The Gift

Posted on June 17, 2022 by paulwlane

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

God gave us the best gift of all – His son and the gift of eternal life His son’s death and resurrection provided us.

God also gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit to teach us, give us power to witness and live for God.

Luke 11:13 – If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!

As we accept that precious gift of God, we need to understand that, along with life in His Son, God has also given us gifts to use for His glory.

Gift – “charisma

A free gift of grace given by God such as salvation to the believer
Special gifts bestowed upon the believer by the Holy Spirit

Matthew 10:7-8 – And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

Romans 12:3-8 – For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 – There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.

Gifts God gave to the church

Apostles
Prophets
Evangelists
Pastors
Teachers

Purpose of these gifts

To equip (prepare, arm) the church for the work of ministry of God
To edify (to educate, improve) the body of Christ
Until we mature (are established, developed) in God’s Word and become like Him
That we do not act like children – unstable and constantly being deceived by false teachers
Until each one of the body of Christ does its share and cause the body of Christ to grow in love

Ephesians 4:8 – But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.” (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

What are your gifts?

How well are you exercising the gifts that God has given you?

The Word Became Flesh

Posted on June 7, 2022 by paulwlane

John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’”

And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

The John of the Gospel of John was a disciple of Jesus, brother of James. Along with Peter, these three made up an inner circle of disciples. John and Peter witnessed the figuration. It was these two who healed the lame man in front of the temple who was begging for alms.

Jesus had died, risen and ascended into heaven approximately 33 A.D. John wrote this Gospel approximately 85 to 90 AD. – Some 50 years later.

Christianity was spreading to the entire world as they knew it. How would John, a Jew, write about Jewish tradition, history and a messiah that only Jews were looking for? Through the power of the Holy Spirit John used a term that all the world could comprehend. The entire world, the learned, the scholar all knew Greek and they understood the power and might of the “word.”

The “word” was seen as the power that enabled men to think and reason. It was the power that brought light and understanding to man’s mind and enabled him to express his thoughts in an orderly fashion. Here in the Gospel of John, the “word” was not just a “word.’ It was the power by which men came into contact with God and began to comprehend the deeper things of God. John proclaimed that “Jesus Christ was the Word and the Word became flesh.”

Jesus Christ was the picture, the expression, the pattern, the very image of what God wished to say to man.

“The Word was made flesh” God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, was made flesh and blood; He became a man. No greater message could ever be proclaimed to man.

Christ dwelt visibly among us

John the Baptist bore witness of the superiority of Christ

Men have received the fullness and grace of Christ

God’s Son alone has seen God

Incarnation – The Son of God was actually made flesh. He came to earth in the person of Jesus Christ. There is no doubt about John’s meaning here. The word “flesh” (sarx) is the same word that Paul used to describe man’s nature with all of its weakness and tendency to sin. Jesus Christ is fully God, yet He is fully man. The word “beheld” means actually seeing with the human eye. There is no room for saying that God becoming a man was merely a vision. John was saying that he and others actually saw the Word made flesh.

Flesh –What does the Bible mean by “flesh”?

The flesh is corruptible. Sin has tainted and debased the flesh. Therefore, the flesh sins and ages, dies, deteriorates and decays.

Galatians 6:8 – For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

1 Corinthians 15:50 – Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.

Christ became flesh to correct and counteract this corruption of the flesh

1 Peter 1:18-19, 23-25 – knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because “All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

The flesh is dishonorable. It is not what God created it to be.

Romans 7:18 – For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.

Romans 1:28-32 – And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

Christ became flesh to correct and counteract the dishonor of the flesh

Hebrews 2:14-15 – Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Romans 5:8-10 – But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

The flesh is weak. It is impotent, feeble because of sin. It has no strength to please God nor to save itself.

Romans 8:8 – So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

John 6:63 – It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.

The flesh is a natural body. It is part of the earth; it is made up of the chemicals and substances of the earth. It is “the earthly home,” the “tent,” which houses the human soul and spirit. It is neither spirit nor spiritual; therefore it cannot live beyond the strength of the chemicals and substances that form its flesh. It cannot live beyond its natural life

1 Corinthians 15:50 – Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.

Luke 24:39 – Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.

Christ became flesh to counteract the natural body of the flesh. He became flesh in order to become a “quickening spirit,” the Savior who could quicken and make alive all those who would trust Him.

1 Peter 3:18 – For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,

Romans 8:11 – But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

Glory of the Incarnation

Christ was the “Shekinah glory” of god. This work means “that which dwells” or “dwelling.” It refers to the bright cloud that God used to guide Israel out of Egypt and that rested upon the tabernacle and above the Mercy Seat in the Most Holy Place. It symbolizes God’s presence. John was saying, “We beheld,” actually saw the Shekinah glory, God’s very presence “dwelling among us.”

John said we looked at Him and could tell He was God. All that Jesus was in His person and being, character and behavior, was so enormously different.

James, the Lord’s brother in the natural, even called Jesus “the Lord of glory.” James was reared with Jesus beginning from the earliest years of childhood right on through the years of adulthood. He had every chance to see some act of disobedience, some sin, something contrary to the nature of God. But he called Jesus –

James 2:1 – My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.

Christ was full of grace and truth.

Isaiah 9:6 – For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

John 1:14 – And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

1 Timothy 3:16 – And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh,

justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory.

Hebrews 2:14 – Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil.

Grace, as applied to Christ, means far more than it does when men use it. When man does favors for his friends, he can be said to be gracious. But God has done a thing unheard of among men. He has given his very own Son to die for his enemies. Grace became the favor of God showered upon men – men who did not deserve His favor.

Fullness and grace of Christ given to us

“Fullness” means that which fills, the sum total. It is the sum total of all that is in God.

Colossians 1:9-10- For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

“Grace” is His blessing upon us. Grace enough to meet all our needs, not matter the circumstance. We cannot earn this grace. It is a gift of God.

Titus 3:4-7 – But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Romans 3:23-24 – for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

Ephesians 2:8-9 – For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Behold the Lamb

Posted on June 5, 2022 by paulwlane

John 1:29-37

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is He of whom I said, “After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water.” And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

There are nearly 70 references to the Lamb in the Old Testament, most refer to the lamb as a sacrifice for sin.

God will provide the lamb

Genesis 22:7 – But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.”

Lamb must be pure and holy – representing Christ

Exodus 12:5 — Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year. You may take it from the sheep or from the goats.

Christ was pure and holy

1 Peter 1:19 – but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

In the Old Testament an offering had to be made as atonement for sin. It all points to Christ as that offering. Christ fulfilled once and for all that required sacrifice when He gave Himself willingly.

John 10:17-18 – Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.

Exodus 12 tells us of the first Passover when the Israelites applied the blood of the lamb to their homes and were saved when the death angel slayed the first born in every home where the blood was not applied. Symbolically, the Passover pictured the coming of Jesus Christ as the Savior. The lamb without blemish pictured His sinless life and the blood sprinkled on the door posts pictured His blood shed for the believer. It was a sign that the life and blood of the innocent lamb had been substituted for the firstborn. The eating of the lamb pictured the need for spiritual nourishment gained by feeding on Christ, the Bread of Life. The unleavened bread pictured the need for putting evil out of one’s life and household. It was the blood of the lamb that saved the people. The lamb was sacrificed. Its blood was shed as a substitute for the people. The lamb symbolized Christ our Passover who was sacrificed for us. If we believe and apply His blood to our hearts and homes, He saves us. If we do not believe and do not apply the blood to our hearts and homes, we are destroyed. It is the Lamb of God who was sacrificed for us; it is His blood which saves us.

John 1:29 – The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

1 Peter 1:18-19 – knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

Historically, two lambs were sacrificed “day by day continually…the one in the morning and the other at even.

Exodus 29:38-39 – Now this is what you shall offer on the altar: two lambs of the first year, day by day continually. One lamb you shall offer in the morning, and the other lamb you shall offer at twilight.

The people knew their sins had separated them from God and that their sins had to be removed before they could be reconciled to God. Thus, symbolically, the sins of the people were removed from the people and placed upon the two animals. The animals, without blemish, had the sins of the people placed upon them; and, symbolically, they bore the judgment of sin, which was death. They were sacrificed for sin, and by their death, they symbolically set the people free by redeeming them from their sins. Note: It was not the deed that caused God to remove the sins, but the faith of the person in God’s Word that He would remove the sins.

Isaiah 53:6-7 – All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth.

1 Corinthians 5:7 – Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.

1 Peter 2:22-24 – Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.

Revelation 5:6; 6:1; 7:9, 12:11; 13:8; 14:1; 15:3; 17:14; 19:9; 21:22

Jesus Christ is

The perfect Lamb of God, without sin
The One upon whom the sins of the people were placed
The One who bore the judgment for sin, which was death
The One who was sacrificed for sin
The One whose death sets people free by redeeming them
The One whose blood is counted precious both by God and believers

It should be noted the Christ willingly offered Himself as the sacrificial Lamb, as our substitute and God willingly accepted the offering and sacrifice of His Son for us. God is satisfied with the settlement for sin that Christ made. If any person really believes the blood of Christ to be precious, really believes that the blood of Christ covers his sins, God will take that person’s belief and count it as righteousness. That person is counted righteousness by God.

Romans 5:1 – Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 John 2:1-2 – My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

The “Lamb of God” is not of men but of God. The idea is that the Lamb belonged to God, that God gave, supplied and provided the Lamb for Abraham as a substitute for Isaac. This speaks volumes about:

The unbelievable love of God for man

John 3:16 — For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

The great sacrifice and humiliation Christ underwent for man

Philippians 2:6-8 – who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

The forgiveness of sins and salvation which came from God’s grace and not from man’s resources and works

Ephesians 2:8-9 – For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

The “Lamb of God” takes away the sin of the world

The phrase “takes away” (airon) means “to lift away, to carry off, to bear in behalf of one, as one’s substitute. Jesus Christ was the Lamb of God who bore our sins. He lifted our sins off of us and carried them away.

1 Peter 2:24 – who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.

John the Baptist was simply pointing out the “Lamb of God” to the people – Here is the Lamb of God we have been waiting for

We must point the Lamb of God to others – fulfill the Great Commission

It is not the great exception
We cannot leave it to somebody else to do
When people are lonely – “Behold the Lamb”
When people are in turmoil – “Behold the Lamb”
When people are sick, in pain – “Behold the Lamb”

Behold

To perceive through sign or understanding
To see
To gaze upon
To observe
To call attention to
We need to do more than just behold
More than see
More than observe
More than call attention

We need to

Receive the Lamb of God for our self
Receive the Lamb of God as our Lord and Master
Serve and glorify the Lamb of God in our own life
Point out the Lamb of God to others

Jesus, Our Savior

Posted on May 3, 2022 by paulwlane

Luke 8:26-49

Then they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. And when He stepped out on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me!” For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had often seized him, and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness. Jesus asked him, saying, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” because many demons had entered him. And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss. Now a herd of many swine was feeding there on the mountain. So they begged Him that He would permit them to enter them. And He permitted them. Then the demons went out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the lake and drowned. When those who fed them saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country.Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. They also who had seen it told them by what means he who had been demon-possessed was healed. Then the whole multitude of the surrounding region of the Gadarenes asked Him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. And He got into the boat and returned. Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, ^“Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.

Why do we need a Savior?

Evil Spirits – There is only one devil, but there are many evil or unclean spirits or demons. The New Testament says of them:

They are spirits – Matt. 12:43-45
They are Satan’s emissaries – Matt. 12:26-27
They know their fate is eternal doom. Matt. 8:29; Luke 8:31
They affect man’s health – Matt. 12:22; 17:15-18; Luke 13:16
They deceive the world and blind people to Christ – Eph. 2:2
They entice men to a false religion of asceticism – 1 Tim. 4:1-3
They entice men to depart from the faith – 1 Tim. 4:1
They are cast out of people in the name of Jesus Christ – Acts 16:18
They shall participate in the final judgment coming on the earth – Rev. 9:1-11, 20

Results of sin – We see by this man’s life what the devil desires to do in our lives, and what sin can do if allowed to run its full and unhindered course. Many in our society today are like this man – and we see the results in abused children, overflowing prisons, broken homes, hurting people.

Romans 6:23 – “For the wages (that which is earned) of sin is death.”

This man had lost all sense of shame and self-respect. He was running around naked.
This man had lost his friends and family. He lived alone among the graves.
This man was completely under the control of the evil spirit. He had lost his “right mind” – his sense of true identity. Notice that when Jesus asked the man what his name was, the demons answered Him.
The demons’ response to Jesus
They recognized who He was – “Jesus, Son of the Most High God”
They recognized that there was no possibility of a relationship with Jesus – “What have I do to do with You?” or “What have we in common?”
They recognized His power over them – “I beg You, do not torment me!”
They were forced to obey Him
Our proper response to Jesus

We need to recognize who He is. Jesus Himself told us in John 14:6 – “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” We do not come to the Father based on our good works, on our good intentions. We do not come to the Father by church membership, water baptism. We do not come to the Father through Buddha, meditation or any other source but Jesus. He is not Santa Claus, He is not grandpa, He is not our “good buddy.” He is – just as the demons recognized – “Jesus, Son of the Most High God.”

We need to recognize that we cannot maintain a relationship with Him and continue in sin. Water and oil do not mix.

Luke 16:13 – No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despite the other.

James 4:4 – Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity (hatred) with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend (a loved one, speaks of a love of emotion and deep friendship) of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

Galatians 1:10 – For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.

John 14:15 – If you love me, you will keep my commandments… This statement could also be made – If you do not keep my commandments, you do not love me.

We need to recognize that Jesus has power over the devil and sin. There can be victory.

What is a Savior?

Webster’s dictionary defines it as “one that saved from danger or destruction; one who brings salvation.” “Salvation” is “deliverance from the power and effects of sin; preservation from destruction or failure; deliverance from danger or difficulty.”

The Greek word used in this entire chapter of Luke 8 is sozo. It shows us the full range of the power of Jesus as Savior. It shows us all that is meant when we say Jesus is our Savior.

The demon-possessed man was freed of evil power that took control of his own rational mind and physical actions. Verse 36 tells us that he was “healed” – (sozo). Jesus has the power to set us free from those bondages that seem to control us – habits of the flesh (you can make your own list), wrong attitudes or thoughts in our mind (worry, fear, lust, gossip, hatred, etc.) – those things that seem to control us. Jesus died to set us free from those bondages.

John 10:10 – I am come that they might have life and have it more abundantly (superabundance, excessively overflowing).

2 Timothy 1:7 – For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Sophronismos means “good judgment, disciplined thought patterns, and the ability to understand and make right decisions. It includes the qualities of self-control and self-discipline.

Philippians 6-8 – Be anxious (merimnao means “a distraction, a preoccupation with things causing anxiety, stress and pressure) for nothing….and the peace of God…will guard (a military term picturing a sentry standing guard) your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Paul then lists the things we are to meditate on (think over, reflect on, contemplate, consider)

Luke tells us in verses 40-56 of two physical healings. One was a women who had been sick for twelve years and had spent her savings on doctors with no results. In verse 48 Jesus tells the woman she has been “made well ” – (sozo). The other was a little girl who had died. In verse 50, Jesus tells the girl’s father that the little girl will be “made well” – (sozo). In both cases, Jesus referred to the need for them to believe.

Healing is one of the gifts of the Spirit. We see in Acts where the Early Church experienced great healings. James instructs us to call for the elders of the church when we are sick and states that the prayer of faith will bring about physical healing. This kind of faith is also another one of the gifts of the Spirit. We need to pray that we will draw close to God so that the gifts of the Spirit may once again operate in our midst.

We also see in this chapter the parable of the Sower. This is clearly referring to our spiritual life. Yet, again in verse 12 he speaks of someone being “saved” – (sozo). Here we see that one is saved – healed by the Word of God.

Jesus has come to be our Savior in all areas of our life. To heal our broken relationship with God; to save our broken personalities and heal us from our bondages; to deliver us from our physical weaknesses and diseases and ultimately to rescue us from death itself at the final resurrection.

What do we do after we accept our Savior?

The “saved, healed, delivered” man wanted to be with Jesus.
Jesus sent him on a mission.
Show what God has done in your life.
Go to your own house.

Matthew 5:16 – Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Acts 8:4 – That they were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.

1 Peter 3:`15 – But sanctify (set apart) the Lord God in your hearts and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.

Acts 16:14-15 – …The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. And when she and her household were baptized…

Acts 16:30-31 – And said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ And they said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved and your house.

Exodus 12:3 – On the tenth of the month every man shall take for himself a lamb, according to the house of his father, a lamb for a household.

Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

“Train up” does not mean just bring a child to church once a week or teach them a memory verse. It does not mean to just tell them they should be saved and serve God. It is much more than that. It carries the idea of a parent investing in a child whatever wisdom, love, time and discipline is needed for that child to become fully committed to God. It assumes that the parent has the emotional and spiritual maturity to do so. “In the way he should go” means to take into account the child’s unique personality, gifts and desires. It also means to train the child to avoid whatever natural tendencies he/she might have that would prevent total commitment to God (a weak will, a lack of discipline, a susceptibility to depression). This promise means that if a parent takes the time, uses wisdom and love to instruct the child in the way of commitment to God, both by words and by their own example, taking into account the child’s own personality, and then they can be assured the child will stay committed to God as an adult.

If you want your child to go to church, how often do they see you go to God’s house? What is your attitude when you go? “I have to go,” or “I was glad when they said unto me, ‘Let us go unto the house of the Lord.’”

If you want your child to love God’s Word, how often do they see you reading God’s Word? What is your attitude when you read? “I have to read,” or “I love learning more about God’s Word.”

If you want your child to worship God, how often do they see you worship God – both at home and at church? Do they ever see you just stop in the middle of work and sing a song of praise or take time to pray? Do they ever see you in church entering into worship with all your heart? What is your attitude about worship? “Hurry up and get on with it,” or “What a joy to worship our Savior.”

If you want your child to give to God’s work, how often do they see you giving? What is your attitude about giving? “I have to tithe,” or “It is a blessing to give to the cause of Christ.”

Have you taken the time to teach your child how to study the Bible, how to look up words they don’t understand, how to do research? Have you taken the time to teach your child how to pray?

Receive the Savior – and tell others

Busy at My Task

Posted on April 24, 2022 by paulwlane

Luke 4:16-20

He came to Nazareth where he had been raised. As he always did on the Sabbath, he went to the meeting place. When he stood up to read, he was handed the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. Unrolling the scroll, he found the place where it was written, God’s Spirit is on me; he’s chosen me to preach the Message of good news to the poor, sent me to announce pardon to prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to set the burdened and battered free, to announce, “This is God’s time to shine!” He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the assistant, and sat down. Every eye in the place was on him, intent. Then he started in, “You’ve just heard Scripture make history. It came true just now in this place.”

God has given us His Spirit also

1 John 4:14 – By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world.

1 Corinthians 2:9-14 – But as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him. Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me (and on us) For what purpose?

To give wisdom, to give understanding, to give leading, to give discernment, to give comfort, to give help..

NOT JUST FOR EMOTION – NOT FOR ME TO USE LIKE A TOY – NOT FOR ME TO JUST FEEL GOOD – BUT…BECAUSE…HE HAS ANOINTED ME TO…PREACH – HEAL – PROCLAIM LIBERTY & RECOVERY – SET AT LIBERTY

The anointing breaks the yoke.
The anointing penetrates to the heart.
The anointing divides the sin from the sinner.
The anointing gets the job done.
The anointing draws sinners to repentance.
The anointing draws Christians closer to God.
The anointing starts in motion a purifying process.
The anointing calls us to holy living.

Who is the poor in this passage?

It is the sinner, in his beggarly ways, who is the poor, helpless, blind, wretched, and miserable.
The brokenhearted are those who are lonely and afraid, wounded by the spirit of the world. The Christian is not broken hearted for we have been given a new heart at salvation.
The captive are those who are bound and in chains of bondage. We are free in Christ. He has paid the price and we are free.
The blind are those whose eyes have not been opened to the Word of the Lord. It is the blind who do not see Christ.
The ones who are not at liberty are those who are bound by the things of the world. Christ can and will set free those who want to be set free.

The acceptable year of the Lord is today. Now is the day of salvation. Now is the time for repentance. Now is the time to start anew.

Seeing God’s Salvation

Posted on April 19, 2022 by paulwlane

Luke 2:25-35

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel. And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

Simeon, A Man of God

In this passage we read of a man who was different from others. He was probably out of place just as a man of God is out of place today. He probably was ridiculed. He was probably called self-righteous. He was probably referred to as a fanatic. We read in the Bible about Simeon and it gives us some insight as to who he was.

He was a man who was just and devout.
He was a man who was looking for the Messiah.
He was a man who was led by the Holy Spirit.
He was a man who had been given an unusual promise.
He was a man who saw and held the Messiah.

Titus 2:11-14 – For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, ^looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works

Simeon was a man who was just and devout. What does that really mean to us today? Someone who is just “dikaios” in the sense that this passage means is someone who is righteous, well-behaved, living as one should live. And the word devout “eulabes” means cautious and careful in relation to God. It means a reverence for or pious toward God. That description does not fit a lot of people today. There is a care-free, nonchalant, no big deal attitude by a lot of people in their relationship to God.

Psalm 31:23 – Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints! For the Lord preserves the faithful.

Jude 21 – Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Simeon was looking for the Messiah. The Messiah had been prophesied to come and save His people. The Messiah was longed for by the faithful.

2 Peter 3:10-12 – But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?

Simeon was a man who was led by the Holy Spirit. In the Old Testament, the Spirit only came upon men for special service. From what little we read here it appears that Simeon may have had the Spirit upon him continually. At any rate, one thing we know of this special man, he was a man who loved God.

Matthew 10:32 – Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.

Simeon was a man who had been given an unusual promise. He was going to be able to see the Christ before his death.

1 Peter 1:8 – Whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.

We are to be Men and Women of God.
We should be just and devout, as was Simeon.

Micah 6: 8 – He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

If we are people of God, then we should be looking for His appearing.

2 Timothy 4:8 – Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

If we are people of God, then we will walk and live and move in the Spirit.

Romans 12:1 – I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

We, too, have been given an unusual promise.

John 14:1-3 – Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

Men of God, our Examples

Job – God telling Satan that Job is righteous like no other man.

Job 1:8 – Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”

Daniel, Noah, Job – God telling Ezekiel of the righteousness of Daniel, Noah, and Job.

Ezekiel 14:14 – Even if these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they would deliver only themselves by their righteousness,” says the Lord God.

Elijah – Elijah taken up to heaven alive in a chariot of fire.

2 Kings 2:11 – Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

John the Baptist – Jesus telling the multitudes that there were none greater than John the Baptist.

Matthew 11:11 – Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Enoch – The testimony about a man of God.

Hebrews 11:5 – – By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God

Jude 14 – Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints,

Moses – Numerous Scriptures – Greater miracle worker, prophet, law giver, warrior-leader.

Paul, the Apostle – Numerous Scriptures – Missionary, Apostle, Prophet, Miracle Worker, Teacher, Man of God.

Simeon – He was not ashamed to declare that the One born was the Savior of the world. This was more than any of the scribes of his time had discerned. The scribes in Simeon’s day were men who looked upon Christ as a sign to be spoken against and to whom He would become a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense. With godly Simeon it was different. He was Spirit taught and knew He whom he held was His salvation, and not only his, but the whole world.

Nowhere is it recorded that Simeon bragged about or wore his religion on his sleeve. He was led by the Holy Spirit, and yet he told no one of his walk with God. His great spirituality and closeness to God was known because of his walk, not his talk. He was one of a very few select of God who recognized this babe as the Savior of the world. There were many who saw him as babe but did not recognize him as Savior.

Luke 2:25-35 – One who was just, devout, looking for the Messiah, led by the Holy Spirit, given an unusual promise and saw and held the Messiah. His name means “one who hears and obeys”. His faith had been justified and now he could die without fear. Have our eyes seen the salvation of the Lord? Can we die in peace?

The Apostle Peter asks this question in II Peter 3:11 when he is talking about the coming of the Lord.

2 Peter 3:11 – Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?

Obedience in Action

Posted on April 5, 2022 by paulwlane

Matthew 28:16-20

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen

Acts 16:25-45

But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.

The Great Commission – The followers of Jesus were given a task to do

Go
Make disciples
Baptize
Teach others to do what Jesus had taught them

Mark 16:15-18

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Signs will follow those who believe

Power was given

Luke 24:46-49 – Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”

Promise of Holy Spirit was given to those who believe

Acts 1:8 – But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

Acts 2:4 – And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Throughout the remainder of the Book of Acts and the rest of the New Testament we see that power was manifested through the disciples and the followers of Jesus. There were several things common to almost everywhere the followers of Jesus went.

Boldness
Power
Holiness
Integrity
Faithfulness
Dependence on God’s Word
Uncompromising
Love
Trust in God
No fear
Obedience
Total commitment

Questions we need to ask ourselves as proclaimed followers of Jesus Christ

How is your boldness? Do you speak of Christ when you have an opportunity?
How is your power? Have you prayed lately?
How is your holiness? Are you living for Jesus like Jesus would have you to live?
How is your integrity? Are you honest and forthright?
How is your faithfulness? Are you faithful in every walk of life?
How is your dependency on the Word? Do you hide God’s Word in your heart?
How is your uncompromising? Do you bend and twist with what others think or are you true to your convictions?
How is your love? Do you love others as you do yourself?
How is your trust in God? Do you rely on God or on yourself or others?
How is your no fear? When Christ comes in, fear must flee.
How is your obedience? Do you do what is right and what God directs you to do?
How is your total commitment? Is serving God the number one focus in your life?

The Church at Corinth

Posted on January 4, 2022 by paulwlane

Acts 18:1-18

Corinth was a major city of Greece. It was on a peninsula at the southern tip of Greece. The land at this point was only about five miles east to west. Bordered by two harbors on either side, all traffic north and south passed through the city. It was known as the lookout, the guard, the eye of Greece. Made up of Greeks, Romans, Jews and adventurers who dwelt in business transactions during the day and parties in the night clubs by night, the city was a pleasure-made city. The goddess of fertility, Aphrodite, had her temple here. It was home to the Isthmian Games, second only to the Olympic Games. It was to this sophisticated city that Paul came to spread the gospel.

Paul was apparently discouraged when he came to Corinth (1 Corinthians 2:3). He had been run out of the three previous cities where he had ministered – Philippi, Thessalonica and Berea. In Athens he had seen little success. In Corinth he was facing a proud, intellectual, busy and immoral populace. Silas and Timothy had remained behind in Macedonia to minister, so he was apparently alone on this part of the trip.

God met Paul’s need. He appeared to Paul in a vision and assured him of His presence and His protection (Acts 18:9). He led Paul to the path of two believers, Aquila and Priscilla (husband and wife team), who were also tentmakers like Paul. Expelled from Rome along with all the other Jews by Emperor Claudius, they had just recently arrived in Corinth. Paul was able to live with them and work alongside of them to provide for his needs. Later Timothy and Silas joined him, bringing news of the strong faith of the believers in Thessalonia.

Strengthened by God, Paul remained in Corinth for 1 1/2 years with great success in sharing the gospel. The chief ruler of the synagogue became a believer along with a great number of Gentiles. The Gentiles of that time were often attracted to the Jewish religion, especially the well-to-do women. They lived in an immoral world that gave no rights to women. Thus, they found great security in a religion of high morality.

There were wealthy converts also. Gaius was Paul’s host (Romans 16:23). Erastus was the chamberlain (treasurer) of the city. Chloe was probably a lady of extreme wealth with business interests in both Corinth and Ephesus (1 Cor. 1:11).

But it appears the majority of believers were average people who came from very sinful backgrounds. Paul clearly says, “…not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble were called: But God has chosen the…base things of the world and the things which are despised…” (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).

Evangelism and Discipleship

Paul left Athens where his reception was unproductive to go to another area to preach the gospel.
Matthew 10:14 – And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.
Matthew 7:6 – Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.

Paul found and developed people.

Matthew 28:19-20 – Go and teach (make disciples of) all nations.
2 Timothy 2:2 – And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Ministry vs. Secular Labor

Minister should be supported in his labor.
1 Corinthians 9:13 – Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar. Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.
Bottom line: word of God must be given.
Acts 4:20 – For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
1 Corinthians 9:16 – For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me, yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.

Preaching-Teaching-Witnessing

Like Jesus, Paul was in the house of God on the Sabbath.
Paul “reasoned” – presented sound, thoughtful, logical points, answered and settled questions in a reasonable way.
Paul “persuaded” – prevailed, urged, induced, pleaded, begged, sought to move and bring about a change of heart and mind.
1 Peter 3:15 – But sanctify (set apart) the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.

Sharing the Gospel May Bring Rejection – Requires Effort

Paul was “compelled” (sunecho – to grip tightly – describes affliction of pain or fear, being held fast). The love of Christ leaves us no choice but to live our lives for Him and share the gospel with others.
2 Corinthians 5:14 – For the love of Christ compels us because we judge thus, that if One died for all, then all died.
Paul was rejected. When the message we share is rejected, we are not to give up. We are to simply try another person. Rejection does not feel good – but we must press on and share with others.
Matthew 10:12-14 – And when you go into a household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.
Acts 13:51 – But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium

The Lord Will Always Encourage His Servant

Do not be afraid.
Speak.
Do not keep silent.
I am with you.
No one will harm you.
There are others on your side.
Isaiah 41:10 – Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 43:1-3 – But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned. Nor shall the flame scorch you.
2 Timothy 1:7 – For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:6; Psalm 28:7; 2 Peter 2:9; Isaiah 54:17

The Church at Philippi

Posted on December 31, 2021 by paulwlane

Acts 16:6-40

Philippi was the gateway to Europe. Named after Philip of Macedonia, Alexander the Great’s father, Philippi lay on the great Roman road, the Egnatian Way. This road connected Europe from Asia, the West from the East.

It was a proud Roman colony. Veteran Roman soldiers ready to retire were granted citizenship if they would go out and settle colonies. As these colonies proved loyal to Rome, they were granted the title of a Roman Colony. Their citizens were Roman citizens. They kept the Roman language, customs, and dress.

Philippi’s strategic location on the Egnatian Way made it an excellent place for a church. Travelers passed through the city from both Asia and Europe and from here the gospel could be carried throughout the known world.

The church at Philippi was founded on Paul’s second missionary journey. It was here that the gospel first entered Europe. The church began with three important conversions: (1) Lydia, an important and successful business woman, with her household; (2) a slave girl set free from a demon possession; (3) the jailer and his entire household.

This church was made up primarily of Gentile believers. They appear to have had a very close and loving relationship with Paul, and they were strong supporters of his ministry (see Introduction to Philippians).

Leadership of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit forbid Paul to preach in Asia. (This was not the continent of Asia, as we know it today. This was the Roman province of Asia which is what is now known as Turkey.)
The Holy Spirit would not allow them to preach in Bithynia. (Look at a map in your Bible. God stopped Paul from proceeding directly west. When he tried to go north, God said no. The only direction left in that location was to go to the city of Troas.)
The Holy Spirit directed Paul through a dream. John 14:16-17; John 14:26; John 16:13

How does the Spirit direct us?

Through supernatural knowledge – Acts 5:1-11
Through angels – Acts 8:26
Through visions – Acts 9:1-8
Through dreams – Acts 9:9-16
Through prophecy – Acts 11:27-30
Through a word from the Holy Spirit – Acts 13:2
Through God’s Word – 2 Timothy 3:16

NOTE: We must never let a closed door stop us from doing what God has called us to do. God, who sees the future as if it were the past, knows what doors should be open, what doors should be closed. Part of learning to trust Him is to accept the doors that are closed, and be obedient while you wait for Him to open the doors that He has for you. Recognize that Paul was not given a reason why the doors were shut. Perhaps he never knew. It was enough that God had closed the doors. Paul trusted Him to lead and direct him in the right way.

Unity in Leadership

Paul shared this vision with his companions, Silas, Timothy and Luke. (Note the use of the word “we” beginning here. Luke, the doctor and writer of Acts, joined Paul at this point. It appears he remained with Paul until Paul left Philippi (Acts 17:1). Apparently Luke stayed in Philippi and reunited with Paul when Paul returned to Philippi (Acts 20:5).
They concluded that God had called the team to preach the gospel in Macedonia.

1 John 4:1 – Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

1 Thessalonians 5:21 – Test all things; hold fast what is good.

Worship on the Sabbath

There was no Jewish synagogue
There were only women present
NOTE: Jewish law required a minimum of ten men to have a service. Obviously, there must have been a small Jewish population here. The missionaries were not too good or too important to share the gospel with a group of Gentile women (the word used for “worshipped” in verse 10 is the word used for a Jewish proselyte). Although there was no synagogue or church in the area, the men found a group of people praying and seeking God.

Receiving the Gospel

Lydia worshipped God
God “opened” her heart. Romans 12:2; Psalm 51:10; Titus 3:5; Ephesians 2:8-9
She led her household to the Lord. Genesis 18:19; Deuteronomy 6:5-9; Deuteronomy 11:19; Joshua 24:15; Luke 8:38-39; John 1:41; Ephesians 6:4
She opened her home for the ministry of God’s Word. Romans 12:13; Titus 1:8; 1 Peter 4:9

Slave Girl with Spirit of Divination Or ESP

Testimony of slave girl was a true testimony – these men were the servants of the most high God. Satan always mixes a little truth with his deception.
Her testimony was not one of true confession – a true confession is to acknowledge Jesus as “Lord” and to follow him.
ESP, Witchcraft, fortune-telling are not a part of God’s will for the Christian. Galatians 5:19-21; Leviticus 19:31; 2 Kings 17:17; 1 Chronicles 10:13; Matthew 24:24

Power of Jesus’ Name

Paul addressed the evil spirit in the girl – not the girl herself.
Paul relied on the power of Jesus’ name – not his own power.
The evil spirit had to obey – the power of Jesus’ name is greater than that of the devil.

No one is too far gone into sin that God cannot redeem them.

Luke 19:10; Hebrews 7:25.

Greed and Love of Money

Owners lost their top money maker.
Money and greed corrupted the public officials.

Lying in God’s Presence

Posted on December 19, 2021 by paulwlane

Acts 5:1-11

But a certain man named Ananias with his wife Sapphira sold a piece of property. And with his wife’s knowledge and connivance he kept back and wrongfully appropriated some of the proceeds, bringing only a part and putting it at the feet of the apostles. But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart that you should lie to and attempt to deceive the Holy Spirit, and should (in violation of your promise) withdraw secretly and appropriate to your own use part of the price from the sale of the land? As long as it remained unsold, was it not still your own? And (even) after it was sold, was not (the money) at your disposal and under your control? Why then, is it that you have proposed and purposed in your heart to do this thing? (How could you have the heart to do such a deed?) You have not (simply) lied to men (playing false and showing yourself utterly deceitful) but to God. Upon hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died. And great dread and terror took possession of all who heard of it. And the young men arose and wrapped up (the body) and carried it out and buried it. Now after an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not having learned of what had happened. And Peter said to her, Tell me, did you sell the land for so much? Yes, she said, for so much. Then Peter said to her, How could you two have agreed and conspired together to try to deceive the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out (also). And instantly she fell down at his feet and died; and the young men entering found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. And the whole church and all others who heard of these things were appalled (great awe and strange terror and dread seized them). The Amplified Bible

Questions to Answer

Is holding back from God sinful?

In this passage of scripture, the subject matter is about money held back from the sale of property. In what areas of life would holding back be wrong?

Is partial commitment, halfhearted devotion, holding back?

Is deceiving and not telling the whole truth misleading and also sinful?

Lying in God’s Presence

Old Testament – The first sin in the Old Testament…the one that got us all in trouble was based on a lie. See Genesis 3:4. In this particular instance, it was Satan that lied. The sin of Eve was that she believed him and also her husband, then they disobeyed by eating of the forbidden fruit. As a result all mankind has had to suffer for their disobedience. Disobedience caused by a lie. Mankind has greatly feared death, the ultimate judgment because of this sin.

New Testament – In this situation several sins were committed. Conspiring together to deceive, greed, selfishness, coveting, and lying. The early church was alarmed and feared greatly as a result of this sin.

Old Testament – Achan of Joshua 7 was another instance of deceiving and holding back because of greed and selfishness. No outright lie was verbally told, but all had been told not to take anything of the spoils of war, and Achan coveted what his eyes saw and hid his sin. By hiding it from all to see, he was living a lie giving the impression that he had been obedient. No one knew except the eyes of God. Achan held back on obedience. All Israel feared greatly God’s judgment of sin.

New Testament – In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus was tempted by Satan as he tried to use Scripture to mislead Him. Satan was deliberately misquoting and twisting the Scriptures in order to justify what he was doing. Again, a lie is a sin.

It does not matter how we try to justify our actions, it does not matter how we mince or parse words.

Matthew 22:37 – Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.”

Keeping Back is Severely Judged

Withholding from God what is His is severely judged. It does not matter if it is God’s tithes and our offerings. It does not matter if it is our devotion or our worship. It does not matter what part of our life, our commitment. If we hold back from God, it is sin.

We may justify our holding back in the following ways:

I need part of God’s tithes and the offerings to take care of this or that. I know God will understand. What He understands – you sinned!

I don’t feel like going to church, but I can go or do just about anything else I want to do. He understands – you sinned!

I’m too shy to be an effective witness, yet I claim to have the Holy Spirit who gives boldness within me. He understands, you sinned. You held back from doing what He has called you to do – that’s disobedience.

I justify my mouth saying all kinds of crude words when I get upset, when things go wrong, when I’m under pressure because I hold back on my obedience to God’s word.

I try to justify my actions when I’m around people of influence or position, because I want to impress them or flatter them or someone else so I embellish the truth. NO – I LIED!

When I know the truth and don’t follow it, I am holding back and that is sin. I may justify it. I may convince myself that what I am doing is fine. But, if God’s Word says it is sin and we keep on doing what we know is sin, we are holding back…it does not matter what area of life or what situation it may be, if it is contrary to God’s Word, then it is sin.

Withholding From God Those Things That Are His

HOLDING BACK IS PARTIAL COMMITMENT.
HOLDING BACK IS DECEPTION.
HOLDING BACK IS ALLOWING SATAN TO FILL OUR LIFE INSTEAD OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
HOLDING BACK IS LYING TO THE HOLY SPIRIT.
HOLDING BACK IS ACTING AGAINST AND LYING TO GOD HIMSELF.

God’s Judgments are Always Facing Us

The sin of Ananias seems to have been close to blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (that is, saying the work of the Holy Spirit is of the devil). The sin of Ananias, of holding back was saying…

The work of the Holy Spirit allows sin.

The work of the Holy Spirit in a life still allows a person to withhold from God a portion of his/her own life for himself.

The movement of the Holy Spirit in a life still allows the devil to fill a heart with some sin.

A person can be both righteous and worldly at the same time.

The Holy Spirit is less important in life than doing my own thing.

Thoughts of a Retired Pastor

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