From Gary... A little beauty for everyone

Today, I chose this picture just for the fun of it- because the beauty of this arrangement (and its variety of flowers) just seemed to "work" for me.  Frankly, I don't know much about flowers (except Rose's- naturally), so I asked my wife, Linda and she told me that there are Rose's, Lillies, Baby's Breath and Daisies in the bouquet above.  Singularly, each flower would be interesting; but together- they have a vitality to them that inspires the heart and brings warmth to the soul.  I guess that is why they are given as gifts so often.  And almost always they are received as a bit of "Good News", when they arrive at your door.  Naturally, I thought of the following...

Acts 2:1-38 NASB
(1)  When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.
(2)  And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
(3)  And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them.
(4)  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.
(5)  Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven.
(6)  And when this sound occurred, the crowd came together, and were bewildered because each one of them was hearing them speak in his own language.
(7)  They were amazed and astonished, saying, "Why, are not all these who are speaking Galileans?
(8)  "And how is it that we each hear them in our own language to which we were born?
(9)  "Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,
(10)  Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya around Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,
(11)  Cretans and Arabs--we hear them in our own tongues speaking of the mighty deeds of God."
(12)  And they all continued in amazement and great perplexity, saying to one another, "What does this mean?"
(13)  But others were mocking and saying, "They are full of sweet wine."
(14)  But Peter, taking his stand with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: "Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and give heed to my words.
(15)  "For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only the third hour of the day;
(16)  but this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel:
(17)  'AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,' God says, 'THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS;
(18)  EVEN ON MY BONDSLAVES, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN, I WILL IN THOSE DAYS POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT And they shall prophesy.
(19)  'AND I WILL GRANT WONDERS IN THE SKY ABOVE AND SIGNS ON THE EARTH BELOW, BLOOD, AND FIRE, AND VAPOR OF SMOKE.
(20)  'THE SUN WILL BE TURNED INTO DARKNESS AND THE MOON INTO BLOOD, BEFORE THE GREAT AND GLORIOUS DAY OF THE LORD SHALL COME.
(21)  'AND IT SHALL BE THAT EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.'
(22)  "Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know--
(23)  this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death.
(24)  "But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.
(25)  "For David says of Him, 'I SAW THE LORD ALWAYS IN MY PRESENCE; FOR HE IS AT MY RIGHT HAND, SO THAT I WILL NOT BE SHAKEN.
(26)  'THEREFORE MY HEART WAS GLAD AND MY TONGUE EXULTED; MOREOVER MY FLESH ALSO WILL LIVE IN HOPE;
(27)  BECAUSE YOU WILL NOT ABANDON MY SOUL TO HADES, NOR ALLOW YOUR HOLY ONE TO UNDERGO DECAY.
(28)  'YOU HAVE MADE KNOWN TO ME THE WAYS OF LIFE; YOU WILL MAKE ME FULL OF GLADNESS WITH YOUR PRESENCE.'
(29)  "Brethren, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.
(30)  "And so, because he was a prophet and knew that GOD HAD SWORN TO HIM WITH AN OATH TO SEAT one OF HIS DESCENDANTS ON HIS THRONE,
(31)  he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that HE WAS NEITHER ABANDONED TO HADES, NOR DID His flesh SUFFER DECAY.
(32)  "This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses.
(33)  "Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear.
(34)  "For it was not David who ascended into heaven, but he himself says: 'THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD, "SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND,
(35)  UNTIL I MAKE YOUR ENEMIES A FOOTSTOOL FOR YOUR FEET."'
(36)  "Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ--this Jesus whom you crucified."
(37)  Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do?"
(38)  Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Aren't you glad we are not all alike!!!  Each and every race has its own special "something", that sets it apart and adds something to the "whole" of humanity.  We may look different, act differently and speak one (or perhaps, more than one) of thousands of languages, but like the diversity of the bouquet, we are still all "flowers". And if you think about human beings that way; then God WANTS us to be together and make a wonderful arrangement in this world.  And think what "GOOD NEWS" that would be- if we all could just get along!!!  And God recreated the process of creation by sending Jesus to bring us all together spiritually.  And when I think about it, somehow Jesus is there, because the Scripture says...

Song of Solomon 2:1-4 NASB
(1)  "I am the rose of Sharon, The lily of the valleys."
(2)  "Like a lily among the thorns, So is my darling among the maidens."
(3)  "Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest, So is my beloved among the young men. In his shade I took great delight and sat down, And his fruit was sweet to my taste.
(4)  "He has brought me to his banquet hall, And his banner over me is love.

Today, do something nice for someone- and then redirect their thoughts toward Jesus.  Flowers would be nice....

From Gary... Bible Reading August 9

Bible Reading  

August 9

The World English Bible

Aug. 9

Nehemiah 4-6

Neh 4:1 But it happened that when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.

Neh 4:2 He spoke before his brothers and the army of Samaria, and said, What are these feeble Jews doing? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, seeing they are burned?

Neh 4:3 Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they are building, if a fox go up, he shall break down their stone wall.

Neh 4:4 Hear, our God; for we are despised: and turn back their reproach on their own head, and give them up for a spoil in a land of captivity;

Neh 4:5 and don't cover their iniquity, and don't let their sin be blotted out from before you; for they have provoked you to anger before the builders.

Neh 4:6 So we built the wall; and all the wall was joined together to half the height of it: for the people had a mind to work.

Neh 4:7 But it happened that when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabians, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem went forward, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very angry;

Neh 4:8 and they conspired all of them together to come and fight against Jerusalem, and to cause confusion therein.

Neh 4:9 But we made our prayer to our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.

Neh 4:10 Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.

Neh 4:11 Our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, until we come into the midst of them, and kill them, and cause the work to cease.

Neh 4:12 It happened that when the Jews who lived by them came, they said to us ten times from all places, You must return to us.

Neh 4:13 Therefore set I in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in the open places, I set there the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows.

Neh 4:14 I looked, and rose up, and said to the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Don't be afraid of them: remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.

Neh 4:15 It happened, when our enemies heard that it was known to us, and God had brought their counsel to nothing, that we returned all of us to the wall, everyone to his work.

Neh 4:16 It happened from that time forth, that half of my servants worked in the work, and half of them held the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the coats of mail; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah.

Neh 4:17 They all built the wall and those who bore burdens loaded themselves; everyone with one of his hands worked in the work, and with the other held his weapon;

Neh 4:18 and the builders, everyone had his sword girded by his side, and so built. He who sounded the trumpet was by me.

Neh 4:19 I said to the nobles, and to the rulers and to the rest of the people, The work is great and large, and we are separated on the wall, one far from another:

Neh 4:20 in whatever place you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally there to us; our God will fight for us.

Neh 4:21 So we worked in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning until the stars appeared.

Neh 4:22 Likewise at the same time said I to the people, Let everyone with his servant lodge within Jerusalem, that in the night they may be a guard to us, and may labor in the day.

Neh 4:23 So neither I, nor my brothers, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard who followed me, none of us put off our clothes, everyone went with his weapon to the water.

Neh 5:1 Then there arose a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brothers the Jews.

Neh 5:2 For there were that said, We, our sons and our daughters, are many: let us get grain, that we may eat and live.

Neh 5:3 Some also there were that said, We are mortgaging our fields, and our vineyards, and our houses: let us get grain, because of the dearth.

Neh 5:4 There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king's tribute on our fields and our vineyards.

Neh 5:5 Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brothers, our children as their children: and behold, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and some of our daughters are brought into bondage already: neither is it in our power to help it; for other men have our fields and our vineyards.

Neh 5:6 I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.

Neh 5:7 Then I consulted with myself, and contended with the nobles and the rulers, and said to them, You exact usury, everyone of his brother. I held a great assembly against them.

Neh 5:8 I said to them, We after our ability have redeemed our brothers the Jews, that were sold to the nations; and would you even sell your brothers, and should they be sold to us? Then held they their peace, and found never a word.

Neh 5:9 Also I said, The thing that you do is not good: ought you not to walk in the fear of our God, because of the reproach of the nations our enemies?

Neh 5:10 I likewise, my brothers and my servants, do lend them money and grain. Please let us leave off this usury.

Neh 5:11 Please restore to them, even this day, their fields, their vineyards, their olive groves, and their houses, also the hundredth part of the money, and of the grain, the new wine, and the oil, that you exact of them.

Neh 5:12 Then said they, We will restore them, and will require nothing of them; so will we do, even as you say. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they would do according to this promise.

Neh 5:13 Also I shook out my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labor, that doesn't perform this promise; even thus be he shaken out, and emptied. All the assembly said, Amen, and praised Yahweh. The people did according to this promise.

Neh 5:14 Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even to the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brothers have not eaten the bread of the governor.

Neh 5:15 But the former governors who were before me were supported by the people, and took bread and wine from them, besides forty shekels of silver; yes, even their servants ruled over the people: but I didn't do so, because of the fear of God.

Neh 5:16 Yes, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered there to the work.

Neh 5:17 Moreover there were at my table, of the Jews and the rulers, one hundred fifty men, besides those who came to us from among the nations that were around us.

Neh 5:18 Now that which was prepared for one day was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this I didn't demand the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy on this people.

Neh 5:19 Remember to me, my God, for good, all that I have done for this people.

Neh 6:1 Now it happened, when it was reported to Sanballat and Tobiah, and to Geshem the Arabian, and to the rest of our enemies, that I had built the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though even to that time I had not set up the doors in the gates;)

Neh 6:2 that Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, Come, let us meet together in one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief.

Neh 6:3 I sent messengers to them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I can't come down: why should the work cease, while I leave it, and come down to you?

Neh 6:4 They sent to me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.

Neh 6:5 Then sent Sanballat his servant to me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand,

Neh 6:6 in which was written, It is reported among the nations, and Gashmu says it, that you and the Jews think to rebel; for which cause you are building the wall: and you would be their king, according to these words.

Neh 6:7 You have also appointed prophets to preach of you at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.

Neh 6:8 Then I sent to him, saying, There are no such things done as you say, but you imagine them out of your own heart.

Neh 6:9 For they all would have made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it not be done. But now, God, strengthen my hands.

Neh 6:10 I went to the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to kill you; yes, in the night will they come to kill you.

Neh 6:11 I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there that, being such as I, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.

Neh 6:12 I discerned, and behold, God had not sent him; but he pronounced this prophecy against me: and Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.

Neh 6:13 For this cause was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach me.

Neh 6:14 Remember, my God, Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and also the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.

Neh 6:15 So the wall was finished in the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days.

Neh 6:16 It happened, when all our enemies heard of it, that all the nations that were about us feared, and were much cast down in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was worked of our God.

Neh 6:17 Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came to them.

Neh 6:18 For there were many in Judah sworn to him, because he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah the son of Arah; and his son Jehohanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah as wife.

Neh 6:19 Also they spoke of his good deeds before me, and reported my words to him. Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.

 

Aug. 9, 10

Acts 23

Act 23:1 Paul, looking steadfastly at the council, said, "Brothers, I have lived before God in all good conscience until this day."

Act 23:2 The high priest, Ananias, commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.

Act 23:3 Then Paul said to him, "God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit to judge me according to the law, and command me to be struck contrary to the law?"

Act 23:4 Those who stood by said, "Do you malign God's high priest?"

Act 23:5 Paul said, "I didn't know, brothers, that he was high priest. For it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.' "

Act 23:6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Men and brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. Concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!"

Act 23:7 When he had said this, an argument arose between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.

Act 23:8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit; but the Pharisees confess all of these.

Act 23:9 A great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees part stood up, and contended, saying, "We find no evil in this man. But if a spirit or angel has spoken to him, let's not fight against God!"

Act 23:10 When a great argument arose, the commanding officer, fearing that Paul would be torn in pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them, and bring him into the barracks.

Act 23:11 The following night, the Lord stood by him, and said, "Cheer up, Paul, for as you have testified about me at Jerusalem, so you must testify also at Rome."

Act 23:12 When it was day, some of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul.

Act 23:13 There were more than forty people who had made this conspiracy.

Act 23:14 They came to the chief priests and the elders, and said, "We have bound ourselves under a great curse, to taste nothing until we have killed Paul.

Act 23:15 Now therefore, you with the council inform the commanding officer that he should bring him down to you tomorrow, as though you were going to judge his case more exactly. We are ready to kill him before he comes near."

Act 23:16 But Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, and he came and entered into the barracks and told Paul.

Act 23:17 Paul summoned one of the centurions, and said, "Bring this young man to the commanding officer, for he has something to tell him."

Act 23:18 So he took him, and brought him to the commanding officer, and said, "Paul, the prisoner, summoned me and asked me to bring this young man to you, who has something to tell you."

Act 23:19 The commanding officer took him by the hand, and going aside, asked him privately, "What is it that you have to tell me?"

Act 23:20 He said, "The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though intending to inquire somewhat more accurately concerning him.

Act 23:21 Therefore don't yield to them, for more than forty men lie in wait for him, who have bound themselves under a curse neither to eat nor to drink until they have killed him. Now they are ready, looking for the promise from you."

Act 23:22 So the commanding officer let the young man go, charging him, "Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me."

Act 23:23 He called to himself two of the centurions, and said, "Prepare two hundred soldiers to go as far as Caesarea, with seventy horsemen, and two hundred men armed with spears, at the third hour of the night."

Act 23:24 He asked them to provide animals, that they might set Paul on one, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.

Act 23:25 He wrote a letter like this:

Act 23:26 "Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings.

Act 23:27 "This man was seized by the Jews, and was about to be killed by them, when I came with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman.

Act 23:28 Desiring to know the cause why they accused him, I brought him down to their council.

Act 23:29 I found him to be accused about questions of their law, but not to be charged with anything worthy of death or of imprisonment.

Act 23:30 When I was told that the Jews lay in wait for the man, I sent him to you immediately, charging his accusers also to bring their accusations against him before you. Farewell."

Act 23:31 So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris.

Act 23:32 But on the next day they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the barracks.

Act 23:33 When they came to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him.

Act 23:34 When the governor had read it, he asked what province he was from. When he understood that he was from Cilicia, he said,

Act 23:35 "I will hear you fully when your accusers also arrive." He commanded that he be kept in Herod's palace.

From Mark Copeland... Peter In The Home Of Cornelius- Acts, Chapter 10

                "GOSPEL PREACHING IN THE FIRST CENTURY"

                     Peter In The Home Of Cornelius

INTRODUCTION

1. Thus far we have considered four examples of gospel preaching in the
   first century...
   a. Peter on the day of Pentecost    c. Philip in the city of Samaria
   b. Peter at Solomon’s porch         d. Philip in the Gaza desert

2. The gospel preaching in each case followed a similar pattern...
   a. Proclaiming the death, burial, resurrection and lordship of Jesus
      Christ
   b. Calling for a response involving faith, repentance and baptism

[Till now, the gospel was shared only to Jews or those closely related
(Samaritans).  Jesus intended His gospel to be proclaimed to all nations
(Mt 28:19; Mk 16:15), and now we consider the example of the first
Gentile (non-Jew) who was given the gospel message...]

I. THE SETTING

   A. CORNELIUS HAS A VISION...
      1. Cornelius, a centurion, is introduced as very religious - Ac 10:1-2
      2. In a vision an angel appears to him - Ac 10:3-6
         a. With an announcement that his prayers and alms have been
            noticed by God
         b. With instructions to send for Peter; please note:
            1) The angel said, "He will tell you what you must do." - Ac 10:6
            2) As Peter recounts it, "...who will tell you words by
               which you and all your household will be saved." - Ac 11:14
      3. Cornelius then sends two servants and a devout soldier to Peter
         - Ac 10:7-8

   B. PETER HAS A VISION...
      1. While the three men are traveling toward Peter, he has a vision
         - Ac 10:9-16; 11:4-10
         a. A sheet descending from heaven, containing all sorts of
            creatures
         b. A voice tells Peter to "kill and eat"
         c. Peter objects, for he has never eaten anything common or
            unclean
         d. He is told, "What God has cleansed you must not call
            common."
      2. Three times the vision is repeated

   C. THE SPIRIT INSTRUCTS PETER...
      1. The men from Cornelius arrive as Peter contemplates the vision
         - Ac 10:17-18; 11:11
      2. The Spirit tells Peter to go, "doubting nothing, for I have
         sent them" - Ac 10:19-20; 11:12
      3. Peter receives the men and takes six with him as they go to
         Cornelius - Ac 10:21-23; 11:12

   D. PETER ARRIVES AT CORNELIUS’ HOUSE...
      1. Cornelius has gathered his family and close friends - Ac 10:24
      2. Peter deflects attempts by Cornelius to worship him - Ac 10:25-26
      3. Peter explains his presence a violation of Jewish custom, but
         now understands "I should not call any man common or unclean"
         - Ac 10:27-28
      4. Asked by Peter to explain why he was called, Cornelius recounts
         the appearance and instructions of the angel - Ac 10:29-32;
         11:13-14
      5. Cornelius and his household were ready "to hear all things
         commanded you by God" - Ac 10:33

[Similar to Acts 2, miraculous events prepared both the preacher and his
audience for "things commanded...by God" (Ac 10:33) and "words by which
you...will be saved" (Ac 11:14)...]

II. THE SERMON

   A. PETER PROCLAIMS GOD...
      1. He begins with a full perception that God shows no partiality
         - Ac 10:34-35
      2. A perception started with the vision of the sheet and unclean
         beasts
      3. A perception continued with the Spirit’s instruction to go with
         the messengers
      4. A perception confirmed with the Spirit falling upon the
         Gentiles - Ac 10:44-47; 11:15-17

   B. PETER PROCLAIMS JESUS...
      1. As Lord who was anointed with the Holy Spirit and power - Ac 10:36-38
      2. Who was killed, raised from the dead, seen by witnesses who
         knew Him well - Ac 10:39-41
      3. Who has commanded the apostles to proclaim Him as ordained by
         God to be the Judge of the living and dead - Ac 10:42
      4. Through Whom remission of sins is offered to those who believe
         - Ac 10:43

   C. PETER PROCLAIMS BAPTISM...
      1. After the Spirit fell upon Cornelius and his household - Ac 10:44-46
      2. The purpose of which was to show Peter and his fellow Jews that
         Gentiles could be recipients of the gospel and saved in the
         same way - cf. Ac 10:45; 11:17-18; 15:7-11
      3. How then could anyone forbid water to those who had received
         the Spirit just as the apostles did? - Ac 10:47; 2:1-4
      4. So Cornelius and his household were commanded to be baptized in
         the name of the Lord - Ac 10:48; 2:38

CONCLUSION

1. Once again, preaching the gospel followed the pattern seen before...
   a. Proclaiming the death, burial, resurrection, and lordship of Jesus
      Christ
   b. Calling for a response involving faith and baptism

2. Of course, other important observations can be made...
   a. Religious people need to be saved (it is Jesus’ blood that saves,
      not religion per se!)
   b. The gospel is for everyone, for God desires all men to be saved
      - cf. 1Ti 2:3-6; 2Pe 3:9
   c. The gospel requires of all the same response:  faith and baptism
      - cf. Mk 16:16; Ac 15:11

How about you?  You may be a good moral person, religious, even like
Cornelius; but without Jesus there is no hope of salvation (cf. Jn 8:24;
14:6).

Have you received the remission of sins through an obedient faith in
Jesus Christ?  Are you ready to stand before the One ordained to be the
Judge of the living and the dead (Ac 10:42)...?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... Paul In The Synagogue At Antioch

                "GOSPEL PREACHING IN THE FIRST CENTURY"

                    Paul In The Synagogue At Antioch

INTRODUCTION

1. Thus far we have considered five examples of gospel preaching in the
   first century...
   a. Three by the apostle Peter
   b. Two by the evangelist Philip

2. From the preaching of Peter and Philip, we turn now to the preaching
   of Paul...
   a. Formerly known as Saul, who persecuted the church - Ac 8:1,3;
      9:1-2
   b. Who became known as the apostle to the Gentiles - Ac 9:15; Ro 11:13

[We shall consider three examples of Paulí preaching, starting with an
opportunity to preach to both the Jews and the Gentiles in the synagogue
at Antioch...]

I. THE SETTING

   A. IN ANTIOCH OF PISIDIA...
      1. Paul was on his 1st missionary journey - Ac 13:13
      2. Arriving in Antioch, he attended the synagogue on the Sabbath
         - Ac 13:14
      3. This became his evangelistic method for reaching Jews - cf. Ac 17:1-3

   B. IN THE SYNAGOGUE...
      1. Invited by the rulers of the synagogue to speak to the people
         - Ac 13:15
      2. His religious background may have been well-known - cf. Ac 22:3-5; Ga 1:13-14
      3. Paul accepts the invitation to speak to both Jews and
         God-fearers - Ac 13:16

[As recorded by Luke, Paul stood, motioned with his hands, and then
began to speak to both Jews and God-fearers (perhaps proselytes)...]

II. THE SERMON

   A. PAUL REVIEWS THE HISTORY OF ISRAEL...
      1. Their deliverance from Egypt and reception of Canaan - Ac 13:16-19
      2. The period of the Judges and the beginning of their Kings - Ac 13:20-21
      3. The promise to David, fulfilled with the coming of Jesus - Ac 13:22-25

   B. PAUL PROCLAIMS THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST...
      1. Addressed to both Jews and God-fearers - Ac 13:26
      2. The death of Jesus by the rulers in Jerusalem - Ac 13:27-29
      3. The resurrection of Jesus by God, witnessed by many - Ac 13:30-31
      4. These are glad tidings, foretold by prophecy - Ac 13:32-35; cf.
         Ps 2:7; Isa 55:3; Ps 16:10
      5. For David saw corruption, while He who was raised did not - Ac 13:36-37

   C. PAUL OFFERS SALVATION WITH A WARNING...
      1. Preaching forgiveness of sins through Jesus, not the Law - Ac 13:38-39
      2. Warning them not to believe, in the words of Habakkuk - Ac 13:40-41; Hab 1:5

   D. THE RESPONSE...
      1. Begged by the Gentiles to preach the same to them the next
         Sabbath - Ac 13:42
      2. Many Jews and devout proselytes encouraged to continue in the
         grace of God - Ac 13:43

   E. THE FOLLOWING SABBATH...
      1. Almost the whole city gathered to hear - Ac 13:44
      2. Envious Jews contradicted and blasphemed the things spoken by
         Paul - Ac 13:45
      3. Having judged themselves unworthy of eternal life, Paul turned
         to the Gentiles - Ac 13:46-47
      4. Gentiles were glad and glorified the Word - Ac 13:48
      5. "And as many as had been appointed (ordained, KJV) to eternal
         life believed" - ibid.
         a. "There is no countenance here for the absolutum decretum of
            the Calvinists, since ver. 46 had already shown that the
            Jews had acted through their own choice...the Jews as a
            nation had been ordained to eternal life - they had rejected
            this election - but those who believed amongst the Gentiles
            were equally ordained by God to eternal life, and it was in
            accordance with His divine appointment that the Apostles had
            turned to them. Some take the word as if middle, not passive:
            "as many as had set themselves unto eternal life," and in
            support of this Rendall refers to 1Co 16:15..."
            - Expositorís Greek Testament
         b. "The verb tatto or tasso signifies to place, set, order,
            appoint, dispose; hence it has been considered here as
            implying the disposition or readiness of mind of several
            persons in the congregation, such as the religious proselytes
            mentioned Ac 13:43, who possessed the reverse of the
            disposition of those Jews who spake against those things,
            contradicting and blaspheming, Ac 13:45." - Adam Clarke
         c. "As many as were disposed to eternal life, as many as had
            concern about their eternal state, and aimed to make sure of
            eternal life, believed in Christ." - Matthew Henry

CONCLUSION

1. In preaching the gospel in the synagogue at Antioch...
   a. Paul proclaimed the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus
      Christ - Ac 13:26-30
   b. Eyewitness testimony and OT prophecy were used to make his case
      - Ac 13:31-37
   c. He taught faith in Jesus as the way to forgiveness of sins, not
      the Law - Ac 13:38-39
   d. One makes themselves unworthy of eternal life by rejecting the
      Word - Ac 13:46
   e. If you are disposed to receiving eternal life, you will believe in
      Christ! - Ac 13:48

2. In making personal application, you might well ask yourself...
   a. Do you accept as truth the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus
      Christ?
   b. If not, have you seriously examined the eyewitness testimony and
      OT prophecy?
   c. Do you believe that Jesus is the only way to forgiveness of sins?
   d. Or have you made yourself unworthy of eternal life by rejecting
      the gospel?
   e. I pray that you are disposed to receive eternal life!

If you are willing to listen to the Gospel and are disposed to receiving
eternal life, you will gladly glorify the Word by obeying it, and
continue in the grace of God through faithful service...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... Paul At The Areopagus In Athens, Acts, Chapter 17

                "GOSPEL PREACHING IN THE FIRST CENTURY"

                    Paul At The Areopagus In Athens

INTRODUCTION

1. We have looked at six examples of gospel preaching in the first
   century...
   a. Three by the apostle Peter
   b. Two by the evangelist Philip
   c. One by the apostle Paul

2. We now consider a sermon remarkable in that it was preached...
   a. Not to Jews or even Gentile God-fearers (like Cornelius)
   b. But to pagan philosophers and polytheists

[It was during Paul’s second missionary journey, in the city of Athens,
Greece...]

I. THE SETTING

   A. PAUL HAD JUST ARRIVED IN ATHENS...
      1. Known as a center of learning and artistry, but also for its
         idols
      2. Petronius said  that it was easier to find a god than a man in
         Athens
      3. Provoked by the idolatry,  Paul began preaching at every
         opportunity - Ac 17:16-17
         a. Reasoning in the synagogues with the Jews and Gentile
            worshipers
         b. Reasoning daily with any who happened to be in marketplace

   B. HE ATTRACTED ATTENTION OF PHILOSOPHERS...
      1. In particular, Epicurean and Stoic philosophers - Ac 17:18
         a. Some of whom viewed him as a proclaimer of foreign gods
         b. Because Paul was preaching of Jesus and the resurrection
      2. They brought him to the Areopagus (Mar’s Hill) and invited him
         to speak - Ac 17:19-21
         a. A rocky hill about 370 feet high, not far from the Acropolis
            and the Agora (marketplace) in Athens - Holman Bible
            Dictionary
         b. A place where Athenians and visitors spent their time
            discussing new ideas
         c. Not having heard of the doctrine of Christ, they wanted to
            know more

[With such an invitation, you can imagine Paul’s delight to accommodate
them...]

II. THE SERMON

   A. THEME:  THE GOD THEY DID NOT KNOW...
      1. Acknowledging their devotion, he makes mention of one altar in
         particular - Ac 17:22-23
         a. An altar with the inscription:  "To The Unknown God"
         b. So devout, they sought to worship a god they did not know
      2. He uses the opportunity to preach concerning the True God they
         did not know! - Ac 17:23

   B. MAIN POINTS...
      1. God is the creator of the universe - Ac 17:24
         a. He made the world, He is Lord of heaven and earth
         b. As such, He does not dwell in temples made with hands - cf.
            1Ki 8:22-30
      2. God is the sustainer of life - Ac 17:25
         a. He gives to all life their breath and what they need - cf.
            Jm 1:17
         b. Therefore God is not worshipped as though He needs it
      3. God is the ruler of all the nations - Ac 17:26-27
         a. He has created every nation and determined their rise and
            fall - Dan 2:20-21; 4:17
         b. Everything is designed to prompt men to seek God, who is not
            far from any of us
      4. God is the Father of mankind - Ac 17:28-29
         a. From God we come; and in Him we live, move, and have our
            very being
         b. Therefore we should not think that God is like any idol of
            gold, silver or stone
      5. God is the Judge of the world - Ac 17:30-31
         a. What ignorance He may have overlooked in the past, such is
            no longer the case
         b. He now commands all men everywhere to repent
         c. Why?  Because of the coming Judgment, in which...
            a. God will judge the world in righteousness
            b. God will judge the world through Jesus Christ - Jn 5:22,26-27; 12:48
         d. As proof such will occur, God has raised Jesus from the dead
      -- These five points are from "The Spirit, The Church, And The
         World", by John Stott

   C. RESPONSE...
      1. Mentioning the resurrection provoked a response - Ac 17:32
         a. Some mocked (to many at that time, the idea of a bodily
            resurrection was foolishness)
         b. Others were more cordial, offering to listen again at
            another time
      2. As Paul left, some joined him and believed - Ac 17:33-34
         a. Specifically mentioned are Dionysius the Areopagite, and
            Damaris, a woman
         b. Others also joined Paul and believed

[Having considered the setting and the sermon, allow me to make some...]

III. OBSERVATIONS

   A. REGARDING THE SERMON...
      1. Paul used tact - Ac 17:22-23
         a. He acknowledges their spirituality, though misdirected
         b. We should not hesitate to acknowledge the devotion one might
            have; if in error, our task is to explain "the way of God
            more accurately" - e.g., Ac 18:24-26
      2. Paul began with the present spiritual condition of his audience
         - Ac 17:23-27
         a. They believed in supreme beings, but didn’t know the True
            God
         b. With the Jews he began with the Law, with the Gentiles he
            began with the nature of God; we too should take into
            consideration where one is spiritually
      3. Paul made use of an accepted authority - Ac 17:28-29
         a. He quotes from one of their own prophets to make his point
         b. When appropriate, we can appeal to an uninspired authority
            accepted by others
      4. Paul led his audience to the main themes of the gospel - Ac 17:30-31
         a. Such as the need to repent, the coming Judgment - cf. Ac 2:38; 3:19
         b. So our ultimate goal in preaching should be the gospel
            message
      5. Paul used the resurrection of Jesus as the ultimate proof - Ac 17:31
         a. God has given assurance of the coming Judgment by raising
            Jesus
         b. Indeed, if Jesus truly did rise from the dead, it is proof
            of:
            1) The existence of God
            2) The truthfulness of all of Jesus’ claims
            3) The reality of sin, judgment, and the need to repent
         c. This is why we need to develop a strong apologetic for the
            resurrection of Jesus

   B. REGARDING THE RESPONSE...
      1. People responded in three different ways - Ac 17:32-34
         a. Rejection - "some mocked"
         b. Reluctance - "others said, 'we will hear you again on this
            matter'"
         c. Reception - "some men joined him and believed"
      2. Of those who responded favorably, it is only said that they
         "believed" - Ac 17:34
         a. Are we to conclude from this that was all they did?
         b. Did they not also "repent", as commanded in Ac 17:30?
         c. The term "believed" encompassed more than simply an
            acceptance of the facts that had been proclaimed
            1) It involved a complete reception of the message preached
            2) It included an obedience to whatever conditions had been
               proclaimed by the apostles (such as repentance, baptism)
         d. Just as faith was not explicitly mentioned in Acts 2, or
            repentance in Acts 16, but is fairly inferred from what we
            know in other passages, so also with baptism here
            1) "There is, indeed, much to be said for the contention,
               independently advocated by theologians of varied schools,
               that in the New Testament faith and baptism are viewed as
               inseparables whenever the subject of Christian initiation
               is under discussion, so that if one is referred to, the
               other is presupposed, even if not mentioned." - G. R.
               Beasley-Murray, Baptism In The New Testament, p. 272
            2) "Baptism and faith are but the outside and inside of the
               same thing" - James Denny (as quoted by Beasley-Murray,
               ibid.)
            3) "Where baptism is spoken of faith is presumed, and where
               faith is spoken of baptism is included in the thought"
               - N. J. Engelsen (as quoted by Beasley-Murray, ibid.)

CONCLUSION

1. Whether Jew or Gentile, philosopher or simpleton, the gospel of
   Christ is for all...
   a. Where we begin may vary with the spiritual condition of our
      audience
   b. Where we end must always be the same:  Jesus is the only way to
      salvation!

2. When one becomes convicted of their sinful condition and their need
   for Jesus, the proper response should also be the same no matter who
   we are...
   a. Faith in Jesus as the Son of God, who died for our sins and was
      raised from the dead
   b. Repentance from sin
   c. Baptism into Christ for the forgiveness of sins through His blood

One’s reaction to the gospel will always be one of three ways:
rejection, reluctance, or reception.  In Athens, people such as
Dionysius and Damaris exemplified the proper response.  Are you willing
to imitate their example...?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... Paul Under House Arrest In Rome, Acts, Chapter 28

                "GOSPEL PREACHING IN THE FIRST CENTURY"

                    Paul Under House Arrest In Rome

INTRODUCTION

1. We have looked at seven examples of gospel preaching in the first
   century...
   a. Three by the apostle Peter
   b. Two by the evangelist Philip
   c. Two by the apostle Paul

2. Our final example of gospel preaching is a third by the apostle
   Paul...
   a. Found at the end of the book of Acts
   b. Upon his arrival, and during his extended stay in Rome

[It was after a harrowing journey by sea involving shipwreck, as Paul is
placed under house arrest awaiting his appeal to Caesar in Rome,
Italy...]

I. THE SETTING(S)

   A. AUDIENCE WITH JEWISH LEADERS...
      1. Paul had just arrived in Rome - Ac 28:16
      2. He called Jewish leaders to explain the reason for his arrival
         - Ac 28:17-20
      3. They graciously grant him an opportunity to explain his beliefs
         - Ac 28:21-23

   B. VISITORS FOR TWO YEARS...
      1. Paul was allowed to live in a rented home awaiting his trial
         - Ac 28:30
      2. For two years he taught those who came to visit him - Ac 28:30-31

[In both settings, at the beginning and during the course of his
imprisonment, let’s now look at...]

II. THE SERMON(S)

   A. CONCERNING THE KINGDOM OF GOD...
      1. A major theme of Paul’s preaching
         a. "he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God"
            - Ac 28:23
         b. "preaching the kingdom of God" - Ac 28:31
         c. As mentioned previously by Luke - cf. Ac 19:8; 20:25
      2. A major theme of others’ preaching
         a. By John the Baptist - Mt 3:1-2
         b. By Jesus Christ - Mk 1:14-15
         c. By Philip the evangelist - Ac 8:12
      3. As summarized before, this theme likely entailed:
         a. The need to seek first the kingship and sovereignty of God
            - cf. Mt 6:33
         b. Sovereignty now exercised through His Son, Jesus - cf. Mt 28:18; Ac 2:36; 5:31
         c. In which all can now participate - cf. Col 1:13; Re 1:9
         d. By responding to the call of the gospel - cf. 1Th 2:12; 2Th 2:14
         e. Remaining faithful to Christ, even to death - cf. Re 2:10,
            26-27; 3:21

   B. CONCERNING JESUS CHRIST...
      1. Another major theme of Paul’s preaching
         a. "concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the
            Prophets" - Ac 28:23
         b. "teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ"
            - Ac 28:31
         c. As mentioned previously by Luke - cf. Ac 17:1-3; 18:28;
            26:22-23
      2. As seen from such passages, this theme proclaimed:
         a. That Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead
         b. That He would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the
            Gentiles
         c. That Jesus is the Christ foretold by the Law and the
            Prophets

   C. CONCERNING THOSE WHO DID NOT BELIEVE...
      1. Some did not believe what Paul preached - Ac 28:24
      2. The Holy Spirit had foretold such disbelief through Isaiah - Ac 28:25-27
      3. Rejection by the Jews would grant opportunity for the Gentiles
         - Ac 28:28
      4. As Paul had proclaimed to Jewish audiences before - cf. Ac 13:46-47

CONCLUSION

1. Once again, we see that gospel preaching in the first century...
   a. Proclaimed the kingdom of God and Jesus as the Christ
   b. Warned of the danger and consequences of disbelief

2. Summarizing what we have seen in these eight cases of gospel
   preaching...
   a. The gospel contains facts to believe
      1) Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again according
         to the Scriptures
      2) He now reigns as king, and will one day return to judge the
         world
   b. The gospel contains commands to obey
      1) Faith, in Jesus as the Son of God who died for our sins
      2) Repentance, making the decision to turn from sin and live for
         God
      3) Confession, of one’s faith in Jesus as the Christ and Son of
         God
      4) Baptism, immersion in water for the remission of sins
   c. The gospel contains promises to receive
      1) The remission of sins, through the blood of Christ
      2) The gift of the Holy Spirit, empowerment for holy living
      3) The promise of the resurrection and eternal life, providing
         hope and comfort

Many gladly received the gospel as preached in the first century, and
responded accordingly.  Yet many did not, and so judged themselves
unworthy of eternal life.

How about you?  Have you heard and obeyed the gospel as proclaimed in
the first century? Not some perverted gospel (cf. Ga 1:6-9), but that
gospel preached by the apostles and preachers of Jesus Christ?  I pray
that you have, for the time is coming...

   "...when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty
   angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know
   God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus
   Christ." - 2Th 1:7-8

Only the pure and simple gospel of Christ can spare you from the
judgment of that Great Day!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011