Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

November 10, 2010   

Read Acts 4 - 6
Highlights:

Faithfulness in persecution (Acts 4:1-12). Disciples warned not to preach (4:13-18). How to combat threats (4:19-20,23-31; 5:29-32). Death by lying to Holy Spirit (5:1-11). Results of prayer, and . . . the ministry of the Word (6:4). A deacon full of faith and the Holy Spirit (6:1-6).
Loyalty to the Lord and love for one another permeated the first Church. The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought (any) of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. . . . as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need (Acts 4:32,34-35). Undoubtedly, this was a great encouragement to the congregation because most Jews who confessed Jesus as the Messiah had probably lost their jobs.

Ananias and his wife Sapphira also sold a piece of property; but, they gave only a part of the proceeds to the Church while implying they were giving everything just as others had done (5:1-2). The property was theirs to dispose of as they chose. All giving was voluntary (5:4). No one was required to sell his property or to share his wealth, but, the "generous gift" of Ananias and Sapphira was a lie to the Holy Ghost (Spirit) (5:3; Rev. 21:8; Jer. 17:9).

The problem today is even more serious, not because Christians keep part of the proceeds of a sale, but because many refuse to give even a tithe (10%) of their income, the minimum that God requires for the ministry of His Word. Tithing is not an option; it is a debt we owe. God rightfully owns all that He created, but He only requires us to return to Him one-tenth of what He has entrusted to us, thereby acknowledging that we are only stewards (managers) of His property.

This principle was demonstrated by Abraham over 500 years before the Law was given (Gen. 14:20; Heb. 7:1-2). Later, the Law stated: All the tithe (tenth portion) of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord's: it is holy (sacred, set apart) unto the Lord (Lev. 27:30).

The Holy Spirit also directed Luke to write that you can't outgive God, who said: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal (measure anything) it shall be measured to you again (Luke 6:38).

Thought for Today:

Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: He preserveth the souls of His saints; He delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked (Ps. 97:10).
Word Studies:

5:2 being privy to it knowing of it, she helped plan the deception; 6:11 suborned influenced to do wrong, bribed.
Cross References:

For Acts 4:11: See Ps. 118:22. Acts 4:25-26: See Ps. 2:1-2.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by A Family That Loves Jesus • Staff: Jennifer Cunningham • Government Officials: Sen. Saxby Chambliss (GA) and Rep. Silvestre Reyes (TX) • Country: Guyana (705,000) on the northeastern coast of South America • Major languages: English and Amerindian dialects • The government is becoming increasingly Marxist, radical, and atheistic • 36% Hindu; 28% Protestant; 10% Roman Catholic; 9% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for His loving-kindness and faithfulness (Ps. 138:2).
Memory Verse for the Week: Luke 14:33

 

[Judy Harder]

November 11, 2010   

Read Acts 7 -- 8
Highlights:

Stephen tells it like it is (Acts 7:1-53). This 1st Christian martyr gives us a glimpse of heaven (7:54-60). Follow the Lord's plan to tell the world: (1) He allows persecution (8:1-3); (2) Believers scatter sharing the Word as they go (8:4).; (3) Individuals hear Word and believe (8:12,27-38); (4) Preaching continues in all the cities (8:40).
Stephen was a deacon in the church at Jerusalem who knew well the Old Testament Scriptures. He boldly reminded the unbelieving authorities: Ye do always resist the Holy Ghost (Spirit): as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers (Acts 7:51-52).

With the same hatred which had caused the crucifixion of Christ, the angry authorities dragged Stephen out of the city, and stoned him. As he was dying, he . . . cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge (7:58,60). Stephen could have avoided death by saying nothing, but he made it clear that the religious authorities were responsible for crucifying Jesus, the Just One. Stephen's faith and forgiving attitude in the face of death was the same as his Savior's on the cross, and it surely must have made a powerful impression on those who witnessed Stephen's love toward his murderers. In the same spirit of love, we too need to pray for those who despitefully treat us. Those who seem to be our enemies today may someday be saved if we express the love of Christ to them as Stephen did to his persecutors.

At that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem (8:1). Instead of discouraging believers, this resulted in a great missionary movement as Jesus' followers dispersed throughout the region. Philip, who was also a deacon in the first Church, was led by the Holy Spirit to meet an Ethiopian official who was reading the Book of Isaiah on his way home. God led Philip to explain to the Ethiopian how the prophecy of Isaiah 53:7-8 had been fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth. On learning that Jesus was the Messiah (Savior), the Ethiopian asked to be baptized . . . Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. . . . and he baptized him. . . . the eunuch. . . went on his way rejoicing (8:36-39).

Thought for Today:

I love the Lord, because He hath heard my voice and my supplications (Ps. 116:1).
Word Studies:

7:19 subtilly shrewdly, treacherously took advantage; 7:51 stiffnecked and uncircumcised stubborn, deaf to the truth, and unrepentant; 8:9 sorcery witchcraft, magic arts.
Cross References:

For Acts 7:3: See Gen. 12:1. Acts 7:27-28: See Ex. 2:14. Acts 7:32: See Ex. 3:6. Acts 7:33-34: See Ex. 3:5,7-8,10. Acts 7:37: See Deut. 18:15. Acts 7:40: See Ex. 32:1. Acts 7:42-43: See Amos 5:25-27. Acts 7:49-50: See Is. 66:1-2. Acts 8:32-33: See Is. 53:7-8.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Greer E. Coursey • Bible Pathway Printer: Ambrose Printing Staff, Nashville TN • Government Officials: Sen. Barbara Boxer (CA), Rep. Corrine Brown (FL), and Rep. Pete Stark (CA) • Country: Haiti (7 million) in the West Indies • Major languages: French and Creole • Religious freedom • 75% Roman Catholic; 17% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to reveal what is not pleasing to Him (Ps. 139:23-24).
Memory Verse for the Week: Luke 14:33

[Judy Harder]

November 12, 2010 

Read Acts 9 -- 10
Highlights:

A zealous man seeks to destroy the followers of Jesus (Acts 9:1-2). Never underestimate His power to change even the vilest heart (9:3-18). The Church strengthened (9:19-31). Miraculous healings; many believe (9:32-42). According to His Word Christ also died for the Gentiles (chap. 10).
Saul of Tarsus was a sincere Pharisee determined to stamp out the followers of Jesus, whom he considered religious blasphemers worthy of death. So he obtained letters from the high priest to go northeast to Damascus in Syria to arrest Christians who had fled from Jerusalem. He stated that if he found any of this Way (followers of Jesus), whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem (Acts 9:2), where they could be tried for heresy and put to death.

As he neared Damascus, suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest . . . Me? And he said, Who art Thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest (9:3-5). Three days later, the Lord spoke to Ananias, a disciple of Christ who lived in Damascus, saying to him: Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire . . . for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias (9:11-12). Ananias replied to the Lord: I have heard . . . how much evil he hath done to Thy saints (followers) at Jerusalem. . . . But the Lord said . . . he is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My Name before the Gentiles . . . and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great (many) things he must suffer for My Name's sake. And Ananias . . . entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus . . . hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost (Spirit). . . . and he (Paul) (13:9) received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized (9:13-18).

At about the same time, Peter also had a vision which caused him to realize that God is no respecter of persons (10:34). Speaking to Gentiles at the home of Cornelius, Peter declared: To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His Name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost (Spirit) fell on all them which heard the Word (10:43-44). After they were filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter asked: Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost (Spirit) . . . ? And he commanded them to be baptized in the Name of the Lord (10:47-48). By one Spirit are we all baptized into one Body (I Cor. 12:13).

Thought for Today:

O how love I Thy Law! it is my meditation all the day (Ps. 119:97).
Word Studies:

10:1 centurion, a captain of an Italian troop of 100 men; 10:3 ninth hour, 3 p.m, the usual hour of evening worship among the Jews.
Cross References:

For Acts 10:14: See Lev. 11:4; 20:25; Deut. 14:3,7. Acts 10:34 See Deut. 10:17. Acts 10:38: See Is. 61:1-3.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. Helen A. Porter • Staff: Rita Guerra • Government Officials: Sen. Jack Reed (RI) and Rep. Diane Watson (CA) • Country: Honduras (6 million) in Central America • Major languages: Spanish and Indian dialects • Religious freedom • 86% Roman Catholic; 10% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Trust the Lord and ask Him to direct your steps (Ps. 143:.
Memory Verse for the Week: Luke 14:33

[Judy Harder]

November 13, 2010   

Read Acts 11 -- 13
Highlights:

Jesus died for all who received Him as their Savior and Lord (Acts 11:1-18). Peter's defense: 'God said it' (11:17). Persecution spreads the Gospel (11:19-26;12:24). James martyred (12:1-2); Peter lives (12:6-19). Paul's 1st mission trip (chap. 13).
Saul of Tarsus was born a Jew, but he was also a Roman citizen by birth in the town of Tarsus in Cilicia, a Roman province (Acts 16:37-38; 21:39). His family, it seems, had considerable wealth. Following the prescribed study of the Scriptures in Tarsus, Saul was selected for further rabbinic studies in Jerusalem as a student of the famous Rabbi Gamaliel (22:3). Paul later shared with the Galatian Christians that he was exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers (beliefs of past rabbis considered as authoritative) (Gal. 1:14).

After he accepted Jesus as the Messiah, he changed his Hebrew name Saul to his Roman (Gentile) name Paul to identify himself better with Gentiles. On his first missionary journey, Paul and his company loosed (departed) from Paphos . . . to Perga. . . . to Antioch in Pisidia, a Roman province of Galatia in what is now Turkey. They went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and sat down. And after the reading of the Law and the prophets (Acts 13:13-15), they were invited to speak. Paul chose prophetic Scriptures to prove that Jesus was the Messiah. He began with a review of how the God of . . . Israel chose our fathers. . . . raised up unto them David to be their king. . . . Of this man's seed (offspring) hath God according to His promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus. . . . their rulers, because they knew Him not. . . . desired . . . Pilate that He should be slain. And when they had fulfilled all that was written of Him, they took Him down from the tree, and laid Him in a sepulchre (tomb). But God raised Him from the dead (13:17,22-23,27-30).

Through Christ's death and resurrection, we receive eternal life. But, being saved and justified from all things is far more than just choosing a better way of life. First, it is realizing the awfulness of sin as an offense against God, having real sorrow for our sins and a sincere desire to be delivered from those sins. This is followed by a decision to live life by avoiding and resisting sin through the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul declared: By Him all that believe are justified (acquitted) from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the Law of Moses (Acts 13:39).

Thought for Today:

Therefore I love Thy Commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold (Ps. 119:127).
Word Studies:

12:1 Herod Agrippa I, King of Judea, grandson of Herod the Great (Luke 1:5); to vex =b> to trouble; 12:4 four quaternions 4 guards of 4 soldiers each; Easter Passover; 12:15 mad out of your mind; 13:17 high arm great power.
Cross References:

For Acts 13:22: See I Sam. 13:14; Ps. 89:20. Acts 13:33: See Ps. 2:7. Acts 13:34: See Is. 55:3. Acts 13:35: See Ps. 16:10. Acts 13:41: See Hab. 1:5. Acts 13:47: See Is. 49:6.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Henry Rogers • Country: Hong Kong (7 million) in eastern Asia • Major languages: Chinese and English • Limited religious freedom • 90% Chinese religions; 10% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving (Ps. 147:7).
Memory Verse for the Week: Luke 14:33

[Judy Harder]

November 14, 2010   

Read Acts 14 -- 16

Highlights:

1st mission trip ends (Acts 14:27-28). Paul's 2nd mission trip (chap. 16). A call from Macedonia (16:6-10). Christians can have peace, joy, and a song in their hearts (16:22-25). Miraculous victory in Jesus (16:26-40).
Almost everywhere Paul and Barnabas traveled an assault was made . . . to use them despitefully (wrongfully), and to stone them (Acts 14:5). In Iconium, about 90 miles east of Pisidian Antioch, violent opposition again erupted when Paul told the unbelieving Jews that Jesus was the Messiah foretold by the prophets (14:2). He fled from Iconium and went about 20 miles to Lystra where his attention was drawn to a crippled man. Paul . . . stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked (14:9-10). Upon seeing this miraculous healing, the people were convinced that The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men (14:11). Paul and Barnabas strongly objected to being made objects of idolatrous worship and shared their faith in Christ with these idolators (14:12-18).

Following this event, certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe, where they made many disciples (14:19-20).

Later, Paul made a brief reference to his sufferings for Christ, saying: We must through much tribulation enter into the Kingdom of God (14:22; also 9:16). Whenever there is a true spiritual awakening and people are being saved, without exception, Satan will seek to disrupt, discourage, and destroy the results. So, we too should not be surprised that, following our best efforts to serve the Lord, Satan will seek to discourage us through hardships and even disappointments from the very ones we should have expected to receive encouragement. Paul, the man God chose to write most of our New Testament, faced many dangers; but still he could write: I know both how to be abased (made low), and I know how to abound (have abundance): every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Phil. 4:12-13).

Thought for Today:

Great peace have they which love Thy Law: and nothing shall offend them (Ps. 119:165).
Word Studies:

14:2 made their minds evil affected influenced them to be hostile; 14:8 impotent weak, helpless, crippled; 15:10 yoke burden.
Cross Reference:

For Acts 15:16-17: See Amos 9:11-12.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Country: Hungary (10.1 million) in east-central Europe • Major language: Hungarian • New freedom has opened the door to evangelism and Bible distribution • 61.7% Roman Catholic; 24.4% Protestant; 12.5% non-Religious/Other; .8% Jewish; .3% Orthodox; .2% Marginal; .1% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for His wonderful blessings (Ps. 150:2).
Memory Verse for the Week: II Timothy 4:5

[Judy Harder]

November 15, 2010   

Read Acts 17 -- 19

Highlights:

Preaching Jesus, Paul challenges the Greek worship of idols (Acts 17:16-17), false gods and philosophers (17:18-34). He leaves Greece, returns to Syria, and then begins 3rd mission trip, sailing for Ephesus (present day Turkey) (chap. 19). After 2 years, all they which dwelt in Asia heard the Word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks (19:10). Wicked people cause a riot (19:21-41)!
The Apostle Paul and Silas were unfairly tried and beaten in Philippi, then put into prison. However, through a miracle of God, they were freed the next day. Paul was no quitter, when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed. . . . to Thessalonica (Acts 16:40 — 17:1). Wherever he went, he always attended a Jewish synagogue. Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three Sabbath (Rest) days reasoned with them out of the Scriptures . . . alleging (giving evidence), that Christ must needs (necessarily) have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus . . . is Christ . . . some . . . believed (17:2-4).

When the unbelieving religious leaders learned of these conversions, they were angry and started a riot. Paul immediately left by night and traveled southwest to Berea. Upon arrival, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed (17:10-12). Confessing Jesus as their Messiah affects all people in their lives — family, friends, and business associates. Their seeking after the truth should encourage everyone, regardless of religious training, to study all the Scriptures with a sincere desire to know the Truth it reveals.

Our Creator has allotted each of us with only one lifetime to prepare for our eternal destiny. We have a dual responsibility — to become the person He wants us to be in order to accomplish the purposes for which He created us. Think how tragic it will be to face Jesus having failed to fulfill the will of God and wasted their few short years only achieving material, social, and financial goals for self-gratification. God has provided one perfect Guidebook — His Word. When we obey it and follow Jesus as our Savior and our God we have peace with God (Rom. 5:1; I Tim. 2:5).

The times of this ignorance God winked at (overlooked); but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because He hath appointed a day, in . . . which He will judge the world in righteousness (Acts 17:30-31).

Thought for Today:

The Lord preserveth all them that love Him: but all the wicked will He destroy (Ps. 145:20).
Cross Reference:

For Acts 17:31: See Ps. 96:13; 98:9.
Word Studies:

17:19 Areopagus the Athenian council which met on Mars Hill; 17:29 Godhead the Trinity — God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Donna Bell • Staff: Linda Kennon • Government Official: Gov. Bill Richardson (NM) • Country: Iceland (272,000) at the northern end of the Atlantic • Major language: Icelandic • Religious freedom • 94% Protestant; 6% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Let your prayers be praise to the Lord (Ps. 150:6).
Memory Verse for the Week: II Timothy 4:5

[Judy Harder]

November 16, 2010   

Read Acts 20 -- 22
Highlights:

One message (Acts 20:20-21). One destination (20:22). We all have a part in this job (20:28). Lift up the poor and weak; remember what Jesus said (20:35). Jerusalem and the brethren (21:15-25). People riot — Paul arrested (21:26-36). Paul's defense (21:39; 22:1-29).
The Apostle Paul met with the Ephesian elders at Miletus, saying: I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall (happen to) me there: Save (Except) that the Holy Ghost (Spirit) witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide (await) me. But . . . neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify (solemnly affirm) the Gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:22-24).

The indwelling Holy Spirit will strengthen us to withstand our trials and temptations as He did for Paul. Jesus promised believers: I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide (remain) with you for ever (John 14:16). We have not been left alone but are strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man (Eph. 3:16). With the assurance of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, we can face life with certainty concerning our future. This enables us to enjoy a deep, inward peace that comes from God alone (John 14:27). We experience a contentment that passeth all understanding (Phil. 4:7), one that outward circumstances cannot affect. Because God is within us, we can respond to others with love and mercy that sweeps away all prejudice, jealousy, hate, and envy. No opposition can rob us of the peace God bestows when we permit Christ the King to reign over our emotions. Though we have not always permitted Christ to rule our emotions, we can say: "Though I'm not what I ought to be, I'm not what I used to be; thanks to Christ, I'm becoming what I was intended to be."

Spiritual growth takes place as we give, not just material things, but our love, our forgiveness, and our understanding. As we do this, we become more like Jesus. Paul never denounced the evil Roman Emperor Nero, but he prayed for him. Even as a prisoner in Rome, Paul wrote: I exhort therefore, that, first of all . . . prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth (I Tim. 2:1-4).

Thought for Today:

Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee (Prov. 9:.
Word Studies:

20:12 not a little, reatly; 21:15 took up our carriages packed our baggage; 21:24 be at charges with them, pay their expenses.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Irwin & Joyce Koopman • Government Official: Gov. John deJongh, Jr (Virgin Islands) • Country: India (986 million) in southern Asia • Major languages: Hindi and English • Religious freedom, but increasing harassment and persecution of Christians by religious radicals • 78% Hindu; 12% Muslim (mostly Sunni); 3% Christian; 2.5% Indigenous; 2% Sikh; .9% Buddhist; .5% Jain; .3% Parsi; ..2% Baha'i; .1% Jewish; .5% non-Religious • Prayer Suggestion: The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips (Prov. 16:23).
Memory Verse for the Week: II Timothy 4:5

 

[Judy Harder]

November 17, 2010 

Read Acts 23 -- 25
Highlights:

Paul before a divided Jewish High Council (23:1-11). Kill the man of God (Acts 23:12-24). Jews demand his death before Roman rulers: (1) Felix, Roman governor (24:1-27); (2) Festus, new Roman governor (25:1-12); (3) King Agrippa, Roman ruler of Galilee (25:23-27).
When the Apostle Paul arrived in Jerusalem following his third missionary journey, the religious leaders stirred up all the people with false accusations: This is the man, that teacheth . . . against the people, and the Law, and this place (Acts 21:27-28). In response, an angry mob seized Paul and tried to kill him, but he was rescued from their violence by Roman soldiers. He was then allowed to speak in his own defense from the steps of the Roman garrison to the angry Jews. But when Paul mentioned his commission by Jesus to go to the Gentiles, they immediately considered him a traitor to their religion, and angrily shouted: Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live (22:22).

After the Sanhedrin authorities tried Paul and failed to convict him, religious zealots decided to take the law into their own hands and murder him (23:12-15). Paul's sister's son overheard their wicked plan to murder Paul and told the Roman captain, who then had Paul secretly transferred by night to Felix, the Roman governor of Judea residing at Caesarea (23:16-35).

During his several years' confinement in Caesarea, Paul was tried before three powerful rulers of the Roman Empire who listened to what he had to say about his faith in Jesus Christ. He faithfully reasoned of righteousness, temperance (self-control), and judgment to come (24:25). Each of his judges had a different reaction as Paul spoke of the judgment to come. His first judge Felix trembled (24:25), but he only heard him from time to time. Later, his second judge Festus exposed his indifference when he exclaimed in a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself (out of your mind) (26:24). And, for whatever he may have meant, his third judge Agrippa said: Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian (26:28). Whether Agrippa's words were sincere, or sarcastic, as some think, is not important — the outcome was the same. As far as we know, none of these men received Christ as Savior and Lord of their lives and, consequently, all were eternally lost.

God invites you to repent and receive Christ as your Savior and Lord: Behold, now is the day of salvation (II Cor. 6:2).

Thought for Today:

Hatred stirreth up the strifes: but love covereth all sins (Prov. 10:12).
Word Studies:

23:3 whited wall whitewashed wall, meaning hypocrite (see Matt. 23:27); 23:23 third hour of the night 11 p.m.
Cross Reference:

For Acts 23:5: See Ex. 22:28.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Iva Jo Swinsburg • Staff: Jannah Kennon • Government Officials: Rep. John Boehner (OH) and Sen. James Inhofe (OK) • Country: Indonesia (211.8 million) five large and 13,662 lesser islands in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Bahasa Indonesian (modified form of Malay) and English • Growing pressure from Muslim leaders to limit advances of Christianity by not renewing many of the missionaries' permits to stay in the country • 83% Muslim; 9% Protestant; 4% Catholic; 2% Hindu; 1% Buddhist; 1% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Study and heed the instruction of the Word of God that your prayers may be heard (Prov. 1:28-30).
Memory Verse for the Week: II Timothy 4:5

 

[Judy Harder]

November 18, 2010   

Read Acts 26 -- 28
Highlights:

Paul warns of danger but is ignored; shipwreck follows (Acts chap. 27). Paul: Shipwrecked on Malta (28:1-10); his witness in Rome (28:17-31).
When Saul of Tarsus confessed his faith in Jesus as the risen Savior and Messiah, Festus, the new Roman governor of Judea, exclaimed in a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself. . . . But he (Paul) said, I am not mad . . . but speak . . . the words of truth (Acts 26:24-25).

After Paul, as a Roman citizen, had appealed his case to Caesar, Festus placed him in the custody of one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band (27:1). Julius was to take Paul safely to Rome to stand trial before Nero, the Roman Emperor. They set sail and, after a brief docking at Sidon, continued along the northern coast of Cyprus. Stormy winds kept them from making much progress. On reaching The Fair Havens in Crete (27:, Paul urged them to stay there during the winter months. He warned: I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt (danger) and much damage, not only of the lading (cargo) and ship, but also of our lives; but the majority of the people on board urged Julius to continue on to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven (harbor) of Crete (27:10-12).

While they were attempting to reach Phenice, furious hurricane winds beat upon them. After two stormy weeks, their ship began to sink off the coast of Melita. Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said. . . . be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the (an) angel of God. . . whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee (27:21-24). From this experience we learn that our judgment is only as good as our source of information.

Our life's voyage, like Paul's, may also be filled with violent storms. We may experience physical, financial, or emotional "shipwreck" and all hope that we should be saved may appear to be gone (27:20). But, there will come a day when the tempests we have weathered will seem insignificant compared to what God has accomplished through our faithfulness. Because of Christ, Paul could confidently say: I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong (II Cor. 12:10; also Rom. 5:1-5).

Thought for Today:

Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith (Prov. 15:17).
Word Studies:

26:5 most straitest most exact, strictest; 26:7 instantly; 27:7 under close to, on the side sheltered from wind; 27:12 commodious suitable; 27:30 under colour under pretense; 28:2 barbarous people foreigners, who don't speak your language well; 28:13 fetched a compass circled around; 28:16 suffered permitted.
Cross Reference:

For Acts 28:26-27: See Is. 6:9-10.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Amy Lyn Wampler • Country: Iran (66.2 million) in southwestern Asia • Major languages: Farsi and Turki • Hostile to all Christian activity • 87% Shi'a; 12% Sunni; .5% Baha'i; .4% Christian; .03% Jewish; .04% Parsi (Zoroastrian); .03% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord for wisdom and discernment (Prov. 2:1-6).
Memory Verse for the Week: II Timothy 4:5

[Judy Harder]

November 19, 2010   

Read Romans 1 -- 3
Highlights:

Paul's mission to preach the Gospel to the Romans (Rom. 1:15-17). The wrath of God is . . . against all . . . unrighteousness of men, who hold the Truth in unrighteousness (1:18). God judges it (2:1-16). Jews and the Law (2:17-29). No one is righteous; all have sinned (3:10,23). Redeemed through Jesus (3:22,24).
Satan and all unbelievers will one day be cast into the eternal lake of fire (Rev. 20:10,13,15). However, the wrath of God is . . . against all . . . unrighteousness of men, who hold (suppress) the truth . . . so that they are without excuse . . . when they knew God . . . their foolish heart was darkened. . . . they . . . changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man. . . . Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts (Rom. 1:18-27).

Three times we read that God . . . gave them up to their degrading passions (1:24,26,28). There are some who view sex as no more than a physical appetite to be satisfied. But, Christ has said: The fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers . . . shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire (Rev. 21:. Sex is a gift from God which can only bring lasting satisfaction and fulfillment within the marriage relationship of one man with one woman. There is no victory over sexual perversion until it is seen for what it really is, not as sickness or as an alternative lifestyle but as a repulsive and abominable sin to our Creator God.

In most of the world there is a disturbing and growing ignorance of the Bible, the only Book which reveals sin for what it is — regardless of what man may say or what kind of sin we can be involved in ultimately it is rebellion against God. He alone has the right to set the standard for righteousness. Have you also noticed there is a growing neglect of the Church and a tendency to use the Lord's day and His tithe for self-centered pleasures? Doing so usually leads to foolish jesting in an attempt to remove any sense of guilt from ourselves.

The Good News is that, now we are delivered from the Law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of (the) Spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter (Rom. 7:6).

Thought for Today:

Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Rom. 12:2).
Word Studies:

1:13 let hitherto prevented; 1:21 vain morally misguided, empty, worthless; 1:29 debate strife; malignity depravity of heart; whisperers gossipers; 2:22 commit sacrilege rob temples; 3:2 oracles the Scriptures; 3:25 propitiation satisfaction, reconciliation, appeasement; remission forgiveness of former sins.
Cross References:

For Rom. 1:17: See Hab. 2:4. Rom. 2:24: See Is. 52:5. Rom. 3:4: See Ps. 51:4. Rom. 3:10: See Ps. 14:1. Rom. 3:11: See Ps. 14:2. Rom. 3:12: See Ps. 14:3. Rom. 3:13: See Ps. 5:9. Rom. 3:14: See Ps. 10:7. Rom. 3:15: Is. 59:7. Rom. 3:16-17: See Is. 59:7-8. Rom. 3:18: See Ps. 36:1.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Linda Kennon • Staff: Gina Lesnefsky • Government Officials: Rep. Gary Ackerman (NY), Rep. Jo Bonner (AL), Sen. Tom Harkin (IA), and Rep. Lamar Smith (TX) • Country: Iraq (22 million) in southern Asia • Major languages: Arabic and Kurdish • Fierce harassment of non-Muslims • 96% Muslim; 3% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Let your faith in the Word of God overrule all fears (Prov. 3:6).
Memory Verse for the Week: II Timothy 4:5