Podcasts about conclusion so

Title: An Unjust Judge Fears Justice Text: Acts 24:22-27 FCF: We often struggle trusting God in the midst of injustice. Prop: Because God providentially accomplishes His plan through injustice, we must seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness first. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 24. In a moment we'll begin reading from the Legacy Standard Bible starting in verse 22. You can follow along in the pew bible or whatever version you prefer. Last time in Acts we saw the skilled attorney Tertullus, bring charges against Paul for starting riots, being the leader of a heretical sect of Judaism, and even attempting to desecrate the temple. But Paul's defense was simply that each charge they had levied against him was not witnessed by anyone there. Instead, this is the Jews' way of trying to get Rome to settle a Jewish religious dispute. We concluded last time remarking that Felix had enough evidence to dismiss the case and declare Paul to be innocent. In fact, we concluded that this was the only just decision he could reach based on the trial. But we stopped just short of the verdict. Today we will see what Felix decides. Given what we know about the man, it probably will not come as much of a shock to anyone. So please stand with me to give honor to and to focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Almighty God, we thank you for Your promises to Your people. We thank you that when You have promised something to us, no matter how bleak it may look, we can rest in Your promises and know that You never lie. We confess that even the terrible things that happen to us in our lives are still for our good and for Your glory – even if we cannot see it with our own eyes. But because You have said it - may we trust through the eyes of faith that this is so. May Your Spirit be with us today to enable us to see how You even use injustice to accomplish Your will and how we must trust You and use every opportunity to advance Your Kingdom. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] You know Peter often gets a lot of hate for his comment to Christ. What did he say again? “Never Lord. This shall never happen to you!” And what did Jesus say? “Get behind me Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” I feel for Peter. Think about it… Peter just confessed that Jesus was the Messiah the Son of the Living God. Peter believes that Jesus is the promised One of God. But then Jesus says, that the chief priests and teachers of the law will cause him to suffer and lead him to his death. Peter knows that such a thing is not right. It is not just. It is not righteous. How could it be? In fact it is very unjust that the religious leaders would end up doing this. So Peter steps in and boldly declares… I AM NOT going to let that happen. I'm going to stand for what is right! And Jesus rebukes him. Why? Because his concerns about injustice were merely from a human and earthly level and not from a godly and heavenly level. These things must be, these injustices must take place in order that God's will be done. In a similar way, we'll see today injustice happening for the furthering of the plan of God. And while we might be tempted to always fight for justice – perhaps that is not to be our primary concern. Perhaps it should be the Kingdom of God first. Let's dive into the text today starting in verse 22. I.) God providentially accomplishes His plan through injustice, so we must trust the Lord. (22-23) a. [Slide 3] 22 - But Felix, having a more accurate knowledge about the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.” i. Antonious Felix was anything but a just judge. ii. He was brutal, savage, greedy, and had never truly earned any position he had held. iii. So, we should fight the urge here to assume that Felix puts the Jews off because of some sense of justice or righteousness. iv. Luke records that Felix had a more accurate knowledge about the Way. What does this mean and how did he arrive at that knowledge? v. As we mentioned before, Felix's current wife was Drucilla who was the daughter of Herod Agrippa the first. Meaning of course that she was Jewish. vi. Certainly, this could have been how Felix arrived at his knowledge of the Jesus movement. vii. But since his knowledge of The Way does not produce a guilty verdict, that would suggest that Drucilla's opinion would have been a positive one. Which seems like a stretch to me. I don't think his wife is how he knows about The Way. viii. Perhaps his knowledge of The Way comes through his brother Pallas, or even his time in Samaria seeing Jewish Christians embracing Samaritans while Jews continued to hate them. ix. In any case, Felix understands something about the Way that seems to keep him from declaring Paul to be guilty. x. In light of the charges levied against Paul it most likely means that Felix had never seen Christians stir up violence, rebellion, or aggression throughout his tenure in Judea. xi. Remember Tertullus' argument. Paul stirred up the Jews because he was the ringleader of the Nazarean heresy. But Felix knows that the Christians don't do this and if Paul is the ringleader than he certainly wouldn't do this. xii. Basically, Felix thinks that this is a pot calling a kettle black situation. xiii. The Jews had been guilty of this so often before that it is almost laughable that they would bring charges against someone else for doing the same. xiv. He then tells the Jews that when Lysias comes down he will decide the case against Paul. xv. Well, we know Lysias' opinion on the matter. He is convinced that Paul has done nothing to earn death or imprisonment. xvi. Furthermore, Felix knows Lysias' opinion on the matter. xvii. In other words, this is only a stall. It is possible that Felix never even sent for Lysias. xviii. Luke doesn't record any meeting with Lysias and Felix. xix. Or if they do meet, it doesn't do anything to change Felix's mind in either direction. xx. Perhaps it is best to see this merely as a way to get the Jews off his back. And if Paul is still in prison out of Jerusalem, then perhaps that will be good enough for the Jews? xxi. But this begs the question. xxii. Why doesn't Felix just declare him innocent? xxiii. There are two really big reasons that he doesn't do that. And both of them are in the second point of this sermon. xxiv. Fortunately, we don't need to know them yet to understand that Felix's decision to kick this down the road was not a just decision. xxv. But Felix knows that Paul is no Jewish prisoner. He is a Roman. So, he must be treated as such. b. [Slide 4] 23 - Then he gave orders to the centurion for him to be kept in custody and yet have some rest, and not to prevent any of his friends from ministering to him. i. A Roman prisoner that has not been found guilty of a crime must still be afforded the dignity of being a citizen. ii. He would be kept in custody because his case was still outstanding. iii. But Felix permitted his traveling companions to minister to him and to bring him his needs. He was probably allotted considerable freedom to move about the Praetorium. iv. But because he was assigned a centurion to keep tabs on him, it is likely that even with these freedoms he was not treated lavishly. v. Still, with these minimal freedoms granted to him, Paul would be permitted to rest and not face harsh conditions while his case is in limbo. c. [Slide 5] Summary of the Point: Luke brings us to yet another way that God providentially accomplishes His will. One of those ways is through injustice. Although we don't know yet the reasons why Felix didn't release Paul, we certainly know why Felix didn't find him guilty. Christians were known as a non-violent, non-trouble-making group. As opposed to the Jews who constantly stirred up trouble around the Empire. But if Paul is not guilty why then is he not released? In this we find the unjust Felix keeping Paul rather than releasing him. But because this is what happened, and God's will is always accomplished, we know that God providentially planned for this to be the case. A ruler being unjust is certainly a sin – but part of God's plan for Paul included the sin of Felix to be an unjust ruler. What does that mean for us? That we must trust the Lord knowing that there is nothing men can do to us that God has not already planned for our good and His glory. Transition: [Slide 6 (blank)] But trusting the Lord is not the only thing we must do as a response to His working even through injustice. What else does Paul do besides trust the Lord? II.) God providentially accomplishes His will through injustice, so we must be ready to share the gospel. (24-27) a. [Slide 7] 24 - But some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla, his wife who was a Jewess, and summoned Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. i. Luke does give a time stamp here but it is a vague one. ii. We are unsure how long exactly has passed. iii. However, in the book of Acts we've seen that “some days” can refer to a significant amount of time, even months. iv. So it is, perhaps, a lengthy time before Felix questions Paul again. v. Perhaps the reason for this is because Felix was called away out of the city. vi. In AD 58 there was another revolt and Felix intervened on the side of the Gentiles as you might expect. So perhaps he has been away dealing with that. vii. We see here that he arrives again in the city this time with his wife Drucilla. viii. She being a Jew but involved in the Roman government would no doubt have a unique perspective on Paul's case. ix. In this, Paul comes forward and speaks again about the gospel of Jesus Christ. x. Here we find Paul again using every opportunity not to make much of himself, or to fight for his freedom, but to preach the gospel. b. [Slide 8] 25 - But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and answered, “Go away for the present, and when I find time I will call for you.” i. In some ways what Paul gives as the gospel is what we might expect in every gospel presentation. ii. God's law is discussed. How God demands righteousness and self-control. iii. And then the next necessary part of the gospel presentation… iv. What happens when you don't keep the law of God? v. Judgment by a God who is Just. vi. But as we take a microscope and look at Felix and Drucilla specifically, we know that Felix is unjust. We also know that it was by lust and adultery that they came to be married as Drucilla was very recently married to another man and before that was betrothed to yet another. vii. At this time she is only 16 years of age and has been married or betrothed to three different men. viii. So, Paul's comments on Righteousness or being just in God's eyes and his comments on self-control probably had a stronger effect on this couple who have lived their life in lust and injustice. ix. The only real thing an unjust judge and the licentious person fears is Justice. x. And Felix and Drucilla were just told that one day they would be held accountable, not by Rome, not by the Jews, but by the God of the Universe. xi. Felix would be held accountable for not only his unjust treatment of those he ruled, but also for his lusts, his passions, his sinfulness, and his wickedness. And Drucilla too. xii. Felix responds with fear… but what kind? Fear has many forms. Is this the kind that would produce repentance? xiii. Unfortunately, no. xiv. His fear does not give way to humility and contrition. It does not produce repentance. xv. Instead, it produces avoidance. xvi. Go away for now. When I have time, we can talk about this more. xvii. So many sinners who have squirmed under the gospel have said similar things. xviii. So many wicked men have bid the evangelist to come back another day. Today these things weigh too heavy on me. xix. Come back some other time and we will discuss it more. xx. Felix, being the one in control of this situation, tells Paul that he will call him back when he has time. xxi. But why is Paul here anyway? We still haven't gotten a good answer for that. xxii. Why is Felix keeping him here? If he doesn't want his faith, what is Felix after? c. [Slide 9] 26 - At the same time, he was also hoping that money would be given him by Paul; therefore he also used to summon for him quite often and converse with him. i. Something stuck in Felix's mind from Paul's defense. Two things actually. 1. Paul is a Roman citizen, which could indicate significant wealth. 2. Secondly, he had brought alms to his nation in order to worship God. ii. Felix has assumed that Paul is wealthy or at least has connections to others who are wealthy. iii. In this, Felix is probably not actually that far off the mark. iv. The New Testament portrays a church that is built in numbers by those who are poor and needy, but sustained by those who are wealthy who have come to Christ and given much of their fortunes to His cause. v. It isn't wrong to be a wealthy believer. It is simply wrong to use wealth for ends that do not seek God's Kingdom first. vi. No doubt Paul could have produced a bribe for Felix if he had asked for it. But Paul probably never even considered it. vii. The Old Testament speaks frequently against bribes given to leadership. viii. Therefore, the church would never give money to Paul for this reason, nor would Paul ever ask for it. ix. The irony is thick here. x. While fearing the justice of God against him, Felix continues to be an unjust ruler expecting bribes. xi. This paints a rather hopeless picture for Felix. He is afraid of what will happen to him If he continues in sin, but is unwilling to seek a Savior to free him from it. I would argue that this is the case for all sinners who encounter the gospel and reject it. xii. It also appears Felix and Paul are at an impasse. Paul won't bribe him and Felix won't rule on his case until he does. It is a stalemate. xiii. Until… d. [Slide 10] 27 - But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul imprisoned. i. Two years pass. ii. Two years in prison, while a trial drags on. iii. Even in our broken justice system, this is very slow. iv. For 2 years the stalemate continues until Felix is recalled to Rome. v. The rebellion that occurred in AD 58, the one in which Felix took the side of the Gentiles against the Jews, has led to him being deposed and returned to Rome to face trial. vi. After which we have no idea what happens to Felix. He drops out of the history books never to be heard from again. vii. Porcius Festus becomes the new governor of Judea, Samaria, and Syra around AD 59. And he is actually a relatively competent ruler. viii. But we'll get to him later. ix. For now, we have to expose yet another reason that Felix held Paul in custody for 2 years. x. He wished to do the Jews a favor. xi. Felix was taken back to Rome to answer for his poor management of the area in which he governed. xii. Keeping Paul in prison and not deciding his case was a way of getting the Jews on his good side. xiii. Rather than declare him innocent before he left, he kept him in prison. xiv. The Jews traveled to Caesarea to bring their case against Paul. Maybe they would travel to Rome to bring their case against Felix. xv. If he keeps Paul in prison, perhaps this doesn't happen. e. [Slide 11] Summary of the Point: So once again we see the injustice of Felix. He has utterly failed as a governor. He has pursued his own power and passions, stomping on everyone he could to get it, but now he must pay the piper. He will be held accountable for his deeds. But that doesn't help Paul, does it? He is still in prison. Nevertheless, we must see that God uses even this as the way He accomplishes His will. So, Paul in this situation sees the delay as an opportunity to share the gospel even to Felix. Perhaps he tailors that gospel message for the hearer, or perhaps the gospel always convicts a sinner personally when it convicts. In any case, Paul used this time for Kingdom work. And so we should see even displays of gross injustice as opportunities for the gospel to be preached. Conclusion: So what have we learned today CBC, and what can we break down into basic lessons for our faith and practice? Basics of Faith and Practice: [Slide 12] Again, we see the faithfulness, power, and sovereignty of God to providentially orchestrate all things to accomplish the purposes of His will. Since no one can stop God from doing what He wants and no one can keep Him from accomplishing what He has decreed, and since He has decreed the end from the beginning we can logically arrive at the point that Paul's imprisonment is not an accident, it isn't a hiccup, and it isn't a delay in the plan of God coming about. It isn't God allowing Felix to exercise his free will to sin but simply moving around his injustice to still achieve what God had said. Instead, it is a strategic part of God's plan to bring Paul to Rome at the proper time. During this imprisonment, he would be allowed to bear witness to the gospel of Christ before Felix and Drucilla and his faith would be tested and perfected in trusting Jesus' words that he would go to Rome and preach the gospel. Since God's providence even includes when people abuse power and become unjust tyrants – we still must trust God and use every opportunity we are given to preach the gospel. But let us look more specifically on this for our everyday lives. 1.) [Slide 13] 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 God uses injustice to accomplish His purposes. a. We've seen this theme on repeat for the last several weeks. b. Luke could simply have told us that God orchestrates all things to accomplish the purposes of His will, but following the life of Paul we see this idea expressed in several specific ways. c. Today, we see the utter failure of the governor Felix. He is an unjust ruler who seeks his own benefit from those over whom he rules. d. But we've seen this kind of thing before. God uses the sin of men to accomplish His purposes. e. God is never the tempter. Nor does He force men to sin. But through secondary causes He orchestrates the sin of men to accomplish His purpose. f. Here we see that even tyrants, in their tyranny, can be used to accomplish His purposes. g. Through the injustice of Felix Paul is held for 2 years before appearing before Festus and eventually appealing to Caesar. But this is not a delay in God's plan. Instead, it is part of God's plan. h. You see in every situation God is accomplishing our good and His glory. i. But it is especially difficult to see this when we are denied justice. When we are treated unjustly… it is difficult to trust that it is for our good. Why? Because we have trouble seeing how it is good. j. Even in this particular case, it is not readily apparent why Paul's denial of justice is good for him. We as the reader are challenged along with Paul in real time. k. But the scriptures leave us very little room to wiggle. l. We must decide, do we believe in a God who is incapable of preventing the sinfulness of men and must all His plans to get Paul to Rome to be delayed? Do we believe in a God who to the best of His ability was not able to give justice to Paul for 2 years? m. Or will we believe that this 2 year refusal of justice is actually an intentional plan of the Most High God? n. If we are going to be consistent with scripture and if we are going to believe the promises God makes to us – then we are forced to conclude the latter. Even if we don't see the reason why. o. God has an orchestrated purpose for Paul being here an additional 2 years in judicial limbo. p. And we must affirm that this is always the case. God is always orchestrating all events to execute the counsel of His will. And He's never been on plan B. q. What response does that require from His children? 2.) [Slide 14] 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 must trust the Lord. a. We must trust the Lord that His promises are true. b. Not only has Jesus Himself assured Paul that he must go to Rome to share the gospel there. God also had given the promise that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. c. And that verse, Romans 8:28 was penned by Paul under the inspiration of God only a few years before this. d. And no matter how much injustice - even if this was as 15 year wait – Paul has no other option but to trust the Lord. e. I would wager that part of the reason God planned for Paul to be in prison for two years under the unjust Felix was to test and strengthen Paul's faith. f. We too may find ourselves in situations with unjust judges and unjust magistrates who are swayed by money, power, lust, greed, or various other gods. Rulers who rather than fulfilling the laws of justice from God Himself, instead cast His justice aside for their own gain. g. In these cases, we must trust that even this breach of justice is part of God's plan for us… which has our good and His glory guaranteed. h. Not only should we trust the Lord in situations like this, but we should also 3.) [Slide 15] 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 must use every opportunity to preach the gospel. a. Notice that repeatedly Paul was brought before Felix. b. Rather than Paul using this as an opportunity to demand justice or continue to plead his innocence – Paul saw this as primarily an opportunity to share the gospel of Christ. c. If Paul was thinking selfishly or from an earthly temporal perspective, he might have been tempted to continue to try to defend himself. Instead, Luke records for us his continued efforts to share the gospel with Felix and Drucilla. d. And even though those efforts ultimately fell on deaf ears and dead hearts – God's gospel call went to both of them. e. We too must be more concerned about furthering the Kingdom of God and sharing the gospel then we are about personal justice and vindication. f. We must also notice something else that isn't always true… 4.) [Slide 16] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that it is always good to fight against injustice. a. Now let me be clear… b. We should not rejoice when injustice occurs. We should not be ok with people abusing their power that has been given to them by God to protect the innocent and punish the guilty. c. When judges and rulers do the opposite, God makes it very clear that He will judge them for this. d. And at times and in appropriate and legal ways we should voice our concerns about the abuse of power and injustice. e. There is, after all, no King but Jesus. And our civil magistrates need to know that they are not gods but are given their power by God and that they should use it in fear of His justice. f. But just because we are unhappy with rulers abusing power and becoming tyrants, does not mean we can sacrifice our primary calling to be salt and light in this world and to show forth the good works our Father has foreordained for us to do so that others may see them and glorify Him. g. Being displeased with injustice does not necessarily mean we rise up against it. h. Paul didn't fight against the injustice against him. He used his rights when he had to, like when he claimed his rights as a Roman citizen. i. But here we do not find any hint that Paul demands justice or to be released from prison. j. Instead, he lives a godly life before his jailors and preaches the gospel to Felix as often as he would allow it. k. We too must be careful that when we fight injustice we aren't doing it to the detriment of the greater Kingdom that is coming. May we seek God's Kingdom first and not some earthly kingdom. l. Because notice how Paul got here in the first place… m. How was it that Paul made it to this stalemate limbo? n. It was because Christians had a reputation of being peaceful and civilly responsible. 5.) [Slide 17] 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 must maintain a reputation of peace and civil responsibility as followers of Christ. a. Christians had a history of not being the rebellious types. b. They were not riot-makers. They were not rabble rousers. They were not those who stir the crowd up. c. Jesus had one Zealot among his apostles. Simon. Just one out of 12. And during the Zealot uprising, most of the Christians had fled Jerusalem rather than participating. d. Christ told the disciples to take 2 swords for 12 men. He told them, it was enough. Enough for defense – but not necessarily for offense. e. I am convinced that we Christians must have a reputation of being at peace with all people. That we must pursue peace so that we can live a quiet life of godliness. f. The fight of the church is against spiritual kingdoms not against earthly injustices. g. There certainly is some cross over there. But we must be people who are known to be civilly responsible and peaceful. h. So much so that when we do actually resist something, it is because we have reached the end of accommodation and peacemaking and have been forced to choose between a direct command of God and a direct command of men. i. In that instance we passively obey. Meaning we obey God but submit to whatever punishment the civil magistrate hands to us for violating their unjust law. j. This is the ONLY example we have in scripture. k. Christ followers should be known as peaceful and responsible people. 6.) [Slide 18] Evangelism: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored?” Though the gospel is truly good news, it is only good to those who truly understand and fear the bad news. a. At the heart of the gospel presentation to Felix and Drucilla were the truths recorded that we might call the bad news that comes before the good news. b. The gospel is said to be good news, but it is only good to those who have believed the bad news. c. The bad news is that God demands righteousness, that is right living and justice. He demands self-control, that is love of others as you already love yourself. d. Furthermore, the gospel comes with the threat that God is always just and will judge according to an established standard. He will not allow any who are unrighteous or lack self-control to enter His Kingdom. e. What a terrifying piece of news. God will judge any who are not righteous and who are not completely self-controlled. f. Anyone who has ears to hear just heard that all people are going to be rejected by God. Because no one is righteous and no one is self-controlled. g. That should be terrifying to everyone. h. So, my friends. Don't be like Felix. Don't say – we'll talk about it some other time preacher. i. I know I'm not righteous and I can't control myself- but when I have time we will talk about that further. j. We can talk later about faith in Jesus. k. I don't feel comfortable talking about it now. l. Let me think on it a bit. m. DON'T BE LIKE FELIX. n. If you are terrified by the Justice of God… then don't wait. Come find an Elder who can tell you more about His justice and His ability to Justify. [Slide 19(end)] Let me close with a prayer by the English Reformer William Tyndale who was burned at the stake for translating the bible into English. Lord, since you are Father and King over all, and we are your children, make us obedient to seek and to do your will, as the angels do in heaven. May none of us seek our own will, but all yours. But if rulers command what is contrary to your will, then help us to stand fast by your word, and to offer ourselves to suffer rather than to obey. You know everything, Lord. Your son Jesus gave us an example when he desired (if it had been possible) that that cup of bitter death might have departed from him, saying, "Yet not as I will, but as you will.” So if we pray to you in our temptations and adversities, and you see a better way to your glory and our profit, then your will be done—not ours. It is in Jesus' name we pray this, amen. Benediction: May the God who's watchful eye never sleeps; The God of wonders, power and love; May He keep your feet from falling, And make your thanks endless be, Until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. Until we meet again, go in peace.

Title: The Lawyer Vs. The Tentmaker Text: Acts 24:1-21 FCF: We often struggle defending ourselves with wrong motives or beliefs. Prop: Because God's providence includes wicked people accusing His children falsely, we mut not fear for ourselves but defend the gospel against attack. Scripture Intro: ESV [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 24. In a moment we'll begin reading in the English Standard Version starting from verse 1. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Last time we saw Paul delivered safely from a plot on his life. Now this Roman prisoner has been transported to Caesarea to face his accusers before the governor of Judea, Antonius Felix. But Paul is still not out of danger. What will the apostle face in this trial? Will Felix be reasonable? Will his accusers even show up? Let's look. Stand with me to give honor to and focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Creator and Designer of the Universe and all that is within it, we humbly come before You today to seek clarity. We often face the ridicule, mockery, and disdain of those who are deceived. We often are slandered and maligned, labeled with unkind and unfair labels. Yet we confess and believe that You, our Lord, are the Designer and Maker of all that is. We confess that You have promised that all things work for the good of Your people. And so we must confess that even these things are for our good. Help us Lord to learn from Your servant Paul today. Help us to trust Your infallible plan. We pray this in Jesus' name Amen. Transition: Let us get right to the text this morning to find out what happens to Paul in Caesarea. I.) God's providence includes wicked people accusing His children falsely, so we must not fear false accusations. (1-9) a. [Slide 2] 1 - And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul. i. Although the Chief Priests, the Elders, and the Sanhedrin were ready to execute a scheme to kill Paul with very little preparation, to actually bring a Roman suit against Paul would be far more difficult than simply killing him. ii. Paul stayed in Herod's Praetorium for 5 days while Ananias gathered some Elders who would go with him as well as one other important member of their entourage. iii. Although the ESV calls him a spokesperson here, more likely, as other translations indicate, Tertullus was an attorney specializing in Roman Law. iv. His name is Latin, so we recognize that he is probably not a Jew. Certainly not a Jew from Judea. v. So, in the 5 days between Paul's move to Caesarea and his accusers actually arriving, they have been quite busy. vi. They have hired an attorney and have formed their Roman case against Paul. vii. So, what is their case? viii. Well before we get to hear about that, Let's spend some time talking about Felix. Afterall, that is how Tertullus starts his prosecution of Paul. b. [Slide 3] 2 - And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: “Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, 3 - in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. 4 - But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly. i. Although it would be easy to see this as Tertullus' attempt to butter up Felix, we should recognize that Tertullus is a professional orator and attorney. Nothing he says in these opening remarks are without some purpose. ii. Certainly, part of that purpose would be to ingratiate Felix to their cause. iii. We actually still have some of this in our legal system. We refer to the judges as “Your Honor” and it is generally wise to be on the good side or at least not be on the BAD side of a judge even in our legal system. iv. But Tertullus has built a legal case against Paul and everything he says to Felix about Felix is designed to bring stark contrast between the judge and the accused. To the extent that for the judge to find Paul guilty is because Paul is the opposite of Felix. v. In the text we see a great many things spoken that present Felix in quite the positive light. vi. But what do we know about this man? Was he really a good governor? How long did he serve? And what was his track record? vii. Much of what we know about Antonius Felix is taken from the Roman historian Tacitus and the Jewish historian Josephus. viii. Although their accounts of the man are not completely consistent on some details, the fact of the matter is that largely both historians agree on a few key facts. 1. First, Felix was formerly a slave along with his brother Pallas. a. Pallas was a friend and confidant of the Emperor Claudius and was freed from slavery by Cladius' mother. b. Along with Pallas Felix too was freed. c. So his freedom was given on account of someone else. 2. Second, Felix married three times in his life. And because of those marriages he advanced in power and authority. a. His first wife was the daughter of Marc Antony and Cleopatra and his third wife was Drucilla the daughter of Herod Agrippa the First. b. So, once again, because of others he advanced into positions he did not earn. 3. Third, in the situation we spoke of a few weeks ago where Ananias, the high priest of Israel, was sent to Rome for excessive brutality against the Samaritans – you guessed it, Felix was in the middle of this too. a. The man who was governor of Samaria at that time took all the blame instead of Ananias. He was exiled. And guess who took his place? Yep. Felix. b. Again, he was given a position, he did not earn. 4. Finally, both Josephus and Tacitus agree that Felix' governing of the province was marked by increasing unrest and brutality. a. Tacitus says “with savagery and lust he exercised the powers of a king with the disposition of a slave.” b. In AD 55 he put down an Egyptian man who claimed to be the Messiah. We've already talked about this some since Paul was thought to be that man by Lysias. c. Felix put down this Egyptian with mercilessness and brutality. d. And generally speaking, the Jews hated Felix. He continually did things to frustrate them and took rather liberal approaches to their laws. This infuriated especially the Pharisees who had a rather conservative view of scripture. ix. So, in light of this background, what are we to make of Tertullus' words about Felix? x. He says that they are thankful to Felix because he has brought much peace and many reforms. xi. Either Tertullus is just lying or, what is more likely, is that this just shows us the cunning and wickedness of Ananias and the spiritual leaders of Israel. xii. Even though Felix was merciless, savage, and brutal being recognized by even Roman historians as being barbaric – Ananias had no issues with his rule. And that is kind of that problem, right? xiii. Ananias and Felix are two peas in a pod. xiv. Furthermore, the attributes ascribed to Felix are the exact opposite of the charges they are about to bring against Paul. xv. So, what are those charges? c. [Slide 4] 5 - For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world i. Felix is described as a bringer of peace, but Paul is described as a plague. A blight. One who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world. ii. This first charge against Paul is a rather unfair assessment of Paul's history over his missionary journeys. iii. Paul certainly had been involved in a number of riots and angry mobs but we can accurately say that he never instigated them nor did he perpetuate them. iv. In many cases we see Paul leave a city, many times by his own choosing, in order to avoid further unrest. v. We also would point out that it was actually the Jews in every case who started the aggression then hunted Paul down following him from city to city in order to continue to stir people up against him. vi. So, this first charge is exactly backward. Paul incited no riots… the Jews simply hated what he said so much that THEY stirred up people against him. vii. And there is a good bet that Felix knows that this is actually the way it was. Why? viii. The Jews were notorious for causing riots and issues in the Roman Empire for decades. Since before the Romans even controlled Judea. ix. We should also observe how absolutely insignificant this charge is to Paul or Felix at this particular time. x. Even if it were true that Paul started riots in various parts of the Roman Empire, that really has no bearing on this trial before Felix. xi. Even if Felix wanted to find him guilty, he would have to investigate reports from various locations about these incidents. xii. This is why Paul's defense focuses on what has happened in the last few days not in the last several years. Because that is all Felix can really focus on anyway. xiii. But this charge has done its damage. It has compared Felix the peacemaker to Paul the troublemaker. xiv. Paul is starting riots everywhere and Jerusalem is just another in a long list. xv. As we know, Rome doesn't look too kindly on rabble rousers and riot makers. That he is a riot-starting-plague is a serious charge against him. xvi. What is the next charge? d. [Slide 5] and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. i. A second charge brought against Paul is connected to the first. ii. Paul instigates these riots among the Jews because he is the ringleader or peddler of the heresy known as Nazarene. iii. This charge comes somewhat closer to being an issue Felix must deal with since Rome had granted Judaism a special status among religions that could be practiced in the Roman Empire. iv. If the Nazarene teaching of The Way is indeed a heresy of Judaism, then it would not have the same freedoms that Judaism had been given. v. But is Paul really the ringleader? vi. As Paul will go on to testify in future trials, the ringleader is very clearly the Risen Jesus of Nazareth. He is merely a servant of this Jesus. vii. But the fact that he is the leader of this heresy is actually a secondary matter. Paul will go to great lengths in his response not to combat the idea that he is the leader of this group but to deny that it is a heresy of Judaism. We'll get there in a few minutes. viii. Tertullus said that Felix had, through masterful providence, designed many reforms which reinterpreted cultural and religious laws for the better of the people. But Paul is charged with being a leader of a heresy that leads to nothing but riots and unrest. e. [Slide 6] 6 - He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him. i. Here is the final charge laid to Paul and it is also related to the previous two. ii. Paul is a plague and incites riots among the Jews because he is the ringleader of the Nazarene Heresy and the proof of that is that he tried to profane the temple with his heretical teachings. iii. This is the charge that could really get him killed. iv. Roman practice throughout the empire was to support the worship of local deities and the prevention of the desecration of any temples or gods. v. They were remarkably syncretistic. And although the Romans did not generally allow the Jews to execute their criminals. When it came to temple desecration the Romans would allow them to execute those who violated their law. vi. So here we see the Jews are fighting for their right to protect their own temple and enforce their own religious laws. vii. This is what is at stake. viii. Felix knows this. ix. If this charge is proven to be true, and Felix does not allow the Jews to execute Paul… then tensions would no doubt continue to rise between Rome and the Jews. x. This is as much a political move as it is a legal one. xi. Of course, what they failed to bring with them is evidence and witnesses… something Paul will point out in his defense. f. [Slide 7] [We wanted to judge him according to our own Law. 7 But Lysias the commander came along, and with much violence took him out of our hands, 8 ordering his accusers to come before you.] i. Every word on the screen is omitted from most modern translations of the bible. Some put the text in brackets with a foot note explaining that there is doubt about the inspiration of these words. ii. It boils down to textual criticism and understanding how we harmonize manuscripts from different times and in different manuscript families. iii. Within the discipline of textual criticism there are several rules or guidelines we follow to determine which manuscripts are closer to the original autographs. iv. [Slide 8] In this particular case, every rule points to this section not being written originally by Luke. v. Most likely it was added in at a later date to attempt to provide commentary on how the Jews may have seen the events unfold. g. [Slide 9] 8 - By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him.” i. The final point that Tertullus makes is to abdicate their role as accusers to produce any evidence for their claims and grant that to Felix. ii. This is actually not all that uncommon in Roman cases. iii. As we study Roman culture, Felix would have had absolute authority to not only do the work of Judge and jury but also to do the work of detective. iv. And Tertullus is saying that if Felix cannot substantiate their claims against Paul by interrogating him, then it is Felix's failure to interrogate him properly. v. And here we see some subtle pressure put on a man that everyone knows doesn't deserve the position he is in. h. [Slide 10] 9 - The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so. i. Again, this clues us in to the fact that Tertullus is probably not Jewish. ii. If he was, we are left to wonder who these Jews are. iii. But because he wasn't, the Jews present at this trial are the High Priest and the Elders who had made the journey to Casarea to accuse him. iv. In any case, it seems like the case is closed. v. There are three charges, all of them with serious consequences if they are found to be true. vi. All Felix has to do is say the word and Paul will die. i. [Slide 11] Summary of the Point: What is God's will for Paul? It has been revealed to him by Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus came to him that night in the barracks of the Anatolian Fortress, just after the debacle of the Sanhedrin trial. Jesus told him that he must have courage because just like he bore witness to the gospel in Jerusalem, he must go and do the same in Rome. God is getting Paul to Rome. And yet we see in this text a top-notch attorney has just laid out three charges against Paul all of which could earn him serious penalties and even death. Paul's life hangs on a thread. But we know better. It isn't just that God will prevent this from keeping Paul from going to Rome… but my friends as the weeks go on we will see that these charges will actually serve to get Paul to Rome. Once again, we are reminded that the providential and sovereign hand of God is always working all things according to the counsel of His will. There is nothing that happens that He has not already foreordained. So what does that mean for us? We must not fear what wicked men say about us when they slander us and accuse us falsely. Transition: [Slide 12 (blank)] So what does not fearing men's false accusations look like? If Paul is given a chance to speak, will he just quietly say, “I am trusting the Lord to bring me to Rome safely.” And then sit down? Let's see what Paul does. II.) God providence includes wicked people accusing His children falsely, but we must make a defense of the hope that we have in us. (10-21) a. [Slide 13] 10 - And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied: “Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. i. Paul is invited by the governor to speak. Felix needs to hear his side of the case, especially since Tertullus invited Felix to examine him. ii. Paul begins by acknowledging Felix's last decade of service in the area. iii. Because he has had such a long tenure, Paul feels confident and even happy to bring his defenses before him. Hoping that he will be reasonable. b. [Slide 14] 11 - You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, 12 - and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city. i. Paul pivots and exploits the failure in the first charge against him. ii. Their charge was he had caused riots all over the Roman Empire with Jews. iii. However, Paul points out that he did not do so in Jerusalem only 12 days ago. iv. In this he recognizes that Felix has no jurisdiction or concern about things that have happened in the distant past in other provinces. v. What he is concerned about is what has happened most recently in his province. vi. And most recently, Paul did not cause any issues in the temple, in the synagogues or even in the city itself. vii. Further Paul invites Felix to verify this. viii. There is some question about how to interpret Paul's 12 day comment. We can talk about it more on Thursday, but the best way to see it is as if Paul was saying, “I only spent a total of 12 days in Jerusalem, which isn't enough time to start a riot.” ix. In this way, Paul effectively defeats their first charge. x. They say that I am a plague and a riot maker among the Jews. xi. But I spent 12 days in Jerusalem and neither had time to start a riot nor can they produce one witness to accuse me of stirring up crowds in the temple, the synagogues or even in the city itself. xii. In other words, if this is all related to me being some kind of heretical religious zealot, I am doing a pretty poor job at peddling my beliefs. c. [Slide 15] 13 - Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. i. Paul confronts the other two charges against him with the same general statement. ii. They are unable to prove anything that they have accused him of. iii. They cannot prove that he is the ringleader of the Nazarene heresy, nor can they prove that he attempted to desecrate the temple. iv. But Paul doesn't want to allow them to get away with calling those who follow Jesus, heretics. d. [Slide 16] 14 - But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, 15 - having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. 16 - So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. i. This is actually a brilliant defense used in some of the more famous Roman cases we have documented. ii. The person without admitting to a crime does confess something about themselves that vindicates them. iii. What is Paul saying? iv. Although I am certainly a follower of The Way, The Way is not a heresy of Judaism, but is rather the next step in Judaism. v. It is verified by the law and the prophets which spoke of this time in Judaism where the Messiah would come and give a New Covenant. vi. And a key part of that New Covenant is the belief that both the just and the unjust will be raised from the dead. vii. Now it is clear that Ananias would not believe in the resurrection. He was a Sadducee. viii. But some of the Elders Ananias brought with him no doubt were Pharisees. ix. Really his defense here is that he has not created a heresy of Judaism or another faith altogether, instead he is following what has been prophesied… the real Judaism is following Jesus of Nazareth because He died and rose again just as He said He would. x. And in this way Paul's conscience is clear. He is not doing this for money, for power, or prestige, but because the Fathers of Israel and the prophets spoke of this long ago. e. [Slide 17] 17 - Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. 18 - While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia— i. Again, Paul is just clearly proclaiming that he is Jewish. ii. After several years being away, he came to give to the poor (probably the financial relief package he had collected from Asian and Greek churches to bring to the church of Jerusalem). iii. It was while he was being a good Jew, having been purified, in the temple, a place he was supposed to be, doing what he was supposed to do, that they found him. iv. And there were no crowds around him or tumults at all. v. Until what? vi. Until some Jews from Asia. vii. But that's the problem right. viii. Paul actually interrupts himself here… f. [Slide 18] 19 - they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me. i. Absent from these witnesses are the Jews who actually stirred up the crowd against Paul. ii. Where are they? iii. Tertullus wasn't in the temple that day. Ananias wasn't in the temple that day. The Elders of Israel weren't there. iv. Where are the Jews from Asia who were there? Why are they not present to make an accusation? v. Why indeed. vi. Paul is aiming for the dismissal of the case here. vii. How? viii. In Roman law, a witness who abandons their responsibility to bring an accusation against someone in court would actually be guilty of a crime themselves. ix. In that case the charges levied without a plaintiff are dismissed and in most cases the trial is dismissed as well. x. But if the charges against him weren't seen personally by the Jews present, what is their experience with Paul? What crimes have they observed him do? g. [Slide 19] 20 - Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, 21 - other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.' ” i. Paul points out that these men should speak concerning what they found him guilty of at the trial before the Sanhedrin. ii. And there lies the rub. iii. That trial was a debacle. iv. They broke out into a theological dispute and brought NO charges against Paul except for theological disagreements. v. Disagreements where SOME OF THEM even AGREED with Paul. It can't be heresy if some of the ruling religious council of Israel agree with what he says. vi. Certainly, at this trial of the Sanhedrin, they did not mention any of the charges which they brought to Felix this day. vii. The only thing they had against him was what he had said bout the resurrection of the dead. viii. Paul points out that the only reason he is on trial is because they want Rome to solve this sectarian dispute between the Jews and the Christians. ix. And that is a great defense… because Rome has no interest in doing that. x. Paul deftly points out in his defense that none of the charges he has been formally accused with were personally witnessed by anyone present at the trial that day. xi. What does that mean? xii. It means that this should be… case dismissed. It is actually a fairly easy decision for Felix to make. xiii. But… we'll wait until next week to find out what he decides. h. [Slide 20] Summary of the Point: God is working in this trial. God is using the false accusations against Paul and really against Christianity to move Paul down the road to Rome. But Paul does not sit idlily by and trust the Lord passively. Instead, he actively trusts the Lord by giving a defense for the hope he has in him. Tertullus made a huge mistake, guided by God's hand. That mistake was to bring into the trial the reputation of followers of Jesus. If this trial was only about Paul… perhaps Paul remains more passive. But Tertullus makes this about the church and if he makes it about the church, he makes it about the gospel. Paul defends the gospel. He flips the script and explains how the followers of Jesus are rooted in the same scriptures and prophets that the Jews also claim and shows how he has not been the cause of trouble but that these Jews are making accusations that they are unwilling to back up in a trail setting. Thus, Paul provides a positive example that when we are falsely accused, we must give a defense for the hope we have in us. We must contend for the gospel. Conclusion: So, CBC, what have we learned today and how then shall we live? Whare are some basics of faith and practice we should observe through this. Basics of Faith and Practice: In many ways, knowing how the book of Acts ends helps us to understand the primary point of teaching or doctrine that Luke is revealing throughout all the events of Paul's journey to Rome. But verse 11 of chapter 23 is the interpretive guide for how we are to apply that doctrinal truth. God's providential hand is guiding Paul through many twists and turns to arrive in Rome at precisely the right time. Meaning that even this strong case against Paul raised with false accusations by a professional attorney is part of that plan God has for Paul. But Jesus' words to Paul help us to know what to do when we are in situations where we don't know the details of God's plan but do know the end of God's plan. God's plan for us, His children, those who are in Christ, is to save us from death and resurrect us to life eternal in His Son. And so our response to every threat, every false accusation, every bad thing we face must depend on those promises which the Lord has given us. In the text today we recognize two specific responses. First is to not fear false accusations of men. Other New Testament writers encourage us to continue living godly lives so that these accusations will bring shame to our accusers and glory to our God the Father. The second response is to defend the gospel from misrepresentations or false accusations. But let us seek to apply these things more specifically this morning. 1.) 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 God's providence includes false accusations from wicked people. a. Through the church age, the forces of darkness, working in conjunction with man's natural wickedness, have levied countless false charges against God's people. b. Even a cursory reading of John Foxes' book of martyrs displays that through every age of the church wicked men have hunted down and within the legal government system brought to bear against God's children charges which they did not commit. c. Many times, this led to imprisonment, torture, and even death. d. If God is all knowing, He would have known of these plans of the wicked. e. If God is all powerful, he could have orchestrated events to keep His people from being in such a position. f. If God is all good, he would be highly motivated to not allow injustice to be executed upon His people. g. But because all these are true, we must conclude that God's hidden plan, which He has made since before the foundation of the world, even includes when people falsely accuse us of wrongdoing. h. Once again, I won't belabor the point, because it will continue to come up… i. But the only option we have as bible believing people is to affirm that God providentially orchestrates all events in our lives to accomplish His hidden will. j. Because we know He is all powerful, all good, and all knowing, this must be true. k. What does this mean for us? 2.) 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 fear what wicked men may do through false charges and injustice. a. We as Americans have a particular hatred of injustice, impingement on our freedoms, or being labeled as guilty when we aren't. b. That is why our legal system was designed to assume the innocence of a person unless it is proven beyond reasonable doubt that we are actually guilty. c. Our culture is shifting to declare guilt and innocence by popular opinion rather than by a court of law, but there is still a tenacious desire in us to defend or prosecute those we feel are innocent or guilty. d. Along with this we might grow fearful or even angry when we are accused of something that we did not do. e. We have all heard stories of people who were convicted in a court of law for doing something which earned them a life sentence or even the death sentence, only to discover 20 years later new evidence that the person did not actually commit the crime. f. Stories like these fuel the fear that we might be misrepresented or even slandered for doing something we didn't do. g. But affirming that God providentially moves in all the events of life to accomplish the counsel of His will allows us to take a step back and do as Jesus instructs in the sermon on the mount. h. Rather than expressing fear or anger over false charges, we should instead rejoice for suffering these false accusations against us. We should rejoice for having the opportunity to suffer for the sake of Christ. i. We don't need to fear what men may do to us or what crazy schemes they may concoct to cancel us. j. We need only to trust the Lord who knows all our ways and has a plan that He has already accomplished to save us from this life and resurrect us to life eternal. k. Of course, God's sovereign decrees dwell in the paradox of human responsibility. And that is the nature of our next application. 3.) Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that trusting God's sovereign providential hand means to do nothing. a. Paul rises in defense here. b. We'll get to why he does this in a moment but for now let us just recognize that Paul acted. c. Paul did not sit back and decline to speak because he knew he would get to Rome since Jesus said it would be so. d. If God told us that we would go to Africa tomorrow and lead someone to Christ, but we never booked a flight or did anything to get ourselves there, well that is just plain disobedience. e. God telling us what will be does not give us liberty to do nothing. f. Instead, just like it always does, belief that God is telling the truth requires us to obey as if it is true. g. Because of this, if we are in the same position as Paul we must… 4.) 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 must be ready to give a defense for the hope we have in us. a. While I cannot say that it is morally wrong or a sin to defend ourselves against false charges, I can say that we don't see that happening here for Paul. b. Not really. c. Paul doesn't debate that he isn't the ringleader of the Nazarene Heresy. He doesn't debate that he was involved in riots. d. But he does debate the charge that Christianity is opposed to God's law. Because that cannot be allowed to go unchecked. e. Paul very clearly outlines how he as a follower of Christ did not start a fight in Jerusalem, he was in the temple following the law. f. He says that The Way is rooted in the same Fathers and prophets that all his accusers believed in too. g. For the sake of the gospel and the reputation of Christ followers, Paul makes his defense. Certainly, this vindicates himself to some degree, but it is obvious his aim is greater than that. h. We too must be laser focused on what is important. i. Again, I do not think it is wrong to defend ourselves or even make a legal defense for ourselves if we are accused falsely. But, our primary goal in every instance in life is to make much of the gospel of Jesus Christ and if necessary, contend for it. j. Sadly, oftentimes we care more about defending ourselves than we do the gospel or our gospel witness. k. Natural man is well equipped to defend himself. And this is often our default setting. l. But it takes a spiritually mature person to defend themselves righteously and also prioritize the Kingdom of God in their defense. m. Paul strikes that perfect balance in our text today. And we must strive to emulate him. 5.) Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” In God's courtroom all men are judged by a perfect and just God. a. Though our courts have some of the fairest rules in place to assure that only the guilty are punished for their crimes, the fact of the matter is that the judicial system, even in this nation, is full of injustice. b. It may happen in our lives that we will be falsely accused and though we make a strong defense we are imprisoned or even killed for something we did not do. c. But the Christian worries little about this life. They know that in God's courtroom, the only courtroom that really matters, they will be declared righteous, not of themselves, but on the account of Christ who became their sin so that they might become the righteousness of God. d. We find comfort in the kingdom that is coming… not in the kingdom that is. 6.) Evangelism: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored?” The gospel produces a law keeping and blameless church. a. Paul finds it especially necessary for followers of Christ to be known as people who follow the law of God and draw their teachings from the Fathers and the Prophets. b. In our time the gospel has been reduced to a magical prayer that you pray which God is somehow obligated to honor because you said the right words. c. But Paul defends the godly and noble character of the church. Why? d. Because God's true children are godly and holy people. e. In Matthew 7 Jesus talks about those who in the midst of being cast from his presence object on the grounds that they had done mighty works in his name. But Jesus still rejects them because as He says, I never knew you. f. And then the clincher… you lawless ones. Or you lawbreakers. g. You see although the gospel certainly tells us that we cannot earn God's grace or forgiveness and that only Christ can purchase our salvation…. The gospel also clearly teaches us that those who are truly saved are being conformed into the image of Christ. We are, as I said a moment ago, the righteousness of God. h. The fact of the matter is that no man will enter the kingdom of heaven if they purposefully continue to violate God's law. i. So, my friends, if you are here today and you have prayed a prayer – but your life is still lived intentionally violating God's law… then you must realize that you have no hope. j. Those whom the Lord has set free are free indeed. Meaning free not only from the penalty of sin but from its power as well. Let me close with a prayer recorded in the Didache (did-ah-kay) which is a very early record of church worship and teaching. We give thanks to you, Father, for your holy name which you made to dwell in our hearts. Thank you for the knowledge, faith, and immortality which you made known to us through Jesus your Son. To you be glory forever. You, Lord Almighty, created all things for your name's sake, and gave people food and drink for their enjoyment, that they might give thanks to you. And you have blessed us with spiritual food and drink and eternal light through your Son. Above all we give thanks to you that you are mighty. To you be glory forever. Remember your church, Lord, to deliver it from all evil and to make it perfect in your love, and gather it together in its holiness from the four winds to your kingdom which you have prepared for it. For yours is the power and the glory forever. Let grace come and let this world pass away. Hosanna to the God of David. If any one is holy, let them come! If any one be not, let them repent. Maranatha-our Lord, come! We pray this in Jesus' name, amen. Benediction: May the Lord of Hosts be with you So that you will become greater and greater still, Until you receive that crown of life Which the Lord has prepared for those that love Him. Until we meet again, go in peace.

Title: Schemers, Sharks, and A Snitch Text: Acts 23:12-35 FCF: We often struggle trusting God when enemies surround us. Prop: Because man makes their plans but God guides their steps, we must trust the Lord. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 23. In a moment we'll begin reading from the LSB starting in verse 12. You can follow along in the pew bible or whatever version you prefer. After Paul narrowly escapes the clutches of the Sanhedrin, Jesus comes to him in the night and comforts him. He tells Paul to have courage because just as he has declared the gospel in Jerusalem he must also go to Rome and do the same. But we are still two and a half years away from Jesus' promise being fulfilled. In the remaining 5 and a half chapters of this book, we will see God's hand of providence working to have His apostle arrive in Rome at precisely the right time for him to be there. An apostle of God is never early, nor is he late, but arrives precisely when God needs him to. And that all begins with the episode today. Because of the events recorded in today's text, Paul's trip to Rome will be put on God's time table. So, let's stand to give honor to and to focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Sovereign Lord, You know the plans of the wicked. You have seen their devices and You know their hearts. You have measured the pride of men vying for power while they use others to get it. In a world that seems to be spiraling out of control, where the wicked prosper and the righteous fall, You have your eye even on the sparrows. Not one of them falls down dead without Your knowledge and You have ordered all things for the good of Your people – who are far more valuable than the birds. The Son has given us infinite worth by sending the Comforter to indwell us. Father use Your Spirit to give to us insight into Your word today to see Your good plan for Your children … even amid and through the plotting and power grabbing of ungodly men. Open our eyes today we pray in Jesus' name. Amen. Transition: Proverbs 16 kept flitting through my mind as I studied this passage. Let me read that to you now, by way of an introduction, even before we dive into the text of Acts 23. The plans of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from Yahweh. 2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own sight, But Yahweh weighs the motives. 3 Commit your works to Yahweh And your plans will be established. 4 Yahweh has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil. 5 Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to Yahweh; Assuredly, he will not be unpunished. 6 By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, And by the fear of Yahweh one turns away from evil. 7 When a man's ways are pleasing to Yahweh, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. 8 Better is a little with righteousness Than great produce with injustice. 9 The heart of man plans his way, But Yahweh directs his steps. With these words in mind, look with me at verse 12. I.) Mankind makes their wicked plans in secret, but we must trust the Lord. (12-15) a. [Slide 2] 12 - Now when it was day, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. 13 - And there were more than forty who formed this scheme. i. Right on the heels of Paul being rescued out of the hands of the Jews… AGAIN… we find that the very next day he is right back in the fire. ii. The first scene of this episode opens with a group of 40 Jews who come up with a plan to do something especially vile. iii. Through our study of the gospel of Matthew and the book of Acts, we've seen the first century Jews do a lot of wicked things. Chief among them the betrayal and murder of their own Messiah. iv. Although the events of this text do not compare to the murder of their own God-King, it certainly has a rather sinister stench about it. v. Why is this so wicked? vi. First, we must understand the nature of a curse. 1. The words translated “bound under a curse” is one word. It is the word Anathematize. It means to submit to divine destruction for failure to uphold their end. 2. Even to submit to eternal Divine punishment if they eat or drink anything before they kill Paul. 3. May God cast me in hell if I eat or drink anything before I kill Paul. vii. Secondly, we must understand the foolishness of this curse. 1. First, there are two ways they fail this curse. Either they eat or drink something before they kill Paul, or they never kill Paul and die of starvation. 2. Second, this curse is only succeeded by them committing an act which God expressly forbids in the decalogue… You shall not murder. 3. Particularly heinous in the Mosaic law was someone who premeditated murder. 4. God hates hands that shed innocent blood and a heart that devises wicked schemes. Prov 6:16-19 viii. 40 Jewish men form this wicked plan. But they are not alone… b. [Slide 3] 14 - They came to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have bound ourselves under a curse to taste nothing until we have killed Paul. 15 - So now you, along with the Sanhedrin, notify the commander to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case more carefully; and we for our part are ready to slay him before he comes near.” i. They inform the chief priests and elders of Israel about the curse they have placed on themselves. ii. If the chief priests and elders were righteous, they would have these men thrown in jail. They would have at least refused to aid them. iii. Instead, they help to facilitate the plan. But what is the plan? iv. To go with the Sanhedrin to the Roman commander and notify him that the Sanhedrin would like a do over on the trial. They want to look more carefully at his case. v. This is, of course, a lie. vi. Add that to the growing list of sins that God hates wrapped up in this plot. vii. The plan then, is that while he is enroute to the Sanhedrin's chambers, these 40 men will accost and kill Paul. viii. Which is a plan that isn't without risk. Paul certainly would have some sort of Roman escort. It is possible that some of them may die or be executed for their hand in this. ix. This is the length to which these Jews will go to kill Paul. c. [Slide 4] Summary of the Point: Luke once again shows us the agency and responsibility of men. These 40 Jews, the chief priests, the elders, the Sanhedrin, all form this conspiracy, these secret plans whispered in empty halls with murder on their lips. God doesn't intervene here. He doesn't snap his fingers and snuff out the breathe of these conspirators. He doesn't prevent them from thinking of these sinful deeds. He doesn't kill them in their sleep. God allows wicked men to be wicked. To make their plans. However much we make of God's absolute Sovereignty we must not cross the threshold as some have in saying that if God doesn't want me to do something, He can stop me from doing it. This is true… but God often doesn't stop men from sinning. Nor can we say that God can't judge me for my actions if He Himself has orchestrated them to accomplish His purposes. Just ask Pharoah about that one. God permits, at very least, the perception of human agency and responsibility to ensure that He is never the first cause of someone sinning. They are. These men are responsible for their wicked deeds. So what must we do in response? We must trust the Lord. God has promised to never leave us, and to preserve us. But that doesn't mean He will not allow men to form and even execute wicked plans against us. Trusting God doesn't mean we'll never experience hardship… it means we trust that God even uses hardship for our good and His glory. Transition: [Slide 5(blank)] The plan has been made and the stage is set. It seems like no one will be able to stop them from killing Paul this time. It looks like Jesus' promise will end up being false. Of course, we know that cannot be true. So how does God frustrate the plans of the wicked? II.) God providentially guides the steps of all men, so we must trust the Lord. (16-35) a. [Slide 6] 16 - But when the son of Paul's sister heard of their ambush, he came and entered the barracks and reported it to Paul. i. Debate abounds on how exactly Paul's nephew heard about this plan. ii. In reality the options are almost endless. Luke doesn't think the details relevant to convey – only the fact that this young man heard of the plot. iii. We also get a rare look at the family of Paul here. iv. It is supposed by many that Paul's family rejected him after he became a Christian. Some even suggest that Paul was probably married and his wife was granted a divorce because of his conversion to Christ. This is all conjecture of course. v. But we do know at least that Paul's nephew, the son of his sister, is living in Jerusalem. If he has also turned his back on Paul it seems odd that he would take an interest in preserving Paul's life. vi. Perhaps catching wind of such a wicked plot turns his heart toward helping Paul. Perhaps he has converted to Christ. Much of this, again, is conjecture and not details that Luke chooses to share. vii. But what does his nephew do? viii. He does the righteous thing and informs Paul immediately. ix. Let this be a lesson to all, informing others of someone's plan to do evil is not narcing or snitching or in some way a betrayal to those doing wicked things. We must be on the side of righteousness not tribalism or even loyalty to other human beings. Let God's kingdom and righteousness be your only loyalty… even if it costs you friends or associates. b. [Slide 7] 17 - And Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, “Lead this young man to the commander, for he has something to report to him.” 18 - So he took him and led him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner called me to him and asked me to lead this young man to you since he has something to tell you.” 19 - And the commander took him by the hand and stepping aside, began to inquire of him privately, “What is it that you have to report to me?” 20 - And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down tomorrow to the Sanhedrin, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more carefully about him. 21 - “So do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of them—who have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they slay him—are lying in wait for him and now they are ready and waiting for the promise from you.” i. In this rather lengthy section of scripture, not a lot actually transpires in the narrative. ii. Luke establishes the chain of information for us in that Paul calls a centurion to take his young nephew to the Roman commander with an urgent piece of information. iii. Notice that Paul does not tell the centurion what the boy told him. iv. A couple reasons for this. 1. It would probably be more believable coming from the boy than from Paul 2. It keeps fewer people knowing about the plot and the fact that Paul now knows about it. v. So the centurion takes the boy to the commander. vi. The commander takes him to a private place, probably because he understood that the information he was to convey needed to be spoken privately. vii. After this Paul's nephew informs the Roman commander of the scheme of these 40 Jews and the Sanhedrin who have conspired together to kill Paul before he arrived. viii. Again, it is helpful for us to remember that Paul is a prisoner of the Roman Empire. He is probably not in some kind of formal custody. Perhaps simply protective custody. But custody nonetheless. ix. And for the commander to allow a prisoner to be accosted and killed under his watch would have made him look like he wasn't doing his job. x. Thus, we do not have this commander shaking off this information as if it matters little to him. xi. Quite the contrary. c. [Slide 8] 22 - So the commander let the young man go, instructing him, “Tell no one that you have notified me of these things.” 23 - And when he called to him two of the centurions, he said, “Make ready two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to proceed to Caesarea by the third hour of the night, 24 - and provide mounts to put Paul on and bring him safely to Felix the governor.” i. The commander first instructs the young man not to tell ANYONE that he told the commander this. ii. He doesn't want the fact that he knows about this to get back to the schemers. iii. Immediately the Roman Commander makes plans to get Paul out of Jerusalem. iv. If these Jews are going to start plotting and scheming while Rome protects him, then it seems best to get him out of Jerusalem. v. The Commander makes quite the plan to see Paul to safety. vi. He gathers 470 soldiers in total to escort Paul the 60 miles to Caesarea. He does so on the third hour of the night, which would be around 9pm. vii. He also makes sure that Paul rides on a mount and charges the whole company to bring Paul safely to Felix the governor of Judea. viii. But The commander also sends his own account to the governor. ix. In order for a proper transfer of a case and to submit a chain of evidence to that trial, this would probably be a normal practice within the Roman Empire's legal proceedings. x. As such, some questions have arisen as to how Luke could have gotten his hands on this letter. And the fact of the matter is that this letter would have followed Paul all the way to Rome as part of the case notes. And certainly, at some point Paul or Luke would have either heard it presented or gotten to see it himself. xi. Therefore, we don't need to doubt the authenticity of the letter, nor do we need to assume Luke is summarizing what the commander says. He probably heard it read several times, and potentially even was able to make a copy of it himself. d. [Slide 9] 25 - And he wrote a letter having this form: 26 - “Claudius Lysias, to the most excellent governor Felix, greetings. 27 - When this man was arrested by the Jews and was about to be slain by them, I came up to them with the troops and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman. 28 - And wanting to ascertain the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their Sanhedrin; 29 - and I found him to be accused over questions about their Law, but under no accusation deserving death or imprisonment. 30 - And when I was informed that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, also instructing his accusers to speak against him before you.” i. Here we learn the name of the Roman commander who has been God's agent of rescuing Paul through these various attempts on his life. ii. He identifies himself as Claudius Lysias. A Greek name, indicating to us as we've said before that this man was no doubt from a wealthy Greek family who purchased his future within the Roman Empire. Starting with his citizenship and even his position as a Commander in Judea. iii. He sends his account of all that has happened and his account is very interesting indeed. iv. The first point is a rather self-aggrandizing version of the story Luke told. 1. The Jews did not actually arrest Paul, they were simply beating him and the Lysias stopped it. 2. Furthermore, Lysias makes it seem like he rescued Paul because he had learned that Paul was a Roman citizen. With a little logic and reasoning we could easily determine that this would be quite difficult to do in the midst of the Jews arresting him and trying to kill him. 3. Again, this doesn't quite jive with Luke's version of the story. But we can see why Lysias would want to fudge a few details to get himself out of trouble. 4. To admit that he allowed a riot to break out on the temple mount only a couple flights of stairs from the Anatolian fortress would not be good for him to report to the higher ups. 5. We also see he does not mention how he ACTUALLY found out Paul was a Roman citizen, which was in the midst of binding and almost flogging him. 6. This is as much a political letter as it is a legal document. Lysias is portraying himself as a great hero to try to score some points with his superiors. v. The second point is fairly consistent with what Luke recorded. 1. Lysias did want to determine the real reason he was in trouble with the Jews. 2. Lysias' perspective on that Sanhedrin debacle was essentially that Paul had said something about their law that was a controversial issue. 3. His assessment, which is quite vindicating for us reading Luke's narrative, is that this is nothing deserving of death OR imprisonment. Lysias essentially says that Paul is innocent of anything Rome might find against him. 4. We might wonder why Paul will have to wait over two and a half years to be released from Roman custody if the Roman officer in charge thinks he should go free… but we will see that there is a lot more political intrigue left to go in the book of Acts. vi. The third point is consistent except it reveals not only that Lysias has saved Paul once again, but that he plans to tell Paul's accusers to go to Caesarea to state their case before Felix. vii. We'll talk more about Felix next week. He is a rather… interesting character to say the least. e. [Slide 10] 31 - So, the soldiers, according to their orders, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. 32 - But the next day, leaving the horsemen to go on with him, they returned to the barracks. 33 - When these had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him. i. So, we see that the soldiers followed Lysias' orders and took Paul by night to Antipatris, which was a military fort about 37 miles from Jerusalem. ii. Travelers from Caesarea and Jerusalem would often stop at this place for rest and provisions. iii. Traveling this far in one night, over half the journey to Caesarea, means they were BOOKIN. iv. Given the conditioning of a Roman soldier and the fact that they would travel a road which would be relatively unpopulated at night, it seems that they could cover the 37 miles in around 4-6 hours. This would put their arrival time at around 2am the following morning. v. After resting the remainder of the night, the next day the soldiers traveling on foot went back to Jerusalem, because at this point the danger on Paul's life would have been mitigated. vi. Only the 70 horsemen rode on with Paul to Caesarea. The remaining 23 miles could easily have been covered in an hour or two on horseback depending on the pace they wanted to set. vii. After arriving they finished their orders by giving the letter to Felix and presenting Paul to him. viii. This means that probably about the time that Lysais informs the Sanhedrin that Paul has been transferred to Felix in Caesarea, is about the same time that Paul is presented to Felix in Caesarea. f. [Slide 11] 34 - And when he had read it, he asked from what province he was, and when he learned that he was from Cilicia, 35 - he said, “I will give you a hearing after your accusers arrive also,” giving orders for him to be kept in Herod's Praetorium. i. Felix seems to be a good governor, at least initially. ii. He reads the letter and asks Paul from which Roman province he hails from. iii. The reason for this question is probably two-fold 1. First, to determine if he had jurisdiction over this person. a. We see a similar thing happen to Jesus and Pilate. Pilate, finding out that Jesus was from Galilee, sent him to Herod. b. If Felix could offload this case to someone else… he probably would. c. But Paul being from Cilicia would mean that he would still be within Felix's jurisdiction since Syria and Judea would have fallen in the same authority at this time. 2. Second, probably to check on the status of Paul being a Roman Citizen. a. As we said before, Roman records would be kept of citizenship, primarily in the cities or provincial capitals of your birthplace. b. No doubt Felix desires to make certain that Paul was indeed a Roman citizen. iv. Having heard that Paul is within his province he assures him that he will hear his case after his accusers arrive. v. In the meantime, Paul is to be held, again – in protective custody, in Felix's own home. A sprawling estate called Herod's Praetorium. vi. He is still a prisoner of Rome, so he is kept in the Praetorium, but he is probably afforded many liberties, including having his traveling companions either stay there with him or able to visit often. vii. This is why as we go forward into chapter 24, the pronoun “we” will begin to be in use again. Informing us subtly that Luke has joined the apostle. g. [Slide 12] Summary of the Point: In the last point we saw that God allows men to make evil plans. But in this point we see that God not only allows men to plan their wicked deeds… He even orchestrates and uses these wicked deeds to get His apostle one step closer to Rome. In this we see Proverbs 16:9 come screaming through. Men make their plans but the Lord guides their steps. These wicked Jews inadvertently forced the Roman commander to move Paul out of Jerusalem where he would eventually be moved to Rome, as the Lord Jesus said he would. By their wicked scheme, the Lord ushered His apostle to where He wanted him to go. In this the application is the same. We must trust the Lord. The role of many prophets in the Old Testament was to call the current Israelites to remember what God had done for them in the past so they could trust Him for their future. Occasionally our Lord recalls to us things we have experienced in our lives and traces His fingerprints on those events to show us how He has guided us to the exact spot we are in. Can I submit to you that in those cases, God provides merely an example of what He ALWAYS DOES! Meaning that even when we cannot see His hand guiding the events of our life to His design for us – that doesn't make it any less true. Thus we must trust the Lord! For all our ways are known to Him for He has planned them from before the foundation of the world. Conclusion: So, CBC, what have we learned today and how then shall we live? What are some basic applications for faith and practice we get from this text? Basics of Faith and Practice: [Slide 13] Once again, we are confronted with the paradoxical truths that mankind operates with free agency and responsibility for his actions, but God is in absolute and sovereign control over all things in His creation, including the decisions and choices of men. While we may be tempted to steal from one of these truths to help the other, this truth has long been summarized in Proverbs 16:9 and is on display in our text this morning. Man makes his plans but the Lord guides His steps. Mankind has free agency and responsibility to choose his path according to what has been revealed to him. But as the saying goes, you don't know what you don't know. God's eternal decreed will is hidden and therefore, He who has ordained every day has also orchestrated every event to accomplish the counsel of His will. In the text today we see God allow and orchestrate the wicked schemes of men to move His apostle toward Rome. So what is our response? What is our responsibility and our agency? It is to trust the Lord, that He is good, and that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. What are some specific expressions of these rules for faith and practice? 1.) [Slide 14] 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 God orchestrates even wicked schemes and political power grabs to accomplish His perfect will. a. Again, I'll try not to spend too much time on this, since this seems to be a point that Luke will beat into our heads for the remainder of the book of Acts. b. But still, it is worth noting, that not only sins of passion but even premeditated sins, sown in secret, to do terrible things, are orchestrated by God to accomplish His purposes. c. Even self-serving political opportunists, like Claudius Lysias who clearly just wants to climb the ladder of power, even this is orchestrated by the Lord to accomplish His will. d. Everything in this text serves to get Paul to Rome safely. Even the selfishness of Lysias and even the bloodthirstiness of the Jews. e. If God can work even these things to accomplish His will, do you think He can't do the same in your life? f. Have you ever had 40 men devise a plot to kill you? Have you ever had political opportunists use you as a bargaining chip for personal profit? Ok… don't answer that.

Title: Have Courage Text: Acts 22:30-23:11 FCF: We often struggle having the courage to share our faith when we face uncertain days. Prop: Because God's unfailing providential plan includes all events, we must courageously proclaim the gospel. Scripture Intro: NET [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 22. In a moment we'll begin reading in verse 30 and on to verse 11 of chapter 23 from the New English Translation. You can follow along in the pew bible or whatever version you prefer. Last week we saw Paul reviled by the sinful Jews and treated with respect by the pagan Romans. In these events we see God's providential hand accomplish His purposes. Even orchestrating the choices of men to compose His perfect story. Today the narrative will advance again in a new Episode. Paul will be granted a hearing before the spiritual leaders of Israel. But in a rare occurrence we will see the righteous character of Paul falter as he faces frustration at the ongoing spiritual rot of the Jews. We will also see the wisdom of Paul to lay a firm foundation for his defense in every trial he will face in the rest of the book. Please stand with me to give honor to and focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Sovereign Lord, You are master of all things. You have decreed the end from the beginning and all things work to accomplish Your will and Your purposes. Indeed, there is nothing too small or too big that You have not already woven together and written for Your ends. In this grand story the gospel shines bright as the center of it all. And as one of Your servants once said, “The whole gospel is contained in Christ.” At the center of Your already written story, is Your Son. We pray that You would make much of this gospel to us today. That Your Spirit would enable us to see it clearly and preach it courageously. We pray this in Jesus' name… Amen. Transition: Let's get right to the text this morning. I.) God's providential plan includes unjust rulers; we must courageously proclaim gospel. (22:30-23:5) a. [Slide 2] 22:30 The next day, because the commanding officer wanted to know the true reason Paul was being accused by the Jews, he released him and ordered the chief priests and the whole council to assemble. He then brought Paul down and had him stand before them. i. So, we see the predicament that the commander is in. ii. He tried questioning the crowd and got nothing. iii. He tried beating it out of Paul and to his horror, discovered that he had bound a Roman citizen. iv. While it makes sense that perhaps he should just ask Paul what the issue is, for whatever reason, he doesn't. v. Perhaps there is an assumption that Paul will not willingly incriminate himself? Perhaps he has tried to question Paul and he has kept silent. vi. What is clear is since Paul is a Roman citizen, this is now a Roman matter. But in order for the commander to send the matter to be judged in a Roman court, he must have a definitive charge from the Jews against Paul. vii. So, he releases Paul and arranges an audience for him with the Sanhedrin and the chief priests. viii. Hopefully the Sanhedrin will either dismiss their case against him or agree on formal charges. b. [Slide 3] 23:1 Paul looked directly at the council and said, “Brothers, I have lived my life with a clear conscience before God to this day.” i. If we would compare Stephen's defense before this same council and Paul's defense before the Jewish mob in chapter 22, we'd see a remarkably similar style. ii. Essentially the defense in each case begins with a look to the past to establish the innocence of the person in the present. iii. They are saying that it is not odd what I am doing, in fact there is a precedent for my actions. iv. This is clearly where Paul is going. He will probably move to remind this council of his zealousness in the pursuit of God and the law. v. His clarity of thought and determination of spirit. vi. In fact, he is probably going to show them that the only thing that deterred, interrupted, and circumvented him not being the exact same person he has always been was the experience he had on the Damasus road with Jesus of Nazareth speaking from heaven. vii. What begins with great promise is met with a strong and violent resistance. c. [Slide 4] 23:2 At that the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. i. There are some things we need to understand about the office of the High Priest in the first century and how that compared to the office in the Old Testament. 1. In the Old Testament, God chose to have the High Priest come from the line of Aaron exclusively. 2. As time went forward, Zadok, one of Aaron's ancestors, because of his unwavering loyalty to God and David and Solomon, became the chosen line from which the High Priest would come from that time forward. 3. In the Old Testament a high priest would serve for the duration of his life and then another would be appointed. 4. But during the 400-year silence where God did not give any Word to Israel, a group called the Maccabees began to normalize the granting of the role High Priest to… well… anyone. 5. As the Romans took over, they began appointing and removing Jewish High Priests to accomplish certain political objectives in the region. 6. Ananias was appointed High priest by King Herod Chalcis, the brother of Herod Agrippa the First. He appointed Ananias High priest around AD 47 and then died shortly thereafter. 7. Josephus, the Jewish historian records that Ananias was harsh, cruel, and greedy. 8. Indeed, in AD 52, right before Paul came back to Jerusalem between his 2nd and 3rd missionary journeys, the governor of Syria sent Ananias to Rome on charges of excessive violence toward the Samaritans. 9. Due to the influence of King Herod Agrippa II, Ananias was acquitted of these charges and returned to his office in Jerusalem. 10. It was no doubt because Ananias was a much better politician than he was a High Priest that he managed to keep his office for as long as he did. ii. Thus, when Paul is ordered to be struck here, we do not see this order coming from a holy and just man called by God to be His High Priest of Israel. iii. Instead, we see this come from a man who has a history of cruelty and violence. iv. A man put in his position by the wickedness and greed of men. v. And he orders Paul to be struck because he has already determined that what Paul is saying is a lie. d. [Slide 5] 23:3 Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit there judging me according to the law, and in violation of the law you order me to be struck?” i. Paul reacts to being physically assaulted as you and I might react. ii. He gives a prophesy and it does come true. Ananias will be hunted down and murdered in his burning home by zealots at the beginning of the revolt in AD 66. iii. However, this prophesy doesn't seem to be spoken with a godly purpose. iv. In fact, it almost seems like a curse in God's name uttered in retaliation for a personal. v. And then he calls Ananias a whitewashed wall. vi. A wall pretending to be strong and fortified but only seems that way because the white wash hides the imperfections. vii. In other words, Paul calls him a hypocrite. viii. Why? ix. Paul calls Ananias a hypocrite because he is presiding over a trial to determine if Paul violated the law but in doing so Ananias violates the law by striking an accused person. x. The Paul we've seen throughout the entire book of Acts has never reacted this way to being persecuted or mistreated. xi. The most he has ever done was to refute false teaching and even demand justice from people who did not treat him as a Roman citizen. xii. And it is here we see the contrast. When Paul announces that he is a Roman citizen, the Roman commander, the Roman centurion, indeed every guard steps back in fear and seeks to treat him with the respect that he deserves and give him the legal rights he deserved as a Roman. xiii. But the High Priest, presiding over the Jewish ruling council called the Sanhedrin, cannot even afford a fellow Jew the rights guaranteed to a Jew. xiv. In a sense, the Romans were better at being Roman than the Jews were at being Jewish. xv. Why does Paul react so strongly? xvi. I think he is supremely disappointed and frustrated at the absolute corruption of the Jewish Spiritual Leadership. And he is fed up with it. And he lashes out. xvii. Counter to many scholars attempt to defend him, I do think Paul reacts in the flesh here. He is not like Jesus who did ask why he was struck but did not insult or curse those who struck him. xviii. Paul doesn't even act as he advises the Corinthians in chapter 4 of 1 Corinthians when he says that when we are cursed, we bless. xix. Paul succumbs to his flesh here out of frustration. Why? Because even the High Priest of Israel is wicked. e. [Slide 6] 23:4 Those standing near him said, “Do you dare insult God's high priest?” i. Here we see the reaction of those near him in this court room. ii. They are aghast that Paul would have the gall to insult the High Priest. iii. Was what Paul said not true? iv. Just because something is true of someone doesn't mean it is any less of an insult to say it to them, in public or in private. v. Also to pronounce judgment on a judge at your own hearing could be seen as an insult. An insult borne of not knowing your place or respecting the authority over you. vi. Paul's response to these men is somewhat of an enigma to us, so let's get to it. f. [Slide 7] 23:5 Paul replied, “I did not realize, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You must not speak evil about a ruler of your people.' ” i. There are two basic points that Paul makes in his response to their protest. ii. First, he did not recognize the High Priest iii. Second, he quotes Exodus 22:28, which is listed in an assortment of miscellaneous laws with little connection between them. iv. So, the primary question of interpretation here is… is it really possible that Paul did NOT know that the person who ordered him to be struck was the High Priest? Wouldn't the High Priest be wearing different robes? Shouldn't Paul know who the High Priest is? Doesn't the fact that the man gave an order and it was followed seem to indicate that he was the High Priest? There are 4 basic views. I'll cover them more fully on Thursday Night. 1. Some scholars point to Paul's eyes as a continued issue. Paul did not recognize the High Priest because he could not see him. 2. Some scholars suggest that this was not a formal meeting of the Sanhedrin and because of this the High Priest was not wearing his robes. 3. Some scholars suggest that Paul simply did not know that Ananias was the High Priest. 4. Finally, other scholars suggest that Paul is being ironic with his statement. Meaning that Paul is saying he didn't know it was the High Priest because High Priest's don't act this way. v. Although each option has their strengths, each option has some significant weaknesses as well. vi. If I was forced to pick one, I'd lean more toward the ironic option. vii. But, in the end it seems best to leave this unanswered. viii. What we do know for sure is that Paul proves that he does know the law and is not intentionally violating it. He desires instead to please God as he tried to say before he got punched in the mouth. g. [Slide 8] Summary of the Point: Although we know that God's plan is for Paul to go to Rome to preach the gospel, in the apostle's mind, this is still not certain. Remember what he told the disciples of Christ before coming to Jerusalem. That if God wanted him to, he is prepared to die for Jesus' name. Paul has no idea how this is going to end. And in the midst of that, he is put in a situation where those who are the religious leaders of Israel, who know the scriptures and have studied them thoroughly, are now in a position to hear the gospel from the lips of one who was formerly among them. All of that comes crashing down when after uttering his first sentence in this hallowed hall, Paul was struck in the mouth. Where should he seek justice when the religious leaders of Israel are unjust? Where should his hope be when his own kinsmen will treat him with less respect than pagans? Paul, in a rare moment of weakness, reacts in anger and frustration over unjust rulers allowed to treat him this way. He has forgotten how the providential hand of God includes unjust rulers. God uses, and orchestrates unjust rulers to accomplish His purposes. Paul corrects himself for his momentary lapse in character but he needs to get back to the reason he is there. He must courageously proclaim the gospel of Christ. Even in these hollow halls of whitewashed walls – he must proclaim the gospel to them. Should we ever be in a similar position, may we remember our primary objective. To give a defense for the hope we have in us. [Slide 9 (blank)] Transition: But one thing he most assuredly realizes because of this interaction, is that he will NOT get a fair trial by this court. And that is why he changes his tactics in the next scene. II.) God's providential plan includes theological opposition; we must courageously proclaim gospel. (6-10) a. [Slide 10] 6 Then when Paul noticed that part of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, he shouted out in the council, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. I am on trial concerning the hope of the resurrection of the dead!” 7 When he said this, an argument began between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8 (For the Sadducees say there is no resurrection, or angel, or spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.) i. Using a rather well-known tactic for defense, Paul decides to sow a little chaos by dividing the council. ii. Paul looks up and notices that the council has both the Pharisee party and the Sadducee party represented among them. iii. We've talked about their primary differences several times before but Luke takes the time to show Theophilius the exact reason that Paul's comments would have elicited such a reaction. iv. The Sadducees only believed that the Pentateuch (The first five books of the bible) was the authoritative Word of God. They denied that there was ever a resurrection of the dead or that after death a person would become an angel or a spirit of some kind. They insisted upon annihilation. v. But the Pharisees affirmed the whole Old Testament as God's Word, they believed in miracles, in angels and spirits, and in the resurrection of the dead. vi. The divide between them was so sharp that it led to many disputes, some of which are recorded in the gospel accounts. vii. So, Paul starts a fight. viii. But we have to ask the question here… Is Paul lying? ix. He shouts that the reason he is on trial is because he is a Pharisee and that he believes in the hope of the resurrection. x. But… that isn't true. Is it? xi. In fact, it is abundantly true. xii. Paul pivots the entire trial to the REAL reason that he is there. He remembers that although he won't get a just and fair trail, that isn't why he is there in the first place. xiii. Although the Jews from Asia accused him of speaking against the law, the people, and the temple, the real reason he is there is because his opponents hate the gospel of Jesus Christ. Something he now has a unique opportunity to proclaim. xiv. So, Paul has three objectives in claiming to be a Pharisee and stating he is on trial because he believes in the resurrection of the dead. 1. His first objective is to gain allies. a. Paul claims to be of the Pharisee party. b. The New Testament scriptures never record for us anywhere that a Sadducee ever came to Christ in conversion. c. In Acts 15 we see that there was an entire group within the church who were comprised of former Pharisees. d. That doesn't necessarily mean that no Sadducee converted. e. But Christianity is MUCH MORE compatible with the Pharisee's perspective on doctrine. f. To the extent that the teachings of Christ's death, burial, resurrection, ascension and future return are not at all compatible with the Sadducee party's doctrine. g. In order to confess Christ, a Sadducee would first need to reject their beliefs. h. So, in some ways, Paul is a Pharisee. i. So, the council is immediately not united against him any longer. 2. His second objective is to end the trial. a. The High Priest has made it clear that this trial is not going to be about establishing clear accusations against Paul. b. It will instead be designed to destroy Paul any way they can. c. If Paul is interrupted by being struck every time he says something the High Priest disagrees with, this will be a long and painful trial. d. So, Paul needs this trial to end. Now. e. The quickest way to do that is to throw a theological grenade in the middle and let them clamor over it. f. Since he is still a prisoner of Rome, he knows this will stop the trial. 3. His third objective is to make the gospel the center of every future Roman trial. a. Paul wisely pivots the entire dispute to be about the main issue. b. The gospel of Jesus Christ. c. This assures him that not only will he go before Roman judges over a purely religious issue and not a legal one… which means barring any injustice in the law, he will be released. d. But also, it means he will have legal right to proclaim the gospel to every Roman judge he encounters since it will include discussion about the resurrection of the dead. xv. So, Paul is not lying about what the trial is about. Because it is most certainly about the resurrection of the dead, meaning Christ crucified, risen, and coming again to reclaim His people. xvi. His statement here is a brilliant way to make the gospel the center of the trials that are to come. b. [Slide 11] 9 There was a great commotion, and some experts in the law from the party of the Pharisees stood up and protested strongly, “We find nothing wrong with this man. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” i. Paul's gambit pays off. There was a great commotion and he actually gains unlikely allies. ii. The Pharisees and their experts in the law say they find nothing wrong with Paul. iii. Then they suggest that it is entirely possible that an angel or spirit spoke to Paul. iv. This suggests to us that members of the Sanhedrin were present during Paul's first defense to the Jewish mob. v. The Pharisees are willing to entertain the possibility that Paul was met on the road to Damascus by something… not the risen Messiah, not Jesus the second person of the godhead, but perhaps an angel or a spirit. vi. In this way they simultaneously advocate for their theological position while also not believing the Jesus heresy. As a byproduct of this, they exonerate Paul. vii. This, however, doesn't quite settle the matter… c. [Slide 12] 10 When the argument became so great the commanding officer feared that they would tear Paul to pieces, he ordered the detachment to go down, take him away from them by force, and bring him into the barracks. i. The Pharisees would not have the majority view on the Sanhedrin. ii. If they did, the trial would have been over and Paul would have been released. iii. Instead, the Sadducees who held a clear majority continued to argue over the theological matter in question. iv. The Roman commander put Paul before the Sanhedrin hoping they would be able to dismiss or clarify the matter. v. But their fighting over doctrine has led the Romans to conclude that the issue with Paul has nothing to do with legal matters and everything to do with theological ones. Which is true. vi. But as they fight over these issues, it is incumbent upon the Roman Commander to protect his prisoner. vii. So, having received the reason for their treatment of Paul, he brings him back to the barracks and will begin the process of arranging for his next trial. d. [Slide 13] Summary of the Point: In this scene we see how God not only uses unjust rulers to accomplish His will, but He also uses theological disputes to accomplish His will too. God uses this dispute between the Sadducees and the Pharisees to ensure that Paul goes before Roman judges on trial for something they cannot find him guilty for, and in which he can proclaim the gospel as his defense. And that is exactly why Paul comes back to the reason he is there and brings the issue to the surface. He isn't there to dispute these doctrinal issues – but he is there to make this all about the gospel of Jesus Christ. We too should look for ways to turn, even difficult situations to a proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Transition: [Slide 14(blank)] God uses so many things to accomplish His will that we should trust Him without question. But He knows we are weak. And oftentimes, He aids us by supplying clear promises of purpose and plan. In this final scene of this episode, we'll see Christ do just that for Paul. III.) God's providential plan will not be undone, we must courageously proclaim gospel. (11) a. [Slide 15] 11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Have courage, i. After all of the dust settles and Paul spends another night in the barracks, the Lord Jesus comes to Paul again. ii. Jesus stands next to him and tells him… commands him… to have courage. iii. We've seen Paul courageously get up after being stoned and go right back into the city. iv. We've seen Paul courageously face down several Jewish mobs and imprisonments. v. We've seen him courageously go to Jerusalem knowing that he would be imprisoned and suffer for Jesus. vi. He even said that if it was the Lord's will for him, he was not afraid to die for Jesus' name. vii. But today, Paul proved that he was afraid of something. viii. Paul was afraid of his life ending before he completed his race. ix. In 2 Timothy, when Paul faced his second imprisonment by the Romans in Rome. And he was soon to go before Nero and be judged. Almost certainly facing death – he wrote to Timothy and assured him that he was ready to die because he had fought the good and worthy and noble fight, and that the has finished the race and kept the faith. x. But that was after he had completed what Jesus said he would. xi. Today - Paul is afraid. He is afraid that he will stumble before the end. That his life will not accomplish what God has planned for it to. xii. On this night, Jesus stands next to him and provides to him what he needs. xiii. First… a command. xiv. Be courageous. Don't be afraid. xv. Why? b. [Slide 16] for just as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” i. I haven't forgotten my plan for you. ii. You have borne witness to me in this city. iii. You have testified before men what I have said. iv. You have preached the gospel. v. You have kept the faith and fought the good fight. vi. Don't be afraid… because you must go to Rome. vii. Why? viii. So, you can do the same thing there. ix. Do not be afraid. Be courageous Paul. x. My will will be done. c. [Slide 17] Summary of the Point: God uses various means to accomplish His will. Many of them surprise us because they include evil and unjust people doing evil and unjust things which eventually lead right back to what God wants to happen. But the long and the short of it is that God's providential plan will come about. It will not be broken. It cannot be undone. Jesus assures Paul – You must testify about me in Rome. Not you might. Not you could. You WILL! Everything that happens is a means God has used to accomplish His purposes. So, what is the only response? Courageously proclaim the gospel. Paul you are going to do it… so go and do it courageously. We too should go and courageously proclaim the gospel because our Lord has assured us that the Kingdom is coming and that He is returning. Conclusion: So, what have we learned today CBC and how then shall we live? What are some basic principles we can take away informing our faith and commanding our practice? Basics of Faith and Practice: [Slide 18] Luke continues to develop the theme of God's providence working in various ways to accomplish His will for His church. This last act of the narrative has focused on Paul's going to Jerusalem and then on to Rome. The connective tissue of all this is in verse 11 when Jesus tells Paul overtly to have courage because just as he has proclaimed the gospel in Jerusalem, he must and will do the same in Rome. This becomes our primary lesson of practice. We must courageously continue to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ no matter where we are in life. But all of this is predicated on the fact that God providentially leads all things to accomplish His will. Luke has demonstrated in this episode specifically that God's appointment of unjust rulers and even theological opposition are all orchestrated and used of God to accomplish His purpose. Indeed, part of Jesus' words in verse 11 to Paul are to guarantee him that he will preach the gospel in Rome. Essentially Jesus sums all this up by telling Paul that the providential plan of God cannot be undone and that all things work to accomplish His purpose. And that purpose for Paul is for him to preach the gospel in Rome. Once again, Luke forces us to see an abundantly practical side to the absolute sovereignty of God. But let me try to help you see those practical things. 1.) [Slide 19] 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 God even uses Opposition and Injustice to accomplish His will. a. In this text we clearly see God use unjust rulers and theological opposition to accomplish the purpose of Paul going to Rome with the gospel. b. The amazing part is that Paul is still two and a half years away from setting foot in Rome. c. Isn't that wild? d. Paul has really just begun this journey to Rome. But Jesus assures him, that he will go and proclaim the gospel. e. We won't linger long on this this morning, but we must again recognize that God's decreed and perfect will cannot be thwarted by anything men do. f. In fact, all things work together to accomplish that good and perfect will. From the insignificant all the way to wickedness and everything in between. g. There is not one rogue molecule in God's creation. There is not anything that God has left to chance or to a free choice of even one member of His created order. h. Isaiah 46:10 teaches us that God has decreed, published, declared or proclaimed the end from the beginning. This is a cohesive novel that God has already written. We are characters in this play. i. Though we experience the play in real time and have the very real perception of freedom of choice and agency, so much so that God holds us accountable for what we choose to do – at the same time, nothing happens that God has not already determined. j. Even God's opponents are Opponents He owns and has designed to accomplish His will. k. We must confess this – otherwise we have a very puny god indeed. l. We must also… 2.) [Slide 20] 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 God's Sovereignty is the necessary backdrop for proclaiming the gospel courageously. a. If God has left even one man, truly free, and able to freely choose to do things that He did not plan, then we as believers must live in fear of that one person no matter who they are, because at any moment the plan of God could be toppled by their freedom to do what God has not willed them to do. b. Jesus has no right to declare to Paul that he should have courage. Because that one person could prevent Paul from preaching the gospel to Rome. c. But skeptics of the teaching of God's absolute sovereignty do not settle for merely one man but that all men have absolute freedom to make their choices. d. Is Jesus saying have courage Paul because no matter what happens I'll make sure you get there? Or is Jesus telling him to have courage because He has willed him to be there? e. Indeed, looking at all that will happen to Paul over the next two and half years – if we take the first option we are left with a god that is quite puny indeed. He is able to run faster, hit harder, know more, and generally do more – but ultimately, he is little more than a demigod that just slightly better than humans at making sure he gets his way. f. But if we take the second option that Jesus has willed Paul to go to Rome, when we look at the next two and a half years we see that Romans 8:28 and Isaiah 46:10 assure us that Paul experienced all that he did as the plan which God had written for him from before the foundation of the world. g. Indeed, it is only the second option that leads us to any courage to continue our mission. h. If God wills it… then none can oppose it… and if none can oppose it…then how can I fear? 3.) [Slide 21] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that the primary mission of God's people is correcting social ills or theological opposition. a. This application is borne out of Paul's fleshly response and affects many Christians today as we seek to right the social wrongs or theological quagmires of our day. b. Paul was frustrated by the Spiritual leaders of Isarel being experts in the law and occupying such titles as High Priest, being so absolutely devoid of justice and mercy and goodness. c. Indeed, for a moment he cursed them for being hypocrites and demanded justice rather than injustice. d. After an apology, or at least a recognition of the law of God against cursing rulers – Paul refocuses on his primary mission. e. He starts a religious fight. Not to prove out the truth… but to get to the heart of the gospel and make sure it is the primary talking point in every trial that follows. f. Paul gets back on mission. g. And Christian we must get back on mission too. h. We do not exist in the United States of America to right all the country's problems. We don't need to know the scriptures only so we can cast down all the false teachings out there. i. My friends our primary mission is to make disciples – baptizing them and teaching them to follow Christ. j. We can be politically active, we can mourn injustice, we can defend the gospel against error – but these must play second fiddle to our primary mission. k. Which is what? 4.) [Slide 22] 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 must courageously proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, in season or out of season. a. In times when things are going good for us and in times when the world seems to be crashing down around us – the primary mission of God's people is the same. b. Make disciples. Proclaim the gospel c. Paul told Timothy later to preach the word in season or out of season. d. To be ready to proclaim the truth whether it was convenient or not. e. As far as opportunities to preach the gospel go, standing before a bunch of judges, Jewish and Roman, who could have you killed, doesn't seem to be like the ideal place to preach the gospel of Christ. f. I think we all could think of much less hostile environments to proclaim the gospel. g. But this is Paul's mission. And it is our mission. h. Most of the time our opportunities to proclaim the gospel risk very VERY little. Especially compared to Paul. i. But we have to ask ourselves – If I can't share the gospel when all I'd face is rejection… how can I ever hope to proclaim the gospel when I face death and torture? j. We must be bold in our witness. k. But not just with our words… With our actions too. 5.) [Slide 23] 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 allow uncertainty or irritation to compromise our character or witness. a. We understand Paul's plight. b. Until Jesus tells him in verse 11, he doesn't know what is going to happen in Jerusalem. He doesn't know what the outcome will be. c. But the moment he is put in the hands of the Sanhedrin, he is guaranteed that they will not let him go without snuffing him out. d. We too can become irritated and frustrated when we are uncertain about what is to come. e. We become worriers and can even get impatient and downright rude when we are in a position of uncertainty. f. And when we look to people who claim to be spiritually minded, and their advice or actions prove ungodly… we can get pretty cranky then too. g. What we must realize is that our knowing what is going to happen or the spiritual strength of others cannot be the basis for our holy living. h. The bedrock of faith and practice is Jesus Christ. To know Him in His death and resurrection is the core of being who He has called us to be. i. When we start depending on what we know will happen or on the spiritual strength of others… that's when failure is sure to follow. j. Paul failed in this text. He was not thrilled about being struck in the mouth and essentially called a liar. He was not happy that the supposedly spiritual people of Israel were still failing so badly. k. And for a moment he let it get to him. l. We must trust the Lord. We must be courageous and trust that He is our only hope. He is what gives us life abundant. m. Only then will we maintain holy lives when faced with uncertainty or the failure of others to do justly. 6.) [Slide 24] Evangelism: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored” The gospel of Jesus Christ centers on the resurrection of the dead. a. The resurrection of the dead is the keystone in the concept of the gospel. b. Not just because Jesus rose from the dead, but because all who are in Christ will rise with Him. c. Sin and Death are the problem. d. Although there are many ills we face in society, in our lives personally, and bodily ailments – the greatest plight mankind faces is that we are born in sin and under the wrath of God as children of Satan. e. Satan being condemned as a vile sinner himself, and Satan earning eternal death for himself one day, he wields sin and death as a kamikaze pilot wields his plane. He too will be destroyed by these things. f. And he has succeeded in plunging all of mankind to share his fate. g. That is why we are born his children. Adam has joined him and in Adam we too have joined him. h. The effect of death is its finality. Which wouldn't be so terrible if it were not for sin. Sin is called the STING of death. Why? i. Because all who die… in sin… remain in sin. j. Sin separates us from God. Not in the sense that God can't be in the presence of it but in the sense that God is holy and anything unholy cannot abide His presence. k. And God's wrath is revealed against ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS. l. Meaning what? m. Everything unholy will have God's wrath eternally revealed upon it. n. But what if sin could be killed? What if death was not final? o. Do you see what Jesus has done? By His death He has took away the sting of death which is sin. He became sin so that we might become the righteousness of God. p. By His resurrection he took away the finality of death being the first fruits of many brothers. q. The keystone of the gospel is the resurrection of the dead. Because in His death and resurrection Christ has defeated both sin and death for His people. And who are His people? Those who endure in turning from their sin and believing on Him. r. Do you want the sting of death removed from you? Do you want to live again? Not in an eternity called a second death… but in something called eternal… LIFE? s. If that is what you desire… don't leave this place this morning without talking to an Elder. We'd love to share with you more about what Jesus has done. [Slide 25 (end)] Let me close with a prayer by the Puritan Jeremiah Burroughs Lord, you have given me a portion in the world. You have given me credit and a reputation among others. But what is all this to me, if I am without Christ? If I do not have the one who gives grace to my soul, the one who is my all in all? Lord, you have taught me this day that the distance between you and me is so great that without a mediator, I perish forever. So whatever else you deny me, give me Jesus. It is in His name I pray this… Amen. Benediction: May the God who works wonders, Who has made His strength known among His people, And by His power redeemed them, May He be your joy and may He delight in you always Until we met again, go in peace.

Title: Your Will Be Done Text: Acts 22:22-29 FCF: We often struggle trusting God when we are in difficult situations Prop: Because God providentially works to accomplish His purposes through man's choices, we must trust the Lord. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 22. In a moment we will read from the LSB starting in verse 22. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Since Acts chapter 19 we have been in the final Act of the unfolding narrative of the book of Acts. In his part 2 of this gospel sent to Theophilus, which is designed to assure him of the truth of what he has believed, Luke is demonstrating the continuing saving power of Jesus. The Kingdom of God continues to invade the world through the power of the comforter, the third person of the Godhead the Holy Spirit. This last act began when Paul turned his attention toward going to Jerusalem. God has called him to go there and to suffer in chains. Paul goes willingly even against the advice of others who warn him. He knows the warnings but also knows that God has willed that He go to Jerusalem. This final act is the great culmination of the Lord Jesus' command to His apostles to take the gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth. And while it is true that the gospel has gone to Rome already… Paul will take it directly to the Emperor's throne. But before he does… he must go through many twists and turns along the way. If you have grown tired of hearing about God's providence and sovereign hand in the book of Acts… the last few chapters are gonna be a bit of a slog for you. Because God's providence will be laced to many of the episodes left in this book as we hasten toward the end. Stand again with me to give honor to and focus on the reading of God's Word. Invocation: Sovereign Lord, You are in absolute control over all that happens. But we also are responsible to act according to Your revealed will and live in this world making wise decisions based on information and resources that You have given us. Help us Lord neither to forget or disbelieve that nothing is outside Your control nor allow us to abdicate the agency we possess to do justly and live wisely. Help us Lord in this text to strike the balance of these two paradoxical teachings so that we may be both in the world but not citizens of it. Bless us with understanding from the Spirit we pray in Jesus' name… Amen. Transition: Let's once again hop right into this new episode of the ongoing adventure of Paul at the hands of the Jews and the Romans. I.) God providentially works to accomplish His purposes through man's sin, so we must trust the Lord. (22-24) a. [Slide 2] 22 - And they were listening to him up to this statement, and then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he should not be allowed to live!” 23 - And as they were crying out and throwing off their garments and tossing dust into the air, i. The following episode is broken up into two scenes. ii. The second scene occurs in the barracks of the Anatolian fortress. iii. The first scene occurs as an interruption to Paul's defense of himself before the mob in Jerusalem. iv. These two scenes compose our two primary points in the sermon. v. In this first scene we see the rather disheartening and disappointing story of how the mob in Jerusalem was listening quite closely to the testimony of Paul. vi. How is that disheartening and disappointing? vii. Partly because the gospel is preached clearly and effectively. 1. Jesus is presented, on full display, as having the same essence and status as God the Father. Jesus is Yahweh. 2. Jesus is the LORD who is obviously not dead but has risen and furthermore is in heaven. 3. Jesus is the LORD whom Paul is persecuting by imprisoning and killing His People, which are people of The Way. 4. Jesus is the name on which Paul was to call for the forgiveness of his sins and to be baptized in the Spirit. 5. Jesus is the name in which Paul was to be baptized in water. 6. Jesus is the LORD who commands Paul's purpose and destiny to go far from Jerusalem. 7. Jesus is the LORD who sends him to the Gentiles. viii. But all of this is so good. And they were listening. When does it become disheartening? 1. When they stop listening. Indeed, they stop listening so aggressively that they interrupt his story. a. Paul is following a typical style of speech one would use to defend themselves in court. b. Scholars point out that the style is truncated and incomplete. c. This clues us in to the fact that Paul wasn't done. d. No doubt he intended to speak about the wonders he had beheld as God did miraculous things and led many pagans to confess this Jewish Messiah as LORD. e. No doubt Paul would have ended by telling them about Trophimus who was one of these and how he did not bring Trophimus into the temple. f. But Paul never got to that part of his defense. Why? Because they interrupted him. g. Why? 2. They interrupt him in anger because of their national pride and racist bigotry against the Gentiles. a. It was the mention of Paul being commissioned by Jesus, the Jewish Messiah, to go and take something Jewish to the pagans… which provoked the crowd to lose their marbles. b. What do I mean by that statement? c. Well first they demand Paul's death. i. Because Paul has the audacity to suggest that the Jewish Messiah, the Son of David, the Son of Man, the Son of God, would command him to take the message of hope to the Gentiles – they determined he was unworthy to live. ii. How did they get there? iii. Think of the illustration Jesus uses in Matthew chapter 7 during his sermon on the mount. iv. He says do not give what is holy to dogs and do not scatter pearls before swine. v. Contextually Jesus is talking about correcting ungodly behavior in others. vi. As He completes that teaching he gives this illustration. vii. In the context then this communicates the idea that just as dogs will not make any distinction between temple food that has been sanctified for worship purposes and other forms of food and just as pigs won't differentiate between pearls under their feet verses anything else – so also a man who never desires to be corrected and is convinced he is never wrong should eventually be left alone in his error. viii. We know the Jews generally felt this way toward gentiles. Ther are even biblical references to pagans around them being viewed as… dogs and swine. ix. In other words, if the gospel was so great, and it had a Jewish origin, a Jewish Messiah, and is offered to the Jews first – it would be absolutely unthinkable to offer it to dogs and pigs. x. But what is their mistake? You see it already, don't you? Their mistake is two-fold 1. God never indicated anything but the plan for all the nations to be His portion. a. For a time, Israel was His portion. b. But He makes it absolutely explicitly clear in the Old Testament, that God owns the whole earth and that He will one day reclaim the nations through His Messiah. 2. Secondly, they miss the concept of not being able to determine if someone is a dog or pig until you try to feed them something holy. a. This is the same context where Jesus invites people to knock to receive a good gift from God – much like holy food and pearls. b. This is in the same context where Jesus cautions that false teachers can be judged by their fruit since bad trees bear bad fruit. c. In other words, the entire context essentially says that you can't judge a person by anything but their reaction to holy things. Do they desire holy things or not? xi. They had mistakenly assigned the status of “unworthy of holy things” to people whom God has always said He was going to reclaim. xii. Therefore, in their eyes, Paul is guilty of blasphemy because he has offered the things of God to pagan people. xiii. And all this stems from the question – who are the people of God? xiv. Are they born into it… or are they born again into it? And Nicodemus' interaction with Jesus clearly tells us the answer. xv. Even Nicodemus, a teacher of the law, a member of the Sanhedrin – must be born again. xvi. There are only two families and they are not Jew and Gentile. They are children of the Serpent and children of the Seed of the woman. xvii. Which means you are either born once and die twice or you are born twice and die once. ix. These first century Jews heard the majesty of the gospel. But what prevented them from hearing more? What prevented them from believing? Ultimately – it was their love for their sin. x. Indeed, they loved their national pride and their racist bigotry SO MUCH… that they started tearing off their clothes and kicking up dust. They throw a religious tantrum. They are demanding Paul to be killed. xi. Men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil. xii. This Jewish mob is the same as every other person who has been given the gospel and has not turned from sin. They actively choose their sin over salvation. Because you can't have both. b. [Slide 3] 24 - the commander ordered him to be brought into the barracks, stating that he should be examined by flogging so that he might find out the reason why they were shouting against him that way. i. Here we see the Roman commander being utterly in the dark as to what is going on here. ii. Why is that the case? iii. There are two potential reasons. 1. First, Paul spoke in Aramaic. a. The likelihood that the Roman Commander spoke Aramaic is very small. b. And when the people violently yell against Paul, they probably did so in Greek. c. So, the commander hears Paul speak and suddenly the crowd turns on him. 2. Second, the layers and flavors of all of this are abundantly Jewish. a. Even if he did understand some of it, there is so much pent-up national pride and bigotry here that it would be difficult for someone outside the culture to see it. b. All he knows is that they were listening intently one moment and then just suddenly snapped and demanded his death. iv. Now, since the commander has already tried to get answers from the crowd and come up with pretty much nothing, he intends to flog Paul until Paul confesses what he has done to provoke them to this point. v. Roman commanders were given liberty to beat confessions or statements out of people, especially when all other non-violent forms of questioning had been exhausted. vi. And right here at the climax of the episode and at the end of scene one – let's take a commercial break and take a moment to digest what we've learned.

Title: Love and Honor Text: Acts 20:36-38 FCF: We often struggle having a good relationship between leaders and followers. Prop: Because the relationship of the Elders to the church must be one of love and honor, we must devote ourselves to love and honor one another. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 20. In a moment we'll read from the Legacy Standard Bible starting in verse 36. You can follow along in the pew bible or whatever version you prefer. Over the last couple of weeks, we have had longer sermons covering Paul's final exhortation to these Ephesian Elders. So, this week I am giving you a break and a chance to digest everything before we celebrate easter next week. This will certainly be a shorter sermon, but there are still many things we can glean from this text. Last week Paul concluded his thoughts toward the Elders of Ephesus. He serves as their template and commands them to shepherd the flock of God well. His last words express a great truth spoken by Jesus Himself, it is more blessed to give than to receive. They must be givers, spending themselves for the sake of the flock which God purchased with the blood of Christ. What follows is the response. What does Paul do after saying all these things, and what do the Elders do after hearing all these things? In this we see a pattern emerge. Just as Paul is a Pastor to these Pastors, so his example and their example serves as a pattern for our Elders and our church to follow. Let us stand to give honor to and to focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Most gracious Father, we thank You for sending Your Son, our Great Shepherd. He laid down His life for His sheep. He knows His sheep. His sheep hear His voice. He prayed… not for the world, but for all those lambs whom You gave to Him. He protected them. He Loved them. He made them vessels of honor. Now Father, Your Spirit has appointed undershepherds to continue shepherding while Christ is physically absent from us. We know that Jesus is always with us, but we also know that the Spirit is now our comforter and counselor and that He has equipped men called Elders to shepherd your precious lambs. May we be grown in this text to be a church who holds the right relationship between these Spiritually appointed men and those whom they have been given to shepherd. May we have a ministry where mutual love and honor is given to each other. Show us this in Your Word today we ask in Jesus' name… Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] Throughout all of God's creation, there are several examples of relationships He has made that are symbiotic. For instance, clownfish dwell inside sea anemones which protects them from predators while living there, the clown fish cleans the anemone of parasites. Remora fish attach themselves to sharks and whales eating scraps of food from when their host eats. In exchange they clean the shark or whale of parasites. Bees collect nectar from flowers pollenating and reproducing the plant in the process. These animals need each other to survive. The very first humans were created to be two halves of the image of God. It could be said that Husbands and Wives need one another in a symbiotic relationship of sorts. Today we will see that this entity God created called the church is also in a symbiotic relationship. The Elders and the church exist in a symbiotic relationship of mutual love and honor – because neither can exist without the other. At least not for long. Let's look at this relationship as it is displayed in the epilogue of this meeting between Paul and the Ephesian Elders. I.) The relationship of the Elders to the church must be one of love and honor, so Elders must pray for the church. (36) a. [Slide 3] 36 - And when he had said these things, i. Because we had to divide Paul's final exhortation message into two, it would behoove us to review even for a few minutes what Paul said. ii. The text this morning provides to us this opportunity, as it references that everything that follows is after he said what he said. iii. First Paul walked them through his own personal example among them. iv. How he was humble and gave of himself through many tears and trials to teach them all that God had revealed through Christ and calling all men to repentance and faith. v. In the same way they needed to be blameless and do the work of an Elder to share the gospel and teach thoroughly all that God had revealed. vi. Second, Paul charged them to dutifully and diligently shepherd the church. He told them to do this because the church has been given infinite value in the blood of Christ and because false teachers are coming who will destroy them. vii. And since they had received freely from God and from him, they must give of themselves freely, even to the point of supporting those who are destitute among them. Teaching them and encouraging them so they can be givers and not just takers. viii. Because as Jesus said, it is more blessed to give than to receive. ix. After Paul said all this… he continues to instruct them as to what kind of Elders they should be, but he does so by demonstration. b. [Slide 4] he knelt down and prayed with them all. i. The final component of what it means to be an Elder, is to be a man of prayer. ii. In a sign of humility, Paul kneels down and prays with them. iii. This probably means that Paul knelt first to pray and that they joined with him. iv. Luke does not give us the content of his prayer, but I don't think it is a stretch to assume that his prayer consisted of both praises to God and also deep and tearful pleas for God to preserve and protect the ministry in the church in Ephesus. v. That God would guide and lead the Elders and that He would prevent doctrinal error from destroying the unity and the effectiveness of the Ephesian church and the impact they would have on the rest of the province of Asia and beyond. vi. In this he demonstrates how leaders, who are truly caring for the body of Christ, are to be men who spend time in earnest prayer for God's people. vii. Truly, without God we are nothing. viii. Knowing that they are but undershepherds who do not have all the answers, who are not able to administer and guide of their own strength, being humble and meek, Elders must seek the Lord in all their duties. For it is only by His strength and will that anything accomplished will endure. c. [Slide 5] Summary of the Point: In this final epilogue, ending the 3rd missionary journey of Paul and closing out the mission to the city of Ephesus, we see Paul's relationship with the Elders through the lens of this final scene with them. After exhorting them and warning them of the challenges which they will face, Paul prays with and for them before he departs. This illustrates for us that the proper relationship between the Elders and the church is one of love and honor. One way that the Elders express love and honor to the church is to pray earnestly for the sake of the church. This shouldn't be surprising to us. In the book of Acts we saw already how the apostles created the office of Deacon in order to allow themselves the freedom to focus on prayer and the teaching of the Scriptures. Since the office of Overseer inherits several functions of the apostolic gift, we might expect the roles of an Elder to mimic that of an Apostle. And one of those roles on display is to pray for the church. So, we Elders must also pray earnestly for our people. In this we express love for them and honor to them as the flock which God purchased with the blood of His Son. Transition: [Slide 6(blank)] But since this relationship is one of mutual love and honor, what is the role of the church toward the Elders? II.) The relationship of an Elder to the church is one of love and honor, so the church must appreciate their Elders. (37-38) a. [Slide 7] 37 - And they began to weep aloud and falling on Paul's neck, they were kissing him, i. In the last two verses of chapter 20 we have the general response of the Elders to Paul's exhortation and closing prayer. ii. All of the Elders present began weeping aloud and falling on Paul's neck. iii. This is an idiomatic expression for hugging or embracing. iv. Why are they crying so much, hugging and kissing Paul? v. Some of why they were weeping no doubt had to do with the threat of false teaching that was coming to Ephesus. vi. Some of it was due to the great weight being placed on their shoulders to lead like Paul did. vii. Some of it was the revelation that some of them would become false teachers in the future. viii. But the primary reason for their tears is pointed out to us by Luke. b. [Slide 8] 38 - being in agony especially over the word which he had spoken, that they would not see his face again and they were accompanying him to the ship. i. They are weeping because of what Paul suggested to them that they would not see his face any longer. ii. Perhaps they thought this meant that Paul would die soon. I don't think Paul thought he was going to die, only that he would not enter into ministry with them again before he did. iii. They were hugging him, kissing him, and weeping in agony over this. iv. Just as Paul served as an example to these Elders on how to be Elders. So now, these Elders serve as an example to the church on how to love and honor their Elders. v. Therefore, this is the appropriate response of the congregation to an Elder who has served well and is retiring or is approaching death. vi. The congregation should know what a great gift godly leaders are to their assembly. vii. They should know this to the point of giving honor to those who serve well. Honor, respect, submission and love. viii. We see their love and honor of Paul expressed in their desire to see him to the ship and spend every last second they could with him. ix. Some scholars suggest that “accompanying him to the ship” is an idiom suggesting that these Elders put into practice what Paul had taught them and gave him many provisions for his trip to Jerusalem. x. What an amazing expression of gratefulness for his service to them as an apostle. c. [Slide 9] Summary of the Point: Once again we see that the relationship between the Elders and the church which is illustrated in Paul's relationship to these Elders, is one of love and honor. These Elders know of Paul's love and honor for them. In turn, they loved and honored him. As he turns to Jerusalem to face whatever the Lord has in store for him there, the Elders embrace him, kiss him, and provide for him and his journey. This illustrates the church's love and honor of their Elders by being grateful for them. Elders who serve well are worthy of honor. And those who labor long in leadership and the study of the word are worthy of double honor. Conclusion: So, what have we learned today CBC, and how then shall we live? Doctrinal Takeaway: [Slide 10] Over the last several weeks Paul has been the example that Luke sets before us of what constitutes a godly church leader. We've seen how godly church leaders prioritize the spiritual instruction of God's people. We've seen the character qualities an Elder must possess in order to lead, chief among them being blamelessness. We've seen that Shepherding God's flock is the primary role of an Elder which includes both their protection from false teaching by rooting them in truth and also their physical care. And today we pivot slightly to show the mutual relationship of love and honor that ought to exist between the Elders and the church. Elders who are excellent shepherds show love and honor to the church by praying for them and with them. And the church shows love and honor to the Elders by appreciating them and their efforts. But let me express some more tangible applications for us today from this tiny little sermon. 1.) [Slide 11] 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 the relationship between the Elders and the church should be characterized by love and honor. a. Paul is the Pastor of these Pastors. b. He demonstrates who they should be and what they should do for the church. c. In this sense, we see the mutual relationship of love and honor between the church and their leaders. d. We've seen the great care that Paul put into these men. We've seen his heart for them, his passion for them, his sacrifice for them. They must go and do the same. e. And if they do, the church should and must respond like these Elders did to Paul. f. The church should show love and honor to them by appreciating their heart, their passion, and their sacrifice as they care for their souls. g. The relationship between our Elders and the church should look like the relationship between a husband and his wife. h. This shouldn't shock us since the relationship between a husband and wife should look like the relationship between Christ and the church. i. And the Elders are undershepherds and stewards of Christ's church until He returns for her. j. So in many ways the Elders have responsibilities that Christ would perform if He were here among us bodily. k. But no matter how many years you've lived on this earth – it is difficult for us to imagine a form of leadership or government that we could love and honor. l. In fact, it seems like we can pendulum swing far and wide when it comes to our view of leaders. More on that in a moment. m. But the picture that the Bible paints for us concerning the Elders/Pastors or Overseers and the church body itself is one of mutual love, honor, and even dependence. Neither can exist without the other. Elders have nothing to lead if the church is absent and the church is rudderless and disunified when they do not have Overseers. n. As difficult as it may be for us to do so – we must affirm and even seek to have this relationship between the Elders and the church. o. But what are some ways we get this wrong? 2.) [Slide 12] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that Elders must be served without question or treated with constant suspicion. a. In a perverted sense of honor, some churches view their pastors or overseers as leaders who have absolute authority over their lives. i. They obey whatever their Elders say without question as if the Lord Jesus Himself had said it. ii. Now although Elders are undershepherds and do tend the flock of Christ, we do not for one instant consider this flock ours. We know that you all are His, because He purchased you with His precious blood. Why do we know that so well? Well, because He had to purchase us the same way. We are mere sheep. iii. We also have absolutely no authority to command you to do anything except what the Scriptures have said. iv. This does not mean that our advice and counsel is meaningless or should be easily ignored or dismissed – but it does mean that on anything we advise that is not a command of the scriptures, it is at its best wise counsel and not a command. v. For example. 1. The Elders may NOT come together and absolutely forbid a member of the congregation from dating another Christian from a different congregation. Now the Elders may advise, based on what we know of the person, whether it would be wise to enter into a relationship pursuant to marriage with them. But we cannot forbid it. Why? Because we do not have a command from the scriptures. 2. But the Elders may come together and absolutely forbid a member of the congregation from having premarital sex, also known as fornication. Why are the Elders permitted to do this? Because this is what the scriptures teach. We are merely commanding what the scriptures have commanded. 3. Some may say – if that is all that is happening, why must the Elders command anything at all? 4. Well, that is our role! Our role is to preach and teach what the scriptures say. Not just from the pulpit but in the counseling room, in your living room, in your car, over the phone and everywhere where we give counsel, we must give the whole counsel of the Lord. And not just when it is palatable for the church, but in season and out of season too. Whether you are going to like it or not is irrelevant. It is our job to bring to bear all that God has said concerning the situation you are in. 5. We are not adding our authority to scripture but we are drawing your attention to what God has said and we must also be his earthly executives making sure His will is known to all and to a certain degree… followed. 6. You see the Lord has given us (the church) the keys to the kingdom. This means that whatever we bind on earth will have been bound in heaven and whatever we loose on earth will have been loosed in heaven. When two or three are gathered in His name He is with us. Helping us. And when we find a member refusing to obey the commands of God… this is when we execute church discipline. First in private exhortation and correction but eventually in excommunication. 7. The Elders then are to enforce the commands of Christ upon His church. We rebuke, reprove, correct and instruct to thoroughly equip God's people to do all that He has commanded them to do. And to a certain degree – as much as we are humanly able – we, in gentleness, see to it that Christ's instructions are followed. b. Another abuse we often have when it comes to leadership is to have a persisting and underlying sense of suspicion and distrust toward them. i. Now certainly I would be a fool to combat this by pretending there is no such thing as ungodly leaders. ii. Of course there is. iii. Not only in the political realm but even in the clergy there have been several examples of leaders abusing their authority and lording over their people. iv. But just because someone is in leadership does not automatically make them worthy of suspicion. v. Elders should be trusted, loved and honored until there is some reason that they have provided to suspect something different. vi. There is no reason to withhold your trust from Elders simply because they are in a position of authority. vii. If the COVID pandemic taught us anything it is that people don't very much like being told what to do. And they will only go along with being told what to do for so long before they push back. Why? Because people are suspicious of their government leaders – and to be honest, those in government have earned that suspicion. viii. But godly Elders are not the same as government leaders. Especially in a small country church like ours. My friends there is no power here worth manipulating you for. There is no money here worth bilking you out of. And let me tell you something, there are a lot of easier and quieter and more fulfilling ways to gain authority than being an Elder of a church. If I wanted power with few headaches… Elder isn't the right choice. ix. Don't be suspicious of your Elders. Especially when they haven't given you a reason to be. x. What must you do instead? 3.) [Slide 13] 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?” The church must love and honor their Elders by being grateful for them and submitting to them. a. Elders who lead boldly, who are godly men, who possess truly blameless character, who are apt to teach, and strong in their faith, should be trusted, loved and honored. b. Putting your trust in Jesus means that you obey Him. The Lord actually says that if you love me, you will keep my commandments. c. And although it is to a different and lesser degree, the Lord makes it plain in Hebrews 13 that if you truly love your Elders, you will submit to their authority so that they may watch over your souls with joy. d. One way you show love to your Elders is by submitting yourself to our authority. i. As I have already said, the Elder's authority extends only as far as the Scriptures allow. ii. You should trust your Elders and submit to our authority out of a heart of love for us so that we may be joyful in our responsibility to help guide you safely to heaven's shore. iii. Go willingly and passionately with us. e. Secondly, you show honor to your Elders by being grateful for our wise and godly leadership and teaching. f. How do you show gratefulness? i. Well, in Paul's case these men fell on his neck, kissed him, and wept over his leaving. They even potentially gave him provisions for his long trip to Jerusalem. I'm not saying that is THE way – I am saying that is what they did. ii. But let me make some suggestions. iii. First, it would be wise to be thankful to the Lord. Express thankfulness to God for wise and godly leadership. Ask for His blessing on our lives and that He would keep us and preserve us in our role. Do this in your family devotions and family worship times to let your children hear that you are thankful for our sacrifice. iv. Second might be to express gratitude to the Elder personally. A card, a phone call, a gift, a strong handshake. Especially when a particular Elder has helped you through a difficult trial or has devoted extra time to your family. It is wise and even obvious to express heartfelt thankfulness to that particular Elder. Let him know that you appreciate his sacrifice for you. Even doing so toward his wife and children. Knowing that they too have had to sacrifice his presence among them so that you could be ministered to. v. Finally, you might express gratefulness publicly. You might pray a prayer of thanksgiving at a family gathering, in a church service, or express a praise during prayer request time. You might make a special service or event to honor our sacrifice and service. g. Let me clear the air really quickly. Every single Elder in this room today has been absolutely squirming at the mention of every single way you could express gratefulness. And I felt REALLY uncomfortable saying it too. h. You need to understand that I am saying this not because I want to, but because the text so obviously leads us to that conclusion. i. The Elders and I, when we met yesterday, did not spend one second complaining about how you all don't submit to us or how you are an ungrateful bunch and never appreciate our sacrifices. j. Let me read that again. k. The Elders and I, when we met yesterday, did not spend one second complaining about how you all don't submit to us or how you are an ungrateful bunch and never appreciate our sacrifices. l. I wrote that last sentence the day before we met. That is how confident I was that it wouldn't happen. And I was right. m. Why was I so confident that we wouldn't do that? n. Because we don't do that. o. The reason we are squirming today at the mention of these practical ways you can show your gratitude for us…is because WE DON'T DO THIS FOR YOUR GRATITUTDE. p. Which is exactly the reason you should express your gratefulness to us. q. Ugh – I hate saying it. But it must be said. I am holding my nose up here saying it. r. Show love and honor to your Elders by submitting and expressing your gratefulness to us. s. Yuck! t. Ok moving on. Let's beat up the Elders now. 4.) [Slide 14] 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?” Elders must love and honor the church by praying for her. a. My brothers. b. I have continued my quest this year to pray through our membership directory every week. c. It isn't enough. I've had to add more times of prayer. I've had to start praying immediately after hearing a request to make sure that I do actually pray for it before the next week rolls around. d. Understand, I don't hold myself up as the standard – I am simply giving a testimony of what it has done for me. e. I have grown in my love for these folks over the last couple years and I think that is because I pray for every member by name, every single week. I pray for everything I can think of regarding that member. f. I just walk around this room with my membership directory in hand praying for every name in it. g. Some weeks it takes over an hour to get through. h. I usually do this on Tuesday and hit my 8000 steps by noon.

In Genesis 1:1, the Bible begins with a simple but profound sentence. Most English translations of the Bible begin with ten words and end with ten words. In Genesis 1:1, we are told: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. In the final verse of the book of Revelation the Bible concludes: The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen (Rev. 22:21). What these two verses tell me is this: We are alive and are here today because of God and by His grace. In Psalm 23, we discover that it is by the grace of God that I am brought into the fold of His sheep, and it is for His glory that He has done so. The invitation to be included as one of His sheep has nothing to do with my performance and everything to do with His grace and glory, as John Piper put it: God is the beginning and God is the end of all my righteousness. The path of righteousness has his grace as its starting point (for he leads me into it) and it has his glory as its destination (because his leading is for his names sake).[1] What happens in the in-between is the messy part. After He finds us, it is His goodness and faithfulness that keeps us with no intention of letting go. The 23rd Psalm sounds like a pilgrimage because it is. Remember that there are five images in this Psalm. We looked at the first image, which was: The Abundant Life (vv. 2-3a). God lets and makes me lay down in green pastures in that He causes me to do so. How does He cause me to lay down in green pastures? He does so by removing all that prevents me from doing so. I was made to lay down in green pastures by waters of rest, but without the Good Shepherd we blindly go astray; according to the prophet Isaiah we were both hopeless and helpless: All of us, like sheep, have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way... (Isaiah 53:6). The next four images are as follows: Image #2: The Secure Life (v. 3b) Image #3: The Hard Life (v. 4) Image #4: The Victorious Life (v. 5) Image #5: The Everlasting Life (v. 6) It is to the Secure Life that we now turn our attention. What is it that makes His guiding in paths of righteousness for His namesake that brings security to those who belong to Him? Where Does the Shepherd Lead? Where does the Shepherd lead and how does where He is leading relate to our security? For starters, it is in the nature of His guiding that brings His sheep security: He guides me in paths of righteousness. The nature of His guiding is that it does not end and that it is ongoing; it is not a onetime event where the sheep are guided by Him such as a prayer that is said or a decision that was made. So, what are the paths of righteousness that He guides me into? We are given an answer through the nature of Davids prayers like the one we find in Psalm 5, Lord, lead me in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make Your way straight before me (v. 8). The answer to Davids prayer is Psalm 23:3, and those paths of righteousness are descripted for us in scores of verses in both the Old and New Testament. One such passage in the Old Testament is Psalm 1:1-3, Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, And on His Law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season, And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. The paths of righteousness according to Psalm 1 includes delighting in the Law of Yahweh and meditating on His Law day and night. The Law of the Lord is the Word of the Lord. That which you delight in is where you desire to spend your time. If you delight in a particular person you will want to spend time with that person. If you have a hobby or job that you delight in, you will look for ways to spend time participating in that hobby or job that you delight in. The evidence that you delight in the Law is seen in the amount of time you spend in the Law. The one who delights in the Law of the Lord will thrive in the kinds of ways we were meant for. God wants you to thrive and considering the fact that it is His image we bear, thriving must include our Creator. Later in the Psalms, David wrote: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Ps. 119:105). Jesus said something similar to Psalm 1:1-3 and 119:105; He said, If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:31). The Greek word used for continue is menō, which, as you may recall from last Sundays sermon, can be translated abide. If you abide, if you remain, if you continue in My word... you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. The Greek word for know is ginōskō, which is the kind of knowledge that is much more than head knowledge. Jesus said, If you remain, if you continue, if you abide in my word, you will really know [ginōskō] the truth, and the truth will set your free. Let me say it a different way so that you get what is being said here: If you take up residence in the word of the Good Shepherd, you are truly His sheep, and by listening to His voice, you will live! Listen, the Shepherds guiding does not happen apart from our abiding! I am not sure if you will find this as cool as I do, but going back to John 10 where Jesus identifies as the Good Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm, He uses the same Greek word for know that He used in John 8:31. In John 10:14-16, I am the good shepherd, and I know [ginōskō] My own, and My own know [ginōskō] Me, just as the Father knows [ginōskō] Me and I know [ginōskō] the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice; and they will become one flock, with one shepherd. Okay, so why does any of this matter and how does Psalm 1:1-3, John 8:31-32, and John 10:14-16 help you understand the 23rd Psalm better? So here we go: You cannot be led in the paths of righteousness if your knowledge of the Good Shepherd is only about filling your head without your heart being engaged. I will say it another way: If you are not abiding in the Lord of the 23rd Psalm then you are not finding in Him what you need. If you do not find in Him what you need, then you will not find in Him the green pastures and waters of rest that you were made for. If you do not find in the Good Shepherd the green pastures and waters of rest you that were made for, then you will find that the paths of righteousness that He guides His sheep on as displeasing instead of delightful. Jesus is the Good Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm, and it is He who causes me to lie down in green pastures because He is the green pastures that will never leave me hungry. It is He who leads me to waters of refreshment because He is the Living Water who satisfies the thirsty soul. Jesus restores the soul because He makes all things new! As the great Shepherd of your soul, Jesus guides those who abide in Him in paths of righteousness. There is no guiding apart from abiding in Lordof the 23rd Psalm! Why Does the Shepherd Lead? So, why does He do it? Why does the Good Shepherd guide his sheep in the paths of righteousness? He does it for the sake of His name! What does that even mean? It means that He rescued you from the condemnation of your sins, He gives Himself to you as the Great Shepherd of your soul to meet your need for Him, He provides the green pastures and quiet waters for your good, He renews and restores your soul, and He delivered you from your crooked paths of this world and set you on the straight path of righteousness that only Jesus can provide. God did it all, and He did it by putting His reputation on the line! Our story is summed up in one verse from the prophet Isaiah: All of us, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; But the Lord has caused the wrongdoing of us all To fall on Him (Isa. 53:6). To fall on who you ask? Ah... I am so glad you asked! The sins of us all... fell upon Jesus who is the Lamb, the Lion, and the great Shepherd of our souls! This is why the apostle Peter wrote: ...and He Himself brought our sins in His body up on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness; by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls (1 Pet. 2:24-25). In response to all that Jesus accomplished, Paul wrote those glorious words that ought to thrill every soul that belongs to His flock: What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things (Rom. 8:31-32)? And He does so for His namesake! This is why, when you read Ephesians 1:3-14 regarding how and why God saved you from your sins that we are given three answers: The Father chose us before the foundation of the world and made us sons and daughters through His Son, and why did He do it that way? He did it, to the praise of the glory of His grace... (1:4-6). The Son redeemed us through His blood and now we have the forgiveness of our sins, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. Why did He do it that way? He did it, to the praise of His glory (1:7-12). The Holy Spirit made our redemption and salvation a guarantee by sealing us as Gods own possession. Why did He do it that way? He did it, to the praise of His glory (1:13-14). He chose his lambs for the sake of His name, He redeemed his lambs for the sake of His name, and He marked His lambs as His treasured possession by His Holy Spirit for the sake of His name! Listen, if the Lord is your shepherd, it is only because you have turned to Jesus for the salvation of our soul: Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other (Isa. 45:22). Listen to what Jesus said concerning all who hear His voice and come to Him for salvation: My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Fathers hand. I and the Father are one (John 10:27-30). Psalm 23:2 is a picture of the secure life because of who it is that causes us to lie down in green pastures, leads us to inexhaustible and quiet waters, restores and renews our soul, and leads us in the paths of righteousness. The Lord of the 23rd Psalm is the God of Isaiah 46:9-11, Remember the former things long past, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, My plan will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure; Calling a bird of prey from the east, The man of My purpose from a distant country. Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, I will certainly do it. This is why Romans 8:1 is for you Christian: Therefore there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus. Conclusion So, let me say something you may need to hear. Just because you belong to the Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm, does not mean that you will not struggle with sin. Just because you are abiding in Jesus and love Him truly, does not mean that you will never be tempted by the enemys lies of greener pastures and more satisfying waters. The enemy is a dragon and a thief who comes, only to steal and kill and destroy... Jesus, the Great and Good Shepherd, has come so that we would have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10). There are no greener pastures or quieter waters than what can be found and experienced in Jesus. The danger for some is that the less that you listen to His voice, the less you will delight in His Word and the less frequent you will want to abide in Him. Permit me to close with a warning from David Gibson: Life is a journey, not a viewing gallery; we are always on the move, always traveling, and were going with either Jesuss paths or a different shepherds paths. Maybe its what youre consuming online. Maybe its the choices you are making with your money or your time. Two degrees of divergence this year might mean a miles divergence next year. Take time to consider the road you are walking, who is leading you, and where that path might end. In my experience I have found that wrong steps in life are nearly always the outworking of a prior neglect of listening to Jesus speak in the Bible. When devotion to hearing his voice begins to dwindle, then eventually, inevitably, departure from his paths begins to follow.[2] There is no greener pasture outside of Jesus, for He alone is the Lord of the 23rd Psalm. Amen. [1] J. Josh Smith and Daniel L. Akin, Exalting Jesus in Psalms 150, ed. David Platt, Daniel L. Akin, and Tony Merida, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2022), 174. [2] David Gibson, The Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion, and Host (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2023), 49.

Title: Love and Honor Text: Acts 20:36-38 FCF: We often struggle having a good relationship between leaders and followers. Prop: Because the relationship of the Elders to the church must be one of love and honor, we must devote ourselves to love and honor one another. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 20. In a moment we'll read from the Legacy Standard Bible starting in verse 36. You can follow along in the pew bible or whatever version you prefer. Over the last couple of weeks, we have had longer sermons covering Paul's final exhortation to these Ephesian Elders. So, this week I am giving you a break and a chance to digest everything before we celebrate easter next week. This will certainly be a shorter sermon, but there are still many things we can glean from this text. Last week Paul concluded his thoughts toward the Elders of Ephesus. He serves as their template and commands them to shepherd the flock of God well. His last words express a great truth spoken by Jesus Himself, it is more blessed to give than to receive. They must be givers, spending themselves for the sake of the flock which God purchased with the blood of Christ. What follows is the response. What does Paul do after saying all these things, and what do the Elders do after hearing all these things? In this we see a pattern emerge. Just as Paul is a Pastor to these Pastors, so his example and their example serves as a pattern for our Elders and our church to follow. Let us stand to give honor to and to focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Most gracious Father, we thank You for sending Your Son, our Great Shepherd. He laid down His life for His sheep. He knows His sheep. His sheep hear His voice. He prayed… not for the world, but for all those lambs whom You gave to Him. He protected them. He Loved them. He made them vessels of honor. Now Father, Your Spirit has appointed undershepherds to continue shepherding while Christ is physically absent from us. We know that Jesus is always with us, but we also know that the Spirit is now our comforter and counselor and that He has equipped men called Elders to shepherd your precious lambs. May we be grown in this text to be a church who holds the right relationship between these Spiritually appointed men and those whom they have been given to shepherd. May we have a ministry where mutual love and honor is given to each other. Show us this in Your Word today we ask in Jesus' name… Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] Throughout all of God's creation, there are several examples of relationships He has made that are symbiotic. For instance, clownfish dwell inside sea anemones which protects them from predators while living there, the clown fish cleans the anemone of parasites. Remora fish attach themselves to sharks and whales eating scraps of food from when their host eats. In exchange they clean the shark or whale of parasites. Bees collect nectar from flowers pollenating and reproducing the plant in the process. These animals need each other to survive. The very first humans were created to be two halves of the image of God. It could be said that Husbands and Wives need one another in a symbiotic relationship of sorts. Today we will see that this entity God created called the church is also in a symbiotic relationship. The Elders and the church exist in a symbiotic relationship of mutual love and honor – because neither can exist without the other. At least not for long. Let's look at this relationship as it is displayed in the epilogue of this meeting between Paul and the Ephesian Elders. I.) The relationship of the Elders to the church must be one of love and honor, so Elders must pray for the church. (36) a. [Slide 3] 36 - And when he had said these things, i. Because we had to divide Paul's final exhortation message into two, it would behoove us to review even for a few minutes what Paul said. ii. The text this morning provides to us this opportunity, as it references that everything that follows is after he said what he said. iii. First Paul walked them through his own personal example among them. iv. How he was humble and gave of himself through many tears and trials to teach them all that God had revealed through Christ and calling all men to repentance and faith. v. In the same way they needed to be blameless and do the work of an Elder to share the gospel and teach thoroughly all that God had revealed. vi. Second, Paul charged them to dutifully and diligently shepherd the church. He told them to do this because the church has been given infinite value in the blood of Christ and because false teachers are coming who will destroy them. vii. And since they had received freely from God and from him, they must give of themselves freely, even to the point of supporting those who are destitute among them. Teaching them and encouraging them so they can be givers and not just takers. viii. Because as Jesus said, it is more blessed to give than to receive. ix. After Paul said all this… he continues to instruct them as to what kind of Elders they should be, but he does so by demonstration. b. [Slide 4] he knelt down and prayed with them all. i. The final component of what it means to be an Elder, is to be a man of prayer. ii. In a sign of humility, Paul kneels down and prays with them. iii. This probably means that Paul knelt first to pray and that they joined with him. iv. Luke does not give us the content of his prayer, but I don't think it is a stretch to assume that his prayer consisted of both praises to God and also deep and tearful pleas for God to preserve and protect the ministry in the church in Ephesus. v. That God would guide and lead the Elders and that He would prevent doctrinal error from destroying the unity and the effectiveness of the Ephesian church and the impact they would have on the rest of the province of Asia and beyond. vi. In this he demonstrates how leaders, who are truly caring for the body of Christ, are to be men who spend time in earnest prayer for God's people. vii. Truly, without God we are nothing. viii. Knowing that they are but undershepherds who do not have all the answers, who are not able to administer and guide of their own strength, being humble and meek, Elders must seek the Lord in all their duties. For it is only by His strength and will that anything accomplished will endure. c. [Slide 5] Summary of the Point: In this final epilogue, ending the 3rd missionary journey of Paul and closing out the mission to the city of Ephesus, we see Paul's relationship with the Elders through the lens of this final scene with them. After exhorting them and warning them of the challenges which they will face, Paul prays with and for them before he departs. This illustrates for us that the proper relationship between the Elders and the church is one of love and honor. One way that the Elders express love and honor to the church is to pray earnestly for the sake of the church. This shouldn't be surprising to us. In the book of Acts we saw already how the apostles created the office of Deacon in order to allow themselves the freedom to focus on prayer and the teaching of the Scriptures. Since the office of Overseer inherits several functions of the apostolic gift, we might expect the roles of an Elder to mimic that of an Apostle. And one of those roles on display is to pray for the church. So, we Elders must also pray earnestly for our people. In this we express love for them and honor to them as the flock which God purchased with the blood of His Son. Transition: [Slide 6(blank)] But since this relationship is one of mutual love and honor, what is the role of the church toward the Elders? II.) The relationship of an Elder to the church is one of love and honor, so the church must appreciate their Elders. (37-38) a. [Slide 7] 37 - And they began to weep aloud and falling on Paul's neck, they were kissing him, i. In the last two verses of chapter 20 we have the general response of the Elders to Paul's exhortation and closing prayer. ii. All of the Elders present began weeping aloud and falling on Paul's neck. iii. This is an idiomatic expression for hugging or embracing. iv. Why are they crying so much, hugging and kissing Paul? v. Some of why they were weeping no doubt had to do with the threat of false teaching that was coming to Ephesus. vi. Some of it was due to the great weight being placed on their shoulders to lead like Paul did. vii. Some of it was the revelation that some of them would become false teachers in the future. viii. But the primary reason for their tears is pointed out to us by Luke. b. [Slide 8] 38 - being in agony especially over the word which he had spoken, that they would not see his face again and they were accompanying him to the ship. i. They are weeping because of what Paul suggested to them that they would not see his face any longer. ii. Perhaps they thought this meant that Paul would die soon. I don't think Paul thought he was going to die, only that he would not enter into ministry with them again before he did. iii. They were hugging him, kissing him, and weeping in agony over this. iv. Just as Paul served as an example to these Elders on how to be Elders. So now, these Elders serve as an example to the church on how to love and honor their Elders. v. Therefore, this is the appropriate response of the congregation to an Elder who has served well and is retiring or is approaching death. vi. The congregation should know what a great gift godly leaders are to their assembly. vii. They should know this to the point of giving honor to those who serve well. Honor, respect, submission and love. viii. We see their love and honor of Paul expressed in their desire to see him to the ship and spend every last second they could with him. ix. Some scholars suggest that “accompanying him to the ship” is an idiom suggesting that these Elders put into practice what Paul had taught them and gave him many provisions for his trip to Jerusalem. x. What an amazing expression of gratefulness for his service to them as an apostle. c. [Slide 9] Summary of the Point: Once again we see that the relationship between the Elders and the church which is illustrated in Paul's relationship to these Elders, is one of love and honor. These Elders know of Paul's love and honor for them. In turn, they loved and honored him. As he turns to Jerusalem to face whatever the Lord has in store for him there, the Elders embrace him, kiss him, and provide for him and his journey. This illustrates the church's love and honor of their Elders by being grateful for them. Elders who serve well are worthy of honor. And those who labor long in leadership and the study of the word are worthy of double honor. Conclusion: So, what have we learned today CBC, and how then shall we live? Doctrinal Takeaway: [Slide 10] Over the last several weeks Paul has been the example that Luke sets before us of what constitutes a godly church leader. We've seen how godly church leaders prioritize the spiritual instruction of God's people. We've seen the character qualities an Elder must possess in order to lead, chief among them being blamelessness. We've seen that Shepherding God's flock is the primary role of an Elder which includes both their protection from false teaching by rooting them in truth and also their physical care. And today we pivot slightly to show the mutual relationship of love and honor that ought to exist between the Elders and the church. Elders who are excellent shepherds show love and honor to the church by praying for them and with them. And the church shows love and honor to the Elders by appreciating them and their efforts. But let me express some more tangible applications for us today from this tiny little sermon. 1.) [Slide 11] 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 the relationship between the Elders and the church should be characterized by love and honor. a. Paul is the Pastor of these Pastors. b. He demonstrates who they should be and what they should do for the church. c. In this sense, we see the mutual relationship of love and honor between the church and their leaders. d. We've seen the great care that Paul put into these men. We've seen his heart for them, his passion for them, his sacrifice for them. They must go and do the same. e. And if they do, the church should and must respond like these Elders did to Paul. f. The church should show love and honor to them by appreciating their heart, their passion, and their sacrifice as they care for their souls. g. The relationship between our Elders and the church should look like the relationship between a husband and his wife. h. This shouldn't shock us since the relationship between a husband and wife should look like the relationship between Christ and the church. i. And the Elders are undershepherds and stewards of Christ's church until He returns for her. j. So in many ways the Elders have responsibilities that Christ would perform if He were here among us bodily. k. But no matter how many years you've lived on this earth – it is difficult for us to imagine a form of leadership or government that we could love and honor. l. In fact, it seems like we can pendulum swing far and wide when it comes to our view of leaders. More on that in a moment. m. But the picture that the Bible paints for us concerning the Elders/Pastors or Overseers and the church body itself is one of mutual love, honor, and even dependence. Neither can exist without the other. Elders have nothing to lead if the church is absent and the church is rudderless and disunified when they do not have Overseers. n. As difficult as it may be for us to do so – we must affirm and even seek to have this relationship between the Elders and the church. o. But what are some ways we get this wrong? 2.) [Slide 12] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that Elders must be served without question or treated with constant suspicion. a. In a perverted sense of honor, some churches view their pastors or overseers as leaders who have absolute authority over their lives. i. They obey whatever their Elders say without question as if the Lord Jesus Himself had said it. ii. Now although Elders are undershepherds and do tend the flock of Christ, we do not for one instant consider this flock ours. We know that you all are His, because He purchased you with His precious blood. Why do we know that so well? Well, because He had to purchase us the same way. We are mere sheep. iii. We also have absolutely no authority to command you to do anything except what the Scriptures have said. iv. This does not mean that our advice and counsel is meaningless or should be easily ignored or dismissed – but it does mean that on anything we advise that is not a command of the scriptures, it is at its best wise counsel and not a command. v. For example. 1. The Elders may NOT come together and absolutely forbid a member of the congregation from dating another Christian from a different congregation. Now the Elders may advise, based on what we know of the person, whether it would be wise to enter into a relationship pursuant to marriage with them. But we cannot forbid it. Why? Because we do not have a command from the scriptures. 2. But the Elders may come together and absolutely forbid a member of the congregation from having premarital sex, also known as fornication. Why are the Elders permitted to do this? Because this is what the scriptures teach. We are merely commanding what the scriptures have commanded. 3. Some may say – if that is all that is happening, why must the Elders command anything at all? 4. Well, that is our role! Our role is to preach and teach what the scriptures say. Not just from the pulpit but in the counseling room, in your living room, in your car, over the phone and everywhere where we give counsel, we must give the whole counsel of the Lord. And not just when it is palatable for the church, but in season and out of season too. Whether you are going to like it or not is irrelevant. It is our job to bring to bear all that God has said concerning the situation you are in. 5. We are not adding our authority to scripture but we are drawing your attention to what God has said and we must also be his earthly executives making sure His will is known to all and to a certain degree… followed. 6. You see the Lord has given us (the church) the keys to the kingdom. This means that whatever we bind on earth will have been bound in heaven and whatever we loose on earth will have been loosed in heaven. When two or three are gathered in His name He is with us. Helping us. And when we find a member refusing to obey the commands of God… this is when we execute church discipline. First in private exhortation and correction but eventually in excommunication. 7. The Elders then are to enforce the commands of Christ upon His church. We rebuke, reprove, correct and instruct to thoroughly equip God's people to do all that He has commanded them to do. And to a certain degree – as much as we are humanly able – we, in gentleness, see to it that Christ's instructions are followed. b. Another abuse we often have when it comes to leadership is to have a persisting and underlying sense of suspicion and distrust toward them. i. Now certainly I would be a fool to combat this by pretending there is no such thing as ungodly leaders. ii. Of course there is. iii. Not only in the political realm but even in the clergy there have been several examples of leaders abusing their authority and lording over their people. iv. But just because someone is in leadership does not automatically make them worthy of suspicion. v. Elders should be trusted, loved and honored until there is some reason that they have provided to suspect something different. vi. There is no reason to withhold your trust from Elders simply because they are in a position of authority. vii. If the COVID pandemic taught us anything it is that people don't very much like being told what to do. And they will only go along with being told what to do for so long before they push back. Why? Because people are suspicious of their government leaders – and to be honest, those in government have earned that suspicion. viii. But godly Elders are not the same as government leaders. Especially in a small country church like ours. My friends there is no power here worth manipulating you for. There is no money here worth bilking you out of. And let me tell you something, there are a lot of easier and quieter and more fulfilling ways to gain authority than being an Elder of a church. If I wanted power with few headaches… Elder isn't the right choice. ix. Don't be suspicious of your Elders. Especially when they haven't given you a reason to be. x. What must you do instead? 3.) [Slide 13] 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?” The church must love and honor their Elders by being grateful for them and submitting to them. a. Elders who lead boldly, who are godly men, who possess truly blameless character, who are apt to teach, and strong in their faith, should be trusted, loved and honored. b. Putting your trust in Jesus means that you obey Him. The Lord actually says that if you love me, you will keep my commandments. c. And although it is to a different and lesser degree, the Lord makes it plain in Hebrews 13 that if you truly love your Elders, you will submit to their authority so that they may watch over your souls with joy. d. One way you show love to your Elders is by submitting yourself to our authority. i. As I have already said, the Elder's authority extends only as far as the Scriptures allow. ii. You should trust your Elders and submit to our authority out of a heart of love for us so that we may be joyful in our responsibility to help guide you safely to heaven's shore. iii. Go willingly and passionately with us. e. Secondly, you show honor to your Elders by being grateful for our wise and godly leadership and teaching. f. How do you show gratefulness? i. Well, in Paul's case these men fell on his neck, kissed him, and wept over his leaving. They even potentially gave him provisions for his long trip to Jerusalem. I'm not saying that is THE way – I am saying that is what they did. ii. But let me make some suggestions. iii. First, it would be wise to be thankful to the Lord. Express thankfulness to God for wise and godly leadership. Ask for His blessing on our lives and that He would keep us and preserve us in our role. Do this in your family devotions and family worship times to let your children hear that you are thankful for our sacrifice. iv. Second might be to express gratitude to the Elder personally. A card, a phone call, a gift, a strong handshake. Especially when a particular Elder has helped you through a difficult trial or has devoted extra time to your family. It is wise and even obvious to express heartfelt thankfulness to that particular Elder. Let him know that you appreciate his sacrifice for you. Even doing so toward his wife and children. Knowing that they too have had to sacrifice his presence among them so that you could be ministered to. v. Finally, you might express gratefulness publicly. You might pray a prayer of thanksgiving at a family gathering, in a church service, or express a praise during prayer request time. You might make a special service or event to honor our sacrifice and service. g. Let me clear the air really quickly. Every single Elder in this room today has been absolutely squirming at the mention of every single way you could express gratefulness. And I felt REALLY uncomfortable saying it too. h. You need to understand that I am saying this not because I want to, but because the text so obviously leads us to that conclusion. i. The Elders and I, when we met yesterday, did not spend one second complaining about how you all don't submit to us or how you are an ungrateful bunch and never appreciate our sacrifices. j. Let me read that again. k. The Elders and I, when we met yesterday, did not spend one second complaining about how you all don't submit to us or how you are an ungrateful bunch and never appreciate our sacrifices. l. I wrote that last sentence the day before we met. That is how confident I was that it wouldn't happen. And I was right. m. Why was I so confident that we wouldn't do that? n. Because we don't do that. o. The reason we are squirming today at the mention of these practical ways you can show your gratitude for us…is because WE DON'T DO THIS FOR YOUR GRATITUTDE. p. Which is exactly the reason you should express your gratefulness to us. q. Ugh – I hate saying it. But it must be said. I am holding my nose up here saying it. r. Show love and honor to your Elders by submitting and expressing your gratefulness to us. s. Yuck! t. Ok moving on. Let's beat up the Elders now. 4.) [Slide 14] 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?” Elders must love and honor the church by praying for her. a. My brothers. b. I have continued my quest this year to pray through our membership directory every week. c. It isn't enough. I've had to add more times of prayer. I've had to start praying immediately after hearing a request to make sure that I do actually pray for it before the next week rolls around. d. Understand, I don't hold myself up as the standard – I am simply giving a testimony of what it has done for me. e. I have grown in my love for these folks over the last couple years and I think that is because I pray for every member by name, every single week. I pray for everything I can think of regarding that member. f. I just walk around this room with my membership directory in hand praying for every name in it. g. Some weeks it takes over an hour to get through. h. I usually do this on Tuesday and hit my 8000 steps by noon.

Title: The Assignment: Protect and Provide Text: Acts 20:28-35 FCF: Church leaders often struggle understanding their assignment and fulfilling it. Prop: Because Elders must shepherd the flock well, they must protect and provide for themselves and the church. Scripture Intro: Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 20. In a moment we'll read from the Legacy Standard bible starting in verse 18 and going to verse 25. You can follow along in the pew bible or the version you prefer. Last week, Paul began his final exhortation to the Elders of Ephesus. He used his example to depict for them the kind of men who they must be to lead the church well in his absence. These qualities could be summarized in the primary trait of blamelessness. Paul makes it abundantly clear that if the Elders are not blameless, the Ephesian church will fail. Today Paul will continue his exhortation to them, this time issuing commands on what they must do. Let's take a look. Please stand with me to give honor to and focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Most loving and Gracious God. We come to You as the bride You came from heaven to seek. We come to You as the earthen jars You have placed Your treasure in. Though we are without worth, You have given us infinite value in what You spent to save and to predestine us for a most holy purpose. We are now citizens of the Kingdom of Light. I pray that You would shine Your light on us today and reveal to us our new purpose, which you purchased for us with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Build our faith, strengthen us in Your Word of Grace today. We pray this in the name of The Word… Amen. Transition: Let us press on this morning to the text. We have much to discuss. I.) An Elder's role is to dutifully and diligently shepherd the flock, so we must protect ourselves and the flock from false teachers. (28-31) a. 28 - Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, i. Up to this point in his exhortation Paul has pointed to his own example which the Ephesian Elders observed while he was among them. ii. Although Paul does not overtly command them to imitate him, it is implied that he wished for his example to be a pattern they must follow. iii. Specifically, a pattern of character. iv. After this, Paul now turns to exhorting the Ephesian Elders directly. v. Paul's opening word in this section is the command to be on guard. vi. The word means to give attention to, to be alert to, to be concerned about, to devote or apply yourself to something. vii. What does Paul command these Elders to guard? viii. He actually points their guard toward two targets. ix. First, they are to guard themselves. Second, they are to guard all the flock. x. Of course, by “all the flock” Paul means all the church in Ephesus. Let no one slip through the cracks. Be on guard for everyone, yourselves included. b. among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, i. They are part of that flock in Ephesus. ii. They are sheep too. iii. So how did they get in the position they are in? Did Paul put them there? iv. Paul may have appointed them, and the congregation may have received them as Elders… v. But the primary agent in their becoming Elders is by the work of God the Spirit. vi. The Holy Spirit made or appointed them to this duty. vii. The character qualities and spiritual giftedness of each Elder serves as an assurance to the congregation that God's Spirit has appointed these men to their office. Their humility, their care, their teaching, their servant's heart has all authenticated the Spirit's appointment. viii. But what role has the Spirit appointed them to? What duty must they fulfill? ix. Paul uses a word that in other letters he uses interchangeably with Elder. x. He uses the word overseer. xi. The term Elder emphasizes the maturity of the man in the office and the term overseer emphasizes the responsibilities of the office the man holds. xii. To oversee means to watch over, direct, and be held accountable for those in your charge. xiii. So, we know who they are to guard and we know the relationship between themselves and those they guard, but what is the purpose of or the intended result of their guarding work? c. to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. i. Again, Paul uses another word that is used interchangeably with Elder and Overseer. ii. It is the word Shepherd or Pastor. iii. Here it is used as a verbal infinitive adverb modifying the command to be on guard. It answers the question why the Elders must guard themselves and the church. iv. The goal of an Elder's oversight is to care for those in their charge. v. Not just spiritually but for their entire being, body and soul, including protection, provision, guidance and accountability. vi. As a shepherd would care for his sheep, so Elders/Overseers/Pastors are to shepherd the lambs which they lead. vii. Why? Why must they be cared for? viii. The first reason they must be cared for, is because they are precious to the Lord. ix. Notice the reason why. Christ purchased the church with His blood. x. Some false teachers today claim that we can determine our inherent worth by how much God was willing to spend to purchase us. Using this text as proof of that claim. xi. However, the bible also describes us as children of wrath, broken vessels, and leaky cisterns. In a sense, the bible communicates to us that we only have value when we can be used for what we were created to be used for. xii. God made us to be His image bearers. To reflect, represent, and worship Him forever. Sin has utterly destroyed all men's ability to do any of that. Meaning we are about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. xiii. Christ purchasing us with His blood should not communicate to us that we are inherently valuable. For to conclude this would be to contradict other parts of scripture. xiv. Instead, Christ purchasing us with His blood gives to us our infinite value because of what He spent on us to remake us into a new creation. xv. And to those who oversee and shepherd the redeemed of God – they had better take exceptional care of what Christ has purchased with His precious blood. xvi. Another reason that these Elders should guard this flock with the intent to shepherd them, is because there is a looming threat on the horizon. d. 29 - I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 - and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. i. What a terrible revelation given to these Elders – but one they should not have been shocked to hear. ii. They must be diligent and on guard to shepherd Christ's church because as soon as Paul departs, false teachers will come and try to destroy what God has done. iii. How did Paul know this? Is he making a prophesy? iv. Friends, Paul has been dealing with this since day one. v. In the late 40s after completing his first missionary journey to southern Galatia, only a few months after he returned to Antioch of Syria, Paul had to send a letter to the churches there strongly correcting them for abandoning the gospel. vi. False teachers had come in among them and led them astray. The turn around on this was so quick that Paul wondered if they had been bewitched. “Has someone cast a spell on you?” he asked. vii. The same kinds of things have happened to him in several cities since. At some point a pattern emerges and prophesy becomes merely predictability. viii. And unfortunately the scriptures reveal to us that Paul was exactly correct. 1. In the 60s AD, from I and II Timothy, we find that Paul sends Timothy to Ephesus to right the ship and reestablish order there. Meaning that only a few years after Paul spoke these words to them, the church was under attack by false teaching. 2. And by the time John writes to the church in Ephesus in the 90s, only a little over 20 years after Paul was executed, they had left their first love. ix. Paul's warning is that these people will come in like ravenous wolves. They will rip and tear apart the unity and maturity of the church and will shipwreck the faith of the people. x. But perhaps one of the most blood curdling things Paul says here, is not only that false teachers will come from without, but even some of the ones standing before him, will rise up and speak wicked and crooked things and draw away people from the truth. xi. In I and II Timothy Paul calls out three men who had led to the shipwreck of the faith of many and were gangrenous to the church. He calls them out as Hymenaeus, Alexander, and Philetus. xii. What a sobering thought it is that very likely these three men are standing there listening to Paul say these very words. xiii. What are we to do if the threats are from without AND from within? e. 31 - Therefore, be watchful, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. i. Paul issues another command. ii. He says that because of this, because the church has been given infinite worth being purchased by Christ, because there are threats from without and within to destroy it – iii. They must remain alert. They must not only dutifully guard themselves and the church in order to shepherd these people but they must be vigilant in this task. They must be diligent. iv. Then Paul calls to their attention, again, his example. He labored night and day to continually admonish each of them with tears. v. Of course, Paul doesn't mean that he never slept. But Paul's point is that he worked hard. He labored long. He wasn't passive or lazy. He labored… to do what? Admonish everyone with tears. vi. He labored to counsel, exhort, rebuke, and instruct with great passion, pleading with all the church to follow Christ. f. Summary of the Point: Paul gives two commands in this passage, but those two commands are really describing what an Elder is to do. They must be on guard and be watchful. They must be dutiful and diligent. But neither of these commands mean much divorced from the primary aim of their duty and diligence. What is the goal of their guard and their watchfulness toward the church? It is to shepherd the flock of God. This is THE assignment of every Elder. But this assignment takes on two distinct flavors in Paul's exhortation. The first, which becomes our first application point, is to dutifully and diligently shepherd the flock by protecting ourselves (The Elders) and the flock (The rest of the church) from false teaching and false teachers. Paul makes it abundantly clear and with the luxury of hindsight we see the nauseating truth of it, that false teachers are everywhere. From without… and sadly… also from within. It is the assignment of every Elder – if they are to shepherd the flock of God well – to protect themselves and the flock of God from false teaching. Transition: But as I said, there are two particular flavors of this concept of diligently shepherding God's flock. Not only must the Elders protect themselves and the church from false teaching, they must also be providers. II.) An Elder's role is to dutifully and diligently shepherd the flock, so we must provide for ourselves and those who are weak. (32-35) a. 32 - And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, i. Paul now prepares them for the second aim of their assignment to shepherd the flock. ii. Again, he teaches them from two examples. The first is God Himself. iii. He begins by entrusting them or puts them into the care and protection of God. iv. God is ultimately going to keep His people safe. Paul knows this. This doesn't cancel his command to them to protect the flock. Instead, they should perceive God's sovereign hand using them to accomplish this purpose. v. What has God done to protect His people, including His undershepherds, from believing error? vi. He has given us The Word. And even though you do not see it, in my notes this is capitalized. vii. The word of God's grace is another way to say the gospel. But oftentimes New Testament writers when they say the gospel they mean far more than simply the fact that Christ was crucified for sinners. viii. In fact, all of Christ's words to us, all of the revelation of God through Christ to His people would constitute the good news. The Word of Grace. ix. The Word of God's grace is how God continues to give His riches to us because it is given through Christ's work both passively and actively. And Christ is The Word. x. Christ did not only come and die to purchase our pardon but also lived, obeyed God, and taught His disciples and His church. xi. The Word continues to be God's riches dispensed to His church via The Spirit inspired teachings of the apostles recorded in our New Testament. xii. God has given a marvelous gift to us in His Word in that we find all we need for life and godliness. We find all we need to be prepared to do everything that God has commanded us to do. xiii. Paul entrusts the futures of these Elders to God because he knows that God gives grace freely to His people when they need help, and He does this through His Word. xiv. Help to do what though? b. which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who have been sanctified. i. We know that for those who have received Christ by true faith, we cannot lose our salvation. Therefore, we will not fail to endure. ii. But we are also told in the scriptures that it is only those who grow and endure in their faith who will inherit the kingdom of God. iii. How do we harmonize these thoughts? iv. Quite simply, those who have true faith will grow and endure. v. Those who have true faith will take the warnings about enduring faith seriously and pursue any means to mature and perfect their faith so it endures. vi. And Paul here says that The Word of God's grace is the means by which we are built up and given an inheritance among those who have been sanctified. vii. We are continually sustained by feasting on The Word of God's grace. To not read, study, mediated, memorize, learn, and live out the commands of Jesus Christ, is to starve yourself and risk proving that your faith… is actually dead faith. viii. Again, The Word of God's grace is a gift freely given. And God has given us this Word of His grace to help us grow and endure and assure us of a clear conscience before Him. ix. This is God's example. God freely gives to help those who are weak. Like us. x. Let's move on to Paul's example. c. 33 - I have coveted no one's silver or gold or clothes. 34 - You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to those who were with me. i. Paul's example is also of one who is not greedy for gain but is instead a servant to all providing for himself and those who ministered with him. ii. Now this is not to say that pastors and missionaries should not accept support from other believers. We know that Paul himself did accept monetary support from the church in Philippi while he was in Thessalonica. He mentions this in the book of Philippians. iii. So, Paul isn't giving these Elders the absolute statement of never being supported by the church. iv. Instead, he is targeting one key area which often destroys leaders. v. Covetousness. Greed. And seeing the flock of God as servants to them. vi. Paul's example is that he did not see each church member as a bank account or a means to make him rich. vii. Instead, he worked with his own hands to support himself and his companions in their missionary endeavors. viii. He continues… d. 35 - In everything I showed you that by laboring in this manner you must help the weak i. He did this so that he could be an example to them of what it means to labor hard and long and help those who are weak. ii. Paul isn't saying they can never be supported by the church… but he is saying that if they are to shepherd well, they must not only provide for themselves but also for those who are unable to provide for themselves. iii. The poor and the weak and the destitute among them. iv. This ought to be the goal of Elders. To not only provide for themselves but to be in a position financially to provide for others. v. Why? e. and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” i. Although we do not have this specific teaching of Jesus recorded for us in the scriptures, there is no doubt that Jesus said this at some point to Paul directly or to his disciples. ii. It is certainly something we can piece together from the rest of the teachings of Jesus. iii. It is certainly more blessed to give than to receive. iv. God should know – He is constantly depicted as a giver in the scriptures. v. In fact, the doctrine of God's independence or Aseity teaches us that God has no need of anything from His creation. There is nothing that we can give to Him that He needed. vi. Therefore, God is the ultimate giver because there is literally nothing we could ever do to “pay Him back” for all that He gives to us. vii. Paul should know that it is more blessed to give than to receive for he has given of himself for the sake of these Ephesians and did so for 3 years admonishing them night and day. He earned his own living and paid for his mission with very little help from others. He did not charge a fee to hear him but only took enough to provide for himself and to help those in need. viii. Paul's point is this. These Elders had freely received from him the gospel of God… so they must freely give of themselves and exercise servant leadership, providing even the financial needs of those who are desperate, and refuse the temptation to Lord over the congregation expecting to be served. f. Summary of the Point: Again, Paul's primary point is that the Assignment of an Elder is to dutifully and diligently shepherd the flock of God. The first aspect of shepherding well involves protecting the flock from false teaching. But because God has given all we have and we are simply blessed receivers of His grace, and because Paul's pattern was to provide for himself and those who were destitute, we conclude that another necessary component to shepherding the flock of God well is to be a giver and not a taker. Elders must diligently and dutifully provide for themselves and those who are destitute. In this sense they, who have richly received from God, must richly give to those who are weak. Elders must be servant leaders, positioning themselves in a way that they are neither needing financial aid, nor are they withholding help from those who are in need. Conclusion: So, what have we learned today CBC, and how then shall we live? Doctrinal Takeaway: As Paul addresses the Ephesian Elders, he has already shown them through his example the character qualities required to be an Elder. Today, he gives them their assignment as he goes off to Jerusalem never to see them again. Their assignment is to dutifully and diligently shepherd the flock of God. This command divides into two basic roles they must fill in order to shepherd well. The first arises from the impending threat of false teachers peddling other gospels which will shipwreck the faith of the flock and act like gangrene to the body of Christ. So, to shepherd dutifully and diligently means that we must protect ourselves and the flock from doctrinal error and those who teach them. The second role in shepherding well arises due to the threat of covetousness and greed which is so common among leaders. Failing such a role leads to the pervasive want of those who are destitute in the church. So, to shepherd dutifully and diligently means that we must provide for ourselves to the point that we have enough to give to those who are weak among us. But let us look deeply into these applications. There is quite a lot here and although the actions commanded are aimed at Elders, the key concepts necessitating those actions are profitable for all God's people to affirm. 1.) 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 false teachers will continue to arise from without and within our church. a. Oh it could never happen here. We are just a small country church in a township without a major city in not quite the thumb area of a state that isn't even the most well-known peninsula in the USA. b. It could never happen to us. Right? Wrong. c. There are many churches in our area that get the gospel right. There are even a few who share our perspectives on the specifics of the gospel and several other secondary matters. d. But make no mistake, there are many churches in our area peddling a false gospel leading people to trust in themselves, their inherent goodness, and their own faith so that they can be healthy, wealthy, and earn their spot in heaven. e. Indeed, in our nation heresies abound. And not new heresies. There is nothing new under the sun. Arianism, Modalism, Partialism, Pelagianism, Sabellianism, Universalism, Gnosticism, Montanism, Marcionism, and many more all still exist in some form or another. f. And they don't just exist in the cultic offshoots of Christendom. My friends some of these heresies exist in churches that are minutes from us. They are preached from their pulpits. They are swooned over in small groups. g. And some teachings which have been part of the church orthodoxy for thousands of years are being chucked out the window by people who think they know the bible well enough to unceremoniously cancel what Theologians from hundreds of years ago bled and died to prove to be true. h. My friends, we must hold fast to the teachings which we have received from faithful witnesses which have been passed down through the ages for thousands of years. i. This is why it is absolutely imperative that we study the scriptures and have the scriptures be our final authority but that we also do not study the scriptures and have our interpretation of them be our only authority. j. The church is not comprised of several individuals! We are one body untied by one faith and one Lord in one baptism from the garden to now. Thus, the essential doctrines of our faith must be known by us and known well, including not only where we find it in the scriptures but also why the church arrived at these beliefs through the study of those scriptures. k. No one here is exempt. Everyone here is a theologian already. But no one is an island either. l. Once again, I advise that you read the books Know the Creeds and Councils and Know the Heretics. m. The ancient Creeds and Councils define for us what orthodox Christianity looks like and how the church has always interpreted key doctrines from the scriptures. Knowing the Heretics helps us to understand how the church engaged with those who did not agree on these ancient teachings of essential doctrines. n. Knowing both the creeds and councils and the heretics will provide for you some guardrails for what has always been taught in the church of Christ. And with these books and diligent study of the scriptures you will not fail to remain steadfast in the essential and ancient doctrines of the church. o. Incidentally I just ordered 10 more of each of these books and they should be here this week. I highly… HIGHLY recommend you read them – if you haven't already. And maybe read them again if its been a while. p. Why is this so important? Without drawing paranoia or undue suspicion on one another – we must keep in mind that the threat of false teachers is always present. Not just from without but also from within these very walls. q. The biggest antidote to this as a member of this congregation or even as an Elder is to remain humble and when you find yourself disagreeing with something, search the scriptures and assume you are the one out of bounds. And only when you cannot harmonize your view with what is being taught, should you approach the Elders and seek clarification or… even… correction. r. Unsurprisingly the greatest inoculation against false teaching is humility. 2.) 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 the church is valuable to God because He purchased it with the blood of Christ. a. You have often heard me teach against the self-esteem movement. b. You have often heard me criticize the modern overemphasis on the love of God to the point that some preachers make it seem that God would be really lucky to have us join Him. c. You have often heard me teach on the wretchedness and wickedness of natural man and how we are all enemies of God and hate His law and do not seek after Him naturally. d. All of this is true. All of this I will continue to preach until I die. e. But I want to make it very clear – dear children of God – that God has given every single one of us eternal and infinite value by redeeming us with the precious and priceless blood of His Son. f. For His bride Christ came and sought her. He found her prostituting herself to various gods and passions. She was a slave of Satan and her own lusts. g. But He found her and bought her with His death. He has granted her new life in His resurrection. He has made her new. h. The value God has given to His church is bound to His holy and eternal purpose for her. She will be glorified with the Son and she will reign with Him forevermore. i. My friends… God has lavished His love on us in that while we were yet sinners… Christ died for us. j. We are worth so much to God, because He gave us worth in His Son. We are no longer slaves… but sons and daughters. And if we are sons and daughters, we are heirs to the throne of God. We are a holy and royal priesthood. We are Princes and Princesses, unblemished Priests and Priestesses, and preaching Prophets and Prophetesses… why? Because we are His bride. k. He loves us so much. Not because we are loveable… but because He has poured into us His love. We love God because He loved us first. l. Oh the depth and the riches and the glory of the Love of God! His church is the apple of His eye… the reason He became a man, lived a sinless life, and suffered and died… we are His Holy Church. m. My friends, He is ours… but we are also His. We are His portion. We are His prize. We are His children. We are His bride. n. Oh the depth and the riches and the glory of the Love of God which He has lavished on His church! From heaven He sought us. Through death He bought us. Forever He loves us. o. Oh the depth and the riches and the glory of the Love of God which He has lavished on His church! 3.) 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 the Word of God's Grace is able to grow our faith in maturity and endurance. a. God loves His church so much that He has supplied His Son not only to redeem us but to grow us and sustain us and to remake us into what He desires us to be. In this we walk worthy of the expensive name we have been given. b. The Word of His Grace continues to shape us, grow us, mold us, and strengthen us to endure to the end. c. The Word of God is powerful to destroy and rebuild to mold and purify. d. We are of great value to our King, which is exactly why He has not left us to fend for ourselves. He has given us the Word of His grace. e. Why oh why do you deprive yourself of the gift of God's Word? Do you enjoy starving yourself or feasting on that which will never satisfy? Do you enjoy feeding yourself at the pig trough when you could be dining on the fatted calf your heavenly Father has slain for you? f. Why do you like baby birds desire the prechewed and predigested food of books about the Word of God's grace when you could study the Word itself? g. My friends – it is time for you to take up the means that God has provided to grow you and make you strong and consume it daily! h. What have you to do with your time that is better than eating and drinking? Who among us today can go a week without water? How many among us have gone a week without food? i. Why then do you consume spiritual food only on Sunday, and only food that has been prepared for you. Food that is so large a meal that your stomach, being accustomed to short 2 minute devotions, cannot seem to linger over for more than 10 minutes before you have eaten your fill and thus drifted off to sleep. j. Do you not know the price God paid to give you the Word of His grace? k. Elders and church members alike… feast often and feast long on the meals arranged for you in the Word of God's grace. See how big and strong your faith becomes. See how humility becomes your default setting when day after day the Word strikes you down to the nothing that you are only to pick you up in the potential of His Spirit's plan for your life. 4.) 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?” Elders must dutifully and diligently shepherd the flock of God by protecting ourselves and the assembly from doctrinal error. a. Elders we must lead the way in this. b. All that I have said so far is for everyone here… but we must lead the way. c. We cannot be prone to hobby horse doctrines, theological musings, endless discussions over genealogies and mythologies, or answering the questions of how many angels can dance on the head of a pin. d. My friends, we must devote ourselves to the rigorous study of the Word of God and the Creeds, confessions, and historical dogmas of the church to ensure that we do not stray to the left or the right. e. Why? f. Because where we go others are sure to follow. g. We must hold one another accountable. We must stay on guard for all teachings which could lead others astray from the truth and even for teachers rising up… even from among us… who must be corrected and if they will not be corrected, they must be silenced. h. We have been given the duty to shepherd this flock. To do so well, we must protect them from ravenous wolves. And some of them we may even know personally. i. We must be courageous and bold in this. 5.) 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 God freely gives to His children all we need to be godly. a. God is the greatest example of a giver. b. God has given freely, without cost, without need of repayment, all we as His children need to be godly. c. God owns all of us, everything we have, everything we are… all of creation is His… yet He gives us life, hope, peace, repentance, godliness, faith, grace, and mercy. d. He gives out of His abundance. e. No one can outgive God. f. He has lavished His love on us, His people. g. Indeed, God even gives glory to us through Christ. h. Although the scriptures say that God will share His glory with no one… the scriptures also teach that God will glorify us in Christ. i. In fact, God is glorified by glorifying us in Christ. How? j. Because for all eternity we will live to declare the matchlessness of His grace to us in that He has lavished upon us all His riches at Christ's expense. k. God is the greatest example of a giver that there ever could be. 6.) Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” Elders must deny that the church exists to serve us. a. As no surprise then, men, if we are the undershepherds of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ… then we must be givers too. b. From heaven… He sought His church and bought them with His own blood. c. How could we EVER conclude that the church exists to serve us? d. They are not here for us… we are here for them. They are His precious bride, His children, His heirs. e. And so are we. f. Those who wish to be first, must be last. g. As Elders, we have desired this noble office… we have desired to be first among these people… h. But that means we must be last. i. We must be servants of all these dear ones whom Christ has purchased with His blood. j. Like God… like Paul… we must give of ourselves to them… until we are empty and extinguished. 7.) 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 it is more blessed to give than to receive. a. But not just the Elders need to understand this principle. b. All of us must heed the words of our Lord. It is more blessed to give than to receive. c. Giving of our time, talents, abilities, strength, financial resources – is the heartbeat of the Triune God as He gave freely to save His church. d. We are blessed when we are holy as our heavenly Father is holy. e. When we are stingy, self-focused – we are only cursing ourselves. f. Our culture says take care of #1. And many today are keyboard activists standing up for the rights of those who are oppressed or hurting… but when it comes to actually DOING something to help… they have only excuses for not doing so. g. Let that not be said of us. Let us be generous first to the household of faith. Let us be generous to all whom the Lord purchased with His blood. Let us not allow even one among us who are truly His child to be poor and destitute. h. Let us intervene and meet the needs of those who cannot meet their own needs. And let us encourage and train them to go from needing help, to helping others. Why? i. Because it is more blessed to give than to receive. j. It is not God's will for you to remain a taker… because it is more blessed to give than to receive. If you must receive, do so without shame. But see to it that you seek to become a giver as soon as you are able. 8.) 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?” Elders must dutifully and diligently shepherd the flock of God, by providing for ourselves and the destitute in the assembly. a. Men this leads once again to us leading by example. b. We must labor hard and not be lazy. c. We must devote ourselves to providing for all our own needs so that we may take our excess and give out of our abundance, like our heavenly Father does to us. d. It is very uncomfortable for me to say this you all as the vocational Elder here. I have to just voice that. I labor each week to bring the text of scripture to bear upon all of us – myself included. For this the church graciously supplies my needs, giving my family enough to be generous to others as well. e. But for you all my brothers, you earn your living via another job and then give of yourselves here by pure sacrifice. f. Nevertheless, the scriptures must be presented as they are. All of us must be providers to those who are destitute in our fellowship. g. As it stands at this moment, the Elders are not aware of any that are… but it is our job to ensure it stays that way men. Let me close with a prayer by the Puritan John Flavel Lord, cleanse our churches, and repair their walls, so they may become gardens of delight for Christ to walk in and take pleasure in. May her ministers be faithful and wise: faithful so they do not deceive others; wise so they do not deceive themselves. May their wisdom prevent deceivers imposing on them, and their faithfulness prevent them imposing on others. May their wisdom enable them to discern wholesome food for the flock and their faithfulness oblige them to distribute it. May our leaders be pure with spiritual aims and intentions; serving not their own honour and interest, but yours. May our leaders show sincerity, not appearing outwardly spiritual while being inwardly carnal. May our leaders be diligent, like men in harvest, like women in labour, like soldiers in battle, watching while others sleep. May our leaders lack favouritism, as those who will appear before an impartial God. May they take the same care, manifest the same love, show the same diligence to the poorest and weakest souls in their care as they do the rich, the great and the honourable. For all souls are rated the same in your book of life, and our Redeemer paid as much for one as the other. May their faithfulness fix their eyes on the right end, and may their wisdom direct them to the best means of attaining it. May they lay a good foundation of knowledge in our souls, choosing subjects that will meet our needs, shaping the language in which they address us, using their own affections to move us, being careful of their behaviour. Send them often to their knees to seek your blessing upon their labours, knowing that all their success entirely depends upon you. It is in Jesus' name we pray this… Amen. Benediction: May our God who called Abraham when he was but one, And blessed him and made him many, Show you the incomparable riches of his grace, That you might know you are His workmanship, To do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do. Until we meet again, go in peace.

Title: Church Leaders: Priority #1 Text: Acts 20:7-12 FCF: We often struggle listening and obeying church leadership. Prop: Because obedient church leaders give their highest priority to the spiritual growth of the church, we must consider it our highest priority by listening to and obeying our leaders' spiritual instruction. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 20. In a moment we'll read from the Legacy Standard Bible starting in verse 7. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Some have noted that last week's message was somewhat surprising. In reading what amounts to essentially an itinerary, perhaps you too did not think that there would be much to learn from such a text. Nevertheless, we see Paul's consistent desire to exhort, encourage, and teach the scriptures to believers all around the Aegean Sea. In what is quickly becoming Luke's emphasis, we will notice yet again the character of Paul in this text this morning. I dare say that as many were surprised by last week's message hidden in a seemingly empty 6 verses, many will be equally surprised by this week's message. Because many a believer has no doubt entered this text and been led to believe that Luke's primary point is the miracle of raising a young boy back to life. However… would it shock you to hear that the death and resurrection of this young boy is actually just an interruption in what is the main point of this passage? Don't believe me? Let's look. Please stand with me to give honor to and to focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Most loving and gracious Father. You have sent Your Son to purchase us from the domain of darkness. You have sent Your Spirit to dwell in us and make us new. And to guide us in Your ways you have raised up for us godly church leaders whose primary objective is to do all that is in their power to ensure our spiritual success. Father, I pray that you might send your Spirit among us today to reveal to us the blessing of Your Dear Son's Undershepherds and their purpose which has been ordained by Christ Himself. May Your people grow in their attentiveness, submission, and love for spiritual instruction. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen. Transition: Let us get right to the text this morning… there is much to cover. I.) Obedient church leaders give their highest priority to the spiritual growth of the church, so we must be attentive and submissive to spiritual instruction. (7-9) a. [Slide 2] 7 - And on the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, i. From some of the earliest writings we have of church fathers that are not the writings of the apostles, we understand that the early church met together on the first day of the week to worship God together. ii. They called it the Lord's Day. iii. On the first day of the week in creation God created the heavens and the earth. His Spirit moved upon the formless waters and brought order out of chaos. He created light and separated the light from the darkness. On the first day of the week our Savior rose from the dead and brought spiritual light to His people separating them from spiritual darkness forever, bringing them the dawn of new creation. iv. While there are many Christians who believe that the Lord's Day is the equivalent of the Christian Sabbath, there is actually very good reasons to conclude that this is, in fact, not the case. v. At some point in the near future, I plan to do a deeper dive into this matter. The title of that study will be, “Should we celebrate a Christian Sabbath on Sunday?” We'll discuss the arguments posited by both sides and see if we can't find an answer together. vi. Until then, it is important to understand that the church at this time both obyed the Sabbath on Saturday, if they were Jewish, and also gathered together on Sunday as the church, Jew or Gentile. vii. Luke points out here that gathering together to celebrate the Lord's Supper, sharing a fuller meal together, worshipping God and hearing preaching of the Word on Sunday – was all normal and common practice in the church since its beginning. b. [Slide 3] Paul began speaking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight. i. Luke and Paul spent a week in Philippi celebrating the feast of unleavened bread, they traveled for 5 days to Troas and then stayed in Troas 7 days. ii. This is the seventh day of their stay in the city of Troas and Paul and Luke intend to leave the next day. iii. Paul is trying to make it to Jerusalem for Pentecost. Pentecost is on the 50th day after Passover. So, if we are tracking, we are about 14 days into that 50. iv. Given what could happen during travel, Paul and his companions are eager to press on – but not so much so that they abandon believers seeking discipleship. v. We see Paul staying up to midnight preaching a message of exhortation from the word of God to the brothers and sisters there in Troas. vi. Although church services would no doubt be held after sunset to accommodate lower class workers, it is certainly not a normal thing for services to have gone on this long. We can infer that from Luke telling us that Paul prolonged his message until midnight. vii. Paul wishes to leave them with as much teaching as possible. viii. The word for speaking here is often used of dialectic teaching where there are questions and answers. It would have been structured and ordered – but there would have been opportunities for discussion as well. ix. Because of this we can reasonably assume that the vast majority of the believers here at Troas were interacting with Paul and Paul was not droning on and on to a group of people who were bord out of their skulls. x. Inferring these details from what Luke has told us, helps us to see this narrative episode for what it is because so often people see it for what it isn't. xi. More on that as we go forward. c. [Slide 4] 8 - Now there were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered together. i. I literally laughed out loud after the fourth or fifth time reading this passage through. ii. It suddenly occurred to me the potential comedy associated with this little verse. iii. Luke seems to imply that everything upstairs was well lit with many lamps. It wasn't dark. Paul was preaching, so it wasn't quiet. iv. In other words, Eutychus didn't have a lot of great excuses to fall asleep. v. Now as I turned to commentators and scholars to confirm that this is what Luke is saying, I was shocked to see how many different opinions there are on the significance of this little verse. 1. Some, but very few, saw it the way I did where these lights were meant to exonerate Paul and the church in Eutychus' falling asleep. a. There were actually punishments associated with young people falling asleep in the synagogue at that time. b. You could actually be expelled from the Synagogue for 30 days if you were a youth that fell asleep during the teaching of the Word of God. c. Therefore, Luke may be hinting that Eutychus has some of this blame as Paul and the church did not make it easy to fall asleep since it was loud and well-lit. 2. Some conclude that Luke is implying that the upper room was very warm with so many lit lamps. a. Thus, it was very conducive for sleep… in other words the opposite reading of what I saw. b. But, if it were too warm, wouldn't Eutychus have stood a better chance at staying awake at the window? 3. Other commentators, knowing that they were no doubt oil lamps, suggest that the oxygen in the room would have been in low supply. a. Again, indicating that it was conducive to sleep. b. But Eutychus being at the window has the best chance of breathing easy. 4. Still others suggest that this comment of many lamps is intended to suggest that the room was quite full of people, who have brought their torches with them. a. The strength of this interpretation seems to be in keeping with Luke's emphasis. b. Luke is emphasizing Paul and his conduct as a good church leader and with many people there and only 1 falling asleep, again Eutychus is to blame for falling asleep. 5. And even others suggest that the many lights indicate that the Christians were not hiding or meeting in secret. a. Again, a valid interpretation. b. However, if this is Luke's point, it seems to be well hidden since there is no indication of persecution by the authorities in the city of Troas. vi. When we come down to it, we must understand verse 8 in the context of the whole. The miracle, as we will see, and Eutychus' part in all this, is very… VERY small. vii. Luke is telling this story to further authenticate Paul as a servant of God like previous servants you may have seen in the scriptures including both Peter and even Jesus Himself. viii. Therefore, I conclude that this comment about the lights has to be related to exonerating Paul from any blame associated with this accident. d. [Slide 5] 9 - And there was a young man named Eutychus sitting on the windowsill, sinking into a deep sleep. i. Nevertheless, despite there being many lamps and despite Paul speaking with power and authority, and despite all these folks gathered and discussing the scriptures together, this young man named Eutychus, was sinking into a deep sleep. ii. Now to be fair, it is midnight. Assuming he woke that day at sunrise, and assuming that he spent all day working as a slave boy, which the word “boy” in verse 12 could also be interpreted to mean, and assuming the evening had been full of celebration with the church, feasting, many songs, and long sermons… we can see why Eutychus might have been a little sleepy. iii. And perhaps he sought the window because it WAS getting stuffy in the house and Eutychus sought the cool breeze off the Aegean to keep himself awake? We can assume noble intentions. iv. In any case, Eutychus fights a losing battle with his weak humanity. v. He does not take enough necessary steps to stay awake. e. [Slide 6] And as Paul kept on talking, he sunk into that sleep and fell down from the third floor and was picked up dead. i. Paul continues to preach because the message is not finished. ii. We even get the impression that most of the church gathered there in the upper room were attentively listening and even participating in discussion. iii. Indeed, Paul seems to be the one making a great sacrifice here. Despite having to leave in the morning, he continues to preach. iv. Nevertheless, Eutychus succumbed to his human need for sleep and fell out of the third story window. v. The expression, picked up dead, is an idiom suggesting that he was dead when he hit the ground. Most likely a broken neck. vi. There is absolutely no reason to believe anything different in this text other than that Eutychus was dead. Not unconscious or appearing dead. Luke is a physician remember. He would certainly be able, with relative precision, to determine if the boy was merely unconscious or dead. vii. Luke says he is dead. f. [Slide 7] Summary of the Point: Since, as we've said, Luke's emphasis seems to be less on Eutychus and the miracle and more on Paul and his excellence as a spokesperson of God in a long line of prophets all the way back to the Old Testament, it is important to see that the message of this text is primarily rooted in a truth about obedient and godly church leadership. Paul is not an Elder of a church, although he is certainly qualified to be one. He is a missionary and an apostle. A Preacher, an Evangelist. His role encompasses various roles we still have even now in the church. Meaning Paul is able to provide an example for us for all church leaders. And we see very clearly in this text, the priority that Paul puts on the spiritual growth of the church. Even though he must leave the very next day, he meets, into the late hours of the night, with these believers in Troas, ministering to them and growing them in spiritual instruction. He lingers with them, at the expense of himself. We see prophets, priests, kings, other apostles, and even Jesus Himself doing similar things. Paul then is a model for us of what Godly and obedient church leaders value most. What they prioritize most in their ministries. And it is, quite simply, the spiritual growth of the church. So, what ought to be the response of the church to such a church leader? We ought to listen attentively and submissively to our spiritual leadership. Yes, Eutychus provides for us a negative example. Even though we can excuse him for being tired – the bottom line is that to a certain degree, he allowed himself to fall asleep. Much like Jesus rebuked his disciples for sleeping while he prayed in Gethsemane, so also, we must see Eutychus' example as a rebuke to us, and recognize that we cannot passively grow in spiritual maturity. We cannot grow closer to Christ by osmosis. Instead, we must actively listen and obey instruction from the Word of God. Transition: [Slide 8(blank)] Well, we already know what happens to Eutychus. In fact, the story is so well known that there isn't a lot of suspense here on what will happen next. But after Eutychus is raised… it might be a shock to you what happens then. Let's get into it. II.) Obedient church leaders give their highest priority to the spiritual growth of the church, so we must also greatly appreciate spiritual instruction. a. [Slide 9] 10 - But Paul went down and fell upon him, and after embracing him, he said, “Do not be troubled, for his life is in him.” i. Paul, pauses his sermon for the immediate physical need of the young boy Eutychus. ii. He goes down to the street and falls upon the boy. iii. In a scene which is reminiscent of Elijah and Elisha laying upon someone in order to raise them from the dead, Paul embraces the young man and pulls him close. iv. Luke does not tell us that Paul prayed for him. He does not tell us that Paul commanded him to live again. v. Given the fact that he was dead when he hit the ground, one thing we can be sure – it was the power of God, not Paul, that raised Eutychus from the dead. vi. When Paul recognizes that life has returned to him, he assures everyone that there is no reason to be worried or troubled. The boy is alive. vii. So, what now? The boy is raised? Probably time to dismiss everyone and go home right? b. [Slide 10] 11 - And when he had gone back up and had broken the bread and eaten, he talked with them a long while until daybreak, and then left. i. In what could certainly be seen as rather unkind or lacking compassion, Paul returns inside and fellowships and speaks with the church until daybreak. ii. Some may suggest that after such a terrible tragedy being averted only by a miracle from God, perhaps that was a good time to call it a night and return home. iii. Instead, Paul continues to fellowship with the church and even speak further with them concerning the things of the Lord. iv. Probably Luke intends The Lord's Supper here when he mentions breaking bread. v. He stays until the sun rises. vi. This is a true expression of Paul's priorities. vii. Certainly, he did not ignore the physical world, as if it did not matter or was evil – like the Gnostics would later conclude. viii. Instead, he had compassion on the boy who had died, but when he was alive again, he returned to spiritual matters and matters of fellowship with the body of Christ – for these were of utmost priority to Paul before he left them for Jerusalem. ix. Perhaps because he assumed he would never return. c. [Slide 11] 12 - And they took away the boy alive, and were not a little comforted. i. And just in case there was any doubt as to the boy's condition as the night went on – he went away alive with his family. ii. He did not swoon back as if he hung on the balance between life and death. iii. Instead, he was dead, and was now alive. iv. His family left the church assembly after daybreak greatly comforted because he was as he came. Alive and well. d. [Slide 12] Summary of the Point: Luke again emphasizes the priority that church leadership must give to spiritual growth. Just because something is the highest priority doesn't mean other things aren't important. Paul was obviously not done instructing the congregation in Troas. But he interrupted all that he was saying to go and minister to the young man. However, once he was raised back to life, Paul went right back to breaking bread and teaching the believers again. No doubt even using the vivid death to life illustration to teach on Christ through the Lord's Supper and further explain the nature of Christianity to them. It is very clear that Paul's top priority, even in the midst of someone dying during one of his sermons, was to ensure the spiritual growth of God's children. What do we see as the response? Paul's continued ministry of the Word is met by people who have reordered their life to appreciate the instruction. Even the newly raised Eutychus stays until Paul is finished. If the church leadership is prioritizing spiritual growth, that should also be the priority of the church as well. Conclusion: So, CBC, what have we learned today and how then shall we live? Doctrinal Takeaway: [Slide 13] Every episode in the book of Acts exposes the work of God to spread the gospel and the kingdom of Christ to the uttermost parts of the earth through His apostles. And in this particular context, we see the priority of those God is using to do this. The priority of church leaders, even missionaries like Paul, is to focus on the spiritual growth of the church. Paul needs to leave on Monday, but the Christians of Troas need his instruction. So, Paul stays up with them until daybreak to instruct them in the Word. Even when he is interrupted by a young man falling from a window and dying, Paul, by the power of the Holy Spirit, raises the young man back to life and then continues ministering to the spiritual growth of the believers in Troas… including the young man who had just been raised. This is a pattern for us describing what every obedient and godly church leader ought to prioritize above everything else. Namely, the spiritual growth of the children of God to be mature and Christlike people. In this little story we see two responses to the priority Paul places on spiritual growth. The first is a negative example of Eutychus. He did not remain attentive or submissive to the spiritual instruction of Paul. Second, we see that after he was raised, Eutychus stayed, proving that his priorities had reoriented around the importance of spiritual instruction. So we too much put spiritual instruction as our primary objective by attentively listening and obeying it. But let me apply this more directly to us today. Let me give you some rather toe crunching applications this morning. 1.) [Slide 14] 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 church leaders are required by God to focus on the spiritual growth of those in their charge. a. Though a miracle occurs in this text, it is very obviously an interruption in what is the priority for Paul. b. Paul sacrificially gives of himself to teach and preach to hungry believers in Troas. He has to depart the very next day, but stays up with them until midnight discussing the things of the Lord. c. They are interrupted by this tragedy, but the moment it is resolved, Paul goes right back to preaching and fellowshipping with the church there. d. The heart of Paul shows a clear priority on the spiritual instruction and growth of God's people. e. If we go back, we see this same heart found in the prophets and godly kings of Israel. We see this same heart in Jesus as he corrects Martha for working while spiritual instruction was occurring. f. No matter what your preconceived ideas of what a Pastor or Elder should be… you must come to grips with the reality that our primary role… the one for which we will stand before God to be judged… is whether or not we focused on the spiritual instruction and growth of God's people. g. Knowing this, it may require you to discard some expectations you may have of your Elders. h. Our culture expects pastors to be all kinds of things that would cause us to sacrifice spiritual instruction as our primary objective. i. Many were raised expecting their pastor to make house visits, hospital visits, go do to door evangelizing, conduct weddings, perform funerals, call on everyone in the church just to check in with them, come to people's houses and mow their lawns, fix their plumbing, and a whole host of other expectations that could require an Elder to sacrifice the one priority that the Lord has placed on his shoulders. j. Now, can an Elder do these things? Should an Elder do these things? Certainly. k. But not at the expense of our primary objective. l. It has been almost a decade, so I feel as though I can speak of it plainly without seeming like I am airing dirty laundry. m. But before I became the pastor here, I was an associate pastor of another church for about 6 years. n. About a year before I was fired, the lead pastor met with me and told me that he did not think that I was called to be a pastor. He explained that I did not seem to have a heart of compassion for others as a pastor should and suggested I become a professor at a seminary since I spent most of my time preparing to teach the scriptures. o. My friends, this pastor was deceived. He was duped to believe that compassion for others, specifically in acts of kindness, should be the primary focus of a pastor. p. And he believed it so much that he was convinced that something was wrong with me for prioritizing teaching God's people His Word. q. I bear no ill will toward him, because the Lord's hand of providence clearly led me to this church, and in June I'll have been your pastor for 9 years. r. But one of the things I have appreciated the most about you as a church family, is that you have allowed me to put your spiritual instruction as my highest priority. s. I must confess that I often feel a longing in my heart to call each of you to check in. I feel a longing in my heart to visit you when you are ill. And when the Lord allows, I do enjoy visiting or calling you and by the end of our conversations I always feel a desire to make it a more frequent occurrence. t. But among the other Elders or the congregation, I have never felt an expectation to do anything other than devoting most of my time to deep study and diligent instruction of the Word of God. u. And for this – I say, thank you. v. And also, let's keep it that way for all the Elders. w. God's primary objective for every spiritual leader, is to see to the spiritual instruction and growth of those to whom He has entrusted to us. x. But, of course, we can pendulum swing too far, can't we? 2.) [Slide 15] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that church leaders should only focus on the spiritual growth of the church. a. We notice in this text that in the middle of a long discussion about spiritual things, Paul is interrupted by such a petty little thing as the death of one of the church members.

Title: A Peculiar People Text: Acts 20:1-6 FCF: We often struggle pursuing what produces unity in and the victory of the church. Prop: Because the true church of Jesus is united and triumphant, we must continue in submission to the Word and the love of one another. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 20. In a moment we will read starting from verse one in the Legacy Standard Version. You can follow along in the pew bible or whatever version you prefer. Sermon Intro: Well, I did some math this week to discover where we are in our study of the book of Acts. Today, as we begin our study of chapter 20, we are around seventy percent done with the book according to verse count. That means we have a little over three hundred verses to go. Now my average for verse per sermon is a little under 10 verses. That being said, we probably have somewhere around 30 sermons remaining in the book of Acts. Meaning that sometime before the end of the year, Lord willing, we should be finishing the book of Acts. I hope and trust you have enjoyed the study of Acts so far. I know I have. But it seems that we are in the final stretch. That being said, let's come back to chapter 19 and 20. Last week Luke recorded for us the final episode of the Ephesian mission. But unlike similar examples where riots formed against Paul and his associates, no real harm or danger even approached any of them. From this we noted that Luke records this to prove that the Christians were not purposefully trying to cause issues around the Roman Empire. The only thing causing the offense, was the gospel of Jesus Christ. We noted that one of the primary reasons that people so hated the message of the gospel spoken through Paul and his associates, was because of the gospel's intolerance or exclusivity. And the world is the same 2000 years later. Today we will see what largely amounts to the beginning of the end of the third missionary journey of Paul. In it we will see one very important truth about the church and a couple responses that flow into and out of that truth. So please stand with me to give honor to and to focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Most Holy and Loving Father, we approach You today with our hearts held up to You. We come to be exhorted, to be encouraged, to be edified by Your Word. We come to hear from You and to obey. We come to feed our faith on the Bread of Life. We come to drink deeply from the Everlasting Fountain of Living Water. I pray that You would reveal to us today what You have made us to be in this thing called the church. Reveal what graces You have given us to keep us in Your purposes and reveal what responses You require from us as a church. Bind us together as one body in Your truth and for Your glory we pray this in Jesus' name… Amen. Transition: Last time we saw the narrowness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The intolerance of the gospel to any other faiths, worship, gods, or practices that it does not teach. Related to that today we will see the church being united around a very narrow set of essentials and that unity producing victory and love for one another. Let's look closer at the text this morning. I.) The true church of Jesus Christ is united and triumphant, so we must submit to continual exhortation from the Word. (1-3) a. [Slide 2] 1 - Now after the uproar had ceased, Paul having summoned and exhorted the disciples, said farewell and left to go to Macedonia. i. Luke doesn't often give us chronological markers, and when he does, they are not typically very precise. ii. We might be irritated by this, but this irritation is probably borne from our western culture. We have somewhat of a hypersensitivity to time and chronology that those in the east do not seem to always share. iii. Still, Luke does give us a definite chronological marker here even if it is lacking in specificity. iv. After the uproar had ceased. v. From the context the uproar in question is clearly the riot or almost riot brought on by some tradesmen in Ephesus. vi. We unpacked all of this last week, but as a reminder these tradesmen feared the financial and religious impact that Christianity may have on them and the city of Ephesus. vii. Because of this they were overcome with civic and religious pride and began shouting and dragging certain companions of Paul to the theater where city disputes were often heard. viii. It all came to an end after the chief executive officer of the city warned them that they are in danger of being punished by Rome if they continue this illegal assembly. ix. With this in mind the crowd dispersed. x. We should probably not rigidly infer that the next hour or the next day is when Paul does what he does. xi. More likely we should see this as after the events and when people had moved on with their lives. xii. Now people do tend to move on shockingly fast. They get distracted by other things and what was very important one day tends to become very unimportant in a few days' time. xiii. After the dust settles, Paul says farewell to the church in Ephesus and leaves to go to Macedonia. xiv. In the process of saying farewell though, he summons and exhorts the disciples. xv. Paul does not overtly go to the hall of Tyrannus to bid farewell to the Ephesian Christians. This no doubt indicates that although he isn't leaving the city due to the recent trouble, he is not a fool. He won't flaunt a large gathering of believers right before he leaves. xvi. In this we see the heart of Paul. It is not enough to simply say farewell… he must preach to them. He must instruct and apply to them the scriptures so they can be ready to face what is coming. xvii. Paul will be giving a good number of goodbyes in the next several chapters of Acts. I think it might be good for us to observe how often he accompanies his goodbyes with some sort of exhortation, encouragement or preaching of the Word of God. b. [Slide 3] 2 - And when he had gone through those districts and had given them much exhortation, he came to Greece. i. Once again, we remind ourselves that Luke is not writing a history of the early Christian church. ii. Or at least we can conclude that if he is writing a history of the early Christian church, he is doing a horrible job. iii. Why do I say that? iv. He summarizes Paul's travels through Macedonia in 10 Greek words. v. What are some of the “districts” that he probably visited? vi. 2 Corinthians chapters 1-7 actually dovetail nicely with the events of these two verses, since it was probably during this time that Paul wrote the letter. vii. Taking what 2 Corinthians says we can be assured that Paul probably visited Troas, Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. And potentially spent time in several other cities and even further west into the Latin speaking region of Illyricum, which he speaks about in Romans 15. viii. Luke does not give us the where, but notice he does give us the what. ix. What was Paul doing in these districts? x. He was exhorting. xi. The same thing he did in Ephesus to the disciples there before he left. xii. Paul continues to preach the word and train believers to live in submission to all that Christ had commanded. xiii. So, if Luke is not recording a history of the early church, what is he doing? xiv. Luke describes the purpose of his two books at the beginning of his gospel. He is writing these two books to Theophilus, a wealthy and potentially powerful person involved in the government of Roman Empire, who has professed faith in Christ. xv. He writes to Theophilus to describe both the certainty and the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. xvi. The certainty and the power of the gospel is on display in these 10 Greek words. How? xvii. Even though it has been years since Paul has visited these places in person – he returns not only to find believers still, but also, he returns with the authority to preach to them, encourage them, and commands their respect to listen to him. xviii. If the gospel was false and impotent, we would expect to find few if any believers here, or to find them reject Paul having wandered from his teaching. xix. Instead, he is welcomed and respected and the Word is preached again to them. xx. But how long did Paul spend in Macedonia? It is difficult to say. But some suggest that he spent as much as a year going back through these regions ministering to the local assemblies in these areas. xxi. Then, Paul goes on to Greece. xxii. There are two likely congregations that Paul visited in Greece. xxiii. The city of Athens and the city of Corinth. xxiv. We are not given any indication of how much time he spent in each city or whether he even went to Athens. We do know that he went to Corinth based on the writings of both Romans and the two books to the Corinthians. c. [Slide 4] 3 - And there he spent three months, and when a plot was formed against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. i. So, Paul spends three months in Greece, probably most if not all of it in the city of Corinth. ii. There is a reason for that which we will talk about next. iii. [Slide 5] Now based on our timeline of the New Testament I'd like to take us on a little tangent so we can shuffle in to these events exactly when Paul wrote some of his letters. 1. Because in 1 Corinthians Paul expresses his desire to winter in Corinth before going back to Jerusalem, we can reasonably guess that while Paul was in Ephesus, and probably toward the end of his stay, he had written 1 Corinthians. 2. In 1 Corinthians there was indication that he had sent another letter to them before that. Which could have also been written from Ephesus or even before he began his third missionary journey. This is a letter that the Lord did not preserve for us. 3. In 2 Corinthians we learn of another letter that Paul had sent the Corinthians that is referred to as a harsh letter. This too could have been written from Ephesus. This is also another letter the Lord did not preserve. 4. As we have already said, 2 Corinthians covers some of the events after Paul leaves Ephesus. Paul travels north to Troas where he expects to meet Titus who will bring back word for him on the results of the harsh letter to the church in Corinth. However, Paul did not meet Titus there, so he went on to Macedonia. It was there that Titus met him with word that the Corinthians had received his harsh letter graciously and had repented. Therefore, during his time in Macedonia, Paul wrote 2 Corinthians which prepares them for his arrival in a matter of months. 5. This is why we conclude that Paul spent most of the three months he was in Greece in the city of Corinth, because there was some needed time of reconciliation. 6. Since Paul's mind was already on visiting Rome after he went to Jerusalem, since in the book of Romans he indicates that he has not yet visited them, and since Paul greets the Roman church from individuals we know were from Corinth, we can infer that Paul most likely wrote the book of Romans from Corinth during this three month stay. 7. [Slide 6] This means that by this time, before Paul goes back to Jerusalem, he had written six of his thirteen letters that we have in our New Testament. Galatians, I and II Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Corinthians, and Romans – in that chronological order. iv. [Slide 7] Of course, we know that the Jews had always given Paul problems. It seems that in Corinth, again, they will stir up trouble against him. v. Apparently, the plot had something to do with his travel plans from Corinth to Syria. vi. So, Paul alters his travel plans to go back through Macedonia to set sail from somewhere else. d. [Slide 8] Summary of the Point: Luke presents to us via the travels of Paul as his third missionary journey comes to a close the unity and victory of the true church of Jesus. Although there have been many trials and tests, although there have been betrayals and even outright failures, the church continues to thrive in unity and victory over the forces of darkness and the wicked schemes of men. The church is the kingdom of Christ spreading to the uttermost parts of the earth, waging war against the dark domain of sin. Paul revisits these churches he helped establish with a message of encouragement and exhortation. This is the fuel of the church. The church is built up, energized, and rejuvenated by submitting to continual exhortation from the Word of God. And these churches were no different. They were united and they were victorious, but they still needed and welcomed encouragement and exhortation from the Word. We too must be continually encouraged and exhorted with the Word of God. The moment we neglect the regular preaching and teaching of the Word of God, is the moment we become weak and susceptible to error and compromise which disunifies us and defeats us. You see my friends, the Word of God is the key to unity and victory. That is why it must be continually preached and taught in every church claiming to be Christ's church. Transition: [Slide 9 (blank)] The true church of Jesus Christ is united and triumphant and the Word of God continually preached keeps it that way. But what else must continue since the church is united and triumphant? II.) The true church of Jesus Christ is united and triumphant, so we must continually love and care for one another. (4-6) a. [Slide 10] 4 - And he was accompanied by Sopater of Berea, the son of Pyrrhus, and by Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia. 5 - But these had gone on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas. i. Look at the brotherhood of believers that the Lord has raised up for the cause of Christ. ii. What began in Jerusalem around 20 years earlier had not only gone out to the uttermost parts of the earth, but even now there are missionaries from all over going to many other places helping with the spread of the gospel. iii. What a glorious testament to the power of God's grace and His work. iv. Let me briefly discuss each of these individuals or at least all we can about them and then I'll make some further comments about the significance of this list. 1. Sopater which is potentially a shortened form of the name Sosipater is only mentioned in this text and in Romans 16:21. From both texts we understand that he was a companion of Paul and from this text we see that he was from Berea and was the son of a man named Pyrrhus of whom we know nothing. 2. Aristarchus is no doubt the same one that was dragged to the theater by the Ephesian mob. During the riot we discovered he was a Macedonian and here we see that specifically he was from Thessalonica. We also know that Aristarchus accompanies Paul to Rome for his imprisonment because he is named in the letter to the Colossians and to Philemon, both of which were written during Paul's first imprisonment in Rome which is recorded at the end of the book of Acts. 3. Secundus is not mentioned in any other passage of scripture. He was from Thessalonica too. 4. There are four Gaiuses mentioned in the scriptures and because of what is revealed about them, it is really impossible for them to all be the same person. a. The Gaius that Luke records in Ephesus during the riot was from Macedonia. b. The Gaius mentioned here is from Derbe which is located in what is now south central Turkey. c. The Gaius mentioned in 1 Corinthians and Romans seems to be a member of the church of Corinth whom Paul baptized and whose home the church used for its gatherings. d. Finally, 3 John mentions a Gaius who is thanked personally by John for putting up traveling missionaries. John does not specify much more and this could be the same Gaius who put up the house church in Corinth, but because John is traditionally associated with the church in Ephesus after the fall of Jerusalem, we may wonder if the Gaius mentioned in his 3rd letter is the same Gaius from the riot or another Gaius altogether. e. In short, Gaius seems to be a fairly common name across the empire at this time. 5. Timothy of course is Paul's spiritual son, won to Christ in Lystra on his first missionary journey and accompanying him to various locations throughout Asia and Macedonia on his second missionary journey. Timothy is mentioned quite frequently in the scriptures, even having two books bearing his name as a recipient. We won't go into much more detail today about Timothy, but his role in the church could be the subject of an entire sermon. 6. Tychicus, besides being one of my favorite names to say in the scriptures, is found as a continual companion of Paul's. We find him being sent with the prison epistles of Ephesians and Colossians. In both letters Paul says that Tychicus, a beloved and faithful brother, will come and explain everything to them. He is also with Paul in Nicopolis and is being sent to Titus to relieve him on Crete so that Titus can come to Paul in Nicopolis. And of course, as we see here, he is from Asia, which typically means what is now western Turkey, although a city is not mentioned. 7. Finally, Trophimus. Trophimus is from Asia and has the unfortunate distinction of being one of the primary reasons that Paul is arrested when he goes to Jerusalem. Paul is seen with Trophimus in Acts 21, there noted that he is from the city of Ephesus. Because Paul is seen with this gentile and because Paul went into the temple it is assumed that Paul brought Trophimus in the temple with him. Of course, he didn't. But that didn't matter very much. Trophimus is also mentioned in 2 Timothy during Paul's final imprisonment in Rome. Paul tells Timothy that he left Trophimus in Miletus because he was ill. v. Such is the wide variety of Paul's companions. People from all kinds of origins and backgrounds joining him in the work. vi. They all go ahead of him to Troas where they await his arrival to go on from there to Jerusalem. vii. But I said that I would remark on the significance of this list and their region of origin. And that I will do, but only after the list is complete. Because for now it lacks 1 more name… b. [Slide 11] 6 - And we sailed from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and came to them at Troas within five days; and there we stayed seven days. i. In verse 6 another unnamed traveling companion joins Paul as he heads to Troas to meet all those mentioned in verse 4. ii. Did you notice it? iii. That's right. iv. Paul picks up the author of the book Luke, probably from Philippi. v. Luke traditionally has been said to have been from Antioch of Syria, but with familial ties to Macedonia. Here we see him still in Phillipi where Paul left him all the way back on the second missionary journey. Since Paul picked up Luke in Troas and deposited him just across the Aegean Sea at Philippi it is safe to assume that Luke is probably living in this area at this time – even if he was from Antioch of Syria. vi. Paul and Luke wait until after the days of unleavened bread, probably to celebrate with the small group of Jews in Philippi. They make the trip to Troas in 5 days, probably against the headwind, and then stay an additional week there in Troas. vii. That will be the subject of next week's sermon as Paul has a very well-known episode concerning a young boy named Eutychus. We'll get to that next time. viii. So, what is the significance of this list? ix. Remember that during this time after Ephesus and heading to Jerusalem, Paul is gathering a collection for the Jerusalem church. He is gathering aid for them because they are experiencing great financial hardship. x. Not only is it safer to travel with a large group, especially when you have a good sum of money on you, but also, because Luke mentions where all these men are from, we can infer from this that each of these men represent churches all across the empire who are giving this financial aid to the church in Jerusalem. Indeed, from almost every city in which Paul has preached, we find members of that city church coming with Paul to give their gift to the church in Jerusalem. xi. What a wonderful testimony to the unity, compassion, love, and care that is present in the universal church. c. [Slide 12] Summary of the Point: Once again Luke presents to us a true church of Jesus Christ, from various backgrounds, that is united and victorious. In our last point we noticed that the way the church stays united and victorious is through regular exhortation from the Word of God. But, what we see here is an effect that is caused by the church being united and triumphant. We see that the church is abundant in love and sacrificial help to those who also bear the name of Christ. Even if we do not know them, even if we have never met them, those who bear the name of Christ have more in common with us than our own unbelieving family members. Those who have shared in the death and resurrection of Christ have become members of one body. That is something that family can never be. Although our family is DNA of our DNA they can never be one body with us. The unity and victory we share in the church produces a love for one another that exceeds all other loves possible from one human to another. Conclusion: So, what have we learned today CBC, and how then shall we live? Doctrinal Takeaway: [Slide 13] In the process of Paul closing out his third missionary journey Luke gives us a wonderful picture of the culmination of the work the Lord has done through Paul. Paul's legacy is the same as every other apostle and missionary of the early church. The Lord has produced through His abounding power and grace a church that is united and triumphant over the deception and darkness that permeated the Roman Empire. In less the 20 years after the death, resurrection and ascension of Christ, the church has been established and has permeated the Roman Empire leading various cities with long histories of pagan worship to be turned upside down with the gospel of Jesus Christ. But the nature of this status of the church and the effect of this status on the church is at the heart of these first six verses of Acts 20. The church is kept unified and victorious by continual exhortation from the Word of God. And one particular expression of church unity and victory is the unconditional and sacrificial love the church has for one another as the body of Christ. These two aspects come together to give us our application today. But let me get a little more concrete with these applications and explain how they might impact us on a daily basis. 1.) [Slide 14] 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 the true church of Jesus is united and triumphant. a. Once again, every word in this application sentence is very important. If you remove one word here it could miscommunicate a few things. b. But if I had to draw your attention to the most important word in this application it would be the word “true”. c. I would love to use a word that is found in the ancient creeds. The word Catholic. However, today the word Catholic is only associated with the Roman Catholic Church. And it is probably so associated to it that to change it would be nigh unto impossible. Therefore, I use true here. d. By true church I mean the universal church. The invisible church. The church of people who are actually believers in Jesus Christ, the elect of God, called out from all the nations to be His people and do the works for which He has created them. e. The total of the true church of God is not found in one local assembly nor is each local assembly comprised solely of the true church. Every church is a mix of those who are actually believers and those who are not. f. Because of this, there are local assemblies that are not united and they are not triumphant. g. There are even entire regions where the visible church is not united or triumphant. h. So it is important for you to understand what I am saying here. i. We do not need to affirm that every single visible church is united and triumphant. Because that is, simply, not true. j. But we must affirm that the true church is united and triumphant. k. We are united and triumphant because we have been given true faith which unites us to Christ. Upon this true faith we receive the core essentials of the gospel of Jesus Christ which is found both in the early creeds and in the 5 Solas of the Reformation. l. In this the true church is united by doctrine and practice and we are triumphant because we have been empowered by the Holy Spirit to do the work of God and be heralds of His Kingdom. m. The Scriptures tell us that we will not fail in this. If we are the true church, we will be united in what we believe and if we are the true church we will not fail. n. Therefore, we must affirm that the true church is united and triumphant. o. Unity is a much desired and often used buzz word in Churchianity today. Everyone wants unity. But we remain in disunity over how to be unified. p. And there is a reason for that… 2.) [Slide 15] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that in order for the church to be united we must compromise essential doctrine or practice. a. The call of many pastors, priests, bishops, reverends, apostles and whatever other titles there are out there in broad Christendom, is for us to be unified on what we agree on and discard the rest. b. The only problem is that this is NOT how we see the church unite in the scriptures. c. They do not unify over what they hold in common and then discard every thing else. d. Instead, they unify on all the essentials of the Christian faith and practice and show love in the areas that are not essential. e. There are some churches in broader Christendom that if we had to unify with them by discarding everything we don't hold in common, we would have to discard salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. f. There are some churches that we would have to discard the Deity of Jesus Christ. g. There are some churches that we would have to discard the inerrancy of the Scripture and its final authority over us for doctrine and practice. h. There are some churches that we would have to discard definitions of righteousness, holiness, and upright lifestyles, taking what the Scriptures call deeds of the flesh, and even celebrating them. i. You see the problem, I hope. j. If we would unify right now… today… every single church in broader Christendom with the one rule that anything we do not share a common belief on would be discarded… My friends there would be nothing left. k. The folks that are begging for unity pursue unity based on a cause. The cause is to come together to love and serve humanity. l. But the church is not supposed to be united in cause only… but also in identity. Indeed, our cause is only unified when our identity is unified. What happens when we unite over cause but sacrifice identity? m. We would lose unity because we would lose doctrinal clarity. In fact, we would be a unified group of nobodies who believe nothing and do nothing. n. We would lose victory because we would discard godly lifestyles in favor of a vague notion of loving people… which is only the second greatest command and not the first. o. These folks that want unity under these conditions have left their first love in order to pursue their second and in so doing have lost both. p. No, my friends, unity is only established when we demand that the essentials of our faith and practice are held in common… and if they are not – we do not discard the belief or the practice… we discard the church who does not conform. q. In the Athanasian creed it boldly declares that any who do not believe it cannot be not saved. r. Any church that does not hold to the creeds and salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone – also cannot be called the church in any sense of the word. s. There is no unity if we must compromise on doctrine or practice. t. But as the united and triumphant church… what must we do with this text today? 3.) [Slide 16] 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 must submit to regular exhortation from the Word of God. a. One motto that came from the reformation is Semper Reformanda. b. Always be reforming. c. This is essentially a recognition of what song writers have pointed out. We are individually and generationally prone to wander. d. We often go through spells of ups and downs and we as a race of man go through cycles of reformation and darkness. e. The church is called to continue to reform and purify itself. f. How do we do that? g. By submitting to regular exhortation from the Word of God. h. The Word of God is the foundation of all that we believe. It is the final authority for what we believe and how we live. And the Word of God never changes. i. It is not our only authority – but it is our final authority. j. We need constant reproof, rebuke, correction and instruction from its pages. k. It is only then that we will be complete and thoroughly equipped to do everything God has commanded us to do and be everything God has commanded us to be. l. Paul as he visited these churches… exhorted them. He may have eaten with them, fellowshipped with them, enjoyed the Lord's Supper with them, talked with them for all hours of the night… but the one thing Luke chose to record for us under inspiration of the Holy Spirit… is that Paul preached to them. m. If we are to stay united and triumphant, we need the constant reformation that only the Scripture can bring. 4.) [Slide 17] 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 must love the universal church unconditionally and sacrificially. a. This universal church is comprised of all those who are believing on Jesus Christ alone for salvation. b. We are called one body. c. Our friends and our families are close – but compared to any unbelieving family member, our brothers and sisters in Christ are much closer. They are united not by their own blood, but by the blood of Jesus Christ. d. Even our love toward our spouse is amplified because they are believers. e. And those who have spouses that are unbelievers understand the disconnect of that. They desire greatly for their spouses to know the Lord for they know that will truly bind them much closer together with their spouse. f. In our text we see members of churches from everywhere around the Aegean taking money to Jerusalem with Paul. What a glorious testimony to the love they shared with those whom they had probably never met. Those with whom they shared only their faith in Christ. g. We too must be unconditionally and sacrificially loving of the global body of Christ. h. We must weep with those who have been killed in Syria. We must mourn with those persecuted in India. We must help those impoverished in Africa. We must rejoice for those who come to Christ in Asia Pacific. These are our brothers and sisters. And one day we will be united with them in one body – a bride prepared for her groom. And we all will be with Him forever. i. Look around you and mark those whom you know to be a true believer. Now hear me… you will be living with these folks forever. We better start loving each other now. 5.) [Slide 18] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” God will not allow the true church of His dear Son to fail. a. God is doing a work through us. b. It doesn't depend on us… it depends on Him. And that is why it will not fail. c. He will uphold us and ensure that the work that He has commissioned for His church to accomplish, is accomplished. d. Knowing the end does not spoil our desire to work hard for His Kingdom. e. In fact, knowing the end means we have no fear of failure. f. We can press on and continue to share the gospel and disciple one another, preparing for that coming Kingdom – knowing that we won't fail. Christ will not lose even one that the Father has given Him. g. And all that the Father has given Him will hear His voice and follow. h. So let us take heart and set out to the work knowing that the Lord is faithful and will ensure that His church is united and triumphant to the very end. [Slide 19 (end)] Let me close with a prayer by the English Puritan Ezekiel Hopkins Lead us not into temptation, nor allow us to be assaulted and buffeted by the wicked one. Or if, in your all-wise counsel and purpose, you permit us to be tempted, yet deliver us from the evil to which we are tempted. Let us endure temptations as our affliction, but let us not say yes to them, nor make them our sins. Thy kingdom come, Lord! Raise, Lord; enlarge, Lord; establish your kingdom! For yours is the glory. And unless you want your glory confined only to heaven, or account the praises and eternal hallelujahs of saints and angels enough adoration for your great name, Lord, have regard to this your poor decaying kingdom. For only in it, and in heaven, is your glory celebrated. And if you leave this kingdom to be overrun by the agents and ministers of the devil, or if idolatry and the profane gain ground here so as to push you off the throne, would that not be giving your glory to another-which you have promised not to do? Lord, you are still the same God. Your essence is eternal. Your attributes will never change. Your power, wisdom, and mercy are the same as ever. So in your mercy, grant us the same favor. We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Benediction: May the Lord, Who longs to be gracious to you, Who waits on high to have compassion on you, Plant you firmly in the faith, established, steadfast and unmovable Through the hope of the Gospel, proclaimed to all the creation under heaven. Until we meet again, go in peace.

Sermon Series: “Be Bold & Courageous: The Gospel According to Joshua” Sermon Text: Joshua 3:1-17 Sermon Title: “Land Me Safe on Canaan's Side” Sermon Slides: SLIDE 1 – Sermon Title Slide SLIDE 2 – Today's Big Idea: Because of God's Secure Presence … We Can Safely Place All our Fears and Anxieties … into His Strong Hands. SLIDE 3 – Point 1: Israel Faithfully Prepares … To Cross the Jordan River. (vv. 1-13) SLIDE 4 – Principle (from vv. 1): “Part of our preparation to do God's work, is to be humbled by God to such an extent until we realize we have nothing to offer but our mess. Thus, without God, we are impotent.” SLIDE 5 – Principle (from vv. 2-5): “Idols can't love you back, but they can blind you to what is false.” SLIDE 6 – Exodus 19:10 – “The Lord said to Moses, ‘Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments.'” SLIDE 7 – Insert a Copy of Point #1 of Sermon SLIDE 8 – Conclusion: “So, Israel (and we) must trust God for a fresh work of miraculous grace. We must learn to adapt and trust God anew. God won't pour new wine into old wineskins.” SLIDE 9 – Point 2: Israel Follows Obediently … To Land Safely on Canaan's Side. (vv. 14-17) SLIDE 10 – Principle 1: “Following God is always restricted to one way.” SLIDE 11 – Principle 2: “Following God is never conventional.” SLIDE 12 – Principle 3: “Following God always means dying to self.” SLIDE 13 – Insert a Copy of Point #2 of Sermon SLIDE 14 – Conclusion: “What God is saying to Israel (and to us) is don't look to the left, don't look to the right, don't look down, and don't look back … but look right here … eyes on me.” SLIDE 15 – Sermon Uses: Three to Help Us Grow in Our Boldness and Courage. SLIDE 16 – What Failures, Fears, and Worries … Do You Need to Give to God? SLIDE 17 – We Must Still Expect the Miraculous Grace of God. SLIDE 18 – Will We Walk Forward Like Israel … or Sink Down Like Peter?

Title: “God vs. Magic” Part 2 Text: Acts 19:17-20 FCF: We often struggle to believe that God alone is sufficient for all we need. Prop: Because God's power is greater than magic, we must fear the Lord and turn from our former ways. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 19. In a moment I'll begin reading starting in verse 11 from the English Standard Version. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Last week we took a deep look at the events that transpire in Ephesus surrounding the use of magic, sorcery and exorcisms and how they compare to Yahweh and His power. We saw how God stooped to demonstrate His power in an unusual way in order to prove that He is more powerful than all the magic that the Ephesians were depending on. God being more powerful than everything else must lead us to trust Him and not to try to use His name for selfish ends as some kind of good luck charm or talisman. Indeed, He cannot be used in such a way, for He doesn't need us for anything and we need Him for everything. Today we will see the effect of these events on the Ephesians and even the Ephesian Christians. Their response will both prove that they thought God is more powerful than all other powers and it will give us a pattern for a couple other responses we should have to His great power. Please stand with me to give honor to and to focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Almighty God. We come today as Your dear children hoping to hear from You and Your Word. We know that we are sustained by the life-giving precepts which You have graciously given through inspiration of Your Spirit and preserved for us today. We ask that Your Spirit would be with us today as we peer into Your power and authority. We ask that You would show us Your might and that it would lead us to respond in a way that is pleasing to You. Help us Lord to grow in our faith in response to who You are. We ask this in the Son's name and by His authority and power, Amen. Transition: Let us get right to the text this morning as we seek to wrap up this narrative episode. I.) God's power is greater than magic, so we must fear the Lord and revere His name. (17) a. [Slide 2] 17 - And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. i. Luke begins assessing the effect of these two episodes by looking to the city as a whole. ii. All the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks, heard about these events. iii. As is often the case in the scriptures it is ok for us to understand the word “all” not to mean all. iv. We are not doing damage to the inerrancy of scripture if we are to question whether or not Luke took a census to ensure that every single person in the city had heard about these things. v. I would say that Luke uses hyperbole as we normally do in conversation. 1. Everyone loves pizza! We might say. 2. Really? 3. Does every single person love pizza? I actually know for a fact that there are some people… if you want to call them people

People are shocked when they find out Hilary is 52. They see the abs, the energy, and the glow, and immediately want to know the secret. Well, in this episode, she's spilling it all—the workouts, the mindset, the aesthetics, and yes, the cosmetic procedures she's done (and proud of). Because here's the deal: taking care of yourself isn't vain, it's self-respect.   This is not about fighting aging—Hilary loves getting older. But embracing aging doesn't mean just rolling over and accepting every wrinkle and change if it doesn't feel good to you. It's about choice. Confidence. Owning what makes you feel powerful. And not giving a damn about what anyone else thinks.   Episode Highlights:  Why loving yourself and getting cosmetic work aren't opposites The truth about Botox, fillers, and why she stays very picky The brutal reality of post-baby body changes—and the surgeries that changed everything Why cruelty-free skincare is a must (no excuses) The real key to looking and feeling amazing at any age—spoiler: it's not just lasers and serums   Episode Breakdown: [00:00] Introduction [02:09] Loving Aging and Self-Confidence [03:02] Pro Being Your Best, Not Anti-Aging [05:09] Making Choices for Yourself [06:02] Self-Love and Cosmetic Procedures [07:39] Personal Transformation Journey [08:00] Pregnancy and Body Changes [12:02] Physical and Emotional Impact [14:08] Non-Surgical Maintenance [14:28] Botox and Fillers [15:10] Invisalign and Dental Care [16:14] Skincare and Animal Cruelty-Free Products [17:17] Lasers and Microneedling [17:39] The Real Secret to Looking and Feeling Your Best [18:00] Conclusion   So whether you're Botox-curious, all-natural, or somewhere in between—this episode is a reminder that it's your face, your body, your rules. Do what makes you feel amazing and own it unapologetically.  

Title: “God vs. Magic” Part 1 Text: Acts 19:11-16 FCF: We often struggle to believe that God alone is sufficient for all we need. Prop: Because God's power is greater than magic, we must trust God alone without polluting His exclusive worship. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 19. In a moment we will read from the ESV starting in verse 11 and going to verse 20. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Last time we learned of the incredible success that the Lord is giving to Paul in his third missionary journey. For two years he is able to preach the gospel and teach the commands of Christ to many in the city of Ephesus. He does this with very little opposition and the Lord blesses his ministry allowing the gospel to go out from Ephesus to all the province of Asia and many believers are strengthened. Today, we will see one final episode occurring in Ephesus forming the climax of Paul's missionary career. The reason I say this, is because in the book of Acts we will see Paul endure a great number of trials from this point forward. God will test him as Jesus said He would to Ananias the day Paul was converted. Paul will know what it is to suffer for the name of Christ. This final episode includes two scenes that go hand in hand with one another. We won't quite have time to see the effect of these two scenes on the city of Ephesus and on the believers there – but we will get a deep look into the cause of that effect this morning and God willing we will pick up the rest next time. So, without further delay, please stand with me to give honor to and to focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Most High God, we come to You today as Your children whom You have called out of the kingdom of darkness to join You in Your Kingdom of light. We were once Your enemy, deserving only Your wrath. We were the children of the devil and had unknowingly but willingly sworn allegiance to him and his vile program against You. We were subject to his tyranny over us with his weapons of sin and death. But Your Son has conquered both of these weapons formed against us. He has borne our sin, bearing in His flesh the wrath of God that was meant for us. He has died our death and has been raised to life. We now inherit Life through Him. And though the forces of darkness pursue us and hunt us – we know that when we resist and submit to You, they must flee. Your power is great. And the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. We beg You today to be among us and to teach us from Your word. We ask this in the name of Your Dear Son, the Second person of the Godhead, co-equal in essence and authority eternally begotten by You, Amen. Transition: We have much to get to today, so let us get right into the text. I.) God's power is greater than magic, we must trust God. (11-12) a. [Slide 2] 11 - And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, i. Holy relics have been a part of many religions since the age of ancient empires. ii. Even Judaism had holy relics placed inside the ark of the covenant, which was itself a holy relic. iii. The Israelites began to treat the ark of the covenant as a good luck charm, taking it into battle to assure their victory. iv. This led to God judging them and having the Philistines defeat them in battle and take the ark from them. v. From this we can see that completely divorcing relics from the God who is behind them or treating them as if they were as special as the God behind them is a form of idolatry and something the Lord hates. 1. Some branches of Christendom today come dangerously close and I would say actually do cross the line into this error concerning relics. 2. They venerate or regard with great respect or reverence certain relics which are said to have great significance being connected to Christ, His apostles or famous members of the church. 3. The line between worship and veneration is not clear though. Even for these Christians who venerate these relics, it would be difficult for them to parse out exactly what it means to worship God and how that is different from what it means to venerate a relic. vi. So why all this discussion? vii. I think this passage has a great lesson for us regarding religious relics and what we should think about them. viii. Luke tells us that what God does in this passage is extraordinary. ix. The Greek literally says, that God was doing not ordinary miracles. They are odd, different than He usually does. x. This doesn't necessarily mean better or more powerful or more magnificent. xi. The NLT actually translates this – unusual miracles. I think that hits the nail on the head. xii. Luke's point is not to suggest that what is happening in this text is grand or marvelous. Simply what is not usual. xiii. So, what is happening through Paul that is unusual? b. [Slide 3] 12 - so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them. i. So, with all that discussion about relics, I want to point out something here that I think we might miss. ii. Since Luke is not saying that what is happening with Paul's handkerchiefs and aprons is majestic or magnificent, or marvelous – but is instead not the same kind of miracles God normally does… iii. We can reasonably conclude that nothing is special about the handkerchiefs, aprons, or even Paul for that matter. iv. In other words, these relics are not special because Paul had them or even that they had touched his skin. That is not why they are different. v. They aren't even really different because of the miracles they perform. God has done these miracles of healing and exorcism through His apostles before. vi. They are different because God is using them to heal people and cast out demons of people, by someone simply touching them. vii. God does not normally do this. viii. That should lead us to ask the question… Why? Why is God doing this? What is the purpose that Paul's clothing should give healing to others? ix. The answer to this question is abundantly simple. x. God chose to heal in this way because of the superstitious nature of the Ephesians and their love of magic, incantations, spells, witchcraft, sorcery and exorcisms. xi. Although the Roman empire in general was awash with all kinds of magical practices connected to pagan gods and even the worship of the Emperor, Ephesus was at the very center of that. xii. So much so, that Clement of Alexandria, when speaking of magic spells written on papyri, calls them Ephesian writings. We get the impression that all spells had earned this monicker because of the city of Ephesus' connection to magic. xiii. God stooped to heal people in this way to draw a direct comparison between Himself, His Kingdom, His Son and His apostle Paul, to the magical powers and spirits that were an integral part of the Ephesians' lives. xiv. But God does not normally function this way. xv. What did Abraham say to the rich man in hell when he asked if Lazarus might go and warn his brothers about that terrible place he was in? Abraham said, they have Moses and the prophets, if they will not listen to them, then even if someone who was raised from the dead goes to them, they will not be convinced. xvi. God's only means of drawing people to Himself is by His word. xvii. Mere miracles won't convince anyone to believe. xviii. But God does sometimes send signs and wonders to people who are slow to believe. He provided many such signs to the Israelites in leading them out of Egypt. xix. God also provides signs to those who are especially wicked - to deepen their punishment for continuing in disbelief. xx. He provided a sign for Ahaz that God should be believed and the sign was that a virgin would conceive and bear a Son. xxi. Jesus during His ministry said that a wicked and perverse generation asks for a sign, because it is only people who are slow to believe or wicked who need signs. And only wicked people would want to be a people who need signs in order to believe. xxii. In other words, miraculous signs and relics are only as good as their ability to authenticate God and His messengers. xxiii. And that is exactly what it did for Paul in the city of Ephesus. xxiv. Suddenly Paul has been granted a voice to speak the message because he is apparently… more proficient at magic then their magicians… at least this is what the Ephesians would have thought. xxv. But Luke tells us that it was God… not Paul. c. [Slide 4] Summary of the Point: Luke's point in reference to the entire book of Acts here is again proving that God is the gatherer and grower of His church. He expands His Kingdom's reach. The specific permutation of that teaching here is by comparison to the Kingdoms that stand opposed to His. The kingdoms of darkness and the kingdoms of this world are becoming the Kingdom of God and His Christ. In the heart of the Roman Empire, in the heart of magic and pagan worship, with the temple of Artemis on full display, God stoops to prove that He is more powerful than the magic that they have trusted. He condescends to prove this to them by providing unusual miracles done through Paul's sweaty clothes. In this He shows that there is nothing that can stop His Kingdom and His gospel power. Nothing at all. By direct comparison all the attempts of men to gain power, natural and supernatural, fail to compare to the stooped power of our God. So, what application shall we draw from this? What else other than that we must trust God. Not in God as if to believe He merely exists. But to trust God. All that He says, all He commands, all He does, all He will do, we must put our trust and hope completely in the triune God Yahweh. Transition: [Slide 5 (blank)] In what seems like a new episode, Luke moves on from this event to another event during the course of Paul's stay in Ephesus. But I believe Luke sets this in close proximity, and even that they are chronologically related to one another. To the extent that we must view verses 11 through 20 as one narrative episode and not two. What follows is the strength of those who wield magic. What is their power compared to God's? Let's look. II.) God's power is greater than magic, we must not take the Lord's name in vain. (13-16) a. [Slide 6] 13 - Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” i. What is recorded here is the object of Jewish myth and legend. 1. Josephus in his work of Jewish Antiquities noted that Solomon had legendary power to cast out demons. This power was believed to have been transmitted via incantations and formulas by family blood lines to first century exorcists. 2. Both in Matthew 12 and Luke 11 it is presupposed that these exorcists existed. And to some degree they were able to have success although it is clear from their writings that the Jewish Rabbis of the day did not approve of the practice. 3. Therefore, these Jewish exorcists were outliers. Jewish to some degree but only tangentially. 4. They would be something like those who practice Voodoo today. Voodoo has elements of paganism but is mixed with elements of Christianity. 5. Most Christians would not perceive those who practice Voodoo as being Christians. In a similar way, most Jews, especially those from Judea, would not perceive these Jewish exorcists as being Jews. 6. But the Gentiles would. In fact, they would probably care very little as long as the exorcists were successful in their craft. ii. The art of exorcism is another matter we must discuss. 1. Exorcisms at this time were primarily the use of one spirit or deity's power to cast out another spirit. 2. This gives some clarity as to why the Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub. a. Beelzebub is the Philistine God of flies or filth. By the first century the Pharisees had come to regard Satan as this same entity and described him as the lord or prince of demons. b. With both of these things in mind, Jesus' comments about a kingdom divided against itself make a lot of sense and repudiates the common thought of how to perform exorcisms. c. Although it may seem like one spirit invoked causes the removal of another – Jesus' words considered would lead us to understand that though one demon may give way to another more powerful one – ultimately, they are all on the same side. d. The removal of a spirit by any power save by the power of God is at best a stall and at worst, part of a grander plan to possess the person to an even greater degree. e. Why do I say that? f. For two reasons really. i. First, In Matthew 12 where this confrontation occurs with the Pharisees, 1. Jesus actually gives an example of how demons return to people after they have gone out of them. 2. And when they return, they bring more spirits more powerful than they are with them. ii. Second, in Luke's gospel, the man who was possessed by a large number of demons that called themselves Legion, had been possessed many times before. iii. Perhaps this indicates that he had received exorcisms before, which only increased the appeal of more demons to return and possess him in greater numbers. 3. Along with exorcisms, the name of the particular spirit or deity is of great significance. a. According to Jewish and Pagan legend and mythology, to know the name of a demon or spiritual entity is to possess power over it. b. This is no doubt where stories like Rumpelstiltskin got their inspiration. c. And so, unsurprisingly, these exorcists had observed Paul and his preaching and recognized Jesus as nothing more than a great power source to tap into and ply their trade. d. They attempt to use Jesus' name in vain (using it without the honor or respect it deserves to do something selfish), namely to bind or force this demon to leave this man. e. The word adjure means to command someone under penalty for failure. iii. Before we get to what happens, Luke has a few details he wishes to convey to us about these men. b. [Slide 7] 14 – Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. i. The significance of this comment is somewhat lost on us. ii. Sceva is a Latin name. It means “the left-handed or The Left hand”.” His name occurs nowhere in the records of the high priests associated with the temple in Jerusalem. iii. Having seven sons who are all powerful in exorcism magic communicates the inherited nature of some special bloodline of power. iv. Sceva being linked to the high priests may indicate that he is of a Levitical line. v. Some suggest that he pretended to be of the high priestly line but it was only a title he gave himself. vi. I think that he was probably of a line of so-called priests, descended from those who inherited the legendary secrets of Solomon for casting out demons. Perhaps a priestly line different than the Levitical line that God established. vii. Perhaps the title meaning Left-handed actually refers to him being the Left hand of God. A way God works that is through evil or darkness. viii. But assuming any of this is true, why does Luke tell us this without explaining its significance? ix. I believe this comment is primarily for Theophilus insomuch that perhaps the line of Sceva and his great spiritists were still known when Luke wrote to Theophilus in the early 60s. x. To know what happens next in light of these people still be regarded as great magicians, would do much to prove to Theophilus that what he believes is true beyond doubt. c. [Slide 8] 15 - But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” i. This verse is, perhaps, one of the most chilling verses in the scriptures. ii. Not perhaps as chilling as “depart from me for I never knew you” but it is certainly high on the list of sending chills down your spine. iii. Here we are given the words of this evil spirit, and they are a warning to us as we consider the power of demons and their place in the world, even to today. 1. First, we should observe that Luke says it is the evil spirit that answers. Is this with the use of the vocal cords of the person he possesses? Perhaps. a. We do know that these spirits are intelligent spirit creatures, meaning that they are probably able to speak and have voices of their own. b. Indeed, as creepy as it might be to consider, the voice could have come from within the man and without his lips moving. c. We spoke about this in Acts 16 where the girl was crying out with a demon's voice. The word used there is where we get our word for ventriloquism. 2. Second, we should take a look at what this demon says. Essentially, it says three things. a. Jesus, I know. i. The word “know” here is the Greek word which implies an experiential knowledge of something. ii. It is a more deep, more personal, more intimate knowledge. iii. Obviously not going so far as to mean love… but it is a knowledge borne of familiarity. iv. This demon knows Jesus. v. It is well aware of the God-Man Jesus Christ and His defeat of the forces of darkness via His death and resurrection. b. Paul, I recognize. i. The word for “recognize” is the Greek word which implies cognition. ii. Something learned, heard of, acquainted with, or recognized. iii. This does not imply a familiarity or experiential knowledge but rather a passed down through the grapevine kind of knowledge. iv. It is the word from which we derive the word epistemology, which is the study of how we come to know something as more than merely opinion. c. But who are you? i. Greek sentences do not have punctuation. ii. Sometimes it is difficult to know whether what is being said is a question or a statement. iii. In this case, whether we put a question mark or not, the evil spirit is not asking a question at all. iv. It is not asking who these men are… it is making a statement. v. That statement is that they do not have the pedigree to be able to cast it out of the man it is possessing. 3. This is quite the chilling little sentence for a few reasons. a. First, it is chilling to know that the demons do not resist Jesus because they do not know Him. Indeed, they are quite familiar with Him and still hate Him. James says they believe in Him and tremble. b. Second, it is chilling to know that the demons know our names… or at least can know our names. For this demon had heard of Paul. c. Third, it is chilling to know that demons do not fear any of us. Not in and of ourselves. iv. One final point before we move on… 1. What is clear here is that invoking the name of a more powerful deity or spirit to push out another spirit is obviously not the “key” or “secret” to exorcisms. 2. Combining what we observed from Jesus' interactions with the Pharisees, it seems Jesus was well aware of the game that demons would play with these exorcists, allowing themselves to be removed to convince these exorcists that they had some sort of power and to make room for even more possessions in the future. 3. In this particular case, this demon wasn't playing along. Why? 4. My guess is that it probably didn't want to voluntarily leave at the behest of Jesus' name – for to do so would only give the name of Jesus and Paul credibility among the Ephesians. 5. One thing we are clear on here, is that merely invoking Jesus' name is not enough to cast out demons. As if it were some magic spell that beats them every time. 6. In fact, to invoke Jesus' name in such a way for selfish ends, while not being His servant, is a form of breaking the third command not to take the Lord's name in vain. 7. But when Jesus' name is invoked by one who knows Him, serves Him, and it is the will of God to do as the one who invokes His name has requested… then there is nothing that can stop it… 8. This, my friends, is why we pray in Jesus' name. v. So, how does the demon react to these men who think they have power over it? d. [Slide 9] 16 - And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. i. In short, the spirit used the body of the man he possessed to beat the snot out of these 7 sons of Sceva. ii. The fact that there were 7 of them contributes to the supernatural aspect of this beating. iii. Even some of the most well-trained martial artists, if they are outnumbered 7 to 1, it is not likely they will make it through unscathed if they make it through at all. iv. The more people you face at the same time in a fight exponentially increases the likelihood of losing. v. The only way this can be overcome, is by significant difference in force. 7 starving men against a Master, or 7 men against 1 with a machine gun. vi. The fact that these 7 men were so squarely defeated, to the extent that their robes were ripped from them and they all left wounded… proves that this man was indeed possessed. e. [Slide 10] Summary of the Point: Luke's primary point endures as we take the somewhat comical story of some people being healed and cleansed of evil spirits by Paul's sweat rag, while others cannot cast out demons even though they invoke the name of the Jesus that Paul preaches. This proves once again that God is greater than magic. All the powers and all the forces and all the works of witchcraft and wizardry – all the legends, all the ancestry, all the secret and forbidden knowledge, all the might of all the armies of all the kingdoms of hell, if we stack it all up against God's divine will and power… it is not a comparison worthy to be made. God wins. Without effort. Without breaking a sweat. So, what is the application for us? The name of God, The Father, His Son, and His Spirit, is not to be used in association with anything else. In fact, it is not able be used for personal gain, power, or selfish purposes. We must refuse to see Jesus, the Father, or the Spirit, as little more than a talisman or good luck charm to make our lives better. Instead, His name must be honored and revered. He must be worshipped and served. We are His. And because we are His and because He offers Himself to us, and because we desperately need Him to be what HE wants us to be… He is ours. Conclusion: So, what have we learned today CBC, and how shall we live? Doctrinal Takeaway: [Slide 11] Although we must leave the text this morning before we take a deeper look at the effect of these events on the people of Ephesus, there is already much for us to process this morning. Luke's primary point in this passage is a direct comparison between the power of God and all the would-be powers that exist in this world. We saw the wisdom of the gospel proved to those who were the wisest that humanity had to offer in Athens, but now we see the power of God and His gospel directly compared to the greatest power that can be attained in the world. The power of magic. Though magic is often a concept only conveyed to us in stories, the bible speaks of magic as real power granted to people through created beings who are opposed to the work of God. These real powers by force or by permission lend their aid to humans for their sinister purposes. To consider them to be extinct or in hibernation would be to adopt a hyper materialistic view that any missionary who has spent time in darker countries could immediately rebuff. These forces still exist today – not just in cute stories, but in reality. And there is real power that can be gained from the use of magic. But hear me now… it is nothing compared to the power of God. Even when God condescends to display His power in the same way magic does, His power still dwarfs it. There are two things we must do because of this. First, we must trust God. What He says, commands, does, will do – we must put all our eggs in His basket because there is only hope in Him. Secondly, which is a further explanation of what it means to trust God, is to not trust Him only so we gain something from Him. Our God cannot be used as a talisman, a good luck charm, a relic, or an icon to give us blessings or good fortune. He will not allow this to be the case. He is too great to enter into some kind of pact with us. He needs nothing from us. In fact, we are completely dependent on Him. We are nothing without Him. We cannot use Him to help us get what we want… because He is all we should ever want or need. That is the only relational arrangement that is appropriate with Yahweh, the God of the bible. He is either our everything or we are nothing. But how do we apply this more concretely to our lives today? 1.) [Slide 12] 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 there are other sinister powers at work in this dark world. a. We have all grown up in an age of materialism. b. What I mean by that is that the basis for rational thought, science, philosophy, psychology, medicine, and even theology to some degree, is built upon the belief that all things are material. c. All that is can be experienced by our senses. d. Added to this we have TV shows, books, movies, and video games, and other media conveying to us through the medium of make believe the absolute absurdity of the spiritual realm being in any way real. e. Whether we want it to or not, this concept infects our understanding of biblical passages to where many so-called churches now find materialistic ways of explaining the miracles we see in the scriptures. f. And stories like the one we have seen today, are interpreted through the lens of dramatic license of the biblical authors. As if Luke spins a yarn to convey a deeper theological truth. g. But the bible speaks of a spiritual world that runs parallel to this one. It does not do so to any degree of grand specificity. It does not provide to us the exact hierarchy of the angels or demons. It does not tell us the inner workings of the war between light and darkness to any great detail. h. But occasionally it does prove to us, through stories like these that sometimes that spiritual world connects, intersects, and pushes into our physical world. i. And unless they are messengers of God, all other powers and forces have sinister and nefarious intentions toward the God who created them. They have rebelled and have aligned themselves with Satan. They have taken up the cause to oppose the Lord and His people. j. If the bible is true, then how dangerous is it to be convinced that such forces and powers do not exist in reality. k. This is a terribly frightening story, the thing of horror novels. l. Magicians and exorcists, necromancers and witches performing spells and incantations, invoking spirit beings to force them to use their power for the benefit of the spell caster. m. If the scriptures speak of these things, we gain nothing by denying their existence. In fact, we put ourselves in a rather vulnerable position on a couple levels. i. First, we are vulnerable because we have to interpret these passages in such a way that it calls into question what exactly we can ever glean from the scriptures. 1. We must have a consistent hermeneutic. 2. It is not a strange coincidence that those who deny the miracles in the bible are now claiming that women can be pastors and have authority over men in the church. 3. It is not a coincidence that those who deny the spiritual nature of these dark powers are suddenly supporting the LGBTQIA+ agenda. 4. Once you begin to interpret the scriptures in such a way that what is plainly said is interpreted to mean the opposite somehow – that hermeneutic applied to every other passage of scripture allows for you to make the bible say whatever you want it to. ii. Second, we are vulnerable because if the bible is true and these dark powers do actually exist, we can rest assured that we will never see their oppression or possession coming. 1. If these creatures are real and are intelligent evil in our world – do you think they would want the world to believe they exist? 2. Perhaps at one time they did. Prior to Christ's coming and achieving victory over them. 3. But now, they hide in plain sight. They do not reveal themselves to the whole world. So that they might do their hunting in peace. n. We gain nothing by denying that magic, witchcraft, sorcery, demonic possession and oppression exist. o. Indeed, we stand to lose much in doing so. p. I do not have a command from the Lord for you to stop reading, watching, or playing things where these powers are included in the make-believe world… but I do have an application for you – DO NOT ALLOW these pass times to convince you that these forces are fake, benign, or under your control. q. But while we affirm that these horrible forces and powers exist… as we concede that these principalities and powers of this dark world do continue to oppose our God even now, and even here in the US… r. We MUST deny… 2.) [Slide 13] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that such powers are greater than our God. a. It isn't even close folks. b. That doesn't mean that God does not allow them to have minor victories. That doesn't mean that God does not grant them minor successes and minor influences in the world. c. For as we see with the crucifixion of Christ – such successes are actually grave defeats to them. d. God turns their victories into defeats and their defeats into His glory. e. He is not troubled by them. He is not bothered by them. f. Though we call it a war between Light and Dark – that is creature talk. If the Lord so desired, the war could be over with a mere thought. g. But God's purposes are bigger, even bigger than the war between Angels and Demons. h. Bigger than the souls of mankind. i. Bigger than the kings and kingdoms of this world. j. Bigger than this world itself. k. God's ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. He is so far beyond all that is a creature… l. All else besides Him is a finite creation. He is the infinite Creator. m. My friends. As real and as powerful as magic, demons, witchcraft and sorcery are – They are nothing compared to the glory, the majesty, the power, the wisdom, the might, the holiness of our great God, Yahweh, the Most High. n. Indeed, although other things are called gods in the scriptures, because God is so far above them – they do not deserve the classification. For the Scriptures also plainly declare that there is no God but Yahweh. He is in a category by Himself. And none approach Him. o. So, what must we do? 3.) [Slide 14] 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 must trust God alone. a. If these powers exist and actively oppose our God, but they do not even come close to His power, then we would be fools to attempt to oppose them without His strength. b. Like the sons of Sceva, we would find ourselves woefully outmatched. c. Instead, we must put our full confidence, hope, and trust in God alone. d. Not just for salvation, but for everything. e. For life, for eternal life, and for protection from these forces. f. God is all we need. g. He tells us to seek His Kingdom and righteousness first and then, when we do that, all our other concerns will be taken care of. h. Because His Kingdom and His Righteousness are all that really matter. Everything else… is just extra. i. We must trust the God who saves and the God who is in a category all to Himself. j. But that means we must stop doing something else… 4.) [Slide 15] 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 stop merely adding God to what we already worship. a. Many people in America claim to be Christians. b. They claim this because they attend a Christian church, or their family did, or they prayed a prayer and asked Jesus into their heart, or they have some vague affiliation to or affection of Jesus. c. But in reality, most people who claim to be Christians in this nation do so with little better motives than these sons of Sceva who used His name to try to gain power over this demon. d. Many people claim Jesus as their Savior because they want to be saved from hell, but that is as far as the relationship has gone. They want forgiveness but no commands. Love but no Lordship. Acceptance but no correction. Mercy but no authority. They want heaven but would very much like to keep practicing all the fruits of hell. e. They live their lives as if Jesus is a wonderful addition, giving them security for their next life as they live this first one for their own pleasures, lusts, desires, and plans. f. My friends, such affiliation to Jesus is idolatry. It is taking the Lord's name in vain. g. To profess belief in Jesus only insofar as he forgives the sins you keep committing and gets you out of the hell you keep living for – such a Jesus doesn't exist. h. Jesus' name cannot be invoked, manipulated, manhandled. He cannot be strongarmed, seduced, deceived or abused. i. Our God is so far above you – that the only person you are fooling… is you. j. Our God demands exclusive, unpolluted, undivided, worship. And You don't bring anything to that worship that God actually needs from you. You only bring what He deserves from you. k. In this we find His mercy, for without Him we are nothing. l. God is all we need and God is all we have. m. Without Him we are nothing. Without us, He is the same. n. Therefore, to add God, Jesus, His Spirit, to our lives and live for ourselves is the most subtle of all forms of idolatry… and no man will be saved who confesses Christ in this way. o. God is either all you worship or you don't worship Him at all. p. My friends, God is too big and too powerful, too wise, too holy to be a god you add to your life. q. He demands to take over your life. That is true Christianity. That is true conversion. 5.) [Slide 16] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” There is no other god besides our God. a. The passage today is scary. b. These beings exist. They know our names. And they hate our God. c. It would be all we could do but to flee in fear… d. But our God is greater. e. Our God is stronger. f. There is no god but our God. g. Trust in nothing else. Trust in nothing less. [Slide 17(end)] Let me close with a prayer by the Reformer Martin Luther Lord, there is no doubt that we are poor sinners, and by our disobedience we have deserved infinitely more severe discipline than we are now bearing. But look, Lord, at the wicked enemy's intentions. The enemy hates you and your name, and hates us too because we hold fast to you and your name, because we find comfort in your word, and because we hope for mercy through your death and merits. Therefore, dear Lord Jesus Christ, punish our enemy, and help us for your name's sake! Such a thought cheers our hearts, giving us confidence and boldness to pour ourselves out to you in prayer. For this reason the prophets also prayed in this way, constantly pleading the name of God, as David does: "Yet for your sake we are killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered" (Psalm 44:22). So we now pray this in Jesus' name… Amen. Benediction: May the Lord your God be to you a safe retreat In troubled times, a stronghold and refuge when you are oppressed, So that you can say, I will be glad and rejoice in you, I will sing praise to your name O Most High. Until we meet again, go in peace.

Title: A Time to Reason and A Time to Leave Text: Acts 19:8-10 FCF: We all struggle doing what God has commanded to grow His church. Prop: Because God will gather and grow His church, we must make disciples of those who are willing to hear. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 19. In a moment we'll read from the Legacy Standard Bible starting in verse 8. You can follow along in the pew bible or whatever version you prefer. Last week Paul arrived in Ephesus to find Jews whose profession was somewhat questionable. Paul searched for evidence of the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence, and discovered that the 12 men before him were not yet believers in Jesus as their Messiah. After sharing the gospel with these men, they believed and submitted to baptism in His name. The Spirit descended upon them afterward confirming that even Baptistic Jews could become part of the assembly of Christ. Today we will have the first two years of the third missionary journey summarized for us in only a couple scenes. Luke is not recording the book of Acts as an exact history but rather evidence that the faith Theophilus received was genuine and trustworthy. Luke then is describing more how the gospel spread throughout the Roman Empire rather than giving all the details of its expansion. So please stand with me to give honor to and focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Sovereign Lord, we approach You today to meet You again in Your word. We ask that You will be with us, and that You will send Your Spirit among us to grow our faith through the means of grace found in Your word preached. We ask that You will show us Your providential control of Your church and our place in its gathering and growth. Help us Lord to play our parts well, not for our glory and not even for the sake of those to whom we minister, but for Your glory and Yours alone. We ask this in the name of Your dear Son… Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] In the game of pool, you use a cue ball to strike other billiard balls into pockets along the table. If after you pocketed a ball, I asked you what knocked the ball in, you could reply in a number of different ways. To some degree you could say that the cue ball knocked in the ball. This is somewhat true, but in reality, we all know that cue balls don't spontaneously begin moving. As Newton observed, objects at rest tend to stay at rest unless an outside force acts upon them. So, you wouldn't be wrong that the cue ball pocketed the other ball – but you wouldn't really be right either. It would be the same if you said the cue stick pocketed the ball. Surely the cue stick and the cue ball played their part, but ultimately, we'd all have to agree at some point that the player… you… knocked it in. We have observed many times in the book of Acts that the Lord is at work to expand and guide His church. We've seen this over and over again, and news flash, we'll see it again today. But alongside that truth we have also seen that God often uses human agents to accomplish His purposes. God is gathering and growing His children and preparing them for the kingdom that is coming. He does this often by using His own people. It may be the player that knocks in the ball, but the cue ball doesn't let that get in the way of doing its job to the best of its ability. Ok, bad example, the cue ball doesn't make choices on its own. But if you understand the analogy – why would we want to be anything else other than God's cue ball… Let's look at verse 8. I.) God is still gathering and growing His church, so we must share the gospel cogently and compellingly. (8) a. [Slide 3] 8 - And after he entered the synagogue, he continued speaking out boldly for three months, i. Luke continues to record the key events that took place as the third missionary journey began. ii. Paul arrives in Ephesus and after seeing 12 men come to Christ from Baptistic Judaism, he immediately goes to the Jew first with the gospel of their own Messiah. iii. He enters the synagogue and continues to speak boldly for three months. iv. There are a number of details we should notice here. 1. First, Ephesus is the capital city of the Roman province of Asia. It is the center for trade in the eastern part of the empire. It boasted around 250,000 citizens, which does not include slaves. Not to mention the number of people who used this city for travel throughout the empire. This was a massive city. At any given time, it would not be a stretch to think there could have been a million people roaming the streets. 2. Paul is said to go to a synagogue, singular. But with a city this large, and if Josephus is to be believed, with such a large Jewish population, it is more than likely that there were several synagogues in the city. 3. Why then would Paul only go to one of them? 4. It is possible that Luke uses the word synagogue to speak of the system itself and not one particular building. 5. It is also possible that Paul only went to the synagogue closest to him. Synagogues tended to divide along certain perspectives on the Jewish faith. It may be that this particular synagogue would have been the one closest to the teachings of Christ and most likely to receive Him in true faith. 6. In any case, Paul goes to this synagogue in the city of Ephesus and speaks for 3 months. 7. This detail in and of itself is an anomaly to all the book of Acts. 8. Paul has never been able to continue long in preaching in the synagogues before he was run out and rejected. 9. 3 months is easily the longest he's been able to continue to speak. 10. And Luke points out to us that it isn't because he was being slow to reveal the truth or softspoken about it either. Instead, he spoke boldly about the truth of the gospel… b. [Slide 4] reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. i. Paul boldly engaged them with the gospel from a logical and persuasive level. ii. Paul, although the first to admit that it is the Spirit's power that regenerates and enables men to receive faith in Christ, does not take that to mean that he can be flippant or unpolished in his presentation of the gospel message. iii. Paul uses logic to assert that the gospel is a valid and reasonable conclusion based on the Old Testament Scriptures. iv. Paul uses sound arguments to prove that this Jesus is the Messiah prophesied of old. v. From an epistemological standpoint, Paul attacks the strongholds of false belief and false thinking while defending the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. vi. Paul is an example to all of us, that though the triune God leads to the conversion of a man's soul – the human agent must be faithful to present a cogent and compelling argument for the gospel. c. [Slide 5] Summary of the Point: If anyone ever had a reason to utterly give up on a people group, it would have been Paul. How many times has he been run out of synagogues? How many times have his own people rejected the gospel? How many times have the Jews chased Paul out of town? Yet here he is, once again, sharing the gospel with the Jews. But the Lord blessed him in Ephesus. Many were persuaded. Many believed what Paul taught about the kingdom of God. Paul didn't give up. Why? Because he knew that God is still gathering and growing His church from all the nations of the earth. To the Jew first and also to the Greek. Because he knew this, Paul did all he could to reason and persuade his countrymen of the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He gave a message that was cogent and compelling. Not because that is what wins people to faith in Christ… but because that is what pleases our Lord Jesus. To speak well of the hope we have in us. And guess what CBC? God is still gathering and growing His church today. In Columbus, in Michigan, in the USA, and in all the world, the Lord is still gathering and growing His church. We are part of that grand plan. What is our part to play? Well certainly some of our part is to share the gospel cogently and compellingly. We must present a well-reasoned, logical, powerful, and persuasive gospel of Jesus… because that is what the gospel of Jesus Christ is. The gospel itself is well reasoned, logical, powerful, and persuasive. Transition: [Slide 6 (blank)] But this is not the whole responsibility placed on us as God continues His plan to gather and grow His church. We have more to do than simply to present the gospel in a logical and persuasive manner. Let's look at what happens when Paul encounters resistance. II.) God is still gathering and growing His church, we must use our time and energy efficiently for the growth of Kingdom citizens. (9-10) a. [Slide 7] 9 - But when some were becoming hardened and were not believing, speaking evil of the Way before the multitude, i. After three months of reasoning and persuading many about the kingdom of God with Jesus as the head of this Kingdom, eventually Paul met familiar resistance. ii. Something is happening here in the text that we need to see in order to really understand what these Jews are doing. iii. In quick succession Luke uses an imperfect passive verb, followed by an imperfect active verb, followed by a present active participle. iv. Perhaps you think I just spoke in tongues

Title: 13 Men Stuck Between Two Faiths Text: Acts 19:1-7 FCF: We all struggle to with the tension of the diversity and uniformity that exists in the church. Prop: Because all kind of people will receive the Holy Spirit, we must call all to repent, believe on Christ, and be baptized in His name. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts 19. In a moment we will read starting in verse 1 from the New English Translation. You can follow along in the pew bible or whatever version you prefer. Last week Luke closed out the record of the second missionary journey of Paul. As he did this, he gave record of the work as it continued in Paul's absence. Part of this work was to record an episode concerning another major figure in the work of the kingdom. Apollos the evangelist and apologist steps on the scene and heads off to Achaia to continue the work there refuting the Jews. Today, in what is obviously connected thematically to the previous episode of Apollos, Luke will record another interaction with 12 men who were also converts of John the Baptist. But this time we will see Paul address and correct their deficiencies in doctrine. In this narrative episode, we will learn a great deal about how the gospel call will be answered by a broad and diverse group of people, but the gospel effect is quite narrow and uniform. Let's look at chapter 19 verse 1. Please stand with me to give honor to and to focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Most High God, Father of the Nations, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, we come to You today as citizens of Your Kingdom. You have called and gathered us from the ends of the earth and granted us sight to see the wonderous truths of Your holy order. You have shone through our blind eyes to awake us to the hope of life in Your son Jesus Christ. You have plunged us into baptism, immersed us into the total work of the Godhead to save us from sin and death and free us to life eternal. You have given us your Holy Spirit to live in us and guide us in all things. Father these truths are so precious to us. Help us to see in Your word today how these truths affect how we engage our culture and even our enemies. Help our faith to be moved to action today by what You have revealed. Help us to love You more. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] It's amazing how catastrophic the smallest piece of information withheld at the worst time can be. Whether it is a navigation system failing to give an audible direction on time, or a text not coming through to inform you of the change of a meeting time or location, or the failure of a coach to give the signal to steal. In these moments, had the information been given, certain catastrophe could have been avoided and all would have gone according to plan. Today we will meet 12 men who missed, by a good 20 years, a rather pivotal piece of information regarding the most important subject that exists… the future of their eternal souls. They had 90% of the message, but unfortunately for them the last 10% was so significant, they were now caught between two faiths, seen as a heretic by one and as lacking by the other. So, are they without hope? Are they too late? Are they just victims of bad timing? Let's find out. I.) All who are genuinely part of Christ's church have received the Holy Spirit, so we must call all to repent, believe on Christ, and be baptized in His name. a. [Slide 3] 1 - While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul went through the inland regions and came to Ephesus. i. Although Luke only said that Apollos was going to Achaia, as he continues, it is clear that the capital of Achaia was Apollos' true destination. ii. We know from various other passages of scripture that Apollos made an impression on the city of Corinth. iii. While he was there, Paul comes to Ephesus by the inland regions. iv. We don't quite know when this missionary journey began. v. The best estimates are somewhere between late AD 52 and AD 53. vi. [Slide 4] Paul travels through the inland regions meaning he comes by a direct route to Ephesus. He is visiting some of the churches he planted in the first missionary journey along the way. vii. But it is clear that Paul intends to come to Ephesus and spend a good deal of time there. viii. This verse provides a clear connection between Apollos' story and what will follow. Apollos is referenced along with the beginning of the trip Luke already mentioned in chapter 18 verse 23. ix. It is obvious that the first 7 verses of chapter 19 are intended to be taken together with the previous account of Apollos. x. It is an unfortunate chapter division. b. [Slide 5] He found some disciples there 2 - and said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They replied, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” i. When Paul arrives, he discovers a group of disciples, followers, learners who appear to be believers. ii. Nevertheless, something seems off about them. So, Paul asks them if they had received the Holy Spirit when they believed. iii. The Holy Spirit's indwelling is THE sign of a person being a citizen of the kingdom of God. iv. Paul does not ask first if they believed on Jesus. He doesn't ask first if they have been baptized. He doesn't ask first if they are involved in a local church somewhere. v. The book of Acts makes it clear that the only way we really know that someone is of the Kingdom of God – is if they have received the Holy Spirit. vi. That is the sign given to us that we are redeemed. vii. Furthermore, Paul links the coming of the Holy Spirit with belief. Receiving faith in Jesus Christ for a genuine member of the church is, at least in Paul's mind, linked with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. viii. This is NOT the Spirit's work of regeneration, which happens prior to belief as we have seen in several of our book studies over the last few years. ix. That work is like a wind and happens unpredictably and without warning, like Jesus says to Nicodemus. x. But the Indwelling of the Spirit is a predictable outcome upon genuine belief. At least this is what Paul is assuming. xi. Now because these men answer in the way they do it is very obvious that they are not truly disciples of Christ. 1. There is an untranslated word in the Greek that indicates something that is in addition to in an amplifying manner. 2. In English we often use the expression “not only, blah blah blah, but also blah blah blah” in these instances. 3. The NET translators have done an excellent job expressing this efficiently by simply supplying the word “even” in the text. 4. Not only have they not received the Holy Spirit… but also we have not even heard that there IS a Holy Spirit. 5. This could mean that they have never heard of the third person of the Godhead, but because they are Jews, it is far more likely that they had not heard that the third person of the Godhead was present in this way and was available to be received by anyone or by any means. xii. Since their response obviously indicated that they were not indwelled by the Holy Spirit Paul has another question. c. [Slide 6] 3 - So, Paul said, “Into what then were you baptized?” “Into John's baptism,” they replied. i. Had their statement been either that they had received the Spirit, or that they THOUGHT they had received the Holy Spirit, we might expect Paul's question to be different. 1. In other words, the test of whether or not someone has the Holy Spirit is not what that they have been baptized into the triune God. 2. From other texts of the New Testament, we find that the true test of whether or not someone has been indwelled with the Spirit is knowledge of God on an intimate level. 3. Although assurance can be lost for a time, the New Testament makes it seem that most Christians should live in a constant awareness of the Spirit's indwelling presence. 4. Indeed, so much of the New Testament is given as a means to see, experience, recognize, or assure ourselves of the Spirit's indwelling presence in us. 5. And not only for us but also for assurance of the Holy Spirit's presence in others. 6. And His presence is greatly tied to His changing and grace giving power in us to be and do what God has remade us to be and do. ii. So, notice here Paul's immediate question following their confession that they did not realize that the Spirit was available to be received. iii. Paul immediately associates the indwelling of the Holy Spirit with baptism. iv. In Acts, while sometimes the Spirit comes before water baptism, sometimes after, and sometimes at the same time, there is a close association of the indwelling of the Spirit and baptism. v. Just as there is a close association with the indwelling of the Spirit and belief on Christ. vi. In this, Peter's message at Pentecost remains the definitive test for the normal indicative experience of every person entering the family of God. vii. As Peter puts it “Repent, and each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” viii. Repentance and belief on Christ lead to the indwelling of the Spirit of God and baptism in Jesus' name proves the commitment of one who is indwelled with the Spirit of God. To Paul – all three should be present because all three are necessary, even if they are not necessary in the same way. ix. Paul has taken these men as disciples of Christ and even assumed that they were baptized members of the church. But if they haven't been indwelled with the Spirit of God… then he needs to find out more about their baptism. x. If their baptism wasn't in submission to the indwelled Spirit of God… what was it for? xi. And in this we find that they were baptized into John's Baptism. xii. Since, as we said, Luke has put the stories of Apollos and these men back-to-back, it is clear Luke wants us to see that both Apollos and these disciples were faithful Jews who had been taught from John's school. xiii. Jews baptized to prepare them with repentance for the coming forgiveness of sins through the immanent Messiah. xiv. What is also clear is that the baptism of John, including all John taught, was not enough to fully transition a Jewish persons' faith into a Messianic, New Covenant faith. It was not enough to push them to take the next step of Judaism and become a Christian. xv. The way the book of Acts crafts this whole discussion is that there are not two different faiths, Judaism and Christianity. Instead, there is True Judaism which was for the Jews to receive Jesus as their Messiah and join the church to become Christians… and there were those Jews who had rejected their own Messiah and become dead branches and cut off from their covenant promises. xvi. But in regard to these men, they are somewhere in-between. They are stuck in the Old Covenant still. They haven't rejected Christ; in fact, they are prepared to receive Him… but they have not yet understood what to receive and how. xvii. So, the real question is – are they allowed at this late hour to be admitted into the Kingdom of Christ? Is it too late for these Jews who have not yet rejected their Messiah, to receive their Messiah? xviii. We'll have to see what Paul does with them in a moment. d. [Slide 7] Summary of the Point: Luke begins this third missionary journey with the record of Paul testing the profession of a group of 12 men. In this we see Luke's point, that the Kingdom of God produces certain uniform and verifiable results to all who enter it. The very first of these is the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, which is inextricably linked to receiving faith in Christ and baptism in His name. In this we can draw the teaching that the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence is the standard by which we test if someone is part of Christ's church or not. It is not mere profession alone, nor mere baptism alone. Evidence of the Spirit's indwelling is absolutely essential. And the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit is only given to those who have repented and believed the correct doctrine concerning Jesus. And The Spirit's indwelling presence is first evidenced by obedience in submitting to baptism in Jesus' name as a picture of their faith in Christ. Since all this is true, just as Paul did, we must be sure that all who would be part of the church have received the Spirit through repentance and faith in Christ and have evidenced the Holy Spirit's indwelling through obedience first by baptism in Jesus' name. Transition: [Slide 8(blank)] So now that Paul knows the problem, what will be his tactic to deal with these men who are stuck between two faiths? Are they disqualified? If not, how will he prove to them that they lack understanding concerning the Messiah? Let's look. II.) The gospel call will be answered by all kinds of people, so we must call all to repent, believe on Christ, and be baptized in His name. a. [Slide 9] 4 - Paul said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.” i. How does Paul engage these Jews who are on the edge of taking the next step in Judaism? ii. He engages them in what he knows John taught. He started from what they believed and knew. iii. A wonderful tactic we should emulate when we take the gospel to others. iv. John taught them to be baptized in repentance and to believe in the one who was going to come after him. v. Well John's been dead for about 25 years, and apparently, they had not heard, or had forgotten that Jesus had actually came to John to be baptized, at which point John identified Him as the one who came after. vi. Either they had not heard or had forgotten that John prophesied that the Messiah would baptize with the Holy Spirit. vii. Paul's message is – my friends, have you not heard? The One who was to come after John has come. The One who baptizes with the Spirit has come. viii. He is Jesus. b. [Slide 10] 5 - When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, i. Again, we see baptism, belief, and repentance rolled into one event. ii. Baptism is again affiliated strongly with the conversion of a person and not their preparation for conversion. We as Baptists really like to point that out. iii. They were baptized into a new and better baptism. iv. Where John's baptism was anticipatory (like many baptisms in Christendom today seem to be), Jesus' baptism is a declaration of affiliation. v. Where John's baptism was never meant to be the final baptism, baptism into the triune God is final. vi. Where John's baptism was in preparation for a hope of something to come (again like many baptisms in Christendom today), Jesus' baptism is a physical sign of that hope being fulfilled. vii. John's baptism required repentance and admission of sinfulness and desire for forgiveness, but it was not enough. You must believe on Jesus and be baptized into Him in order to be part of the church. viii. Luke recording this immediately following Apollos' experience sheds more light on what is going on here. ix. It is probably safe to conclude that even though Apollos taught rightly about Jesus in what he knew, he too was only acquainted with the teachings of John. Meaning that he too needed to receive faith in Christ and be baptized into Him. x. And even though Luke did not record such an event, because of what we see happening only a few verses later, we can reasonably assume that he too was baptized into the triune God. c. [Slide 11] 6 - and when Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they began to speak in tongues and to prophesy. 7 - (Now there were about twelve men in all.) i. As we've seen in each of the cases where a new group of people have come to faith in Christ, the Holy Spirit's indwelling is accompanied with the sign gifts of tongues and prophesy. ii. The same sign indicates that all these different kinds of people are joining the same church. iii. There is not a Samaritan church, a God-Fearer church, a gentile church, a Jewish church, and now a Baptistic Jewish Church. iv. All the different factions of humanity homogenize into one church who are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone and are indwelled with the Holy Spirit. v. Some may ask, “Why did the Holy Spirit come after belief and baptism and only when Paul placed his hands on them? 1. To the Jews in Acts 2, the apostles were filled with the Spirit and spoke in tongues yet we have no passage in the entire New Testament where they were baptized in Jesus' name. 2. Then they preached to other Jews who accepted the message and were baptized, but the timing of the Holy Spirit's indwelling is not mentioned there nor that they displayed sign gifts. 3. To the Samaritans in Acts 8 they accepted the message and were baptized but did not receive the Spirit until Peter and John came down and prayed that they would receive the Holy Spirit. After this, it is said they did receive the Spirit but not how that was known. We assumed it was due to sign gifts. 4. To the God-Fearers and Gentiles in Acts 10, they heard the message and in their receiving of faith, the Holy Spirit fell on them evidenced by sign gifts such as speaking in tongues. With this evidence, Peter concludes that baptism should be offered immediately since they have the Spirit. 5. Finally, here in chapter 19 we see the apostle Paul (much like Peter and John toward the Samaritans) laid hands on these twelve Baptistic Jewish after they had believed and were baptized and they received the Holy Spirit as evidenced with sign gifts. 6. So, our question is… is the lack of a pattern teaching us a lesson? 7. The lesson is that the Holy Spirit came when He wanted upon those whom He wanted and when He arrived that was a sign not only meant for the person who had just believed, but primarily for those who were already a part of the Kingdom to recognize that this new group of people could join and were now part of the church. 8. People who aren't pure Jews could be part of the church. People who weren't Jews at all but were somewhat Jewish in their faith could be part of the church. People that were neither Jewish in faith or nationality could be part of the church and finally those who were not quite Jewish but not quite Christian… could be part of the church. 9. With this, the last demarcation of human existence is toppled. God so loved the world… All kinds of different people… that He gave His only Son that ALL the believing ones in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. d. [Slide 12] Summary of the Point: Although Luke's first point was the rigidness and uniformity of the path to become part of Christ's church, his second point shows the diversity and breadth of those who will answer the gospel call. As Baptistic Jews these men were borderline Jewish heretics while at the same time being borderline Christian heretics. They were truly a group of people caught in the middle with no belonging. But just as we have seen the gospel go to the nation of the Jews who rejected their own Messiah, just as we've seen the gospel go to the Samaritans who were Jewish cultists and heretics, just as we've seen the gospel go to those who could never be Jewish like the Ethiopian Eunuch, Just as we've seen the gospel go to God-Fearers who were gentile Yahweh worshippers, just as we've seen the gospel go to gentile pagans who were polytheists, just as we've seen the gospel go to the wealthy, the powerful, the poor, the weak, so now we see the gospel go to this group who don't belong to any faith at all. Religiously ousted by the Jews and not quite Christian either. Yet they respond and come to Christ. Luke's point – is that the gospel is for all kinds of men. The gospel call goes out to all people. And it will be heard by all kinds of people. So we must be sure to call all to receive the Spirit through repentance and faith in Christ and evidence the Holy Spirit's indwelling through obedience first in baptism in Jesus' name. Conclusion: So, what have we learned today CBC, and how shall we live? Doctrinal takeaway: [Slide 13] Two points of doctrine coalesce into the funnel of the Kingdom of God. The gospel call will be answered very broadly. Men and women from all kinds of backgrounds will hear the call of God and receive faith in Christ and be baptized in His name. People coming from various religious backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses, political perspectives, ethnicities, skin colors, the powerful, the famous, the weak, the deplorables and every one in between, the Lord is gathering, in the broadest possible way, His Kingdom together. But this is a funnel because as He gathers them from a diverse and broad background, He funnels them into the same narrow gate. They must receive the Holy Spirit through repentance and faith in Christ alone and that reception of the Spirit must be evidenced by obedient and submissive hearts to publicly declare with their words and actions that Christ is their Lord and Savior, first in baptism in His name and every day following by living upright and holy lives. Though we may have been very different people before we came to Christ – after coming to Christ we are all more alike than we are different. Why? Because the things that made us different before are insignificant when compared to the thing that makes us the same. Since this is true… we must call all kinds of people from various backgrounds to the exact same gospel. Repent, believe the gospel of Christ and be baptized in His name. You will receive the Spirit of God and then all the world will know you are His. Sealed until the day of redemption. But let me apply this more specifically to us today. 1.) [Slide 14] 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 believe that the gospel call will be answered by people from a wide variety of backgrounds. a. Why must we love our enemies? b. Why must we love those who persecute us? c. Why must we pray for those who spitefully use us? d. Why are we not free to treat others as they treat us? e. In the political realm, in the social realm, at work, in our families – why can't we fight fire with fire? Trade insult for insult? Scream louder? Fight harder? f. My friends, in a moment, according to the will of God, His Spirit can regenerate a heart and prepare it to receive faith in Christ and with faith the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. g. Such a miracle can happen to literally any person we know who still draws breath on this earth. h. Died in the wool democrats with the most liberal agenda, wealthy autocrats, corporate stooges, porn stars, drag queens, transgender people and pundits, Mormons, Modalists, Managers, Swiss people, German people, black, white, red and yellow, bumpkins and geniuses, southerners and northerners… and yes, apparently even Ohioans – My friends the gospel call goes to all and the gospel call is received by all kinds. i. The vision of the New Kingdom is global and the Lord is gathering His church from all the nations of the earth. j. Even these 13 men, forgotten in the middle of these two religious systems., but friends they were NOT FORGOTTEN by GOD! k. He had elected them before the foundation of the world and although they were late to the party… they were given the truth and welcomed to the fold. l. You and I cannot afford to be at war with anyone on this earth. Why? m. Because even if they aren't now… they may one day be our brother or sister in Christ. n. So what does that mean for us? 2.) [Slide 15] 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 must take the gospel to all people. a. I'm not saying we should not fight to keep morality and godly principles as the law of the land. b. But when we are talking about actual people. Not organizations or groups… but people… we must assume that even they, if the Lord so allows, will be brought to Christ through His Word. c. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by what? The Word of God. d. And what does the Lord say about His word in Isaiah 55? It will not return to him void. It will accomplish the purpose for which it was sent. e. The Word of God always accomplishes the purpose that God sends it to do. f. We preach the word of God, the gospel of Jesus Christ and we call all men everywhere to repent and believe the gospel and be baptized in Jesus' name. g. God's purpose for His Word is different for different people. For Pharoah, it hardened Him. But for you and I… it broke us. h. If the gospel call goes out to all men, then all kinds of men are being drawn with that gospel Word. i. We must faithfully give it to all. Even those who persecute us. Even those who spitefully use us. j. Don't get sucked in to fighting battles over policies and earthly issues. k. Preach the Word of God and share His gospel. l. They may hate you for it… but at least then you are doing what your Lord has required of you. 3.) [Slide 16] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that people can enter the narrow way by various gates. a. But we would also do well to remember that although the ones whom the Lord has called to His Kingdom are from a diverse background… all who come, come by a narrow way. b. In some very unimportant things, we have great diversity in the church. Music preferences, certain doctrinal convictions on dress standards, movie preferences and more. c. But listen, where it counts, in what matters… we are exactly the same. d. We believe in God the Father almighty maker of heaven and earth. e. And in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord. f. Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified died and was buried and descended into hell. g. The third day he rose again from the dead, he ascended in heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. h. From there He will come to judge the living and the dead. i. We believe in the Holy Spirit and His indwelling in all who truly believe. j. We believe in the Holy Universal Church which was predestined, called, justified, is being sanctified and will one day be glorified. k. We believe in the communion of this church known in the scriptures as the saints. l. We believe in the forgiveness of sins by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. m. We believe in the resurrection of the body in whom Christ was firstborn of many siblings. n. We believe in eternal life which is given to all the believing ones in Christ. o. This set of beliefs and all the ramifications it has on us are the core of what we are. p. So much so, that to deny any of these points sets one's profession immediately into question. q. There is no room for diversity in these things for those who have entered the narrow gate. r. And for us, CBC, we also believe in being baptized in the name of the Triune God as a picture of belief in Christ and that we will one day be raised to life eternal which begins the moment we are baptized in the Spirit. s. That those who are truly Christ's followers must follow in baptism. There is no such person in the New Testament who after receiving Christ by true faith, was not baptized shortly after if it were possible. t. My friends… doctrine matters. Paul did not tell these men… well… close enough guys. u. Instead, he preached the gospel to them. And baptized them again in the triune God. v. And they are so very glad that he did. w. What does this mean for us? 4.) [Slide 17] 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 must test professions of faith for evidence of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. a. Although we preach the gospel to all because all may come… b. Once a person comes, we must expect them to be more the same than they are different. c. In our hyper individualized world, we sometimes forget the communal aspect of the church. d. You cannot join us and be who you wish to be. e. The church is one body. We must function together. We must be more alike than we are different. f. This is why the Scriptures exist. This is why church discipline exists. This is why Elders exist. To ensure that we are all of one body and mind. Unified in doctrine and practice. g. We can have room for diversity in matters that the scriptures do not make plain. h. But there can be no unity when we disagree over issues to which the scriptures clearly speak. i. In this passage Paul expects the Holy Spirit to be present, and a profession in Christ and baptism in His name to be necessary. j. To this list we can add all that the scriptures plainly declare to us concerning all things most important of which being the way of redemption. k. When we find those who lack this by doctrine or practice – we must investigate and reprove, rebuke, correct, and instruct in righteousness so that they will be furnished for every good work. 5.) [Slide 18] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” God won't deny any who faithfully seek Him. a. These 13 men faithfully sought the Messiah. b. They believed John and were baptized into his teaching. c. They were simply ignorant of the Messiah's identity and mission. d. God does not forget them. He doesn't leave them behind. He doesn't say – so close… but too late. e. Our friends, relatives, those we love, and those who hate us – if they faithfully seek the Lord… He will reveal Himself to them. f. For our God is a good and gracious God. [Slide 19 (end)] Let me close with a prayer by the English Puritan John Bunyan. Lord, we profess the faith, and yet care not for the dying. We profess, and yet long not for the coming of the day of God. We profess, and yet by our whole life show to them that can see how little a measure of it we have in our hearts. Lord, lead us more into the power of things. Then the virtues of Him who has saved us, and called us out of darkness into His marvelous light, will be made known to others. It is in His name we ask this. Amen. Benediction: May He who builds His lofty palace in the heavens And sets its foundation on the earth, Who calls for the waters of the sea And pours them out over the face of the land Grant you an awareness of His love that you may be always joyful, praying continually and giving thanks in all circumstances and bearing witness of this to all For this is the will of God for you. Until we meet again, go in peace.

Title: The Right Kind of Leaven Text: I Corinthians 5:1-13 FCF: We often struggle with dealing with those who claim to be Christians living in unrepentant sin. Prop: Because the mission of the church is to call sinners to the gospel, we must excommunicate unrepentant believers. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to I Corinthians chapter 5. In a moment we'll begin reading in verse 1 from the Legacy Standard Bible. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Today we will deviate from our study in the book of Acts to help us understand what many in our theological circles conclude is an essential practice of a biblically sound church. As essential as it is, it is one of the most difficult, unpopular, and challenging things that the Lord Jesus has called us to do. The Lord has called us to exercise church discipline on those who claim to be Christians but openly continue in sin without repentance. The scope of the sermon today is not exhaustive. Today, I want to zoom in on one particular historical example of church discipline which was carried out in the church of Corinth. It seems appropriate since in our study of Acts, Paul is currently seeing souls saved and the church forming there in the city of Corinth. So, without further delay, please stand with me to focus on and show proper honor to the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: Heavenly Father, True sheep hear the master's call and obey. At times we cast our eyes to the flock and see some delay in coming to His voice. We wonder – are they not His sheep? How do we know? His sheep will come when He calls. This practice you have given us, for our own spiritual success and purity, is the test of that call. May we be all the more convinced that it is a necessary practice of Your church. We pray this in the Good Shepherd's name… Amen. Transition: Let us dive directly into the text this morning, we have MUCH to see here. I.) For the sake of the one living in unrepentant sin, we must excommunicate unrepentant believers. (1-5) a. [Slide 2] 1 - It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and sexual immorality of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles, that someone has his father's wife. i. Paul, somewhat in shock, reveals that he has heard about an instance of sexual immorality that is happening among them. ii. The level of this immorality was so perverse that even among the pagans such an act would not be tolerated. iii. The act itself is a man who has his father's wife. iv. What this means is somewhat difficult for us to pin down. 1. First, what does Paul mean by calling this woman “his father's wife”. a. Since Paul is quoting or alluding to Leviticus 18 where the sexual laws against incestuous and illegitimate marital partners is addressed, and since a relationship like this with someone's mother is mentioned before the part he is referencing, it is likely that the Leviticus passage and therefore Paul also is referring to someone who is his father's wife but also not his mother. Like a step-mother. b. Roman and Jewish law would not allow such a union, whether we are referring to cohabitation or in marriage. 2. Secondly, we are not certain whether the word “has” here refers to simply fornication or includes marriage. a. Has implies an ongoing sexually deviant relationship. But the nature of that relationship is unclear. b. Many suppose that since it was illegal in the Roman Empire to be granted official marriage recognition in such cases, that most likely Paul is saying they are cohabitating. c. However, given the disposition of the church toward this man (which we'll get to shortly) it is entirely possible that the church of Corinth allowed for a religious union to occur for this man and his father's wife, even if it was not recognized by the Roman government. d. In either case, such a sexual union is displeasing to God solely on the grounds of the partners being illegitimate for each other. e. But if marriage is what this means– how is this possible if she is his father's wife? i. The Romans and Jews of this time did not allow polygamy, although having a concubine would have been common. ii. More than likely, the father is either dead or he had divorced this woman. iii. But because Paul refers to her in the present as his father's wife, this has me leaning toward the latter. iv. Therefore, she is free to be joined in this way. 3. Third, Paul does not address, at any time, the moral culpability of the woman in this scenario. This indicates to us that this woman, most likely, was not a believer. a. Therefore, it is possible that Paul's charge of sexual immorality has three counts. i. First, it is sexual immorality because she is an illegitimate mate being his step-mother. And this would be illegal in both the eyes of the Romans and more importantly in the eyes of God. It is counter to the natural order. ii. Second, it is sexual immorality potentially because she was divorced unbiblically from his father, and therefore marrying her would be adultery. iii. Third, it is sexual immorality because she was an unbeliever and he, at the time, was claiming to be a believer. b. After studying this passage, I believe that this is exactly what was going on. c. He had married an unbelieving divorced woman that used to be his step-mother. It is impossible for this relationship to be honorable to God on those grounds. v. So, what is the church's reaction to this? b. [Slide 3] 2 - And you have become puffed up and have not mourned instead, so that the one who had done this deed would be removed from your midst. i. They have become puffed up … but puffed up in what? ii. What Paul says next helps us answer this question. iii. Instead of mourning (expressing deep spiritual sorrow) and removing the man from among the church itself… iv. They, as a church, were accepting, tolerating, allowing this relationship to continue, and perhaps even celebrating this union. v. In what spirit? vi. Let's keep reading… c. [Slide 4] 3 - For I, on my part, though absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged him who has so committed this, as though I were present: i. Paul, again by saying the opposite gives us the clues we need to understand what is happening in the Corinthian church. ii. They are puffed up, prideful, in what? iii. Their “love”, caution, “care”, and “mercy” to not make hasty judgements against this man. iv. Essentially, they are proud of knowing the bible passage “Judge not, lest ye be judged.” v. They were treating this man with such “love” and “kindness” and allowing him to continue in this relationship because “the Lord is loving and forgiving and receives people from all walks of life.” vi. “We too should be affirming and accepting. Let's not judge too quickly.” vii. As we mentioned before, it is even possible that they facilitated some kind of spiritual union ceremony since the Roman courts would not recognize and would even punish such a marriage. viii. But Paul… what does he say? ix. I've judged him already. It wasn't hard guys. I didn't need to know a bunch of the details. x. I don't need to walk a mile in his shoes. xi. I don't need to look him in the eye. xii. I don't need to empathize with his pain. xiii. I don't need to see it from his point of view. xiv. I don't need to know his temptation to be able to speak on this issue. xv. I am ready to render a judgment. xvi. So here is what you are to do and you should listen as if I were there with you enforcing this… d. [Slide 5] 4 - in the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, and I with you in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, i. Paul invokes the name and power of our Lord Jesus… he bookends this statement with the name of Jesus (with His authority) and the power of Jesus (His saving and changing power). ii. And right in the middle he mentions the assembled church. The next time you are gathered and I am with you IN SPIRIT… iii. Paul saying all of this evokes a courtroom scene. The judge, the jury, the prosecution is all set and they must render a verdict. Not of the church alone. But in the authority and power of Jesus. iv. But what is that verdict they should render? e. [Slide 6] 5 deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. i. In this discussion, Paul assumes that this man is a Christian. ii. Here we have the delicate tension the bible gives us of the practice of church discipline. iii. As Matthew 18 says we are to treat people who are excommunicated from the church as though they are tax collectors and gentiles. iv. Tax collectors were betrayers because they worked for Rome against their own people and Gentiles were pagans worshipping false gods and not members of God's covenant community. v. In other words, Jesus is saying to treat excommunicated people as though they are not believers. vi. But to treat someone as an unbeliever is not the same as declaring them to be an unbeliever, nor is it undeniable proof that they are an unbeliever, nor does it do anything to douse the flame of our hope that they are in fact a believer. vii. The tension then, is to treat them as though they are unbelievers, while still hoping that they are believers and that they will repent of sin and return to the covenant community. viii. Paul's language here is domain or kingdom language. ix. Removing this man from the domain or kingdom of Christ, or recognizing that he has removed himself, allows him to be placed in the kingdom of darkness… while being, potentially, a child of the light. x. If indeed he is a child of the light, Satan will have his way with such a person… even to the destruction of his flesh. Why? xi. So that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. xii. What is Paul saying? xiii. There is protection under the Lord's promises that for His people all things will work together for good. xiv. The church is a haven, a nursery, a dispensary of the means of grace that God uses to grow the faith of His people and encourage them. The Faith they need to weather the storms of this life is grown, cultivated, and nurtured in the environment of the church. xv. When a believer is spiritually removed by excommunication from that haven… the promise of all things working together for good remains true – but God will allow/use Satan to chasten them. How? xvi. In a similar way he used Satan to prove Job. xvii. God proved to Satan and the gathered sons of god that Job was righteous. How? By removing every earthly blessing from him except for his life. xviii. God proved He told the truth when He declared Job to be righteous. Job did not curse God and die. In the end, He confessed that God was God and that he was not and shut his mouth in repentance. That… is what righteous men do. They repent and submit to God. xix. By the church coming together to excommunicate an unrepentant believer, it is to test the declaration of God. xx. If God has truly declared them righteous, as He did Job, Satan's blows will prove God's declaration true in the end. xxi. In that process, they will repent and return to the fold so that they will be spared on the day of judgment. xxii. When the church excommunicates someone… it is not a matter of paperwork. It is a spiritual matter of grave significance. xxiii. It is a domain matter. There are only two kingdoms. The Kingdom of Christ and the Kingdom of this world. If a person is excommunicated from the Kingdom of Light, they must join the Kingdom of Darkness. There is no third option. f. [Slide 7] Summary of the Point: Paul's point in this passage is that the only hope this man has to ever be restored and his soul rescued from eternal destruction is for the church to recognize that he has disfellowshipped himself from them by continuing in unrepentant sin. God's Kingdom is a domain of light. Only those who walk in the light belong in the light. If someone is walking in darkness… then they should not be considered as part of the kingdom of light. And it is to their own benefit to be treated as if they are not. It is only when an unrepentant believer is removed from the haven and spiritual protection of the church that they can truly be tested and proved through the fire to be one of God's people. Therefore, we must remove any one who claims Christ but continues in unrepentant sin. Transition: [Slide 8(blank)] But the wellbeing of the one in sin is not the only or even the greatest concern of Paul in this passage. There is a problem that must be corrected in the church as well – beyond removing this man. He continues in verse 6. II.) For the sake of the purity and mission of the church, we must excommunicate unrepentant believers. (6-13) a. [Slide 9] 6 - Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? i. Next, Paul is going to slightly deviate from the issue at hand with this man and his sin and broaden his point. ii. He must do this because, as he opens with, their boasting is not good. iii. This is, in some ways, a deeper and more concerning issue than the issue of this man living in unrepentant sin. iv. The issue is with the church itself. v. It is not profitable to the church for the church to be known as a place that tolerates unrepentant sin from its members. vi. Sin should not be tolerated by the church as a whole or by any of its individual members. vii. Every single believer should desire the death of sin in their own hearts and in another believer's life, because they know that sin always leads to death and destruction. viii. So what? Its none of our business what other do right? ix. Don't you know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? x. A baking illustration. xi. No doubt many of you bake your own bread or have done so in the past. xii. Approximately how much yeast or bacteria is needed within a 1-pound dough ball in order to permeate the whole lump? xiii. Not much, yes? In fact, given enough time and under the right conditions, the smallest pinch of yeast or the smallest number of bacteria transferred to the lump… will eventually cause it to prove all the way through. xiv. Paul's point is that when sin is tolerated in the church… even to the smallest degree… it pollutes the entire church. b. [Slide 10] 7 - Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, also was sacrificed. i. Paul alters the metaphor to point to Passover. ii. The Israelites would clean their houses of any leaven because it represented sin and pride. iii. And indeed, they have already been made unleavened. How? iv. Christ, our Passover lamb, was sacrificed. It's already been done. v. We have been purified, washed clean. So now we hate sin and seek its eradication. vi. We work to clean out all the old leaven. We are a new lump… a new creation. vii. The old has gone and must continue to stay gone. Why? viii. For the new has come. c. [Slide 11] 8 - Therefore, let us celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. i. The feast here could be referring to the Lord's Supper or the Passover, but more than likely this is a metaphor for the spiritual fellowship of the church. ii. God has designed His church as a channel for His grace to flow to His people. iii. We sit and eat of the meals God's provides us… but not with the old leaven, the sinfulness, but instead with sincerity and truth. iv. Our sin has been replaced by hearts that believe and love God. d. [Slide 12] 9 - I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people; i. With what is somewhat of a stark transition, Paul moves on to another aspect of this discussion regarding keeping the church pure. ii. Here we see that Paul references a letter he had sent previously. iii. This is one of the lost letters to Corinth. iv. In a previous letter Paul mentioned that they should not associate with sexually immoral people. v. The word to associate means to mingle or to be mixed together with. vi. Again, it is kingdom or domain language. vii. But Paul wants to nuance that command a little. e. [Slide 13] 10 - I did not at all mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the greedy and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. i. Paul specifies that he did not mean this toward unbelievers who are sexually immoral. ii. But what is Paul saying? iii. Are we to join with, mix up with, mingle with sexually immoral unbelievers? iv. Why can we join with unbelievers who sin but not believers who sin in the same way? v. Let's go back to the illustration of the leaven and the lump. vi. In the church, it is obvious that we are the unleavened lump and sin is leaven. vii. But in the world… what is the leaven? viii. Notice that Paul's conclusion for why we should not disassociate from unbelieving sinners is not because if we did, we would have to remove THEM from the world… ix. It is that WE would have to go out of the world. x. The church, the Kingdom of Christ, is the leavening agent in the world. xi. We cannot be unmixed from the world because we are permeating the world. We are part of the world. We are in the world. We are the salt of the earth. We are the light of the world. xii. As sin infects and infests the church, so the church permeates and prevails in the world. xiii. Only the Lord will remove us when He has determined it is time for us to be removed. xiv. Therefore, we remain mixed with unbelieving sinners in the sense that we are in the world – but not of it since we are the leavening agent. xv. Practically speaking then, to associate with the world, and sinners in the world, is merely to be in it. It is to be a part of it. It is to carry on earthly affairs and earthly jobs. Earthly concerns and earthly activities. We have parts of our lives that are not directly related to the Kingdom of God but are submitted to the pursuit of that Kingdom above all. xvi. We are not to be hermits. We are not to shun human contact or live in a commune or religious monastery. xvii. We must be in the world because we are the leavening agent of the world. xviii. But what happens when the lump we are talking about is no longer the world but is the church? f. [Slide 14] 11 - But now I am writing to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is a sexually immoral person, or greedy, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one. i. When we shift our focus from the world to the church, everything changes. ii. In the world we are the leavening agent… but in the church, we have no need to be changed, altered, invaded, or permeated with anything since the Lord has purified us. iii. In fact, the goal is to stay holy and pure. We fight against leavening agents. iv. We must associate with the world and sinners because we have the solution to their sin. 1. That is why we can and must be mixed up with the world in the sense that we rub shoulders with wicked people. 2. They probably aren't our best friends. We probably don't become business partners with them. But we don't shy away from interacting and even participating in their lives. 3. Why? 4. So, we can share the gospel with them and live holy lives in front of them. v. But we must not associate with self-professed believers who are unrepentant sinners, because they are the death of the purity and effectiveness of the church. vi. So, what does it mean to NOT associate with so-called brothers living in unrepentant sin? 1. Again, we must change our focus. 2. It cannot mean that we treat them worse than we treat the world. 3. Paul isn't saying that we can participate in the lives of unbelievers but have to shun believers who have been excommunicated. 4. What does it mean then? 5. It means that they are not part of us. They can't be included in anything that is the church. They cannot be affiliated in any way with the church. vii. When we excommunicate someone, we are removing them from the kingdom of light and placing them in the kingdom of this world. At least in how we treat them. Therefore, since we are part of the same world, a world where we are the leavening agent, we must be kind, loving, civil, interacting and participating in their lives – but not closely. We maintain the same distance we would with unbelievers. As Matthew 18 says – we treat them like unbelievers. viii. Well, what about this statement Paul makes about not even eating with them? How do we take that? 1. It seems to me that this whole context so far has been in relation to the entire gathered assembly. a. Therefore, the most likely meals that Paul is forbidding are meals where the church has gathered. b. This would include the Lord's Supper of course, but also love feasts that preceded the Lord's Supper as well as fellowship meals. 2. But even if Paul does mean that individual Christians must refuse to eat with the one excommunicated, there is a certain level of cultural context we must supply to understand this command and apply it rightly to our culture. a. [Slide 15] Let me quote one commentator - “Eating together connotated more than friendliness in ancient culture; it created a social bond. When Christians ate together, it reinforced and confirmed the solidarity established by their shared confession of faith in Christ.” b. The reason Paul commanded this was because in their culture eating a meal together communicated that we are of the same social background. It communicated association. Partnership. Like-mindedness. c. Whether or not this is still true in our culture is something we must consider. 3. [Slide 16] The bottom line is that an excommunicated person is not welcome in any event or occasion where it would communicate, explicitly or implicitly, a bond, a Partnership, or an association to the church. 4. Why? 5. Because although we are a part of them (since they have been removed to the world) they are not a part of us… Not until they repent. ix. Therefore, the “associating” has everything to do with what domain or kingdom we are talking about. x. Why Paul? Why must we make this distinction? g. [Slide 17] 12 - For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Are you not to judge those who are within the church? 13 - But those who are outside, God will judge. REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG OURSELVES. i. God is the judge of the world. In the sense that God knows who are His and He will draw His own to Himself in His time. ii. He ultimately will judge and determine the fates of men. iii. He, after all, knows the heart of every man. iv. But within the church, He has given us the keys to the Kingdom. v. We have the authority to bind and loose here on earth. vi. What does that mean? vii. It means we, as the church, have been given the authority and the responsibility to remove from the church any agent which sullies the purity and neutralizes the influence of the church upon the world. viii. Paul's last word is a quote from Deuteronomy 17:7 ix. Remove the wicked man from among ourselves. x. This is his command. xi. Get this cancer out… NOW! h. [Slide 18] Summary of the Point: In what is obviously Paul's primary concern, he reveals that if the church is to remain effective in permeating the world with the message of the gospel of Christ, it is absolutely essential that they must remain pure by removing any leavening agent within their midst. Sin, like a cancer, spreads throughout the body of Christ and pollutes the purity and distinctiveness of the church and therefore neutralizes its effectiveness in permeating the world. To take pride in being slow to act, tolerating, accepting, affirming or even celebrating unrepentant sin is to work against the purpose and purity of the church. Therefore, for the sake of the purity and mission of the church, we too must excommunicate unrepentant believers. Conclusion: So, CBC, what have we learned today and how then shall we live? Doctrinal Takeaway: [Slide 19] In what was sure to be quite a shocking turn, Paul rebukes the church of Corinth for their pride in doing the exact wrong thing. They were puffed up in what they thought was great love, kindness, tolerance, mercy, acceptance, affirmation, and even celebration toward a man who they didn't want to be too hasty to judge. In reality, Paul reveals to them that they have acted against the man himself and the church as a whole. Indeed, for the sake of the man's soul and the purity and purpose of their church, they must remove the man from their midst. They must do so, hoping that God will use Satan to destroy his physical and earthly existence so that his soul might be rescued before the day of the Lord occurs. Therefore, we too must be faithful in executing church discipline. Why? It is for the good of the believer in sin and it is for the good of the church. But let me address some very practical questions in our applications today. 1.) [Slide 20] 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 believe the worst thing we can do for someone in sin is to affirm or support their choices. a. I trust you see the obvious correlation between the wisdom of the church of Corinth and the wisdom of our world today? b. They were proud, an interesting word given the nature of the sin in question, they were proud that they did not judge this man too hastily. c. They were proud to be tolerating, affirming and perhaps even celebrating this man's choices. d. And what is Paul's assessment of their inaction? What is Paul's assessment of their wisdom? Their love? Their tolerance? e. It is not good. f. The wisdom of this world and the wisdom of many “churches” in our culture tells us that our role as the church must be to support, help, affirm, love, care for, and accept every single person no matter what their lifestyle and identity. g. While we certainly live kindly, lovingly, and holy lives toward those outside the church, and while we would never deny an unbeliever living in sin from coming into our church… h. The least loving thing we could ever do for the world or for a believer is to ignore, accept, or affirm their sinful choices. i. Why is that the least loving thing we can do? j. Because the command of Christ is to repent of sin and believe the gospel. k. Never calling anyone to repent communicates that it is ok to disobey Christ. l. This is entirely antithetical to the gospel. m. The gospel is not to free us from the penalty of sin only but to free us from its POWER and eventually even its presence in our lives. n. Many say, well the Lord will forgive me. He loves me and will forgive me. o. God does love us. He loved us so much that He sent His Son to die so that we could be free from the penalty, power, and presence of sin. p. Sin destroys us. Sin is a cancer. q. Would you tell someone with cancer that you are happy for them and will support them in their cancer lifestyle. Would you encourage them to flaunt their cancer and be proud of having cancer? r. NO! This is foolishness. You'd tell them to get it cut out of them. Why? Because it WILL KILL THEM. s. Sin will kill them too. It might kill them physically but it will definitely kill them spiritually. t. The absolute worst thing we can do for anyone living in sin, is to ignore, tolerate, accept, affirm or celebrate it. u. Especially if they claim to be Christians. 2.) [Slide 21] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that the leavening role of the church to the world can continue while the church is impure. a. Paul makes the case that for sake of the church, its purity and its mission are entwined. b. If the church is polluted and full of sin, it cannot maintain its power and distinctiveness to the world. c. Anecdotally, churches who have embraced the LGBTQIA+ agenda are, thankfully, quite empty. d. Why? e. They are just like the world! There is nothing distinct or unique about their message. So the world says – why waste my time? f. On the flipside, the most successful and engaging ministries are those who implore from a heart of love for sinners to abandon their sin and trust in Christ. g. This is the gospel folks. h. We can't be the leavening agent in the world telling the world to repent and seek Christ if we as a church are not telling our own people to repent and trust Christ. i. The purity of the church and the mission of the church work hand in hand. j. If we are to be effective at all in sharing Christ with the nations… we must be a pure church that does not tolerate unrepentant sin. 3.) [Slide 22] 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 must execute church discipline on unrepentant believers. a. In my tenure as your pastor we have excommunicated 2 members so far. b. In each case, the sin was not the issue. It was the refusal to repent of the sin and admit any wrongdoing. c. In both cases, they refused to seek freedom from the sin and spurned any correction no matter how kind or loving it was presented. d. This is the nature of church discipline. Although most of us put an equals sign between church discipline and excommunication I would encourage you to resist doing that. e. Church discipline refers to the whole process by which we confront other believers either with sins we have observed them doing or sins they have committed against us. f. As is mentioned in Matthew 18, if in that confrontation, they repent and seek forgiveness and help to gain victory over their sin – then there is no need to continue the process of church discipline. g. Even if, after a period of time, they sin again in the same way, it doesn't mean we can pick up the process where we left off. We would start the whole process again. h. Church discipline is a fancy name for accountability. i. Should we face someone who does not turn from their sin and live differently, then we continue with steps to bring more believers into the conversation to bear witness of the call to repent and their refusal. j. Eventually it is told to the church where the church excommunicates a believer who will not turn from sin. k. Therefore, we as a church must execute church discipline from start to finish. We must confront sin. In our own hearts first and then meekly in others too. l. And if we must, for the good of the one sinning and for the church itself, we must excommunicate any who would continue in unrepentant sin. 4.) [Slide 23] 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 associate with excommunicated believers. a. The bulk of the questions regarding excommunication is, how do we treat those who have been excommunicated from the church? b. I hope and trust this sermon has greatly helped, but to tie all the points up in a nice bow, it comes down to one basic concept. c. To not associate with them and to treat them like an unbeliever should be seen as working in conjunction. d. In one sense we treat them as if they are an unbeliever. We as the church are in the world, part of the world, the leavening agent of the world permeating the Kingdom of God and His righteousness throughout it. e. Therefore, since they have been removed to the world, we are free to speak with them, care for them, pray for them, love them, engage them in conversation, live holy lives before them and generally live peaceably with them. All in an effort to share the kingdom message with them again. f. But, hear me now… though WE are part of THEM… THEY are NOT part of US. g. Normally we would allow unbelievers to join us for a church service to expose them to the gospel – But the excommunicated would not be welcomed among us. Why? Because it communicates that they are part of us… when they aren't. h. Normally we'd invite unbelievers to fellowship meals or church events such as the hay ride and chili cookoff or other such things… but the excommunicated would not be welcome. Why? Because it communicates that they are part of us. i. Thinking back over the ones we have excommunicated and thinking forward to any who we might excommunicate in the future, I have developed a test that I believe will help greatly for determining what we are able to do with an excommunicated member and what we are not able to do. j. It isn't a foolproof test. And it will still require some searching and perhaps even wise counsel. But the test is primarily drawn from this text. k. If you are considering engaging in an activity with, an act of kindness toward, or continuing a relationship with an excommunicated member of the church, it would be good for you to ask two questions before pursuing that action. i. [Slide 24] Does this show, explicitly or implicitly, to the church, the world, and/or the excommunicated, that we the church are part of the world and are acting as salt and light toward this person to reveal the gospel and heavenly principles? 1. If the answer is yes, your job is still not done. 2. For you must also ask the second question. ii. [Slide 25] Does this show, explicitly or implicitly, to the church, the world, and/or the excommunicated, that they, as the excommunicated, are part of the church and are partners and sharers in the kingdom of light? 1. If the answer to this is no, and your previous answer is yes, it is probably a good action to take toward them. 2. If the answer to this question is yes regardless of the answer to the previous question, you must NOT engage with them. 3. For we cannot suggest explicitly or implicitly to the church, the world, or the person excommunicated, that they are still part of us. Because they are not. l. The second question is the most important one. There must be mixed signals here. They are NOT part of us. m. That is, until they turn from their sin and seek restoration. 5.) [Slide 26] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” God will never stop chastening His children. a. We know from the scriptures that God, because He is a good Father, chastens His wayward children. b. If they are truly children they will be chastened by the Lord. c. And that is a comforting thought for us. d. We know that while we have removed them from us, if they are truly one of us, the Lord will bring them back. They might be a little worse for wear… but He will bring them back. e. And indeed for this man in Corinth, it seems from Paul's next canonical letter, that he did in fact repent and return. f. We find great hope in this. [Slide 27 (end)] Now let me close with a prayer by the church Father Ephriam the Syrian Lord Jehovah, judge my cause and fight for me against Satan and his host. Lay the strong one low! I have cast off his yoke, and renounced his cursed power. He doubly hates this, and longs to seize me as his prey. I flee to you and to your cross for help. He would win if you did not deliver me-but you have already defeated him. Do not let him conquer me! Put him to shame, O Lord my God! Give me the victory! It is not strength that wins; my weakness is my shield. In lowly trust we fight the fight, and weakness wins the battle. So give me a lowly heart, and cast away each prideful thought. Let gentleness and love come in instead, and abide in my life. Your will, not mine, be done. I resist my selfish desires. Let me ever and always be your servant only. Jesus, I flee to you. I cling to your cross. Save me from Satan's hellish power and pluck me from his grasp. So I will praise you, Lord, and adore your great name. With Father and Spirit one, forever and ever, amen. Benediction: May He Who breaks the power of canceled sin and sets the prisoner free, Whose blood can make the foulest clean; May he increase your understanding so that you may know Him who is true, And that you are in His Son, Jesus Christ. Until we meet again, go in peace.

Title: Terms of Surrender Text: Acts 17:1-9 FCF: We often struggle preaching good news that no one wants to hear. Prop: Because God predestined this Redemption to turn back hearts of His enemies it will be opposed, so we must preach Christ crucified for sinners, risen, and coming again. Scripture Intro: NET [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts 17. In a moment we'll begin reading from the New English Translation beginning in verse 1. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Last week we took a brief pause from our study of the book of Acts as Justin exposited the words of Ephesians 6 to us, where Paul explains how he was able to endure such great trials for the sake of the kingdom with the armor the Lord provides. Today, we will build on that knowledge as the narrative of the 2nd missionary journey of Paul continues with the next episode in the city of Thessalonica. In many ways the episode in Thessalonica serves as the opposite of Philippi. What if Philippi had a large Jewish presence and the leaders of the city were competent at governing? That is essentially the story of Thessalonica. Unfortunately, the outcome is eerily similar. It serves as an ongoing reminder to us that no earthly situation will ever produce a utopian world for the people of God. Only when Christ returns will such a kingdom exist. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Please stand with me to focus on and give honor to the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Father, we your children are gathered here today because you have written us into the grand story of your redemption. You have written our names in the book of life. Your Son sought us from heaven and purchased us with His blood. You have done this before time began and only recently have you brought about the execution of this plan. We now are humble inheritors of a destiny we could never earn and would never believe could be ours. But the great grace that you have given us and the peace you have established with us stands in stark contrast with the hatred the world has for us… your people. We are often caricatured in so many terrible ways. Father use your word today to teach us to love them in spite of their hatred. Help us to promote peace by bearing your terms of surrender… your gospel to them. Even as they take everything from us – help the gospel to be on our lips. Grow our faith for this we pray in Jesus' name. Amen. Transition: Once again, the sermon runs on the lengthy side. So let us jump right to the text this morning. I.) God's plan has always been to crush His Son to save sinners, so we must preach Christ crucified for sinners, risen, and coming again. (1-4) a. [Slide 2] 1 - After they traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. i. [Slide 3] Having left Philippi peacefully and mostly quietly, leaving Luke behind, Paul, Silas, and Timothy travel 33 miles to a city named Amphipolis. ii. We know that the city held great significance as a military post. But we are not told by Luke what exactly the missionaries did there – if anything more than spending the night. iii. Then they travel another 27 miles, to a city named Apollonia. iv. Again, we are not told much about their time here. It is reasonable to conclude that they could have spent some time in each of these cities proclaiming the gospel – but since Luke does not record anything, we can't be entirely sure how long they stayed. v. [Slide 4] In any case – they travel another 35 miles and arrive in a city named Thessalonica. vi. Luke points out that there is a Jewish synagogue in Thessalonica, which could shed light on why they did not stop in Amphipolis or Apollonia. Perhaps there was no synagogue there? vii. Now they find themselves in this highly coveted and strategic city. Indeed, Thessalonica was the capital of Macedonia and no doubt a city the missionaries had always intended to go to after receiving the dream about coming to Macedonia. viii. There are a few details about Thessalonica that will be quite important to the story going forward, but I'll hold on to those until they we need to know them. ix. So, what do Paul and Silas do as they find themselves in Thessalonica where there was a Jewish synagogue? b. [Slide 5] 2 - Paul went to the Jews in the synagogue, as he customarily did, and on three Sabbath days he addressed them from the scriptures, 3 explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead, saying, “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.” i. Of course. Paul and Silas go to the Jews first. ii. Indeed, for three Sabbaths (which probably means 3 weeks straight), Paul and Silas go to the synagogue and from the scriptures prove to them that the promised Messiah that the Jews were anticipating needed to suffer and die and then be raised from the dead. iii. Now why is this a point that they must be taught? Why is this so important? 1. First, this is at the very heart of the gospel. Paul summarizes what he preaches by saying – “I Preached Christ crucified for sinners.” The fact that the Messiah had to die and be raised again is at the very core of the gospel Paul preached. 2. But more directly, as to why a Jew must receive this particular teaching, Paul goes on to say that the gospel is a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles. Why? a. Well, the work of Christ is boiled down into three basic ideas. He was crucified for sinners, he was raised back to life, and He is coming again to rule. b. The last two, that he was raised and coming back to rule, would have been foolishness to the Gentiles. Why? No one can come back from the dead. And to even suggest that another King could topple the mighty Roman Empire is laughable and to prophesy it is illegal. c. The first part, that He was crucified, would have been a stumbling block to the Jews. Why? Because God's Messiah was supposed to be victorious over His enemies and free them from their slavery. He was supposed to usher in an eternal Kingdom that would never end. It is very hard to do that… if He died. In fact, the fact that Jesus died would have been great evidence to a Jew that He was not actually the Messiah. 3. Paul knows his audience very well. He knows what the hang ups are with Jews receiving Jesus as the Christ. 4. He and Silas go throughout the Old Testament (probably spending a good deal of time in the book of Isaiah) showing that it was necessary – meaning it was part of the eternal plan of God, that The Messiah must suffer and die and be raised to life. 5. [Slide 6] Paul thus forms a logical syllogism. He does not appeal to their emotions. He does not play 7 stanzas of Just As I Am. Paul appeals to them… LOGICALLY. a. Major Premise: - The Scriptures (which they all agreed is the Word of God) teach that The Messiah of God must suffer and die and be raised from the dead. b. Minor Premise - (Which Paul doesn't need to teach since they already know it.) Jesus suffered and died and was raised back to life and seen by many witnesses, while also claiming to be the Messiah. c. Therefore: It logically follows as a valid argument that if the Major Premise can be shown to be true and the minor premise can be shown to be true, the conclusion MUST be true. Jesus is the Messiah of God prophesied in the Old Testament. iv. After three weeks of teaching this in the synagogue, what is the result? c. [Slide 7] 4 - Some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large group of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women. i. The results are… somewhat surprising. ii. Paul, despite who he was, despite his unique position among them, was not very effective with the Jews. iii. Some of them were persuaded. Paul's words in Romans 11, expressing great anguish over his own people rejecting Christ, are rooted in his experience with them. iv. As we go forward in Paul's missionary efforts – the Jews will, for the most part, reject the gospel. v. But the silver lining is… that the Lord had carved out a large group of God-Fearers… Gentiles who had accepted Yahweh as the only God, now are believing on Jesus as Lord. vi. It is unclear if we should lump these prominent women in with the God-Fearing Gentiles or if they are a separate group. vii. If they are separate, it implies that they were pagans who converted to Christ. viii. This is no doubt the meaning since in I Thessalonians Paul mentions that they turned from idols. Therefore, a large group would have to be those who were formerly pagans. ix. These women were leading or prominent women in the city. x. Meaning of course that the political climate was changing due to the softness of these women's hearts to hear the truth of the gospel. xi. Soon this Jesus teaching will be widely acceptable in the city. xii. And that… if you are an unconvinced Jew… simply will not do. d. [Slide 8] Summary of the Point: A consistent theme in the preaching of the apostles throughout the book of Acts, particularly when they are speaking to the Jews, is that God foreknew and foreordained that the Messiah would suffer and die for the sins of His people. God predestined that His Son would be crushed and killed as a criminal. That, though He was innocent as a Lamb, He would be butchered and made low. But the scriptures also prophesy that He would arise and would become the eternal King of Kings. Such a teaching is absolutely core to the gospel. Any attempt to remove the violent and bloody death of Jesus from the plan of God or the requirement to believe on it to be saved from our sins is contrary to the very message Paul insisted must be accepted. Therefore, as Paul and Silas, you and I must preach Christ crucified for sinners, risen on the third day, ascended to the Father where He sits in honor at His right hand, and coming again to rule in a New Kingdom… forever. We must preach this. For saying less than this… is not the gospel. [Slide 9(blank)] Transition: So, we see that the gospel had great affect, especially among God-Fearers and pagans. But we know Paul's track record. Is there any chance he is getting out of Thessalonica unscathed? Let's see what happens. II.) The gospel will always be caricatured in the most terrible ways, so we must preach Christ crucified for sinners, risen, and coming again. (5-9) a. [Slide 10] 5 - But the Jews became jealous, i. Before the events of verse 5, we could see a significant amount of time. Perhaps even several months. ii. This helps to make sense of the pagans coming to Christ in the previous verses, since the pagans would probably not be at the synagogue to hear Paul and Silas teach. iii. We know from Paul's letter to the Philippians that they actually continued to send financial support to them while they were in Thessalonica. iv. That being the case, we anticipate the missionaries staying in the city longer than 3 weeks. v. But the longer they stayed the more inevitable it became that the Jews would oppose them. vi. The meaning of the word jealous can be either envious or zealous. If we would choose zealous, we could see that the Jews were religiously agitated and saw their opposition to the missionaries as righteous indignation against the Jesus heresy. vii. However, there are good reasons not to assume pure religious fury of the Jews here. viii. First, Luke only mentions their response after he shows a clear dichotomy in the response to the gospel. 1. As it was in Antioch of Pisidia, the Jewish people no doubt sought influence among the Thessalonians. 2. And though the Jewish response to the gospel was lackluster, the God-fearing gentiles and prominent women in the city were coming to Christ in great numbers. 3. This heavily indicates an envious motive rather than a religiously zealous motive. ix. Second, as we move along here, we will find that their actions have very little to do with fighting a war on doctrine. Instead, they seem to desire to do anything they can, including lying, to destroy the missionaries. x. But neither of these reasons require us to choose between religious zeal or jealousy. xi. Therefore, I conclude that although I am certain religious purity was A reason to rise up against the missionaries… in reality, it had more to do with the inability for the Jews to win the city to Judaism to the same level of success that The Holy Spirit through the missionaries was winning it to Christ. xii. So, what do they do? b. [Slide 11] and gathering together some worthless men from the rabble in the marketplace, they formed a mob and set the city in an uproar. i. Well first they go to the marketplace and gather a crowd. Who do they gather? ii. Many translations call them wicked men. And perhaps they are in the sense that they are willing to start a riot for almost any reason. 1. My mind goes to the ease of which entire cities can be stirred into rioting and looting. In the last decade we can see that seemingly overnight, for almost any cause, cities can go up in flames. 2. Why? Because it somehow makes sense to them that the only way to right a wrong or a perceived wrong is to commit a thousand more wrongs. 3. Only wicked men could make sense of that. iii. However, there is an alternate way to translate this term wicked and it is with the word worthless. 1. This would speak certainly to the morals of these individuals but also to their value to society. 2. These are riff raff. Lowlifes. Ne'er-do-wells. They are the street rats and common thugs that would inhabit the marketplace seeking an easy con or the perfect mark. They were thieves and murderers for hire. 3. They are the kind of people that even the world deems… deplorable. iv. So, they gather these degenerates and form a mob and stir up the entire city. c. [Slide 12] They attacked Jason's house, trying to find Paul and Silas to bring them out to the assembly. i. Luke, in so many words, indicates to us that Paul and Silas were using this man's house as the staging ground for the church in Thessalonica. ii. Jason, like Lydia in Philippi, was probably a convert to Christ who no doubt had substantial wealth and a home large enough to accommodate the large numbers of believers in the city. More than likely Jason was a man of great prominence which will help to explain his fate in a few minutes. iii. They start a riot with deplorables, they attack Jason's house. iv. What will they think of next? d. [Slide 13] 6 - When they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city officials, i. Not finding Paul and Silas (the Holy Spirit had no doubt prevented them providentially from being present for this) they instead take Jason and some other believers out of his house and drag them out to the public square where they can present them before the city officials. ii. So, they start a riot. They attack Jason's house. They drag these folks out to the city officials. iii. Why? iv. Well now the city officials have to pay attention. They can't let this go. Even though many prominent women (perhaps even some of the city officials' wives) had become Christians, they cannot turn a blind eye to what is happening in their city. They must restore order. v. And so, the city officials are forced to hear the charges against the missionaries and against those the crowd had brought to them. e. [Slide 14] screaming, “These people who have stirred up trouble throughout the world have come here too, 7 and Jason has welcomed them as guests! They are all acting against Caesar's decrees, saying there is another king named Jesus!” i. Here are their charges against Paul, Silas, and by extension, Jason and these men. 1. They have stirred up trouble throughout the world. And now they are here. a. Some translations have something to the effect “they have turned the world upside down.” Which is a very cool translation. We could really get some slogans out of that couldn't we? b. But in reality, the NET translation is probably closer to the intended meaning. c. Their charge is not an unintended complement. But instead, would have clearly been an accusation of insurrection. d. In this, we see the great irony. i. Though the Jews accused the missionaries of stirring up trouble – it seems that the constant troublemakers throughout Paul's first and second missionary trips seems to always be the jealous Jews who want nothing to do with their own Messiah. ii. They are truly the ones who stirred up this trouble. iii. THEY formed the mob. iv. THEY attacked people and dragged them out of their homes. e. The crowd concludes that the missionaries are now here in Thessalonica to do the same thing. f. This would be a grave charge against them if found to be true. It would require the immediate attention of the city officials. 2. The second charge is against Jason specifically and is related to the first. a. Jason has welcomed known insurrectionists as guests in his home. b. He is therefore complicit in their activity. c. Therefore, he ought to be punished. 3. The third charge is the most serious of all. a. They accuse the missionaries, Jason, and the others of acting against Caesar's degrees by saying that Jesus is King. They accuse them of Sedition. b. To understand this, we must understand a bit about the city of Thessalonica. i. The city achieved a highly favored status in the empire. ii. It was the capital of Macedonia, the first city, and enjoyed relative favor and economic and political advantage over and above other cities in the empire. iii. One of the reasons for this was the role it played in the civil war that led to the empire being formed and also the well documented worship of Caesar in the city itself. iv. Coins have been found from Thessalonica before and around this time that had the image of Zeus replaced with an image of Caesar on them and the word… THEOS… god. v. Statues of Augustus and archeological evidence of temples to Caesar have been found in and around Salonica (Sa-lone-ike-uh) (present day Thessalonica). vi. In short, the worship of Caesar as a god had endured for some time in the city of Thessalonica. vii. To suggest that these missionaries said there was another King named Jesus… would be to suggest that the pagan motto “No King but Caesar” was false. c. This charge… is the only charge with any truth to it. Paul and Silas certainly would have taught that Jesus was the Messiah and thus was the eternal King of Israel. ii. Because of the seriousness of the charges against the accused, it produced an effect among the city officials. But maybe not the effect we are expecting. f. [Slide 15] 8 - They caused confusion among the crowd and the city officials who heard these things. i. This is certainly a tame reaction of the crowd and the city officials if we consider the charges that were made. ii. The fact that this merely alarmed them rather than outright enraged them is an interesting albeit muted point that Luke raises. iii. For the crimes of insurrection and sedition… these men ought to be punished severely. And for harboring such men Jason and his friends ought to be punished too. iv. But instead, this only produces a disturbed crowd and disturbed city officials. v. They are upset, and they are worried. But they are not enraged. g. [Slide 16] 9 - After the city officials had received bail from Jason and the others, they released them. i. Reading between the lines we see that the city officials imprisoned Jason and the others. ii. But once their bail or bond money was paid, they released them. iii. This is not the same as bail money in our court system. It isn't like they would have to go back to the courts to determine their fate. iv. In fact, this is actually a pledge or a security. It is a money promise or a deposit. v. Essentially Jason, being a prominent person in the city of Thessalonica, is afforded the opportunity to make a monetary promise that Paul and Silas would leave the city and that none of them would cause any further trouble. If they did, this money would be taken from Jason. vi. Having obtained this pledge – Jason and the others were released. vii. So why are the city officials upset but not enraged? Why do they let Jason off with a promise that he won't do it again? viii. There are two reasons. 1. First, these city officials are better leaders than those of Philippi. a. They are alarmed at the charges, but observe that there is no evidence and the accused are not present. b. Therefore, they are not enraged because nothing is proven as of yet. 2. Second, these city officials recognize that without evidence there was every possibility that the charges against the accused were false. They needed to act to avoid the appearance of the city running amuck, but they did not need to overreact. ix. They obtained the promise from Jason – who appears to be a trusted person to them, and that is enough. They have stemmed the tide of the riot and gotten the promise that it won't go on. Their job is done. x. They would continue to look for Paul and Silas though… that is why we will start next week with Paul and Silas leaving quietly from the city. h. [Slide 17] Summary of the Point: In this second point we see that the gospel will always be caricatured in the worst ways by those who oppose it. While we assume that the Jews had trumped up these charges against the missionaries, and while we know that ultimately, the missionaries would not knowingly violate the law of Rome if it did not disagree with God's law, we also see that these accusations are rooted in some truth. Paul and Silas were stirring up the empire. They'd been thrown out of several cities. And they certainly were preaching against the imperial cult – if not directly – in so many words. Because men oppose God, they will easily and predictably caricature the gospel in terrible ways, often considering it dangerous, harmful, and even contributing to unrest, controversy and illegal activity. Jesus Himself said I did not come to bring peace but a sword. The gospel divides. Not because the gospel is a message of revolution – but because it separates light from darkness. It separates God's children from Satan's. As followers of Christ, we must not fear what the opponents of the gospel may say – we must remain faithful, no matter the cost, and preach Christ crucified for sinners, risen, and coming again. Conclusion: So, CBC, what have we learned today and how then shall we live? Doctrinal Takeaway: [Slide 18] The themes raised in the Thessalonian episode are familiar in the book of Acts. The message of the gospel is foolishness to Gentiles and a stumbling block to the Jews. That God had always planned to come and die for His people would be quite difficult to swallow to the Jew. And the fact that Christ was raised from the dead and ascended to heaven and is coming again to rule the world – would be quite foolish to the Gentile. Nevertheless, this is the gospel. The earliest creeds of Christendom contain each of these points. To be a Christian you must confess these things as true, or you cannot be a true Christian and if you are not a true Christian then you cannot enter the Kingdom of God. But this truth is so divisive that it is often twisted and manipulated by our opponents to be, not good news, but a message of insurrection, sedition, hate, harm and intolerance. Despite this opposition to the gospel and the guarantee that we will suffer for doing so… we must preach Christ crucified for sinners, risen, and coming again. As you might imagine this one truth divides into many others. Let me attempt to bring this application to us more practically. 1.) [Slide 19] 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 believe that Christ's death was part of God's Redemptive plan. a. As basic as this may seem to some of us, there is a growing movement among evangelical churches to deemphasize and disconnect the death of Christ from the redemptive plan of God. b. Couched as a theory of the atonement, many advocate today for a non-violent theory of the atonement. c. The violence at the cross was merely human violence and God simply did not stop it. d. But my friends – There is too much in the Old Testament to ignore to say such silly things. e. Christ had to be cursed for us. He had to be the scapegoat. He had to be the sacrifice. f. It pleased the Father to Crush the Son g. By His wounds we are healed. h. The list goes on and on. From Old to New Testament… we must understand that God had planned from the foundations of the earth to crucify Christ. i. He did not look on as humans killed the Son and decide to use such violence to potentially wake up humans to how sinful they are. j. The Apostles did use it to wake up the Jews to the fact that they had killed their own Messiah… but in the same sermon the apostles comfort the Jews to let them know that it was God's divine plan for it to be so. k. Yes, both can be true. Yes, God can predestine something to happen that is sinful, yet hold the person who sins accountable for their sin. How? God doesn't tempt them… He merely refuses to prevent them from being their sinful selves. l. This teaching is core to the gospel. m. God prophesied that all who sin will die eternal death. Christ being fully God and man was able to die and take all the eternal wrath of all His people… at the cross. n. That violent, painful, shameful, and brutal death was God's plan A. Because my friends – God has no plan B. o. This is the gospel. And that means… 2.) [Slide 20] 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 stop minimizing the violent and bloody death of Christ and the coming Kingdom of God. a. The fact that our Savior hung from a tree, that he bled, that He died of asphyxiation after yelling out… IT IS FINISHED! b. These truths ought to be the core of our gospel presentations. Because everything Christ endured on that cross… was due to us. c. He took our place. He bore our wrath. He suffered our death. d. No matter how many want to minimize this, we cannot take out the penal substitutionary work of Christ. For it is one of the fullest expressions of the atonement that we have in the scriptures. e. Furthermore, we cannot afford to allow our gospel to stop at the resurrection. f. Many evangelical churches today are making a good deal about the resurrection. Rightly they should. The resurrection is validation that Christ is who He said He was and did what He said He did. g. But one false teacher recently stated that we don't need to believe the bible to be Christians. We simply need to believe that God is the uncaused cause and that Jesus rose from the dead. Then we can be Christians. h. This is not what Paul taught the Jews and Gentiles in Thessalonica. He taught them that Christ died for sinners, the he rose again the third day, and that He was coming again to set up His eternal Kingdom. i. We too must press all people to believe not only that Jesus saves individuals, but that one day He will return and take back His creation. j. We ought to be busy speaking about the coming Kingdom. We ought to be warning people as John the Baptist warned, as Noah warned, as the prophets warned… there is a King that is coming. He is the King of Kings. He is coming in power and in glory. And He will put down all who oppose Him. k. Serve Him now before it is too late. He has died to save all sinners who believe. l. This must be our message to them and it must be our lifestyle as well. To preach that Christ is coming and live like this world will last forever is to disrupt our own message. m. We must live as though the King could return at any moment. For in truth… He could. n. The apostles believed it would be in their lifetime. Does this not logically mean that we are only closer to His return 2000 years later? o. Preach that there is no King but Jesus. Live like there is no King but Jesus. Preach that the King is coming. Live like the King is coming. 3.) [Slide 21] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that though we are peaceful people we will always promote peace. a. Along with the overemphasis on the love of God and His mercy and grace has come the same overemphasis on the peace of the church. b. Some evangelical churches teach that the church is always to be nice. Indeed, as some preachers have said, niceness has become the 11th commandment in these churches. c. But we are not to be nice people. d. Don't mishear me. We should love our enemies. We should pray for those who spitefully use us. We should love one another. We should pursue peace, so long as it depends on us. e. But peace is achieved by two parties who have decided to cease hostility against one another. f. If our message is that Christ died for sinners…. g. If our message is that Christ rose again… h. If our message is that Christ alone is King and will return to establish His eternal Kingdom soon and put down His enemies… i. Then the gospel does not read like a peace envoy. It doesn't read like a treaty. It doesn't read like a mutual agreement to cease hostility. j. The gospel is an envoy discussing the terms of surrender. k. The gospel demands as the terms that each enemy lay down their arms, reject their masters, flee to Christ's Kingdom and never look back. l. While the messengers of the gospel are patient, loving, and kind… the message of the gospel demands surrender or death. m. Therefore, my friends, though we are peaceful people, we should not be surprised that when we preach the true gospel, it doesn't lead to peace. n. Indeed, the gospel, is one of the most hateful, intolerant, not nice, judgmental, and arrogant things we can preach. At least to the world it may seem this way. o. And we will be called all kinds of nasty things and eventually… even here in the US of A… we will be treated to all kinds of nasty rewards for our message of hope… for our… good… news. p. So what must we do? 4.) [Slide 22] 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 must proclaim the gospel no matter the cost. a. The most loving thing we can do for the enemies of our Lord is to proclaim to them that His judgment is coming and to plead for them to repent and believe the gospel. b. We can preach this message to them and remind them that Christ has even died for the sins they are committing against us as they persecute and kill us. c. We can plead with them not to mock the Savior as they are mocking us. d. We can declare to them as they take away all our earthly treasures that they can have treasures in heaven. e. We can weep as they take every precious thing from us but remind them that they can never take the Lord of Glory from us… and that they, even now can submit to Him. f. You see my friends – it may cost us everything, but as believers we have nothing to lose. Not really. g. We must boldly proclaim the gospel of Christ. That He was crucified for sinners, was raised, and is coming as Lord and Judge of an eternal Kingdom. h. But if it costs us every earthly thing… we most certainly will be sad. i. How do we know that we can endure this trial until the end? 5.) [Slide 23] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” The same God who can plan for Christ to die can keep you until He desires to bring you home. a. God predestined, foreknew, foreordained and brought it to be that His Son would be crucified for sinners. b. He did this before Adam fell. c. He did this before He created the world. d. What does that mean? e. It means that all His true children will be preserved by Him until they are called home. f. Jesus tells the apostles, do not worry about what you will say when you stand on trial for my name. For the Holy Spirit will give you the words to say. g. My friends, that same Spirit that seals us until the day of redemption is in each of those who are His true children. h. Each and every true believer will be preserved until the day when the Lord calls them home. And then they will be preserved from all evil… forever. i. Take comfort in this thought. j. The same God who wove the tapestry of events to bring about the redemption of His people… can and will see you safely to His Kingdom. Even if you must first pass through great storms. [Slide 24(end)] Let me close with a prayer by Georg Blaurock, a Swiss born former Catholic priest who became an Anabaptist pastor during the reformation. He recorded this prayer three weeks before being arrested, tortured, and burned alive. Lord God, I will praise you now and until my end. You have given me faith, by which I have learned to know you. You send me your divine word, which I am able to find and understand that it is from pure grace. From you, O God, I firmly hope that it will not return to you empty (Isaiah 55:11). O Lord, strengthen my heart; it rejoices because I know your will. When I have felt the heavy load of sin in me, which severely troubled me, I would have perished and suffered everlasting pain if you had not come to me with the word of your divine grace. For this I will now magnify and praise your glorious name forever. You always prove yourself to be a merciful, dear Father. Do not cast me off, but receive me as your child. I cry unto you for help, O Father, that I may be your child and heir. Strengthen my faith. Otherwise, if your help did not lift me up, my building would soon fall. Do not forget me, O Lord, but be with me always. May your Holy Spirit protect and teach me, that in all my sufferings I would always receive your comfort. And so valiantly fighting in this conflict, I may gain the victory. The enemy fights against me and would drive me from the battlefield if he could. But you, O Lord, give me the victory. He came against me with sharp weapons, with false doctrine and restrictions. But you had compassion on me, and helped your child with your grace and powerful hand. You helped me overcome. You heard me, and quickly came to help. You turned back my enemies. So I will sing praises to your name in my heart, and forever spread abroad the grace which has come to me. Now I pray to you, Father, for all your children. Preserve us forever from all the enemies of our souls. I must not trust in the flesh, which perishes-but I will firmly trust in your word. This is my hope and strength, on which I rely. Lead us into your everlasting kingdom, as I firmly trust that you will, and finish your holy work in us. Grant us strength to the end. In Jesus name I pray… Amen. Benediction: Now may our Savior, Who cheers each winding path we tread, Gives grace for every trial and feeds us with His living Bread, Grant you strength when you are weary, And increase your power when you are weak. Until we meet again… go in peace.

Title: Enemies Made Into Friends Text: Acts 16:26-34 FCF: We often struggle loving others especially our enemies. Prop: Because God strikes down all His enemies and does so by making some His friends, we must love all, even our enemies. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 16. In a moment we will read from the New English Translation starting in verse 25. You can follow along in the pew bible or in the version you prefer. Last week we saw that in correlation to God being sovereign over His mission and His people responding to His gospel, He has many enemies. We noted that though God allows these enemies to persist, He does so for His glory so that when they are finally put down, His fame will only increase. But we also left one major cliff hanger. The human enemies of God and His children have seemingly won. They were able to beat and imprison Paul and Silas without, as it stood, any response from God. We left Paul and Silas singing and praying in their jail cell as the other prisoners listened in. Where was God? Why did He let this happen to His children? Those answers will come today… and my friends… they come in a big way, especially for a certain warden and his household. Please stand with me out of respect for and to focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Father, we know that were it not for Your grace we would still be Your enemies. Were it not for Your love, we would still be opposed to You. Among us today we have many stories of how You took a wretch and made it Your treasure. Our lives are living testaments to the power of Your grace. Today, as we look into Your word, show us more of Your amazing grace. Reveal to us the power of Your gospel to destroy even the hardest heart so it can receive Your truth. Renew us today in the strength of Your Right Hand. For Your power unto salvation is the gospel of Your dear Son. It is in His name we ask this, Amen. Transition: Once again, we will go right to the text this morning as we attempt to fit all this in to a reasonable time. I.) God will eventually strike down all His enemies, so we must love all, even our enemies. (26-29) a. [Slide 2] 26 - Suddenly a great earthquake occurred, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. Immediately all the doors flew open, and the bonds of all the prisoners came loose. i. Luke includes in his description of this earthquake, just enough details to assure us of the divine agency in it. ii. First, it must be said that earthquakes are quite common in Greece. 1. Some records indicate Greece on average has a small or moderate earthquake every two or three days. 2. Greater earthquakes are less common. The last great earthquake was in 1956 and they are expecting another large earthquake to occur sometime in the next 2-3 years. iii. Second, ancient Greeks would read considerable religious significance into great earthquakes. 1. They frequently built their temples along fault lines. There are two reasons for this. a. Natural springs occur around or near fault lines and they would be sought after for a temple. b. The connection to the gods, specifically Hades or Pluto and the underworld, or even Poseidon or Neptune and the sea would be far clearer as the faults are literally cracks in the earth to the underworld and the abyss. 2. Therefore, an earthquake would already be seen as a divine act. It is simply a question of which divine being did the shaking and why. iv. Third, is the particularity and specificity of which divine being caused this earthquake. And Luke gives us that by recording that all the prisoner's hands were freed and all the doors were opened. 1. Although this earthquake shook the foundations of the prison, the walls did not crumble and the prisoners and the guards were not harmed. 2. The only noticeable result of the earthquake was that the prisoners were freed. 3. It is no small coincidence, nor would anyone think it so, that the earthquake occurs on the one night in which these missionaries who preach the Most High God are imprisoned and then released by such an event. 4. And as we'll see the jailer's response actually points to this fact. 5. He will assume that it is the God of Paul and Silas that is at work here. b. [Slide 3] 27 - When the jailer woke up and saw the doors of the prison standing open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, because he assumed the prisoners had escaped. 28 - But Paul called out loudly, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here!” i. We have commented before on this very issue, but as a jailer it would be your primary responsibility to keep the prisoners from escaping. If you should fail at this task, your life is forfeit. ii. We saw how Herod killed the guards who allowed Peter to escape. iii. The same would be true for this jailer. iv. So, waking from the earthquake and seeing all the doors open he assumed that all the prisoners had escaped. v. If he would lose his life for losing 1 prisoner – how much more would he have to pay for losing all of them. vi. Indeed, he most likely faced crucifixion for his dereliction of duty. vii. Certainly, an act of the gods like an earthquake would excuse him from his failure we would think. But I'm not sure this jailer wanted to take that risk. viii. The honorable way to pay for allowing the prisoners to go free – divine act or not - would be to take his own life. And we see him taking out his sword to do just that. ix. Before he is able to complete the deed, Paul calls out to him loudly from within the inner cell. x. Though Paul was imprisoned unjustly and though the jailer was no doubt unkind and lacking empathy for Paul and Silas only a few hours prior – Paul does not want to see this man lose his life arbitrarily. xi. It is unclear how Paul is able to see him. Whether the light from outside allowed for those inside to see out but not for those outside to see in, or perhaps through divine revelation, we don't know, but somehow Paul knew the suicidal jailer's intention. xii. He informs him that every prisoner is safe and secure. There is no need for him to take his own life. xiii. Most likely, Paul knows that none have left, because they are all in the same prison room together. c. [Slide 4] 29 - Calling for lights, the jailer rushed in and fell down trembling at the feet of Paul and Silas. i. After hearing the voice of a prisoner claiming they are all still present – the jailer calls for torches to be brought in so he can verify that this is true. ii. He would not have been alone. He would have had guards helping him to secure the jail, probably members of his household. iii. After the lights are brought in and Paul and Silas are discovered - he falls down trembling before them. iv. Why is he trembling? v. As we have already discussed, earthquakes served as divine omens of judgment. The fact that these men were only here for one night, now freed by a very specific earthquake, and were kind to him even though he was probably not kind to them, clearly proved to this jailer that Paul and Silas' god –– whoever it was – was angry that they had been imprisoned. vi. And if that god was angry at them being imprisoned, that would mean that this god was also angry at him. vii. Out of the frying pan and into the fire. viii. Sure, he won't be crucified for letting prisoners escape… but now he faces something far more dreadful. ix. He faces the judgment of a god whom he has been caught actively opposing. d. [Slide 5] Summary of the Point: Last week we witnessed the apostles face down two enemies of God. Demons and humans. In the power and authority of Jesus' name, the demons were cast out. But last week we stopped short of God's victory over his human enemies. Today we see God acting in such a way that both proves He is above all the false gods that were worshipped by the Greeks and the Romans while simultaneously freeing His people from their grasp. In this process the indomitability of God is on full display. He is not able to be subdued, no creature can tell him no, no one can slap his hand away. The jailer got the point. His fear of this God far exceeded all the would-be gods he had feared in the past. As an enemy of this God, one who mistreated His servants, he was absolutely terrified at what this God would do to Him. But notice what the missionaries did… EVEN BEFORE the jailer knew what had happened. Paul saved his life. My friends, if God will put down all His enemies eventually, then we should love our enemies and show compassion and care for them. What more can you do to the enemies of God than God will do? Did Paul try to cast the demon into the abyss? No. He simply cast him from the slave girl. And Paul could have done nothing and watched this jailer end his own life. But instead, he told him – we are all here. Spare your life. Would I have been so gracious to a man who so recently mistreated me? I shudder to think. We must love all men, even our enemies. Even when they despitefully use us… we must pray for them. Transition: [Slide 6(blank)] But what comes of the Jailer? He is terrified at the coming judgment of God. But what happens? Does God destroy Him? If God truly destroys all His enemies, we might expect that to be the case. Are Paul and Silas as concerned about his soul as they are his life? Let's see. II.) Sometimes God will strike down His enemies by making them into His friends, so we must love all, even our enemies. (30-34) a. [Slide 7] 30 - Then he brought them outside and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” i. Most likely the prisoners are brought out from the inner room into the courtyard of the prison. Once in the courtyard they could get everyone to safety from the compromised building and do a proper head count of the prisoners. ii. It is here that this warden asks the missionaries a question. iii. His question is flawed in two regards. 1. First, it is probably flawed in its scope. a. While it is possible that the jailer had heard the gospel from the lips of the missionaries, or had heard the proclamation of the slave girl, it is more likely that his theological understanding is quite shallow. b. Thus, his question about salvation most likely has to do with the physical judgment of the God that these missionaries served. He wanted them to tell him how to be spared from that punishment. c. He is not far off the mark – but enough to where he doesn't understand the true depth of his need. d. He doesn't understand that it isn't only his mistreatment of this God's men which has led to him being in danger of judgment, but that all his sin has made him an object of the wrath of this God. e. As so many today, he thinks he has only slightly angered the god of the Jews, when in reality He has committed acts of treason against the Most High God, Creator of all that is and was and will be, Who is the First and the Last and beside Him there is no god. 2. Second, his question is flawed in means. a. Like the Jews at Pentecost when they were pricked to the heart and asked what they should do, like the Ethiopian Eunuch who asked what prevents me from being baptized, like the rich young ruler who lacked some command to enter the Kingdom of God, so also the Philippian Jailer asks what he must do to be saved. b. From a pagan perspective, he is probably asking Paul and Silas to prescribe to him a set of sacrifices or rituals which he can execute to square himself to their god and avoid his or her judgment. c. As many do today, he measured his offense on the cosmic scales of human effort, assessing that he would be able to pay the balance he owed by a few heart-felt rituals and sacrifices. If I do enough good it will outweigh my offenses. d. But should man do exactly what God desires, he has done what God has expected. There is no extra credit. Therefore, there is no way to make up the ground you have lost. Saying it a different way, in order to be pleasing to God you must be Holy as He is Holy. And if you violate the law in one point you violate the whole law and are condemned by it. e. Therefore, the question is asked amiss. f. What can he do? Truly? Nothing. He can do nothing. g. So how will the missionaries respond? Will they say – you can't do anything? b. [Slide 8] 31 - They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.” i. The way this reads is much like the way the Elisha/Naaman scene transpired in II Kings. ii. The jailer, having seen the Lord's hand in freeing and preserving the prisoners and himself, and trembling in fear at being found opposing such a god, no doubt asks what great feat he must accomplish to be spared judgment. iii. He probably expected a very difficult task. The Greeks and Romans both had mythologies and legends where the gods assigned difficult tasks to people to get on their good side. It is probable that he expected some sort of task for himself to make things right. iv. But as Elisha told his servant to tell Naaman to bathe in the Jordan 7 times, so Paul and Silas (the servants of Jesus) tell the jailer to believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved. 1. This is a pregnant statement by Paul. What is he saying? Is he saying, “Say a prayer and then you are saved forever.” No. 2. He says believe on the Lord Jesus - which is a command, that in the Greek, emphasizes its completion or fullness. Believe completely and undividedly on Jesus as Lord. 3. And then he says, if you do this, you will be saved. In the future. Believing completely does not immediately produce this salvation. It is something that occurs sometime after one believes completely. 4. Furthermore, your saving, is also done by someone or something else. It is passive. The believer is receiving the saving not doing the saving by their actions. 5. Now does this statement fully address what the warden is asking? 6. No, not really. But it does indicate that Paul probably understood exactly what the jailer was asking when he said “what must I do to be saved.” 7. Paul understood that the man was afraid of being judged by God and desired to do something to be square with Him. 8. Paul does not prescribe some great task… but instead commands him to believe completely in Jesus as Lord of all Lords and any future judgment he has earned, he will be spared of it. 9. Paul declares that this man must abandon every other lord he trusts in, and trust in only one Lord. Jesus. 10. Then He will be saved. 11. Paul speaks of a future aspect of salvation rather than a present one. Because that is what the Jailer feared. Future judgment. v. Before we move on we must address the last statement here. vi. Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household. 1. Proponents of the infant baptism view point out that here in the Greek the verb believe and the verb saved both occur in the singular form. Proving, they say, that the salvation of the head of the household is applied in one way or another, to the rest of the household. 2. But this construction is not uncommon in the Greek. In fact, the NET translates this in such a way as to help us see how this works. Because we do it in English too. 3. Let me give you a couple of examples in English. a. Wash your hands and you will be healthier, you and your family. i. Now if I said that, would you assume that my whole family will be healthier simply because I washed my hands? ii. Or would you assume that I was saying that if my family does the same, they too will be healthier. iii. Here is another. b. Eat and you will be filled, you and your family. i. This is even less ambiguous. ii. While we could make a case that my whole family would be healthier if only I washed my hands, it makes absolutely no sense that my family will be filled if I am the only one that eats. 4. Basically, the phrase, “You and your family” implies that the same command fulfilled will produce the same promise or reward for fulfilling it. 5. Paul, really, is predicting that the gospel call will go out to his household too. c. [Slide 9] 32 - Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him, along with all those who were in his house. i. Here we see a further explanation of the gospel to both the jailer and his household. ii. Probably his household consisted of his family and his servants, all of which applied themselves to the keeping of prisoners. Therefore, all of them are up at this late hour dealing with this peculiar situation. iii. His household has joined them in the courtyard where Paul and Silas elaborate on their previous gospel presentation. iv. Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, is a true statement, but it certainly could afford to be fleshed out a little right? v. John Calvin called this gospel presentation a “cold and hungry” definition of salvation. vi. And he is 100% right. It is complete… but it would not be enough for the jailer. He will need more. And that is what we see happening here. vii. Believe on him for what? What has He done? What am I being saved from? What am I being saved to? viii. We can assume that the fullest expression of the gospel is given to the warden and his house. d. [Slide 10] 33 - At that hour of the night he took them and washed their wounds; then he and all his family were baptized right away. i. Remember the situation not a few hours prior. The warden secured them against the wall and left them to a painful and sleepless night. ii. Now, moved by compassion that is only explained by saving faith, like the woman who washed Jesus' feet, he as the jailer washes their wounds. iii. My friends, wardens at this time did no such thing. As a jailer, his task was to keep the prisoners and afford them no luxury. He wasn't even required to feed them. That was the responsibility of their loved ones. iv. But here, he washes their wounds. v. And immediately after this – no doubt in the same water mixed with the blood and sweat of the missionaries, he was symbolically washed of his sins. He and all his house. e. [Slide 11] 34 - The jailer brought them into his house and set food before them, and he rejoiced greatly that he had come to believe in God, together with his entire household. i. Again, we see the fruit of the Spirit follow conversion. His hospitality and care for the missionaries which he formerly sought to harm, is evidence of a changed man. ii. He feeds them. A task which could actually get him in a lot of trouble. Why? He willfully released the prisoners to come into his home and fed them. This is at very least risking his career, if not his skin. iii. And again, we must deal with this final statement here in this text which seems to suggest that only the jailer believed even though his entire household was baptized. iv. There is actually a very good grammatical argument for why the way the NET translates it is quite excellent. But I can give that to any interested this Thursday night at Bible Study. v. Long statement short – the words at the end of the sentence show us that both the rejoicing and the belief in God were shared by the entire house. vi. And how remarkable for God to save not only this jailer, but also open the eyes of his entire house to believe the gospel. f. [Slide 12] Summary of the Point: In our last point we saw that our God is indomitable. He is unable to be subdued. He is unable to be tamed. He is unable to be controlled. He is the Most High God. And because of this, he will subdue all His enemies eventually. But in the Philippian Jailer's life – we see that that subjugation is not always punishment. Because our Lord is also gracious and loving, He sent His Son so that all the believing ones in Christ would not perish but be given everlasting life. Sometimes God subdues His enemies by making them His friends. Indeed, He is drawing to Himself a bride, a fold, a priesthood, a unified body of people in Christ. And because of this – as we see both the Missionaries and the jailer and his house do, we must love one another. We must love our enemies and we must love God's people. The missionaries loved this man enough to share the gospel with him and his household. And this jailer loved these new brothers so much he risked his career to care for them. Conclusion: So, what have we learned today CBC? How then shall we live? Doctrinal Takeaway: [Slide 13] Building from the scene from last week, we know that our God has enemies both spiritual and physical. Although our God is sovereign over all things, He allows His creation to oppose Him in His plan to glorify Himself. And today, we are reminded that eventually God will subdue all His enemies. And He will do so in one of two ways. Either He will judge them for their sin, or He will judge another for it and make them His friend. Either you will be destroyed or you will be destroyed and rebuilt. The Philippian Jailer came to the end of himself, and though he was ignorant of exactly what his problem was or what he might need to do to fix it, one thing he knew for sure. He was in trouble. The God of these missionaries was able to shake the foundations of the prison, release his men and everyone else, and yet this God's followers were kind and even saved his life. As the Lord would have it – the Philippian Jailer's destiny was not to be destroyed someday in the future – but to be destroyed that very night in his jail courtyard, in the wee hours of the morning. He and all his household believed on the Lord Jesus and were remade into new creatures. The missionaries and the Jailer serve as our examples of the one application from this text. We must love all men, even our enemies. This application flows out of the fact that God will destroy all His enemies and some by making them His friends. If this is true, it is Anti-Christ to hate God's children. Since they are the body of Christ, His Son. And, it is Anti-Christ to hate God's enemies, for only He is the judge and will determine whether He destroys them or destroys them and remakes them. But let me make these applications much more concrete so that we may take them into our everyday lives all the easier. 1.) 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 believe that all men, being enemies of God and deserving His eternal wrath, will eventually be subdued by Him. a. There is a lot in this little statement that we must believe. b. The Philippian jailer feared what the Lord would do to him since he had opposed His servants. c. The earthquake sent him quaking, fearing what their God's reprisal would be on him. d. But he underestimated his status before the Most High God, Creator of all things, and Holy Lord of Glory. e. He did not stand in offense… He stood opposed. f. He did not merely trespass, He mutinied. He was not merely an offender. He was an enemy. g. The scriptures declare to us that all men are enemies of God, children of wrath, of their father the devil, incurably sick with sin, desperately wicked, neither seeking nor desiring God. h. All men are guilty of the whole law and are subject to the only just penalty of breaking the whole law. i. Eternal wrath in a death devoid of God's mercy and empty of His grace. j. Many ask, why is the lake of fire eternal? Why cannot a man pay for his sin and then the Lord restore him to heaven or at least just snuff them out of existence? Why must God preserve their eternal souls to suffer forever? k. Such questions reveal the same shallow understanding the Philippian jailer had of his own sin. l. Sin is so heinous, so terrible, so egregious… it is so unnatural… so diabolical… that were we given all eternity to pay for even 1 sin against our Holy God… My friends… it would not be enough. m. That is why God's wrath is poured out eternally on those who are enemies of God. Because in that eternity – they are no closer to paying for their sin. n. And here is the kicker… o. All men are enemies of God. p. And here is the terrible warning I have for you today. q. All men will be subdued by God. All men will be put down. r. Every enemy of the Lord will be destroyed. One way or another. s. That is a terrifying thought. t. But it only gets worse. u. Let me continue with the bad news this morning. And it is found in something that many men believe that is false. 2.) Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that we are able to make up for or help God make up for our sin by acts of obedience, ritual, or sacrifice. a. The Philippian Jailer assumed, like many today, that his sin was only a minor matter. Something that he could easily make right by performing some act of obedience, some ritual, or paying some penance or sacrifice. b. Like the Philippian jailer this thought divides into two categories. c. Either someone may think that they can do good deeds, or give up things they love for a period of time, or perform certain rituals and this will somehow earn extra credit from God who will apply it to their account and allow them to balance the scales of His justice. d. Or as others concede, Christ has to help us in some degree. They believe He has built up for us a storehouse of merit, and because we still sin, we must continue to add to that storehouse lest we potentially run out. We must keep ourselves in this status of salvation and if we do not, then we risk punishment and even hell. e. But given our discussion about the heinousness of our sin, I hope you realize that such a thing is wholly impossible. No amount of good deeds could possibly make up for 1 offense against the Lord because good deeds are what He requires of us. There is no “extra” credit available for doing what He has commanded us to do. f. My friends, no act of obedience, ritual, or sacrifice could possibly make up for any sin we may commit. g. The bad news is… our sin is a real and deadly problem. h. Our sin separates us from a holy God… And there isn't anything we can do about that. Why? Because we are separated from Him. i. How do you make peace with a God you cannot approach? And even if you could get an audience with Him – what would be your offering to Him? j. Would you approach His holy throne with your righteous deeds? He has declared through the prophet Isaiah that all our righteous deeds are like used menstrual rags. Will you bring these to the Most High God and expect Him to be pleased? Pleased enough to forgive you? k. Nothing we can do can make up for our sin. l. We are wholly and completely destitute. Dead in our sin. m. But now it is time for some good news. Something we must believe. The gospel… 3.) 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 believe that it is in the will of a loving and gracious God, to destroy some of His enemies by making them His friends and conforming them to His Son. a. What must be done with a vessel that does not serve the purpose it was created to serve? b. What does a potter do with a vessel that rips on the wheel? c. He must remake it. d. Yes, God destroys all of His enemies. e. But some of them, He remakes into His friends. He presses them into a new mold. Not the old broken mold of Adam which springs a leak and cannot hold water. f. He presses us into the mold of Christ which is a vessel fit to hold the finest treasures of our Lord. Namely His Spirit. g. God will destroy all His enemies. This is true. h. But some of them will forever praise Him for the glories of His grace because even though they should have been cast into the fire with the rest… i. He chose to save them, remake them, and build them back into a vessel fit for glory. j. What does that mean? 4.) 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 must believe on the Lord Jesus and we will be saved. a. The Holy God, the Most High God, The Creator of all that is, was and will be, The first, the last, the alpha the omega, Yahweh… b. He has supplied exactly 1 way of salvation. i. He loved every nation so much that He sent His only and unique Son, the second person of the Godhead, to humiliate Himself by becoming one of us by taking on a human nature and adding it to His divine nature. ii. This Jesus, who is the Lord of Glory, submitted Himself to a shameful death after living a sinless life, and died as the most wicked sinner that has ever died – having taken on Him the sin of all of His people. And by dying He suffered the full wrath of God for them. iii. By raising again the third day He conquered death supplying a way for all who are in Him to go to the Father of Lights who is the giver of only good gifts. iv. And by ascending He now stands as an advocate for His bride while they are being prepared to be wed to Him. c. My Friends! d. Because you are absolutely, comprehensively, thoroughly, ultimately, exhaustively, extensively, inside out and upside down, through and through, woefully and perfectly wicked and unable to do anything to change it, unable to do anything to prevent this GOD from utterly destroying you… e. WILL YOU NOT BELIEVE? WILL YOU NOT BOW? Will you not cast all your hope on this One who has not commanded you to die for Him so you can be saved, but has died to save you from His own judgment? f. Will you not completely and finally believe no matter what it costs? g. Would you not do something far greater and more taxing to escape the coming eternal judgment of His wrath? h. Why then will you not only believe? i. And I do not speak of a simple mental assent where you just agree that He is who He says He is. j. No. k. I mean a belief that this Jailer had. l. A belief that cast aside everything else in order to obtain it. m. A belief that proves itself out in a changed life. n. One in which… 5.) 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 must love one another, even our enemies. a. My friends, there is no such friend of God who is not completely and irrevocably changed by His remaking hand. b. God's people, those He has destroyed and sought to remake… DO NOT LOOK THE SAME AS THEY ALWAYS HAVE! c. This jailer only moments after his beleif was washing the wounds and feeding these prisoners. d. Why? e. Because He wasn't the same. f. Paul and Silas being ambassadors of the Living God, should have been treated like the Kings … but when they were maligned, abused, mistreated, mocked, ridiculed – they neither retaliated nor did they complain. g. Instead, they sang songs of praise to God. h. And when they had a chance to watch the jailer who treated them so poorly, end his life in front of their eyes so they could escape… they stopped him from doing it! i. And when he asked how to be saved – they could have refused, they could have laughed at his flawed question…but did not. They taught him and his WHOLE HOUSEHOLD the word of God. j. My friends… k. You cannot be a Christian and hate one another. You cannot be a Christian and withhold forgiveness from others. You cannot be a Christian and hate your enemies. l. God will put them down, one way or another. That is His role as a Just Judge. m. Our role… is to love one another. Even our enemies. n. Even those who abuse us. o. Even those who spitefully use us. p. Why? q. Because we've been remade. We aren't the same broken jar we once were. r. We hold living water. s. But perhaps your heart looks to the enemies of God and screams what mine often does. t. There is no hope for these people. They are too far gone. u. Or perhaps… you are saying that of yourself. Perhaps you think… you are too far gone too. v. Take heart… 6.) Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” There is no enemy of God beyond His reach to judge or to save. a. There are only two options in front of every enemy of God. b. Either they will be judged by the just judge and they will pay for every crime they have committed against Him… c. Or Christ will. d. That's it. Either Christ has already paid it, or they will pay it. There is no third option. e. Do you realize that Kamala Harris is 1 earthquake away from being your sister in Christ? f. Do you realize that Gretchen Whitmer is 1 opened heart away from being a friend of God? g. I don't care what you've done sinner… or how wicked you've been. h. Paul sought and killed Christians for a living. He did it zealously. He did it joyfully. He did it as a holy charge to the false god he served. He was the Hitler of the early church… And Jesus Christ threw him on the ground, rebuked him and commanded him to serve him. That Paul died that day. And the Paul we see today was reborn in his place. i. No one… is beyond the reach of God's destructive power. He will destroy all His enemies. And that is a great comfort to we, who were destroyed and then remade. j. And it is a terrible warning to you if you remain His enemy… k. But you don't have to succumb to a future destruction. You can be destroyed… right now. l. That is my prayer for you. Let me close with a prayer by the Reformer John Knox Strong and mighty God, You destroy the word of the ungodly and rid the world of tyrants, whenever You decide. No force can resist Your everlasting determination. Now look on Your cause for the sake of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is time, Lord. Bring to nothing all those things that stand against You and Your holy word. Do not let the enemies of Your truth oppress Your word and Your servants. We seek only Your glory, and above all things wish in our hearts that Your holy name would be glorified among the nations. Grant that we Your servants would speak Your irresistible truth and wisdom. Even though we justly deserve this plague and famine of Your word, we pray that You would release us in our true repentance. We vow before You to better use our gifts, and to order our lives according to Your will and pleasure. We will sing unending praises to Your blessed name, world without end, through Jesus Christ our Lord, amen. Benediction: Let those who trust the Lord be like Mount Zion, Which cannot be shaken but endures forever. May that same Lord establish you in the Gospel So that all peoples might believe and obey Him Who is the only wise God; the glory is to Him forever through Jesus Christ! Until we meet again… Go in peace!

Title: The Enemies of God Text: Acts 16:16-25 FCF: We often struggle against forces arrayed against us and our Lord. Prop: Because many forces are arrayed against our Lord building His church, we must trust and worship Him who fits us for spiritual warfare. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts 16. In a moment we'll read from the Legacy Standard Bible starting in verse 16. You can follow along in the pew bible or in the version you prefer. Last week the 4-man mission team arrived in the city of Philippi and began their ministry to the Jews by going to the river to speak to a group of Jewish women. There was no synagogue in Philippi meaning that the Jewish population was fairly small. We'll get an indication of why that may be today. In the process of speaking to these women one woman came to Christ because the Lord opened her heart to respond in faith. The primary teachings we have seen from this first missionary journey is the Lord's control over the missionaries, the mission, and even the building of His church. But today we will see more opposition to His Kingdom. Let's seen how the mission team handles it. Please stand with me to give honor to and to focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Father, You are maker of heaven and earth. All else in existence is created besides You. Though there are great powers and forces, heavenly bodies, animals, plants, spiritual and physical beings, they are, all of them, unlike You. You alone are uncreated. You alone are high and lofty. Because of this we rely on You for everything. And though much of Your creation has rebelled against You. We know that You are utterly and completely in control of all that You have made. May we learn from You – the Giver of Life – that we may grow and flourish in You. Be with us today we pray this in Jesus name, Amen. Transition: Let's get right to the text again this week. There is a good deal for us to uncover here. I.) There are many forces arrayed against the Lord building His church, we must trust the Lord for spiritual armor to stand against the enemy. (16-18) a. [Slide 2] 16 - Now it happened that as we were going to the place of prayer, a servant-girl having a spirit of divination met us, who was bringing her masters much profit by fortune-telling. i. The missionary team stayed in Philippi in Lydia's home for many days. In that time, they traveled around the city but also frequented the place of prayer where the Jews met. ii. Again, the gospel to the Jews first is Paul's passion. iii. And so, on one of those trips, sometime after the event with Lydia, this occurs. iv. But what is going on here? v. We have a servant girl with what Luke calls a “spirit of divination.” What is that? 1. While the word here has links to the Delphi oracles and speaking on behalf of the gods, by the time of Roman imperialism this word was used primarily the way we would use the word ventriloquist. 2. Fast forward to the time Luke uses this expression here in Acts, the term would be the same but rather than emphasizing the human agent he is emphasizing the demonic agent. 3. Although we are accustomed to considering all fortune tellers, soothsayers, and star readers to be con artists who merely want to make a buck off the gullible – I would caution us against such generalities. 4. There are forces in this world, spiritual forces, that have power and abilities that exceed our own. 5. We know that Satan is the prince of the power of the air. We know that there are principalities and powers that by God's permission, govern this dark and perishing world. Though their dominion is being overtaken by the kingdom of God. 6. We know that there are still unclean spirits and demons roaming the world. 7. Now certainly some people, even at this time, were pretending to be soothsayers and fortune tellers but were fakes. 8. But that does not mean that all were this way. And that goes for today too. 9. The bible does not speak of these things as if they are fake, falsified, or bunkum. 10. Instead, the bible warns not to participate in them because they are real and not of God. 11. This young slave girl was a slave not just of humans but of an unclean spirit as well. 12. She was possessed by this spirit. vi. Because she was possessed by this spirit, and did have some sort of power or clairvoyance to the unseen world, she was able to conduct a booming business for those who desired a good word for themselves or insight for their coming days. 1. The spirit spoke in her and through her to convey snippets of truth couched in vague generalities and gathered from careful attention and insight into the human condition. 2. These spirits are not all knowing or all powerful. They merely are able to see more than humans and humans are also easily impressed, especially when the promise of money, power, and fame come with it. vii. So, we've been introduced to this cash cow of a fortune teller, but what is she doing? b. [Slide 3] 17 - Following after Paul and us, she kept crying out, saying, “These men are slaves of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation.” i. Here we see the activity of this spirit possessed woman. ii. She is following the missionaries around and crying out – probably yelling as loud as her vocal cords could, probably even louder than they were physically capable being amplified by the spirit's power. We also should consider the possibility of her shouting without her lips moving, since this ventriloquist meaning of the word had not completely disappeared. The shouting could have been coming from her belly. iii. And what is she shouting? iv. At first glance this appears to be truth. v. This wouldn't be the first time we see demons speak truth. vi. In fact, in each case that Jesus casts out demons, invariably they speak truth to Him. They address Him as the Son of the Most High. They beg Him not to judge them. vii. So, what is Paul to do with the free publicity? c. [Slide 4] 18 - And she continued doing this for many days. But being greatly annoyed, Paul turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to leave her!” And it left at that very moment. i. Ok so what just happened? Why was Paul so annoyed? ii. I mean she did this for many days… sure… but isn't she helping his cause? iii. Ironically, Paul in a future letter to these Philippians rejoices over the gospel of Christ being preached… even when it is preached by people who do so for selfish gain. iv. So, what is the big deal? Why is Paul annoyed? v. [Slide 5] Well, the answer to this question hinges on whether or not what the demon speaks is truth or is intentionally misleading. 1. Let's assume what most scholars assume. That although the demon's confession appears to be truthful, it is in fact, quite misleading. What do I mean and how would that cause Paul to be annoyed? a. We already noted that the vast majority of the people in Philippi are Gentiles. b. We recognize the phrase “Most High God” and frequently put that in the context of our Old Testament usage of the same words. i. However, to the predominantly gentile audience, such an expression could just as easily be applied to Zeus or Jupiter. ii. In fact, at the time of these events, such phrases were already in use and ascribed to Zeus the status of the highest of the gods. c. Secondly, her saying that the missionaries proclaimed the way of salvation could be misleading in a couple ways. i. First, the pagan concept of salvation would be ambiguous at best. It might describe success, or rescue from trouble or difficulty. ii. Secondly, the phrase here does not have a definite article in Greek. So, although it could be translated “they proclaim to you THE way of salvation.” It could just as easily be translated “they proclaim to you a way of salvation.” d. [Slide 6] Thus, the reason that Paul became so annoyed and distraught was because the demon was muddying the waters and making it seem like the missionaries were advocating syncretistic blend of paganism and Christianity instead of the abandonment of pagan gods to worship God through Christ Jesus. 2. [Slide 7] There are, however, some reasons to doubt what most scholars conclude. Let me point those out. a. Although it is true that gentiles would not associate the phrase “The Most High God” with Yahweh, we see that Luke has specified that this was happening while they were going to the place of prayer. A place where the Jews would gather. b. Now Luke only points this out once and it is possible that she stops them before they get there or meets them over the course of the next several days in other places around the city – but for now the only location we have been given is the place of prayer. c. This suggests that the audience, being Jewish, would probably understand the phrase “Most High God” to be Yahweh. d. And what she says about the way of salvation is also affected by a primarily Jewish audience. For they would have understood, at least in part, the idea that salvation has to do with God's deliverance into His Kingdom. e. In regard to the other issue with the way of salvation, the whole argument hinges on a translational ambivalence. It could literally be translated either “the way of salvation” or “a way of salvation” and if we take a quick poll of our major English translations – we'll find that the overwhelming majority translate this “The way of salvation” f. Meaning of course that we have to at least entertain the possibility that the demon is speaking pure truth here. 3. [Slide 8] But if the demon is speaking pure truth, and is not misleading, why then does Paul get so irked by it? There are actually several potential reasons. a. First, since this young slave girl was well known around the city as being a fortune teller, it subtly suggests that she and the missionaries occupy a similar position. i. They are both just heralds of truth. Paul can help you with your afterlife… and I can help you with your present life. ii. In essence it communicates that they are both spirit guides. Sure, one is pagan and the other is Christian, but that doesn't matter. iii. We are all on different sides of the same mountain, but we are all going up the mountain to the same god… right? A heresy still alive today. A heresy recently spoken by the Pope. iv. But God will not share glory with any. And Paul doesn't want the message of Christ to be shared by the local diviner as if they are on the same team. b. Second, by the girl confessing what the demon knows to be true, it gives credibility to any future fortune telling efforts. i. A false prophet telling truth once doesn't make that prophet a legitimate prophet of God. But it may convince some that they are. ii. Paul doesn't want the credibility of this demon possessed girl to continue as she piggy backs on the mission team. So, he casts out the demon in Jesus' name, ending the slave girl's career. c. [Slide 9] Third, it isn't like Paul hasn't had issues in the past with a crowd listening too well to him preaching the gospel. i. This slave girl shouting all this out is drawing a good deal of attention to the mission team. ii. At some point that will draw the ire of those who reject the gospel. And perhaps Paul is not ready to be forced to flee the city just yet. iii. This is unwelcomed publicity. He isn't done preaching the gospel here yet. d. Fourth, and although I can't prove it, I did manage to find one commentator, a church father named Bede, who saw it too. i. It seems to me that we could be seeing a Balaam kind of example here. ii. Perhaps the unclean spirit desired to speak falsehoods and slander Paul and the Mission team, but was not permitted to do so. iii. So, Paul's irritation is knowing that the demon desired to speak ill but was prevented. e. Finally, the work of revealing truth about Jesus as the Son of God and Savior of those who believe on Him is a work of the Holy Spirit. i. Last week we saw how the Lord opened Lydia's heart. We observed that this is what the Scriptures call regeneration. ii. Regeneration is a work of the Holy Spirit to prepare the heart of an individual to receive and respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ. iii. This unclean spirit's attempt to reveal the nature of Jesus is, in a way, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. In that it takes what is clearly the work of the Spirit and attributes it to the work of demons, specifically itself. iv. In effect, the unclean spirit usurps the role of the Holy Spirit here. v. And Paul is distraught over this. Such a spirit deserves to be removed for its blasphemy. vi. Which is the right one? No idea. Maybe all of them. vii. [Slide 10] In any case – Paul is greatly annoyed by this young girl and her unclean spirit. viii. He turns, and in the power, the authority, and for the sake of Jesus the second person of the Godhead – he commands the spirit to come out from her. ix. And the spirit left at that very moment. x. It may shock you to realize that in biblical times exorcisms were common. In fact, the Jews had been practicing them even before Christ's incarnation. xi. But the incantations and rituals surrounding them were long and not always successful. xii. By contrast, the exorcisms we see in the New Testament are frequently instantaneous and not belabored by long drawn-out processes and incantations. The power rests in the authority of Christ and not in the ritual. xiii. And even in the church post Christ's ascension, we see the pattern continue. In Christ's name this spirit flees. xiv. This leaves no shadow of doubt. God is not fighting a war with the kingdom of darkness where they are evenly matched… or even closely matched. xv. Paul, a fallen and sinful creature, just like the unclean spirit, exorcised this demon… by the power of and for the sake of the one who redeemed him. xvi. Only Christ is King and there is no other. d. [Slide 11] Summary of the Point: So, what is the primary point of teaching in this first scene of this narrative episode? What do we learn here? In our previous two weeks we have seen that God is sovereign over the missionaries, the mission and even the building of His church. He is in complete control. But today, we see a counter point that doesn't invalidate that, but merely adds color to that discussion. Although God is in control of building His church, that doesn't mean there will not be opposition. In fact, there are many forces, and some of them quite powerful, that are arrayed against the Lord of Glory as He continues to build His church. What we see here in this text, is that those forces are not equal to or close to equal to Him. He is King… even over the most powerful among them. A command given in His will by His authority, must be followed. The application for us then, is neither to go around rebuking demons, nor is it to ignore them completely. Our task is to put on the full armor of God so that we may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. The Lord wants us to engage in battle with His spiritual opponent, but not in our own strength, for our own glory, or for our own temporary gain. Rather in prayerful petitioning for the perseverance of the saints and the proclamation of the gospel we are to hold the line against the enemy being fully protected by the spiritual graces of God. Transition: [Slide 12 (blank)] So spiritual forces are no match for our Lord. They are easily pacified by His power and authority. Are these the only forces that oppose Him? II.) There are many forces arrayed against the Lord building His church, we must worship the Lord in the midst of seeming defeat. (19-25) a. [Slide 13] 19 - But when her masters saw that their hope of profit had left, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the authorities, 20 - and when they had brought them to the chief magistrates, they said, “These men are throwing our city into confusion, being Jews, 21 - and are proclaiming customs that are not lawful for us to accept or to observe, being Romans.” i. Upon realizing that the slave girl no longer had the spirit of divination and could no longer predict the future … they sought retaliate. ii. They grab Paul and Silas and drag them to the authorities of the city. iii. But what are they going to accuse them of? Casting out spirits isn't a crime is it? iv. Let's unpack what they charge them with and try to make some sense of it. v. They accuse them of sowing confusion because they are Jews and promoting customs that are illegal for Roman citizens to observe, because they are Romans. vi. So, what is the confusion and what are these customs? vii. Friends, I think us trying to figure out what customs they were talking about, and what they mean by confusion is a fool's errand. Why? viii. Notice not what they accuse them of – but how. They bring up both the ethnicity of these men… and their own. ix. As we saw last week, the Jews were not prevalent in this city. And the city was a Roman colony. So Roman that most of the inscriptions we have found from this city are in Latin and not in Greek. Which is quite telling. x. Jews had always stuck out as monotheists in a polytheist world. xi. This suggests that an Antisemitic sentiment was alive and well in the city of Philippi. Perhaps this is the real reason they don't have a synagogue in the city. Perhaps this is the real reason that there weren't many Jews in the city of Philippi? xii. Added to their hatred of the Jews, they were also quite proud of being Romans. xiii. They don't specify one charge against them. Instead, the only real accusation is that they are being very UN-Roman and telling them to do the same. xiv. The customs and the confusion charge, I believe, is a red-herring. They know that there isn't really anything they can accuse the mission team of. xv. But they can insight the crowd and the magistrates to violence because of racial tensions that already existed between Jews and Romans in the city of Philippi. xvi. And that is just what they did. They knew what buttons to push to really put the hurt on Paul and Silas. xvii. Incidentally, the fact that only Paul and Silas were drug before the city magistrates is more evidence that this is a racial issue more than a legal one. Timothy was only half Jewish and Luke was a gentile. b. [Slide 14] 22 - And the crowd joined together to attack them, and the chief magistrates, tearing their garments off of them, proceeded to order them to be beaten with rods. i. Only Roman citizens were guaranteed a right to a fair trial before being physically harmed. ii. As non-Romans (or so they think) these men are not afforded those guarantees. iii. So, they are beaten with rods for having the audacity to be Jewish and to tell Romans to stop being so Roman. iv. Now we will find out later that Paul and Silas both were Roman citizens. So why didn't they say anything? v. Well, let's wait a couple weeks on that question. c. [Slide 15] 23 - And when they had inflicted them with many wounds, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely, 24 - who, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. i. It is obvious that the plan is to release them sometime later. We see this later in the narrative. ii. Basically, what we have here is imprisonment is their sentence to pay for their crime. iii. Because they caused a disturbance, they needed to pay for that with their lives being disturbed. iv. So, the plan was that they would be released the following day – but until then they instruct the jailer to hold them fast. v. So, the jailer puts them in the inner prison, where escape would be almost impossible. And he fastened them to the wall so they could not move. vi. Most likely with wooden or metal brackets and most likely not in a very comfortable position. No doubt with arms and legs splayed against the wall. vii. One doesn't have to wonder why we find them still awake at midnight in the next verse. viii. They were probably in a good deal of pain from their “many wounds” while being pinned to the wall. d. [Slide 16] 25 - But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. i. Such were the hearts of God's missionaries. ii. They prayed and sang to the Lord. iii. They prayed – probably not imprecatory prayers against their persecutors but rather prayers of thanksgiving and songs of praise. iv. Requesting the Lord to be glorified and the gospel to go forth no matter what happens. v. Requesting to be released without further incident. vi. And they did this as the rest of the prisoners in the jail… listened. vii. One of the most powerful things you can do to accompany your presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, is to suffer for His name while continuing to praise Him and trust Him. viii. So many in the history of the church have been won by the gospel of Christ and the powerful testimony of those who gladly bear His reproach and share in His wounds. e. [Slide 17] Summary of the Point: Our primary point of teaching endures through this point. There are forces arrayed against the Lord building His church. They are not only spiritual though. As if mankind are merely victims caught in the middle of this spiritual war. No, the greed, bigotry, and selfishness of man actively works against the Lord building His church also. But so far, in this narrative, we have not seen the Lord conquer these wicked men. Now we could peek ahead and see, and I assure you, the Lord will be victorious in more ways than one, but let us not do that. Why? Because Paul and Silas didn't get to look ahead did they. For now, let's stay right there in that inner prison room with Paul and Silas. Let's stay right with them in the midst of their searing wounds. In the midst of their aching joints pinned to a wall. In the midst of their hopeless position. Let's stay right there. Why? So, we can observe what it means to trust the Lord even in the midst of great suffering for His name. Even in the midst of apparent defeat. My friends, we must trust the Lord by worshipping Him in the midst of suffering. This also is part of engaging the enemies of God. Conclusion: So, what have we learned to day CBC, and how then shall we live? Doctrinal Takeaway: [Slide 18] In the last couple weeks, we have seen the Lord's control over building His church. He guides His missionaries. He prepares the mission. He opens hearts to respond. But just because He is in control doesn't mean He is unopposed. Today we see that both spiritual and physical forces are actively arrayed against the Lord. Harmonizing these two points is actually relatively easy. It is obviously within the will of God and part of His plan that these forces oppose Him. Although God does not sin, nor does God tempt men to sin, there are times in the scriptures where God uses the sinfulness of men and the rebellion of the forces of darkness to accomplish His will. Therefore, we should not interpret opposition to the Lord as a sign that He is not in control. Instead, we should interpret opposition to the Lord as a way for Him to receive greater glory. For us, when we experience opposition to the Lord and the building of His church, we must see it as an opportunity to trust Him. On the one hand, we must trust Him, putting on the spiritual armor He provides to us and engaging in spiritual warfare against our true enemy, the spiritual forces of darkness who wrestle against the body of Christ at every turn. With the graces of the Lord, and in the power of His might, we will overcome them. Why? Because Christ has already disarmed them and made a public display of them by triumphing over them to free us from sin and death. (Col 2:15). On the other hand, we may face flesh and blood enemies that seem to gain victory over us. In this passage we see the paradoxical story of Paul gaining victory over a demon by casting him out in Jesus' name but also being himself cast in prison by mere men. If God is able to cast out demons, is He not also able to save Paul from mere men? Well of course He is. That is why Paul and Silas trust the Lord by responding in worship. They pray and sing to Him while suffering for His name. Why? Because if He can triumph over demons, and flesh and blood seem to have the upper hand– we can bet that God's victory is almost at hand. And indeed, it was just so for Paul and Silas and I think even a cursory glance at church history seems to paint the same picture. The moment the world is at the bleakest and the opposition against the Lord is at its height is the moment the Lord does something amazing. So let me outline for us some more practical applications of these truths today. How does this affect our everyday life? 1.) 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 believe that there are forces arrayed against the Lord. a. Now certainly this is not something that I think is difficult to prove to us. b. We know that there are forces actively working against the Lord and His church. c. In this text we see two. We see a demon, which represents the whole realm of darkness and we have bigoted, greedy, prideful humans. d. Let me address each of these specifically. i. The forces of darkness seem to have some measure of organizational structure. 1. The scriptures do not go into detail and although there are many myths, even Jewish myths surrounding these forces, there doesn't seem to be much consensus even among Jews on where these beings came from and how they organize themselves. 2. Still, we can come to a fairly robust understanding that there are intelligent spiritual evil forces aligned against the Lord of glory and at least from a New Testament perspective, they seem to be dominated and led by one particular member known as Satan or the Devil. 3. Paul tells us in Ephesians that if we are going to wrestle against these forces, we must not use physical means of warfare for our enemy is not physical they are spiritual. ii. But a second category of enemies against the Lord exists. And it is wicked humanity. 1. We might balk at this since Paul said in Ephesians that we don't wrestle against flesh and blood but against spiritual evil. 2. But Paul says this, not to deny that humans are wicked, or to say that they are just innocent victims caught in the middle. He merely says this to instruct Christians how to fight. Namely, not with flesh and blood weapons. 3. But even against flesh and blood enemies, the fight is primarily spiritual. So, our weapons and defenses must be spiritual also. 4. To be sure, wicked and unredeemed humanity are outright enemies of God and seek to destroy and kill God's people. 5. The only difference is that mankind is redeemable and spiritual forces of darkness are not. 6. Paul, after all, was one of these wicked men actively opposing the Lord of glory. And we all know how that worked out for him. iii. These two forces of evil work hand in hand to oppose the Lord. With the forces of darkness tempting, nudging and whispering and wicked men all to happy to pursue their passions. e. The Lord is opposed in His work to build His church and bring His Kingdom to earth in full. f. This is absolutely true. g. But.. 2.) Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that when the forces arrayed against the Lord appear to be winning this proves that God has lost control. a. No matter how bleak it may appear. b. No matter how much it seems like God is losing c. No matter how much wicked men prosper and demonic influence thrives – God is still in absolute control. d. We see this exact thing happen in the Old Testament on repeat. Israel gets destroyed by the nations around them. Where was GOD? Using those nations to judge them… that's where. e. God is always in control. Even when these forces appear to be winning – it is by design so that He can get even more glory for their defeat. f. In their opposition they are unwitting pawns for His glory. g. Because this is true we must respond in a few ways. h. First… 3.) 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 must rely on the strength of God's spiritual graces if we hope to stand against the spiritual forces we face. a. Whether we face human beings who are wicked and casting us into prisons or whether we face a legion of the demonic hoard – we cannot afford to fight this battle with human weapons. b. What then are our weapons? What are our defenses? How shall we hold the line? How shall we stand firm? c. They are described to us in the armor of God. Truth, Righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. d. Notice that all of these are spiritual graces that God has given us. And notice how they all, in some way, tie back to Christ Himself. e. If we are to face the enemies of Christ – we must be protected by the strength of Christ. f. No weapon we fashion – wars, rhetoric, reasoning, politics, legislation, revolution, anger, frustration, shouting, hostile take overs, elections, - LITERALLY all of this cannot be our trusted method to stand against the enemies of God. g. Why? h. Because they work IN those things too. i. We need armor and weapons in which they have no share. And that is Christ. j. What else does God being sovereign over his enemies mean for us? 4.) 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 be afraid when the schemes or Satan or the wickedness of men seem to prevail. a. My friends, God uses all of this to increase His fame and His glory. b. The more his enemies seem to be winning, the greater their undoing will be and the greater His glory will be when they are finally and forever put down. c. Most of the time when the church faced its darkest days – that is when the Lord did a marvelous work. d. A modern preacher once said, “Persecution has never hurt the church… only prosperity.” e. When our enemies are strong – our God is stronger. And my friends – we in America are ripe for Him to do something… Big. f. Not through an election. Not through a war. Not through diplomacy. Not through policy making. g. But through the outpouring of His grace. h. We have no need to be afraid at a time like today. i. What must we do instead… 5.) 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 must worship the Lord and expect Him to deliver us one way or another. a. Paul and Silas sat in pain in that prison cell. b. But they were not without hope. c. Because either they would die there or God would see to it that they were released. d. God would deliver them… one way or another. e. For this, He deserves the highest praises and glory. f. What can man do to us? What can any enemy of God do to us that God does not allow? For His purposes? g. My friends – what a great honor and joy it is to suffer for the name of Christ. h. So do not be troubled. In fact, be encouraged. i. Why? 6.) Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” Only Christ is King and there is no other. a. Though Christ has enemies… they are not His equal. b. Though Christ has enemies… they are not His match. c. Though Christ has enemies… they are no challenge. d. Though Christ has enemies… they pose no danger. e. Indeed, the work of Christ has already disarmed them. He gathers His church and they are only able to cede ground to the church. f. My friends, there is no King but Christ. g. May this be our motto. Our hope. Our Strength. h. In times of abundance and in times of famine – there is no King but Christ. i. In times of safety and in times of peril – There is no King but Christ. j. In times of moral decency and in times of moral decay – There is no King but Christ. Let me close by praying this hymn. May it be our prayer. 1 Lead on, O King eternal, the day of march has come; henceforth in fields of conquest your tents will be our home. Through days of preparation your grace has made us strong; and now, O King eternal, we lift our battle song. 2 Lead on, O King eternal, till sin's fierce war shall cease, and holiness shall whisper the sweet amen of peace. For not with swords' loud clashing or roll of stirring drums with deeds of love and mercy the heavenly kingdom comes. 3 Lead on, O King eternal; we follow, not with fears, for gladness breaks like morning where'er your face appears. Your cross is lifted o'er us, we journey in its light; the crown awaits the conquest; lead on, O God of might. We pray this in our King's holy name… Amen. Benediction: And now may the Man of Sorrows Who came to reclaim ruined sinners, Who sealed your pardon with His blood, And made a full atonement for helpless we, Bless you from Zion all the days of your life, And direct your hearts into God's love and into the steadfastness of Christ. Until we meet again… Go in Peace.

Today on TUC0's Talks, we have COL (Ret.) Shannon Whiteman, where she shares her insights on leadership and personal growth. Shannon emphasizes the importance of caring for people and being a person of integrity. She also discusses the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field and the balance between vulnerability and commanding respect. She encourages leaders to push boundaries, embrace their uniqueness, and constantly learn and innovate. Shannon's final thoughts include the importance of connecting with and listening to others, facing unconscious bias, and leading high-potential individuals. Overall, the conversation highlights the significance of empathy, compassion, and continuous self-improvement in leadership. Keywords: Leadership, personal growth, caring for people, Integrity, Vulnerability, Respect, pushing boundaries, Uniqueness, continuous learning, Innovation, connecting with others, unconscious bias, high-potential individuals, Empathy, Compassion, Self-Improvement Takeaways: - Leadership is about caring for people, being a person of integrity, and having excellent communication skills. - Vulnerability and compassion can coexist with commanding respect as a leader. - Pushing boundaries, embracing uniqueness, and constantly learning and innovating are essential for personal and professional growth. - Connecting with and listening to others, facing unconscious bias, and leading high-potential individuals are crucial aspects of effective leadership. - Empathy, compassion, and continuous self-improvement are key qualities for successful leadership. Sound Bites: "Leadership isn't a checklist. It is about caring for your people. It is about being a person of integrity." "Being vulnerable and compassionate, but then still command respect. It's a difficult balance." "Constantly learning innovation, to think outside the box. That's a skill set that I don't think I like learning, but it was just innate to who I was." Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:05 Taking Time to Reflect and Relax 08:09 The Impactful Leader 12:36 Balancing Vulnerability and Commanding Respect 21:31 Embracing Uniqueness and Pushing Boundaries 28:00 Continuous Learning and Personal Growth 33:50 Caring for People and Facing Unconscious Bias 39:23 Final Thoughts and Conclusion -------------------------------- So, why start the podcast, and why do we talk about Leadership? Well, after 20 years in the military, 19 of which were in combat operations, it was pretty much a guarantee that I was going to have some challenges I needed to work through. Today I share my issues, and hopefully how you can avoid them, or at least minimize the risk. In this informative leadership video, we dive deep into the world of leadership and organizational management. Join us as we leverage the valuable experience of senior leaders, gaining insights and practical advice on how to lead and take care of people. Discover the power of empathetic leadership, and the importance of putting people first. We'll explore the concept of failing forward, and how it can contribute to personal and professional growth. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from leadership experts and enhance your own leadership skills. Subscribe now to unlock the secrets of successful leadership and achieve a healthier work-life balance while taking care of your own mental health. #tuc0talks For more information on TUC0's Talks check out our social media: YouTube Channel: @TUC0talks Rumble: @TUC0talks Instagram: @TUC0talks Twitter: @TUC0talks TikTok: @TUC0talks LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/chris-m-wright

Title: Pride and Providence Text: Acts 15:36-41 FCF: We often struggle disagreeing with mercy and grace and pursuing unity with one another. Prop: Though God providentially uses even our sinful disagreements over upright things, even so we must pursue unity in truth and love. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 15. In a moment we'll read starting in verse 36 from the Legacy Standard Bible. You can follow along in the pew bible or in the version you prefer. There is no question that Luke is beginning a new section in his book with this text. However, the themes that begin this new section connect in a contrasting way to what we have been discussing for the last 6 chapters. In the last six chapters we've seen the slow build of the church mission to advance beyond the Jews and go to even pagan gentiles. In culmination of that gospel work the Jerusalem council delivers the definitive word on the subject of the Jewishness of the New Covenant. In short, those who are united to Christ by true faith are not of any one specific culture or background. Christ has fulfilled the law and therefore Gentiles need not keep the ceremonial law. But they must submit to the law of Christ and love one another and strive for unity and peace. As Luke moves on now to the second missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas, the theme of unity and peace remains – but sadly - with the inverse outcome. Two of the godliest people who were currently setting fire to the world with the gospel of Christ now succumb to disunity over a matter that did not require it. To transition us to the second missionary journey of Paul, Luke provides a cautionary tale on the heels of the great success story of the Jerusalem council. It would be wise for us to take heed. So let us stand to honor and focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Father, we know that those whom you have united by true faith to your Son, are declared righteous in your heavenly court based on the substitution of Christ for us. But we also know that although we are declared to be righteous and treated as sons and daughters, and although sin's penalty has been paid for us, and although sin's power over us has been broken – we know well that though you call us saints, which is certainly true, we yet remain, for now, sinners also. We recognize that unless we are busy about the work of killing sin, then sin will be busy about the work of killing us. Spirit of the living God, help us learn from the poor examples of these spiritual giants. And help us to be better. Help us to see your hand of providence in all things. Teach us today we pray in your precious Son's name. Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] In a discussion with my daughter this week, we asked her how she might engage in battling the selfish temptations of her heart. She replied that she could ignore the impulses within her to be selfish. I said, that in theory this makes sense. But in reality this will not work. I told her that if two armies stood on the battlefield and one fired a round of machine gun bullets at the other and the other decided to simply ignore them, hoping they'd just go away… who would win? She replied that the ones shooting would win. We do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against intelligent evil both from outside of us and from within us. And no matter how mature in Christ you become, the moment you stop fighting… is the moment you leave yourself open to a terrible defeat. Today, in the afterglow of a wonderful story of the church preserving unity and peace… we have a story of war and division. But even in the mist of this there is hope. Let them hear who have ears to hear. I.) Godly people can come to two upright but different conclusions, even so we must pursue unity in truth and love. (36-38) a. [Slide 3] 36 - Now after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” i. Paul and Barnabas clearly spend a good deal of time in Antioch of Syria. ii. It makes sense. They spent an entire year there preaching together. iii. They were sent out from the church in Antioch of Syria on their first missionary journey. iv. In other words, there is quite a history here. No doubt we could see Antioch of Syria as their home church or sending church. v. The elapsing of time also helps us to smooth over the difficulty we have with Silas suddenly being present in Antioch after leaving for Jerusalem. vi. Since it seems that many days separated the delivery of the Jerusalem council's decision and the events recorded here, Silas could have made his way back to Antioch at some point. vii. Paul, no doubt feeling the tug of the Spirit, desires greatly to check in with all the churches they had set up on their previous missionary journey. viii. We don't know how long it has been, but it is safe to say that it has at least been a couple years. ix. Paul is often known as a great evangelist but he is more than that. Although not an original apostle of the twelve, he certainly is a commissioned one of Christ. He has the zeal of an evangelist, the credentials of an apostle, and the heart of a Pastor. x. He desires to not only preach the gospel to those who have never heard, but to ensure the spiritual growth of those who are believers. b. [Slide 4] 37 - And Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also. i. Barnabas seems to be in full agreement with Paul that they should go back to these cities. ii. However, Barnabas desires to take John, called Mark, along with them. iii. We remember that on the first missionary journey, they did take John Mark with them for the first leg of the journey in Cyprus. iv. John Mark is the son of a woman named Mary in Jerusalem whose home was a meeting place for the church. v. In Colossians 4, we see Paul mention that Mark is Barnabas's cousin. vi. This helps us to make sense of why Barnabas might have wanted to take John Mark the first time and to take him again now. vii. Of course, there is a piece of information we have omitted from this discussion of John Mark, isn't there. viii. Yes… and it is the reason that Paul is not keen on the idea to take John Mark. c. [Slide 5] 38 - But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. i. Here we see that Paul did not think Mark was a good choice. ii. The word translated “kept insisting” has the idea of counting something worthy or deserving. iii. In other words, Paul thought that this was not wise to take this man with them. Why? 1. First, because he had already deserted them once. a. If we remember after they left Cyprus, and once they landed in Pamphylia, John Mark went home to Jerusalem. b. Luke so far has not really revealed to us why Mark left. c. Here Paul says that he deserted them, which is the same word used for apostasy. d. Luke's usage of this word to describe Paul's thoughts on the matter reveal that Paul did not think John Mark's reasons for going home were honorable. e. And if he deserted them once, he could do so again. 2. Secondly Paul focuses on the work itself of preaching and teaching the gospel to those who had never heard. a. John Mark did not go with them to do this work. b. He is unfamiliar with the people on the second leg of the missionary journey because he did not feel that they were more important than his reason for leaving and returning home to Jerusalem. c. What other priorities would John Mark place in front of the ministry? iv. But before we assume that Paul's argument is the only valid one, let us look at Barnabas' side. 1. So far, Barnabas has been the poster child for sticking up for people who no one wanted to be around. 2. He did this for the less fortunate when he sold his estate and gave it to the apostles to give to the poor. 3. He did this for Paul himself, when none of the church in Jerusalem wanted anything to do with him - Barnabas took him to the apostles and vouched for him. 4. Although he faltered slightly in declining to eat with the gentile Christians, he quickly rebounded and helped Paul to defend the cause of freedom from the ceremonial law of Moses for the Gentiles. 5. It seems as though Barnabas is doing what he always does. And His track record, thus far, has never faltered. Every person and every cause he has stuck his neck out for, has prospered. 6. Perhaps John Mark has repented of his desertion? Perhaps he is ready now to go on such a journey? v. So, who is right? Should they take Mark? Should they not take Mark? 1. The question is difficult because we don't have all the information, but we have to think that this should not be so great a matter that they cannot solve it. 2. I mean the church just came together in unity regarding the proper place of the ceremonial law as applied to Gentile Christians. 3. If the church can do that… it seems like Barnabas and Paul can figure out whether they should take John Mark or not. Right? 4. Maybe there is a compromise in here where they take Mark and someone else? 5. Maybe Paul can meet with John Mark and explain his hesitations and see if John has changed? 6. Maybe they could cast lots? 7. Maybe Barnabas could spend some time in prayer waiting for unity. 8. Maybe Paul should trust Barnabas who has a knack for supporting those who no one else supports. 9. Maybe Barnabas should trust Paul who has the mission and the gospel burning in his heart. vi. We have the two sides of the argument. vii. Both sides have good reasons and there is no clear indication to us of either being more wrong or right. viii. But before we see if they can work it out, let's draw some teaching and application from this so far. d. [Slide 6] Summary of the Point: Luke continues to deliver the realistic view of the early church in that it was not always peace and harmony. Sometimes there were disagreements. He has already several times when disagreement occurs. But here today, we see another disagreement arise on something as simple as who would be joining Paul and Barnabas on a follow up trip to the churches they had established only a few years prior. Although a simple matter we see both Paul and Barnabas have upright and good arguments for what should be done. So, what must happen next? The same thing that happened at the Jerusalem council. They must pursue unity in truth and love. They must selflessly seek the Lord and the love of one another to do this. We have already observed several things that they could have done toward that end. But of course, many times, it is easier for us to find solutions to problems that are not ours. May we be quick to find solutions to our own disagreements with others who are our brothers and sisters in Christ. Transition: [Slide 7 (blank)] So what happens? How do Paul and Barnabas resolve their dispute? Unfortunately… it is not well. II.) God, in His providence, uses even the sin of men to further the gospel of Christ, Even so we must pursue unity in truth and love. (39-41) a. [Slide 8] 39 - And there was such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. i. If you had never read this passage before, and if we did not read it this morning to introduce the text of the sermon… I don't think you'd ever see verse 39 coming. ii. After reading all that Paul and Barnabas had been through. After Barnabas vouched for Paul, after Barnabas went to Tarsus to hunt Paul down and bring him to Antioch so they could minister there for a year, after they toiled in Cyprus and Southern Galatia facing grave persecution and even beatings and a stoning. After this Jerusalem council where they stood shoulder to shoulder representing the gospel of grace and freedom in Christ. iii. If this was my first time reading this – I think I would be completely stunned. iv. And to be honest, even though it isn't my first time reading this… I am still deeply saddened. v. Although some scholars attempt to paper over this and make it seem like an insignificant spat… vi. I believe Barnabas and Paul were sinfully prideful here. vii. They have fallen into Satan's snare. If the forces of darkness cannot get you to divide over faith and practice, they will get you to divide over a trivial matter which is relatively amoral by tempting you to fight for your opinion in an ungodly way. viii. Paul and Barnabas had elevated each of their positions to a matter of principle. They have entrenched themselves and argued themselves into corners to where they could no longer back down nor could they compromise. ix. We look at this situation and ask… x. Neither of them would budge? Really? xi. Neither of them could find a way to get around this issue? xii. Is this a gospel issue? Is this a matter of Essentials here? xiii. I do not believe Luke records this merely as a segue to get to the next missionary journey. xiv. Instead, I believe Luke records this as realistic look at the church. That despite the unity around truth and love that was achieved at the Jerusalem council… even great missionaries like Barnabas and Paul are still sinners wrestling with their own arrogance and selfishness. xv. Only a short time ago they told a crowd of worshippers that they were mere men like them possessing the same nature that they had. xvi. Here they prove that statement to be true. xvii. My friends this is a tragedy. This is heartbreaking. xviii. As UP as we were for the great compromise earlier in this chapter… this is a dark DOWN for the church. xix. But… God still uses it. xx. God in His providence uses the sin of these men to divide one missionary endeavor into two. xxi. That doesn't remove the responsibility of these men who were unable to set aside their pride and come to an agreement. xxii. But it does give us comfort that our God can make magnificence from our mess. xxiii. Luke records for us that Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed to Cyprus. xxiv. This is the last time that Luke mentions Barnabas in the book of Acts. b. [Slide 9] 40 - But Paul chose Silas and left, being committed by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. i. Here we see Silas is back in Antioch. ii. In comparing the two statements about Barnabas and Paul's departure, we notice some interesting details. 1. We do know that Cyprus is how Barnabas and Paul began their first missionary journey. So, it appears that Barnabas is retracing their steps chronologically. 2. We know that Barnabas and probably John Mark are originally from Cyprus. So, they are going home in a way. 3. In comparison to what we read in verse 40, Barnabas is not said to have gone with a commissioning of the brothers or with the grace of the Lord. 4. Luke leaves Barnabas for good and focuses on Paul and his missionary journeys for the rest of the book of Acts. iii. With all these details we may be tempted to conclude that Luke is siding with Paul and sees Barnabas in error on this issue. iv. However, I have some counter points to that thought. 1. This is a book inspired by the Holy Spirit. And since the greater context of the New Testament indicates to us that Barnabas was actually right… Mark becomes a very spiritual and useful figure in the church – aiding Peter and Paul and writing one of the four synoptic gospels, perhaps even the first one, we can conclude that Luke who writes several years later, is probably not showing Barnabas to be wrong. 2. Just because Barnabas is not said to have gone with the commissioning of the brothers or the Lord's grace does not mean he has neither of those. 3. The comment about the commissioning of the brethren applied toward Paul could just as easily indicate that Luke thought Paul was wrong and had to assure Theophilus that despite his stubbornness, the church still commissioned him to his mission. But I don't think Luke is supporting either of these missionaries… in reality. 4. Luke is merely transitioning from Paul's time with Barnabas to his time with other companions. One of which will be Luke himself. c. [Slide 10] 41 - And he was traveling through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. i. Here we notice that Paul went the opposite direction as Barnabas. ii. He did not revisit Cyprus at all and chose to go the back way through the gates of Cilicia to get to Southern Galatia to Derbe and Lystra. iii. Paul also went home first, visiting Cilicia whose primary city would have been Tarsus, his home. iv. It is interesting that both missionaries after having a selfish dispute which led to division, went home first. v. In the process of this, he and Silas strengthened the churches that he had helped in these places. d. [Slide 11] Summary of the Point: In Luke's effort not to guild the lily, we arrive at an uncomfortable and unfortunate point that is not without its silver lining. The dark cloud of the matter is that even the godliest, most Christlike, most graced and used believers, are still merely human and thus are sinners. Here we see both Paul and Barnabas insisting on their own way rather than seeking unity and peace in truth and love. But the silver lining in all this, is that God's sovereign providence has used even their pride for His glory and the furtherance of the gospel ministry. Now two missions go out instead of one. More people are being trained up for the work of the ministry. But even though God does work things out for our good and His glory… that should not soften the imperative for us to pursue unity and peace with one another through truth and love. God working things out is not the liberty we need to run roughshod over each other and insist on our own way. We are all responsible for our actions even when God uses them to accomplish His greater purposes. So, we must pursue unity and peace through truth and love. Conclusion: So, what have we learned today, CBC, and how should it change how we live? Doctrinal Takeaway: [Slide 12] Luke shows us a realistic picture of the early church. He does not hide the sometimes-ugly details. He didn't hide Annanias and Sapphira. He didn't hide the widows being neglected. He didn't hide the Jerusalem council. And he didn't hide Paul and Barnabas' disagreement. In his realistic view, he shows that godly people can arrive at two upright conclusions that are seemingly incompatible. This is possible. Barnabas and Paul both had great and upright reasons for taking or not taking John Mark. Unfortunately, this situation also shows us that even godly people reaching godly conclusions can defend those conclusions in ungodly ways. We are shocked to see both Paul and Barnabas caught up in such a small matter. And yet… here we are. And even though the Lord in His providence used this for His glory, it remains a cautionary tale for us. One that requires that we intentionally and purposefully pursue unity with one another. That we be makers of peace. That in truth and in love, we strive to be of one heart and mind and not separate over things that do not matter. But let me enter into a more practical discussion especially as it relates to the Lord's Supper today and our impending fellowship together around the Lord's Table. 1.) [Slide 13] 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 believe that God uses even our failures to further His Kingdom. a. Let me do a little logic with you to prove this point. i. Do we believe that God is all powerful, omnipotent? Yes. Why? Genesis 18:14 asks is anything too hard for God of which the response is the implied… NO! This and literally hundreds of other verses attest to His omnipotence. ii. Do we believe that God is all knowing, omniscient? Yes. Why? Peter in his answer to Jesus if he loved Him answered that Jesus knows everything so he knows that Peter loves him. This and many other verses reveal overtly and logically that God knows everything. iii. Do we believe that God is everywhere, omnipresent? Yes. Why? David claims in Psalm 139, that even if he made his bed in the realm of the dead, the Lord is there. For He is everywhere. This and many other verses prove that God is not bound by space… or even by time. iv. Do we believe that God is good? Yes. Why? In answer to the rich young ruler Jesus Himself reveals that none are good except God. That and hundreds of other verses prove God is good. v. Now. If God knows everything, is everywhere and every when, is all powerful and good… vi. It makes absolutely no sense that God would allow His people to EVER fall into sin… unless He had a purpose in it that was for our good and for His glory. b. Listen to the text of the 1689 London Baptist Confession regarding God's Providence. i. The perfectly wise, righteous, and gracious God often allows His own children for a time to experience a variety of temptations and the sinfulness of their own hearts. He does this to chastise them for their former sins or to make them aware of the hidden strength of the corruption and deceitfulness of their hearts so that they may be humbled. He also does this to lead them to a closer and more constant dependence on Him to sustain them, to make them more cautious about all future circumstances that may lead to sin, and for other just and holy purposes! So whatever happens to any of His elect happens by His appointment, for His glory and for their good. ii. Let me just say… They nailed it. They nailed it. c. God could have stopped Paul and Barnabas from sinfully fighting over this issue. But He did not. So that 2 missions could go forward instead of one. d. Now, does that mean that Paul and Barnabas get a pass here? e. Absolutely not! f. In a rare instance, we can say, DO NOT BE LIKE PAUL. DO NOT BE LIKE BARNABAS. g. Instead, we must pursue unity and peace around truth and love and not allow petty squabbles like this to divide us. h. And how do we do that? i. Well, a good start for us is to admit a lie that we often believe. 2.) [Slide 14] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that if our opinion is biblically solid, we are free to defend it however we wish. a. My friends, many a man and woman have fallen prey to this lie. b. In the name of conviction, in the name of righteousness, in the name of holiness, in the name of wisdom they have chewed up and spit out their fellow member of the body of Christ. c. Essential matters of faith and practice must be discussed, defended, and if necessary, divided over. d. But so many of our disagreements do not fall into this category. e. So many of our principled stands and worthy causes are insignificant next to the clear teaching of the Word of God. f. Paul and Barnabas each had great reasons… biblical reasons… for their position. Barnabas' heart was to restore the man. Paul's heart was to safeguard the mission. g. But my friends these positions are only incompatible because they allowed them to be. h. They are only incompatible because both men were equally inflexible. i. We must recognize that it is possible for two godly people to come to two godly conclusions about a matter that seem to be incompatible. But what they do from that point comes down to whether or not they are intentionally pursuing unity through truth and love. j. We all can have our own opinions on a great deal of things. From parenting style all the way to music preference, from educational philosophy to our stance on consuming alcohol - we all can arrive in different places. k. In fact, we can all have well-reasoned and incredibly biblical and logical arguments for our particular opinion. l. But what we cannot do… what we must not do… 3.) [Slide 15] 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 stop looking for ways to win and start looking for ways to be united. a. We must not take the nuclear option. We must not destroy unity and peace for the sake of being right or for the sake of winning the argument. b. Instead of unity Barnabas and Paul pursued victory. c. My friends we must learn from the mistakes of men who are spiritual giants to us. d. We must learn that we are all sinners and capable of being pridefully petty. e. And we must learn that some things matter more than winning. f. Like being united around truth and love. g. Paul insisted John Mark not come with them. And although I'm sure his arguments were good, they lacked love for God and for Barnabas and for Mark. h. Barnabas insisted that John Mark come with them. And although I'm sure his arguments were good, they lacked love for God, for Paul, and for the people who might be harmed if John Mark abandons them again. i. If they had fought for unity instead of victory… this may have ended very differently. j. So we must stop fighting to win. Instead… 4.) [Slide 16] 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 must pursue unity and peace with one another in truth and love. a. This is not our default setting. b. This does not just happen. c. There are certain people it is easier to be united with than others… but even those with whom we have a natural bond, there will come times when unity will need to be fought for. d. Even in a little rural church like this – the temptation to divide over things that don't matter is alive and well. e. We must all do our part to pursue unity through truth and love. f. Truth in the sense that we all affirm and accept the Scriptures as the final authority for our faith and practice. g. Love in the sense that as much as it depends on us, we will be at peace with all people especially with those of the household of faith. h. We must care about people more than our opinions and unity more than victory. i. This must be true of us or it will be the end of us. j. Let us set aside anything we may have against each other and any disagreement we may have and seek to love one another as Christ has loved us. k. And as we turn our attention now toward the Lord's table, let us take some comfort for our souls in this thought… 5.) [Slide 17] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” The meal we are about to share not only partners us with Christ but also with one another. a. I Corinthians 10 instructs us that not only are we partnering with the thing sacrificed, meaning we partner, fellowship with, or are united to Christ in the Lord's Supper… b. But also let us see that we are also partnered with one another since we are one body in Christ. c. Although this meal has personal significance in that God uses it for those who approach by faith to grow them and press them and lavish His grace on them… d. We cannot deny that since its beginning the Lord's Supper has always been a meal shared between a family. e. Jesus called His disciples brothers and friends. He ate this meal with them and told them that He would not eat it again until He ate it with them in the New Kingdom. f. My friends, the meal we will partake in soon is a meal of unity in Christ. g. So let us cast aside any non-essential that divides us and pursue unity in truth and love and do so before partaking of the atonement of Christ together. Let our souls feast on His person and work and bind us more fully together. [Slide 18 (end)] Let me close in a prayer by the Puritan Robert Hawker How good it is, Lord, to receive a broken Christ into a broken heart. We feed on your body broken, and your blood shed, as the sole, the only, the all-sufficient means of salvation by faith! Lamb of God! Keep your table sacred from all leaven, both in the persons approaching it, and the offerings made upon it. Do not allow the leaven of hypocrisy and wickedness here, but let all who meet around your table be of the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. And Lord, please come into your house, to your table, to your people. Let each person hear and joyfully accept the invitation of the kind Master: Eat, O friends; drink, yes, drink abundantly, O beloved! Then Lord, make us yours, altogether yours! Let our whole body, soul, and spirit be all yours, both by the conquests of your grace, as they are justly yours, and by the purchase of your blood. Never, never more may we depart from you, but as did the church of old, may we exult in this blessed assurance, "My beloved is mine, and I am his." For it is for His sake we ask this… Amen. Benediction: For those who are believers, who are not clinging to some sin refusing to repent of it, who desire to have their souls sustained by the atonement of Christ in His body and blood, please follow us up to the upper room for the Lord's Supper. If you are not a believer, or are not joining us for any reason, I'd ask that you go in peace and not distract those who go to the communion feast together.

Life is full of challenges, but intentional navigation can bring clarity. In this episode of "The Right Intention," I, Todd Tononi, reflect on leadership lessons from my experiences and guest insights. We explore leadership styles, personal growth, communication, and ethics, offering valuable takeaways to help you lead with purpose.Key Topics:1 - Leadership Styles:Military Leadership: Lessons from LTC Jason Cortaway on discipline and decisiveness in business.Entrepreneurial Leadership: Antonio Gonzales on innovation and adaptability.Hybrid Leadership: Combining military discipline with entrepreneurial creativity.2 - Personal Growth:Self-Leadership: Importance of a growth mindset and continuous learning.3 - Communication and Ethics:Effective Communication: The role of clear, authentic communication in leadership.Ethical Leadership: Integrity and consistency in building trust.4 - Conclusion:So many nuggets from this episode, make sure you're taking notes and if you didn't make sure you do when you listen to it again. We are so gratitude for your support.Remember the following: Share, rate, review, and connect on social media using #therightintention.Sponsor Message:This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. For affordable counseling, visit betterhelp.com/rightintention for 10% off your first month. Never skip therapy day, with BetterHelp!Final Notes:Thank you for supporting "The Right Intention." With over 300,000 downloads, we're excited to continue this journey with you. Please share, rate, and review the podcast, and let us know how these leadership lessons impact your life.Let's connect!BookLinkedInWebsiteInstagramFacebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we have an exceptional episode lined up for you. Joining Damien is the talented Lisa A. Callif, an expert in copyright law. Lisa will share her invaluable insights on a topic every filmmaker needs to understand – navigating the complex world of copyright, fair use, and protecting your creative work.Main Discussion Points:Whether you're an emerging filmmaker or a seasoned professional, understanding these legal intricacies is crucial to ensuring your projects are safeguarded from legal pitfalls.We'll dive into a detailed discussion on the 1976 Copyright Act, its implications for modern filmmakers, and the importance of protecting your creative work from inception to distribution. Lisa will also touch on international copyright issues and provide practical advice on drafting collaboration agreements, ensuring your projects run smoothly and legally.We'll explore critical aspects of fair use and how the 1976 Copyright Act has shaped the way filmmakers protect their work. Plus, Lisa will share insights on automatic copyright protection and the importance of registering your work to strengthen your legal standing.Book Recommendation: Additionally, Damien will share his experience with Lisa's highly recommended book, Clearance and Copyright, which has been an invaluable resource for him and promises to be for all filmmakers, especially those working on documentaries.Insightful Exchange: Lisa discusses the significance of the 1976 Copyright Act's life plus 70 years provision, shedding light on the balance between protecting creative works and public domain considerations globally. She also explains the complexities filmmakers face when dealing with international copyright laws and specific case examples, such as the challenges surrounding characters like Robin Hood in different territories.Collaboration Insights: Addressing the essential elements of collaboration agreements in filmmaking, Lisa emphasizes the importance of documenting agreements early to prevent disputes later on. She outlines key clauses including decision-making processes, profit sharing, and dispute resolution, highlighting their critical role in maintaining project integrity and relationships.Conclusion: So grab your notepads, filmmakers, because you won't want to miss this informative episode packed with essential knowledge for your creative journey.W: https://donaldsoncallifperez.com/attorneys/lisa-a-callif/Clearance & Copyright Everything You Need to Know for Film, Television, and Other Creative Content: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Clearance--Copyright-by-Michael-C-Donaldson-Lisa-A-Callif-Christopher-L-Perez-Michael-C-Donaldson/9781935247296Filmmaking Conversations – where creativity meets clarity.Previous Guests Highlights:James David Redding III: Emmy Award winner for his work on "The Queen's Gambit."Donald Sylvester: Academy Award winner for Best Sound Editing for "Ford v Ferrari."Damien Swaby Social Media Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker_damien_swaby/Twitter: https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FDamienSwabyAlso, you can check out my documentary The People of Brixton, on Kwelitv here: The People of Brixton https://www.kweli.tv/watch/kweli/the-people-of-brixton

Welcome to Day 2375 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Ecclesiastes 6:10-12 Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2375 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2375 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today's Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we're continuing our exploration of the book of Ecclesiastes. We'll be delving into Ecclesiastes 6:10-12 from the New Living Translation. Ecclesiastes 6:10-12 (NLT): 10 Everything has already been decided. It was known long ago what each person would be. So there's no use arguing with God about your destiny. 11 The more words you speak, the less they mean. So what good are they? 12 In the few days of our meaningless lives, who knows how our days can best be spent? Our lives are like a shadow. Who can tell what will happen on this earth after we are gone? Acceptance of Destiny: Solomon begins by acknowledging the predetermined nature of human destiny. He says that everything has already been decided, and it was known long ago what each person would be. Therefore, there's no use arguing with God about your destiny. The Futility of Many Words: Solomon then reflects on the futility of many words. He observes that the more words you speak, the less they mean. So what good are they? Uncertainty of Life: He contemplates life's uncertainty, noting our existence's brevity and meaninglessness. Solomon questions how our days can best be spent in the few days of our meaningless lives. Life's Transience: He compares our lives to a shadow, fleeting and insubstantial. Who can tell what will happen on this earth after we are gone? Key Takeaways: As we reflect on Solomon's words, there are several key takeaways we can glean: Acceptance of Destiny: Solomon encourages us to accept our predetermined destiny, as it was known long ago by God. The Futility of Many Words: He reflects on the futility of many words, noting that the more we speak, the less our words mean. Uncertainty of Life: Solomon contemplates the brevity and meaninglessness of life, questioning how our days can best be spent. Life's Transience: He compares our lives to a shadow, acknowledging their fleeting and insubstantial nature.   Conclusion: So, as we continue our journey, let's remember to accept our destiny and make the most of our time. Let's be mindful of the words we speak, and let's not be consumed by the uncertainty of life. Join me next time as we delve further into the book of Ecclesiastes. Until then, keep seeking wisdom, keep making the most of each day, and keep making a positive impact on the world around you. Reflect… If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.'. Thank you so...

Welcome to Day 2368 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Ecclesiastes 4:13-16 Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2368 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2368 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today's Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we're exploring Ecclesiastes 4:13-16 from the New Living Translation. Ecclesiastes 4:13-16 (NLT): 13 It is better to be a poor but wise youth than an old and foolish king who refuses all advice. 14 Such a youth could rise from poverty and succeed. He might even become king, though he has been in prison. 15 But then everyone rushes to the side of yet another youth who replaces him. 16 Endless crowds stand around him, but then another generation grows up and rejects him, too. So it is all meaningless—like chasing the wind. Value of Wisdom: Solomon begins by highlighting the value of wisdom. He says it's better to be a poor but wise youth than an old and foolish king who refuses all advice. Success of a Wise Youth: Solomon illustrates this point by saying that such a youth could rise from poverty and succeed. He might even become king, despite having been in prison. Fleeting Nature of Success: However, Solomon notes the fleeting nature of success. He says that everyone rushes to the side of yet another youth who replaces the former king. Cycle of Rejection: He observes that endless crowds stand around the new king, but then another generation grows up and rejects him, too. Solomon concludes that it's all meaningless—like chasing the wind. Key Takeaways: As we reflect on Solomon's words, there are a few key takeaways we can glean: Value of Wisdom: Solomon emphasizes the importance of wisdom, stating that it is better to be a poor but wise youth than an old and foolish king. Potential for Success: He illustrates how a wise youth can rise from poverty and succeed, even becoming king. Fleeting Nature of Success: Solomon highlights the fleeting nature of success, noting how quickly people can be replaced and forgotten. Meaninglessness of Pursuing Power: Finally, he concludes that the pursuit of power and success is ultimately meaningless, like chasing the wind. Conclusion: So, as we navigate our own journeys, let's remember the value of wisdom. Let's seek to be wise, regardless of our station in life. And let's not be fooled by the fleeting nature of success and power. Join me next time as we continue our trek through the book of Ecclesiastes. Until then, keep seeking wisdom, keep striving for excellence, and keep making a positive impact on the world around you. Reflect… If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.'. Thank you so much for

Send us a Text Message.Introduction:Good morning, good afternoon, good evening, and good everything. How are you all doing? It's truly good to be back in this space. Before we dive in, I must ask, sincerely, how are you? I know it's been challenging for many of us. But you know, before I came on, I was reflecting on something. What a wonderful time to be alive. We're experiencing so much on Earth today. Everywhere you turn, there's this common thread, this human theme that weaves through our collective experience. And it's like we're all going through this phase together. So, how are you? I hope you're well.Topic Introduction:Today, I want to delve into a topic that has been on my mind for quite some time: the concept of tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow. We're all racing towards something, aren't we? It's like we're constantly chasing after this elusive future, this vision of tomorrow that seems just out of reach. And in the pursuit of this tomorrow, we often find our lives changing before our very eyes. We undergo transformations, sometimes without even realizing it until we look back and see how far we've come.Exploration of the Topic:So, who is the man who sees tomorrow? I'm not talking about some mystical seer or fortune teller. I'm talking about individuals who have a heightened sense of vision, an ability to see beyond the present moment and glimpse into the future. And I want to explore this idea through the lens of two stories from movies that have stuck with me.Storytelling:The first story comes from a series called Eli Stone. Eli, a lawyer with a unique gift of seeing the future, takes on cases that have a moral significance, often at the expense of his career. His ability to foresee events leads him to make decisions that ultimately shape the future for the better.In another movie, Nicholas Cage's character possesses the ability to see a few minutes into the future. However, his power becomes heightened when he enters into a deep relationship with someone. Through this partnership, he gains insights that extend far beyond mere moments, giving him a profound understanding of what lies ahead.Relating to a Higher Power:But seeing tomorrow isn't just about having a special gift or talent. It's about tapping into a deeper relationship, a connection to something greater than ourselves. In the Bible, Jesus spoke to his disciples about the importance of the Holy Spirit in shaping their future. He told them that their ability to impact the world depended on their relationship with the Spirit.Conclusion:So, when we talk about seeing tomorrow, it's not merely about being analytical or predictive. It's about having a relationship with the Holy Spirit, a connection that enables us to see beyond the limitations of our human understanding. Through this relationship, we can craft visions that transcend time and space, shaping a future that aligns with our deepest desires and aspirations.Support the Show.You can support this show via the link below;https://www.buzzsprout.com/1718587/supporters/new

If you need an anxiety routine to help you get through the day, you're in the right place.  My name is Kimberley Quinlan. I am an anxiety specialist. I'm an OCD therapist. I specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy, and I'm here to help you create an anxiety routine that keeps you functioning, keeps your day effective, and improves the quality of your life. Because if you're someone who has anxiety, you know it can take those things away.  Now, it's so important to understand that generalized anxiety disorder impacts 6.8 million American adults every single day. That's about 3.1% of the population. And if that is you, you're probably going to agree that anxiety can hijack your day. It can take away the things that you love to do, it can impact your ability to get things done.  And so, one of the tools we use—I mean myself as a clinician—is what we call activity scheduling. This is where we create a routine or a schedule or a set of sequences that can help you get the most out of your day and make it so that anxiety doesn't take over. So if you're interested, let's go do that.  Again, if you have anxiety, you know that anxiety has a way of messing up your day. You had a plan. You had goals. You had things you wanted to achieve. And then along comes anxiety, and it can sometimes decimate that plan.  AN ANXIETY SCHEDULE And so the first thing I want you to be thinking about as we go through putting together this schedule is to plan for anxiety to show up. Those of you who show up in the morning and think, “How can I not have anxiety impact my day?” Those are the folks who usually have it impact them the most. So we want to start by reframing how we look at our lives instead of planning, like, “Oh gosh, I hope it's not here. I hope it doesn't come.” Instead, we want to focus on planning for anxiety to show up because it will. And our goal is to have a great plan of attack when it does. MORNING ROUTINE FOR ANXIETY First of all, what we want to look at is our morning routine for anxiety. We want to have an anxiety routine specifically for the morning. There will be folks who have more anxiety in the morning. There will be folks who have more anxiety in the evening. You can apply these skills to whatever is the most difficult for you. But for the morning routine, the first thing we need to do is the minute we wake up, we want to be prepared for negative thoughts. Thoughts like, “I can't handle this. I don't want to do this. The day will go bad.” We want to be prepared for those and have a strategic plan of attack.  COGNITIVE RESTRUCTURING Now, what we want to do instead of going down the rabbit hole of negative thinking is use what we call cognitive restructuring or reframing. During the day, at a time where you've scheduled, I would encourage my patients to sit down and create a planned response for how we're going to respond to these thoughts. So if your brain says, “You can't handle the day,” your response will be, “I'll take one step at a time.” If your brain says, “Bad things are going to happen,” you have already planned to say, “Maybe, maybe not, but I'm not tending to that right now.” Let's say your brain is going to tell you that this is going to be so painful and, “What's the point? Don't do it,” absolutely not. I'm going to show up however I can in my lifetime. I'm not going to let those thoughts dictate how I show up. I'm going to dictate how I show up. So we want to be prepared and have a plan of attack for that negative thinking. MINDFULNESS PRACTICE The second thing we want to do is have a solid mindfulness for anxiety practice. Again, you're going to start today, and you'll start to see the benefits of this over the weeks and months, but a mindfulness practice will be where you are able to have a healthier relationship with the thoughts, the feelings, the sensations, the urges, the images that come along with anxiety.  A big piece of mindfulness is learning how to stay present. As you are brushing your teeth in the morning, you're noticing the taste of the toothpaste, the feeling of it on your gums, the smell of the fluoride, and the toothpaste that you have. A solid mindfulness practice will help you move through each part of the day's routine that we're creating in a way that reduces the judgment, reduces the suffering, reduces the self-punishment, reduces the reactions that you would typically have.  Now, one of the most helpful mindfulness skills I use and I tell my patients to use—we actually have a whole episode on this. It's Episode 3. It's really early on, but it's talking about being aware of the five senses. Again, as you're brushing your teeth, what do you smell? What do you see? What do you taste? What do you hear? What does it feel like? And you're going through systematically these different senses so that you can be as present as you can. And this will help you with panic attacks, anxiety attacks, or just general anxiety that you're feeling.  If you're wanting to deep dive into mindfulness and have a mindful meditation practice, we have an entire vault of meditations that are guided by me that you can look into by going to CBTSchool.com, or I'll leave the link in the show notes. There is an entire vault specifically for people with anxiety of guided meditations to help you with different emotions, different sensations, different experiences, different struggles that you may be having. That's there for you.  4. GET SOME EXERCISE  Now the next thing I want you to do in the morning is get some kind of movement activity going. Again, this doesn't have to be going for a run, but it could be a light walk, some stretching, some yoga. It could be going to the gym and lifting weights, but try to get your body moving. There is a lot of research to show that exercise can be as effective as medication. That's mind-blowing, and it's free. It's something you can do from home, and it's something that doesn't have huge side effects except for the fact that it's not as fun as we would like it to be. But create a routine. It doesn't have to be every day, either. You might put in your schedule that you just do it a couple of days a week, and that's a great start. But try to at least stretch, move your body, maybe move around the house, light dancing, whatever floats your boat, but get your body moving.  5. NOURISH YOUR BODY WITH FOOD   The next morning routine activity that I really want to stress is to nourish your body with food. And I picked the word “nourish” very intentionally. I'm not just saying put breakfast in your mouth because I want you to be thinking of food as something that's fueling your body so that you can be at your best. Again, I believe strongly there is no right or wrong food or good or bad food, but I want you to think about, “How can I nourish my body? Do I need some water? Would it be nourishing to have too much coffee?” Again, coffee is not super helpful if you're someone with anxiety, and it's something you should limit as well. So, really be intentional about the food that you nourish in your body. 6. SET AN INTENTION FOR THE DAY And then the last piece of the morning routine for anxiety is to set an intention for a day of kindness. You are committing to kindness all day. If that doesn't feel good to you, flip it to “I am committing to no self-punishment, no self-judgment, no self-criticism.” That can be a really effective goal. “Okay, if I'm going to do one thing today, I'm committing to no judging,” because literally, there is no benefit to any of those things. Criticism, punishment, judgment, self-loathing, none of it. There's no benefit. It doesn't motivate you if you think that is true. It's actually been proven incorrect by science. These things are not the motivators. We want to work at reducing those. And there are tons of other episodes on the podcast talking about that.  So, that's what we're going to focus on for the morning routine.  STRUCTURING YOUR DAY FOR ANXIETY ROUTINE Now we're going to move on to structuring your day and creating an anxiety routine that is effective for you throughout the day. Now I want to first acknowledge that I don't know how much you have going on in the day. Some of you are working two jobs, some of you are a stay-at-home mom, some of you don't have a job at all, some of you are at school. Everybody's schedule is going to be different, but I want you all to be thinking about these ideas.  WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU DID NOT HAVE ANXIETY?  The first one is plan and organize your day around what you would do if you didn't have anxiety. Sit down and really think about it. “If I didn't have anxiety today, what would I get done? How would I show up? What activities would I do?” And make sure you schedule those into your schedule because the main thing that you have to know about someone with anxiety is anxiety will interrupt your day and take you away from the things that you value. So please, please, please, think about this question: What would I do if I didn't have anxiety? And your job is to schedule and try and get as many of those things done as you could. We don't want anxiety to run the show here.  PLAN YOUR DAY  The next thing I want you to do is use a planner to activity schedule these things. There are apps to help track tasks and appointments. Do your best to plan and to have structure. People with anxiety and depression need structure. It helps us to be so overwhelmed and chaotic in our brain to have some structure. And believe me, some people will say, “No, it feels too controlled, and it takes away my creativity.” No. In fact, people who have structure tend to report feeling more creative because their day isn't so overwhelming and they have a little bit of control over where they're doing, what they're doing, and where they're going. Now, if you struggle with this, we have an entire course for this as well. It's called The Optimum Time Management for Mental Health. I walk you through specifically how to manage time, specifically for those who have anxiety, depression, and OCD. I had to create this for myself. I had to read a whole ton of books and take courses. I found none of them really approached it from the perspective of those who had a mental health or a medical issue. And so I created that course specifically for those who struggle in that area. You again can go to CBTSchool.com to get information about that.  SET REALISTIC GOALS  Now, as you are structuring your day and planning your day, you have to be really intentional about setting realistic goals and prioritizing what's important. Sometimes when I look at the things I want to get done, there could be like 15, 20, 30 things to do. I know I'm not going to get all of those done, so I have to sit down and go, “Okay, which are the most urgent? Which are the things that must take priority?” and work at prioritizing those. Again, as you do those things, you're going to be using those mindfulness skills that we've already talked about. staying present. You're going to be using your willingness skills that we often talk about here on Your Anxiety Toolkit. Bringing compassion, radical acceptance, willingness to be uncomfortable—you're going to bring those with you throughout the day. Again, we are planning for anxiety to come with us every part of the day.   SCHEDULE BREAKS IN YOUR DAY  Now another important thing to do here is to schedule breaks. If you have anxiety, you know as much as anybody that anxiety is exhausting. Schedule breaks, but no breaks where you're scrolling on Instagram. That's not a true break. That doesn't actually give your brain a break. Go outside, sit in nature, listen to some music, read a book, do something that doesn't drain your battery, do something that increases your battery. It might be taking a walk or doing something active, but make sure you plan those breaks.  SCHEDULE THERAPY HOMEWORK  The next thing to do, and you have to do this every day, specifically if you have an anxiety disorder, is schedule your therapy homework. If you're not in therapy, still schedule time to be doing something that helps you to work on your mental health, even if it's correcting those thoughts that we talked about at the beginning of this episode. We want to make sure that with planning times to do exposure and response prevention, with planning time to do our mindfulness practice, with planning time to do our, again, cognitive restructuring, making sure that you've scheduled that helps you with your long-term recovery. Not just the recovery of today, not just getting through today, but when we schedule time to do our homework, it means that we push the needle forward in our recovery.  EVENING ANXIETY ROUTINE Now we're going to move on to the evening anxiety routine. This is where we prioritize unwinding for the day. You've used all your energy, you've taken anxiety with you, you're exhausted.  CELEBRATE YOUR WINS  Number one, you have to celebrate. Celebrate what you did get done. Write down what you got done. Because so often, when we have anxiety, we go, “Oh, it's not a big deal. Everyone can do that. I shouldn't be celebrating.” No, you've got to celebrate this stuff. You're working your butt off. And so we have to make sure that we're celebrating every win, even if it's just one teeny win for the day.  WIND DOWN FOR SLEEP (SLEEP HYGIENE)  The evening is where we must prioritize winding down for sleep. Sleep hygiene is maybe the most important part of your recovery in that it will set you up to do well tomorrow. If you're like me, not having a good night's sleep means your mental health hits the trash tomorrow. So we want to start the evening on how can we reduce the impact of being on technology. Do a digital detox if you can, at least an hour before bed. Do something relaxing. Do something pleasurable. Read, take a warm bath, take a walk, garden, talk to a friend, connect with them—anything you can do. Make a lovely meal, watch a funny TV show, whatever you can do to bring yourself down and rest and repair for the day so that you can be ready for bed and moving into the nighttime routine.  CREATE A NIGHTTIME ROUTINE WITH A CONSISTENT WAKETIME You will need a nighttime routine. Have a time or an alarm. You could get an Apple Watch or set an alarm on your phone to prompt you to moving towards the bedroom routine where you brush your teeth or you wash your face or you light a candle or you brush your hair or you start reading, turn the sheets down. Whatever that is, set a timer so that you are prompted to go to bed on time.  What we want to do with anxiety is have a very solid routine of waking up at the same time and falling asleep at the same time, as much as possible that you can achieve. That internal body clock of yours really benefits by having it be as balanced and as routine as we can. LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUR ANXIETY ROUTINE Now, there are some lifestyle considerations you have to consider here if you have anxiety. Number one, you have to also make sure that you've had some time for connection. And some of you are like, “No problem. I've had connection during the day or my colleagues at work or my family or my partners or my friends.” That's great. But if you're somebody who has anxiety and it's kept you home alone and it's kept you in avoidance, now that's going to be really important that you do some type of connection, have a support system, whether it be a support group that you attend or a therapist that you go to because that again is so important for your long-term recovery. MEDICATION AND THERAPY In terms of overall, we may want to incorporate some kind of medication or therapy into your day or into your week. You may need to set alarms to remind you to take your medication. That's okay, too. Please, please utilize as many alarms as you need to help this go as well as you can. Because again, I want to emphasize, anxiety can make all of this routine go out the window. Before you know it, you've spent four hours on TikTok, or you've gotten into bed and pulled the sheets up and hidden there, or it could be disrupting your day by having you go into avoidance behaviors. Absolutely, I understand that. Please be gentle with yourself. But if you're somebody who's really struggling, please do not hesitate to reach out to a cognitive behavioral therapist who treats anxiety. They will be able to help you set up more structure and create a plan specifically for you.  FIND A STRATEGY THAT WORKS FOR YOU So, what do we need to remember here? Number one, your routine should have some strategy to it. You will have to sit down and plan for it. I spend about an hour a week planning my week. And while that might sometimes feel like a waste of time, having a plan, knowing what I need to do, making sure I've prioritized me makes me so much more effective, makes my anxiety management and my recovery so much better. So, sit down and make a plan. BE WILLING TO HAVE SOME HARD DAYS Remember, anxiety will come along the way. We actually want to invite it. Tell it, “Come on, anxiety, we're going to get groceries right now. Come on, anxiety, it's time to have a coffee. Come on, anxiety, let's go and do the hard thing or do my homework and my exposures.” That is a positive thing.  BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF/ PRACTICE SELF-COMPASSION The last thing I want to incorporate here is to be gentle with yourself. There will be days where this falls apart, and that's okay. Self-compassion for anxiety is so important.  We're all learning here. So when it does fall apart, because it will, your job is to take a look and see what happened, what got in the way, how can I plan for that tomorrow so that that doesn't happen again.  CONCLUSION So there you have it. There is the routine that I want you guys to consider. Some things will work for you, some will not. Just take what you need and leave the rest. But this is an anxiety routine that you can play around with, experiment with, and see what works for you.  Before we end, let's do the “I did a hard thing” segment. I'm going to try my best to bring this back. This one is from Lindsay, and Lindsay said:  “I've been going through a lapse, or what I like to call a flare-up, for the last month. There have been decent days, blah days, and downright crappy days.”  We can agree with you, Lindsay.  “The hard thing I've done is to decide it's time for an ERP refresher, and I have started that this week. I will admit that I'm terrified to be venturing into ERP again. However, I refuse to let fear control me. To anyone who's going through a lapse or a flare-up, embrace where you are, love yourself, and fight for yourself because you are so worth it.” And I agree with you, Lindsay. Again, if there's anything we can do to support you on your journey, go to CBTSchool.com. We have all kinds of courses there that can help you get back into the swing of things or get started. So go to CBTSchool.com, and thank you so much for being here with me today.

Introduction:Good morning, good afternoon, good evening, good everything, wherever you are! It's a joy to connect once again, right here in this space where we come together to share experiences and forge a positive path. Welcome back to The World Cafe live show, it's truly wonderful to have you here with me. I hope you're doing well, thriving, and feeling the pulse of life coursing through you, just as I am in this moment.Recap:April has been quite the whirlwind, hasn't it? So many events, so many moments that have left their mark on our journey. But today, let's set aside the negatives and bask in the glow of the positives. Like the recent encounter with a chess master from Nigeria, Tundi Onukoya. It reminded me of the power of perseverance, of not giving up even when the odds seem insurmountable. It's a testament to what happens when we set our minds to something and refuse to relent.Theme Introduction:And that brings us to our topic for today: mind over matter. It's a phrase we've all heard before, but what does it truly mean? I recently came across a profound insight from Dr. Sam Adeyemi, a preacher whose words resonated deeply with me. He said, "What gets into your mind will show up in your life." Simple yet profound, isn't it? Our thoughts, our beliefs, they shape our reality in ways we may not even realize.Exploration:Consider this: throughout history, humanity has recognized the existence of portals, gateways that open up new possibilities and dimensions. And one of the most powerful gateways we possess is the gateway of the mind. It's where our dreams take root, where our desires are nurtured into existence. As I delved into this concept, I couldn't help but be reminded of a passage from Corinthians.Corinthians Passage:In Corinthians 2:9, it is written, "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived—the things God has prepared for those who love him." Reading it backward, we gain a fresh perspective on its meaning. It highlights the interconnectedness of our senses and our mind, how they shape our perception of reality.Transformation:Our minds are like machines, constantly processing the inputs we receive and manufacturing outcomes based on those inputs. As the saying goes, "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." It's a call to action, a reminder that we have the power to shape our reality through our thoughts and beliefs.Conclusion:So, as we navigate the complexities of life, let's remember that we have a choice. We can either conform to the images presented to us by the world around us, or we can chart our own course. We can be in something without being of it, simply by being mindful of what we allow into our minds through our eye and ear gates. By doing so, we tap into a dimension of existence where success isn't just a possibility—it's inevitable.Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and discovery. Until next time, keep dreaming, keep believing, and keep manifesting the life you desire. Take care, and remember, the power is within you.Support the Show.You can support this show via the link below;https://www.buzzsprout.com/1718587/supporters/new

Today, we're diving into some timeless financial wisdom from "The Richest Man in Babylon." These are the Seven Cures for a Lean Purse, principles that are just as relevant today as they were in ancient Babylon. Start Thy Purse to Fattening: Alright, let's kick it off with a simple but powerful idea: pay yourself first. Before you go splurging on the latest gadgets or trendy clothes, set aside a portion of your earnings. Think of it as feeding your financial future. Even if it's just a small amount, consistency is the key. control your expenditures Put Each Coin to Labour: Every coin should have a job! Don't let your money sit idly. Whether it's through investments or creating multiple streams of income, make sure your hard-earned cash is out there working for you and not just collecting dust. Make Thy Gold Multiply: Now, we're talking about investing. Take those savings and make them work for you. Explore different investment options, whether it's stocks, real estate, or starting a side hustle. The goal here is to grow your money and let it multiply over time. Guard Thy Treasures from Loss: We're living in a world with endless opportunities, but not every opportunity is a good one. Be cautious with your investments, do your research, and avoid risky ventures. Protect your treasures from unnecessary losses. Make of Thy Dwelling a Profitable Investment: Your home can be more than just a place to live; it can be an asset. Consider ways to make your dwelling work for you – maybe it's renting out a room or leveraging your property to generate additional income. Ensure a Future Income: Time to think about the future. Plan for the future by consistently setting aside a portion of your income. Whether through a retirement account or other investments, make sure you're creating a financial cushion for the days when you decide to kick back and relax. Make sure you buy assets the can provide income for when cannot or no longer want to work Increase The Ability to Earn: Last but not least, invest in yourself. Focus on enhancing your skills, education, and knowledge. The more you can bring to the table, the more you'll be able to earn. It's an investment that always pays off.Conclusion: So, there you have it – the Seven Cures for a Lean Purse, revamped for the modern age. Take these principles to heart, apply them consistently, and watch how your financial life transforms. Don't just watch your purse grow, make it thrive! Discover your Financial Freedom Score : https://curtis-wbwb4naf.scoreapp.com/     Highlights How this program can help individuals expand their business, protect their capital, and set up their infinite banking Announcement of an upcoming mini course about the book and the principles it conveys The need to aim for a full bank account as part of financial success The second principle: Control your expenditures Choosing a profitable investment for your home Importance of ensuring future income How to increase your ability to earn Tips to continuously increase your earning capability by providing service and solving problems Links and Resources from this Episode https://www.practicalwealthadvisors.com https://www.practicalwealthsolutions.net/ Email Curtis for a free report - curtmay@gmail.com Call his office - 610-622-3121 ERC Tax Credit - https://ercspecialists.com?fpr=curtis75 Schedule a call with Curtis: https://aptwithcurtis.as.me/Strategysession CashFlow Mapping: https://practicalwealth.cashflowmapping.com/lp/PWbudgetsstink Private Reserve Strategy: https://app.agent-crm.com/v2/preview/vWh4TyHnUBXdULimd82i Special Listener Gift Schedule a 15-Minute Call with Curtis: https://aptwithcurtis.as.me/Strategysession   Review, Subscribe and Share If you like what you hear please leave a review by clicking here Make sure you're subscribed to the podcast so you get the latest episodes. Click here to subscribe with Apple Podcasts Click here to subscribe with Spotify Click here to subscribe with RSS

Title: A Love Story With Meal Planning:  The True Transformational Benefits Description:    Imagine a love story that can change your life and transform your family's well-being. It's not about swooning over a romantic partner, but about falling in love with the powerful practice of meal planning. Yes, I'm talking about finding true love in organizing your meals, nourishing your body, and fostering harmony in your household. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let me share with you the remarkable journey of meal planning and its incredible benefits for busy mamas and the whole family.   As you embark on this journey, you'll experience a rollercoaster of emotions—a love-hate relationship with meal planning. At first, you may find it tedious and time-consuming. But as you persist, you'll witness the transformative power it holds. Not only will it become a routine, but it will also become a vital act of self-care and an expression of love for yourself and your family.   Benefits of Meal Planning Meal planning allows you to take control of your family's nutrition, ensuring that everyone is getting the nourishment they need Meal planning isn't just about the food. It is about creating a love-filled routine that will bring you closer together as a family Saves time and reduces stress. Improves your relationship with food Boosts your creativity in the kitchen Saves you money Sets a positive example for your children.   To get started on your meal planning adventure, here are a few tips to keep in mind:   Set aside dedicated time each week to plan your meals. Consider your family's dietary needs and preferences. Create a grocery list based on your meal plan and stick to it. Prep ingredients in advance to save time during the week. Cook and store meals ahead of time for busy days. Get creative with leftovers to minimize food waste.   Conclusion:  So, dear mama, embrace the journey of meal planning and unlock its true transformational benefits. Your love story with meal planning will not only simplify your life but also nourish your soul. As you create balanced meals and make intentional choices, you are caring for yourself and your family in ways that extend far beyond the kitchen table.   Remember, meal planning is an act of self-love and a gift to those you cherish. It empowers you to nurture your loved ones, strengthen bonds, and provide a foundation of health and vitality. So let's embark on this love story together and watch as the beautiful ripple effects flow through your home, creating a lifelong legacy of love and nourishment.   Thanks again for being here!  I'm so grateful for you!  Don't forget to book your free meal planning chat so we can help you on your meal planning journey!   Here's what to do next:   Step #1: Follow me on facebook for more dinner and meal planning tips and hacks  @ busymamamealplanning   Step #2:  Be sure to get your free 5 Meal Method Planner to help you facilitate your meal planning journey. It's free and you can get it at:  https://bit.ly/5mealmethod   Step #3:  Book your FREE No strings attached Meal Planning Coffee Chat to help accelerate your meal planning journey!    Happy to help! Have questions, send me a DM @blagagoertzen.   I'll be waiting for you in my next episode! Xx Blaga

Hey there, fellow seekers of the spirit! It's Matthew Adams, bringing you a nifty nugget of wisdom that just might change the way you hear the voice from above. Now, I've often thought of spirituality as a solo act, a personal tête-à-tête between me and the Man Upstairs. But what if we've been missing out on some spiritual surround sound?Scripture:"Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives." - GALATIANS 5:25Imagine a symphony orchestra. Alone, each instrument is beautiful. But together? Ah, that's where the magic happens. That's where the rich, harmonious melodies come to life. Similarly, in our spiritual journey, the Holy Spirit doesn't just whisper to individuals; He's conducting a spiritual orchestra, aiming to create a divine harmony amongst us believers.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Driving Points:* The Unity of the Spirit:It's no secret that God is a fan of unity. Just peek at Acts 15, where church leaders collectively felt the Spirit's nudge. The same Spirit that moves within you moves within me. When we're in sync, listening together, decisions aren't just good; they're divine.* The Amplification of Collective Listening:Ever tried catching a whisper in a noisy room? It's tricky. But what if everyone in the room was listening for that whisper, too? Chances are, it'd be heard loud and clear. When believers come together, seeking guidance, it's like amplifying the Holy Spirit's voice, making it clearer and more potent.* The Visible Transformation of Unity:Let's be honest; nothing says "God's at work" like a congregation pulsating with divine energy. When a group of people, with open hearts and ears, come together, the resulting unity isn't just inspiring – it's downright supernatural. It's the kind of thing that not only changes lives but can change the trajectory of nations.Conclusion:So, individual prayers? Absolutely essential. But the collective listening? It's like tapping into spiritual high-definition audio. By uniting in purpose and prayer, we get to experience the Holy Spirit in full stereo, and let me tell you, it's a sound you won't want to miss.Call to Action:The next time you find yourself in a spiritual gathering, whether it's a Sunday service, a small group, or just a chat with fellow believers, tune in together. Encourage shared listening and see how the Spirit leads your collective hearts.Prayer:Spirit of Unity, guide us towards collective harmony. Let our combined voices and ears amplify Your divine message. Ignite our hearts, bridge our souls, and usher in a unity that transcends mere human understanding.Alright, fellow navigators of the divine frequencies, the next time you lean in to hear that still, small voice, invite a friend or two to lean in with you. Until next time, stay plugged in, stay united, and always keep those spiritual antennas raised. Get full access to My Reasons To Believe at myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

This week's episode of Good Girls Get Rich is brought to you by Uplevel Media CEO and LinkedIn expert, Karen Yankovich. In this episode, Karen Yankovich talks to the women on LinkedIn! Want to build confidence, networks, and successful futures? Then this episode is for you! #GoodGirlsGetRich We want to hear your thoughts on this episode! Leave us a message on Speakpipe or email us at info@karenyankovich.com.   About the Episode: In this episode, we dove deep into the challenges women face on LinkedIn and unpacked the reasons behind the gender gap on this powerful platform. We explored various factors, from incomplete profiles to societal expectations, that might be holding women back on LinkedIn. But fear not, because I'm here to shed light on these challenges and guide you on how to conquer them. Key Points: Incomplete Profiles: So many LinkedIn users, regardless of gender, have profiles that are just gathering dust. And guess what? Incomplete profiles mean missed opportunities! Let's spruce up those profiles and make them shine. Time Constraints: We get it; life gets crazy busy. But here's the deal: your professional network matters, and investing time in platforms like LinkedIn can open doors you never imagined. It's worth carving out some time for your career growth. Societal Expectations: Ah, societal expectations, the silent confidence killer. Don't let these norms hold you back. You are powerful, and your voice deserves to be heard. It's time to break free from these constraints and own your space. Imposter Syndrome: That sneaky imposter syndrome can haunt even the best of us. But let me tell you, you are not alone. We've all been there. It's about embracing your worth and acknowledging your expertise. You belong here! Privacy Concerns: Privacy is crucial, but it shouldn't hide your brilliance. Yes, be cautious, but don't let it dim your light. LinkedIn is your stage; showcase your talents proudly and authentically. LinkedIn's Perception: There's a misconception that LinkedIn is just for B2B connections. Let's bust that myth! LinkedIn is a powerhouse for all businesses. Whether you're B2B or B2C, there's a place for you to shine and thrive. Empowerment and Visibility: Ladies, it's time to take control of your online brand. Network with purpose, refine your LinkedIn profile, and communicate assertively, all while staying true to yourself. Empowerment and visibility go hand in hand. Networking Strategies: Building connections with influencers, perfecting your LinkedIn profile, and embracing authentic communication strategies can transform your LinkedIn experience. Remember, authenticity and assertiveness are your superpowers! Conclusion: So, there you have it! Overcoming challenges, embracing confidence, and leveraging LinkedIn strategically can transform your professional journey. Let's rewrite the rules, break free from limitations, and create a vibrant LinkedIn presence together. Your dreams are within reach – let's make them a reality!   Episode Spotlights: Where to find everything for this week's episode: http://karenyankovich.com/258   Magical Quotes from the Episode: "LinkedIn is a tool where you can create your brand, your story, your presence in a way that's just not possible anywhere else." "Success is not about spamming people, it's about creating magnetic profiles that draw people to you." "Confidence is magnetic. When you show up as your confident self on LinkedIn, it attracts the right opportunities and connections." "LinkedIn is not just a platform; it's a community where you can surround yourself with amazing people who believe in you." "Visibility leads to influence. The more visible you are on LinkedIn, the more impact and influence you can have in your industry."   Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Sign up for the She's LinkedUp Masterclass Join my free Facebook Group if you have any questions about today's episode   Help Us Spread The Word! It would be awesome if you shared the Good Girls Get Rich Podcast with your fellow entrepreneurs on Twitter. Click here to tweet some love! If this episode has taught you just one thing, I would love if you could head on over to Apple Podcasts and SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW! And if you're moved to, kindly leave us a rating and review. Maybe you'll get a shout out on the show!   Ways to Subscribe to Good Girls Get Rich: Click here to subscribe via Apple Podcasts Click here to subscribe via PlayerFM You can also subscribe via Stitcher Good Girls Get Rich is also on Spotify Take a listen on Podcast Addict

Well, folks, it's Matthew Adams here, and I've got a story that might resonate with the wanderer in you. Imagine you're in the desert, and all you've got is a thirst you can't quench. But instead of water, what you're really yearning for is a connection. A connection to something, or rather someone, bigger than us all.Scripture:“As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him?” - PSALM 42:1-2In a world that offers endless amusements and distractions, there's this underlying thirst. It's like going to a diner, looking at a menu full of options, and still feeling something's missing. The best steaks and the fanciest desserts just don't cut it. We're searching for something... more.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Driving Points:* The World's Menu and the Missing Ingredient:You've seen those shows, right? The ones where folks go around trying all kinds of exotic foods? Now imagine sitting in the fanciest restaurant, and no matter how sumptuous the feast, there's still this little void. That's what worldly pleasures can sometimes feel like. They're delicious, sure, but something's missing. That's the yearning for God, that special flavor we often overlook.* More Than A Wi-Fi Connection:We live in an era of instant messaging, video calls, and social media. Yet, we all yearn for a deeper, uninterrupted connection. A bond with God, where there's no "last seen" or "read receipt", but just a continuous outpouring of love and understanding.* Hearing the Call - It's All About Craving:Listening to God isn't about buying the fanciest headphones or following a ten-step guide. It's about genuine thirst. When we're parched and there's only one well in sight, we're going to drink from it, right? That's how it is with God's voice. Desire Him above all, and you'll hear Him clear as day.Conclusion:So, as we trek through this dusty trail called life, remember this: God is the stream, the oasis, the fountain, and the well. Our longing, that deep-seated thirst, is the compass pointing right to Him.Call to Action:Alright, adventurers, here's the game plan: Next time you feel that pang of emptiness or thirst, instead of reaching for the usual distractions, pause. Reflect. Dive deep into prayer or perhaps a scripture. Let's make it our mission to quench our spiritual thirst and truly connect with God.Prayer:Lord Almighty, it's a dusty trail, and the mirages are plenty. But my compass? That's my thirst for You. Drench me with Your wisdom, and let Your voice guide me to the oasis of truth. Fill this cup, Lord, till it overflows.Well, friends, it's been a real journey today. As you continue down your path, let that thirst guide you, and remember to always stay tuned to God's frequency amidst all the static. Until next time, keep the faith, and happy adventuring! Cheers! Get full access to My Reasons To Believe at myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

In this week's episode, we take a look at the perils and advantages of audiobook production for indie authors. A preview of DRAGONSKULL: FURY OF THE BARBARIANS (as narrated by Brad Wills) is included at the end of the episode. It's time for a new Coupon of the Week! This week's coupon is for the audiobook of GHOST IN THE FORGE, as excellently narrated by Hollis McCarthy. You can get the audiobook of GHOST IN THE FORGE for 75% off at my Payhip store with this coupon code: GHOSTFORGE The coupon code is valid through October 7th, 2023, so if you find yourself in need of a good listen as we advance into fall, perhaps it's time to get a new audiobook! TRANSCRIPT 00:00:00- Intro and Coupon of the Week Hello, everyone. Welcome to Episode 169 of the Pulp Writer Show. My name is Jonathan Moeller. Today is September, the 22nd, 2023 and today we're going to discuss whether or not indie authors should produce audiobooks. Before we get to our main topics, let's do Coupon of the Week. This week's Coupon of the Week is for the audiobook of Ghost in the Forge as excellently narrated by Hollis McCarthy. You can get the audiobook of Ghosts in the Forge for 75% off at my Payhip store with this coupon code, GHOSTFORGE. That coupon code is valid through October the 7th, 2023. So if you find yourself in need of a good listen as we advance in the fall, perhaps it's time to get a new audiobook. You can get the coupon code and the link to the store in the show notes. Let's have some updates on my current writing projects and some questions and comments from readers, and then we'll get to this week's main topic. 00:00:59- Writing Updates I am almost to the end of Chapter 15 of 20 of Ghost in the Serpent, which means I'm just about 75% of the way through the rough draft, so I'm hoping I will wrap that up soon, probably before the end of September, but possibly in the first week of October. The audiobook of Dragonskull: Fury of the Barbarians is finished and is currently processing through all the stores, so hopefully we'll be able to announce that soon. And in fact, we're going to include an excerpt from Dragonskull: Fury of the Barbarians at the end of this episode, so you will be able to listen to a sample. Dragonskull: Tales of the Sorcerer is also going to be started. I think we're going to start recording that on Monday if all goes well, so hopefully we should be able to get that out and available before the end of the year. And once Ghost in the Serpent is finished and published, the next project will be Cloak of Embers, which I hope to start writing in October. That is a neat segue into questions from readers. 00:02:01 Reader Questions Our first question this week is from John, who asks: This is great news. I've been wanting to read more about Caina and her friends, and now we're finally going to get a new series with her. I just checked and there is no pre-order available yet, so please let me know where we can get this one. I don't usually do pre-orders because setting the logistics of it can be kind of a hassle but if all goes well, Ghost in the Serpent should be out sometime in October 2023, so not too much longer. Our next question is from Michael, who asks: Have you tried Starfield, Jonathan or do you intend to at some point when you have the time? I was surprised at just how much like Skyrim in space it is. I have in fact tried Starfield. I have Xbox Game Pass for the Xbox I got last year and since Starfield's in Game Pass, I went to install it and give it a try. Michael's right, it is very much like Skyrim in space where instead of a sword and magic spells, you have a laser gun in the spaceship. Though if you get an axe, you can fight with it like it's a sword. I haven't had much time to play it because I've been focused on trying to get Ghost in the Serpent finished, but I should have more time to play it soon, I think. Our final question this week is from Godfrey who asks: I love all your books that I've read so far. Still a few to go. I'm slightly confused. How about the audio availability of your Cloak Games and Cloak Mage series? Both these series, which are some of my favorites, only appear to have audio available for the first few books. I'm wondering therefore, if there are plans to issue the rest of each of these two series as audiobooks. Thanks for the kind words, Godfrey. I am glad you enjoyed the Cloak Mage and Cloak Games books and in answer to your question, this is a perfect segue into the main topic of the week, whether or not indie authors should produce audiobooks. 00:03:45: Main Topic of the Week I had a conversation the other day about how indie authors sometimes try to produce audiobooks only to give up because the audio books don't sell or don't turn a profit. This is quite understandable. Audiobook self-publishing is like the hard mode of ebook self-publishing. Everything about the process is slower, harder, and more expensive than publishing ebooks, especially the more expensive part. As I've logged before with a bit of work, it's possible to produce an ebook entirely with free software. Audiobooks, if you want to hire a really good narrator, are going to cost between $200 and to $400 per finished hour. So, some basic math will demonstrate the difficulty. At 10 hours long, an audio book of your novel might cost you around $3,000 to produce. If you sell it exclusively via ACX, which means Audible, Apple and Amazon, you will probably get an average of $5 per sale, which means you have to sell about 600 copies to turn a profit. If you sell it through wide distribution, which means you can sell in stores other than Apple, Audible, and Amazon, you will probably get around $2.40 for an ACX sale. Though what you will get on with other stores can range from anywhere to like $1.00 in the library services to almost $6.50 on Chirp and Google Play, depending on your sale price. So just on ACX sales alone, you would need about 1,240 sales to get back your money. Therefore, if you are an indie author and you are thinking about audiobooks, it's a good idea to take a hard look at your finances and business plan and think about whether it's really a smart idea or not. All that said, I have turned a profit on several of my audiobook projects, Frostborn number six through eleven have all made back what I spent on them, and so have about six of the eighteen Ghost books. I'm pretty sure they'll all eventually earn back what I spent. I am unsure if the Cloak Games or Cloak Mage books will earn back. To refer to Godfrey's earlier question, so that's why I haven't done any more of them for a while. With all that in mind, here are some….actually, how many tips are these?…with all that in mind, here are 9 tips I found that make audiobook production profitable. 00:05:56: Tips for Audiobook Production #1: Deductions Depending on how you have organized your publishing business, you may be able to take the production cost of your audiobooks as a business deduction on your taxes, which could reduce your total tax liability, i.e. how much you owe the government when you file taxes. Note that I am not an accountant or a lawyer and you should obtain tax advice from an accountant qualified for your jurisdiction and legal advice from a lawyer licensed to practice in your jurisdiction. That said, the whole idea of deductions sometimes gets sneered at by people ignorant of how taxes actually work, like it's some sort of trick which people use to buy themselves caviar but in most taxing jurisdictions, you can deduct business expenses from your taxes. Though what qualifies as business expenses will vary depending on where you live and what sort of business you actually have, basically business deductions are the governments way of saying spend this income on something on our list of approved expenses to benefit the economy or we're going to take it as taxation, so in my specific situation and business structure, audio production is a deductible expense, which is very beneficial when it comes time to file taxes for the year, but again, consult with a qualified accountant regarding your specific situation. Of course, there are still taxes on audiobook payments. I have to file 1099 Forms for my narrators, which means they have to pay taxes on the payment as income. When I file taxes and then any sales of the audiobook count as taxable business income, to say nothing of the state sales taxes the customer pays when buying the audiobook. Uncle Sam has centuries of practice of getting his cut and he's very, very good at it. In my frank opinion, it's wisest just to figure out what you legally owe, preferably with the help of a qualified accountant, and paying that. A lot of otherwise smart people have brought themselves a lot of woe by ignoring that obvious truth. 00:07:35: Tip #2 #2 Finishing a Series I've noticed that in fantasy and science fiction, readers really dislike an unfinished series. I had originally planned to make Silent Order open end with sort of an adventure of the week format, but that really didn't work out. I think you could do a more open-ended series structure in genres like mysteries, thriller, and regional crime, but science fiction and fantasy readers have come to expect a complete series arc with a definite and satisfying conclusion at the end. Audiobook science fiction and fantasy listeners have that as well, but it's even more intense, selling just one audiobook that isn't part of a series is an uphill climb. I have noticed a definite uptick in sales once an audiobook series is complete. Listeners really like to be able to start a series and just listen on straight through to the end. That said, getting to a finished audio book series is a lot of work and money. Frostborn was 15 books long. The Ghosts and Ghost Exile together were 18 books. The last few books, and though all those series were longer than usual, which means they were more expensive to produce. So if you've written a really long series, getting the entire series in audiobook can be a huge commitment of time and money. As an example, the first Frostborn audiobook I self published was Frostborn: The Dark Warden in late 2018, and the final book finally came out in June 2022. The final audio book finally came out in June 2022, almost four years later. Why the delay? Money ran short on occasion or I didn't have time to work on it or there were health difficulties and then COVID happened in the middle of all that, but now the series is complete and is consistently one of my best sellers. Audio books number one through five in the Frostborn series were produced by Tantor and then I did number 6 through 15 myself. 6 through 11 have all earned back where I spent and I expect 12 through 15 to reach that point sometime towards the end of 2024. So it was worth it to put them all out, but man, it was a lot of work to get there and I didn't even do the actual narrating. I paid someone else to do it. That said, if you write shorter series of books than I do, putting them out into audio will be obviously less expensive and less effort. 00:09:37: Tip #3 #3:  Ebook advertising Basically, if the ebook of your book sells well, then odds are the audiobook is going to do well as well. I've experimented a lot with this, but I haven't found very many very good ways of directly advertising audiobooks. More on that soon. It's easier to advertise ebooks than audiobooks, at least in my experience. So rather than trying to advertise audiobook, it's generally better to advertise the ebooks attached to the audiobooks. As an example, I'm advertising The Ghosts Omnibus One at $0.99 right now. For every 10 or so sales of the ebook, I seem to get one sale of the audio book. Of course the ebook gets  about $0.35 a sale while the audiobook does roughly between $5 and $5.90 per sale, so the audiobooks really do help with the profitability of any advertising, especially on a discounted ebook. Interestingly, this means that if you have an ebook series that is also available in audiobook, that means it becomes easier to profitably advertise the series, because you will also have money coming in from the audiobooks. I've had a couple of months where 40% of the profit from advertising Frostborn and The Ghosts came from the audiobooks. Though as we've said, getting the entire series in audiobook can be a significant challenge. 00:10:47: Tip #4 #4: Bundles One thing I found that works well for audiobook sales is bundling. Like, The Ghosts Omnibus One which I mentioned above, is a bundle containing Child of the Ghosts, Ghost in the Flames, and Ghost in the Blood along with the short story Ghost Aria. This lets me have the nice quartered cover with four different titles on it so that it looks very good on Audible. Audible is basically the reason ebook bundles work so well. There have been some changes in recent years with the addition of Audible Plus, but Audible still mostly works as a subscription credit system. That means you subscribe to Audible and you get your credit a month, which you can then use to buy an audiobook on the store. Since you have the credit, it makes sense to get the longest possible audio book you can for your one credit to maximize the value. The Ghost Omnibus One was the first bundle I did in March 2020. I wasn't expecting much to happen because a lot of other stuff was going on in March of 2020, as you might recall, but the Ghosts Omnibus One was 39 hours long, which made for an attractive value for your credit. It did really well and was my first audio book title to sell more than 1,000 copies in total. I've since had good luck with other bundles. The rest of The Ghosts and Ghost Exile series, and then the Malison complete series audiobook. 00:12:04: Tip #5 #5: Going Wide. It might be worthwhile to go wide with your audio books, which means having them available on platforms other than Audible, Amazon and Apple. ACX, Amazon's audiobook creation platform has been nasty hook to it. If you set your audio books exclusive to ACX you can get 40% royalties, but if you go non exclusive which is what Y means in this context you get 25%. Sometimes depending on promotions and so forth and the weird way ACX's accounting works, in practice it turns out to be around 12%. For a lot of writers, it's worthwhile to go exclusive with ACX because the money will be better and Audible, Amazon are the dominant market in audio book publishing. That said, it is in fact, possible to make more money at the other stores. Google Play, Chirp, Kobo, and Spotify all offer better royalty rates than ACX, even if they don't have the number of users that Audible does. Going wide also allows you to offer direct sales, i.e. selling off your own Shopify or Payhip store or other similar e-commerce platform. Part of the reason I can offer 75% off audio books for my Coupon of the Week is because even with the massive discount, I still make almost as much as I would with a non exclusive sale off ACX. Another advantage is that you get your audiobook into the various library services. The way most of these work is that the library or library system most likely gets access to a big catalog of books and ebooks and audiobooks and the library system only gets charged if someone actually checks out one of the titles. The rate per checkout for the author is pretty low. It's usually around $1.30 USD, but somebody was checking your audiobook out from the library probably wasn't going to buy it themselves, and the $1.30 is still better than nothing. We've mentioned earlier how if an ebook sells well, the attached audio book will probably sell as well. If you have a lot of ebook sales on non Amazon stores, then it is definitely worthwhile to think about going wide with your audiobooks. 00:13:50 Tip #6 Number 6: Chirp Deals Additionally, going wide offer is access to the one effective way I found of directly advertising audio books, Chirp deals. Chirp is owned and run by Bookbub. If you're familiar with Bookbub, you know they send out a daily e-mail newsletter containing links to free or discounted ebooks and authors and publishers pay for spots in those newsletters. I myself have done it many times. However, Bookbub could never promote audiobooks because Audible was the dominant force in audiobook publishing, and Audible doesn't let authors or publishers set the price for any audiobooks. To get around this problem, BookBub started its own audiobook store, Chirp Books, where they could sell audiobooks. Chirp offers a daily e-mail newsletter with a list of discounted books, and I've had good results with Child of the Ghosts, Ghost in the Cowl, and Cloak of Dragons. The reason those three audiobooks worked well is because they all have a long tail of sequels: 8 each for Child of the Ghost and Ghost in the Cowl and 5 after Cloak of Dragons. Usually for a Chirp deal, the first audiobook in the series is $0.99 and then I set the second and third books to $2.99 for the duration of the $0.99 promotion on the first book, which lasts a month. Obviously I will sell the most copies of the $0.99 audiobook and get about $0.30 a pop for those sales. But I get just under $1.50 for each of the sales on the $2.99 books and some lights them and goes on to get the entire series through. So the later titles in the series can generate like $5.50 per sale depending on price. This works so well that Cloak of Dragons has actually made more from its Chirp deal than it did from the entire time it has been on ACX. So if your audio books are wide and you have a series of them, is definitely worthwhile to apply for Chirp deal. That said, if you just have one or two audiobooks, you probably would not get much benefit from it. 00:15:46: Tip #7 #7 Time and Chance. The more audio titles you have across more platforms, the more likely it is that something will take off unexpectedly or do unexpectedly. Well, I had a good example of that in July. My payment from Findaway Voices was usually high. I dug into the data and found out that the Ghost series had experienced a very good month on Storytel. It's one of the stores you can accessed through Findaway Voices distribution. They're based in Sweden and mostly distributed in European and Asian countries. I honestly had only a vague idea that Storytel existed at all. But because my audio books were available there, I had a very good audio month in July, thanks to Storytel, sales. Granted, “plan on getting lucky” is not good planning and should not be in a business plan. However, for good luck to happen, it takes time and effort. Luck is like lightning and the more lightning rods you build, the better the chance of catching some lightning. It's just that audiobook lightning rods take a really long time to build. ACX famously offers royalty share audio book productions where instead of paying the narrator, you split the royalties from the audio book for seven years. If you pay for production, it's not unrealistic to project seven years or so to make your money back. Like, I started on Frostborn audio books in the fall of 2018 and finished the series in audio four years later in the summer of 2022. And like I mentioned above, 6 of the 10 books recorded in that time have turned to profit, which is actually really good in terms of the time frame. 00:17:12: Tip #8 #8: Beware of reviews. If you're new to the audiobook space, one thing to watch out for is the overall hostile tone of the negative reviews. I think some indie authors have gotten spooked by negative reviews that were weren't actually indicative of how the audio book was selling or was perceived. I have the feeling that the easier form of media is consumed, the nastier the reviews. Like, a book takes some amount of mental effort to read, but it's less effort to listen to than an audiobook and even less effort than watching a movie or playing a video game, so you are more likely to find over the top negative reviews. The easier form of a media is to consume, which is why you find things like people posting 7 hour video reviews of why they hate Starfield, or the PlayStation or something. I have an additional theory that this is one of the unfortunate side effects of social media. Negativity always gets more likes and clicks so some people become even more negative to get the likes and clicks, which sets up a vicious cycle. Anyway, what this means in the audiobook space is that you can have most perfect book ever written, narrated by the most beautiful and charismatic voice ever to speak a human language, a voice that would have made kings and emperors listen enraptured in ancient days, and people will still leave long angry reviews because they didn't like the way weather was pronounced. So when you publish your audiobook, be aware that it's going to get some negative reviews and don't panic when you do. I'm afraid it's simply inevitable and part of the process. Your audiobook will not be for everyone. The challenge is connecting your audiobook to the audience that will appreciate it, which is why we were talking about marketing so much. 00:18:40: Tip #9 #9 Selling AI audiobooks is even harder. Because audio audiobook production is expensive and difficult, and AI technology has advanced so much in the last few years, people have been experimenting with creating and selling AI generated audiobooks. This will not be the solution to the challenge of audio production. People seem to either love AI or hate AI, and I definitely have a strongly negative personal opinion about generative AI. That said, it won't be as amazing as its advocates think, nor as dire as the doomsayers believe. People who hate AI or love AI both have a vision where someday you'll be able to type in a prompt like: Lit RPG book where Luke Skywalker and Sherlock Holmes team up to Sauron on Muppet Treasure Island, and the AI will spit out a perfectly crafted book, movie, or game that matches that prompt. But this is as much a fantasy as Lysenkoism or the Whig theory of history, or Rumpelstiltskin's attempting to generate infinite wealth by spinning straw into fake gold. As much as people like Bob Iger and David Zaslav would like to get rid of all those annoying actors or writers and replace them with AI, the technology isn't good enough, and the courts and the legislatures generally don't seem to be in favor of copywriting AI generated material. But that's a larger discussion beyond the scope of this podcast episode for the specific area of my audiobooks. The problem is that the AI can generate a voice that sounds almost like a perfect human voice, fluently reading the text. This has the unfortunate side effect of triggering the uncanny valley effect and making it difficult to listen to the audiobook for a long period of time because the voice swiftly becomes boring. You know the voice narrating the drug side effects at the end of commercials, where it's like Zinoplav can cause blah blah blah. Imagine listening to that voice narrating a nine hour romance audio book. The performative aspect of audio books is hard to quantify, but it is undeniably real and undeniably has a strong effect on the finished audiobook. I experimented with AI audiobooks on YouTube a bit over the last two years. Google Play came out with a program where you could automatically convert one of your ebooks to an AI narrated audiobook. Since I never had any intention of turning Silent Order into audiobooks, I felt comfortable experimenting with the program for that series since it wasn't screwing anyone out of a job. I didn't think the results were good enough to sell, but I did post them on YouTube for free, though, to be fair, I did make some money from the attached ads. What did I learn? First off, there isn't a lot of money in it. In the time I've had AI narrated audiobooks on YouTube, I made about 60% of what it would cost to turn Silent Order: Iron Hand into a real audiobook. Second, people really, really hate AI voices, like intensely and with a passion. They hate them, if a brief glance at the YouTube comments for those audiobooks will reveal, this is one of the things that the Pro AI advocates never seem to accept. People generally hate AI generated stuff. Like, people have no problem using generative AI to write their homework assignments or doing unpleasant writing tasks they don't want to do, like writing cover letters. That kind of thing. But when it comes to actually consuming entertainment media, most people hate AI like this. This sounds, looks, reads, like an AI did it has become a common insult online. 00:21:55 The Marvel show Secret Invasion got a lot of flack because they used AI generated images for the opening titles. Though to be fair, that show had a lot of other problems, so I don't really think AI is a way to lower the cost of audiobook production or to generate a viable audiobook for sale. I think the eventual use of the technology will be to integrate with ereaders. Like say you want your phone to read a book aloud to you. You'll select the voice and accent you want and the e-reader app will read a book to you. In fact, you already can do that on many devices, just with voices that aren't quite as advanced. In my opinion, I think that's a big win for accessibility for visually impaired readers and listeners. But I don't think it's going to replace human narration. 00:22:37 Conclusion Producing audiobooks can be very satisfying and help you reach an audience that otherwise wouldn't encounter your work, but they're definitely not a get rich quick scheme, and they are unquestionably a whole lot of work. If you're an indie author, should you turn your books into audiobooks? I'm afraid the answer has to be individualized. You have to take a good, honest look at your finances, business structure, and goals, and decide if audio production audiobook production will work for you or not. That said, it is nice when you get the emails from listeners saying they listen to the entire series on a cross country drive or while doing something difficult and unpleasant. And with that in mind, thank you all for listening to so many of my audio books. 00:23:18 Conclusion So that is it for this week. Thanks for listening to the Pulp Writer Show. I hope you find the show useful. A reminder that you can listen to all the back episodes on https://thepulpwritershow.com. If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave for review on your podcasting platform of choice. Stay safe, stay healthy, and see you all next week. And now we'll close out the show with the sample of Dragonskull: Fury of the Barbarians as narrated by Brad Willis. 00:23:44: Audiobook excerpt of Dragonskull: Fury of the Barbarians

What's going on, Warriors? This is Matthew Adams, and I've got something to drop on you today that's gonna change the way you hear God! You know, there's a specific frequency, a divine wavelength, where God's voice vibrates, and guess what—it's full of hope, joy, and peace.Scripture: "I [Paul] pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." ROMANS 15:13Come on, these words aren't just ink on a page; they're the frequency of heaven transmitted into your situation! Paul is hitting us with the divine blueprint of what God sounds like. We're talking about the voice that shaped galaxies, now shaping your atmosphere with hope, joy, and peace. When you're vibing on this frequency, you're gonna hear God-like HD radio!The Power Of God's Whisper is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Point 1: God Speaks the Language of Heaven. See, the environment of heaven is hope, joy, and peace; God isn't going to switch up His language when He talks to you. God's words will always sync with His character. You might be in a battlefield, but He'll speak a garden into existence around you because that's just who He is. He's the source! God's voice isn't just informational; it's transformational.Point 2: God's Correction Comes with Direction.Hold on, God's not some kind of divine yes-man, nodding along to all our wants. Sometimes His voice will check you, but even that is soaked in hope. If He's correcting you, it's because He sees a future for you! God's reproof is essentially His roadmap, guiding you toward a better version of yourself.Point 3: Overflow is the Goal.Paul says you will overflow with confident hope through the Holy Spirit. Not trickle, not drip, OVERFLOW! When you're filled with God's hope, it's not just for you. Overflow by its nature impacts everything around it. You're not just a vessel; you're a conduit. His hope in you is meant to overflow into others' lives!Conclusion:So let's wrap this up: When you know the kind of voice God has—full of hope, joy, and peace—you tune into that frequency. It becomes the soundtrack of your life. You don't just survive; you thrive, because the voice of God is filling your atmosphere!Call to Action:Are you tuned in? Do you need to dial in a little more? Stop what you're doing, just pause and pray. Ask God to align you with His heavenly frequency so that your life can be an overflow of hope to those around you.Prayer:Lord, Spirit of God, Source of all hope, let Your heavenly frequency resonate in every fiber of my being. Fill me to the brim with Your hope, joy, and peace, so I can't help but overflow. Let the atmosphere of heaven so saturate my spirit that when I speak, it's like echoes of Your voice. Amen.This is Matthew Adams with "The Power of God's Whisper Podcast." Let me tell you something, when you start hearing God's voice clearly, you won't just change; you'll be an agent of change. So stay tuned, stay blessed, and never forget—the same voice that spoke the world into existence is speaking life into you right now. Until next time!Thank you for reading The Power Of God's Whisper. This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to My Reasons To Believe at myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Gods goodness and grace repeatedly overrules His fairness.[1] I read a version of that statement in a commentary on Malachi in preparation for this sermon. The story of Esau and Jacob reveals how true that statement really is. This is also one of the reasons Jacob and Esau are used as an example throughout Scripture in the way their story is used in Malachi to highlight Gods prerogative to love whom He wills. When God told Abraham that he would bless him, He promised that through his descendants, a child would be born who would bless the nations. To Abraham and Sarah was born Isaac. After Isaac and Rebecca were married, they wanted children together, but for some time Rebekah could not get pregnant; out of desperation Isaac prayed that God would allow his wife to become pregnant, so this is how God answered: Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger (Genesis 25:2123). God blessed Isaac and Rebekah with Esau and Jacob. God told Isaac and Rebecca specifically that the child whom God would choose in the same way that He chose Abraham and Isaac would not be the older son, but the younger. When Rachel gave birth to her two babies, we are told: The first came out red, all his body like a hairy cloak, so they called his name Esau. Afterward his brother came out with his hand holding Esaus heel, so his name was called Jacob (vv. 25-26). Jacob literally means heel grabber. Yet, regardless of what God said of Jacob, Isaac favored Esau more while Rebecca favored Jacob; in fact, we are told in Genesis 25:28, Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob. The sad thing about the way Isaac and Rebekah treated their sons is that Esau grew up to be a willful, proud, self-centered man who exercised little self-control, while Jacob grew up to be a self-centered deceiver and manipulator. We see Esaus lack of self-control and the manipulative skill of Jacob in the last paragraph of Genesis 25; one day Esau was hungry and exhausted so he asked Jacob for some of what he was cooking that day: Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted! (Therefore his name was called Edom.) Jacob said, Sell me your birthright now. Esau said, I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me? Jacob said, Swear to me now. So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright (Gen. 25:2934). Esau cared more about his stomach than he did his identity in Abraham; he was willing to trade in what was eternal for what was temporarya bowl of stew! Jacob was no better, for he manipulated his brother in a moment of weakness. Jacobs lying, deceiving, manipulating character reached its climax when he and his mother conspired together to deceive Isaac after he planned to give Esau the blessing of the firstborn, even though God said it would be Jacob who would receive it: When Isaac was old and his eyes were dim so that he could not see, he called Esau his older son and said to him, My son; and he answered, Here I am. He said, Behold, I am old; I do not know the day of my death. Now then, take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me, and prepare for me delicious food, such as I love, and bring it to me so that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die. (Genesis 27:14) After Esau went out as instructed by his father, Rebekah pulled Jacob aside and plotted against both her son and husband by telling Isaac to do the following: Go to the flock and bring me two good young goats, so that I may prepare from them delicious food for your father, such as he loves. And you shall bring it to your father to eat, so that he may bless you before he dies. Because Esau was so hairy, Rebekah told Jacob to cover his arms and neck with the skins of the goats so that his nearly blind father would think it was Esau he was blessing (see Gen. 27:5-13). So, Jacob did as his mother instructed, deceived his father into blessing him while Esau was hunting, and Esau hated his brother for it and even planned to murder Jacob after their father died (see Gen. 27:30-45). Anyone who reads Jacob and Esaus story will discover that Jacob was a deeply flawed man, and that Gods love of complacency had nothing to do with his moral character. Why Did God Love Jacob? What was it that inspired God to choose Jacob over Esau? Was there something about him that God liked more than Esau? Was it because Esau was a mans man and Jacob wasnt? Did God look down the corridors of time and see how he would grow tenderhearted towards God or that he would have a wrestling match with Jacob all night because the heel grabber wanted Gods blessing more than anything else? Did God choose Jacob over Esau because He thought Esau was too difficult, and that Jacob was easier to work with? The answer is no to all of these questions. What we know of Jacobs life is that it would mirror the life of the Hebrew people throughout the ages. When we compare Jacobs life with what we know of Esaus, Jacob looks worse morally. Most of Jacobs life is characterized by a lack of trust and a compulsion to use deception to get what he wanted. Jacob deceived his father and lied to him to his face in order to rob his older brother of what culturally belonged to the firstborn. However, before he lied to his father, he conned Esau into selling him his birthright for a bowl of stew. The birthright was something Jacob wanted all along, although God had told his parents that he was to receive the blessing instead of Esau, he took matters into his own hands to get what was only Gods to give. Jacob would spend a lifetime living with the consequences of his own actions. What were the consequences of Jacobs sins? Although he received the blessing from Isaac, he was driven from his home and forced to live in exile away from his family with his uncle Laban because his brother wanted to kill him. One of the reasons Jacob lived with his uncle is because his parents told him to seek a wife from one of his daughters. When Laban learned that his nephew had come to see him, he ran to meet him and embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his house (Gen. 29:13). Jacob stayed with his uncle for a month and fell in love with Rachel, the younger daughter of Laban (v. 18). Why did Jacob love Rachel? We are told why in Genesis 29:16-18, Now Laban had two daughters. The name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Leahs eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and appearance. I am not sure exactly what is meant by Leahs eyes being weak; some commentators think that she was cross-eyed, others think that they were sunken, baggy, or even bulging. I think that compared to Rachel; Leah was average while Rachel was gorgeous. Laban recognized the difference in his daughters by the names he had given to them; the Hebrew meaning for Leah can mean wild cow or gazelle while the Hebrew meaning for Rachel is ewe or lamb, which was more of a term of endearment? Leah was average at best, and Rachel was beautiful; Jacob wanted Rachel and would do anything to have her. Jacob agreed to work for Laban for seven years in order to have Rachels hand in marriage, then when he finished his seven-year commitment to spend a lifetime with what he hoped would be the love of his life, Laban threw a wedding party, and gave Jacob his older daughter Leah when it was dark and her face was veiled. Listen to what happened: So Laban brought together all the people of the place and gave a feast. But when evening came, he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob, and Jacob made love to her. When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didnt I? Why have you deceived me (Gen. 29:2225, NIV)? What was Labans excuse for deceiving Jacob? This is what he said: It is not so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn. Complete the week of this one, and we will give you the other also in return for serving me another seven years (vv. 26-27). Laban manipulated Jacob to serve another seven years of free labor for Rachels hand in marriage. So did the three live happily ever after? Hardly! After only a week of being married to Leah, Rachel was given to Jacob and so we are told: Jacob made love to Rachel also, and his love for Rachel was greater than his love for Leah. And he worked for Laban another seven years (Gen. 29:30, NIV). The deceiving heel-grabber was deceived, and for the rest of his life Leah and Rachel would fight for Jacobs attention. Right after we are told that Jacob received Rachel and loved her more than Leah, we hear the broken heart of Leah in the verses that follow and the two words used in Malachi 1:2-3; listen carefully: When the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. And Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben, for she said, Because the Lord has looked upon my affliction; for now my husband will love me. She conceived again and bore a son, and said, Because the Lord has heard that I am hated, he has given me this son also. And she called his name Simeon. Again she conceived and bore a son, and said, Now this time my husband will be attached to me, because I have borne him three sons. Therefore his name was called Levi. And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, This time I will praise the Lord. Therefore she called his name Judah. (Genesis 29:3135) Isnt it interesting that Leah used the same word for love and hate that Malachi used to remind a used-up, beat-up, ragtag Israel that he loved them! Leah would go on to have three more sons, but notice that although Leah was hated by her father, her husband, and even her younger sister, God loved her, God saw her, and God blessed her. He didnt just bless her with children, of the seven biological children she mothered, Levi would become the father of the priestly tribe in Israel and Judah would become the father of the tribe where the line of the kings would come through leading ultimately to Jesus! But wait, there is more! Malachi specifically addresses the former exiles at the beginning of his book as Israel, but in Gods explanation for how he has loved Israel, Jacobs birth name is used: Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated. The question remains unanswered. Why did God love Jacob? The best answer we have is the one that is repeated of Gods redeemed throughout the pages of Holy Scripture; it may not be satisfactory to you, but it will have to do! Here is the answer he gave to Jacobs descendants the Twelve Tribes of Israel: It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt (Deut. 7:78). The reason why Malachi uses Jacobs birth name, in my opinion, is because the exiles were aware of Jacobs jaded past as a very flawed man. Malachi identifies the exiles whom God preserved through both the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles, all with the second name that Yahweh gave to Jacob, which was Israel. How Did God Love Jacob? Between the day Jacob deceived his father into giving him the birthright and his reunion and reconciliation with Esau was about twenty years. For twenty years, Jacob lived in exile, in fear that Esau would one day kill him. Within those twenty years 14 years were spent as an indentured servantsome may even interpret his years under Laban as a type of slavery. Jacob was deceived into a covenant with Leah he never wanted to be in and robbed of the life he was promised with Rachel. There are two very significant events in Jacobs life that will help you feel the weight of Malachis words: I have loved Jacob but Esau I have hated. The first event happened just after Jacob was sent into exile where God spoke to him through a dream in the midst of his failure, fear, and loneliness: And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it! And behold, the Lord stood above it and said, I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring. Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south, and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed. Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you. Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it. And he was afraid and said, How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. (Gen. 28:1217) Just before Jacob entered into a difficult 20-year detour from the life he thought he would have as a result of his fathers blessing, God reminded him of something that he would hold close to his heart throughout the years, and that something was the faithfulness of God and the assurance of his promises. There was no way Jacob could have known that he would be the victim of a master manipulator such as himself for a good part of his 20 years with his uncle. He planned for one wife, but was deceived into marrying the older daughter of Laban who would long for the kind of delight of her husband that her younger sister took for granted. Although Jacob did eventually get the woman he wanted, he would have to live with the dysfunction of his family until the day of his death. Leading up to his second and most significant encounter with God, He spoke to Jacob and told him to, Return to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you (31:3), but to do that Jacob would need to break free from his bondage to Laban. The other problem in going back to the land promised to him, Jacob would need to encounter the brother he spent a lifetime hiding from out of fear. After Jacob is freed from the tyranny of his uncle and just before he encounters his brother, Jacob encounters a man while alone and fearful and entered into a wrestling match that lasted all night and into the morning hours (see Gen. 32:22-32). Jacob would not let the man go unless the man blessed him. The man then asked Jacob: What is your name? (v. 27) The heel-grabber answered: I am Jacob. Here is what happened next: Then the man said, Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed. Then Jacob asked him, Please tell me your name. But he said, Why is it that you ask my name? And there he blessed him. So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered. The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip. (Gen. 32:2831) Jacob wrestled with a man who was also God, and the two things he walked way with is a limp that would forever remind him of the other thing, and that other thing is that he received a new name. The name Jacob received was Israel, which literally means: He strives with God. Jacob received a new identity as a result of having a face-to-face encounter with God who appeared to him as man! As a changed man, Israel was able to meet his brother and was reconciled to him. Conclusion So, how did God love Jacob? God pursued Jacob, found him, disciplined him, and wounded him deeply for the purpose of using him greatly before he could enter what was promised to him. Sound familiar? Jacobs story reminds me of something we read in the book of Hebrews in the New Testament: Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? (Heb. 12:37) How did God love Israel? Throughout her history as a nation, her sins that were many and great, and in her exile God remained faithful to his promises to her, He was with her in the midst of her suffering, and He was sustaining Her through it all. However, Israel did not get away without a limp, but even the limp was evidence that He loved her. Just as Jacobs exile and suffering was not the end of his story, so Israels exile and suffering was not the end of her story. Esaus descendants were Edomites. During Israels exile and suffering Edom allied themselves with Babylon for the destruction of Jerusalem, but this was not the end of Edoms story, for her destruction would eventually come. Edoms comfort and security was only for a season, just as Israels suffering and exile was only for a season. Because of the promises of Yahweh and His faithfulness to Israel a redeemer would eventually be born through the tribe of Judah, and redemption would be made available beyond the borders of Israel to all the nations! Just as God proved his love and faithfulness to a heel-grabber like Jacob, he will bless the nations through Israel: Your own eyes shall see this, and you shall say, Great is the Lord beyond the border of Israel! The promised seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was born to a young teenage girl by the name of Mary, who was a descendant of Abraham. To Mary was given the following promise: behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end (Luke 1:3133). Jesus was born, he then lived a life in perfect obedience to the Law of God, died for our sins on a cross, was buried, and then rose from the grave on the third day. Because of Jesus, the Christian can look beyond the sufferings of this world and claim with the apostle Paul: For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us (Rom. 8:18). How can we say that? Because of the truth of Romans 8:28-32, And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Rom. 8:2832) Listen, just as it was true of Jacob whose name was changed to Israel. You have been given a new identity that is wrapped up with the same Man who wrestled with Jacob and gave him a limp to remind him of who he was and to whom he belonged. Your name is wrapped up in that Man the God-Man who is the Lord Jesus Christ! Whatever form you limp comes in, you can claim with absolute confidence what every Christ-redeemed saint has been able to say before you: Who shall bring any charge against Gods elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who diedmore than that, who was raisedwho is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 8:3339) Amen. Group Questions: Ask your group members to take turns reading Genesis 28:1-10 and have them answer the following questions: a. What significance do you think there is in the women Jacob and Esau married? b. Why do you think Isaac told Jacob not to marry from the Canaanite women? c. Ishmael was Abrahams firstborn son (see Genesis 25:13), but not the son of promise like Isaac; why do you think Esau decided to marry a daughter from Ishmaels descendants? d. Do you find it ironic that Esau, in an effort to gain the approval of his parents, married a descendant of the firstborn son of Abraham that God passed over in favor of Isaac? Jacob was sent into exile away from his home, family, and the land promised to him to live with Laban; during his time in exile God visited with Jacob through a dream. Read Genesis 28:10-22 and discuss the following: a. What parallels do you see with Jacobs story and the story of Israel in Malachis day? b. Based on what you know of Jacobs story in the Bible, did God keep his promise to Jacob even though he was once exiled from his home, family, and land due to his own sins against Esau, his father, and ultimately against God? Read Genesis 33:1-11. What did Jacob attribute his prosperity to? What did Esau attribute his prosperity to? How does the example of Gods love and faithfulness to His promises in Jacobs life assure Israel in Malachis day that their exile would not be the end of their story? Read Romans 8:18-39 and discuss the following questions as a group: a. How do you know that your sufferings are not the end of your story? b. According to verses 28-30, how do you know that God is working all things (even the bad things) out for your good? c. Paul states that God, did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all (v. 32). According to John 3:16, why did he do that for you? What significance does Malachi 1:1-5 have for you as a Christian who is experiencing Gods love of complacency through Jesus Christ? [1] Iain M. Doguid; Matthew P. Harmon. Reformed Expository Commentary: Zephaniah, Haggai, Malachi (Phillipsburg, NJ: PR Publishing; 2018), p. 104.

Gods goodness and grace repeatedly overrules His fairness.[1] I read a version of that statement in a commentary on Malachi in preparation for this sermon. The story of Esau and Jacob reveals how true that statement really is. This is also one of the reasons Jacob and Esau are used as an example throughout Scripture in the way their story is used in Malachi to highlight Gods prerogative to love whom He wills. When God told Abraham that he would bless him, He promised that through his descendants, a child would be born who would bless the nations. To Abraham and Sarah was born Isaac. After Isaac and Rebecca were married, they wanted children together, but for some time Rebekah could not get pregnant; out of desperation Isaac prayed that God would allow his wife to become pregnant, so this is how God answered: Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger (Genesis 25:2123). God blessed Isaac and Rebekah with Esau and Jacob. God told Isaac and Rebecca specifically that the child whom God would choose in the same way that He chose Abraham and Isaac would not be the older son, but the younger. When Rachel gave birth to her two babies, we are told: The first came out red, all his body like a hairy cloak, so they called his name Esau. Afterward his brother came out with his hand holding Esaus heel, so his name was called Jacob (vv. 25-26). Jacob literally means heel grabber. Yet, regardless of what God said of Jacob, Isaac favored Esau more while Rebecca favored Jacob; in fact, we are told in Genesis 25:28, Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob. The sad thing about the way Isaac and Rebekah treated their sons is that Esau grew up to be a willful, proud, self-centered man who exercised little self-control, while Jacob grew up to be a self-centered deceiver and manipulator. We see Esaus lack of self-control and the manipulative skill of Jacob in the last paragraph of Genesis 25; one day Esau was hungry and exhausted so he asked Jacob for some of what he was cooking that day: Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted! (Therefore his name was called Edom.) Jacob said, Sell me your birthright now. Esau said, I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me? Jacob said, Swear to me now. So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright (Gen. 25:2934). Esau cared more about his stomach than he did his identity in Abraham; he was willing to trade in what was eternal for what was temporarya bowl of stew! Jacob was no better, for he manipulated his brother in a moment of weakness. Jacobs lying, deceiving, manipulating character reached its climax when he and his mother conspired together to deceive Isaac after he planned to give Esau the blessing of the firstborn, even though God said it would be Jacob who would receive it: When Isaac was old and his eyes were dim so that he could not see, he called Esau his older son and said to him, My son; and he answered, Here I am. He said, Behold, I am old; I do not know the day of my death. Now then, take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me, and prepare for me delicious food, such as I love, and bring it to me so that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die. (Genesis 27:14) After Esau went out as instructed by his father, Rebekah pulled Jacob aside and plotted against both her son and husband by telling Isaac to do the following: Go to the flock and bring me two good young goats, so that I may prepare from them delicious food for your father, such as he loves. And you shall bring it to your father to eat, so that he may bless you before he dies. Because Esau was so hairy, Rebekah told Jacob to cover his arms and neck with the skins of the goats so that his nearly blind father would think it was Esau he was blessing (see Gen. 27:5-13). So, Jacob did as his mother instructed, deceived his father into blessing him while Esau was hunting, and Esau hated his brother for it and even planned to murder Jacob after their father died (see Gen. 27:30-45). Anyone who reads Jacob and Esaus story will discover that Jacob was a deeply flawed man, and that Gods love of complacency had nothing to do with his moral character. Why Did God Love Jacob? What was it that inspired God to choose Jacob over Esau? Was there something about him that God liked more than Esau? Was it because Esau was a mans man and Jacob wasnt? Did God look down the corridors of time and see how he would grow tenderhearted towards God or that he would have a wrestling match with Jacob all night because the heel grabber wanted Gods blessing more than anything else? Did God choose Jacob over Esau because He thought Esau was too difficult, and that Jacob was easier to work with? The answer is no to all of these questions. What we know of Jacobs life is that it would mirror the life of the Hebrew people throughout the ages. When we compare Jacobs life with what we know of Esaus, Jacob looks worse morally. Most of Jacobs life is characterized by a lack of trust and a compulsion to use deception to get what he wanted. Jacob deceived his father and lied to him to his face in order to rob his older brother of what culturally belonged to the firstborn. However, before he lied to his father, he conned Esau into selling him his birthright for a bowl of stew. The birthright was something Jacob wanted all along, although God had told his parents that he was to receive the blessing instead of Esau, he took matters into his own hands to get what was only Gods to give. Jacob would spend a lifetime living with the consequences of his own actions. What were the consequences of Jacobs sins? Although he received the blessing from Isaac, he was driven from his home and forced to live in exile away from his family with his uncle Laban because his brother wanted to kill him. One of the reasons Jacob lived with his uncle is because his parents told him to seek a wife from one of his daughters. When Laban learned that his nephew had come to see him, he ran to meet him and embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his house (Gen. 29:13). Jacob stayed with his uncle for a month and fell in love with Rachel, the younger daughter of Laban (v. 18). Why did Jacob love Rachel? We are told why in Genesis 29:16-18, Now Laban had two daughters. The name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Leahs eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and appearance. I am not sure exactly what is meant by Leahs eyes being weak; some commentators think that she was cross-eyed, others think that they were sunken, baggy, or even bulging. I think that compared to Rachel; Leah was average while Rachel was gorgeous. Laban recognized the difference in his daughters by the names he had given to them; the Hebrew meaning for Leah can mean wild cow or gazelle while the Hebrew meaning for Rachel is ewe or lamb, which was more of a term of endearment? Leah was average at best, and Rachel was beautiful; Jacob wanted Rachel and would do anything to have her. Jacob agreed to work for Laban for seven years in order to have Rachels hand in marriage, then when he finished his seven-year commitment to spend a lifetime with what he hoped would be the love of his life, Laban threw a wedding party, and gave Jacob his older daughter Leah when it was dark and her face was veiled. Listen to what happened: So Laban brought together all the people of the place and gave a feast. But when evening came, he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob, and Jacob made love to her. When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didnt I? Why have you deceived me (Gen. 29:2225, NIV)? What was Labans excuse for deceiving Jacob? This is what he said: It is not so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn. Complete the week of this one, and we will give you the other also in return for serving me another seven years (vv. 26-27). Laban manipulated Jacob to serve another seven years of free labor for Rachels hand in marriage. So did the three live happily ever after? Hardly! After only a week of being married to Leah, Rachel was given to Jacob and so we are told: Jacob made love to Rachel also, and his love for Rachel was greater than his love for Leah. And he worked for Laban another seven years (Gen. 29:30, NIV). The deceiving heel-grabber was deceived, and for the rest of his life Leah and Rachel would fight for Jacobs attention. Right after we are told that Jacob received Rachel and loved her more than Leah, we hear the broken heart of Leah in the verses that follow and the two words used in Malachi 1:2-3; listen carefully: When the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. And Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben, for she said, Because the Lord has looked upon my affliction; for now my husband will love me. She conceived again and bore a son, and said, Because the Lord has heard that I am hated, he has given me this son also. And she called his name Simeon. Again she conceived and bore a son, and said, Now this time my husband will be attached to me, because I have borne him three sons. Therefore his name was called Levi. And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, This time I will praise the Lord. Therefore she called his name Judah. (Genesis 29:3135) Isnt it interesting that Leah used the same word for love and hate that Malachi used to remind a used-up, beat-up, ragtag Israel that he loved them! Leah would go on to have three more sons, but notice that although Leah was hated by her father, her husband, and even her younger sister, God loved her, God saw her, and God blessed her. He didnt just bless her with children, of the seven biological children she mothered, Levi would become the father of the priestly tribe in Israel and Judah would become the father of the tribe where the line of the kings would come through leading ultimately to Jesus! But wait, there is more! Malachi specifically addresses the former exiles at the beginning of his book as Israel, but in Gods explanation for how he has loved Israel, Jacobs birth name is used: Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated. The question remains unanswered. Why did God love Jacob? The best answer we have is the one that is repeated of Gods redeemed throughout the pages of Holy Scripture; it may not be satisfactory to you, but it will have to do! Here is the answer he gave to Jacobs descendants the Twelve Tribes of Israel: It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt (Deut. 7:78). The reason why Malachi uses Jacobs birth name, in my opinion, is because the exiles were aware of Jacobs jaded past as a very flawed man. Malachi identifies the exiles whom God preserved through both the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles, all with the second name that Yahweh gave to Jacob, which was Israel. How Did God Love Jacob? Between the day Jacob deceived his father into giving him the birthright and his reunion and reconciliation with Esau was about twenty years. For twenty years, Jacob lived in exile, in fear that Esau would one day kill him. Within those twenty years 14 years were spent as an indentured servantsome may even interpret his years under Laban as a type of slavery. Jacob was deceived into a covenant with Leah he never wanted to be in and robbed of the life he was promised with Rachel. There are two very significant events in Jacobs life that will help you feel the weight of Malachis words: I have loved Jacob but Esau I have hated. The first event happened just after Jacob was sent into exile where God spoke to him through a dream in the midst of his failure, fear, and loneliness: And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it! And behold, the Lord stood above it and said, I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring. Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south, and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed. Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you. Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it. And he was afraid and said, How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. (Gen. 28:1217) Just before Jacob entered into a difficult 20-year detour from the life he thought he would have as a result of his fathers blessing, God reminded him of something that he would hold close to his heart throughout the years, and that something was the faithfulness of God and the assurance of his promises. There was no way Jacob could have known that he would be the victim of a master manipulator such as himself for a good part of his 20 years with his uncle. He planned for one wife, but was deceived into marrying the older daughter of Laban who would long for the kind of delight of her husband that her younger sister took for granted. Although Jacob did eventually get the woman he wanted, he would have to live with the dysfunction of his family until the day of his death. Leading up to his second and most significant encounter with God, He spoke to Jacob and told him to, Return to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you (31:3), but to do that Jacob would need to break free from his bondage to Laban. The other problem in going back to the land promised to him, Jacob would need to encounter the brother he spent a lifetime hiding from out of fear. After Jacob is freed from the tyranny of his uncle and just before he encounters his brother, Jacob encounters a man while alone and fearful and entered into a wrestling match that lasted all night and into the morning hours (see Gen. 32:22-32). Jacob would not let the man go unless the man blessed him. The man then asked Jacob: What is your name? (v. 27) The heel-grabber answered: I am Jacob. Here is what happened next: Then the man said, Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed. Then Jacob asked him, Please tell me your name. But he said, Why is it that you ask my name? And there he blessed him. So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered. The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip. (Gen. 32:2831) Jacob wrestled with a man who was also God, and the two things he walked way with is a limp that would forever remind him of the other thing, and that other thing is that he received a new name. The name Jacob received was Israel, which literally means: He strives with God. Jacob received a new identity as a result of having a face-to-face encounter with God who appeared to him as man! As a changed man, Israel was able to meet his brother and was reconciled to him. Conclusion So, how did God love Jacob? God pursued Jacob, found him, disciplined him, and wounded him deeply for the purpose of using him greatly before he could enter what was promised to him. Sound familiar? Jacobs story reminds me of something we read in the book of Hebrews in the New Testament: Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? (Heb. 12:37) How did God love Israel? Throughout her history as a nation, her sins that were many and great, and in her exile God remained faithful to his promises to her, He was with her in the midst of her suffering, and He was sustaining Her through it all. However, Israel did not get away without a limp, but even the limp was evidence that He loved her. Just as Jacobs exile and suffering was not the end of his story, so Israels exile and suffering was not the end of her story. Esaus descendants were Edomites. During Israels exile and suffering Edom allied themselves with Babylon for the destruction of Jerusalem, but this was not the end of Edoms story, for her destruction would eventually come. Edoms comfort and security was only for a season, just as Israels suffering and exile was only for a season. Because of the promises of Yahweh and His faithfulness to Israel a redeemer would eventually be born through the tribe of Judah, and redemption would be made available beyond the borders of Israel to all the nations! Just as God proved his love and faithfulness to a heel-grabber like Jacob, he will bless the nations through Israel: Your own eyes shall see this, and you shall say, Great is the Lord beyond the border of Israel! The promised seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was born to a young teenage girl by the name of Mary, who was a descendant of Abraham. To Mary was given the following promise: behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end (Luke 1:3133). Jesus was born, he then lived a life in perfect obedience to the Law of God, died for our sins on a cross, was buried, and then rose from the grave on the third day. Because of Jesus, the Christian can look beyond the sufferings of this world and claim with the apostle Paul: For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us (Rom. 8:18). How can we say that? Because of the truth of Romans 8:28-32, And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Rom. 8:2832) Listen, just as it was true of Jacob whose name was changed to Israel. You have been given a new identity that is wrapped up with the same Man who wrestled with Jacob and gave him a limp to remind him of who he was and to whom he belonged. Your name is wrapped up in that Man the God-Man who is the Lord Jesus Christ! Whatever form you limp comes in, you can claim with absolute confidence what every Christ-redeemed saint has been able to say before you: Who shall bring any charge against Gods elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who diedmore than that, who was raisedwho is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 8:3339) Amen. Group Questions: Ask your group members to take turns reading Genesis 28:1-10 and have them answer the following questions: a. What significance do you think there is in the women Jacob and Esau married? b. Why do you think Isaac told Jacob not to marry from the Canaanite women? c. Ishmael was Abrahams firstborn son (see Genesis 25:13), but not the son of promise like Isaac; why do you think Esau decided to marry a daughter from Ishmaels descendants? d. Do you find it ironic that Esau, in an effort to gain the approval of his parents, married a descendant of the firstborn son of Abraham that God passed over in favor of Isaac? Jacob was sent into exile away from his home, family, and the land promised to him to live with Laban; during his time in exile God visited with Jacob through a dream. Read Genesis 28:10-22 and discuss the following: a. What parallels do you see with Jacobs story and the story of Israel in Malachis day? b. Based on what you know of Jacobs story in the Bible, did God keep his promise to Jacob even though he was once exiled from his home, family, and land due to his own sins against Esau, his father, and ultimately against God? Read Genesis 33:1-11. What did Jacob attribute his prosperity to? What did Esau attribute his prosperity to? How does the example of Gods love and faithfulness to His promises in Jacobs life assure Israel in Malachis day that their exile would not be the end of their story? Read Romans 8:18-39 and discuss the following questions as a group: a. How do you know that your sufferings are not the end of your story? b. According to verses 28-30, how do you know that God is working all things (even the bad things) out for your good? c. Paul states that God, did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all (v. 32). According to John 3:16, why did he do that for you? What significance does Malachi 1:1-5 have for you as a Christian who is experiencing Gods love of complacency through Jesus Christ? [1] Iain M. Doguid; Matthew P. Harmon. Reformed Expository Commentary: Zephaniah, Haggai, Malachi (Phillipsburg, NJ: PR Publishing; 2018), p. 104.

Have you ever caught yourself passing judgment on someone without truly understanding their story? Or perhaps you've wondered why we're so quick to judge others, even without realizing it? This week, we're delving deep into a hidden aspect of our human nature – the judging instinct. And guess what? It might just be the key to unlocking a happier, more accepting you.Why Listen?Picture this: You're living your best life, feeling content and genuinely grateful for each moment. That's what higher consciousness is all about – embracing life with joy, acceptance, and a willingness to grow. But what's holding you back? It could be the subtle but powerful instinct to judge.Episode Highlights:In "Redefining Our Instinct: Letting Go of Judging Others," we're diving deep into understanding this instinct woven into our fabric. Imagine letting go of negativity and embracing a kinder, more empathetic perspective – that's where we're headed.We're decoding the energies behind this judgmental instinct. Did you know it calibrates at 175 on the scale of human consciousness? That's the level of "guilty until proven innocent." Brian Gibbs, Founder of ConsciousnessCalibrations.com, sheds light on this: Our propensity to judge stems from pride, the very thing that holds us back from a state of being glad to be alive, content, willing, and accepting.Takeaways:Join us on this enlightening journey as we learn to differentiate between judging and discerning. Discerning is about insightful, objective judgments, while judging often stems from biases and personal beliefs. We're here to guide you through letting go, so you can unlock a more fulfilling life.Explore Further:Visit TheMindBodySpiritNetwork.com/howtoletgo for a treasure trove of resources to support your journey toward letting go. You'll find tools, practices, and insights to help you break free from the judging instinct and step into a world of elevated living.Conclusion:So, if you're ready to let go of judgments, embrace empathy, and live with a heaThe Shift Network presents a FREE Online Event: Explore Quantum Human Design™ to Manifest Your Unique Soul Purpose: Embrace Your Type's Emotional Theme as a Catalyst for Personal Growth & an Empowering New Narrative with Karen Curry Parker.RSVP today!Embark on a Journey to Letting Go Unlocking Your Full Potential: Embark on the Journey to Letting Go and Embrace a Better LifeLiving from a Place of Surrender The first-ever online course with the author of The Untethered Soul, Michael A. Singer. Join us now!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showIf you like what's going on here, you can join me on social media here: Facebook Instagram YouTube LinkedIn TheMindBodySpiritNetwork.com

Welcome, friends, to another episode of "The Power of God's Whisper Podcast." I'm your host, Matthew Adams, bringing you fresh insights into God's divine word. Today we delve into the art of hearing God's whisper in our lives, even amidst the hustle and bustle of our busy lives.With the hustle and bustle of our active lifestyles, it is sometimes challenging to hear God's gentle whisper. Yet, God never ceases to speak to us, imparting wisdom, peace, and guidance. How can we better hear and discern God's voice amidst the noise of life? Let's dive into God's Word and uncover the secrets.Driving Points:1. Embrace our identity in Christ: Remember, Romans 8:9 says, "You are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you." We are not mere sinners anymore. We are redeemed, saved by grace, and have the living God within us. This new identity gives us access to God's whispers and guides us amidst life's noise.2. Tune in to the Spirit's promptings: As believers, we must understand that our inward thoughts and impulses are not always of sinful origin. They can indeed be the inspiration and empowerment of the Spirit (Philippians 2:13). Recognize this voice. It is the voice that instills faith, spreads love, and encourages righteousness. The Spirit within us is the dominant force, and through it, we can discern God's whisper.3. Acknowledge the heights to which God is taking you: God has saved us and promised us an abundant life. Let's not underestimate His power by fixating on our past sinfulness. Recognize that God is leading us to new heights, to greater experiences of His love and power. Hearing God's voice helps us to navigate this journey.Conclusion: So, brothers and sisters, we are called not just to listen, but to hear—to tune into the frequency of the Spirit, to discern His voice amidst the clamor. This practice is more than just passive hearing; it's an active engagement with our God who continually communicates with us, leading us toward His divine purpose.Call to Action: This week, take a moment amidst your busy life to stop, breathe, and listen. Seek God's whisper in the quiet, in the storm, in the joy, and even in the mundane. Trust that He is speaking, guiding, and drawing you closer to Him.Prayer: Spirit of God, we are grateful for your presence within us. We trust in your power working in us, and we seek to hear your whispers in our lives. Guide us, Father, in distinguishing your voice from the noise. Help us to walk in faith, acknowledging not only where we've come from but the glorious heights you're leading us to. This we pray in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.Thank you for joining us today at "The Power of God's Whisper Podcast". This is Matthew Adams, reminding you to keep listening for God's whisper, no matter how noisy life gets. Grace and peace be with you all. Until next time, stay blessed and tuned in to the divine whispers of our God.Thank you for reading The Power Of God's Whisper. This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to My Reasons To Believe at myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Hello, hello! Welcome back to "The Power Of God's Whisper Podcast". Today we're looking at an intriguing verse, Song of Songs 5:2: "I slept, but my heart was awake when I heard my lover knocking and calling." Sounds like an intense dream, doesn't it? But it's more than that; it's about passion, longing, and being so tuned in that you hear everything, even when you're asleep. It's about being so in love with God that you're always ready to hear His voice.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Point 1: The Wakeful Heart First, let's consider what it means to have a heart that's awake. Picture this: you're in a math class, your least favorite subject. Your mind is wandering, and you're barely hearing what the teacher is saying. But the moment your friend mentions that new movie you're obsessed with, boom, you're all ears! That's what it means to have an awake heart—it's being in tune with what you're passionate about. And when it comes to God, our hearts should be so alert to His voice that even when we're resting, we can hear Him calling.Point 2: The Stirring of Passion Our passions have a way of drawing us in, don't they? Just like a die-hard sports fan can hear the roar of the crowd in their dreams, when our hearts are awake to God, we are tuned in to His whispers, His hints, His subtle suggestions. It's about being so focused on Him that we can hear His voice amidst all the noise of life. Remember, your passions reflect what your heart is awake to, so let's make sure it's tuned into God's frequency.Point 3: The Knocking and Calling In this verse, the lover is knocking and calling. This reminds us that God is always reaching out to us. He's not a distant, uninvolved God. He's a loving Father, always knocking on the door of our hearts, calling out to us, longing for us to respond. Even when we're asleep, He's there, inviting us into deeper communion with Him.Conclusion: So, what does Song of Songs 5:2 tell us? It's a reminder to keep our hearts awake to God's voice. It's a call to tune in to His whispers, to respond to His knocking and calling. It's about being so in love with Him that we're always ready to hear His voice, no matter where we are or what we're doing.Call to Action: Now, here's your challenge for this week: pray for an awakened heart. Ask God to stir up your passion for Him so that you're always alert to His voice. And try this: whenever you're about to do something you love—whether it's playing a sport, gaming, or hanging out with friends—take a moment to pray, "God, help me to love You and be as awake to Your voice as I am to this activity."Thanks for joining me for another episode of "The Power Of God's Whisper Podcast". Remember, God is always speaking, always whispering His love and guidance to us. Our job is to keep our hearts awake and our ears open to His voice. Until next time, stay alert and stay in love with God.Let's Pray…Lord, stir my passion for You. May my heart beat faster at the sound of Your name. Deepen my desire for the sound of Your voice. Awaken my heart to every word from Your mouth.Thank you for reading My Reasons To Believe. This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to My Reasons To Believe at myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Hey there, welcome to another episode of "The Power Of God's Whisper Podcast". Today we're exploring a deeply encouraging verse, 1 Thessalonians 5:24 from the NIV: "The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it." Now, this might seem simple, but oh, the power and promise in these words! This is the type of assurance that fueled people like Hudson Taylor to do extraordinary things for God. Let's dig into it, shall we?My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Point 1: The Faithful Caller Let's start with who's doing the calling. It's not your coach, not your teacher, or your mom—it's God Himself. And the Bible tells us He's faithful. That means He never breaks His promises, He never forgets, and He never gives up on us. He's not like that friend who says they'll come to your soccer game and then forgets; when God says He'll do something, you can count on it.Point 2: The Power of a Sacred Covenant Now, imagine making a promise with God, as Hudson Taylor did. He was so desperate for a spiritual breakthrough, to feel the victory over sin, that he vowed to give himself fully to God's service, no matter the cost. That's like telling your coach you're ready to give 110% at every practice, every game, even if it means sacrificing time with friends or other fun things. And guess what? God heard Taylor's prayer and made a sacred covenant with him. God does this kind of thing, and when He makes a promise, it's unbreakable.Point 3: God Fulfills His Word Here's the best part: when God promises to do something, He does it. He's not just making empty promises. He's not like those people who say they'll help you with your math homework and then bail. No, when God says, "I will do it," He will. It's as certain as the sun rising every morning. That's the kind of assurance we have from our faithful God.Conclusion: So, when you look at 1 Thessalonians 5:24, it's not just a nice, encouraging verse. It's a powerhouse promise from God. It's His way of saying, "I've got your back. You can trust me. I'm not going to let you down." It's the kind of assurance that can fuel us to do incredible things for Him.Call to Action: Here's what I want you to do this week: remember that God is faithful, and He will do what He promises. Whether you're facing a tough test at school, a difficult situation with a friend, or you're feeling like Hudson Taylor, longing for a spiritual breakthrough, remember 1 Thessalonians 5:24. Keep it close to your heart and let it remind you that the One who calls you is faithful and He will do it.Thank you for tuning into "The Power Of God's Whisper Podcast". Remember, God is always speaking, always whispering His love and faithfulness to us. Our job is to tune in and listen. Until next time, keep your ears and heart open to His whisper.Let's Pray…Lord, I feel that my deepest longings simply must be fulfilled. I have brought them to You to do as You please with them. Use them to accomplish Your purposes in this world. I am fully available to walk out the calling You have given me if You will fully enable me to do it.Thank you for reading My Reasons To Believe. This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to My Reasons To Believe at myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Hello everyone, welcome back to "The Power Of God's Whisper Podcast". Today we're diving into the passionate poetry of the Song of Songs, specifically verse 3:2. "I said to myself, 'I will get up and roam the city, searching in all its streets and squares. I will search for the one I love.' So I searched everywhere but did not find him." This verse captures the intense longing for a loved one, but it's not just about human love; it symbolizes our longing for God. So, let's explore this together.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Point 1: Love as a Context for Communication Just like you talk differently to your friends than you do to your teacher or your parents, God communicates with us in different ways based on our relationship with Him. When we listen for God as a beloved longing for her lover, we hear something beautiful – a language of the heart. It's the kind of language that makes you feel understood, cherished, and deeply loved.Point 2: The Pursuit of God's Heart Now, not everyone seeks God this way, as a lover seeking their beloved. But those who do, those who passionately yearn for Him, not just for what He can do or provide, they get to hear the deepest whispers of His heart. It's like knowing someone's favorite color, their favorite food, their dreams, and fears, because you love them and spend time with them, not because they told everyone in a class presentation.Point 3: The Reward of Persistence But let's not forget the struggle in our verse. The beloved is searching for her lover but doesn't find him initially. Just like in our spiritual journey, there will be moments when God seems distant or silent. But don't give up, keep searching, keep praying, and keep loving Him. The promise here is that the search will be rewarded, just as the beloved in the Song of Songs eventually finds her lover.Conclusion: So, Song of Songs 3:2 isn't just about a lover's search in a city; it's a powerful image of our deep, heart-tugging longing for God, and the beautiful heart-to-heart conversation that follows. It teaches us to persist in seeking God and listening for His whisper, not because we want something from Him, but simply because we love Him. And remember, when we seek Him with that love, His embrace is worth every step of the search.Call to Action: Here's your challenge for this week: set aside time each day to seek God, not for what He can do for you, but because you love Him. During that time, pray, read His word, or just sit quietly, letting your heart reach out for His. Notice how this deepens your relationship with Him and how you hear His voice.Thanks for tuning in to "The Power Of God's Whisper Podcast". Remember, no matter where you are, no matter how quiet God seems, keep seeking Him with all your heart. He's worth the search. Until next time, keep listening for His whisper.Let's Pray…You are the Lover of my soul, and I long for Your embrace. Open Your thoughts to me. Tell me Your desires. What are Your dreams? Share them with me. Take me deep into Your heart.Thank you for reading My Reasons To Believe. This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to My Reasons To Believe at myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

WORSHIP MUSICHey there, welcome back to another episode of "The Power Of God's Whisper Podcast". I'm your host, Matthew Adams, bringing the wisdom of God's Word to your world, one verse at a time. Today, we're delving into 2 Corinthians 5:7, which says, "We live by believing and not by seeing." You might wonder, how does that apply to me? Well, let's unpack this together.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Point 1: The Human Tendency to Focus on the Negative Have you ever noticed that if there's one thing going wrong, it seems to overshadow everything that's going right? Maybe you got a great grade in every subject but one, and all you can focus on is that one disappointing grade. This is a common human tendency - we're drawn to whatever needs fixing. When it comes to hearing from God, this tendency can create an unfortunate bias towards focusing on what we don't see or hear from Him, instead of recognizing the many times He has already spoken to us.Point 2: Embrace the Journey of Unfolding Wisdom God has a plan for each one of us, and He reveals it to us layer by layer. It's like peeling an onion, but instead of crying, we're growing in faith and understanding. However, if we're too fixated on what we think we're lacking, we might miss out on what God is currently saying to us. Remember, His timing is perfect. We shouldn't rush His process, but trust in it instead.Point 3: Listen and Believe in God's Words One of the keys to hearing God's voice is to believe and act on what we've already heard from Him. Instead of focusing on what He hasn't said yet, let's concentrate on what He has already told us. This will open our ears and hearts to discover more of His wisdom and guidance.Conclusion: So, there you have it, friends, our exploration of 2 Corinthians 5:7. This verse calls us to a life of faith, where we believe in what God says, even when we can't see it. It urges us to focus on His words, His promises, and His timing. It encourages us to be listeners, believers, and doers of His Word.Call to Action: This week, I want you to challenge yourself. Try shifting your focus from what's not yet revealed to what God has already said. When you do this, you'll find yourself opening up to the whisper of God's voice in your life. And remember, as we walk through this journey together, never hesitate to tune back into "The Power Of God's Whisper Podcast" for more insights. Keep listening, keep believing, and keep living by faith. Until next time, stay blessed!Let's Pray…Lord, like faithful priests and prophets of old, I want none of your words to fall to the ground unheeded in my life. I commit to being diligent  —not legalistic, but focused  —about what You have already said.Thank you for reading My Reasons To Believe. This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to My Reasons To Believe at myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

WORSHIP MUSICHello, folks! Welcome to another episode of "The Power Of God's Whisper Podcast". Today, we're diving into Matthew 4:3. The verse goes like this, "During that time the devil came and said to [Jesus], 'If you are the Son of God...'" Notice that this happens right after Jesus is declared God's beloved Son, and now, we find Him in the wilderness being tempted by Satan. This story isn't just about the three temptations we all know, but there's an even more subtle one: Satan questioning Jesus' identity.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Point 1: The Devil's Strategy Let's unpack this. The devil has a sneaky strategy. He likes to undermine our identity in Christ and question what God has told us. It's like he's daring us to actually believe what God says about us. He did it with Jesus, and he's going to try it with us too.Point 2: The Wilderness of Contradiction Whenever we learn a great spiritual truth, we're often thrown into what I like to call the 'wilderness of contradiction'. It's a place where everything seems to scream how untrue God's promises are. For example, if you've learned that you're seated with Christ in heavenly realms, circumstances might try to convince you that you're just stuck here on earth.Point 3: The Response of Faith The key to surviving the wilderness of contradiction is to respond like Jesus did: hold tightly onto what God has said. His voice is the truth. And even though it may not seem like it, your faith will eventually prove it.Conclusion: So, friends, that's our deep dive into Matthew 4:3. The devil will try to make you question your identity and God's truth, but don't let him. Stand firm in who you are in Christ and what God has promised you. Remember, in the midst of the battle, never let go of that.Call to Action: This week, I challenge you to stand firm in your identity as a child of God. Whenever doubts creep in, go back to His word, remind yourself of His promises, and hold on tight. And, as always, tune into the next episode of "The Power Of God's Whisper Podcast" as we continue to explore God's voice in our lives. Until then, keep listening, and keep holding onto His truth!Let's Pray…Lord, the temptations are fierce. I know what You said, but I see so many contradictions. Give me the strength and the tenacity to hold on. I am who You say I am, and You will do what You said You will do.Thank you for reading My Reasons To Believe. This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to My Reasons To Believe at myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

WORSHIP MUSICHey there, Warriors! Welcome back to another episode of "The Power Of God's Whisper Podcast". Today, we're going to chew on a bit of wisdom tucked away in Proverbs 15:22: "Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success." Now, it may seem like this is just practical advice for life - and it is - but it's also so much more. It's about how God communicates with us, even in this busy, noisy world. Let me explain.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Point 1: God in the Flesh The Bible tells us that Jesus was God in the flesh. He walked and talked among people, just like you and me. But before He died, Jesus told His disciples something pretty mind-boggling. He said it was good for Him to go. Why? So that His Spirit could come live inside of us. That means you and me and every person who follows Jesus, we become His voice in the world.Point 2: The Importance of Advisers So, why does the Bible say that there's success in many advisers? Well, in King Solomon's time, this was sage advice for making wise decisions. But for us, living after the Holy Spirit has come, this advice is supercharged! The people around us aren't just people with good advice. They can actually speak words inspired by God's Spirit!Point 3: Listening to Wisdom Now, this is where it gets really exciting. When we listen to fellow believers, God's voice might just be in the mix. You'll need to practice discernment, to sift through the chatter and hear the nuggets of divine wisdom. But if you're listening, I promise you, God is speaking.Conclusion: So, that's the gold hidden in Proverbs 15:22. It's not just about having a bunch of advisers. It's about recognizing God's voice speaking through the wisdom of those around us. It's about learning to listen, not just with our ears, but with our hearts.Call to Action: Here's what I want you to do. Find some people who love Jesus and love you. Listen to their advice. Pray about it. See if you can hear God's voice whispering in their wisdom. And, as always, keep your hearts open to "The Power Of God's Whisper". Join us for our next episode as we continue this incredible journey through God's Word. Until next time, keep listening!Let's Pray…Spirit of God, speak to me through Your people. Let Your voice ring true when they speak Your words. I cannot travel this journey alone. Fill Your people with truth.Thank you for reading My Reasons To Believe. This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to My Reasons To Believe at myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Hey everyone, welcome to "The Power of God's Whisper Podcast." I'm your host, Matthew Adams, and today we're talking about a powerful verse that teaches us the importance of encouraging one another: 1 Thessalonians 5:11. It says, "Encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." Let's explore how God's voice works through us to uplift others, especially when they need it the most. Whether you're 14 or 40, this message is for you! So, let's dive in and see how God's whisper can help us grow and support each other.Point 1: First, remember that we're all part of the body of Christ. God designed us to work together, helping and supporting each other in our faith journey. When someone is struggling or seeking guidance, we can step in and offer encouragement, helping them to hear God's voice in their lives. It's an opportunity for us to grow closer to one another and to God.Point 2: Second, don't be afraid to ask Second, don't be afraid to ask God for guidance when it comes to supporting others. When you pray for someone, ask the Lord to show you mental pictures or impressions that might encourage them. God knows their hearts and can reveal what they need to hear through your words or actions. By being open to God's direction, we can become instruments of His love and care for others.Point 3: It's essential to remember…Lastly, it's essential to remember that the Holy Spirit knows our needs and can inspire us to build each other up. When we rely on God's guidance, we can provide encouragement that truly resonates with those around us. It's not about having all the answers but being willing to listen and share God's love with one another.Conclusion:So, as we wrap up today's episode, let's remember the power of encouragement that comes from listening to God's whispers. By supporting and uplifting each other, we can grow stronger in our faith and help others along the way. Let's strive to be a community that actively builds one another up, just as 1 Thessalonians 5:11 teaches us.Call to Action:Now, I want to challenge you to take action. This week, reach out to someone in your life who may need encouragement. Ask God to guide you in what to say or do, and then take that step to uplift them. As you do this, you'll not only strengthen their faith but also grow in your own relationship with God. And don't forget to share your experience with us! We'd love to hear how God's whispers are making a difference in your life and the lives of those around you.Let's Pray…Holy Spirit, use the screen of my imagination to write Your will, impress Your thoughts, and draw Your pictures. Speak into the hearts of Your people through me.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to My Reasons To Believe at myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

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Join me and my guest, Sean Adams, as we dive into the world of interactive tutorials and explore how they can level up performance improvement in today's dynamic workforce. We chat about the advantages of interactive tutorials over traditional training methods and how they're transforming the way organizations approach learning and development. So, buckle up for an episode jam-packed with practical insights and valuable tips on boosting your organization's L&D game! Show Notes: [00:02:00] Interactive Tutorials 101 Sean shares his journey into the interactive tutorials space and what sparked his passion. We discuss the pain points of traditional training and how interactive tutorials can overcome them. [00:12:00] Turbocharge Performance with Interactive Tutorials Discover how interactive tutorials can elevate employee performance. We share real-world examples of industries and organizations that have reaped the benefits of interactive tutorials. [00:26:00] Knowledge Democracy and Streamlining Learning The significance of making knowledge accessible and easy-to-digest for employees. How interactive tutorials can complement digital adoption platforms and other tools in your arsenal. [00:40:00] Tackling Workplace Burnout with Efficient Support Let's talk about combating employee burnout in the modern workplace. The positive impact of providing quick and accessible support to your team members. [00:52:00] Kicking Off Your Interactive Tutorial Journey Tips on how organizations can start using interactive tutorials without feeling overwhelmed. Identifying FAQs and key areas of need to create laser-focused tutorials. [00:57:00] Harnessing and Sharing Knowledge within Your Organization Challenges organizations face when team members leave or shift roles. The perks of fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and collaboration. Conclusion: So, folks, don't miss out on this fascinating conversation that will leave you inspired and ready to tap into the potential of interactive tutorials. Tune in and find out how to unleash the power of interactive tutorials for performance improvement and make your organization more efficient, engaged, and knowledgeable - especially in the context of ongoing global workforce trends. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/learningtechtalks/support