Podcasts about Caesarea

Join Jacobs Premium: https://www.thenathanjacobspodcast.com/membershipThe book club (use code LEWIS): https://www.thenathanjacobspodcast.com/offers/aLohje7p/checkoutThis is part three of our three-part series on the seven ecumenical councils, focusing on the philosophical commitments embedded in the final five councils from Ephesus to Nicaea II. We examine the Nestorian controversy and Cyril of Alexandria's defense of moderate realism, the doctrine of complex natures, and the distinction between common faculties and idiosyncratic use in the monothelite debate. The episode concludes with the monoenergist controversy's codification of the essence-energies distinction and the ontology of image and archetype in iconography.All the links: Substack: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcastWebsite: https://www.nathanajacobs.com/X: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPodSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hSskUtCwDT40uFbqTk3QSApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nathan-jacobs-podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathanandrewjacobsAcademia: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/NathanAJacobs00:00:00 - Intro00:05:36 Dogma vs. Kerygma: Basil's Distinction 00:10:26 The Council of Ephesus: Nestorius vs. Cyril 00:14:56 Moderate Realism and Complex Natures00:23:18 Nestorius's Metaphysical Error00:30:14 Why Mary Is Theotokos00:45:02 The Monophysite Controversy After Ephesus00:49:19 The Council of Chalcedon 00:57:00 Common Nature, Idiosyncratic Use01:02:00 The Theandric Operations: John of Damascus's Analogy01:07:56 The Essence-Energies Distinction in the Councils 01:13:34 Against Calling It "Palamite" 01:19:09 Nicaea II and the Ontology of Images Other words for the algorithm… ecumenical councils, Christology, Chalcedon, Council of Ephesus, Nestorius, Cyril of Alexandria, moderate realism, complex natures, theotokos, patristics, church fathers, early Christian philosophy, Byzantine theology, Eastern Orthodox, Orthodox theology, hupóstasis, essence-energies distinction, Gregory Palamas, Cappadocian fathers, Basil of Caesarea, Gregory of Nyssa, John of Damascus, Maximus the Confessor, monothelite controversy, monoenergist controversy, monophysitism, Apollinarianism, hypostatic union, two natures one person, divine energies, theosis, deification, incarnation, Nicene Creed, Constantinople, Council of Chalcedon, hyalomorphism, Aristotle, Plato, realism, nominalism, universals, particular, form and matter, substance, accidents, common nature, Christian metaphysics, patristic theology, systematic theology, philosophical theology, philosophy of religion, Christian philosophy, Thomas Aquinas, scholasticism, medieval philosophy, ancient philosophy, Neoplatonism, divine simplicity, divine freedom, anthropology, theological anthropology, imago dei, image of God, iconography, Nicaea II, body and soul, will, free will, monothelitism, Apollinaris, Athanasius, homoousios, consubstantial, Trinity, divine nature, human nature, rational soul, theandric operations, dogma, kerygma, divine liturgy, anti-Chalcedonian, Council of Constantinople, moderate realist, extreme realism, archetypal ideas, common will, idiosyncratic use, Philippians 2, morphe, kenosis, inflamed blade analogy, David Bradshaw, essence and energies, Aristotle East and West, Gregory of Nazianzus, Chrysostom, ontology, metaphysics, formal properties, genera and species, specific difference

"Saint Romanus was a deacon and exorcist in the Church of Caesarea in Palestine. He happened to be at Antioch in 303 when the Emperor Diocletian's edicts for the general persecution of Christians were published. He could not bear to see so many Christian men, women and children denying their faith in the true God for fear of suffering. As they went to sacrifice to the idols, he ran up, consumed with zeal for righteousness, crying shame on them with a loud voice. He was immediately arrested and brought before the city Prefect. He faced interrogation boldly and to prove the stupidity of the pagan cult, he asked for a child to be brought in, taken at random from the crowd in the public square. Romanus enquired of the lad whether it was more sensible to worship the one and only God and Creator of the world, or the many gods of the pagans. Showing himself wiser than the pagans, the child unhesitatingly decided for the God of the Christians. The Prefect flew into a rage at being made to look ridiculous and ordered the young confessor to be put to the torture straight away in the presence of his mother. The child endured the torments without flinching but told his mother he was thirsty and wanted a drink. '0 my dear son', the admirable woman answered, 'do not drink corruptible and temporal water, but keep up your courage so as to drink living and eternal water in the Kingdom of God!' The child was beheaded, and Saint Romanus was condemned to be burnt to death. He welcomed the sentence joyfully, and with a shining face was led unresistingly to the stake. Since the Emperor was in the city, the executioners awaited his decision before lighting the fire and the valiant Martyr exclaimed at the delay, 'Where is the fire that is prepared for me?' But the execution was stayed so that he could be brought before the Emperor in person. Aware that Christians rejoice over the death of a Martyr as the entrance to everlasting life, the tyrant wanted to increase the suffering of Christ's athlete by delaying the moment of deliverance. He ordered the executioners to tear out his tongue, which Romanus freely offered, and he miraculously went on praising God and encouraging the faithful after it was cut away. After this torment, he was imprisoned for a long time in chains until the Emperor's birthday. This was celebrated all over the Empire and a general release of prisoners was customary. But Romanus was not freed; with his feet crushed in the stocks, he was secretly strangled in his dungeon and thus received the adornment of martyrdom, as he had desired."(Synaxarion)

This is my relatively short talk given during the 2025 Plato's Academy multidisciplinary conference: The Philosophy and Psychology of Anger, during which I discuss some of the useful insights and practices early Christian thinkers (2nd-5th Century CE) can provide us. These don't require one to be committed to Christianity and can be applied by a wide range of people. I begin with a passage from Pierre Hadot's book Philosophy As A Way Of Life: "[Christians] believed they recognized spiritual exercises, which they had learned through philosophy, in specific scriptural passages . . . The reason why Christian authors paid attention to these particular biblical passages, was that they were already familiar, from other sources, with the spiritual exercises of prosokhē, meditation on death, and examination of the conscience.” What Hadot calls “spiritual exercises” gets called by a variety of other terms by other thinkers. Foucault's "technologies of the self", Nussbaum's "therapeutic arguments", as well as the more general "philosophical practices" many of us reference in our work and study. What we can say about these early Christian thinkers is that many had a philosophical education, had opportunities to engage with pagan philosophical schools, some of which had pretty strong religious stances, with precursor and contemporary Jewish thought, and with a variety of other disciplines like rhetoric, medicine, literature, political theory, law, history, music, etc. There was already a strong interest in issues about anger already raised and debated in ancient philosophy including: vicious anger, can anger have useful role, dangers of indulging or excusing anger, anger and courage or justice, types or levels of anger, divine anger. Early Christian thinkers rely upon or incorporating broadly Platonic psychology, and ethical conceptions drawn from Platonist, Stoic, and Aristotelian schools, but within a framework Christianity provides. The thinkers I reference and discuss in this presentation include: 2nd-4th Century CE: Clement of Alexandria 150 – c. 215 AD, Tertullian 155 – c. 220, Origen 185 – c. 253, Lactantius 250 – c. 325 4th 5th century CE: Basil of Caesarea 330 – 379, Gregory of Nyssa 335, Evagrius Ponticus 345–399 AD, John Chrysostom 347-407, Ambrose 339-397, Jerome 342–347-420, Prudentius 348-413?, John Cassian 360 – 435, Augustine of Hippo 354-430 Some of the key scriptural passages they tend to engage most heavily with include: A number of discussions of anger in Pre-Christian Jewish scriptures, particularly in the Psalms, Proverbs, and Sirach The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, Paul's Letter To Ephesians, and the Letter of James There is a stress on identifying and dealing with vices that involve anger, but also on developing virtues of Patience, Humility, Mercy, and Forgiveness. They also adopt, develop, and discuss a number of useful practices for lessening, understanding, or dealing with anger.

Jon Rehurek • Acts 10:1–10:48 • Commissioned

Jon Rehurek • Acts 10:1–10:48

When accusations or misunderstandings come against your faith, what does it look like to give a Christ-centered defense rather than a self-defensive reaction? In his sermon: “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose!” centered on Acts 24:1 – 25:12, Pastor Josiah walks us into the Roman courtroom of Caesarea, where the apostle Paul stands accused before Governor Felix. Surrounded by power, politics, and hostility, Paul defends himself not with manipulation but with conviction—his worship is to the Lord, his hope is anchored in the resurrection, and his conscience is clear before God and man. This passage reveals that the gospel itself, not merely Paul, is on trial—and that even in chains, God's mission is unstoppable.As Christ's chosen people, we are called to live with integrity and to boldly defend His truth before all. When our eyes are fixed on Christ and our hearts are full of love for Him, we truly can't lose—because even through persecution and hardship, the gospel advances, God's purposes prevail, and His truth cannot be silenced.

Eine neue Serie

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION“Might be back on the ropes,Might be down in the ring,Oh, Death, you're a fighter,But you've lost all your sting.So the more that you hit meThe more you can't win.You can knock me down, drag me out,But ring the bell for one more round.I'll get up again, ‘cause this is not the end.”~“This Is Not The End” by The Grey Havens “God never fumbles the ball. If he turns it over to the other side for a few downs, it's because he knows a better way to win.”~John Piper, pastor and author “What would it mean for Christians to give up that little piece of the American Dream that says, ‘You are limitless?' Everything is not possible. The mighty kingdom of God is not yet here. What if ‘rich' did not have to mean ‘wealthy', and ‘whole' did not have to mean ‘healed?' What if being the people of ‘the gospel' meant that we are simply people with good news? God is here. We are loved. It is enough.”~Kate Bower in Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved “This is the most precious answer God can give us: wait. It makes us cling to him rather than to an outcome. God knows what I need; I do not. He sees the future; I cannot. His perspective is eternal; mine is not. He will give me what is best for me when it is best for me.”~Vaneetha Rendall Risner in The Scars That Have Shaped Me SERMON PASSAGEActs 12:1-24 (ESV) 1 About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. 2 He killed James the brother of John with the sword, 3 and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. 4 And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church. 6 Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. 8 And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” 9 And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him. 11 When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.”12 When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. 13 And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14 Recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. 15 They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!” 16 But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed. 17 But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Tell these things to James and to the brothers.” Then he departed and went to another place. 18 Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. 19 And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there. 20 Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king's country for food. 21 On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. 22 And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” 23 Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.24 But the word of God increased and multiplied.

Ezra 5 tells of the work of building the house of God recommencing with the prophets of Yahweh - Haggai and Zechariah - supporting and encouraging the work. Still the attempts to frustrate the building came from Tatnai, the Governor on the other side of the river (the Jordan). The faithful Jews continued building while Tatnai's letter was sent to Darius (the Persian king). The Jews faithfully answered as to why their realm had been overturned and to their obedience to the God of heaven and the decree that came from king Cyrus to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. The Jews suggested that search be made in the Chronicles of the kings of Persia to prove their claim. Chapter 6 tells us that the search was made in the house of the scrolls in Ecbatana proving the accuracy of the Jews' claim. A letter came from king Darius asking Tatnai and his people to materially support the building of the temple. Verses 15-18 report the completion and dedication of the house of God. From verses 19-22 we read of the great joy as the new kingdom of Judah kept the Passover. Let us be daily builders of God's House and let those labours bring joy to our hearts.Chapter 7 of Hosea contains some very graphic Hebrew poetry. From the rulers of the nation to the common people they were so intent on sexual depravity that they are described by the figure of a baker with an overheated oven. They had no shame for what they were doing. Another of the figures sees them as a dove that cannot make up her mind on whom to dote - Egypt, or Assyria. God wanted it otherwise and even when judgment was brought on them they didn't repent. A soft and penitent heart is always to be found among the LORD's children.In Acts 25 we are told that, when Festus was determined to send Paul to Jerusalem, the Apostle had no alternative but to make his appeal to Caesar. After a short period of time Festus conducted another hearing of Paul's matters. Festus once again sought the favour of the Jews and at this time Paul announced that he would exercise his right as a Roman Citizen to be judged by Caesar. Herod Agrippa and his wife Bernice were visiting Caesarea and at this time Festus requested they hear Paul's case for Festus was struggling with the wording of the charge against Paul. Festus explained to Agrippa that to him there was no capital crime, but simply matters concerning Jewish law. With great pomp and ceremony Agrippa, Bernice and all the other dignitaries entered the judgment hall. Festus was seeking Agrippa's opinion on the nature of the charge to appear on the letter to be sent to Caesar. Chapter 26 records Paul's defence and appeal to Agrippa to embrace the Christian cause. Paul tells his audience of his fervour for the Jewish way and his concerted opposition to Christianity. But when he was confronted by the risen Lord Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus everything changed. He told the audience of his great commission and then knowing king Agrippa to be a man who read the prophets he appealed to the king to adopt the Christian belief. Festus, being embarrassed by the situation, attempted to finish the hearing immediately by declaring Paul to be mad due to his great learning. Paul was not to be silenced so quickly and continued to ask Agrippa whether he believed the prophets. He stated plainly I know you believe them king Agrippa. At this point king Agrippa and all the dignitaries rose and left with the king stating Paul's innocence. Let us remember that we are bondslaves to our Lord Jesus Christ and as his prisoners let our testimony burn before all to whom we witness.Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

Title: “Why We Give Thanks” Part 1 Text: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5 FCF: We often struggle gaining assurance of our faith. Prop: Because Disciple Makers praise God for genuine disciples, we must display the fruit of genuine disciples. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to 1 Thessalonians chapter 1. In a moment we'll read from the English Standard Version starting in verse 1. You can follow along in the pew bible, with the page number on the screen, or in the version you prefer. It is a joy and privilege to begin another book series with you. In the nine years I have pastored here I have preached through 14 New Testament books. Perhaps the Lord will give me grace to live long enough to preach through the entire bible before I die. We'll see. Paul begins this letter with a quick greeting and then verses 2-5 are 1 sentence in the Greek. Grammar police may accuse Paul of writing a run on sentence – but such grammar rules didn't exist yet. The entire first chapter, while only being 10 verses long, represents a summary of every theme that will be teased out in the remaining 4 chapters of the letter. So, as you can imagine, chapter 1 is quite dense in its meaning. Covering 5 verses this morning will be quite a herculean challenge. May God sustain us. Please stand with me to give honor to and to focus on the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: Sovereign King, you have purchased us from darkness and redeemed us to light. We are slaves to righteousness now and children of Your holy Kingdom. We praise you for this and thank you that You have given such wonderful gifts to us through Your Son and have indwelled us with Your Spirit. Allow Your Spirit to bear witness to us as we look to Your word and send Him also to give soft hearts to those who have come this morning with hearts of stone. May they be raised to new life in Your Son and baptized into Him with His Spirit. We pray this in Jesus' name and for His sake – Amen. Transition: Long sermon today. I've cut what I could. It is time for you to strive with your flesh and pay attention to what God has revealed. Let's begin, of course, in verse 1. I.) Disciple Makers praise God for genuine disciples, so we must display the cardinal graces of Christ . (1-3) a. [Slide 2] 1 - Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. i. This is only Paul's second letter he has ever sent to a church congregation. ii. His first letter was to the Galatians. iii. The tone of this letter is significantly more positive than the letter of Galatians. It isn't difficult to determine why. iv. Although both letters were written to fledgling churches who were experiencing opposition, the churches of Southern Galatia had abandoned the clear teaching that Paul and Barnabas had taught them in order to believe what the Judaizers were teaching. v. The Thessalonians were enduring. vi. As we noted last week, Paul writes this letter with the assistance of Silas and Timothy. vii. Timothy is relaying information from the Thessalonian church, having recently visited with them. And Silas, here called by his Latin name Silvanus, is the one who writes the letter itself. viii. [Slide 3] Thessalonica is positioned here on the Aegean Sea. It is likely that well over 100,000 people lived in the city with thousands more traveling to and through it on a daily basis. ix. [Slide 4] Thessalonica had a significant Jewish population but of course was predominantly gentile. The religion was certainly paganism but with unique flavors of Egyptian gods being worshipped along with the Emperor cult. x. [Slide 5] The prepositional phrase “in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” is difficult to understand where it fits in. xi. Are they writing to them in God and the Lord Jesus or is the church in God and the Lord Jesus? xii. It is most certainly the latter given the context of the book. xiii. The three companions are writing to this church and Paul takes the opportunity to remind them that they rest safely in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. xiv. This is significant in that Paul, a Jew, is using Old Covenant language of belonging to the community of Yahwehism, but he is doing so in reference to a predominantly gentile assembly. xv. This communicates very clearly that although we should maintain a distinction between the church and Covenant Israel- in the New Covenant that distinction is largely erased. God is creating a new people for Himself out of Israel and the nations. xvi. [Slide 6] Finally, Paul finishes his greeting with what will become his standard greeting to churches to which he writes. xvii. Grace to you and peace. xviii. At this point, if you've been attending our church for any amount of time, you should have a decent definition of God's grace. 1. Certainly, unmerited favor is an… OK… definition. But we can add a little more color to that. 2. [Slide 7] Grace is God's power which He grants to people according to His free will, to enable them to receive or do something which they are unable to get or do for themselves. 3. In the Scriptures we see God's common grace in providing a world full of pleasures and relative happiness even to those who are wicked. 4. We also, and especially see God's saving grace or special grace, which is necessary for any to come to salvation, since all men are children of wrath by nature and dead in their trespasses and sins. 5. But we also see God's sanctifying grace which enables His children to desire and have the power to do as He has commanded them. 6. Understanding this aspect of God's grace is the only way that Paul's comments make any sense. If God's grace is only good to regenerate, convert, and justify a believer – we really have no need to wish it to anyone who is already a believer. 7. But since God's power in His grace continues to mold us and conform us to Christ – we are in constant need of its steady supply. 8. Thus, to wish for, pray for, or desire God's grace to be given to another believer – is to desire their greatest good. 9. We should stop saying – Have a great day, or God bless! 10. Instead, we should say – God's grace to you. xix. [Slide 8] And of course – peace. xx. Peace in what sense? xxi. [Slide 9] Well peace actually works on a few levels especially in the context of 1 Thessalonians. 1. First, there is peace with God. a. Unlike grace, peace with God is not something that we need in steady supply. b. True, we can strain the relationship with our Heavenly Father, but He remains our Father. There is, as Paul says in Romans, no condemnation in Christ. c. Peace with God is secured for us in the death and resurrection of Christ. d. But in another sense, the safety from the wrath of God is not fully applied until the Lord Jesus returns for His church and destroys all His enemies. e. And so, Paul is reminding them of the peace they have with God through Christ's death resurrection and future coming in glory. 2. Second, we could also see a wish for peace or harmony with one another. a. This also works on two levels. b. First is the peace with other believers. i. Paul emphasizes in this book the love that we must have for one another and how it must be abounding and growing. ii. This has ramifications on how we treat one another within the body of Christ and how we hold each other accountable. c. But Paul also speaks to the opposition the Thessalonian church is facing. i. Therefore, Paul wishes peace with outsiders as well. ii. Hoping for a quiet life where they can worship the Lord and live godly lives in peace. iii. Knowing full well that some of the church's family members, friends, colleagues, and co-workers are no doubt aggressively against their conversion to Christ. This is probably the opposition they are facing. 3. Third, we could also see this wish for peace with trials. a. Facing all the issues and problems they are, Paul may also be wishing them spiritual peace. b. Hope. c. That God is not blind to what they are enduring. d. They should trust Him in the midst of all this and continue to live holy lives before Him. xxii. Grace to them and peace is a perfect greeting. xxiii. Paul continues… b. [Slide 10] 2 - We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, i. The first word from Paul, after months of not seeing him and enduring opposition, are words of encouragement. ii. These three companions, who loved them and cared for them, are always giving thanks to God for them. iii. One constant theme throughout this book is that to every disciple-maker's greatest joy… is to see those whom they have discipled grow to be spiritually mature Christ followers. iv. Paul, Silas, and Timothy are overjoyed, they are tickled pink, that the Thessalonians are enduring in their faith. v. So much so, that in their prayers to God, they are always giving thanks for them and constantly mentioning them. vi. But what is the content of their prayers for the Thessalonians? What are they constantly praying to God about them? c. [Slide 11] 3 - remembering before our God and Father your work of faith i. Their prayers consist of recalling or bringing to mind again and again, certain aspects of the Thessalonian's godly character. ii. Grammatically the possessive pronoun “your” connects these three consecutive attributes together as graces God has given them. iii. So, what does Paul mean by their work of faith? iv. Given the context of 1 Thessalonians, it seems like Paul means a faith that produces works, specifically works of obedience and allegiance to the object of their faith. v. At the end of this triad of graces, Paul says “In the Lord Jesus Christ”. vi. Many commentators apply this only to the third grace mentioned. But some scholars see it as applied to all three of these graces. I tend to agree with the minority. vii. In that sense then, their faith, which is rooted in and allied with the Lord Jesus Christ, is the source for their works of obedience. d. [Slide 12] and labor of love i. The second characteristic of the Thessalonian church remembered in thankful prayer is their labor of love. ii. Most likely this expression follows a similar pattern as the first. iii. The labor is produced from or perhaps we could say it is motivated by their love which they have because they are in the Lord Jesus Christ. iv. We love, because He first loved us. v. And so, the Thessalonians, being united to Christ, have a supernaturally gifted love for God, and one another which motivates them to labor for one another in specific acts of love. e. [Slide 13] and steadfastness of hope i. Finally, he is thankfully remembering in prayer the Thessalonians' steadfastness in hope. ii. Again, we should see that hope is the source or the producer of endurance or steadfastness. iii. They can patiently wait and endure because they have a hope that is rooted, not only in the Lord Jesus generally, but in the finished work of Christ on the cross and the promise of His future coming and eternal salvation. f. [Slide 14] in our Lord Jesus Christ. i. In the Lord Jesus Christ, they have been given hope, love, and faith that continues to produce endurance, labor and work. ii. All of these virtues… all of these cardinal Christian graces… are rooted fully in the Lord Jesus Christ. iii. Without Christ there is no work of faith. There is no labor of love. There is no steadfastness of hope. iv. And notice these are rooted in our LORD Jesus Christ. v. We need a King, a sovereign over all things to guarantee that the faith, love and hope that He has given us will produce work, labor, and endurance. g. [Slide 15] Summary of the Point: Paul opens his letter with the encouragement that he, Silas, and Timothy are often thanking the Lord for the Thessalonian church. In this he reveals a repeated theme of this book, that disciple makers of all kinds are overjoyed and thankful to God when those they have ministered to reveal themselves to be genuine disciples by their growth in grace. Specifically, Paul calls out three cardinal graces that every genuine believer has in Christ. Every believer, since they are clothed with Christ, has a faith that produces works of obedience toward God, a love that motivates their labor for God and others, and a hope that builds endurance to weather every storm life has knowing that Christ will return and with Him justice will reign. We could choose from several applications here. None are overtly mentioned in this text. But I think the best application we could take from this text is simply asking the question… would Paul, Silas, and Timothy be thanking God continually… for our church? Are we a church who displays the work of faith, the labor of love, and the steadfastness of hope in the Lord Jesus Christ? That, I think… hits the hardest. Are we as commendable as the Thessalonians? Transition: [Slide 16 (blank)] This is only one aspect of why the evangelists give thanks for the Thessalonian church. Paul continues in verse 4 to develop this theme. II.) Disciple Makers praise God for genuine disciples, so we must evaluate how the gospel came to us. (4-5) a. [Slide 17] 4 - For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, i. What is the word “for” taking us back to? ii. For implies… because or some connection to something previously mentioned. iii. It goes all the way back to verse 2. iv. Paul and his companions always give thanks to God for them and are constantly mentioning them to God in their prayers. v. Specifically, about their character produced by their relationship to their Lord Jesus Christ. vi. But Paul hasn't actually told the Thessalonians why they are thankful. He has told them how… but not why. So, why are they thankful? vii. Primarily, they are thankful to God and mentioning them often because they know… that God has chosen them. God has elected them. God has predestined them. viii. They are brothers which are loved by God. ix. Even though they are being rejected by their family and their friends, they have been chosen before the foundation of the world to join a new family with a new Father who loved them, not because they were special, but because He is special. x. Well, how do the evangelists know that God has chosen these Thessalonians? xi. We might expect Paul to go back to the previous character traits of grace that the Lord has given them… their works, labor, and endurance from faith, love and hope. xii. Indeed, we cannot divorce this from the reason they believe this… because Paul will bring this up later in chapter 1 which we'll see in part 2 of this sermon next week. xiii. But what is the thing Paul points to first as grounds for he and his companions to conclude that they are elect of God? b. [Slide 18] 5 - because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power i. There is some debate over the exact nature of the word because. ii. If you desire to hear the entire debate you can join us on Teams on Thursday night for bible study and prayer group. We will dive deeper into the three basic views. iii. But the view I took is by far the majority among scholars and translations. iv. Paul is saying that they know they are chosen because something occurred. v. Another thing that scholars insist upon here is that Paul is pointing to he and Silas and Timothy's preaching among them. However, Paul does not say “because we preached the gospel to you in power…” he says “because our gospel came to you in power.” vi. Now eventually, Paul will get to their example in the second part of verse 5. But he'll do that for a completely different reason, as we'll see in a moment. vii. But for now, it seems like Paul goes out of his way to DEEMPHASIZE he, Silas and Timothy's role in their reception of the gospel. Which only feeds back into this being the REASON that he knows they are truly elect of God. It wasn't the excellence of their preaching… it was the gospel coming to them in a specific way. viii. How did it come to them? ix. In short – the same way it comes to all who are truly believers. x. We've spoken about this recently, but as a reminder, the general call of the gospel is the preached Word of God. xi. It is when we give a defense for the hope that we have in us before those who are asking questions. It is when we preach the good news of Jesus Christ to unbelievers. xii. This, though, is merely the gospel going out in word. xiii. All our efforts are little more than words preached to a brick wall. There is no inherent power in our preaching of the Word of God. Nor is there any inherent power in our proclaiming of the gospel. xiv. As Paul says in Romans, the gospel is the power… of GOD. God chooses to empower His Word when He wishes to empower it. xv. Did Paul ever see the gospel go out in word only? You betcha. All the time in his missionary journey Luke records for us that “some believed” “as many as were appointed, believed” xvi. Many people heard the gospel but there was no power in the words they preached. xvii. But for the Thessalonian church – the gospel was not preached in word only – but in power. xviii. Listen, in every single person who genuinely receives the gospel of Jesus Christ – they do so because the gospel comes in power. xix. What power you may wonder? xx. My friends, all men are dead in sin, they are children of wrath by nature, they are not righteous, and they do not seek God. xxi. If you have a problem with anything I've just said – I have been quoting the bible. Take it up with God. xxii. The problem with natural man is that we are all born EVIL and WICKED people. Not as wicked as we could be – but with the potential to be as wicked as we could be and without any potential to be righteous. xxiii. No man seeks after God. Why? Because we are spiritually dead. We don't even know we are wicked. If you did an interview in downtown Port Huron and asked the question, “how are we all born, inherently good, neutral, or inherently evil?” 99% would tell you that we are born either good or neutral. xxiv. This is why the gospel must come in power and not merely in word. xxv. If man is only sick with sin, then a good word preached to him may yet convince him of the truth of the word of God. xxvi. But if men are dead in their sin – every proclamation of the gospel requires a supernatural and powerful act of God to convince men that they are evil and deserving of God's wrath. xxvii. My friends… how do we know we are elect of God? xxviii. Because we have been convinced that we are wicked sinners deserving the wrath of God. That is NOT a natural thought. xxix. No man or woman pops out of their mother convinced they are wicked. xxx. Instead, we are ALWAYS either the victims or the heroes. And we are NEVER the villain. xxxi. God's power in the gospel starts with convincing us that we are the villain and only He is the hero. xxxii. But Paul says, not only that the power of God was in the coming of the gospel to them, but also the third person of God was in the coming of the gospel to them… c. [Slide 19] and in the Holy Spirit i. What is the activity of the Spirit? What is the Spirit said to do in the New Testament? 1. He convicts unbelievers of sin – hmmm that sounds familiar… 2. He regenerates those who are spiritually dead – this is so they can respond to the call of the gospel. 3. He seals believers 4. He baptizes them into the body of Christ 5. He assures them of their salvation – hmmm hang on to that one for a moment. 6. He gives spiritual gifts 7. He teaches truth 8. He illuminates the scriptures ii. In short, you don't get the power of God in salvation without the Spirit of God in Salvation. iii. The Spirit of God prepares the soil of the heart to receive the gospel message and cultivates growth in such a person in order that they produce fruit. iv. We don't need sign gifts to confirm upon us the surety of our election. v. Our calling and election is sure when we bear the marks of the Holy Sprit's hostile takeover of our hearts. vi. And finally, Paul says… d. [Slide 20] and with full conviction. i. Again, many commentators insist that this is the preaching of Paul and his companions which was done in full conviction. But Paul isn't talking about how they preached. He is talking about how the gospel came. ii. This speaks to the gospel's convincing power. iii. Not only did it come in power to convict and regenerate… but also in the reception of faith in Christ is without wavering and without compromise. iv. This is the work of the Spirit to confirm the truth upon our hearts. v. When the gospel comes – it comes in certainty and without doubt. vi. That is not to say that there may never be times of doubt and assurance after this… vii. Certainly, this may be the case. viii. But when the gospel comes in power and in the Spirit, it will also come in a certainty and even an eagerness of the person who believes to grab ahold of Christ and Christ alone. ix. In this we may know that our election is true. We cling to Christ alone bearing the scars of the Holy Spirit's regeneration and indwelling. x. And this is how the evangelists knew the Thessalonians were elect of God. Because the gospel came upon the Thessalonians… and affected the Thessalonians… exactly the same way it had affected Paul, Silas, and Timothy. e. [Slide 21] You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. i. The ESV here creates a new sentence. ii. But in the Greek, this clause is still connected in this long sentence with a word that means “just as.” iii. So, Paul is saying, “Just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.” iv. Because he uses the word “to know” again, this indicates to us that there is the mutual ability to know each other by outward signs. v. In other words, The Evangelists know the Thessalonians are chosen of God by how the gospel came to them… just like the Thessalonians knew what kind of men the evangelists were by how they gave of themselves to the Thessalonians. vi. Paul advocates for mutual knowledge of the genuineness of each other's spiritual identities based on God's work in them to share Christlike characteristics. vii. God's power in the gospel affects everyone who receives it… EXACTLY THE SAME. And therefore, it is relatively easy to spot a genuine Christian given enough time… viii. There is no such thing as a Christian who fails to display the cardinal grace of Christ and there is no such Christian who fails to experience the coming of the gospel in power, in the Holy Spirit, and in full conviction. ix. Therefore, they give thanks to God for them, because the evangelists and the Thessalonian church are truly and eternally… family. f. [Slide 22] Summary of the Point: So, Paul's primary point in these opening words remains the same. As disciple makers they have great joy and significant reason for thankfulness because the Thessalonians are living like genuine disciples of Christ. Paul explains that they are thankful because they know that the Thessalonians are brothers and sisters in Christ, loved by God, and chosen before the foundation of the world, because when the gospel came to them, it came empowered by the Spirit and produced a resolute loyalty to Jesus Christ. Paul even compares how the Thessalonians know them as good and godly men as a valid reason that these evangelists can know their spiritual identity. As we move to apply this text, we must ask ourselves the question, would Paul, Silas and Timothy be thanking God because they know we are elect of God? Did the gospel come to us in power? Did the gospel come to us in the Holy Spirit? Did the gospel come to us with full assurance? We should, each one of us, evaluate how the gospel came to us. Conclusion: So, CBC, what have we learned today that informs or corrects our beliefs and shapes and guides our lifestyles? Basics of Faith and Practice: [Slide 23] The intent of this opening chapter is most certainly to encourage the Thessalonian church, who although new to their walk, are living faithfully unto Christ. Paul, Silas, and Timothy are overjoyed and continually grateful in their prayers to God for the news of the genuineness of these believer's faith. If we were the Thessalonians, we would gain great encouragement from the words of Paul to us. But we must first ask the question – are we like the Thessalonian church? Are we displaying the cardinal Christian graces of faith, love and hope? Did the gospel come to us in power and in the Holy Spirit and in full conviction? What if the answer to both of these questions is no? What if it is yes? Let me try to apply this text in a more practical and specific way to us this morning. 1.) [Slide 24] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that part of making disciples is praying continually for the spiritual growth and preservation of God's people. a. It seems odd to start with this application since it was not central to anything we've discussed as yet. b. But it must be mentioned how the apostle Paul, Silas and Timothy regularly, constantly prayed to God for those whom they had ministered to. c. God has given all of us the job of making disciples. And my friends, all of us as disciple makers have the responsibility of praying for the spiritual growth and preservation of God's people. d. Our Thursday Night prayer group is attended by almost no one in this room, despite it requiring the least amount of effort to join. e. That is not to say that in order to pray for God's people you must attend. Nor is it to assume that you do not pray any other time for the people of this church. f. But long as it been true that though the church bursts at the seams on Sunday… it is so quiet on prayer group night that you could hear the church mice nibbling on a piece of cheese. g. Why do we forsake prayer? h. Why do we forsake praying together? i. It is a means that God uses to grow us… and it is an activity demonstrated by all disciple makers in the scriptures… chief among them our Lord Jesus Christ who prayed for His own disciples since the devil wished to sift them like wheat. j. How odd it would be that we spend all that time at the beginning of each service taking prayer requests… yet no one prays for them? k. I hope this isn't true. l. Take a lesson from Paul – and pray for God's people. Not their physical ailments only… but for their souls. 2.) [Slide 25] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that we can know the spiritual identity of others by observing their lifestyles. a. This shouldn't be a shocking revelation to us. b. After studying so many New Testament books, including James and I John, it becomes apparent very quickly that Jesus does not save us from the penalty of our sin only. c. Instead, He frees us also from the power of sin over us. d. Meaning that God's people are not only able to crucify the sins they didn't want to destroy before, but also they desire to obey the commands of God and love others and preach His Kingdom. e. And not only CAN God's people do this… They will to a progressing degree. f. Faith without works is dead. Love without obedience is fake. Hope that doesn't include Christ as King, evaporates. g. God has no interest in saving us from hell without also saving us TO righteousness. Christ became sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God. h. We have been made into a Kingdom of priests and God's will for our lives is holiness. i. In fact, without holiness NO ONE WILL SEE GOD. j. Again – if you have any problem with what I've just said… I have basically been quoting scripture. So, take it up with God. k. Which leads us to another point…. 3.) [Slide 26] De-Exhortation: “What actions should we stop doing” or “What behaviors do we naturally practice that this passage tells us to stop doing?” We must not assume that because we prayed a prayer or have gone to church all our lives that we are a child of God. a. Praying a prayer, being baptized, writing a date in your bible, walking an aisle, saying the right things, going to church, none of this proves anything. b. The vast majority of the church today is non-Jewish. Yet the Old Testament calls the Jewish people God's chosen people. c. Being affiliated with a group that is called God's people doesn't make you one of them. d. Just as there were Jews who thought they were doing everything God wanted them to, only to reject and kill their own Messiah – so also there are those who have checked all the external boxes of what it means to be a Christian and they do not have a new heart. They have not been born again. e. How can you say that? f. Because they do not have the outward signs that proves that their faith is genuine. g. What are those signs? h. Although the list provided in this text is not exhaustive, it is a great place to start. 4.) [Slide 27] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” First, we must evaluate whether the gospel came to us in power, the Holy Spirit, and full conviction. a. One thing that every genuine Christian has in common, is a story of the gospel coming to them in power. b. Now that is not to say that every story is the same. Because it isn't. c. Some respond to sermons. Others to reading the Word of God. d. Others respond to an audible voice beckoning them to come. e. Others respond to a dream or vision. f. Still others a tract. And others a song. g. The means of someone receiving the gospel is not what I am talking about. The means is variable. h. The effect. That is of which I speak. And that is ALWAYS THE SAME. i. The Holy Spirit regenerates and indwells a true Christian when the gospel comes to them. The Holy Spirit baptizes them into Christ. j. They become acutely aware of the wickedness and evil of their hearts. They become acutely aware of how destitute they are and how there is no hope for them to change. k. They become acutely aware of how empty and meaningless their life is. l. And then the good news of Jesus Christ a substitute for sinners comes like a blanket to a freezing man. It fills them like a feast to a starving child. It lifts them like a rope tied around their waist out of a pit of vipers. It scoops them up like a basket on a helicopter out of shark infested waters. m. And they cling to that basket, they hold fast to that rope. They eat long and drink deep of that feast. And they cling so tightly to that blanket. n. As if their very life depended on it… BECAUSE IT DOES! o. THAT is what I mean when I say the gospel comes in power, in the holy Spirit, and in full conviction to all who are truly God's elect. p. It is the same story. The details are different. But the effect… the foundation is the same. q. Did the gospel come to you this way? r. If not… Are you sure you have received it? s. If not… You'll have another chance to today. You need only keep hearing. t. But you say – ah yes, the gospel did come to me in this way. I am surely saved. But wait… there is more to say on how to know you are God's true child. 5.) [Slide 28] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We also must have and continue to grow in the cardinal Christian graces. a. The disciple makers rejoiced greatly that the young church grew because it grew in the three cardinal graces. b. Maybe you have received the gospel powerfully. Perhaps you felt the sting of sin and knew to some degree the freedom of Christ. c. But you do not obey God's commands with the faith you possess. d. You do not love God above everything else, and/or you do not love others as you love yourself. You do not love other believers the way Christ loved you. e. You do not have an enduring hope because you think little if ever of the return of the King to earth. You are just living day to day and not pursuing His Kingdom first. f. Oh, my friends. We may not be perfect in these – indeed as we study this book we'll see that Paul thinks the Thessalonians could improve in these too. g. But if you are empty of these graces. h. Then you cannot be God's child. These graces, these are gifts of Christ, they are precious stones on the engagement ring which Christ gave to His church. i. If you have no gemstones – how can you say you are engaged to Him? 6.) [Slide 29] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” Only when the gospel came to us this way and we are growing in the cardinal Christian graces, can we be encouraged by the assurance this gives. a. You say, but I have these graces and have received this gospel in power and the Spirit is in me, and I am clinging to Christ alone. b. Then I have only one application for you. c. Take comfort and be assured and encouraged in the Lord. d. Your Spiritual leaders are praying for you and thanking God for you. e. Christ has saved you and He will keep you. f. He is coming again to bind you up and bring you home. g. Worry not about the stains in your garments of past sins that continue to nip at your heels, for He has white robes that He will clothe you in before the wedding feast. h. Look to that day with eagerness and endure to it. 7.) [Slide 30] The Gospel: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored?” If the gospel did not come to us this way and/or we are not growing in these graces, we must repent of our sin and seek the Lord to save us by His power and to these ends. a. But you say – that isn't me. I did not receive the gospel this way and/or I do not have these graces. b. Oh dear friend. What are you to do? c. You have heard the gospel yet again. One more coal of judgment has been placed on your head. d. Will you even now resist the call of the Lord? e. Will you even now flee from His Kingdom's dominion? f. Are your loyalties so in line with yourself and your father the devil that you would run to him to rescue you from the goodness and grace of Almighty God? g. Friend, the devil's end is sure. He will be cast in the lake which burns with fire and sulfur. But you don't have to join him. h. Maybe this is the day that you will finally turn from your wickedness and flee to the safety of Christ's embrace? i. I hope it is. Find me or an Elder after the service. We'd love to rejoice that you are chosen of God since the gospel has come to you in power. [Slide 31 (end)] Let me close in a prayer by the Church Father Eusebius of Caesarea who is known as the Father of Church History. No other power can be found to remedy the evil or the spirit of injustice that once dominated our race. But your compassion has reached us where we were and restored our lives, lives that had been ruined by violence and immoral living born from human passions. You displayed your restoration power openly, knowing that some would recognize and understand. Others would not. Their brutish natures would lead them to rely only on the testimony of their own senses. In the light of day, then, no one would find room for doubt. You demonstrated your blessed and wonderful healing power, restored the dead to life, and renewed the crippled with only a word. Can we then suppose that rendering the sea as firm as solid ground, calming the raging storm, and finally ascending into heaven-all while turning unbelief to faith by performing these wonders- demanded anything less than almighty power? Can we believe it was anything less than the work of God? O Christ, Savior of humanity, direct the words that celebrate who you are, and teach us to sound your praises. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen. Benediction: May the God whose robe is light, Whose canopy is space, Whose mercies are tender and firm to the end. Show you such love so that you will say with the psalmist, You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light. Until we meet again, go in peace.

Ezra 5 tells of the work of building the house of God recommencing with the prophets of Yahweh - Haggai and Zechariah - supporting and encouraging the work. Still the attempts to frustrate the building came from Tatnai, the Governor on the other side of the river (the Jordan). The faithful Jews continued building while Tatnai's letter was sent to Darius (the Persian king). The Jews faithfully answered as to why their realm had been overturned and to their obedience to the God of heaven and the decree that came from king Cyrus to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. The Jews suggested that search be made in the Chronicles of the kings of Persia to prove their claim. Chapter 6 tells us that the search was made in the   house of the scrolls in Ecbatana proving the accuracy of the Jews' claim. A letter came from king Darius asking Tatnai and his people to materially support the building of the temple. Verses 15-18 report the completion and dedication of the house of God. From verses 19-22 we read of the great joy as the new kingdom of Judah kept the Passover. Let us be daily builders of God's House and let those labours bring joy to our hearts. Chapter 7 of Hosea contains some very graphic Hebrew poetry. From the rulers of the nation to the common people they were so intent on sexual depravity that they are described by the figure of a baker with an overheated oven. They had no shame for what they were doing. Another of the figures sees them as a dove that cannot make up her mind on whom to dote - Egypt, or Assyria. God wanted it otherwise and even when judgment was brought on them they didn't repent. A soft and penitent heart is always to be found among the LORD's children. In Acts 25 we are told that, when Festus was determined to send Paul to Jerusalem, the Apostle had no alternative but to make his appeal to Caesar. After a short period of time Festus conducted another hearing of Paul's matters. Festus once again sought the favour of the Jews and at this time Paul announced that he would exercise his right as a Roman Citizen to be judged by Caesar. Herod Agrippa and his wife Bernice were visiting Caesarea and at this time Festus requested they hear Paul's case for Festus was struggling with the wording of the charge against Paul. Festus explained to Agrippa that to him there was no capital crime, but simply matters concerning Jewish law. With great pomp and ceremony Agrippa, Bernice and all the other dignitaries entered the judgment hall. Festus was seeking Agrippa's opinion on the nature of the charge to appear on the letter to be sent to Caesar. Chapter 26 records Paul's defence and appeal to Agrippa to embrace the Christian cause. Paul tells his audience of his fervour for the Jewish way and his concerted opposition to Christianity. But when he was confronted by the risen Lord Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus everything changed. He told the audience of his great commission and then knowing king Agrippa to be a man who read the prophets he appealed to the king to adopt the Christian belief. Festus, being embarrassed by the situation, attempted to finish the hearing immediately by declaring Paul to be mad due to his great learning. Paul was not to be silenced so quickly and continued to ask Agrippa whether he believed the prophets. He stated plainly I know you believe them king Agrippa. At this point king Agrippa and all the dignitaries rose and left with the king stating Paul's innocence. Let us remember that we are bondslaves to our Lord Jesus Christ and as his prisoners let our testimony burn before all to whom we witness.   Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow 

Acts 23 tells of Paul before the Sanhedrin. In a similar way to when our Lord Jesus Christ appears before them, the hearing commences with an illegality from the High Priest, Ananias. That corrupt priest commands that the Apostle be smitten on the cheek - this is contrary to the Law of Moses. Paul reacts to this violation by saying that God would in His time smite the high priest. For this answer Paul is rebuked by those of the Council. The Apostle says he had not recognised the high priest. This seems unusual as in Acts 9 this high priest had given letters to Paul authorising the persecution at Damascus. Some such as Ramsay have suggested Paul's eyesight was poor, due to malaria possibly contracted on his first missionary journey. Others suggest that this is in fact a rebuttal of the high priest's right to hold that office. Paul undoubtedly had poor eyesight as many of his letters attest e.g. Galatians 6verses11. The Apostle sees the impossibility of him getting a fair trial and so he divides the Council on the question of the teaching of the Scriptures regarding the raising of the dead. Verse 8 tells us of the difference in teaching between the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Verse 10 informs us that the disagreement became violent. Paul is once again rescued. Paul's sister's son learns of a plot to assassinate Paul and informs the chief captain. The chief captain immediately responds by sending Paul to Felix the Roman Governor in Caesarea with a heavily armed escort - a journey of two days. This heavily armed company carry with them a letter explaining why the Chief Captain has taken these measures. Chapter 24 speaks of Paul before Felix and of the flattering orator the Jews hired to prosecute the Apostle. The Apostle defends each charge magnificently. Paul points out that he came to Jerusalem for worship and to bring charitable gifts for his nation. The aged Apostle also is a Pharisee. The Pharisaic teachings were an allowable teaching among the Jews. Felix finds himself in a difficult place having some understanding of the teachings of the Way (an early name for believers in Christ Jesus). Felix detains Paul not wanting to fall out of favour with the Jews. Paul is provided with protection and liberty. Having heard of Paul's bringing charity to his fellow Jews Felix hopes to secure a bribe. Felix becomes very disturbed knowing that since he understands the reality of the coming judgment and that he would be subject to the judgment of God. Felix's life makes it certain that he will be rejected when that judgment comes. After two years Rome replaces Governor Felix with Governor Festus. Festus maintains Paul's imprisonment to please the Jews.

Ezra 3 opens with a magnificent statement of unity of purpose - the whole nation gathers as one man. They come to build the altar, the focus of the nation is to be as a whole burnt offering living their lives in dedicated service to their God. The returned exiles next keep the feast of booths, or Tabernacles, in fellowship with each other and in acknowledgment of Yahweh's provision of all that they had received at His bountiful hand. The building of the temple begins on the first day of the seventh month and the laying of the foundation was accompanied with great rejoicing and the singing of David's psalm of thanksgiving composed for the time when the ark was brought to Jerusalemverses 1 Chronicles 16verses8-35. The focus of this Psalm is Yahweh's "chesed" - steadfast and enduring love. Chapter 4 opens with the enemies of Judah   asking Ezra the Governor and the returned exiles to cease their work. They attempt to discourage and intimidate the builders with fear. When this doesn't work they write to the Persian king pointing out the risk to his realm should the Judean kingdom be reestablished. The adversaries rejoice when an order comes from the Persian king to cease the work. The work was halted for about 20 years and at the end of this time the Almighty stirs up two prophets - Haggai and Zechariah - to revitalise the people's spirit through several prophesies spoken in close succession. How unfortunate at the end of the chapter that unity is broken by the inability to get over "the good old days." Odious comparisons dampen ecclesial unity. Hosea 6 tells of a plea to return to the LORD who had torn Israel, but would again restore them in two days (each of a thousand years on the principle of a day for a 1,000 years- see 2 Peter 3verses8). Then in Israel's restoration under the Lord Jesus Christ - the Messiah - times of great blessing will come. Read aloud Hosea 6verses6 pause and ponder. Blessings require Israel's responding as God always desires (see Christ's comments in Matthew 9verses13). But Israel deal treacherously and even Gilead a city of the priests becomes the place of violence and robbery. Shechem another city of refuge where elsewhere in Scripture a place focussed on now a place of violence and corruption. sincerity and truth a den of robbers whose corrupt words and ways shamed this otherwise national place for dedication to Yahweh. Shechem also now becomes a den of robbing priests. Acts 23 tells of Paul before the Sanhedrin. In a similar way to when our Lord Jesus Christ appears before them, the hearing commences with an illegality from the High Priest, Ananias. That corrupt priest commands that the Apostle be smitten on the cheek - this is contrary to the Law of Moses. Paul reacts to this violation by saying that God would in His time smite the high priest. For this answer Paul is rebuked by those of the Council. The Apostle says he had not recognised the high priest. This seems unusual as in Acts 9 this high priest had given letters to Paul authorising the persecution at Damascus. Some such as Ramsay have suggested Paul's eyesight was poor, due to malaria possibly contracted on his first missionary journey. Others suggest that this is in fact a rebuttal of the high priest's right to hold that office. Paul undoubtedly had poor eyesight as many of his letters attest e.g. Galatians 6verses11. The Apostle sees the impossibility of him getting a fair trial and so he divides the Council on the question of the teaching of the Scriptures regarding the raising of the dead. Verse 8 tells us of the difference in teaching between the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Verse 10 informs us that the disagreement became violent. Paul is once again rescued. Paul's sister's son learns of a plot to assassinate Paul and informs the chief captain. The chief captain immediately responds by sending Paul to Felix the Roman Governor in Caesarea with a heavily armed escort - a journey of two days. This heavily armed company carry with them a letter explaining why the Chief Captain has taken these measures. Chapter 24 speaks of Paul before Felix and of the flattering orator the Jews hired to prosecute the Apostle. The Apostle defends each charge magnificently. Paul points out that he came to Jerusalem for worship and to bring charitable gifts for his nation. The aged Apostle also is a Pharisee. The Pharisaic teachings were an allowable teaching among the Jews. Felix finds himself in a difficult place having some understanding of the teachings of the Way (an early name for believers in Christ Jesus). Felix detains Paul not wanting to fall out of favour with the Jews. Paul is provided with protection and liberty. Having heard of Paul's bringing charity to his fellow Jews Felix hopes to secure a bribe. Felix becomes very disturbed knowing that since he understands the reality of the coming judgment and that he would be subject to the judgment of God. Felix's life makes it certain that he will be rejected when that judgment comes. After two years Rome replaces Governor Felix with Governor Festus. Festus maintains Paul's imprisonment to please the Jews. Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow 

Greetings and welcome! This is our daily devotional for November 6, 2025. Today, we continue along in the footsteps of Jesus in Caesarea and Magdala and we also ascend Mt. Carmel to see where Elijah called down fire and the Almighty showed His strength and power. Thanks for joining us!

Peter had not planned to share the gospel in Caesarea. He had not planned to enter a Gentile home. But God was at work in ways Peter and the early church had not anticipated. God was making a way for all people into his presence, and Peter would play a critical role in that new opportunity. 

Looking at Acts 26 and Paul sharing his testimony we hear from members of the Metro community on what brought them to faith.

Acts 8:26-40Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.“How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,     and as a lamb before its shearer is silent,     so he did not open his mouth. In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.     Who can speak of his descendants?     For his life was taken from the earth.”The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?”Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?”And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.

In Daniel 10 we have an awe-inspiring vision of the One Man. It followed Daniel fasting for three weeks. The vision is described in verses 4-6. The dream was similar to the one seen by the Apostle John in Revelation 1. As a response to the dream Daniel finds himself in a weakened death-like state. The angel Gabriel physically restores the prophet and this is symbolic of the prophet's death and resurrection.Gabriel tries to come 21 days earlier but needs the assistance of Michael, the Archangel, in turning around the mind of the king of Persia. What was to occur would be in part revealed to Daniel, the man greatly beloved and these matters would be written in the Scriptures of Truth.Acts 8 saw the conversion of a descendant of Ham; chapter 9 of Shem; and chapter 10 of Japheth - part of the pattern of taking the gospel to the entire world - as outlined in chapter 1. The first four verses of Acts 10 tell us of a model proselyte in every respect apart from his ignorance of the gospel, and his need of baptism for the forgiveness of his sins. Cornelius is commanded to send for Peter. Whilst in Joppa Peter had gone to the rooftop to pray. In a hungry state he falls into a trance and is given a vision of all kinds of animals - clean and unclean i.e. ceremonially. If Peter truly had such scruples why was he lodging with a tanner i.e. a maker of leather goods who is always surrounded by dead animals that are tanned to produce leather. Three times Peter is commanded to, "rise, kill and eat"; but three times refuses. On the second occasion Peter is told, "Don't call what God has cleansed unclean". Whilst Peter is thinking about the vision he is summoned by three men seeking his company. The visitors tell Peter of the command which the angel had issued to Cornelius. These three men are lodged and leave for Caesarea the following day. Chapter 11 says that Peter expected some resistance to what could transpire from Jewish converts and so he is accompanied by six faithful Jewish brothers. Cornelius humbly receives Peter, who refused to be honoured. Cornelius reiterates his command from the angel. Peter responds in verses 34-43 by beginning with the vital point that "God is impartial and the basis of His acceptance is a reverence for the Almighty and an attempt to follow in His righteous ways". In verse 38 Peter reveals the Christ to those assembled as the Word attested to by the Father in the supporting of Christ's words with miracles. As Peter continues speaking the Holy Spirit comes on Cornelius' household just like it came on the Apostles in Acts 2. Peter asks his amazed companions if they could in all conscience forbid baptism. Since they couldn't Peter commanded Cornelius and his household to be baptised. The bestowal of the Holy Spirit and immediate baptism thereafter demonstrate that he believed the gospel acceptably to the Father. The Almighty chooses His children and often shows that by subsequent events 2 Timothy 2verses19.

2 Chronicles 30 outlines the greatest Passover ever kept in the nation's history. It had to be held in the second month as there was not enough time for the priests to prepare. Letters of invitation were sent, in the spirit of humility and imploring the recipients, throughout the land from Dan to Beersheba and to the remnants who had escaped the Assyrian onslaught. Sadly, for the main part, the messengers were mocked. Nonetheless many came in response to keep the Feast in the second month - a great assembly. The Levites helped the priests to prepare and, despite a large number being ceremonially unclean, Hezekiah prayed that Yahweh would accept them. Yahweh heard and hearkened, and healed the people. So great was the joy of the worshippers that having kept it for seven days; they determined to celebrate it seven days more. Despite some irregularities (departures from the strict letter of the law - verse 18) Hezekiah and the people did the best thing possible under the circumstances. Brother George Booker in his book "Biblical Fellowship" on pages 86-89 wrote "This kind of tension between two conflicting laws of God's appointing, both of which apply, is not uncommon" We ".. must learn to make the best of imperfect situations." In Daniel 10 we have an awe-inspiring vision of the One Man. It followed Daniel fasting for three weeks. The vision is described in verses 4-6. The dream was similar to the one seen by the Apostle John in Revelation 1. As a response to the dream Daniel finds himself in a weakened death-like state. The angel Gabriel physically restores the prophet and this is symbolic of the prophet's death and resurrection. Gabriel tries to come 21 days earlier but needs the assistance of Michael, the Archangel, in turning around the mind of the king of Persia. What was to occur would be in part revealed to Daniel, the man greatly beloved and these matters would be written in the Scriptures of Truth. Acts 8 saw the conversion of a descendant of Ham; chapter 9 of Shem; and chapter 10 of Japheth - part of the pattern of taking the gospel to the entire world - as outlined in chapter 1. The first four verses of Acts 10 tell us of a model proselyte in every respect apart from his ignorance of the gospel, and his need of baptism for the forgiveness of his sins. Cornelius is commanded to send for Peter. Whilst in Joppa Peter had gone to the rooftop to pray. In a hungry state he falls into a trance and is given a vision of all kinds of animals - clean and unclean i.e. ceremonially. If Peter truly had such scruples why was he lodging with a tanner i.e. a maker of leather goods who is always surrounded by dead animals that are tanned to produce leather. Three times Peter is commanded to, "rise, kill and eat"; but three times refuses. On the second occasion Peter is told, "Don't call what God has cleansed unclean". Whilst Peter is thinking about the vision he is summoned by three men seeking his company. The visitors tell Peter of the command which the angel had issued to Cornelius. These three men are lodged and leave for Caesarea the following day. Chapter 11 says that Peter expected some resistance to what could transpire from Jewish converts and so he is accompanied by six faithful Jewish brothers. Cornelius humbly receives Peter, who refused to be honoured. Cornelius reiterates his command from the angel. Peter responds in verses 34-43 by beginning with the vital point that "God is impartial and the basis of His acceptance is a reverence for the Almighty and an attempt to follow in His righteous ways". In verse 38 Peter reveals the Christ to those assembled as the Word attested to by the Father in the supporting of Christ's words with miracles. As Peter continues speaking the Holy Spirit comes on Cornelius' household just like it came on the Apostles in Acts 2. Peter asks his amazed companions if they could in all conscience forbid baptism. Since they couldn't Peter commanded Cornelius and his household to be baptised. The bestowal of the Holy Spirit and immediate baptism thereafter demonstrate that he believed the gospel acceptably to the Father. The Almighty chooses His children and often shows that by subsequent events 2 Timothy 2verses19.

Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time Saint of the Day: St. Serapion of Antioch; much praised by St. Jerome and Eusebius of Caesarea for his theological writings, and he was considered one of the chief theologians of his era; he became bishop of Antioch, Syria, in 190, and. was revered as a theologian; only fragments of his work have survived; among the extant writings are a letter to the Church of Rhossus forbidding the reading of the non-canonical Gospel of St. Peter and a letter against the heresy of Montanism—which held that its leaders were not just messengers of God, but “possessed” by God; St. Serapion died in 211 Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 10/30/25 Gospel: Luke 13:31-35

Pastor Taylor Shippy - Jonah 1:1-3, 3:1-3; 4:1-4; Acts 10:1-48Where are you headed? To Tarshish or Caesarea? Everyone in the Bible who leaves Joppa is usually headed either to one of two places: Tarshish or Caesarea.So—Which one are you headed to?Tarshish or Caesarea?

Title: Acts: Finale Text: The Book of Acts FCF: Prop: The Book of Acts is about God's Kingdom advancing without hindrance, so we must seek His Kingdom first. Sermon Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to the book of Acts. There are 1006 verses in the book of Acts, and by God's grace we have looked at each and every one of them. We have investigated every thought of the author, in the order in which he was inspired to present them to us. But we are by nature quite forgetful people, aren't we? Do you remember what we were talking about in Acts chapter 10? Even if you remember what we talked about in chapter 10 – how does Acts chapter 10 fit in with the book of Acts? How does it fit in with the whole of the New Testament or the whole bible? Today will be a different kind of message. Instead of looking at a particular text, we are instead going to assume the role of systematic theologians. Rather than sitting back and allowing one thought to pour over us from the text – we will instead fit together all we have learned into categories of truth. We know, because of the introduction of the book of Luke, that Luke writes these two books to assure Theophilus that what he has believed is certainly true. So how does Acts accomplish that? How does the message of Acts connect with the book of Luke and the rest of the New Testament? How does this message relate to the whole counsel of God's Word? And perhaps most applicable, what does Luke's message mean for us? I have attempted to give you a running start on answering those questions today. I have provided an outline to you of the entire book. And today we'll look at, what I think are the 4 major themes in the book of Acts. Do not assume that these 4 themes are the sum total of Luke's message. And do not assume that after this message you will know everything there is to know about the book of Acts. The Word of God is living and active, its truths run deeper than we may ever know. I'd say that after this sermon, and the 99 before it, you'll be well on your way to a good introduction of the book of Acts.

Title: Acts: Finale Text: The Book of Acts FCF: Prop: The Book of Acts is about God's Kingdom advancing without hindrance, so we must seek His Kingdom first. Sermon Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to the book of Acts. There are 1006 verses in the book of Acts, and by God's grace we have looked at each and every one of them. We have investigated every thought of the author, in the order in which he was inspired to present them to us. But we are by nature quite forgetful people, aren't we? Do you remember what we were talking about in Acts chapter 10? Even if you remember what we talked about in chapter 10 – how does Acts chapter 10 fit in with the book of Acts? How does it fit in with the whole of the New Testament or the whole bible? Today will be a different kind of message. Instead of looking at a particular text, we are instead going to assume the role of systematic theologians. Rather than sitting back and allowing one thought to pour over us from the text – we will instead fit together all we have learned into categories of truth. We know, because of the introduction of the book of Luke, that Luke writes these two books to assure Theophilus that what he has believed is certainly true. So how does Acts accomplish that? How does the message of Acts connect with the book of Luke and the rest of the New Testament? How does this message relate to the whole counsel of God's Word? And perhaps most applicable, what does Luke's message mean for us? I have attempted to give you a running start on answering those questions today. I have provided an outline to you of the entire book. And today we'll look at, what I think are the 4 major themes in the book of Acts. Do not assume that these 4 themes are the sum total of Luke's message. And do not assume that after this message you will know everything there is to know about the book of Acts. The Word of God is living and active, its truths run deeper than we may ever know. I'd say that after this sermon, and the 99 before it, you'll be well on your way to a good introduction of the book of Acts.

Peter Explains CaesareaSupport the show: https://www.tan.org.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've all experienced the agony of waiting—whether it's counting down 67 days until Christmas or anxiously anticipating a promise that seems delayed indefinitely. But what happens when we're waiting on God's promises and the calendar pages keep turning with no fulfillment in sight? This message takes us deep into Acts 25, where we find the apostle Paul imprisoned for two years despite being completely innocent. God had promised Paul he would testify in Rome, yet here he sits in chains in Caesarea, watching new governors come and go, facing the same baseless accusations from enemies who haven't forgotten their grudge after all this time. The injustice is palpable—even the Roman governor admits there's no case against him, yet Paul remains bound. This ancient story mirrors our modern struggles: we hear God's voice, we believe His promises, but then life throws punches and time ticks away. We're left wondering if we heard correctly, if we're doing the right thing, if the promise will ever come. The profound lesson here isn't just about patience—it's about what we do in the in-between. Do we compromise our integrity to force the promise into existence? Do we sit idle in a spiritual waiting room, doom-scrolling through life? Or do we actively wait on God, remaining faithful to what's before us, trusting Him to fulfill what He's spoken, and making the waiting matter by growing in the classroom of His presence? Paul had opportunities to bribe his way out, to manipulate circumstances, to make things happen on his own timeline. Instead, he chose character over convenience, divine timing over human impatience. The challenge for us is clear: our waiting can either waste us or shape us for the very promises God has destined for our lives.

We've all experienced the agony of waiting—whether it's counting down 67 days until Christmas or anxiously anticipating a promise that seems delayed indefinitely. But what happens when we're waiting on God's promises and the calendar pages keep turning with no fulfillment in sight? This message takes us deep into Acts 25, where we find the apostle Paul imprisoned for two years despite being completely innocent. God had promised Paul he would testify in Rome, yet here he sits in chains in Caesarea, watching new governors come and go, facing the same baseless accusations from enemies who haven't forgotten their grudge after all this time. The injustice is palpable—even the Roman governor admits there's no case against him, yet Paul remains bound. This ancient story mirrors our modern struggles: we hear God's voice, we believe His promises, but then life throws punches and time ticks away. We're left wondering if we heard correctly, if we're doing the right thing, if the promise will ever come. The profound lesson here isn't just about patience—it's about what we do in the in-between. Do we compromise our integrity to force the promise into existence? Do we sit idle in a spiritual waiting room, doom-scrolling through life? Or do we actively wait on God, remaining faithful to what's before us, trusting Him to fulfill what He's spoken, and making the waiting matter by growing in the classroom of His presence? Paul had opportunities to bribe his way out, to manipulate circumstances, to make things happen on his own timeline. Instead, he chose character over convenience, divine timing over human impatience. The challenge for us is clear: our waiting can either waste us or shape us for the very promises God has destined for our lives.

Finish Faithful - https://finishfaithful.org/ @finishfaithful7807  In this episode, my father, Jeff Tideman, and I discuss our spiritual journeys and the complex world of Christian eschatology. We explore Jeff's religious history, including his experience with The Way International, the early church's premillennial beliefs, and the fascinating history of how the doctrine of the "rapture" developed later in the 19th century. The conversation ultimately centers on the nature of the Kingdom of God—whether it is a purely spiritual reality "within you" or a future, literal, geopolitical restoration of Israel and the earth, and why understanding this is crucial for believers today.We mention The Way International, Dr. Victor Paul Wierwille, John Nelson Darby, Dr. E. W. Bullinger, Cyrus Ingerson Scofield, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus of Lyon, Papias of Hierapolis, Hippolytus of Rome, Tertullian, Origen of Alexandria, Clement of Alexandria, Eusebius of Caesarea, Athanasius of Alexandria, Julian the Apostate, Chuck Lamatina, Sir Anthony Buzzard, Sean Finnegan. @restitutio8765  , Dr. Beau Branson, Will Barlow. @compasschurchlou  , Antichrist, Eschatology, Kingdom of God, Dispensationalism, Covenant Theology, Premillennialism, Amillennialism, Preterism, Chiliasm, Supersessionism, The Rapture, Pre-Tribulation Rapture, Pre-Wrath Rapture, Zionism and more.

Send us a textIn the 4th century AD, two Christian friends - Basil and Gregory - travelled from Cappadocia to Athens to go study Greek literature with Libanius, the leading rhetorician of the time. While there, these two young and wealthy Cappadocians befriended a fellow student named Julian, the nephew of the Emperor Constantine. There in Athens, the three young Christians mastered Greek philosophy and rhetoric at Libanius' feet. Later on, Basil went on to become the bishop of Caesarea, one of the architects of orthodoxy's victory over the Arian heresy, and was later named a "Doctor of the Church." His friend Gregory of Nazianzus rose to become one of the foremost preachers and theologians in church history. And their friend Julian became Emperor - and having repudiated the Christian faith, attempted to turn the newly Christian Roman Empire pagan again. Clearly, as the example of Julian the Apostate shows, pagan mythology and literature pose a danger to Christian faith. But can pagan learning serve Christian faith as well? Jonathan and Ryan are joined, once again, by the Rev. Calvin Goligher to discuss St. Basil of Caesarea's "Address to Young Men on the Right Use of Greek Literature," in which he answers heartily in the affirmative, and explains how to use Greek poetry, philosophy, and history for the edification of young Christian students. St. Basil's Address to Young Men on the Right Use of Greek Literature: https://www.tertullian.org/fathers/basil_litterature01.htmFrederick Morgan Padelford's Introduction to St. Basil and the Address to Young Men: https://www.tertullian.org/fathers/basil_litterature00.htmRichard M. Gamble's The Great Tradition: https://amzn.to/3Q4lRnONH episode on Justin Martyr: https://newhumanists.buzzsprout.com/1791279/episodes/10722142-justin-martyr-s-first-apology-feat-calvin-goligher-episode-xxivNH episode on Athanasius: https://newhumanists.buzzsprout.com/1791279/episodes/9827740-athanasius-on-the-incarnation-feat-calvin-goligher-episode-xvRobert Louis Wilken's The Spirit of Early Christian Thought: https://bookshop.org/a/25626/9780300105988New Humanists is brought to you by the Ancient Language Institute: https://ancientlanguage.com/Links may have referral codes, which earn us a commission at no additional cost to you. We encourage you, when possible, to use Bookshop.org for your book purchases, an online bookstore which supports local bookstores.Music: Save Us Now by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Preached by Pastor Duncan Ross on 10/12/25. Acts 24:1-27.More info and sermon manuscripts at www.nshorechurch.org.To The Ends of The Earth: The Book of Acts || Ep. 64

In Acts 24, we encounter a powerful examination of spiritual readiness that challenges our relationship with convenience. The passage follows Paul under house arrest in Caesarea, where Governor Felix requests to hear about his faith. Paul's response is remarkable—he preaches about righteousness, self-control, and coming judgment. These aren't comfortable topics, yet they form the backbone of the gospel message. Felix's reaction becomes the heart of our spiritual challenge: he was afraid and dismissed Paul, saying he'd call when he had a 'convenient time.' This moment reveals a profound truth about spiritual growth—it rarely happens on our schedule. We're invited to consider whether we're only willing to engage with God when it fits comfortably into our lives, or if we're prepared to embrace the inconvenient work of transformation. Paul exemplified being 'ready in season and out of season,' a principle he taught young Timothy. The most meaningful aspects of life—deep relationships, personal growth, childbirth, exercise, authentic conversations—all require us to sacrifice convenience. Similarly, our spiritual journey demands we engage with God's call even when it disrupts our plans. The question lingers: are we saying 'later' to God's work in our lives because it seems inconvenient, never guaranteed we'll have that 'later' moment?

In Acts 24, we encounter a powerful examination of spiritual readiness that challenges our relationship with convenience. The passage follows Paul under house arrest in Caesarea, where Governor Felix requests to hear about his faith. Paul's response is remarkable—he preaches about righteousness, self-control, and coming judgment. These aren't comfortable topics, yet they form the backbone of the gospel message. Felix's reaction becomes the heart of our spiritual challenge: he was afraid and dismissed Paul, saying he'd call when he had a 'convenient time.' This moment reveals a profound truth about spiritual growth—it rarely happens on our schedule. We're invited to consider whether we're only willing to engage with God when it fits comfortably into our lives, or if we're prepared to embrace the inconvenient work of transformation. Paul exemplified being 'ready in season and out of season,' a principle he taught young Timothy. The most meaningful aspects of life—deep relationships, personal growth, childbirth, exercise, authentic conversations—all require us to sacrifice convenience. Similarly, our spiritual journey demands we engage with God's call even when it disrupts our plans. The question lingers: are we saying 'later' to God's work in our lives because it seems inconvenient, never guaranteed we'll have that 'later' moment?

In our passage we see a plot develop to kill Paul. The plot is exposed and Paul is safely taken to Caesarea. All throughout our passage we see God's providence at work. What is God's providence and why should we trust it?

(Rebroadcast)Paul, the prisoner, stood before the mighty and high-powered rulers at Caesarea and gave his testimony. Governor Festus finally interrupted him with the words, “You are out of your mind!” To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.lightsource.com/donate/1447/29

Acts 18:1-23 After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, 3 and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks. 5 When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. 6 And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” 7 And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue. 8 Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized. 9 And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” 11 And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. 12 But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal, 13 saying, “This man is persuading people to worship God contrary to the law.” 14 But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to accept your complaint. 15 But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things.” 16 And he drove them from the tribunal.17 And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of this. 18 After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow. 19 And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined. 21 But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus. 22 When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch. 23 After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.   Key Words: Reason, Persuade, Testify, Believe, Teach, Word, Vow, Strengthen Keystone Verse: And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” (Acts 18:9-10)   Download Bulletin

Paul Before Festus in Caesarea

He was a nobleman, related to the imperial houses of Persia and Armenia. When these two houses went to war with one another, Gregory withdrew to Caesarea in Cappadocia, where he heard the Gospel proclaimed and came to faith in Christ. There he also married and had two sons. After his wife's death he returned to his homeland and served in the court of Tiridates, king of Armenia. When the king discovered that Gregory was a Christian, he subjected the Saint to many tortures, finally having him cast into a pit full of mire and poisonous reptiles. But Gregory was miraculously kept alive in the pit for fourteen years, during which a widow secretyly provided for his needs. King Tiridates, still cruelly persecuting the Christians in his land, eventually went mad and became like a wild animal. In a dream, the king's sister was told that her brother would only be restored to sanity when Gregory was freed from the pit. This was done, and Gregory healed and baptised his persecutor. At the king's request, Gregory was made bishop of Armenia. As bishop he brought countless thousands to faith in Christ and is counted as the Enlightener of Armenia. In old age he retired into ascetical life, and reposed in peace.

What wonders would a child see while exploring the land of the Bible? From the shores of Caesarea to the heights of Mount Carmel, and even to the Dead Sea, every stop points to God's truth. Join Jim Scudder on InGrace for part two of Israel Through the Eyes of a Child. Join the adventure!

If everyone in our church, churched like you, what kind of church would our church be? If everyone served like you, if everyone invited like you, if everyone shared the gospel like you, if everyone cared about the nations and the Muslim world like you, if everyone prayed like you pray, if everyone gave financially like you give -- Would the Church multiply?If God's own people don't take his greatness and grandeur and glory seriously, will the world?What might be the biggest problem in the world today, If there is anything missing in the church today, it's the fear of the Lord. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. 20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.Saul Escapes from Damascus23 When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him, 25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.Saul in Jerusalem26 And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him. 30 And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.Acts 9:19-31We'd love for you to subscribe to our channel and turn on notifications to get updates on our latest content and resources that will help more people know Jesus and people know Jesus more.GIVE : We believe that generosity is golden. Freely we have received and so freely we give back to God. If you would like to give to support the work Jesus is doing here please visit: https://www.elevatecc.church/give.Elevate City Church is a Jesus Over Everything Church that launched in the Atlanta Perimeter area on October 4th, 2020.Jesus Over Everything.Give us a follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevatecity.church/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevatecc.churchPodcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3H8BBrEFWxGKsTF8wPSvrn?si=epcQMMrmQIiTpeXEnyxMOQPodcast on itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevate-city-church/id1536637567Visit our website for more information about who we are as a church and how you can get involved.https://www.elevatecc.church/home

Send us a textActs 25:13-19Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus. And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, “There is a man left prisoner by Felix, and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews laid out their case against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him. I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him. So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought. When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed. Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be aliveSupport the show

Send us a textActs 25:6-12Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly. “So,” said he, “let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him.”After he stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought. When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove. Paul argued in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.” But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?” But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.” Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.”Support the show

Evangelize is a big word. We call ourselves evangelicals in the Christian faith, but only three times does it occur on the pages of Scripture. Interestingly, Philip is the only person, the one and only person, who gets the unique designation of evangelist.Philip, because of his willingness to the spirit, because of his boldness for the gospel, because of his love for people, he is used by God for one of the most significant moments in the entire Bible. Some churches are known for their songs and their worship band, some churches are known for their pastors and their preaching, and some are known for their strategy and their branding.What if we, as Elevate City Church, were known as the people who just couldn't stop talking about Jesus?Some of us need to follow in the footsteps of Philip and be bold, while others of us need to receive the gospel and be baptized! 26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south[d] to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth.33 In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation?For his life is taken away from the earth.”34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.Acts 8:26-40We'd love for you to subscribe to our channel and turn on notifications to get updates on our latest content and resources that will help more people know Jesus and people know Jesus more.GIVE : We believe that generosity is golden. Freely we have received and so freely we give back to God. If you would like to give to support the work Jesus is doing here please visit: https://www.elevatecc.church/give.Elevate City Church is a Jesus Over Everything Church that launched in the Atlanta Perimeter area on October 4th, 2020.Jesus Over Everything.Give us a follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevatecity.church/Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevatecc.churchPodcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3H8BBrEFWxGKsTF8wPSvrn?si=epcQMMrmQIiTpeXEnyxMOQPodcast on itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevate-city-church/id1536637567Visit our website for more information about who we are as a church and how you can get involved.https://www.elevatecc.church/home

In this Bible Story, Jesus reveals himself to be the messiah towards a woman at the well. This woman is the adulteress from Samaria and when she discovered Jesus was the Messiah, she ran to go and tell everyone. This story is inspired by John 4:1-42. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is John 4:14 from the King James Version.Episode 179: Around noontime, as Jesus was traveling through Samaria, He went to rest near a well. While there, He met a woman coming up to draw water. As they exchanged conversation, she came to realize that the man she was speaking to was the Messiah she had been looking for! She ran at once to tell all her neighbors to come see the man who told her about living water. And when they did, they believed.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lesson 17Acts 23:30-25:27. Paul spent two years in Roman custody at Caesarea. When Festus was appointed as Governor of Judea, the Jews tried to take advantage of his lack of local knowledge by insisting he return Paul to Jerusalem and so Paul appealed to Caesar, thus sealing his fate!To learn more about Michele and to support this international ministry please visit https://intheword.com

Send us a textActs 25:1-3Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him, asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem—because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way.Support the show

He began his life in the cruelest of circumstances: both of his parents were imprisoned for their faith in Christ. First his father, Theodotus, died in prison, then his mother, Rufina, died shortly after his birth, so the infant was left alone in prison beside the bodies of his parents. But an angel appeared to the widow Ammia, telling her to go to the prison and rescue the child. Ammia obtained the city governor's permission to bury the parents and bring the child home. He was called Mamas because he was mute until the age of five and his first word was `Mama'. Despite his late beginning, he showed unusual intelligence and, having been brought up in piety, soon openly proclaimed his Christian faith. When he was only fifteen years old he was arrested and brought before the Emperor Aurelian. The Emperor, perhaps seeking to spare the boy, told him to deny Christ only with his lips, and the State would not concern itself with his heart. Mamas replied `I shall not deny my God and King Jesus Christ either in my heart or with my lips.' He was sent to be tortured, but miraculously escaped and lived in the mountains near Caesarea. There he lived in solitude and prayer and befriended many wild beasts. In time, he was discovered by the persecutors and stabbed to death with a trident by a pagan priest.

In this episode, filmed in Caesarea, Israel, Rabbi Schneider draws us closer to the profound affirmation of our Heavenly Father. He strengthens our bond with the Lord, encourages us to confront our spiritual battles, and enlightens us with ways to truly understand our self-worth and divine identity. **** BECOME A MONTHLY PARTNER - https://djj.show/YTAPartner   **** DONATE - https://djj.show/YTADonate  **** TEACHING NOTES - https://djj.show/5m9 

Where should someone start studying church history? Many people jump straight to Augustine, the Creeds, or the Councils — but the real starting point is with Eusebius of Caesarea, the first great historian of the Church.In this episode of The FACTS Podcast with Dr. Stephen Boyce, we explore: • Who Eusebius was and why he matters. • How his Ecclesiastical History preserves documents we would otherwise have lost. • Why he gives the best “map” of Christianity from the apostles to Constantine. • How to read him critically, seeing both his strengths and biases. • A recommended pathway for continuing after Eusebius with the Apostolic Fathers, Apologists, and Nicene defenders.If you've ever asked, “Where should I begin my study of church history?” — this is the episode for you.

Send us a textActs 23:23-35Then he called two of the centurions and said, “Get ready two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night. Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor.” And he wrote a letter to this effect:“Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings. This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them when I came upon them with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman citizen. And desiring to know the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their council. I found that he was being accused about questions of their law, but charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment. And when it was disclosed to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, ordering his accusers also to state before you what they have against him.”So the soldiers, according to their instructions, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. And on the next day they returned to the barracks, letting the horsemen go on with him. When they had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they presented Paul also before him. On reading the letter, he asked what province he was from. And when he learned that he was from Cilicia, he said, “I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive.” And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod's praetorium.Support the show

Acts 12 It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. 2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. 3 When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread. 4 After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. No matter what, keep praying. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. No matter what, you still possess peace. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. 8 Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. 9 Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. No matter what, if God opens it, no one can close it.   11 Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.” 12 When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. 13 Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer the door. 14 When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, “Peter is at the door!” 15 “You're out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.” 16 But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. No matter what, stay ready to receive. 17 Peter motioned with his hand for them to be quiet and described how the Lord had brought him out of prison. “Tell James and the other brothers and sisters about this,” he said, and then he left for another place. 18 In the morning, there was no small commotion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter. 19 After Herod had a thorough search made for him and did not find him, he cross-examined the guards and ordered that they be executed. Then Herod went from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there. 20 He had been quarreling with the people of Tyre and Sidon; they now joined together and sought an audience with him. After securing the support of Blastus, a trusted personal servant of the king, they asked for peace, because they depended on the king's country for their food supply. 21 On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. 22 They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.” 23 Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. 24 But the word of God continued to spread and flourish. No matter what, God's word prevails.