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Paul's prayer for Israel- Paul remembered the emptiness of trying to honor God with a life of religious works. His heart broke for his fellow Jews who had not yet come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Are we burdened to pray for unsaved friends and family?
ACTS 26:1-15 1 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak for yourself." So Pail motioned with his hand and began his defense: 2 "King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently. 4 The Jews all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. 5 They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that according to the strictest set of our religion, I lived as a Pharisee. 6 And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our fathers that I am on trial today. 7 This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. O king, it is because of this hope that the Jews are accusing me. 8 Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead? 9 I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. In my obsession against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them. 12 On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. 14 We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' 15 Then I asked, 'Who are you, Lord?' 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' the Lord replied." FROM THE LESSON The Herodian Dynasty - it lasted for four generations and was an opponent of Jesus and his movement all throughout the New Testament. It started with Herod the Great who had tried to destroy the infant Jesus. His son, Herod Antipas, was the one who had John the Baptist beheaded. His son, Herod Agrippa, was the one who had James put to death with the sword in Acts 12. His son, Herod Agrippa II, was the one who Paul stands before in Acts 26. Paul's Speech Before Agrippa II - it is Paul's last and longest speech in the book of Acts. It begins in verse 2 and lasts through verse 23. It is the third time the reader of Acts hears the story of Jesus' appearance to Paul on the road to Damascus. The other two times are in Acts 9 and in Acts 22. Conversion Story - "the language of conversion may be misleading because at no point did Paul waver in his belief that the God of Abraham was and is the true God, the one and only creator God. Paul didn't change Gods. And from his point of view, he didn't even change religions." (NT Wright) Hope of Israel - Paul preached that the hope of Israel has been fulfilled in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The resurrection fulfills Paul's hope in God in three ways: 1 Hope is rooted in resurrection promise. 2 Hope is renewed in resurrection praise. 3 Hope is realized in resurrection practice. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1 How would you define hope? How is biblical hope different from the way hope is used in our everyday language? 2 Hope is rooted in resurrection promise. Read Acts 26:6. Discuss what it means for our hope to be rooted in the promises of God. 3 Hope is renewed in resurrection praise. Can you remember a time when your hope was renewed through worship? Share the story with your group. 4 Hope is realized in resurrection practice. Can you remember a time when something that you desperately hoped for was actually realized? Share with your group. How did it make you feel? How did it affect the way you live? Because of the resurrection of Jesus, we have a realized hope. How does the resurrection of Jesus Christ transform the way we hope?
In this episode, Dr. T. Michael W. Halcomb ( @tmichaelwhalcomb ) interviews Dr. Jason Staples. They will talk about "Israel, Paul, 90s Movie Quotes", and more. This is an interview you don't want to miss. Tune in! ***GlossaHouse resources are available at our website! - https://glossahouse.com/ ✏️ ***Sign up for classes with GlossaHouse U - https://glossahouse.com/pages/classes
A new MP3 sermon from IFCA International is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Signs Intensifying: What’s Ahead for Israel? - Paul Scharf Subtitle: IFCA 2024 Annual Convention Speaker: Paul Scharf Broadcaster: IFCA International Event: Conference Date: 6/27/2024 Length: 60 min.
Israels Bodenoffensive gegen die Hamas lässt auf sich warten. Zufall? Nein, die israelische Regierung fürchtet einen noch größeren Krieg.
GOD ISRAEL PAUL US We saw in the first part of Acts fifteen from verses one to eighteen last week how James interpreted the prophecy of Amos concerning the rebuilding of the Tabernacle of David. That prophecy foretold the future history of Israel and also that there will be a restoration of the house of God's presence in the earth called the Tabernacle of David – and also called the church of the firstborn by Paul in Hebrews. This would be a place of faith in Christ in the liberty of the Spirit for all of mankind that would now be gathered to God from all over the world. I now want to comment on Acts 15 from verse 19 to verse 30. (The Scriptures are at the end of these notes). After James had declared the prophesy of Amos concerning the Tabernacle of David he speaks on behalf of the Jewish elders and apostles including Paul and Barnabas, to the congregation, and he summarises the decision of the council regarding salvation as being through grace and faith in Christ and that they should not make the Gentiles obey the Jewish laws. However, he made two exceptions that concerned the Jewish food laws, and it was only later on that Paul was able to teach and to guide both Jewish and gentile Christians on how to honour God in these issues according to their faith and also to their conscience before God. Paul explained it was about loving one another and being sensitive to not offend the conscience of others who are weaker in their faith. The story continues from verse 30. Paul and Barnabas leave Jerusalem along with Silas and Judas and report to the Christians in Antioch about the results of the council and their new freedom in the faith, because of the prophecy of Amos. Everybody in Antioch was happy with that, and it was decided that Judas and Silas, who had stayed for a while and had strengthened the church there with powerful preaching, should be sent back to Jerusalem. But Silas decided to stay on in Antioch (vs.34). Paul then suggested to Barnabas that they should go back to Turkey and visit the cities where they had preached before and see how the new converts were going. Barnabas agreed with this and said that he wanted to take John Mark with him, but Paul disagreed because he thought that John mark had let them down by deserting them in Pamphylia earlier on. Their heated contention over this was so great that they parted company from that time on. Barnabas took John Mark with him to Cypress while Paul took Silas with him to Syria and Cilicia to strengthen those churches, and the Antioch church blessed their journey. There is another account of this story which fills in some gaps. Paul writes his personal account in the Book of Galatians about his time at the council at Jerusalem with James which we have just read about. His account starts in Galatians two from verse one through to verse eleven. He was certainly not impressed with some of the legalistic church leaders. ‘They tried to get us all tied up in their rules, like slaves in chains. But we did not listen to them for a single moment', And the great leaders of the church who were there had nothing to add to what I was preaching.' He ends his account of the council meeting by saying ‘they shook hands with Barnabas and me and encouraged us to keep right on with our preaching to the Gentiles while they continued their work with the Jews.' He then continues from Galatians 2:12-20 recounting how that a little while after that council meeting, when he and Barnabas were back in Antioch Peter visited the Antioch church and seemed to join in and approve of the freedom of their faith, until when later on some Jewish Christian friends of James also visited the church. Peter then stopped eating with the gentile Christians for fear of what they would tell James because of his ruling about Christians having to obey Jewish food laws, and this behaviour of Peter highly offended Paul. It is interesting that this account of Paul's of the council meeting and Peter's visit to Antioch soon after and his offensive legalistic behaviour was not mentioned by Luke in this chapter of Acts. Perhaps he refrained from mentioning it out of respect for Peter, even though he does mentions in Acts 15 the disagreement of Paul and Barnabas. This is what Paul wrote about Peter's visit. Galatians 2:12-20 When Peter came to Antioch I had to oppose him publicly, speaking strongly against what he was doing, for it was very wrong. For when he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile Christians who don't bother with circumcision and the many other Jewish laws. But afterwards, when some Jewish friends of James came, he wouldn't eat with the Gentiles anymore because he was afraid of what these Jewish legalists, who insisted that circumcision was necessary for salvation, would say; and then all the other Jewish Christians and even Barnabas became hypocrites too, following Peter's example, though they certainly knew better. Paul continues his rebuke of Peter and Barnabas in Galatians 2:14 ‘When I saw what was happening and that they weren't being honest about what they really believed and weren't following the truth of the Gospel, I said to Peter in front of all the others, “Though you are a Jew by birth, you have since discarded the Jewish laws; so why, all of a sudden, are you trying to make these Gentiles obey them? You and I are Jews by birth, not mere Gentile sinners, and yet we Jewish Christians know very well that we cannot become right with God by obeying our Jewish laws but only by faith in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And so we, too, have trusted Jesus Christ, that we might be accepted by God because of faith—and not because we have obeyed the Jewish laws. For no one will ever be saved by obeying them.” Paul continues to contend with Peter and Barnabas about their disappointing behaviour in front of the Christians in Antioch and concludes by saying, I am offending God if I start rebuilding the old system I have been destroying of trying to be saved by keeping Jewish laws, for it was through reading the Scriptures that I came to realize that I could never find God's favour by trying—and failing—to obey the laws. I came to realize that acceptance with God comes by believing in Christ. I have been crucified with Christ: and it is no longer I that live, but it is Christ who lives in me.' Paul's teaching allowed the Gentile world to hear the full Gospel of grace and truth, not only regarding the freedom from the shackles of legalism and Jewish tradition, but to give us entrance into the life-giving Spirit of Jesus. This is the faith we contend for, as the goal of our faith - the salvation and healing of our souls and our living in the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. (before I finish I have more to say about … )We will read again the prophecy of Amos that James declared to the Jewish Christian leaders in Jerusalem concerning rebuilding the Tabernacle of David. Acts 15:16 ‘I will return and will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins and set it up; So that the rest of mankind may seek the LORD, even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, says the LORD who reveals his plans made from the beginning. When James quotes Amos he is saying that there will be a restoration of the house of God's presence in the earth called the Tabernacle of David. This would be a place of faith in Christ in the liberty of the Spirit for all of mankind that would now be gathered to God from all over the world. He says that the rejection of God by Israel in the days of Amos is the same as their current rejection of Jesus. Mankind was now being welcomed to dwell with God in this new spiritual house called the Tabernacle of David until Jesus would return to the earth. Jesus also said this prophetically about Israel and about us ‘I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and I am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And I have other sheep which are not of this fold; I must also bring them in, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. John 10:14 This prophecy of Amos goes on to speak about the scatterings of Israel as a nation and also speaks about a permanent final regathering of Israel (verses 11-15). There were two scatterings since Amos – one was when Israel was taken captive in Babylon for seventy years and then regathered, as recorded in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. And the last scattering was when the temple was destroyed in 70 AD - not long after James makes this declaration. Isaiah also prophesies about two regatherings since Amos, and that Israel would not remain scattered but finally be gathered again ‘a second time' (the final regathering actually occurred in 1948). We will read the prophecy of Isaiah. “And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set His hand again the second time to recover the remnant of His people, which shall be left, from Assyria and from Egypt, and from Pathros and from Cush and from Elam and from Shinar and from Hamath and from the islands of the sea. 12. And He shall set up an ensign for the nations and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.” (Isaiah 11:11-12 (AV) The nation of Israel was re-established in 1948 with Jews being drawn back to Israel from all over the world and has remained and prospered miraculously against impossible odds – and is there to stay until Jesus returns. We are witnessing this phenomenon at this moment as uncomfortable as it is to see Israel in Old Testament warfare again, but I pray that Hamas will return the hostages and that innocent lives will be spared on both sides, and I pray particularly for Israel the prayer of Paul's from Romans 9 that all Israel will come to salvation through Our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 15:18-40 That is what the Lord says, who reveals his plans made from the beginning. “And so my judgment is that we should not insist that the Gentiles who turn to God must obey our Jewish laws, except that we should write to them to refrain from eating meat sacrificed to idols, from all fornication, and also from eating unbled meat of strangled animals. For these things have been preached against in Jewish synagogues in every city on every Sabbath for many generations.” Then the apostles and elders and the whole congregation voted to send delegates to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, to report on this decision. The men chosen were two of the church leaders—Judas (also called Barsabbas) and Silas. This is the letter they took along with them: “From: The apostles, elders and brothers at Jerusalem. “To: The Gentile brothers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia. Greetings! “We understand that some believers from here have upset you and questioned your salvation, but they had no such instructions from us. So it seemed wise to us, having unanimously agreed on our decision, to send to you these two official representatives, along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul. These men—Judas and Silas, who have risked their lives for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ—will confirm orally what we have decided concerning your question. “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay no greater burden of Jewish laws on you than to abstain from eating food offered to idols and from unbled meat of strangled animals, and, of course, from fornication. If you do this, it is enough. Farewell.” The four messengers went at once to Antioch, where they called a general meeting of the Christians and gave them the letter. And there was great joy throughout the church that day as they read it. Then Judas and Silas, both being gifted speakers, preached long sermons to the believers, strengthening their faith. They stayed several days, and then Judas and Silas were encouraged to return to Jerusalem taking greetings and appreciation to those who had sent them. But Silas decided to stay on in Antioch. Paul and Barnabas also stayed on at Antioch to assist several others who were preaching and teaching there. Several days later Paul suggested to Barnabas that they return again to Turkey and visit each city where they had preached before, to see how the new converts were getting along. Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. But Paul didn't like that idea at all, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia. Their disagreement over this was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus, while Paul chose Silas and, with the blessing of the believers, left for Syria and Cilicia to encourage the churches there.
Memphis police release videos showing showing five police officers beating Tyre Nichols. The United States.. once again on edge over a police killing of an unarmed Black person. Seven people killed at a Synagogue outside Jerusalem.. days after 9 Palestinians were killed by Israeli commandos in Jenin.
A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Romans 11:11-32. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: The remnant of the children of Israel throughout history -- The three-stage process leading to the salvation of Israel -- Paul's reiteration of the three stages, throughout this passage -- The literary device of parallelism in the Bible -- Paul's seven parallel passages, each laying out the three-stage process of Israel's salvation -- The first passage: the cause-and-effect nature of the stages in the process. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com
A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Romans 9:1-9. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: The importance of teaching both “God's sovereignty” and “human responsibility” -- Summary of chapters 9 through 11 -- Paul's concern for the children of Israel -- Paul's love for the children of Israel -- The blessings of God, poured out over Israel -- God's sovereign choice concerning Israel in the Christian era -- Distinguishing the fate of the nation of Israel, versus the fate of individual Jews -- Christian salvation is given on an individual basis -- Examples of God's sovereignty over election -- Isaac, the child of the promise. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com
This week, we discuss grafting and how it applies to everyday life. Sam and Mark dive deeper into Romans 11 along with your questions. They discuss predestination and our families, the remnant of Israel Paul mentions in Romans 11, and how we can engage in faith conversations. You can also be part of the discussion by submitting a question by texting the word "question" to 96123 and following the prompt you receive. You can also listen to the full sermons by searching for "First McKinney Audio."
Message from Charles Cleworth on September 19, 2021
Hosea 14 As one reads through the Prophets, whether Major or Minor, Pre-exilic or Post, one is met with a single voice that is unanimous in its cry, certain in its proclamation, and absolute in its conclusion. Though Israel lies presently in a state of unbelief, far away from their God on account of their iniquities; a cry sounds forth from the pages of this precious book that what is at present, shall not always be!! We look in this sermon at God's promise of spiritual restoration for the Jewish people at the end of time when Messiah shall come the second time.
Message from Paul Blair - Pastor on May 30, 2021
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4 NIV).It's interesting how God uses the challenges of life to work in our lives and to develop of Christ-like character.Some of the best advice I've ever received is: “Don't waste your problem.” Make sure you use whatever is happening in your life as learning and growing opportunities. Allow the situation to deepen your faith in God. Allow it to cause you to trust Him in ways you never have. Let the thing you are facing right now be a catalyst for developing Godly character.I want you to consider this question: what do you still need to learn? What areas do I still need to grow? God will provide opportunities. Patience? Self-control? To be more loving? To be less reactionary? To learn to wait on God?Why haven't I moved to the next level? You may be where God wants you to go, because you have not sufficiently learned the necessary lessons.- Noah – 100 years to build the ark- Abraham – 25 years until his son was born- Joseph – 13 years as a slave and a prisoner- Moses - 40 years- David wait 20 years until he was king over all of Israel- Paul – 3 years in Arabia- Even Jesus waited 30 years before it was time to begin his earthly ministryJust because you aren't there yet, doesn't mean God has forgotten you, forsaken you, or given up on you. It's quite possible that you are in still in the School of Character. He may not let us move forward until we learn certain lessons.Character is developed in times of testing.How do we learn character? Character is never built in a classroom. Character is built in the circumstances of life. God builds character in our lives by allowing us to experience situations where we are tempted to do the exact opposite of the character quality. Character development always involves a choice. When we make the right choice, our character grows more like Christ. Christ-like character is the goal of the Christian life. To settle for anything less is to miss the point of spiritual growth. We are to “become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13 NIV).Today's Challenge: Consider what opportunity has God brought into your life to help you develop Christ-like character?Discussion Questions:What have you learned from recent problems or difficulties?How have you grown in Christ-like character through the things you have gone through?Where in your character do you still need to grow?Recommended Resource: Character Still Counts by James MerrittVisit the website: 5MinuteDiscipleship.comFollow on social:Facebook.com/5minutediscipleshipInstagram.com/5minutediscipleshipClick here to learn how you can start your own podcast.
Day 183 of the One Year Audio Bible Experience. Elisha performs miracles throughout Israel. Paul describes his conversion to the High Council in Jerusalem. Support the show at Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/storymaster Join our Facebook group for further discussion: https://www.facebook.com/the1yearbiblechallenge 2 Kings 4:38-44 2 Kings 5 2 Kings 6:1-23 Acts 21:27-40 Acts 22:1-22 Psalm 79:1-13 You're listening to the "Holy Bible One Year CHALLENGE" with Master Storyteller, Michael Wood. Featuring the Holy Bible Easy-to-Read version and used by permission from Bible League International --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/1yearbible/message
Day 183 of the One Year Audio Bible Experience. Elisha performs miracles throughout Israel. Paul describes his conversion to the angry mob in Jerusalem. 2 Kings 4:38-44 2 Kings 5 2 Kings 6:1-23 Acts 21:27-40 Acts 22:1-22 Psalm 79:1-13 CLICK HERE to support this podcast. Your donation will keep this podcast FREE for everyone around the world. Your support helps us add new episodes, add more music, and more voice actors! Come back to earlier episodes for a new Bible Experience! Taken from the HOLY BIBLE: EASY-TO-READ VERSION © 2014 by Bible League International and used by permission. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/1yearbible/message
One of Eastgate’s logo designs is emblazoned with the words, “A work in progress”, because that’s what we are. We haven’t arrived at what we’re aiming for, and God is still in the process of shaping and molding us into a community with purpose. That’s true of all of us who are following Christ – we’re all a work in progress. Sometimes, however, we may feel like there’s been a labor strike because nothing much seems to be happening. Progress seems to halt, we stumble back into old habits, we face setbacks. Sometimes that happens with those we love and pray for as well. It’s in those times we can be tempted to wonder if God has given up on us or those we care about.That is what’s happening in the text we’ll be reading this Sunday as we continue our study of Romans. We’ll be reading all of chapter 11. Yes, I agree, that’s a lot of verses to cover. It’s largely a review and summary though, so we’ll be able to handle it in big chunks. Paul is wrapping up his thoughts concerning Israel’s rejection of the Messiah – and in doing so, he poses questions about God rejecting Israel.What does he conclude about that question – did God reject Israel? In v1, what does he base his answer on – what proof does he highlight concerning Israel? Paul took comfort in something small compared to the majority. How can that comfort us when we are wondering if God has given up on our situation?Something else that Paul does is remind himself of the story of Elijah when he was on the run from Ahab. What does v4 remind us of concerning God’s providence?Paul then recaps his thinking through the rest of the chapter – but when using the metaphor of branches cut off of a tree and new branches grafted in, he makes a hopeful statement in v24 about the potential impermanence of Israel’s rejection of Christ. How can his hopeful statement encourage us when we feel like we have stumbled and stagnated in our own journey with God?We will deal with all the various interpretations of vs 25-26 on Sunday.The whole section of ch 9-11 has some very discouraging things to say…but all of it ends on such a hopeful note. It’s just a reminder of the truth Paul stated in chapter 8:28 – God is always at work, through all things, to bring about what’s best for us.Hopefully this will encourage you as well.
What is the relationship of non-Jewish believers to the commonwealth of Israel? Paul writes expressly to all believers to let them know that the dividing wall has come down. The removal of the wall is the finished work of Yahusha and it is our jobs, as believers, to determine what the dividing wall is and what it is not.
Why was God displeased with the Israel? Paul tells us that the thing that displeased God was their evil craving or desire. Where is you heart set?
Why was God displeased with the Israel? Paul tells us that the thing that displeased God was their evil craving or desire. Where is you heart set?
Julia Fisher talks to Paul Calvert, a young man from Cumbria now living in Israel. He describes his life there today, working to bring young Jewish and Palestinian children together, as well as working as a journalist presenting a weekly radio programme broadcast in Bethlehem. Our aim is to build bridges... To build bridges of understanding and support, in a spirit of reconciliation, between believers (both Jewish and Arab) in the Holy Land (Israel and the Palestinian Areas) and Christians worldwide. olivetreefund.org