Podcasts about jerusalem paul

How do we know what God's will is? Our Acts story continues: Paul leaves Miletus for Jerusalem and stays at the house of Philip the Evangelist. A couple days after Paul arrives at Philip's home a prophet named Agabus comes to visit Paul. Agabus takes Paul's belt, wraps it around his own hands and feet and says, “The Holy Spirit says, “In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and hand him over to the Gentiles.” The people gathered in Philip's home pleaded with Paul not to go to Jerusalem after they heard this word, but Paul responds, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart. I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Paul makes it clear that he is willing to risk his life to give glory to His Lord, Jesus Christ. In Acts 21:14, we read that when the group could not dissuade him they gave up and said, “The Lord's will be done.” The Holy Spirit had given Paul a warning through Agabus - that he would be captured by the Jewish leaders and then turned over to the Gentiles. So this is the question: Was Paul disobedient when he decided to go on to Jerusalem? Were the words of the Holy Spirit a warning to say do not go to Jerusalem or could they perhaps be words of warning meant to prepare Paul for what was coming? Could these words be asking Paul's obedience in going to Jerusalem but God in His goodness is giving Paul a heads up of what he will suffer for Christ's sake in obeying. Theologians are split on this but here are some reasons to see Paul's decision to go on to Jerusalem as being obedient. We will use Bible texts:         Acts 9:15-16 - from Paul's conversion story we hear God tell Ananias that Paul will be a chosen instrument to proclaim God's name to many and God goes on to say, “I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” Paul as Saul had caused many believers to suffer, but as a transformed believer in Jesus - Paul would come to see that suffering would come into his life over and over again. (Beaten, ship wrecks, jailed, and many more difficulties) these were all part of Paul's life. Paul understood suffering.         Acts 20:22-23 - When Paul had announced to the leaders in the Miletus meeting that it was time for him to move on, he said, “I am COMPELLED by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are ahead.” He already knew that difficulties were ahead. The Holy Spirit had already warned him, nonetheless he says he was compelled. This text speaks nothing from God about NOT going - only that ahead were hardships.         Acts 23:11 - Several chapters after today's text, Jesus speaks to Paul, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify in Rome.” These are more warning words - no correction for disobedience, but rather kindness and encouragement for Paul - Take Courage! The Lord says! These words are words of kindness to prepare Paul for what more is to come. What we can learn from Paul:         Comfort is NOT job #1. Comfort is not our primary focus.         Obedience IS job #1. We are not saved by obedience, but by the death and resurrection of Jesus our Savior. Saved by and through Him alone, by grace. However, when we know Him - we desire to follow Him. Salvation leads us to obedience.         God's glory is paramount - What matters MOST is that our glorious God receives glory in each of our lives. In thanks and gratitude for what the Savior bought for us (life forever with God) and so we give Him glory with our lives in response to His gift of salvation to us.         God's plan is incredible - our destiny is to be made new - transformed with glorified bodies with Christ forever. As a result of Paul going to Jerusalem he         WAS ACCUSED FALSELY         WAS ATTACKED         HIS LIFE WAS ALMOST TAKEN         HE WAS PUT IN CHAINS         SOME PLOTTED TO KILL HIM         HE WAS JAILED FOR 2 YEARS         THEN SENT BY SHIP BACK TO ROME AS A PRISONER TO APPEAR BEFORE THE EMPEROR But look at what happened as a result of Paul going to Jerusalem - Paul's Gospel testimony went to:         Huge temple crowds         Sanhedrin         2 governors         King Agrippa         Emperor Nero So to the question: Did Paul disobey by going to Jerusalem? Will we see the Holy Spirit warning as God's way of giving Paul the strength for what was going to happen in Jerusalem, because God wanted to use Paul's difficulties to get the Gospel message to many who otherwise may not have heard.  As Paul walked faithfully before God, God used his faith in remarkable ways.  God uses our faithful walk before Him in remarkable ways as well. Check out the video on our website https://www.awakeusnow.com/living-one Check out the video on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOwUarSm3uJrzLI4thAJNXQj Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Matthew 20.17-34. On Jesus' way to Jerusalem he predicts his death for the third and final time before being met with two very different requests; one for honour and the other for healing. In this sermon, we are invited to join Jesus on the road and to explore why he responded in the way he did to each request. 20 October 2024.

The Litmus Test in Jerusalem (Part 3) | Galatians 2:6-10 The pillars and Paul sing in unison ------------------------- Sermon Outline------------------------------- I. Paul's Third Defense: A Litmus Test in Jerusalem (2:1-10) A. The Consequent Journey to Jerusalem: Paul's Second Trip (vv. 1-2) B. The Confrontation in Jerusalem: Titus and the Test Case (vv. 3-5) C. The Confirmation in Jerusalem: Gospel of Grace Affirmed (vv. 6-9) 1. Contributing Nothing to Paul (v. 6) 2. Contrary Notions (v. 7) 3. Cooperation Among Brothers (vv. 8-9) D. The Contribution to Jerusalem: Remembering the Needy (v. 10) II. Observations A. False Teachers are Nothing New B. The Truth of the Gospel is the Central Issue of False Teaching C. There is Such a Thing as a False Christian D. Sanctified Stubbornness is a Good Thing E. It All Comes Back to the Empty Cross . . .

The Litmus Test in Jerusalem (Part 2) | Galatians 2:3-5 ------------------------- Sermon Outline------------------------------ I. Paul's Third Defense: A Litmus Test in Jerusalem (2:1-10) A. The Consequent Journey to Jerusalem: Paul's Second Trip (vv. 1-2) B. The Confrontation in Jerusalem: Titus and the Test Case (vv. 3-5) 1. Circumcision and Titus (v. 3) a. Why physical circumcision? • Circumcision served as a mark of God's covenant with Abraham • Circumcision kept Israel Separate from the pagan nations around her • Circumcision served as a reminder that sin is transmitted through the procreative act and that a blood sacrifice is needed to take away sin • Circumcision prefigured and was fulfilled in the New Covenant b. Titus and the circumcision of the heart as a test case 2. Christians In Name Only (v. 4) 3. Celebrating the Freedom of the Gospel (vv. 4-5)

The Litmus Test in Jerusalem (Part 1) | Galatians 2:1-2 The Pillars and Paul sing in unison! ------------------------- Sermon Outline------------------------------- I. Paul's Third Defense: A Litmus Test in Jerusalem (2:1-10) A. The Consequent Journey to Jerusalem: Paul's Second Trip (vv. 1-2) 1. When was the trip? (v. 1a) 2. Who went? (v. 1b) 3. Why did they go? (v. 2a) 4. What happened? (v. 2b) 5. Where did it happen? (v. 2b) 6. What was Paul's concern? (v. 2c)

Here's the discussion in this episode:  Paul travels to Assos by foot, which is notoriously difficult road to travel The team sails to Miletus, past Ephesus Paul sends for the Ephesian elders to say goodbye forever Was Paul a humble man? A discussion of 1 Corinthians 11:1 where Paul tells people to imitate him The Holy Spirit was compelling Paul to go to Jerusalem Paul knew he might die in Jerusalem   Be sure to click every link for the full P40 experience: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries  Website - https://www.p40ministries.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p40ministries  Contact - jenn@p40ministries.com  Books - https://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Kokal/e/B095JCRNHY/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk  Merch - https://www.p40ministries.com/shop  YouVersion - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/38267-out-of-the-mire-trusting-god-in-the-middle    This ministry is only made possible due to your generous support https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries   Support babies and get quality coffee with Seven Weeks Coffee  https://sevenweekscoffee.com/?ref=P40

From Plato to Aristotle, Greek philosophy posits a transcendent view of reality often not appreciated by contemporary Christians living after modernism. But transcendence in Greek thought was not lost on the biblical authors. Narratives such as John 1 and Acts 17 reveal that the biblical authors understood and critically appropriated classical Greek philosophy into their… Download Audio

A Christadelphian Video: Description: The battle of Armageddon will take place after the return of the Lord Jesus Christ to the earth. Gog and his armies will gather in the valley of Jerusalem where they will be destroyed miraculously by Christ and his saints. Christ will then set up God's Kingdom on earth. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/christadelphians-talk/message

ACTS of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is the central figure in the Book of Acts. This wonderful book not only reveals the beginnings of the early Church, it uncovers how the early believers triumphed in the face of bitter persecution. From their example, we learn how to share with those who have not yet trusted Christ as their Savior and how to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit.Lesson 16Acts 21:31-23:30. As the Prophet Agabus had predicted, upon arriving in Jerusalem Paul was seized by the Jewish authorities and handed over to the Romans, but the Lord stood near Paul and told him to “take courage". God's plan for His Apostle was not yet complete!

To the Ends of the Earth - A Study Through Acts || Paul continues his journey to Jerusalem, remaining resolved to go there, despite the intense protest he received from his friends. Upon arriving in Jerusalem Paul is arrested. Paul's arrest reminds us living for God's glory and trusting the Holy Spirit are both necessary parts of faithful discipleship.

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The Conspiracy and Politics V. 1-12 Note: The plot from 2 years ago is still in play e.g. "kill Paul". The Sanhedrin is now in on the plot Festus refused the request to let Paul go to Jerusalem and told the leaders to press their charges in Caesarea In Caesarea, the Jews stood around Paul and brought many charges against him, but could not prove any of them Paul's defense was simple and straight to the point v. 8 Festus wanted to do the Jew a favor so he asked Paul if he was willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there before Festus Paul affirms his not guilty plea and asks as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar After conferring with the council, Festus the order to go before Caesar Paul knew that the Lord wanted him to go to Rome (Acts 23:11) Paul's only interest was that the person and work of Jesus Christ would be glorified through this very difficult time This took the case completely out of the hands of the Jews and this made them even more angry The Consultation v. 13-22 Now Festus had another problem e.g. on what legitimate charges does he bring Paul before Nero King Herod Agrippa and Herod's sister came to pay respects to Festus Festus used this visit as an opportunity to discuss Paul's case with Agrippa Festus recaps the case Festus wanted Paul's accuses to face him Festus said there was no crime after a hearing, but it was a dispute about their own religion about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive Agrippa agreed to heard the matter himself The Findings Thus Far v.23-27 The very next day, with much pomp King Agrippa and Bernice entered the audience room with high ranking military officials and the prominent men of the city. Festus briefly outlines the case v. 24 Festus says Paul has done nothing to deserve death Festus wants to specify charges against Paul and is asking for Agrippa's help Note: Jesus told Paul many years before that he would share the gospel with Gentiles and kings (Acts 9:15) Agrippa was an expert in Jewish matters Paul's Defense 26:1-29 Paul acknowledges Agrippa's expertise in the Jewish customs and controversies and pleas with Agrippa to listen to Paul's defense patiently The honest testimony of a man saved by God's grace Paul's life was transparent even from his childhood in his own country and Jerusalem Paul is a Pharisee e.g. conformed to strictest sect of Judaism v. 4-8 Paul states that he is on trial now because of what God has promised his ancestors The promise of the Messiah The resurrection e.g. the God raises the dead Paul persecuted the church v.9 He fully opposed the name of Jesus of Nazareth v. 9-11 Paul saw the light v. 12-14 Paul asks a key question, "Who are you Lord?" He recounts his encounter with Jesus His commission The transforming gospel of Jesus' love and grace Salvation by faith alone Paul was transformed by grace and lovingly obedient to His Savior v. 15-23 Transformed by grace, not conformed From persecutor to a loving servant of Christ He preached the simple gospel of faith and repentance God has been with Paul to this very day Paul answers Festus' interruption Paul said the truth and his faith is reasonable v. 25 Even the king knows that this is a reasonable faith This was all done with complete transparency Paul asks Agrippa a key question "King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? The king's answer and Paul's heart v. 28-32 Agrippa asks a question Paul's reply show his heart and motives His desire that everyone respond to the gospel of Christ Agrippa's conclusion v. 30-32 Closing: As you and I share the gospel, there will be people who oppose the message and Christ. It could be a family member, friend, educator, and others. We must remember: Christ died for sinners All sinner need a Savior A Christian worldview will class with all other worldviews Suffering is part of serving Christ View an adversary through Jesus' eyes...a sinner in need of a Savior So, this morning I ask you, what do you think of Paul's testimony? What will your response be to such a great salvation made possible through the Person and works of Jesus Christ? Perhaps this morning, we needed a refresher of what a great Savior we have

Episódio do dia 30/07/2021, com o tema: Série especial - 10 maiores álbuns internacionais de louvor e adoração - 6º. Lugar - Shalom Jerusalem - Paul Wilbur Apresentação: Renato Marinoni. Convidado: Paul Wilbur, compositor e líder de louvor mundialmente conhecido por suas canções messiânicas de adoração. Dando continuidade à série de conversas sobre os 10 álbuns de louvor mais importantes da história da música cristã, Renato Marinoni recebe o renomado líder de louvor Paul Wilbur, que marcou a música cristã no mundo com o álbum "Shalom Jerusalém" com canções no estilo judaico falando sobre o Messias Jesus Cristo. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While in Jerusalem Paul is seized by a crowd in the temple accusing him of rejecting the law of Moses. He makes his case in Aramaic as a former Pharisee. His makes his case to the Roman military by revealing his Roman citizenship--an appeal to the laws of the state spare him in that moment.

On Monday, I lost my place in the middle of a sentence. Just right there in the middle of a conversation and…zip! No idea where I was going. It wasn't the first time. On Tuesday, I was driving to the church, and was halfway there before I realized that I had forgotten my church keys, so I turned around and drove back to get them. On the way to the church the second time, I realized that I had forgotten a mask, so I turned around again. On Wednesday, I was reading a book for a study group and had to re-read the same page three times. I find that it has taken me much longer to read things, and when I do, I retain much less information. On Thursday, I thought it was Friday. I got ready to do some of my Friday things, before someone had to tell me that it was time for the Thursday things instead…since it was Thursday. On Friday (the actual Friday), I realized that for the third week in a row, my to-do list was woefully unaccomplished. My list of phone calls to make, projects to finish, and emails to return seemed as full as when I wrote it down in the first place. At the end of the week, I asked how it was that even now, as we are starting to move back into something that feels like normal, I still can't get my act together. I am still as captured by inefficiency as I was when the pandemic began, or in the middle of it. Shouldn't I have figured this stuff out by now? What's wrong with me?   It turns out that it's actually what's wrong with all of us. Krista Tippett, in her popular radio show and podcast On Being, has talked about this question recently. She interviewed Christine Runyan, a clinical psychologist about the ways that our brains and our bodies are reacting to global pandemic. In short, our nervous systems are breaking. The human nervous system is designed to kick into reaction mode, often called “Fight/Flight” mode, when presented with a dangerous stimulus. Runyan suggests that this is good and healthy and exactly what keeps us alive as a species. But, the Fight/Flight level of nervous system arousal is not something we are supposed to do for 14 months in a row! But we have. Even if it doesn't seem like we have been in panic level reactivity that long, our brains think that we have. Runyan suggests that even when we do things to numb ourselves to that emotional chaos—turn to alcohol or drugs or Netflix—our brains are still in high arousal. We are still in active “flight” response. The neurotransmitters and hormones in our brains and bodies are still firing on all cylinders, even as we binge our favorite TV show with a glass of wine. Runyan suggests that our response to this is often to ask the question that I asked myself last week: “What's wrong with me?” Like I am the only one dealing with this, and am somehow the only one in the world who cannot get my act together? But Runyan says that this response of the brain is normal and predictable to a “species-level trauma” like what we are experiencing. When this happens to our brains, predictable behavior includes memory problems, short fuses, fractured productivity, and sudden drops into despair. Like my week last week. And most of our weeks…every single week.  And this “what's wrong with me” feeling is exacerbated by the fact that we are getting vaccinated and are supposed to be normalizing our behavior.  Life is supposed to be getting back to normal, and when we don't feel normal, it feels like it's our fault. We beat ourselves up, and blame ourselves, and tell ourselves we'll do better next week! Or sometimes, to make ourselves feel better, we find someone to blame. Our brain's natural response of “what's wrong with me?” turns into “what's wrong with all of those people?” We find ourselves even more galvanized and isolated and afraid and angry.   “All right preacher, so how in the world does that have anything to do with the book of Galatians?” More than you might realize. Last week, we read in the book of Acts how the church leaders in Jerusalem—Paul, Barnabas, Peter, James—were all of one accord regarding the welcoming of Gentile Jews into the Church. Well, Galatians tells a different story. Either Luke paints a bit rosier picture than Paul does in his letter to the church in Galatia, or that “one accord” lasted about 15 minutes. Because it seems that after that unity and accord, the “insiders” from last week—remember the “certain individuals” from Acts 15?—did not go away. These Christians who insisted that everyone live by their own rigid rules of circumcision and dietary law and worship? Last week, we read that they had been messing around with Paul's congregation in Antioch, which led to last week's council in Jerusalem, to figure out what to do with these “insider problem-creators.” Apparently their solution didn't work, at least not in Paul's eyes, because these folks continued to make the rounds to all of Paul's churches, and tell the Gentile Christians there that they were doing it all wrong. Of course, Paul is livid that these people are doing this. But perhaps he is even angrier at the leaders of the Church, including Peter and James, who Paul feels like are going back on their decision. In fact, in one instance, Peter visits one of these churches, and refuses to eat with the Gentile Christians who are not observing strict dietary laws. Paul blows up. This is cutting off at the knees both his ministry and his message. Now, he has to write this letter to the Galatians to tell them why he is personally authoritative in these matters, and give them a theological case for inclusion…again. Which is what we read here in chapter two. Paul is making the argument for a big tent inclusion of Gentiles. Ironically, this passage is often used to practice exclusion—specifically exclusion of Jewish people. This passage has been used for some really violent anti-Semitism.  Christians have read these words and said, “Look how wrong Jews are…Paul's practice of his Jewish faith was rigid and exclusive, so all Jews must be the same…all Jews must be bad!” But let me argue that it seems like Paul's point here is not an inter-religious one, but a psychological one. Paul seems to be saying that any of us, Jews or Christians, are often guilty of prioritizing our own efforts before the work of a gracious God. Jewish prophets lamented the fact that Jews were doing it with their worship practices (Amos quotes God: “I hate…I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them…. And Micah asks, “Would the Lord be please with thousands of rams and 10,000 rivers of oil?”) Paul, now in Galatians, is lamenting the fact that Jewish Christians were doing it with their insistence on human actions, such as circumcision and dietary restrictions. I propose that if Paul were to walk into our churches today, he would lament that we do the same thing, with our assumptions that praying the right prayer in the right way, or showing up enough Sundays to church, is what brings us into loving relationship with God. Paul would be just as livid with us when we make our actions salvific.   But in Galatians, Paul says that when we focus on our actions, instead of God's in Christ, we make Jesus' life and death and resurrection irrelevant. Because we are saying—implicitly if not explicitly—that our actions are really what make God love us. Our behavior or our decision is what brings us into loving relationship with Jesus. Paul's point, loud and clear to Peter and James and the church at Galatia, is this: “it's not up to us. God's grace is all we need.” Now, I'll be honest: this is a tough one for me. I have shared before that I am what I call a “recovering perfectionist.”  Because, deep down, I need to know that my actions solve all the problems of the world. Anyone else with me? But Paul —according to some a recovering perfectionist in his own right—is saying that our actions, our words, even our prayers, don't fix the world. That's God's job. And Paul is saying here that when we allow proponents of works righteousness—of any creed or brand or tribe—to talk us back into this perfectionism—regardless of what law we use—then we have said that the death and resurrection of Jesus is null and void. The point that Paul is making is not that all Christians get it right and that all Jews get it wrong. It is a psychological point that any people who say that they are committed to a God of grace should act like it. Not keep score, or bow to the “watchdogs” that Paul talks about. Live life like we were created to be recipients of grace. In short, Paul takes eleven verses to say one simple thing, summarized by author Philip Yancey: “Grace means there is nothing we can do to make God love us more… And grace means there is nothing we can do to make God love us less.” Let me say that again: “Grace means there is nothing we can do to make God love us more… And grace means there is nothing we can do to make God love us less.” Let me say it one more time, because there is nothing more important that I can say today: “Grace means there is nothing we can do to make God love us more… And grace means there is nothing we can do to make God love us less.”   So, friends, in the midst of a global pandemic, hear me loud and clear. In a world that constantly makes us ask the question “what's wrong with me?”… In a world that turns our nervous systems into scrambled eggs and regularly makes us doubt our worthiness… In a world that demands that we live up to a standard of perfection that is constantly changing, exacerbating our doubt and shame… In a world that is galvanized and splintered and suspicious of the “other,” whoever the other is… …Paul's words echo through the generations: (we are) “set right before God by trusting in the Messiah, not by trying to be good.” “nothing we can do…” That's really all there is to be said. After Krista Tippet and Christine Runyan spent a half an hour talking about how the pandemic is making us all feel like we are doing it all wrong, Runyan turned to the topic of grace. Runyan is not a theologian, nor is she a preacher. But it is fascinating that the clinical perspectives that she shares sound a lot like Paul's message to the Galatians. She doesn't bring up Jesus, or explicitly theological language, but she says that our brains and our bodies are programmed to be recipients and conveyors of grace. This is how we were created. Which is what Paul wrote, 1900 years before Sigmund Freud was born or modern psychology was a thing. We are created to be God's children. We are created to receive grace. We are created to give ourselves and one another grace.   So, let me end today a little differently, with one of Dr. Runyan's suggestions for re-centering during these scattered days. She doesn't describe it as such, but it felt to me like an invitation to prayer. Whether you are at home in your comfy chair, or here in the sanctuary in-person, I invite you to take a moment to pray. Dr. Runyan says that some of this stuff sounds pretty new-agey or “foo foo,” but there is hard science behind it. And, I would add, good theology. So, now I invite you to bring your soul and your body and your mind into a place to receive God's grace. First, sit in the chair so that you can put your feet flat on the floor. You might close your eyes to shut out distractions, but you don't have to. Make sure especially that your heels touch the floor. Runyan says that the posture of the pandemic has been to be on our toes, ready to jump. This is the posture of fight or flight. But now, allow your whole feet, including your heels, to press to the floor. To sit in that stability. In Runyan's words, feel yourself in the seat, “being held.” Imagine your body and soul held by God. Now, place your hand on your heart. While many of us miss the hugs and physical touch, we can stay connected to our selves and our Creator by feeling the warmth and the beating of our hearts. Hold it there for a few moments, as you notice your breath. Feel the lifeblood of your Creator coursing through your body. Finally, exhale. Runyan and other brain scientists suggest that in panic, we inhale, but sometimes forget to exhale. A long, slow, exhale is a way of emptying the body and soul of the panic and the anger and the frustration that many of us feel. Breathe in as needed, but focus on that slow exhale. Quietly now, return to the room. Do this exercise again, as needed. As a prayer to the One who created you. As a reminder that you are held. That you are loved. That you are created to receive grace.

In Acts 21 we find Paul and the church in Jerusalem trying to be as accommodating as possible, but nothing will avail. Paul is arrested, in line with the prophecies to the effect that he would be seized and bound (Acts 21:4, 11). Note:(1) This is one of the “we” passages in Acts (Acts 21:1, 17). On the face of it, Luke the author is at this point traveling with Paul and is a witness to the events described here. That is worth noting, because many critics find these events completely unbelievable.(2) The church and its leaders warmly receive Paul and his reports of gospel fruitfulness among the Gentiles. This is entirely in line with their earlier delight when Paul reported many Gentile conversions (e.g., Acts 15). In other words, experiences in Samaria (Acts 8) and Peter’s visit with Cornelius and his household (Acts 10–11) have prepared the church to delight in the manifest progress of the Gospel among the Gentiles.(3) Nevertheless, the leaders are painfully aware that substantial numbers of conservative Jews are out to get Paul. They have heard that he is counseling “all” the Jews in the Diaspora not to circumcise their children or follow the Law of Moses (Acts 21:21). So they devise a plan to help him regain a reputation for observing conservatism (Acts 21:23–24). “Then everybody will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law” (Acts 21:24).It is this passage that is especially controverted, for does not Paul himself say that he is flexible on such matters (1 Cor. 9:19–23; Gal.)? Yet before we write off the Jerusalem elders and Paul himself for massive inconsistency, or Luke for making up stories, observe: (a) The initial charge is that Paul exhorts all Jews in the Diaspora to abandon circumcision and the Law of Moses. That he does not do. He refuses to allow circumcision and kosher observance to become a test of spirituality, but he does not advocate universal abandonment of the Law. He himself circumcised Timothy to advance the communication of the Gospel. (b) One suspects that the biggest fear of some conservative Jews was that Paul would desecrate the temple (Acts 21:27–29). The elders therefore sought to show that while he was in Jerusalem Paul was a carefully observant Jew, even paying for the temple purification rites of others. After all, neither Paul nor the Jerusalem leaders imposed full observance on all Christian believers (Acts 21:25; cf. Acts 15; see vol. 1, meditation for July 28).So in the providence of God, Paul is arrested. Thus he arrives, for the first time, in Rome, and the gospel is heard in Caesar’s courts. This podcast is designed to be used alongside TGC's Read The Bible initiative (TGC.org/readthebible). The podcast features devotional commentaries from D.A. Carson’s book For the Love of God (vol. 2) that follow the M’Cheyne Bible reading plan.

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.This lesson covers the final 5 apostles -- previous podcasts covered the first 7 plus Paul. Note: While we covered Judas Iscariot, we did not discuss Matthias (Acts 1:13,26), who was Judas' replacement. Click here for more on this somewhat obscure addition to the apostolic band. 1. Matthew (Levi)Matthew is mentioned in Matthew 9:9 and 10:3, and comes from Capernaum. His other name is Levi, son of Alpheus (Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27). Matthew collected taxes for Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee. He may have been despised as a collaborator, but his willingness to follow Christ shows his heart was good. As a tax collector he would have been literate in both Aramaic and Greek, in addition to being good with numbers. We actually know more about Zacchaeus (Luke 19), another tax collector in the first century.2. Bartholomew (Nathanael)In the synoptic gospels, Philip and Bartholomew are mentioned together; in John, it's Philip and Nathanael. Thus we can equate Bartholomew with Nathanael. We encounter this direct and honest man in John 1:43-51, 21:2. Despite his initial skepticism, he quickly came to faith once he began to interact with Jesus.3. Simon the ZealotSome ancient church fathers thought he was Simon the Canaanite (Hebrew qana' = be zealous). We find him in Luke 6:15 and Acts 1:13, though little is known about him. If "zealot" was not a description of his personality or Christian commitment, then perhaps he was part of the first-century extreme political faction, the Zealots.4. James the Younger (James son of Alphaeus)This apostle was son of the other Mary, wife of Clopas (Cleopas). There is little information on this man5. Thaddaeus (the other Judas)Thaddaeus was Lebbaeus, in some manuscripts of Matthew 10:3. He was also called Judas son of James (John 14:22), known as St. Jude by the Catholics. He preached in Syria, launching the Christian movement east of Palestine, which led to the Church of the East. This Christian movement evangelized Syria, Persia, China, Mongolia, and other lands. It was a persecuted people, for the Church of the East never became political, or a state church. Eusebius (church historian at the court of Constantine, early 4th century AD), wrote "Thomas, one of the twelve apostles, under divine impulse sent Thaddeus, who was also numbered among the seventy disciples of Christ, to Edessa, as a preacher and evangelist of the teaching of Christ" (Church History I, xiii), Thaddaeus was martyred about 65 AD. Some things we learn from these 5 apostles Be willing to take the gospel into all the world; either "go and grow," or "stay and pay."There is a high price to be paid for leadership.Be careful not to judge people for their former political associations.Authenticity -- from Nathanael (Bartholomew) -- doesn't mean one has to remain a skeptic, or take forever to make a decision of faith.Apostles and MartyrdomHippolytus, a disciple of Irenaeus (2nd/3rd century AD), provides information about the deaths of the apostles, and may contain some true history. These stories should definitely be taken with a grain of salt. The 8 apostles Hippolytus says were martyred are marked with the sign +.+Peter -- preached in Asia Minor and Italy, crucified upside down in Rome+Andrew --  preached to Scythians and Thracians, then crucified on an olive tree in AchaiaJohn -- banished to Patmos, dying in the time of Trajan (emperor 98-117)+James -- beheaded by Herod the Tetrarch in Judea (Acts 12)+Philip -- preached in Phrygia, crucified upside-down in Hierapolis+Bartholomew -- preached to Indians, and crucified upside-down, and buried in ArmeniaMatthew -- died in Parthia+Thomas -- preached to Medes, Parthians, Persians, and others, speared to death with a spear of pine wood in India+James son of Alphaeus -- stoned to death while preaching in JerusalemJude (also called Lebbaeus) -- preached in Syria and MesopotamiaSimon the Zealot (also called Jude) -- died in JerusalemMatthias -- died in Jerusalem+Paul -- beheaded in Rome

Acts 21:1-15 From the very inception of Paul’s call to faith, there on that dusty Damascene road; this former persecutor of those who followed the Way was himself shown by the Lord “...how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake” (Acts 9:16).  The legacy of this man’s life was nothing short of faithfulness unto the Lord.  He was sold out to Christ with a one-track mind to finish the course appointed him. During his third missionary journey, Paul received a number of prophetic warnings from multiple sources, all confirming the same thing that bonds and afflictions awaited him upon his return to Jerusalem.  Many pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem so as to spare him from the danger that awaited him there.  Paul’s response was decisive and final…he’d purposed to go up to Jerusalem and to there finish the course appointed Him by the Lord!  May the Lord grant us such faithful unswerving conviction to ever do what is right by our God no matter what the cost!

“Paul is Arrested in Jerusalem, Paul Addresses the Jews (Acts 21:26-22:5)” from The Book of Acts – God’s Revelation of Transition by Dr. Randy White. Released: 2020. Track 68. Genre: Speech. Additional Materials: ( Outline | Video | Website | YouTubeChannel | ZoHo ) The post Paul is Arrested in Jerusalem, Paul Addresses the Jews (Acts 21:26-22:5) appeared first on RWM Podcasts.

Wanting to be in Jerusalem for pentecost, Paul would not spend time in Asia.

“Kingdom Come” Sermon on the Mount Series: Seventh Lesson “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matt 5:9 QUESTION: What impact is the series having on your faith so far? Peacemakers: Not appeasers Not peacekeepers QUESTION: “What is the difference between peacekeeping and peacemaking?” 1. Peacemaking in the Bible God Sending his prophets, the ‘covenant-enforcers’ Bringing his people back, Zech 8.8, 10.10 (search “bring them back” and similar phrases) Jesus From enemies to friends: Eph 2.11-22, Col 1:20.  Peter’s restoration: Matt 26.74, Luke 22.32, John 21. Paul Corinth: Starts church (Acts 18); Sends a letter (lost, 1 Cor 5.9); Chloe writes to say all is not well (1 Cor 1.11; 7:1); Paul sends Timothy with a letter (1 Corinthians 4:17; 16:10); Paul visits (2 Corinthians 2:1; 12:14); Paul sends Titus with a letter (lost, 2 Corinthians 2:4, 12ff; 7:5-8); Paul sends another letter (2 Corinthians); On his way to Jerusalem Paul visits Corinth (Achaia) to collect money for poor Christians in Judaea (Rom 15.25-27). Philemon: Case study for personal study. 2. Peacemaking in life [See the more extended notes in the additional handout for this verse] It’s costly  Time: listening to people Energy: physical, emotional Spiritually: prayer It’s worth it  God at work creating something beautiful Rewards of becoming more like Jesus QUESTION: “What situations has God provided in which you could act as a peacemaker?” “Both for people to find peace with God, and for people to find peace with one another?” How can you develop a peacemaking spirit? Reflect on the peace you have with God, Matthew 18.21-35. Pray the beatitudes. QUESTION: How will this verse affect the way you live this week? Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org (mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org) . If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org (http://www.malcolmcox.org/) . Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) God bless, Malcolm PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool" (https://dqzrr9k4bjpzk.cloudfront.net/images/9167082/379662794.jpg) , a devotional look at the Gospel of John mccx, Malcolm Cox, Watford, Croxley Green, teaching, preaching, spiritual disciplines, public speaking, corporate worship, Sunday Sample, Corporate Worship Matters, Tuesday Teaching Tips, Quiet Time Coaching, coaching, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox, 

“Kingdom Come” Sermon on the Mount Series: Seventh Lesson “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matt 5:9 QUESTION: What impact is the series having on your faith so far? Peacemakers: Not appeasers Not peacekeepers QUESTION: “What is the difference between peacekeeping and peacemaking?” 1. Peacemaking in the Bible God Sending his prophets, the ‘covenant-enforcers’ Bringing his people back, Zech 8.8, 10.10 (search “bring them back” and similar phrases) Jesus From enemies to friends: Eph 2.11-22, Col 1:20. Peter’s restoration: Matt 26.74, Luke 22.32, John 21. Paul Corinth: Starts church (Acts 18); Sends a letter (lost, 1 Cor 5.9); Chloe writes to say all is not well (1 Cor 1.11; 7:1); Paul sends Timothy with a letter (1 Corinthians 4:17; 16:10); Paul visits (2 Corinthians 2:1; 12:14); Paul sends Titus with a letter (lost, 2 Corinthians 2:4, 12ff; 7:5-8); Paul sends another letter (2 Corinthians); On his way to Jerusalem Paul visits Corinth (Achaia) to collect money for poor Christians in Judaea (Rom 15.25-27). Philemon: Case study for personal study. 2. Peacemaking in life [See the more extended notes in the additional handout for this verse] It’s costlyTime: listening to people Energy: physical, emotional Spiritually: prayer It’s worth itGod at work creating something beautiful Rewards of becoming more like Jesus QUESTION: “What situations has God provided in which you could act as a peacemaker?” “Both for people to find peace with God, and for people to find peace with one another?” How can you develop a peacemaking spirit? Reflect on the peace you have with God, Matthew 18.21-35. Pray the beatitudes. QUESTION: How will this verse affect the way you live this week? Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.tvcoc.org.    Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.    Do you have a question about the Bible or the Christian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: tvcochrist@gmail.com.   Thanks again for listening. Have a super day.   God bless,   Malcolm   Reading, tvcoc, Thames Valley churches of Christ, ICOC, Tim Dannatt, Malcolm Cox, ICCM, Lower Earley, Wokingham, Southampton, Beaconsfield, Oxford, Banbury, Deepcut, Frimley, Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Bracknell, Shevvy Dannatt, Churches of Christ, Christian churches near me, International church, churches close to me, Thames Valley, Thames Valley location, Thames Valley church of Christ, the Thames Valley,

The Jerusalem Council — Acts 15:1-6 Review: Paul’s first missionary journey Circumcision controversy in Antioch Instigators from Jerusalem Paul and Barnabas debate Antioch sends emissaries to Jerusalem including Paul & Barnabas Visiting churches along the way The counsel in Jerusalem Framing the debate Achieving unity The importance of circumcision Gen. 17:9-14, Deut. 30:6, Jer. 9:25-26 Circumcision of the flesh Circumcision of the heart Peter’s speech Acts 15:7-11 The witness of the Holy Spirit Add no burdens to the gentiles A better way to salvation A common salvation for gentiles and Jews James’ speech Acts 15:16-21 The Lord keeping His promises Add no burdens to gentiles Not required to keep the law A bridge between Jews and Gentiles The importance of the law Deut. 28:58-63 Setting the law aside Emissaries to Antioch including Paul and Barnabas The letter Acts 15:23-29 The prologue Church councils: Nicea (325) Jesus fully God Constantinople (381) Holy Spirit fully God, Trinity settled Ephesus (431) Jesus fully God and fully man, man born sinful Chalcedon (451) Jesus human and God natures distinct Reformed confessions

Kingdoms in ConflictActs 18:23-21:14The Church was characterized by JOY, SIMPLICITY, and UNITY. Paul is committed to strengthening the Church and sets out on a third missionary journey that takes him to Ephesus, where he invests three years in a teaching ministry that greatly multiplies the Church in the Roman province of Asia. Before sailing to Jerusalem Paul visits the Churches in Greece and says farewell to the Ephesus elders in Miletus.It is noteworthy that Dr. Luke chooses to focus particularly on the Word of the Lord and the Name of the Lord.Chapter 19 unfolds the following elements in Paul's ministry: Regular Bible teaching, Religious Superstition and Radical Conversions. This is going to be my outline this morning.Regular Bible Teaching [19:1-10]The passage opens with the account of twelve disciples of John the Baptist. Paul asks them an unexpected question. Unexpected, because we don't ask this of people today: “Do you have the Holy Spirit?” For Paul this may have been a litmus test for Jewish converts and to the Jew the question might sound a bit more like: “Have you partaken of the New Covenant?” The Holy Spirit is the promised seal… that's what Paul writes in Ephesians 1: In him [Christ] you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. (1:13-14) They do not know of the Spirit and have believed an incomplete gospel. He corrects their hope and directs them to Christ. They believe and are re-baptized in the Name of Christ and the signs of Acts 2, 8 and 10 accompany the baptism of the Holy Spirit.Why did this happen? There are many explanations, but they all boil down to: confirming John the Baptist as the forerunner to Christ, confirming Paul as an Apostle of Christ, and confirming the faith of these believing Jews - far away from Jerusalem. (cf. Acts 1:8) This is the last time that these signs appear in the book of Acts.Paul evangelizes the synagogue - as is his habit - for three months. They eventually harden their hearts and so Paul opens up shop in the hall of Tyrannus and teaches daily for two years.We trace many responses to the gospel in chapter 19.> There is proper faith in the proper person, leading to a proper baptism (1-7)> There is a hardening, followed by disobedience to the Word and a critical heart that speaks disparagingly of the “way”. (8-9)> There is the syncretism of the Ephesian people, specifically seven Jewish exorcists that incorporate Jesus' name into their demonism without believing in Christ themselves. (13)> There is fear, leading to faith, resulting in confession and a radical departure from their old ways. (17-19)> There is religious fanaticism that is driven by economic motives. (24-40)Paul also provides a pattern for these believers to follow. In his farewell to the elders in chapter 21, he discusses how he ministered among them - carefully, lovingly, firmly.Religious Superstition [19:11-17]Chapter 19 also presents us with interesting and relatively inexplicable events. Towels that heal and demons that beat up charletains. So what do we do with these events? First of all, Luke calls it “extraordinary”, which is just a but more specific in the original Greek: “not the usual”. What is described here is certainly not normal and should not be something we except in any way, shape, or form. Furthermore, it is God that does this… he is the subject of the sentence. He chooses to use the superstition of the day (rags contain healing powers) to show the strength of the Name of Christ. In a heathen culture stooped in magic and demon worship, Christ's Name is shown to be strongest.The text also speaks negatively of the practice of speaking to demons - this is the only place where such a practice is described and it is by unbelieving Jewish demonizers. The result? Fear in the region, which leads to faith among many.A sidenote… nowhere in Scripture are we commanded to speak to demons, name demons, or bind demons. When the apostles encounter demons they command them to leave (with the simplest term for going away or travel). They do not have conversations with them. Not even Christ even really speaks with demons… He commands their silence. Once He asks for a name and gets a number. The Scriptural pattern for our dealing with Satan is to resist him (1 Peter 5), which is in the context of submitting to God. We don't speak to demons… we speak to God.The text describes how the people abandon their superstitions and burn their books. All of these things lead to a major uproar as Demetrius leads the people to re-commit to Artemis, chanting “Great is Artemis” for two hours in the grand theater.Radical Conversions [19:18-20]This passage reveals many radical decisions for Christ. The disciples of John that have their faith completed and get baptized again in order to identify their faith with Christ. The Ephesians come to faith in Christ and leave behind their old practices - even burning their books of incantations. The impact of Christians in the area is radical in that it leads to a civil unrest. This truly speaks of kingdoms in conflict. Satan loses a foothold here… a major magic-religion is feeling the pressure of the Name of Christ and the Word of Christ… and it is verse 20 that explains it all: So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.And this is where I bring our application to us… This Church in Ephesus - according to Revelation and Colossians - spawns seven Churches… this Church multiplies in the region.Are we a Church that multiplies? Do you consider your mandate to live out your faith?

While in Jerusalem Paul speaks with James the brother of Jesus and then leaves. He continues to preach and people are hearing about Paul's message

While in Jerusalem Paul speaks with James the brother of Jesus and then leaves. He continues to preach and people are hearing about Paul's message

Series THE BOOK OF ACTS with Pastor Kurt Piesslinger, M.A. 5.THE CONVERSION OF PAUL First an incorrigible opponent, then the greatest of all the apostles. What a story! Come with me to meet Saul of Tarsus on his way to Damascus. Memory Text: Acts 9,15 - Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 5.5 Return to Jerusalem Paul experiences mistrust on all sides. My God bless you today and always. For video recording : vimeo.com/282671347

In this sermon, we hear of what drove Paul to transition in his ministry

For two chapters we have followed Paul as he journeyed toward Jerusalem. Now he has arrived and as the Spirit had warned him, he was met by opposition. In this message we hear Paul's defense against those who would have him dead.

Children’s Bible Reader, part thirty-nine, 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "Paul travels from place to place" "Paul comes to Athens" "Paul returns to Jerusalem" "Paul is arrested"