Acts Chapter Twenty-six

 Acts Chapter Twenty-six

1:Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:

2: I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:

3: Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

4: My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;

5: Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

6: And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:

7: Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.

8: Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?

9: I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

10: Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.

11: And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.

12: Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,

13: At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.

14: And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

15: And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

16: But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

17: Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

18: To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

19: Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

20: But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

21: For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.

22: Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:

23: That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

24: And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.

25: But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.

26: For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.

27: King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.

28: Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

29: And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

30: And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:

31: And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.

32: Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.

"Come, Lord Jesus!"

 "Come, Lord Jesus!" by Kurt Selles

Scripture Reading: Revelation 22:20-21

"He who testifies to these things says, Yes, I am coming soon. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus." Revelation 22:20

Prayer is so essential to the Christian life that the Bible closes with a short prayer: “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”

The words “Come, Lord” probably draw from an Aramaic expression used by early Christians: “Maranatha!” For example, the apostle Paul used this Aramaic phrase as he closed his first letter to the church in Corinth (see 1 Corinthians 16:22).

Why would Paul use an Aramaic phrase while writing to a Greek-speaking church? Well, Aramaic was the common, local language spoken in the region where Jesus and his disciples lived. Some have suggested that maran was a word the people used to voice their longing for the Messiah to come. And by adding atha, they say, Paul echoed a confession of the early Christians in his day. Pointing to Christ, those words mean, “Our Lord has come.”

In Paul’s day, Christians apparently also used maranatha as a mutual greeting, identifying themselves in a world that was hostile to them. They also used similar words as a short prayer repeated throughout the day, Maranatha, “Come, O Lord.”

Significantly, at the close of the Bible, this prayer for Jesus’ second coming is preceded by a promise from Jesus himself: “Yes, I am coming soon.” Can there be any greater assurance?

As we work and long for the coming of God’s kingdom, may our prayers often include these words from the closing lines of Scripture: “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”

Maranatha. Come, Lord Jesus! Amen.

Thoughts on Ephesians 1:21-23

 Thoughts on Ephesians 1:21-23 by John W. Ritenbaugh

"... far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. (22) And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, (23) which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all."

Despite its smallness and visible weaknesses, as the complement of Christ, the church is still in an exalted position. We members do not add a thing to Christ's perfect sacrifice, but His will is that He shall be complete when He is united with His bride.

Thus, as He sanctifies and shapes us in holiness, He gradually fills His bride's every part with every gift needed to enable her to function effectively so that she, as a whole, can glorify God in her overall responsibility to our Father and to our Lord and Savior. Since everything in Christ's spiritual body comes from Him, He is everything to every member within it.

No religion but Christianity offers such an exalted and loving, spiritual Being sent to bless its adherents. He is our Creator, our Lawgiver, the Forgiver of our sins, the Dispenser of His Spirit, the Giver of eternal life, our Guide through life who blazes the trail before us, the Enabler of true spiritual growth and overcoming as well as being our incomparable Savior.

This body of believers is not contained within one corporate entity, and an individual cannot just go out and join it. The Father must lead a person to it (John 6:44). When He does, the newly called person will find people who are keeping God's commandments in both letter and spirit. They will worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24) and they will sacrifice themselves despite personal costs. They will be honest, trustworthy, and uncomplaining. They will not be driven by envy and covetousness, nor will they be fixed on immediate or self-gratification. Their utmost desire will be to obey God and lay glory at His feet.

The Kingdom of God is the vision that drives them. They strive to transform into the image of Jesus Christ and to glorify the Father and Son in everything. They live solidly in the present, aware of many of its harsh realities, but they make every move with their gaze on the eternal.

They truly are pilgrims, people who humbly see themselves as mere tiny specks in a vast and awesome purpose yet privileged beyond all bounds. They believe that purpose, and in gratitude, give themselves by faith to see it accomplished in their lives and to share it so others, too, will fulfill that divine purpose in their lives.

The Judas Test

The Judas Test

From: Today God Is First by Os Hillman

February 28, 2021

"If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God" (Psalm 55:12-14).

Betrayal is one of the most difficult tests that we will ever face because it involves being wounded by someone we trust. It's hard not to become bitter when a friend or family member wounds us. It takes a lot of Christ-like grace to forgive a traitor.

You have probably faced the Judas Test yourself. Everyday you and I live in a place that is rife with betrayal, deception, duplicity, and treachery. Perhaps you have been betrayed by your boss or a friend, or worse yet, your spouse. It may have even been someone you've gone to church with or prayed with -- someone you trusted as a brother in Christ.

The Judas kiss stings worse than a slap across the face. Almost every leader I know has experienced that sting at one time or another. Yet God is watching to see how we respond to the Judas Test. If we pass the test, He can then take us to the next level, the next test. If we fail, we'll probably have to repeat the test until we learn to forgive.

The Judas Test is God's graduate level course in faith, designed to reveal the truth about ourselves: Are we willing to trust Him enough to forgive the Judases in our lives? The book of Hebrews warns, "See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many" (Hebrews 12:15).

When we refuse to forgive we risk infecting others with a "bitter root" of resentment, and the Lord does not want this infection to spread. No! He wants it to be eradicated in us.

Thoughts on Today's Verse

 "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them [those who deny that Jesus is from God and who have the spirit of the world], because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4

Thoughts on Today's Verse by Phil Ware

The world can often be a hostile place for believers. God wants his spiritual children to know, however, that they are not alone. He lives in us through his Spirit. We can be assured, therefore, that no matter what spirit someone else may have, the Holy Spirit of God is greater, more powerful, and more glorious. The victory is ours because God's presence in us is greater than any force that we will ever face. We have our victory assured over all forces, powers, spirits, or opponents.

My Prayer...

Dear Father, please give me the confidence, boldness, and conviction of your promises. I want to live boldly for your glory and according to your will. Thank you for empowering me to this victorious living by your Spirit who lives within me. To you belong all glory, majesty, and praise. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Biden's Godless Plans

 Biden's Godless Plans

It’s an attack on life from two angles. President Biden wants to funnel $60 million dollars BACK TO PLANNED PARENTHOOD.

And Planned Parenthood has simultaneously demanded the Supreme Court reverse the defunding rule.

Planned Parenthood just reported a shocking 354,871 abortions last year. And it took $618 million in taxpayer funding – another record.

Now the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case that could reverse a pro-life federal rule that defunded millions from the abortion giant – the same rule we filed public comments supporting.

Will the pro-abortion Biden Administration defend this pro-life rule? Don’t count on it. We’re the last line of defense in court.

We’re filing a critical amicus brief at the Supreme Court to defund millions of dollars from Planned Parenthood. But we need YOU.

Sign Our Petition: Defeat and Defund Planned Parenthood.

Read Our Analysis: SCOTUS To Hear Challenge to Pro-Life Rule.

President Biden has picked the radically pro-abortion Xavier Becerra to lead the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS).

Becerra could be the most pro-abortion HHS secretary ever. But he’s worse than that. He’s vindictively anti-life. Becerra sued to force the Little Sisters of the Poor to pay for abortion pills and tried to prosecute pro-life journalists who exposed Planned Parenthood’s illegal sale of aborted babies’ body parts (and we’re filing an appeal in a related case). He even tried to shut down pro-life pregnancy centers, but we directly defeated him at the Supreme Court.

We just joined on to one letter and are about to send another directly to the Senate opposing his nomination. Take action with us.

Sign Our Petition: Stop Becerra’s Anti-Life Abortion Agenda.

We just delivered a critical written submission to the U.N. Human Rights Council urging action to stop “torturous” international abortion procedures that cause unconscionable suffering to dying babies.

Psalm 51:7

 "Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow." Psalm 51:7

Psalm 100

 Psalm 100

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. 2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations

Boasting in God’s Presence?

 Boasting in God’s Presence? by Dr. D. James Kennedy

… not of works, so that no one should boast. Ephesians 2:9

Many people mistakenly think they can work their way to heaven by being good. Centuries ago, a simple farmer from England indirectly laid this myth to rest.

He was an old and very godly plowman and was acquainted with a young English curate who had recently started a ministry in England. Though the plowman had no education, he had been educated by the Spirit of God and the Word of God.

One day, in one of their many conversations, while they were talking about the greatest hindrance to spiritual attainment and growth, the curate said that he believed the greatest hindrance to spiritual attainment was the unwillingness to surrender one’s sinful self.

Sounds reasonable, but the plowman said, “No, I think not. I think the greatest hindrance to the advancement in the spiritual faith is the unwillingness to surrender one’s righteous self.”

It is a long way from, “I am proud to stand before God and tell how I have lived my life for the betterment of mankind,” to “God have mercy upon me, a sinner.”

Acts Chapter Twenty-five

 Acts Chapter Twenty-five

1:Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.

2: Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,

3: And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.

4: But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.

5: Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.

6: And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.

7: And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.

8: While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.

9: But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?

10: Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.

11: For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.

12: Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.

13: And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.

14: And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:

15: About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.

16: To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.

17: Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.

18: Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:

19: But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.

20: And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.

21: But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.

22: Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.

23: And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.

24: And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.

25: But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.

26: Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.

27: For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.

Filled with the Holy Spirit

 Filled with the Holy Spirit

From: Today God Is First by Os Hillman

February 27, 2021

"Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord-Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here-has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit'" (Acts 9:1).

Billy Graham, the great evangelist, shared a personal story about the role of the Holy Spirit in his life-long ministry and how he came to see the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit.

In my own life there have been times when I have also had the sense of being filled with the Spirit, knowing that some special strength was added for some task I was being called to perform.

We sailed for England in 1954 for a crusade that was to last for three months. While on the ship, I experienced a definite sense of oppression. Satan seemed to have assembled a formidable array of his artillery against me. Not only was I oppressed, I was overtaken by a sense of depression, accomplished by a frightening feeling of inadequacy for the task that lay ahead.

Almost night and day I prayed. I knew in a new way what Paul was telling us when he spoke about 'praying without ceasing.' Then one day in a prayer meeting with my wife and colleagues, a break came.

As I wept before the Lord, I was filled with deep assurance that power belonged to God and He was faithful. I had been baptized by the Spirit into the Body of Christ when I was saved, but I believe God gave me a special anointing on the way to England. From that moment on I was confident that God the Holy Sprit was in control for the tasks that lay ahead. That proved true.

As a believer, God has provided the Holy Spirit for you and I so that we can experience the power of the gospel that allows us to live the Christian life.

Today, if you have not done so, invite the Holy Spirit to fill your life to overflowing so that you can be a witness in your workplace, city and nation.

Differing Measure of Compassion

 

Thoughts on Today's Verse

 "For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13

Thoughts on Today's Verse by Phil Ware

Life crashes in and we wish we could be children again. Then, maybe, we would have someone to take care of us and protect us from our uncertainties and fears.

Into our confused and chaotic world, God's faithfulness comes to us once again in the form of a promise. Like a loving parent with a frightened child, God reaches down and takes hold of our hand. He comforts us with his precious words, "Don't be afraid. I'm here with you. I will help."

Even when the LORD may seem distant, the echo of this promise can remind us that we are never alone or forgotten (Hebrews 13:5-6; Romans 8:32-39).

My Prayer...

Abba Father, whose presence and help are always near, please help me have faith that you are there. I confess that at certain points in my life, you have seemed distant and I have felt alone. Please remind me through your Spirit of your nearness and your care.

In my moments of struggle and doubt, please make your presence known. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

LOVE

 You're not hard to love.

Maybe the love you had before was difficult, but do not accept that it should always be.

Choose someone who makes love feel easy-- who can be your safe place, your sanctuary, as life has been hard enough already.

And remember, when God is at the heart of your love, it will "never fail." I Corinthians 13:8

Quote from Jerry Nadler

 "GOD has no authority in the House of Representatives." Jerry Nadler

Three Reasons to Forgive:

 Three Reasons to Forgive:

1. You have to forgive those who’ve hurt you because God has forgiven you.

2. You have to forgive those who’ve hurt you because, otherwise, resentment will control you.

3. You have to forgive those who’ve hurt you because you’re going to need more forgiveness in the future.

Our Contribution

 Our Contribution by Dr. D. James Kennedy

"… being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Romans 3:24

Today there are so many people who do not even begin to understand the rudiments of Christianity and who suppose that salvation is something they earn by their own good works. They are utterly far afield. They do not know that salvation is an unearned gift—unmerited, undeserved, and unworked for. It is a gift given purely by the grace and goodness of God.

I have asked many people, “What do you think we contribute to our own salvation?” Do you know? If you don’t know, you should. Do we contribute some good works? We have none to offer for every one of our works is stained by sin. Do we contribute some faith that we work up ourselves? We have none.

What do we contribute?

Only one thing.

Our contribution to our salvation is just one thing. We contribute the sins that Jesus took upon Himself and for which He died.

Matthew 21:22

 "And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Matthew 21:22

Etna Erupts

 

DAILYMAIL.CO.UK

Etna erupts with a fury 'rarely seen for decades'

Some said Etna's Monday eruption was the most powerful during its recent burst of activity, with one expe