spirit moves us to). He who "has" The Son "has" Life, Eternal, Everlasting, The Abundant Life and we should be constantly working out our Salvation with fear and trembling, seeking to fulfill God's Great Commission. We (All confessing Christians and Believers Everywhere) "have" The Glad Tidings, The Good News, The Gospel of God In Christ Jesus, The Word [that is, the doctrine concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God], which "Is" Righteousness, Peace (Shalom) and Joy In The Holy Ghost!
Take what God has Given you (each and every Gift and Talent) and Go to All Nations and Peoples In His Holy and Precious Name!
Like Philip, we can proclaim Christ, The Messiah, to the people, All People, Everywhere. Speak forth The Things Of God, The Truth and others will listen to, heed and hear what it is that you have to say to them, because this World is hungry and we "have" The Bread of Life, It is thirsty and we "have" Living Water, like streams we can flow through the parched, dry and weary lands. People are weary and heavy laden, burdened by their own sin, but we "have" The Cleansing Blood of Jesus that was shed on The Cross of Calvary to offer them that Will wash them clean and put them In Right Standing, A Right Relationship With God, Their Heavenly Father! We can open blind eyes In Jesus' Name, so that they can See and discern Spiritual Truths, because many are watching and waiting for answers To Life!
God has given to us All, The Ministry of Reconciliation! Not by our own might or power, but By His Holy Spirit we can repair and restore this present World of darkness and bring It into His Glorious Light! As we are Obedient to The Call that God has placed Upon us, According to His Word, Signs and Wonders Will Follow. Go therefore and make Disciples of All, for Surely God's Goodness, Tender-Mercies and Loving-Kindness Shall Follow us All The Days of our Life In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts 8:7-11
The Word:
For foul spirits came out of many who were possessed by them, screaming and shouting with a loud voice, and many who were suffering from palsy or were crippled were restored to health.
And there was great rejoicing in that city.
But there was a man named Simon who had formerly practiced magic arts in the city to the utter amazement of the Samaritan nation, claiming that he himself was an extraordinary and distinguished person.
They all paid earnest attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is that exhibition of the power of God which is called Great (intense).
And they were attentive and made much of him, because for a long time he had amazed and bewildered and dazzled them with his skill in magic arts.
- Acts 8:7-11
Jesus told us that signs and wonders would follow our Preaching and Teaching of His Holy and Precious Word. He also warned us of those who would perform many miracles that might even deceive the very Elect of God. As Philip was gathering great crowds of people with One Accord (not by might, not by power, but By His Spirit Says The Lord) Listening to and Heeding what he had to say, . . . Enter The Dragon!
Satan is alWays ready, willing and able to rob the seed that God wants to plant, in order for Him to reap His Harvest of Souls. The enemy is right there, watching and waiting to kill, steal and destroy (in this instance, we have him in the form of Simon the Magician).
Unfortunately Today, witches and warlocks have become taboo, something we either joke about or celebrate on Halloween, but this is the mask of the devil himself, trying to get you and everybody to believe that it's all a game.
In Truth, if you your"self" delve into magic arts, Quiji boards, fortune telling, tarot cards, psychic readings and the like, you are being set up for the fall of your life, perhaps even your permanent death. You will certainly get definite results from such actions, but be aware that we reap what we sow. The Spiritual World (I can assure you) is far more real and powerful than the natural. Know and Understand, that as a Christian, A Believer and Follower of The Lord Jesus Christ, we Serve The All Mighty, All Knowing, All Powerful, Great and One True God! He Is The Super-Super-Natural God!
No matter how amazing, extraordinary, distinguished, powerful, great, bewildering, dazzling or skillful a person is at what he says and does, apart from God, he or she is nothing!
In stead of foul, unclean spirits coming to possess, cause suffering, palsy or crippling, we "have" (possess and He Possesses us) The Pure and Holy Spirit ruling and reigning in our hearts, minds and souls In Christ Jesus! Where The Spirit of The Lord "Is," There "Is" Freedom!
Surely The Truth Shall Set you Free, but he who The Son Sets Free "Is' FREE Indeed!
Do not be deceived by the signs of this present World, but Only follow those who perform the miracles and wonders according to God's Perfect Word, Will and Way! God wants to take off you what the devil put on you, put on you what the devil took off you, take out of you what the devil put in you and put in you what the devil took out of you! He Is The Great God and Mighty King! By His Anointing Working In, Upon and Through your Life, others will be attentive, amazed, bewildered and dazzled by the Gifts and Talents He Has "given" Each and Every One of us. Let us show forth the Intense Power of Our God by taking His Word and Shining His Light to All In Jesus' Name! Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts 8:12-16
The Word:
But when they believed the good news (the Gospel) about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, as Philip preached it, they were baptized, both men and women.
Even Simon himself believed - that is,] he adhered to, trusted in and relied on the teaching of Philip - and after being baptized devoted himself constantly to him. And seeing signs and miracles of great power which were being performed, he was utterly amazed.
Now when the apostles (special messengers) at Jerusalem heard that [the country of] Samaria had accepted and welcomed the Word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,
And they came down and prayed for them that the Samaritans might receive the Holy Spirit;
For he had not yet fallen upon any of them, but they had only been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.
- Acts 8:12-16
O the Mysteries of God! How have we come so far, learned and experienced so little? The echoes of, "Repent! For the Kingdom of God Is At Hand!" Is the Spiritual World, so real that we can actually reach out and touch it? Taste and See that The Lord Is Good! Are we going from The Kingdom of God being among us, to upon us, to within us? It's not an easy road or task to be poured from vessel to vessel, moved from Glory to Glory, Grace to Grace and Image to Image until we Come Into The Perfect Man In Christ Jesus. After The Resurrection, Jesus appeared to His Disciples in The Upper Room (Each and Every One of us are Called of God to Be Disciples of Christ), He Breathed on them and said, "Receive The Holy Spirit" and some 33 days later He told them to wait for The Power of God to Fall Upon them, so that they could be Witnesses For Him to All Nations and Peoples!
If you are a Christian, then you are to "Be" Walking In Love (God Is Love) and Love Believes All Things. Love Conquers All! Do you Believe The Good News?
Someone once said, "The World has yet to see the man who has totally submitted his Life to Christ." Certainly there have been Great Men and Women of Faith, but there are some even Today (in All their foolishness) who wonder if Billy Graham is Saved. COME ON! Are you or any one else you know doing anything near or close to what he has attained in his Lifetime of Service to Christ?
Some of us (I should say, All of us) need a Good swift kick in the Spiritual buttocks sometimes. Let's WAKE-UP!
How much of The Good News (The Gospel) do you Know (experientially), read about, write about or best of All, Tell others about? Not only in words, but in actions and deeds? The Kingdom of God Is Righteousness, Peace (Shalom) and Joy In The Holy Ghost! Jesus Is The Name Above All Names and there Is No other Name under Heaven by which We MUST Be Saved! He Is The Rabbi, Messiah, Son and King of Kings! As Philip Preached It, they Believed and were baptized, both Men and Women.
HELLO! I Am So Sick and Tired of this "men can do this and women can (or can't) do that" sort of stuff going on in The (so called) Church Today. We "Are" One In Him! ONE! Meaning The Same, Equal In Jesus. Now I know that there will be those reading this who will want to twist and turn these words of mine.
What I Am really trying to say here is, "We All Are Members Of His Body and whether you are male or female, find your Place In Him as The Bride of Christ and Be Faithful to what He has Called you to." As Nike would put it, "Just Do It!"
As we truly adhere to, trust in and rely on Jesus, The Living Word of God, sit underneath those who are Anointed to properly Teach The Written Word of God, are Baptized (dipped) Into Our Father Who Art In Heaven, His One And Only Begotten Son and The Person Of The Holy Spirit, submitting our"self" and constantly devoting our"self" to God, we Will See and Experience Signs and Miracles of Great Power Being Performed In and Through Our Life In Jesus' Name!
Our God Is Utterly Amazing, so why are we not utterly amazed by Him and utterly amazing the World around us in which we live? Have you really, truly accepted and welcomed The Word Of God into your Life? Do you openly and honestly Believe?
I find it strange (and somewhat funny) how verse fourteen in this portion of Holy Scripture tells us the apostles (special messengers) at Jerusalem sent Peter and John to Samaria. Go ahead and just think about that. History tells us that James, Jesus' Half Brother headed up the Council of Believers in Jerusalem. Peter didn't lash out and say, "Hey, Wait One Minute! I Am The Rock, so who are you to tell me where and when to roll?" John the Beloved, certainly knew the Heartbeat of God better than any one, for it was he who rested his head upon Jesus' Chest at The Passover Feast, The Last Supper, the night of their Holy Communion. My point here is this, without any reservations (and I don't mean for their journey to Samaria), they both submitted to The Authority of The Holy Spirit's Leading and Guiding them. Not to mention their Obedience to Jesus' Great Commission Unto Them (and us), "Go to Jerusalem, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the World with The Good News, Baptizing People In (or Into) The Name of The Father, Son and Holy Spirit." Are you moving In The Spirit? Is He Living, Moving and Having His Being In you?
Peter and John came down to Samaria (anywhere you go in the World from Jerusalem is considered "down" from a Jewish mindset), so that others could Receive what they Already had. Love (Real Love) isn't "Real" Love until you Give It aWay. Surely you know of someone who has heard of Jesus and who in their own mind Believe He Is Who He Says He Is, but have never Experienced His Fullness, Wholeness and Blessings In their Life. There are hundreds of thousands (millions even) of People around the World Today who have never ever heard of Him and they will go to their Eternal death apart from Him if we do not pray for them and go to them with The Love of God and The Good News of Jesus. Fall down on your knees and ask God to have His Holy Spirit fall upon the lost, sick and dying. He Is their only Hope! Maybe Jesus wants you to go, to be His Hands, His Feet and His Voice?
Ask Him, He'll tell you, lead you and guide you Into His Truth according to His Word, Will and Way for your Life In Jesus' Name.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
The Word:
Then [the apostles] laid their hands on them one by one and they received the Holy Spirit.
However, when Simon saw that the (Holy) Spirit was imparted through the laying on of the apostle's hands, he brought money and offered it to them,
Saying, Grant me also this power and authority, in order that any one on whom I place my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.
But Peter said to him, Destruction overtake your money and you, because you imagined you could obtain the [free] gift of God with money!
You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is all wrong in God's sight - [it is] not straight-forward or right or true before God. [Ps. 78:37.]
- Acts 8:17-21
The heart is deceitful and wicked! Who can know it? Only God. He Who searches the hearts of All knows you better than you know your"self." It is The Work of The Holy Spirit to soften your heart and turn it like a watercourse towards God and The Things of Heaven, but should we resist the wooing by The Lover of Our Soul or act contrary to His Word, Will and Way, like Pharaoh, God Will harden your heart, yet still use your life to bring about His Glory!
Have you ever had any One lay their "Spiritual" Hands on you? Jesus breathed on The Apostles and told them, "Receive The Holy Spirit." Peter walked through the streets of Israel and the sick were healed as his shadow passed over them. I don't want to get off track here but, there would be no Shadow of Healing if The Light of The World had not been shining upon Peter first. Paul sent pieces of his clothing to be placed upon others, so that The Anointing of The Holy Spirit Upon him would flow to those in need of God's Touch. In This Portion of Holy Scripture we see the passing of the baton (so to speak). One by One, as The Apostles laid their hands on The Believers, they Received The Holy Ghost!
He was "Imparted" by God to Dwell In, Rest Upon and Move Through Each and Every Believer on The Planet!
This Pearl of Great Price can not be bought, sold or traded, but we "Have" This Treasure In Earthen Vessels! Surely In The Book of Isaiah God says, "Come buy food and drink," but without money.
Jesus paid The Price for our sins upon The Cross at Calvary and therefore we obtain Eternal, Everlasting and The Abundant Life In His Holy and Precious Name, which Is The Free Gift of God!
How dare you insult Him, Jesus and The Holy Spirit by thinking you could ever put a price on your's or any One's Salvation!
Could you imagine some One in this World having just One Drop of Jesus' Blood and trying to sell it on Ebay? What would the selling price be? Jesus poured out His Life, His Blood for many, but many, many still choose The Way of Destruction.
Do you "have" part or lot In The Things of God, This Matter? What matters? Would it be worth it for you to gain (or buy) the whole World, yet in the end to lose your soul forever? Nothing this present World of darkness has to offer is worth forfeiting a right relationship with God, Our Heavenly Father. God wants to get Into The Heart of your Matter. He Is Concerned about your heart! How does it look In His Sight, according to The Mirror of His Holy Word? Is It Right before Him, Upright, In Right Standing, Righteous or wrong? It's OK to be straight-forward with God about Everything! He wants us to "Be" True To Him. Only In God Is Our Soul At Rest. In Him Is Our Salvation.
With Jesus and by The Power of His Holy Spirit In Our Life, we can "Be" Faithful and Steadfast To His Covenant of Love!
Don't try to flatter or lie to God. He Is The Most High God, Our Redeemer and Our Rock! Seek after Him (sincerely) for He Is Full of (Merciful) Compassion and Forgives our iniquities. You can't buy a stairWay to Heaven, but you can climb Jacob's Ladder. Jesus has paid The Price for your entrance and He has gone on before you. He'll never leave you alone.
You "Have" The Holy Spirit's Power and surely Goodness and Mercy shall follow you All The Days of Your Life In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts 8:22-26
The Word:
So repent of this depravity and wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, this contriving thought and purpose of your heart may be removed and disregarded and forgiven you.
For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and a bond forged by iniquity [to fetter souls].
[Isa. 58:6.]
And Simon answered, Pray for me! - Beseech the Lord, both of you - that nothing of what you have said may befall me!
Now when [the apostles] had borne their testimony and preached the message of the Lord, they went back to Jerusalem, proclaiming the glad tidings (Gospel) to many villages of the Samaritans [on the way].
But an angel of the Lord said to Philip, Rise and proceed southward at midday on the road that runs from Jerusalem down to Gaza. This is the desert [route].
- Acts 8:22-26
When our heart is All wrong In God's Sight - [it is] not straight-forward or right or true before God [Ps. 78:37.], so we have neither part nor lot in what matters to Him most. When we look at our"self" and the World around us as God Sees things, we find out for sure and truthfully how depraved, wicked, totally lost and without Hope we really and truly are. We MUST REPENT for The Kingdom of God (Which Is Righteousness, Peace and Joy In The Holy Ghost) is at hand, among us and for some, even within us! What exactly are the thoughts and purposes of your heart, mind and soul? If we do not turn and think differently about how we are living our life here and now, we could be removed, disregarded and unforgiven for All of Eternity. All Things Are Possible With and In God!
Most of us do not know, understand or realize how we are Viewed By God. Look to The Mirror (God's Holy / Precious Word) and See! Too many of us are in the gall of bitterness, a bond forged by iniquity, blind, pitiable, poor and lame, so we MUST Pray - Beseech The Lord - and ask others to Pray for us. Do you want All of the curses In God's Word to fall upon you? Jesus went to The Cross of Calvary in our stead, took our penalty of sin and death upon Himself, so that we could Have Eternal, Everlasting, The Abundant Life In His Name! He became cursed of God (cursed is any One [and Every One] who is hung [hanged] on a tree), so that we could become The Righteousness of God In Christ Jesus! Instead of the wrath of God befalling us, His Goodness, Mercy and Grace, The Fullness of His Blessings "are" ours In Jesus!
Each and Every One of us, as Confessing Christians, Believers In Jesus as Lord are Called of God to "Be" His Disciples, Special Messengers (Apostles), His Ambassadors, Representing Him where ever we go. Are you bearing His Testimony and Preaching The Message of The Lord? If we "are" Born of God, we "are" Borne of God and as Jesus Was (Is and Is To Come) In This World, so "are" we! I Believe that Every Member of The Body of Christ Jesus, The Church here on Earth should "be" fully functioning In The Gifts and Fruit of The Holy Spirit, Abounding In Love (for God Is Love)! We should be Preaching (Proclaiming The Glad Tidings, The Good News of Jesus and The Gospel of God), Teaching and bringing Healing to All Nations and Peoples (Every village, town, highWay and byWay) on The Way!
He Is With us AlWays, In All Ways (even to the end of the age) and Every Way!
God goes before us In All Things pertaining to His Word, Will and Way. His Holy Angels have been given charge over us, to look out for, watch over and defend us. The Blood of Jesus covers, cleanses, purifies us and continually cries out to God, Our Heavenly Father on our behalf.
We can not fail or falter In Jesus' Name, because God Is Faithful and Jesus Never Fails! Listen to The Voice of The Spirit, "Be" Obedient to His Call and you Will "Be" Blessed, O How Happy!
Jesus says to us Today, Rise and Shine for your Light has Come and The Glory of The Lord "Is" Risen Upon YOU! Your Beloved, The Husband of your heart and soul cries out, Arise My Love! Philip was Called to rise and proceed southward at midday. God wants, He desires to take you higher and higher In His Perfect and Acceptable Will for your Life In Him. Rise and Proceed when The Son Is at His Highest Point In you Life and Shining Upon YOU. Go! Do! Be All that He has Called you to and Created you for! The Word of God is saying to us Today, This Is The Desert [Road or Route], but It Is His Will and Way. Will you take It? Are you determined to live The Crucified Life and allow The Streams of Living Waters to flow In and Through you, bringing Life in the desert, the barren places, the dry and weary land? Say Yes to Him Today and let God Prove Himself to you and the World In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts 8:27-31
The Word:
So he got up and went. And, behold, an Ethiopian, a eunuch, of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure, had come to Jerusalem to worship.
And he was [now] returning, and sitting in his chariot he was reading the book of the prophet Isaiah.
Then the (Holy) Spirit said to Philip, Go forward and join yourself to this chariot.
Accordingly Philip, running up to him, heard [the man] reading the prophet Isaiah, and asked, Do you really understand what you are reading?
And he said, How is it possible for me to do so, unless someone explains it to me and guides me [in the right way]? And he earnestly requested Philip to come up and sit beside him.
- Acts 8:27-31
How many of us, when spoken to by God through His Word, His Spirit or by others, immediately get up and go? Jesus, The Word of God says, "Set His Face Like A Flint Towards Jerusalem," when He was going to The Cross to die on our behalf.
When The Nation of Israel had their backs to the wall at The Red Sea, God spoke to Moses and said, "Stop praying and get The People moving!" I can not stress to you enough how important it is for us as Christians, Believers and Followers of Jesus Christ to "Be" Obedient to God's Word, Will and Way. It's All about Cause and Affect, Action and Reaction. When God says, "Go!" He means for us to "Go!" Now, because Today Is The Day of Salvation and He Wishes that None would perish. From here on out, daily as you read and study your Bible (I Hope and Pray that All of you "Are" spending time "Daily" In The Word of God), look and listen to how many times God tells some One to "Do" something and how Every time they are quick to move according to His Commands, the situation and they themselves are alWays Blessed. Philip got up, went and accordingly ran to fulfill God's Purposes and Plans for his Life In Jesus and other's Eternal, Everlasting and Abundant Life.
God "Is" Calling Upon YOU to "Go" to Great and small alike (He "Is" no respecter of persons). Philip was charged to speak to an Ethiopian man of authority under a queen, who was the keeper of All her treasures, but obviously he came to Jerusalem to Worship God Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth In Spirit and Truth. Well, he was about to get The Truth, The Whole Truth and Nothing, but The Truth (Jesus). Do you have any idea how expensive a complete scroll of The Book of Isaiah The Prophet was (even in those days)? It is 66 chapters long and had to be hand written back then.
Have you ever heard The Voice of God's Holy Spirit speaking in your ear, to your heart, mind and soul? Jesus says, His Spirit Will Lead and Guide you Into All Truth and bring to your heart and mind All that He has said. The Holy Spirit wants to completely and totally Reveal Jesus to you and use you to lead the whole World back into a right relationship with God as Our Heavenly Father. He has "given" us All The Ministry of Reconciliation! God Will and Does speak to us through His Word, By His Spirit (Hear what The Spirit Is Saying To His Church [you "are" The Temple, The Body of Christ]), Listen to That Still, Small, Soft, Tender, Whispering Voice In your ear and pay attention to what others are saying and doing around you. Like Philip, we are Called Upon to Move Forward In Jesus, Join our"self" to His Will and Accordingly run up to whatever God Calls us to "Do" In Obedience To His Way.
Have you ever noticed that this Ethiopian man was reading out loud, so that Philip could hear him? Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by The Word of God! Jesus says, "He who has ears to Hear, Let Them Hear." Have you been listening attentively to The Voice of The Holy Spirit? I challenge Each and Every One of you Today to read God's Word out loud, so that you can HEAR It and I can Promise you, your Faith Will Increase! As Philip asked this man, let me ask you, "Do you really Understand what you are reading?" The eunuch's reply was, "How is it possible for me to do so, unless some One explains It to me and Guides me [In The Right Way]?" And he earnestly requested Philip to Come Up and Sit Beside him.
When you read The "Holy" Scriptures, do you ask The "Holy" Spirit to Lead and Guide you Into All Truth (Jesus Is The Truth) and Understanding? Jesus died on The Cross, Rose Again on The Third Day, Ascended to The Father and poured out His "Holy" Spirit (Who Is Called Along Side To Help us) Upon All Flesh, so that we could go from Glory to Glory, Grace to Grace and Image to Image! Ask of Him and you Shall Receive All that He Has For you In Christ Jesus! Our Heavenly Father is constantly Calling us to Come Unto Him and no matter what is going on in your Life Today, the thing that counts most is that you Sit At The Feet of Jesus!
Allow The Holy Spirit to Unveil, Reveal and Bring The Revelation of Jesus to you In and Through The Ministry of His Holy Spirit. Don't be afraid to request of Him to Come, Sit, Lead, Guide, Explain The Possibilities, Help you Understand and have Him Teach you how to Worship God In Spirit and Truth. Then get up, go forward, behold, join your"self" to His Will, Way and Accordingly Guide others In The Right Way (Jesus Is The Way, The Only Way), In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts 8:32-40
The Word:
Now this was the passage of Scripture which he was reading: Like a sheep He was led to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is dumb, so He opens not His mouth.
In His humiliation He was taken away by distressing and oppressive judgement, and justice was denied Him (caused to cease). Who can describe or relate in full the wickedness of His contemporaries (generation)? For His life is taken from the Earth and a bloody death inflicted upon Him. [Isa. 53:7, 8.]
And the eunuch said to Philip, I beg of you, tell me about whom does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?
Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this portion of Scripture he announced to him the glad tidings (Gospel) of Jesus and about [Him].
And as they continued along on the way, they came to some water, and the eunuch exclaimed, See, [here is] water! What is to hinder my being baptized?
And Philip said, If you believe with all your heart [that is, if you have a conviction, full of joyful trust, that Jesus is the Messiah, and accept Him as the Author of your salvation in the kingdom of God, giving Him your obedience, then] you may. And he replied, I do believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
And he ordered that the chariot be stopped, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and [Philip] baptized him.
And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord [suddenly] caught away Philip; and the eunuch saw him no more, and he went on his way rejoicing.
But Philip was found at Azotus, and passing on he preached the good news (Gospel) to all the towns until he reached Caesarea.
- Acts 8:32-40
Both times The Scripture Reading Is mentioned, It is said to Be "A Passage" and "Portion." Every Word of God that comes across your eyes, ears, mouth and tongue (for the visually impaired, through brail, It passes over your finger-tips [we Can Touch The Hem of His Garment]), It should take you somewhere, Draw you closer to God and He Is your Portion (Taste and See that The Lord Is Good).
We are All "just passing through," but our primary goal in this Life time, as Christians, should alWays Be to tell others, open up our mouth, Announce The Glad Tidings, The Gospel of God, The Good News of Jesus to All Nations and Peoples, Encourage One another to Continue Along The Way (He Is The Way, Truth and Life), Believe In, Cling To, Trust In, Rely On, Accept Him As The Author of All Life (Eternal, Everlasting, The Abundant Life), Be Led By The Holy Spirit, Go our Way Rejoicing (Rejoice In The Lord AlWays), to Preach, Teach and Heal!
Jesus died on The Cross of Calvary as The Lamb of God to take aWay the sins of the World! In All Humility, He became sin for us, so that we could "Be" The Righteousness of God In Christ, The Messiah, The Anointed One. He Gave His Life, died in our stead, so that we could Have His Life and Give It to others. Did you ever, like the eunuch, Beg someone, anyone to tell you about what God's Word Is Saying? Do you Hunger and Thirst after Righteousness Sake? Are you concerned about His Honor, The Judge of All Creation? Can you go to any Passage, Portion of Holy Scripture, open your mouth and begin announcing of and about Jesus? He Is The Living Word of God, The Word of God In human flesh.
From Genesis to Revelation, The Beginning to The End, The First to The Last, From Alpha to Omega, He Is God!
Heaven and Earth shall pass aWay, but My Word (Jesus Calls The Word of God, Holy Scripture, The Bible, His Word) shall Never Pass AWay! The Word Is Eternal, It (He) Is Spirit (we MUST Worship Him In Spirit and Truth) and Life!
This Earthly Life is only a temporary journey, we are sojourners, pilgrims, just passing through, but we are to encourage One another, while It Is Today (Today Is The day of Salvation In The Kingdom of God, which Is Righteousness, Shalom, Peace, Fullness, Wholeness, Blessing and Joy In The Holy Ghost) to continue along on The Straight and Narrow Way.
We are Called upon, Commanded of God to baptize men, women and children, who would come to Know Jesus By Faith, In The Name of The Father (Our Father Who Art In Heaven), In The Name of The Son (Jesus, which Is The Name above All Names and there is no other Name under Heaven by which we MUST Be Saved) and In The Name of The Holy Spirit!
Jesus left us with A New Commandment, Love One another as I Have Loved you.
Notice that when the eunuch was baptized, he came up out of the water and went on His Way Rejoicing. The Joy of The Lord Is our Strength and It Is just One of The Fruit of The Spirit of The Living God, Moving and Having His Being In and Through our Life!
Philip was Caught AWay, Found at Azotus, Passed On Preaching The Good News, The Gospel of God to All Towns until he reached the destination The Spirit of The Living God was leading him to. Are you led, directed, guided, taught by The Spirit? He wants to take you Into All Truth, Knowledge of The Things of God and Give you All Understanding (we Have The Mind of Christ), so that we can Go, Do and Be All that He Created us For In Jesus' Name.
Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts 9:1-5
The Word:
MEANWHILE Saul, still drawing his breath hard from threatening and murderous desire against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest
And requests of him letters to the synagogues at Damascus [authorizing him], so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way [of life as determined by faith in Jesus Christ], he might bring them bound [with chains] to Jerusalem.
Now as he traveled on, he came near to Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him,
And he fell to the ground. Then he heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me - harassing, troubling and molesting Me?
And Saul said, Who are You, Lord? And He said, I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting. It is dangerous and it turns out badly for you to keep kicking against the goad - that is, to offer vain and perilous resistance.
- Acts 9:1-5
MEANWHILE (Back at the ranch), Philip The Evangelist is Preaching, Teaching and Healing In Jesus' Name at Azotus and Saul of Tarsus is breathing hard threatenings by the authorization of the high priest of Jerusalem, bringing bondage to Every One and Any One belonging to The Way (Jesus). This present World of darkness is far more than just black and white, but full of extremes, limitations and numerous contrasts within the grey areas of Life. It Is God Who Gives us the Air that we Breathe and many times He allows situations and circumstances to come our Way that are more than questionable from our perspective, but By Faith we MUST Believe that He Loves us and Is Working All Things Together for His and our Good. Saul's murderous desire against the Disciples of Christ was certainly not of The Lord, but of the god of this World who comes only to rob, kill, steal and destroy. Can you relate to the fact that he absolutely and honestly believed that he was in the right before God and man?
Saul (at this stage of his life) requested from the high priest in Jerusalem, letters of recommendation, authorizing him to bind in chains, persecute, harass, trouble and molest All who were following Jesus as The Messiah of Israel, but he is about to See The Light (Jesus Is The Light of the World). You can read in Galatians how Saul, who became Paul that wrote 3/4 of The New Testament, did not go to All Nations and Peoples on any man's authority, but on the Command of God, under The Anointing and Power of The Holy Spirit In Christ Jesus! Do you think for one minute that Today there are not those in The Church who bring bondage to others In The Name of God? Where The Spirit of The Lord Is, There Is FREEDOM!
How is it that these men and women came to Belong To The Way? They realized that they had been bought with A Price, The Precious Blood of Jesus that was Shed Upon The Cross of Calvary on our behalf! We "are" not our own and he who The Son Sets Free Is FREE Indeed!
Every form of bondage has been broken, no chains (visible or invisible) can keep us bound, for we who "are" In Christ "are" Bound For Glory and Prisoners of Hope! Do you realize that even up to this present day, Damascus is the #1 place in this World that harbors the most terrorists organizations on the planet?
There are still those who would draw near to the darkness, but as surely as you are reading this now, suddenly The Light From Heaven, The Light Of Life, Eternal, Everlasting, The Abundant Life Will Flash Down Around them!
Saul fell to the ground, heard The Voice of God, The Voice of The Holy Spirit, The Voice of Jesus speaking to his heart, mind and soul. He humbled him"self" In The Sight of The Lord and Jesus Lifted Him Up! When God Calls your Name twice (Saul, Saul), you have to Know that He means business. Notice: The Word of God says that Saul was not just hurting those who belonged to Jesus, but Jesus Himself. If you hurt or do harm to any Member of The Body of Christ, you touch Him. Jesus says, Whatever you have done unto the least of these, My Brethren, you have done it Unto Me!
Doesn't that shed New Light on, Do Unto Others as you would have Them Do Unto You?
Who "Are" You? Lord? Sauls is question Who he is hearing from and he certainly gets his answer, "I Am Jesus." Moses asked of God, "Who a shall I say sent me?" and God responded, "I Am." Listen, Hear, Read, Know and Understand that Saul Knew The Written Word of God, All the rules and regulations, but he did not Know God. This Is his First Real Encounter With The One True God, The Living God and It was just The Beginning of a most personal relationship.
Everything he learned, was taught, understood and believed in was about to come tumbling down, but God was going to Redeem It All, open Saul's eyes to See, ears to Hear and mind to Comprehend The Truth of God's Word. God never tears down without building up! Are you in a dangerous situation that could turn out badly if you keep kicking against the goad, offer vain, empty and perilous resistance to The Things of God in your Life?
Listen to The Voice of The Spirit? Hear, O Israel! Fall on your knees and Hear The Angel's Voices. What Is The Word of God Telling you Today? Lay It All Down at The Foot of The Cross of Christ, Give It All To The Father and Allow His Holy Spirit to Lead, Guide, Provide and Direct you According To His Word, Will and Way In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Title. Subject: Acts 9:32-36
The Word:
Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he went down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.
There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedfast for eight years and was paralyzed.
And Peter said to him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, [now] makes you whole. Get up and make your bed! And immediately [Aeneas] stood up.
Then all the inhabitants of Lydda and the plain of Sharon saw [what had happened to] him and they turned to the Lord.
Now there was at Joppa [a woman], a disciple named [in Aramaic] Tabitha, which [in Greek] means Dorcas or [in English] Gazelle. She was abounding in good deeds and acts of charity.
- Acts 9:32-36
Never underestimate the power of Satan, who roams around like a lion, looking for whom he can devour. Remember in The Book of Job, how God asked the accuser of The Brethren where he had been and what he had been doing? He replied that he was roaming around the Earth, well, here we have the complete and total battle of Good and evil, which is ever before us. Peter is going from place to place, here and there among them ALL, he went down (each and every time you read about anyOne in Scripture going anywhere outside of Jerusalem, they are going down) to The Saints who lived at Lydda. Lydda, Joppa, Caesarea, Jerusalem or where ever, it doesn't matter where, there is Good and evil in this Present World of Darkness. You may sometimes feel or think that you are ALL alone, just you and God, but there is alWays a remnant of Believers, The Saints of God who are ready and able to act upon His Holy and Precious Word, Will and Way! We are not Saints, because we have arrived, but we are Saints, because that is what God Has Called us To Be!
Can you tell me that there were no Men or Women of God praying for the healing of Aenaes for eight years? Certainly, he was oppressed by the devil, held in bondage and captivity, but Light was about to Shine Into the darkness! Jesus Christ, The Light of Life, The Light of The World, The Messiah, The Anointed One of God, [NOW] Makes YOU WHOLE, full and complete! By His Stripes, we ARE HEALED! This is not past, but present tense. I Am not saying that God is going to manifest this reality to ALL at this present time, but it is certainly available to ALL and a reality In The Spirit NOW, so make your bed and Immediately stand up for Jesus, no matter what and ALL the inhabitants of Joppa, the plain of Sharon and where ever you Live, Move and Have your Being Will See what God has done In and Through your Life In Jesus, Come to Know Him, The Power of His Resurrection and Turn To The Lord!
Can you tell people what has happened to you since you found Jesus or should I say, since He Found you? Do you Have A Testimony? If you do not have The Son of God, The Spirit of God In your heart and Life right NOW and Know, beyond a shadow of a doubt that you ARE Going To Heaven, then I would venture to say that you are not! The Word of God Is Spoken, Written and Jesus, The Living Word Is Here, Right NOW, so that you can and Will Know that you Have Eternal, Everlasting, The Abundant Life In His Name! ALL you have to do is Receive It By Faith and Abounding Good Deeds and Acts of Charity, Love Will Follow.
Have you ever heard people argue that Jesus never chose Women to Be His Disciples? Here we have a case at Joppa where [a Woman] named Tabitha, Dorcas or Gazelle is spoken of as Being A Disciple of Christ! The fact of the matter is that No Believer, No Confessing Christian Today has the right to Call himself by That Name without Being A Disciple of Jesus! I declare to you that each and every One of us are Called of God to Be A Disciple of His, A Student of The Word of God. We Are His Workmanship, Created In Christ Jesus Unto Good Works, God Deeds and Acts of Charity (Acts of The Holy Spirit Working In and Through Our Life In Love) In Jesus' Name.
Male, Female, Slave or Free, we Are To Be His. We were bought and paid for with The Precious Blood of Christ at The Cross of Calvary! He Gave His ALL for us, so surely, we should give our ALL To Him. What does He Require of us? To do Justly, to Love Mercy and to Walk Humbly With Him. Let us take ALL the Gifts and Talents that He Has Given us to Further His Kingdom, going here and there among them ALL, to make them Whole [NOW] In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts Of The Holy Spirit In The Lives Of Believers
Acts 9:37-43
The Word:
About that time she fell sick and died, and when they had cleansed her, they laid [her] in an upper room.
Since Lydda was near Joppa [however], the disciples hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him begging him, Do come on to us without delay.
So Peter [immediately] arose and accompanied them. And when he had arrived, they took him to the upper room.
All the widows stood around him crying, and displaying under-shirts (tunics) and [other] garments such as Dorcas was accustomed to make while she was with them.
But Peter put them all out [of the room] and knelt down and prayed; then turning to the body he said, Tabitha, get up! And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she raised herself and sat upright.
And he gave her his hand and lifted her up.
Then calling in God's people and the widows he presented her to them alive.
And this became known throughout all Joppa, and many came to believe on the Lord - that is, to adhere and trust in and rely on Him as the Christ and as their Savior.
And Peter remained in Joppa for considerable time with one Simon, a tanner.
- Acts 9:37-43
Sooner or later we All get sick and die or some of us might just be fortunate enough to breath our last and be gathered Home to our people. I for One would choose to close my eyes and fall asleep In Jesus, but either Way, it is appointed unto man (All of mankind) once to die and then The Judgement!
Although men were begging Peter to come to Joppa and All the widows there were crying over the loss of Tabitha, Dorcas or Gazelle, In God's Eyes, she was only sleeping. Regardless of how Hopeless the situations around us may appear, there are alWays those who shine as Light In the darkness by abounding in Good Deeds and Acts of Charity (LOVE)!
You couldn't help, but notice that another Miracle Is about to Come Forth In an Upper Room. The Resurrection Power of God was about to Be Manifested In and Through The Life of Peter The Apostle, before the Disciples, Followers of Jesus throughout All Joppa, and many would Come To Know Him As Lord and Savior Of Their Hearts, Minds And Souls!
Peter [Immediately] rose and accompanied those who called upon him, because he was moved By The Holy Spirit. God Is AlWays Ready, Willing and Able to Arise and Come to the beck and Call of His Chosen Ones! The Holy Spirit Is The One Who Is Called Along Side To Help us In our Time Of Need and He AlWays Arrives On Time. Surely we All suffer loss of some kind in this Present World of Darkness, but each tear that we cry is collected by Our Father Who Art In Heaven and He Will dry aWay every tear from our eyes some Day Soon! Notice how Peter puts them All out of the room.
Have you ever felt "put out" By God? In such circumstances, kneel down and pray, cause He Wants to turn your situation around, as a matter of fact, He Wants To Turn "The Body," His Whole Church Around!
GET UP! Jesus says, "Arise, My Love!"
He Wants to Open your eyes, so that you can see Wonderful Things In His Word, The Spoken, Written and Living Word of God. God Wants to Raise you Up! Not just on The Last Day, at The Resurrection, but Here and NOW! Jesus Came, so that we could Have Life NOW, The Eternal, Everlasting and Abundant Life. Tabitha raised her"self" up and sat upright. Have you Given your"self" To God? Are you setting your"self" upright and In Right Standing With Him In Christ? Jesus Is Seated At The Right Hand Of God and Your Heavenly Father Is Giving His Hand To you, so that you can Be Lifted Up, Seated In Heavenly Places.
He Wants To Present you to His People and The World, ALIVE! Shout It from the house tops and let This become Known throughout All Joppa, All Nations and Peoples!
Believe On The Lord - that is, Adhere To, Trust In, Rely On Christ, Messiah, The Anointed One and Savior Of The World!
Endure In Him until The End and you Shall Be Saved In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts Message: Acts 10:1-6
"There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. About the ninth hour of the day, he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming and saying to him, 'Cornelius!'
And when he observed him, he was afraid and said, 'What is it, lord?' So he said to him, "Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God.
Now, send men to Joppa and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.' "
(Acts 10:1-6)
Cornelius feared God. He shepherded his household rightly. He gave joyfully and prayed continually. The natural (And the Divine) order of a life so lived is exactly what happened in Cornelius' life: God spoke to him clearly, and he heard God.
Clearly. And in so doing, all his relatives, all his close friends were saved and baptized - as well as baptized with the Holy Spirit, bearing witness to not only the Truth, but to the signs and wonders that followed. Wow.
Really wow. It's so simple it's very nearly incomprehensible.
Micah wrote it down - straight from the heart of God to us - just as plainly: "He has shown you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you – But to do justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
James put it equally as plain: "Pure and undefiled religion before God and The Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."
Fear God. Pray. Love compassionately and selflessly. Fear God. Pray. Love compassionately and selflessly. Fear God. Pray. Love compassionately and selflessly.
(How many times was it, again, that we need to hear something before it's committed to memory? Never mind, you get the idea…)
But truly, we see over and over again – in scripture, in the stories we've read about the great men and women of faith who've gone before us, in the lives of those we know who are faithful to God – we see it all along, plain as day, that God shows Himself to those who seek Him with all their heart – that those who "kiss the Son" by loving what He loves, by being tender hearted to His hurting people, by hungering for continual communion with Him, will be brought into the Holy of Holies. Brought into intimacy with their Beloved, and told the secret things of God.
It is not unattainable. So many times we speak of "Hearing God" like it was some elusive, mystic rarity that is doled out randomly to people other than ourselves.
God's voice is NOT elusive. If He wanted to be elusive, He'd never have had allowed Himself to be lifted high up from the earth on that cross so that ALL men will be drawn unto Him. That act was the exact opposite of all that the idea of "elusive" connotes. And God does NOT speak randomly. Yes, His voice calls for all to hear, but He is only heard by those who are LISTENING… to those whose line of communication is open.
How does that line get open?
Fear God. Pray. Love compassionately and selflessly. Fear God. Pray. Love compassionately and selflessly. Fear God. Pray. Love compassionately and selflessly.
(Is it memorized yet???J)
Cornelius was human, like we all are. He was a little Italian guy – probably like all my uncles back in New Jersey. Or, like my dad… a diligent worker, a loyal family man, tending to his fig trees and his grapevines, inviting all the family and the whole neighborhood to his house for occasions. No different than my Zio Mario or my Nonno Giuseppe.
So what was it that got this common man's legacy immortalized in Holy Scripture?
He feared God. He prayed. He loved compassionately and selflessly. And his Lord spoke to him.
And you, my beloved brothers and sisters are offered no less than what was offered him.
So…
Fear God. Pray. Love compassionately and selflessly.
Love in Jesus,
Juliet
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
______________________________________________
Subject: Acts Message / Acts 10:7-11
"And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually. So when he explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa. The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went upon the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance and saw Heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth."
- Acts 10:7-11
A year or so ago, I taught a high school art class. One of the projects we did was making photo-mosaics.
For those of you unfamiliar with that term, a photo-mosaic is a large picture made up of hundreds, sometimes thousands, of smaller pictures. When all the seemingly unrelated photographs are stacked up side by side and one above the other, like a huge grid, and when one views this large grid from far off, the many, many tiny pictures become almost invisible in view of the bigger picture they compose.
There's a spiritual lesson in that.
Like pixels, the tiny little red, yellow and blue dots that are nothing but solid-colored circles barely visible to the naked eye, yet when arranged just right, they make every scene, every movement, every image of every picture on your TV or computer screen.
There's a spiritual lesson in those too…
And here, in the tenth chapter of Acts, we have a pixel. A photo-mosaic. An often overlooked, easily glanced-past few verses of scripture. Yet when we look more closely at these events just prior to Peter's vision, Peter's revelation of the redemptive power of God, we see a picture of obedience. We see a picture of a man who was instructed by an angel of God. He didn't second-guess his vision, he didn't question why. The Bible tells us that Cornelius was a devout man, so he probably knew Gods voice when he heard it. ("My sheep know my voice and will not follow the voice of another" as Jesus said…) So he did what he was told to do.
He used his own assets – two of his servants and a soldier who waited on him – to do it.
And the servants, the soldier…they were obedient too. As all this was set into motion, as the Spirit of God prodded action in the lives of these obedient people, as they began their journey, faraway, stood Peter. Peter, being obedient in the setting-apart of himself to go off and pray – Peter being a man, being sanctified and hungry and as human as you or I, was being obedient.
Next thing you know, he finds himself being given a vision from God that will change the course of history, that would define the very heart of the apostles' missionary journeys from there on out.
There he was, just Peter. Just Cornelius. Just a soldier. Just a couple of servants.
But all did what they were created to do, what they were called to do, and in doing so, they became part of the picture. The tiny photos of these common men became part of the larger image. The image of Jesus Christ.
And so are we. In our small, uneventful lives, in the midst of our days that are filled with joy and grief and love and friendship and beginnings and endings and things that make us want to laugh ourselves silly and cry ourselves to sleep… all these things are allowed by God. When God calls us to task and we respond, then the image of that scene slides into it's place on the grid, and it all becomes a pixel in the face of Jesus.
As children of God, as sons and daughters set apart for His use, our steps are ordered by the Almighty.
Don't be afraid. Boldly find your place in the mosaic, my brothers and sisters. It all may seem insignificant when you're going through it, but it may be a key instrument in the Kingdom of God…
Love in Jesus,
Juliet
______________________________________________
Subject: NEW MAILING ADDRESS and Acts of The Holy Spirit Message: Acts 10:11-15
The Word:
And he saw the sky opened and something like a great sheet lowered by the four corners, descending to the earth.
It contained all kinds of quad-rupeds and wild beasts and creeping things of the earth and birds of the air.
And there came a voice to him saying, Rise up, Peter, kill and eat.
But Peter said, No, by no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common and unhallowed or [ceremonially] unclean.
And the voice came to him again a second time, What God has cleansed and pronounced clean, do not you defile and profane by regarding and calling common and unhallowed or unclean.
- Acts 10:11-15
Wouldn't you think that Peter had learned his lesson several times over by now?
No, Lord; by no means! I would NEVER deny you! You can't go to The Cross! Is it any Wonder that Jesus says, "Get thee behind Me, satan!" How many times have you and I said, No! To Him? Do we treat "The Things Of God" as common, less Holy than They Actually "Are" or [ceremonially] unclean? Oh, I would NEVER do, think or say anything like "THAT!" Are you listening to The Voice Of The Spirit, The Holy Spirit Of God speaking to you? I like how The Word Of God counts and let's us know for certain that "The Voice" (Hear! O, Israel!) came to Peter "again" "a second time." Dare we acknowledge how many times God Has Spoken To Us? Too many messages have been blocked out, deleted, ignored or just dismissed and considered unclean.
The sky was opened! Did God Say, THIS "IS" My Beloved Son, Listen To Him?"
For some of us, the only sheets we ever encountered were "2 sheets to the wind."
If you sow to "the wind" you will reap the whirlwind! Of course, you have to realize that THIS had to Be a GREAT sheet, because It contained ALL the different kinds of quad-rupeds, wild beasts, creeping things of the Earth and birds of the air that God Himself had Created [ALL Things were Created By Jesus, For Him and He Holds ALL Things Together]!
I would have to agree with God (aren't I "the smart" One) and say that it Is high time for The Church, The Body of Messiah, Christ, The Anointed One and ALL Believers Every Where to Rise up, above It ALL (man- made rules and regulations), Kill our pride / "self"- centeredness and Eat / Receive ALL that God has for us In Jesus' Holy and Precious Name!
Can we stand with Peter and say that we would NEVER consider (the thought wouldn't Cross our mind) eating, drinking or being merry with anything or anyOne common, unhallowed or [ceremonially] unclean? And, Why not? JESUS DID! ALL of This Vision and "small talk" going on here was, so that Peter could avoid going to the Gentiles! Are we NOT Going and doing like-Wise (or not-so-Wise)? Jesus shed His Blood on The Cross of Calvary and declared, "It Is FINISHED!" He had conquered sin and death! The "Wall of Separation" was broken down and the veil before The Holy Of Holies was rent in two, so that we could come to God through The New And Living Way! ALL Things are Given To us By God In Christ, but like Paul The Apostle says, ALL things are NOT profitable.
What God has cleansed, pronounced clean, Do NOT YOU defile, profane by regarding, calling common and unhallowed or unclean! What God has joined together (We "ARE" One In The Spirit and One In The Lord Jesus Christ), let No man separate! Don't be double-minded, faint-hearted or a respecter of persons. Judge rightly and properly according to His Word, Will and Way In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend in Him, Mark
Subject: Acts 10:17-21
The Word:
Now Peter was still inwardly perplexed and doubted as to what the vision which he had seen could mean, when [just then] behold the messengers that were sent by Cornelius, who had made inquiry for Simon's house, stopped and stood before the gate.
And they called out to inquire whether Simon who was surnamed Peter was staying there.
And while Peter was earnestly revolving the vision in his mind and meditating on it, the (Holy) Spirit said to him, Behold, three men are looking for you!
Get up and go below and accompany them without any doubt [about its legality] or any discrimination or hesitation, for I have sent them.
Then Peter went down to the men and said, I am the man you seek; what is the purpose of your coming?
- Acts 10:17-21
Are you presently (still) inwardly perplexed and doubting as to "The Vision" (Plan, Calling, Future) God has shown you for your Life In Him? Take a really close look at what is going on around you, evaluate and re-evaluate what has gone on in your [just then] moment or moments and Behold The Message (and Messengers) Of The Lord!
Who has God already sent your Way, what "Is" your present situation (circumstance), where Will God Lead and Guide you In The Future, when Will "The Door" For you Be Opened For Effectual Ministry and why are we not constantly looking, expecting, watching, waiting, praying, seeking, asking, knocking, ready, Willing, wanting and able to Hear what The Holy Spirit "Is" Saying to you and I as The Church Of Jesus Christ Today? Jesus "Is" The Gate by which we enter into His Perfect and Acceptable Will, According to His Holy and Precious Word and Way!
"Where are you?" Is the first question ever recorded in human history asked by God to Adam and Eve after their fall in The Garden of Eden. Who has He sent to inquire of you, where are you staying?
The Word of God tells us "To Stand" after we have done ALL that we can "To Stand," but as Believers In Christ, we are Called of God to constantly and consistently Be Moving Forward In Jesus. "Be Still And Know That I Am God" does NOT mean that we are to stay put Forever in One Place and never step out In Faith, rather that we ARE to Be Going Forward In Jesus' Name, NOT by might, NOT by our own power or strength, but "By His Spirit," Says The Lord!
Do you "earnestly" revolve The Hopes, Dreams and Visions that God has Given you in your mind (The Mind Of Christ) and Meditate On His Word, The Holy Scriptures, The Bible, THE BOOK day and night? BEHOLD, LOOK and SEE that there are Three Men (The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit) Who ARE LOOKING For YOU! Just as The Three Men came LOOKING For Abraham (Our Father Of Faith or The Father Of The Faithful [ARE you Full of Faith?]), God Is LOOKING For you and Sending Others To you On His Behalf, so Get Up and Go With The Trinity Of God without doubt [about Its legality (There is No Place for legalism In The Church Today!)], discrimination or hesitation! God has Sent His Word To you and through your acceptance Of It (Him / Jesus Is The Word), He Is Sending You In His Name To Go To ALL Nations and Peoples With The Good News Of Jesus, The Gospel Of God In Christ!
Will you like Isaiah The Prophet say, "Here, I Am, Lord, Use Me!" or like Peter The Apostle exclaim, "I Am The Man You Seek!"? If Jesus Is The Man you Seek, The Great I Am Of God, then you Will Want To Be Like Him and Go Out To Seek and Save the lost In His Holy and Precious Name! What was The Purpose of His Coming from Heaven to Earth? To Show, Make and Be The Way To Our Father Who Art In Heaven! What Is The Purpose Of His Coming To you and me?
So that we would Go and Do Like-Wise!
Will you join me (each and every One of you) Today (each and every day) in Bringing Unity to The Body of Christ, Equipping The Saints for Service In His Kingdom (Which Is Righteousness, Peace and Joy In The Holy Ghost) and Fulfilling The Great Commission In His Name?
This Is The Purpose Of His Coming To us and He Is Coming Again SOON (To Judge The Quick and the dead), so let's be diligent in our plans and purposes To Accomplish His Plans and Purposes In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Subject: Acts 10:22-26
The Word:
And they said, Cornelius, a centurion (captain) who is just and upright and in right standing with God, being God-fearing and obedient, and well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, has been instructed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house; and he has received in answer [to prayer] a warning to listen to and act upon what you have to say.
So Peter invited them in to be his guests [for the night]. The next day he arose and went away with them, and some of the brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was waiting for and expecting them, and he had invited together his relatives and his intimate friends.
As Peter arrived, Cornelius met him, and falling down at his feet he made obeisance and paid worshipful reverence to him.
But Peter raised him up, saying, Get up; I myself am also a man.
- Acts 10:22-26
How in ALL of this World did Cornelius, a Roman Centurion "become" Just, Up-Right and In Right Standing With God? The same exact Way that you and I Do, By Faith, Being God-fearing and Obedient To God's Will and Way, According To His Holy And Precious Word! He put his money and his actions where his mouth was (Faith without works is dead) and it certainly must have showed, because even the whole Jewish nation spoke well of him. Cornelius Believed God ("Just" as Abraham Did) and It Was Accredited To him As Righteousness, A Right Standing and A Right (Intimate) Relationship With God.
Have you been instructed by God to send for any One to Come to your house or to bring somebody to His? Are your prayers being answered? Here we ALL have a warning to listen (Hear, O Israel, What The Holy Spirit Is Saying To His Church, His Chosen People, His Bride) and Act upon (Obedience AlWays Brings God's Richest Blessings) what is being said!
Peter invited these perfect strangers into his house for the night under the leading and guiding of The Holy Spirit. Is there any One reading this that has never invited Jesus into their heart To Be King and Lord of ALL (not only as a welcome guest)? The next day Peter arose and went aWay with them, but God Calls us ALL to Arise and Shine (Arise, My Love) and follow along His Way (Jesus Is "The Way"). As some brethren from Joppa accompanied Peter, Jesus Promises To Be With us AlWays and For Ever, for who-ever, what-ever, where-ever and when-ever (even to The End Of The Age).
For Peter, This was "Just" a One Day journey, but The Christian Walk And Relationship Is From Here To ALL Of Eternity (One Day at a time)!
Cornelius was waiting for and expecting Peter (according to God's Word), but are we watching and waiting for Jesus as He asked us to? Are you occupying until He Comes Again? He told The Disciples to watch and pray for "Just" One hour, but each and every One of them deserted Him right before He went to The Cross at Calvary to pay for the sins of the World!
Do you invite together your relatives and intimate friends to hear The Word of God? Obviously, Cornelius' actions were speaking louder than his words. He Knew What he Believed In and was determined to share It (His Faith / Jesus Is The Author And Finisher Of Our Faith) with others.
Jesus Is Here! Would you Like (Love) to meet Him? Cornelius fell down at Peters' feet, made obeisance and paid worshipful reverence to him, but Peter raised him up, because he knew that he was (in him"self") also "Just" a man. It Is Jesus Alone Who Is Worthy Of ALL Glory, Honor, Power And Praise! We are to fall down at His Feet, lay our sins at the foot of The Cross, make obeisance and pay Worshipful Reverence To Him! When we Humble our"self" In The Sight Of The Lord, He Lifts us Up! As we Behold "The Man" Christ Jesus, Worship Him In Spirit and Truth and Reverently Fear Him (The Fear Of The Lord Is The Beginning Of Wisdom), He Makes us The Men, Women and Children Of God that He Has Called and Created us To Be In Jesus' Name.
Amen.
God bless and Love to ALL,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Title. Subject: Acts Of The Holy Spirit:
Acts:10:27-31
The Word:
And as [Peter] spoke with him, he entered the house and found a large group of persons assembled;
And he said to them, You yourselves are aware how it is not lawful or permissible for a Jew to keep company with or to visit or [even] to come near or to speak first to any one of another nationality, but God has shown and taught me by words that I should not call any human being common or unhallowed or (ceremonially) unclean.
Therefore when I was sent for, I came without hesitation or objection or misgivings. So now I ask for what reason you sent for me.
And Cornelius said, This is now the fourth day since about this time I was observing the ninth hour [three o'clock in the afternoon] of prayer in my lodging place, when [suddenly] a man stood before me in dazzling apparel;
And he said, Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and hearkened to, and your donations to the poor have been known and preserved before God - so that He heeds and is about to help you.
- Acts 10:27-31
If you had to enter a house or building that you have never been in, at a place where you were totally unfamiliar with the surroundings and a large group of persons were assembled there, what would you say or do? Notice the boldness, confidence and assurance that Peter has while addressing "The Very First Gentiles" Who Ever Heard The Gospel, The Good News about The Love Of God, His Mercy Upon and Forgiveness Towards us regarding our sin. How is it that he says, "You yourselves are aware?" Our Creator has giving each and every One of us a conscience to Know His Law which is written upon our hearts.
Paul The Apostle wrote that "ALL Things" are lawful, permissible for us In Christ Jesus, but not "ALL Things" are profitable for us In Him! Are you keeping company, visiting, coming near, even speaking to or with some One, something that is not Of God or beneficial to your walk, relationship or witness For Him?
Surely, God has shown you (Great and Mighty Things) and taught you (Truth In The Inner Man) By and In His Word, what you should and should not say or do. No One or Thing on the face of this planet is common or unclean. Jesus Has Redeemed, Bought Back The World with His Blood, so that we are NOW Precious In The Eyes Of Our Father Who Art In Heaven!
Have you been Sent By God to go, do and accomplish something In His Holy Name, to further His Kingdom (Which Is Righteousness, Peace and Joy In The Holy Ghost), to bring Preaching, Teaching and Healing to others (without hesitation, objection or misgiving)?
Yes, you have! He has Given you and me "The Great Commission" to reach ALL Nations and Peoples with The Love of God and The Good News of Jesus! This Is "The Reason" that Jesus died on The Cross at Calvary. He says to us Today, "Come, Let Us Reason Together!"
Do you count the days since you last got A Word From The Lord? Are you expecting anything to come of what He Has Promised you? ALL Of His Promises "ARE" Yea, Yes and Amen In Christ Jesus! Cornelius knew what day and hour it was when God Spoke To him. He Speaks To us Today, In The Person Of His One And Only Begotten Son, Jesus!
Have you been listening to what He's got to say? Do you Pray in your lodging place? ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE!
The Word of God tells us that [Suddenly] a man (Behold The Man Of God Who Takes AWay The Sins Of The World) stood before Cornelius in dazzling clothes. Did not Jesus' raiment, apparel shine, radiate God's Glory (like no fullers soap or bleach could ever get our garments that "Clorox Clean") on The Mountain of Transfiguration? We Serve A Pure And Holy God! Cleanse your"self" from ALL sin and unrighteousness with The Precious Blood of The Savior that makes you white as snow.
God ALL Ways answers, hears and hearkens to your prayers! Each and Every donation, tithe, offering, alms, gift given to the poor Is Seen, Known Of, Preserved Before God and Recognized By Him! ALL of The Things that Cornelius was doing and did "By Faith" were going To Be Heeded By God! He Is Our Help In Times Of Need! "My God" Shall Provide ALL of your needs according to His Riches In Glory. Is your every outgoing action brought before God as a Memorial To Him? Are you Bringing The Essence Of Christ where ever you go? Wait Upon The Lord and Renew your Strength, because He is Ready, Willing and Able to help you! His Desire Is that ALL that you say and do will bring Glory, Honor and Praise To His Holy and Precious Name. Are you bearing Good and lasting Fruit (The Fruit Of The Spirit)? Be Rooted and Grounded In Him, According to His Word, Will and Way, so that you can't lose. He Heeds and Helps us, so why don't we do The Same (Jesus Christ Is "The Same" Yesterday, Today and Forever) unto others as we would have them do unto us In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to ALL,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts Of The Holy Spirit: Acts 10:32-38
The Word:
Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is surnamed Peter; he is staying in the house of Simon the tanner, by the seaside.
So at once I sent for you, and you [being a Jew] have done a kind and courteous and handsome thing in coming. Now then, we are all present in the sight of God to listen to all that you have been instructed by the Lord to say.
And Peter opened his mouth and said:
Most certainly and thoroughly I now perceive and understand that God shows no partiality and is no respecter of persons,
But in every nation he who venerates and has a reverential fear for God, treating Him with worshipful obedience and living uprightly, is acceptable to Him and sure of being received and welcomed [by Him].
You know the contents of the message which He sent to Israel, announcing the good news (Gospel) of peace by Jesus Christ, Who is Lord of all, The [same] message which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, starting from Galilee after the baptism preached by John:
How God anointed and consecrated Jesus of Nazareth with the (Holy) Spirit and with strength and ability and power; how He went about doing good and in particular curing all that were harassed and oppressed by [the power of] the devil, for God was with Him.
- Acts 10:32-38
God Is With (IN) YOU! That Is The Hope Of Glory and we ALL should Be Living "The Life Of Christ" Before God and mankind (just as Peter and ALL "The Faithful" In "The Good Book" did). Have you ever sent a prayer up to Heaven, before God's Throne Of Grace And Mercy and asked Him To Come, Stay, Dwell, Tabernacle With you (In your House, your Temple, your Body, Mind, Heart, Soul and Spirit)? Peter was staying with Simon the tanner, by the seaside, just as The Holy Spirit Comes Along-side you to Lead and Guide you In ALL The Truths Of God's Word and His Understanding. Jesus Ascended Unto The Right Hand Of God, so that He could Send His Spirit Upon ALL flesh. God's Holy Spirit Is FULL Of His Loving-Kindness, Courteous and Ever Present In Our Life, Interceding To Our Father Who Art In Heaven, On Our Behalf, In Jesus' Holy And Precious Name! What would He Have you Say Today?
Open your mouth, your heart, your Life and speak forth The Things Of God! Be Certain and Thorough In Your Faith.
Know and Understand that God Is NO Respecter Of Persons, He Shows NO Partiality towards you or any One else in this World and neither should we. Our Calling Is To Go To ALL Nations and Peoples with The Gospel Of God In Christ, regardless of any bodies race, color, language, social status or creed!
We MUST Bring The Love Of God and The Good News Of Jesus To ALL, Teaching them to Worship "The One True God" In Spirit And Truth. For ALL who Receive Salvation In Jesus' Name (through Obedience To His Word, Will and Way) ARE Up-Right, Acceptable, Received Into His Kingdom (which Is Righteousness, Peace and Joy In The Holy Ghost), Welcomed, Pure, Holy, Blameless and Precious In His Sight!
Do you Know "The Contents" Of His Message, His Word, His Book (The Book), The Bible? If you Love Him, you Will Obey His Commandments, but if you don't read and study His Word (God's Love Letter To You), how can you follow "The Lover Of Your Heart And Soul?" He sent His Angels to proclaim "The Good News" to the shepherds in the open fields on the night of His One and Only Begotten Son's Birth! Today, He Speaks To Us Through His Son, Jesus, The Living Word Of God! He Is Lord Of ALL, so should we not Listen Intently To What His Spirit Has To Say To The Church, His Chosen People? It Is "The Same Message of long ago (Jesus Christ Is "The Same" Yesterday, Today and Forever) which was declared throughout ALL Judea and It is Our Job To Bring It To The Very Ends Of The World!
Just as God has anointed Jesus of Nazareth, The Branch, so ARE we, consecrated, set aside, sanctified, empowered, enabled with strength, ability (The Fruit and Gifts He Has Bestowed Upon Us ALL) and The Power Of His Holy Spirit Working, Living, Moving and Having His Being In and Through us! He went about Doing Good (God Is Good ALL The Time), Healing the sick, Raising the dead, Curing ALL that were harassed, oppressed by the power of the devil (notice the small caps in regards to the devil's power), for God Was With Him and He Is With Us AlWays, Even To The End Of The Age, In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to ALL,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts Message: Acts 10:44-48
The Word:
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all who were listening to the message.
And the believers from among the circumcised [the Jews] who came with Peter were surprised and amazed, because the free gift of the Holy Spirit had been bestowed and poured out largely even on the Gentiles.
For they heard them talking in [unknown] languages and extolling and magnifying God.
Then Peter asked,
Can any one forbid or refuse water for baptizing these people, seeing that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?
And he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Then they begged him to stay on there for some days.
- Acts 10:44-48
Have you Received The Fullness of God's Holy Spirit Being Released, Bestowed and Poured Out LARGELY On / Upon YOU? Do you talk / Pray in an [unknown] language, extol and magnify God? Should we, The Church, The Temple Of The Living God, The Body Of Christ, His Precious Bride Be Surprised and Amazed at This Free Gift Given To ALL Who are Circumcised Of Heart? It was Peter The Apostle who said (in The Second Chapter Of Acts), "THIS IS THAT which was Spoken Of (Prophesied) By The Prophet Joel!" Believest THOU THIS? Apart from Faith, we can do NOTHING, so I think that we should ALL take heed to what The Holy Spirit Is Saying TODAY!
Would not EVERY Preacher, Teacher and Evangelist just LOVE to See The Holy Spirit Fall On ALL who were listening to their Message? Let's face it folks, most can't even get their Congregations to even pay attention to what they are saying, but I suppose that's "The Problem." Any One who steps into "The Pulpit" should have a clear, precise VISION of what GOD Wants To Say And Do! Was not Nicodemus "Surprised / Amazed" at Jesus telling him, "YOU MUST BE BORN-AGAIN?"
My Dear, Sweet, Brothers and Sisters In Jesus, PLEASE, Do NOT Put GOD in your very own spiritual box! He Has Given Us EVERYTHING We Need To Live Our (Eternal, Everlasting, Abundant, Resurrection) Life Unto Him, so let us take FULL Advantage of ALL The Fruit and (FREE) Gifts Of His Holy Spirit that He Most Generously Has Bestowed and Poured Out LARGELY On / Upon US (Even On The Gentiles). Let US Extol, Glorify and Magnify His Holy and Precious Name TOGETHER!
Do you speak / Pray In An [Unknown] (Prayer) Language? Oral Roberts says, without Praying In Tongues, Using Our Prayer Language, we have only 1/2 a loaf!
That would be like playing a game of solitaire with just a 1/2 deck. YOU Can't WIN! We NEED The FULL ARMOR OF GOD in order To Have THE VICTORY IN JESUS' HOLY NAME!! For sure, This "little" Message Will cause some stir, but GOD Is NOT The Author Of Confusion!!!
EVERY ONE Of US has Gifts and Talents to use, until Jesus Comes Again, so why aren't we using ALL Of Them? I "Sincerely" Believe that The Scriptures CLEARLY Teach US of a difference between The Gift Of Tongues (which is for specific use within The Body of Christ) and The Prayer Language (which is for Each and Every Christian To Edify Them Spiritually)!
Have YOU Been Baptized (In Water) In / Into The Name Of JESUS, The MESSIAH, The ANOINTED ONE OF GOD? Have YOU Received (The Baptism Of / Been Baptized In / Into) The Holy Spirit? Are YOU Living, Moving and Having YOUR Being In, Of, Through, For and By Him?
GOD IS LOVE and JESUS said, "They'll KNOW WE ARE CHRISTIANS By Our LOVE!"
Notice: They Begged Peter to stay on there for some days. Does that
remind you of Jesus, after meeting The Woman At The Well In Samaria? No ONE Can "Hit and Run"! If a baby was just born, would you leave it ALL alone and helpless? We (As Christians) Are Called Of God To Go and Make Disciples Of ALL Nations and Peoples! If YOU Are NOT Involved In THIS GREAT COMMISSION, then I would venture to say, YOU Are NOT Being OBEDIENT To God's Call On YOUR Life In Christ and ONLY OBEDIENCE Brings God's Richest Blessings YOUR Way! The Word Of God Says, Be YE CONTINUALLY Being FULL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!! YOU should NOT Be Surprised or Amazed at My Sayings!!!
THE SPIRIT IS Subject To The Prophets (That Is YOU and Me), so let US NOT quench, hold back, squelch or grieve Him. Allow The FREE Gift Of God To Fall, Be Bestowed, Poured Out LARGELY On / Upon YOU, Talk / Pray In [Unknown] Languages, Extol, Magnify God, Receive The Holy Spirit, Be Baptized In and Of (Water, The Word & Spirit) In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to ALL, <')))>< Mark
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Subject: Resurrection "Son" Day Acts 10:39-43 Message!
The Word:
And we are [eye and ear] witnesses of everything that He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. And [yet] they put Him out of the way
- murdered Him - by hanging Him on a tree; But God raised Him to life on the third day and caused Him to be manifest - to be plainly seen - Not by all the people but to us who were chosen (designated) before-hand by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead.
And he charged us to preach to the people, and to hear solemn testimony that He is the God-appointed and God-ordained Judge of the living and the dead.
To Him all the prophets testify (bear witness) that everyone who believes in HIm - who adheres to, trusts in and relies on Him, giving himself up to Him - receives forgiveness of sins through His name.
- Acts 10:39-43
You and I, ALL Confessing Christians (Believers) around the World, EVERYWHERE "are" Called By God To Be [Eye & Ear] Witnesses, To Make Manifest, so that ALL Nations and Peoples Will Plainly See The Risen Lord Jesus! He Is Alive and we "are" Forgiven, Heaven's Gates (This / Jesus Is The Gate Of The Lord God Almighty) "are" Opened WIDE! Though we see through a glass darkly, we "Do" See The Word Of God, Face To Face and Hear, O Israel, What The Holy Spirit Is Saying To His Church, His Bride, His Beloved, The Temple Of The "LIVING" God, The Body Of Christ.
Jesus of Nazareth, The Branch says to YOU Today, "YOU shall `Be´ My WITNESSES!" So, "are" YOU Living, Moving and Having Your Being In Christ?
The life of the flesh (natural man) is NOTHING, but The Gift Of God Is Eternal, Everlasting, The Abundant, Resurrection Life In Christ Jesus. DO NOT Put Jesus (The Way) out of your way! We Crucified, Murdered Him, Caused Him To Become Sin For Us, because of our sinful nature, but He Willingly died on The Cross of Calvary, hung on a tree, so that we could Be The Righteousness of God.
His Body was Broken For us! Like The Prophet Jonah, Jesus was Raised to Newness of Life On The Third Day. God rolled aWay The Stone, so the World would Come To Know and See Plainly that The Tomb was EMPTY! He Has Risen, Just As He Said. Are you heeding what Jesus is saying to you? If you Love Him, you Will Obey His Word, His Commandments! You, YES, Y-O-U "Are" God's Chosen (Designated) Ones, His Chosen People, Created Vessels, Fit For His Use. If (in fact) you have EVER Celebrated Passover, The Lord's Supper or Communion, then You Too "Ate and Drank With Him" AFTER He Rose From The Dead, The Grave, The Tomb!
Each and Every Believer on the face of Planet Earth Is Charged, Appointed, Ordained Of God To Preach, Teach and Heal! ALL Christians "Have" A Testimony of what The Lord Has Done For Them, How He Saved, Delivered and Redeemed us, but if you don't, I would seriously suggest that you make ABSOLUTELY Sure that you "Have" True Salvation In Jesus' Holy and Precious Name. He who "Has" The Son has Life, but he who does not have The Son does NOT "Have" Life!
If you Indeed "Have" Received Forgiveness of sins through His Name (Which Is Above ALL), you should bear Witness (The Witness Of The Holy Spirit In Your Life) along with Moses, The Psalms and ALL The Prophets! Give your"self" Up To Him, offer up your"self" a Living Sacrifice, Pour Out Your Life as a Drink Offering, Cling To, Rely On, Trust In, Adhere, Believe and Receive JESUS Today (Like You NEVER Have Before), because He Is Closer NOW than when we first Believed!
Church, Every Member Within The Body Of Christ, THIS IS YOUR CHARGE: Bear Solemn Testimony, Bear Witness that He, JESUS Is The Judge Of The Living and The Dead! Let ALL Nations and Peoples Know and Understand (TODAY Is The Day Of Salvation / Yeshua / Jesus) that they can Receive Forgiveness of sins Through and In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to ALL,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Pray about sending your "Pennies From Heaven To Change The World" to:
Victory Church Of God
224 East Monroe Avenue
Grants, NM
87020
USA
and write "Missions" in the memo section of the check or money order, so 100% of your tax deductible contribution goes to those with the greatest needs.
Thanks for your daily prayers and continual giving, Mark and The Victory Church Of God Team
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Date: Sun, May 9, 2004
Subject:
Happy Mothers Day To ALL! Acts 11:1-5
The Word:
NOW the apostles (special messengers) and the brethren who were throughout Judea heard [with astonishment] that the Gentiles (heathen) also had received and accepted and welcomed the Word of God - that is, the doctrine concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God.
So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party [the Jewish Christians] found fault with him - separating themselves from him in a hostile spirit, opposing and disputing and contending with him - Saying, Why do you go to uncircumcised men and [even] eat with them?
But Peter began [at the beginning] and narrated and explained to them step by step [the whole list of events]. He said:
I was in the town of Joppa praying and [falling] in a trance I saw a vision, of something coming down from heaven, like a huge sheet lowered by the four corners; and it descended until it came to me.
- Acts 11:1-5
EVERY TIME there's a New, Fresh, Move Of God's Holy Spirit Within The Church Of Jesus Christ, there is "astonishment", fault-finding (on behalf of Christians and non-Believers alike), separation (usually and more times than not) caused by a hostile spirit (the spirit of anti-Christ), opposition, disputes and contention.
Generally, ALL the narrating, explaining and "step by step" listing of events comes to naught, falls on deaf ears or occasionally is dealt with in an organized manner, but often not. Seldom do we (The Body Of Christ) Give God The Glory, Honor and Praise Due To His Holy And Precious Name! Should not Each and Every One of us examine our"self" and realize the potential within to quench, hold back, diminish or even to blaspheme The Holy Spirit?
Here we sit, reading about an ACTUAL event which took place some 2,000 years ago, that could just as easily had happened yesterday or Today in (outside of) any One of our Christian Fellowships!
How would YOU, your "Church People", friends, family, co-workers or neighbors react in a similar circumstance or situation? Would YOU (or they) be astonished that God "REALLY" Moved Upon the heart, mind, soul and spirit of a heathen? We were ALL yet sinners when Christ Willingly went to The Cross Of Calvary to die for the sins of the World (yours and mine)! There is no longer male, female, slave or free, because The Wall Of Separation has been broken, torn down (like The Veil In The Temple after Christ's Crucifixion), so that ALL Can Go BOLDLY Before God's Throne Of Grace and Tender-Mercy. WE "ARE" One In The Spirit and One In The Lord Jesus!!!
Have you received, accepted and welcomed The Word Of God into your Life? ALL have sinned and fallen short of His Glory, but EVERY One has the ability to attain Eternal, Everlasting, The Abundant, Resurrection Life through Yeshua / Jesus The Messiah, Christ and Anointed One Of God, Who Is "Our SALVATION" In The Kingdom Of God, which is Righteousness, Peace and Joy In The Holy Ghost! Whatever "Party" you're from, Join "The Real Party," Go, Do and Be ALL that He's Called YOU To, Take The Love of God, The Good News, The Gospel Of Christ, His Preaching, Teaching and Healing To ALL Nations and Peoples, In The Holy and Precious Name (The Name Above ALL Others) Of Jesus!
STOP The Fighting! We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but spiritual beings, powers and principalities in The Heavenlies!! This is not a boxing match (although, Paul talked about beating his body daily into submission to God's Perfect and Acceptable Will), so there's no reason to contend with "The Brethren," Our Brothers and Sisters In The Lord Jesus!!! We MUST Go To "the uncircumcised", so they can become circumcised of heart, "Real Jews," Children Of The Most High God. Take "The Book," The Bible, The Holy Scriptures, The Word Of God, begin [at the beginning], allow The Holy Spirit to narrate and explain to YOU step by step [the whole list of events from Genesis to "The Revelation Of Jesus Christ"], rest assured (Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine), In His Peace and Love that He'll lead and guide YOU Into ALL Truth and Understanding, so that YOU can do justly, love mercy and walk Humbly With Your God. THIS Is The Will Of Christ Jesus For YOU! It makes no difference what town you pray, live, move or have your being in, because Jesus Christ Is The Same, Yesterday, Today and For Ever! If He Is "Your Vision," You can not lose, no matter who or what comes against you, cause ALL Good Things Come Down From God Out Of Heaven!
Let His Covering Be Lowered and Descend Until "It" Comes To YOU In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to ALL,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Pray about sending a check or money order for Our Missions around the World Today to:
Victory Church Of God
224 East Monroe Avenue
Grants, NM
87020
USA
and write "Missions" in the memo section, so 100% of your tax deductible contribution goes to those with the greatest needs.
Thanks for your Daily Prayers and Continual Giving, Mark and The Victory Church Of God Team
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Subject:
Acts 11:6-10
Gazing intently and closely at it I observed in it [a variety] of four-footed animals and wild beasts and reptiles of the earth and birds of the air,
And I heard a voice saying to me, Get up, Peter; kill and eat.
But I said, [No] by no means, Lord; for nothing common or unhallowed or (ceremonially) unclean has ever entered my mouth.
But the voice answered a second time from heaven, What God has cleansed and pronounced clean, do not you defile or profane by regarding or calling it
common or unhallowed or unclean.
This occurred three times, and then all was drawn up again into heaven.
- Acts 11:6-10
As Peter explains himself and his ACTions to The Apostles (Special Messengers) regarding The Working Of The Holy Spirit In And Through His Life (In Christ, Messiah, The Anointed One, Yeshua / Jesus), let us bring this portion of Holy Script down to the nitty gritty of our everyday Life and get into "The Heart Of The Matter." We HAVE "This Treasure" in earthen vessels and God HAS Revealed His Truth to ALL who have Received, Accepted and Welcomed The Word Of God (Spoken, Written & Living) into their heart. On a personal note: Have you attained (Through Christ) Salvation In The Kingdom Of God, which IS Righteousness, Peace and Joy In The Holy Spirit? We must NEVER forget where we came from, where we ARE Going or what our Primary Objective (In This Lifetime) is; to bring Unity to The Body Of Christ (His Church), Equip The Saints For Service (which is our Spiritual Worship) and Fulfill The Great Commission!
When we Humble our"Self" In The Sight Of Our Lord Jesus, He Lifts Us Up and when we Lift Up The Name Of Jesus, He Draws ALL of mankind Unto Himself, but if we don't fix our eyes on Jesus, gaze and Look Unto Him As The Author And Finisher, Completer Of Our Faith, do not hear, listen or take heed to His Voice, we can not and will not accomplish The Work He Has Set Before Us. If we are in sub-mission To God (which Is His Perfect Will In ALL Things), then we will Trust and Obey, for in that, there is The Blessing!
Here we have God Speaking to Peter a second and third time, before he gets His Drift. Does Your Lord and Savior, Master and King Of Glory bid you to come? Have you heard That Still Soft Voice, God's Voice say to you, Get Up? Jesus says to His Bride Today, Arise, My Love. Isaiah prophesied, Arise And Shine For Your Light Has Come! Do you not know The Day Of His Visitation, His Calling Upon Your Life? Have you "Observed," yet not ACTed? Do you consider The Works Of God's Hands as common, unhallowed, (ceremonially) unclean, defiled or profaned? Of course not or at least, not intentionally. As Paul The Apostle would say, God (Heaven) Forbid!
PLEASE, Don't wait until God has spoken to you three times or forgiven you seventy times seven, until you move forward In Jesus' Holy and Precious Name. LOOK Unto The Fields, for they ARE Ripe Unto Picking. The Harvest Is Ready, but are YOU? Put On The Lord Jesus Christ and See The Lost and Dying World Through His Eyes! Today Is The Day Of Salvation; there is no Jew, Greek, male or female, just lost souls in need of Eternal, Everlasting, The Abundant, Resurrection Life In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to ALL,
<')))>< Mark
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Subject:
Acts 11:11-15
The Word:
And right then the three men sent to me from Caesarea arrived at the house in which we were.
And the (Holy) Spirit instructed me to accompany them without [the least] hesitation or misgivings or discrimination. So these six brethren accompanied me also and we went into the man's house.
And he related to us how he had seen the angel in his house which stood and said to him, Send men to Joppa and bring Simon who is surnamed Peter;
He will give and explain to you a message by means of which you and all your household [as well] will be saved [from eternal death].
When I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning.
- Acts 11:11-15
In "The Beginning" (of The New Testament), God Made Man "A New Creation," In Christ Jesus. Old Things Passed AWay and ALL Things Became New! Just as when Moses Received God's Law on "tablets of stone", The Holy Spirit Writes His New Covenant on the hearts of those who Believe By Faith.
ALL that Peter had to do was speak forth "The Things Of God" and The Holy Spirit Fell! Why is it that we, Confessing Christians are SOOOOOOOOOOO reluctant to speak forth "The Heart Of God?" If The Spirit Of The Lord NOW Rests In YOU, can you Pray, Praise, Stand On The Promises Of God (which are ALL Yea and Amen In Jesus), Prophesy, Sing Psalms, Hymns, Spiritual Songs and Dance like David did? Jesus Christ IS The Same, Yesterday, Today and Forever, so why is it that The Church, His Body and Bride is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Powerless in the eyes of God and man?
We lack Commitment and Obedience To The Truth that has been set before us!
Does "Zeal" For His House Consume YOU?
Looking back over Today's Word, Have YOU had Three (3) Men sent to Your House, The Temple Of The Holy Spirit?
The Father (Our Father, Who Art In Heaven), The Son (His One And ONLY Begotten) and The Holy Ghost (The Very Spirit And Breath Of God) Have Come To Dwell In YOUR Heart, Mind And Soul, In Christ Jesus! It Is The (Holy) Spirit's Job to instruct YOU In ALL His Ways, To Go Before YOU In ALL Things, Keep YOU In His Word, His Perfect And Acceptable Will and SURELY, To Follow YOU ALL The Days Of YOUR Life. Is there ANY Reason (What-So-Ever) for you or I to hesitate, discriminate or have misgivings?
NO!
Notice that six brethren accompanied Peter on this journey. There is strength in numbers and counting Our Apostle Friend, the total equals seven (The Number Of Completion, Fullness, Wholeness And Blessing). You will see that the man who summoned Peter, "Related To Him" and His Companions how he had seen the angel in his house.
Have YOU Seen "The Angel Of The Lord" In YOUR House? Can YOU "Relate" JESUS, Give Him To Others? Do YOU Preach and Teach Christ, Messiah, The Anointed One? EVERY Believer on The Face Of Planet Earth should Be Able To Share Their Faith With Others! Each of Us Is Called Of God, By God and For God To Be A Witness. Our "GREAT Co-Mission" IS To Go To ALL Nations And Peoples! Can YOU Give and Explain "The Message," The Good News, The Gospel Of Jesus Christ, "The Means" By Which Others And Their Households MUST Be Saved? There Is No Other Name Under Heaven (But Jesus) By Which We MUST Be Saved, Receive Salvation [from eternal death].
Has The Holy Spirit Of God Fallen On YOU just as at "The Beginning?" He who has The Son has Life, but he who does not have The Son does not have Life. May He Melt YOU, Mold YOU, Fill YOU and Use YOU To The Utmost Of "His Abilities," so that YOU can Speak Forth The Praises Of God! Ask Him (TODAY) to take the coal, cleanse your lips, loose your tongue and Begin To Speak In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to ALL,
<')))>< Mark
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Title. Subject:
Acts 11:16-20
The Word:
Then I recalled the declaration of the Lord, how He said, John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with - be placed in, introduced into - the Holy Spirit.
If then God gave to them the same gift [equally] as He gave to us when we believed - adhering to, trusting in and relying on - the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I and what power or authority had I to interfere or hinder or forbid or withstand God?
When they heard this they were quieted and made no further objection. And they glorified God, saying, Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance unto [real] life [after resurrection].
Meanwhile those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose in connection with Stephen had traveled as far away as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, without delivering the message [concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God] to any one except Jews.
But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on returning to Antioch spoke to the Greeks also, proclaiming [to them] the good news, the Lord Jesus.
- Acts 11:16-20
Have YOU recalled "The Declaration Of The Lord?" How He Said, WE shall Be Placed In, Introduced Into, Baptized With His Holy Ghost, The Spirit that Lives, Moves and Has His Being Working In And Through Us. Are we not (Each and EVERY One of Us) Called Of God To Go Into The Whole World And Make Disciples Of ALL Nations And Peoples, Baptizing Them In The Name Of The Father, Son And Holy Spirit?
God Has Give YOU and me "The Same" [EQUAL] Gift Of Life that He Gave To Christ On Earth! As WE Believe, Cling To, Trust In, Rely On and Adhere To The Lord Jesus Christ, so are we to pass "The Torch, The Eternal, Everlasting Flame" Unto others. ALL (Holy Spirit) Power and (Godly) Authority has been Given Unto Us (In Him) and NOTHING can interfere, hinder, forbid, withstand or separate us from "The Love Of God In Christ Jesus." His Perfect and Acceptable Will "SHALL BE DONE" on Earth as It Is In Heaven! Why are we SOOO shy, feeble minded, insecure, afraid or despondent about sharing our Faith? Without Faith, NONE can Please God! You and I HAVE "The Answer" to The World's Present Problems.
WHO can REALLY and Truly object to The Truth Of God's Holy And Precious Word? Just as music calms the savage beast, The Word Of God brings healing, Complete and Total PEACE, Shalom (Wholeness, Fullness and Blessing) to the sinful, dying soul. In this "Ball Of Confusion," while surrounded by constant noise, God's Presence brings quiet, decency and order. He Has Granted Unto ALL, Jew and Gentile alike, Repentance (a chance, a CHOICE to turn and think differently). THIS IS REAL, RESURRECTION, ABUNDANT LIFE:
TO KNOW JESUS!
Do you know ANYONE who is scattered, persecuted, disconnected, far aWay, without Deliverance, apart from Christ and Salvation In The Kingdom Of God (which "IS" Righteousness, Peace and Joy In The Holy Ghost)? THIS IS "The Message, The Good News, The Gospel Of God In Christ Jesus!" HE IS "The Hope Of The Nations, The Hope Of Israel, The Hope Of The World." How far have YOU traveled on this Spiritual Journey? To who, what and where is God sending YOU? It IS your job and Calling (In Him), The Ministry He Has Bestowed Upon YOU: RECONCILIATION! When and Why? TODAY IS "The Day Of Salvation / Yeshua / Jesus / Messiah / Christ / The Anointed One / God's ONLY Begotten Son" for YOU and me To "BE" Concerned for ALL mankind. There is NO OTHER NAME Under Heaven By Which We MUST "BE" Saved, NO OTHER WAY for us to attain REAL Life, so let us Speak Forth "The Things Of God and Proclaim To ALL "The Good News, The Lord Jesus."
NOTICE what This Portion Of Holy Script says:
But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on returning to Antioch spoke to the Greeks also, proclaiming [to them] the good news, the Lord Jesus.
- Acts 11:20
JESUS IS THE WORD OF GOD, "THE GOOD NEWS," so let's Spread The Message [concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God] to EVERY One, In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to ALL
<')))>< Mark
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Subject: [armsoflovefellowship] Acts 11:21-25
The Word:
And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all that with the purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.
Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul.
- Acts 11:21-25
The Spirit Of The Lord "IS" Upon Y-O-U To Preach The Good News, so why are there so few Christians acting as if The Hand Of The Lord were not with them? If more of us took a stand up at the plate, we would be batting a thousand And A GREAT Number Would Believe, Cling To, Trust In, Rely On And Turn To The Lord .
When we Lift Up The Name Of The Lord Jesus Christ, Messiah, The Anointed One, He Draws ALL Men Unto Him! THIS IS A Promise Of God and when we Seek & Save The Lost As Jesus Did, A GREAT MANY People Will Be Added To The Lord, The Bride, His Church And His Body DAILY. The Good News Of These Things Will Come To The Ears Of ALL In Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the Uttermost Parts Of The World, ALL Nations & Peoples In Jesus' Holy & Precious Name! Paul The Apostle said,"But for The Grace Of God, There Go I" and I Honestly Believe that he COMPLETELY and TOTALLY Followed The Holy Spirit Of God, His Spirit Of Grace and we should ALL Choose To Do Like-Wise with Gladness, Encouragement, PURPOSE Of Heart, Body, Mind, Soul, Spirit & Strength, Continuing With The Lord DAILY, with EVERY Breath, Heartbeat, Thought, Word & Deed.
Do YOU Consider your"self" TO Be a Good Man, Woman or Child Of The MOST High God? Are YOU FULL Of The Holy Spirit AND Of Faith? For Through Him, Christ Jesus, We ARE "OF" God, Born (Borne) Of His Spirit AND Washed In HIs Precious Blood. It Is He Who IS The Author AND Finisher, COMPLETER Of Our Faith, so should we not continuously AND continually LOOK UNTO HIM?
Whenever you depart "FROM" Somewhere, you are automatically Going Some Place Else. Where are you Going Today? Barnabas (The Son Of Encouragement)was Seeking Saul Of Tarsus (Paul The Apostle) and Found him. Who are you Seeking Today, Any Day, EVERY Day? It is NOT (or at least it should NOT Be) just a person, place or thing, but "The One True God!" It IS He AND He ALONE that Will Bring Y-O-U and Others Into Complete & Total, Satisfaction, Peace, Wholeness, Fullness and Blessings In Jesus' Name. Amen & Amen.
God Bless & Love To ALL,
<')))>< Mark
Victory Church Of God
224 East Monroe Avenue
Grants, NM
87020
USA
NOTE: The above links will allow you and others to visit Our Web
Site, The Church address is provided for those who choose to contribute to The Work that God Is Doing within Our Online Christian E-Fellowship Group, Victory Church Of God in Grants, New Mexico, USA and Our Missions around the World. ALL your gifts and offerings are tax deductible, GREATLY Appreciated and so are your Daily Prayers. God Is Faithful And Jesus NEVER Fails! To Him Be ALL The Glory, Honor, Thanksgiving & Praise.
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
______________________________________________
Subject:
Acts 11:26-30
The Word:
And when he had found him, he brought him back to Antioch. For a whole year they assembled together with and were guests of the church, and instructed a large number of people; and in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.
And during these days prophets - inspired teachers and interpreters of the divine will and purpose - came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.
And one of them named Agabus stood up and prophesied through the (Holy) Spirit that there would be a great and severe famine come upon the whole world. And this did occur during the reign of Claudius.
So the disciples resolved to send relief, every one according to his individual ability - in proportion as he had prospered - to the brethren who lived in Judea.
And so they did, sending [their contributions] to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
- Acts 11:26-30
When you First Found Jesus, did you bring Him back to where you lived, moved, had your Being, worked and played? The Church, THIS "Body Of Jesus Christ" was Commissioned By God Himself, nearly 2,000 years ago to Go Into ALL The World and Preach The Gospel, to START in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and then Go to the outermost parts of this World! Do you LOVE Y-O-U-R Neighbor as Y-O-U-R-"self?" If we were REALLY DOING what Jesus CLEARLY Instructed us "To Do," This Present World Of Darkness would Be Shining EVER Brighter Until The FULL Light Of Day! Are you and your Church Fellowship, Congregation Feeding the Hungry, Giving Drink To The Thirsty, Clothing The Naked, Visiting The Sick AND Ministering To The Prisoners?
Jesus says to us TODAY, "WHATEVER Y-O-U Have Done Unto The LEAST Of These, `My Brethren,´ Y-O-U Have Done It UNTO ME!" Have you taken Jesus back to your community?
LORD, Have Mercy On us ALL!
For One WHOLE Year (365 & 1/4 Days) Barnabas (The Son Of Encouragement) and Saul (Paul The Apostle) assembled TOGETHER (Communed & Fellowshipped) and Instructed ALL The People Of God In The Word, Will & Way Of Jesus! It was In Antioch (ONLY After JUST 1 Year Of Ministry) that "The Disciples" (which we are ALL Called Of God To Be and MAKE) were First Called Christians, Little Christs, Messiahs, Anointed Ones. Do you and your Church Group BELIEVE (To Experientially KNOW) In The Five-Fold Ministry Of God's Holy Spirit? He Has Given us EVERYTHING That We Need To Live Our Eternal, Everlasting, Abundant, Resurrection Life In Christ Unto Him through His Apostles, Prophets, Preachers, Teachers and Evangelists! Not Only are ALL The Offices Of The Church To Be In Place and In Play, but ALL The Ministry Gifts Of God's Holy Spirit TOO and we MUST Include EVERY Gift, Talent and Natural Ability that God Has Created us with.
There are FAR TOO MANY people going around Today Calling themselves Christians, but Not Walking The True Discipleship Life. Are you or some One that you know a Prophet, able to Preach, Teach - Interpret God's Divine, Perfect, Acceptable Will & Purpose and Heal By The Inspiration Of His Holy Spirit? THIS "IS" What Jesus did and He told us to "Go And Do Like-Wise," so Stand UP & Prophesy, Speak Forth The Things Of God, BOLDLY Through The Holy Ghost and I can "Guarantee" you that GREAT & Mighty Things WILL Come To Pass In Jesus' Holy & Precious Name! God (IN) ALL-Ways Blesses His Word and Reveals His Plan & Purposes To His Prophets, so we need NOT be afraid of what the World Will Come To Know.
When was the last time that you sent a check to help out a ministry you REALLY Knew God was using to take His Love & The Good News Of Jesus To ALL (In Word & Deed)? God's Disciples (of which we are ALL Called Upon To Be & Make) Resolve To Send Relief of ALL Kinds, EVERY One According to his or her individual ability - in proportion as he or she prospers. THIS "IS" what True Prosperity Preaching is ALL About, "Give as it Has Been Given Unto Y-O-U!"
OH Lord, God, How My Heart Cries Out For The FULL-FILL-ment of Your Holy & Precious Word, To SEE Your Holy Spirit Moving Upon Your Chosen People EVERYWHERE Around The World To Go, Do AND Be ALL That You Have Created us For!
AND so they did, sending [their contributions, gifts, tithes and offerings] to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
- Acts 11:30
May The Hand Of The Lord (We ARE His Hands, Voice & Feet here on Earth) Move Upon Y-O-U to Pray and Do According To His Holy & Precious Word, Will & Way, In Jesus' Holy & Precious Name. Amen & Amen.
God's Richest Blessings & Love To ALL,
<')))>< Mark
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Subject:
Acts 12:1-5
The Word:
ABOUT that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to afflict and oppress and torment some who belonged to the church (assembly).
And he killed James the brother of John with a sword; And when he saw that it was pleasing to the Jews, he proceeded further and arrested Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread (the Passover week).
And when he had seized [Peter], he put him in prison and delivered him to four squads of soldiers of four each to guard him, purposing after the Passover to bring him forth to the people.
So Peter was kept in prison; but fervent prayer for him was persistently made to God by the church (assembly).
- Acts 12:1-5
ABOUT? WOW, there's a LOT of things that come to mind with just that One Word. "About face" reminds me of repentance, to turn and think differently, to come into complete and total agreement with God's Word, Will & Way.
"It's About time" causes me to remember that Jesus Christ Is The Same, Yesterday, Today AND Forever! "What's It ALL About" leads is to the ultimate Jewish Question, WHY, but we, as Christians, Believers, Members Of The Body Of Christ, His Church (Assembly) & Spotless Bride Know & Understand that Jesus Is The Answer For This Present World Of Darkness TODAY. I don't want to get off on tangent or go too far out on a limb, but This BOOK that we are reading and studying here is NOT "About" us, but It Is "About" The Revelation Of Jesus Christ and The Acts Of His Holy Spirit In The Eternal, Everlasting, Abundant, Resurrection Life Of EVERY Believer On The Face Of Planet Earth.
God Is Faithful & Jesus NEVER Fails!
The Enemy is "In ALL Ways" attempting to stretch forth his hands and the hands of his minions to afflict, oppress, torment, rob, steal, kill and destroy those who Belong To The Church (Assembly) and come against, Be The Anti-Christ, The Anti-Anointing to those who are "Active, Participants," Members Within The Body Of Christ, Messiah, The Anointed One. In some ways, there are those who would say that he, Satan, The Accuser Of The Brethren is successfully killing off some of our Brothers & Sisters, but We Are "Called Of God" To Walk By Faith & NOT By Sight! MANY Believed that the enemy had won when Jesus was crucified on The Cross Of Calvary, but it was actually the shedding of His Precious Blood that Gave & Gives us The Victory Over Sin & Death In Jesus' Holy Name. Although James the brother of John The Beloved was killed by the sword of Herod, we are NOT to fear those who can bring natural death to us, but We Are "Called Of God" to (Reverentially) Fear The One Who Can Cast Our Eternal Souls Into Hell's EVER Tormenting Fires.
The Blood Of The Martyrs Fuels The Flames Of Revival! If the blood of Abel STILL "Cries Out" and Is Heard By The Ears Of God, How MUCH MORE will the shedding of innocent blood Be Heard By Him Who Sits On The Throne Of Grace, Mercy & (YES) Judgement?
History has a very strange Way of repeating itself. The Nation Of Israel was Delivered from 400 years of Bondage In Egypt By The Blood Of The Passover Lamb. Jesus (Our Passover Lamb Of God That Takes AWay The Sins Of The World) was put to death on The Day Of Unleavened Bread (during The Passover Week), BUT Rose To Life Again On The Feast Of First Fruits, Resurrection Sunday, As The First Fruits From The Dead, Unto Eternal Life! I find it quite comical that our adversary does NOT Get It, but still keeps on going, like the Ever-Ready Bunny Rabbit or a Timex watch that takes a licking, yet keeps on ticking. It Is FINISHED & He, Jesus Christ Has Won It, Life Conquered Death! THE BIG QUESTION IS, Are You Walking In The Victory, The Deliverance, Blessings, FULLness, WHOLEness, Peace, Shalom, COMPLETE & TOTAL Mental, Physical, Spiritual, Emotional, Financial, Sexual "FREEDOM" That Jesus Purchased For You With His Life's Blood?
When the enemy tries to seize us or comes against us (in ANY Way, shape or form) we have The FULL Armor Of God, The Lord Jesus Christ To Put On and His Sword Of The (Holy) Spirit is Far Bigger, Better & MORE Effective than ANY & ALL weapons that possibly could humanly or spiritually be formed and used against us! Peter was seized and delivered into the hands of Herod's Soldiers, but Each and EVERY One of us is Sealed With God's Holy Spirit until The Day Of Redemption, NOTHING can separate us from The Love Of God and ALL Of God's Holy Angels Will Do Battle In The Heavenlies To Assure us The Ultimate Deliverance. Man's plans and purposes will NEVER win when God's Plan & Purpose Is 110% Guaranteed To ALL Believers! Although Peter was kept in prison; The Fervent Prayers Of The Saints Were PERSISTENTLY Made To God, Our Father Who Art In Heaven.
Jesus said, "My House Shall Be Called A House Of Prayer." The Word Of God Declares, The Prayers Of The Righteous Man Availeth (KJV) MUCH! THE 2nd BIGGEST QUESTION OF THE DAY IS, "Could Y-O-U NOT Watch & Pray With ME (Jesus) For Just One Hour?" As I said earlier, History has a very strange Way of repeating itself. Tonight starts The Feast Of Dedication, which happens To Be In EVERY New Testament, New Covenant available to mankind around the World Today, but TOO MANY of us, who call our"self" The Church (Assembly), God's Temple, Do NOT see It For What It Is...
The Festival Of Lights was Celebrated By Jesus (as recorded in The Gospel Of Jesus Christ According To John 10:22), but The Body Of Christ is NOT "Arising & Shining" As If Our Light (The Light Of Men, The Light Of Life, The Light Of The World) Has Come & The Glory (Goodness, Mercy, Favor, Grace) Of The Lord Has Risen Upon us.
I Am Asking that ALL of us within The Body Of Christ "Choose" This Day To Re-Dedicate Our"self" as Temples Of His Holy Spirit, "Make" Our"self" Men, Women & Children Of The Most High God, "People Of The Book," The Word Of The Living God and His House Of TRUE Spirit Led, Inspired Prayer. Jesus is constantly and continuously interceding before The Father on our behalf, so should we not ALL Heed The Word of Paul The Apostle and Pray unceasingly, continually for His Will To Be Done On (and in) Earth as It Is In Heaven? Let your Holy Spirit Light Shine EVER BRIGHTER until The FULL Light Of Day. FILL your lamp with His Holy Spirit Oil, because it is The Anointing that Breaks EVERY Yolk of Spiritual, Physical Bondage and Sets The Captives FREE In Jesus' Name.
Amen & Amen.
God Bless & Love To ALL,
<')))>< Mark
http://www.cafepress.com/enduringfait
ps. PLEASE, Pass This Message Along to ALL that you Know & Love with a "Happy Feast Of Dedication, Festival Of Lights" (according to John 10:22) e-mail, so that they Will (Experientially) Know that Jesus "IS" The Light Of The World and we MUST ALL Let Our Light Shine in the darkness!
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Date: Mon, Jan 10, 2005
Subject:
Acts 12:6-10
The Word:
The very night before Herod was about to bring him forth, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, fastened with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison.
And suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, standing beside him, and a light shone in the place where he was.
And the angel gently smote Peter on the side and awakened him, saying, Get up quickly! And the chains fell off his hands.
And the angel said to him, Tighten your girdle and bind on your sandals. And he did so. And he said to him, Wrap your outer garment around you and follow me.
And [Peter] went out [along] following him, and he was not conscious that what was apparently being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.
When they had passed through the first guard and the second, they came to the iron gate which leads into the city. Of its own accord [the gate] swung open, and they went out and passed on through one street; and at once the angel left him.
- Acts 12:6-10
Do you REALLY Know, Understand and Are Y-O-U SURE that The Lord Has Sent His Angel To Deliver us out of the hand and from ALL that our enemies expect to do to us? TOO many of us have Fallen asleep "In The Light" and accepted the deep, dark circumstances of our (lower) life situations as REALTY and NOT Believed In The Promises Of God That ARE Ours Today, Here & Now In Jesus' Holy & Precious Name. As we ALL Face This New Year 2005, we MUST Look Unto Our Lord & Savior, As The Author & Finisher Of Our Faith and (Experientially) Come To Know that we "ARE" Seated In Heavenly Places, At The Feet Of Jesus (The Earth Is His Footstool) and God Has His Call On Each and EVERY One Of Our Eternal, Everlasting, Abundant, Resurrection Lives In Christ! He Has & Will Give us The Grace (The Holy Spirit Is The Spirit Of Grace, God's Favor) To Make Our Calling & Election SURE. Pray Daily (Unceasingly) that He Allows His Five-Fold Ministry, Apostles, Prophets, Preachers, Teachers and Evangelists To Be Manifested In The Church Today and His True Spiritual Revival To Fall Upon & Awaken His Chosen People!
God Is Faithful & Jesus NEVER Fails!
JESUS AlWays and In ALL Ways Provides The Way Out of even the deepest, darkest situations & circumstances of our daily living.
Why? Because, He Is God, Our Provider, The Way, Truth & Life, Our Redeemer, Deliverer, Hope of Israel, The Nations & This Present World Of Darkness in which we live, move and have our being. Just when it may seem that you are at the end of your rope and ALL Hope is gone (He Promises To Be With us Unto The End), His Light Of Life Shines In The Deepest Darkness. Peter was "Set FREE" on the very night before Herod was about to kill him, as he did James the brother of John The Beloved with the sword, but He Is Our Defense and we shall Not Be Moved!
Don't "Fall" asleep, watch and wait for "At Least" One More Hour, Look Up (when you are down and out) For Our Redemption Is Nearer Now Than When We First (Forget Not Your First Love) Believed, Clung To, Trusted In and Relied On "SALVATION" In Jesus' Name!
HE Opens Doors and No Man can shut them, His Anointing Breaks EVERY Yolk (His Yolk Is Easy & His Burden Is Light), He'll Break The Chains of ANY Bondage and Sets The Captives, Prisoners of ANY Kind FREE Indeed!
The Holy Spirit is Not only Upon, In and Working Through Y-O-U, as a Follower Of Christ, but He Is The One Called Along Side To Help You In Each and EVERY Circumstance of human existence. His Light (The Light Of ALL Mankind) was meant To Shine In The Darkness (WHERE YOU ARE), His Rod & His Staff Will Comfort You ALL The Days Of Your Life In Christ Jesus and He Will Awaken, Quicken Your Spirit To Go, Do AND Be ALL That He Has Called & Created You For, so Tighten Your Girdle, Bind On Your Sandals, Wrap Your Garment Around You, PUT ON THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST and Follow Him, Wherever He Leads or Guides You TODAY!
Go OUT, To ALL Nations & Peoples, LOVE Your Neighbor As Your"self," Awaken Your Soul To True Spiritual Consciousness (we're NOT talking new-age stuff here), because THIS IS REAL, so Catch The Vision, for without It you and MANY Others will perish. Pass Through The Fire, The Flood, whatever appears to be guarding you from accomplishing His Perfect & Acceptable Will For Your Life. I MUST tell you that Jesus "IS" The Gate and His Doors Are Opened WIDE (At This Time) to lead us out and into the cities, which we live and through EVERY Street set before us with The Love Of God & The Good News Of Jesus, The Gospel Of God In Christ and Christ In us, which "IS" The Hope Of ALL Glory!
Although the angel left Peter at this time, Jesus Commands us To Go and Promises that He Will NEVER leave or forsake us, even unto The End Of The Age. I SINCERELY Believe that we are living in The Last Hour and that we, As His Body Are Here "For Such A Time As This" (EVERY Minute Matters), so make EVERY Second Count For His Plans & Purposes To Be Made Complete In Jesus' Holy & Precious Name. Amen & Amen.
God Bless & Love to ALL,
<')))>< Mark Tross
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Date: Tue, Jan 25, 2005
Subject:
Acts 12:11-15
The Word:
Then Peter came to himself, and said, Now I really know and am sure that the Lord has sent His angel and delivered me out of the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting to do to me.
When he at a glance became aware of this - comprehending [all the elements of the case] - he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where a large number were assembled together and were praying.
And when he knocked at the gate of the porch, a maid named Rhoda [Rose, in English] came to answer.
And recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy she failed to open the gate, but ran in and told the people that Peter was standing before the porch gate.
They said to her, You are crazy! But she persistently and strongly and confidently affirmed that it was truth. They said, It is his angel!
- Acts 12:11-15
HOW Many times do we, like The Prodigal Son, have to "Come To Our SELF?" TOO Many of us go around stumbling, as if JUST awakened from the deepest sleep (In The Light) and then Suddenly have to be shaken (Thank God For His Holy Spirit :) Into REALITY. The Apostle Peter, sometimes referred to as The Rock (head) has just "NOW" Come To REALLY, Experientially "KNOW" and Be Sure (Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine) that The Lord God has sent His Angel, His Messenger, to DELIVER him out of the hand of his enemies, but isn't that EXACTLY what Our Father Who Art In Heaven wants us To Come To Reverentially Know about His One And ONLY Begotten Son, Jesus? He "IS" Our Redeemer, Our Deliverer, Our Saviour, Lord, God and SOON Coming King! Are you "Aware" of This, Do Y-O-U Completely & Totally Know, Understand & Comprehend ALL The Elements Of This Case?
FAITH "IS" The Substance Of Things Hoped For, The EVIDENCE Of Things Unseen. There is a best selling book in the market place called "Evidence That Demands A Verdict" and it lays out ALL The Truths (Facts Change, BUT "The Truth" Remains The Same, Yesterday, Today & Forever) of The Gospel Message.
Have you surveyed The Wonderous Cross lately? Take a moment to look back on ALL The Good that God has done for you over the past 2,000 years and make a "20-20 Vision" decision as to whether He Will Successfully Complete The Work (Of Christ) That He Has OBVIOUSLY Begun In Y-O-U. Without Vision, God's People Perish, so let us Look Unto Jesus and Ask Him, Open Our Eyes Lord, because as much as we MUST See Him, we MUST Also See Who We ARE In Him and Exactly What He Has Called us To!
FORSAKE Not The Assembly Of The Saints!
Here we have a "Classic" example of what we, As The Saints Of God "ARE" ALL Called To Go, Do And Be. There was a Large Number of Believers gathered together as One for Prayer, but were they REALLY "Expecting" God In His Infinite Mercy To Hear and Respond to their Cries? Rhoda or Rose, in English went to the porch gate to answer the knock of Peter (who they were ALL Praying for), but acted quite like Solomon's Lover in The Song Of Songs and did not Open The Door to let him in. Have you asked God for something lately and some how passed up His Opportunity to bring your request to pass? She had recognized The Voice, her Spirit leaped with Joy (The Fruit Of God's Holy Spirit Within her), but then she ran aWay. Have you been listening to what God has to say to you Today? Should He Speak (and He In ALL Ways Does), Open your eyes, ears, mind, heart, soul, Spirit, strength and hands To Him, GIVE Him Your ALL, because He Has Given His ALL For Y-O-U, so Let Him In Completely!
MANY people (even within your own Church Prayer Meeting) will say that You Are Crazy, but it's OK To Be A Fool For Christ Jesus. Be Persistent, Strong, Confident and Affirming In The Lord, because His Word "IS" Truth, Jesus "IS" Truth! Others may say, "It is his angel" and laugh, but when we allow God To Open Up The Flood Gates Of Heaven & Pour Out His Holy Spirit Upon ALL Flesh, when we, As His Chosen People Are Obedient To His Word, Will & Way, God Blesses us, Exceedingly, Abundantly, Above & Beyond ALL that we could ever Ask or Think (As A Man [or woman] Thinks, so "IS" He [or she]). Go, Tell "IT" On The Mountain, Over The Hill & EVERYWHERE (even to the people that are Praying) that their Prayers Have Been Answered & The Lord Has Sent His Son To Deliver us Out Of The Hand Of Our Enemy In Jesus' Name. Amen & Amen.
God Bless & Love to ALL,
<')))>< Mark
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Date: Tue, Feb 8, 2005
Subject:
Acts 12:16-20
The Word:
But meanwhile Peter continued knocking, and when they opened the gate and saw him, they were amazed.
But motioning to them with his hand to keep quite and listen, he related to them how the Lord had delivered him out of the prison. And he said, Report all this to James [the less] and to the brethren.
Then he left and went to some other place.
Now as soon as it was day, there was no small disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter.
And when Herod had looked for him and could not find him, he placed the guards on trial and commanded that they should be led away [to execution]. Then [Herod] went down from Judea to Caesarea, and stayed on there.
Now [Herod] cherished bitter animosity and hostility for the people of Tyre and Sidon; and [their deputies] came to him in a united body, and having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was nourished by and depended on the king's [country] for food.
- Acts 12:16-20
Jesus spoke parables of men and women who persisted in prayer and made, received their requests for help or service by persistently, continually knocking and asking until they got what they desired.
Here we have Peter, The Rock continuing to knock until FINALLY the gate, The Door was opened unto him and when those who were inside praying saw him, they were completely and totally amazed at what they saw. Today, Communion & Fellowship with Jesus (The Door & Gate To The Sheepfold) is opened wide for ALL who are ready, willing and able to Come Unto Him, In His Holy & Precious Name, but even those who pray are unawares of His Presence. Paul McCartney sang, Maybe I'm Amazed, but too many confessing Christians Today are NOT Amazed by The Wonder Of The Most High God, The GREAT I Am!
Behold, He Stands At Your Door And Knocks (with the continual sound of your heartbeat), but God's Holy Spirit Will NOT AlWays Strive With Humankind.
The Lord has continued throughout the ages to motion to us with His Nail Pierced Hands Held Open Wide, but we choose NOT To Be Still And (Experientially) Know That He Is God. He has related to us in EVERY situation and circumstance, but for some strange reason we have NOT allowed Him To Be Our Deliverer And Set (us) The Captives FREE Indeed! If we are still prisoners to anything at all, Let us Be Bond-Slaves, Servants Of The Most High God & Prisoners Of (His) Hope, The Anchor that rests, holds within the veil of The Holy Of Holies. He MUST Increase and we MUST Decrease, like James... Be "The Less."
Let us NOT Forsake The Assembling Of The Brethren (and Sistren :) but in our going out and coming in, Allow God's Holy Spirit To Take us "to some other place," Deeper & Higher In Jesus!
We "ARE" on the threshold of A New Day, The Day Of The Lord (His Second Coming "IS" Closer NOW Than When We First Believed, Clinged To, Trusted In & Relied On Him) and when The Church Of Jesus Christ Arises & Shines EVER Brighter Until The FULL Light Of That Day, there will be NO SMALL Disturbance among those who are living in the land of darkness and despair. At That Time, MANY will look for Him but NOT Find Him, they will be placed on trial before The Judgement Seat Of Christ and those who are found lacking (without Salvation / Yeshua / Jesus) will be led aWay, cast into outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Herod's soldiers paid the ultimate price for letting Peter get aWay, they gave their Life, but MORE Importantly... Jesus Took Our Place On The Cross Of Calvary, He Was Crucified For Our Sins And Transgressions Against A Holy God and NOW We are Set FREE To Go, Do & Be ALL That He Calls us To & ALL That He Created us For! Are Y-O-U Willing To Go To ALL Nations & Peoples In His Precious Name?
Your Country, My Country, EVERY Country on the face of Planet Earth is Completely & Totally Dependent On The Nourishment & (Spiritual) Food Of Our Father Who Art In Heaven. He "IS" The King Of ALL, but unless we, as His Chosen People, Humble Ourselves, REPENT Of Our Wicked Sins & Pray Constantly, Continually, Knocking At The Throneroom Door Of His Grace & Mercy, He Will NOT Heal Our Land! IF you and I REALLY want Peace On Earth and Good Will Towards ALL Humankind, we MUST Make Friends With The One & ONLY Begotten Son Of The Most High God.
From that point on The Peace Of God Will Rule & Reign In Our Hearts & Minds.
There can be NO bitterness, animosity or hostility in our hearts towards God or One Another. We MUST Come Together As One, A Unified Body Of Believers, Seeking His Face DAILY (moment by moment), because it is THEN That He Will Completely & Totally Heal us AND Our Land In Jesus' Name. Amen & Amen.
God Bless & Love to ALL,
<')))>< Mark
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Title. Date: Tue, Feb 22, 2005
Subject:
Acts 12:21-25
The Word:
On an appointed day Herod arrayed himself in his royal robes, too his seat upon [his] throne, and addressed an oration to them.
And the assembled people shouted, It is the voice of a god, and not of man!
And at once an angel of the Lord smote him and cut him down, because he did not give God the glory - that is, the pre-eminence and kingly majesty that belong to Him as the supreme Ruler; and he was eaten by worms and died.
But the Word of the Lord [concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God] continued to grow and spread.
And Barnabas and Saul came back from Jerusalem when they had completed their mission, bringing with them John whose surname was Mark.
- Acts 12:21-25
TODAY I want to focus primarily on The Son Of Encouragement, Paul The Apostle and John Mark COMPLETING Their MISSION. Coming back from "The City Of Peace," Barnabas and Saul had COMPLETED Their Co-Mission with John whose surname was Mark, but you and I STILL Have A GREAT Commission, The GREAT Co-Mission to Complete and that is With The Christ Who Promises To Be With us (In) ALL Ways, EVEN Unto The Very Ends Of This Present World Of Darkness in which we live, move and have our being. The Question Of The Day Is, Who are Y-O-U Bringing along with Y-O-U? Apart from Christ, Messiah, The Anointed One we can do NOTHING, but the Truth of the matter (in our human [BIG] circumstance) is that we NEED One Another to pull This GREAT Commission off, In His Holy & Precious Name!
NO One Church, Congregation, Denominational or Non can success-FULLY accomplish The Work set before us. Why can't we ALL Just(ly) get along? Too many of us have "Fallen" into the same category of Good King Herod, who wanted to take The Glory, God's Glory, His Pre-Eminence, Kingly Majesty, Supreme Rulership, Goodness, Tender-Mercies, Loving-Kindness, Grace and Favor upon our"self," but no matter how loud the crowd cheers or shouts For Joy (which is Just One Of The Fruits Of God's Holy Spirit), He ALONE "IS" Worthy Of ALL Glory, Honor, Thanksgiving, Power and Praise!
Each and Every One of us has an "Appointed Day," some will think that it is their "fifteen minutes of fame," but The Word Of God Says, It Is Appointed Unto Man(kind) Once To Die And Then... The Judgement Of ALL-Mighty God. If King Herod had humbled him"self" in the sight of The Lord (and in this case, the people as well), repented and turned from his wicked ways, he would have been forgiven, but take note of what actually happened:
"He" arrayed him"self" in "his" royal clothes, but we are Commanded To Put On The Lord Jesus Christ, To Be Clothed In His Righteousness.
"He" TOOK "his" seat upon "his" throne, but you and I are seated in Heavenly Places, because of what Christ has done for us.
"He" addressed an oration to the assembled people and although each One of us are to speak as Oracles Of God and forsake NOT The Assembling Of The Brethren, NEVER are we to take God's Glory upon our"self."
In spite of who we (think we) are or what we do (In The Name Of Jesus), The Word Of The Lord Will Continue To Grow And Spread To ALL Nations And Peoples, Tribes And Tongues! Do you not want to be an integral part of it? He Is Calling us To GREATNESS, To "DO" GREAT And MIGHTY Things In His Holy And Precious Name, Things that have been prepared for us To Do (In Christ) since the foundations of the World were put into place, but The Glory (of it ALL) MUST Go Directly To Him! We should ALL "Be" MOST Concerned that Many, MANY others attain (Through Christ) Salvation / Yeshua In The Kingdom Of God, which "IS" Righteousness, Peace And Joy In The Holy Ghost. Work O-U-T Your Salvation, Your Yeshua, Your Jesus with Reverential Fear and Trembling, Before God's Throne Of Grace And Mercy, Before God And Man(kind), Continue DAILY In "The Faith," Growing from Vessel to Vessel, Grace to Grace, Spreading The Good News, The Gospel Of God In Christ to ALL and when Y-O-U (WE) Have COMPLETED The GREAT Co-Mission (TOGETHER), Bringing with us ALL who Choose to Respond To His Message Of Hope, We Shall HEAR Him Say, Well Done, Good And Faith-FULL Servants, In The Mighty Name Of Jesus. Amen and Amen.
God Bless And Love To ALL,
<')))>< Mark
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Date: Tue, Mar 8, 2005
Subject: Acts 13:1-5
The Word:
NOW in the church (assembly) at Antioch there were prophets - inspired interpreters of the will and purposes of God - and teachers, Barnabas, Symeon who was called Niger [black], Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Separate now for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.
Then after fasting and praying they put their hands on them and sent them away.
So then, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from [that port] they sailed away to Cyprus.
When they arrived at Salamis they preached the Word of God [concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God] in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John [Mark] as an attendant to assist them.
- Acts 13:1-5
NOW is the very first Word in Today's text and it certainly has MUCH significance, because when The Holy Spirit Speaks, He says, Separate "NOW" For Me... Yes, you and I are Called of God from our Mother's womb, SURELY ALL were conceived in The Mind Of God Before The Foundations Of This World Were Laid. When God Speaks, It Is AlWays (In ALL-Ways) In The NOW, because He Is The GREAT "I AM," Not the I was! Sure, He Is The Same, Yesterday, Today And Forever, but His Holy And Precious Word Declares, "Today Is The Day Of Salvation."
What was it specifically that Paul (The Apostle Formerly Known As Saul) and Barnabas (The Son Of Encouragement) were Called Upon By God ALL-Mighty To Go And Do? They PREACHED The Word Of God, They Gave People JESUS!
Concerning what? The Manifold Wisdom Of God, The FULL Gospel (Good News), The Foursquare Tenements Of "The Faith," which are:
1) Christ The Savior Of The World.
2) Christ The Baptizer In The Holy Spirit, The Holy Ghost.
3) Christ The Divine Healer, The GREAT Physician.
4) Christ The SOON Coming King Of Kings And Lord Of Lords.
Like Paul and Barnabas, EVERY Believer is Called Upon, Set Aside By God for Inter-Denominational World-Wide EVANGELISM! JUST As Jesus DID, Would Do AND Still Does "TODAY," we MUST Preach, Teach and Bring His Healing Balm Of Gilead To ALL Nations And Peoples, Tribes And Tongues.
Preach and Teach what? The Attainment Through Christ, Messiah, The Anointed ONE Of Salvation, Yeshua, JESUS In The Kingdom Of God, Which "IS" Righteousness (a Right Standing Personal Relationship With God, Our Father Who Art In Heaven), Peace, Shalom, Wholeness, FULLness, Blessing AND Joy In The Holy Ghost (The Fruit Of His Holy Spirit Resting Upon, Working In And Through Our Life In Christ Jesus).
THIS Brings Good Pleasure To The Lord and His Joy "IS" Our Strength!
Just as we read Today about The Moving Of God's Holy Sprit among The Assembly at Antioch in the past, God Has Given us EVERY Gift, Talent and Ability To Accomplish His Works, Prepared For us To Do In Christ. YES, there "ARE" Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Preachers AND Teachers In The Body Of Christ TODAY! The Question Of The Day Is, Are you and I setting ourselves aside To Manifest God's Glory To ALL of humankind Today? Red, yellow, black or white, it makes NO Difference To Him, who He Uses, but ALL are Called Upon To Worship Him In The Holy Spirit And The Truth Of God In Christ Jesus! I want to know if you are ready, willing, wanting and able to set your"self" apart, to pay The ULTIMATE Price To Obtain The Eternal, Everlasting, Abundant, Resurrection LIFE that Jesus went To The Cross Of Calvary and died for you and I to EXPERIENTIALLY Know and Show To Others?
Y-O-U and I are being Sent AWay, some may sail aWay, drive aWay, walk aWay, but The Promise Of God Is That We (Who Know Jesus) Will Some Day SOON, "Fly AWay" To Glory and Be With Him Forever! Y-O-U and I are being Sent Out, Called Out (of this present world of darkness, Into His MARVELOUS Light) To Do GREAT And MIGHTY things In Jesus' Holy And Precious Name! In EVERY aspect of human life, Church, work, school, political and social, we MUST "Assist and Attend" to the needs of others and The Perfect And Acceptable Word, Will and Way of God's ULTIMATE Purpose. His Wish Is That NONE Would Perish, but that ALL Would COME To Repentance, To Salvation, so let us Go Out to the highWays and byWays, Preaching The Word Of God To ALL, In Jesus' Name. Amen And Amen.
God Bless And Love To ALL,
<')))>< Mark
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Date: Wed, Mar 23, 2005
Subject: Acts 13:6-10
The Word:
When they had passed through the entire island of Cyprus as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain Jewish wizard or sorcerer, a false prophet named Bar-Jesus.
He was closely associated with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, who was an intelligent and sensible man of sound understanding; he summoned to him Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the Word of God [concerning salvation in the kingdom of God attained through Christ].
But Elymas the wise man, for that is the translation of his name [which he had given himself], opposed them, seeking to keep the proconsul from accepting the faith.
But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with and controlled by the Holy Spirit, looked steadily at [Elymas]
And said, You master in every form of deception and recklessness, unscrupulousness and wickedness, you son of the devil, you enemy of everything that is upright and good, will you never stop perverting and making crooked the straight paths of the Lord and plotting against His saving purposes? [Hos. 14:9.]
- Acts 13:6-10
The Word Of God Declares that "The Ways Of The Lord Are Right, And The [Uncompromisingly] Just Shall Walk In Them; But Transgressors Shall Stumble And Fall In Them." [Dan. 12:10; Ps. 107:43; Jer. 9:12; Isa. 26:7.] You and I are supposed To Be on the side of The Just, like Paul and Barnabas. What we Should Be Doing as Confessing Christians is Looking Our Enemy Straight In The Eye, Steadily, because we are standing upon The Solid Rock and confronting those face to face, who are opposing The Work Of God in our own Life and in the lives of others that are Seeking To Accept The Faith! Clearly Paul immediately recognized, discerned in His Spirit that Elymas was No Wise-Man, as he called him"self," but a son of the devil. Jesus Himself said that ALL who were Not Children Of The Father, born from above, had "the father of lies" as their daddy and that they Had Chosen to remain "children of the devil." So, let us Now take a close look at ourselves and others, according to The Lord's Word, Will and Way.
Paul and Barnabas were doing quite a Lot of travelling from place to place "In The Name Of The Lord," especially on the island of Cyprus where we find ourselves Today. Saul and The Son Of Encouragement were Seeking To Save The Lost, but Bar-Jesus, The Son Of Salvation or so he called him"self" had no intention of living up to his name.
TOO Many people in This Present World Of Darkness are Determined In "their spirits" to come Against The Working Of God's Holy Spirit In The Lives Of True Believers Today, but we know (Don't We) That GREATER Is He Who Is (Christ) In us Than he who is in this world! Are we "Standing On The Promise Of God" (which are Yes & Amen In Christ Jesus) or just standing in the premises of our local Church Fellowship? I Am saddened to say that The Love Of God and His Love For Others has grown cold in the hearts of some who call themselves Christian, but Jesus said that The World Would Come To Experientially Know That We Are His Followers By Our Love For Them And Each Other. Are we constantly on the move and taking The Love Of God & The Good News Of Jesus To ALL Nations & Peoples, Tribes And Tongues?
If Sergius Paulus was such an intelligent, sensible and understanding man, how is it that he got mixed up with Elymas? The Knowledge and Wisdom Of This World is complete and utter foolishness In The Eyes Of Our ALL-Knowing And EVER-Seeing God! Like many who sought to see and hear Jesus, John The Baptizer, Paul, other Great Men AND Women Of "The Faith," they become seeing, but Never perceiving and hearing, but Never Truly Listening To What The Spirit Is Saying To The Church Of Jesus Christ Today. Still One Of The Greatest Sayings From The Word Of God Is, "HEAR, O Israel!" Have you been listening to what God has to say? Have you been locked up (in Spiritual bondage) for a while?
Jesus died for ALL of us, to set the captives FREE, but the enemy continues to roam around like a roaring lion to devour those who would choose and have chosen To Come To Faith In The Lord Jesus.
Let us NOT be Wise in our own eyes like Elymas definitely was, but Let us Humble ourselves In The Sight Of The Lord and He Will SURELY Lift us Up In His Perfect And Acceptable Timing! Elymas "the wise man, for that is the translation of his name [which he had given him"self"], opposed the decision of anyone seeking, keeping or accepting "The Faith." God has Called Each and EVERY One of us (and even The Stars Above) By Name, He Has Given us Jesus (The Wisdom Of God) and NOW It Is Our Job, Duty And Calling "To Seek And Save The Lost" Through The Name Above ALL Others, Yeshua / Jesus / Salvation, for That Is The Translation Of His Holy & Precious Name. The Lord Opposes The Proud, but Gives (His Holy Spirit Of) Grace, Favor To The Humble, so Keep On Keeping On (In The Power Of His Might) until EVERY lost soul Accepts Salvation IN Jesus' Name.
Like Saul / Paul, EVERY Believer is Called Upon To Be FILLED & CONTROLLED By God's Holy Spirit, Looking Steadily Unto Jesus As The Author & Finisher, Completer Of Our Faith, "The Faith!" Satan, The Accuser Of The Brethren is a "Master" in EVERY Form Of Deception, Recklessness, Unscrupulousness and Wickedness, He Is "The Devil" him"self," The (#1) Enemy of ALL, Everything that is Upright, Good, Pure, Holy and Blameless. He Will NEVER Stop Perverting, Making Crooked The Straight And Narrow Way, The Path Of The Lord's Righteousness and Plotting Against HIS Saving Purposes until Jesus Comes Again and Casts Him Into "The Lake Of Fire!" Let us Build One Another Up In "The (Holy) Faith" Of The Lord, Put On "The FULL Armor Of God" and Pass Through The Entire World, Bringing His Preaching, Teaching and Healing to ALL who Will Hear "The Word Of God" Concerning Salvation In The Kingdom Of God, which is Righteousness, Peace & Joy In The Holy Ghost, until ALL Seek, Keep, Attain and Accept "The Faith" In Jesus' Name. Amen & Amen.
God Bless & Love To ALL,
<')))>< Mark
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Date: Sun, Apr 3, 2005
Subject: Acts 13:11-15
The Word:
And now, lo, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, [so blind that you will be] unable to see the sun for a time. Instantly there fell upon him a mist and a darkness, and he groped about seeking persons who would lead him by the hand.
Then the proconsul believed - became a Christian - when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished and deeply touched at the teaching concerning the Lord and from [Him].
Now Paul and his companions sailed from Paphos, and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John [Mark] separated himself from them and went back to Jerusalem;
But they [themselves] came on from Perga and arrived at Antioch in Pisidia.
And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue there and sat down.
After the reading of the Law and the prophets, the leaders [of the worship] of the synagogue sent to them saying, Brethren, if you have any word of exhortation or consolation or encouragement for the people, say it.
- Acts 13:11-15
Usually when The Hand Of The Lord Comes Upon you, you can see The Son clearer than you ever did before.
Generally you walk In The Spirit, In The Glory Of His Light, rather than groping around in the darkness looking for some "person" to take you by the hand, but allowing The Good Shepherd to Lead And Guide you Into ALL Of His Blessed Truth And Spiritual Understanding.
Unfortunately, this was NOT the case in Acts
13. The Discipline Of God Fell Upon "This Deceiver" and the proconsul Believed, Clung To, Trusted In And Relied On The Lord Jesus Christ! When "people" SEE The Power Of God Working In The Lives Of True Christians, they are Astonished and DEEPLY Touched (cut to the very bone and marrow of their being) at The Teaching Concerning The Lord Jesus Christ and from Him, The Teacher.
Too Many Confessing Followers Of Christ go sailing through this present Earthly life and NEVER come close to accomplishing even 10% of what Paul The Apostle and his companions did on their Missionary Journeys. If we ALL spent more time and Prayer-FULL energy Sanctifying our"self" for the use and purposes of The Master, SURELY His Plans would be worked out and The Kingdom Advanced For His Glory! Like John Mark, there are those who go against the teaching of Holy Script and not only forsake the gathering together of The Saints, but they out and out separate themselves from any association with The Body Of Christ at all. Brothers & Sisters In Jesus, This Can NOT Be!
EVERY Member of The Body MUST Come Together and Do "Their" Part, in order for The GREAT Co-Mission Of God To Be COMPLETED!
There will alWays be those who put their tails between their legs and head for home (Where is your Jerusalem?), rather than standing after they have done ALL they can to stand (In The Lord & In The Power Of HIS Might). We ALL have a Calling and A Work To Do, To Complete.
"The Spiritual Show" of God's Chosen People Working Together In Unity and Purpose MUST Go On! Judgement Begins At The House Of God, we "ARE" The Temple and that is why Paul and his brethren went to the synagogue, but take note that they did not go to heap a spirit of condemnation on those who were there to Hear (O Israel) and Worship God (In Spirit & Truth). They sat, listened to The Law and The Prophets being read and sang Worship Songs right along with The Congregation, until they were asked by The Leaders if they had ANY Word.
Let's get down to the nitty gritty here. If complete and utter strangers walked into your "Spiritual Service" this week (or anytime at all), would they be asked to share what The Lord has placed upon their hearts and minds? Paul was AlWays Ready (In and / or our of season) with A Word (The Word) Of Exhortation, Consolation And Encouragement For The People. You and I are Called Upon (By God) To Go And Do Like-Wise! Nike says, "Just Do It!" and The Word Of God Says To us As His People Today, "Say It!" We "ARE" The Just Of God and Called Upon "To Speak The Truth In Love." Each And EVERY One Of us Have Been Given "The Ministry Of Reconciliation!" What does God's Word say about Philip The Evangelist? "He Preached Christ" and we are To Do "The Same" In Jesus' Name.
Amen & Amen.
God Bless & Love To ALL,
<')))>< Mark
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Date: Wed, Apr 20, 2005
Subject: Acts 10:16-20
The Word:
So Paul arose, and motioning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and you who reverence and fear God, listen!
The God of this people Israel selected our forefathers and made this people great and important during their stay in the land of Egypt, and then with uplifted arm He led them out from there. [Exod. 6:1, 6.]
And for about forty years [as a nursing-father] He cared for them in the wilderness, and endured their behavior. [Deut. 1:31.]
When He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He gave them [the Hebrews] their land as an inheritance - distributing it to them by lot; [all of which took] about four hundred and fifty years. [Deut. 7:1; Josh. 14:1.]
After that He gave them judges until the prophet Samuel.
- Acts 13:16-20
Samuel The Prophet turns out to be somewhat of a John The Baptizer, because they both were the ones to usher in The Coming Of The King, Samuel anointed David and John proclaimed, "Behold, The Lamb Of God Who Takes AWay The Sins Of The World!" We read here how God destroyed seven nations to Give His Chosen People their Inheritance and distributed to each Tribe their Lot.
What is your Lot Today? MUCH, so Called "devastation" has been happening around "This Present World Of Darkness" and I Honestly Believe that God is trying to Wake & Shake up His Church to Take The Land, because The Harvest Fields Are Ripe For The Picking, but WHO WILL GO?
Have The Prophets not Spoken? Who has Listened, Heard and Responded To The Voice Of The Living God? CHURCH, The Lord Says Unto Y-O-U Today, "Arise And Shine, For Y-O-U-R Light Has Come And The Glory Of The Lord `IS´ Risen Upon Y-O-U!" Set These Spiritual Things Into MOTION, because The Hand Of God "IS" Upon Y-O-U To Do Good Works In Christ Jesus. The Arm Of The Lord "IS" Your Strength! It is time for men to stop being just males and Act as Men Of The Most High God. WOMEN Of The Church Today, Y-O-U TOO Are Called Of God ALL-Mighty To Be One With The Perfect Man, Christ Jesus! I MUST ask you ALL (as individuals), Do Y-O-U Reverence and Fear The Lord Your God? Have Y-O-U Been Listening, Hearing and OBEDIENT To ALL That He Has To Say? What is it that you´re doing that you shouldn´t be and/or what is it that you´re NOT Doing that you Should Be?
Y-O-U and I Have Been "Selected, Made GREAT and Important" By The Uplifted Arm Of The Lord, He Who "IS" Seated At The Right Hand Of God, Our Father Who Art In Heaven and we "ARE" Chosen By Him To Do Good Works In Christ Jesus!
Should we not Let Him Lead us Out Of The Darkness And Into His Glorious Light? ALL of us Have The Ministry Of Righteousness and Reconciliation, so should we not ALL Be Calling others out of sin and death into His True, Spiritual, Eternal, Everlasting, Abundant, Resurrection Life?
MUST we spend another 40 years in the wilderness, wandering around aimlessly, when we have The Good Shepherd To Lead And Guide us To His Streams Of Living Water? He Cared For us, so should we not ALL Care For Others, forgiving their sins and enduring their behavior with The Same (Yesterday, Today And Forever) Grace, Favor that Has Been Bestowed, Poured Out Upon us? Joshua asked The Nation Of Israel, Why are you NOT Taking The Land That God Has Given Unto Y-O-U? It took them about 450 years to receive their Inheritance In The Lord, but 2,000 years ago Jesus said, Look To The Fields For They Are Ripe Unto Harvest! God Has Given us (ALL That We Need To Live Our Life Unto Him) The Law, Moses, Judges, Kings, Priests, The Prophets, Psalms, Proverbs, Hymns, Spiritual Songs and MOST Of ALL, His One And ONLY Begotten Son, His Word, Will And Way. Like Samuel and John, Y-O-U and I Are Called Of God To Usher In The Second Coming Of Messiah, Christ, The Anointed One, The King Of Kings And Lord Of Lords, by Going Into ALL The World To Preach The Gospel, The Good News, Baptizing ALL Nations, Peoples, Tribes And Tongues In Jesus' Name. Amen And Amen!
God Bless And Love To ALL,
<')))>< Mark Tross
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Date: Tue, May 3, 2005
Subject: Acts 13:21-25
The Word:
Then they asked for a king; and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.
And when He had deposed him, He raised up David to be their king; of him He bore witness and said, I have found David the son of Jesse a man after My own heart, who will do all My will and carry out My program fully. [Ps. 89:20; 1 Sam. 13:14; Isa. 44:28.]
Of this man's descendants God has brought to Israel a Savior [in the person of Jesus], according to His promise.
Before His coming John had (already) preached baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
And as John was ending his course, he asked, What do you secretly think that I am? I am not He [the Christ, No], but note that after me One is coming, the sandals of Whose feet I am not worthy to untie!
- Acts 13:21-25
Who is your King? I Hope and Pray that He Is The King Of Glory, because if Jesus is NOT Lord Of ALL, then He Is NOT Lord At ALL! It was not unusual for the people to pick out the tallest man in the crowd to be in charge, but God looks at the man's heart and not his natural, physical appearance. God Calls David, "A Man After My Own Heart." How can these things be? Wasn't David "the guy" who committed adultery and murder? We don't have to go too far from our own personal mirrors or the Mirror Of God, His Holy And Precious Word, to see that ALL have sinned and fallen short of His Glory, but King David constantly and continuously kept his heart soft and repentant before The Most High God. Do you do the same? The Bible says that a RIGHTEOUS man (woman or child) can fall down seven times (70X7), but still can get up, because The Word Of God declares, IF we Humble our"self" In His Sight, He Will Lift Us Up!
Why the forty year reign of Saul? I don't quite know for certain, but there are countless times in Holy Script where the number 40 represents times of trials and tribulations. Saul in some Ways represents "The First Adam" and David "The Second Adam," Christ The Lord.
Notice that it was God Who put down, deposed and raised up. Our Father Who Art In Heaven ALSO Raised Up His One And ONLY Begotten Son from the grave and Made, Crowned Him King Of Kings And Lord Of ALL. Y-O-U and I are NOW Called Of God To Bear Witness, Be men, women and children after His Own Heart, who Will Do ALL Of His Will (Jesus says, If Y-O-U Love Me, Y-O-U Will Obey ALL Of My Commandments) AND Carry Out His Program (The GREAT Co-Mission) FULLY! How are we doing?
God Has Promised To Bless Us in our Coming In and Going Out, so are we being Blessed? I have determined in my spirit that there are "Many, Many" who go into The Church building, but "FEW" who take The Love Of God And The Good News Of Jesus "O-U-T" To ALL Nations, Peoples, Tribes And Tongues. His Word Says, We Are To Carry OUT His Program, The Plan Of Salvation Completely and Totally, According To His Word, Will and Way! ALL Of His Precious Promises ARE Yes and Amen In Christ, so why do we not apply them to each and EVERY situation in our Daily routine of this lower, baser nature life, so that we can Live, Move and Have Our Being, Here & NOW, In The Eternal, Everlasting, Abundant, Resurrection Life In Jesus?
Could you imagine that John The Baptizer (single-handedly) Preached The Baptism Of Repentance To ALL The People Of Israel? How is it that The Church, The Body Of Christ Today can not even "CROSS" the street or walk next door to reach out to our neighbors? Are we (ALL Confessing Christians, Believers EVERYWHERE) not ALL Called Upon By God To Love Our Neighbor As Our"self"?
John Ran His Course in this human race of natural (and Spiritual) history that we call living, but we have to learn to crawl before we can walk and then run. The hardest part about getting people to crawl is that they have to get down on their knees (kind of like the position for praying).
What do you "secretly" (and publicly confessing Jesus before men) think of "The GREAT I AM?"
Jesus "IS" The Christ, The Messiah, The Anointed One and Salvation, The ONLY Name Under God's Created Heaven By Which We ALL MUST Be Saved. One Has Come, BUT HE "IS" Coming Again SOON, so we too (like John) must humble our"self" under The Mighty Hand Of God, Submit To His Complete & Total Authority (He "IS" The Author Of LIFE), Trust And Obey, harden NOT our hearts, Be Wanting, Willing, Ready & Able To Carry Out His Directives To The FULL, not by our own might or power, but By His Holy Spirit, Says The Lord!
NO man is Worthy, NO Not One, but The Man Christ Jesus and because He shed His Precious (Life's) Blood On The Cross Of Calvary, we are of "MUCH" Worth! We may not be able to wear His shoes (sandals), but He Calls Us To Follow In His Footsteps. How Lovely On The Mountain (and in the deepest darkest valleys) Are The Feet Of Him Who Brings Good News, The FULL Gospel Of God, Love, Joy, Faith, Hope, Shalom, Peace, Wholeness, FULLness and Blessings, those who Wash The Feet Of The Saints & Sinners and Untie EVERY Yolk of bondage, through His Anointing in Jesus' Name. Amen & Amen.
God Bless & Love to ALL,
<')))>< Mark Tross
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Date: Wed, May 18, 2005
Subject: Acts 13:26-30
The Word:
Brethren, sons of the race of Abraham, and all those others among you who reverence and fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation - the salvation obtained through Jesus Christ. [Ps. 107:20.]
For those who dwell in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not know or recognize Him or understand the utterances of the prophets which are read every Sabbath, by condemning and sentencing [Him] have actually fulfilled these very predictions.
And although they could find no cause deserving death with which to charge Him, yet they asked Pilate to have Him executed and put out of their way.
And when they had finished and fulfilled everything 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.
- Acts 13:26-30
I know that EVERY human being on the planet is part of this race that we call "LIFE," but are you a "Son (or Daughter) Of The Race Of Abraham?" Before you answer that question, THINK! Paul exhorts us to "Run The Race" that is SET Before us. What does that mean for those of us who are Following Our Good Shepherd that Goes Before us In ALL Things? I Hope that you Know and Understand that The Word Of God Declares, "Abraham Is Our Father Of Faith," so obviously... As Sons & Daughters Of The Most High God, we are ALSO Sons & Daughters Of Our Father Abraham, who Believed God and It Was Accredited To Him As Righteousness!
Sound Familiar?
To us has been sent "The Message!"
What Message? The Good News, The Gospel Of God In Christ Jesus, Reconciling The World Unto Himself.
THIS Salvation / Yeshua (Hebrew) / Jesus - THE Salvation (The Way, The Truth & The Life) that can ONLY Be Obtained Through Faith In Jesus Christ, Messiah, The Anointed One, The Name Above ALL names, By Which We MUST Be Saved!
He sends forth His Word and Heals them and Rescues (Saves) them from the pit (of Hell, Fire & Brimstone) and destruction (sin and death). [2 Kings 20:4, 5; Matt. 8:8.]
- Psalm 107:20
God SO Loved "This Present World Of Darkness" that He Gave (Sent Forth) His One And ONLY Begotten Son (The Living Word Of God And Light Of The World), Who Came To Preach, Teach And HEAL those of us who were lost, but NOW Are Found, Rescued, Saved And Redeemed By The Precious Blood Of The Lamb. He Has Pulled us Out Of Our Despair And Put Our Feet On THE ROCK, Set us Up On Solid Ground. Instead of the enemy coming to steal, kill and destroy, Jesus Has Come (And Is Coming Again SOON) To Bring Eternal, Everlasting, Abundant, Resurrection Life!
Are we like the centurion, who replied to Jesus (By Faith), ONLY Say The Word And My Servant Shall Be Healed (Cured)?
As Men & Women In "The Army Of God" (Onward Christian Soldiers), As Servants Of The Most High God, should we not Believe & Receive what Jesus Purchased For us On The Cross Of Calvary and Give To Him "The Rewards Of His Sufferings?"
Reverence and Fear God, Understand The (Spiritual) Utterances Of The Prophets which are read EVERY Sabbath and condemn NOT these VERY Predictions!
ALL Of God's Word IS Faithful & True and It shall NEVER Pass AWAY. TOO Many people in the world Today just want to put Jesus out of their "way" and execute the very thought of His Existence from human history, although they can find No REAL fault or cause for their actions or charges against Him. God is NOT finished with them or us, for He has Promised to Complete, FULL-FILL The Work that He Has Begun, He Wishes that NONE would perish, but that ALL would Come To Repentance and Be Raised Up From The Dead, In Jesus' Name. Amen & Amen.
God's Richest Blessings & Love To ALL,
<')))>< Mark Tross
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Title. Date: Sat, May 28, 2005
Subject: Acts 13:31-35
The Word:
And for many day He appeared to those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, and they are His witnesses to the people.
So now we are bringing you the good news that what God promised to our forefathers,
This He has completely fulfilled to us their children by raising up Jesus, as it is written in the second Psalm, You are My Son; today I have begotten You - caused You to arise, to be born, [formally shown You to be the Messiah by the resurrection]. [Ps. 2:7.]
And as to His having raised Him from among the dead, now no more to return to [undergo] putrefaction and dissolution [of the grave], He spoke in this way, I will fulfill and give to you the holy and sure mercies and blessings [that were promised and assured] to David. [Isa. 55:3.]
For this reason He says also in another Psalm, You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption - to undergo putrefaction and dissolution [of the grave]. [Ps. 16:10.]
- Acts 13:31-35
For forty days after His Resurrection from the grave, Jesus appeared to His Disciples, instructing them in The Way they should go and preparing them for The Promise Of God's Holy Spirit. THIS Word Of God To us Today Declares, "They `ARE´ His Witnesses To The People." Can THIS Be Said Of Y-O-U Today? It was The Followers Of Christ then who brought The Love Of God & The Good News Of Jesus to ALL Nations & Peoples, Tribes & Tongues and because He Is The Same, Yesterday, Today & Forever, WE MUST FULL-FILL His GREAT Co-Mission To The Church, so that ALL who are Called & Chosen May Enter Into The Precious Promises Of God. Are Y-O-U Bringing "The Good News" (that God Promised To ALL) to those who Jesus died on The Cross Of Calvary To Reach? He Has COMPLETELY & TOTALLY FULL-FILLED ALL Of His Promises To His Children AND Proven THIS Fact By Raising Jesus Up From The Grave, According To His Holy & Precious Word, Will & Way!
NONE of God's Promises are empty, but The Tomb IS! What MORE Could He Do To Convince Y-O-U That His Word IS FAITH-FULL & TRUE? Jesus Was "Born Again" By The Resurrection, He Arose As The Firstfruits From The Dead, Christ Was Shown TO BE The Messiah, The Anointed One and Y-O-U & I Are Called Of God To Follow Suit & Walk In His Plan & Purposes, The Work That Was Prepared For us TO DO (By Jesus), Before The Foundation Of This World Were Laid. At one point in human history, God Spoke Through Moses, but NOW He Speaks To us IN His Son, IN THIS "WAY!" NOW (Today IS The Day Of Salvation / Yeshua / Jesus) He Will FULL-FILL & GIVE To Y-O-U The Holy & Sure (Tender) Mercies (that are re-newed EVERY morning) & The Eternal, Everlasting, Abundant, Resurrection BLESSINGS [that were Promised & Assured] to King David.
EVERYTHING That IS Written In His Holy & Precious Word Has A Reason. "Come, Let us Reason Together," Says The Lord.
He Will NOT Allow Y-O-U To See Corruption, Putrefaction Or Dissolution Of The Grave, "IF" Y-O-U put your Faith & Trust In Him! He Who Watches Over Israel Will Neither Slumber Nor Sleep, so why do we not (like David) become men and women after His Own Heart and Be Obedient Children Of The Most High God?
Has Jesus Appeared To Y-O-U? Are Y-O-U His Witness To ALL Peoples? Do Y-O-U Preach, Teach & Bring The Healing Of "The Good News" to those who have been promised? As It Has Been Written, So Let His Perfect & Acceptable Will Be Done On Earth! Jesus Says To us Today, "Arise My Love." ALL People EVERYWHERE MUST Be Born Again, Come To PERSONALLY (And Experientially) KNOW Jesus As Messiah / Christ / The Anointed One & The POWER Of His Resurrection! NONE of us can afford to return to the baser, sin-FULL nature or we will SURELY undergo corruption, putrefaction, dissolution of the grave and Spiritual Death. ALL of God's Precious Promises ARE Yes & Amen "IN" Christ Jesus, but apart from HIm we can do NOTHING, so let Each & EVERY One Of us Press Onward & Upward To Our Higher Calling In Him and Accomplish His Perfect & Acceptable Will In Jesus' Name. Amen & Amen.
God's Richest Blessings & Love To ALL,
<')))>< Mark Tross
5561 Gladstone Dr. NE
Rio Rancho, NM
87144
USA
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Date: Tue, Jun 14, 2005
Subject: Acts 13:36-41
The Word:
For David, after he had served God's will and purpose and counsel in his own generation, fell asleep [in death], and was buried among his forefathers, and he did see corruption and undergo putrefaction and dissolution [of the grave].
But He Whom God raised up [to life] saw no corruption - did not experience putrefaction and dissolution [of the grave].
So let it be clearly known and understood by you, brethren, that through this man forgiveness and removal of sins is now proclaimed to you; And that through Him every one who believes, [that is, who acknowledges Jesus as his Savior and devotes himself to Him] is absolved (cleared and freed) from every charge from which you could not be justified and freed by the Law of Moses, and given right standing with God.
Take care, therefore, lest there come upon you what is spoken in the prophets:
Look, you scoffers and scorners, and marvel, and perish, and vanish away; for I am doing a deed in your days, a deed which you will never have confidence in or believe, [even if some one - clearly describing it in detail - declares it to you. [Hab. 1:5.]
- Acts 13:36-41
Let It Be CLEARLY Known, Understood, Described In Detail and Declared Unto Y-O-U TODAY that Y-O-U Have Been Absolved, Freed, Justified and CLEARED from EVERY Charge the enemy has brought against Y-O-U, because of what Christ Jesus did for Y-O-U on The Cross Of Calvary. God Says, "I AM Doing A Work, A Deed In Your Days!" Will Y-O-U Have Confidence In Or Believe, Cling To, Trust In and Rely On "IT"? NOTICE that The Word For TODAY does NOT Say, I AM Doing A Deed In Y-O-U-R DAZE! TOO Many Christians are walking around in a semi-Spiritual Daze, instead of preparing for The Great And AWESOME Days Of The Lord that are set before us. It Is NOW Time "TO BE" Ready and NOT just get ready, for The Lord Is Saying To This Present World Of Darkness (and His Children Of Light, who presently Live in it) TODAY, It Is "My WAY," with NO High-Way Options.
King David Acknowledged "The Lord (Jesus)" as his Savior and Devoted him"self" Daily To Him. What MUST we Do to be Called By God, "A Man After His Own Heart?" LIKE-WISE! We MUST Believe On The Lord Jesus Christ And Be Saved, Delivered, Absolved, Cleared, Freed (For The Truth Shall Set Y-O-U FREE And He Who The Son Sets FREE "IS" FREE Indeed) and Justified (Just-As-If-We-Had-NEVER-Sinned) By Faith, In The Precious Life's Blood Of The Lamb Of God, Who Takes AWAY The Sins Of The World. THIS Is What We Declare Unto Y-O-U TODAY, "Y-O-U-R Sins `ARE´ Forgiven AND Removed!"
THIS Is The Good News, The Gospel Of God In Christ Jesus and what He Has Accomplished, His Perfect And Acceptable Word, Will, Way, Plan, Purpose AND Counsel for Our Own Generation. Yes, I Am talking about Our G-G-G-Generation, Y-O-U-R´s and mine TODAY!
Look around [you, Habakkuk, replied the Lord] among the nations and see! And be astonished!
Astounded! For I am putting into effect a work in your days that you would not believe it if it were told you. [Acts 13:40, 41.] -Habakkuk 1:5
Talk about "Special Effects!" You and I haven't SEEn Anything, Nothing yet, because God Says, He Is Putting This [NEW] Work Into Effect In Our Days and YES, He Is Actually Telling It To Y-O-U!
The REAL Question For TODAY Is, Will Y-O-U Believe, Hear, Listen and Take Heed To What The Holy Spirit Of God Is Saying To The Church Of Jesus Christ TODAY? He Has CLEARLY Described The Details, Declared Them To Y-O-U In "The Book!" Will Y-O-U put Confidence In The Word Of The Lord and Be Obedient To The Call? He Wants Y-O-U to further His Kingdom, to reach ALL Nations, Peoples, Tribes and Tongues, to Serve God's Will, Purpose and Counsel In Your Own Generation, In Jesus' Name. Amen And Amen.
God Bless & Love To ALL,
<)))>< Mark Tross
5561 Gladstone Dr. NE
Rio Rancho, NM
87144
USA
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Date: Tue, Jun 28, 2005
Subject: Acts 13:42-46
The Word:
As they [Paul and Barnabas] went out [of the synagogue], the people earnestly begged that these things might be told to the [further] the next Sabbath.
And when the congregation of the synagogue dispersed, many of the Jews and the devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked to them and urged them to continue [to trust themselves to and stand fast] in the grace - that is, the unmerited favor and blessing - of God.
The next Sabbath almost the entire city gathered together to hear the Word of God - concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God.
But when the Jews saw the crowds, filled with envy and jealousy they contradicted what was said by Paul, and talked abusively - reviling and slandering him.
And Paul and Barnabas spoke out plainly and boldly, saying, It was necessary that God's message (concerning salvation through Christ) should be spoken to you first. But since you thrust it from you, you pass this judgement on yourselves that you are unworthy of eternal life, and out of your own mouth you shall be judged. [Now] behold, we turn to the Gentiles - the heathen.
- Acts 13:42-46
After hearing The Word Of God CLEARLY and Precisely from Paul and Barnabas (The Son Of Encouragement), these people rejected Eternal, Everlasting, Abundant, Resurrection Life, By Faith and through Salvation In Christ Jesus, they thrust It from them and CHOSE Judgement. Talk about Paul's comment, "You Foolish Galatians," One has to Wonder what would cause a person or a group of people to choose death over Life. Who Bewitches them?
In the overall scheme of things, God is Still In Complete and Total Control. He has only hardened the hearts of "The Jews" (only for a time), so that His Holy and Precious Word could then Go To The Gentiles, The Heathens, ALL Nations, Peoples, Tribes and Tongues, Y-O-U and me. Notice that Paul and Barnabas First went to The Synagogue, The Congregation Of Believers, The Church, The Body Of Christ here on Earth and then to The World. The Word Declares, "Judgement Begins At The House Of God!" His Word Is Faithful and True.
Do Y-O-U Earnestly Desire (Beg) God for The Revelation Of His Son to be told Further to Y-O-U? How did This Come To Be in Today's Portion of Holy Script?
Paul and Barnabas TALKED to the people and Urged them on In Their Trust, Stand, Grace, Favor, Blessings and FAITH In The Most High God. Unfortunately, there are NOT enough Pastors, Preachers, Teachers or Leaders In The Church Of Jesus Christ Today who DAILY, Constantly Give their people, God's Flock, enough Food Of Hope And The Future That God Has And Intends For Them. In The Words of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, "Carry On, LOVE Is Coming, Love Is Coming To us ALL!"
Outside of a Billy Graham Crusade, how many times have you EVER Seen or Heard of an ENTIRE City "Gathering TOGETHER To Hear The Word Of God?"
Not too many people Today are REALLY Concerned about attaining Salvation In The Kingdom Of God, Which Is Righteousness, Peace And Joy In The Holy Ghost, Through Jesus Christ. MANY are FILLED with envy, jealousy, strife and are ALL To Quick to be abusive, revile and slander The Word Of God. Even when we explain The Good News, The Gospel Message with clarity, plainly and boldly (Not By Might, Not By [our own] Power, But By God's Holy Spirit), there are still those who Thrust The Word Of God AWay from them and Reject Jesus As Lord.
Prayer changes things and although for a time we might have to dust off our feet and move on, God Is Faithful & Jesus NEVER Fails! He Did NOT Come Into This World To Condemn ANYBODY, but To Save Them, yet those who refuse Salvation In His Holy & Precious Name, they are condemned already and by their own choices, their own mouths have brought them to the place of being an enemy of God. We MUST Pray Daily for the unsaved and lost in this present world of darkness, but alWays and Forever (Until Jesus Comes Again), continue to Spread The Word and Shine His Light to EVERY One, EVERY Where, Even To The Uttermost Parts Of The World, In Jesus' Name (The Name Above ALL). Amen & Amen.
God's Richest Blessings & Love To ALL,
<')))>< Mark Tross
5561 Gladstone Dr. NE
Rio Rancho, NM
87144
USA
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Date: Tue, Jul 12, 2005
Subject: Acts 13:47-52
The Word:
For so the Lord has charged us, saying, I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles - the heathen - that you may bring (eternal) salvation to the uttermost parts of the earth. [Isa. 49:6.]
And when the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified (praised and gave thanks for) the Word of God; and as many as were destined (appointed and ordained) to eternal life believed - adhered to, trusted in and relied on Jesus as the Christ and their Savior.
And so the Word of the Lord (concerning eternal salvation through Christ) scattered and spread throughout the whole region.
But the Jews stirred up the devout women of high rank and the outstanding men of the town, and instigated persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their boundaries.
But [the apostles] shook off the dust from their feet against them, and went to Iconium.
And the disciples were continually diffused [throughout their souls] with joy and the Holy Spirit.
- Acts 13:47-52
THE LORD "Has" CHARGED us! Jesus paid it ALL for us on The Cross Of Calvary and He "Has" Given us The Deposit Of His Holy Spirit, so that we ALSO would Be Diffused [Throughout Our Souls] with His JOY, The Fruit Of God's Holy Spirit and tell others about The Good News, The Gospel Of Christ (inspite of any and ALL"instigated persecution"). We MUST Take The Love Of God And The Good News Of Jesus To ALL Nations, Peoples, Tribes And Tongues, Bringing Eternal Salvation / Yeshua / Jesus, Everlasting, Abundant, Resurrection LIFE To The UTTERMOST Parts Of The Earth!
He says, It is too light a thing that you should be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors [of the judgement] of Israel; I will also give you for a light to the nations, that My salvation may extend to the end of the earth.
- Isaiah 49:6
Let NONE of us Take The Call of God On Our Life Lightly! The GREATEST of ALL MUST Be The Servant Of God AND ALL.
We "ARE" The Repairers Of The Breach, Sent By God To Restore The Survivors (MIAs and POWs Of This Spiritual Battle For Their Souls) to Complete and Total Communion and Fellowship with Their God And Savior, Jesus Christ. We "ARE" The Light To ALL Nations to extend His Salvation, The Hope Of Israel and The Hope Of The World to the end of the earth, but NOT by our own might or power (NO), By His Holy Spirit (Working Upon, In And Through us)!
Do Y-O-U Rejoice, Glorify, Praise And Give God Thanks (DAILY) For The Holy And Precious WORD OF GOD, Jesus?
We "ARE" Children Of The Most High, Children Of DESTINY! If Y-O-U and I Believe In, Cling To, Adhere To, Trust In AND Rely On Jesus As O-U-R Savior, Christ, Messiah, The Anointed One Of God, then We "ARE" Appointed, Ordained, Empowered and Anointed, in The Same WAY as Paul, Barnabas and ALL other Apostles and Disciples Of God.
LOVE Isn't (Real, Honest To Goodness, God's) LOVE until We Give "IT" AWAY! Is The Word Of God being scattered, spread and distributed throughout the regions of This Present World Of Darkness, in which you and I live, move and have our being?
If others do NOT Get Stirred Up By The Presence Of God, then we are allowing their spiritual waters to go stagnant, spoil and die. THIS Should NOT Be! You might get driven out of your boundaries, like Paul and Barnabas were, but NEVER let others' spiritually Negative instigated persecution or opposition STOP Y-O-U from Moving Forward In Y-O-U-R TRUE Spiritual Service (Worship) To The Lord.
SHAKE It OFF, Remove The Stagnant Dust From Beneath Y-O-U-R (Beautiful) Feet, Rise UP And Move ON In Jesus! GO Forward, Move Ahead, Run "The Race" with Endurance, for it is In The Going and Doing Of His Perfect AND Acceptable Will (no matter what comes against Y-O-U) that Y-O-U Shall HAVE The Peace Of God That Passes ALL Understanding and Be Continually Diffused [Throughout Y-O-U-R Soul] With JOY And God's Holy Spirit, The Holy Ghost, In Jesus' Name.
Amen And Amen!
God's Richest Blessings And Love To ALL, <')))>< Mark Tross
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Date: Tue, Jul 26, 2005
Subject: Acts 14:1-7
The Word:
NOW at Iconium [also Paul and Barnabas] went into the Jewish synagogue together and spoke with such power that a great number both of Jews and of Greeks believed - became Christians;
But the unbelieving Jews (who rejected their message) aroused the Gentiles and embittered their minds against the brethren.
So [Paul and Barnabas] stayed on there for a long time, speaking freely and fearlessly and boldly in the Lord, Who continued to bear testimony to the Word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be performed by their hands.
But the residents of the town were divided, some siding with the Jews and some with the apostles.
When there was an attempt both on the part of the Gentiles and the Jews together with their rulers, to insult and abuse and molest [Paul and Barnabas] and to stone them,
They, aware of the situation, made their escape to Lystra and Derbe; cities of Lycaonia, and the neighboring districts; And there they continued to preach the glad tidings (Gospel).
- Acts 14:1-7
Imagine speaking with "Such Power" that A GREAT Number of both Jews and Gentiles Come To Believe, Cling To, Trust In AND Rely On Jesus As Messiah, Christ, The Anointed One Of God. THIS "IS" The Call Upon EVERY Christian who is FILLED With God's Holy Spirit, because Paul The Apostle wrote that Jesus "IS" The Wisdom AND POWER Of God (unto those who believe)! Let me ask Y-O-U a personal question... How many people have Y-O-U (personally) seen Come To The Faith in the past week, year or even in your (Eternal, Everlasting, Abundant, Resurrection) LIFE-Time?
THIS Calls for a REALITY Check on behalf of ALL who Call themselves "Christian," because like Timothy, Paul exhorts us (The Body Of Christ) to "Do The Work Of An Evangelist!"
MANY will rise up against you and The Message Of Salvation, In Jesus' Holy And Precious Name, but NO Weapon Formed Against us shall prosper, because The Shield Of Faith WILL put out EVERY fiery dart that the enemy attempts to send our Way. Surely we ALL know of others who have embittered minds towards The Truth. The major difference between Paul, Barnabas and all too many confessing Christians is that they determined in their hearts and spirits to Stay The Course and continued to speak FREEly, fearlessly and BOLDLY In The Name Of The Lord.
Needless to say, God (ALSO) Continued To Bear His Testimony To The Word (Jesus) AND (The Spirit Of) His Grace, Goodness, Tender-Mercies and Loving-Kindness, by granting amazing signs and wonders to be performed upon, in and through Paul and Barnabas.
STILL the residents of the town were divided and isn't that exactly what The Sword Of The Spirit is supposed to do?
God is FOREVER separating The Sheep Of His Pasture from the goats. NO insult, abuse or molestation of any kind, NOTHING Can or EVER Will Separate Y-O-U From The Love Of God! We MUST AlWays "Be Aware" of the situations at hand, but notice how God's Word is confirmed in the fact that He AlWays provides A (The) Way out, because Paul and Barnabas "Made Their Escape" and STILL Continued To Preach, and Teach The Glad Tidings, The Good News, The Gospel Of God In Christ Jesus!
NOW, in your situation and circumstance... Are Y-O-U speaking (The Truth In LOVE) with (Holy Ghost) POWER? Are there people with embittered minds against Y-O-U? Is there (Spiritual) division between Y-O-U and your family, friends, co-workers or neighbors? LOOK for "The Door" that The Holy Spirit wants Y-O-U to take, so that The Work Of YOUR Ministry (The Ministry Of Reconciliation) may CONTINUE To Move Forward, Furthering The Kingdom Of God, His Righteous, Peace and Joy In The Holy Ghost, In Jesus' Name. Amen And Amen.
God's Richest Blessings And Love To ALL, <')))>< Mark Tross
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Date: Sun, Jan 19, 2003, Subject:
THIS [JESUS]
WELCOME:
Greetings to All our New Members!
Please, IM, e-mail, call, visit and invite others to join us In Jesus.
PRAYER:
Father, As we come before You we ask that You Speak Your Truth Into Our Hearts and Minds. Allow us to fall prostrate before You In Jesus' Name.
Amen.
THE WORD:
This [Jesus] is the stone which was despised and rejected by you, the builders, but which has become the Head [the external angle] of the corner - the Cornerstone. [Ps. 118:22.]
- Acts 4:11
And whoever falls on this Stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed to powder, and it will winnow him, scattering him as dust. [Isa. 8:14; Dan. 2:34, 35.]
- Matthew 21:44
God Is My Rock! He Is The Chief Cornerstone And Capstone, First And Last, Beginning And End, Alpha And Omega!
We My Dear Brothers And Sisters In The Lord Jesus Are The Temple Of The Living God, His Church, The Body Of Christ Jesus And The Representation Of Him Here On Earth! What an awesome responsibility we have been called to!
Do you look in the mirror of God's Word each and every day? Let's get "real" personal here for a moment, forget about the "World" or the "Church" and what they think of us (I do hope that each and every one of you will take this personally), but examine ourselves In The Light Of God's Word, Will And Way.
When the Earth beneath our feet begins to shake and tremble, because it is being knocked off it's axis, the stars fall down from the sky and the mountains tumble to the seas, after we have done All that we can do to stand will we stand therefore?
Will we stand for everything and All that is Holy, Just, Right and True? Judgement begins at The House Of God! HONEY, I'M HOME! When Jesus rocks "your" World, when the storm comes will the house "you" built stand or fall? I want to tell you all that there is nothing wrong with falling (we should All fall prostrate at the feet of Jesus for He Alone Is Worthy Of ALL Glory, ALL Honor and ALL Praise), beholding the Royal Diadem and Crowning Him Lord Of ALL! What wretched men (women and children) we are in and of "ourselves." Who shall save us? There is but One Savior, The Man Christ Jesus!
This Jesus (The Name Above ALL Names by which we MUST be saved) Is The Stone (Our Solid Rock, The Firm Foundation) which was despised and rejected by you. The Word of God is All to clear here that He Is Speaking to THE BUILDERS! We who are called of God (and this is the calling of every Member In The Body) to play a part in helping to "build" His Temple, His Church, His Body are being questioned and challenged here. Heaven forbid, but is there an area in your life where He is still despised and rejected by YOU? Search Me Oh God and Know My Heart. Try Me and Know My Anxious Thoughts! Dare we cry out those words before the One True God and expect Him to answer our pleas? Jesus needs to be Lord of ALL or He Is not Lord at all! If He Is not the Head then how (really) does the Body function?
Have you fallen on "This" Stone? Has "your" heart, mind, spirit, strength, will and way been broken to pieces? Who I ask will put Humpty back together again?
A broken and contrite heart is pleasing to the Lord, because it is most pliable and useful to accomplish His Will and Way!
He Will Fill Your Heart with His Love, your mind with His Thoughts, Align your your spirit with His Holy Spirit, Fill you with His Strength, Walk you In His Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, bring Healing and Wholeness Into your Life and make you One With Him In Jesus! Let me warn you! When judgement comes, he on whom it falls will be crushed to powder, and it will winnow him, scattering him as dust.
From dust we were created and to dust we shall return, but when Jesus comes again we who have put our Faith and Trust In HIm shall be Resurrected with Him In Glory! Nobody who has even the slightest notion of the winnowing fork should take God's Word lightly.
God Is ALL Too Good at gathering those He has scattered, but when He separates the sheep from the goats, when many (if God says, "many" He means MANY) come to Him on That Day and say, "Lord! Lord!" and He says, "Depart from Me, I Never Knew YOU!" where shall we be?
Are we watching and waiting On Him, His Will, His Way? Are we ready, willing and able?
Let us "fall" at the feet of Jesus, so that we can stand before Him On That Day!
"This" Jesus Who Will Judge The Quick And The Dead! Let none of us think we can stand on our own lest we fall. Amen.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Oh Lord God, We humble ourselves before You, repent of any wrong doing in our hearts towards You or our fellow man. Correct us where we need to be corrected, let Your Rod and Staff Comfort us as You Lead Us Unto Jesus, The Author, Finisher of Our Faith, Our Good Shepherd and Peace In Your Holy and Precious name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Pastor Mark
Copyright 2003-2012
All Rights Reserved.
Closing song:
THERE IS NONE LIKE YOU (Lenny LeBlanc)
There is none like You
No one else can touch
my heart like You do
I could search for all
eternity long and find
There is none like You
Your mercy flows like a river wide
And healing comes
from Your hands
Suffering children are safe
in Your arms
There is none like You
God bless and remember that God loves you so much!
Date: Sun, Jan 26, 2003,
Subject: SUPER BOWL, GONE WITH THE WIND OR ACTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN OUR LIVES
WELCOME:
This is our first Sunday together In Jesus and what a Beautiful Day It Is In Him With You! Why not contact All your Christian Friends and Family Now to Ask them to Join Us Today at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship ?
PRAYER:
Father God, We ask that You instill in us Your Heart, Your Mind, Your Vision, Your Zeal and Your Love Today as we look into Your Holy Word. Empower us and enable us to "Be" All that You Call us to. Speak to each and every one of us Today, bring us from Grace to Grace and Glory to Glory according to Your Will and Way. In the Precious and Mighty Name of Jesus we Pray. Amen and Amen!
THE WORD:
And there is salvation in and through no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by and in which we must be saved.
- Acts 4:12
If we truly desire to be a New Testament Church, the Body of Christ and His Representation here on Earth where we live, move and have our being then we must submit to the Lord's Word, Will and Way. Without Faith it is impossible to please God, but what exactly is Faith?
Faith Is The "Substance" of things hoped for and the evidence of things (yet) unseen. Substance here means reality, Truth, tangible evidence, facts and the Spiritual realm in which we live In Christ Jesus is more real than the World we look at, taste, smell, hear and touch in this fragile body of human flesh that we reside in. Jesus Is and MUST Be Our All and All! As we make our Way through the Book of Acts I want to instill in you the Truths of God and the reality of the Life He Has Bestowed upon each and every one of us here and now!
Now when they saw the boldness and unfettered eloquence of Peter and John and perceived that they were unlearned and untrained in the schools
- common men with no advantages - they marvelled; and they recognized that they had been with Jesus.
- Acts 4: 13
We are blessed with some here who have obtained ordination papers, college educations, positions and titles within the Church and the World system, but when all is said and done, when we strip aWay all that we "are" and we get to the very heart and soul of our being do we or does any one else see Jesus? Boldness in and of itself can be brash and come across as proud and arrogant, but to be bold In the Lord, standing on the Truths of God when presented with the Love of God is truly eloquent. When you submit to the Will and Way of God, humble yourself before His Throne of Grace and Mercy, His Holy Spirit comes upon you, rests on your being and eminates Jesus!
And since they saw the man who had been cured standing there beside them, they could not contradict the fact or say anything in opposition.
- Acts 4:14
Forget for a moment that Peter and John are standing with a man who had just been healed, but think about your stance before others. When you stand are you standing In the Lord and In the Power of His Might? Every single Believer on the face of this planet has been cured of sin and death by the Precious Blood of the Lamb! When you "KNOW" and "Understand" the Truths of God's Word and how they apply to your Life In Jesus you will silence the opposition and All who come against you, because Light dispells darkness!
But, having ordered [the prisoners] to go aside out of the counsil [chamber], they conferred (debated) among themselves.
- Acts 4:15
Much debating goes on among the various denominations Today in regards to the doctrines of men, but surely with our Bibles open we can reason together, find the common ground, pray, stand and walk together hand in hand as The Good Shepherd leads us forward through the valley of the shadow of death and into greener pastures With Him. Notice Peter and John are called "prisoners" here when in fact they are the ones who have been set Free Indeed by their Resurrected Lord and Saviour, Jesus and the accusers of the brethren are still held captive by their own sin and unbelief.
Saying, What are we to do with these men? For that an extraodinary miracle has been performed by (through) them is plain to all the residents of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.
- Acts 4:16
The World and unfortunately the Church has major problems when it comes to dealing with "True" Believers and Followers of Jesus. They sit in judgement and denial, cast them out and in fact grieve God's Holy Spirit. Has God sent you some Light lately and you chose to sit alone in the darkness? As a Christian you are a living, walking miracle! The Spirit of the Living God Lives, Moves, Has His Being In you and wants to accomplish God's Perfect Will for your Life through you! As much as we live here on Earth we are seated In Heavenly Places and our residency and Home Is the New Jerusalem!
But in order that it may not spread further among the people and the nation, let us warn and forbid them with a stern threat to speak any more to any one in this name - or about this Person.
- Acts 4:17
God still speaks to us Today and He wants us to speak forth the things of God (Prophecy), His Word to other people He puts in our path and Commands Each and Every One of Us To Go Into All the World and Preach the Gospel (The Good News Of Jesus) To All Nations! Don't let any one under any cirumstances hold you down or keep you back from obtaining God's Will for your Life In Jesus. It doesn't matter who you are, what you are or where you live. What matters is that you "are" a Child Of God and He Is Calling YOU to "Be"a Light to the Nations, to bring the essence of Christ Jesus wherever you go, so that others will come to Life In Him and death to "self."
[So] they summoned them and imperatively instructed tham not ot converse in any way or teach at all in or about the name of Jesus.
- Acts 4:18
Can you relate to this? I've been called to the carpet several times before and have had to make major decisions and changes that I wished I never had to be confronted with, but trials in our walk and realtionship to Christ Jesus builds character, Godly Character! You don't have to have a teaching degree to teach someone of the Will and Way of God.
God teaches us through the ministry of His Holy Spirit and what we learn under His Anointing we are to share with others. There is No Other Name under All of Heaven that Has the Power to Change Hearts and Lives, but the Name of Jesus!
But Peter and John replied to them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you and obey you rather than God, you must decide (judge).
- Acts 4:19
When the disciples of Jesus were turning aWay from Him after His discourse on drinking His Blood and eating His Flesh what was it Peter said? Where else can we go? You Have the Words Of Eternal Life! Have Tough Decisions To Make?
Should we listen to God or man? I think we All Know and Understand that Jesus Is the Answer!
But we [ourselves] cannot help telling what we have seen and heard.
- Acts 4:20
When you know that you know, that you know, you cannot help, but tell the Truth, the Whole Truth and Nothing, but the Truth! God has opened our eyes to see wonderful things In His Word! He has opened our ears to hear His Voice and to listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to us Today as His Church, His Body, His Temple and His Bride! When you know and Love Jesus you cannot help, but want the Whole World to Know of His Love!
Then when [the rulers and council members] had further threatened them, they let them go, not seeing how they could secure a conviction against them, because of the people; for everybody was praising and glorifying God for what had occurred,
For the man on whom this sign (miracle) of healing was performed was more than forty years old.
- Acts 4:21, 22
Facts change, but the Truth of God remains the same! The Lord inhabits the praises of His People and as we come together as One In His Will and Way, No weapon formed against us shall prosper!
There is no condemnation for those In Christ Jesus. God will continue to show His signs and wonders (miracles) as we allow Him to have His Way with us and continue to give Him All the Glory, and Honor Due His Holy Name!
After they were permitted to go, [the apostles] returned to their own [company] and told all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.
- Acts 4:23
As we go along our Way with the Lord Jesus for certain trials and temptations will come our Way, but thanks be to God Who Has Given Us The Victory In Jesus, we have each other to go to, to turn to, to confide in, to trust, to encourage, to help, regardless of what anybody says or does, we have good company here.
And they, when they heard it, lifted their voices together as one united mind to God and said, O Sovereign Lord, You are He Who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything that is in them, [Exod. 20:11; Ps. 146:6.]
- Acts 4:24
My Dear Brothers and Sisters In the Lord Jesus, Let us lift up our voices together as "One" In Him, Unite the Body and our Mind of Christ within to give Thanksgiving and Praise to Him for Being Faithful and True! Surely He Who forms the hearts of All, The One Who created the Heavens, Earth and Sea shall continue the Good Works He Has Begun In and Performs Through Us until He comes again In All HIs Majesty and Glory! Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother In Jesus, Mark
Join our Simple Church Christian E-Fellowship Group Today at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship !
Copyright 2003-2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Possessed by great dread and terror? Acts 5:1-5
Worship:
The Lord Reigneth - Psalm 97:1
The Lord reigneth, the Lord reigneth
Blessed be the name of our God
The Lord reigneth, the Lord reigneth
Blessed be the name of our God
Let the heavens be glad
Let the earth rejoice
Let all men say among the nations
The Lord reigneth, the Lord reigneth
Blessed be the name of our God.
The Word:
BUT a certain man named Ananias with his wife Sapphira sold a piece of property.
And with his wife's knowledge and connivance he kept back and wrongfully appropriated some of the proceeds, bringing a part only and putting it at the feet of the apostles.
But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart that you should lie to and attempt to deceive the Holy Spirit, and should [in violation of your promise] withdraw secretly and appropriate to your own use part of the price from the sale of the land?
As long as it remained unsold, was it not still your own? And [even] after it was sold, was not [the money] at your disposal and under your control? Why then, is it that you have proposed and purposed in your heart to do this thing? -
How could you have the heart to do such a deed? You have not (simply) lied to men - playing false and showing yourself utterly deceitful - but to God.
Upon hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died. And great dread and terror took possession of all who heard of it.
- Acts 5:1-5
In this most familiar portion of Holy Scripture (not that any portion of God's Word should ever become so "common" to us that it fails to speak ever deeper to our heart and soul) Today I hope to approach His Word to us as, "His Word to us!" This internet ministry can be as impersonal or personal as you allow it to be in your life just as the reading of God's Word (whether written on paper or your computer screen) can speak to you here and now as Moses spoke face to face with God. With thousands receiving these messages they still comes to you as, "Thus saith the Lord" on a one on one basis. The question is, "Upon hearing these words, God's Words, do you fall down at the feet of Jesus, humble your "self" before Him in obedience to His Word and die to "self," so that you can Come Alive In His Spirit?" The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom and Jesus Is God's Wisdom! Does God's Word shake you, wake you, break you, make you and take possession of you?
You have been bought with a price (the Precious Blood of Jesus shed on the Cross at Calvary) and as a Believer have been sealed with His Holy Spirit until the Day of Redemption! Do you sometimes tremble when you hear the Truths of God's Word?
Where you there when they crucified my Lord? Where you there when they crucified my Lord? Sometimes it causes me to tremble, to tremble. Where you there when they crucified my Lord?
Yes! You were there In the Heart, Mind and Soul of Christ Jesus as He died upon that tree for you sins!
For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; He is to be reverently feared and worshipped above all so-called gods.
[Rev. 14:7; Deut. 6:5.]
- Psalm 96:4
His lightnings illumine the world; he earth sees and trembles. -Psalm 97:4
THE Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble [with reverential fear]! He sits [enthroned] above the cherubim; let the earth quake!
- Psalm 99:1
God so loved the World (you, me and every soul in it) that He gave His One and Only Begotten Son, Jesus to die on the Cross in our stead, so that we could have Eternal Life In His Name! BUT a certain man... Sometimes we are all to certain for our own good. It matters not that this man, Ananias is mentioned here or his wife (who was a real "gem" and most likely named after the sapphire, because we will tend to her in our next study of Acts), but I ask that you allow God's Mirror to reflect upon your life, your heart, your mind, your soul, your spirit and your strength as it pertains to you In His Holy Word Spoken Today. Today, if you hear His Voice (Hear O Israel! Those who have ears to hear let them hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church, The Temple of the Living God, The Body of Christ Jesus and His Chosen Bride) harden not your heart! Whatever we have or own has been given to us by God as all good things come down from God out of Heaven, but All Is God's! Remember, we are His Garden, the earth Is the Lord's, the fullness there of and He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. What have you kept back from God, wrongfully appropriated or just brought part of to Him? The proof is in the "putting" and when Ananias placed his offering at the apostles feet it was as if he were placing it at the foot of the Cross of Jesus or the Throne of God Himself (whatever you have done to the leas of these, my brethren, you have done it unto me).
Surely, to obey is better than sacrifice, but when we give to God do we give our all or do we rob God of His due? Jesus said, "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, but unto God what Is God's!"
Why is it that when Moses was asking God's Chosen People to give to the building of the Tabernacle that he had to tell them to stop giving (they were refrained from giving according to God's Word in Exodus), because they were giving above and beyond what was necessary? I am not even speaking of tithes and offerings here (although Jesus Himself suggested to those measuring out the tenth of all to do so), but of giving our all to Christ, because He gave His All For Us!
All to Jesus I surrender. All to Thee I freely give! I surrender All! I surrender All! All to Thee my Blessed Savior I surrender All!
Whether Peter is acting in the Gift of Discernment, a Word of Knowledge or a Word of Wisdom matters not, but surely he knew how easily one could be on the wrong side of the things and purposes of God from his own personal experiences.
Judas who sat at the Lord's Table, the Last Supper, the Passover Feast was taken in by the enemy and we are constantly exhorted to guard out hearts, minds and souls from the whiles of Satan (the father of lies)! The Word of God tells us that no liar shall even see the Kingdom of God let alone enter into It!
Have you attempted to deceive the Holy Spirit in any way, shape or form? You cannot hide from God, because He Is All Seeing and All Knowing, so don't deceive yourself and wind up playing the fool.
The heart is deceitful and wicked. Who can know it? Only God, so allow Him to fill your heart with His Love, His Spirit and to lead you In His Will and Way! Let us live our life, His Life unto Him In Love to Him and for one another, so that the World will know we are Christians by our love, HIs Love!
Hear these words! Fall down before Him!
Come and Adore Him! Die to "self" and be alive Unto Christ! Worship Him In Spirit and Truth! Allow Him to take complete and total possession of you, so that we can go into All the World, Preach the Word, so that All will hear of the Love of God, the Good News of Jesus and we will accomplish His Plan and Purposes!
Not by might, not by power, but by His Spirit In Jesus' Name! Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother In Him, Mark
Invite everyone you know and love to join our Christian E-Fellowship Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship and visit:
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/f/FaithfulSource for our "Love of God / God of Love" Series Today!
Copyright 2003-2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Son Day, Today! Acts 5:6-10
Worship:
Psalm 19
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
Chorus: More to be desired are they than gold
Yea, than much fine gold
Sweeter also than honey
And the honeycomb
The statues of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever The judgements of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
Moreover by them is Thy servant warned
And in keeping of them there is great reward More to be desired are they than gold.
The Word:
And the young men arose and wrapped up [the body] and carried it out [and] buried it.
Now after an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not having learned of what had happened.
And Peter said to her, Tell me, did you sell the land for so much? Yes, she said, for so much.
Then Peter said to her, How could you two have agreed and conspired together to try to deceive the Spirit of the Lord?
Listen! The feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out [also].
And instantly she fell at his feet and died, and the young men entering found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.
- Acts 5:6-10
Ananias, husband of Sapphira, had just gone down for the count after being confronted by Peter about a land deal gone sour. Was Peter judging them or exposing them for misrepresentation?
The two of them had conspired to keep things under "their" control (and not that of the Holy Spirit's leading), lied to men - playing false and showing themselves utterly deceitful -but also to God. The wages of sin is death and no matter how the pay day comes, it comes for certain someday. Ever wonder what these young men (and all the other Members of this newly found Group) thought as they wrapped up the body, carried it out and buried it? There are many (Many, many [when God says, "Many!" He means, "Many!"] will come on that Day and say, "Lord! Lord!") even within the Church, the Body Today who propose and purpose in their hearts things contrary to the teachings of Jesus, His Word, Will and Way. Sapphira was married to such a man, but that didn't mean she had to submit to his will, because the Word of God is clear that we are to submit to others In The Lord! We all have a choice, such as, "Choose you this Day who you will serve! Choose Life!" Know you not that those who align themselves with a prostitute are one with them? This woman, although married, prostituted herself against God, The True Husband of Her Heart and Soul!
Three hours have passed since her husband died and no one contacted her about it. Talk about hearing it through the grape vine! How fast does news (unfortunately, mostly bad news, backstabbing and gossip) travel within the Church Today? Peter questions this person face to face and she out and out lies to him!
How could she have the heart to do so?
How grieved was Peter and God's Holy Spirit? How would this situation affect the other Members of this new community of Believers In Jesus as Messiah? Just as when two or three of them gather together In His Name, agree on anything and it shall be done, so will the enemy conspire with two and more to deceive the Spirit of the Lord, the very Elect of God and the World, but The Word of God says, "Be not deceived! God will not be mocked!"
Listen! (I just can't see, hear, write or read that without thinking of Pastor Charles Stanley :)
The enemy is crouching at the door looking for who he can devour. He roams around like a lion. I have heard it said, that his teeth and claws have been removed, but I still wouldn't want to have the force of his powerful jaws and the pounding of his paws upon my being.
Satan wants to take you down and as many Believers as he can right along with you, so don't play with fire or you are destined to be burned! Don't be carried along by every wind and doctrine that blows across the surface of what is called Christianity Today, false teachings or stand in awe of fancy titles obtained by mere mortal man. Respected Pastor, Author and Biblical Scholar Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel Ministries knew Jim Jones of Jonestown fame and believes to this day that he started out in Faith, but somehow fell into deception leading many astray from the Lord even unto death!
Rather than waiting for the other foot to fall, why not repent, fall down at the feet of Jesus to obtain forgiveness and Eternal Life, not suffering, destruction and death. Instead of being carried out and buried in the muck and mire of lies and deception along with others who choose to marry themselves to the father of lies, come unto Jesus, The Way, The Door to Our Father Who Art In Heaven!
Hallowed Be His Name! Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Invite everyone you know and Love to join our Christian E-Fellowship Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship for our "Gifts From God" Series and visit:
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/f/FaithfulSource for "31 Days of Biblical Prayers" Today!
Copyright 2003-2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts Of The Holy Spirit In The Lives Of Believers: Acts 5:11-15
Worship:
Psalm 3:3, 4
My glory and the lifter of my head
My glory and the lifter of my head
And thou, O Lord, art a shield to me
My glory and the lifter of my head
I cried unto the Lord with my voice
I cried unto the Lord with my voice
I cried unto the Lord with my voice
And He heard me out of His Holy Hill
The Word:
And the whole church was appalled - great awe and strange terror and dread seized them - and all others who heard of these things.
Now by the hands of the apostles (special messengers) numerous and startling signs and wonders were being performed among the people. And by common consent they all met together [at the temple] in the porch or covered walk called Solomon's.
And none of those who were not of their number dared to join or associate with them, but the people held them in high regard and praised and made much of them.
More and more there were being added to the Lord those who believed - [that is,] those who acknowledged Jesus as their Savior and devoted themselves to Him, joined and gathered with them - crowds both of men and of women.
So that they [even] kept carrying out the sick into the streets and placing them on couches and sleeping pads, [in the hope] that as Peter passed by at least his shadow might fall on some of them.
- Acts 5:11-15
With Ananias and Sapphira dead and buried side by side this newly formed Body of Believers In Jesus as Messiah was about to move from Grace to Grace and Glory to Glory!
Jesus says, "Let the dead bury the dead!"
Now that's highly unlikely being that the dead are inanimate, but He was speaking of those who were dead Spiritually, not Born-Again Of The Spirit Of God. As Children of the Most High God we are called to bring the Love of God and the Good News of Jesus to the sick and dying around the World, but to those who refuse to heed the Word Of Eternal Life we are to dust off our feet and move on, because we are responsible for the souls of this generation and are Commanded of God to go to All Nations and Peoples!
Our God Is An Awesome God! He Reigns from Heaven Above In Wisdom, Power and Love! It is the Fear of the Lord that is the beginning of Wisdom, Christ Is the Wisdom of God, His Holy Spirit Power rests upon each and every Believer and His Love is poured into our hearts, so that we can pour our lives out as living sacrifices to Him by touching and changing the lives of others around us.
Take notice that the Scripture here tells us that all others heard of these things.
How is it that they heard? Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God, but how will "All Others" hear us if we do not open our mouth, our heart, our mind, our soul, our spirit, our strength or even our wallets to our fellow man by telling them and showing them?
Look at your hands! Go ahead and look at them! Your hands are God's hands. He created them for you to use for His Glory, Praise and Honor! We are His Hands, we are His Voice, we are the ones who make the choice. The Holy Spirit of God Lives, Moves and Has His Being In you to use you to further His Kingdom and although there are many different gifts and talents distributed among the Body of Christ, we "are" All Special In His Eyes and His Messengers of Hope! Jesus Is the Hope of the World! We are the ones Called of God to bring His Hope to the World and Hope will not disappoint us :)
Realize that there is not one person reading this who did not choose to be here by your own consent and meet together as One In Jesus. As the Temple of the Living God, the many parts of us, each and every Member here becomes The Body of Christ with Jesus as the Head of the Church. He Is Our Covering and where the Head goes the Body follows. As much as I would like to go to Israel and walk where Jesus walked, it is even more important that as Jesus Is In This World, so are we and we are to walk as Jesus walked and we are to walk with Jesus as He walks among us Today! Do not think that signs and wonders are not happening among us every single day.
Open your eyes to the World all around you! God Is With Us, healing the sick, raising the dead, the lame walk, the blind see, His Holy and Precious Word Is Going Forth In Power and changing the hearts and lives of countless thousands around the World!
Still there are those who choose not to join and associate with us (even other Believers for whatever reasons), but God has brought us together In Him (each and every one of you here was brought to this place by God for such a time as this) and as we Honor Him, He will honor us and as we Praise Him, He will inhabit the Praises of His People and out of something that was once invisible He will make much of us (as much as we allow Him to), so that more and more people will know and understand that we serve the One True God, The Living God, God Almighty!
Daily we Proclaim the Truths of God's Word, Acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior of the World, Devote ourselves to Him in Prayer, Praise, Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs, join and gather together to lift up one another and the Name above All names by which we MUST be saved! Because of your prayers and constant efforts in working the Works of Christ that were prepared for us to do before the foundations of this planet Earth were laid, God has been adding to His Church, His Body, those men and women who choose to Believe that Jesus Is The Way, Truth and Life and no one comes to The Father, but By Him!
Carry out your sick and dying In Hope!
Lift up your Brothers and Sisters In the Lord Jesus and those who have not yet come to know Him as such by Faith and God will be more than pleased to shine His Light of Life upon you, the Servant of the Most High God (Yes! "YOU!"), so that the Shadow of the Almighty might fall on them In the Precious Name of Jesus. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend in Him, Mark
Invite everyone you know and Love to join our Christian E-Fellowship Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship and visit:
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/f/FaithfulSource for our "31 days of Biblical Prayers" Today!
Copyright 2003-2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts Of The Holy Spirit In The Lives Of Believers: Acts 5:16-20
Worship:
I Will Bless Thee, O Lord
With my hands lifted up
And my mouth filled with praise
With a heart of thanksgiving
I will bless thee, O Lord.
I will bless thee, O Lord
I will bless thee, O Lord
With a heart of thanksgiving
I will bless thee, O Lord.
The Word:
And the people gathered also from the towns and hamlets around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those troubled with foul spirits, and they were all cured.
But the high priest rose up and all who were his supporters, that is, the party of the Sadducees, and being filled with jealousy and indignation and rage
They seized and arrested the apostles (special messengers) and put them in the public jail.
But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and leading them out said,
Go, take your stand in the temple courts and declare to the people the whole doctrine concerning this Life [the eternal life which Christ revealed].
- Acts 5:16-20
Peter, the one swaying about in the breeze like a reed before Messiah came into his life, becomes The Rock, casting his shadow upon the sick in the streets and in their hope, brought healing In Jesus' Name (representing All that He Is)!
When we lift the Person of Jesus up for All the World to see, He draws All mankind unto Himself by the Ministry of His Holy Spirit working in and through our Life! God wants to gather All the lost sheep who are scattered around the World under The Good Shepherd's Rod and Staff which comforts us as He leads and guides us to greener pastures. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem! How Jesus longs to gather you still, under His Wings as a mother hen gathers her chicks. The Christ cries out, "Come unto Me, All who labor and are heavy laden and I Will "Give" You Rest! Jesus Is The Same Yesterday, Today and Forever! He still cures the sicknesses and diseases of those who are troubled with foul spirits in mind, body, soul, spirit, heart, financial, sexual or whatever ails you, because Jesus Is The Great Physician!
We are "not" talking religion (at least not man made rules and regulations), but a personal relationship with God, In Christ by the Holy Spirit living, moving and having His Being In You which Is The Hope Of Glory! Follow "no" man, but the man Christ Jesus! Don't "give" or support any cause, but the Cause of Christ! As God's Grace was being poured out upon the sick and healing them, the high priest rose up and all who were his supporters. Satan, my friends, comes as an angel of light, but when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord sets up a standard against him and The Light of the World chases aWay the darkness! While others around you are being filled with jealousy, indignation and rage, we as Believers are commanded to be filled with the Holy Spirit, filled with God's Grace, Mercy, Faith, Hope and above All, His Love!
We are All Called of God to be His Disciples and each one of us is a "special messenger" (God created you and "gave" you This Life In Him to accomplish His Plan and Purposes to bring Glory, Praise and Honor to His Holy and Precious Name), an Ambassador for Christ Jesus to All Nations and Peoples! Has the enemy been working overtime to seize you, arrest you, put you on hold or even put you in the "public" jail? Notice the Word of God says, public jail.
Unfortunately, many of our trials and tribulations are brought into the "public" eye, the open arena for the "World" to see and hear. It is how we deal with these situations that will make the difference.
As we go through the fire and the flood, our character is both tried and revealed.
Will you come forth as gold or will the wood, hay and stubble within your life be burned up in the fire and leave you standing in the ashes of defeat? Jesus promises to bring us through to the other side In Victory as Overcomers, but sometimes the waiting is the hardest part and the darkest hour is just before dawn.
Do you listen for the songs in the night,
God's Still, Small Voice whispering in your ear the words you long to hear?
Many times it takes the darkness to bring forth the Light. No matter how deep or dark your situation and circumstances may seem, "There is no pit so deep that God cannot go deeper still!" For it was during the night that the angel of the Lord came to the apostles (special messengers), opened the prison doors and set the captives free. The Truth shall set you free, but he who The Son Sets Free Is Free Indeed! He has "given" us His Word, Will and Way! The Holy Spirit is here to lead us out of any and every situation that may be holding us back from fully accomplishing God's Perfect and Acceptable Will for Our Life In Jesus!
What does the Word of God tell us the angel of the Lord said? What does Jesus say to us Today? Go! Yes, "Go!" Go into All the World and Preach the Gospel!
Take your stand In Him (You "are" The Temple of the Living God) and declare the whole doctrine concerning this Life!
What Life? The Eternal Life which Christ revealed! Salvation In Jesus!
Anyone who has been reading my messages for any length of time will notice that many times I capitalize letters in order to emphasize certain words, because the written Word does not alWays have the expression of the spoken Word. It is the Spirit of God that quickens His Word to your hearts and minds and reveals to you the things "Of The Spirit" that He wants you to learn and put into action to make a difference where you live, work or go to school.
Flesh and blood does not reveal these things unto you, but Our Heavenly Father! When explaining what God wants you to go and do, The Word of God is clear in saying and emphasizing, "declare to the people the whole doctrine concerning this Life [the eternal life which Christ revealed]. Let us All take a stand as individuals (and when you have done all that you can to stand, stand therefore) and together as One In Him to bring the Revelation of Christ, The Abundant Life, Eternal Life, The Whole Doctrine Concerning "This Life," Salvation to All Nations and Peoples In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Invite everyone you know and Love to join our Christian E-Fellowship Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship
and visit:
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/f/FaithfulSource for our "31 Days of Biblical Prayers" Today!
Copyright 2003-2010
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts Of The Holy Spirit In The Lives Of Believers: Acts 5:21-25
Worship:
Malachi 4:2
With healing in His wings
With healing in His wings
The sun of righteousness shall rise
With healing in His wings.
The Word:
And when they heard this, they accordingly went into the temple about daybreak and began to teach. Now the high priest and his supporters who were with him arrived and were called together the council (Sanhedrin) and [even] all the senate of the Jews, and they sent to the prison to have [the apostles] brought.
But when the attendants arrived there they failed to find them in the jail; so they came back and reported,
We found the prison quite safely locked up and the guards were on duty outside the doors, but when we opened [it] we found no one on the inside.
Now when the military leader of the temple area and the chief priests heard these facts, they were much perplexed and thoroughly at a loss about them, wondering into what this might grow.
But some man came and reported to them, saying, Listen! The men whom you put in jail are standing [right here] in the temple and teaching the people!
- Acts 5:20-25
There is a War going on! Although there are wars and rumors of wars throughout the World we live in Today, it is the battle for the human soul, a constant Spiritual War fought in the Heavenly realm in which we are engaged. The angel of the Lord had released from prison and commanded the apostles to Go, take their stand in the temple courts and declare to the people the whole doctrine concerning this Life [the eternal life which Christ revealed]. We are also commanded to Go, to All Nations and Peoples and Preach Salvation In Jesus' Name!
Is there any one out there hearing this?
Immediately, the apostles responded and about daybreak they began teaching in the temple. It is clear that not everyone of us has the "gift" of teaching, but we all have something to teach and should be diligent to do so! Teach your children the Way they should go and when they get older they will not depart from It. We are All Students in the School of the Holy Spirit and as Believers are Ministers of God with specific Duties to Instruct others and Admonish them in the Way of God! Surely there is alWays going to be opposition and usually from the "religious" leaders and their staunch supporters, but we are to obey God and not man. Notice that the high priest, his supporters, the council (Sanhedrin), the attendants, the prison guards, military leaders, chief priests and [even] the senate of the Jews had no idea what was going on with the apostles. They thought that they had everything under their control, but when the facts were on the table, they were perplexed, at a loss for words and in wonderment.
We serve a Wonderful God! He Is Our Counselor, Might God, Everlasting Father (of Eternity) and Prince of Peace! In this Spiritual World of Wonder, we can only Wonder ourselves what All this (The Things Pertaining To God) might grow into. Cut an apple in half and count the seeds, but only God knows if planted how many more trees and apples will come from them. Find an acorn on the ground, but only In God can we see the oak tree rooted, grounded in the soil and stretching up towards the Heavens to absorb the Light of the Sun. We are to be as Trees Planted by the Streams of Living Waters, Rooted and Grounded In The Word of God, Abiding In the Vine and Bearing Fruit as we soak up the rays of the Son! What might we grow into?
While the World is hustling, bustling and fiddling about thinking that everything is safely locked up, decently and in order, we as Christians are to be dealing with things in the Spiritual realm, working the Works of God, teaching, preaching and revealing the Eternal Life which is found In Christ Jesus! Could you ever have imagined in your wildest dreams that God would take you from sinner to Saint, darkness to Light, from death to Life In His Holy and Precious Name?
As far as we have come, we have a long Way to go. Together we are traveling on this journey that some day will find an end. We are looking for the Temple of God, The New Jerusalem that will come down from God out of Heaven! Two times in our Scripture portion Today we read of things being "reported" and especially now with 24 Hour News Channels we find ourselves glued to the television set, watching and waiting to hear the latest information as to what is going on in the World around us. Are you watching and waiting for God to "give" you the go ahead? Listen! He already has, so take All the information He has "given" you In His Word, take your stand In Messiah [right here and now] and Teach the People the Whole Doctrine concerning "This Life" [the eternal life which Christ revealed], under the Anointing of His Holy Spirit In and Upon your Life In
Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Invite everyone you know and Love to join our Christian E-Fellowship Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship
and visit:
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/f/FaithfulSource for our "31 Days of Biblical Prayers" Today!
Copyright 2003-2012
All Rights Reserved.
If you would like to help support the preaching and teaching of the Word of God to Africa and India then please, prayerfully consider sending a check or money order for our missions work there Today to:
Rev. Mark Tross
5561 Gladstone Drive North East
Rio Rancho, NM
87144
Thank you for your prayer support and gifts,
Mark and the Entire Simple Church Fellowship Team
Subject: Acts Of The Holy Spirit In The Life Of Believers: Acts 5:26-30
Worship:
I'm Free
I'm free, I'm free
I'm free to be a servant of the Lord (repeat)
He taught me how to praise Him
He taught me how to sing His song
He taught me how to love
I'm free to be a servant of the Lord.
The Word:
Then the military leader went with the attendants and brought [the prisoners], but without violence for they dreaded the people lest they be stoned by them.
So they brought them [and] set them before the council (Sanhedrin). And the high priest examined them by questioning, Saying, We definitely commanded and strictly charged you not to teach in or about this Name; yet here you have flooded Jerusalem with your doctrine and you intend to bring this Man's blood upon us.
Then Peter and the apostles replied, We must obey God rather than men.
The God of our forefathers raised up Jesus Whom you killed by hanging Him on a tree (cross). [Deut. 21:22, 23.]
- Acts 5:26-30
These "Prisoners of Hope" were brought before the high priest and examined, questioned about The Name and their doctrine concerning the eternal life which Christ revealed. This was not the doctrines of men that Paul the Apostle warned us about, but the Doctrine of God Almighty! When the enemy was coming in, like a flood Jerusalem was filled with the Teachings of Jesus, because of Peter''s and the other apostle's obedience to God and not men.
Obedience to God alWays brings His Blessings! Because Jesus was raised from the dead (resurrected) and seated at the right hand of God Our Heavenly Father, the Believers were able to speak under the Anointing Power of The Holy Spirit that was poured out upon them to reach the ends of the World! This Is The Resurrection Life In Christ Jesus that we are to be Living Today!
A hanged man is accursed by God! Jesus became sin for us, so that we would become the Righteousness of God In Christ by Faith In Him. We are to fear not nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage, because just as Joshua took Makkedah, smote it's king and utterly destroyed everyone in it, Jesus defeated sin and death on the Cross at Calvary and gives us Victory over the World In His Holy and Precious Name! He purchased our freedom (redeemed us from the curse (doom) of the Law's (condemnation), by [Himself] becoming a curse for us and through receiving Him, the blessing [promised] to Abraham would come upon us through Faith and we All receive [the realization of] the Promise of The (Holy) Spirit.
Whether you stand in the Temple, Church or the streets teaching the people the Word of God you are involved in the Spiritual Battle and although you might not encounter military conflict, you can count on Spiritual Warfare. Do not dread the people, but fear God and be obedient to His Will and Way. Bring yourself boldly before His Throne of Grace and Mercy, examine yourself to show yourself approved and don't be afraid to ask questions. Ask and you shall Receive!
Jesus says, "If you Love Me, you Will Obey My Commands!" No matter how strictly you may be charged by others not to teach in or about The Name; Follow the Commands and Commandments of God and let His Living Waters flow in and through you to flood the World with His Doctrines of Truth.
What can wash aWay my sin? Nothing, but the Blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing, but the Blood of Jesus. When Jesus was about to be crucified and Pilate washed his hands of the situation, the crowds shouted, "Let His Blood be upon us!" Now the Sanhedrin is accusing the apostles of intending to bring "This Man's" Blood upon them. Only the Blood of Jesus can make our sins of scarlet red as pure, Holy and white as snow. Our sins killed Jesus and it is only by us receiving forgiveness in His Name that we can come into a right relationship with God and have Eternal Life.
In spite of the threats, do not cease for a single day to teach and proclaim the Good News (Gospel) of Jesus [as] the Christ, the Messiah to All Nations and Peoples In His Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Invite everyone you know and Love to join our Christian E-Fellowship Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship
and visit:
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/f/FaithfulSource for our "31 Days of Biblical Prayers" Today!
Copyright 2003-2012
All Rights Reserved.
Rev. Mark Tross
5561 Gladstone Drive North East
Rio Rancho, NM
87144
Thank you for All of your prayers and giving,
Mark and the Simple Church Fellowship Team
Subject: Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? Acts of the Holy Spirit!
Does Anybody Really Care?
- Chicago (The Band and not the Play or Movie)
Worship:
Lion Of Judah
Lion of Judah on the throne
I shout your name, let it be known
You are King of Kings
You are the Prince of Peace
May your Kingdom's reign never cease
Hail to the King!
Hail to the King! Hail to the King!
Lion of Judah, come to earth
I want to thank you for your birth
For the Living Word
For your death on the tree
For the resurrection victory
Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Lion of Judah come again
Take up your throne Jerusalem
Bring release to this earth
And the consumation
Of your Kingdom's reign - let it come
Maranatha! Maranatha!
Maranatha! (Hail to the King, You are my King)
The Word:
God exalted Him to His right hand to be Prince and Leader and Savior and Deliverer and Preserver, in order to grant repentance to Israel and to bestow forgiveness and release from sin.
And we are witness of these things, and the Holy Spirit is also, Whom God has bestowed on those who obey Him.
Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart and infuriates and wanted to kill the disciples.
But a certain Pharisee in the council (Sanhedrin) named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, highly esteemed by all the people, standing up, ordered that the apostles be taken outside for a little while.
Then he [addressed the council] saying, Men of Israel, take care in regard to what you propose to do concerning these men.
- Acts 5:31-35
Who Is "This Jesus" that God raised up from the dead and Exalted On High?
Peter and the other Apostles are proclaiming The Name of Him Who Is The Prince Of Peace, Leader, Savior Of The World, Deliverer Of Our Souls From death, Preserver Of Eternal Life, Granter Of Repentance To All, Bestower Of Forgiveness and Releaser Of Sins! We too (as in also) are Witnesses of These Things and through the Ministry of The Holy Spirit Working In and Through our Life are Called of God to speak forth These Things of God and Proclaim the Truths of His Holy and Precious Word.
You are supposed to "Be" a Witness from where you live, move and have your being to All Nations and Peoples around the World! God has "given" us, bestowed upon us All the Gifts and Talents, Everything we need to live our Life Unto Him and as we Obey Him, our Light will shine out into and chase aWay this present darkness.
If you've ever had a bright light shined into your eyes then you would know that it can certainly be annoying and even blinding. We need to be sensitive to the people we want to minister God's Love and Grace to. Prayer is the key to tearing down any stronghold and as we listen to The Voice Of The Holy Spirit, He Will Lead and Guide us into All Truth and Understanding to deal with any and every situation as it comes our Way. Those who are living in darkness will see a Great Light In Jesus, but not All will receive that Light or come to know It. Jesus came unto His own, but they knew Him not. In this case the council (Sanhedrin) wanted to kill the Disciples, they were infuriated. I'm sure that we could All tell stories of the many different Ways that others reacted to the Good News of Jesus. Some portions of Scripture speak of those who are pricked in the heart and in this thirty-third verse of Acts chapter five, we are told that when they heard This Word they were cut to the heart (The Holy Spirit Will Convict And Convince, but how we react is our freedom of choice, cause everyone is "given" a free will).
It is very interesting that history tells us Paul the Apostle was taught by Gamaliel and to this day the debate goes on as to whether Gamaliel became a follower of Jesus, a Believer In Jesus as Messiah or not. Clearly he had vision and wisdom enough to know that it was futile to fight against the Works Of God! Like Gamaliel, each and every one of us has the ability to stand up for what is right. You may not have the "Gift" of Teaching, but we are All Called of God to "Be" Disciples of Christ and therefore, we All have the Anointing Of God to Teach the Things Of God that He Has Taught us. Gamaliel was highly esteemed by All the people, so how much more so should we uphold the dignity and Honor of our God, Who Is The King Of Kings And Lord Of Lords? Jesus tells us that our Righteousness should exceed that of the Pharisees!
Perhaps there are a few of you here who have been taken (even politely escorted) out of a Church, Temple, Christian Group, Family, Friendship or Marriage and been shown the sign of the double-cross or given the right foot of Fellowship, but Jesus Promises (God Can Not Lie) Never, Ever to leave or forsake us, no matter what! No weapon formed against us shall prosper and it would be most wise of those who deal wrongly with us not to mess with God's Anointed, because "Vengeance Is Mine," says the Lord and He Will repay! Our job (as hard as it may be) is to Love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. "Take care in regards to what you propose to do concerning these men," Gamaliel said when he addressed the council (Sanhedrin). We should All take into account these words when dealing with others, especially those who are of the Household Of Faith! In this fast paced internet World that we presently live in, it is all too easy to hit and run, but where can we go to escape God? Let's live our everyday Life Before Him, Love Him, Love our neighbor as ourselves and Love One Another As Christ Loves us, obeying God rather than man In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Invite everyone you know and Love to join our Christian E-Fellowship Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship
and visit:
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/f/FaithfulSource for our "Prophecy and Fulfillments" Series Today!
Copyright 2003-2012
All Rights Reserved.
Rev. Mark Tross
5561 Gladstone Drive North East
Rio Rancho, NM
87144
Thanks for your prayers and giving,
Mark and the Simple Church Fellowship Team
Date: Sun, Apr 20, 2003
Subject: Resurrection Day / Feast Of First Fruits Message: Acts 6:1-5
Worship:
Before His Majesty The King
We have seen the revelation
He's enthroned on exaltation
So we come in jubilation
To celebrate before the King.
Chorus:
Before His Majesty the King (4x)
For God has made Him Lord and Christ.
This Jesus whom man sacrificed.
Crucified He paid the price.
Before HIm now we come to sing.
(chorus)
To let the light shine we aspire.
To burn with love Lord, we desire.
To dwell within your courts of fire.
Before Your Majesty the King.
(Before Your Majesty the King 3x)
The Word:
NOW about this time, when the number of the disciples was greatly increasing, complaint was made by the Hellenists (the Greek-speaking Jews), against the [native] Hebrews because their widows were being overlooked and neglected in the daily ministration - distribution [of relief].
So the twelve (apostles) convened the multitude of the disciples and said, It is not seemly or desirable or right that we should have to give up or neglect [preaching] the Word of God in order to attend to serving at tables and superintending the distribution of food.
Therefore select out from among yourselves, brethren, seven men of good and attested character and repute, full of the (Holy) Spirit and wisdom, whom we may assign to look after this business and duty.
But we will continue to devote ourselves steadfastly to prayer and the ministry of the Word.
And the suggestion pleased the whole assembly, and they selected Stephen, a man full of faith [that is, of a strong and welcome belief that Jesus is the Messiah], and full of and controlled by the Holy Spirit; and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte [convert] from Antioch.
- Acts 6:1-5
Jesus Is Risen! He is seated at the right hand of God, Our Heavenly Father and has sent us His Holy Spirit to enable and empower us to accomplish His Will here on Earth as it is done in Heaven. The Good Shepherd goes before us in All things and as The First Fruits from the dead, He was offered up as a sacrifice unto God and accepted In His Sight, so that we could offer up ourselves as Living Sacrifices Unto Him and pour out our Lives as a drink offering before a dry and weary land. Serving Our Father Who Art In Heaven and All of humankind is what Jesus came to teach us, but the best of service and good intentions apart from the redemption of mankind and the ministry of God's Holy Spirit being active in our Life is empty, void and lacking.
Just as Faith without Works (The Works of God) is dead, so are works (good deeds) without Faith, because without Faith, it is impossible to please God.
The Word of God tells us that Faith is the substance (the reality) of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen, but to be full of Faith is to have a strong and welcome belief (to cling to, trust in and rely on) the very "fact" that Jesus Is The Messiah / The Christ / The Anointed One Of God! It was the assembly of Believers, the Disciples (each and everyone of us are Called of God to be Disciples of Christ Jesus) who selected (under the leadership and guidance of God's Holy Spirit) people for Service In The Kingdom Of God who were full of and controlled by the Holy Spirit and such high standards were set for the tasks of serving at tables and superintending the distribution of food.
What good would it do us or anyone to feed our bodies and minds, but forget about our souls or the souls of others who are lost apart from a relationship with Jesus? He died on The Cross at Calvary for All, was buried and rose again on the third day in order to bring relief to a sick and dying World.
Never a day should pass that we are not in some Way, shape or form teaching, proclaiming or bringing the Gospel (The Good News) of Jesus [as] the Christ, the Messiah to All Nations and Peoples!
There is no Jew or Greek in the Eyes of God, no male or female, no black, white, red, yellow or brown, so like Him, we should treat one another as equals, loving Him and therefore, loving one another from the heart. As a ministry grows in numbers, we should never forget to treat one another as individuals, one on one in a personal Way, just as God communes, fellowships with us and meets our needs according to His riches In Glory. We are All Members of One Body, The Body of Christ Jesus and we need one another in order to function properly and overcome this present World we live in. Pray for one another, encourage one another, work towards the unity of His Spirit and purpose, help to equip each other for service In His Kingdom and In Jesus' Name we will fulfill the Great Commission! Use the Gifts and Talents that God has "given" you, so that others are not overburdened by trying to do it all. Whatever your Gift, function in the ministry of that "Gift," so that you can bring Glory, Honor and Praise to God within The Body and Shine His Light of Life out into the darkness. If you are called to preach, then preach the Word of God with All the Power and Anointing that God "gives" you!
Look around you. Do you see or know other Brothers and Sisters In Jesus who are of good, attested character and repute, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom? God places the Members of the Body where He sees fit to meet the needs of that Body and He "gives" each of us Everything that we need to live our Life Unto Him! Offering up ourselves for Service Unto Him and each other Is Our Spiritual Service, Worship and Duty. The Church (we as Believers In Jesus "are" The Church, The Temple of The Living God, The Representation of His Body here on Earth just as Jesus was) has a job to do here on planet Earth and in order to do that job, we must approach our duties from a business point of view.
From the waiting on tables, distribution of food, preaching, prayer and the ministry of the Word, every single one of us as Members of The Body of Christ Jesus has a job assignment and task or tasks to perform. Does this please you? It is such a privilege and honor to serve God and each other, to be Chosen of Him, By Him and For Him. Jesus Is The Author and Finisher of Our Faith and It Is His Holy Spirit that Lives, Moves and Has His Being Working In and Through Us for the Glory, Praise and Honor of His Holy and Precious Name!
Join our Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship ) and I couldn't help but realize that not much has really changed since the first Church we read about in Today's Message. Christians in Pakistan and other countries around the World are looked upon and treated as second class citizens, but In God, they are seated In Heavenly Places With Christ Jesus! None of us as Believers should ever neglect God's Holy Word, The Bible, Old and New Covenant, for It Is The Word Of God Unto us for Today and Forever! We are All Commanded of God In His Word, "Continually Be Ye Being Filled With The Holy Ghost!" and His Word Is Spirit and Life! It "gives" us The Wisdom of God, will lead and guide us into All Truth and Understanding, so that we can find our place In Him in which to accomplish the business and duty He has prepared for us to do since the foundation of this World was laid. Devote yourselves to prayer (Pray without Ceasing!) for it is your Life's Breath, Communion and Fellowship with The Father, In Christ, By the Holy Spirit.
Stephen is mentioned in this portion of Scripture as a man full of Faith and controlled by the Holy Spirit along with Philip and others. Stephen, which means crown is destined to become the first martyr of the persecuted Church. Philip becomes an Evangelist and later on we will read of his daughters who prophesy the Word of God! Remember that God poured out His Holy Spirit upon All flesh, so that our sons and daughters (His Sons and Daughters) would and could prophesy, speak forth the Word of God! A proselyte [convert] from Antioch named Nicolaus is also mentioned and neither Saul of Tarsus, who would become Paul the Apostle nor Simon whose surname was Peter were yet given the vision of God to Go to All Nations and Peoples!
None of us is unclean or unfit for Service In The Kingdom of God when we are cleansed by the Precious Blood of the Passover Lamb, Jesus! Jesus presents us before Our Heavenly Father as Holy, Pure and Blameless in His Sight. He intercedes on our behalf, constantly before God's Throne of Grace and Mercy.
His nail scarred hands are laid on us, so that we can go forward, under His Anointing. He Is Alive, we are forgiven and called upon to serve at the tables of this World the Spiritual Food to eat that they know nothing of, so let us prayerfully, distribute evenly to All of Creation the Milk and Meat of God's Holy Word In Jesus' Name. Amen.
May His Resurrection Power be yours,
God bless and Love to All, <')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Invite everyone you know and Love to join our Christian E-Fellowship Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship
and visit:
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/f/FaithfulSource for our "Prophecy and Fulfillments" Series Today!
Copyright 2003-2012
All Rights Reserved.
You can help feed the World and bring the Resurrection Message to All Nations and Peoples by sending a check or money order Today to:
Rev. Mark Tross
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87144
USA
Thank you and May God Bless you for your prayers and giving,
Mark and The Simple Church Fellowship Team
Date: Sun, Apr 20, 2003
Subject: Re: [faithfulsource] Resurrection Day / Feast Of First Fruits Message: Acts 6:1-5
Study notes for resurrection morning's Sunday School lesson
@ New Life Baptist Church
Youngsville, North Carolina
Bookmark First Corinthins 15:12
Key Verse: [1Co 15:20] But now is Christ
risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of
them that slept.
[Levit. 23] (Moses' littany of holy days:)
[9] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, [10]
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When
ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall
reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of
the firstfruits* of your harvest unto the priest: [11] And
he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for
you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave
it. [12] And ye shall offer that day when ye wave the sheaf
an he lamb without blemish of the first year for a burnt
offering unto the LORD.
'The Feast of Firstfruits' called /Bikkurim/ Š. m yrwkb
- an offering of wheatflour and wine.
Ý
a predescendant reference to Christ -
As on the road to Amaus: 'He opened up Moses, and the prophets.'
-- -- -- -- -- -- --
turning to our bookmark, Paul calls attention to this, later in:
Key Verse: [1Co 15:20] But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
being that Christ himself, _is the firstfruits of the resurrection, and our own resurrection from the dead.
Disputed by Sadducees and proven by God; Christ arose from death.
Lesson text: 'a treatise on the resurrection by Paul:'
As Paul begins, the first argument to prove that there is a resurrection from the dead: ie Christ is risen again, therefore the dead will rise again.
[1Cor 15:12-50]
[12] ¶ Now if Christ be preached that he rose from
the dead, how say some among you that there is no
resurrection of the dead? [13] But if there be no
resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: [14]
And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and
your faith is also vain. [15] Yea, and we are found false
witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he
raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the
dead rise not.
-15\ These seemed to admit that Christ was raised, but denied the resurrection of others. He now shows that if Christ be raised, the general resurrection must follow as a result.
\ Is preached (khrussetai). Personal use of the verb, Christ is preached. How say some among you? (pwv legousin en umin tinev?). The question springs naturally from the proof of the fact of the resurrection of Christ (verses 1-11) and the continual preaching which Paul here assumes by condition of the first class (ei--khrussetai). There were sceptics in Corinth, possibly in the church, who denied the resurrection of dead people just as some men today deny that miracles happen or ever did happen.
Paul's answer is the resurrection of Christ as a fact. It all turns on this fact.
\ If persons once dying cannot be raised, as these false teachers say, then Christ could not have risen.
\ Vain (kenon). Inanis, Vulgate. Old word, empty. Both Paul's preaching and their faith are empty if Christ has not been raised. If the sceptics refuse to believe the fact of Christ's resurrection, they have nothing to stand on.
\ In that case we have declared that God did what he never did do.
[16] For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ
raised: [17] And if Christ be not raised, your faith is
vain; ye are yet in your sins. [18] Then they also which
are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. [19] If in this
life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most
miserable.
:16-19\ He repeats the same argument taken from an absurdity, purposing to show how faith is in vain if the resurrection of Christ is taken away.
\ Vain (mataia). Old word from adverb mathn (Mt 15:9), devoid of truth, a lie.
Stronger word than kenon in verse 14. Ye are yet in your sins (eti este en taiv amartiaiv umwn). Because the death of Christ has no atoning value if he did not rise from the dead. In that case he was only a man like other men and did not die for our sins (verse 3).
\ In that case he is not the Savior. He is a dead man, who could not even save himself. Such a one has no power to pardon sins, and "ye are yet in your sins."
\ Secondly, unless it is certain that Christ rose again, all those who died in Christ have perished. So then, what profit comes of faith?
\ old adjective eleeinov, to be pitied, pitiable. If our hope is limited to this life, we have denied ourselves what people call pleasures and have no happiness beyond. The Epicureans have the argument on us. Paul makes morality turn on the hope of immortality. Is he not right? Witness the breaking of moral ties today when people take a merely animal view of life.
[20] ¶ But now is Christ risen from the dead, and
become the firstfruits* of them that slept. [21] For since
by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the
dead. [22] For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall
all be made alive. [23] But every man in his own order:
Christ the firstfruits;* afterward they that are Christ's
at his coming. [24] Then cometh the end, when he shall have
delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he
shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
[25] For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under
his feet. [26] The last enemy that shall be destroyed is
death.
* (536) aparche /ap-ar-khay/ aparch
(8 ea: firstfruits
1) to offer firstlings or firstfruits
2) to take away the firstfruits of the
productions of the earth which was offered to God.
The first portion of the dough, from which sacred
loaves were to be prepared.
Hence term used of
persons consecrated to God for all time.
3) persons superior in excellence to others
of the same class
[27] For he hath put all things under his feet. But
when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest
that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
[28] And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then
shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all
things under him, that God may be all in all. [29] Else
what shall they do which are baptized(a) for the dead, if the
dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the
dead?
(a) that is, Baptised for Christ; who would be dead were He not risen... an arguement concerning the hoplessness of the Sadduceaic view -- that is that Christ was not risen from the dead, because there wert no resurrection.(b )
(b) much like in the Islamic qoran today, wherin it attests at one point - that Christ was _not crucified, and in another that He rather was _not risen from the dead.
As dealing with a dead faith, Paul was carving off from the body, they which dismiss the resurrection. In much the same manner as Saul the Pharisee would have floored a Saducee over the same concern on the floor at the congress of the synagogue.
[30] And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? [31]
> I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our
Lord, I die daily. [32] If after the manner of men I have
fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if
the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we
die. [33] Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good
manners. [34] Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some
have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
\ << I .protest >> 'I challenge your .affirmation' [re: Genesis 42:15-] Septuagint; "Hereby ye shall be .proved:"
\ What motive, if there is no hope beyond, can we apostles have for placing ourselves in constant peril by preaching the resurrection?
Why would John, Peter, Paul; die for nothing for nothing, and for no hope?
\ (mh planasye). Do not be led astray (planaw) by such a false philosophy of life. Evil company (omiliai kakai). Evil companionships. Old word, omilia, from omilov (a crowd, gang, bunch). Only here in N.T. Good manners (hyh). Old word (kin to eyov) custom, usage, morals.
Good morals here. This line of poetry (iambic) occurs in Menander. It may be a current proverb. Paul could have gotten it from either source.
\ Awake up righteously (eknhqate dikaiwv). Wake up as if from drunkenness. eknhfw, only here in N.T.
sin not (mh amartanete). Stop sinning. No knowledge of God (agnwsian yeou). Old word for ignorance, in N.T. only here and 1Pe 2:15. Ignorance of God, agnosticism.
Some today (agnostics) even take pride in it instead of shame (entrophn, turning in on oneself). See on 1Co 6:5 for entroph.
[35] ¶ But some man will say, How are the dead
raised up? and with what body do they come?
But some one will say (alla erei tiv). Paul knows what the sceptics were saying. He is a master at putting the standpoint of the imaginary adversary. How (pwv). This is still the great objection to the resurrection of our bodies. Granted that Jesus rose from the dead, for the sake of argument, these sceptics refuse to believe in the possibility of our resurrection. It is the attitude of Matthew Arnold who said, "Miracles do not happen." Scientifically we know the "how" of few things. Paul has an astounding answer to this objection.
Death itself is the way of resurrection as in the death of the seed for the new plant (verses 36f). With what manner of body (poiwi swmati). This is the second question which makes plainer the difficulty of the first. The first body perishes. Will that body be raised? Paul treats this problem more at length (verses 38-54) and by analogy of nature (Cf. Butler's famous Analogy). It is a spiritual, not a natural, body that is raised. swma here is an organism. Flesh sarx (sarx) is the soma swma body for the natural man, but there is spiritual (pneumatikon) swma body for the resurrection.
[36]] Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not
quickened, except it die: [37] And that which thou sowest,
thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it
may chance of Ýwheat, or of some other grain: [38] But God
giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed
his own body.
Ý Note that the Firstfruits Holy Day, was an offering of wheat flour _already being threshed and chaffed; of oil, and of wine. [re Lev 23:13] Christ is the fulfillment of this image. The annointing of God was upon Him, for He is Christ, the Messiah. He, being the bread of life (typed by wheat flour), was broken for us, and of the wine offering, we know, that His blood was offered up for all.
This offering was one of our... in effect, giving the Messiah back to God. Thus, on the Day of Firstfruits, when all hope wert lost...Christ, is rose from death. He is the Firstfruits of them that slept.
Then on another Sunday, 50 days following the first day that Christ arose; was another firstfruits offering not of wheat but of barley. This day is also called Pentecost, and was the day of the coming of the Holy Spirit from Acts chapter 2.
[39] All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is
one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another
of fishes, and another of birds.
There are different kinds of creature within the creation. Man, beast, fish, and bird. Likewise upwards, as creatures on earth there are bodies in the second heaven, where the stars and the planets run thier courses:
[40] There are also celestial bodies, and bodies
terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the
glory of the terrestrial is another.
[41] There is one
glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and
another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from
another star in glory.
Likewise there is glory both in the physical resurrection of Christ, and in the resurrection of His Spirit:
[42] So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is
sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: [43] It
is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in
weakness; it is raised in power: [44]
It is sown a natural
body; it is raised a spiritual body.
There is a natural
body, and there is a spiritual body.
One of wheat (natural), and one of barley (spiritual);
In Christ, the seed of wheat was sown in a natural body, and raised from death in a spiritual body.
Not that after the Resurrection Jesus wasn't physically risen (God forbid!) but that Adam is eternally, transformed in the resurrection unto eternity...along with Christ, who remains eternally the same.
[45] And so it is written, The first man Adam was
made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening
spirit.
Together, the soul and the Spirit is Christ in us, the Hope of glory. Adam reborn, and Christ alive.
[46] Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual,
but that which is natural; and afterward that which is
spiritual. [47] The first man is of the earth, earthy: the
second man is the Lord from heaven.
{Bikkurim} [48] As is
the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is
the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. [49]
And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also
bear the image of the heavenly.
{Pentecost}
And Pentecost follows the firstfruits of wheat, the day after counting off for seven weeks; on that Pentecost Sunday, was offered up the firstfruits of Barley, and later also came the Holy Spirit of God; that all-consuming fire within which we are burned, but not consumed.
[50] Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood
cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption
inherit incorruption.
And so will the corruption of man be burned away, as he ascends to glory, in the Kingdom of Heaven. to kneel at the feet of Christ. It is the child of God that inherits the Kingdom.
Subject: Acts 6:6-10
Worship:
The City Of The Lord
The City of the Lord sits on a hill,
And the people run to it.
The City of the Lord sits on a hill,
And the people run to it.
They came bringing Life,
They came bringing Love,
They came bringing Joy,
All they had to give.
They came bringing Hope,
They came bringing Truth,
They came bringing Peace,
All they had to give.
The Word:
These they presented to the apostles, who after prayer laid their hands on them.
And the message of God kept on spreading, and the number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem; and [besides] a large number of the priests were obedient to the faith [in Jesus as the Messiah, through Whom is obtained eternal salvation in the kingdom of God].
Now Steven, full of grace - divine blessing and favor - worked great wonders and signs (miracles) among the people.
However, some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen [freed Jewish slaves], as it was called, and [of the synagogues] of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians and of those from Cilicia and [the province of] Asia, arose [and undertook] to debate and dispute with Steven.
But they were not able to resist the intelligence and the wisdom and [the inspiration of] the Spirit with which he spoke.
- Acts 6:6-10
Now that the assembly of Believers selected seven men of good character, full of The Holy Spirit in order to serve tables, they were presented to the apostles, who after praying laid their hands on them. The Church can not move forward without prayer and the anointing of God resting upon each Member for service in His Kingdom! Every one of us is Called of God to "Be" A Disciple of Christ and to spread the Message of God, His Love and The Good News (Gospel) of Jesus! The number of Disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem at this time, because The Word of God was going out under The Power of the Holy Spirit and His Word will not return to Him void, but accomplishes All that He has set It forth to do, so that even the priests (in large numbers) came to Salvation In Jesus' Name. We are All Called to "Be" Kings and Priests, to obtain Eternal Life by Faith In Jesus as The Messiah and Through Him, obedience brings the Blessings of God's Kingdom.
Do you have the Divine Blessing and Favor of God? Are you full of Grace and Truth? It is by Grace you have been saved, through Faith In Jesus. His Word Is Spirit and Life! As Believers, we are commanded to be filled with The Holy Ghost and The Spirit of God Is The Spirit of Grace! Christ In you Is The Hope of Glory and Jesus Is Truth! God's Glory Is His Goodness, Mercy and Grace revealed to us In Christ Jesus! As The Good Shepherd, He goes before us in All things, He Keeps us In His Perfect and Acceptable Will for our Life In Christ Jesus and Surely His Goodness (God Is Good All the time) and Mercy (The Steadfast Love of The Lord never ceases and His Tender Mercies never come to an end) shall follow us All The Days of Our Life In Him!
However, opposition will come, because we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against powers and principalities in high places! Most often than not, it is those within our own camp, the religious and, so called "Spiritual" ones who will arise and undertake to debate and dispute with us as they did with Steven. If Jesus had problems with the Scribes and Pharisees of His Day and Steven had the Freedmen, the Cyrenians, the Alexandrians, those from Cilicia and the province of Asia, then why should we be surprised at the countless amount of Denominations, different religions and cults we have to deal with in this World we live in Today?
Jesus warned us that we would be brought before synagogue rulers, religious leaders, kings and those in power and authority, but He told us not to worry, because at that very hour His Holy Spirit would give us the proper words to speak In His Name. Steven and the six others who were chosen for service were of good repute and full of God's wisdom.
This did not come of their own doing, but they had to apply themselves to prayer, The Word of God and the inspiration of the Spirit with which they spoke. It has been said, "There is no inspiration without perspiration!" Faith without works is dead! The wisdom of this World is foolishness compared to The Things Of God and that is why Steven's debaters were unable to resist the intelligence and wisdom with which he spoke, because he spoke not as man speaks, but as one who was anointed and empowered By God Himself!
How I wish most Christians would think before opening their mouths. We are supposed to speak forth the Things of God as Oracles of God. Jesus said, "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks!" No man can tame the tongue, but God can touch a persons lips and loose their tongue to speak forth The Word of God with such power and authority as to blow aWay any opposition or competition to It! Love Is the Universal Language that Everybody can come to know, be made able to understand and Love conquers All! Whatever you are faced with Today or come up against in your Walk and Relationship with Jesus, He will get you through it! Resist the devil and he must flee from you! Stay in prayer and In The Word Of God and no one, no body, no thing (no weapon formed against you shall prosper) will be able to resist the intelligence, wisdom and the inspiration of the Spirit with which you will speak forth the things of God In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Invite everyone you know and Love to join our Christian E-Fellowship Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship
and visit:
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/f/FaithfulSource for our "Prophecy and Fulfllments" Series Today!
Rev. Mark Tross
5561 Gladstone Drive North East
Rio Rancho, NM
87144
Thank you for your prayers and gifts,
Mark and The Simple Church Fellowship Team
Subject: Sunday May 4, 2003: Acts 6:11-15
Worship:
We Are Gathering Together
We are gathering together unto Him (You), We are gathering together unto Him (You), Unto Him (You), shall the gathering of the people be.
We are gathering together unto Him (You).
The Word:
So they [secretly] instigated and instructed men to say, We have heard this man speak, using slanderous and abusive and blasphemous language against Moses and God.
[Thus] they incited the people as well as the elders and the scribes, and they came upon Steven and arrested him and took him before the council (Sanhedrin).
And they brought forward false witnesses who asserted, This man never stops making statements against this sacred place and the Law [of Moses];
For we have heard him say that this Jesus the Nazarene will tear down and destroy this place, and will alter the institutions and usages which Moses transmitted to us.
Then all who sat in the council (Sanhedrin), as they gazed intently at Steven, saw that his face [had the appearance of] the face of an angel.
- Acts 6:11-15
As Moses' face revealed the Glory of The Lord upon him, so the face of Steven appeared to his accusers to be the face of an angel! The Sanhedrin held Moses, The Temple and The Law in such high esteem that they could not see the forest from the trees. Moses told the Nation of Israel that God would send them a Prophet like himself and that they were to listen to Him or else be cut off from God altogether and Jesus warned that Their House was left desolate for they had made it a den of robbers and thieves.
Like Jesus, Steven was standing before his accusers, All who were false witnesses and liars. Satan is the father of lies and the accuser of The Brethren! I must stress once again that religious people do not necessarily have a personal relationship with God. Notice that these men secretly instigated and instructed men to say slanderous, abusive and blasphemous things against Steven who was only speaking intelligent words of wisdom by the inspiration of God's Holy Spirit. These false witnesses asserted that Steven spoke against The Temple and The Law of Moses; that Jesus would tear down and destroy their sacred place and alter the institutions and usages which Moses transmitted to them.
Jesus Is Greater than Moses and All the Angels of Heaven, but He never came to destroy the Law, but to fulfill It! All of The Law and writings of the Prophets are fulfilled In Him! HIs Body was The Temple of The Living God and as He said, It was destroyed on The Cross of Calvary where He died, He was buried, but Rose Again Unto Eternal Life and Overcame sin and death for All who would come to Believe In His Holy and Precious Name!
He is now seated at the Right Hand of God Our Heavenly Father and has poured out His Holy Spirit upon All flesh, allowing us to be The Temple of The Holy Spirit, His Body here on Earth. As much as Moses gave us the Written Word of God, Jesus Is The Living Word of God!
He came to Earth to reveal to the World what The Father was like. If you have seen Me, you have seen The Father!
Whatever is done in secret will be shouted from the house top! Here we have some religious leaders inciting the people as well as the elders and scribes to bring Steven before the Sanhedrin. All we like sheep have gone astray, but these are, so called "sheep" of God's hand falsely accusing a man of God who is full of His Spirit and Wisdom. Once brought before the council, who sat in judgement against him, they gazed intently at Steven, they stared him down, but all they could find in his face was the appearance of an angel. How much like Jesus, Steven was. What was it like for Pilate, King Herod, The High Priest and others to look into the Face of Jesus, The Face Of God Himself In human flesh?
Like Steven, as Children of the Most High God, we "are" made in the Image of God and are constantly being brought from Grace to Grace and Glory to Glory! When people look at you, do they see Jesus?
Do you "have" your Father's Eyes?
I can almost see Your Holiness as I look around This Place. With my hands stretched out to Receive Your Love, I Can See You On Each Face. Spirit of God lift me up! Spirit of God lift me up! Fill me again with Your Love, Sweet Spirit of God!
Do you have people who secretly instigate against you? Perhaps they heard you speak forth the Things of God, The Truths of God's Word, but accuse you of slander, abuse and blasphemy against Moses and God. Many may rise up against you, but God Is Our Rock! He Is Our Defense! Maybe the Elders within your own Church are against you.
Positions and Titles mean nothing when appointed by men. We Must Obey God!
The Scribes who came against Steven were learned men who studied the Scriptures daily, but without The Spirit Of God within them to "give" them Eternal Life, quicken their spirit and open their eyes to see Wonderful Things In God's Word, revealing HIs Truth and The Revelation of Christ Jesus as Messiah and Savior of the World, they were lost, children of the devil and not Children of God. Unfortunately there are still many who are looking to arrest the Spirit of God in the Life of Believers Today by putting heavy burdens, man made rules and regulations upon others, rather than allowing the freedom that comes by Faith In Jesus to set us Free Indeed!
Jesus The Nazarene has brought down the dividing wall of Jew and Gentile! We "are" One In The Spirit and One In The Lord! No male or female. We are not under The Law, for Christ fulfilled It, but we are to uplift The Law of Liberty In Jesus' Name and Live by The Laws of Love, Loving God, Loving your neighbor as yourself and Loving One Another as Christ has Loved us! As much as Moses transmitted to the Nation of Israel The Commandments of God, we are to be receivers of Jesus, His Love and transmit to All Nations and Peoples, The Good News of Salvation In His Name! We are seated in Heavenly Places In Christ Jesus and as His Disciples we should be Gazing Intently At Him, as The Author and Finisher of Our Faith. Jesus said, "If You have Seen Me then you have Seen The Father!" When people see you do they see [the appearance of] Jesus? We "are" Called to "be" Messengers of God (angels) and to bring the essence of Christ where ever we go. If someone accused you of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you in a court of Law?
Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His Wonderful Face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in The Light Of His Glory and Grace!
Closing Prayer:
Father, Make me like You, Lord. I ask that when people look over my should that they would see Jesus. In my Life, Lord, Be Glorified Today! Bless me, so that I may bless others, keep me and cause Your Face to Shine Upon me In Jesus' Holy and Precious Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Invite everyone you know and Love to join our Christian E-Fellowship Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship
and visit:
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/f/FaithfulSource for our "Prophecy and Fulfillments" Series Today!
Copyright 2003-2010
All Rights Reserved.
Rev. Mark Tross
5561 Gladstone Drive North East
Rio Rancho, NM
87144
USA
Thank you for your prayers and giving,
Mark and The Simple Church Fellowship Team
Subject: Acts
Worship:
His Banner Over Me Is Love
Jesus is the Rock of my salvation,
His banner over me is love.
Jesus is the Rock of my salvation,
His banner over me is love.
Jesus is the Rock of my salvation,
His banner over me is love.
His banner over me is love.
Additional Verses:
2. He brought me to His banqueting table, His banner over me is love
3. He clothed me with His robe of righteousness, His banner over me is love=
4. He gave me peace through the power of the cross, His banner over me is l= ove
5. And now I am a new creation, His banner over me is love
6. There's therefore now no condemnation, His banner over me is love
7. He's gone to make a place for me, His banner over me is love
8. While I wait, His voice I'll heed, His banner over me is love
The Word:
AND the high priest asked [Stephen], Are these charges true?
And he answered, Brethren and fathers, listen to me. The God of glory appea= red to our forefather Abraham, when he was still in Mesopotamia, before he [= went to] live in Haran.
[Ps. 29:3; Gen. 11:31; 15:7].
And he said to him, Leave your own country and your relatives and come into= the land (region) that I will point out to you. [Gen. 12:1.]
So then he went forth from the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. = And from there, after his father died [God] transferred him to this country = in which you are now dwelling.
[Gen. 11:31; 15:7; 12:5.]
Yet He gave him no inheritable property in it, [no] not even enough ground = to set his foot on; but He promised that he would give it to him for a perma= nent possession and to his descendants after him, [even though as yet] he ha= d no child.
[Deut. 2:5; Gen. 12:7; 17:8.]
- Acts 7:1-5
If you were ever charged with a crime for being a Christian, would there be= enough evidence to convict you? Stephen, who had the face of an angel, was =
guilty as charged! He stood up for The Truth (Jesus Is The Way, Truth and Li= fe) in the face of death, but not without first giving one of the greatest s= ermons ever preached. In Acts Chapter 7, we have one of the most complete te= achings about the history of The Nation of Israel and The Church as a whole,=
beginning with Abraham, Our Father of Faith.
Each of us are just passing through, our life is but a breath. We were born= in sin, because of the fall of Adam and need God to set us free from a life= of bondage. All human life is God's Creation, but we only become Sons and D=
aughters of God when we are Born-Again, Born of The Holy Spirit, Born of God= by Faith In Christ Jesus! Not only was Stephen making it clear to his liste=
ners (he who has ears to hear, let them hear what The Spirit Is Saying to Th= e Church Today) that God appeared to Abraham, but The Word of God tells us t= hat God appeared to All Humankind in the Person of Jesus Christ! God does no= t only show up, but He Speaks to His Chosen People and the World through His=
Son.
Many times it feels like you are all alone in your Christian walk and relat= ionship with God, because we are forever leaving things behind us, called aW= ay from friends, family and even the places where we live and are most comfo= rtable, but only so that we can be sanctified, set aside to be used of God t=
o fulfill His Plan, Purposes and be given the desires of our heart In Him. H= e never, ever leaves us alone or forsakes us. Jesus promises that He Will Be=
With us AlWays, even unto the end of the ages. Imagine what was going throu= gh Abraham's mind when God told him all these things. What is going through = your's? God says to us Today, I Will point The Way!
Have you gone forth In Faith? Are you settled in a place where God does not= want you? Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it cannot b=
ring forth new life, so until we die to our "self," live the Crucified Life = In Christ, we cannot experience the Resurrection Life In Jesus' Name.
In Abr= aham's case, his father had to die before God could transfer him to "this" c= ountry, but as Christians, Our Heavenly Father sent His One and Only Begotte= n to die on The Cross of Calvary, so that we could be transformed, renewed a= nd seated in heavenly places In Christ. God Is Our Dwelling Place and we "Ar= e" Citizens of Heaven! The New Jerusalem Is Our Home and we "Are" of The Com= monwealth of Israel!
Like the Levitical Priests, we as Kings and Priests of The Most High God fi= nd our inheritance In Him. Jesus Is Our City of Refuge, our Stronghold, Savi= or and Our God! You can pick up a daily newspaper and read of the present co= nflicts over land in Israel, but The Word of God, which will Never fade aWay=
and endures Forever tells us that The Lord promised The Land of Israel as a= permanent possession to Abraham and his descendants after him. Isaac had no=
t yet been born, but Abraham, being a Man of Faith, walked by that Faith and= not by sight!
Perhaps you have been given a Hope (Hope will not disappoint us), dream, vi= sion (without vision God's People perish) or a Word of God, Word of Wisdom, = Word of Knowledge, but have yet seen His Promises come to birth in and throu= gh your life. God Is Faithful and Jesus Never Fails! God has given us All HI= s Word, Will, Way, Holy Spirit and Name, so that we can be More than Conquer= ors In Christ Jesus! Let the dead bury the dead, but you, leave everything b= ehind, lighten your load and move ahead In God's Plan and Purposes for your = Life In Him! Stand up, stand up for Jesus, whether at home, work or play. He=
Is Our High Priest and we must All answer to Him someday for what we did an= d didn't do.
Whatever He Is Calling you to, do it! You will not be disappoin= ted and everywhere you go, where ever your foot touches the ground, He Will = Give you that Land, that Place In Jesus' Name.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Invite everyone you know and Love to join= our Christian E-Fellowship Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship .
Copyright 2003-2012
All Rights Reserved.
Please, prayerfully consider sending a check or money order for our Churche= s and Orphanages in Africa, India, Cuba, Pakistan, Bulgaria and Nepal Today = to:
Rev. Mark Tross
5561 Gladstone Drive North East
Rio Rancho, NM
87144
and be sure to write in the memo section which country you want 100% of your tax exempt contribution to be designated.
Thank you for your prayers and giving,
Mark and The Simple Church Fellowship Team
Subject: Acts 7:6-10
Worship:
WE FALL DOWN
We fall down, we lay our crowns at the feet of Jesus
The greatness of mercy and love at the feet of Jesus
And we cry holy, holy, holy
And we cry holy, holy, holy
And we cry holy, holy, holy is the
Lamb
TAG ENDING
Holy, holy, holy is the Lamb
The Word:
And this is [in effect] what God told him:
That his descendants would be aliens (sojourners) in a land belonging to other people, who would bring them into bondage and ill-treat them four hundred years.
But I will judge the nation to whom they shall be slaves, said God, and after that they shall escape and come forth and worship Me in this [very] place. [Gen. 15:13, 14; Exod. 3:12.]
And [God] made with Abraham a covenant - agreement to be religiously observed - of which circumcision was the seal. And under these circumstances [Abraham] became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac [did so] when he became the father of Jacob, and Jacob [when each of his sons was born], the twelve patriarchs. [Gen. 17:10-14; 21:2-4; 25:26; 29:31-35; 30:1-24; 35:16-26.]
And the patriarchs [Jacob's sons] boiling with envy and hatred and anger, sold Joseph into slavery in Egypt; but God was with him, [Gen. 37:11, 28; 45:4.]
And delivered him from all his distressing afflictions, and won him goodwill and favor and wisdom and understanding in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who made him governor over Egypt and all his house. [Gen. 39:2, 3, 21; 41:40-46; Ps. 105:21.]
How do you get the entire history of the Jewish People from Abraham to Jesus in one easy lesson? Read Acts Chapter 7.
Abraham was certainly a man of Great Faith to take another step after what God had told him about future events regarding his descendants after him. As Children of Faith, Children of God, we too are pilgrims, aliens, sojourners in a land not our own, because Heaven Is our Home. We are sometimes in bondage and ill-treated, but Jesus breaks the chains that bind, sets us Free Indeed and is with us through it All, no matter what!
Whatever it is you may be going through Today, know that He Is With you, even to the end of the ages. You might be in the fire or the flood, but He Will Get you Through it, work All Things Together for your Good (and His). God will judge the Nations and All that have held you in captivity, If you are in sin, then you are in bondage, serving satan and his wage is death, but if you are In Jesus, then you shall escape judgement, come forth as gold and His Gift Is Eternal Life In Christ!
Why was Moses sent of God to Pharaoh?
"Let My People Go, so that they may Worship Me!" says the Lord. Jesus has set us free from the laws of sin and death, so that we can Worship Him In Spirit and Truth! Like the Covenant God made with Abraham (an agreement to be religiously observed), Jesus brought in The New Covenant, sealed with His Blood. While circumcision of the flesh was the seal of the First Covenant, circumcision of the heart by the Holy Spirit is the sign of The New, but both agreements were fashioned by God and carried out by Faith In Him and His Precious Word. As Abraham passed down his covenant with God from generation to generation, so we are to pass on God's Covenant of Love to our children, grandchildren, All Nations and Peoples. Just as Isaac and Jacob were born of natural descent to Abraham, we are to be born-again, born from above by the Spirit of God and pass It on as Sons, and Daughters of God.
We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but as Believers, we do wrestle. Paul the Apostle wrote of his own personal struggles and the Bible clearly points out the frailties of All mankind. The Word of God clearly points out our faults, no one is perfect and nobody is really "Good", but God Alone. Even the Patriarchs [Jacob's sons] struggled with envy, hatred and anger, but it was Joseph that paid the price for their sin. All have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God (His Goodness, Loving-Kindness, Tender Mercies, Grace and Favor), but Jesus, The Lamb of God has taken aWay the sins of the World, had Mercy on us and Granted us His Peace! We were sold into slavery, bound up in sin, but He paid the debt we could not pay, redeemed and delivered us.
Jesus went through the distress and afflictions of The Cross, the most violent of deaths to win us The Victory In His Holy and Precious Name!
We "are" In His GoodWill, His Grace Is Sufficient for us. He Is The Wisdom of God and has bestowed upon us His Word, Name and Holy Spirit to lead and guide us into All Truth and Understanding. In His Sight we "are" pure, holy and blameless. In His rising from the dead, His Resurrection Life, we "are" Kings and Priests of The Most High God. He has "given" us dominion over All, because He has conquered All and we "are" more than conquerors In His Name! Moses was found to be Faithful in All of God's House. God Is Faithful and Jesus Never Fails!
There is a lost and dying World out there that does not Know Him. Famine is in the land, with great distress, but we can bring Living Waters to the desert. With no "real" Spiritual Food or sustenance mankind will perish, because we do not live by bread alone, but God's Word Is Spirit and Life (Eternal, Everlasting, Abundant). We Must be found Faithful In All His House and bring the Gospel of God, The Message of Faith to All In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Invite everyone you know and Love to join our Christian E-Fellowship Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/faithfulsource
Today!
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Thank you for your prayers and giving,
Mark and The Faithful Source Team
Subject: Acts 7:11-16
Worship:
CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART
Search me O God and know my heart;
Try me and know my anxious thoughts
And see if there be any wicked way in me And lead me in the everlasting way!
Create in me a clean heart, oh God,
And renew a right spirit with - in me.
Create in me a clean heart, oh God,
And renew a right spirit with - in me.
Cast me not away from Your presence, oh Lord, And take not Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation, And renew a right spirit with - in me.
The Word:
Then there came a famine over all of Egypt and Canaan, with great distress, and our forefathers could find no fodder [for the cattle] or vegetable sustenance [for their households]. [Gen. 41:54, 55; 42:5.]
But when Jacob heard that there was
grain in Egypt, he sent forth our forefathers [to go there on their] first trip. [Gen. 42:2.]
And on their second visit Joseph revealed [himself] to his brothers, and the family of Joseph became known to Pharaoh, and his origin and race. [Gen. 45:1-4.]
And Joseph sent an invitation calling to himself Jacob his father and all his kindred, seventy-five persons in all. [Gen. 45:9, 10.]
And Jacob went down into Egypt, where he himself died, as did [also] our forefathers; [Deut. 10:22.]
And their bodies were taken back to Shechem and laid in the tomb which Abraham had purchased for a sum of silver money from the sons of Hamor in Shechem. [Josh. 24:32; Gen. 50:13.]
Feeling kind of dry in your Spiritual walk and relationship with God? Is there a famine in your land? Are you searching for Love in All the wrong places, coming up empty and unfulfilled?
Our Heavenly Father has food for us to eat that the World knows nothing of, He supplies rivers of Living Water in the driest of deserts and Light in the darkness. You can feed you body and feed your mind, but Only God can Feed your Soul with the Sustenance It Needs to Overcome this present World we live in. Only In God will your Soul find Rest and In Jesus Is our Salvation. When you are in distress, He Provides The Way out and supplies All of your needs according to His Riches In Glory!
Stephen is continuing his discourse before the high priest, Sanhedrin (the council), other witnesses, you and me. In The Word Of God we find deliverance from All our afflictions, we win goodwill, favor, Grace, Wisdom and Understanding In The Sight Of God and man for All of our households. We should learn from our mistakes and the triumphs of others.
All Scripture was written for our instruction and edification, so we can grow from image to image, Grace to Grace and Glory to Glory as we study the Life of our forefathers, Jacob, Joseph, his brothers, Abraham and others throughout human history. The fulfillment of prophecy and the Promise of God kept the Hebrew People (God's Chosen Ones) focused, allowed them to increase and multiply in Egypt, so that Pharaoh and the World would come to Know their God!
When Jesus first came to this Earth, He came to His Own, but they Knew Him not. Upon His Second Coming (His second visit) He Will Reveal HImself to His People (The Nation of Israel) and the whole human race. The Word of God says that they will look on Him Who they have pierced, the whole World will Know and See Jesus as The Crucified Savior and King of Kings! Every knee will bow and tongue confess that Jesus Christ Is Lord!
The invitation calling the World to Himself and His Father has been sent to All of mankind by and through the ministry of The Holy Spirit Who convicts and convinces us to repent. The Kingdom of God Is at hand, drawing nearer, more-so now than when we first believed!
Have you told your family, All your kindred, friends, co-workers, neighbors, associates, acquaintances, classmates, All Nations and Peoples of The Love of God and The Good News of Jesus? When Faithful Source was first started in October of 2001, It was mailed out to seventy-five persons in All. Today we reach well over 48,000 people around the World on a regular basis, pray for and financially support Missionaries, Churches, Orphanages and various Works of God in Africa, India, Cuba, Pakistan, Bulgaria and Nepal. The Life of Joseph teaches us that one man and God can make a World of difference.
Jacob went down to Egypt, where he died, but God used him mightily and changed his name to Israel! Come! Let us go up to The Mountain Of The Lord, to The House Of The God Of Jacob! For He Is Our God, we "are" The People of His Pasture and The Sheep of His Hand! By Faith, like Abraham (formally known as Abram), we should go and do whatever The Lord leads us to. Sometimes going down (like Phillip's going down to the desert road as commanded by The Holy Spirit) can lead us to higher ground.
When we humble our "self" in The Sight Of The Lord, He lifts us up! Jacob died to him "self" and the Nation of Israel was delivered from bondage, he died and was buried, but lives forever In The Word of God, by Faith In Messiah! You and I as Believers In Jesus are Called of God to Live the Crucified Life, to be baptized Into Christ, washed in The Blood of The Lamb and Receive Eternal Life In His Holy Name! As Sons and Daughters of God, we "have" The Victory over sin and death, The Victory In Jesus! We "are" The Body of Christ, He Is Risen from the tomb, we have been purchased with His Precious Blood, Redeemed and He has set us Free Indeed! Stephen's Story of Redemption is not over yet! We Must stand before others and tell God's Story with the same boldness of heart under the Anointing of God's Holy Spirit! He has "given" us His Word and His Holy Spirit, so let us Go to All Nations and Peoples In Jesus' Name! Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Invite Everyone you know and Love to join our Christian E-Fellowship Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship
Today!
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Thank you for your prayers and giving,
Mark and The Faithful Source Team
Subject: Acts 7:17-21
Worship:
SALVATION
Salvation, spring up from the ground
Lord, rend the heavens and come down
Seek the lost and heal the lame
Jesus, bring glory to Your name
SECTION 2
Let all the prodigals run home
All of creation waits and groans
Lord, we've heard of Your great fame
Father, cause all to shout Your name
VERSE
Stir up our hearts, O God
Open our spirits to awe who You are
Put a cry in us
So deep inside that we cannot find
The words we need
We just weep
And cry out to You
The Word:
But [in proportion] as the time for the fulfillment of the promise drew near, which God had made to Abraham, the [Hebrew] people increased and multiplied in Egypt,
Until [the time when] there arose over Egypt another and a different king who did not know Joseph - his history and services, and did not recognize his merits. [Exod. 1:7, 8.]
He dealt treacherously with and defrauded our race; he abused and oppressed our forefathers, forcing them to expose their babes so that they might not be kept alive. [Exod. 1:7-11, 15-22.]
At this juncture Moses was born, and was exceedingly beautiful in God's sight; for three months he was nurtured in his father's house; [Exod. 2:2.]
Then when he was exposed [to perish], the daughter of Pharaoh rescued him and took him and reared him as her own son. [Exod. 2:5, 6, 10.]
- Acts 7:17-21
Here we enter into Stephen's telling of Moses who was literally revered and worshipped by the Jewish People. The Book of Hebrews tells us that Jesus is far greater than Moses (even though he was found Faithful In God's House), he told The Nation of Israel that God would send a Prophet like him to them and that they should listen to Him and Obey His Word!
The Christ, The Messiah, The Anointed One, Jesus Is The Promise Of God to All of mankind. When the fulness of time had come, God sent His One and Only Begotten Son into the World to save sinners (All have sinned and fallen short of The Glory Of God, His Goodness, Mercy and Grace). Throughout history, as with Joseph in Egypt, there have been different kings (even Today) who do not "Know" Jesus, the service He has done for All of humanity and do not recognize His Merits. Apart from Him we can do nothing! He Is The King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
As God's Chosen People, Professing Christians, Believers In Jesus, we are to increase, be fruitful and multiply (and we're not talking calculators here). Not only should The Church, The Body Of Christ Jesus, God's Representatives on Earth, Ambassadors For Christ be growing in numbers, SOULS, but we should be investing our time and money into The Kingdom Of God, using All of the Gifts and Talents that God has bestowed upon us to bring Unity, Equip the Saints for Service and Fulfill His Great Commission To us! Are you growing from Image to Image, Grace to Grace and Glory to Glory? Daily we should be changing into His Image, The Perfect Man, Christ Jesus. Like a tree planted by His Streams of Living Water, our Soul should be longing after Him. Is He your heart's desire?
You may be dealt with treacherously, defrauded, defamed, abused (mentally, physically, Spiritually, emotionally, financially, sexually or completely), oppressed on every side, forced to do things that you don't want to or might even be sent to your death (DO NOT for one minute think that people around the World Today are not being persecuted and even crucified for their Faith). As the babies were slaughtered at the command of Herod during the time of Jesus, Moses' life was spared for God's use, but many other children lost their Life.
Notice how verse 20 speaks of "the juncture" when Moses was born? Each and Every One of us has a time in our Life when we are given a choice, a chance to make a decision for Christ and whether we take it or not determines our Eternal, Everlasting destiny. Moses' Mother and Father made a conscious decision to disobey Pharaoh's edict and follow the Word, Will and Way Of God Almighty! Although we are subject to the authorities of the land in which we live and should be good citizens, we are to be obedient to the Lord. The Word Of God tells us to obey our parents and such, so that things will go well with us, but only as much as the people over us are "In The Lord Jesus." As a type of Christ, Moses was beautiful In The Eyes Of The Lord and for three months was nurtured in his father's house. Jesus, The Son Of God Is Beautiful, Wonderful and Marvelous in our eyes. Remember when He was a child and went to Jerusalem to Worship at The Temple during The Feast with His Mother, Mary and His (Step) Father, Joseph? Jesus was alWays busy doing His Heavenly Father's Works and Being About His Father's Business In His Father's House. God Is Faithful and Jesus Never Fails!
The Bible tells us to forsake not the assembling of the brethren. God's House Is To Be A House Of Prayer For All Nations And Peoples! Like a Mother hen, Jesus wants to gather you under His Wings and nurture you. In Jesus, you "are" Exceedingly Beautiful In Your Heavenly Father's Sight, Pure, Holy, Blameless and His Beloved Child. You may be exposed to the elements of this present World (natural and Spiritual), but Jesus came to Earth to rescue you, redeem you and restore you to a right relationship with God. He wants to take you into His Loving Arms, His Everlasting Arms and rear you as His Very Own. God has sent forth The Spirit Of His Son, Jesus into our hearts, so that we could cry unto Him, Abba (Daddy), Father and we "are" Born-Again Of His Holy Spirit, Of His Love as His Sons and Daughters. We "are" His Own, so let us go forward In Him to reach the lost and dying of this World with His Love and Good News In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Invite
Everyone you know and Love to join our Christian E-Fellowship Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship
Today!
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
\
Subject: Acts 5:36-42
Worship:
O Come Let Us Worship
O come let us worship and bow down.
Let us kneel before the Lord our maker.
For truly he is God, and we are the people of his pasture.
We are the sheep of his hand.
Come let us sing for joy to the Lord.
Let us come before his throne.
With thanksgiving in our hearts,
and joyful psalms for him. [chorus]
The depths of the earth are at his
fingertips.
The tallest peaks belong to him.
For the Lord is a great God.
King above all gods.
For he is King, King.
King above all gods.
And he is Lord, Lord
Lord of all the earth. [2X]
[repeat chorus.]
The Word:
For before our time there arose Theudas, asserting himself to be a person of importance, with whom a number of men allied themselves, about four hundred; but he was killed and all who had listened to and adhered to him were scattered and brought to nothing.
And after this one, rose up Judas the Galilean, [who led an uprising] during the time of the census and drew away a popular following after him; he also perished and all his adherents were scattered.
Now in the present case let me say to you, stand off (withdraw) from these men and let them alone. For if this doctrine or purpose or undertaking or movement is of human origin, it will fail - be overthrown and come to nothing;
But if it is of God, you will not be able to stop or overthrow or destroy them; you might even be found fighting against God!
So, convinced by him they took his advise, and summoning the apostles they flogged them and sternly forbade them to speak in or about the name of Jesus, and allowed them to go.
So they went out from the presence of the council (Sanhedrin), rejoicing that they were being counted worthy - dignified by the indignity - to suffer shame and be exposed to disgrace for [the sake of] His name.
Yet [in spite of the threats] they never ceased for a single day both in the temple area and at home to teach and to proclaim the good news (Gospel) of Jesus [as] the Christ, the Messiah.
- Acts 5:36-42
Are you rejoicing Today? Have you come out from the Presence of Almighty God and been counted Worthy - dignified - by His Grace In The Name of Jesus, The Anointed One? Do you Teach and Proclaim the Love of God and the Good News of Jesus as Lord and Savior of All without ceasing every single day of your Christian Life? Each of us, All of us as Believers are Called of God to be His Disciples, Disciples of Christ, Anointed by the Holy Spirit, Empowered and Enabled to Declare the Whole Doctrine, Purpose, Undertaking and Movement concerning The Eternal Life which Christ Revealed! Fear Not! No weapon formed against us shall prosper, in spite of the threats and opposition, we will not and can not fail - be overthrown or come to nothing; nothing and no one will be able to stop or destroy us, because the battle is the Lord's, it's His fight, He goes before us in All things and we "have" the Victory In Jesus! God Is Faithful And Jesus Never, Ever Fails!
Before our time there were many who came and asserted themselves as persons of great importance, self proclaimed Messiahs. They drew numbers of followers, men who allied themselves to them, adhered to and listened to their every word, yet as popular as they became, they eventually were killed, died or perished, all were scattered and their works of human origin (or Satanic) were brought to nothing. Jesus warned us that others would come proclaiming to be "The Christ" but, we were not to listen to or follow them! The Apostles and Disciples once responded to Jesus after many had left and walked aWay from Him, "Where can we go, for You have The Words Of Eternal Life!" His Holy and Precious Word (The Bible) Is Spirit and Life! Many will come to Him on That Day and say, "Lord, Lord," but He will say, "Depart from Me! I never knew you!" We are to be Walking In the Straight and Narrow Way and not the road or highWay to death and destruction on which Many, Many are heading in the wrong direction. Even in most recent years we have All known and seen men and women of God (or at least they appeared to be in most outward forms) who have stumbled, fallen and unfortunately brought down major ministries along with countless followers. These situations and circumstances have allowed countless numbers of people to question God and His Name and Honor were tarnished. If you are a Member of a Church, Temple, Group or any type of Ministry Organization in which the Word of God is not held up to the highest standard, if the leadership is not Walking According to the Will of God and In His Way then withdraw yourself from them. As a Believer, if you are in The Word daily, in prayer, communion and fellowship with The Father and The Son then His Holy Spirit Will Lead and Guide you to where He Wants you to "Be." Do not follow or align yourself with any self proclaimed, self appointed man or woman of God or they will draw you aWay from God's Perfect and acceptable Will for your Life In Christ Jesus! Do NOT Listen to man's word, but God's!
Today, If you hear His Voice, Harden Not Your Heart! In our present case it is clear that we want to bring Unity to the Body of Christ Jesus, Equip the Saints for Service in The Kingdom of God (which Is Righteousness, Peace and Joy In The Holy Ghost) and Fulfill The Great Commission by bringing the Love of God and the Good News (Gospel) of Jesus to All Nations and Peoples! This is NOT of human origin, but is Born of the Very Heart, Mind, Soul and Spirit of The Most High God! Ain't no stopping us now, were on the move! Fight the Good Fight of Faith! If God be for us (and He Is) then who can be or come against us and succeed?
Convinced by the words of Gamaliel, the Sanhedrin still chose to flog the Apostles, they were forbidden to speak in or about The Name of Jesus, but they decided to obey God rather than men.
What will you decide? The choice is ours Today as well, whether we go out to preach, teach and heal as Jesus did or just attend services, have home Bible studies, sing worship songs (it's one thing to sing and quite another to Worship The Lord In Spirit And Truth) or just plain play Church overall. Be Real with God and yourself! Be yourself In Him as He Created you to Go, Do and "Be"! Pray without ceasing and from here on out for every single day of your Life In Christ, Proclaim Him as the Christ, the Messiah In Jesus' Name.
Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In HIm, Mark
All Faithful Source Messages can be
found at:
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/f/FaithfulSource for our "Prophecy and Fulfillments" Series Today!
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts 7:22-26
Worship:
I'M COMING BACK TO THE HEART
VERSE 1
When the music fades
And all is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that's of worth
That will bless your heart
BRIDGE
I'll bring you more than song,
For a song itself
Is not what you have required.
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart
VERSE 2
King of endless worth,
No one could express,
How much You deserve.
Though I'm weak and poor,
All I have is Yours
Every single breath!
CHORUS
I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You,
All about You, Jesus.
I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it.
When it's all about You.
It's all about You.
The Word:
So Moses was educated in all the wisdom and culture of the Egyptians, and he was mighty (powerful) in his speech and deeds.
And when he was in his fortieth year, it came into his heart to visit his kinsmen the children of Israel with help and to care for them.
And on seeing one of them being unjustly treated, he defended the oppressed man and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian and slaying [him].
He expected his brethren to understand that God was granting them deliverance by his hand - taking it for granted that they would accept him; but they did not understand.
Then on the next day he suddenly appeared to some who were quarrelling and fighting among themselves, and he urged them to make peace and become reconciled, saying, Men, you are brethren; why do you abuse and wrong one another?
- Acts 7:22-26
I'm not one to start a Message with So and end with a question, but Stephen is continuing here with his final Sermon (I Hope you'll All be a little more tolerant with me :) I hope when each of you "daily" read The Word of God that you will seek and search for Jesus, The Living Word of God In Every Word. So, please, sit back and relax (but, do pay close attention) as we walk through this most valuable portion of Holy Scripture.
Are your Spiritual eyes opened, heart and mind ready to receive? (So & ?)
The most educated human on the face of this planet is a "fool" (God's Word not mine) compared to The Wisdom and Knowledge made available to All who Believe In Jesus. No matter what your cultural background or heritage may be, Jesus Loves you and wants to Use you to reach the World and further His Kingdom, but it All must be done In His Timing, according to His Word, Will and Way. He died, so that we could Live His Life here on Earth, not in our own strength (not by our own might or power, but by His Holy Spirit working In and Through our Life), but by using His Word and Precious Name. Moses was powerful in his position in Egypt and from what we can see in this passage of Scripture, also in his speech and deeds. Forty years after this incident, while on the back of a mountain, shepherding sheep in the desert, humbled before God, Moses was given a great commission to Go to Egypt and tell Pharaoh to Let God's Chosen People Free, so that they could Worship Him! Moses told God that he was slow of speech. What's your excuse?
Like Jesus, Moses as a type of Christ / Messiah, using The Wisdom of God, His Might, Power, Word and Deed set God's People Free!
He who The Son Sets FREE "Is" FREE INDEED!
Every Believer "Is" Called Of God to Worship Him In Spirit and Truth! As we delight our"self" In The Lord, He "Gives" us the desires of our heart. Like Moses, each and every one of us has something that comes into our heart, to visit our kinsmen (Brothers and Sisters In Jesus), The Children of Israel, The Children Of God with help and to care for them. We are All Commanded to GO! Help those who are less fortunate than us, lost, dying, to care for them and meet All of their needs according to His Riches In Glory.
Do you see the World through God's Eyes? On seeing others unjustly treated or oppressed, do you seek to defend and avenge them? When we deal with situations and things in our own way and timing we can bring death and destruction, but when we do things In God's Timing and Way, we bring Healing and Life In His Name. As Christians, we are not to strike or lash out at others.
"Vengeance Is Mine!" says The Lord. The World will know that we "are" Christians by our Love.
Jesus came to HIs Own, but they knew Him not. Are you frustrated and sometimes disgusted that others do not accept the fact or understand that God has "granted" Deliverance to others by your hand in Jesus' Holy Name? Is there quarrelling and fighting among Members of your Church, Group or Organization?
Only In Jesus is there True Peace and Reconciliation. I would go as far to say that we All "have" the Ministry Of Reconciliation (It's In The Book) and if we, as Believers, confessing Christians are not walking In The Unity Of The Holy Spirit and His Purposes then we are walking in the flesh :(
Why do we abuse and wrong one another? We "are" Brothers and Sisters In Jesus (if we "are" In Jesus), no matter what the name on the building you meet in says. Even the Disciples bickered amongst each other from time to time and Jesus would ask, "Are you still so dull?" I urge you All to pray for The Peace Of Israel, The Peace Of God which passes All Understanding to rule and reign in your heart and mind In Christ Jesus! His Peace, He has left with us to overcome the World In Jesus' Name.
Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Title. Subject: Acts 7:27-32
Worship:
SEND YOUR FIRE
Send Your fire, send Your rain;
Holy oil in Jesus' name.
Loose the wind that brings heaven's change; Send the fire, send the oil, the wind and rain.
Nation to nation, tribe by tribe;
Person to person, for whom my Jesus died.
Speaking out Your Word,
Holy Spirit, be my Guide;
As we wait upon You, Lord,
We will go forth in Your name, O Lord.
(chorus)
Touched by the fire, touched by the flame; Warmed by the Spirit, like the summer's gentle rain.
Preaching such a message
We have power to proclaim;
As we wait upon You, Lord,
We will go forth in Your name, O Lord.
The Word:
Whereupon the man who was abusing his neighbor pushed [Moses] aside, saying, Who appointed you a ruler (umpire) and a judge over us?
Do you intend to slay me as you slew the Egyptian yesterday?
At that reply Moses sought safety by flight, and he was an exile and an alien in the country of Midian, where he became the father of two sons. [Exod. 2:11-15, 22; 18:3, 4.]
And when forty years had gone by, there appeared to him in the wilderness (desert) of Mount Sinai an angel, in the flame of a burning bramble-bush.
When Moses say it he was astonished and marvelled at the sight; but when he went close to investigate, there came to him the voice of the Lord, saying,
I am the God of your forefathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob.
And Moses trembled and was so terrified that he did not venture to look.
- Acts 7:27-32
Jesus came to His Own, but They Knew Him NOT! Who appointed Him the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? We pushed Him aside and wondered, Who made Him Ruler (Umpire) and The Judge Over us?
The Word Of God tells us, There Is One Mediator Between God and man, The Man Christ Jesus! Jesus Himself says, "No man can come to The Father, but By (and Through) Me." Anyone who listens to and recognizes you as A Child Of God, A Son or Daughter Of The Most High God, Receives and Believes (In and On) Jesus as Lord. Great Is their reward In Heaven!
Those who reject Jesus, reject The Father!
The Religious Leaders of Jesus' Day were laying heavy loads upon the backs of the people, man made rules and regulations, but Jesus bears ALL of our burdens and takes aWay ALL of our sin. His Commandments are NOT cumbersome for us, but they set us FREE INDEED!
Love God and One another. This Is "The "simple" Truth."
Many (even in the so-called "Christian" World Today) think and believe that God (Our Father Who Art In Heaven) is out to get them, intending to slay them, cause them harm and just wanting to punish them or hold them back from obtaining their lifelong hopes and dreams, but He Loves us and wants to bring us into a Right Relationship With Him. God wants to help us reach the highest of heights, fill us up to overflowing, allow us to Live The Abundant Life, Free of fear, bring Healing to our Soul and have us Experientially Know His Life Of True, Everlasting Love. Joy, Peace (Shalom), Patience, Fullness, Wholeness, Faith, Hope and God's Richest Blessings "are" ours In Jesus, but in order to Receive ALL of His Glory (Goodness, Mercy and Grace) into our Life, we MUST submit to His Authority.
Just as Jesus was brought into the desert by The Holy Spirit, Moses had some lessons to learn (Alone With God). Our Safety Is In Jesus, He Is our Strong Tower. When we need a "City of Refuge," we can run To Him. In this World, we "are" aliens, exiles, sojourners, travelers, pilgrims, because we "are" just passing through, on our Way To Glory. Heaven Is our Home, we "are" citizens of The Commonwealth Of Israel and The New Jerusalem "Is" our destination. Come!
Let us Go UP (no matter where you are in this World, Jerusalem "Is" AlWays UP) to The Mountain Of The Lord, To The House Of The God Of Jacob, for He "Is" our God and we "are" The People Of His Pasture, The Sheep Of His Hand.
Moses was a Shepherd in Midian for forty years before God actually appeared to him in the wilderness (desert) of Mount Sinai. Perhaps you "feel" as if you are stuck on the backside of a mountain somewhere, lost in the wilderness of despair, in a dry and weary land, but God Remembers you, He has NOT forgotten you and He'll Never, Ever Leave or Forsake you. A fire "is" forever burning, our God "Is" A Consuming Fire, His Holy Spirit (The Hounddog Of Heaven) is forever pursuing you, Calling you To Communion and Fellowship In Jesus and with other Believers around the World. He wants us to Unite The Body Of Christ, Equip The Saints For Service In His Kingdom, set the captives FREE, Preach, Teach and Heal In Jesus' Holy and Precious Name. Look Unto HIm As The Author And Finisher Of your Faith!
Moses was astonished and marvelled at "the sight." Have you turned your eyes Upon Jesus, Looked Full In His Wonderful Face? Do you search In and Through God's Word as if trying to find a lost treasure? Look close and investigate God's "Love Letter" to you, take heed and listen to The Voice Of His Spirit. Draw closer to God and He Will Draw Even Closer To you. He "Is" The God of our forefathers (those who have gone before us In Faith), The God Of Abraham (our Father Of Faith) and of Isaac, Laughter (our happiness and joy) and of Jacob, who became Israel. What will you become In Jesus? When will you completely and totally submit to His Word, Will and Way? He has "given" us Everything we need to live our Life Unto Him. Jesus "gave" us His Life, His Blood, His Holy Spirit, His Name (which "Is" Above ALL names) and His Precious Word! Bow down, tremble before Him, Worship Him In Spirit and Truth.
Open our eyes Lord, so that we might see Wonderful Things In Your Word. We want to see Jesus, reach out and touch Him and say that we Love Him. Open our ears Lord and teach us to listen, to hear Your Voice. Hear, O Israel, The Lord, Our God, The Lord "Is" One!
There is a whole, wide World out there that has yet to have experienced the Love of God or heard of His Good News, so let us take a Good Look and Venture out to All Nations and Peoples In Jesus' Name.
Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts 7:33-37
Worship:
WE ARE HUNGRY
Lord, I want more of You
Living Water (Holy Spirit), rain down on me Lord, I need more of You Living Breath of Life come and fill me up
(X2)
CHORUS
We are hungry, we are hungry
We are hungry for more of You
We are thirsty, oh Jesus
We are thirsty for more of You
(1st time, intro again, chords and chorus)
BRIDGE
We lift our holy hands up
We want to touch You
We lift our voices higher
And higher and higher to You
The Word:
Then the Lord said to him, Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground and worthy of veneration.
Because I have most assuredly seen the abuse and oppression of My people in Egypt, and I have heard their sighing and groaning, I have come down to rescue them. So, now come! I will send you back to Egypt [as My messenger]. [Exod. 3:1-10.]
It was this very Moses whom they had denied - disowned and rejected - saying, Who made you our ruler (referee) and judge? whom God sent to be a ruler and deliverer and redeemer, by and with the [protecting and helping] hand of the Angel that appeared to him in the bramble-bush. [Exod. 2:14.]
He it was who led them forth, having worked wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea, and during the forty years in the wilderness (desert). [Exod. 7:3; 14:21; Num. 14:33.]
It was this [very] Moses who said to the children of Israel, God will raise up for you a Prophet from among your brethren as He raised me up. [Deut. 18:15, 18.]
- Acts 7:33-37
I cannot read this portion of Scripture without The Prodigal Son coming to mind. Remember how when His Son returned, The Father had sandals put on His Feet along with The Robe (remember Richard Burton) and the signet ring? How Joyful Our Heavenly Father must have been when Jesus returned to Heaven Victorious! The Word of God tells us that All the Angels of Heaven Rejoice when just one sinner repents. How Lovely on the mountains "are" the feet of those who bring the Good News, The Gospel of Jesus and The Love of God to All Nations and Peoples. We "are" clothed In His Righteousness (put on The Lord Jesus Christ), Anointed, Empowered and Enabled by His Holy Spirit working in us, through us and God's Hand Resting Upon us. This Holy Ground that Moses stood upon "is" The Same Earth that you and I stand upon Today. Jesus Alone Is Worthy of Veneration!
Our God Is The God Who Sees! As His People, His Chosen Ones, He Sees and Knows (God Is All Knowing) of the abuse and oppression you have suffered and are suffering, He Hears your sighing and groaning. Jesus came down to Earth from Heaven to rescue you and I from sin and death. Whatever He allows to happen to us (whether we like it or not) is for our ultimate Good (Father Knows Best and we "must" Trust Him by Faith). Like Jesus, Moses was a type of "The Messenger." [Exod.3:1-10.] Although Moses was denied, disowned and rejected by the Nation of Israel that was enslaved and in bondage in Egypt (Jesus came to His Own, but they knew Him not), God sent Moses back to Egypt to be a ruler, referee, judge, deliverer and redeemer. God was his protection and help, just as He "Is" with and for us. The Angel of The Lord that appeared to Moses in the bramble-bush led him forth by the hand, worked wonders and signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea and during the forty years in the wilderness (desert). [Exod. 7:3; 14:21; Num. 14:33.]
This "Angel of The Lord" Is "The Same Jesus" that we Love and Serve Today!
When the Disciples were looking up, into the clouds as Jesus was being caught up to His Glory In Heaven after His Resurrection, two angels appeared to them and said, This Same Jesus shall return in the same Way. God raised up for the World a Prophet, The Prophet from among The Nation of Israel (like He did Moses), just as Moses stated in Deut. 18:15, 18. Jesus was raised up from the dead, so that All who would come to Believe In and On Him, by Faith, could come to Eternal, Everlasting Life In His Holy and Precious Name. Humble your"self" In The Sight Of The Lord and He Will Lift you Up, Raise you Up too!
Lift Jesus Up (higher and higher) for All the World to see and He Will Draw All of mankind Unto Him.
Moses was A Servant of The Most High God and we, as confessing Christians "are" Called of God to "be" The Same! As we offer ourselves Up To Him as Living Sacrifices, pour out our Lives before Him and the World, are found Faithful In His House (forsake not the assembling of The Brethren), God Will Use us for His Purposes. He has "given" us All the Ministry of Reconciliation. We are to rule and reign In His Name, point others to The Mediator between God and All of mankind and we'll judge the angels. Tell All the World of Their Deliverer, Redeemer, Protector and Helper In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts 7:38-42
The Word:
This is he who in the assembly in the wilderness (desert) was the go-between for the Angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and our forefathers; and he received to be handed down to us living oracles - words that still live. [Exod. 19.]
[And yet] our forefathers determined not to be subject to him - refusing to listen to or obey him; but thrusting him aside they rejected him, and in their hearts yearned for and turned back to Egypt. [Num. 14:3, 4.]
And they said to Aaron, Make us gods who shall [be our leaders and] go before us; as for this Moses who led us forth from the land of Egypt, we have no knowledge of what has happened to him.
[Exod. 32:1, 23.]
And they [even] made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice to the idol and made merry and exulted in the work of their [own] hands. [Exod. 32:4, 6.]
But God turned [away from them] and delivered them up to worship and serve the host (stars) of heaven, as it was written in the book of the prophets: Did you [really] offer to Me slain beasts and sacrifices for forty years in the wilderness (desert), O house of Israel?
[Jer. 19:13.]
- Acts 7:38-42
How many times have you exulted in the work of your own hands? Jesus told us to Rejoice that our names "are" written In His Book Of Life!
We "are" God's Workmanship, Created In Christ for Good Works In Jesus' Holy and Precious Name! Before the foundations of the Earth were laid, God had you in His Mind to Fulfill His Purposes and you will not be complete or satisfied until you find your Place In Him, but you must do It according to His Word, Will and Way.
Are you wandering around aimlessly in the wilderness (desert)? It is not for you to pick and choose your leader, leaders or make up your own god, gods as you go along. Living Oracles, Words of Spirit and Life have been handed down to us from God out of Heaven! His Spoken Word, Written Word and Living Word "are" fulfilled In Jesus and He has given us His Holy Spirit and Name to get us through this present Life Into Heaven where we shall be together as One In Him throughout All of Eternity!
Have you subjected your"self" Unto Him, submitted to His Perfect and Acceptable Will for your Life In Jesus? God says, "Hear, O Israel," but do you listen and obey? Jesus says, "If you Love Me, you Will Obey My Commandments!"
As the deer panteth for the water (The Streams of Living Waters), does your soul longeth after Him? Is Jesus Alone (He Alone Is Worthy of All Glory and Honor Due His Holy and Precious Name) your hearts desire and do you long to Worship Him (In Spirit and Truth)? Too many of us want to thrust Him aside and reject Him! Do you spend quality time (daily) with Him In Prayer and In His Word?
What goes before you? Your money, reputation, education, titles or Jesus? As The Good Shepherd (No Man Is Good, But God), He goes before you in All things, He Is With you alWays and In All Ways even to the end of the ages. Surely His Goodness, Tender-Mercies and Loving-Kindness shall follow you All The Days Of Our Lives! He'll Never, Ever leave or forsake you, so there is no need to look or go elsewhere. The Disciples said to Jesus, "Where else can we go, for You Alone "Have" The Words of Eternal (Everlasting, The Abundant) Life!" To Know Him "Is" To Love Him (we are All Called of God to Love Him with All of our heart, mind, soul, Spirit and Strength), Knowledge "Is" Power and He has "given" us Everything we need to live our Life Unto Him!
The only thing God wants us to offer up to Him is our"self" as Living Sacrifices.
Give Unto Him the sacrifice of Praise for He inhabits the Praises of His People! The Son has come to dwell in our hearts.
All men, women and children Everywhere (All Nations and Peoples) are to lift up Holy hands, to Adore Him!
Jesus has delivered us from sin and death, so let us turn aWay from the old life and Live The New Life In Christ before Him and the World, showing them of His Love and Glory. The Heavens declare The Glory of God. Not for us to bow down and serve the stars (Jesus Is The Bright Morning Star), but that we would worship The Creator of All! The Law, Prophets, Psalms and Proverbs point to Christ. We are to learn from the past, so that we don't make the same mistakes in the future. God turned aWay from those who turned aWay from Him, He Beckons us to draw near to Him and Promises to draw ever nearer to us In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts 7:43-47
The Word:
[No!] You took up the tent - the portable temple - of Molech and carried it [with you], and the star-idol of the god Rephan, the images which you [yourselves] made that you might worship them; and I will remove you - carrying you away [into exile] - beyond Babylon. [Amos 5:25-27.]
Our forefathers had the tent (tabernacle) of witness in the wilderness, even as He Who directed Moses to make it had ordered, according to the pattern and model he had seen. [Exod. 25:9-40.]
Our forefathers in turn brought [this tent of witness into the land with them when] with Joshua they dispossessed the nations which God drove out before the face of our forefathers. [So it remained there] until the time of David. [Josh. 3:14-17; Deut. 32:49.]
Who found grace (favor and spiritual blessing) in the sight of God and prayed that he might be allowed to find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. [2 Sam. 7:8-16; Ps. 132:1-5.]
But it was Solomon who built a house for Him.
[1 Kings 6.]
- Acts 7:43-47
Have you found Grace, God's Favor and Spiritual Blessing In His Sight? Although King David "did," he was not permitted to build a house, a dwelling place for Him.
Are you a man, woman or child who is seeking and searching after God's Own Heart? Like Abraham, we are All just passing through Life on this Spiritual Journey, sojourners, travellers and pilgrims, but we may not "see" the Promises of God fulfilled in our Lifetime.
All of God's Promises "are" Yes! and Amen! In Jesus, but the Walk of Faith is not alWays an easy one.
The Son of God, Jesus has come to dwell, tabernacle In our hearts! We "are" The Temple of The Living God, the Tent of Meeting, filled with His Spirit of Grace!
How many of us have taken up other gods, idols to worship instead of The One True God? He Alone Is Worthy, yet millions around the World Today still bow down to others. (If anyone out there has information on the star-idol of the god Raphan, images, pictures or the like, please contact me.) If we "choose" to remove ourselves from God, He Will remove us from Him (cast us aWay [into exile]. The outter darkness recorded In Scripture for All to "see" and "hear" about is far beyond Babylon, your worst nightmare or wildest imaginings. Heaven and Hell are REAL Places, complete opposites of each other and the choices we make in this lifetime determine our Eternal Destiny!
The Tent of Meeting, The Tabernacle of God was a witness to All in the wilderness. We as Believers are Called of God to "be" His Witness to All Nations and Peoples! Just as Moses was commanded, directed and ordered to build according to God's pattern and model which he had "seen," we too must follow Jesus' directions. He says, "If you Love Me, you'll obey My Commandments!" Onward Christian Soldiers marching off to war! We "have" our orders, The Bible, God's Holy and Precious Word is out there for All the World to "see." He Will build His Church, using us as we walk according to His Word, Will and Way! God has a plan for your Life In Him, In Christ Jesus, so listen, "hear" what He has to say to you, trust and obey.
Like Joshua, God Will Go Before you In All Things, tearing down walls, breaking down the strongholds of Satan and allowing you to bring Glory, Honor and Praise to Him by taking the land and "having" The Victory In Jesus' Name! I Know that This Is our Time, your Time and my Time! God has brought each of us to This Place for such a time as this, so that we could find our Place and other's Places to make a dwelling Place for the God of Jacob. Go forth as Solomon did, "be" an Ambassador for Christ and build up The House of God In
The Mighty Name of Jesus! Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts 7:48-53
The Word:
However the Most High does not dwell in houses and temples made with hands; as the prophet says, [Isa. 66:1, 2.]
Heaven [is] My throne, and earth the footstool for My feet. What [kind of] house can you build for Me, says the Lord, or what is the place in which I can rest?
Was it not My hand that made all these things?
[Isa. 66:1, 2.]
You stubborn and stiff-necked people, still heathenish and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are always actively resisting the Holy Spirit. As your forefathers [were], so you [are and so you do]! [Exod. 33:3, 5; Jer. 9:26: 6:10; Num. 27:14; Isa. 63:10.]
Which of the prophets did your forefathers not persecute? And they slew those who proclaimed beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, Whom you now have betrayed and murdered,
You who received the Law as it was ordained and set in order and delivered by angels, and [yet] you did not obey it!
- Acts 7:48-53
This is the climax of Stephen's Sermon of the Day to the Jews and they were FURIOUS! He is accusing them of betrayal, murder and disobedience to God's Most Holy and Precious Word. Of course, there is no one among us without sin or capable to cast the first stone at anyone else. All have sinned and fallen short of The Glory of God (His Goodness, Mercy and Grace)! We have All missed The Mark! Thank God that He Is Good All the time (even when we are bad). While we were yet sinners, Jesus died in our stead on The Cross of Calvary. His Tender-Mercies are renewed each and every morning, so that when we confess our sins, He Is Faithful and Just to Forgive us. God's Favor, His Light of Life Shines Upon us even when we are not deserving of It. If not for the Precious Blood of Jesus, we would deserve nothing, but death and separation from God throughout All Eternity!
He Is The Most High God! No One Is Worthy of All Glory, Honor and Praise, but Him! He created this World, Everything In It and Jesus holds All things together. The Holy Spirit Lives, Moves and "Has" His Being In and Through us as we submit to His Perfect Will and Way. The Spirit Is subject to the prophets, so we must yield to Him (even though He Is All Powerful, All Knowing and Ever Present). God will not intrude or force His Way Into or Upon any aspect of your life, but if you really and truly want Jesus to "Be" Lord of your Life In Him, then you must humble your"self" In The Sight of The Lord and He Will Lift you Up (higher and higher, up into Heaven)!
Jesus came to dwell upon the Earth for just a little while, but His ultimate goal was to come and dwell in your heart, so that we would follow Him Into All of Eternity! Heaven Is His Throne and the Earth Is His Footstool. He desires that none would perish, but that All would come to repentance in the Mighty Name of Jesus! How Will the World Know if we, who confess to Believe In and On Jesus do not Go to All Nations and Peoples to tell them The Good News (The Gospel) and show them The Love of God In Christ Jesus? We "are" The Temple of The Living God, He Dwells In us and we need to tell All who are weary and heavy laden that Jesus Is their Rest! Don't be stubborn, stiff-necked, heathenish, uncircumcised in heart and ears or actively resist The Holy Spirit as too many others have done in the past! Let us resist the devil for he must flee from us. We can purify our hearts and minds In Christ Jesus and then He Will Use us to the utmost of His Abilities to accomplish His Perfect and Acceptable Will for our
Life In Him.
Like John the Baptist, we "are" Called of God to go before Jesus and Proclaim The Second Coming of The Righteous One!
Shout It from the housetops! He has "given" us Everything we need to live our Life Unto Him, His Word, His Will, His Way, His Holy Spirit and His Name, Which Is Above All Others! You "are" Ordained of God and Ordered to Go, so let us Trust and Obey Him In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts 7:54-60
The Word:
Now upon hearing these things, they [the Jews] were cut to the heart and infuriated, and they ground their teeth against [Stephen].
But he, full of the Holy Spirit and controlled by [Him], gazed into heaven and saw the glory - the splendor and majesty - od God, and Jesus standing at God's right hand;
And he said, Look! I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at God's right hand!
But they raised a great shout and put their hands over their ears and rushed together upon him.
Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him, and the witnesses placed their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.
And while they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, Lord Jesus, receive and accept and welcome my spirit!
And falling on his knees, he cried out loudly, Lord, fix not this sin upon them - lay it not to their charge! And when he had said this, he fell asleep [in death].
- Acts 7:54-60
As we finish off this seventh chapter of "The Acts of The Holy Spirit In The Lives Of Believers," we see that the servant and the student go through similar circumstances as The Master and The Teacher. Jesus told us to "Be" of Good Cheer, for He had overcome the World, but He also reminded us that In this World we would "have" trials and tribulations.
After listening to Stephen give his sermon (the only One recorded in The Bible) on The Nation of Israel to "The Jews," they were FURIOUS! I have to give them credit for sitting so attentively through it All, but Stephen paid the ultimate price for the Truths he expounded, so eloquently. Stephen's name means Crown or Martyr, so he certainly lived up to his name as The First Christian Martyr after The Resurrection of Jesus, but above All he Lived and died for The Name Above All Names, Jesus! It has been said that the Blood of the Martyrs is the Life of The Church, so let us take note of the fact that Saul, who would later become Paul The Apostle was present, pleased, consenting and entirely approving of the persecution against Stephen and The Church.
Have you ever shared The Gospel Message with anyone and had them grind their teeth at you, shout, put their hands over their ears, so as not to Hear The Truth, rush together upon you (such Unity of Spirit and Purpose :) drag you out of the city and attempt to stone you to death? I hate to say, "What goes around, comes around," but Paul several times reaped what he had sown in this situation here. How did Stephen ever accomplish such things as a young Believer In Jesus As Messiah? The Word of God tells us, "He was Full of The Holy Ghost and Controlled By Him!" All Believers, Everywhere are Commanded of God to "Be" Filled With His Spirit! His Word Is Spirit and Life, so need I say more?
Stephen gazed into Heaven and saw The Glory of God, His Goodness, Mercy and Grace. The Son of Man / The Son of God, Jesus Is the exact representation of God, Our Heavenly Father, Full of His Glory, Splendor and Majesty, so we should Worship Him In Spirit and Truth. I would like Every confessing Christian to Know Jesus for All that He Is. Look! See The Heavens Opened! Jesus is constantly interceding on our behalf before God's Throne of Grace and Mercy! He does not fix our sins upon us or lay them to our charge when we confess them before Him and lay them at the Foot of The Cross of Calvary where Jesus shed His Blood to cleanse us from All unrighteousness!
What Peace we "Have" when we are In such complete and total submission to Christ! No matter what storm we are passing through, He Will Keep Us In His Perfect Peace. Shalom! It Is The Peace of God which passes All of our human understanding and comprehension. On his knees, Stephen cried out as Jesus did upon The Cross, "Father, Forgive them for they know not what they do!" After saying this, Jesus bowed His Head and gave up The Ghost. Even in death (such a horrible and tragic death), Stephen was able to fall asleep, leaning on The Everlasting Arms.
Such Witnesses! Laying their garments at the feet of Saul. What did Jesus say when they caught that young woman in an adulterous situation? "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone," and they All walked aWay, first the oldest and then the youngest. We, The Church, The Body of Christ are Called to "Be" Witnesses to All Nations and Peoples, telling them to lay down their heavy burdens and sins at The Cross, so that they can "Be" forgiven, die to self and Live The Resurrection Life of Christ Jesus, Eternal, Everlasting and The Abundant Life, because He dies in our stead! I ask you, "Are you a Saul or Paul?"
Let us go forward, opening the ears of the deaf, speaking to the heavy hearted, Full of The Holy Spirit and Controlled By Him, revealing The Glory, Splendor and Majesty of God In Christ Jesus! Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus, raise a SHOUT, Unite as One and go out as Witnesses with His Mighty Rushing Wind leading and guiding you where you should go.
Lay your old life at the foot of The Cross, take of your sinful garments and put on the Lord Jesus Christ, "Be" Clothed In His Righteousness. Pray Continually In The Spirit, Believe and Receive All that He has for you! Fall on your knees and Know that He Accepts you as His Own, His Precious Child. Take your Rest In Him and Tell the World The Truth (no matter what) In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts 8:1-6
The Word:
AND Saul was [not only] consenting to [Stephen's] death - [he was] pleased and entirely approving. On that day a great and severe persecution broke out against the church which was in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles - the special messengers.
[A party of] devout men with others helped to carry out and bury Stephen , and made great lamentation over him.
But Saul shamefully treated and laid waste the church continuously, - with cruelty and violence; and entering house after house, he dragged out men and women and committed them to prison.
Now those who were scattered abroad went about [the land from place to place] preaching the glad tidings, the Word [that is, the doctrine concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God].
Philip [the deacon, not the apostle] went down to the city of Samaria, and proclaimed the Christ, the Messiah, to them [the people]; [Acts 6:5.]
And great crowds of people with one accord listened to and heeded what was said by Philip, as they heard him and watched the miracles and wonders which he kept performing [from time to time].
Stephen had peacefully fallen asleep, was buried by men of Faith who mourned losing him, but Saul continued to breathe murderous threats against anyone and everyone that aligned themselves to The Way. Not only did Jesus command the Disciples to go to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the outter-most regions of the then known World, but He also warned them that trials and persecutions would come their Way. God sometimes allows trying and difficult situations to enter into our lives, so that we will draw closer to Him and walk according to His Word, Will and Way. The Nation of Israel was dispersed to the four corners of the globe as a testimony to God's Faithfulness and He promised that He would gather them back to Him and The Promised Land. Here we have The Believers being scattered throughout the regions and subject to cruel, violent acts for no other reason, other than wearing The Name, Christian.
Have you suffered from shameful treatment, perhaps even from those who confess to persecute you in The Name of The Lord? As Believers we unfortunately do have to go through trying times, even if only for His Name's Sake. The key Word here is: Through, because All Things "are" working Together for His and our Good, so no matter what you're in right now, Jesus Promises to See you Through to the other side and He'll bring you forth as gold tried in The Fire!
Are you being scattered abroad? Is God moving you through the land from place to place? As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Maybe God wants you to rub elbows with people different from your"self," but One In Him. Jesus often went from town to town and Church to Church and many times was thrown out of them, but just make sure that if you are presently moving from place to place that it is God's Will and not your own. As much as we are to be like trees planted by His Streams of Living Waters, rooted and grounded In Him, we should be continuously moving onward and upward In Jesus, from Image to Image, Glory to Glory and Grace to Grace!
Each and Every One of us should be Preaching, Teaching and Healing In Jesus' Mighty Name (where ever we find ourselves or where ever The Spirit moves us to). He who "has" The Son "has" Life, Eternal, Everlasting, The Abundant Life and we should be constantly working out our Salvation with fear and trembling, seeking to fulfill God's Great Commission. We (All confessing Christians and Believers Everywhere) "have" The Glad Tidings, The Good News, The Gospel of God In Christ Jesus, The Word [that is, the doctrine concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God], which "Is" Righteousness, Peace (Shalom) and Joy In The Holy Ghost!
Take what God has Given you (each and every Gift and Talent) and Go to All Nations and Peoples In His Holy and Precious Name!
Like Philip, we can proclaim Christ, The Messiah, to the people, All People, Everywhere. Speak forth The Things Of God, The Truth and others will listen to, heed and hear what it is that you have to say to them, because this World is hungry and we "have" The Bread of Life, It is thirsty and we "have" Living Water, like streams we can flow through the parched, dry and weary lands. People are weary and heavy laden, burdened by their own sin, but we "have" The Cleansing Blood of Jesus that was shed on The Cross of Calvary to offer them that Will wash them clean and put them In Right Standing, A Right Relationship With God, Their Heavenly Father! We can open blind eyes In Jesus' Name, so that they can See and discern Spiritual Truths, because many are watching and waiting for answers To Life!
God has given to us All, The Ministry of Reconciliation! Not by our own might or power, but By His Holy Spirit we can repair and restore this present World of darkness and bring It into His Glorious Light! As we are Obedient to The Call that God has placed Upon us, According to His Word, Signs and Wonders Will Follow. Go therefore and make Disciples of All, for Surely God's Goodness, Tender-Mercies and Loving-Kindness Shall Follow us All The Days of our Life In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts 8:7-11
The Word:
For foul spirits came out of many who were possessed by them, screaming and shouting with a loud voice, and many who were suffering from palsy or were crippled were restored to health.
And there was great rejoicing in that city.
But there was a man named Simon who had formerly practiced magic arts in the city to the utter amazement of the Samaritan nation, claiming that he himself was an extraordinary and distinguished person.
They all paid earnest attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is that exhibition of the power of God which is called Great (intense).
And they were attentive and made much of him, because for a long time he had amazed and bewildered and dazzled them with his skill in magic arts.
- Acts 8:7-11
Jesus told us that signs and wonders would follow our Preaching and Teaching of His Holy and Precious Word. He also warned us of those who would perform many miracles that might even deceive the very Elect of God. As Philip was gathering great crowds of people with One Accord (not by might, not by power, but By His Spirit Says The Lord) Listening to and Heeding what he had to say, . . . Enter The Dragon!
Satan is alWays ready, willing and able to rob the seed that God wants to plant, in order for Him to reap His Harvest of Souls. The enemy is right there, watching and waiting to kill, steal and destroy (in this instance, we have him in the form of Simon the Magician).
Unfortunately Today, witches and warlocks have become taboo, something we either joke about or celebrate on Halloween, but this is the mask of the devil himself, trying to get you and everybody to believe that it's all a game.
In Truth, if you your"self" delve into magic arts, Quiji boards, fortune telling, tarot cards, psychic readings and the like, you are being set up for the fall of your life, perhaps even your permanent death. You will certainly get definite results from such actions, but be aware that we reap what we sow. The Spiritual World (I can assure you) is far more real and powerful than the natural. Know and Understand, that as a Christian, A Believer and Follower of The Lord Jesus Christ, we Serve The All Mighty, All Knowing, All Powerful, Great and One True God! He Is The Super-Super-Natural God!
No matter how amazing, extraordinary, distinguished, powerful, great, bewildering, dazzling or skillful a person is at what he says and does, apart from God, he or she is nothing!
In stead of foul, unclean spirits coming to possess, cause suffering, palsy or crippling, we "have" (possess and He Possesses us) The Pure and Holy Spirit ruling and reigning in our hearts, minds and souls In Christ Jesus! Where The Spirit of The Lord "Is," There "Is" Freedom!
Surely The Truth Shall Set you Free, but he who The Son Sets Free "Is' FREE Indeed!
Do not be deceived by the signs of this present World, but Only follow those who perform the miracles and wonders according to God's Perfect Word, Will and Way! God wants to take off you what the devil put on you, put on you what the devil took off you, take out of you what the devil put in you and put in you what the devil took out of you! He Is The Great God and Mighty King! By His Anointing Working In, Upon and Through your Life, others will be attentive, amazed, bewildered and dazzled by the Gifts and Talents He Has "given" Each and Every One of us. Let us show forth the Intense Power of Our God by taking His Word and Shining His Light to All In Jesus' Name! Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts 8:12-16
The Word:
But when they believed the good news (the Gospel) about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, as Philip preached it, they were baptized, both men and women.
Even Simon himself believed - that is,] he adhered to, trusted in and relied on the teaching of Philip - and after being baptized devoted himself constantly to him. And seeing signs and miracles of great power which were being performed, he was utterly amazed.
Now when the apostles (special messengers) at Jerusalem heard that [the country of] Samaria had accepted and welcomed the Word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,
And they came down and prayed for them that the Samaritans might receive the Holy Spirit;
For he had not yet fallen upon any of them, but they had only been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.
- Acts 8:12-16
O the Mysteries of God! How have we come so far, learned and experienced so little? The echoes of, "Repent! For the Kingdom of God Is At Hand!" Is the Spiritual World, so real that we can actually reach out and touch it? Taste and See that The Lord Is Good! Are we going from The Kingdom of God being among us, to upon us, to within us? It's not an easy road or task to be poured from vessel to vessel, moved from Glory to Glory, Grace to Grace and Image to Image until we Come Into The Perfect Man In Christ Jesus. After The Resurrection, Jesus appeared to His Disciples in The Upper Room (Each and Every One of us are Called of God to Be Disciples of Christ), He Breathed on them and said, "Receive The Holy Spirit" and some 33 days later He told them to wait for The Power of God to Fall Upon them, so that they could be Witnesses For Him to All Nations and Peoples!
If you are a Christian, then you are to "Be" Walking In Love (God Is Love) and Love Believes All Things. Love Conquers All! Do you Believe The Good News?
Someone once said, "The World has yet to see the man who has totally submitted his Life to Christ." Certainly there have been Great Men and Women of Faith, but there are some even Today (in All their foolishness) who wonder if Billy Graham is Saved. COME ON! Are you or any one else you know doing anything near or close to what he has attained in his Lifetime of Service to Christ?
Some of us (I should say, All of us) need a Good swift kick in the Spiritual buttocks sometimes. Let's WAKE-UP!
How much of The Good News (The Gospel) do you Know (experientially), read about, write about or best of All, Tell others about? Not only in words, but in actions and deeds? The Kingdom of God Is Righteousness, Peace (Shalom) and Joy In The Holy Ghost! Jesus Is The Name Above All Names and there Is No other Name under Heaven by which We MUST Be Saved! He Is The Rabbi, Messiah, Son and King of Kings! As Philip Preached It, they Believed and were baptized, both Men and Women.
HELLO! I Am So Sick and Tired of this "men can do this and women can (or can't) do that" sort of stuff going on in The (so called) Church Today. We "Are" One In Him! ONE! Meaning The Same, Equal In Jesus. Now I know that there will be those reading this who will want to twist and turn these words of mine.
What I Am really trying to say here is, "We All Are Members Of His Body and whether you are male or female, find your Place In Him as The Bride of Christ and Be Faithful to what He has Called you to." As Nike would put it, "Just Do It!"
As we truly adhere to, trust in and rely on Jesus, The Living Word of God, sit underneath those who are Anointed to properly Teach The Written Word of God, are Baptized (dipped) Into Our Father Who Art In Heaven, His One And Only Begotten Son and The Person Of The Holy Spirit, submitting our"self" and constantly devoting our"self" to God, we Will See and Experience Signs and Miracles of Great Power Being Performed In and Through Our Life In Jesus' Name!
Our God Is Utterly Amazing, so why are we not utterly amazed by Him and utterly amazing the World around us in which we live? Have you really, truly accepted and welcomed The Word Of God into your Life? Do you openly and honestly Believe?
I find it strange (and somewhat funny) how verse fourteen in this portion of Holy Scripture tells us the apostles (special messengers) at Jerusalem sent Peter and John to Samaria. Go ahead and just think about that. History tells us that James, Jesus' Half Brother headed up the Council of Believers in Jerusalem. Peter didn't lash out and say, "Hey, Wait One Minute! I Am The Rock, so who are you to tell me where and when to roll?" John the Beloved, certainly knew the Heartbeat of God better than any one, for it was he who rested his head upon Jesus' Chest at The Passover Feast, The Last Supper, the night of their Holy Communion. My point here is this, without any reservations (and I don't mean for their journey to Samaria), they both submitted to The Authority of The Holy Spirit's Leading and Guiding them. Not to mention their Obedience to Jesus' Great Commission Unto Them (and us), "Go to Jerusalem, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the World with The Good News, Baptizing People In (or Into) The Name of The Father, Son and Holy Spirit." Are you moving In The Spirit? Is He Living, Moving and Having His Being In you?
Peter and John came down to Samaria (anywhere you go in the World from Jerusalem is considered "down" from a Jewish mindset), so that others could Receive what they Already had. Love (Real Love) isn't "Real" Love until you Give It aWay. Surely you know of someone who has heard of Jesus and who in their own mind Believe He Is Who He Says He Is, but have never Experienced His Fullness, Wholeness and Blessings In their Life. There are hundreds of thousands (millions even) of People around the World Today who have never ever heard of Him and they will go to their Eternal death apart from Him if we do not pray for them and go to them with The Love of God and The Good News of Jesus. Fall down on your knees and ask God to have His Holy Spirit fall upon the lost, sick and dying. He Is their only Hope! Maybe Jesus wants you to go, to be His Hands, His Feet and His Voice?
Ask Him, He'll tell you, lead you and guide you Into His Truth according to His Word, Will and Way for your Life In Jesus' Name.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
The Word:
Then [the apostles] laid their hands on them one by one and they received the Holy Spirit.
However, when Simon saw that the (Holy) Spirit was imparted through the laying on of the apostle's hands, he brought money and offered it to them,
Saying, Grant me also this power and authority, in order that any one on whom I place my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.
But Peter said to him, Destruction overtake your money and you, because you imagined you could obtain the [free] gift of God with money!
You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is all wrong in God's sight - [it is] not straight-forward or right or true before God. [Ps. 78:37.]
- Acts 8:17-21
The heart is deceitful and wicked! Who can know it? Only God. He Who searches the hearts of All knows you better than you know your"self." It is The Work of The Holy Spirit to soften your heart and turn it like a watercourse towards God and The Things of Heaven, but should we resist the wooing by The Lover of Our Soul or act contrary to His Word, Will and Way, like Pharaoh, God Will harden your heart, yet still use your life to bring about His Glory!
Have you ever had any One lay their "Spiritual" Hands on you? Jesus breathed on The Apostles and told them, "Receive The Holy Spirit." Peter walked through the streets of Israel and the sick were healed as his shadow passed over them. I don't want to get off track here but, there would be no Shadow of Healing if The Light of The World had not been shining upon Peter first. Paul sent pieces of his clothing to be placed upon others, so that The Anointing of The Holy Spirit Upon him would flow to those in need of God's Touch. In This Portion of Holy Scripture we see the passing of the baton (so to speak). One by One, as The Apostles laid their hands on The Believers, they Received The Holy Ghost!
He was "Imparted" by God to Dwell In, Rest Upon and Move Through Each and Every Believer on The Planet!
This Pearl of Great Price can not be bought, sold or traded, but we "Have" This Treasure In Earthen Vessels! Surely In The Book of Isaiah God says, "Come buy food and drink," but without money.
Jesus paid The Price for our sins upon The Cross at Calvary and therefore we obtain Eternal, Everlasting and The Abundant Life In His Holy and Precious Name, which Is The Free Gift of God!
How dare you insult Him, Jesus and The Holy Spirit by thinking you could ever put a price on your's or any One's Salvation!
Could you imagine some One in this World having just One Drop of Jesus' Blood and trying to sell it on Ebay? What would the selling price be? Jesus poured out His Life, His Blood for many, but many, many still choose The Way of Destruction.
Do you "have" part or lot In The Things of God, This Matter? What matters? Would it be worth it for you to gain (or buy) the whole World, yet in the end to lose your soul forever? Nothing this present World of darkness has to offer is worth forfeiting a right relationship with God, Our Heavenly Father. God wants to get Into The Heart of your Matter. He Is Concerned about your heart! How does it look In His Sight, according to The Mirror of His Holy Word? Is It Right before Him, Upright, In Right Standing, Righteous or wrong? It's OK to be straight-forward with God about Everything! He wants us to "Be" True To Him. Only In God Is Our Soul At Rest. In Him Is Our Salvation.
With Jesus and by The Power of His Holy Spirit In Our Life, we can "Be" Faithful and Steadfast To His Covenant of Love!
Don't try to flatter or lie to God. He Is The Most High God, Our Redeemer and Our Rock! Seek after Him (sincerely) for He Is Full of (Merciful) Compassion and Forgives our iniquities. You can't buy a stairWay to Heaven, but you can climb Jacob's Ladder. Jesus has paid The Price for your entrance and He has gone on before you. He'll never leave you alone.
You "Have" The Holy Spirit's Power and surely Goodness and Mercy shall follow you All The Days of Your Life In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts 8:22-26
The Word:
So repent of this depravity and wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, this contriving thought and purpose of your heart may be removed and disregarded and forgiven you.
For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and a bond forged by iniquity [to fetter souls].
[Isa. 58:6.]
And Simon answered, Pray for me! - Beseech the Lord, both of you - that nothing of what you have said may befall me!
Now when [the apostles] had borne their testimony and preached the message of the Lord, they went back to Jerusalem, proclaiming the glad tidings (Gospel) to many villages of the Samaritans [on the way].
But an angel of the Lord said to Philip, Rise and proceed southward at midday on the road that runs from Jerusalem down to Gaza. This is the desert [route].
- Acts 8:22-26
When our heart is All wrong In God's Sight - [it is] not straight-forward or right or true before God [Ps. 78:37.], so we have neither part nor lot in what matters to Him most. When we look at our"self" and the World around us as God Sees things, we find out for sure and truthfully how depraved, wicked, totally lost and without Hope we really and truly are. We MUST REPENT for The Kingdom of God (Which Is Righteousness, Peace and Joy In The Holy Ghost) is at hand, among us and for some, even within us! What exactly are the thoughts and purposes of your heart, mind and soul? If we do not turn and think differently about how we are living our life here and now, we could be removed, disregarded and unforgiven for All of Eternity. All Things Are Possible With and In God!
Most of us do not know, understand or realize how we are Viewed By God. Look to The Mirror (God's Holy / Precious Word) and See! Too many of us are in the gall of bitterness, a bond forged by iniquity, blind, pitiable, poor and lame, so we MUST Pray - Beseech The Lord - and ask others to Pray for us. Do you want All of the curses In God's Word to fall upon you? Jesus went to The Cross of Calvary in our stead, took our penalty of sin and death upon Himself, so that we could Have Eternal, Everlasting, The Abundant Life In His Name! He became cursed of God (cursed is any One [and Every One] who is hung [hanged] on a tree), so that we could become The Righteousness of God In Christ Jesus! Instead of the wrath of God befalling us, His Goodness, Mercy and Grace, The Fullness of His Blessings "are" ours In Jesus!
Each and Every One of us, as Confessing Christians, Believers In Jesus as Lord are Called of God to "Be" His Disciples, Special Messengers (Apostles), His Ambassadors, Representing Him where ever we go. Are you bearing His Testimony and Preaching The Message of The Lord? If we "are" Born of God, we "are" Borne of God and as Jesus Was (Is and Is To Come) In This World, so "are" we! I Believe that Every Member of The Body of Christ Jesus, The Church here on Earth should "be" fully functioning In The Gifts and Fruit of The Holy Spirit, Abounding In Love (for God Is Love)! We should be Preaching (Proclaiming The Glad Tidings, The Good News of Jesus and The Gospel of God), Teaching and bringing Healing to All Nations and Peoples (Every village, town, highWay and byWay) on The Way!
He Is With us AlWays, In All Ways (even to the end of the age) and Every Way!
God goes before us In All Things pertaining to His Word, Will and Way. His Holy Angels have been given charge over us, to look out for, watch over and defend us. The Blood of Jesus covers, cleanses, purifies us and continually cries out to God, Our Heavenly Father on our behalf.
We can not fail or falter In Jesus' Name, because God Is Faithful and Jesus Never Fails! Listen to The Voice of The Spirit, "Be" Obedient to His Call and you Will "Be" Blessed, O How Happy!
Jesus says to us Today, Rise and Shine for your Light has Come and The Glory of The Lord "Is" Risen Upon YOU! Your Beloved, The Husband of your heart and soul cries out, Arise My Love! Philip was Called to rise and proceed southward at midday. God wants, He desires to take you higher and higher In His Perfect and Acceptable Will for your Life In Him. Rise and Proceed when The Son Is at His Highest Point In you Life and Shining Upon YOU. Go! Do! Be All that He has Called you to and Created you for! The Word of God is saying to us Today, This Is The Desert [Road or Route], but It Is His Will and Way. Will you take It? Are you determined to live The Crucified Life and allow The Streams of Living Waters to flow In and Through you, bringing Life in the desert, the barren places, the dry and weary land? Say Yes to Him Today and let God Prove Himself to you and the World In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts 8:27-31
The Word:
So he got up and went. And, behold, an Ethiopian, a eunuch, of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure, had come to Jerusalem to worship.
And he was [now] returning, and sitting in his chariot he was reading the book of the prophet Isaiah.
Then the (Holy) Spirit said to Philip, Go forward and join yourself to this chariot.
Accordingly Philip, running up to him, heard [the man] reading the prophet Isaiah, and asked, Do you really understand what you are reading?
And he said, How is it possible for me to do so, unless someone explains it to me and guides me [in the right way]? And he earnestly requested Philip to come up and sit beside him.
- Acts 8:27-31
How many of us, when spoken to by God through His Word, His Spirit or by others, immediately get up and go? Jesus, The Word of God says, "Set His Face Like A Flint Towards Jerusalem," when He was going to The Cross to die on our behalf.
When The Nation of Israel had their backs to the wall at The Red Sea, God spoke to Moses and said, "Stop praying and get The People moving!" I can not stress to you enough how important it is for us as Christians, Believers and Followers of Jesus Christ to "Be" Obedient to God's Word, Will and Way. It's All about Cause and Affect, Action and Reaction. When God says, "Go!" He means for us to "Go!" Now, because Today Is The Day of Salvation and He Wishes that None would perish. From here on out, daily as you read and study your Bible (I Hope and Pray that All of you "Are" spending time "Daily" In The Word of God), look and listen to how many times God tells some One to "Do" something and how Every time they are quick to move according to His Commands, the situation and they themselves are alWays Blessed. Philip got up, went and accordingly ran to fulfill God's Purposes and Plans for his Life In Jesus and other's Eternal, Everlasting and Abundant Life.
God "Is" Calling Upon YOU to "Go" to Great and small alike (He "Is" no respecter of persons). Philip was charged to speak to an Ethiopian man of authority under a queen, who was the keeper of All her treasures, but obviously he came to Jerusalem to Worship God Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth In Spirit and Truth. Well, he was about to get The Truth, The Whole Truth and Nothing, but The Truth (Jesus). Do you have any idea how expensive a complete scroll of The Book of Isaiah The Prophet was (even in those days)? It is 66 chapters long and had to be hand written back then.
Have you ever heard The Voice of God's Holy Spirit speaking in your ear, to your heart, mind and soul? Jesus says, His Spirit Will Lead and Guide you Into All Truth and bring to your heart and mind All that He has said. The Holy Spirit wants to completely and totally Reveal Jesus to you and use you to lead the whole World back into a right relationship with God as Our Heavenly Father. He has "given" us All The Ministry of Reconciliation! God Will and Does speak to us through His Word, By His Spirit (Hear what The Spirit Is Saying To His Church [you "are" The Temple, The Body of Christ]), Listen to That Still, Small, Soft, Tender, Whispering Voice In your ear and pay attention to what others are saying and doing around you. Like Philip, we are Called Upon to Move Forward In Jesus, Join our"self" to His Will and Accordingly run up to whatever God Calls us to "Do" In Obedience To His Way.
Have you ever noticed that this Ethiopian man was reading out loud, so that Philip could hear him? Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by The Word of God! Jesus says, "He who has ears to Hear, Let Them Hear." Have you been listening attentively to The Voice of The Holy Spirit? I challenge Each and Every One of you Today to read God's Word out loud, so that you can HEAR It and I can Promise you, your Faith Will Increase! As Philip asked this man, let me ask you, "Do you really Understand what you are reading?" The eunuch's reply was, "How is it possible for me to do so, unless some One explains It to me and Guides me [In The Right Way]?" And he earnestly requested Philip to Come Up and Sit Beside him.
When you read The "Holy" Scriptures, do you ask The "Holy" Spirit to Lead and Guide you Into All Truth (Jesus Is The Truth) and Understanding? Jesus died on The Cross, Rose Again on The Third Day, Ascended to The Father and poured out His "Holy" Spirit (Who Is Called Along Side To Help us) Upon All Flesh, so that we could go from Glory to Glory, Grace to Grace and Image to Image! Ask of Him and you Shall Receive All that He Has For you In Christ Jesus! Our Heavenly Father is constantly Calling us to Come Unto Him and no matter what is going on in your Life Today, the thing that counts most is that you Sit At The Feet of Jesus!
Allow The Holy Spirit to Unveil, Reveal and Bring The Revelation of Jesus to you In and Through The Ministry of His Holy Spirit. Don't be afraid to request of Him to Come, Sit, Lead, Guide, Explain The Possibilities, Help you Understand and have Him Teach you how to Worship God In Spirit and Truth. Then get up, go forward, behold, join your"self" to His Will, Way and Accordingly Guide others In The Right Way (Jesus Is The Way, The Only Way), In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts 8:32-40
The Word:
Now this was the passage of Scripture which he was reading: Like a sheep He was led to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is dumb, so He opens not His mouth.
In His humiliation He was taken away by distressing and oppressive judgement, and justice was denied Him (caused to cease). Who can describe or relate in full the wickedness of His contemporaries (generation)? For His life is taken from the Earth and a bloody death inflicted upon Him. [Isa. 53:7, 8.]
And the eunuch said to Philip, I beg of you, tell me about whom does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?
Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this portion of Scripture he announced to him the glad tidings (Gospel) of Jesus and about [Him].
And as they continued along on the way, they came to some water, and the eunuch exclaimed, See, [here is] water! What is to hinder my being baptized?
And Philip said, If you believe with all your heart [that is, if you have a conviction, full of joyful trust, that Jesus is the Messiah, and accept Him as the Author of your salvation in the kingdom of God, giving Him your obedience, then] you may. And he replied, I do believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
And he ordered that the chariot be stopped, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and [Philip] baptized him.
And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord [suddenly] caught away Philip; and the eunuch saw him no more, and he went on his way rejoicing.
But Philip was found at Azotus, and passing on he preached the good news (Gospel) to all the towns until he reached Caesarea.
- Acts 8:32-40
Both times The Scripture Reading Is mentioned, It is said to Be "A Passage" and "Portion." Every Word of God that comes across your eyes, ears, mouth and tongue (for the visually impaired, through brail, It passes over your finger-tips [we Can Touch The Hem of His Garment]), It should take you somewhere, Draw you closer to God and He Is your Portion (Taste and See that The Lord Is Good).
We are All "just passing through," but our primary goal in this Life time, as Christians, should alWays Be to tell others, open up our mouth, Announce The Glad Tidings, The Gospel of God, The Good News of Jesus to All Nations and Peoples, Encourage One another to Continue Along The Way (He Is The Way, Truth and Life), Believe In, Cling To, Trust In, Rely On, Accept Him As The Author of All Life (Eternal, Everlasting, The Abundant Life), Be Led By The Holy Spirit, Go our Way Rejoicing (Rejoice In The Lord AlWays), to Preach, Teach and Heal!
Jesus died on The Cross of Calvary as The Lamb of God to take aWay the sins of the World! In All Humility, He became sin for us, so that we could "Be" The Righteousness of God In Christ, The Messiah, The Anointed One. He Gave His Life, died in our stead, so that we could Have His Life and Give It to others. Did you ever, like the eunuch, Beg someone, anyone to tell you about what God's Word Is Saying? Do you Hunger and Thirst after Righteousness Sake? Are you concerned about His Honor, The Judge of All Creation? Can you go to any Passage, Portion of Holy Scripture, open your mouth and begin announcing of and about Jesus? He Is The Living Word of God, The Word of God In human flesh.
From Genesis to Revelation, The Beginning to The End, The First to The Last, From Alpha to Omega, He Is God!
Heaven and Earth shall pass aWay, but My Word (Jesus Calls The Word of God, Holy Scripture, The Bible, His Word) shall Never Pass AWay! The Word Is Eternal, It (He) Is Spirit (we MUST Worship Him In Spirit and Truth) and Life!
This Earthly Life is only a temporary journey, we are sojourners, pilgrims, just passing through, but we are to encourage One another, while It Is Today (Today Is The day of Salvation In The Kingdom of God, which Is Righteousness, Shalom, Peace, Fullness, Wholeness, Blessing and Joy In The Holy Ghost) to continue along on The Straight and Narrow Way.
We are Called upon, Commanded of God to baptize men, women and children, who would come to Know Jesus By Faith, In The Name of The Father (Our Father Who Art In Heaven), In The Name of The Son (Jesus, which Is The Name above All Names and there is no other Name under Heaven by which we MUST Be Saved) and In The Name of The Holy Spirit!
Jesus left us with A New Commandment, Love One another as I Have Loved you.
Notice that when the eunuch was baptized, he came up out of the water and went on His Way Rejoicing. The Joy of The Lord Is our Strength and It Is just One of The Fruit of The Spirit of The Living God, Moving and Having His Being In and Through our Life!
Philip was Caught AWay, Found at Azotus, Passed On Preaching The Good News, The Gospel of God to All Towns until he reached the destination The Spirit of The Living God was leading him to. Are you led, directed, guided, taught by The Spirit? He wants to take you Into All Truth, Knowledge of The Things of God and Give you All Understanding (we Have The Mind of Christ), so that we can Go, Do and Be All that He Created us For In Jesus' Name.
Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts 9:1-5
The Word:
MEANWHILE Saul, still drawing his breath hard from threatening and murderous desire against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest
And requests of him letters to the synagogues at Damascus [authorizing him], so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way [of life as determined by faith in Jesus Christ], he might bring them bound [with chains] to Jerusalem.
Now as he traveled on, he came near to Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him,
And he fell to the ground. Then he heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me - harassing, troubling and molesting Me?
And Saul said, Who are You, Lord? And He said, I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting. It is dangerous and it turns out badly for you to keep kicking against the goad - that is, to offer vain and perilous resistance.
- Acts 9:1-5
MEANWHILE (Back at the ranch), Philip The Evangelist is Preaching, Teaching and Healing In Jesus' Name at Azotus and Saul of Tarsus is breathing hard threatenings by the authorization of the high priest of Jerusalem, bringing bondage to Every One and Any One belonging to The Way (Jesus). This present World of darkness is far more than just black and white, but full of extremes, limitations and numerous contrasts within the grey areas of Life. It Is God Who Gives us the Air that we Breathe and many times He allows situations and circumstances to come our Way that are more than questionable from our perspective, but By Faith we MUST Believe that He Loves us and Is Working All Things Together for His and our Good. Saul's murderous desire against the Disciples of Christ was certainly not of The Lord, but of the god of this World who comes only to rob, kill, steal and destroy. Can you relate to the fact that he absolutely and honestly believed that he was in the right before God and man?
Saul (at this stage of his life) requested from the high priest in Jerusalem, letters of recommendation, authorizing him to bind in chains, persecute, harass, trouble and molest All who were following Jesus as The Messiah of Israel, but he is about to See The Light (Jesus Is The Light of the World). You can read in Galatians how Saul, who became Paul that wrote 3/4 of The New Testament, did not go to All Nations and Peoples on any man's authority, but on the Command of God, under The Anointing and Power of The Holy Spirit In Christ Jesus! Do you think for one minute that Today there are not those in The Church who bring bondage to others In The Name of God? Where The Spirit of The Lord Is, There Is FREEDOM!
How is it that these men and women came to Belong To The Way? They realized that they had been bought with A Price, The Precious Blood of Jesus that was Shed Upon The Cross of Calvary on our behalf! We "are" not our own and he who The Son Sets Free Is FREE Indeed!
Every form of bondage has been broken, no chains (visible or invisible) can keep us bound, for we who "are" In Christ "are" Bound For Glory and Prisoners of Hope! Do you realize that even up to this present day, Damascus is the #1 place in this World that harbors the most terrorists organizations on the planet?
There are still those who would draw near to the darkness, but as surely as you are reading this now, suddenly The Light From Heaven, The Light Of Life, Eternal, Everlasting, The Abundant Life Will Flash Down Around them!
Saul fell to the ground, heard The Voice of God, The Voice of The Holy Spirit, The Voice of Jesus speaking to his heart, mind and soul. He humbled him"self" In The Sight of The Lord and Jesus Lifted Him Up! When God Calls your Name twice (Saul, Saul), you have to Know that He means business. Notice: The Word of God says that Saul was not just hurting those who belonged to Jesus, but Jesus Himself. If you hurt or do harm to any Member of The Body of Christ, you touch Him. Jesus says, Whatever you have done unto the least of these, My Brethren, you have done it Unto Me!
Doesn't that shed New Light on, Do Unto Others as you would have Them Do Unto You?
Who "Are" You? Lord? Sauls is question Who he is hearing from and he certainly gets his answer, "I Am Jesus." Moses asked of God, "Who a shall I say sent me?" and God responded, "I Am." Listen, Hear, Read, Know and Understand that Saul Knew The Written Word of God, All the rules and regulations, but he did not Know God. This Is his First Real Encounter With The One True God, The Living God and It was just The Beginning of a most personal relationship.
Everything he learned, was taught, understood and believed in was about to come tumbling down, but God was going to Redeem It All, open Saul's eyes to See, ears to Hear and mind to Comprehend The Truth of God's Word. God never tears down without building up! Are you in a dangerous situation that could turn out badly if you keep kicking against the goad, offer vain, empty and perilous resistance to The Things of God in your Life?
Listen to The Voice of The Spirit? Hear, O Israel! Fall on your knees and Hear The Angel's Voices. What Is The Word of God Telling you Today? Lay It All Down at The Foot of The Cross of Christ, Give It All To The Father and Allow His Holy Spirit to Lead, Guide, Provide and Direct you According To His Word, Will and Way In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Title. Subject: Acts 9:32-36
The Word:
Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he went down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.
There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedfast for eight years and was paralyzed.
And Peter said to him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, [now] makes you whole. Get up and make your bed! And immediately [Aeneas] stood up.
Then all the inhabitants of Lydda and the plain of Sharon saw [what had happened to] him and they turned to the Lord.
Now there was at Joppa [a woman], a disciple named [in Aramaic] Tabitha, which [in Greek] means Dorcas or [in English] Gazelle. She was abounding in good deeds and acts of charity.
- Acts 9:32-36
Never underestimate the power of Satan, who roams around like a lion, looking for whom he can devour. Remember in The Book of Job, how God asked the accuser of The Brethren where he had been and what he had been doing? He replied that he was roaming around the Earth, well, here we have the complete and total battle of Good and evil, which is ever before us. Peter is going from place to place, here and there among them ALL, he went down (each and every time you read about anyOne in Scripture going anywhere outside of Jerusalem, they are going down) to The Saints who lived at Lydda. Lydda, Joppa, Caesarea, Jerusalem or where ever, it doesn't matter where, there is Good and evil in this Present World of Darkness. You may sometimes feel or think that you are ALL alone, just you and God, but there is alWays a remnant of Believers, The Saints of God who are ready and able to act upon His Holy and Precious Word, Will and Way! We are not Saints, because we have arrived, but we are Saints, because that is what God Has Called us To Be!
Can you tell me that there were no Men or Women of God praying for the healing of Aenaes for eight years? Certainly, he was oppressed by the devil, held in bondage and captivity, but Light was about to Shine Into the darkness! Jesus Christ, The Light of Life, The Light of The World, The Messiah, The Anointed One of God, [NOW] Makes YOU WHOLE, full and complete! By His Stripes, we ARE HEALED! This is not past, but present tense. I Am not saying that God is going to manifest this reality to ALL at this present time, but it is certainly available to ALL and a reality In The Spirit NOW, so make your bed and Immediately stand up for Jesus, no matter what and ALL the inhabitants of Joppa, the plain of Sharon and where ever you Live, Move and Have your Being Will See what God has done In and Through your Life In Jesus, Come to Know Him, The Power of His Resurrection and Turn To The Lord!
Can you tell people what has happened to you since you found Jesus or should I say, since He Found you? Do you Have A Testimony? If you do not have The Son of God, The Spirit of God In your heart and Life right NOW and Know, beyond a shadow of a doubt that you ARE Going To Heaven, then I would venture to say that you are not! The Word of God Is Spoken, Written and Jesus, The Living Word Is Here, Right NOW, so that you can and Will Know that you Have Eternal, Everlasting, The Abundant Life In His Name! ALL you have to do is Receive It By Faith and Abounding Good Deeds and Acts of Charity, Love Will Follow.
Have you ever heard people argue that Jesus never chose Women to Be His Disciples? Here we have a case at Joppa where [a Woman] named Tabitha, Dorcas or Gazelle is spoken of as Being A Disciple of Christ! The fact of the matter is that No Believer, No Confessing Christian Today has the right to Call himself by That Name without Being A Disciple of Jesus! I declare to you that each and every One of us are Called of God to Be A Disciple of His, A Student of The Word of God. We Are His Workmanship, Created In Christ Jesus Unto Good Works, God Deeds and Acts of Charity (Acts of The Holy Spirit Working In and Through Our Life In Love) In Jesus' Name.
Male, Female, Slave or Free, we Are To Be His. We were bought and paid for with The Precious Blood of Christ at The Cross of Calvary! He Gave His ALL for us, so surely, we should give our ALL To Him. What does He Require of us? To do Justly, to Love Mercy and to Walk Humbly With Him. Let us take ALL the Gifts and Talents that He Has Given us to Further His Kingdom, going here and there among them ALL, to make them Whole [NOW] In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts Of The Holy Spirit In The Lives Of Believers
Acts 9:37-43
The Word:
About that time she fell sick and died, and when they had cleansed her, they laid [her] in an upper room.
Since Lydda was near Joppa [however], the disciples hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him begging him, Do come on to us without delay.
So Peter [immediately] arose and accompanied them. And when he had arrived, they took him to the upper room.
All the widows stood around him crying, and displaying under-shirts (tunics) and [other] garments such as Dorcas was accustomed to make while she was with them.
But Peter put them all out [of the room] and knelt down and prayed; then turning to the body he said, Tabitha, get up! And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she raised herself and sat upright.
And he gave her his hand and lifted her up.
Then calling in God's people and the widows he presented her to them alive.
And this became known throughout all Joppa, and many came to believe on the Lord - that is, to adhere and trust in and rely on Him as the Christ and as their Savior.
And Peter remained in Joppa for considerable time with one Simon, a tanner.
- Acts 9:37-43
Sooner or later we All get sick and die or some of us might just be fortunate enough to breath our last and be gathered Home to our people. I for One would choose to close my eyes and fall asleep In Jesus, but either Way, it is appointed unto man (All of mankind) once to die and then The Judgement!
Although men were begging Peter to come to Joppa and All the widows there were crying over the loss of Tabitha, Dorcas or Gazelle, In God's Eyes, she was only sleeping. Regardless of how Hopeless the situations around us may appear, there are alWays those who shine as Light In the darkness by abounding in Good Deeds and Acts of Charity (LOVE)!
You couldn't help, but notice that another Miracle Is about to Come Forth In an Upper Room. The Resurrection Power of God was about to Be Manifested In and Through The Life of Peter The Apostle, before the Disciples, Followers of Jesus throughout All Joppa, and many would Come To Know Him As Lord and Savior Of Their Hearts, Minds And Souls!
Peter [Immediately] rose and accompanied those who called upon him, because he was moved By The Holy Spirit. God Is AlWays Ready, Willing and Able to Arise and Come to the beck and Call of His Chosen Ones! The Holy Spirit Is The One Who Is Called Along Side To Help us In our Time Of Need and He AlWays Arrives On Time. Surely we All suffer loss of some kind in this Present World of Darkness, but each tear that we cry is collected by Our Father Who Art In Heaven and He Will dry aWay every tear from our eyes some Day Soon! Notice how Peter puts them All out of the room.
Have you ever felt "put out" By God? In such circumstances, kneel down and pray, cause He Wants to turn your situation around, as a matter of fact, He Wants To Turn "The Body," His Whole Church Around!
GET UP! Jesus says, "Arise, My Love!"
He Wants to Open your eyes, so that you can see Wonderful Things In His Word, The Spoken, Written and Living Word of God. God Wants to Raise you Up! Not just on The Last Day, at The Resurrection, but Here and NOW! Jesus Came, so that we could Have Life NOW, The Eternal, Everlasting and Abundant Life. Tabitha raised her"self" up and sat upright. Have you Given your"self" To God? Are you setting your"self" upright and In Right Standing With Him In Christ? Jesus Is Seated At The Right Hand Of God and Your Heavenly Father Is Giving His Hand To you, so that you can Be Lifted Up, Seated In Heavenly Places.
He Wants To Present you to His People and The World, ALIVE! Shout It from the house tops and let This become Known throughout All Joppa, All Nations and Peoples!
Believe On The Lord - that is, Adhere To, Trust In, Rely On Christ, Messiah, The Anointed One and Savior Of The World!
Endure In Him until The End and you Shall Be Saved In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts Message: Acts 10:1-6
"There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. About the ninth hour of the day, he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming and saying to him, 'Cornelius!'
And when he observed him, he was afraid and said, 'What is it, lord?' So he said to him, "Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God.
Now, send men to Joppa and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.' "
(Acts 10:1-6)
Cornelius feared God. He shepherded his household rightly. He gave joyfully and prayed continually. The natural (And the Divine) order of a life so lived is exactly what happened in Cornelius' life: God spoke to him clearly, and he heard God.
Clearly. And in so doing, all his relatives, all his close friends were saved and baptized - as well as baptized with the Holy Spirit, bearing witness to not only the Truth, but to the signs and wonders that followed. Wow.
Really wow. It's so simple it's very nearly incomprehensible.
Micah wrote it down - straight from the heart of God to us - just as plainly: "He has shown you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you – But to do justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
James put it equally as plain: "Pure and undefiled religion before God and The Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."
Fear God. Pray. Love compassionately and selflessly. Fear God. Pray. Love compassionately and selflessly. Fear God. Pray. Love compassionately and selflessly.
(How many times was it, again, that we need to hear something before it's committed to memory? Never mind, you get the idea…)
But truly, we see over and over again – in scripture, in the stories we've read about the great men and women of faith who've gone before us, in the lives of those we know who are faithful to God – we see it all along, plain as day, that God shows Himself to those who seek Him with all their heart – that those who "kiss the Son" by loving what He loves, by being tender hearted to His hurting people, by hungering for continual communion with Him, will be brought into the Holy of Holies. Brought into intimacy with their Beloved, and told the secret things of God.
It is not unattainable. So many times we speak of "Hearing God" like it was some elusive, mystic rarity that is doled out randomly to people other than ourselves.
God's voice is NOT elusive. If He wanted to be elusive, He'd never have had allowed Himself to be lifted high up from the earth on that cross so that ALL men will be drawn unto Him. That act was the exact opposite of all that the idea of "elusive" connotes. And God does NOT speak randomly. Yes, His voice calls for all to hear, but He is only heard by those who are LISTENING… to those whose line of communication is open.
How does that line get open?
Fear God. Pray. Love compassionately and selflessly. Fear God. Pray. Love compassionately and selflessly. Fear God. Pray. Love compassionately and selflessly.
(Is it memorized yet???J)
Cornelius was human, like we all are. He was a little Italian guy – probably like all my uncles back in New Jersey. Or, like my dad… a diligent worker, a loyal family man, tending to his fig trees and his grapevines, inviting all the family and the whole neighborhood to his house for occasions. No different than my Zio Mario or my Nonno Giuseppe.
So what was it that got this common man's legacy immortalized in Holy Scripture?
He feared God. He prayed. He loved compassionately and selflessly. And his Lord spoke to him.
And you, my beloved brothers and sisters are offered no less than what was offered him.
So…
Fear God. Pray. Love compassionately and selflessly.
Love in Jesus,
Juliet
Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
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Subject: Acts Message / Acts 10:7-11
"And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually. So when he explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa. The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went upon the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance and saw Heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth."
- Acts 10:7-11
A year or so ago, I taught a high school art class. One of the projects we did was making photo-mosaics.
For those of you unfamiliar with that term, a photo-mosaic is a large picture made up of hundreds, sometimes thousands, of smaller pictures. When all the seemingly unrelated photographs are stacked up side by side and one above the other, like a huge grid, and when one views this large grid from far off, the many, many tiny pictures become almost invisible in view of the bigger picture they compose.
There's a spiritual lesson in that.
Like pixels, the tiny little red, yellow and blue dots that are nothing but solid-colored circles barely visible to the naked eye, yet when arranged just right, they make every scene, every movement, every image of every picture on your TV or computer screen.
There's a spiritual lesson in those too…
And here, in the tenth chapter of Acts, we have a pixel. A photo-mosaic. An often overlooked, easily glanced-past few verses of scripture. Yet when we look more closely at these events just prior to Peter's vision, Peter's revelation of the redemptive power of God, we see a picture of obedience. We see a picture of a man who was instructed by an angel of God. He didn't second-guess his vision, he didn't question why. The Bible tells us that Cornelius was a devout man, so he probably knew Gods voice when he heard it. ("My sheep know my voice and will not follow the voice of another" as Jesus said…) So he did what he was told to do.
He used his own assets – two of his servants and a soldier who waited on him – to do it.
And the servants, the soldier…they were obedient too. As all this was set into motion, as the Spirit of God prodded action in the lives of these obedient people, as they began their journey, faraway, stood Peter. Peter, being obedient in the setting-apart of himself to go off and pray – Peter being a man, being sanctified and hungry and as human as you or I, was being obedient.
Next thing you know, he finds himself being given a vision from God that will change the course of history, that would define the very heart of the apostles' missionary journeys from there on out.
There he was, just Peter. Just Cornelius. Just a soldier. Just a couple of servants.
But all did what they were created to do, what they were called to do, and in doing so, they became part of the picture. The tiny photos of these common men became part of the larger image. The image of Jesus Christ.
And so are we. In our small, uneventful lives, in the midst of our days that are filled with joy and grief and love and friendship and beginnings and endings and things that make us want to laugh ourselves silly and cry ourselves to sleep… all these things are allowed by God. When God calls us to task and we respond, then the image of that scene slides into it's place on the grid, and it all becomes a pixel in the face of Jesus.
As children of God, as sons and daughters set apart for His use, our steps are ordered by the Almighty.
Don't be afraid. Boldly find your place in the mosaic, my brothers and sisters. It all may seem insignificant when you're going through it, but it may be a key instrument in the Kingdom of God…
Love in Jesus,
Juliet
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Subject: NEW MAILING ADDRESS and Acts of The Holy Spirit Message: Acts 10:11-15
The Word:
And he saw the sky opened and something like a great sheet lowered by the four corners, descending to the earth.
It contained all kinds of quad-rupeds and wild beasts and creeping things of the earth and birds of the air.
And there came a voice to him saying, Rise up, Peter, kill and eat.
But Peter said, No, by no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common and unhallowed or [ceremonially] unclean.
And the voice came to him again a second time, What God has cleansed and pronounced clean, do not you defile and profane by regarding and calling common and unhallowed or unclean.
- Acts 10:11-15
Wouldn't you think that Peter had learned his lesson several times over by now?
No, Lord; by no means! I would NEVER deny you! You can't go to The Cross! Is it any Wonder that Jesus says, "Get thee behind Me, satan!" How many times have you and I said, No! To Him? Do we treat "The Things Of God" as common, less Holy than They Actually "Are" or [ceremonially] unclean? Oh, I would NEVER do, think or say anything like "THAT!" Are you listening to The Voice Of The Spirit, The Holy Spirit Of God speaking to you? I like how The Word Of God counts and let's us know for certain that "The Voice" (Hear! O, Israel!) came to Peter "again" "a second time." Dare we acknowledge how many times God Has Spoken To Us? Too many messages have been blocked out, deleted, ignored or just dismissed and considered unclean.
The sky was opened! Did God Say, THIS "IS" My Beloved Son, Listen To Him?"
For some of us, the only sheets we ever encountered were "2 sheets to the wind."
If you sow to "the wind" you will reap the whirlwind! Of course, you have to realize that THIS had to Be a GREAT sheet, because It contained ALL the different kinds of quad-rupeds, wild beasts, creeping things of the Earth and birds of the air that God Himself had Created [ALL Things were Created By Jesus, For Him and He Holds ALL Things Together]!
I would have to agree with God (aren't I "the smart" One) and say that it Is high time for The Church, The Body of Messiah, Christ, The Anointed One and ALL Believers Every Where to Rise up, above It ALL (man- made rules and regulations), Kill our pride / "self"- centeredness and Eat / Receive ALL that God has for us In Jesus' Holy and Precious Name!
Can we stand with Peter and say that we would NEVER consider (the thought wouldn't Cross our mind) eating, drinking or being merry with anything or anyOne common, unhallowed or [ceremonially] unclean? And, Why not? JESUS DID! ALL of This Vision and "small talk" going on here was, so that Peter could avoid going to the Gentiles! Are we NOT Going and doing like-Wise (or not-so-Wise)? Jesus shed His Blood on The Cross of Calvary and declared, "It Is FINISHED!" He had conquered sin and death! The "Wall of Separation" was broken down and the veil before The Holy Of Holies was rent in two, so that we could come to God through The New And Living Way! ALL Things are Given To us By God In Christ, but like Paul The Apostle says, ALL things are NOT profitable.
What God has cleansed, pronounced clean, Do NOT YOU defile, profane by regarding, calling common and unhallowed or unclean! What God has joined together (We "ARE" One In The Spirit and One In The Lord Jesus Christ), let No man separate! Don't be double-minded, faint-hearted or a respecter of persons. Judge rightly and properly according to His Word, Will and Way In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend in Him, Mark
Subject: Acts 10:17-21
The Word:
Now Peter was still inwardly perplexed and doubted as to what the vision which he had seen could mean, when [just then] behold the messengers that were sent by Cornelius, who had made inquiry for Simon's house, stopped and stood before the gate.
And they called out to inquire whether Simon who was surnamed Peter was staying there.
And while Peter was earnestly revolving the vision in his mind and meditating on it, the (Holy) Spirit said to him, Behold, three men are looking for you!
Get up and go below and accompany them without any doubt [about its legality] or any discrimination or hesitation, for I have sent them.
Then Peter went down to the men and said, I am the man you seek; what is the purpose of your coming?
- Acts 10:17-21
Are you presently (still) inwardly perplexed and doubting as to "The Vision" (Plan, Calling, Future) God has shown you for your Life In Him? Take a really close look at what is going on around you, evaluate and re-evaluate what has gone on in your [just then] moment or moments and Behold The Message (and Messengers) Of The Lord!
Who has God already sent your Way, what "Is" your present situation (circumstance), where Will God Lead and Guide you In The Future, when Will "The Door" For you Be Opened For Effectual Ministry and why are we not constantly looking, expecting, watching, waiting, praying, seeking, asking, knocking, ready, Willing, wanting and able to Hear what The Holy Spirit "Is" Saying to you and I as The Church Of Jesus Christ Today? Jesus "Is" The Gate by which we enter into His Perfect and Acceptable Will, According to His Holy and Precious Word and Way!
"Where are you?" Is the first question ever recorded in human history asked by God to Adam and Eve after their fall in The Garden of Eden. Who has He sent to inquire of you, where are you staying?
The Word of God tells us "To Stand" after we have done ALL that we can "To Stand," but as Believers In Christ, we are Called of God to constantly and consistently Be Moving Forward In Jesus. "Be Still And Know That I Am God" does NOT mean that we are to stay put Forever in One Place and never step out In Faith, rather that we ARE to Be Going Forward In Jesus' Name, NOT by might, NOT by our own power or strength, but "By His Spirit," Says The Lord!
Do you "earnestly" revolve The Hopes, Dreams and Visions that God has Given you in your mind (The Mind Of Christ) and Meditate On His Word, The Holy Scriptures, The Bible, THE BOOK day and night? BEHOLD, LOOK and SEE that there are Three Men (The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit) Who ARE LOOKING For YOU! Just as The Three Men came LOOKING For Abraham (Our Father Of Faith or The Father Of The Faithful [ARE you Full of Faith?]), God Is LOOKING For you and Sending Others To you On His Behalf, so Get Up and Go With The Trinity Of God without doubt [about Its legality (There is No Place for legalism In The Church Today!)], discrimination or hesitation! God has Sent His Word To you and through your acceptance Of It (Him / Jesus Is The Word), He Is Sending You In His Name To Go To ALL Nations and Peoples With The Good News Of Jesus, The Gospel Of God In Christ!
Will you like Isaiah The Prophet say, "Here, I Am, Lord, Use Me!" or like Peter The Apostle exclaim, "I Am The Man You Seek!"? If Jesus Is The Man you Seek, The Great I Am Of God, then you Will Want To Be Like Him and Go Out To Seek and Save the lost In His Holy and Precious Name! What was The Purpose of His Coming from Heaven to Earth? To Show, Make and Be The Way To Our Father Who Art In Heaven! What Is The Purpose Of His Coming To you and me?
So that we would Go and Do Like-Wise!
Will you join me (each and every One of you) Today (each and every day) in Bringing Unity to The Body of Christ, Equipping The Saints for Service In His Kingdom (Which Is Righteousness, Peace and Joy In The Holy Ghost) and Fulfilling The Great Commission In His Name?
This Is The Purpose Of His Coming To us and He Is Coming Again SOON (To Judge The Quick and the dead), so let's be diligent in our plans and purposes To Accomplish His Plans and Purposes In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Subject: Acts 10:22-26
The Word:
And they said, Cornelius, a centurion (captain) who is just and upright and in right standing with God, being God-fearing and obedient, and well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, has been instructed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house; and he has received in answer [to prayer] a warning to listen to and act upon what you have to say.
So Peter invited them in to be his guests [for the night]. The next day he arose and went away with them, and some of the brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was waiting for and expecting them, and he had invited together his relatives and his intimate friends.
As Peter arrived, Cornelius met him, and falling down at his feet he made obeisance and paid worshipful reverence to him.
But Peter raised him up, saying, Get up; I myself am also a man.
- Acts 10:22-26
How in ALL of this World did Cornelius, a Roman Centurion "become" Just, Up-Right and In Right Standing With God? The same exact Way that you and I Do, By Faith, Being God-fearing and Obedient To God's Will and Way, According To His Holy And Precious Word! He put his money and his actions where his mouth was (Faith without works is dead) and it certainly must have showed, because even the whole Jewish nation spoke well of him. Cornelius Believed God ("Just" as Abraham Did) and It Was Accredited To him As Righteousness, A Right Standing and A Right (Intimate) Relationship With God.
Have you been instructed by God to send for any One to Come to your house or to bring somebody to His? Are your prayers being answered? Here we ALL have a warning to listen (Hear, O Israel, What The Holy Spirit Is Saying To His Church, His Chosen People, His Bride) and Act upon (Obedience AlWays Brings God's Richest Blessings) what is being said!
Peter invited these perfect strangers into his house for the night under the leading and guiding of The Holy Spirit. Is there any One reading this that has never invited Jesus into their heart To Be King and Lord of ALL (not only as a welcome guest)? The next day Peter arose and went aWay with them, but God Calls us ALL to Arise and Shine (Arise, My Love) and follow along His Way (Jesus Is "The Way"). As some brethren from Joppa accompanied Peter, Jesus Promises To Be With us AlWays and For Ever, for who-ever, what-ever, where-ever and when-ever (even to The End Of The Age).
For Peter, This was "Just" a One Day journey, but The Christian Walk And Relationship Is From Here To ALL Of Eternity (One Day at a time)!
Cornelius was waiting for and expecting Peter (according to God's Word), but are we watching and waiting for Jesus as He asked us to? Are you occupying until He Comes Again? He told The Disciples to watch and pray for "Just" One hour, but each and every One of them deserted Him right before He went to The Cross at Calvary to pay for the sins of the World!
Do you invite together your relatives and intimate friends to hear The Word of God? Obviously, Cornelius' actions were speaking louder than his words. He Knew What he Believed In and was determined to share It (His Faith / Jesus Is The Author And Finisher Of Our Faith) with others.
Jesus Is Here! Would you Like (Love) to meet Him? Cornelius fell down at Peters' feet, made obeisance and paid worshipful reverence to him, but Peter raised him up, because he knew that he was (in him"self") also "Just" a man. It Is Jesus Alone Who Is Worthy Of ALL Glory, Honor, Power And Praise! We are to fall down at His Feet, lay our sins at the foot of The Cross, make obeisance and pay Worshipful Reverence To Him! When we Humble our"self" In The Sight Of The Lord, He Lifts us Up! As we Behold "The Man" Christ Jesus, Worship Him In Spirit and Truth and Reverently Fear Him (The Fear Of The Lord Is The Beginning Of Wisdom), He Makes us The Men, Women and Children Of God that He Has Called and Created us To Be In Jesus' Name.
Amen.
God bless and Love to ALL,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Title. Subject: Acts Of The Holy Spirit:
Acts:10:27-31
The Word:
And as [Peter] spoke with him, he entered the house and found a large group of persons assembled;
And he said to them, You yourselves are aware how it is not lawful or permissible for a Jew to keep company with or to visit or [even] to come near or to speak first to any one of another nationality, but God has shown and taught me by words that I should not call any human being common or unhallowed or (ceremonially) unclean.
Therefore when I was sent for, I came without hesitation or objection or misgivings. So now I ask for what reason you sent for me.
And Cornelius said, This is now the fourth day since about this time I was observing the ninth hour [three o'clock in the afternoon] of prayer in my lodging place, when [suddenly] a man stood before me in dazzling apparel;
And he said, Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and hearkened to, and your donations to the poor have been known and preserved before God - so that He heeds and is about to help you.
- Acts 10:27-31
If you had to enter a house or building that you have never been in, at a place where you were totally unfamiliar with the surroundings and a large group of persons were assembled there, what would you say or do? Notice the boldness, confidence and assurance that Peter has while addressing "The Very First Gentiles" Who Ever Heard The Gospel, The Good News about The Love Of God, His Mercy Upon and Forgiveness Towards us regarding our sin. How is it that he says, "You yourselves are aware?" Our Creator has giving each and every One of us a conscience to Know His Law which is written upon our hearts.
Paul The Apostle wrote that "ALL Things" are lawful, permissible for us In Christ Jesus, but not "ALL Things" are profitable for us In Him! Are you keeping company, visiting, coming near, even speaking to or with some One, something that is not Of God or beneficial to your walk, relationship or witness For Him?
Surely, God has shown you (Great and Mighty Things) and taught you (Truth In The Inner Man) By and In His Word, what you should and should not say or do. No One or Thing on the face of this planet is common or unclean. Jesus Has Redeemed, Bought Back The World with His Blood, so that we are NOW Precious In The Eyes Of Our Father Who Art In Heaven!
Have you been Sent By God to go, do and accomplish something In His Holy Name, to further His Kingdom (Which Is Righteousness, Peace and Joy In The Holy Ghost), to bring Preaching, Teaching and Healing to others (without hesitation, objection or misgiving)?
Yes, you have! He has Given you and me "The Great Commission" to reach ALL Nations and Peoples with The Love of God and The Good News of Jesus! This Is "The Reason" that Jesus died on The Cross at Calvary. He says to us Today, "Come, Let Us Reason Together!"
Do you count the days since you last got A Word From The Lord? Are you expecting anything to come of what He Has Promised you? ALL Of His Promises "ARE" Yea, Yes and Amen In Christ Jesus! Cornelius knew what day and hour it was when God Spoke To him. He Speaks To us Today, In The Person Of His One And Only Begotten Son, Jesus!
Have you been listening to what He's got to say? Do you Pray in your lodging place? ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE!
The Word of God tells us that [Suddenly] a man (Behold The Man Of God Who Takes AWay The Sins Of The World) stood before Cornelius in dazzling clothes. Did not Jesus' raiment, apparel shine, radiate God's Glory (like no fullers soap or bleach could ever get our garments that "Clorox Clean") on The Mountain of Transfiguration? We Serve A Pure And Holy God! Cleanse your"self" from ALL sin and unrighteousness with The Precious Blood of The Savior that makes you white as snow.
God ALL Ways answers, hears and hearkens to your prayers! Each and Every donation, tithe, offering, alms, gift given to the poor Is Seen, Known Of, Preserved Before God and Recognized By Him! ALL of The Things that Cornelius was doing and did "By Faith" were going To Be Heeded By God! He Is Our Help In Times Of Need! "My God" Shall Provide ALL of your needs according to His Riches In Glory. Is your every outgoing action brought before God as a Memorial To Him? Are you Bringing The Essence Of Christ where ever you go? Wait Upon The Lord and Renew your Strength, because He is Ready, Willing and Able to help you! His Desire Is that ALL that you say and do will bring Glory, Honor and Praise To His Holy and Precious Name. Are you bearing Good and lasting Fruit (The Fruit Of The Spirit)? Be Rooted and Grounded In Him, According to His Word, Will and Way, so that you can't lose. He Heeds and Helps us, so why don't we do The Same (Jesus Christ Is "The Same" Yesterday, Today and Forever) unto others as we would have them do unto us In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to ALL,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts Of The Holy Spirit: Acts 10:32-38
The Word:
Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is surnamed Peter; he is staying in the house of Simon the tanner, by the seaside.
So at once I sent for you, and you [being a Jew] have done a kind and courteous and handsome thing in coming. Now then, we are all present in the sight of God to listen to all that you have been instructed by the Lord to say.
And Peter opened his mouth and said:
Most certainly and thoroughly I now perceive and understand that God shows no partiality and is no respecter of persons,
But in every nation he who venerates and has a reverential fear for God, treating Him with worshipful obedience and living uprightly, is acceptable to Him and sure of being received and welcomed [by Him].
You know the contents of the message which He sent to Israel, announcing the good news (Gospel) of peace by Jesus Christ, Who is Lord of all, The [same] message which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, starting from Galilee after the baptism preached by John:
How God anointed and consecrated Jesus of Nazareth with the (Holy) Spirit and with strength and ability and power; how He went about doing good and in particular curing all that were harassed and oppressed by [the power of] the devil, for God was with Him.
- Acts 10:32-38
God Is With (IN) YOU! That Is The Hope Of Glory and we ALL should Be Living "The Life Of Christ" Before God and mankind (just as Peter and ALL "The Faithful" In "The Good Book" did). Have you ever sent a prayer up to Heaven, before God's Throne Of Grace And Mercy and asked Him To Come, Stay, Dwell, Tabernacle With you (In your House, your Temple, your Body, Mind, Heart, Soul and Spirit)? Peter was staying with Simon the tanner, by the seaside, just as The Holy Spirit Comes Along-side you to Lead and Guide you In ALL The Truths Of God's Word and His Understanding. Jesus Ascended Unto The Right Hand Of God, so that He could Send His Spirit Upon ALL flesh. God's Holy Spirit Is FULL Of His Loving-Kindness, Courteous and Ever Present In Our Life, Interceding To Our Father Who Art In Heaven, On Our Behalf, In Jesus' Holy And Precious Name! What would He Have you Say Today?
Open your mouth, your heart, your Life and speak forth The Things Of God! Be Certain and Thorough In Your Faith.
Know and Understand that God Is NO Respecter Of Persons, He Shows NO Partiality towards you or any One else in this World and neither should we. Our Calling Is To Go To ALL Nations and Peoples with The Gospel Of God In Christ, regardless of any bodies race, color, language, social status or creed!
We MUST Bring The Love Of God and The Good News Of Jesus To ALL, Teaching them to Worship "The One True God" In Spirit And Truth. For ALL who Receive Salvation In Jesus' Name (through Obedience To His Word, Will and Way) ARE Up-Right, Acceptable, Received Into His Kingdom (which Is Righteousness, Peace and Joy In The Holy Ghost), Welcomed, Pure, Holy, Blameless and Precious In His Sight!
Do you Know "The Contents" Of His Message, His Word, His Book (The Book), The Bible? If you Love Him, you Will Obey His Commandments, but if you don't read and study His Word (God's Love Letter To You), how can you follow "The Lover Of Your Heart And Soul?" He sent His Angels to proclaim "The Good News" to the shepherds in the open fields on the night of His One and Only Begotten Son's Birth! Today, He Speaks To Us Through His Son, Jesus, The Living Word Of God! He Is Lord Of ALL, so should we not Listen Intently To What His Spirit Has To Say To The Church, His Chosen People? It Is "The Same Message of long ago (Jesus Christ Is "The Same" Yesterday, Today and Forever) which was declared throughout ALL Judea and It is Our Job To Bring It To The Very Ends Of The World!
Just as God has anointed Jesus of Nazareth, The Branch, so ARE we, consecrated, set aside, sanctified, empowered, enabled with strength, ability (The Fruit and Gifts He Has Bestowed Upon Us ALL) and The Power Of His Holy Spirit Working, Living, Moving and Having His Being In and Through us! He went about Doing Good (God Is Good ALL The Time), Healing the sick, Raising the dead, Curing ALL that were harassed, oppressed by the power of the devil (notice the small caps in regards to the devil's power), for God Was With Him and He Is With Us AlWays, Even To The End Of The Age, In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to ALL,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Subject: Acts Message: Acts 10:44-48
The Word:
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all who were listening to the message.
And the believers from among the circumcised [the Jews] who came with Peter were surprised and amazed, because the free gift of the Holy Spirit had been bestowed and poured out largely even on the Gentiles.
For they heard them talking in [unknown] languages and extolling and magnifying God.
Then Peter asked,
Can any one forbid or refuse water for baptizing these people, seeing that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?
And he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Then they begged him to stay on there for some days.
- Acts 10:44-48
Have you Received The Fullness of God's Holy Spirit Being Released, Bestowed and Poured Out LARGELY On / Upon YOU? Do you talk / Pray in an [unknown] language, extol and magnify God? Should we, The Church, The Temple Of The Living God, The Body Of Christ, His Precious Bride Be Surprised and Amazed at This Free Gift Given To ALL Who are Circumcised Of Heart? It was Peter The Apostle who said (in The Second Chapter Of Acts), "THIS IS THAT which was Spoken Of (Prophesied) By The Prophet Joel!" Believest THOU THIS? Apart from Faith, we can do NOTHING, so I think that we should ALL take heed to what The Holy Spirit Is Saying TODAY!
Would not EVERY Preacher, Teacher and Evangelist just LOVE to See The Holy Spirit Fall On ALL who were listening to their Message? Let's face it folks, most can't even get their Congregations to even pay attention to what they are saying, but I suppose that's "The Problem." Any One who steps into "The Pulpit" should have a clear, precise VISION of what GOD Wants To Say And Do! Was not Nicodemus "Surprised / Amazed" at Jesus telling him, "YOU MUST BE BORN-AGAIN?"
My Dear, Sweet, Brothers and Sisters In Jesus, PLEASE, Do NOT Put GOD in your very own spiritual box! He Has Given Us EVERYTHING We Need To Live Our (Eternal, Everlasting, Abundant, Resurrection) Life Unto Him, so let us take FULL Advantage of ALL The Fruit and (FREE) Gifts Of His Holy Spirit that He Most Generously Has Bestowed and Poured Out LARGELY On / Upon US (Even On The Gentiles). Let US Extol, Glorify and Magnify His Holy and Precious Name TOGETHER!
Do you speak / Pray In An [Unknown] (Prayer) Language? Oral Roberts says, without Praying In Tongues, Using Our Prayer Language, we have only 1/2 a loaf!
That would be like playing a game of solitaire with just a 1/2 deck. YOU Can't WIN! We NEED The FULL ARMOR OF GOD in order To Have THE VICTORY IN JESUS' HOLY NAME!! For sure, This "little" Message Will cause some stir, but GOD Is NOT The Author Of Confusion!!!
EVERY ONE Of US has Gifts and Talents to use, until Jesus Comes Again, so why aren't we using ALL Of Them? I "Sincerely" Believe that The Scriptures CLEARLY Teach US of a difference between The Gift Of Tongues (which is for specific use within The Body of Christ) and The Prayer Language (which is for Each and Every Christian To Edify Them Spiritually)!
Have YOU Been Baptized (In Water) In / Into The Name Of JESUS, The MESSIAH, The ANOINTED ONE OF GOD? Have YOU Received (The Baptism Of / Been Baptized In / Into) The Holy Spirit? Are YOU Living, Moving and Having YOUR Being In, Of, Through, For and By Him?
GOD IS LOVE and JESUS said, "They'll KNOW WE ARE CHRISTIANS By Our LOVE!"
Notice: They Begged Peter to stay on there for some days. Does that
remind you of Jesus, after meeting The Woman At The Well In Samaria? No ONE Can "Hit and Run"! If a baby was just born, would you leave it ALL alone and helpless? We (As Christians) Are Called Of God To Go and Make Disciples Of ALL Nations and Peoples! If YOU Are NOT Involved In THIS GREAT COMMISSION, then I would venture to say, YOU Are NOT Being OBEDIENT To God's Call On YOUR Life In Christ and ONLY OBEDIENCE Brings God's Richest Blessings YOUR Way! The Word Of God Says, Be YE CONTINUALLY Being FULL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!! YOU should NOT Be Surprised or Amazed at My Sayings!!!
THE SPIRIT IS Subject To The Prophets (That Is YOU and Me), so let US NOT quench, hold back, squelch or grieve Him. Allow The FREE Gift Of God To Fall, Be Bestowed, Poured Out LARGELY On / Upon YOU, Talk / Pray In [Unknown] Languages, Extol, Magnify God, Receive The Holy Spirit, Be Baptized In and Of (Water, The Word & Spirit) In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to ALL, <')))>< Mark
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Subject: Resurrection "Son" Day Acts 10:39-43 Message!
The Word:
And we are [eye and ear] witnesses of everything that He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. And [yet] they put Him out of the way
- murdered Him - by hanging Him on a tree; But God raised Him to life on the third day and caused Him to be manifest - to be plainly seen - Not by all the people but to us who were chosen (designated) before-hand by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead.
And he charged us to preach to the people, and to hear solemn testimony that He is the God-appointed and God-ordained Judge of the living and the dead.
To Him all the prophets testify (bear witness) that everyone who believes in HIm - who adheres to, trusts in and relies on Him, giving himself up to Him - receives forgiveness of sins through His name.
- Acts 10:39-43
You and I, ALL Confessing Christians (Believers) around the World, EVERYWHERE "are" Called By God To Be [Eye & Ear] Witnesses, To Make Manifest, so that ALL Nations and Peoples Will Plainly See The Risen Lord Jesus! He Is Alive and we "are" Forgiven, Heaven's Gates (This / Jesus Is The Gate Of The Lord God Almighty) "are" Opened WIDE! Though we see through a glass darkly, we "Do" See The Word Of God, Face To Face and Hear, O Israel, What The Holy Spirit Is Saying To His Church, His Bride, His Beloved, The Temple Of The "LIVING" God, The Body Of Christ.
Jesus of Nazareth, The Branch says to YOU Today, "YOU shall `Be´ My WITNESSES!" So, "are" YOU Living, Moving and Having Your Being In Christ?
The life of the flesh (natural man) is NOTHING, but The Gift Of God Is Eternal, Everlasting, The Abundant, Resurrection Life In Christ Jesus. DO NOT Put Jesus (The Way) out of your way! We Crucified, Murdered Him, Caused Him To Become Sin For Us, because of our sinful nature, but He Willingly died on The Cross of Calvary, hung on a tree, so that we could Be The Righteousness of God.
His Body was Broken For us! Like The Prophet Jonah, Jesus was Raised to Newness of Life On The Third Day. God rolled aWay The Stone, so the World would Come To Know and See Plainly that The Tomb was EMPTY! He Has Risen, Just As He Said. Are you heeding what Jesus is saying to you? If you Love Him, you Will Obey His Word, His Commandments! You, YES, Y-O-U "Are" God's Chosen (Designated) Ones, His Chosen People, Created Vessels, Fit For His Use. If (in fact) you have EVER Celebrated Passover, The Lord's Supper or Communion, then You Too "Ate and Drank With Him" AFTER He Rose From The Dead, The Grave, The Tomb!
Each and Every Believer on the face of Planet Earth Is Charged, Appointed, Ordained Of God To Preach, Teach and Heal! ALL Christians "Have" A Testimony of what The Lord Has Done For Them, How He Saved, Delivered and Redeemed us, but if you don't, I would seriously suggest that you make ABSOLUTELY Sure that you "Have" True Salvation In Jesus' Holy and Precious Name. He who "Has" The Son has Life, but he who does not have The Son does NOT "Have" Life!
If you Indeed "Have" Received Forgiveness of sins through His Name (Which Is Above ALL), you should bear Witness (The Witness Of The Holy Spirit In Your Life) along with Moses, The Psalms and ALL The Prophets! Give your"self" Up To Him, offer up your"self" a Living Sacrifice, Pour Out Your Life as a Drink Offering, Cling To, Rely On, Trust In, Adhere, Believe and Receive JESUS Today (Like You NEVER Have Before), because He Is Closer NOW than when we first Believed!
Church, Every Member Within The Body Of Christ, THIS IS YOUR CHARGE: Bear Solemn Testimony, Bear Witness that He, JESUS Is The Judge Of The Living and The Dead! Let ALL Nations and Peoples Know and Understand (TODAY Is The Day Of Salvation / Yeshua / Jesus) that they can Receive Forgiveness of sins Through and In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to ALL,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Pray about sending your "Pennies From Heaven To Change The World" to:
Victory Church Of God
224 East Monroe Avenue
Grants, NM
87020
USA
and write "Missions" in the memo section of the check or money order, so 100% of your tax deductible contribution goes to those with the greatest needs.
Thanks for your daily prayers and continual giving, Mark and The Victory Church Of God Team
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Date: Sun, May 9, 2004
Subject:
Happy Mothers Day To ALL! Acts 11:1-5
The Word:
NOW the apostles (special messengers) and the brethren who were throughout Judea heard [with astonishment] that the Gentiles (heathen) also had received and accepted and welcomed the Word of God - that is, the doctrine concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God.
So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party [the Jewish Christians] found fault with him - separating themselves from him in a hostile spirit, opposing and disputing and contending with him - Saying, Why do you go to uncircumcised men and [even] eat with them?
But Peter began [at the beginning] and narrated and explained to them step by step [the whole list of events]. He said:
I was in the town of Joppa praying and [falling] in a trance I saw a vision, of something coming down from heaven, like a huge sheet lowered by the four corners; and it descended until it came to me.
- Acts 11:1-5
EVERY TIME there's a New, Fresh, Move Of God's Holy Spirit Within The Church Of Jesus Christ, there is "astonishment", fault-finding (on behalf of Christians and non-Believers alike), separation (usually and more times than not) caused by a hostile spirit (the spirit of anti-Christ), opposition, disputes and contention.
Generally, ALL the narrating, explaining and "step by step" listing of events comes to naught, falls on deaf ears or occasionally is dealt with in an organized manner, but often not. Seldom do we (The Body Of Christ) Give God The Glory, Honor and Praise Due To His Holy And Precious Name! Should not Each and Every One of us examine our"self" and realize the potential within to quench, hold back, diminish or even to blaspheme The Holy Spirit?
Here we sit, reading about an ACTUAL event which took place some 2,000 years ago, that could just as easily had happened yesterday or Today in (outside of) any One of our Christian Fellowships!
How would YOU, your "Church People", friends, family, co-workers or neighbors react in a similar circumstance or situation? Would YOU (or they) be astonished that God "REALLY" Moved Upon the heart, mind, soul and spirit of a heathen? We were ALL yet sinners when Christ Willingly went to The Cross Of Calvary to die for the sins of the World (yours and mine)! There is no longer male, female, slave or free, because The Wall Of Separation has been broken, torn down (like The Veil In The Temple after Christ's Crucifixion), so that ALL Can Go BOLDLY Before God's Throne Of Grace and Tender-Mercy. WE "ARE" One In The Spirit and One In The Lord Jesus!!!
Have you received, accepted and welcomed The Word Of God into your Life? ALL have sinned and fallen short of His Glory, but EVERY One has the ability to attain Eternal, Everlasting, The Abundant, Resurrection Life through Yeshua / Jesus The Messiah, Christ and Anointed One Of God, Who Is "Our SALVATION" In The Kingdom Of God, which is Righteousness, Peace and Joy In The Holy Ghost! Whatever "Party" you're from, Join "The Real Party," Go, Do and Be ALL that He's Called YOU To, Take The Love of God, The Good News, The Gospel Of Christ, His Preaching, Teaching and Healing To ALL Nations and Peoples, In The Holy and Precious Name (The Name Above ALL Others) Of Jesus!
STOP The Fighting! We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but spiritual beings, powers and principalities in The Heavenlies!! This is not a boxing match (although, Paul talked about beating his body daily into submission to God's Perfect and Acceptable Will), so there's no reason to contend with "The Brethren," Our Brothers and Sisters In The Lord Jesus!!! We MUST Go To "the uncircumcised", so they can become circumcised of heart, "Real Jews," Children Of The Most High God. Take "The Book," The Bible, The Holy Scriptures, The Word Of God, begin [at the beginning], allow The Holy Spirit to narrate and explain to YOU step by step [the whole list of events from Genesis to "The Revelation Of Jesus Christ"], rest assured (Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine), In His Peace and Love that He'll lead and guide YOU Into ALL Truth and Understanding, so that YOU can do justly, love mercy and walk Humbly With Your God. THIS Is The Will Of Christ Jesus For YOU! It makes no difference what town you pray, live, move or have your being in, because Jesus Christ Is The Same, Yesterday, Today and For Ever! If He Is "Your Vision," You can not lose, no matter who or what comes against you, cause ALL Good Things Come Down From God Out Of Heaven!
Let His Covering Be Lowered and Descend Until "It" Comes To YOU In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to ALL,
<')))>< Your Brother and Friend In Him, Mark
Pray about sending a check or money order for Our Missions around the World Today to:
Victory Church Of God
224 East Monroe Avenue
Grants, NM
87020
USA
and write "Missions" in the memo section, so 100% of your tax deductible contribution goes to those with the greatest needs.
Thanks for your Daily Prayers and Continual Giving, Mark and The Victory Church Of God Team
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Subject:
Acts 11:6-10
Gazing intently and closely at it I observed in it [a variety] of four-footed animals and wild beasts and reptiles of the earth and birds of the air,
And I heard a voice saying to me, Get up, Peter; kill and eat.
But I said, [No] by no means, Lord; for nothing common or unhallowed or (ceremonially) unclean has ever entered my mouth.
But the voice answered a second time from heaven, What God has cleansed and pronounced clean, do not you defile or profane by regarding or calling it
common or unhallowed or unclean.
This occurred three times, and then all was drawn up again into heaven.
- Acts 11:6-10
As Peter explains himself and his ACTions to The Apostles (Special Messengers) regarding The Working Of The Holy Spirit In And Through His Life (In Christ, Messiah, The Anointed One, Yeshua / Jesus), let us bring this portion of Holy Script down to the nitty gritty of our everyday Life and get into "The Heart Of The Matter." We HAVE "This Treasure" in earthen vessels and God HAS Revealed His Truth to ALL who have Received, Accepted and Welcomed The Word Of God (Spoken, Written & Living) into their heart. On a personal note: Have you attained (Through Christ) Salvation In The Kingdom Of God, which IS Righteousness, Peace and Joy In The Holy Spirit? We must NEVER forget where we came from, where we ARE Going or what our Primary Objective (In This Lifetime) is; to bring Unity to The Body Of Christ (His Church), Equip The Saints For Service (which is our Spiritual Worship) and Fulfill The Great Commission!
When we Humble our"Self" In The Sight Of Our Lord Jesus, He Lifts Us Up and when we Lift Up The Name Of Jesus, He Draws ALL of mankind Unto Himself, but if we don't fix our eyes on Jesus, gaze and Look Unto Him As The Author And Finisher, Completer Of Our Faith, do not hear, listen or take heed to His Voice, we can not and will not accomplish The Work He Has Set Before Us. If we are in sub-mission To God (which Is His Perfect Will In ALL Things), then we will Trust and Obey, for in that, there is The Blessing!
Here we have God Speaking to Peter a second and third time, before he gets His Drift. Does Your Lord and Savior, Master and King Of Glory bid you to come? Have you heard That Still Soft Voice, God's Voice say to you, Get Up? Jesus says to His Bride Today, Arise, My Love. Isaiah prophesied, Arise And Shine For Your Light Has Come! Do you not know The Day Of His Visitation, His Calling Upon Your Life? Have you "Observed," yet not ACTed? Do you consider The Works Of God's Hands as common, unhallowed, (ceremonially) unclean, defiled or profaned? Of course not or at least, not intentionally. As Paul The Apostle would say, God (Heaven) Forbid!
PLEASE, Don't wait until God has spoken to you three times or forgiven you seventy times seven, until you move forward In Jesus' Holy and Precious Name. LOOK Unto The Fields, for they ARE Ripe Unto Picking. The Harvest Is Ready, but are YOU? Put On The Lord Jesus Christ and See The Lost and Dying World Through His Eyes! Today Is The Day Of Salvation; there is no Jew, Greek, male or female, just lost souls in need of Eternal, Everlasting, The Abundant, Resurrection Life In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to ALL,
<')))>< Mark
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Subject:
Acts 11:11-15
The Word:
And right then the three men sent to me from Caesarea arrived at the house in which we were.
And the (Holy) Spirit instructed me to accompany them without [the least] hesitation or misgivings or discrimination. So these six brethren accompanied me also and we went into the man's house.
And he related to us how he had seen the angel in his house which stood and said to him, Send men to Joppa and bring Simon who is surnamed Peter;
He will give and explain to you a message by means of which you and all your household [as well] will be saved [from eternal death].
When I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning.
- Acts 11:11-15
In "The Beginning" (of The New Testament), God Made Man "A New Creation," In Christ Jesus. Old Things Passed AWay and ALL Things Became New! Just as when Moses Received God's Law on "tablets of stone", The Holy Spirit Writes His New Covenant on the hearts of those who Believe By Faith.
ALL that Peter had to do was speak forth "The Things Of God" and The Holy Spirit Fell! Why is it that we, Confessing Christians are SOOOOOOOOOOO reluctant to speak forth "The Heart Of God?" If The Spirit Of The Lord NOW Rests In YOU, can you Pray, Praise, Stand On The Promises Of God (which are ALL Yea and Amen In Jesus), Prophesy, Sing Psalms, Hymns, Spiritual Songs and Dance like David did? Jesus Christ IS The Same, Yesterday, Today and Forever, so why is it that The Church, His Body and Bride is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Powerless in the eyes of God and man?
We lack Commitment and Obedience To The Truth that has been set before us!
Does "Zeal" For His House Consume YOU?
Looking back over Today's Word, Have YOU had Three (3) Men sent to Your House, The Temple Of The Holy Spirit?
The Father (Our Father, Who Art In Heaven), The Son (His One And ONLY Begotten) and The Holy Ghost (The Very Spirit And Breath Of God) Have Come To Dwell In YOUR Heart, Mind And Soul, In Christ Jesus! It Is The (Holy) Spirit's Job to instruct YOU In ALL His Ways, To Go Before YOU In ALL Things, Keep YOU In His Word, His Perfect And Acceptable Will and SURELY, To Follow YOU ALL The Days Of YOUR Life. Is there ANY Reason (What-So-Ever) for you or I to hesitate, discriminate or have misgivings?
NO!
Notice that six brethren accompanied Peter on this journey. There is strength in numbers and counting Our Apostle Friend, the total equals seven (The Number Of Completion, Fullness, Wholeness And Blessing). You will see that the man who summoned Peter, "Related To Him" and His Companions how he had seen the angel in his house.
Have YOU Seen "The Angel Of The Lord" In YOUR House? Can YOU "Relate" JESUS, Give Him To Others? Do YOU Preach and Teach Christ, Messiah, The Anointed One? EVERY Believer on The Face Of Planet Earth should Be Able To Share Their Faith With Others! Each of Us Is Called Of God, By God and For God To Be A Witness. Our "GREAT Co-Mission" IS To Go To ALL Nations And Peoples! Can YOU Give and Explain "The Message," The Good News, The Gospel Of Jesus Christ, "The Means" By Which Others And Their Households MUST Be Saved? There Is No Other Name Under Heaven (But Jesus) By Which We MUST Be Saved, Receive Salvation [from eternal death].
Has The Holy Spirit Of God Fallen On YOU just as at "The Beginning?" He who has The Son has Life, but he who does not have The Son does not have Life. May He Melt YOU, Mold YOU, Fill YOU and Use YOU To The Utmost Of "His Abilities," so that YOU can Speak Forth The Praises Of God! Ask Him (TODAY) to take the coal, cleanse your lips, loose your tongue and Begin To Speak In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to ALL,
<')))>< Mark
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Title. Subject:
Acts 11:16-20
The Word:
Then I recalled the declaration of the Lord, how He said, John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with - be placed in, introduced into - the Holy Spirit.
If then God gave to them the same gift [equally] as He gave to us when we believed - adhering to, trusting in and relying on - the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I and what power or authority had I to interfere or hinder or forbid or withstand God?
When they heard this they were quieted and made no further objection. And they glorified God, saying, Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance unto [real] life [after resurrection].
Meanwhile those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose in connection with Stephen had traveled as far away as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, without delivering the message [concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God] to any one except Jews.
But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on returning to Antioch spoke to the Greeks also, proclaiming [to them] the good news, the Lord Jesus.
- Acts 11:16-20
Have YOU recalled "The Declaration Of The Lord?" How He Said, WE shall Be Placed In, Introduced Into, Baptized With His Holy Ghost, The Spirit that Lives, Moves and Has His Being Working In And Through Us. Are we not (Each and EVERY One of Us) Called Of God To Go Into The Whole World And Make Disciples Of ALL Nations And Peoples, Baptizing Them In The Name Of The Father, Son And Holy Spirit?
God Has Give YOU and me "The Same" [EQUAL] Gift Of Life that He Gave To Christ On Earth! As WE Believe, Cling To, Trust In, Rely On and Adhere To The Lord Jesus Christ, so are we to pass "The Torch, The Eternal, Everlasting Flame" Unto others. ALL (Holy Spirit) Power and (Godly) Authority has been Given Unto Us (In Him) and NOTHING can interfere, hinder, forbid, withstand or separate us from "The Love Of God In Christ Jesus." His Perfect and Acceptable Will "SHALL BE DONE" on Earth as It Is In Heaven! Why are we SOOO shy, feeble minded, insecure, afraid or despondent about sharing our Faith? Without Faith, NONE can Please God! You and I HAVE "The Answer" to The World's Present Problems.
WHO can REALLY and Truly object to The Truth Of God's Holy And Precious Word? Just as music calms the savage beast, The Word Of God brings healing, Complete and Total PEACE, Shalom (Wholeness, Fullness and Blessing) to the sinful, dying soul. In this "Ball Of Confusion," while surrounded by constant noise, God's Presence brings quiet, decency and order. He Has Granted Unto ALL, Jew and Gentile alike, Repentance (a chance, a CHOICE to turn and think differently). THIS IS REAL, RESURRECTION, ABUNDANT LIFE:
TO KNOW JESUS!
Do you know ANYONE who is scattered, persecuted, disconnected, far aWay, without Deliverance, apart from Christ and Salvation In The Kingdom Of God (which "IS" Righteousness, Peace and Joy In The Holy Ghost)? THIS IS "The Message, The Good News, The Gospel Of God In Christ Jesus!" HE IS "The Hope Of The Nations, The Hope Of Israel, The Hope Of The World." How far have YOU traveled on this Spiritual Journey? To who, what and where is God sending YOU? It IS your job and Calling (In Him), The Ministry He Has Bestowed Upon YOU: RECONCILIATION! When and Why? TODAY IS "The Day Of Salvation / Yeshua / Jesus / Messiah / Christ / The Anointed One / God's ONLY Begotten Son" for YOU and me To "BE" Concerned for ALL mankind. There is NO OTHER NAME Under Heaven By Which We MUST "BE" Saved, NO OTHER WAY for us to attain REAL Life, so let us Speak Forth "The Things Of God and Proclaim To ALL "The Good News, The Lord Jesus."
NOTICE what This Portion Of Holy Script says:
But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on returning to Antioch spoke to the Greeks also, proclaiming [to them] the good news, the Lord Jesus.
- Acts 11:20
JESUS IS THE WORD OF GOD, "THE GOOD NEWS," so let's Spread The Message [concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God] to EVERY One, In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God bless and Love to ALL
<')))>< Mark
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Subject: [armsoflovefellowship] Acts 11:21-25
The Word:
And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all that with the purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.
Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul.
- Acts 11:21-25
The Spirit Of The Lord "IS" Upon Y-O-U To Preach The Good News, so why are there so few Christians acting as if The Hand Of The Lord were not with them? If more of us took a stand up at the plate, we would be batting a thousand And A GREAT Number Would Believe, Cling To, Trust In, Rely On And Turn To The Lord .
When we Lift Up The Name Of The Lord Jesus Christ, Messiah, The Anointed One, He Draws ALL Men Unto Him! THIS IS A Promise Of God and when we Seek & Save The Lost As Jesus Did, A GREAT MANY People Will Be Added To The Lord, The Bride, His Church And His Body DAILY. The Good News Of These Things Will Come To The Ears Of ALL In Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the Uttermost Parts Of The World, ALL Nations & Peoples In Jesus' Holy & Precious Name! Paul The Apostle said,"But for The Grace Of God, There Go I" and I Honestly Believe that he COMPLETELY and TOTALLY Followed The Holy Spirit Of God, His Spirit Of Grace and we should ALL Choose To Do Like-Wise with Gladness, Encouragement, PURPOSE Of Heart, Body, Mind, Soul, Spirit & Strength, Continuing With The Lord DAILY, with EVERY Breath, Heartbeat, Thought, Word & Deed.
Do YOU Consider your"self" TO Be a Good Man, Woman or Child Of The MOST High God? Are YOU FULL Of The Holy Spirit AND Of Faith? For Through Him, Christ Jesus, We ARE "OF" God, Born (Borne) Of His Spirit AND Washed In HIs Precious Blood. It Is He Who IS The Author AND Finisher, COMPLETER Of Our Faith, so should we not continuously AND continually LOOK UNTO HIM?
Whenever you depart "FROM" Somewhere, you are automatically Going Some Place Else. Where are you Going Today? Barnabas (The Son Of Encouragement)was Seeking Saul Of Tarsus (Paul The Apostle) and Found him. Who are you Seeking Today, Any Day, EVERY Day? It is NOT (or at least it should NOT Be) just a person, place or thing, but "The One True God!" It IS He AND He ALONE that Will Bring Y-O-U and Others Into Complete & Total, Satisfaction, Peace, Wholeness, Fullness and Blessings In Jesus' Name. Amen & Amen.
God Bless & Love To ALL,
<')))>< Mark
Victory Church Of God
224 East Monroe Avenue
Grants, NM
87020
USA
NOTE: The above links will allow you and others to visit Our Web
Site, The Church address is provided for those who choose to contribute to The Work that God Is Doing within Our Online Christian E-Fellowship Group, Victory Church Of God in Grants, New Mexico, USA and Our Missions around the World. ALL your gifts and offerings are tax deductible, GREATLY Appreciated and so are your Daily Prayers. God Is Faithful And Jesus NEVER Fails! To Him Be ALL The Glory, Honor, Thanksgiving & Praise.
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
______________________________________________
Subject:
Acts 11:26-30
The Word:
And when he had found him, he brought him back to Antioch. For a whole year they assembled together with and were guests of the church, and instructed a large number of people; and in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.
And during these days prophets - inspired teachers and interpreters of the divine will and purpose - came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.
And one of them named Agabus stood up and prophesied through the (Holy) Spirit that there would be a great and severe famine come upon the whole world. And this did occur during the reign of Claudius.
So the disciples resolved to send relief, every one according to his individual ability - in proportion as he had prospered - to the brethren who lived in Judea.
And so they did, sending [their contributions] to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
- Acts 11:26-30
When you First Found Jesus, did you bring Him back to where you lived, moved, had your Being, worked and played? The Church, THIS "Body Of Jesus Christ" was Commissioned By God Himself, nearly 2,000 years ago to Go Into ALL The World and Preach The Gospel, to START in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and then Go to the outermost parts of this World! Do you LOVE Y-O-U-R Neighbor as Y-O-U-R-"self?" If we were REALLY DOING what Jesus CLEARLY Instructed us "To Do," This Present World Of Darkness would Be Shining EVER Brighter Until The FULL Light Of Day! Are you and your Church Fellowship, Congregation Feeding the Hungry, Giving Drink To The Thirsty, Clothing The Naked, Visiting The Sick AND Ministering To The Prisoners?
Jesus says to us TODAY, "WHATEVER Y-O-U Have Done Unto The LEAST Of These, `My Brethren,´ Y-O-U Have Done It UNTO ME!" Have you taken Jesus back to your community?
LORD, Have Mercy On us ALL!
For One WHOLE Year (365 & 1/4 Days) Barnabas (The Son Of Encouragement) and Saul (Paul The Apostle) assembled TOGETHER (Communed & Fellowshipped) and Instructed ALL The People Of God In The Word, Will & Way Of Jesus! It was In Antioch (ONLY After JUST 1 Year Of Ministry) that "The Disciples" (which we are ALL Called Of God To Be and MAKE) were First Called Christians, Little Christs, Messiahs, Anointed Ones. Do you and your Church Group BELIEVE (To Experientially KNOW) In The Five-Fold Ministry Of God's Holy Spirit? He Has Given us EVERYTHING That We Need To Live Our Eternal, Everlasting, Abundant, Resurrection Life In Christ Unto Him through His Apostles, Prophets, Preachers, Teachers and Evangelists! Not Only are ALL The Offices Of The Church To Be In Place and In Play, but ALL The Ministry Gifts Of God's Holy Spirit TOO and we MUST Include EVERY Gift, Talent and Natural Ability that God Has Created us with.
There are FAR TOO MANY people going around Today Calling themselves Christians, but Not Walking The True Discipleship Life. Are you or some One that you know a Prophet, able to Preach, Teach - Interpret God's Divine, Perfect, Acceptable Will & Purpose and Heal By The Inspiration Of His Holy Spirit? THIS "IS" What Jesus did and He told us to "Go And Do Like-Wise," so Stand UP & Prophesy, Speak Forth The Things Of God, BOLDLY Through The Holy Ghost and I can "Guarantee" you that GREAT & Mighty Things WILL Come To Pass In Jesus' Holy & Precious Name! God (IN) ALL-Ways Blesses His Word and Reveals His Plan & Purposes To His Prophets, so we need NOT be afraid of what the World Will Come To Know.
When was the last time that you sent a check to help out a ministry you REALLY Knew God was using to take His Love & The Good News Of Jesus To ALL (In Word & Deed)? God's Disciples (of which we are ALL Called Upon To Be & Make) Resolve To Send Relief of ALL Kinds, EVERY One According to his or her individual ability - in proportion as he or she prospers. THIS "IS" what True Prosperity Preaching is ALL About, "Give as it Has Been Given Unto Y-O-U!"
OH Lord, God, How My Heart Cries Out For The FULL-FILL-ment of Your Holy & Precious Word, To SEE Your Holy Spirit Moving Upon Your Chosen People EVERYWHERE Around The World To Go, Do AND Be ALL That You Have Created us For!
AND so they did, sending [their contributions, gifts, tithes and offerings] to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
- Acts 11:30
May The Hand Of The Lord (We ARE His Hands, Voice & Feet here on Earth) Move Upon Y-O-U to Pray and Do According To His Holy & Precious Word, Will & Way, In Jesus' Holy & Precious Name. Amen & Amen.
God's Richest Blessings & Love To ALL,
<')))>< Mark
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Subject:
Acts 12:1-5
The Word:
ABOUT that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to afflict and oppress and torment some who belonged to the church (assembly).
And he killed James the brother of John with a sword; And when he saw that it was pleasing to the Jews, he proceeded further and arrested Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread (the Passover week).
And when he had seized [Peter], he put him in prison and delivered him to four squads of soldiers of four each to guard him, purposing after the Passover to bring him forth to the people.
So Peter was kept in prison; but fervent prayer for him was persistently made to God by the church (assembly).
- Acts 12:1-5
ABOUT? WOW, there's a LOT of things that come to mind with just that One Word. "About face" reminds me of repentance, to turn and think differently, to come into complete and total agreement with God's Word, Will & Way.
"It's About time" causes me to remember that Jesus Christ Is The Same, Yesterday, Today AND Forever! "What's It ALL About" leads is to the ultimate Jewish Question, WHY, but we, as Christians, Believers, Members Of The Body Of Christ, His Church (Assembly) & Spotless Bride Know & Understand that Jesus Is The Answer For This Present World Of Darkness TODAY. I don't want to get off on tangent or go too far out on a limb, but This BOOK that we are reading and studying here is NOT "About" us, but It Is "About" The Revelation Of Jesus Christ and The Acts Of His Holy Spirit In The Eternal, Everlasting, Abundant, Resurrection Life Of EVERY Believer On The Face Of Planet Earth.
God Is Faithful & Jesus NEVER Fails!
The Enemy is "In ALL Ways" attempting to stretch forth his hands and the hands of his minions to afflict, oppress, torment, rob, steal, kill and destroy those who Belong To The Church (Assembly) and come against, Be The Anti-Christ, The Anti-Anointing to those who are "Active, Participants," Members Within The Body Of Christ, Messiah, The Anointed One. In some ways, there are those who would say that he, Satan, The Accuser Of The Brethren is successfully killing off some of our Brothers & Sisters, but We Are "Called Of God" To Walk By Faith & NOT By Sight! MANY Believed that the enemy had won when Jesus was crucified on The Cross Of Calvary, but it was actually the shedding of His Precious Blood that Gave & Gives us The Victory Over Sin & Death In Jesus' Holy Name. Although James the brother of John The Beloved was killed by the sword of Herod, we are NOT to fear those who can bring natural death to us, but We Are "Called Of God" to (Reverentially) Fear The One Who Can Cast Our Eternal Souls Into Hell's EVER Tormenting Fires.
The Blood Of The Martyrs Fuels The Flames Of Revival! If the blood of Abel STILL "Cries Out" and Is Heard By The Ears Of God, How MUCH MORE will the shedding of innocent blood Be Heard By Him Who Sits On The Throne Of Grace, Mercy & (YES) Judgement?
History has a very strange Way of repeating itself. The Nation Of Israel was Delivered from 400 years of Bondage In Egypt By The Blood Of The Passover Lamb. Jesus (Our Passover Lamb Of God That Takes AWay The Sins Of The World) was put to death on The Day Of Unleavened Bread (during The Passover Week), BUT Rose To Life Again On The Feast Of First Fruits, Resurrection Sunday, As The First Fruits From The Dead, Unto Eternal Life! I find it quite comical that our adversary does NOT Get It, but still keeps on going, like the Ever-Ready Bunny Rabbit or a Timex watch that takes a licking, yet keeps on ticking. It Is FINISHED & He, Jesus Christ Has Won It, Life Conquered Death! THE BIG QUESTION IS, Are You Walking In The Victory, The Deliverance, Blessings, FULLness, WHOLEness, Peace, Shalom, COMPLETE & TOTAL Mental, Physical, Spiritual, Emotional, Financial, Sexual "FREEDOM" That Jesus Purchased For You With His Life's Blood?
When the enemy tries to seize us or comes against us (in ANY Way, shape or form) we have The FULL Armor Of God, The Lord Jesus Christ To Put On and His Sword Of The (Holy) Spirit is Far Bigger, Better & MORE Effective than ANY & ALL weapons that possibly could humanly or spiritually be formed and used against us! Peter was seized and delivered into the hands of Herod's Soldiers, but Each and EVERY One of us is Sealed With God's Holy Spirit until The Day Of Redemption, NOTHING can separate us from The Love Of God and ALL Of God's Holy Angels Will Do Battle In The Heavenlies To Assure us The Ultimate Deliverance. Man's plans and purposes will NEVER win when God's Plan & Purpose Is 110% Guaranteed To ALL Believers! Although Peter was kept in prison; The Fervent Prayers Of The Saints Were PERSISTENTLY Made To God, Our Father Who Art In Heaven.
Jesus said, "My House Shall Be Called A House Of Prayer." The Word Of God Declares, The Prayers Of The Righteous Man Availeth (KJV) MUCH! THE 2nd BIGGEST QUESTION OF THE DAY IS, "Could Y-O-U NOT Watch & Pray With ME (Jesus) For Just One Hour?" As I said earlier, History has a very strange Way of repeating itself. Tonight starts The Feast Of Dedication, which happens To Be In EVERY New Testament, New Covenant available to mankind around the World Today, but TOO MANY of us, who call our"self" The Church (Assembly), God's Temple, Do NOT see It For What It Is...
The Festival Of Lights was Celebrated By Jesus (as recorded in The Gospel Of Jesus Christ According To John 10:22), but The Body Of Christ is NOT "Arising & Shining" As If Our Light (The Light Of Men, The Light Of Life, The Light Of The World) Has Come & The Glory (Goodness, Mercy, Favor, Grace) Of The Lord Has Risen Upon us.
I Am Asking that ALL of us within The Body Of Christ "Choose" This Day To Re-Dedicate Our"self" as Temples Of His Holy Spirit, "Make" Our"self" Men, Women & Children Of The Most High God, "People Of The Book," The Word Of The Living God and His House Of TRUE Spirit Led, Inspired Prayer. Jesus is constantly and continuously interceding before The Father on our behalf, so should we not ALL Heed The Word of Paul The Apostle and Pray unceasingly, continually for His Will To Be Done On (and in) Earth as It Is In Heaven? Let your Holy Spirit Light Shine EVER BRIGHTER until The FULL Light Of Day. FILL your lamp with His Holy Spirit Oil, because it is The Anointing that Breaks EVERY Yolk of Spiritual, Physical Bondage and Sets The Captives FREE In Jesus' Name.
Amen & Amen.
God Bless & Love To ALL,
<')))>< Mark
http://www.cafepress.com/enduringfait
ps. PLEASE, Pass This Message Along to ALL that you Know & Love with a "Happy Feast Of Dedication, Festival Of Lights" (according to John 10:22) e-mail, so that they Will (Experientially) Know that Jesus "IS" The Light Of The World and we MUST ALL Let Our Light Shine in the darkness!
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Date: Mon, Jan 10, 2005
Subject:
Acts 12:6-10
The Word:
The very night before Herod was about to bring him forth, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, fastened with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison.
And suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, standing beside him, and a light shone in the place where he was.
And the angel gently smote Peter on the side and awakened him, saying, Get up quickly! And the chains fell off his hands.
And the angel said to him, Tighten your girdle and bind on your sandals. And he did so. And he said to him, Wrap your outer garment around you and follow me.
And [Peter] went out [along] following him, and he was not conscious that what was apparently being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.
When they had passed through the first guard and the second, they came to the iron gate which leads into the city. Of its own accord [the gate] swung open, and they went out and passed on through one street; and at once the angel left him.
- Acts 12:6-10
Do you REALLY Know, Understand and Are Y-O-U SURE that The Lord Has Sent His Angel To Deliver us out of the hand and from ALL that our enemies expect to do to us? TOO many of us have Fallen asleep "In The Light" and accepted the deep, dark circumstances of our (lower) life situations as REALTY and NOT Believed In The Promises Of God That ARE Ours Today, Here & Now In Jesus' Holy & Precious Name. As we ALL Face This New Year 2005, we MUST Look Unto Our Lord & Savior, As The Author & Finisher Of Our Faith and (Experientially) Come To Know that we "ARE" Seated In Heavenly Places, At The Feet Of Jesus (The Earth Is His Footstool) and God Has His Call On Each and EVERY One Of Our Eternal, Everlasting, Abundant, Resurrection Lives In Christ! He Has & Will Give us The Grace (The Holy Spirit Is The Spirit Of Grace, God's Favor) To Make Our Calling & Election SURE. Pray Daily (Unceasingly) that He Allows His Five-Fold Ministry, Apostles, Prophets, Preachers, Teachers and Evangelists To Be Manifested In The Church Today and His True Spiritual Revival To Fall Upon & Awaken His Chosen People!
God Is Faithful & Jesus NEVER Fails!
JESUS AlWays and In ALL Ways Provides The Way Out of even the deepest, darkest situations & circumstances of our daily living.
Why? Because, He Is God, Our Provider, The Way, Truth & Life, Our Redeemer, Deliverer, Hope of Israel, The Nations & This Present World Of Darkness in which we live, move and have our being. Just when it may seem that you are at the end of your rope and ALL Hope is gone (He Promises To Be With us Unto The End), His Light Of Life Shines In The Deepest Darkness. Peter was "Set FREE" on the very night before Herod was about to kill him, as he did James the brother of John The Beloved with the sword, but He Is Our Defense and we shall Not Be Moved!
Don't "Fall" asleep, watch and wait for "At Least" One More Hour, Look Up (when you are down and out) For Our Redemption Is Nearer Now Than When We First (Forget Not Your First Love) Believed, Clung To, Trusted In and Relied On "SALVATION" In Jesus' Name!
HE Opens Doors and No Man can shut them, His Anointing Breaks EVERY Yolk (His Yolk Is Easy & His Burden Is Light), He'll Break The Chains of ANY Bondage and Sets The Captives, Prisoners of ANY Kind FREE Indeed!
The Holy Spirit is Not only Upon, In and Working Through Y-O-U, as a Follower Of Christ, but He Is The One Called Along Side To Help You In Each and EVERY Circumstance of human existence. His Light (The Light Of ALL Mankind) was meant To Shine In The Darkness (WHERE YOU ARE), His Rod & His Staff Will Comfort You ALL The Days Of Your Life In Christ Jesus and He Will Awaken, Quicken Your Spirit To Go, Do AND Be ALL That He Has Called & Created You For, so Tighten Your Girdle, Bind On Your Sandals, Wrap Your Garment Around You, PUT ON THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST and Follow Him, Wherever He Leads or Guides You TODAY!
Go OUT, To ALL Nations & Peoples, LOVE Your Neighbor As Your"self," Awaken Your Soul To True Spiritual Consciousness (we're NOT talking new-age stuff here), because THIS IS REAL, so Catch The Vision, for without It you and MANY Others will perish. Pass Through The Fire, The Flood, whatever appears to be guarding you from accomplishing His Perfect & Acceptable Will For Your Life. I MUST tell you that Jesus "IS" The Gate and His Doors Are Opened WIDE (At This Time) to lead us out and into the cities, which we live and through EVERY Street set before us with The Love Of God & The Good News Of Jesus, The Gospel Of God In Christ and Christ In us, which "IS" The Hope Of ALL Glory!
Although the angel left Peter at this time, Jesus Commands us To Go and Promises that He Will NEVER leave or forsake us, even unto The End Of The Age. I SINCERELY Believe that we are living in The Last Hour and that we, As His Body Are Here "For Such A Time As This" (EVERY Minute Matters), so make EVERY Second Count For His Plans & Purposes To Be Made Complete In Jesus' Holy & Precious Name. Amen & Amen.
God Bless & Love to ALL,
<')))>< Mark Tross
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Date: Tue, Jan 25, 2005
Subject:
Acts 12:11-15
The Word:
Then Peter came to himself, and said, Now I really know and am sure that the Lord has sent His angel and delivered me out of the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting to do to me.
When he at a glance became aware of this - comprehending [all the elements of the case] - he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where a large number were assembled together and were praying.
And when he knocked at the gate of the porch, a maid named Rhoda [Rose, in English] came to answer.
And recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy she failed to open the gate, but ran in and told the people that Peter was standing before the porch gate.
They said to her, You are crazy! But she persistently and strongly and confidently affirmed that it was truth. They said, It is his angel!
- Acts 12:11-15
HOW Many times do we, like The Prodigal Son, have to "Come To Our SELF?" TOO Many of us go around stumbling, as if JUST awakened from the deepest sleep (In The Light) and then Suddenly have to be shaken (Thank God For His Holy Spirit :) Into REALITY. The Apostle Peter, sometimes referred to as The Rock (head) has just "NOW" Come To REALLY, Experientially "KNOW" and Be Sure (Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine) that The Lord God has sent His Angel, His Messenger, to DELIVER him out of the hand of his enemies, but isn't that EXACTLY what Our Father Who Art In Heaven wants us To Come To Reverentially Know about His One And ONLY Begotten Son, Jesus? He "IS" Our Redeemer, Our Deliverer, Our Saviour, Lord, God and SOON Coming King! Are you "Aware" of This, Do Y-O-U Completely & Totally Know, Understand & Comprehend ALL The Elements Of This Case?
FAITH "IS" The Substance Of Things Hoped For, The EVIDENCE Of Things Unseen. There is a best selling book in the market place called "Evidence That Demands A Verdict" and it lays out ALL The Truths (Facts Change, BUT "The Truth" Remains The Same, Yesterday, Today & Forever) of The Gospel Message.
Have you surveyed The Wonderous Cross lately? Take a moment to look back on ALL The Good that God has done for you over the past 2,000 years and make a "20-20 Vision" decision as to whether He Will Successfully Complete The Work (Of Christ) That He Has OBVIOUSLY Begun In Y-O-U. Without Vision, God's People Perish, so let us Look Unto Jesus and Ask Him, Open Our Eyes Lord, because as much as we MUST See Him, we MUST Also See Who We ARE In Him and Exactly What He Has Called us To!
FORSAKE Not The Assembly Of The Saints!
Here we have a "Classic" example of what we, As The Saints Of God "ARE" ALL Called To Go, Do And Be. There was a Large Number of Believers gathered together as One for Prayer, but were they REALLY "Expecting" God In His Infinite Mercy To Hear and Respond to their Cries? Rhoda or Rose, in English went to the porch gate to answer the knock of Peter (who they were ALL Praying for), but acted quite like Solomon's Lover in The Song Of Songs and did not Open The Door to let him in. Have you asked God for something lately and some how passed up His Opportunity to bring your request to pass? She had recognized The Voice, her Spirit leaped with Joy (The Fruit Of God's Holy Spirit Within her), but then she ran aWay. Have you been listening to what God has to say to you Today? Should He Speak (and He In ALL Ways Does), Open your eyes, ears, mind, heart, soul, Spirit, strength and hands To Him, GIVE Him Your ALL, because He Has Given His ALL For Y-O-U, so Let Him In Completely!
MANY people (even within your own Church Prayer Meeting) will say that You Are Crazy, but it's OK To Be A Fool For Christ Jesus. Be Persistent, Strong, Confident and Affirming In The Lord, because His Word "IS" Truth, Jesus "IS" Truth! Others may say, "It is his angel" and laugh, but when we allow God To Open Up The Flood Gates Of Heaven & Pour Out His Holy Spirit Upon ALL Flesh, when we, As His Chosen People Are Obedient To His Word, Will & Way, God Blesses us, Exceedingly, Abundantly, Above & Beyond ALL that we could ever Ask or Think (As A Man [or woman] Thinks, so "IS" He [or she]). Go, Tell "IT" On The Mountain, Over The Hill & EVERYWHERE (even to the people that are Praying) that their Prayers Have Been Answered & The Lord Has Sent His Son To Deliver us Out Of The Hand Of Our Enemy In Jesus' Name. Amen & Amen.
God Bless & Love to ALL,
<')))>< Mark
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Date: Tue, Feb 8, 2005
Subject:
Acts 12:16-20
The Word:
But meanwhile Peter continued knocking, and when they opened the gate and saw him, they were amazed.
But motioning to them with his hand to keep quite and listen, he related to them how the Lord had delivered him out of the prison. And he said, Report all this to James [the less] and to the brethren.
Then he left and went to some other place.
Now as soon as it was day, there was no small disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter.
And when Herod had looked for him and could not find him, he placed the guards on trial and commanded that they should be led away [to execution]. Then [Herod] went down from Judea to Caesarea, and stayed on there.
Now [Herod] cherished bitter animosity and hostility for the people of Tyre and Sidon; and [their deputies] came to him in a united body, and having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was nourished by and depended on the king's [country] for food.
- Acts 12:16-20
Jesus spoke parables of men and women who persisted in prayer and made, received their requests for help or service by persistently, continually knocking and asking until they got what they desired.
Here we have Peter, The Rock continuing to knock until FINALLY the gate, The Door was opened unto him and when those who were inside praying saw him, they were completely and totally amazed at what they saw. Today, Communion & Fellowship with Jesus (The Door & Gate To The Sheepfold) is opened wide for ALL who are ready, willing and able to Come Unto Him, In His Holy & Precious Name, but even those who pray are unawares of His Presence. Paul McCartney sang, Maybe I'm Amazed, but too many confessing Christians Today are NOT Amazed by The Wonder Of The Most High God, The GREAT I Am!
Behold, He Stands At Your Door And Knocks (with the continual sound of your heartbeat), but God's Holy Spirit Will NOT AlWays Strive With Humankind.
The Lord has continued throughout the ages to motion to us with His Nail Pierced Hands Held Open Wide, but we choose NOT To Be Still And (Experientially) Know That He Is God. He has related to us in EVERY situation and circumstance, but for some strange reason we have NOT allowed Him To Be Our Deliverer And Set (us) The Captives FREE Indeed! If we are still prisoners to anything at all, Let us Be Bond-Slaves, Servants Of The Most High God & Prisoners Of (His) Hope, The Anchor that rests, holds within the veil of The Holy Of Holies. He MUST Increase and we MUST Decrease, like James... Be "The Less."
Let us NOT Forsake The Assembling Of The Brethren (and Sistren :) but in our going out and coming in, Allow God's Holy Spirit To Take us "to some other place," Deeper & Higher In Jesus!
We "ARE" on the threshold of A New Day, The Day Of The Lord (His Second Coming "IS" Closer NOW Than When We First Believed, Clinged To, Trusted In & Relied On Him) and when The Church Of Jesus Christ Arises & Shines EVER Brighter Until The FULL Light Of That Day, there will be NO SMALL Disturbance among those who are living in the land of darkness and despair. At That Time, MANY will look for Him but NOT Find Him, they will be placed on trial before The Judgement Seat Of Christ and those who are found lacking (without Salvation / Yeshua / Jesus) will be led aWay, cast into outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Herod's soldiers paid the ultimate price for letting Peter get aWay, they gave their Life, but MORE Importantly... Jesus Took Our Place On The Cross Of Calvary, He Was Crucified For Our Sins And Transgressions Against A Holy God and NOW We are Set FREE To Go, Do & Be ALL That He Calls us To & ALL That He Created us For! Are Y-O-U Willing To Go To ALL Nations & Peoples In His Precious Name?
Your Country, My Country, EVERY Country on the face of Planet Earth is Completely & Totally Dependent On The Nourishment & (Spiritual) Food Of Our Father Who Art In Heaven. He "IS" The King Of ALL, but unless we, as His Chosen People, Humble Ourselves, REPENT Of Our Wicked Sins & Pray Constantly, Continually, Knocking At The Throneroom Door Of His Grace & Mercy, He Will NOT Heal Our Land! IF you and I REALLY want Peace On Earth and Good Will Towards ALL Humankind, we MUST Make Friends With The One & ONLY Begotten Son Of The Most High God.
From that point on The Peace Of God Will Rule & Reign In Our Hearts & Minds.
There can be NO bitterness, animosity or hostility in our hearts towards God or One Another. We MUST Come Together As One, A Unified Body Of Believers, Seeking His Face DAILY (moment by moment), because it is THEN That He Will Completely & Totally Heal us AND Our Land In Jesus' Name. Amen & Amen.
God Bless & Love to ALL,
<')))>< Mark
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Title. Date: Tue, Feb 22, 2005
Subject:
Acts 12:21-25
The Word:
On an appointed day Herod arrayed himself in his royal robes, too his seat upon [his] throne, and addressed an oration to them.
And the assembled people shouted, It is the voice of a god, and not of man!
And at once an angel of the Lord smote him and cut him down, because he did not give God the glory - that is, the pre-eminence and kingly majesty that belong to Him as the supreme Ruler; and he was eaten by worms and died.
But the Word of the Lord [concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God] continued to grow and spread.
And Barnabas and Saul came back from Jerusalem when they had completed their mission, bringing with them John whose surname was Mark.
- Acts 12:21-25
TODAY I want to focus primarily on The Son Of Encouragement, Paul The Apostle and John Mark COMPLETING Their MISSION. Coming back from "The City Of Peace," Barnabas and Saul had COMPLETED Their Co-Mission with John whose surname was Mark, but you and I STILL Have A GREAT Commission, The GREAT Co-Mission to Complete and that is With The Christ Who Promises To Be With us (In) ALL Ways, EVEN Unto The Very Ends Of This Present World Of Darkness in which we live, move and have our being. The Question Of The Day Is, Who are Y-O-U Bringing along with Y-O-U? Apart from Christ, Messiah, The Anointed One we can do NOTHING, but the Truth of the matter (in our human [BIG] circumstance) is that we NEED One Another to pull This GREAT Commission off, In His Holy & Precious Name!
NO One Church, Congregation, Denominational or Non can success-FULLY accomplish The Work set before us. Why can't we ALL Just(ly) get along? Too many of us have "Fallen" into the same category of Good King Herod, who wanted to take The Glory, God's Glory, His Pre-Eminence, Kingly Majesty, Supreme Rulership, Goodness, Tender-Mercies, Loving-Kindness, Grace and Favor upon our"self," but no matter how loud the crowd cheers or shouts For Joy (which is Just One Of The Fruits Of God's Holy Spirit), He ALONE "IS" Worthy Of ALL Glory, Honor, Thanksgiving, Power and Praise!
Each and Every One of us has an "Appointed Day," some will think that it is their "fifteen minutes of fame," but The Word Of God Says, It Is Appointed Unto Man(kind) Once To Die And Then... The Judgement Of ALL-Mighty God. If King Herod had humbled him"self" in the sight of The Lord (and in this case, the people as well), repented and turned from his wicked ways, he would have been forgiven, but take note of what actually happened:
"He" arrayed him"self" in "his" royal clothes, but we are Commanded To Put On The Lord Jesus Christ, To Be Clothed In His Righteousness.
"He" TOOK "his" seat upon "his" throne, but you and I are seated in Heavenly Places, because of what Christ has done for us.
"He" addressed an oration to the assembled people and although each One of us are to speak as Oracles Of God and forsake NOT The Assembling Of The Brethren, NEVER are we to take God's Glory upon our"self."
In spite of who we (think we) are or what we do (In The Name Of Jesus), The Word Of The Lord Will Continue To Grow And Spread To ALL Nations And Peoples, Tribes And Tongues! Do you not want to be an integral part of it? He Is Calling us To GREATNESS, To "DO" GREAT And MIGHTY Things In His Holy And Precious Name, Things that have been prepared for us To Do (In Christ) since the foundations of the World were put into place, but The Glory (of it ALL) MUST Go Directly To Him! We should ALL "Be" MOST Concerned that Many, MANY others attain (Through Christ) Salvation / Yeshua In The Kingdom Of God, which "IS" Righteousness, Peace And Joy In The Holy Ghost. Work O-U-T Your Salvation, Your Yeshua, Your Jesus with Reverential Fear and Trembling, Before God's Throne Of Grace And Mercy, Before God And Man(kind), Continue DAILY In "The Faith," Growing from Vessel to Vessel, Grace to Grace, Spreading The Good News, The Gospel Of God In Christ to ALL and when Y-O-U (WE) Have COMPLETED The GREAT Co-Mission (TOGETHER), Bringing with us ALL who Choose to Respond To His Message Of Hope, We Shall HEAR Him Say, Well Done, Good And Faith-FULL Servants, In The Mighty Name Of Jesus. Amen and Amen.
God Bless And Love To ALL,
<')))>< Mark
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Date: Tue, Mar 8, 2005
Subject: Acts 13:1-5
The Word:
NOW in the church (assembly) at Antioch there were prophets - inspired interpreters of the will and purposes of God - and teachers, Barnabas, Symeon who was called Niger [black], Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Separate now for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.
Then after fasting and praying they put their hands on them and sent them away.
So then, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from [that port] they sailed away to Cyprus.
When they arrived at Salamis they preached the Word of God [concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God] in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John [Mark] as an attendant to assist them.
- Acts 13:1-5
NOW is the very first Word in Today's text and it certainly has MUCH significance, because when The Holy Spirit Speaks, He says, Separate "NOW" For Me... Yes, you and I are Called of God from our Mother's womb, SURELY ALL were conceived in The Mind Of God Before The Foundations Of This World Were Laid. When God Speaks, It Is AlWays (In ALL-Ways) In The NOW, because He Is The GREAT "I AM," Not the I was! Sure, He Is The Same, Yesterday, Today And Forever, but His Holy And Precious Word Declares, "Today Is The Day Of Salvation."
What was it specifically that Paul (The Apostle Formerly Known As Saul) and Barnabas (The Son Of Encouragement) were Called Upon By God ALL-Mighty To Go And Do? They PREACHED The Word Of God, They Gave People JESUS!
Concerning what? The Manifold Wisdom Of God, The FULL Gospel (Good News), The Foursquare Tenements Of "The Faith," which are:
1) Christ The Savior Of The World.
2) Christ The Baptizer In The Holy Spirit, The Holy Ghost.
3) Christ The Divine Healer, The GREAT Physician.
4) Christ The SOON Coming King Of Kings And Lord Of Lords.
Like Paul and Barnabas, EVERY Believer is Called Upon, Set Aside By God for Inter-Denominational World-Wide EVANGELISM! JUST As Jesus DID, Would Do AND Still Does "TODAY," we MUST Preach, Teach and Bring His Healing Balm Of Gilead To ALL Nations And Peoples, Tribes And Tongues.
Preach and Teach what? The Attainment Through Christ, Messiah, The Anointed ONE Of Salvation, Yeshua, JESUS In The Kingdom Of God, Which "IS" Righteousness (a Right Standing Personal Relationship With God, Our Father Who Art In Heaven), Peace, Shalom, Wholeness, FULLness, Blessing AND Joy In The Holy Ghost (The Fruit Of His Holy Spirit Resting Upon, Working In And Through Our Life In Christ Jesus).
THIS Brings Good Pleasure To The Lord and His Joy "IS" Our Strength!
Just as we read Today about The Moving Of God's Holy Sprit among The Assembly at Antioch in the past, God Has Given us EVERY Gift, Talent and Ability To Accomplish His Works, Prepared For us To Do In Christ. YES, there "ARE" Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Preachers AND Teachers In The Body Of Christ TODAY! The Question Of The Day Is, Are you and I setting ourselves aside To Manifest God's Glory To ALL of humankind Today? Red, yellow, black or white, it makes NO Difference To Him, who He Uses, but ALL are Called Upon To Worship Him In The Holy Spirit And The Truth Of God In Christ Jesus! I want to know if you are ready, willing, wanting and able to set your"self" apart, to pay The ULTIMATE Price To Obtain The Eternal, Everlasting, Abundant, Resurrection LIFE that Jesus went To The Cross Of Calvary and died for you and I to EXPERIENTIALLY Know and Show To Others?
Y-O-U and I are being Sent AWay, some may sail aWay, drive aWay, walk aWay, but The Promise Of God Is That We (Who Know Jesus) Will Some Day SOON, "Fly AWay" To Glory and Be With Him Forever! Y-O-U and I are being Sent Out, Called Out (of this present world of darkness, Into His MARVELOUS Light) To Do GREAT And MIGHTY things In Jesus' Holy And Precious Name! In EVERY aspect of human life, Church, work, school, political and social, we MUST "Assist and Attend" to the needs of others and The Perfect And Acceptable Word, Will and Way of God's ULTIMATE Purpose. His Wish Is That NONE Would Perish, but that ALL Would COME To Repentance, To Salvation, so let us Go Out to the highWays and byWays, Preaching The Word Of God To ALL, In Jesus' Name. Amen And Amen.
God Bless And Love To ALL,
<')))>< Mark
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Date: Wed, Mar 23, 2005
Subject: Acts 13:6-10
The Word:
When they had passed through the entire island of Cyprus as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain Jewish wizard or sorcerer, a false prophet named Bar-Jesus.
He was closely associated with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, who was an intelligent and sensible man of sound understanding; he summoned to him Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the Word of God [concerning salvation in the kingdom of God attained through Christ].
But Elymas the wise man, for that is the translation of his name [which he had given himself], opposed them, seeking to keep the proconsul from accepting the faith.
But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with and controlled by the Holy Spirit, looked steadily at [Elymas]
And said, You master in every form of deception and recklessness, unscrupulousness and wickedness, you son of the devil, you enemy of everything that is upright and good, will you never stop perverting and making crooked the straight paths of the Lord and plotting against His saving purposes? [Hos. 14:9.]
- Acts 13:6-10
The Word Of God Declares that "The Ways Of The Lord Are Right, And The [Uncompromisingly] Just Shall Walk In Them; But Transgressors Shall Stumble And Fall In Them." [Dan. 12:10; Ps. 107:43; Jer. 9:12; Isa. 26:7.] You and I are supposed To Be on the side of The Just, like Paul and Barnabas. What we Should Be Doing as Confessing Christians is Looking Our Enemy Straight In The Eye, Steadily, because we are standing upon The Solid Rock and confronting those face to face, who are opposing The Work Of God in our own Life and in the lives of others that are Seeking To Accept The Faith! Clearly Paul immediately recognized, discerned in His Spirit that Elymas was No Wise-Man, as he called him"self," but a son of the devil. Jesus Himself said that ALL who were Not Children Of The Father, born from above, had "the father of lies" as their daddy and that they Had Chosen to remain "children of the devil." So, let us Now take a close look at ourselves and others, according to The Lord's Word, Will and Way.
Paul and Barnabas were doing quite a Lot of travelling from place to place "In The Name Of The Lord," especially on the island of Cyprus where we find ourselves Today. Saul and The Son Of Encouragement were Seeking To Save The Lost, but Bar-Jesus, The Son Of Salvation or so he called him"self" had no intention of living up to his name.
TOO Many people in This Present World Of Darkness are Determined In "their spirits" to come Against The Working Of God's Holy Spirit In The Lives Of True Believers Today, but we know (Don't We) That GREATER Is He Who Is (Christ) In us Than he who is in this world! Are we "Standing On The Promise Of God" (which are Yes & Amen In Christ Jesus) or just standing in the premises of our local Church Fellowship? I Am saddened to say that The Love Of God and His Love For Others has grown cold in the hearts of some who call themselves Christian, but Jesus said that The World Would Come To Experientially Know That We Are His Followers By Our Love For Them And Each Other. Are we constantly on the move and taking The Love Of God & The Good News Of Jesus To ALL Nations & Peoples, Tribes And Tongues?
If Sergius Paulus was such an intelligent, sensible and understanding man, how is it that he got mixed up with Elymas? The Knowledge and Wisdom Of This World is complete and utter foolishness In The Eyes Of Our ALL-Knowing And EVER-Seeing God! Like many who sought to see and hear Jesus, John The Baptizer, Paul, other Great Men AND Women Of "The Faith," they become seeing, but Never perceiving and hearing, but Never Truly Listening To What The Spirit Is Saying To The Church Of Jesus Christ Today. Still One Of The Greatest Sayings From The Word Of God Is, "HEAR, O Israel!" Have you been listening to what God has to say? Have you been locked up (in Spiritual bondage) for a while?
Jesus died for ALL of us, to set the captives FREE, but the enemy continues to roam around like a roaring lion to devour those who would choose and have chosen To Come To Faith In The Lord Jesus.
Let us NOT be Wise in our own eyes like Elymas definitely was, but Let us Humble ourselves In The Sight Of The Lord and He Will SURELY Lift us Up In His Perfect And Acceptable Timing! Elymas "the wise man, for that is the translation of his name [which he had given him"self"], opposed the decision of anyone seeking, keeping or accepting "The Faith." God has Called Each and EVERY One of us (and even The Stars Above) By Name, He Has Given us Jesus (The Wisdom Of God) and NOW It Is Our Job, Duty And Calling "To Seek And Save The Lost" Through The Name Above ALL Others, Yeshua / Jesus / Salvation, for That Is The Translation Of His Holy & Precious Name. The Lord Opposes The Proud, but Gives (His Holy Spirit Of) Grace, Favor To The Humble, so Keep On Keeping On (In The Power Of His Might) until EVERY lost soul Accepts Salvation IN Jesus' Name.
Like Saul / Paul, EVERY Believer is Called Upon To Be FILLED & CONTROLLED By God's Holy Spirit, Looking Steadily Unto Jesus As The Author & Finisher, Completer Of Our Faith, "The Faith!" Satan, The Accuser Of The Brethren is a "Master" in EVERY Form Of Deception, Recklessness, Unscrupulousness and Wickedness, He Is "The Devil" him"self," The (#1) Enemy of ALL, Everything that is Upright, Good, Pure, Holy and Blameless. He Will NEVER Stop Perverting, Making Crooked The Straight And Narrow Way, The Path Of The Lord's Righteousness and Plotting Against HIS Saving Purposes until Jesus Comes Again and Casts Him Into "The Lake Of Fire!" Let us Build One Another Up In "The (Holy) Faith" Of The Lord, Put On "The FULL Armor Of God" and Pass Through The Entire World, Bringing His Preaching, Teaching and Healing to ALL who Will Hear "The Word Of God" Concerning Salvation In The Kingdom Of God, which is Righteousness, Peace & Joy In The Holy Ghost, until ALL Seek, Keep, Attain and Accept "The Faith" In Jesus' Name. Amen & Amen.
God Bless & Love To ALL,
<')))>< Mark
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Date: Sun, Apr 3, 2005
Subject: Acts 13:11-15
The Word:
And now, lo, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, [so blind that you will be] unable to see the sun for a time. Instantly there fell upon him a mist and a darkness, and he groped about seeking persons who would lead him by the hand.
Then the proconsul believed - became a Christian - when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished and deeply touched at the teaching concerning the Lord and from [Him].
Now Paul and his companions sailed from Paphos, and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John [Mark] separated himself from them and went back to Jerusalem;
But they [themselves] came on from Perga and arrived at Antioch in Pisidia.
And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue there and sat down.
After the reading of the Law and the prophets, the leaders [of the worship] of the synagogue sent to them saying, Brethren, if you have any word of exhortation or consolation or encouragement for the people, say it.
- Acts 13:11-15
Usually when The Hand Of The Lord Comes Upon you, you can see The Son clearer than you ever did before.
Generally you walk In The Spirit, In The Glory Of His Light, rather than groping around in the darkness looking for some "person" to take you by the hand, but allowing The Good Shepherd to Lead And Guide you Into ALL Of His Blessed Truth And Spiritual Understanding.
Unfortunately, this was NOT the case in Acts
13. The Discipline Of God Fell Upon "This Deceiver" and the proconsul Believed, Clung To, Trusted In And Relied On The Lord Jesus Christ! When "people" SEE The Power Of God Working In The Lives Of True Christians, they are Astonished and DEEPLY Touched (cut to the very bone and marrow of their being) at The Teaching Concerning The Lord Jesus Christ and from Him, The Teacher.
Too Many Confessing Followers Of Christ go sailing through this present Earthly life and NEVER come close to accomplishing even 10% of what Paul The Apostle and his companions did on their Missionary Journeys. If we ALL spent more time and Prayer-FULL energy Sanctifying our"self" for the use and purposes of The Master, SURELY His Plans would be worked out and The Kingdom Advanced For His Glory! Like John Mark, there are those who go against the teaching of Holy Script and not only forsake the gathering together of The Saints, but they out and out separate themselves from any association with The Body Of Christ at all. Brothers & Sisters In Jesus, This Can NOT Be!
EVERY Member of The Body MUST Come Together and Do "Their" Part, in order for The GREAT Co-Mission Of God To Be COMPLETED!
There will alWays be those who put their tails between their legs and head for home (Where is your Jerusalem?), rather than standing after they have done ALL they can to stand (In The Lord & In The Power Of HIS Might). We ALL have a Calling and A Work To Do, To Complete.
"The Spiritual Show" of God's Chosen People Working Together In Unity and Purpose MUST Go On! Judgement Begins At The House Of God, we "ARE" The Temple and that is why Paul and his brethren went to the synagogue, but take note that they did not go to heap a spirit of condemnation on those who were there to Hear (O Israel) and Worship God (In Spirit & Truth). They sat, listened to The Law and The Prophets being read and sang Worship Songs right along with The Congregation, until they were asked by The Leaders if they had ANY Word.
Let's get down to the nitty gritty here. If complete and utter strangers walked into your "Spiritual Service" this week (or anytime at all), would they be asked to share what The Lord has placed upon their hearts and minds? Paul was AlWays Ready (In and / or our of season) with A Word (The Word) Of Exhortation, Consolation And Encouragement For The People. You and I are Called Upon (By God) To Go And Do Like-Wise! Nike says, "Just Do It!" and The Word Of God Says To us As His People Today, "Say It!" We "ARE" The Just Of God and Called Upon "To Speak The Truth In Love." Each And EVERY One Of us Have Been Given "The Ministry Of Reconciliation!" What does God's Word say about Philip The Evangelist? "He Preached Christ" and we are To Do "The Same" In Jesus' Name.
Amen & Amen.
God Bless & Love To ALL,
<')))>< Mark
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Date: Wed, Apr 20, 2005
Subject: Acts 10:16-20
The Word:
So Paul arose, and motioning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and you who reverence and fear God, listen!
The God of this people Israel selected our forefathers and made this people great and important during their stay in the land of Egypt, and then with uplifted arm He led them out from there. [Exod. 6:1, 6.]
And for about forty years [as a nursing-father] He cared for them in the wilderness, and endured their behavior. [Deut. 1:31.]
When He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He gave them [the Hebrews] their land as an inheritance - distributing it to them by lot; [all of which took] about four hundred and fifty years. [Deut. 7:1; Josh. 14:1.]
After that He gave them judges until the prophet Samuel.
- Acts 13:16-20
Samuel The Prophet turns out to be somewhat of a John The Baptizer, because they both were the ones to usher in The Coming Of The King, Samuel anointed David and John proclaimed, "Behold, The Lamb Of God Who Takes AWay The Sins Of The World!" We read here how God destroyed seven nations to Give His Chosen People their Inheritance and distributed to each Tribe their Lot.
What is your Lot Today? MUCH, so Called "devastation" has been happening around "This Present World Of Darkness" and I Honestly Believe that God is trying to Wake & Shake up His Church to Take The Land, because The Harvest Fields Are Ripe For The Picking, but WHO WILL GO?
Have The Prophets not Spoken? Who has Listened, Heard and Responded To The Voice Of The Living God? CHURCH, The Lord Says Unto Y-O-U Today, "Arise And Shine, For Y-O-U-R Light Has Come And The Glory Of The Lord `IS´ Risen Upon Y-O-U!" Set These Spiritual Things Into MOTION, because The Hand Of God "IS" Upon Y-O-U To Do Good Works In Christ Jesus. The Arm Of The Lord "IS" Your Strength! It is time for men to stop being just males and Act as Men Of The Most High God. WOMEN Of The Church Today, Y-O-U TOO Are Called Of God ALL-Mighty To Be One With The Perfect Man, Christ Jesus! I MUST ask you ALL (as individuals), Do Y-O-U Reverence and Fear The Lord Your God? Have Y-O-U Been Listening, Hearing and OBEDIENT To ALL That He Has To Say? What is it that you´re doing that you shouldn´t be and/or what is it that you´re NOT Doing that you Should Be?
Y-O-U and I Have Been "Selected, Made GREAT and Important" By The Uplifted Arm Of The Lord, He Who "IS" Seated At The Right Hand Of God, Our Father Who Art In Heaven and we "ARE" Chosen By Him To Do Good Works In Christ Jesus!
Should we not Let Him Lead us Out Of The Darkness And Into His Glorious Light? ALL of us Have The Ministry Of Righteousness and Reconciliation, so should we not ALL Be Calling others out of sin and death into His True, Spiritual, Eternal, Everlasting, Abundant, Resurrection Life?
MUST we spend another 40 years in the wilderness, wandering around aimlessly, when we have The Good Shepherd To Lead And Guide us To His Streams Of Living Water? He Cared For us, so should we not ALL Care For Others, forgiving their sins and enduring their behavior with The Same (Yesterday, Today And Forever) Grace, Favor that Has Been Bestowed, Poured Out Upon us? Joshua asked The Nation Of Israel, Why are you NOT Taking The Land That God Has Given Unto Y-O-U? It took them about 450 years to receive their Inheritance In The Lord, but 2,000 years ago Jesus said, Look To The Fields For They Are Ripe Unto Harvest! God Has Given us (ALL That We Need To Live Our Life Unto Him) The Law, Moses, Judges, Kings, Priests, The Prophets, Psalms, Proverbs, Hymns, Spiritual Songs and MOST Of ALL, His One And ONLY Begotten Son, His Word, Will And Way. Like Samuel and John, Y-O-U and I Are Called Of God To Usher In The Second Coming Of Messiah, Christ, The Anointed One, The King Of Kings And Lord Of Lords, by Going Into ALL The World To Preach The Gospel, The Good News, Baptizing ALL Nations, Peoples, Tribes And Tongues In Jesus' Name. Amen And Amen!
God Bless And Love To ALL,
<')))>< Mark Tross
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Date: Tue, May 3, 2005
Subject: Acts 13:21-25
The Word:
Then they asked for a king; and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.
And when He had deposed him, He raised up David to be their king; of him He bore witness and said, I have found David the son of Jesse a man after My own heart, who will do all My will and carry out My program fully. [Ps. 89:20; 1 Sam. 13:14; Isa. 44:28.]
Of this man's descendants God has brought to Israel a Savior [in the person of Jesus], according to His promise.
Before His coming John had (already) preached baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
And as John was ending his course, he asked, What do you secretly think that I am? I am not He [the Christ, No], but note that after me One is coming, the sandals of Whose feet I am not worthy to untie!
- Acts 13:21-25
Who is your King? I Hope and Pray that He Is The King Of Glory, because if Jesus is NOT Lord Of ALL, then He Is NOT Lord At ALL! It was not unusual for the people to pick out the tallest man in the crowd to be in charge, but God looks at the man's heart and not his natural, physical appearance. God Calls David, "A Man After My Own Heart." How can these things be? Wasn't David "the guy" who committed adultery and murder? We don't have to go too far from our own personal mirrors or the Mirror Of God, His Holy And Precious Word, to see that ALL have sinned and fallen short of His Glory, but King David constantly and continuously kept his heart soft and repentant before The Most High God. Do you do the same? The Bible says that a RIGHTEOUS man (woman or child) can fall down seven times (70X7), but still can get up, because The Word Of God declares, IF we Humble our"self" In His Sight, He Will Lift Us Up!
Why the forty year reign of Saul? I don't quite know for certain, but there are countless times in Holy Script where the number 40 represents times of trials and tribulations. Saul in some Ways represents "The First Adam" and David "The Second Adam," Christ The Lord.
Notice that it was God Who put down, deposed and raised up. Our Father Who Art In Heaven ALSO Raised Up His One And ONLY Begotten Son from the grave and Made, Crowned Him King Of Kings And Lord Of ALL. Y-O-U and I are NOW Called Of God To Bear Witness, Be men, women and children after His Own Heart, who Will Do ALL Of His Will (Jesus says, If Y-O-U Love Me, Y-O-U Will Obey ALL Of My Commandments) AND Carry Out His Program (The GREAT Co-Mission) FULLY! How are we doing?
God Has Promised To Bless Us in our Coming In and Going Out, so are we being Blessed? I have determined in my spirit that there are "Many, Many" who go into The Church building, but "FEW" who take The Love Of God And The Good News Of Jesus "O-U-T" To ALL Nations, Peoples, Tribes And Tongues. His Word Says, We Are To Carry OUT His Program, The Plan Of Salvation Completely and Totally, According To His Word, Will and Way! ALL Of His Precious Promises ARE Yes and Amen In Christ, so why do we not apply them to each and EVERY situation in our Daily routine of this lower, baser nature life, so that we can Live, Move and Have Our Being, Here & NOW, In The Eternal, Everlasting, Abundant, Resurrection Life In Jesus?
Could you imagine that John The Baptizer (single-handedly) Preached The Baptism Of Repentance To ALL The People Of Israel? How is it that The Church, The Body Of Christ Today can not even "CROSS" the street or walk next door to reach out to our neighbors? Are we (ALL Confessing Christians, Believers EVERYWHERE) not ALL Called Upon By God To Love Our Neighbor As Our"self"?
John Ran His Course in this human race of natural (and Spiritual) history that we call living, but we have to learn to crawl before we can walk and then run. The hardest part about getting people to crawl is that they have to get down on their knees (kind of like the position for praying).
What do you "secretly" (and publicly confessing Jesus before men) think of "The GREAT I AM?"
Jesus "IS" The Christ, The Messiah, The Anointed One and Salvation, The ONLY Name Under God's Created Heaven By Which We ALL MUST Be Saved. One Has Come, BUT HE "IS" Coming Again SOON, so we too (like John) must humble our"self" under The Mighty Hand Of God, Submit To His Complete & Total Authority (He "IS" The Author Of LIFE), Trust And Obey, harden NOT our hearts, Be Wanting, Willing, Ready & Able To Carry Out His Directives To The FULL, not by our own might or power, but By His Holy Spirit, Says The Lord!
NO man is Worthy, NO Not One, but The Man Christ Jesus and because He shed His Precious (Life's) Blood On The Cross Of Calvary, we are of "MUCH" Worth! We may not be able to wear His shoes (sandals), but He Calls Us To Follow In His Footsteps. How Lovely On The Mountain (and in the deepest darkest valleys) Are The Feet Of Him Who Brings Good News, The FULL Gospel Of God, Love, Joy, Faith, Hope, Shalom, Peace, Wholeness, FULLness and Blessings, those who Wash The Feet Of The Saints & Sinners and Untie EVERY Yolk of bondage, through His Anointing in Jesus' Name. Amen & Amen.
God Bless & Love to ALL,
<')))>< Mark Tross
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Date: Wed, May 18, 2005
Subject: Acts 13:26-30
The Word:
Brethren, sons of the race of Abraham, and all those others among you who reverence and fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation - the salvation obtained through Jesus Christ. [Ps. 107:20.]
For those who dwell in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not know or recognize Him or understand the utterances of the prophets which are read every Sabbath, by condemning and sentencing [Him] have actually fulfilled these very predictions.
And although they could find no cause deserving death with which to charge Him, yet they asked Pilate to have Him executed and put out of their way.
And when they had finished and fulfilled everything 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.
- Acts 13:26-30
I know that EVERY human being on the planet is part of this race that we call "LIFE," but are you a "Son (or Daughter) Of The Race Of Abraham?" Before you answer that question, THINK! Paul exhorts us to "Run The Race" that is SET Before us. What does that mean for those of us who are Following Our Good Shepherd that Goes Before us In ALL Things? I Hope that you Know and Understand that The Word Of God Declares, "Abraham Is Our Father Of Faith," so obviously... As Sons & Daughters Of The Most High God, we are ALSO Sons & Daughters Of Our Father Abraham, who Believed God and It Was Accredited To Him As Righteousness!
Sound Familiar?
To us has been sent "The Message!"
What Message? The Good News, The Gospel Of God In Christ Jesus, Reconciling The World Unto Himself.
THIS Salvation / Yeshua (Hebrew) / Jesus - THE Salvation (The Way, The Truth & The Life) that can ONLY Be Obtained Through Faith In Jesus Christ, Messiah, The Anointed One, The Name Above ALL names, By Which We MUST Be Saved!
He sends forth His Word and Heals them and Rescues (Saves) them from the pit (of Hell, Fire & Brimstone) and destruction (sin and death). [2 Kings 20:4, 5; Matt. 8:8.]
- Psalm 107:20
God SO Loved "This Present World Of Darkness" that He Gave (Sent Forth) His One And ONLY Begotten Son (The Living Word Of God And Light Of The World), Who Came To Preach, Teach And HEAL those of us who were lost, but NOW Are Found, Rescued, Saved And Redeemed By The Precious Blood Of The Lamb. He Has Pulled us Out Of Our Despair And Put Our Feet On THE ROCK, Set us Up On Solid Ground. Instead of the enemy coming to steal, kill and destroy, Jesus Has Come (And Is Coming Again SOON) To Bring Eternal, Everlasting, Abundant, Resurrection Life!
Are we like the centurion, who replied to Jesus (By Faith), ONLY Say The Word And My Servant Shall Be Healed (Cured)?
As Men & Women In "The Army Of God" (Onward Christian Soldiers), As Servants Of The Most High God, should we not Believe & Receive what Jesus Purchased For us On The Cross Of Calvary and Give To Him "The Rewards Of His Sufferings?"
Reverence and Fear God, Understand The (Spiritual) Utterances Of The Prophets which are read EVERY Sabbath and condemn NOT these VERY Predictions!
ALL Of God's Word IS Faithful & True and It shall NEVER Pass AWAY. TOO Many people in the world Today just want to put Jesus out of their "way" and execute the very thought of His Existence from human history, although they can find No REAL fault or cause for their actions or charges against Him. God is NOT finished with them or us, for He has Promised to Complete, FULL-FILL The Work that He Has Begun, He Wishes that NONE would perish, but that ALL would Come To Repentance and Be Raised Up From The Dead, In Jesus' Name. Amen & Amen.
God's Richest Blessings & Love To ALL,
<')))>< Mark Tross
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Title. Date: Sat, May 28, 2005
Subject: Acts 13:31-35
The Word:
And for many day He appeared to those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, and they are His witnesses to the people.
So now we are bringing you the good news that what God promised to our forefathers,
This He has completely fulfilled to us their children by raising up Jesus, as it is written in the second Psalm, You are My Son; today I have begotten You - caused You to arise, to be born, [formally shown You to be the Messiah by the resurrection]. [Ps. 2:7.]
And as to His having raised Him from among the dead, now no more to return to [undergo] putrefaction and dissolution [of the grave], He spoke in this way, I will fulfill and give to you the holy and sure mercies and blessings [that were promised and assured] to David. [Isa. 55:3.]
For this reason He says also in another Psalm, You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption - to undergo putrefaction and dissolution [of the grave]. [Ps. 16:10.]
- Acts 13:31-35
For forty days after His Resurrection from the grave, Jesus appeared to His Disciples, instructing them in The Way they should go and preparing them for The Promise Of God's Holy Spirit. THIS Word Of God To us Today Declares, "They `ARE´ His Witnesses To The People." Can THIS Be Said Of Y-O-U Today? It was The Followers Of Christ then who brought The Love Of God & The Good News Of Jesus to ALL Nations & Peoples, Tribes & Tongues and because He Is The Same, Yesterday, Today & Forever, WE MUST FULL-FILL His GREAT Co-Mission To The Church, so that ALL who are Called & Chosen May Enter Into The Precious Promises Of God. Are Y-O-U Bringing "The Good News" (that God Promised To ALL) to those who Jesus died on The Cross Of Calvary To Reach? He Has COMPLETELY & TOTALLY FULL-FILLED ALL Of His Promises To His Children AND Proven THIS Fact By Raising Jesus Up From The Grave, According To His Holy & Precious Word, Will & Way!
NONE of God's Promises are empty, but The Tomb IS! What MORE Could He Do To Convince Y-O-U That His Word IS FAITH-FULL & TRUE? Jesus Was "Born Again" By The Resurrection, He Arose As The Firstfruits From The Dead, Christ Was Shown TO BE The Messiah, The Anointed One and Y-O-U & I Are Called Of God To Follow Suit & Walk In His Plan & Purposes, The Work That Was Prepared For us TO DO (By Jesus), Before The Foundation Of This World Were Laid. At one point in human history, God Spoke Through Moses, but NOW He Speaks To us IN His Son, IN THIS "WAY!" NOW (Today IS The Day Of Salvation / Yeshua / Jesus) He Will FULL-FILL & GIVE To Y-O-U The Holy & Sure (Tender) Mercies (that are re-newed EVERY morning) & The Eternal, Everlasting, Abundant, Resurrection BLESSINGS [that were Promised & Assured] to King David.
EVERYTHING That IS Written In His Holy & Precious Word Has A Reason. "Come, Let us Reason Together," Says The Lord.
He Will NOT Allow Y-O-U To See Corruption, Putrefaction Or Dissolution Of The Grave, "IF" Y-O-U put your Faith & Trust In Him! He Who Watches Over Israel Will Neither Slumber Nor Sleep, so why do we not (like David) become men and women after His Own Heart and Be Obedient Children Of The Most High God?
Has Jesus Appeared To Y-O-U? Are Y-O-U His Witness To ALL Peoples? Do Y-O-U Preach, Teach & Bring The Healing Of "The Good News" to those who have been promised? As It Has Been Written, So Let His Perfect & Acceptable Will Be Done On Earth! Jesus Says To us Today, "Arise My Love." ALL People EVERYWHERE MUST Be Born Again, Come To PERSONALLY (And Experientially) KNOW Jesus As Messiah / Christ / The Anointed One & The POWER Of His Resurrection! NONE of us can afford to return to the baser, sin-FULL nature or we will SURELY undergo corruption, putrefaction, dissolution of the grave and Spiritual Death. ALL of God's Precious Promises ARE Yes & Amen "IN" Christ Jesus, but apart from HIm we can do NOTHING, so let Each & EVERY One Of us Press Onward & Upward To Our Higher Calling In Him and Accomplish His Perfect & Acceptable Will In Jesus' Name. Amen & Amen.
God's Richest Blessings & Love To ALL,
<')))>< Mark Tross
5561 Gladstone Dr. NE
Rio Rancho, NM
87144
USA
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Date: Tue, Jun 14, 2005
Subject: Acts 13:36-41
The Word:
For David, after he had served God's will and purpose and counsel in his own generation, fell asleep [in death], and was buried among his forefathers, and he did see corruption and undergo putrefaction and dissolution [of the grave].
But He Whom God raised up [to life] saw no corruption - did not experience putrefaction and dissolution [of the grave].
So let it be clearly known and understood by you, brethren, that through this man forgiveness and removal of sins is now proclaimed to you; And that through Him every one who believes, [that is, who acknowledges Jesus as his Savior and devotes himself to Him] is absolved (cleared and freed) from every charge from which you could not be justified and freed by the Law of Moses, and given right standing with God.
Take care, therefore, lest there come upon you what is spoken in the prophets:
Look, you scoffers and scorners, and marvel, and perish, and vanish away; for I am doing a deed in your days, a deed which you will never have confidence in or believe, [even if some one - clearly describing it in detail - declares it to you. [Hab. 1:5.]
- Acts 13:36-41
Let It Be CLEARLY Known, Understood, Described In Detail and Declared Unto Y-O-U TODAY that Y-O-U Have Been Absolved, Freed, Justified and CLEARED from EVERY Charge the enemy has brought against Y-O-U, because of what Christ Jesus did for Y-O-U on The Cross Of Calvary. God Says, "I AM Doing A Work, A Deed In Your Days!" Will Y-O-U Have Confidence In Or Believe, Cling To, Trust In and Rely On "IT"? NOTICE that The Word For TODAY does NOT Say, I AM Doing A Deed In Y-O-U-R DAZE! TOO Many Christians are walking around in a semi-Spiritual Daze, instead of preparing for The Great And AWESOME Days Of The Lord that are set before us. It Is NOW Time "TO BE" Ready and NOT just get ready, for The Lord Is Saying To This Present World Of Darkness (and His Children Of Light, who presently Live in it) TODAY, It Is "My WAY," with NO High-Way Options.
King David Acknowledged "The Lord (Jesus)" as his Savior and Devoted him"self" Daily To Him. What MUST we Do to be Called By God, "A Man After His Own Heart?" LIKE-WISE! We MUST Believe On The Lord Jesus Christ And Be Saved, Delivered, Absolved, Cleared, Freed (For The Truth Shall Set Y-O-U FREE And He Who The Son Sets FREE "IS" FREE Indeed) and Justified (Just-As-If-We-Had-NEVER-Sinned) By Faith, In The Precious Life's Blood Of The Lamb Of God, Who Takes AWAY The Sins Of The World. THIS Is What We Declare Unto Y-O-U TODAY, "Y-O-U-R Sins `ARE´ Forgiven AND Removed!"
THIS Is The Good News, The Gospel Of God In Christ Jesus and what He Has Accomplished, His Perfect And Acceptable Word, Will, Way, Plan, Purpose AND Counsel for Our Own Generation. Yes, I Am talking about Our G-G-G-Generation, Y-O-U-R´s and mine TODAY!
Look around [you, Habakkuk, replied the Lord] among the nations and see! And be astonished!
Astounded! For I am putting into effect a work in your days that you would not believe it if it were told you. [Acts 13:40, 41.] -Habakkuk 1:5
Talk about "Special Effects!" You and I haven't SEEn Anything, Nothing yet, because God Says, He Is Putting This [NEW] Work Into Effect In Our Days and YES, He Is Actually Telling It To Y-O-U!
The REAL Question For TODAY Is, Will Y-O-U Believe, Hear, Listen and Take Heed To What The Holy Spirit Of God Is Saying To The Church Of Jesus Christ TODAY? He Has CLEARLY Described The Details, Declared Them To Y-O-U In "The Book!" Will Y-O-U put Confidence In The Word Of The Lord and Be Obedient To The Call? He Wants Y-O-U to further His Kingdom, to reach ALL Nations, Peoples, Tribes and Tongues, to Serve God's Will, Purpose and Counsel In Your Own Generation, In Jesus' Name. Amen And Amen.
God Bless & Love To ALL,
<)))>< Mark Tross
5561 Gladstone Dr. NE
Rio Rancho, NM
87144
USA
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Date: Tue, Jun 28, 2005
Subject: Acts 13:42-46
The Word:
As they [Paul and Barnabas] went out [of the synagogue], the people earnestly begged that these things might be told to the [further] the next Sabbath.
And when the congregation of the synagogue dispersed, many of the Jews and the devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked to them and urged them to continue [to trust themselves to and stand fast] in the grace - that is, the unmerited favor and blessing - of God.
The next Sabbath almost the entire city gathered together to hear the Word of God - concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God.
But when the Jews saw the crowds, filled with envy and jealousy they contradicted what was said by Paul, and talked abusively - reviling and slandering him.
And Paul and Barnabas spoke out plainly and boldly, saying, It was necessary that God's message (concerning salvation through Christ) should be spoken to you first. But since you thrust it from you, you pass this judgement on yourselves that you are unworthy of eternal life, and out of your own mouth you shall be judged. [Now] behold, we turn to the Gentiles - the heathen.
- Acts 13:42-46
After hearing The Word Of God CLEARLY and Precisely from Paul and Barnabas (The Son Of Encouragement), these people rejected Eternal, Everlasting, Abundant, Resurrection Life, By Faith and through Salvation In Christ Jesus, they thrust It from them and CHOSE Judgement. Talk about Paul's comment, "You Foolish Galatians," One has to Wonder what would cause a person or a group of people to choose death over Life. Who Bewitches them?
In the overall scheme of things, God is Still In Complete and Total Control. He has only hardened the hearts of "The Jews" (only for a time), so that His Holy and Precious Word could then Go To The Gentiles, The Heathens, ALL Nations, Peoples, Tribes and Tongues, Y-O-U and me. Notice that Paul and Barnabas First went to The Synagogue, The Congregation Of Believers, The Church, The Body Of Christ here on Earth and then to The World. The Word Declares, "Judgement Begins At The House Of God!" His Word Is Faithful and True.
Do Y-O-U Earnestly Desire (Beg) God for The Revelation Of His Son to be told Further to Y-O-U? How did This Come To Be in Today's Portion of Holy Script?
Paul and Barnabas TALKED to the people and Urged them on In Their Trust, Stand, Grace, Favor, Blessings and FAITH In The Most High God. Unfortunately, there are NOT enough Pastors, Preachers, Teachers or Leaders In The Church Of Jesus Christ Today who DAILY, Constantly Give their people, God's Flock, enough Food Of Hope And The Future That God Has And Intends For Them. In The Words of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, "Carry On, LOVE Is Coming, Love Is Coming To us ALL!"
Outside of a Billy Graham Crusade, how many times have you EVER Seen or Heard of an ENTIRE City "Gathering TOGETHER To Hear The Word Of God?"
Not too many people Today are REALLY Concerned about attaining Salvation In The Kingdom Of God, Which Is Righteousness, Peace And Joy In The Holy Ghost, Through Jesus Christ. MANY are FILLED with envy, jealousy, strife and are ALL To Quick to be abusive, revile and slander The Word Of God. Even when we explain The Good News, The Gospel Message with clarity, plainly and boldly (Not By Might, Not By [our own] Power, But By God's Holy Spirit), there are still those who Thrust The Word Of God AWay from them and Reject Jesus As Lord.
Prayer changes things and although for a time we might have to dust off our feet and move on, God Is Faithful & Jesus NEVER Fails! He Did NOT Come Into This World To Condemn ANYBODY, but To Save Them, yet those who refuse Salvation In His Holy & Precious Name, they are condemned already and by their own choices, their own mouths have brought them to the place of being an enemy of God. We MUST Pray Daily for the unsaved and lost in this present world of darkness, but alWays and Forever (Until Jesus Comes Again), continue to Spread The Word and Shine His Light to EVERY One, EVERY Where, Even To The Uttermost Parts Of The World, In Jesus' Name (The Name Above ALL). Amen & Amen.
God's Richest Blessings & Love To ALL,
<')))>< Mark Tross
5561 Gladstone Dr. NE
Rio Rancho, NM
87144
USA
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Date: Tue, Jul 12, 2005
Subject: Acts 13:47-52
The Word:
For so the Lord has charged us, saying, I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles - the heathen - that you may bring (eternal) salvation to the uttermost parts of the earth. [Isa. 49:6.]
And when the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified (praised and gave thanks for) the Word of God; and as many as were destined (appointed and ordained) to eternal life believed - adhered to, trusted in and relied on Jesus as the Christ and their Savior.
And so the Word of the Lord (concerning eternal salvation through Christ) scattered and spread throughout the whole region.
But the Jews stirred up the devout women of high rank and the outstanding men of the town, and instigated persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their boundaries.
But [the apostles] shook off the dust from their feet against them, and went to Iconium.
And the disciples were continually diffused [throughout their souls] with joy and the Holy Spirit.
- Acts 13:47-52
THE LORD "Has" CHARGED us! Jesus paid it ALL for us on The Cross Of Calvary and He "Has" Given us The Deposit Of His Holy Spirit, so that we ALSO would Be Diffused [Throughout Our Souls] with His JOY, The Fruit Of God's Holy Spirit and tell others about The Good News, The Gospel Of Christ (inspite of any and ALL"instigated persecution"). We MUST Take The Love Of God And The Good News Of Jesus To ALL Nations, Peoples, Tribes And Tongues, Bringing Eternal Salvation / Yeshua / Jesus, Everlasting, Abundant, Resurrection LIFE To The UTTERMOST Parts Of The Earth!
He says, It is too light a thing that you should be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors [of the judgement] of Israel; I will also give you for a light to the nations, that My salvation may extend to the end of the earth.
- Isaiah 49:6
Let NONE of us Take The Call of God On Our Life Lightly! The GREATEST of ALL MUST Be The Servant Of God AND ALL.
We "ARE" The Repairers Of The Breach, Sent By God To Restore The Survivors (MIAs and POWs Of This Spiritual Battle For Their Souls) to Complete and Total Communion and Fellowship with Their God And Savior, Jesus Christ. We "ARE" The Light To ALL Nations to extend His Salvation, The Hope Of Israel and The Hope Of The World to the end of the earth, but NOT by our own might or power (NO), By His Holy Spirit (Working Upon, In And Through us)!
Do Y-O-U Rejoice, Glorify, Praise And Give God Thanks (DAILY) For The Holy And Precious WORD OF GOD, Jesus?
We "ARE" Children Of The Most High, Children Of DESTINY! If Y-O-U and I Believe In, Cling To, Adhere To, Trust In AND Rely On Jesus As O-U-R Savior, Christ, Messiah, The Anointed One Of God, then We "ARE" Appointed, Ordained, Empowered and Anointed, in The Same WAY as Paul, Barnabas and ALL other Apostles and Disciples Of God.
LOVE Isn't (Real, Honest To Goodness, God's) LOVE until We Give "IT" AWAY! Is The Word Of God being scattered, spread and distributed throughout the regions of This Present World Of Darkness, in which you and I live, move and have our being?
If others do NOT Get Stirred Up By The Presence Of God, then we are allowing their spiritual waters to go stagnant, spoil and die. THIS Should NOT Be! You might get driven out of your boundaries, like Paul and Barnabas were, but NEVER let others' spiritually Negative instigated persecution or opposition STOP Y-O-U from Moving Forward In Y-O-U-R TRUE Spiritual Service (Worship) To The Lord.
SHAKE It OFF, Remove The Stagnant Dust From Beneath Y-O-U-R (Beautiful) Feet, Rise UP And Move ON In Jesus! GO Forward, Move Ahead, Run "The Race" with Endurance, for it is In The Going and Doing Of His Perfect AND Acceptable Will (no matter what comes against Y-O-U) that Y-O-U Shall HAVE The Peace Of God That Passes ALL Understanding and Be Continually Diffused [Throughout Y-O-U-R Soul] With JOY And God's Holy Spirit, The Holy Ghost, In Jesus' Name.
Amen And Amen!
God's Richest Blessings And Love To ALL, <')))>< Mark Tross
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.
Date: Tue, Jul 26, 2005
Subject: Acts 14:1-7
The Word:
NOW at Iconium [also Paul and Barnabas] went into the Jewish synagogue together and spoke with such power that a great number both of Jews and of Greeks believed - became Christians;
But the unbelieving Jews (who rejected their message) aroused the Gentiles and embittered their minds against the brethren.
So [Paul and Barnabas] stayed on there for a long time, speaking freely and fearlessly and boldly in the Lord, Who continued to bear testimony to the Word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be performed by their hands.
But the residents of the town were divided, some siding with the Jews and some with the apostles.
When there was an attempt both on the part of the Gentiles and the Jews together with their rulers, to insult and abuse and molest [Paul and Barnabas] and to stone them,
They, aware of the situation, made their escape to Lystra and Derbe; cities of Lycaonia, and the neighboring districts; And there they continued to preach the glad tidings (Gospel).
- Acts 14:1-7
Imagine speaking with "Such Power" that A GREAT Number of both Jews and Gentiles Come To Believe, Cling To, Trust In AND Rely On Jesus As Messiah, Christ, The Anointed One Of God. THIS "IS" The Call Upon EVERY Christian who is FILLED With God's Holy Spirit, because Paul The Apostle wrote that Jesus "IS" The Wisdom AND POWER Of God (unto those who believe)! Let me ask Y-O-U a personal question... How many people have Y-O-U (personally) seen Come To The Faith in the past week, year or even in your (Eternal, Everlasting, Abundant, Resurrection) LIFE-Time?
THIS Calls for a REALITY Check on behalf of ALL who Call themselves "Christian," because like Timothy, Paul exhorts us (The Body Of Christ) to "Do The Work Of An Evangelist!"
MANY will rise up against you and The Message Of Salvation, In Jesus' Holy And Precious Name, but NO Weapon Formed Against us shall prosper, because The Shield Of Faith WILL put out EVERY fiery dart that the enemy attempts to send our Way. Surely we ALL know of others who have embittered minds towards The Truth. The major difference between Paul, Barnabas and all too many confessing Christians is that they determined in their hearts and spirits to Stay The Course and continued to speak FREEly, fearlessly and BOLDLY In The Name Of The Lord.
Needless to say, God (ALSO) Continued To Bear His Testimony To The Word (Jesus) AND (The Spirit Of) His Grace, Goodness, Tender-Mercies and Loving-Kindness, by granting amazing signs and wonders to be performed upon, in and through Paul and Barnabas.
STILL the residents of the town were divided and isn't that exactly what The Sword Of The Spirit is supposed to do?
God is FOREVER separating The Sheep Of His Pasture from the goats. NO insult, abuse or molestation of any kind, NOTHING Can or EVER Will Separate Y-O-U From The Love Of God! We MUST AlWays "Be Aware" of the situations at hand, but notice how God's Word is confirmed in the fact that He AlWays provides A (The) Way out, because Paul and Barnabas "Made Their Escape" and STILL Continued To Preach, and Teach The Glad Tidings, The Good News, The Gospel Of God In Christ Jesus!
NOW, in your situation and circumstance... Are Y-O-U speaking (The Truth In LOVE) with (Holy Ghost) POWER? Are there people with embittered minds against Y-O-U? Is there (Spiritual) division between Y-O-U and your family, friends, co-workers or neighbors? LOOK for "The Door" that The Holy Spirit wants Y-O-U to take, so that The Work Of YOUR Ministry (The Ministry Of Reconciliation) may CONTINUE To Move Forward, Furthering The Kingdom Of God, His Righteous, Peace and Joy In The Holy Ghost, In Jesus' Name. Amen And Amen.
God's Richest Blessings And Love To ALL, <')))>< Mark Tross
Copyright 2012
ALL Rights Reserved.