Podcasts about before paul

INTRODUCTION TO ACTS CHAPTER 9 We have reached a milestone in our study on the book of Acts of the apostle so we can uncover the mystical life of these earlier Saints. There are mysteries behind the writing codes we read that should be carefully sought out to align with the precise spiritual value of the Father for us. The treasure of God's word must be mine with the right tools of the Spirit, and that's exactly what we are about as we continue to throw this material. Chapter nine introduces us to one of the most iconic bible vessels by the name Paul. Before Paul, however, become this powerful instrument who shakes his world through the ascended revelation of Christ and nature of the operation of the kingdom of God and that of the powers of darkness, we saw how he persecuted the Church of the Lord. Before we look at this man's life and what he represented before he met the Lord on his road to Damascus, we see the character nature that he presented as stated according to Jeremiah chapter 9. 23 This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, 24 but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” Jeremiah 9: 23-24 Three things are highlighted here that all characterized the life and position of Saul before he encountered the Lord, and they are: his wisdom, his strength, and his riches These three points are the same things we need to effectively master in our lives and the lives of those we are sent to if we are going to fulfill the prophetic intention of the Father --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/isaiah-phillips-akintola/message

Andrew Baker | Acts 15:36-41 — Before Paul and Barnabas set off for their second missionary journey, a sharp dispute instead caused them to part ways. In Acts, as in our own lives, we see that such human failures are never final, thanks to the redemptive power of God's abounding grace.

Before Paul wrote 1 and 2 Thessalonians, he wrote a letter to the Galatians. The church there had “astonished” the apostle by “turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all.” False teachers had arrived, perverted the truth, and thrown the Galatians into confusion. Paul’s response was clear and forceful: “If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!” (Gal. 1:6–9). Paul didn’t want the Thessalonians to make the same mistake. In the face of false teaching and rumors, they should remember his teaching: “stand firm and hold fast” (v. 15). After his dramatic narrative of how those who reject the gospel will be deceived by the man of lawlessness during the Day of the Lord, Paul returned to his present time to give thanks that the Thessalonians were not like that (vv. 13–14). They had received the gospel with joy. Their lives had been transformed by the loving choice and call of God and the ongoing sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. They were “firstfruits” in the sense that there would be more believers to come. Their destiny would not be judgment but rather sharing in Christ’s glory (v. 14; Rom. 8:17). Paul was so thankful that he once again burst into a word of prayer, blessing, and benediction (vv. 16–17). His prayer was that their hearts would be strengthened and encouraged to persevere and to do good works, even as they experienced suffering. The Trinity features clearly in today’s reading. All three Persons are mentioned in verse 13. Both Father and Son are mentioned again in verse 14 and invoked in verse 16. Paul’s blessing is thus not a feel-good, therapeutic thing—it’s a rock-solid biblical truth with God’s sovereign power to back it up! >> What person or group in your life needs the blessing of verses 16–17? If you’re not sure, ask God to bring someone to mind. Then pray these words of Paul for them!

God's Perfect Plan Bible Study with Jairus – Acts 9 Peter and Paul In Acts 9, we see an abrupt transition from the transformation of Saul/Paul (vs. 1-30) to the story of Peter's ministry (vs. 31-32). Why this abrupt transition? Why does the storyline seem incoherent and inconsistent? To answer this question, let's look back briefly at chapters 7 and 8. Chapter 7 tells the story of Saul guarding the cloaks of those who stoned Stephen to death, and Chapter 8 talks about Philip evangelizing. Chapter 9 tells the story of Saul's conversion. These chapters introduce Saul (Paul), preparing readers to recognize him as the leading apostle and one of the main characters in the book of Acts. Before Paul's appearance, Peter is the leading force of the first-generation apostles, along with the twelve disciples he represents. At the beginning of the book of Acts, Jesus tells the disciples to wait at Jerusalem to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Peter preached a powerful message through the anointing of the Holy Spirit, bringing salvation to 3000 people. The twelve disciples worked together to preach God's word and bring others to Christ. Later, some widows complained about being ignored in the daily distribution of food. Stephen is introduced as one of the deacons who helped serve meals daily. Writing under the influence of the Holy Spirit, Luke chose to include the story of Stephen so that he could introduce Saul. After Saul is introduced briefly, we continue to follow Peter's story. Peter remains the main figure for a few more chapters. The transition between Peter's storyline and Paul's storyline has not yet completely occurred. Slowly, the focus will be shifted from Peter to Paul. In Acts 13:2, when the prophets and teachers were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work that the Lord called them to. Paul was officially named an apostle, and from then on, he became the main character in the book of Acts. Paul wrote 14 New Testament letters, over half of the New Testament (27 books in total). Paul was clearly the main figure in the New Testament.   The Authority of God's Word Sometimes, we may be tempted to view the structure of Acts as disorganized. We may doubt the authority of God's word because of its seemingly incoherent structure. At the time of the Renaissance, the authority of the Bible was undermined. The church believed the earth was the center of the universe, and they executed Bruno, who advocated for the heliocentric theory of the earth.  They persecuted Copernicus, Galileo, and others, mocking their belief that the Earth is only a few thousand years old and revolves around the Sun. Because of this scientific mistake, many people lost their faith in the authority of the church and the Bible. Instead, science became the mainstream concept. Theology and belief in the Bible were marginalized to an extent. Recently, I took a Systemic Theology class from the United Theological Seminary (UTS). In the class, I learned how the church lost some of its credibility under the pressure of modern science. These factors helped to produce a liberal theology that does not believe in God's miracles and even denies that the Bible is the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The church persisted in some traditional teachings that were not in line with the facts. For example, they continued to believe the earth was not round. Because of this, modern scientists who disbelieved the Bible had a chance to criticize them. However, our disregard towards the authority of the Bible can be changed as the Holy Spirit helps us understand it. As the Holy Spirit enlightens us, we will see the authoritative inspiration of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit helps us see that the transition between Paul and Peter are perfectly organized, like beautifully orchestrated movie cuts. If we view the Book of Acts as a movie script, we can see that the Holy Spirit is the best screenplay writer. We may think the organization of certain Bible verses or chapters are fragmented. As the Holy Spirit guides us, we can see that the various storylines in Acts are stitched together in perfect coherence by the best author of all.   The Beautiful Structure of God's Word I often use examples from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to explain the Bible. According to Chinese Medicine, our bodies have many meridians. Wikimedia defines meridians as “paths through which the life-energy known as ‘qi' flows."[1] There are about 20 channels and along them about 400 acupuncture points. The acupuncturists use these acupuncture points and their channels to determine what medicine to use for certain diseases. They say a good combination of these efforts will bring better healing results. Of course not everyone agrees with this theory. I am just using this as an example. When the Holy Spirit inspired authors to write the Bible, he put down lines or hidden structures that flow through the Bible. These lines are just like meridians, or channels, that the Holy Spirit used to express His train of thought. If you are good writer or editor, you understand the importance of following certain threads throughout an entire narrative. A poor writer does not have a coherent thought that flows through his entire writing. The Holy Spirit is God. If we learn to see the coherent thought patterns behind the words on the page, we will marvel at how beautifully God inspired the Scriptures. If we do not understand it well or do not see the hidden line or channels, we will have a hard time understanding the Bible, in part or as a whole. Liberal theologians often deny the authority of the Bible because traditional theology was slow to accept the truths of science or to come in line with fact. Other traditional theology tended to be legalistic, so nonbelievers reject the Bible's truth. To counteract this trend of unbelief, we need to help others grasp the true meaning, coherence, and beauty of the word of God. We can understand this through the power of the Holy Spirit. I believe that God's children will feel it inside their spirit if something is really an illumination from God. As we study the Bible, we are not trying to just understand the written words. We also want to receive the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Often the questions that disturb us most are the very questions that the Holy Spirit wants to answer. At our church's Bible study, a believer shares their insights into the passage, and then we have a Q&A session. We allow people to ask questions about the passage. As we talk and discus the answers, we receive insights and inspiration from the Holy Spirit. As each person shares what God is teaching them, we all learn and grow. Today's discussion is an example of one of these inspirations. A lady asked about the sudden jump from Paul to Peter in this chapter, and the Holy Spirit helped me understand it. As we were discussing this question, I realized that Saul is introduced for the first time at the end of Acts Chapter 7. At the martyrdom of Stephen, Saul agreed to put Stephen to death (7:60). When Stephen was martyred, he was filled with Holy Spirit. He saw God's glory and Jesus standing at His right side. He prayed that God would not charge his murderers with sin, because they did not know what they were doing. This testimony is the root cause of Paul's salvation. The blood of martyrs is the seed that produces the flower and fruit of the gospel. On the one hand, Paul was saved because he was chosen by God and Jesus and because Jesus appeared to him in a vision. On the other hand, he was also saved because of Stephen's testimony. When I was still meeting with the Local Church Movement (LCM), I read a testimony about a man that was saved when the Boxers massacred missionaries. The Boxers used a prison wagon to carry a female missionary to the execution ground. The man in the story was so frightened that he hid behind a door and watched through the crack. He noticed this female missionary was not fearful; instead, her face was full of God's glory. The man was astonished at what he saw. He decided to believe in Christ as Savior. This story shows the power of a martyr's testimony. Stephen's testimony in Chapter 7 began to guide Paul towards salvation. As Stephen exits the stage, Paul begins his appearance. In a way, Paul inherited the spirit of Stephen. And eventually Paul was also martyred for Christ. Luke does not immediately re-introduce Paul in Chapter 8. Instead, he continues by telling the story of Philip spreading Gospel. Philip is not one of the twelve disciples but is one of people chosen to serve food to the widows (Acts 6:5). Here we call him an evangelist. Stephen is also chosen by the disciples to serve food, so the Holy Spirit continues to tell Philip's story after Stephen dies. Philip is a first-generation worker for the Lord, serving under the twelve disciples headed by Peter. Philip's story still falls under the category of ministry headed by Peter. Acts 9:1-31 speaks of Saul meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus. After he was blinded by a bright light, Paul received his sight when Ananias laid hands on him and prayed for him. The chapter mentions that no one would accept Saul as a genuine believer, except Barnabas (9:27). This is a foreshadowing of the fact that God wants to raise up Paul as a servant of the gospel, and that he would work together with Barnabas. This premonition comes true in Chapter 13. Chapters 9-11 continue discussing Peter's service to the Lord, and it's not until Chapter 11 that we hear that Barnabas went to Tarsus to find Saul in order to bring him to Antioch to start serving (11:15-26). Acts 11:30 mentions that Barnabas and Saul brought the donations to Jerusalem from Antioch. Chapter 12 speaks of Peter's miraculous escape from prison. Chapter 12 verse 25 mentions that Barnabas and Paul went back from Jerusalem after they had completed their service, bringing Mark back with them. In Chapter 13, Paul was then introduced formally in the text when the Holy Spirit set apart Barnabas and Saul to become apostles. There are two stories worth mentioning. The first story tells us how Paul went to Jerusalem right after being saved. He attempted to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple (9:26). Only Barnabas accepted him (9:27). These two verses are very interesting. We can see that all circumstances are under God's control. Why did the disciples not want to associate with Paul? God had a hidden purpose for this rejection. God wanted to train Paul first in the wildness. Even though Paul had been saved, God still needed to train him to know Him better and to learn to understand God's revelation. Therefore, God brought Paul into the wilderness of Arabia (Galatians 1:17). Theologians have different opinions on how long Paul stayed there. Some theologians say 14 years, some say seven years, some have other opinions. Even though we don't know the exact length of time Paul stayed in the wilderness, we know he stayed there a long time. Paul may have had a lot of time to pray and fellowship with God. Perhaps this is when he was caught up to the third heaven to receive a supernatural revelation (2 Corinthians 12:2). Maybe in the desert, God continued to work on Paul's personality to prepare him for his future ministry. It was not yet God's time for Paul to step out publicly. But God was preparing him secretly. The previous mention of Barnabas' acceptance of Paul foreshadows the later fact that Barnabas went to search for Paul at Antioch (Chapter 11). The second notable story is the story of Peter's hypocrisy from Galatians Chapter 2. When Peter came to Antioch, he would eat with the Gentiles, but after certain men came from James, he drew back and separated himself from the Gentiles, as he was afraid of those who promoted circumcision. Even Barnabas was led astray. Hence, Paul opposed Peter publicly and rebuked his hypocrisy (Galatians 2:11-13). Peter's weakness may have disqualified him from the responsibility of leadership. Plus, God was ready to bring the gospel to the Gentiles rather than strictly to the Jews. Therefore, Paul's appearance as the apostle of the Gentiles became unavoidable. Barnabas's hypocrisy showed his weakness as well, so he was also disqualified from taking on the new role of leadership. Another important story deals with the relationship between Paul and Barnabas. At first, Barnabas accepted Paul, but later, the two men had a falling out. The Bible leaves no doubt in our minds that that Barnabas was a good man (Acts 11:24). He was very helpful to Paul in his gospel work. When the teachers and prophets had fasted and prayed, the Holy Spirit set apart Barnabas and Saul to become apostles. (When Barnabas was first mentioned, Paul was still called Saul.) If Barnabas was the only one who accepted Saul when he was first saved, why did they later have a falling out? My answer is this: It is not easy to accept new people, but it is even harder to accept the fact that new people have surpassed oneself. I was taught that Barnabas and Paul had an argument about whether or not to take Mark along on the next missionary journey. Perhaps Barnabas had more problems as well, as the Bible never mentions his itinerary after this. I am not sure if this view is correct or not. But in any case, God used Barnabas to introduce Paul to the church, as Paul was God's special chosen vessel. On the other hand, we cannot look at Barnabas and Paul in terms of victory or defeat. God's grace is great, and although the Bible does not continue to follow Barnabas's missionary journeys, it doesn't necessarily mean that Paul was better than him. It only means that God's grace on Paul was greater. Paul was God's chosen vessel, and since he and Barnabas had differing opinions on ministry strategy, Barnabas had to step aside. Barnabas's mission was to bring Paul to the foreground. Now that Paul was on center stage, Barnabas's mission was accomplished. In the same way, John the Baptist's mission was to bring in Jesus, and his mission was completed when the Lord Jesus began his ministry.   Who is Judas? Verse 11 says, “And the Lord said to him, ‘Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying.'” Who is this man, Judas? The Bible does not say. But we know it is not Judas the betrayer. Personally, I think that he is a little-known figure that the Bible has never introduced before. But at an unanticipated time and place, God showed Paul what He had planned for him.   Waiting on God's timing God chose Saul in eternity, but He did not reveal himself to Saul on the first day. God was really holding out on him; he only revealed himself after Saul studied Judaism for many years. In our Christian life, we are all chosen by God, or given a certain calling or promise. God may wait a long time before he reveals your calling to you. Paul was chosen by God from the time he was in his mother's womb, but only years later, when he was on the road to Damascus, did God reveal himself to him. God revealed himself to Paul while he was at the house of Judas. God sent Ananias there to lay hands on and pray for Paul. God knows everything. He knew Paul was going to Damascus to persecute the Christians, and he knew he went to the house of Judas to pray. The great light at Damascus turned Paul from the wrong path. Ananias' prayer in the house of Judas brought Paul onto the right path. After Ananias laid hands on Paul's eyes, immediately something like scales fell from his eyes and he regained sight. From here on out, Paul started to spread the Gospel enthusiastically in Damascus. But God's time had not yet come. Paul soon encountered persecution, and he was forced to leave Damascus and Jerusalem. He went to Caesarea and Tarsus. Later, in Acts 11:25, Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul and bring him to Antioch. Theologians say Saul left Damascus for the first time and then went to the wilderness of Arabia for some time. No matter how long Paul was in the wilderness, the experience in the wilderness was used by God Himself to train Paul and prepare him for future ministry.  Even people like Paul had to go through long periods of training. We should be encouraged that the pruning process is a normal part of God's work in his children's lives. What amazing plans God has for his people! While God was using Peter and the others in the limelight, He was also preparing Paul and others backstage. At the wave of the director's hand, Paul and his companions would come onstage. Paul definitely did not come out from nowhere; God had already been preparing him for that exact time and place. Just like the meridians in TCM I mentioned earlier, the Bible has many lines or channels, themes you can follow through entire chapters and books. The Bible has many threads of meaning and storyline that weave through the entire text. All these lines are like meridians through which the spiritual life (or “qi”) flows like a current underneath the ground. They are the breath of God (2 Timothy 3:16)! If we can find these spiritual meridians and acupuncture points while studying the Bible, it will greatly help us to understand God's word. The authors who wrote the Bible were definitely inspired by the Holy Spirit. Once you find the “channels” under the surface, you will see how the same continuous thread flows through all the books of the Bible. All the biblical authors follow a coherent storyline. When we lose sight of these channels or threads of meaning, it doesn't mean the Bible is wrong. It just means we don't yet fully understand it. In Acts 8- 9, the Bible is going through a major transition, or turning point. Paul is being introduced on the one hand, and on the other hand, Peter has not yet fully left the stage. The storyline is transitioning from the ministry of Peter to the ministry of Paul. The focus of the book of Acts is being shifted from ministry to the Jews to ministry to the Gentiles. The Lord Jesus told Paul that he would go far away to the Gentiles, because his testimony would not be accepted in Jerusalem (Acts 22:21). Just like many of us, Paul was very slow in obeying God's call. He was eager testify for the Lord Jesus in Jerusalem and other areas in Judea, but he met persecution. This forced him to make a slow and roundabout journey to Rome. At the end of the Book of Acts, he finally reached Rome. The book of Acts is the biography of the apostles, and the representatives of the apostles are Peter and Paul. Peter represents the twelve disciples; they focus on bringing the gospel to the Jews, and they are the direct fruit of Jesus' earthly ministry. Paul was the apostle who received his call to apostleship after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul's ministry focus was the Gentiles. His work and ministry are the fruit of Jesus' heavenly ministry. Jesus is still alive today, and He is working behind the scenes. The end of Chapter 7 mentions Saul briefly, and the first part of chapter 9 talks about Paul again. But the second half of Chapter 9 continues to talk about Peter's ministry, because Peter is still in the frontline of the ministry. Acts Chapter 9 is an important turning point, a watershed moment for the Book of Acts. Paul's ministry started to come over the horizon in this chapter, and came into full force in when he was anointed as apostle in chapter 13.   [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meridian_(Chinese_medicine)

THE HIDDEN SEED OF LOGOS  1Peter 1:23 since you have been born again, not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible seed, through the living and abiding (logos) of God;  Our New Creation lives are the expression of the logos seed of life implanted within us through the death and resurrection of Jesus, the logos Word of God. God is always ‘bringing us into being’ of that New Creation life and our faith causes us to always be ‘coming into being’ of that life. We attend to that hidden seed of spiritual life within. LOGOS THE BIG IDEA The Logos was the Word that spoke creation into being, and that designed and ordered everything in the Universe. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word (Logos), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things were made through Him.  As a Pharisee, Paul used to have what he thought was the best and biggest idea for his life living under God’s Law, but then he was walloped by the greatest idea that had ever existed – the Logos, in the form of Jesus, The Word. Before Paul received a revelation from Jesus on the road to Damascus he was an enemy of Christianity. He had a very stable and strongly approved religion where everybody in his entire personal world validated him. When he was converted he was perceived as an enemy of Judaism by those of the Jewish religion even though they were not seen as enemies by him, and his whole personal world turned upside down. Paul met the logos, Jesus, born from above, who joined God to humanity for all time.  John 1:1 And the Word became flesh and lived amongst us. Jesus Christ, the Logos now sustains and upholds all of creation with that Word of power. (Hebrews 1:3). It is hard to grasp the wonder of this magnificent creative power that is able to order and reorder our whole life as we consciously cooperate with God in that process of transformation. Jesus the Logos Word unfolds to us who God is through the Holy Spirit, and as we get to know who God is, he gets to show us who we are. THE HISTORY OF THE WORD LOGOS The Word Logos had been around in Greek culture and philosophy for hundreds of years before Jesus was born. Logos was the one overarching thought in ancient Greek philosophy that expressed the wonder and design of an ordered Universe. When John wrote that Jesus was the Logos that created the world as God and that he became a human being that had come to live among us, it gave to everyone who read those words with a responsive faith, a profound understanding of who Jesus really was, as God joining himself to his own creation in us. It was the Greek belief that Logos is some form of intentional idea or principle that can be seen everywhere; it makes up the earth, trees and even us as humans, and logos does not just give everything form; it also gives it order. In the Greek mind, this meant that logos determines who is who and who is placed where, because logos contains the master plan for all things, and constitutes the ideal way to order them.  So as Logos had become the big Idea for the Greek culture and indeed for much of the then known world, we now see that God had prepared that then known world with this word logos to describe the person of Jesus – In the beginning was the Logos…and the Logos was God…and the Logos became a human being.  Logos was the big idea and design plan of God’s own purpose and intention for humanity. When Paul was spoken to by the Logos, Jesus, that totally re-ordered his belief system and his personal world and his whole life. He began to live each day alongside Jesus as his disciple consciously allowing the Holy Spirit to bring the DNA of the implanted logos seed into the unfolding of his life’s destiny and purpose. THE MORAL CONSCIENCE AND THE LOGOS The apostle Peter’s tradition gave him a moral conscience of what was right and wrong according to the Jewish religion. Peter had already lived alongside Jesus, the Logos, the Word made flesh, for over three years as his disciple, and he knew him and loved him as a friend, but it took Peter a long time to let go of his former belief system of living under the Law of Judaism that he grew up with.  His Jewish tradition gave him a moral conscience of the letter of the Law, but it was no longer fully aligned with what the Holy Spirit was saying according to the Logos, or Word of truth in the spirit.  New Testament Scriptures point out the difference between two different types of conscience (Hebrews 9:14, 10:22,6:22). These Scriptures show us that there is the natural moral conscience and there is the Spiritual conscience which is aligned with the mind and heart of Jesus the Logos.  Hebrews 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from bondage to the morality of human tradition (dead works) into life-giving service the living God. All of humanity has been given a natural conscience by God, to discern the difference between right and wrong. Adam and Eve had that conscience before they disobeyed God because they were told that it was wrong to eat of the tree of knowledge. That is why they felt guilt and shame and covered their shame with fig leaves and hid from God. Humanity has been doing that ever since, hiding from God and covering their shame.  Our personal moral conscience about what is right and wrong has been formed broadly by our culture or religion and it guides our values and our decisions. This means that our natural or personal conscience can only inform us of the right and wrong of our culture or tradition, and in many areas we can be calling right wrong and calling wrong right. God once showed Peter a vision of all kinds of animals that were forbidden for Jews to eat and he then told Peter to eat those animals as food.  Peter refused to eat what he believed to be unclean food, alright maybe for gentiles but not fit for Jews, and so Peter told God that he was wrong! He said ‘Not so Lord’.  It is actually a contradiction to say ‘not so’ and ‘Lord’ in the same statement. God then had to say to Peter ‘do not call unclean what I have cleansed’. God was telling Peter that he was inviting all of humanity, and their food, into the Kingdom of God alongside his people Israel as his children and as brothers and sisters to his Son Jesus. A natural conscience of human tradition is called in the Bible an evil or a harmful (poneros) conscience (Hebrews 10:22).  Peter was judging all of humanity outside of Judaism as being unclean and not worthy or eat with or to even enter into their house. That judgment was now a morally harmful and unloving act in the eyes of God, who then told Peter to go into the house of a gentile (Cornelius) and preach the Gospel of Jesus to him.  Peter had to have his harmful conscience gradually transformed by the work of the Holy Spirit who brings our conscience into line with God’s heart of Logos truth and love.  Jesus had told his disciples that when he went to be with his Father he would send the Holy Spirit to convict the world of sin. That means all of humanity after Jesus has the Holy Spirit actively working upon them in their spirit, where the conscience resides, bringing an awareness of the love and forgiveness of God for their sins and turning their hearts (repentance) toward God and away from darkness (like a plant turns towards the sunshine). When we respond to this movement of the Spirit and acknowledge what Jesus has done for us we then actively receive the Holy Spirit so that it is now an abiding of our spirit with the Holy Spirit in a pathway forward of our transformation from a natural life to a spiritual life in Christ. Paul was literally exploded out of his natural and religious moral conscience under the Law. He had been a hostile enemy of Jesus until he met him on the road to Damascus.  Paul had been hunting down Jewish Christians and putting them in jail and sentencing them to death. He had actually just been part of the stoning to death of the martyr Stephen before he set off on the road to Damascus. The last thing that Stephen said to the Jewish elders and Pharisees before he died was ‘You are always resisting the Holy Spirit as your fathers did, you obstinate and hard hearted murderers of those who were sent to proclaim the coming of the Messiah’ (Acts 7:51). Those words were still ringing in Paul’s ears when he was confronted by Jesus on that road that day, and when he was spoken to by Jesus Logos on that road, he had already been getting pricked in his conscience and angrily kicking against those promptings of Holy Spirit Jesus knew what was happening in Paul’s conscience and he said to him ‘It is hard for you to kick against the pricks’ (Acts 9:5). Paul then asked Jesus ‘What must I do Lord?’ Paul’s conscience was then brought into line with Logos truth and he began to live not as a hostile enemy but as a close friend of Jesus.  All of humanity have a corruptible human seed of life from the DNA of our parents, and since Jesus we now have the incorruptible seed of life from the spiritual DNA of God implanted by Jesus, the Logos, through the Holy Spirit.  We are encouraged to humbly reach in our hearts and minds and embrace the Logos.  James 1.21 Receive with meekness the implanted (emphytos) Logos that is able to save (restore and reorder) your soul.  ONLY BY FAITH IS THAT IMPLANTED SEED GERMINTATED INTO GROWTH AND FRUIT BEARING Satan has planted into the minds all of humanity the seed of the Lie that we are all alienated from the life of God in Adam.  God has planted the seed of oneness with himself into the life of all humanity in Jesus. (Romans 5:18)  We have both those seeds within us, the natural from Adam and the spiritual from Jesus. We choose which one to cultivate and live from. The natural seed tends towards disorder and the alienation in our minds from the life of God and the spiritual seed (Logos) tends towards order and oneness with God and the renewing of our minds. A seed brings something into being. which one will we invest in? The natural seed is about self and what things I want for myself. The Logos seed is about working together with God to release to others the goodness of God that we have received. The Jesus Word of Logos is our blueprint that will live in us and bring understanding, truth and wisdom into any and every situation we face. As we still our hearts and minds and give attention to that one big Idea of the life giving and life changing seed of life within us Holy Spirit will inspire in us acts of virtue and courage, feelings of joy and peace, and God’s love deep within our hearts. It is an odd wonder that the Christmas event of the birth of Jesus, the ‘Word made flesh’ is celebrated around the world every year – even by people who do not understand or believe in the cosmic truth it contains. That is just one more welcome for Jesus to be  believed in by ALL of humanity because it is for ALL humanity, but our lives of love and grace to others is the greatest welcome for so many who are desperately waiting for something better to happen in their lives. So let us gratefully receive that seed of life and invest in that seed and cultivate it so that it grows and bears the fruit of the blessing of God’s love and care that will go out and be that blessing for all those in our world in Jesus name Amen.  

Bible Study with Jairus – Acts 26 Acts 26 was the most important turning point and transition in Paul's life as he testified about the Lord from Jerusalem to Rome. Paul's calling was to be an apostle to the Gentiles. But he could not let go of his fellow Jews, so he hoped that the Gospel could be spread further among them first. Although the prophet Agabus and others prophesied that he would be bound in Jerusalem, Paul still resolutely went to Jerusalem and was bound and taken to Rome. This chapter talks about his experiences testifying in Rome. The Bible is our textbook. It transcends time and space. God makes the logos or written words of the Bible come alive through the Holy Spirit, which is known as a rhema word.  As a Chinese Christian, I believe that God has called me to help evangelize China.  A Korean prophet told me that God would evangelize China in the 21st century.  Many Chinese Christians would agree with this. We know that Paul made significant contributions to evangelizing Europe. The Gospel began to spread in Jerusalem, but it wasn't easy to spread it to Europe. Therefore, examining what Paul did in the process of evangelizing Europe provides us an essential and valuable reference for evangelizing China or other places today. The book of Acts helps us to draw from their lessons and experience to help us do the work of evangelism today. A sentence that we don't quite understand in this chapter is 26:32. After King Agrippa heard Paul's appeal, he said to Festus, "This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar" (NIV). To be honest, this sentence disturbed me because reading the Bible is like watching a movie. When you immerse yourself in the plot of this movie, you are very concerned about the fate of the protagonists in the film, hoping to give them some advice to help change their future. I often say that the Holy Spirit is the best screenwriter. When writing the Bible, each chapter is like a small movie. After reading this far, I hoped that Paul wouldn't appeal to Caesar so that he could be set free. But he did appeal to Caesar so he couldn't be set free. Agrippa also said the same thing to Festus.  Although Paul tried to persuade Agrippa to believe in the Lord, Agrippa did not make a decision. Despite all this, his attitude towards Paul is somewhat sympathetic.  This sentence probably means that Agrippa wanted to set Paul free, but because Paul appealed to Caesar, he couldn't do anything about it. If I were the director of the movie (based on this chapter), I would not have had Paul appeal to Caesar so that he could be set free. But the Bible doesn't record it that way. Why did Paul appeal to Caesar? What was God's plan in this? Apart from Paul's appeal to Caesar in the beginning, which could help him break free from the accusation of the Jews, now, they have reached a deadlock, and his appeal has kept him bound. The Bible doesn't record whether Paul met with Caesar while imprisoned or when he was set free.  Historical legends tell us that Paul was eventually set free and later beheaded by Emperor Nero around 67-68 A.D.  Emperor Nero ruled from 54-68A.D., while Constantine, the first Roman emperor who accepted Christianity, ruled from 306-337A.D. He began to embrace Christianity from 313 A.D., which was about 245 years after Paul's death.   At that point, evangelization was accomplished to a certain extent in Europe. We can see that Paul had established the foundation in evangelizing the cities of Europe. He even had the opportunity to testify before King Agrippa. Philippians 4:22 mentions that there are saints in Caesar's household. That shows that although Paul's evangelical work wasn't able to directly change Caesar, it did affect the people in Caesar's family. In the United States, Vice President Pence is Christian, and President Trump also supports Christianity.  In contrast, mainland China and Taiwan are nowhere near the level of evangelization of the United States. Evangelization in China and Taiwan are even slightly worse than what Paul accomplished in Europe.  We can't publicly testify or preach the Gospel to the government leaders either in bondage or freedom. From the above analysis, God allowed Paul to appeal to Caesar. Maybe God wanted to use the opportunity to preach the Gospel to the high-level leaders of Rome through Paul. On the one hand, the Gospel is a civil movement. On the other hand, it is about changing the hearts of the top leaders. A man in our meeting said that if God can change a leader's heart, the work of evangelization in that country will be much easier to carry out. There are many examples in Latin American and African countries of leaders being changed by the Gospel through evangelism.  For instance, Argentine president Peron was healed of a skin disease when prayed for by Tommy Hicks.  This president then opened religious freedom and allowed Tommy to use stadiums in Argentina to preach the Gospel, which brought about the great Argentine revival. Many people have prophetic gifts in the United States, such as Kat Kerr, Jeremiah Johnson, and Anna Rountree. They all said that they have experienced and witnessed Jesus walking through the walls in their homes. Wouldn't it have been easier to change world leaders if Jesus had walked through the walls of their homes?  I can verify that these experiences are real because the Lord Jesus has appeared to me several times, although not quite as dramatic as the above examples.  God doesn't always choose to dramatically appear to everyone.  He is more likely to appear to those who are longing for a deeper intimacy with Him.  He often decides to radically change a person's life, like Saul, to make Himself known.  Saul then becomes Paul who testifies of his life-changing experience. Evangelizing is a process.  Changing the President's heart in Argentina certainly opened the door to the Gospel, but that's not the only way.  Paul slowly but consistently changed the mindsets of the people in various cities, which in turn had the potential to change the leader's hearts later.  If the majority of the people in a country are opposed to the Gospel, changing the leader's hearts would not be enough.  Paul made much progress in evangelizing Europe.  When he appealed to Caesar, he was able to influence and change people's hearts in Caesar's family.  However, the Roman Empire did not accept Christianity until 245 A.D.  In other words, Paul indirectly influenced Constantine. I've heard that Constantine saw a vision of a cross in the sky during the war and believed that God would help him win the war, so he embraced Christianity.  If the vision was real, it looks like God appeared to him in some form.From the example above, we can see that evangelizing a country like China will take time.  I can testify from personal experience that Chinese leaders, as well as most of my family and friends, are not open to the Gospel.  China probably won't experience a dramatic change like Tommy Hicks saw in Argentina.  More than likely, it will be more like what Paul did in Europe, a gradual process.  Even if Jesus walked through the walls of China's leadership and convinced them, if the people still opposed God, the leader would face much opposition and not accomplish much. Recently, after a prayer meeting about the coronavirus outbreak, I had a prophetic dream that took me into the future of what would happen in China.  Many Chinese people were worshipping God throughout the country.  There was a Chinese lady who led the tour of people accompanying me to see this.  She said this revival was not something she had seen when she lived on earth.  I also interacted with many Chinese believers there in glory.  I witnessed many things in the two hours I was there but only remember a few. In another prophetic dream earlier, I was chased by a group of future Chinese democratic leaders who came to thank me for my articles. They said my writing greatly encouraged them. In the dream, I was puzzled as I saw that they were older than me. How could I influence them?  Later I realized this is a prophetic dream. God's message might mean that the power of the Gospel will eventfully transform Chinese society. The Bible doesn't tell us whether Paul saw Caesar or whether he knew him.  We only know that he appealed to Caesar through King Agrippa.  Before Paul had his Damascus road experience with Jesus, he was rich in theological knowledge but did not know the risen Lord.  His whole life and perspective changed when Jesus appeared to him. In other words, from the religious center of Jerusalem to the secular center of Rome, the turning point of Paul's journey was his experience in Damascus. We need more people to experience what Paul experienced on the road to Damascus because the population of the world is much greater today.  There are countless examples of Jesus appearing to people in recent years, yet we need many more to go out into the world, testifying to the resurrection and power of Christ.As I mentioned in a previous study, we must be able to overcome the attack of religious spirits in our own Jerusalem so that we, like Paul, can be taken to Rome to preach the Gospel to the secular world.  Christians must have their own Damascus road experience to transition from Jerusalem to Rome.  To be a strong witness for God, we must hunger to know and experience the risen Lord to help us rid ourselves of the religious spirits and barriers contained in churches.   

It is becoming increasingly apparent to Americans that we are on the brink of another civil war. Enduring a year of violence and riots tends to make people pessimistic. Both liberals and conservatives are recognizing the signs. Most Americans do not trust the government or the media. And most polls reveal that a growing percentage of people are stockpiling for the inevitable war. One article suggested that three factors lead to civil wars and that all of them are present in our nation. 1. Previous conflict 2. Deepening cleavage of national identities (race, faith, class) 3. Tribalism (doubts of other groups) > Sectarianism (other groups are evil) I wish I had good news for you regarding the state of our nation, but according to the polls, none of you would believe me anyways, if I said that I did. Settling for the political tension and polarization in the US may be inevitable, but that should never be the case for the Church. We cannot allow our national pessimism to bleed into our pessimism regarding church conflicts. In this morning's passage, Paul continues developing the theme of unity that began in https://ref.ly/logosref/Bible.Php1.27 (Phil 1:27) and finishes at https://ref.ly/logosref/Bible.Php2.18 (Phil 2:18). Having warned his readers about the need to stand firm in the face of a hostile culture, he transitions to the need to pursue unity among one another. Unity not only strengthens believers to withstand attacks from those outside the church, it also heals conflict among those inside the church. The harsh reality is that even in a community experiencing gospel blessings, there still resides a prideful tendency to divide. The fullness of joy is realized where edified saints are unified in humble service. Read https://ref.ly/logosref/Bible.Php2.1-4 (Philippians 2:1-4). The Joy of Gospel  Sympathy  (1)The motivation for unity is the encouragement, comfort, fellowship, affection, and sympathy that we receive from Christ and the Spirit. This list emphasizes God's purpose in redemption and its effect upon believers. All of these blessings reveal God's care for our greatest spiritual and emotional burdens. Paul's direct reference to the blessings that flow from Christ and the Spirit indicate that they are the fruit of the gospel. He is not questioning if these qualities exist among the Philippians, but suggesting that their presence is evidence that God is at work, and therefore unity and humility should also be represented. Your union with Christ is exemplified through your experience of his sympathy. Because you have been the beneficiary of such support, you are called to bear the marks of that reality in your interactions with others. Before Paul exhorts his readers, he reminds them of the sympathy they have received from God. Before he addresses the tension and division that is present in Philippi, he wants them to reflect upon the rich blessings they have received. This is an important principle for us to learn. Unity among fellow saints begins with gratitude for the work that God has begun. We ought to enjoy routine reflection upon our covenant blessings. Remind yourself often of the benefits you have received as a child of God. Beyond the future inheritance he has promised in the future, God has enriched your life in the present. Reflect upon the sympathy you have received from your loving Lord. This is your opportunity to thank God for providing a community in which you experience support and encouragement every week. Our loving fellowship is a reflection of God's sovereign care. And, as Paul makes clear in the next verse, all of these benefits contribute to the fullness of our joy. Most TVs have a number of different inputs. You need a spot to plug in your Cable/satellite antennae, your Roku/Apple TV box, your Nintendo Switch/PS5/Xbox X gaming console, etc. etc. Many homes have a massive outlet strip in order to...

Before Paul opens the door on practical applications of who we are since Christ is is "in" us he gives some needed warnings about those who would make us feel like second-class believers in Jesus. God has blessed with us all we need in Christ -- He is sufficient in all things and therefore we can rest in all He is without making idols of do's and don'ts, religious observances, or seeking after mystical experiences for the experience' sake. 

Pastor Aaron Householder concludes our For the Faith sermon series. Before Paul’s final remarks, he shares a few points on how NOT to live.Sermon notes are available on YouVersion Events.Video of the worship service is available for replay.

Before Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Colossae, he had never been to their city (Colossians 2:1). This helps explain the personal greetings he included at the end of the letter, a practice he usually reserved for letters to churches he had not visited (for example, Romans). Paul sought to develop personal connections with the people he hoped to teach and serve, rather than just going around from city to city asserting his apostolic authority. The more personal tone at the close of this letter would have been especially significant in creating a connection with the Colossian believers, given the fact that part of Paul's reason for writing involved calling out the heretical teachers who had infiltrated the Colossian church. In AD 60–61, during his first imprisonment in Rome, Paul penned this letter to the Colossian church after he had received a report that they were struggling with a christological heresy. The report came from Epaphras, likely the leader of the church at Colossae and a convert of Paul's from his more than two-year ministry in Ephesus. Epaphras had come to Rome in part to serve Paul during his imprisonment (Philemon 1:23) but also to confide in him regarding the dangerous teachings the Colossians were hearing. So Paul sent this letter, along with the letters to Philemon and to the Ephesians, with Tychicus, accompanied by Onesimus (Colossians 4:7; Philemon 1:10–12). Tychicus was a coworker of Paul who would have been able to help the Colossian believers understand and apply the apostle's teachings in the letter. Colossae was an ancient city of Phrygia in Asia Minor, and one of the most celebrated cities of southern Anatolia (modern Turkey). A significant city from the 5th century BC onwards, it had dwindled in importance by the time of Paul, but was notable for the existence of its local angel cult. It was part of the Roman – and then Byzantine – province of Phrygia Pacatiana, before being destroyed in 1192/3 and its population relocating to nearby Chonae (Chonai, modern day Honaz). Bible https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians%204&version=CSB Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2691303671123887/?ref=share Follow us on Instagram @astoryoftruth

Episode [06] Is Moving to Tennessee Right for You? Thinking about escaping California for Tennessee? Then you probably need to know a little more than you do. Is moving to Tennessee right for you? Before Paul and Joanne uprooted their family in California, they spent weeks discussing all the pros and cons about their move. Real estate professionals Paul & Joanne Kraft walk you through creating your very own "PRO & CON" list for moving. Learn what it's like to live in the Volunteer State for lifelong Californians. What were Paul & Joanne's pros and cons for moving to Tennessee? Find out this week!  Meet your hosts and Tennessee Real Estate Professionals: "In 2012 we packed up our life and came to make a new one in the rolling hills of Tennessee. This is our story. We'd love to help you Exodus California and make Tennessee home. Email us to help you make your move!" Paul Kraft is a real estate broker and attorney, licensed in both California and Tennessee. Joanne Kraft is a published nonfiction author with an amazing gift of hospitality! They make their home in Franklin, Tennessee.  They work hard to help great Californians find real estate in the great state of Tennessee. They'd love to be a part of your Tennessee story. Email them to request your own personalized automated real estate list daily! Follow IG @Movingto_Tennessee or  Email them at MovingtoTennessee@gmail.com   

Time to get Bizzy with Paul Bissonnette as he joins the crew to talk about everything from the origin of his nickname “Biz Nasty” to the formation of the world’s most famous hockey podcast Spittin' Chiclets (15:00). There is a lot to learn about Biz who is very candid about his early days playing junior hockey, and the grind of being a NHL enforcer. He also explains how he found success after his playing days and how he had to convince Ryan Whitney to start the successful Pink Whitney beverage. Before Paul, the boys talk about the qualifying round and the emotional roller coaster that it was. Time for some playoff picks, the boys reveal who they have in the first round of the playoffs and hopefully Kwame will do better this time around.

Pastor brings up one of the most powerful men in the New Testament. Before Paul became Saul, he had an encounter with Jesus that left him blind for 3 days. This is an encouraging message of what God can do through spiritual blindness to opening out eyes.

Paul is a professional content ghostwriter for faith-based influencers who specializes in making an impact. He has a podcast called Influencer Networking Secrets and he is the author of Business Beyond Business. His Facebook has over 1.8k followers and counting.  Before Paul established his podcast, he went through an intentional distancing by reading the holy book. He, then, discovered that he needs to overcome his pride and unknowingly did it while he was fasting. Later on, he found himself doing a podcast and named it Influencer Networking Secrets. His podcast is all about unfolding hidden recipes in networking with and by influencers. Building relationships through being authentically true to yourself. In this episode, Paul shared his five formulas on networking with influencers. The following are: “What I want everybody to hear is you don’t have to wait until you’re in front of a dream connection to do this… Focus on the Farm Team.” Paul began on the fifth tip of his book. Here, he wanted to tell you that in your journey, you need to accept that those big ones won’t come your way immediately. You need to settle first on exerting effort to your local neighborhood before taking a larger step. “Be an angler… Be like a fisherman, right? … at angles, you have to cast the bait at a certain angle in order to get the fish to think that it’s actually bait otherwise the fish won’t fall for it.” There are specific places for business. You must know where you should network. Not all occasions call for business. “… keep your ear to the ground.” Keeping your ear to the ground means that you should be alert on opportunities ahead of you. It may be from a new friend you met or a close friend that needs help. Paul gave a good scenario here wherein the person and Paul both had a win-win situation because Paul kept his ear on the ground and recognized an open door for both of them. “Pro Bono Publicity” Everybody has social media nowadays. It is not merely for entertainment but also for communication and news updates. This means that you have a variety of social media platforms where you can do business. “If everything else fails, you can always still end up having a face to face conversation with somebody where you can ask them three questions that most people are not going to ask them.” Finally, the last ingredient in his formula is with these three questions: “What’s going well for you?  What’s not going well for you lately?  What are you looking forward to?”  You can pick one only or two but the greatest of them all is in the middle. With these questions, you will know his problems and may be able to provide solutions through networking. Remember these five formulae next time you network with influencers. Paul Edwards has been generous to provide us with these tips and explained them all thoroughly. Let us know your feedback on the formula. Paul’s story is learning material for anyone, and this episode is definitely worth a listen! Subscribe to our email newsletter to be notified of our upcoming live-streamed interviews! Join our Discord community and become part of the conversation! https://whyinfluence.com/  

Paul is going to turn his attention to how are to first to walk in the church??Before Paul talks about how we walk in the world, in marriage, in family, in the workplace•The first place where Paul addresses in the walk of a believer is the churchIs that interesting to you? Why do you think that is?•Is this list in ascending order according to the level difficulty of our walks with Jesus?oOr is this a descending order?•Is the church mentioned first because it is the easiest place to walk out our Christianity?oOr is it because it is the hardest place?Support the show (https://www.ccsrv.org/donate)

Paul is going to turn his attention to how are to first to walk in the church??Before Paul talks about how we walk in the world, in marriage, in family, in the workplace•The first place where Paul addresses in the walk of a believer is the churchIs that interesting to you? Why do you think that is?•Is this list in ascending order according to the level difficulty of our walks with Jesus?oOr is this a descending order?•Is the church mentioned first because it is the easiest place to walk out our Christianity?oOr is it because it is the hardest place?Support the show (https://www.ccsrv.org/donate)

Before Paul addresses specific questions in Rome, he turns his attention to leveling the playing field. In chapter 3, Paul will declare that no one seeks God. He works his way there by explaining how the human heart suppresses the truth and refuses to give thanks to God. For Paul, a lack of gratitude is at the heart of sin.

Before Paul and Timothy begin to address the false teaching that threatens to harm the Colossian church, they want to firmly establish their teaching about the gospel. In this passage of Colossians, we see that while the gospel is for us, it is primarily not about us, but about Jesus.Discussion QuestionsWhat are the implications of the truth that Christ is both fully human and fully God? Where do untruths creep into our modern thinking, and how can we address them with the truth of Scripture?What other things might contend for primacy over the gospel in the life of a church? What about in your own life?The gospel requires honesty, change, and grit. Which of these is God most stirring in your heart as something that needs to be addressed? How does his grace empower you to make the necessary changes?As you consider the quote from Elliot Clark (and the long list of NT verses), how might you need to shift from “sharing” the gospel to “proclaiming” the gospel? Prayer PointsPray that God would help us and individuals and as a church community to be all about the gospel of Jesus.Pray for boldness to “proclaim” the gospel of Jesus in both word and deed with those in your life who have yet to believe in him.For Further ReadingEvangelism as Exiles by Elliot Clark | There are still free copies available if you don't have one, inquire at the connect desk.

Paul starts by intentionally pointing out that he is writing from prison. Paul says he is not a prisoner of Rome, he’s a prisoner for the Lord. God's fingerprints were all over Paul's chains, and Paul embraced it. Before Paul gives his readers a description of what a worthy walk looks like, he reminds them that a worthy walk will require sacrifice. Paul then gives a snapshot of proper Christian conduct in v.2-3. Humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with one another in love, & maintaining unity in the Spirit are all characteristics of Christians who are walking worthy of their calling. These things do not come naturally or easily, so it takes the power of the Spirit [3:16] and the grace of of God [4:7] for us to walk in them (practice them). - If you are humble, you will be gentle, and if you are patient, you will bear with one other. Doing these things maintains the Spirit of unity in the body. We should be eager to maintain unity in the body because God is unified in Himself. Unity doesn’t start with us, but we strive for it eagerly to reflect God’s character and glory clearly.

Paul starts by intentionally pointing out that he is writing from prison. Paul says he is not a prisoner of Rome, he’s a prisoner for the Lord. God's fingerprints were all over Paul's chains, and Paul embraced it. Before Paul gives his readers a description of what a worthy walk looks like, he reminds them that a worthy walk will require sacrifice. Paul then gives a snapshot of proper Christian conduct in v.2-3. Humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with one another in love, & maintaining unity in the Spirit are all characteristics of Christians who are walking worthy of their calling. These things do not come naturally or easily, so it takes the power of the Spirit [3:16] and the grace of of God [4:7] for us to walk in them (practice them). - If you are humble, you will be gentle, and if you are patient, you will bear with one other. Doing these things maintains the Spirit of unity in the body. We should be eager to maintain unity in the body because God is unified in Himself. Unity doesn’t start with us, but we strive for it eagerly to reflect God’s character and glory clearly.

Before Paul’s conversion to Christ, he was the main persecutor of the early church and caused great suffering in the lives of many Christians. After he was gloriously saved on the road to Damascus, he considered it a privilege to suffer for the sake of Christ and the success of His Church. Here in this verse, Paul was rejoicing in the part he was able to play and the contribution he was able to make in advancing God’s kingdom on earth. Similarly, we have the privilege of experiencing some of the same kinds of suffering Jesus and Paul endured which ultimately aids in the continuing growth and development of Christ’s church.

Before Paul finishes his letter, he has one more solemn warning for the believers in Rome: watch out for those who seek to divide the church from within!

Before Paul ever prescribes the first bit of armor, he first convinces Christians of the war which lies ahead and weight of that knowledge.

Before Paul ever prescribes the first bit of armor, he first convinces Christians of the war which lies ahead and weight of that knowledge.

Before Paul became St. Paul, he was Saul - persecuting Christians + the early church. How was he able to move beyond his past + become the writer of almost half of the New Testament? How do we use our own story to advance the gospel? We're studying how God chooses broken people to carry out his message of love + forgiveness to the world. For more information or to submit a prayer request, head to denverunited.com.

Before Paul can explain why the gospel is the power of God for salvation (1:16), he needs to show us what we need saving from. This is the second week we're looking at the context of the gospel as outlined in 1:18-3:20. This week: God will judge you.

Before Paul can explain why the gospel is the power of God for salvation (1:16), he needs to show us what we need saving from. Over the next two weeks we'll look at the context of the gospel as outlined in 1:18-3:20. This week: God is angry with you.

Before Paul tells the church how to live well, he reminds them of the non-repeatable event that enables them to live well.

Before Paul goes for a well deserved break, we manage to squeeze in a pre Brexit Punky! So get ready for nine great songs from Apocalypse Babys, Mannequin Death Squad, Cromm Fallon, Weird Omen, Spear Of Destiny, Time Dilation Unit And She Robot, The Raws, The Vile Assembly and E.T. Explore Me.Tony talks about The Apocalypse Babys, gigs, Comedy Suburbs, Tony has your Facebook comments, Crash Induction, French Garage Punk, last week, Paul went to Oslo, roadworks, From the Vaults, Cherry Red, etc, T Shirts, Tony's International Gig Guide, the week ahead, Tony is getting his equipment ready, Paul's getting new converse, Malta, no Izzatwat this week, Cafepress and we mention the various ways of listening to us!Song 1: Apocalypse Babys – FirewaterSong 2: Mannequin Death Squad - BlueSong 3: Cromm Fallon – Out of Control Song 4: Weird Omen – EarwormSong 5: Spear Of Destiny – Up All NightSong 6: Time Dilation Unit And She Robot – Genetic EngineeringSong 7: The Raws – Intikam PesindeSong 8: The Vile Assembly – Last Century ManSong 9: E.T. Explore Me - Onemanband

Before Paul dives into the issues troubling those at Colossae, he takes a moment to remind the believers of who Jesus is. What a timely reminder for all believers!

Before Paul arrives in Jerusalem, he stops in Miletus and gathers the church leaders of Ephesus. There he says his final goodbyes. He offers them final words, knowing that they will never see each other again.Paul's final words are striking, a summary of the way in which he had served, ministered, and lived among them. It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Before Paul arrived to visit me on Find the Good News I could not have imagined the quality of the conversation we would have, nor the variety of things we would have to talk about. I met Paul years ago while volunteering time with the Southwest Louisiana Arts Council, and while we had a friendly rapport, I wouldn’t have said we were good friends. We were more like friendly acquaintances. It’s amazing how serious listening and good conversation can change things. It had been years since I’d spoken to Paul, and my only real exposure to him during that time had been from afar while filming local music events and festivals. When I inadvertently contacted Paul, I had actually been trying to reach out to the new 1950s cover band “Cry Baby” to see if a band member would like to come on the show and talk about the joyful sounds they’ve been bringing to the good people of the lake area. As it turns out, it was an auspicious thing that Paul happened to be that band member, and as it ends up, we had a lot more to talk about than music. If you listen to this show you probably know by now that a recurring theme is transformation, change, and the hard work, experimentation, and even pain, that it takes to turn the dial on your life in a positive direction. That’s exactly what Paul has been doing in these years since I last spoke to him. He’s been changing his life, his mind, his habits, and his thinking He’s been doing the work, experimenting, and transforming past pains and anxieties into something good. In fact, I don’t think I’d be going too far to say that he’s learned to let much of that pain go. The man that was sitting across from me is passing on the good works shared with him through counseling. He’s used those shared works to step on the path to awakening, becoming a counselor himself, passing on what he’s learned, adding new insights along the way. It seems to me that Paul is taking a whole-life view, incorporating everything into his journey, from his lifelong love of music—with special favor given to the Beatles—to Vipassana meditation. I may have accidentally contacted Paul Gonsoulin when looking for a little musical good news to share, but what I got was even better than good news. He challenged me, and it was good to push through and gain some new clarity on things in my life. In visiting with Paul I feel that I’ve had a conversation with another human being that—as Paul might put it—will have a durable benefit in my life.  ========== THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY PARKER BRAND CREATIVE SERVICES >> www.ParkerBrandUp.com FOR MORE INFO ON CRY BABY >> www.facebook.com/crybabylc/ 

“Before Paul finished defending himself, Festus shouted, “Paul, you’re crazy! Too much learning has driven you out of your mind.”  But Paul replied, “Honorable Festus, I am not crazy. What

Before Paul is sent to Rome he stands before King Agrippa. We see how politics come into play as the leaders try to figure out what to do. Paul argues for the resurrection being an orthodox Jewish position. He then recounts his conversion again, as part of his defense. What does the indium “kick against the goads” mean and why does Paul use it? Festus thinks Paul has gone insane and the leaders agree to send him to Rome. Daniel and Erick discuss all of this. Have a listen! Here We Still Stand Conference Scandalous Stories Book 1517 Podcast Network Donate

At this point in Ephesians, Paul has told us Jesus has reshaped our identity, our condition, and our status. Before Paul begins telling us how all of this will affect our new way of life, he wants to make sure our understanding of God's love is reshaped as well. Before we ever do anything for God we must be rooted and grounded in His love for us.

We study the life of Paul. Before Paul there was Paul and our focus is on the radical change in his life as he was confronted by Jesus on the Road to Damascus.

Before Paul takes off to Koh Samui for a few weeks the boy's decided to sit down and watch another horror comedy, the 1974 classic Young Frankenstein! This homage/parody of 1930's horror from the minds of Gene Wilder and Mel Brooks gives us plenty to talk about, from how comedy ages and wether or not it still holds up today to the incredible stories of the films production. We also get excited over the new Halloween trailer and we finally have an adult Mike Hanlon! Blücher in Horror! -----------  Into The Minds of Madness is a (generally) weekly horror movie podcast hosted by two good pals; the horror aficionado Chris Dicker and the easily terrified Paul McWhirter. Covering the classics, the just released, the oft-forgotten gems and the train wrecks of the genre. From monster flicks to home invasion thrillers, body horror to campy slashers and everything in between. Jump on iTunes and give us a head-spinning 5 stars and write us a review if you so desire! Or if you wanna let us know what you're enjoying, send your hate mail or tell us there's somebody calling from inside the house, hit us up at itmompod@gmail.com or follow us on social media to keep up to date on when a new episode is (a)live! Facebook Twitter Instagram

Sign up to Join Scot’s lecture on being Open to the Holy Spirit in person or online - https://goo.gl/GbJyud PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST is a movie that captures the ending days of Paul’s life and ministry. Luke, as a friend and physician, risks his life when he ventures into the city of Rome to visit Paul, who is held captive in Nero’s darkest, bleakest prison cell. But Nero is determined to rid Rome of Christians, and does not flinch from executing them in the grisliest ways possible. Before Paul’s death sentence can be enacted, Luke resolves to write another book, one that details the beginnings of “The Way” and the birth of what will come to be known as the church. Bound in chains, Paul’s struggle is internal. He has survived so much—floggings, shipwreck, starvation, stoning, hunger and thirst, cold and exposure—yet as he waits for his appointment with death, he is haunted by the shadows of his past misdeeds. Alone in the dark, he wonders if he has been forgotten . . . and if he has the strength to finish well. Two men struggle against a determined emperor and the frailties of the human spirit in order to live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ and spread their message to the world. Learn more about the movie here - http://www.paulmovie.com/site/

Chad and Scooch are joined by Paul Lo Duca on this weeks episode as Chad is recording live from our new podcast studio in Manhattan. Before Paul joins the show, the guys address the tragic passing of Las Vegas legend and longtime friend of both Chad and Scooch Dave Malinsky.   Time stamps: 2:36 - Chad discusses his trip to Oregan. 06:25 – The guys discuss the passing of Dave Malinsky. 13:31 – Paul Lo Duca joins the podcast. 18:09 – The story behind Paul almost being the Bachelor. 21:07 – You Bet Your Life. 34:42 – Are the Dodgers in trouble? 37:46 – Lo Duca is not a fan of Stanton. 45:15 – Life lessons from Manny Ramirez. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Join Brother Craig for current news commentary and analysis, and learn about an epic Biblical new movie that releases 03/23, "Paul, Apostle of Christ", with screenwriter and director, Andrew Hyatt. PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST is the story of two men. Luke, as a friend and physician, risks his life when he ventures into the city of Rome to visit Paul, who is held captive in Nero’s darkest, bleakest prison cell. But Nero is determined to rid Rome of Christians, and does not flinch from executing them in the grisliest ways possible. Before Paul’s death sentence can be enacted, Luke resolves to write another book, one that details the beginnings of “The Way” and the birth of what will come to be known as the church. For more information visit www.paulmovie.com.

Brad Sullivan Proper 16, Year A August 27, 2017 Emmanuel, Houston Exodus 12:1-14 Romans 13:8-14 Matthew 18:15-20 Our Pre-Harvey Lives Are Dead and In the Tomb Last Friday, I was volunteering over at FamilyPoint Resources, a little ways down Memorial from here. Family Point has after school programs for children in this area along with other services for children and families. With school not yet in session last week, FamilyPoint opened up to have some hang out time for the neighborhood kids, and I was there to help with that. I spent a little bit of time on the soccer field, but mostly built LEGOs with a group kids. It’s great getting to see what they come up with and how excited they are to show off their creations. There was the occasional dispute over, ‘that piece is mine,’ but mostly we just built together and admired each others’ creations. Afterwards, I was talking with the executive director, Stephanie Hruzek, about Family Point and the needs of the neighborhood. They need folks to come help with after school, of course, and they’re also assembling teams to help muck out houses. All are welcome to join in those efforts, by the way. One thing that was so heartening and wonderful in Stephanie’s and my conversation was the seeming role reversal of families that Family Point is used to serving, coming out to help serve others, be it through mucking houses, helping at Family Point, or just helping out a neighbor in any way they need. The humanity that she has seen in the wake of Hurricane Harvey has far surpassed the damage done. Fear of the other and fear of the unknown seem to be down right now, and our shared humanity is coming to the fore. Stephanie shared her joy at this recognition of, this living into our shared humanity, and our hope and prayer is that this seeking out and reaching out for the other continues. Reaching out for one another and recognizing our shared humanity feels like pre-Harvey burdens have been lifted off our shoulders, burdens we were not even all that aware of: burdens of fearing others or ignoring others. Amidst these burdens which we often carry, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) Jesus’ yoke is his teaching, his way. As much as our religion has at times tried to make Jesus’ way difficult and heavy, the way of Jesus, the teachings of Jesus are easy, and light. The way of Jesus takes other burdens off our shoulders and lightens our loads as we walk this life together. Helping others with our post-Harvey, newfound common humanity has felt lighter than before. This is the way and the teaching of Jesus. Post-Harvey, we’ve been walking in the way of love, and we’ve been less encumbered by the burden of fearing the other, less encumbered by the burden of ignoring the other, less encumbered by the burden of enmity towards the other. Friends and family who have had estrangement growing over differing political and religious beliefs have found that such differences don’t matter in the wake of Harvey. Our petty differences and even our important differences do keep us…different, but they don’t need to divide us. If we need to be divided, God will sort that out later on. In all seriousness, Jesus taught on several occasions that any sorting out of the people, any dividing of humanity that needs to happen will be done by God at the end of the ages. In the mean time, Jesus taught that we are to live with each other, sometimes to put up with each other, but above all to love each other and to live out our common humanity. Paul told the church in Rome to “owe no one anything except to love one another.” The burden of fear keeps us from loving one another, and there are few heavier burdens than fear - except perhaps a desire for vengeance. Before Paul wrote to owe no one anything except to love one another, Paul wrote, “Repay no one evil for evil…never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God…” (Romans 12:17-19) Desire for vengeance may seem justified, but it is a heavy burden, and Jesus’ yoke, his teaching, seeks to lighten that burden. “If another member of the church sins against you,” Jesus taught, “go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” Ok, so if we’re being honest, going up to the person who has hurt you and going to them with your heart in your hand letting them know that they hurt you is not an easy task. Doing so requires courage and vulnerability. You might just get hurt again. Going to someone and seeking reconciliation, however, is so much easier and lighter than carrying around the burden of hurt forever. The weight of carrying that pain around is hard and heavy, carrying the accompanying fear and mistrust takes are hearts of flesh and turns them into hearts of stone, weighing us down even further. We trust less and less and fear more and more, when we don’t seek reconciliation, and then we end up with our pre-Harvey burdens of fearing the other, ignoring the other, and holding enmity for the other. Seeking reconciliation is a far easier and lighter burden than the burden of carrying fear, mistrust, and enmity. Even if you can’t be reconciled, Jesus taught that you still don’t carry the enmity around. You drop it. You let it go. If you can’ t be reconciled, then let that person be to you as a gentile and a tax collector. On the one hand, you’re considering that person to be outside of your life, apart from you. On the other hand, what grudge would you hold against someone who is not a part of you? Let the grudge go, let the person go, and wipe the slate clean. It would be up to the other person at that point to rebuild the relationship. At the same time, gentiles and tax collectors were a part of Jesus’ and the early church’s mission field, so there is a writing off and a starting over in Jesus’ teaching about when reconciliation doesn’t occur. Death and resurrection. Such is the way of Jesus. Such is his easy yoke and his light burden. Our shared humanity, seeking out the other without fear, forgiving and actively seeking reconciliation: these are ways of Jesus that we absolutely need in our post-Harvey lives, and what we need in our post-Harvey life as Emmanuel. We need each other. We always did, but pre-Harvey, we felt secure enough in other things not to realize our need for each other quite so acutely. Our pre-Harvey lives are dead and in the tomb. Our post-Harvey lives and post-Harvey life as Emmanuel is emerging from the tomb. Post-Harvey, we have been woken from sleep, and we realize just how much we need each other. More than a building, more than programs, we need each other. Emmanuel Episcopal Church & School is a new creation by water and the Word. We need to stay joined together, and we need to discover new ways to join together as well. In our post-Harvey, resurrected life, we need to keep reaching out into our community. We are a church, a people, without a building right now, and this is a challenge for us, and it is also a wonderful opportunity to live into our common humanity. Without our building to gather in and serve from, we get to gather and serve in other people’s buildings. We get to gather and serve in other people’s homes. We get to join with our neighbors as they gather and serve us. With prayer and reconciliation, we get to continue in this resurrected life, sharing in our common humanity as a new creation by water and the Word, following in the easy way and light burden of Jesus.

Brad Sullivan Proper 16, Year A August 27, 2017 Emmanuel, Houston Exodus 12:1-14 Romans 13:8-14 Matthew 18:15-20 Our Pre-Harvey Lives Are Dead and In the Tomb Last Friday, I was volunteering over at FamilyPoint Resources, a little ways down Memorial from here. Family Point has after school programs for children in this area along with other services for children and families. With school not yet in session last week, FamilyPoint opened up to have some hang out time for the neighborhood kids, and I was there to help with that. I spent a little bit of time on the soccer field, but mostly built LEGOs with a group kids. It’s great getting to see what they come up with and how excited they are to show off their creations. There was the occasional dispute over, ‘that piece is mine,’ but mostly we just built together and admired each others’ creations. Afterwards, I was talking with the executive director, Stephanie Hruzek, about Family Point and the needs of the neighborhood. They need folks to come help with after school, of course, and they’re also assembling teams to help muck out houses. All are welcome to join in those efforts, by the way. One thing that was so heartening and wonderful in Stephanie’s and my conversation was the seeming role reversal of families that Family Point is used to serving, coming out to help serve others, be it through mucking houses, helping at Family Point, or just helping out a neighbor in any way they need. The humanity that she has seen in the wake of Hurricane Harvey has far surpassed the damage done. Fear of the other and fear of the unknown seem to be down right now, and our shared humanity is coming to the fore. Stephanie shared her joy at this recognition of, this living into our shared humanity, and our hope and prayer is that this seeking out and reaching out for the other continues. Reaching out for one another and recognizing our shared humanity feels like pre-Harvey burdens have been lifted off our shoulders, burdens we were not even all that aware of: burdens of fearing others or ignoring others. Amidst these burdens which we often carry, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) Jesus’ yoke is his teaching, his way. As much as our religion has at times tried to make Jesus’ way difficult and heavy, the way of Jesus, the teachings of Jesus are easy, and light. The way of Jesus takes other burdens off our shoulders and lightens our loads as we walk this life together. Helping others with our post-Harvey, newfound common humanity has felt lighter than before. This is the way and the teaching of Jesus. Post-Harvey, we’ve been walking in the way of love, and we’ve been less encumbered by the burden of fearing the other, less encumbered by the burden of ignoring the other, less encumbered by the burden of enmity towards the other. Friends and family who have had estrangement growing over differing political and religious beliefs have found that such differences don’t matter in the wake of Harvey. Our petty differences and even our important differences do keep us…different, but they don’t need to divide us. If we need to be divided, God will sort that out later on. In all seriousness, Jesus taught on several occasions that any sorting out of the people, any dividing of humanity that needs to happen will be done by God at the end of the ages. In the mean time, Jesus taught that we are to live with each other, sometimes to put up with each other, but above all to love each other and to live out our common humanity. Paul told the church in Rome to “owe no one anything except to love one another.” The burden of fear keeps us from loving one another, and there are few heavier burdens than fear - except perhaps a desire for vengeance. Before Paul wrote to owe no one anything except to love one another, Paul wrote, “Repay no one evil for evil…never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God…” (Romans 12:17-19) Desire for vengeance may seem justified, but it is a heavy burden, and Jesus’ yoke, his teaching, seeks to lighten that burden. “If another member of the church sins against you,” Jesus taught, “go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” Ok, so if we’re being honest, going up to the person who has hurt you and going to them with your heart in your hand letting them know that they hurt you is not an easy task. Doing so requires courage and vulnerability. You might just get hurt again. Going to someone and seeking reconciliation, however, is so much easier and lighter than carrying around the burden of hurt forever. The weight of carrying that pain around is hard and heavy, carrying the accompanying fear and mistrust takes are hearts of flesh and turns them into hearts of stone, weighing us down even further. We trust less and less and fear more and more, when we don’t seek reconciliation, and then we end up with our pre-Harvey burdens of fearing the other, ignoring the other, and holding enmity for the other. Seeking reconciliation is a far easier and lighter burden than the burden of carrying fear, mistrust, and enmity. Even if you can’t be reconciled, Jesus taught that you still don’t carry the enmity around. You drop it. You let it go. If you can’ t be reconciled, then let that person be to you as a gentile and a tax collector. On the one hand, you’re considering that person to be outside of your life, apart from you. On the other hand, what grudge would you hold against someone who is not a part of you? Let the grudge go, let the person go, and wipe the slate clean. It would be up to the other person at that point to rebuild the relationship. At the same time, gentiles and tax collectors were a part of Jesus’ and the early church’s mission field, so there is a writing off and a starting over in Jesus’ teaching about when reconciliation doesn’t occur. Death and resurrection. Such is the way of Jesus. Such is his easy yoke and his light burden. Our shared humanity, seeking out the other without fear, forgiving and actively seeking reconciliation: these are ways of Jesus that we absolutely need in our post-Harvey lives, and what we need in our post-Harvey life as Emmanuel. We need each other. We always did, but pre-Harvey, we felt secure enough in other things not to realize our need for each other quite so acutely. Our pre-Harvey lives are dead and in the tomb. Our post-Harvey lives and post-Harvey life as Emmanuel is emerging from the tomb. Post-Harvey, we have been woken from sleep, and we realize just how much we need each other. More than a building, more than programs, we need each other. Emmanuel Episcopal Church & School is a new creation by water and the Word. We need to stay joined together, and we need to discover new ways to join together as well. In our post-Harvey, resurrected life, we need to keep reaching out into our community. We are a church, a people, without a building right now, and this is a challenge for us, and it is also a wonderful opportunity to live into our common humanity. Without our building to gather in and serve from, we get to gather and serve in other people’s buildings. We get to gather and serve in other people’s homes. We get to join with our neighbors as they gather and serve us. With prayer and reconciliation, we get to continue in this resurrected life, sharing in our common humanity as a new creation by water and the Word, following in the easy way and light burden of Jesus.

Before Paul teaches beauty of the good news in his letter to the Romans, he delves into the darkness in every human heart. The reality of brokenness and depravity on the earth must be faced honestly before the need for grace can begin to make sense.

Before Paul teaches beauty of the good news in his letter to the Romans, he delves into the darkness in every human heart. The reality of brokenness and depravity on the earth must be faced honestly before the need for grace can begin to make sense.

Colossians 4:7-18 Watch Video Download Handout Download Manuscript Listen to MP3 → Click to view the Sermon Outline 10 people that God used to accomplish his purposes I. Paul: The one with a shameful past and challenging present (4:18) Colossians 4:18 - I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you. Philippians 3:4-7 - …although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 - Are they servants of Christ?—I speak as if insane—I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death.    Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches. II. Tychicus: The one with a servant’s heart (4:7-8) Colossians 4:7-8 - As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information. For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts… A. Beloved brother 2 Timothy 4:12 - But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus B. Faithful servant C. Fellow bond-servant in the Lord III. Onesimus: The one willing to do what is right (4:9) Colossians 4:9 - …and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your number. They will inform you about the whole situation here. Philemon 11-13 - …who formerly was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me. I have sent him back to you in person, that is, sending my very heart, whom I wished to keep with me, so that on your behalf he might minister to me in my imprisonment for the gospel… IV. Aristarchus: The one with a sympathetic heart (4:10a) Colossians 4:10a - Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings… V. Mark: The one who made a big mistake (4:10b) Colossians 4:10b - …and also Barnabas’s cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him)… Acts 15:37-39 - Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also. But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work and there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. VI. Justus: The one who is committed when few others are (4:11) Colossians 4:11 - …and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me. VII. Epaphras: The one who was the focused shepherd (4:12-13) Colossians 4:12-13 - Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis. VIII. Luke: The one with a special skill (4:14a) Colossians 4:14 - Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings… IX. Demas: The one who would quit (4:14b) Colossians 4:14b - …and also Demas. X. Archippus: The one who needed encouragement (4:17) Colossians 4:17 - Say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” Outlined Manuscript Jesus Uses Different People for His Purposes Colossians 4:7-18  Aaron Birk 4-4-2017 All of us love to receive personal handwritten letters from people we love. When your child at school writes you…when your close friend on the other side of the world sends their greetings…When I receive beautiful notes from my wife.....hand-written notes I give attention to all the details. You think about every word, every emoji, every punctuation. And how much more if it was from a loved one who you have not heard from in a while and you knew they were in a situation of suffering. The letter of Colossians is written by Paul to his Christian family…the church in Colossae. The passage today is Paul’s final remarks and personal greetings…his encouragement to the church…and to let his family (Christians throughout Asia) know how he is doing. He signs his personal greetings by his own hand…as he suffers for Christ in a Roman prison. As we read this today…consider the suffering and encouragement in such circumstances. God wants us to be encouraged. God wants us to know that Jesus is supreme. And from the passage to see how  Jesus uses different people for his purposes. Read Colossians 4:7-18 1. Jesus uses people with shameful pasts. Jesus changes Paul from a persecutor of Christ to a preacher of Christ. “You have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. . . . [But now those who once feared me are saying,] “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God because of me.” Galatians 1:13, 23–24 ESV "But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” 1 Tim. 1:16 NIV   Jesus changes people for God’s amazing plans and not for Paul’s plans. Jesus changes Paul from a hater of Jesus to a lover of Jesus. Paul tries to stop the spread of the good news about Jesus to the world… BUT Jesus uses Paul to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to the world.   “The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it.” Colossians 1:23 NLT   No one can stop Jesus doing what he wants. His life changing work throughout the world can’t be stopped.   You and I have ugly pasts as well. The way we have treated others and God we often can’t forget. But Christ changed Paul’s life to put the past sins behind him and to seek Jesus and to know Jesus, even if it means sharing in the sufferings of Jesus.   [Personal Example] Jesus uses even people with shameful pasts like Paul who persecuted Jesus, and makes them preachers of Jesus’s love.   2. Jesus uses people with a servant heart. Jesus changes Tychicus from an unfortunate Gentile to a fortunate servant. You may have never heard of Tychicus, he is not talked about much probably in your bible study, or over coffee, or his life described as the super-Christian. But Jesus looks at the heart, and uses this non-Jewish man in significant ways because is a faithful servant and has a servant’s heart.    Paul sends Tychichus to encourage the church and tell them all the details about being in prison in Rome. Paul says…   “As to all my affairs, Tychicus … will bring you information” (v.7) “For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts” (v.8) “They will inform you about the whole situation here.” (v.9) Paul never went to the Colossian Church, and Tychicus must travel from Rome to the Colossians to deliver letters. One letter is the letter to the Colossians which we are studying together, the other is the letter Ephesians to the Ephesian church.   “To bring you up to date, Tychicus will give you a full report about what I am doing and how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper in the Lord’s work. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you.” Ephesians 6:21-22   Lastly, is the letter of Philemon which is about Onesimus who is going with Tychichus.    Now Tychichus names means fortunate (lucky) …Tychicus was from Asia Minor, the location of the Colossian and Ephesian churches (the west coast of Turkey)   [Show Map of Churches]   Jesus desires to change the lives of non-Jewish people. Tychicus is not Jewish. So Tychicus did not grow up hearing the promises of God in the Old Testament. He did not regularly go to temple to hear about God. He was not Jewish. But Jesus changes the life of Tychicus, and uses Christians to bring the good news about Jesus Christ to him and Tychichus trusts in Jesus.    We know then that Tychicus becomes a traveling friend of Paul on his journeys to share Jesus Christ throughout the world.   It might look like Tychicus’s background is unfortunate being born in a non-Jewish home, but Jesus changes his life and he becomes a changed man…   Paul describes Tychichus as…   “Beloved Brother…Faithful Servant…Fellow Bond-Servant.”    Tychicus is changed by Christ to be a man fortunate to carry news to the churches of Asia, Tychichus is fortunate to carry important news of Paul’s situation…And fortunate to tell Christians throughout the world how Jesus Christ is changing lives even in Rome. Tychicus is a faithful servant and messenger…he has a servant’s heart, Jesus uses him for the advance of the gospel.   Jesus changes people from unfortunate circumstances to be servants of the greatest fortune in all the world…Jesus Christ.    3. Jesus uses the rebel. Jesus changes Onesimus from a useless rebel to a useful brother.  - Onesimus is a runaway slave. One of the letters that Paul writes during  his time in Prison in Rome is the letter Philemon.   “It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever. He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.” Philemon 15-16 NLT    - Paul encourages us Jesus’s plans were to allow Onesimus to be lost and a runaway slave for a short time so that he could be found by Jesus and returned forever as a brother in Christ. The name Onesimus means useful. And Paul shares in his letter to Philemon how Christ changes Onesimus from a useless rebellious slave to a useful brother. Runaway slaves were killed. But Paul says something different…   “I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison. Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us. I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart.” Philemon 10-11 NLT   Jesus changes Onesimus’s life when he flees to Rome. So he’s a runaway slave in the giant city of Roma and of all people…he meets Paul in prison who tells Onesimus about Jesus Christ. Onesimus trusts in Jesus and is a changed man. Onesimus is now returning to his former master, no longer a rebellious slave, but a changed man.   Earlier in Colossians 3 God instructs slaves and masters… “Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely b ecause of your reverent fear of the Lord.” Colossians 3:22 NLT   Jesus changes Onesimus…Onesimus now fears God desires to obey God and reconcile the relationship with his Master, Philemon. Jesus shows mercy and love to useless rebels like you and I and changes us to useful brothers and sisters in Christ.   4. Jesus uses people with sympathetic hearts. Jesus uses Aristarchus to be a sympathetic companion. Aristarchus was a Jew who was from the city of Thessalonica which is in Macedonia. When Paul first goes to the city, the Jews are so opposed to the gospel…they are violent. But a few Jews believe from this city and accompany Paul in Acts 17. Most the Jews of Thessalonica are pretty against the spread of the gospel. By Acts 19-20 – Aristarchus travels with Paul to and from Macedonia But Aristarchus is loyal servant of Christ and in Acts 27 – Aristarchus is with Paul when Paul goes to Rome to be tried as a prisoner.  Once Paul writes from prison in Rome (Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians, and Philippians) and Aristarchus is with him. And now Paul mentions how this Jewish man, from a city that was very hostile to the gospel, is a fellow co-worker… one of the three Jewish men working with him in Rome. Aristarchus has such a sympathetic heart to the sufferings of others that he voluntarily cares for Paul while in prison. You may not be a preacher or teacher like Paul, but I know many in our family that have sympathetic hearts, that Jesus uses for caring for those suffering …you have opportunities with Griefshare…cancer ministry…for the children at Hartford Hub, foster care…adoption, Jobs for Life etc. Jesus uses people with sympathetic hearts for marvelous purposes that impacts the lives of many. 5. Jesus uses people who make a big mistake. Jesus uses Mark’s mistake to make him a courageous comforter. - John Mark who is called Mark in the Bible, was a Jewish Christian. Mark’s mother, had a house in the city of Jerusalem where the early church met (cf. Acts 12:12)   - Mark is the writer of the book of Mark, which is one of the 4 gospel books in the Bible about the life of Jesus.  - Mark is the cousin of Barnabas (Col. 4:10). - The fact the Paul mentions Mark in this letter is proof of how Jesus changing Mark’s life. - Paul and Mark have some past friendship issues (…they have a history). In Acts 13: 5, 13 – Mark is with Paul and his Barnabas and they are on their way to present day Turkey to tell people about the good news about Jesus Christ. The journey we know is tough…and Mark leaves Paul and Barnabas… Can you imagine…when you need faithful friends the most…they leave you. So later, Paul is in Jerusalem (Mark’s hometown) with his traveling companion Barnabas. Remember Mark is Barnabas’s cousin and guess who’s there. It’s Paul’s good friend Mark…awkward family reunion…Paul and Barnabas back from their missionary journey suffering for Christ to share Jesus with those who have never heard about Jesus…and there’s John Mark…the one who left them. Paul and Barnabas are about to travel again on another journey…and we get to hear more about their relationship problems in Acts 15 “Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus.” Acts 15:37-39 NLT   Paul refused to allow Mark to go with him as a companion on his travels, so Barnabas, Paul’s companion actually chooses to take Mark and sail for Cyprus.    Jesus changes the life of Mark dramatically…and Barnabas and Peter were both important people that Jesus used to encourage Mark to become faithful even through suffering. Jesus mark mistake and Barnabas’s encouragement to be a courageous comforter for Paul.. - Mark encourages and supports Paul. Mark is with Paul in Rome during his first imprisonment…and represents Paul to churches throughout the area of present day Turkey (Philemon 24; Col. 4:10).  - Jesus changes Mark so much that Paul asks for Mark to come to Rome to be with him during his final imprisonment before Paul dies, because Mark is so useful. Pauls says, “…Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:11 NLT How amazing that Jesus changes the unfaithful coward Mark so much Paul says this about Mark in verse 11: “…these (even including Mark!) are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me.” Colossians 1:11 Jesus changes unfaithful cowards into courageous comforters. Praise God!  There are some here who recently made a giant foolish mistake that you regret…or know a loved one who has…When I have made foolish mistakes it is easy to think I can never be useful again…but Jesus wants us to learn to grow and mature from our mistakes, not to be fearful of messing up and failing.  6. Jesus uses committed people. Jesus uses Justus who is committed to Jesus, despite the numbers. Colossians 4:11 and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me. The number of faithful Jews seems so small, but Jesus uses the commitment of a few for great things. Justus is one of the few committed Jews.  It’s easy to give up. You might be tempted to stop leading a Bible Study, to stop inviting co-workers, or feel like you are the only one sharing Jesus in your family…We have hope knowing that Jesus uses faithful committed followers for purposes that are greater than what we usually see.   7. Jesus uses people who labor in prayer Jesus uses Epaphras’s labor in prayer for building up others, even when Epaphras cannot help physically. Paul encourages the church, that one of their own leaders, Epaphras greets them. Epaphras is the man who told Paul about the Colossian church because he brought the good news about Jesus Christ to the Colossians. Paul says, “You learned about the Good News from Epaphras, our beloved co-worker. He is Christ’s faithful servant, and he is helping us on your behalf.” Col. 1:7 Paul gives thanks for people like Ephaphras…servants of Christ…brothers and sisters who pray with intense passion for you…Epaphras encourages Paul. Paul tells how much Epaphras cares for the Colossians. He continually prays they mature as Christians in their faith…he wants the Colossians to be confident in God’s will. Look at verse 12: “Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.” (v.12) As Christians at times we can be immature and doubt God’s will. Just like us, the Colossians should not doubt God’s word is true. Jesus Christ is the Creator and Ruler of the universe and they should be confident of God’s will being accomplished in Jesus Christ. God’s will is accomplished in and through prayers of his people. [Example of Kevitt in Prayer] Epaphras prays for the Colossians just as our pastors pray for you. Jesus uses people who labor in prayer. 8. Jesus uses those with education and special skills. Jesus changes Dr. Luke from an educated skeptic to a faithful believer.  - Luke is the author of the gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. - Luke accompanies Paul throughout many of his travels…And serves as Paul’s personal physician, since he was a doctor. But Luke was not Jewish. Luke was a Gentile born in Syria. And in the gospel of Luke, which Luke wrote…Luke mentions his careful study and investigation into the truth about Jesus Christ. As Luke meets eyewitnesses, studies the information about Jesus from others, Jesus changes Luke’s heart from a skeptic of Jesus to a believer in Jesus. “…it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.” Luke 1:3-4 - Luke, the loved physician of Paul, travels throughout the world spreading the good news about Jesus Christ and helping in whatever way he can, especially as Paul’s personal physician. - Luke is with Paul in Rome during his imprisonments as a faithful supporter and encourager. - Before Paul’s death in Rome when Paul is imprisoned for the second time….Luke is with Paul. “Only Luke is with me.” 2 Timothy 4:11a NLT [Examples of individuals with special skills at Faith West] Jesus changes people like Luke…educated skeptics with special skills…to faithful believers. 9. Jesus uses people who turn away from God.  Jesus uses Demas for his purposes even though he quits following Jesus. Colossians 4:14b  Later on Demas will leave the ministry in order to pursue the pleasures of the world. Consider…Jesus was using a man who would later stop serving. God knew that and Jesus uses him anyway to spread the love of Christ. “Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica” 2 Timothy 4:10 is that God was using a man who would later stop serving. God knew that.  We pray that this would not happen to any of us. By God’s grace we will live for Christ all the days of our lives.  -But remember this … Jesus uses those who turn from God.  10. Jesus uses people who need encouragement. Jesus uses Archippus who needs encouragement.  It is possible that Archippus was taking care of the Colossian church while Epaphras was away, but we are not sure. He clearly had some ministry responsibility he needed encouragement to faithful complete. Say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” Colossians 4:17 There are individuals in your life that Jesus wants to use you to comfort and encourage to continue to live faithfully for Christ.  What a comfort to know when we feel overwhelmed and in need of help and encouragement, Jesus still uses us. Brothers and Sisters…the book of Colossians is all about Jesus being first. Colossians shows Jesus is like no other in power and wisdom.  From the closing remarks be encouraged that Jesus is Lord, he uses everyone, all people for his marvelous purposes.  We must trust in Jesus and seek to do his will. May Jesus’s will be done in our lives as we seek to serve him and may the good news of Jesus Christ continue to spread as we are faithful servants to complete the good works Jesus has for us.

Before Paul teaches beauty of the good news in his letter to the Romans, he delves into the darkness in every human heart. The reality of brokenness and depravity on the earth must be faced honestly before the need for grace can begin to make sense.

Before Paul teaches beauty of the good news in his letter to the Romans, he delves into the darkness in every human heart. The reality of brokenness and depravity on the earth must be faced honestly before the need for grace can begin to make sense.

Before Paul gets to your calling individually he emphasizes our calling corporately. We believe you won't discover yours if you're not committed to our purpose as the body of Christ. Find out how to discover your 'Y' in 'Our.' --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/c3fortworth/message

The conversion of Paul the Apostle was world changing, but the disciples of Christ did not exactly welcome him with open arms. There was a huge question mark hanging over his head. Before Paul could be part of the crew he first had to be proved. From this proving process we find definite marks a true disciple. Are you true? Are you for real? Or there still a question mark. Listen in and put yourself to the test. | Visit our website at www.noreligionjustjesus.com | Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/likethecbc

The first three chapters of Romans lock up all humanity, including the Jews, under condemnation. That is very bad news for everyone, especially for the Jews who considered themselves as automatically saved. Before Paul gives them the good news, he unloads this bad news on them first. How was "ALL ISRAEL" saved at the Parousia in AD 70? How did the Roman church fit into that plan to save ALL ISRAEL? How do the Collective Body and Individual Body views differ in their explanations of this SALVATION of All Israel? What is the "New Perspective on Paul"? If you wish to have the free PDF written lesson outline for this podcast, simply email us to request it (preterist1@preterist.org). Be sure to mention the date of this podcast when you contact us.Support the show (https://www.preterist.org/donate/credit-card-donations/)