POPULARITY
6 episodes with Straight Street
5 episodes with Straight Street
4 episodes with Straight Street
3 episodes with Straight Street
3 episodes with Straight Street
4 episodes with Straight Street
2 episodes with Straight Street
2 episodes with Straight Street
2 episodes with Straight Street
At Bethany, We are God's People who are: Gathered! Connected! Sent!We want to connect with you through this Podcast! Leave us a comment! Tell us where you are at! Leave a Review to help our audience grow!---May 4, 2025 -- Rev. Arthur Rickman -- "Go Cast Your Net" -- Acts 9:1-22(9) Saul kept threatening to murder the Lord's disciples. He went to the chief priest 2 and asked him to write letters of authorization to the synagogue leaders in the city of Damascus. Saul wanted to arrest any man or woman who followed the way of Christ and imprison them in Jerusalem. 3 As Saul was coming near the city of Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” 5 Saul asked, “Who are you, sir?” The person replied, “I'm Jesus, the one you're persecuting. 6 Get up! Go into the city, and you'll be told what you should do.” 7 Meanwhile, the men traveling with him were speechless. They heard the voice but didn't see anyone. 8 Saul was helped up from the ground. When he opened his eyes, he was blind. So his companions led him into Damascus. 9 For three days he couldn't see and didn't eat or drink. 10 A disciple named Ananias lived in the city of Damascus. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias!” Ananias answered, “Yes, Lord.” 11 The Lord told him, “Get up! Go to Judas' house on Straight Street, and ask for a man named Saul from the city of Tarsus. He's praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias place his hands on him to restore his sight.” 13 Ananias replied, “Lord, I've heard a lot of people tell about the many evil things this man has done to your people in Jerusalem. 14 Saul has come here to Damascus with authority from the chief priests to put anyone who calls on your name in prison.” 15 The Lord told Ananias, “Go! I've chosen this man to bring my name to nations, to kings, and to the people of Israel. 16 I'll show him how much he has to suffer for the sake of my name.” 17 Ananias left and entered Judas' house. After he placed his hands on Saul, Ananias said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way to Damascus, sent me to you. He wants you to see again and to be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like fish scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. Then Saul stood up and was baptized. 19 After he had something to eat, his strength came back to him. Saul was with the disciples in the city of Damascus for several days. 20 He immediately began to spread the word in their synagogues that Jesus was the Son of God. 21 Everyone who heard him was amazed. They asked, “Isn't this the man who destroyed those who worshiped the one named Jesus in Jerusalem? Didn't he come here to take these worshipers as prisoners to the chief priests in Jerusalem?” 22 Saul grew more powerful, and he confused the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Messiah.http://www.bethanylutheran.orghttp://www.facebook.com/Bethany.Long.Beachwww.youtube.com/c/BethanyLutheranLongBeach
Derby Day with a Purpose -- May 10th! What if your Saturday brunch could help rescue women from exploitation and feed hundreds of families in our community? Join Straight Street Ministry for their 4th Annual Derby Day Fundraiser -- a Kentucky Derby-themed event supporting life-changing programs like Beautiful Feet, Backpack Love, and Street Impact. […]
Acts 9:1-19 Saul's Conversion 9 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. 10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. 11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” 13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” 17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
Ever heard of a story where the main point of the story is given right from the very beginning?This is how the parable of the Persistent Widow is. Right from the start Jesus gives the main point of the parable but Pastor's Johnny & PJ sit down to go a bit deeper into the meaning of the parable and how it applies to our lives now.This podcast is very open and vulnerable to buckle up.Today's scripture passage is found in Luke 18:1-8Pastor PJ is the founder of Straight Street, an non-profit organization that's mission is to feed the hungry and homeless in the streets of Orlando, FL. To Find out more about Straight Street click the link belowStraight StreetClick the link below to see the teaching that's tied to this podcastYoutube.com/genesischurchorlando.comfacebook.com/genesischurchorlando.comGOT QUESTIONS?DM us on our Instagram and/or TikTok or email us at postsundaypodcast@gmail.comLIKE, SUBSCRIBE and leave a 5 star REVIEW on Spotify & iTunes.To find and access more resources go to: https://genesischurchorlando.com/wayofmessiahPSP Social Media at:Instagram @postsundaypodcastYoutube.com/postsundaypodcast | Subscribe and hit the Notification bellTiktok @postsunday.podcastTwitter @postsundaypodcastThread @postsundaypodcast
Acts 9:1-19 The post Miracle on Straight Street appeared first on Hixson Presbyterian Church.
https://sermons.church/archived?church=NewLisbon&sermonid=61621Series: The Holy Spirit EmpowersActs 9…………….“Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.”Acts 9:1-2…………….“And Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.”Acts 9:8-9…………….The obstacles to influencing others.………..“In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”Acts 9:10-12…………….“Lord,” Ananias answered; “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”Acts 9:13-14…………..“But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go!” This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”Acts 9:15-16…………..2. The characteristics the Holy Spirit uses to influence others.…………..“He (Ananias) stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!' And at that very moment I was able to see him. “Then he said: ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard.”Acts 22:13-15…………..“Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.”Acts 9:18-19……..3. Four lessons for life.………….God is always working in people's lives. ……………….God will use you if you're willing.……………..The potential and possibilities for impact are more than we expect.…………Be ready when He says, “Go!”
Acts 9:17 Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” I find this declaration from Ananias one of the most moving sentences in the whole of the Bible. He had been asked by God to go and meet Saul. Ananias was fully aware of Saul's reputation and that he was on a mission to arrest the followers of Jesus. He was bound to think that there must be some mistake (v13). But the Lord informed him that Saul had been appointed to take the gospel to the non-Jewish world (v15). In obedience to the Lord, Ananias courageously headed off to the house in Straight Street, placed his hands on Saul and called him brother. How amazing! The story of Saul's conversion should be a warning to us all not to put a limit on what God can do. I invite you to think of people whom you know who are completely dismissive of Christian faith. Perhaps they laugh at you for your faith. Or they love trying to prove that Christianity is just a lot of sentimental nonsense. Maybe, like many people, they are not remotely interested in anything connected with the Church. It is very tempting to assume that it is a waste of time sharing our faith with them, and that we should focus our attention on the people who show some interest. I suggest that we need to pray for everyone we know, whether they are interested or not, as God loves everyone and invites them all to follow him, however antagonistic they may be. When someone becomes a Christian, they don't need to go through a ceremony or complete a course of instruction; they are instantly part of God's eternal family. How incredible. Question Are you willing to share your Christian faith with people who are opposed to it? Prayer Dear Father, thank you that you are a God of miracles and want to welcome everyone to yourself. Amen
In this episode David continues teaching from Acts 9.10-22. In these verses Ananias, a disciple of the Lord, receives a vision, instructing him to go to Saul. It is revealed that Saul is God's chosen instrument to carry His name to the Gentiles, Kings and Israelites, and that Saul will suffer greatly for this cause. Upon being prayed for, Saul regains his sight and is filled with the Holy Spirit. He then gets baptised. 'In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, ‘Ananias!' ‘Yes, Lord,' he answered. The Lord told him, ‘Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.' ‘Lord,' Ananias answered, ‘I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.' But the Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.' Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord – Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here – has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.' Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptised, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.' (Acts 9.10-22, NIV.)
This week we are so excited to bring in our very own, Pastor PJ Charles!!!Pastor PJ Charles is the Care & Counseling Pastor at Genesis Church. He is also a licensed Christian Counselor as well as the founder of a homeless organization called Straight Street, which feed the homeless and hungry in the streets of Orlando. On this episode Pastor Johnny and Pastor PJ discuss how to endure pain. Pain & suffering is something we all deal with but what if on the other side of pain and suffering there is hope and healing?They talk about how trials can often bring maturation in our lives and allows us to see a different perspective. They also dive into a ton of context of Jesus' trial and conversation with Pilate. You do not want to miss this Episode!Follow along with them in the book of Matthew 27:11-26+++++++++++++++++++++++GOT QUESTIONS?Dm us on our Instagram and/or TikTok or email us at postsundaypodcast@gmail.comLIKE, SUBSCRIBE and leave a 5 star REVIEW on Spotify & iTunes.To find and access more resources go to: www.genesischurchorlando.com/theneverendingstorySocial Media at:Instagram @postsundaypodcastYoutube.com/postsundaypodcast | Subscribe and hit the Notification bellTiktok @postsunday.podcastTwitter @postsundaypodcastThread @postsundaypodcastAlso if you are in sunny Orlando, FL come and join us live Sunday's at 8:15am, 9:30am &11:00amYoutube.com/genesischurchorlando.comfacebook.com/genesischurchorlando.com
Acts 9 NLT read aloud by Simon MacFarlane. 1 Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord's followers. So he went to the high priest. 2 He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains. 3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” 5 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7 The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone's voice but saw no one! 8 Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. 9 He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink. 10 Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord!” he replied. 11 The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. 12 I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.” 13 “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I've heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! 14 And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.” 15 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name's sake.” 17 So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19 Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength. Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. 20 And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!” 21 All who heard him were amazed. “Isn't this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus' followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn't he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?” 22 Saul's preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn't refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. 23 After a while some of the Jews plotted together to kill him. 24 They were watching for him day and night at the city gate so they could murder him, but Saul was told about their plot. 25 So during the night, some of the other believers lowered him in a large basket through an opening in the city wall. 26 When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly become a believer! 27 Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus. 28 So Saul stayed with the apostles and went all around Jerusalem with them, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He debated with some Greek-speaking Jews, but they tried to murder him. 30 When the believers heard about this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus, his hometown. 31 The church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with [...]
The example of Ananias shows us what an impact we can have when we simply live by faith and willingly forgive and accept others. He appears only briefly in Scripture, but his life offers some important lessons for each of us. Join Friends of Wisdom to receive FREE resources from Stephen! https://www.wisdomonline.org/lp/friends
This episode covers Acts 9:10-19, which tells the story of Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus and his initial interactions with the disciples in Damascus after becoming a believer. The episode begins with God speaking to Ananias in a vision and instructing him to go to Straight Street to find Saul, who is praying and has seen a vision of Ananias coming to restore his sight. Ananias expresses hesitation, as he has heard of Saul's persecution of Christians in Jerusalem. However, God assures Ananias that Saul is His chosen instrument to carry His name to the Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. Ananias goes to Saul and lays hands on him, restoring his sight. Scales immediately fall from Saul's eyes. Saul is then baptized and strengthened with food. For several days after, he is with the disciples in Damascus. The hosts discuss how Ananias showed courage in being honest with God about his doubts regarding Saul. They note this models that we can be authentic with God rather than putting on a religious facade. They also highlight how Saul's encounter with God on the road should have given him hope that he was now qualified and chosen by God, despite his past persecution of Christians. The hosts delve deeper into God telling Ananias that Saul is His chosen instrument. They explain how we often don't recognize the circumstances God uses in our lives as proof of our value and purpose. They also note how Saul's suffering, as foretold by God, was not punishment but rather part of advancing God's kingdom to kings - something that went against the self-indulgent culture of their day. In closing, they emphasize that coming to Christ means leaving behind the old identity and embracing the new identity designed by God's purpose for our lives. It is a rebirth, not just a rebranding. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/reduxchurch/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/reduxchurch/support
Kate Molleson and Kevin Le Gendre dive into the lives and music of John & Alice Coltrane Coltrane is a name you're likely to have heard, even if you know little to nothing about jazz. More than half a century after his death, saxophonist and composer John Coltrane is hailed as a giant of American cultural history, and one of 20th-century music's greatest visionaries. But he's not the only Coltrane. His wife, Alice, was an accomplished keyboardist and harpist who made revolutionary music in her own right, and whose contribution to John's late output has not always been fully recognised. As soulmates and fellow seekers in sound, John and Alice both transcended cultural and genre boundaries, helping to pioneer avant-garde and spiritual jazz. But following John's premature death in 1967, Alice began her solo career and would take forward their journey of creative and religious expansion. This week, Kate Molleson is joined by journalist and broadcaster Kevin Le Gendre to dive into the lives and music of these monumental figures, and explore their contributions to the jazz world and beyond. Music featured: Straight Street (from Coltrane) Blue Train (from Blue Train) Miles Davis/John Coltrane: So What (from Kind of Blue) Giant Steps (from Giant Steps) Syeeda's Song Flute (from Giant Steps) Naima (from Giant Steps) Rodgers/Hart: It's Easy to Remember (from Ballads) Up ‘Gainst the Wall (from Impressions) Rodgers/Hammerstein: My Favorite Things (from My Favorite Things) Blues Minor (from Africa/Brass) India (from Impressions) Alabama (from Live at Birdland 1963) Bessie's Blues (from Crescent) Terry Gibbs: Sherry Bossa Nova (from Plays Terry Gibbs feat. Alice McLeod) Ogunde (from Expression) A Love Supreme, Pts 1 and 2 (from A Love Supreme) Expression (from Expression) Dear Lord (from Transition) Stopover Bombay (from Journey in Satchidananda) The Sun (from Cosmic Music) Lovely Sky Boat (from A Monastic Trio) Ohnedaruth (from A Monastic Trio) Blue Nile (from Ptah the el Daoud) A Love Supreme (from World Galaxy) Journey in Satchidananda (from Journey in Satchidananda) Spiritual Eternal (from Eternity) Sivaya (from Transcendence) Going Home (from Lord of Lords) Krishna Krishna (from Turiya Sings) Translinear Light (from Translinear Light) Rama rama (from The Ecstatic Music of Alice Coltrane Turiyasangitananda) Govinda Jai Jai (from Radha-Krsna Nama Sankirtana) Presented by Kate Molleson Produced by Amelia Parker & Martin Williams for BBC Audio Wales For full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for John and Alice Coltrane https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001s5st And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z
Today, before we start a new chapter in Psalms, I wanted to take this opportunity to share a plea for help for human trafficking victims. As you read about and study the life of the Lord Jesus in the Gospels, it is very obvious that He loved and cared for children. The above passage in Matthew 18 reflects that love and care for them. Some of the harshest words that Jesus utter were for anyone who would abuse children. It is hard to believe but we have a major problem in America with human trafficking. Every day, men, women, and children are being exploited and sold for sex across the United States. Many are unaware they are being trafficked. In a recent year there were 13,594 calls by victims to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. The authorities tell us that 99% of victims are never identified. That 14 is the average age of entry into trafficking in the U.S. And 80% of survivors are re-victimized if they don't have a safe place to go. I was privileged to be the senior pastor of Rainbow Forest Baptist Church in the Roanoke Virginia area for over 25 years. As pastor there I had the opportunity to meet some very amazing people. One of them, and at the top of my list, was a man by the name of Keith Farmer. His family joined our ministry and became some of my dearest friends. Keith was a local businessman who developed a heart for young people at risk in the inner city of Roanoke and he got involved by doing something about their needs. He started a downtown ministry called Straight Street. The mission and purpose of Straight Street is to provide a positive Christian environment where at-risk youth can go and obtain the necessary skills and training needed to mature and to discover God's Divine plan for their lives. You can learn more about it here: https://straightstreet.org/ I'll never forget when Keith came to me with a broken heart for human trafficking victims and said that the Lord laid it on his heart to do something to help these precious young people. Keith had already built a great network of community leaders in the local and state government, law enforcement, FBI, Homeland Securities, Public School officials, and the juvenile probation court workers. He not only was involved as a leader in our church, but he also connected with other church leaders throughout the community. After much prayer and research, Keith opened a new ministry called The Lampstand to get directly involved in rescuing and ministering to human trafficking victims. Their website is: www.thelampstandva.org The Lampstand provides juvenile victims across Virginia with much-needed resources and a safe home for girls ages 12-17. In addition to the safe home, The Lampstand provides outreach services. They also offer educational resources and onsite training for area school districts. The Lampstand will be hosting their annual Night of Hope fundraiser tomorrow night, Saturday, October 28. This event is crucial for raising awareness and funds for the human trafficking ministry. Their goal this year is $400,000. There has been a special matching gift of $100,000 made available to encourage others to give. Today, my special plea for help is to encourage you to get involved with this wonderful outreach by giving a donation that will be matched, and that will go directly to further their mission to empower the lives of those vulnerable to and affected by sexual exploitation. You can make your donation either directly to their ministry website: www.thelampstandva.org or even through my website: https://www.pmiministries.org/ Just hit the donate button and click down to “Human Trafficking Rescue Support”. Please hit share to help repost this chat today and let's get as much support for Keith and The Lampstand as we can these next few days so they can continue to minister to these special young children that Jesus loves! Remember Jesus said, “Inasmuch has you help the least of these, you have done it unto Me” (Matthew 25:40). God bless!
BUZZ's Inside the Hive: Marketing Tips That Give Nonprofits More Buzz
Today Buzz4Good creator Michael Hemphill taking a stroll down Straight Street with two leaders of the Roanoke nonprofit that ministers to teenagers who struggle with a variety of challenges, from broken families and disconnected parents to homelessness, even sex trafficking. Through a variety of ministries, the 25-year-old Straight Street nonprofit provides a positive Christian environment for at-risk youth. We'll talk with director Keith Farmer and volunteer and development coordinator Stacy Boris.Keeping our focus on youth, we also preview an exciting event by Friends of the Blue Ridge: the “Blue Ridge Jamboree: On the Rise” talent show featuring vocal, instrumental and spoken words artists ages 25 and younger. Lastly, we air our newest BUZZ television show on Oct. 4 on Blue Ridge PBS starring The Hokie Way … get a sneak listen!
8/27/23. Five Minutes in the Word scriptures for today: Acts 21:12-13. Paul had to be led into Damascus to the house of Judas on Straight Street because he was left physically blind by his supernatural experience with the risen Christ. Resources: enduringword.com; biblehub.com; logos.com; Matthew Henry Commentary; and Life Application Study Bible. November 2021 Podchaser list of "60 Best Podcasts to Discover!" Listen, like, follow, share! #MinutesWord; @MinutesWord; #dailydevotional #christianpodcaster Now on Amazon podcasts and Pandora! #prayforukraine #voiceofthemartyrs #prayforTurkey #prayforSyria
What is salvation and how does it protect our minds from the evil one? Wearing it like a helmet! Tune in to find out all about it in this episode. For all other episodes and more, check out our website at thewordonthestreetpodcast.com Follow Anna on her Facebook Page here Join The Word On The Street Podcast conversation on our Facebook group here Follow The Word On The Street Podcast on Instagram here Click here to leave a review on Apple Podcasts Here are the bible verses quoted in today's episode: Bible Passage: Ephesians 6:14-17 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Bible Passage: Romans 10:9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Bible Passage: Romans 6:23 Sin pays off with death. But God's gift is eternal life given by Jesus Christ our Lord. Bible Passage: Acts 9:1-19 Saul kept on threatening to kill the Lord's followers. He even went to the high priest and asked for letters to the leaders of the synagogues in Damascus. He did this because he wanted to arrest and take to Jerusalem any man or woman who had accepted the Lord's Way. When Saul had almost reached Damascus, a bright light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, “Saul! Saul! Why are you so cruel to me?” “Who are you?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus,” the Lord answered. “I am the one you are so cruel to. Now get up and go into the city, where you will be told what to do.” The men with Saul stood there speechless. They had heard the voice, but they had not seen anyone. Saul got up from the ground, and when he opened his eyes, he could not see a thing. Someone then led him by the hand to Damascus, and for three days he was blind and did not eat or drink. A follower named Ananias lived in Damascus, and the Lord spoke to him in a vision. Ananias answered, “Lord, here I am.” The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the house of Judas on Straight Street. When you get there, you will find a man named Saul from the city of Tarsus. Saul is praying, and he has seen a vision. He saw a man named Ananias coming to him and putting his hands on him, so he could see again.” Ananias replied, “Lord, a lot of people have told me about the terrible things this man has done to your followers in Jerusalem. Now the chief priests have given him the power to come here and arrest anyone who worships in your name.” The Lord said to Ananias, “Go! I have chosen him to tell foreigners, kings, and the people of Israel about me. I will show him how much he must suffer for worshiping in my name.” Ananias left and went into the house where Saul was staying. Ananias placed his hands on him and said, “Saul, the Lord Jesus has sent me. He is the same one who appeared to you along the road. He wants you to be able to see and to be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Suddenly something like fish scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see. He got up and was baptized. Then he ate and felt much better. Today's Questions: This question is for an adult listening in. Explain to the child or children you are with about what kind of changes you made in your life after being saved by Jesus. How can you wear salvation like team colours to identify yourself as a christian to those around you?
(English) In this message Ps Adrian talks about how we can help others experience God in these 3 points:(Acts 9:1-9 NLT) Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord's followers. So he went to the high priest. (2) He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains. (3) As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. (4) He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” (5) “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! (6) Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (7) The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone's voice but saw no one! (8) Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. (9) He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink.(Acts 9:10-11 NLT) Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord!” he replied. (11) The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. (Acts 9:13 NLT) “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I've heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! (Acts 9:15-16 NLT) But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. (16) And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name's sake.”(Acts 9:17-18 NLT) So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (18) Instantly something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized.(Acts 22:13 -16 NLT) He came and stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, regain your sight.' And that very moment I could see him! (14) “Then he told me, ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and hear him speak. (15) For you are to be his witness, telling everyone what you have seen and heard. (16) What are you waiting for? Get up and be baptized. Have your sins washed away by calling on the name of the Lord.' 1. God is Working Behind the Scenes(John 6:44 TPT) The only way people come to me is by the Father who sent me—he pulls on their hearts to embrace me. And those who are drawn to me, I will certainly raise them up in the last day.” 2. Follow the Holy Spirit's Lead3. Invite and welcome4. Prophesy
(Bilingual) このメッセージではルイス牧師が超自然的に人を励ます方法について以下の4つのポイントから話します。In this message Ps Lewis talks about how we can give supernatural encouragement in these 4 points:The gift of prophecy 預言のギフト(1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV) Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing(1テサロニケ5:11 JCB) そういうわけですから、すでに実行しているように、互いに励まし合い、助け合いなさい。(1 Corinthians 14:1-4 NLT) Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives-especially the ability to prophesy. (2) For if you have the ability to speak in tongues, you will be talking only to God, since people won't be able to understand you. You will be speaking by the power of the Spirit, but it will all be mysterious. (3) But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them. (4) A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church.(1 コリント 14:1-4 JCB) イコニオムの町でも、パウロとバルナバは連れ立って会堂に行き、力強く語ったので、ユダヤ人も外国人も、大ぜい神を信じました。 (2) しかし、神のことばを軽んじるユダヤ人たちは、根も葉もないことで二人を中傷し、人々の不信をかき立てました。 (3) それにもかかわらず、二人は長い間そこに滞在し、大胆に宣教を続けたのです。主は、すばらしい奇跡を行わせ、二人のことばが真実であることを証明なさいました。 (4) ところが、町の人たちの意見は真っ二つに分かれました。ユダヤ人の指導者側の意見に賛成する者がいる一方、使徒たちの味方につく者もいました。(Acts 9:10-20 NLT) Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, "Ananias!" "Yes, Lord!" he replied. (11) The Lord said, "Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. (12) I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again." (13) "But Lord," exclaimed Ananias, "I've heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! (14) And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name." (15) But the Lord said, "Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. (16) And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name's sake." (17) So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." (18) Instantly something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. (19) Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength. Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. (20) And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is indeed the Son of God!"(使徒 9:10-20 JCB) さて、ダマスコにはアナニヤというクリスチャンが住んでいました。主は幻の中で、彼に語りかけました。「アナニヤよ。」「はい。」 (11) 「『まっすぐ』という名の通りに行き、ユダという人の家を探しなさい。そこにタルソ出身のパウロという人がいて、いま祈っています。 (12) わたしは幻の中で、アナニヤという人が来て、彼に手を置くと、もとどおり見えるようになると知らせておいたから。」 (13) アナニヤは驚いて叫びました。「主よ、パウロですって！ あの男がエルサレムのクリスチャンをどんな目に会わせているか、聞いております。 (14) それに、祭司長たちから逮捕状をもらい、このダマスコのクリスチャンを一人残らず捕らえる権限を持っているという、もっぱらのうわさです。」 (15) しかし、主は言われました。「さあ、行きなさい。このパウロこそ、わたしの教えをイスラエル人だけでなく、世界中の人々や王たちに伝えるために、わたしが選んだ人です。 (16) 彼には、わたしのために、どんなに苦しむことになるかを告げるつもりです。」 (17) アナニヤは出かけ、パウロを捜し当てました。そして彼に手を置き、「兄弟パウロ。あなたはここへ来る途中、主にお会いしましたね。その主イエス様が私を遣わしました。あなたが聖霊に満たされ、また見えるようになるためです」と言いました。 (18) するとたちまち、パウロの目から、うろこのようなものが落ち、目が見えるようになりました。彼は直ちにバプテスマ（洗礼）を受け、 (19) 食事をとると、すっかり元気を取り戻しました。パウロはそれから数日の間、ダマスコのクリスチャンといっしょに過ごすと、 (20) すぐにも会堂へ行き、「イエスは神の子である」と語り始めました。 21そのことばを聞いて、人々は耳を疑いました。「この人は、エルサレムでイエスの弟子たちを迫害した張本人じゃないか。1. God gives us a task神様はタスクを与えてくれる2. We give him reasons why we can't do it私たちは出来ない理由を神様に言ってしまう3. He encourages us神様は励ましてくれる4. We choose, to be a part of the miracle or let it...
This is our next message in the sermon series unfinished. Here is the Bible passage that this week's sermon was based onMeanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. Acts 9:1-20 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/act.9.1-20.NIV
Teaching NotesDefinition of Surrender: To cease resistance to an enemy or opponent and submit to their authority. Acts 9 “Saul began to destroy the church. Going house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.”Acts 8:3Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. Acts 9:1-9In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” Acts 9:10-14But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized.Acts 9:15-19Saul waved the Surrender Flag! Acts 29 God wants us to wave the Surrender Flag Keep this in mind before you make your decision: When I surrender to God there will always be opposition. When I surrender to God I am winning. When I surrender to God other's win. Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereHouse of the Lord- Phil WickhamIf the Lord Builds the House- Hope DarstO Praise The Name (Anastasis)- HillsongWFC SpeedwayI Speak Jesus- Charity GayleMercy- Elevation WorshipHere Again- Elevation WorshipBe sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday's set!
This week on Jazz after Dinner Joe features pianist Harold Mabern from his 1991 Columbia Records release titled “Straight Street.”
Today, Friday October 14 Ministering to Jesus Matthew 25:34-40 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'. What a great honor to minister to Jesus as we reach out to give and help others in their need! Today I want to take this opportunity to highlight two ministries that I've been a part of for many years. The first is a wonderful ministry called the Lampstand, that my friend Keith Farmer, the founder and director of Straight Street in Roanoke Va., was able open recently. The Lampstand is dedicated to serving survivors of sexual exploitation and trafficking. Their 90-day program provides a safe home & comprehensive trauma-informed care for girls ages 12-17. They also offer professional training & prevention education. This Saturday evening, October 15 at 5:50, they are hosting their largest annual fundraiser called the Night of Hope. The event is sold out, but they would love for you to join them live on their Facebook page at this link: https://www.facebook.com/thelampstandva/ Even if you can't attend this event, I would encourage you to make a donation to support this very worthy non-profit ministry. If you are not sure how to do it directly, you can do this through the Pastor Mike Impact Ministry website: https://www.pmiministries.org/ Just hit the donate button and make sure to designate the gift for the Human Trafficking Rescue Support which comes up under the General Ministry Support button. I assure you every penny will go to them. PMIM has already made a large donation this year to this ministry and will be making another one for this occasion. Interestingly, today I am playing in the Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center annual golf tournament at Hanging Rock in Salem, VA, to raise funds for their organization. (BRAAC) is a nonprofit, nonsectarian center that provides education and services for children and families affected by autism and unique learning challenges, such as Learning Disabilities. I was privileged to be the co-founder with Angie Leonard, in starting the Blue Ridge Autism Center that met in our church facility for its first seven years. In 2009 it merged with the Roanoke Achievement Center whose mission was similar. For more information, their website is: http://braacroanoke.org/ You might have a heart for these special children and families and would like to make a donation to this worthy cause. You can also send it though us at https://www.pmiministries.org/ and I will pass the funds on to them. Just hit the donate button and mark your donation for Blue Ridge Autism Support which comes up under the General Ministry Support button. Thank you so much for your faithful support and prayers that allow us to pass on blessings to other very impacting ministries that we partner with! God bless!
10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. 11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” 13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
Friday, 2 September 2022 “He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.” Acts 10:6 Cornelius is still receiving instruction from the messenger from God. He was just told to send men to Joppa and to find Simon whose name is Peter. It now continues with, “He is lodging with Simon, a tanner.” This gives the reason for specifying “Simon whose name is Peter.” Normally, one would go to a residence looking for the occupier of that residence. In this case, Simon the tanner opened his house to Simon Peter. Without identifying which Simon was to go, they both may have had to make the journey, just to be sure. Ananias was not an apostle, and yet, he was summoned to go to Straight Street and place his hands on Paul. Without this explicit instruction, they may have thought the Lord purposefully wanted a tanner to meet with a Gentile because he was used to interacting with Gentiles, or whatever. As noted in the commentary on Acts 9:43, being a tanner was not necessarily something that caused defilement. It was a part of the normal lives of people within the society. Even if some Jews found it an unclean lifestyle, that was their problem, but it was not necessarily an issue with the law. In the modern world, people may look down on garbagemen, but that doesn't mean a thing about the person. The position may be filled by the greatest guy in town. And so, this cannot be used as an indication that “the Jewish law was losing its hold on Peter” (Vincent's Word Studies). Rather, it meant that Peter was willing to stay with a person who was looked down upon by others and who may have stank to high heaven. Next, it says, “whose house is by the sea.” This would easily identify where to go, and which tanner was being referred to if there was more than one in town. Being by the sea was a convenient place for tanning as noted in the earlier commentary referenced above. Lastly, it says, “He will tell you what you must do.” These words are left out of various texts. Of this omission, Cambridge says – “These words are not in the oldest MSS. In Peter's own account of the visit to Cornelius (Acts 11:14) we have ‘who shall tell thee words whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved;' and this is one of the numerous instances found in some later texts of the Acts where an attempt has been made to form a complete narrative in the earlier chapters by gathering together and adapting statements which appear in their proper place in later chapters.” Cambridge immediately assumes that “older is better,” and that the omission demonstrates that this was an insert to reconcile the two accounts. However, it could just as easily be that the omission was an error in the earlier text and that text was then rejected because of it. Unless there is definite proof of one or the error, the addition of a footnote in the Bible translation is a useful tool to let the reader know the disparity between the various texts. Either way, no information is lost because Chapter 11 includes it. So, it was either stated twice or it was stated only once, but it was – in fact – stated. Life application: Be sure to read the footnotes if your Bible includes them. And when you buy a new Bible, look for one that includes footnotes. There are many important points that are noted in them that will help the true student of the Bible to determine what is going on and to then help them think those things through clearly. When you come to a footnote you are not fully understanding, then you can read up on that passage in longer commentaries. Eventually, you will usually find a suitable resolution to the issue you are trying to resolve. Heavenly Father, may we be faithful and careful stewards of Your word, always thinking it through, contemplating it, and meditating upon it. It is too precious to simply ignore. It is light, and it conveys life. May we treat it with the highest care and respect all our days. Amen.
Read last week's Episode hereChapter FourWalkerSome in the district had known this one as Walker. Few in fact still recalled the name by which he went these days. It had been many a year since the stranger, a man with a ragged scar about his throat, had been through these parts. In the days prior to the night of the Telling of the Show at the Last Friendly Inn, Walker had been seen “close and thereabouts” as the Littles like to say of strangers passing along the road to the south, or the smaller lanes and even trails that wove on out toward Olive Hills and the Dry Stretch. Or even further into the unreckoned neighborhoods of Barrows Valley and all that unknown that lay beyond its eastern edge.But there had been many dark figures on the road and out in the hills lately. Some said Gobs. Others, the Hobbs themselves. Goblins or the larger and nastier variety hobgoblins[NC1] . But of course the Littles always defaulted to their favorite boogedyman… ‘warewoofs.Now the candles were burning very low within the inn, and the fire within the hearth had reduced itself to little more than ash and an orange glow. This was the last of the night at the inn and now all that lay ahead in the darkness was quiet, and perhaps one low candle burning. And of course, the lanterns out along the roads and lanes kept going by the Night Watch. Outside the inn, occasional bursts of the windy thunder came off the distant coast and roared across Strawberry Flats sending small disquieting moans down its antique length just inland from the shores.No one moved and there was no sound in the inn until once more Walker began to speak, only the creaking of his road-wearied leathers breaking the silence just before he began.“The enemy was not defeated at Sirith Osildor,” rasped the stranger the Littles knew as Walker. He moved closer to them, and one would think his old high hard-worn boots would have made some soft thump across the ancient boards as he moved. Like some cheap travelling tragedian playing the stage to effect. But the strange man, and weren't all men strange, moved without a sound and this gave truth to the rumor that he leagued with the Forest Watchers, a dangerous lot of Northern Men long come down out of the North whose ways and beliefs were strange and mysterious to the elves of Indolién and even more so to the many good folk of the Gentle Lands.Walker made eye contact with them all and then returned to watching the last embers of the fire. His grim face was made even more so by the little light left in the room.“The enemy were not turned back and sent to flight…” he paused. Then, “… as you saw in the wizard's tricks and lying glamours.”“But we saw the truth?” stammered old Hoot TacMavish who'd been in the kitchen and had sliced his own cut of the wheel. “How cannee be different in what we saw, stranger?”He chewed his cheese as they waited for the response he'd seemed to angrily demand.But the stranger did not answer Hoot directly and continued to stare into the orange coals as he moved closer from out of the darkness and toward the hearth so they could see him better.“Nor did Adoras strike a blow among many against the Wyrm. Coming in against the flanks of the shadow, as you have been told. None of those things happened. And if you want to know what is true… then that is not it and never has been from the lips of the Elves of Indolién.”“Then Adoras did not ride?” piped up one of the Littles.Walker smiled. It was not the smile of a man playing with prey. Nor was it the smile of someone who despises a question in the middle of their speech. No, it was a sad, yet kind smile.“Did you see in the last week a great host move along the road, heading south to the battle you were told of?” asked Walker softly. As though[NC2] it was a real question, and no one had asked was because the answer is known, and the asker merely wants to make the listener seem foolish. No. It was an honest question. One that almost seemed like he'd prefer the answer that made him the liar. As though, a different answer would have been better than the one that was.The Little said nothing.“Because surely you would have seen so many of the Elven Cavalry and Spear, glittering and bright in Indolién's sacred armors. I tell you… you would not have missed such a sight.”“It's no[NC3] t like that,” said the Little. Walker replied nothing. The Little stammered and sallied on which is their way when they're on about something. Not easily dissuaded those Littles aren't. “Well… ‘tis all tactics like, Walker. Thas' what your name is, isn't it? They came at them from the flank as good ol' Malrond says so. The way I figures the maps, they must've taken the Eastern Hills road and gone out through Olive Wood or even Wild Tangle… or maybe…” and here the Little crossed himself and made a sign at this next bit, “Or Even Barrows Valley though I don't like to even say it much less think it.”“Aye,” piped in Tom MacTarthy who ran the stable and had come in to find his last pint of the night. Something had made him uneasy out there in the dark all alone, and the ponies had gone skittish, and it had taken him much hay and whispering to calm them down. Like there was some predator about but none that he could see. Maybe it was the wind, he'd decided after a bit, when he'd made up his mind to go pull himself a pint and found Fatty and others still gathered by the main hearth listening to the palaver of the stranger. A man no less. But the mood in the inn felt just as a thunderstorm, he'd tell others later when they'd listen.Walker stopped and didn't turn to look at a one of them. He was still before the dying fire. Behind him near the bar, the sound of Tom blowing the froth of his pint was the only sound that could be heard for a moment. Then the wind ran through the eaves high up on the third story and through the ancient section that was known as the Old Count's Tower that was part of the inn and far older than anyone suspected.But that is an older tale and has nothing to do with this one. Which is how things often are. There are more stories out there than you can imagine. On every walk in every out of the way place, there are many lying in the shadows and down undiscovered trails.“And so…” continued Walker, “… no one came from down the Barrow Hills ways and gave account of the long snake of an elven army in full armor and on the march for battle? Not to one of you ever talkative lot of Littles… well, I find that hard to believe.”Silence.“Well, t'wouldn't it be secret-like?” asked one of the other Littles near the fire. “Elves is queer strange and who knows them ways of our betters and all. But ifn' anyone could do it… well stands to reason t'would be mighty Prince Adoras and the lot o' his generals.”“Are you saying Good Ol' Malrond lied to us?” said another quickly on the heels of this.“No,” said Walker more to himself than to his audience. “Prince Adoras did not come to battle in the South. In fact… there was no elven host to give battle to the Shadow himself or that wyrm that curls about the tower even now.”“How say'ee that? How do ye know?” asked another, his eyes and lips full of incredulity.“Because I was there, my Little friend,” said Walker after a long cool moment, and then sat down in a low chair near the fire. His coal black eyes still intent on the fire regardless.“I will tell you a story then, my friends,” he began with a tired sigh. A dog barked outside, savagely for a few seconds and to this the man listened. When it stopped, he told Fatty to lock the doors to the inn and gave no reason for it. Fatty, jangling his big ring of keys, dashed off to do just that. Then Walker began to speak.“The story of the fall of Sirith Osildor, Tower of the Golden Eagle as it was once known by another name. Maldornesoron it was once called. But not now. Not anymore in these dark and treacherous days. The warriors who died holding a line there a few nights ago, held for help that would never come from fair Indolién.”Now the weathered man cast his tired yet kind gaze about them all and it was not unkind, or even prideful or arrogant as most elves can be. No. It was the look of a long-suffering and patient friend in times that are difficult. Or of the kind one wears when explaining difficulties to young ‘uns. He seemed to nod to himself regarding what he might say next before continuing on. And when he was satisfied with the answer he had decided to give, he began his story in full.It was just words. Not like magics. Not like the wizard's smoke and shadows. But there was power in these. And more so some would say later.“The armies of the Shadow came howling out of the southern waystes on the first full moon of spring. Earlier than expected, but the Tower Watch had gone deeper into the waystes, scouting in small bands, than it ever had before that winter, and it was clear the orcish tribes would be on the move come spring. Some said just another war between themselves. Or against the Eastern lands and the Ancient Kingdoms of Men. Or even the Indaar. But Bear Killer of the Watch said it would be Osildor if it was anywhere. So, we gathered to assist the elves of the Tower where we could, and within days, we found ourselves fighting for the outskirts of the river and dock district as the forces of the Shadow gathered across the waters of the river. The wizard's sorceries were true enough in some respects, outright lies in others. But isn't that how the best lies always are… some sweet grains of truth to wash down the bitter lies one finds in the cup. What we wouldn't have given for a good wall to fight from. But the throne of Indolién has long thought the Black River to be a good enough defense, though why anyone would think that has always been a mystery to Men of the Watch. It's easier to cross than most and in almost every place, and sometimes near dry as bone when the rains don't come down in the Eastern Mountains.“But there was no wall and so we fought side by side with Gaelrandir's Spear along the docks and into the city dregs near the river. The orcish war chiefs were crafty and very clever the first night. Never coming straight on at the tower where our might was most gathered. But instead forcing us into a battle for blocks and neighborhoods long abandoned and some say even haunted.“In one such street my brotherhood faced one of the Eld Longdarks, and it was there we gave battle and lost half our number in combat.”Several of the Littles gasped in amazement.The Eld were the stuff of nightmares and boogey tales of the long ago from the Age of Darkness before the lands were the way they would be. Longdark Trolls were considered the worst predators of the night and known to dine on the bones of their enemies in preference to the flesh they stripped away with stone daggers.“A named beast this was,” continued Walker as he watched the embers unblinkingly. As though he were seeing it all as it had been seen on the dark night. “Fell and Eld indeed was this one. Oggrindaar he was known by in the speech of the Eldarin Elves who once ruled from mighty Easold the Lost. He came out from the ruins of an ancient temple, fangs dripping with blood and red murder in his burning eyes. His hide though leathery, was tough and scarred from a thousand years of battle in the deep halls of the earth where few have ever been. And fewer still returned from. Girded with fabled Giant's Plate, like those of its kind wore who fell in battle before the Malantur, the eld troll who little feared our small company of watchers armed with bow and sword. But they are men of the road, the watchers, and no mere foe to be trifled with even when a dread troll is in the mix. And I will say this, the elves were there too, and the elves do not spend their lives cheaply.”Silence as Walker turned from the fire to watch their small yet expressive faces. Their minds did more work and saw more truth that the glimmers of the wizard could have manufactured. The mind is so much more powerful than the mere trickeries of image and light. When given the chance, it destroys those things.“We strove hours into the late night against the enemy there and three of us were killed by dark fire from the black arrows of the shadow orcs supporting the raging dread troll. Greybeard was wounded sorely but fought on at the front of the company, facing down the roaring troll, trading blows with his ancient blade and driving the beast back into the burning ruins of the temple he'd come out from. A moment later the whole rotting structure collapsed when the great troll was mortally wounded and gave out a horrific cry at its last, defeated. But in the same moment our clan lord was gone from this earth. We gave not a moment to our grief and pressed the attack against the orc archers and infantry surging into the street from every direction because even their chiefs, fiends every one of them, knew the battle was here this night.“I would tell you that right there we won the district and turned the tide of battle, reclaiming the lost street and putting the Shadow host to the sword wherever they could be found. But I cannot for that would be a lie… and a betrayal to my oath as a storyteller.”Now at the word storyteller all the Littles as one seemed to lean back in their chairs or shift their feet uncomfortably.Why so, you might ask at such an innocuous word. Isn't a storyteller a tale teller? A bard? A skald? An entertainer or even a mountebank in some low cases? A tragedian as has been mentioned?No.No, a storyteller is none of those things. And so, Walker was not.During those dark and uncertain times, a storyteller was something much more than just a gossip with a gift for fine speech. In the years since the rise of the wizards in the Emerald Council, the once noble storytellers had long fallen out of favor with the lands. It was rumored, whispered constantly, and even mocked in the murmurings of court before the Emerald Throne and among the pleasures of the Feather Gardens, that to be called a ‘storyteller' in polite company, was to be awarded the highest insult with the most dismissive of slurs.To admit to being one, that is another thing altogether. And one you shall see the nature of as we go along here for a bit.But Walker did not mind their discomfort and continued on with the tale, seeing that they would listen more now. Which is all a storyteller needs.Someone to listen to the truth the storyteller is telling. Instead of locking it up in a tower, or beneath the lost Vaults of Unthur where living eye has not been for long years to see what truly lies buried there in the deeps of time.“Within days we had lost the district and many valiant warriors,” continued Walker plainly. No tricks. No smoke. No shadows. “Elves and men who serve despite the pleasures of the throne, fought valiantly to the last for such is the way of warriors. Stagg the Swift, a watcher, fell in the Water Courts beneath the shadow of the tower. Daeanor Longblade himself, against the orcs holding the way between Straight Street and the Mire Warrens where strange things haunt the nights. Daeanir, brother of the Longblade himself, fell too, hours later at the foot of the tower as we sought to make our last stand. I could tell you all on this strange and quiet night, of many others who fell, many names to be recorded in the Book of Deeds when this is done, told in countless tales high in the Eastern Mountains to keep their memories alive during the dark and uncertain times we face, but all the defeats were the same and the endings as grim as we fought to cede as little ground as possible to the ravening orcish tribes streaming across the Black River and coming for the tower.“There seemed that night to be no end to them.“In the end we were trapped inside the tower and that's when she came. A great drake from the south, an ancient thing from the lost Age of Darkness when Vaugamir Blackhand cast aside the ways of elves and became Lord Sauth and did make war against his brothers and the children.“The drake struck the tower with living black flame, searing the uppermost defenders before trumpet or call to battle could be sounded. We fought it back with our best archers, but no weapons seemed strong enough to drive her off. And meanwhile the orcish host had come against the Mythildor which is the fabled silver gate of the Sirith Osildor crafted long ago by the Eldaar Elves as a gift to men.At once the tower was struck and the great wyrm landed among the uppermost battlements and began wreaking much havoc against the Silver Guards who have long held that watch. I say this now and will say it until I am convinced otherwise… not one of Foemor's warriors survived, instead choosing to give their all against the drake in hope of driving her off the tower, even as it began to collapse along the outer galleries, with great sheets of the fabled marble of Easold's quarries crashing down like foam-tossed surf from the rocky coasts of Nurth.“It was Bearkiller who bade us understand that the tower was lost now and we should flee to our missions. He speaks for the Watch, and so every one of us did as we must and disappeared among the chaos and slaughter, for there was nothing that could be done. No charge. No Adoras. No Norsus striking a fatal blow. And now I have come north into the Gentle Lands as I was bid, to tell you what has truly happened in the South and to seek the trail of the task I have been given. These are the things you must know instead of the glimmers of the wizards who serve the Emerald Court, who would have you believe many other things instead of really what was, and what now is.”“And…” asked Old Barley who'd sat quietly with his pipe in the chair as he always did, dozing and listening. Apparently, he'd been listening more than dozing. “If'n the tower was lost and surrounded by orcs and the like even more terrible than such… well then, a simple farmer like me'self has to ask how came ye through the fight?” Walker studied the crowd of Littles in the inn close to midnight now. Again, he seemed to hear something afar off in the night that none of them could, and it must be said Littles have fine ears for hearing when they're not going on about something with their mouths. For a moment the man waited, seeking to hear it again so he could confirm his suspicions that it was soon time to move on.But then he continued after a bit.“There were ancient halls beneath the old tower. Carved out during the time of the Mad Kings of Men from the Old Age. The Watch knew of its locations beneath the crypts and led the survivors out through wraith-haunted halls, but not…”And here Walker paused.For a moment the Littles thought his rasping throat that made the whisper voice grim and determined, had merely gone dry. Fatty swept his great bulk toward the taps like some blustering storm at sea suddenly changing course and filled a mug of his best. A moment later he was handing it to the stranger like an offering and backing away like one might from a wild animal found on a forest path late one winter afternoon far from village and home. And safety.But that was not the case. No. Not the case at all. Something had happened down there in the crypts, and it was not to be forgotten. Not since, and not ever. And even as Walker had this thought, the siren call of its truth, which seemed a completely ironic thing compared to what it really was, called to him from the bundle he'd left in the darkness near where he'd first appeared.He cast his dark eyes toward the pack on the floor. It was old, leather, and much used.It seemed to all the Littles in the room that night that a look crossed the stranger's face that seemed to say, or indicate, that he only wanted to be free of its burden for a moment.Wrapped in oilcloth… it… called… to him.And for a moment, something cold and unseen could be felt by the Littles in the room though they knew it not.I'm here. Here with you now, outcast wanderer whose true name I know. Here. Touch me.The man drank the offered pint and wiped his lips with the back of his weathered and dark hand.That bit, that was not for Little ears. Or for any.The Truth is a funny thing, Immaradir the Old had once reminded Walker. Sometimes it is so powerful, it convinces you that you must lie for it.There was that. And there was something else. There were orders. Orders from Bearkiller as he held the hall beneath the crypts, surely dead by now for he's spent his life against crypt wraiths to see our fellowship free of the dark.“… Not without cost,” Walker finished after the long, strange moment that had passed there in the inn. “Many of the Watch there at the Battle of Sirith Osildor perished in the flight through the lower reaches of the halls. Dark things long asleep tried to prevent our passage but the knowledges of the Watchers are useful against such old ghosts. Lore and wisdom regarding how to defeat such is kept as ready as sharp sword and a keen knife for any of the Watch. Still… it was not without cost… to us.”There was another sound out there in the dark tonight. And now Walker could sense the hour and what was going to happen.He heard them now. Gathering out there in the dark. Coming in from the fields and tracks they'd followed him along from the fields of battle… and slaughter. Or had they been waiting there ahead of him all along? Had the wizard's tale been bait, to draw him into the inn.“So why'ee tell us?” asked one of the Littles, unaware of the dark thing at the door to the inn as the Walker was even now. “And who's to say whether Malrond or ye is right in the tellin' of such things as don't concern us of the Gentle Lands. Indoly…” which is what Littles called Indolién, “…is but a day's ride to the north. The elfs may not have marched south but the Army of the King is still there, and I doubt they'll abide a black host coming north anytime soon.”“Tis true enough,” said Walker rising, hand on the hilt of his old sword. “I doubt they'll abide what they can afford to ignore but little longer.[NC4] But such behaviors as I thought once unexpected have become the norm for such times now and it is best to track by them. Duty and honor are things put on and off like the dress and jewelry of fine elven maids in Indolién. The truth is a piece of thrown pottery that can be shaped as needed and broken when finished with. As long as there is clay, new truths can be manufactured every day and all day. The wizards shape the clay and feed you what they want you to believe.”“But why?”“Why is it ever so, my Little friend? For power and power alone is the answer. And so you must ask yourself good people, and you are truly good, for the Watchers and those who still strive against the Shadow know of what stuff you are made and can count on you, you who were once known by another name long before the elves came into the lands, a name the Storytellers have not forgotten though some of you have even now. What will you do with the truth when it has come home to you? That is really the question for this night.”No one spoke.Walker moved toward his ruck on the floor. The thing wrapped in oilskin inside an old blanket that had been rolled up along the top of the weathered carry.He checked his blade. Felt his knife at his side. Knew that was all he had to face the ones waiting out there in the dark for him.Knew that was a lie.He had so much more. Craft. Knowledge. Truth.“And me, outcast. Hecil. One lost or forsaken by friends, waif, outcast. You have me,” cooed the thing wrapped in oilcloth. Don't forget about me, Hecil.“If it's orcs, or even ‘warewoofs', why we'll fight ‘em to keep our lands free as we always has, Walker,” cried Cormic, swinging his empty mug aloft like it was one of the great swords of fabled renown.Many of which were lost now.Walker watched the burly and brave Little for a moment as he pulled his battered cloak over his head. Piercing eyes stared out from the darkness within at them all. Once more the wind came up like a wild thing from off the coasts and moors and raced along the eaves of the old pile and down into the chimney.It was a strange night indeed.“I know you will, Cormic. The Bobbin always have answered when the Old Kings called, even back to the days of Eld when the Dark Elf ruled the land and there was much terror, and few heroes in those days. The stories have always said so of bobbins.Only a few of the Littles knew that old calling of their race. None were asleep now as they watched the man among them, sure that dark times and trouble were to be had and on their way.“And the stories have always been true. As they must be,” said Walker.Then he was gone out into the late night as Fatty let him out, locking the great lock as soon as the stout and well-kept door was closed and the bolt shot.Also… we'll be doing a Book Club Discussion tomorrow night, Saturday, on my YouTube Check out some books by NickThe American Wasteland TrilogyThe Old Man and the WastelandThe Savage BoyThe Road is a RiverSoda Pop Soldier BooksSoda Pop SoldierPop Kult WarlordCTRL ALT RevoltGalaxy's EdgeForgotten Ruin SeriesThe Tragedy of the Strange Company SeriesStrange CompanyVoodoo WarfareThe End of the World as We Knew ItFight the Rooster This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nickcole.substack.com/subscribe
Gillian Welch "Red Clay Halo"Neil Young "Walk On"John Lee Hooker "Sally Mae"Drive-By Truckers "Forged In Hell And Heaven Sent"Amanda Shires "Bad Behavior"John Prine "Illegal Smile"Chris Knight "Mexican Home (feat. John Prine)"Sam & Dave "You Got Me Hummin"Black Joe Lewis "Come to My Party"Margo Price "Ain't Livin Long Like This"Arlo McKinley "Back Home (feat. Logan Halstead)"Beck "Sin City"James McMurtry "Ain't Got a Place"Betty Davis "If I'm In Luck I Might Get Picked Up"John Coltrane "Straight Street"Valerie June "Look At Miss Ohio"Mavis Staples "You Got To Move"James Booker "Junco Partner"Tedeschi Trucks Band "Playing With My Emotions"Col. Bruce Hampton "Fixin' to Die"George Jones & Tammy Wynette "We Go Together"Louis Armstrong "On The Sunny Side Of The Street (Recording 1947)"Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong "On The Sunny Side Of The Street"Richard Swift "If The Sun Stops Shinin'"Billy Bragg "Greetings to the New Brunette"The Blasters "I'm Shakin'"The Blasters "I'm Shakin'"The Blasters "Border Radio"Gillian Welch "Dry Town (Demo)"John Moreland "Claim Your Prize"Willie Dixon "Sittin' and Cryin' the Blues"Charlie Musselwhite "Hello Stranger"Krista Shows "Ain't Your Fault"The Derek Trucks Band "Already Free (Live)"Rick Danko "Java Blues"JD McPherson "It's All Over but the Shouting"Alex Chilton "Come By Here"The Glands "Pleaser"boygenius "Souvenir"Maggie Bell "Comin' on Strong"Koko Taylor "Wang Dang Doodle"Billy Joe Shaver "Chicken On The Ground"Connie Smith "If That Ain't Strong Enough"Porter Wagoner "Daddy Was an Old Time Preacher Man"
Monday, 1 August 2022 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 9:17 After accepting the Lord's words concerning Saul (Paul), Ananias complies with the directive to meet with him. That now is seen with the words, “And Ananias went his way.” Ananias was initially reluctant to comply with the Lord's words, but after realizing that the Lord actually had a plan that was already figured out and that he was to be an active participant in it, he yielded to the Lord's will and departed to Straight Street “and entered the house.” This is exactly what he was initially instructed to do. In verse 9:11, it said, “So the Lord said to him, ‘Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus.'” Therefore, this is now that house belonging to Judas. Having entered it, Luke next records, “and laying his hands on him.” The verb is an aorist participle. It should read, “and having laid his hands on him.” Luke is methodically detailing each step as it occurs in the order of events. As for this one, this is exactly what he was told would be the case in his vision in verse 9:12 – “And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” This would be the confirmation to Saul (Paul), as well as to Ananias, that everything that has occurred has been carefully orchestrated by the Lord. Each man would be able to bear witness that the outcome was shown to them in advance and that it occurred just as it was revealed to them. With that understood, and with Ananias having laid his hand on him, “he said, Brother Saul.” It is obvious that this goes beyond the fellowship of being Jews. It is an indication that because the Lord has accepted Saul, he is to be considered a believing brother in the Lord. As such, he welcomes him with words regarding this fellowship, by first proclaiming the One who made it possible, saying, “the Lord Jesus.” The very One that Saul had implicitly persecuted through the active persecution of His people was now being proclaimed over him as the One who had granted him mercy and taken him to be an apostle. Ananias notes that it is this Lord Jesus “who appeared to you on the road as you came.” This now forms a link to verse 9:5 – “And he said, ‘Who are You, Lord?' Then the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'” Any possibility that Saul was simply confused or maybe driven mad by his own guilt, thus fabricating the entire vision (as some have claimed), is now erased. The Lord who appeared on the road is the One who is now being presented by Ananias once again to bring about Saul's deliverance from the darkness that overshadowed him. This is seen in Ananias' words that Jesus “has sent me that you may receive your sight.” This should actually say, “that you may regain your sight.” Saul had a vision of the Lord on the road. He was unable to see after that occurred. He was then given another vision where a man named Ananias would come and put his hands on him so that he might regain his sight. And now, a man named Ananias has come and put his hands on him, claiming authority as the Lord's emissary to do exactly that. No part of the equation is missing, and so there can be no question left in the mind of either man about the surety of the Source of the events now taking place. And more, new information is given for us to consider. Saul is not only to receive his sight, but Ananias adds, “and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” This is a unique occurrence so far in Acts where the Holy Spirit is given apart from the presence of any apostle. It is also given without any noted sequence of events in relation to Paul's baptism. Nothing is said if the Holy Spirit is received at this time, during the baptism, or after it. Ananias simply ties the event in with the laying on of his hands, and so only an inference can be made that Saul is immediately filled with the Spirit at this moment. As such, it is completely out of the sequence of events given in Acts 2 which was the command given to those of Israel who had listened to Peter at Pentecost – “Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'” Saul did not need to repent (change his mind) because he had just spent the last three days doing exactly that. Therefore, he was already aware of who Jesus was and had accepted that He is the same One who had been crucified and resurrected. Because Saul received the Spirit apart from the presence of the apostles, it confirms that his commission is to be considered one directly from the Lord as an apostle, and one bearing a unique charge. The record of Acts, and the later writings of Peter, will confirm this special commission, as do Paul's own epistles. Life application: The church did not begin at this time. The church has already been in place for an extended period, having begun in Acts 2 with the coming of the Holy Spirit. The significance of the event now occurring in Acts 9 is that the nation of Israel will become less and less of a focus in redemptive history for an unknown, but extended period of time – exactly as the curses of Deuteronomy 28 proclaim. During this time, any individual – Jew or Gentile – may partake of the benefit of inclusion in the church. This will become perfectly evident as the focus on Paul becomes preeminent. But it will begin to be seen not with Paul, but with Peter. That is coming in Acts 10. Acts is giving an orderly and methodical account of why Israel as a nation was to be set aside during a time of national punishment. When that time is over, the time of the Gentiles will also come to a close. The church is not “spiritual Israel,” nor does it replace national Israel, and the church does not receive the Old Testament promises that were made to Israel. The church is a body that grows out of the completed work of Jesus Christ. National Israel is a body from which Christ came, and to which promises that are yet to be fulfilled will be realized. Keep your theological boxes straight, and you will avoid great error in your theology and doctrine. Lord God, how faithful You are to Israel. They rejected You when they rejected the coming of Christ Jesus. And yet, You have kept them just as You promised You would, and You have brought them back to the land in order to fulfill the promises You made to them in Your word. How sure we can be that we will receive the same careful attention! We need not worry if we fail You. You will never fail us. Great are You, O God! Amen.
Wednesday, 27 July 2022 “And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” Acts 9:12 Ananias was told by the Lord to go to Straight Street, inquiring at the house of Judas for a Saul of Tarsus, noting that he would be praying. The Lord continues with His words now, saying, “And in a vision.” The word translated as “vision” is the same word just used in verse 9:10 to describe the vision that Ananias is currently having. It is an interesting thought then that Ananias is having a vision explaining to him that another person has had a vision. If Ananias trusts his own senses, then he must trust what is conveyed in his vision, and therefore he must trust that the vision seen by Saul (Paul) was real as well. But Ananias has not yet laid his hands on him, despite the fact that Jesus says, “he has seen.” It is an aorist verb. As such, it is an event that has occurred at a particular moment without regard to time, but Jesus is speaking of it as if it has occurred in a vision, meaning before the event actually takes place. The vision which Saul had is now complete in Saul's mind as stated by Jesus, and yet it has not yet actually occurred in the stream of time. That is evident from the continued words of the verse. It shows that Christ is transcendent over time, and He has the ability to call it back from the past or to project it from the future. As this is the case now, it really doesn't matter if the time is short, such as in a few hours, or if it spans millennia. It demonstrates that Christ is “above” time and thus can operate “outside of” time. As such, His appearance in Genesis 18 or Judges 13 is just as possible as it is within a short time between His appearance to Saul and then Ananias. And more, His knowledge of the future events referred to in Revelation are equally possible. Understanding this, His words continue, saying, “a man named Ananias.” Jesus tells Ananias that Saul's vision includes him and that by the time he arrives at Saul's location, it will have been a past event. In this vision, it will be of Ananias “coming in and putting his hand on him.” The verbs are aorist participles. It rightly says, “having come and having put his hand on him.” It is not known when Saul received the vision. For all we know, it could have happened at the same moment that Ananias had his. Or it could have been before it or as Ananias is on the way to the house. But by the time he arrives, Saul will have seen the event occur. Because of this, it would then allow him to know with absolute certainty that what transpired was of the Lord and not of human effort. The Lord will be the Source and Power behind what happens, whereas Ananias will simply be the means by which it is carried out. The laying on of his hands will be the mode by which it occurs. Ananias is to do this to Paul “so that he might receive his sight.” The translation is correct. The verb is subjunctive. It is a hypothetical event. The laying on of the hands is what will bring about the reality of what is, at this time, merely a possibility. Ananias is being informed that he is the one to carry out what is needed for Saul to have his vision restored. One can assume that if Ananias didn't do this, the vision Saul had would be proven false. In other words, if someone named Harry showed up and laid his hands on him and his sight was restored, it would not be a miracle of the Lord, but a healing by Harry because the Lord's vision for Saul was that Ananias would do it. Everything about the miraculous would suddenly be called into question. If Harry knew Saul's medical condition, he could come in and show himself to be a great healer and that a naturalistic explanation is sufficient. Or he could claim to be a man of God by healing Saul and profit off of the situation personally. Everything must occur as is seen in the vision. As it will, then it demonstrates the Lord's absolute knowledge of the matter and His sovereignty over time and the events that take place. Life application: In Amos 9, it says when speaking of the people of Israel – “'I will bring back the captives of My people Israel; They shall build the waste cities and inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards and drink wine from them; They shall also make gardens and eat fruit from them. 15 I will plant them in their land, And no longer shall they be pulled up From the land I have given them,' Says the Lord your God.” Amos 9:14,15 Either this is true, or it is not. As this has never taken place, because Israel has been uprooted in the past and is only now back in the land of Israel, then either it must continue to take place into the future, or the Bible is not the word of God. Prophecy is a part of Scripture that either proves or disproves its veracity. If the prophecies of the Bible are not true, then the Bible is conveying a false message. As this is so, then we can look to the prophecies of the Bible that have been fulfilled, and we can then be confident that what is promised into the future will also be fulfilled. Essentially, God has placed His integrity on the line for us to check and see if what He says is true. He has done this so that we can know. He has done this so that we should know. He has done this so that we are without excuse for not knowing. Let us be confident in the word as it continues to unfold as prophesied within the stream of time. It has validated itself and it continues to do so to this day. Lord God, thank You for the surety we possess because of the reliability of Your word. It proclaims the future, and then the events come to pass as You have spoken. As this is so, we can confidently continue to hold fast to the promises that lie yet ahead, knowing that they will occur. And those promises, because of Jesus our Lord, are great indeed! Hallelujah and Amen!
Wednesday, 27 July 2022 “And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” Acts 9:12 Ananias was told by the Lord to go to Straight Street, inquiring at the house of Judas for a Saul of Tarsus, noting that he would be praying. The Lord continues with His words now, saying, “And in a vision.” The word translated as “vision” is the same word just used in verse 9:10 to describe the vision that Ananias is currently having. It is an interesting thought then that Ananias is having a vision explaining to him that another person has had a vision. If Ananias trusts his own senses, then he must trust what is conveyed in his vision, and therefore he must trust that the vision seen by Saul (Paul) was real as well. But Ananias has not yet laid his hands on him, despite the fact that Jesus says, “he has seen.” It is an aorist verb. As such, it is an event that has occurred at a particular moment without regard to time, but Jesus is speaking of it as if it has occurred in a vision, meaning before the event actually takes place. The vision which Saul had is now complete in Saul's mind as stated by Jesus, and yet it has not yet actually occurred in the stream of time. That is evident from the continued words of the verse. It shows that Christ is transcendent over time, and He has the ability to call it back from the past or to project it from the future. As this is the case now, it really doesn't matter if the time is short, such as in a few hours, or if it spans millennia. It demonstrates that Christ is “above” time and thus can operate “outside of” time. As such, His appearance in Genesis 18 or Judges 13 is just as possible as it is within a short time between His appearance to Saul and then Ananias. And more, His knowledge of the future events referred to in Revelation are equally possible. Understanding this, His words continue, saying, “a man named Ananias.” Jesus tells Ananias that Saul's vision includes him and that by the time he arrives at Saul's location, it will have been a past event. In this vision, it will be of Ananias “coming in and putting his hand on him.” The verbs are aorist participles. It rightly says, “having come and having put his hand on him.” It is not known when Saul received the vision. For all we know, it could have happened at the same moment that Ananias had his. Or it could have been before it or as Ananias is on the way to the house. But by the time he arrives, Saul will have seen the event occur. Because of this, it would then allow him to know with absolute certainty that what transpired was of the Lord and not of human effort. The Lord will be the Source and Power behind what happens, whereas Ananias will simply be the means by which it is carried out. The laying on of his hands will be the mode by which it occurs. Ananias is to do this to Paul “so that he might receive his sight.” The translation is correct. The verb is subjunctive. It is a hypothetical event. The laying on of the hands is what will bring about the reality of what is, at this time, merely a possibility. Ananias is being informed that he is the one to carry out what is needed for Saul to have his vision restored. One can assume that if Ananias didn't do this, the vision Saul had would be proven false. In other words, if someone named Harry showed up and laid his hands on him and his sight was restored, it would not be a miracle of the Lord, but a healing by Harry because the Lord's vision for Saul was that Ananias would do it. Everything about the miraculous would suddenly be called into question. If Harry knew Saul's medical condition, he could come in and show himself to be a great healer and that a naturalistic explanation is sufficient. Or he could claim to be a man of God by healing Saul and profit off of the situation personally. Everything must occur as is seen in the vision. As it will, then it demonstrates the Lord's absolute knowledge of the matter and His sovereignty over time and the events that take place. Life application: In Amos 9, it says when speaking of the people of Israel – “'I will bring back the captives of My people Israel; They shall build the waste cities and inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards and drink wine from them; They shall also make gardens and eat fruit from them. 15 I will plant them in their land, And no longer shall they be pulled up From the land I have given them,' Says the Lord your God.” Amos 9:14,15 Either this is true, or it is not. As this has never taken place, because Israel has been uprooted in the past and is only now back in the land of Israel, then either it must continue to take place into the future, or the Bible is not the word of God. Prophecy is a part of Scripture that either proves or disproves its veracity. If the prophecies of the Bible are not true, then the Bible is conveying a false message. As this is so, then we can look to the prophecies of the Bible that have been fulfilled, and we can then be confident that what is promised into the future will also be fulfilled. Essentially, God has placed His integrity on the line for us to check and see if what He says is true. He has done this so that we can know. He has done this so that we should know. He has done this so that we are without excuse for not knowing. Let us be confident in the word as it continues to unfold as prophesied within the stream of time. It has validated itself and it continues to do so to this day. Lord God, thank You for the surety we possess because of the reliability of Your word. It proclaims the future, and then the events come to pass as You have spoken. As this is so, we can confidently continue to hold fast to the promises that lie yet ahead, knowing that they will occur. And those promises, because of Jesus our Lord, are great indeed! Hallelujah and Amen!
A Changed LifePastor Trinity Opp Acts 9:1-22 Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord's followers. So he went to the high priest. He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains. As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone's voice but saw no one! Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink. Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord!” he replied. The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.” “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I've heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.” But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name's sake.” So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Instantly something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength. Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!” All who heard him were amazed. “Isn't this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus' followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn't he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?” Saul's preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn't refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. 1. A personal encounter with Christ. (9:1-9) 2. Surrender to Jesus in repentance and faith. (9:9-19a) 3. Receive God's call to serve. (9:19b-22) Challenge: God is at work in the world pursuing and calling people unto salvation. We must never write anyone off by thinking that they are too lost to be saved. God wants His followers to be life-giving ambassadors to people who don't know God – even to the worst among us. May we never get tired of pursing and praying for people who don't know God to come to know God through Jesus Christ. Supporting Texts:Acts 22:6-16Acts 26:12-181 Timothy 1:12-161 Corinthians 15:9-10John 14:6
Pastor NJ Huba | 07/17/2022
THE THESIS: Hunter and Ashley Biden have been broken and we must pray for them. The Biden siblings share some serious problems, apparent sex addiction (which Ashley appears to have discussed in therapy) and the strange habit of leaving their darkest life secrets laying around where people can find them. That Hunter Biden has been selling White House access to fuel his twin addictions is a clear and vital national security crisis, that these two humans have these twin set of issues is the sign of a deeply sick family life that is also a national security concern, but also a call for us to pray for them. THE SCRIPTURE & SCRIPTURAL RESOURCES: Matthew 5:43-48 Love for Enemies 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Acts 9: 1-19 Saul's Conversion 9 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. 10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. 11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” 13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” 17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength. THE NEWS & COMMENT: Some good news, perhaps? EXCLUSIVE: Judge rules to unseal dozens of documents about Ghislaine Maxwell's personal affairs, including those that reveal her and Jeffrey Epstein's relationship with the Clinton. But, what about Hunter Biden? [AUDIO] - Senator Ron Johnson: Hunter Biden's laptop is a treasure trove of info that must be investigated. But unfortunately we don't have equal justice in our country. Instead, we have a two-tiered justice system – one for Democrats and their powerful friends (and family) and one for the rest of America. It's not just the laptop (well, maybe not . . . ) Hunter Biden's iPhone backup data allegedly hacked by 4chan users; Members of the 4chan online community have allegedly hacked Hunter Biden's iCloud by cracking his iPhone's password on Saturday. It's sad and fitting that Hunter Biden is being destroyed by the same drugs and sex addiction that The Party has allowed to run through America's cities . . . [AUDIO] - In San Francisco's Tenderloin District, you can smoke meth on the sidewalk and deal fentanyl openly on a street corner, but if you're a mom like @GMcDee2 trying to get your addicted kid off the street and into a car, *then* the cops might intervene. This is just so horrific to read. We must pray for Hunter and Ashlely Biden--that God will call them to Himself--and we need to understand the pure Hell that is in the White House. Bidens are as dysfunctional as the Kennedys — and protected by the press Hunter Biden reportedly called Jill an ‘entitled c–t' in texts [AUDIO] - Poor Biden: Morning Joe Crew Whines That Dems Are Not Touting Biden Enough Doesn't it make sense, then, that a Party who chooses that man is Figurehead, has groups like this threatening Supreme Court justices everywhere they go? Leftist SCOTUS Stalker Group ‘ShutDownDC' Offers Bounties For Conservative Justice Sightings; ShutDownDC: “We'll venmo you $50 for a confirmed sighting and $200 if they're still there 30 mins after your message,” as targeting encouraged throughout leftist Twitterverse. [AUDIO] - Doocy Battles KJP as She Okays Hounding Kavanaugh in Public: Part of ‘Democracy' So, naturally, this is what panics the NY Times: The Far-Right Christian Quest for Power: ‘We Are Seeing Them Emboldened'; Political candidates on the fringe mix religious fervor with conspiracy theories, even calling for the end of the separation of church and state. And, in a related story, this is also causing the NY Times staff to seek their safe spaces The Rise of the Far-Right Latina; Representative Mayra Flores is one of three Republican Latinas vying to transform South Texas politics by shunning moderates and often embracing the extreme. . . . The Times, of course, ignores this catastrophe, tied inexorably to the same type of rugs that have so ruined Hunter Biden and millions of Americans, like the son of the woman in San Francisco [AUDIO] - So this is Human Trafficking at the Border, Probably Happening every day. Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and Democrats are allowing this catastrophe to happen! Guess who has to pay for this mess? THE LISTENERS CHRIS: Todd Love you bro but God does not love everyone unconditionally. This was a pet peeve of RC Sproul. We have to stop saying this as Christian's. God loves His creation but loves His children with a fatherly eternal love. Remember Jesus owns words to Nicodemus…. Jesus loves us but only if we repent and believe upon Him. John 3:18-21 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Do you know anyone who seems like the least likely person to ever turn and follow Jesus? You look at them and think, "There's just no way..." Maybe the person you think of as the least likely Jesus follower is you. Well, today we're looking at a story from the Bible about a man who never, ever thought he would follow Jesus. And the people around him agreed. He was the least likely person to ever give his life to Jesus, because he was obsessed with destroying the lives of Christians, and wiping out the story of Jesus for good. And yet, all of that changed over a three day period in a house on Straight Street. Ann SwindellGuest: Ann SwindellBible Passage: Acts 9:1-9 ESVGet your Freebie: The Live Like It's True WorkbookMentioned Resources: Path to Peace by Ann Swindell.Season 2 of Live Like It's True: The True Story of EasterEpisode: The True Story of the Arrest with Lindsay Schott Episode: The True Story of the Empty Tomb with Erika VanHaitsma Music: Cade Popkin Music Summer Standout SeriesToday is part 2 of a conversation with Ann Swindell, which is part of my Summer Standout series. Over the summer, I'm connecting with a handful of fellow Bible study authors who are releasing a new study, and so I've let them choose the story from the Bible that we'll be talking about. Also, each episode will include a giveaway. Scroll down for two ways to win. Ann SwindellAnn Swindell and her writing have been featured widely by The Gospel Coalition, Risen Motherhood, (in)courage, Proverbs 31 Ministries, and other publications. Ann lives in West Michigan with her pastor-husband and their children. Learn more at annswindell.com.Find Ann:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterSummer Giveaways!You have two ways you can enter to win any of the Bible studies and books I'm giving away this summer, including a copy of Path to Peace. If you haven't yet, sign up for my Live Like It's True Workbook and you'll be entered for a chance to win.Find one of my posts pointing to this episode on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter and either tag a friend or share.GET YOUR FREE LIVE LIKE IT'S TRUE WORKBOOKOne of the things I'm hoping, with my free Live Like It's True Workbook, is to help you develop is an eye for seeing the stories of the Bible as more than just stories. As western thinkers, we're far more accustomed to considering abstract ideas, and listening to propositions and arguments. But But the stories of the Bible communicate rich theological truths, and they do so in a way that is less abstract and so easier for us to remember and refer back to.
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 NKJVThe most critical element to being in God's will is to want more than anything to be in God's will! You are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 NLT Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Acts 8:1-3 NKJVLostness is often obvious, but you don't have to look lost to be lost. Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord's followers. So he went to the high priest. He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains. As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” Acts 9:6 NLTThe men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone's voice but saw no one! Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink. Acts 9:7-9 NLTDon't allow circumstances or broken choices to title a chapter or define your story. Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord!” he replied. The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.” “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I've heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.” But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name's sake.” So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Instantly something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength. Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. Acts 9:10-19 NLTPowering through to the redemption is the best way to make the enemy sorry He ever messed with your story!And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!” Acts 9:20 NLTA good beginning is great, but in the end it's how you finish that matters most to God.
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 NKJV The most critical element to being in God's will is to want more than anything to be in God's will! You are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 NLT Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Acts 8:1-3 NKJV Lostness is often obvious, but you don't have to look lost to be lost. Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord's followers. So he went to the high priest. He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains. As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” Acts 9:6 NLT The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone's voice but saw no one! Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink. Acts 9:7-9 NLT Don't allow circumstances or broken choices to title a chapter or define your story. Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord!” he replied. The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.” “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I've heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.” But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name's sake.” So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Instantly something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength. Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. Acts 9:10-19 NLT Powering through to the redemption is the best way to make the enemy sorry He ever messed with your story! And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!” Acts 9:20 NLT A good beginning is great, but in the end it's how you finish that matters most to God.
I've accepted Jesus • https://beaverton.cc/follow-christ • Let us know you made this decision, and we'll help you discover what's next! Get Baptized • https://beaverton.cc/baptisms • If you have accepted Jesus but have never had the opportunity to celebrate your new life in Him through water baptism, this is your next step! I'm New • https://beaverton.cc/sunday/join-us-in-person/im-new • Find opportunities to engage and grow! Find Community • https://beaverton.cc/community • Growth happens best in community Let us pray with you • https://beaverton.cc/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you. Find Care • https://beaverton.cc/care • BCC strives to address unique life circumstances in multiple ways, through care and support. What's Happening at BCC • https://beaverton.cc/whats-happening • This page is kept up to date, so you always know what's happening at BCC! Sermon Notes - June 5, 2022Acts: The Church - Story of Saul - Jon Furman Acts 7:57-58 (NLT)Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting, they rushed at Steven and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul. Acts 8:1 (NLT)Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. Acts 9:1 (NLT)Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord's followers. Acts 9:10a-12 (NLT)Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.” Acts 9:13-14 (NLT)“But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I've heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.” Acts 9:15-16 (NLT)But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name's sake.” Acts 9:17-18 (NLT)So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Instantly something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. Acts 9:20-21 (NLT)And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!” All who heard him were amazed. “Isn't this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus' followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn't he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?” Acts 9:22-23, 25 (NLT)Saul's preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn't refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. After a while some of the Jews plotted together to kill him… So during the night, some of the other believers lowered him in a large basket through an opening in the city wall. Acts 9:26-27 (NLT)When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly become a believer! Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus... He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus. Acts 9:28-31 (NLT)So Saul stayed with the apostles and went all around Jerusalem with them, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. He debated with some Greek-speaking Jews, but they tried to murder him. When the believers heard about this, they… sent him away to his hometown. The church then had peace… and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers. Transformed Attitude Transformed Affections Philippians 2:1-5 (NLT)Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Transformed Actions Luke 15:4 (NLT)“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won't he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it?
Acts 9:1-22 NLT - Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord's followers.[a] So he went to the high priest. 2 He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains. 3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” 5 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7 The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone's voice but saw no one! 8 Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. 9 He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink. 10 Now there was a believer[b] in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord!” he replied. 11 The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. 12 I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.” 13 “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I've heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers[c] in Jerusalem! 14 And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.” 15 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name's sake.” 17 So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19 Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength. Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem Saul stayed with the believers[d] in Damascus for a few days. 20 And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!” 21 All who heard him were amazed. “Isn't this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus' followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn't he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?” 22 Saul's preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn't refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mildred-kingsley-okonkwo0/message
Apostolic Fellowship Church of Christ Jesus Sunday Morning Worship Service 1153 Blue Hills Ave, Bloomfield, CT 06002 We can be reached by contacting us at AFCMedia@AFC-ct.com or calling us at 860-242-3518.
I'm New • https://hopecitypdx.com/sunday/join-us-in-person/im-new • Find opportunities to engage and grow! Share Your Story • https://hopecitypdx.com/grow#story • How is God working in and through your life? If you want to share your story, fill out a short form to let us know! Worship • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJiXY9vBKd-n2kH_vqUbneg • Check out Willamette Music's YouTube channel to find the songs we most often sing together on Sundays. Find Care • https://hopecitypdx.com/care • Hope City strives to address unique life circumstances in multiple ways, through care and support. Daniel Knutson - May 22, 2022 How We Are Shaped Water Baptism Identifies us with Jesus Led by the Holy Spirit Called to live generously Called to those close and distant Following Jesus together Mark 2:17 (NIV)…“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Acts 9:1- (NIV)1 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. 10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered.11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. We use what we've been given, to give to others 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” 13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. You are never too far, and it is never too late, to encounter the love of Jesus 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” 17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Those who have encountered Jesus, share Jesus. 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized… You're never too far, and it's never too late Give to others Share Jesus
Introduction to PaulRomans • May 22, 2022Teacher: Adam Barnett--Our desire is that you would read the designated section for yourself in Scripture first, and then read the three entries that correspond to that Scripture—theological, pastoral, and devotional. At the end of the three entries is space for you to write any reflections, questions, or thoughts you had on the text. Acts 9:1-22 NIVMeanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priestand asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him,“Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied.“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone.Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus.For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered.The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem.And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized,and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn't he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn't he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?”Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.Raymond Brown“Paul was an itinerant artisan who would have had to struggle to get money for food. Horseback travel was difficult. And Paul would not even have been able or willing to spend money for a donkey to carry his baggage. So we have to picture Paul trudging along the roads, carrying his limited possessions in a sack, at the maximum covering twenty miles a day. Often, he had to sleep somewhere near the road, amidst the cold, rain, and snow. As a poor man he would have been easily victimized by bandits, especially in country areas that were less efficiently controlled by police. Sea journeys were not much safer.”2 Corinthians 6:4-10 NIVRather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.Romans 1:1-6 NIVPaul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name's sake. And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
Teaching NotesFor from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. (John 1:16)“Your mess is mine” - Vance JoyFor I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 1 Corinthians 15:3-10In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”“Yes, Lord,” he answered.The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength…When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord… Acts 9:10-28Paul had grace from God but not from the people of God“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. (Acts 9:13)When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. (Acts 9:26)Grace is messy and confusing{Jesus}, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)Grace takes gutsThen Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul,... (Acts 9:17)But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how… (Acts 9:27)QUESTION: To whom do you need to say, “Your mess is mine”?Fill in the blank: “But {Insert your name} took {insert name of person} and {insert action of grace}4. Grace unlocks the church.Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. (Acts 9:31)Your mess is ours! Going DeeperWhen has someone extended a hand beneath the bathroom stall and said (in one way or another), “Your grace is mine”?Per John 1:14, are you more of a “Gracer” or a “Truther”?What's the most confusing or difficult part about extending that hand to someone?Who is someone in your life that God is nudging you towards?Based on Acts 9:27, can you fill in your own blanks: “But {Insert your name} took {insert name of person} and {insert action of grace} Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa/OnlineChild of God- Mitch LangleyNothing Else- Cody CarnesThe Blessing- Kari JobeWFC SpeedwayUnstoppable God- Elevation WorshipGoodness of God- Bethel MusicNo Longer Slaves- Bethel MusicThe Blessing- Kari JobeBe sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday's set!
Teaching NotesFor from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. (John 1:16)“Your mess is mine” - Vance JoyFor I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 1 Corinthians 15:3-10In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”“Yes, Lord,” he answered.The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength…When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord… Acts 9:10-28Paul had grace from God but not from the people of God“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. (Acts 9:13)When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. (Acts 9:26)Grace is messy and confusing{Jesus}, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)Grace takes gutsThen Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul,... (Acts 9:17)But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how… (Acts 9:27)QUESTION: To whom do you need to say, “Your mess is mine”?Fill in the blank: “But {Insert your name} took {insert name of person} and {insert action of grace}4. Grace unlocks the church.Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. (Acts 9:31)Your mess is ours! Going DeeperWhen has someone extended a hand beneath the bathroom stall and said (in one way or another), “Your grace is mine”?Per John 1:14, are you more of a “Gracer” or a “Truther”?What's the most confusing or difficult part about extending that hand to someone?Who is someone in your life that God is nudging you towards?Based on Acts 9:27, can you fill in your own blanks: “But {Insert your name} took {insert name of person} and {insert action of grace} Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa/OnlineChild of God- Mitch LangleyNothing Else- Cody CarnesThe Blessing- Kari JobeWFC SpeedwayUnstoppable God- Elevation WorshipGoodness of God- Bethel MusicNo Longer Slaves- Bethel MusicThe Blessing- Kari JobeBe sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday's set!
(English) In this message Ps Richard talks about refreshing others and being refreshed in these 3 points: (Proverbs 11:25 NLT) The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Be Refreshed - Receive from Jesus (Acts 22:12-13 NLT) A man named Ananias lived there. He was a godly man, deeply devoted to the law, and well regarded by all the Jews of Damascus. (13) He came and stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, regain your sight.' And that very moment I could see him! (Acts 9:10 NLT) Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord!” he replied. Refresh Others - Live Generously and Sacrificially (Acts 9:11-15 NLT) The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. (12) I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.” (13) “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I've heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! (14) And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.” (15) But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. (16) And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name's sake.” 1.Refreshing Others is an Adventure (Acts 9:17-19 NLT) So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”(18) Instantly something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. (19) Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength. Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. 2.Refreshing Others Gives Us Purpose 3.Refreshing Others Is Rewarded (Matthew 10:42 NLT) And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.”
(Bilingual) このメッセージでは太助牧師が神様が友を送ってくれることによってどう力付けてくれるのかについて以下の4つのポイントから話します。 In this message Ps Tasuke talks about how God sends a friend to restore in these 4 points: (1ペテロ 5:10 新改訳) あらゆる恵みに満ちた神、すなわち、あなたがたをキリストにあってその永遠の栄光の中に招き入れてくださった神ご自身が、あなたがたをしばらくの苦しみのあとで完全にし、堅く立たせ、強くし、不動の者としてくださいます。 (1Peter 5:10 NLT) In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 1.イエスは大きな変化をもたらす Jesus Brings a Big Change (使徒 9:3-9 JCB) パウロがダマスコの近くまで来た時、突然、天からまばゆい光が、さっと彼を照らしました。(4) そして、地に倒れた彼の耳に、こう語りかける声が響いてきました。「パウロ、パウロ。なぜわたしを迫害するのか。」(5) パウロが、「あなたはどなたですか」と尋ねると、「わたしは、あなたが迫害しているイエスだ。 (6) さあ立って、町に入り、わたしの命令を待ちなさい」という答えが返ってきました。(7) 同行していた人々は驚き、口もきけずに立ちすくんでいました。彼らには、声は聞こえても、イエスの姿は見えなかったからです。 (8-9) ようやくパウロは起き上がりましたが、どうしたことでしょう、目が見えません。手を引いてもらって、やっとダマスコに入り、三日間、目が見えないまま、何も飲み食いせずに過ごしました。 (Acts 9:3-9 NLT) As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him.(4) He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”(5) “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked.And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! (6) Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”(7) The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone's voice but saw no one! (8) Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. (9) He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink. 2.神様は友を送ってくれる God Sends a Friend (使徒 9:10-16 JCB) さて、ダマスコにはアナニヤというクリスチャンが住んでいました。主は幻の中で、彼に語りかけました。「アナニヤよ。」「はい。」(11)「『まっすぐ』という名の通りに行き、ユダという人の家を探しなさい。そこにタルソ出身のパウロという人がいて、いま祈っています。(12) わたしは幻の中で、アナニヤという人が来て、彼に手を置くと、もとどおり見えるようになると知らせておいたから。」(13) アナニヤは驚いて叫びました。「主よ、パウロですって！あの男がエルサレムのクリスチャンをどんな目に会わせているか、聞いております。(14) それに、祭司長たちから逮捕状をもらい、このダマスコのクリスチャンを一人残らず捕らえる権限を持っているという、もっぱらのうわさです。」(15) しかし、主は言われました。「さあ、行きなさい。このパウロこそ、わたしの教えをイスラエル人だけでなく、世界中の人々や王たちに伝えるために、わたしが選んだ人です。 (16) 彼には、わたしのために、どんなに苦しむことになるかを告げるつもりです。」 (Acts 9:10-16 NLT) Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord!” he replied.(11) The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now.(12) I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.”(13) “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I've heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! (14) And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.” (15) But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. (16) And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name's sake.” 3.元気を取り戻し、新しいビジョンが与えられた Restored and Given New Vision (使徒 9:17-20 JCB) アナニヤは出かけ、パウロを捜し当てました。そして彼に手を置き、「兄弟パウロ。あなたはここへ来る途中、主にお会いしましたね。その主イエス様が私を遣わしました。あなたが聖霊に満たされ、また見えるようになるためです」と言いました。(18) するとたちまち、パウロの目から、うろこのようなものが落ち、目が見えるようになりました。彼は直ちにバプテスマ（洗礼）を受け、(19) 食事をとると、すっかり元気を取り戻しました。パウロはそれから数日の間、ダマスコのクリスチャンといっしょに過ごすと、(20) すぐにも会堂へ行き、「イエスは神の子である」と語り始めました。 (Acts 9:17-20 NLT) So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”(18) Instantly something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized.(19) Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength. Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days.(20) And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!” (ヨハネ 3:16 JCB)...
Preaching from Acts 9:10-12, Pastor Tolan Morgan argues that it is most important for every believer to realize that while we want God to act immediately in our lives, sometimes we have to wait on God because God is waiting on us to spend time with Him. If you would like to give your life to Christ or join our church, you can email us at membership@fbbchome.org, or text us at 478.227.0057. We encourage you to follow us on all of our Social Media Platforms: FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/Fellowship31093 INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/fbbc31093 TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/fbbc31093 To watch full length messages by Pastor Tolan Morgan, subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/fbbcwarnerrobins Your contributions help us to continue to spread the love of Jesus Christ throughout our city and abroad. Thank you for your generosity. GIVE: http://www.fbbchome.org/ways-to-give
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
