Tag Archives: David

Introduction to the Book of Acts – A History of the Early Church

The Book of Acts

A history of the Early Church

The book of Acts also called The Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke, the same author of the gospel of Luke. Both documents were adressed to a “most excellent Theophilus” who may have been a high ranking Roman government official. The book of Acts was written sometime between 61 and 64 AD. The book ends with Paul’s house arrest in Rome in 61AD. The book makes no mention of Paul’s death or Nero’s persecution nor of the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD. This places the date of this book at least before 70 AD. Luke was a very accurate and detail oriented historian and would have included these events if they had happened at the time of writing. The book of Acts is a condesned history of the early Apostolic church, it is an eyewitnmess account of the spread fof the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome. The recurring theme in the book is the empowerment of the early believers from the Holy Spirit and it is this same Holy Spirit that empowers believers yet today. While being a historical narrative it also is theologically profound. We as believers do not have “blind” faith, but a FAITH that rests on the facts of history. The life, death and resurrection of Jesus are historical facts recorded by Luke in the gospel that bears his name. The book of Acts gives believers the reassurance that our faith in Christ is based on and rests on historical facts.

1 Corinthians 15:17

New Living Translation (NLT)

17 And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins.

Acts 1:1-5

New Living Translation (NLT)

The Promise of the Holy Spirit

1 In my first book[a] I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. 3 During the forty days after his crucifixion, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God.

4 Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 5 John baptized with[b] water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Luke 24:36-53

New Living Translation (NLT)

36 And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 37 But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!

38 “Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? 39 Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” 40 As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet.

41 Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he ate it as they watched.

44 Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations,[a] beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ 48 You are witnesses of all these things.

49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”

The Ascension

50 Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. 52 So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. 53 And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God.

Footnotes:

  1. Luke 24:47 Or all peoples.

2 Peter 1:16

New Living Translation (NLT)

16 For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes

It is in the first cahpter of this book that is recorded Jesus ascedning into Heaven, Jesus is the prominent figure of this book. The central theme of the all the sermons, defenses, and the life of the church throughout this book is that of the Resurrected Christ. It is in this book that we meet Saul of Tarsus, and learn of his dramatic conversion experince and how he becomes the Apostle Paul, and of his missionary ecxperinces and influenc over the early church.

Outline of the Book of Acts

              1. The apostle’s witness in Jerusalem

              2. The Early Church’s Witness to All of Judea and Samaria

              3. The Witness to the End of the Earth

More Milk and the Meat is Still Tender- A Little About Hell

God justice demands the penalty be paid for sin. What is that penalty? It is death.

 

 

Romans 6:23

New International Version (NIV)

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[a] Christ Jesus our Lord.

Footnotes:

  1. Romans 6:23 Or through

Look at that verse very closely. This verse has both bad news and good news in it. The bad news is that we are all sinners and that we now see the result of sin is death. The Good News is that we have a redeemer in Christ Jesus. Lets examine the first part of that verse for a moment. “For the wages of sin is death” Death is separation, separation from God’s presence. I am going to discuss something here that we do not like to talk about and that is hell. The only way to Heaven is by coming to Christ and accepting the free gift of salvation. There is no other way. Jesus holds the keys and it is He that must let you in. This cannot be made clear enough nor can I state it strongly  enough. There are only two locations that one can pass onto at the moment of physical death that is either heaven or hell. Hell is a real place and that is taught irrefuatbly throughout scripture. Hell is both a place of the evil and wicked dead(unsaved) and a condition of retribution for the unredeemed. Sheol is in one sense the undifferentiated place of all the dead. (Job 3:13-21) and in another sense the special doom of the wicked. (Psalm 49:14). What is the nature of hell? What is hell like?

1.eternal punishment (repeated references to this) Matt 25:46

  1. eternal fire ( 18:8, Jude 6
  2. the pit of the abyss ( Rev 9:2,11)
  3. Outer darkness (Matt 8:12)
  4. the wrath of God ( Rom 2:5)
  5. the second death (Rev 21:8)
  6. eternal destruction from the face of God ( 2 Thess 1:9)
  7. eternal sin (Mark 3:29)

We see here three concepts of what hell is and they are:

  1. The absence of rightenouss(Mark 3:29)
  2. Separation from God ( John 3:36)
  3. Judgement ( Matt 8:12 ; 25:31-46)

The above is what the consequences apart from Christ are of sin and of rejecting the gospel message. Lets recap the scriptures that we have been looking at:

Romans 3:23

New International Version (NIV)

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

 

1John 1: 8, 10

 

8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us

 

10f we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

 

 

Romans 6:23

New International Version (NIV)

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[a] Christ Jesus our Lord.

Footnotes:

  1. Romans 6:23 Or through

Milk is Sweet but Meat is Better- Are You a Sinner?

Well, now Easter is over and we must move on, the crucifixion and the resurrection, sin and eternal life are the milk of the gospel, that is easy to understand if not accept. Sin, death, eternal life, salvation are all what is the milk of the gospel , we must drink the milk if we are to grow, we will not grow if we do not drink the milk, but our strenght comes from the meat of the gospel. Putting these things to work in how we live our lives. No, I am not talking about a salvation by works, but a salvation that leads to doing good works, not out of a compulsory command but out of heart felt desire to reflect the love of Christ through our actions and our words. We cannot do enough good works to outweigh the evil that lies within us all- the world says that mankind is bascially good but God says that the heart of man is continually evil. The sins of the heroes of the faith stick out like sore thumbs throughout the Bible. Paul was a persecutor and murderer, Abraham was a liar, Jacob was a con man and a thief, King David was an adulterer and murderer and possibly even a rapist(yet he was a man after God’s own heart), Noah was a drunk, Peter was a liar( denied he even knew Jesus, not once but three times as Jesus predicted he would), There are countless other examples, I mean no disrespect by pointing this out, these examples are stated to make the point- we are not good by any means, these men were all very close to God yet they fell into sin, like the rest of us, they tried to be good people yet they fell short or missed the mark. This is what is the common thread of humanity is sin.

Romans 3:23

New International Version (NIV)

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

 

1John 1: 8, 10

 

8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us

 

10f we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

 

Sin is what nailed Jesus to cross. This is the meat of the gospel, it was not the Romans that crucified Jesus, it was not the chief preists or elders, it was not Judas that betrayed Him, yet in a sense it was. It was and is the sins that we all have committed. Perhaps the hardest teaching of Christianity is that the first thing one has to do is to admit to being a sinner, an evil vile sinner, admit to being a bad person, that one has to confess to the crimes that they have committed to a wrathful vengeful but just God. When you stand in God’s court are you going to demand justice or plead for mercy?

What Happened on Friday?

What Happened on Friday?

Thursday Jesus and the disciples obesrved Passover and Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper. Jesus was betreayed on Thursday evening as He and the disciples prayed. It is in the Garden of Gethsame where they prayed and Judas brought the temple guards to arrest Jesus. It is then that Peter cut off the ear of one of the guards. Then Jesus underwent bascially three trials on Thursday exteding into Friday morning very early. Pilate caved into the political pressure of that day and finally gave the Sanhedrin what the wanted- Jesus to be put to death- they meant it for evil but God meant it for good. The trial in the Jewish court was a knagaroo court which was an illegal trial held in the middle of the night with witnesses which were paid to lie. They meant it for evil but God meant it for good. It is now Friday- but Sunday is coming! It is Friday- Jesus is mocked and crowned with a crown of thorns and beaten so badly that He is beyond physical recognition – it’s Friday- But Sunday is Coming! Jesus is led to the Golgatha and stipped and beaten and nailed to the cross- it is Friday- Sunday is coming! The Apostle John is there as is Jesus Mother Mary- Jesus speaks from the cross- the pain, the blood, the shame, the humiliation, Jesus speaks from the cross- what an effort even that must have been- Its Friday- Sunday is coming- From the cross Jesus forgives, makes arrangements for His Mother’s care, shows His full humanity – and asks, prays, “My God, My God why have you forsaken me?” Did God really forsake His Son? I do not believe so, Jesus here is being human, what one of us in that situation would not feel like God had forsaken us? This is a very human question and came from the human nature of Jesus. He was letting the world know that at times we make feel as if God has abandoned us- that is how we feel( our emotions) but God’s promise is that He will never forsake us. And He will not and he did not forsake His own Son! It is Friday- Sunday is Coming!

Jesus forgives from the cross, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do” Jesus here is interceding here for all sinners throughout eternity. He is looking into the time before the cross and the time after the cross and seeing not only the sin, but the sinner- it is here that the gift of grace is being granted to all who would accept it. Even as he is feeling the nails piercing his wrists and feet, as the thorns punture clear through the skull into the brain tissues, as the pressure on the chest becomes unbearable and breathing causes excruciating pain- He is suffering the torture that we (sinners) deserve as He is interessing with the Father for us. Its Friday, Sunday;s Coming! He cries out “I thirst” again showing His frail human nature. At last the Suffering Servant cries out – IT IS Finished! And says Father into Your hand I committ my Spirit. And He gives up the ghost. It is Friday- Sunday is coming! Jesus is then taken from the cross and laid in a borrowed tomb- it is Friday- Sunday is coming!

The disciple have gone into hiding where the remain all day Saturday, the Sabbath. What a dark sabbath that must have been! It is now Saturday- the Sabbath- but Sunday is coming!

The Sanhedrin Questions Jesus Authority

The Authority of Jesus Questioned

Mark 11:27-34

New Living Translation (NLT)

This event is also found in Matt 21:23-27 and Luke 20:1-8. The Jewish leaders were bitter and they did all they could to try to trap Jesus but the Lord was a master debater and He turned every question they posed to Him around and they ended up embarassing themselves.

The Authority of Jesus Challenged

27Again they entered Jerusalem. As Jesus was walking through the Temple area, the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders came up to him. 28They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right to do them?”

29“I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question,” Jesus replied. 30“Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human? Answer me!”

31They talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, he will ask why we didn’t believe John. 32But do we dare say it was merely human?” For they were afraid of what the people would do, because everyone believed that John was a prophet. 33So they finally replied, “We don’t know.”

And Jesus responded, “Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.”

The religious leaders were now plotting a way to kill Jesus. (see vs 18) and the asked Jesus about the nature and source of His authority – referring to the authority to cleanse the temple(see vss 15-17) . Jesus had not yet openly declared that He was the Messiah.

I just love the following exchange!

29“I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question,” Jesus replied. 30“Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human? Answer me!”

The intent of Jesus question to the leaders was to expose their insincereity. ‘The baptism of John, is referring to the AUTHORITY of John’s baptism- was it from Heaven and ordained by God or was it merely from men, that is of human contrivance and void of any spiritual authority and reality? The leaders repsonded with a dishonest answer-

that of Verse 33 So they finally replied, “We don’t know.” And how did Jesus respond? He kept His promise, since they did not answer His question he repsonded-

And Jesus responded, “Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.”

Thus far we have covered the triumphal entry(Sunday), the cleansing of the temple(Monday) and now the Sanhedrin challenging Jesus authority( Tuesday) There are a few more events that happened on Tuesday, that we will look at next time.

Be sure to tune in and lock in ULC Radio

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/universallifechurch

There is a full line up of shows everynight! Something for every one to enjoy from devtionals and sermons to worship services to music to Bible Studies to even News! These programs are all safe for family listening!

Be sure these Facebook Pages:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Universal-Life-Church/147869338562220

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Empty-Cross-Ministries/171930279510531

MO Bout dat Money stuff from the Bible!

 

Ok, where were we, oh yes, we were discussing what God‘s Word says about credit and some good examples of how some governments (including our own) are not properly handling finances and how we can bring that down on a personal or family level. Folks, I am doing this study because I struggle with finance, maybe more so than any of you do. God has called me to do this and share this with you and I am following His leading. Financial difficulties is probably the number one cause of destroyed families, and it is a symptom of a deeper problem. At the root of all of our problems are deep rooted spiritual problems and once we get those addressed, all other areas of our lives fall in place. The fact is that how we earn, spend, save, and invest our income effects our families, our churches, our community, and nation. We need to pray about every expenditure that we make, this will bring God directly into our lives and will make our faith stronger so that we can trust Him in even greater things. No purchase is too big or too small to pray about. Get the whole family in on this so they too can share in the spiritual blessing. We need to learn to discern God’s will in the area of new purchases, God might not grant every desire because so often we ask for things that will ultimately hurt us. Do this exercise this week – consider two prospective purchases and pray about them before buying. Now we come to a little bit more about setting goals- the main thing here is to set your own goals- if you let someone else set your goals for you, you are going to be unhappy. Many times Christians will get involved in get rich quick schemes or some type of investments (more about investing later) because others around them seem more successful. God has a plan for your life, your neighbor does not! Lets take a look at Psalm 17:15

As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness;
I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.

This verse is about contentment. King David here has rejected the idea that the pleasures of this life are ultimately fulfilling , he awaits the day when he will awake in glory and be made in the likeness of God. Now lets go to Proverbs 3:13-14

Proverbs 3:13-14

The Message (MSG)

The Very Tree of Life

13-18 You’re blessed when you meet Lady Wisdom,
when you make friends with Madame Insight.
She’s worth far more than money in the bank;
her friendship is better than a big salary.
Her value exceeds all the trappings of wealth;
nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her.
With one hand she gives long life,
with the other she confers recognition.
Her manner is beautiful,
her life wonderfully complete.
She’s the very Tree of Life to those who embrace her.
Hold her tight—and be blessed!

Here success is defined as having wisdom and insight. The person who has discovered wisdom has found a priceless treasure. Wisdom is like another tree of life that and will begin to restore the lost happiness of paradise.

Proverbs 3:19

The Message (MSG)

19-20 With Lady Wisdom, God formed Earth;
with Madame Insight, he raised Heaven.
They knew when to signal rivers and springs to the surface,
and dew to descend from the night skies.

And we see from these verses that the source of wisdom is God Himself.

¡No Tengo Dinero! ¡No Pudeo a Pagarse Ahora! MOney Ills and More

Is is scriptural to claim bankruptcy? Well, lets see what the scriptures say to find out! But first a common view point, if someone has incurred excessive debt- remember, a debt is an obligation that cannot be met. If this person has incurred excessive debt and has a truly changed attitude (truly repented) does it seem reasonable that they should be able to have a fresh star? Lets look at Psalm 37:21,

 

Psalm 37:21

New King James Version (NKJV)

21The wicked borrows and does not repay,
But the righteous shows mercy and gives.

How is the evil man described?

Now lets take a look at Luke 16:12

Luke 16:12

New King James Version (NKJV)

12And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?

Can you describe what God‘s principle of credit is?

Does God’s plan make sense to you? The world would say that avoiding our creditors is logical. The common explanation is ,”how will I live if they take everything?” Well lets take a look at what God promises in Psalm 50:14-15

Psalm 50:14-15

New King James Version (NKJV)

14 Offer to God thanksgiving,
And pay your vows to the Most High.
15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.”

What does God promise here?

What does He expect?

God promises that He will deliver us from trouble. He expects us to pay our vows to Him, give thanks to Him, and lastly but most important that we glorify Him. God always look at the heart attitude of the believer. Rememeber when God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac? God was asking Abraham to surrender “all” to Him. God looked into Abraham’s heart and saw a true and total commitment to His will. Abraham understood that if God could send him a son in his old age that God could also retrieve his son from even death. And that is why God entrusted Abraham with His kingdom here on earth. Remember the nation of Israel is descended from Abraham.

When believers transfer assets to avoid detachment by creditors that is showing a basic lack of trust in God and an attitude of deceit.

Thus far the discussion has been on the lack of money but what about those shackles that result from an abundance of funds?

There are those who use their money for self satisfaction or they hoard it for that elusive rainy day that never comes. Acculmalting wealth and possessions can become so obessive that is destroys one’s health, family and friends. All of a suden everyone and everything becomes an object to be used as a stepping stone to be trampled underfoot on that ladder to success. Lets examine what the scriptures say about this attitude by looking at Job 31:16-28

16 “If I have kept the poor from their desire,
Or caused the eyes of the widow to fail,
17 Or eaten my morsel by myself,
So that the fatherless could not eat of it
18 (But from my youth I reared him as a father,
And from my mother’s womb I guided the widow[a]);
19 If I have seen anyone perish for lack of clothing,
Or any poor man without covering;
20 If his heart[b] has not blessed me,
And if he was not warmed with the fleece of my sheep;
21 If I have raised my hand against the fatherless,
When I saw I had help in the gate;
22 Then let my arm fall from my shoulder,
Let my arm be torn from the socket.
23 For destruction from God is a terror to me,
And because of His magnificence I cannot endure.

24 “If I have made gold my hope,
Or said to fine gold, ‘You are my confidence’;
25 If I have rejoiced because my wealth was great,
And because my hand had gained much;
26 If I have observed the sun[c] when it shines,
Or the moon moving in brightness,
27 So that my heart has been secretly enticed,
And my mouth has kissed my hand;
28 This also would be an iniquity deserving of judgment,
For I would have denied God who is above.

What is Job stressing as the danger in having riches?

What is there to learn about wealth and attitude?

Note: God does not condemn wealth but He does condemn the misuse of wealth.

Before we can find what God’s answer is to our financial problems we must first assess the problems. All too often we merely treat the symptoms rather than the disease. Our financial circumstances are the symptom of an earlier wrong attitude. What are the symptoms that tell that an attitude problem exists?

Overdue Bills

Worry about investments and savings

“Get Rich Quick Attitude”

Laziness

Deceitfulness

Greediness

Covetousness

We will discuss these symptoms further next time and look as how the Great Physician says to cure the disease of financial ailments.

Tune into Blog Talk Radio Here:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/universallifechurch

And check out and <like > these Facebook Pages!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Universal-Life-Church/147869338562220

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Empty-Cross-Ministries/171930279510531?ref=ts

 

Is is scriptural to claim bankruptcy? Well, lets see what the scriptures say to find out! But first a comon view point, if someone has incurred excessive debt- remember, a debt is an obligation that cannot be met. If this person has incurred excessive debt and has a truly changed attitude (truly repented) does it seem reasonable that they should be able to have a fresh star? Lets look at Psalm 37:21,

 

Psalm 37:21

New King James Version (NKJV)

21The wicked borrows and does not repay,
But the righteous shows mercy and gives.

How is the evil man described?

Now lets take a look at Luke 16:12

Luke 16:12

New King James Version (NKJV)

12And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?

Can you decribe what God’s principle of credit is?

Does God’s plan make sense to you? The world would say that avoiding our creditors is logical. The common explantion is ,”how will I live if they take everything?” Well lets take a look at what God promises in Psalm 50:14-15

Psalm 50:14-15

New King James Version (NKJV)

14 Offer to God thanksgiving,
And pay your vows to the Most High.
15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.”

What does God promise here?

What does He expect?

God promises that He will deliver us from trouble. He expects us to pay our vows to Him, give thanks to Him, and lastly but most important that we glorify Him. God always look at the heart attitude of the believer. Rememeber when God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac? God was asking Abraham to surrender “all” to Him. God looked into Abraham’s heart and saw a true and total commitment to His will. Abraham understood that if God could send him a son in his old age that God could also retrieve his son from even death. And that is why God entrusted Abraham with His kingdom here on earth. Remember the nation of Israel is descended from Abraham.

Whe believers transfer assets to avoid detachment by creditors that is showing a baisc lack of trust in God and an attitude of deceit.

Thus far the discussion has been on the lack of money but what about those shackles that result from an abundance of funds?

There are those who use their money for self satisfaction or they hoard it for that elusive rainy day that never comes. Acculmalting wealth and possessions can become so obessive that is destroys one’s health, family and friends. All of a suden everyone and everything becomes an object to be used as a stepping stone to be trampled underfoot on that ladder to success. Lets examine what the scriptures say about this attitude by looking at Job 31:16-28

16 “If I have kept the poor from their desire,
Or caused the eyes of the widow to fail,
17 Or eaten my morsel by myself,
So that the fatherless could not eat of it
18 (But from my youth I reared him as a father,
And from my mother’s womb I guided the widow[a]);
19 If I have seen anyone perish for lack of clothing,
Or any poor man without covering;
20 If his heart[b] has not blessed me,
And if he was not warmed with the fleece of my sheep;
21 If I have raised my hand against the fatherless,
When I saw I had help in the gate;
22 Then let my arm fall from my shoulder,
Let my arm be torn from the socket.
23 For destruction from God is a terror to me,
And because of His magnificence I cannot endure.

24 “If I have made gold my hope,
Or said to fine gold, ‘You are my confidence’;
25 If I have rejoiced because my wealth was great,
And because my hand had gained much;
26 If I have observed the sun[c] when it shines,
Or the moon moving in brightness,
27 So that my heart has been secretly enticed,
And my mouth has kissed my hand;
28 This also would be an iniquity deserving of judgment,
For I would have denied God who is above.

What is Job stressing as the danger in having riches?

What is there to learn about wealth and attitude?

Note: God does not condemn wealth but He does condemn the misuse of wealth.

Before we can find what God’s amswer is to our financial problems we must first asess the problems. All too often we merely treat the symptoms rather than the disease. Our financial circumstances are the symptom of an earlier wrong attitude. What are the symptoms that tell that an attiude problem exists?

Overdue Bills

Worry about investments and savings

“Get Rich Quick Attitude”

Laziness

Deceitfulness

Greediness

Covetousness

We will discuss these symptoms further next time and look as how the Great Physcian says to cure the disease of financail ailments.

Tune into Blog Talk Radio Here:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/universallifechurch

And check out and <like > these Facebook Pages!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Universal-Life-Church/147869338562220

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Empty-Cross-Ministries/171930279510531?ref=ts

 

 

 

 

 

 

A short Review and Some Memory Tips!

The Bible is God’s Word. The Bible was written by over 40 different authors over a period in excess of 1500 years yet there is a continuity throughout that could have only been concieved of by one mind- that would be the mind of God. The authors penned their words under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. They were allowed to use their own style and own rhetoric but the words are God’s. They were allowed to write when they wanted and what the wanted under the direction of the Holy Spirit. The Bible is without error, without contradiction, and is Absolute Truth. From the first book of Genesis to the last book of Revealtion, the Bible is about Christ Jesus. He is the main character of the entire book- the Bible is the totality of the Revealtion of God speaking to man, through the person of Jesus who is the Christ. The Bible is divided into two main section, the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament is the account of the beginning of the nation of Israel, through which God chose to bring the Savior into the world. In Genesis we see sin entering into the world and the effects of that first sin on all of mankind and the need for a redeemer. In the New Testament we see the arrival of the Redeemer and the prohecies of His return and the final defeat of satan. The Old Testament and the New Testament are the major divisions of the Bible. The Old Testament is the promise of a Savior and the New Testamentis the fullfillment of that promise. Each testaments is further divided into books which are divided into chapters which are divided into verses. The Bible is actually a compilation of 66 book in the recognized Protestant Canon. The Old Testament is also the Jewish Bible. Jesus called the Old Testament “the scriptures” and the “Word of God”. Both the Old and New Testaments openm with historical books and close with prophetic books. There is only one prophetic book in the New Testament and that is the book of Revealtion, which is also the last book in the Bible. The Old Testament contains 39 books. There are historical books, the law, the books of wisdom or poetry and then the major prophets and closes with the minor prophets. There are about 400 years between the Old Testament and the New Testament. This 400 years period is called “the silent years”because Israel had no prophet to reveal the message of God. This period ended with the appearance of John the Baptist. The New Testament contians 27 books, the four gospels, the Book of Acts which is a history of the early church, the Pauline Epistles ( that is a fancy word for letters) and the General Epistles, these epistles or letters are written to various churches and address the problems that the early church encountered and are the beginnings of today’s church doctrines. The New Testament closes with the book of Revealtion. Each book in the Bible was orginally a seperate document and when reading and studying the Bible this must be kept in mind. It is a good idea to memorize the books of the Bible and it is not really that hard- that way you not fumbling through the pages to find the verse you want- once memorized you will be able to turn right to it. The best way is memorize the books of the Bible by sections and we will look at those here:

Lets take a look at the books of the Bible and how they are arranged. Again, each testament opens with historical books and closes with prophetic books. Lets begin with the Old Testament books:

Genesis

Exodus

Leviticus

Numbers

Dueteronomy

Joshua

Judges

Ruth

1Samuel

2Samuel

1 Kings

2 Kings

1 Chronicles

2 Chronicles

Ezra

Nehemiah

Esther

Job

Psalms

Proverbs

Ecclestiaes

Song of Solomon

Isaiah

Jeremiah

Lamentations

Ezkeil

Daniel

Hosea

Joel

Amos

Obadiah

Jonah

Micah

Nahum

Habakkuk

Zephaniah

Zecharia

Malachi

Now that is quite a list to memorize! Lets see if we can’t brak it down a little bit. Remember the Old Testament is divided into the historical book, the poetic books and prophetic books. Lets start with the first five books , which are historical books but they also have some other distinctions. The Jewish people called and still call the first five books of the OT the Torah, which is Hebrew for “law” Since the contain the laws that God gave to Moses. These same five books are also called the Pentutach which is Greek for “five books.” So to beging with we need to memorize just five books, called the Torah or the Pentutach.

These five books are also historical books, and they are:

Genesis

Exodus

Leviticus

Numbers

Dueteronomy

That is the first five books of the Old Testament – now lets jump to the historical books of the New Testament – of which there are a total of five historical books in the New Testament and they are the four gospels and the book of Acts. Here they are in order:

Matthew

Mark

Luke

John

Acts.

Matthew, Mark and Luke are called the synoptic gospels and are about the life and teachings of Jesus. The gospel of John is more theological than the synoptics-more about that later for now focus on memeorizing the order of the books. The book of Acts is a history of the early church. Again the historical books of the New Testament are”

Matthew

Mark

Luke

John

Acts

Now you have the order first five books of each testament memeorized. And now we will jump back to the Old Testament, there are a few more historical books in the OT than in the New.

The Torah of Pentutach

Genesis

Exodus

Leviticus

Numbers

Dueteronomy

Now we have JJR ! That would be the books of

Joshua

Judges

Ruth

Then we go to the 1 and 2 books!

1 Samuel

2 Samuel

Now Samuel anoitned David as King so we go to

1 Kings

2 Kings

and then things got a little crazy and we go to

1 Chronicles

2 Chronicles

Then these two gusy just hang out on their own

Ezra

Nehemia

And in this case ladies are last!

Esther

That is all of the historical books of the Old Testament and all of the historical books of the New Testament.

 Tune in Tomorrow for My Prayer Closet from 8pm-9pm  with Bishop Andrew Manley 

 Tune in Tomorrow for Dr. David’s Bible Boot Camp from 9:00pm -10:pm est 

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/universallifechurch

Got Talents? Gabe who?? ( Nope not Kotter!)

Lets open tonight with the parable of the talents in keeping with our study on what the Bible says about handling the resources that God has blessed us with.  To understand what God’s will is for our finances we have to understand what stewardship means. Webster defines a steward as “one who manages another’s property”  We gave to understand that all the we have belongs to God and He has entrusted those resources for us to manage. I have always said that there are actually three conversions that take place when one comes to Christ- the first is of the mind, then the heart, and the last conversion is that of the wallet.  This is the most important thing to understand and yet is the hardest to do- admitting that we have nothing except what God blesses us with and when we leave this earth, we leave it behind.  Lets look at the parable. Wait a minute- who knows what a parable is? Simply stated it is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.  Ok , here is the parable of the talents followed by a few question for thought and meditation:

Matthew 25:14-30

New King James Version (NKJV)

The Parable of the Talents

14 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. 15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. 16 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. 17 And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. 18 But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

20 “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ 21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’22 He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ 23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

24 “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’

26 “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. 27 So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. 28 Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.

29 ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

 

To what did Jesus equate this parable? (hint – answer is in v 14)

Why was each given a different amount?  (hint- answer is in v 15)

Did the owner ask all to earn the same? 

How were the two faithful servants rewarded? (hint – answer is in vss 20-2

What happened to the last? (hint answer is in vs 26-27

Does verse 29 seem fair to you? why or why not? 

The main lesson is this parable is about stewardship.  Each using his own abilities, managing the Masters resources well and returning them to Him. This is about investing and getting a return-  even today with the volatile stock market making that a big risk, though historically the stock market has been the safest investment in the long with a the biggest returns. Even if you do not want to take a risk- a simple saving account will draw interest and provide a small return over time.  This parable does not only apply to money though- God has given all of us skills and abilities that He wants us to use to advance the kingdom- and a saved soul is more precious than gold. That song you sang may have impacted someone, that prayer you uttered may have had an influence on someone, that devotional you gave may have opened someone’s eyes, just being there at the church, or the funeral home, or that phone call you made just to chat may have had an impact.  
Ok, let jump now to a little about the angel Gabriel!  
The name Gabriel is Hebrew for “God’s Hero” or “the mighty one” or  ”God is great. Gabriel is often referred to as “the messenger of Jehovah” or “the Lord’s messenger”. Gabriel appears four times in the Bible , each time bringing a message of good news.   
Daniel 8:16, 9:21
Luke 1:19, 26
Gabriel first appears in the NT in Luke 1- first to Zacharias to announce the birth of John the Baptist and then to Mary to announce the birth of Jesus, God in the flesh!  
More on angel next time!
Tune to on Wed for Dr. David’s Bible Boot Camp on Blog Tale Radio  from 9-10 pm est

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/universallifechurch

And come and like us on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Empty-Cross-Ministries/171930279510531

 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Universal-Life-Church/147869338562220