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We are in acts chapter 15. The Bible says that we are to not be envious of others. We are also to confess our faults and I have to confess I’m envious of Janet this morning. I talked to her and said, how in the world can you have lived in a place that has allergies this bad for all these years? And she said,

I don’t have allergies. So I just got to admit I’m just a little jealous. Yeah. In that case, I’m looking forward to reaching the age where I can forget I have them. Oh. So when you hear me All, all through class, it’s not COVID I guarantee it. It’s not it’s that yellow pollen out there. All right. We are,

as I mentioned, we’re an acts chapter 15, and we’ll begin with a word of prayer. It is so good to see each and every one of you this morning. And it’s a beautiful day after a nice storm, but it’s good to see your smiling faces. Let’s pray our gracious father in heaven. We come before you grateful for your many blessings,

grateful for all that you do for us on a daily basis in all. And, and in recognition of your great power that with a word, you could bring this universe into existence. And by the word of your mouth, you could create everything that is. We struggle so much even just to control the, the many nuances of, of our own daily lives.

And yet we recognize that you reign over all that is, and that it continues to exist by the word of your power. But we are in so much greater, all that through your word, salvation has come through your word. Grace can be found through your word. Redemption is brought nine to each and every individual in the entire world who would, but here believe and obey.

We pray that you will be with us as we go through this period of study, as we focus our hearts and our minds on the, of the church in the first century. And we remind ourselves that there have always been struggles and difficulties and things to overcome within the body of Christ. That that is nothing new, nor will it go away before this world ends.

And yet that you are in charge and that you reign Supreme and that all we have to do is be obedient to you. We ask that you forgive us when we sin and fall short of your glory. When we struggled to understand and struggled to perceive what you are doing in this world, and yet help us to, by faith obey, which you have told us to do all this.

We pray in Jesus name, Amen. In acts chapter 14, verse one Only one we read. And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lister. I conium and Antioch strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith and saying, we must through many tribulations, enter the kingdom of God,

Paul and Barnabas, as they are returning from their first missionary journey. They’re returning To what city did they Leave from? Jerusalem or some other place? Antioch of Syria. Okay. They did not originate this missionary journey in Jerusalem. They originated it in Antioch and they’re returning to Antioch going back the same path that they had taken on their way out. So when they had appointed elders in every church and prayed with fasting,

they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. And after they had passed through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. Now, when they had preached the word in Perga, They went down to Adeline. And from there, they sailed to Antioch where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work, which they had completed. This word,

commended keeps showing up. As they’re coming back, They’re meeting with the churches, they’re appointing elders and they’re commending them To the Lord When they left Antioch. We remember that the Holy spirit said separate out Barnabas and Saul for the work that I have chosen for them to do. And the church gathered together and they prayed and they fasted and they laid their hands on them.

And they sent them. There’s this understanding that we are to have That when we’re separated from one another, when we’re separated from those we love when we’re separated from other Christians That we don’t Have to go through every day, wondering are they okay? Is everything will be all right? I know this is a struggle for mothers when children Leave home, because you’re like,

I did everything I could while they were here. I think I, and then you count all of the things that you didn’t do right in your brain reminds you of all the times you failed. But then you, you just, at some point, If they’re faithful to the Lord, if they’re doing what’s right, if they know what’s right, You let go and allow them to walk their path before God,

some parents were robbed of that opportunity. You remember when Jacob is There and he sends his son Joseph to go check on his brothers. And Joseph goes to check on his brothers. And when he arrives to check on those brothers, his brothers look at him and they despise him. They hate him for everything. He’s said, the dreams that he’s had,

the favoritism, his father has shown him and they said, Let’s kill him. And ultimately The, the Hess of one of the brothers, they don’t kill him, But they do Take him, strip him of that coat, throw him in a pit. They eventually take that coat and dip it in the blood of, of a Ram and take it back to their father.

And they sell their brother Into slavery In an age of probably 17 or 18 years old. Joseph in a very odd sense gets commended to the Lord for the work that God had set in store for him. And it gets done by his brothers who hated. They laid their hands on him and they sent him out and they didn’t even know And realized they were doing it to save their own Lives just a few short years from that.

But I say all that to say, As we go through life, when we are separated from those who are faithful Christians, when a person is out on a missionary journey, or when someone is dealing with the difficulties of life or the difficulties of a congregation, we need to become Reliant on the Lord. And that’s what This whole word commended carries with.

It is they are not, the churches are not reliant on Paul and Barnabas. They are not reliant on the church in Jerusalem. They are not reliant on the church in Antioch. They are reliant on the Lord and they stay in independent, autonomous and alone. And yet as a part of the universal church, as a church of Christ before God, and with the understanding that God was fully capable of supplying their needs.

And so they travel back to Antioch. And when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them. And that he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. This news comes back to Antioch, and this was exactly what the Holy spirit had intended for Paul and Barnabas. And that’s what Paul says is he reaches the other Antioch and preaches there and acts chapter 13.

When the Jews reject what he had told them, when the Jews are envious of the Gentiles who have come to hear Paul and Barnabas on that second Sabbath, Paul and Barnabas say, you have rejected yourselves before God. Now we’re turning to the Gentiles and they will. So they stayed there a long time with the disciples and chapter 15, certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren.

Unless you are circumcised. According to the customs of Moses, you cannot be saved. Now who started the church in Antioch? Do you remember? We discussed this, I think back in chapter 11, all right. Disciples who left Jerusalem because of the persecution and because of the things going on there. And they went all over the region and some of them went out of the region of Judea and Galilee out of Palestine.

And they started the church in Antioch and some of the surrounding cities. But one of the unique facets of the church in Antioch was they didn’t just preach to the Jews when they came to that region, they preached to the Jews and the Greeks. But these Jews, these Jewish disciples, these Jewish Christians who left Jerusalem, did they preach to these Greeks that they needed to be circumcised,

to become under the law, to be in a covenant relationship with God in order to be saved? No, they came to Antioch and they preached to Jew and Greek alike to repent and be immersed in water for the remission of your sins, because that’s what they had been taught. So now here we are all these years later, and those from Judea who are Christians in Judea start journeying out and they’re preaching a very different message.

They’re preaching Jesus Christ and him crucified his salvation to everyone who circumcised under the law. And that’s not the gospel message, but that’s the message they preached turn over to Galatians chapter one. These events right here are the background to the first two chapters of the book of Galatians. And while we will not spend a great deal of time in this in Galatians,

or we won’t get through acts chapter 15, I do want to mention a few things that we have here. Paul begins number one, verse one, Paul, an apostle, and Paul wants it to be very clear, not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God, the father who raised him from the dead, Paul writes to the churches of glacier.

And he says, I want you to be reminded. And I want it set up front that I didn’t get my apostleship from anybody on this earth. I didn’t become an apostle at the hands of Peter. I didn’t become an apostle of the hands of the apostles. I didn’t receive my message. My doctrine, my gospel from the church in Jerusalem. I got it from the Lord and notice what he says.

He says, verse six, I Marvel that you are turning away so soon from him who called you in the grace of Christ to a different gospel, which is not another, but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. If you continue This thread into chapter two, you’re going to get a clear observation that this perversion he’s talking about is what these Jewish Judean Christians are coming to these Gentile churches to teach.

Notice what he says. He says, which is not another, but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel to you, then that which we have preached to you, let him be a cursed, as we have said before. So now I say again,

if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be a cursed for, do I now persuade men or God, or do I seek to please men for if I S if I still please, man, I would not be a bond servant of Christ. Now notice he says over in verse 18, he’s, he’s going to talk about it.

You know what? I’m going to read it because it’s worth it. Just, just to get the context, just to get what Paul’s saying, but I make known to you brethren that the gospel, which was preached by me is not according to man for, I neither received it for man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ for you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism,

how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. But when it pleased, God who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through his grace to reveal his son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles.

I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood. You remember when Jesus appeared to Anna Niaz and said, Anna, Niaz you go to Damascus? Because there is one waiting Saul of Tarsus. And he is going to be my instrument to take the gospel to the Gentiles. And I will show him the many things he will suffer For my name’s sake. And Paul,

I want it to be clear when he was told to take the gospel to the Gentiles. He did not respond to the Lord with, well, let me go talk with these other, these other individuals over here. Make sure they’re okay with it. Let, let, let me go talk with the elders of the church in Jerusalem. Make sure they’re okay with it.

Let me go talk to the apostles and just make sure that they’re okay now. Oh, the Lord was okay with it. And that’s all that mattered because that’s where His authority originated. But notice what he said, Verse 17, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me. But I went to Arabia and returned again to Damascus.

Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter and remained with him 15 days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother now concerning the things which I write to you indeed, before God, I do not lie afterward. I went into the regions of Syria. Where is Annie? Fuck in Syria. Okay.

So he’s talking about Antioch now.<inaudible> and I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea, which were in Christ. You remember when Antioch sent the funds to help the churches, the church in Jerusalem. And they sent them by Hands of who? Paul and Barnabas. They Send them by the hands of polymers. This is the occasion he’s talking about.

He was there for 15 days. He says. And when I came to Jerusalem for 15 days, I saw none of the apostles, Peter. And he says, I also saw James, the brother of Jesus. Okay. But he said the churches in Judea, they don’t know my face. They don’t know who I am, That I didn’t originate with them.

So this is setting in contrast, what’s happening in chapter 15, verse one and two, he says, but they were hearing only he who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith, which he wants, tried to destroy. And they glorified God in me. Then after 14 years, I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas and also took Titus with me.

This Is acts chapter 15, Galatians chapter two is Acts chapter 15, at least the beginning part. So he’s rehearsing this to the churches of glacier. He says, I went up to Jerusalem after 14 years and took with me Titus and Barnabas. And I went up by revelation and communicated to them that gospel, which I preached among the Gentiles, but privately to those who are of reputation less by any means I might run or had run in vain.

Okay. Paul Says, when we went to Jerusalem after these 14 years, 14 years of working in the church at Antioch, and then going on this fish first missionary journey, and then coming back to Antioch and then going to Jerusalem. And these 14 years, he has been preaching the gospel to the Gentiles. And he did not tell a single one of them here believe repent,

confess, be immersed in water and be circumcised. He didn’t tell any of them that he did Told them to hear and believe and repent and be calm and confess Christ and be immersed in water for the remission of their sins. Now, if He just spent 14 years teaching the Gentiles, That what Happens if now the church in Judea says, Whoa, wait a minute,

wait, wait. We missed a step. Yeah, If that were true, if that was coming from the Holy spirit, he would have to go back on that first missionary journey trip again and teach all those Gentiles. He’s already taught. I got it wrong. That’s what he means. When he says that I would have run in Maine. He took all this time going and teaching these Gentiles and going and teaching even these Jews.

And now he would have to go back and teach them all Again. So he says, yes, Not even Titus, who was with me being a Greek was compelled to be circumcised. So when he goes back to Jerusalem, he takes Barnabas. Who’s a Jew. And he takes Titus who’s Greek. And Titus is kind of his test case. If they,

if he goes back to the church in Jerusalem and the church in Jerusalem and the apostles insists that Titus as a Greek become circumcised. Now we’ve got a problem, buddy. If he goes with Titus to Jerusalem and uncircumcised, Greek, and comes back from Jerusalem with Titus and uncircumcised Greek, then guess what? We don’t have a problem. Okay. Now Hold off on any more Galatians two for a minute,

while we get some more of acts chapter, Therefore, Or verse two when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them. Okay? So remember those in Judea came to Annie Rock to preach you Unless you are circumcised. According to the customer, Moses, you cannot be safe. I know, Unlike some of my preaching brethren, when they hear someone get up before a congregation and spouts false doctrine,

Paul Martin Was warned about to sit in their seats and let it stand. I’ve got some brethren who just, Oh, well, I’ll take them aside privately. No, ah, Paul and Barnabas, we read when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension. If it was no small dissension, what was it? A great begun after a very large dissension and dispute with them,

they determined that Paul and Barnabas, they who’s the, they here, by the way, They determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem. Who’s the day<inaudible> Absolutely. It’s the, it’s the church in Antioch. All right. Here’s this church made up of Jews and Greeks and they’re going to go, Oh, wait,

we need to send, we need to send some people back to Jerusalem. Why are they sending them to Jerusalem by the way, is that because Jerusalem’s like the center of all authority in the church? Or is it because that’s where these false teachers came from? Remember these false teachers came from Judea, where’s Jerusalem, Judea, this is a Judean problem.

And it needs to be resolved. They’re not in Antioch. It needs to be resolved among the apostles and the elders in the church in Jerusalem so that the Judean Christians get their act together. Okay. So they send them to go to Jerusalem, to go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders about this question. So being sent on their way by the church,

they pass through Phoenicia and Samaria describing the conversion of the Gentiles and they caused great joy to all the brethren. Now notice as they’re going down from Antioch in Syria to Jerusalem, they’re stopping along the way and all these churches and they’re spreading the good news of what the Holy spirit had done. What Christ had done in saving the Gentiles on this first missionary journey.

And the reaction of all of these churches was not well, did they circumcise, were they? No. That wasn’t the reaction. Their reaction was to be, Oh, the filled with joy that the gospel had gone to the Gentiles. Okay. So when they came to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all things that God had done to them.

Now this report right here is what Paul references back over in Galatians chapter two, when he says in verse verse two, and I went up by revelation and communicated to them, the gospel, which I preached among the Gentiles. But he says privately to those who were of reputation lest by any means I might have run or had run in Paul’s no ignoramus.

When it comes to politics. Paul is well-taught. Paul was a Pharisee, Paul knows. And by the way, we’re going to find out in acts chapter 15, that it’s farracies who were Christians that were the problem here. Okay. But Paul is going to say, I know who I am. I’m going to first. I’m not going to let anybody else control.

As we would say it today, the narrative I’m going to the elders and the apostles and those of reputation in the church in Judea first. And I’m going to talk with them privately. They’re going to hear the story from my mouth and not the mouth of the people who think I’ve done something. Okay. So he’s smart about what he’s doing here. So verse four,

back in acts, chapter 15, and when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders. And they reported all things that had been done that God had done with them. But some of the sect of the who believed, okay, so these are farracies who were Christians. Okay. That’s what we mean by Pharisees,

who believed Luke is saying, these are believers, but they were Pharisees. Okay. He said, but some of the sector of the Pharisees who believed Rose up saying it is necessary to circumcise them, that being the Gentiles and to command them, to keep the law of Moses. Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. And when they hadn’t,

there had been much dispute, Peter Rose up and said to them. Now, before we go any further, I want us to understand a few things. Number one, this was not, as we might hear to term today, a church council, this was not a collection of people who came together of their own decision-making process to determine the doctrine of Christ.

That is not because Paul has already said he, we went to Jerusalem. And what did he say in Galatians two by revelation church in Antioch sent them to Jerusalem. But the church in Antioch sent them to Jerusalem. The same way the church in Antioch sent them on the first missionary. Bernie, the Holy spirit told them to go. This coming together.

Jerusalem is not the choice of the church leaders. This is the actions of the Holy spirit. Gulling we are about to solve this problem. Well, right Now. And So the Holy spirit send Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem and the others from Antioch that go with them. And the Holy spirit is going to be at the head of this entire process, Not Individuals who are deciding church doctrine,

because that’s what you get. You get a lot of, a lot of denominations. A lot of, even our brethren coming up today saying, well, they determined what the church believed back here. Next chapter 15, they didn’t At No point ever have Christians gotten to decide what the church doctrine is. Christians are allowed to decide. And every, every congregation autonomously are allowed to decide matters of Liberty matters of judgment.

That’s the role of elders to determine in a congregation, how to handle matters of judgment for him. What color should the carpet be? What color should we paint the walls? What time do we meet on Sunday? How many services should we have? One or more? They can’t say zero because that’s a matter of doctrine. They can say one or more that,

do we have a midweek Bible study or not? All of those are matters of judgment. All of those are determinations by a local congregation or by a local ed. Eldership going, this is what we think is the best way to grow Edify, encourage exhort and evangelize in our community. And they’re matters of Liberty. Not matters Of doctrine, but When it’s a question of how does a person become saved?

That’s a settled discussion. And Paul says, when you come around and you say, well, wait a minute. I know the new Testament says that. I know the gospel says that, but I think you need to do this. Paul says, no, no, no. You’ve perverted. The gospel. You’ve changed the doctrine of Christ. And you’ve taken those who are in the grace of God and you have caused them to be cursed.

So when you Have someone who says, you know what? I know that Jesus said he, that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but I’m willing to just accept he, the believers, Really? At what Point did Jesus offer up his throne and allow you to sit on it and get to decide what causes a person to be saved? He never has.

I’ve got a phrase that I use that I inherited from my Parents. When my children Decided to start bossing one another around, it goes something like this who died and left you in charge Because that’s the only way it’s going to happen. That’s the only way You’re going to inherit any authority is if I am dead up until that point, Tough luck. You don’t have any authority.

Is Christ dead then Matters where he’s already decided what the answer is. We don’t have any authority and that’s one of these matters. Okay? So to the exact opposite of what some want to claim about this passage, this is the exact exemplification of the church coming together and going, wait a minute, what did Christ say? What Did the Holy spirit say?

And we’re going to do whatever that is. Okay. So notice Or gets up. Peter gets up And Rose up and said to them, men and brethren, you know that a good while ago, God chose among us that by my mouth, the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe that’s acts chapter 11. When the Holy spirit sent Peter to Cornelius To preach the gospel,

amen. And P and the Holy spirit told him, you go and not doubting. Don’t doubt, just go. And he went and the Holy spirit fell upon those individuals. And Peter’s response was can any Withhold baptism from them? Peter, didn’t say, can anybody hear withhold Leaving from them? He didn’t say, would anybody here withhold repentance from no.

He said, can anyone here with whole baptism from them? Now notice he’s going to rehearse this. He said that by my mouth, the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe so God who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy spirit, just as he did to us. That’s the us of acts chapter two, the apostles just as he did to us and made no distinction between us and them purifying their hearts by faith.

Now, therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers, nor we Were able to bear. Peter gets up as this dispute is going on. You’ve got one side saying this and another side saying this. And one group saying this and another group saying this, we need to do this.

We need to do that. And Peter finally stands up and says, wait a minute, this was settled. Long time ago. You remember when I went to Cornelius, you remember when the Holy spirit fell on Cornelius and made it clear what the Holy Spirit’s intentions were. And you remember how that when we were under the law, we were carrying around a yoke as oxen that we couldn’t bear.

Now, why are you trying to put that yoga on them? If we couldn’t carry it, how are the Gentiles going to carry it? We’re the children of Abraham where the descendants of Abraham and Moses and Jacob, and we couldn’t carry the yoke, The law. And yet you’re trying to put it on the Gentiles. So then notice what we read.

He said, but we believe 11, but we believe that through the grace of the Lord, Jesus Christ, we shall be saved in the same manner As they, There are some who want to claim that Peter and Paul preached different gospels, they’re called dispensationalist. And this sensationalist believed that there was one dispensation for the Jews and another dispensation for the Gentiles.

And Paul says, Nope. And Peter says, hogwash. We believe. And we receive grace the same way they do. All right, 12, then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas. And Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles. And after they had become silent, James answered saying, all right.

So Paul and Varna was get up after Peter and they declare war The gospel. They preached What they had done in specifically the miracles. Why are the miracles here? Important? All I said, miracles, confirm the messenger and the message. So if the Holy Spirit’s performing miracles through Paul and Barnabas to the Gentiles and then declaring to them, the gospel,

that’s the Holy spirit stamp Approval. This is what I want. And so they use the miracles as the testimony to confirm the message they preached. Now, these Judi and Christians who went to Antioch, did we read where they performed miracles to confirm that the message they were preaching? That’s true. Why not? Because The message they were performing was not authenticated Miracles.

Okay. Now, after they Had become silent, James answered saying men and brethren, listen to me. Now, this is James. The brother of the half-brother of Jesus. Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them, a people for his name. And with this, the words of the prophets agree just as it is written after this,

I will return and rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down. I will rebuild its ruins and I will Set it up so that the Rest of mankind may seek the Lord. Even all the Gentiles who are called by my name says the Lord, who does all these things. Now this is a quotation from somewhere where’s It from Amos Turned back to Amos,

chapter nine, The mentality of These Jewish Christians who are declaring the necessity for the Gentiles to be circumcised in order to be safe, comes from a mindset that says, God promised Abraham that in his seed, all nations of the earth should be blessed. And that God, in Isaiah chapter two was going to restore his kingdom to Israel. He was going to set up a kingdom that would never be destroyed Daniel chapter two.

So they, they, the Gentiles need to become Jews, Need To become Israelites to take part in the blessings of God. But James quotes, Amos and says, go back to verse nine of chapter nine of Amos for surely I will command. And I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, as grain is sifted in a seed yet not the smallest grain shall fall to the ground.

All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword who say the calamity shall not overtake nor confront us. He’s prophesying concerning the destruction by Babylon. On that day, Amos says I will raise up the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down and repair its damages. And I will raise up its ruins and rebuild it. As in the days of old.

Now the mentality of these Jewish Christians Is If they don’t have to be circumcised to be safe, Then we lose our glory as Jews, but they missed it. And James points out you’ve missed it. It is. As the gospel goes to the Gentiles through us, that we receive glory as Jews notice what he says, that they may possess the remnant of Edam and all the Gentiles who are called by.

My name says the Lord, who does this thing. All right, now, go back over to acts chapter 15. And notice what James says. James says, verse 18, no. To God from eternity are all his known. Excuse me to God from eternity are all his works. James says, when we understand God determined this long before we ever showed up here,

God knows his works long before he ever does them. Okay. From eternity. Therefore, I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled and from blood for Moses has had throughout many generations. Those who preach him in every city being read in the synagogues,

every Sabbath Amos said, I’m going to take my people and I’m going to scatter them among the nations. And he does it through Babylon, but he says, I’m going to destroy those who are wicked from among my people, but I’m not going to drop one seed. I’m not going to lose one grain of my people who are righteous by doing this.

And instead he’s populating the earth with those who would teach Moses and for generations would teach the Gentiles in those synagogues about the God of heaven. They were as it were the fertilizer, getting ready for the seed of the gospel to be planted. And so James says, we don’t need to put any greater burden on them. They’re already having to come out of paganism.

They’re already having to come out of all of these doctrines of, of, of the Gentiles. We don’t need to do any of that. We need to hold them accountable to moral purity and not to the law of Moses. Okay? So he says, verse 22, we’ve got just a minute or so left. Then it pleased the apostles and the elders with the whole church to send chosen men of their own,

to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely Judas, who was also named Barsabbas and Silas leading men among the brethren. This is I believe our introduction to Silas. They wrote this letter by them, the apostles, the elders, and the brethren to the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and solicit greetings. Since we have heard that some who went out and they own it from Us,

have troubled You with words, unsettling your soul, saying you must be circumcised and keep the law to whom we gave no such commandment. They want them to know, listen, this, this doctrine didn’t originate with us. We didn’t send them to you. All right. They went out of their own accord, but they did From us and we’re admitting it.

Okay? It says, we gave no such commandment. It seemed good to us being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men, to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. We have therefore sent Judas and Silas who will also report the same things by the word of, by word of mouth.

They said, Lest anyone Have any arguments that Oh, Paul and Barnabas went down to Jerusalem. And then they just came back and told their version. Now the church says, we’re sending these others and they’re coming from us. And they’re going to confirm to you everything Paul and Barnabas tell you it’s exactly the way it happened. He then says for, it seemed good.

And notice this don’t Look this for it seemed good to the Holy spirit and to us to lay up Pawn you no greater burden than these necessary things that you abstain from. Things offered to idols from blood, from things strangled from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, You will do well farewell. So when James stands up And says men and brethren,

and he says, this is my judgment. What’s that letter tell us It. Wasn’t just James, his judgment, the Holy spirit and us. And you could have left out the us. You could have just dropped that whole phrase entirely. And it would have been fine if it had just been, we determined this absent, the Holy spirit we’d had a problem,

But it wasn’t that James makes it clear. The church makes it clear. The letter makes clear the message makes It clear. The Holy spirit determined this and we’re in agreement. And we’re writing to you to let you know that you can be in agreement to all right. So we’re going to pick up with verse 30 on Wednesday as we finish out the chapter and we’ll cover the questions on Wednesday night.

Any comments or questions as we close, if not, you are dismissed Good morning and welcome to the car or truck, your crash Sunday morning, worship service like to welcome all of you. If you’re a visitor, we’d appreciate it. If you’d fill out a barrister’s card. So we could have a record of your attendance, stick around a few minutes so that we get to meet you.

And now would be a good time to get your communion and your put your all for noon in the back. If you hadn’t already done it, we have few sick on our sick list. Joan’s spring are still at home and not doing real well. Janie, Marlin, and Darth and Rodale. Dorothy is still having some stomach pains and we’ll see a doctorate gastro one this week.

Find out if she can find out what’s wrong with her. James Luna, Diana Shafir is with us, but she’s recovering from her thyroid surgery. And Barbara is still able to get out, but still in pain and BJ Clark is still recovering from pneumonia. I guess he’s still on here. We need to remember all of our sick and there’s probably some owner in the bulletin that we don’t mention everyday,

but they’re in the bulletin next Sunday, one 30 afternoon service. We’ll re we’ll get back to doing that. And the fellowship hall will be available. If you want to eat lunch here, the man’s monthly business meeting, we revert back to April in April to the second, Sunday afternoon, after second service, Judy Adams, which is a friend of a delay.

So lash is scheduled to have thyroid surgery Wednesday, and that’s all of our announcements. And Michael Dale will lead singing. Erin Cozort will have the opening prayer. Erik Halverson has the lower supper and Noah Olson will have the sermon and Tommy lashed. Her has closed in prayer. Thank you. First song. This morning will be number 144 O worship the King. Oh,

worship, a King. Oh, Gloria, bah and green.<inaudible> Dallas and<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> and<inaudible><inaudible> for children.<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> and<inaudible> Excuse me. I’m battling some allergies song before our opening prayer. This morning will be 797. Lord. We come before the now Lord, we come before the ah, feed. We<inaudible> Oh,<inaudible> show me,

seek the Lord. And<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> to<inaudible> and no, no<inaudible> no, we see<inaudible><inaudible> grind that, Oh man. See, can find the God<inaudible><inaudible> captive free<inaudible> and the, let us spray Our great and glorious father in heaven. We humbly bow before you thankful for all of your many blessings grateful for the day that we have and the blessings and the commandments that we have to come together and assemble together and join with one another in songs of praise to glorify your name,

to be able to assemble together and lift up our needs, our cares, our wants, and our desires and prayer to you to come together and be reminded of the sacrifice that Christ made for us on the cross, the shedding of his blood and the offering of his body on that cross for our salvation, to be able to assemble together, to hear your word proclaimed and to give back to you,

as you have given to us, we’re so grateful for this opportunity. And we’re so grateful for this day and the health that we have to be able to do these things. We pray that your blessings be upon us in everything that we do that is in accordance with your word. We pray that you will be with us as we go throughout this life throughout our time on this earth,

that as the church here in Collierville, we might not only proclaim the gospel throughout the city, but that we might aid the gospel being proclaimed throughout the world. We know many difficult times are coming our way. And many harsh realities will face this nation in the future as it hasn’t the past. But we are also grateful for all of the many faithful Christians that are throughout this nation,

striving to keep it going in the right direction on a path of purity and holiness and serving you, even though the world is at our throats. Continually, we pray for those who are dealing with illness. Those that are dealing with pain and sorrow sickness, injuries, and difficulties, those who are dealing with such heinous diseases as cancer, and those who struggle every day to have the energy to go through and do the things they need to do when we pray and lift them up.

Before you asking that they have comfort and strength and resolution to serve you no matter what comes, but also that they might be restored back to their desired health. If at all possible we’re mindful of the world that is in the grips of dealing with a disease. We pray that that disease might be overcome, but we pray. Most of all, that this disease of sin might be overcome in this world,

through the gospel of your son, Jesus Christ, all this we pray and ask that you forgive us when we sin and fall short of your glory. All this we ask in Jesus name. Amen. So I want to prepare our minds for the Lord’s supper will be number three 66 by Christ redeemed three 66 By Christ three deemed and CRA nice three<inaudible>.

We keep<inaudible> and show the death of a<inaudible> and<inaudible> his body and<inaudible> is seen. And then this man<inaudible>, and as we drink, we see<inaudible> and<inaudible> with last that event, we<inaudible> by one bride chain of<inaudible> and<inaudible> We are going to take this opportunity to memorialize and remember the ultimate sacrifice that God and his loving son Jesus made for us.

And that was for Jesus to die for us and for our sins so that we may have the opportunity to live with them in glory. One day in heaven, while with me, as we pray for the bread, God, our father in heaven, we come to you at this time, thanking you for having sent your son Jesus here on earth to teach us and to live with us.

But most importantly, to hang his body on that cross and die for us, the centers, as we prepare to take this bread, which represents that body help each and every one of us to remember that sacrifice that he made for us. We pray this through your son, Jesus name, amen. Let’s give thanks for the fruit of the vine God,

our father in heaven, we come to you again, thanking you for your son. And as we’ve prepared to take of this fruit of the vine that represents the blood that he shed for us, help us to remember and dwell on the fact that his blood was shed so that it may wash away our sins. We pray this through your son, Jesus name.

Amen. Now take an opportunity to pray for the giving back that each and every one of us have done God, our father in heaven. We thank you for all the material blessings that we have. And we truly understand that these material blessings are from you and through you and that we had them only because of you. And as we each give back a portion of what we’ve been.

So richly blessed with, we ask that you help each and every one of us do it with a cheerful heart. And we ask also that you help the amount of this congregation use very wise decisions on how these funds should be used to further spread the word, your word here on earth. We pray this through your son, Jesus name. Amen. The song before the lesson will be number 631,

lift him up. Number six, three, one. How to reach<inaudible>. And if I be lifted up from the earth, well<inaudible> man unto me, lift him up, lift him up, stilly, speak Stromae, GE, and<inaudible> be lifted up from the earth.<inaudible> man unto me. Oh, Whoa. There’s hungry for the living bread.<inaudible> for them to see<inaudible> daddy said draw man,

unto me, lift up, lift up<inaudible> and be lifted up from the a<inaudible> man unto me. Don’t exalt the preacher. Don’t exalt the Pew, preach the gospel. Simple for land free. Prove him. And you will find that promise is true. Draw long, man, to me, lift him up, lift him up. Stilly speaks from me<inaudible> and if I be lifted up from the well draw,

man unto me, lift him up by living as a Christian. Oh God. Well then you the savior. See then man. Well gladly follow him. Who wants touch? Draw man, on to me, lift him up, lift him up, stilly, speak Stromae to<inaudible> and be lifted up from the<inaudible> man on to me. Good morning.

It was a privilege again, to be able to preach God’s word unto you song. We just saying it’s beautiful songs that not Christ and the example that he left were us. Something that we should all follow. Our lesson this morning is very simple. Our lesson is entitled. The commandment that saves souls, the commandment that saves souls. We as Christians are given a simple command firstly,

to live faithfully to God for ourselves, to make sure that our lives are pleasing to God by following his word and doing the things that he would have us to do. But we also have something else that we are commanded to do. And that is to take the message which we have obeyed and preach it to the lost verses such as Mark chapter 16 in verse number 15,

go you into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature or Matthew 28, 18 through 20 teaching all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and of the son of the Holy ghost and things such as that. And so we, as Christians are commanded to take This message to Dying world, a spiritually dying world. If you look at just some statistics today,

looking at the population of the, of the earth, almost reaching 8 billion people. How many of those? The 8 billion are Christians. That’s not even 1% just in the millions Then yes, we have the cure. We have the cure that is going to fix the most deadly disease. Is that the Bible God’s precious message. Are we going to distribute it?

There are those who, who possibly might teach That ignorance is going to save. If you take this illustration, there is medicine that<inaudible>, that can cure cancer. And there are two people that could take the medicine. One knows about it. One hears about it. He hears it from the news and he knows that this cure Cure his cancer. So he goes and he takes the cure.

But Then there’s a man who never hears about the cure. He never hears about, He doesn’t take it as he saved because he didn’t know about No, he still will die. And so there are many out there in the world today who have never heard of Christ Who need to hear it because they will be lost. And therefore we need to take that precious message.

Where’s the power. It’s not in the preacher. It’s in the gospel. Look at Romans chapter one, you know, verse number 16, you’ve heard this. What does Paul say? I’m not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. He says, why, why Paul? Why are you not ashamed for, I’m not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is what the power of God unto salvation.

That’s what saves our soul. That’s where the power is As James one in verse number 21, receive with meekness, the engrafted word, Which is able to save your souls. We as Christians have that, then let me ask you a question. Are you an Isaiah? Are you like Isaiah? We need to have the attitude of Isaiah. Look at Isaiah chapter six,

Isaiah chapter six, notice verse number eight. I love his attitude here. We need to have this same attitude. Also Isaiah six, verse number eight. Also, I heard the voice of the Lord saying whom shall, Shall I send and who will go for us then set. I here, am I send me? We need to have that same attitude.

When we are, as Christians going out to spread The most precious precious message to cure and more deadly disease than cancer, a more deadly disease than the Corona virus. What is that sin? And we need to take that cure to the world. Let’s get into our lesson. Our first point for this morning is there is a command to evangelize them. Sadly,

like to say, well, if you want to do it, it’s all right. Christ just gave us. Yes. I see no suggestion in Mark chapter 16, verse 15, preach the gospel. Paul would also say, and second Four and verse number two, preach the, And so Christians are commanded. It’s not a suggestion. And this did not start with us.

This has been ever since long in the old Testament, you look at the profits, Hebrews chapter one and verse number one knows what the Hebrew writer says. Hebrews chapter one and in verse number one, notice God who at sundry times and diverse manners spake in time, past unto the fathers, by what? By the profits, the profits obeyed this command.

This command was first given to the profits of the profits, speaking to the people, but it didn’t stop with him. You know, even our Lord and savior, obeyed this command. Look at John chapter 12 and verse number 49 even hours. Save viewer, obey this Command from our father. Notice John 12 and verse 49 for, I have not spoken of myself,

but the father, which sent me To me, he gave me a commandment. What I should say and what I should speak even cry. You still made this commitment. He knew that he had a job to do, and he submitted to the father of Christ can Submit. We can to Also look at John chapter 17 and verse number four, notice Jesus praying.

He says, I have glorified thee talking to his father on the earth. I have finished the work, which now gave us me to do yes, Jesus had a, And that was to spread the message. And that was to die for the world and stuff Only. We need to make sure that that this command is not taken as a suggestion. It’s a command from deity And we need to make Sure that we are taking this to the world.

What happens if we don’t take this? What happens if we, if we don’t take this seriously, I want you to notice what Jesus says in Matthew chapter five and verse number 13, when he compares us to Matthew chapter five and verse number 13, Notice comparing Us to salt. What a salt do it, preserves things. Notice what he says. Matthew five,

verse 13. You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt have lost his savor, where with shall be salted, it is then it’s fourth. Good for nothing, but to be cast out and to be TRIBE Of men. I think about our world today. We, as Christians are commanded to preserve that, to make sure the gospel is spread out.

If we can’t be the preserving element, What happens Luke? Chapter 18 in verse number eight, this is, this can be taken as a scary verse. Notice this never the less, when the son of man cometh, shall he find faith on The earth when He comes? Is he going to look over the earth? Wait, wait a minute. I,

I thought there were Christians on this earth. That’s our job to make sure the gospel is put forth. I want you to notice. Look at second, Timothy chapter two In Timothy chapter two, notice verse number two, it’s a cycle. And the things that thou has heard of me, Paul talking to Timothy, among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men who should be able to teach others.

Also if one Christian teaches another to obey the gospel, they will pay the gospel. That person who bays the gospel, they go teach someone else to obey the gospel. And it’s a cycle. And that’s what we, as Christians are commanded to do, make sure that this is taken as a command. Yes, our job as Christians is not a suggestion.

It’s not, if you want to go do it, It’s a, we have to do it now. Yeah, Many various ways that we can preach the gospel. One, doesn’t have to go to preaching school and become a preacher. A pulpit, preacher, many can do many different things. You can teach a Bible class. You can Do personal Bible study,

do online studies, one-on-one conversation and things such as that. You can be a preacher of the gospel without having to stand in the pulpit, but Christians are commanded to do It and we need to go spread the Meshes, but it messaged. But notice our second point for this morning, there’s not only a command, but there’s a need. If there was no need,

there wouldn’t be a command simply, but there is a need to preach the gospel. There was a need to spread. The thing that we have taken. We have applied to our lives. We have obey. We need to go and spread that because there is a lost world. Look at Romans chapter three in verse number 23 For all, all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

Yes, everyone as well. Look at Romans chapter five and verse number 12 as well, just a couple of chapters over where wherefore as by one man, sin entered into the world and death by sin. And so death passed upon all men for that all of sin. Yes, there is a lost and dying world. And therefore we as Christians need to make sure that we are taking that to the world.

I love this example of Paul and Romans chapter 10 and verse number one, notice what Paul says. This is a great verse. Notice his desire, Romans chapter 10, verse number one, brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved. He had that earning desire. And as we’ll look at here in a little bit,

in a later point That he was willing to be lost So that they could be saved. Now he knew that that couldn’t be done, but he had that desire so that they could be saved. Not only did Paul, but Jesus had this desire. We need to have that desire as well. Look at Matthew chapter nine and verses 36. And following notice Jesus has compassion paved the way that his teaching of the gospel.

We need to know that there is a need and Jesus even solved that need Matthew nine, verse 36. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them because they fainted and were scattered abroad as sheep. Having no shepherd, that spirit, They were lost spiritually. He knew that they needed, He, they, he knew that they needed,

they needed the cure and he had compassion on that. And since there is a need, I need to, Since there is an age that that man would be saved The world that needs those Teach that gospel look at verses 37 and 38 of Matthew chapter nine, then sets he and to his disciples. The harvest truly is, but the laborers are few pray.

Therefore, the Lord of the harvest that he will send forth laborers into Is harvest. The harvest is plenteous. Many souls are lost, but yeah, Sadly, there’s not many laborers to go out and, and do the things that God would have them to do by teaching the gospel. Yes, there is a need, but notice this, the word is made manifest through preaching.

It’s not going to come through some miraculous intervention as a, in the first century with things of the Holy spirit, miraculous and, and things such as that. But it’s not that doesn’t happen today. Comes through the word and that alone. Look at Romans 10 and verse number 14, Romans chapter 10, verse number 14. How then shall they call on him,

on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? Yes, we as Christian, Chins need to co take that gospel to them that are lost because Titus one, verse three bath in due times manifested here His word through preaching. Again, There is a need to evangelize because the soul,

there are many Souls that are lost today. Notice our third point for this morning. What is it It’s going to hinder us from taking the gospel. There are many things that will hinder us from spreading this gospel. And we need to make sure that we don’t allow these things to hinder us. I have six things I want to list here. Number one is that if we fear personally Fusion,

and we were so scared of that, then that’s going to hinder that. Notice the apostles, notice the apostles attitude and acts chapter five, acts chapter five verses 41 and 42. I love this example, acts chapter five, verses 41 and 42. If we let persecution hinder, if we are fearing of that, that’s going to hinder us. Notice acts five verses 41 and 42.

And they departed from the presence of the council rejoicing. And they were counted Worthy to suffer, shame For his name and daily in the temple. And in each and every house they cease not to teach and preach. Jesus Christ. They knew persecution was They were willing to keep on keeping on. Yes, we can’t fear persecution will persecution come. Yes.

Second Timothy three and verse number 12. Yay. All that shall live godly in Christ. Jesus shall suffer persecution. Now it’s going to come in various forms. It might not be physical. It might not be to that extreme. It wasn’t Century. We still need to preach the gospel. We can’t let that fear of persecution hinder us. But number two,

we can’t fear. Rejection Is rejection going to come. Yes. Jesus even talked about this. Look at Matthew chapter 10, Matthew chapter 10, verses 12. And following notice what he tells them their notice. And when he, when you come into an house, salute it. If the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it be not Worthy,

let your peace return To you. And whosoever shall not receive you nor hear your words. When you depart out of that city or out of the house or city shake off the dust of your feet, Jesus warned them. There was going to be rejection. Not everyone you come in contact with is going to obey the gospel, But understand Don’t let that hinder you from wanting to keep on Keeping on don’t fear.

Rejection rejection will come. Yes, you might be. We might even be made fun of. We might even be discouraged or put down for that and don’t let that happen because yes, Christians are going to be strange. We, we, we should stand out in a way, not prideful way, but we should stand out in a way. We don’t look like the world.

We shouldn’t fear rejection because we are different. First Peter chapter two and verse number nine, you’re a chosen generation, a Royal priesthood, a Holy nation, Peculiar people. Number three, if we don’t, I have a love for one the soul. That’s going to hinder us from preaching the gospel. This is going to hinder us from going out and proclaiming the message that we have obeyed.

If I don’t love those, then I’m not going to teach them. I need to love their souls. I need to have a compassion for them. Ephesians four and verse number 15, Preaching the truth And love. We need to have a desire For their souls. We need that. The proper attitude, not, not, no, not a hateful attitude.

When you have a proper, a love for their souls Now som In our world today, like to tell you that that love is just accepting, accepting, saying, we’ll just, just push it under the rug. Just put it to the side. That’s not true. Love. True love is going to tell someone when they are wrong, not in a hateful way,

but a way out of kindness and of love. But yes, if we don’t have a love for one soul, Am I going to preach the gospel? I need to have love for one soul, but number four, this is going to hinder us in preaching the gospel. If I let this hinder us, if I don’t have self control in our life,

if we don’t have self control in our lives today, that’s going to hinder us from teaching the gospel. I want you to notice Romans chapter two, verses 21 and 20 or three 23. Notice if I cannot have self-control in my life for one, I have no authority to go out and tell someone that they’re living in sin. No it’s Romans chapter two in verses 21 through 23 thou,

therefore, which teaches to another, teach us now, not myself. Now that preaches a man should not steal desktop steel. Now that sandstone to should not commit. Adultery does not commit adultery. Now that a Maurist idols thus now commit sacrilege. Now that make us by boast of the law. They’re breaking the law. Now God, If I am not going to make my life temperate and sober and be self-controlled in my life today,

I don’t need to go out and preach and teach those things. And I still have a problem with, if I’m struggling with, with a, if I’m struggling With, with adultery, If I’m struggling with whatever the case might be, whatever sin that you can think of. I have no authority to go tell you to stop doing. I mean the same thing,

fix your own life And hope others. You know, Paul Paul knew this and first Corinthians chapter nine, verse number 27, he says, but I keep under my body and bring it into subjection. Lest that by Any means, when I preach to others, I myself should be a cast away. We have to make sure that our lives are temperate or self-funded.

We have to practice self control. If we purge those things, if we put that sin away, then we can do those things. Look at what Paul tells Timothy in second, Timothy chapter two and verses 20 and 21 second, Timothy chapter two verses 20 and 21. Notice what he says, but in a great house, there are not only vessels of gold and of silver,

but also of wood and of earth and some to honor and some to dishonor. If a man, therefore purge himself from the sea Shall be a vessel unto honor, Sanctified and meet for the master’s use and prepared unto every good work we have to put away sin. If we don’t, that’s going to hinder us from going out and teaching The gospel. Number five,

another hint To our spreading the gospel is if I don’t have knowledge of The gospel, right? I have to Know what I’m teaching. You ever been intrigued at that of car salesman that you’re trying to wonder different details about the car that you’re wanting to buy. And the salesman has. I have no Idea. We as Christians are quote, I guess,

salesmen or examples of the gospel. Therefore we have to know What the gospel says first, Peter chapter three. Okay. In verse number 15, but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts And be ready. Always to give an answer with pride. No, be ready. Always to give an answer with meekness humbleness. Yes. We have to have knowledge.

If we don’t have knowledge, that’s going to hinder us from going out and spreading the gospel. We need to make sure that we know what we’re, What we’re teaching. And then lastly, number six, if we think that it doesn’t work, that’s going to hinder us. We need to know that Again, as we talked about, there will be rejection,

but if we have the come to the understanding, well, it’s just not going to work well. I might as well, not even try well that, that might’ve worked back then, but it doesn’t work. Now keep on trying, because there is that one person. And if I spend 50, 60, 70 years teaching the gospel and I convert one person And that is worth it,

is it not? And yes, We need to make sure that these things don’t hinder us From teaching the gospel. But notice our fourth point for this morning, there has to be, There is a conviction to evangelize. We need to make sure that again, as we’ve talked about, we have to have that desire to want to help others. And it’s not enough to proclaim that there is a need,

but there again, there has to be a desire. There are some statistics Now that I found they’re, they’re really interesting. I want to, I want to share these with you. They’re from Brent Hunter, a personal work one-on-one from, from Pat padfield.com. And this is where I found them every minute, 156 people will die without hope. And this is of course,

is statistics. Every hour, 9,360 People will die without hope. Every day, 224,640 People will die without hope. Every Week, 1,572,480 People will die without hope. And then every year almost 82 million people will die without hope. They will die Having to meet their God unprepared And it’ll be lost forever. Do we see the need to go out and teach the gospel?

We have to be truly convicted to do that. And you know, there are many things that, that we come in contact today. Maybe we have coworkers that, that we know are lost, but We never say anything to them. We know of a family members that that are not Christians, but we know that they’re lost. And if they were to die today,

They would be unprepared to meet their gun. Do we truly understand that? You know, Paul was deeply convicted of this. Look at Romans chapter nine, verses two and three. We need to have this, this attitude notice Romans chapter nine, verses two And three, that I have great heaviness And continual sorrow in my heart. Why? Or I could wish that myself Or a curse from Christ for my brother and my kinsmen,

according to the flesh, if I could be lost for them, I would do it. Now that can’t happen. One must first obey the gospel then Selves, but we need to have that attitude to make sure that They can have the gospel to be convicted, To want others, to meet their gone faithfully. One day, again, as we’ve stated before in our lesson this morning,

we have the cure to the deadly disease. Are we going to distribute the medicine? Are we going To distribute the thing that can cure That we have the cure right in our hand, think, for instance, this analogy, here’s a three-year-old that has cancer. He’s going to die. Three-year-old cancer. There’s a doctor that has figured out how to cure cancer.

All he has to do is distribute. The medicine doctor says, well, it’s going to be too hard. It’s going to be Too hard to distribute that it’s going to cost money. It’s going to waste my time. You know, I could go on vacations. I, I make millions a year. I can do the things that I want to do.

If I distribute the medicine. Yeah, I could help others. What are we commanded to do? Distribute the cure that we know that is going to work look at as equal chapter 33. I also love this example of the example as equal chapter 33. We again have and know the cure again to the most deadly disease that is sand. But look,

it does equal 33. I love this illustration as well. Again, the word of the Lord came unto me saying son of man, speak to the children of thy people and saying to them, when I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coast and set him for their Watchman. If, when he see if the sword come upon the land,

he blow the trumpet and warn the people. Then whosoever here at the sound of the trumpet and take is not warning. If the sword and take away his blood shall be upon his own head, simply there was a Watchman. He sees the, the enemy coming and he warns the people. It’s not going to be his fault. If, if the people don’t want To listen,

it’s not going to be his Fault. The blood’s not going to be upon his hand. Why? Because he warned His people. He saw the enemy, he knew what was to come. He knew the truth. Then verse number five, he heard the sound of the trumpet and took not warning. His blood shall be upon him, but he, that taketh warning shall deliver his soul.

But notice verse six. But if the Watchman see the sword come And blow, not the Trump. And then the people being not warned. If the sword come and take Person from among them, he has taken away in his iniquity. But his blood will. I require at who’s. At the watchman’s hand, simply he saw the enemy coming. He knew the truth.

He understood that he did not want him, People that the enemy was coming. That the truth was there. I, and you, we all know the truth. We all know what is coming. Are we not going to tell those who need the truth? Well, the blood be upon our own hands. We know many who are lost. Are we going to take this,

the cure to the most deadly disease, to those who need it? That’s our commandment Christians. That is our job. And there’s a need for that. But notice our last point for this morning, I don’t think there’s any greater evangelist or any greater one who could spread the gospel than Jesus. Jesus was the greatest one to do this Jesus. There,

there is no greater one. Then Jesus Christ. He was the greatest teacher to ever live. He lived the gospel. He taught the gospel. He Spread, spread the message and he was not afraid To do so because he saw the needs. We’ve talked about. He had compassion on those who were scattered abroad, having they were, they were sheep having no shepherd.

I want you to notice five qualities that Jesus possessed, that we, as Christians can, can possess in our lives to better teach the message that people need. Not that they, they need the gospel notice. Number one, he had a compassion, a deep compassion for lost souls. That’s what we need to obtain. Number two, he was not partial to any economic status.

He was not partial any racial Or gender. Any One can receive the gospel. Galatians three verses 26 through 28, Galatians chapter three verses 26 through 28 does not matter. Gender, Race, social status. Anyone can obey the gospel. Notice Galatians three 26 and following for a year. All the children of God by faith in Christ, Jesus, for as many of you has been as have been baptized into Christ,

have put on Christ notice verse 28. There is neither Jew nor Greek, neither bond nor free. There is neither bond nor free. There is neither male nor female For you are all one in Christ. Jesus. Anyone can obey the gospel and therefore Jesus was not partial to any. Anyone can preach here and receive the gospel. And therefore we don’t need to be partial to those.

Number three, he took every opportunity he could to preach every opportunity he could. He was there to teach. We need to do that as well. I love this example. Look at John chapter four. I’m not going to read the whole chapter, but the whole chapter, I encourage you to read it. It’s a beautiful chapter, but John chapter four and verse number four,

notice let’s start at verse. Number one, actually, when therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John though. Jesus himself bedtime is not, but as disciples, he left your day. And to part it again into Galilee Notice verse four, and he must needs go through some area. I love that verse because if you read continually,

what do you notice? He has a conversation with a Samaritan woman. He must need to go through some area. We must teach and spread the gospel wherever We are, whether that be at work, it doesn’t have to be a, a full con. Maybe it can just be a little small talk and things, Not just that, but we need to teach and talk and take every opportunity that we can to teach and preach the gospel.

Number four, Jesus taught everything about the gospel. We cannot refrain from, from Picking and choosing what we, it’s not a buffets has been said. We don’t get to pick and choose what we want about the gospel. We need to teach the whole gospel, but as Jesus did, he taught in love. We don’t need to refrain from, from telling people that they are in sin.

If they are now, again, we don’t, we’re not hating, But we do it in love because we care for their souls. And yes, Jesus, I just taught everything about the gospel. He didn’t refrain from preaching on Hill and he talked about the many joys of, of following him. We need to be like him in that regard. But lastly,

number five, he saw the need of doing it quickly and swiftly Jesus would minister for three years, if that, around that time. And he did it. And yes, there is time for fellowship. There’s also time to teach and preach the gospel. Well, the question is, are we going to do that same and follow after Christ’s example, the greatest teacher was Christ.

There’s no other greater teacher than that. And therefore I think we should model our lives after him. And we should because he was the one as the greatest example, who had no sin because he knew what to do. The question is up to us today. Are we going to know our command? And there is a command because there is a need because the world is lost.

And perhaps, you know, many coworkers and many family members or friends that you know, that if, if the end was today that they will be lost and unprepared to meet God. And we, as Christians need to make sure that we know our commandments, we need to have the conviction and be, as Jesus was and preach and teach the gospel to those who are lost as much as we can,

because our number one goal is to get ourselves to heaven. But the second one is to take as many people that we can to heaven so that they can enjoy the pleasures of heaven one day. And perhaps there is maybe one here this morning who has not been living faithfully as a Christian, you have not been doing the things that God would have you to do and,

and you’ll make the gospel once before what’d you come back to God before it everlastingly too late, again, to be, to be prepared, to meet God. And sadly, there are many that are careless. As we sing the song sometimes careless soul wobbly, linger, wondering from the fold of God here you not the invitation, Oh, prepared to meet the high God.

And the song continues careless. Solo heed. The warning for your life will soon be gone. Oh, how sad to face the judgment unprepared to meet God, would you come back to God before? Does everlastingly too late? But perhaps there was one here this morning who has never obeyed the gospel of Christ once before. You’ve never obeyed the gospel. That that is as simply broaden the message.

Would you believe that Jesus is the son of God? Would you repent of your sins? Confess Christ before man, and then be baptized for the remission of your sins to be added to the church. The greatest institution that man has ever known. And would you become a Christian so that you can go to heaven one day and live faithfully onto your God.

If anyone is subject, why don’t you come as we stand? And as we sing Two, dang, why from the sunshine of love? Well, down wrong, farther and farther away. Hey<inaudible> today. Hey, Jesus is<inaudible> calling today. Jesus is calling no weary to calling today, calling to Jay. Hey, bring him I burden. And a shout.

Be blessed. He will not turn the<inaudible> to Jay. Hey, Jesus is<inaudible> calling his 10 early calling today. Jesus is pleading.<inaudible> hear him to<inaudible> on his name. Showery dries quickly.<inaudible><inaudible>. Jesus is<inaudible> is 10 nearly calling today. Hey, The song before the closing prayer will be number 634 we’ll work till Jesus comes.

Oh<inaudible> Oh man.<inaudible> and PE sad. Oh<inaudible> geez. Well, Jesus comes when Jesus comes and will be<inaudible> ah,<inaudible> no more<inaudible> with him. Brave DAS Chile side and reach my head only. Oh,<inaudible> to Jesus comes<inaudible> Oh, Would you bow with me? I got and father in heaven. We’re indeed thankful for the freedom and opportunity that we’ve had to worship day to day father.

We thank you for the great lesson that was brought to us by Noah. And we pray father that we can use this words from this lesson today to make our bright and shining light to more to those more around us in the workplace father. We thank you for all the many blessings you’ve given us and fall away. Most importantly, we thank you for your son.

Jesus, who died on that cross for salvation father. We pray that you’ll be with us and keep us safe and forgive our sins. Jesus. And we pray you ma’am.

Automated Transcription

<inaudible> It’s about time for us to get started. We are still in acts chapter 13. I think we might get through with it today though. No, I think we’ll, we’ll get into chapter 14 as well, at least a little bit. Maybe not all the way through it, but it’s good to have you with us this morning. I will make mention there’s some good material on the book of acts in general,

very in depth material on the book of acts, as well as some specific, highly recommendable material on acts chapter 13 and 14 in a series you can find on YouTube called McWiggin reflections. It’s from a brother over in Nashville, Jim McWiggin and now he’s done a he’s doing not finished yet, but he’s doing a series on the book of acts and he’s about 102 lessons in.

So if you’re looking and they’re, they’re labeled by less than one, two on down, but they’re not the titles, don’t tell you what chapter. So I’m going to tell you that start around. I think it’s less than 73 or 74, and that’ll get you acts chapter 13. And he, as I said in depth, chapter 14 ends around lesson 83,

but Jim McWiggin McGuigan’s reflections. I mentioned that because he goes into a lot of the old Testament aspects of chapters, 13 and 14, that we just do not have time to go into. And so it’s, if you, if you look it up, it’ll be worth your time. You’ll enjoy it, I believe. And so I’ll just throw that,

throw that plug in there In acts chapter 13, actually let’s, We’ll start with a word of prayer. I guess I got sidetracked. All right, let’s get on with it. Word of prayer, our gracious father in heaven, we bow before you Always grateful for your blessings, always grateful for your son who offered himself as a sacrifice for our sins and for the sins of the entire world.

We are mindful of those who Struggle So deeply with understanding your word and your will and the actions that you have taken in history and in time and struggle so deeply with the concerns of this life and the understanding of its meaning. We’re mindful of those individuals who, because of the perversions of this world, struggle so deeply with sins and iniquities, that they can’t see a path forward or mindful of those who have been lied to concerning your existence and concerning the existence of,

of gods and, and beings that do not exist and have no power in this creation of yours. And yet they have power over these individuals through the lies that have been told or mindful of all of these individuals and their need to hear the gospel, to hear it proclaimed boldly, to know what you have done for them in eternity, past, and in your son who died on the cross for their sins as well.

We’re mindful of those who are struggling with illness and pain, difficulty, anguish of life and difficulties because of loved ones who perhaps have passed on. We pray that you will give them strength to go through those hard times and go through those difficult things, never losing their focus on serving you. We pray for those who are in foreign mission fields and in works that are difficult.

We pray that they might have boldness to speak. We’re thankful of this time for this morning that we have the sunshine that we enjoy the day that we have the health and the ability we have to assemble together. And we’re mindful of those who do not have that blessing. We pray that you forgive us when we sin and fall short of your glory and are willing to repent of those things.

And we pray for your grace to cover those sins in our lives that we know of and the ones we don’t know of all this, we pray in Jesus name. Amen. As Paul is preaching to those Antioch of the Cydia. He preaches to the Jews. He comes into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and Paul and Barnabas are there together. And they are invited by those who are present to speak and they do.

And we have here, the first recorded sermon of the apostle Paul, not the first instance of him preaching, but the first instance where the text of his sermon is recorded. But as we get towards the end of it, we got down. We’re going to pick up in verse 35. Therefore he says in another Psalm, Paul is talking about David.

He’s talking about the promise of David. That one would be re would rise up, who was from the lineage of David David’s son as is prophesied in second Samuel chapter 12. I believe it is. And here he is bringing in the Psalms that reference this descendant of David and this promise and this Messiah that they knew of, therefore he says in another Psalm,

you will not allow your Holy one to see corruption for David. After he had served his own generation by the will of God fell asleep, was buried with his fathers and saw corruption. That is he’s he’s in the grave. He’s, he’s in the, the place of the dead awaiting the judgment day, but he whom God raised up saw no corruption.

One of the emphasis here is that when a person dies and they enter into that, Hadean realm, their body decays. They, they have no more life in it. And therefore that body deteriorates and hence the idea of seeing corruption and yet what happened to the body of Christ. Okay. All right. It didn’t stay in the grave. It didn’t decay.

And go back to dust. It was resurrected on the third day. And then what happened to the body of Christ? You had ascended to heaven. It, there is no grave you can go to and say, there lie to the ashes of Jesus Christ because there is no tomb where lie the ashes of Jesus Christ. Those ascended, that body ascended into heaven.

He says, verse 30, 38. Therefore let it be known to you. Brethren that through this man is preached to you, the forgiveness of sins and by him, everyone who believes is justified from all things, which you could not be justified by the law of Moses Belair, therefore less. What has been in the prophets Come upon you behold, you despisers Marvel and perish for,

I will work a work in your days, a work, which you will by no means believe though one were to declare it to you. We made mention on Wednesday that this comes from the book of Habakkuk and God is telling Habakkuk concerning the destruction of Judea and Jerusalem at the hands of the Cal sins. And God says, I’m going to work a work that you would not believe if it were reported to you.

And Paul says, be careful Jews of this generation that you don’t have. The same thing happened to you that you know, happened to your ancestors because they didn’t believe what God said. They didn’t believe what God said he would do. And they were destroyed by the Babylonians. And Paul uses Habakkuk to say, this can be your fate the same as it was theirs.

So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, by the way, do you notice how he ended on such a happy note? You know, that there are some preachers who you don’t, it doesn’t matter how dark gloomy judgment oriented their sermon is throughout the entire text. They’re going to end on a happy, they’re going to send people out with a smile on their face.

Paul was not such a preacher, not when people needed to hear the truth and needed to be saved from their sins. And so he ends with this. So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them. The next Sabbath. Now, when the congregation had broken up many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas,

who speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. What does this mean? Continue in the grace of God. First of all, what’s the description of these people, the Jews first, w how are they described The Jews in this verse? How are they described? Okay. As devout, these are Not the Jews. Does that show up at synagogue on Saturday and are involved in adulterous relationships on Sunday and Monday and Tuesday,

and no, no, these aren’t those Jews. These are the Jews who come in on the Sabbath day and are dressed all nice and appear to be Holy and are drunkards all the rest of the week. They’re not those Jews. These are devout Jews. These are those who have the law of Moses. Believe the law of Moses are obedient to the law of Moses and are striving daily to be acceptable To God.

Okay? That’s Who these Jews are. They are devout. They are sincere and honest in their beliefs and in their, their obedience of the law of Moses. And we read that. There’s also, proselytes, what’s a promise, Okay. This is a Gentile by nationality who has converted himself to the Jewish system in order to become a, a, an adopted,

as it were child of Abraham. And he’s gone through all of the covenant rituals in order to Do that. This is not Agenda aisle. Who believes in God, this is a Gentile who has become a Jew. Okay? So you have devout Jews and proselytes Gentiles who have become ceremonially and covenant lately, Jews who follow Paul and Barnabas. And we read That they persuaded To them to continue in the grace of God.

They persuaded. Does this mean Paul persuaded them to continue being Jews following the, No. What does it mean then? Okay. And how is it? They could stay in the favor of God Apps. Absolutely. By being obedient to the gospel that was being preached to them. So what you see here is here are Jews who hear him on the Sabbath,

and they’re not satisfied with hearing him on the Sabbath. They come to him afterwards, they’re following them. And they are persuaded to be obese.<inaudible> to the message on the next Sabbath. Almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. So there’s Some Jews who hear him on That first Sabbath. And then the part there’s Gentiles who come up to him and say,

we want to hear you again on the Next Sabbath. And, and There some devout Jews and proselytes who hear him. And instead of Harding, follow them three categories of people having heard him on the first Sabbath, the next Sabbath day comes. And now the Jews come to their synagogue. And have you had, Or seeing the reaction of people’s faces when they show up somewhere where normally there’s a few people And That particular day they drive up as it were,

and There’s crowds The reaction that’s on people’s faces is what’s going on. The Jews come and they see the entire city. Now, was it every last person who, I don’t think that’s what the Texas TRIBE to say, but if we walked out here this morning and 50,000 out of 60,000 people in all of Collierville, we’re standing outside, we’d say the entire city was Here.

Okay. There Might still be a policeman on patrol, but that doesn’t mean the entire city’s not here. Okay. So they show up, they look, and the entire city has shown up at the synagogue. Now, what time in the past has that ever happened? Probably never. It’s never Happened here. And it had probably never happened at the synagogue.

They’re in Antioch and the knee jerk reaction of the Jews now noticed The text from the previous Sabbath day. There were the Jews that departed, there were the Gentiles that desired to hear more And they’ve come back and, Or the devout Jews, and proselytes who stayed with them and continued to hear them and obey the gospel. And it is the first category of people who were reading about again.

Now, The Jews, the ones who departed last Sabbath, and then think about Paul and Barnabas again, between last Sabbath and this Sabbath show back up. And, Oh boy, do we have a problem Now? Because They show back up and the entire city is gathered at the synagogue. And their reaction is to become Envious Of Paul and Barnabas. Notice what we read in the text.

Now, when the Jews saw the molds attitudes, they were filled with envy and contradicting and blaspheming. They opposed the things spoken by Hi, Paul. They do. I mean, show up that Sabbath and have spent the entire previous week thinking, no, I’m going to, I’m going to go line by line through the old Testament. And I’m going to prove that Paul was wrong.

They didn’t do that. They didn’t show up ready to refute Paul. They showed up and saw the molds And said, we’re not going to stand for this. It’s one thing for a few Gentiles to hear the gospel. It’s one thing for a few Gentiles to believe what’s being taught. It’s one thing for a few ProSeal lights to obey the gospel is another thing entirely for this gospel to be Breached to the entire city.

They arrive. They come on the scene and they are filled With envy and They determine that they will contract Predict the preaching of Paul Anderson In doing so. They not only contradict the preaching of Paul, but they blast God. And why did they do it? Jealousy, envy. And ultimately What always stands beside, behind jealousy Pride, their own pride led them to this action.

Paul warned them. If you let you get in the way of you obeying God, what’s going to happen to them. The same thing that happened to their ancestors, why is it that Jews didn’t hear the profits? They were told by Isaiah what was going to happen? They were told by Jeremiah, what was going to happen? They were told by Zika,

what was going to happen? They were told by prophet, after prophet, after prophet, after prophet, what was going to happen and why didn’t they Change? One of them Biggest accusations against them, time in and time out was Pride. And this people chose the same path that their ancestors did. So Paula Barnabas grew bold and said it was necessary.

Sherry. He doesn’t say, well, You know, we thought this was the best path. No, he doesn’t Say that It was necessary. This is the same point that Paul makes in Romans chapter one, when Paul writes to the church at Rome and he says, I was a debtor, both to the Jew and to the, and Tile to preach the gospel.

But he said, The gospel is the power of God unto salvation to the Jew First and also to the Greek. And then by the way, in verse 17, again, quotes, Habakkuk for the just shall live by faith. So Paul says it was necessary that the gospel go to the Jew first, Because it was through them that the gospel was going to reach everyone else.<inaudible> No position.

There’s no biblical position in which Gentiles eat all. I think probably all of us sitting here this morning, You should have any animosity towards Jews nationally, Because of anything that’s happened in the past. The question is for every nationality, will you hear the gospel or not? And What Paul’s is, is it was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first,

but since you reject it, and Here’s an interesting phrase, And judge yourselves on worthy of Lasting life, behold, we turned to the Gentiles. I have a question for you. Someone hears the gospel. Maybe they hear it time and time again, they hear the gospel. They have the word of God and they never obey it. And the day of judgment comes and they stand before God,

do we imagine God as an unjust judge who sits There and says, I don’t care about all the good Things you did. I don’t care About the nice things that you did for your parents. I don’t care how you, you helped them when they were old and in firm. And Who provided for them. I don’t know, Care that you trying to be good to your children,

to your family members and to even people who you didn’t know, I don’t care. You didn’t hear my gospel. You didn’t obey it. And I punish you by sending you to hell, is that the picture of God That we really Ought to have? Hopefully it’s not the picture that we have of God at all. But I think there’s some who do Some who imagined that that’s,

God’s disposition on the day of judgment. I don’t care what You did because of this. I’m sending you to hell. And that’s just simply not the picture of God. The picture of God is go, go, go back real quick to chapter 13, back in chapter 13, verse 17, the God of Israel chose our fathers and exalted the people.

Yeah. When they dwelled as strangers in the land of Egypt with an uplifting arm, he brought them out. Now for a time of about 40 years, he went up with their ways in the wilderness or put up with their ways in the wilderness. And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he distributed their land to them. By allotment.

After that, he gave them judges for about 450 years until Samuel the prophet and afterward, they asked for a King. So God gave them solved the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin for 40 years. And when he had removed him, he raised up for them. David, as King to whom also he gave testimony and said,

I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after my own heart, for who or excuse me, who will do all my will for this man seed. According to the promise, God raised up for Israel, a savior, Jesus. The picture that we are to have of God is a God who confronts humanity and says, I did this for you.

I did this for you. I did this for you. I did this for you. I did this for you. I did this for you. This, this, this, this, this, this, this, this, this, and all I asked in return is that you hear and obey. And you knowing what I did and Knowing what I said,

Judged yourself, unworthy of the everlasting life. I’ve offered God on the day Of judgment will not In a sense, be sitting there as judge. God will all Reality be saying, you judged yourself because you knew and you wouldn’t obey. Paul said, you judge your selves on worthy of everlasting life. Behold, we turn to the Gentiles for, so the Lord has commanded us.

Now, this is an interesting us here. And this is one of those. I will reference you right back to those YouTube videos, because brother McWiggin spends a bout two lessons going back to the book of Isaiah, because this quotation comes from Isaiah. Yet it comes from a passage, Isaiah 49, where it’s one of the servant passages. It’s one of the passages.

People quite often say, this is about Christ. Except Paul says, it’s not. Paul says it’s about us. It him, Paul Barnabas, the Christians in the first century, it was about the righteous servants of God. The righteous Jews. He says for the soul, the Lord has commanded us. I have set you as a light to the Gentiles that you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.

Now, does it apply to Jesus? Yes, but Paul says that it is the Jews who have the truth that are to be the light to the Gentiles. And does that seem strange to us? Because Jesus said in Matthew chapter five, verse 14 and verse 15 in verse 16, you were the salt of the earth as assaulted loss of saber, where with she’ll be salted.

It sends forth good for nothing to be cast out and trodden under the foot of men, you are the light of the world. A city that is set on a Hill cannot be hid. Paul said Isaiah and Isaiah chapter 49 told us that we’d go to the Gentiles. And so since you, the Jews have considered yourself unworthy of everlasting life, we will do exactly what Isaiah told us to do.

And we will spread the gospel to the Gentiles. And then we read verse 48. Now, when the Gentiles heard this understand something, these Gentiles are not unfamiliar with the Jewish teachings. They’re not unfamiliar With what the Jews in this synagogue believed. These Gentiles would have known these Jews in this synagogue will let you in the synagogue. They’ll let you hear the word of Moses.

They’ll let you hear the law and the profits on the Sabbath day. But if you journey with them to Jerusalem on a feast day, You’ll stand outside in the court of the Gentiles. You won’t go in the temple, They’ll let you in. But only so far And anybody else, that’s not a Jew. They don’t have the same rights or the same privileges under the law of Moses.

But now the Gentiles hearing this, That the Jews who had this gospel, who had these prophets, who had this word from the God of heaven are now being willing to not only spread that gospel, that is these Christians spread that gospel, but also that they have equal standing with God. When they heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord.

And as many as have been appointed to eternal life believed, And the word Of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region. But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men Of the city raised Up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their region. In verse 51 is an interesting passage that Hearkens back to when Jesus sent Out the 70 And sent out the 12 inch in the region of Judea,

Because We read verse 51, but they, Paul and Barnabas shook off the dust from their feet against them and came to eye conium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy spirit Before, Or we get too far away from chapter 13, There would Be some who would come to this passage and say, first of all, verse 48,

makes it clear that God chooses of his own volition who will hear and believe and be saved. You won’t that’s Calvinism for you. Calvinism says, God determines who will hear and who won’t. And through the power of the Holy spirit changes the heart, the, the, the, the, the, the heart of the individual who’s born in sin to be able to believe before They ever do.

And so They’ll use this phrase appointed by the Lord To say, see God To work on an individual before they can be saved and see, God is the one who chooses, who will be saved before they ever believe. And that’s just simply not what this, I Will point out. The consistency Of the book of acts Are some things that Luke says in the book of acts,

as he’s recording these events where he doesn’t every single time someone is converted, say, this person heard the word, believe the word repented of their sins confess the name of Christ and was immersed in water. He doesn’t do that every single time somebody Is converted. He Doesn’t raise every single step along the way. What he does do is give you every indication of exactly what happened.

First Of all, in acts chapter two, before we get all the way down the road acts chapter 13. When Peter is speaking to Jews and telling them the gospel, what does Peter say? They must Do Repent and be baptized for the remission of sins. And you shall receive one. The gift of the Holy ghost Here in this passage. Luke tells you They heard first,

Or they were ever believing before we read anything about those who were appointed. We Burst here that they heard Now, who is directing the events here. Who’s telling Paul and Barnabas who to speak to. Who’s giving them the words to speak. Holy spirit is now. Now if the Holy spirit was going to come into this town, and as it were through Paul and Barnabas convert,

only those who he had already appointed for salvation. What was The point of Paul going to all the people who were going to Inject it? Because if you believe Calvinism, they rejected it because God didn’t On their heart. Isn’t that interesting. Paul accuses them of judging themselves. When in reality, if you believe Calvinism, it’s God who failed to do anything for,

so it’s not just them judging themselves, is it it’s God judging them and withholding from them the ability to be Saved, but that’s not What the passage says. The passage says they heard. They could have believed. And instead Of being Filled with the gospel, they filled themselves with envy. So first they heard, but second, I can leave those who heard amongst that group,

not those who hadn’t heard, but those who did here were those who were appointed by the Lord. But then, Then as Paul and Barnabas are leaving the region, we’re told this little tidbit here, There were believer Who’s who were filled With joy and with the Holy spirit, N Chapter two, Peter makes it clear and all the other passages due to all the way up until this point,

they never received the Holy spirit until after They were baptized. That’s why Peter tells them you have to repent. Well, did these Gentiles have anything to repentive? Yes. Do we suppose they didn’t because we didn’t read where they did. Right? So if we’re going to work in the passage off the assumption, because we didn’t read it, therefore it didn’t happen.

Which is what people will do. They’ll say, see, they believe we don’t read. They were baptized. Oh, okay. Does that mean they didn’t confess the Lord? They didn’t repent. We’re not supposed to treat scripture that way In the same context, in the same book, not in the same event, but in the same book, Luke’s already told us.

Here’s what we taught. Here’s what the gospel was. Here’s what was preached to them. Here’s what they had to do to obey. And here’s what they did. And so when he tells you, but they believed, and they were filled with joy in acts chapter eight, when Philip was teaching the, The unit, the unit is hearing the gospel,

Hearing it from the old Testament. He’s hearing about this one, Jesus. And he says, see, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized? And what is Phillip’s response? If they’ll believe his is Namaste and they go and stop the chariot. And we read that the Munich is rejoicing. He goes down on the water Right now. That’s not what we believe Or what we read.

What we read is that he came up out of the water and went on his way. Rejoicing, Luke makes a point to tell us long before we ever get here, that the joy comes after the conversion, Not before. And that the Holy spirit comes after the conversion, not before. So when Luke tells you that there were believers in this region who continued on,

even after Paul and Barnabas are gone and they continued on in joy and in the Holy spirit, Luke’s already told you what about Them? They’ve Heard, they believe they’ve repented. And they’ve been immersed in water for the remission of their sins. Otherwise they wouldn’t have anything to be joyous of. And they wouldn’t have received the Holy spirit. He does It.

Doesn’t have to spell it out every time, because he’s already given you enough information to know exactly what It happened. Chapter 14, actually, let’s go through the questions of chapter 13. So we actually get those done. I think I’m going to run close on time. All right. By that, I mean, I don’t think I’m going to get into chapter 14 for what work did the Holy spirit call Paul and Barnabas Preaching to the Gentiles On their journey to Cyprus Barnabas and Paul were accompanied by blank.

John Mark Saul was also known as blank, Paul. Okay. That’s pretty, self-explanatory right there in the previous question. Number three, name the punishment placed on bar Jesus for confusing. The ways of the Lord taught by Barnabas and Paul Struck Mine. I thought of something this morning that I had, honestly, I don’t believe not perfect road collection here,

but I don’t believe I’d ever thought of before When Paul’s Or Saul is on the road to Damascus. Where’s the Lord do to him. He struck him blind. And what did he have to do? What Did those traveling with him have to do, Take him by the hand and lead him into the city at that moment in time. So Paul of Tarsus was guilty of the same thing.

Barjesus was wasn’t. He, he was persecuting the Christians and he was provoking Christ and he was withholding the gospel and he gets struck blind and he has to have someone lead him to where he needs to go turn around in chapter 13 and Saul of Tarsus meets LMS Barjesus and gives him the same situation that he had.<inaudible> I wonder if it turned out the same way for elements that it did for Saul.

Maybe that was an opportunity for elements to change as he sits there in his blindness, as Paul did for three days and reasoned with him himself, how did I get here and what happened to me and how do I ever get my sight back? Just to just a thought question and something that occurred to me this week that I just had never even thought of that Paul puts him in the same situation he was in when he was on the road to Damascus.

Okay. There’s there’s that for you? What was the result of on the pro council surgery as Paulus<inaudible> All right. Seeing the things that took place, he was astonished at the teaching and believed in preaching to the Jews and God fearers in pacinian Antioch. Paul did not include a Israel in Egypt, be receiving the law of Moses at Mount Sinai. See land inheritance in Canaan,

D the judges or E King Saul.<inaudible> Be the receiving of the law at Mount Sinai. Number five. Yes or no. Did David’s body decay after death? Yes. Yes or no. Did Jesus’ body decay after death? No. Number six. Forgiveness of sins is through blank.<inaudible> Jesus. I, I wasn’t, I was hearing an answer,

but I wasn’t loud enough to hear all right. I heard a voice, but I didn’t understand it. How did Paul and Barnabas protest against the persecution in pacinian Antioch instigated buying there or by the leaders? Alright. They shook the dust off their feet. Okay. Given the time and given we’re only just a couple of minutes from the quarter after the hour,

we will be dismissed now and pick up in chapter 14 on Wednesday<inaudible><inaudible> Yeah.<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> Good morning. Welcome to Collierville. Church crash. Sunday morning, worship service is good to see everybody out this morning, all spread out and social distance, and then that kind of thing. But we’d like to welcome any visuals that we have and ask you,

if you would please fill out a visitor’s card on the back of the Pew in front of you. So we’d have a record of your attendance and We got a sick list. And if you, before that, if you hadn’t picked up your Lord supper, it’d be a good time to do that. It’s back there on that table or are sick or Joan was spraying.

And Maria said she was doing pretty well this morning, Janie, Marlin, Rodale, and Dorothy Wilson. And while I’m on their name, I got a card from them. It says, thanks for all of the phone call cards, letters, and prayers. Thank you. Love y’all Rodale and Arthur Wilson. And I’ll put this on the bulletin board. After services.

James Luna has been moved to N H C healthcare. It’s in Franklin, Tennessee. I think to regain his strength after his little stay in the hospital. Excuse me, Leo van is Becky’s niece. She is at home and doing well after her kidney and pancreas transplant. Diana Schaeffer is recovering from thyroid. She’s talking real low, so, but it’s good to see her.

And Barbara is here again today. And I went back there and talked to her and she says, she’s got to wait three months before she can have surgery on her shoulder. And BJ Clark over at far till is recovering from pneumonia. We will resume Sunday afternoon service beginning, April the fourth, and the fellowship hall will be open. Okay. She,

anybody wants to stay and eat lunch in there. That’s all the announcements. Michael Dale will be leading singing. Eric Halverson has opening prayer. Mark Phillips has the lower supper and Aaron Cozort has her sermon. And Jay Shafir has the closing prayer. One day. I won’t be able to step up the steps like that anymore, but I’m going to take advantage of it while I still can.

Our first song this morning will be number 31 to be still and know that be still and know 31.<inaudible> that I am.<inaudible> that<inaudible> that? Ah,<inaudible> the,<inaudible> the<inaudible> the song before opening. Prayer will be number 827 sweet hour of prayer. Eight to seven. Sweet. Ah.<inaudible> that calls me. Whoa, duh.

Okay. And see me. Let’s stop right there. I think we skipped a slide actually, or the slide is not in there. Yeah. From a world of care and bids me at my father’s throne. Make all my wants and wishes known as it missing. It’s there. Okay. Let’s start over again. Sweet. Ah, prayer. Sweet,

ah, prayer. NA<inaudible>. And besides me a dad, my father<inaudible> me<inaudible> and see<inaudible> and grieve my<inaudible> and read the, and ah,<inaudible> by the<inaudible> suite.<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> Hey, son, to the place where<inaudible> is. And<inaudible> my<inaudible> and wait for the sweet, sweet, ah, prayer. Sweet,

ah, prayer. No, we change<inaudible> to<inaudible><inaudible> so to blah and<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> and wait for the<inaudible> God, our father in heaven, we come to you at this time, thanking you for the opportunity to assemble here this morning, to sing songs, appraised your great name and to study another portion of your word, Lord, we want to thank you and praise you for those that have had procedures that have gone well.

And those that are getting good reports on your illnesses and ailments that they are dealing with. But we also know there are many amongst us that still have other ailments and illnesses that they are dealing with. And we asked that if it be your will you return them to a measure of health that they so desire. Lord, we also ask that you oversee those that are providing care for these individuals and give them the strength and the patients that they need in order to deal with the challenges that they face each and every day in providing care for their loved ones.

Lord, we also know that there are those amongst us that have lost loved ones recently. And we ask that you wrap your loving arms around those families and the friends of those, those members that have passed away and give them the comfort that they so desire. Lord, we also thank you for having sent your son Jesus here on earth so that we may learn from him and through him and have that opportunity to have our sins forgiven and one day join you and heaven.

And now, as we prepare to study another portion of your word, that brother Aaron would bring to us, we ask that you help each and every one of us focus on the words that Aaron brings us this morning, your words, so that we may analyze them and apply them to our lives so that we may better serve you while we live here on this earth,

we pray all this through your son, Jesus name, amen Song to prepare our minds for the Lord. Supper will be number 350. When my life to Christ grows week three, five, zero. When my law to Christ grows, we, when for deep things I see and then thought, ah, God, to the garden. Yeah. E<inaudible> the name green.<inaudible> see,

that’s a freaking friend.<inaudible> we being present?<inaudible> when my love for man grows. We, when for strong<inaudible> I see<inaudible> to those scenes.<inaudible> there be<inaudible><inaudible> bit a tree. See,<inaudible> see his<inaudible><inaudible> TRIBE and then to LA live. Ah, and ah, and, and the<inaudible><inaudible> and<inaudible> Griff At this time,

we need to remember the cross and that sacrifice that Jesus made for our sins. Let’s pray having father we’re thankful for this bread, that represents Jesus’ body. That was nailed to the cross for the sins of mankind. And we pray heavenly father, you please forgive us of our sins. Amen. Unlike men or heavenly father, we’re thankful for this fruit of the vine that represents Jesus’ blood.

That was shed on the cross for the sins of mankind. I pray heavenly father, you please forgive us for our sins. Separate from the Lord’s table. Have an opportunity to give us with prosper. Let us pray. Having it followed with thankful for the financial gains you have given us through the years and we pray heavenly father. You would take a portion of these to help continue the work here at Collierville.

Church of Christ. These things we ask in Jesus name, amen. The song before the lesson will be number four, 150. Give me the Bible. If you’re able, let’s stand for this song please. Number four or five zero. Give me the<inaudible> to cheer though on DRA. No, Nan Tempus, no stolen Ken. Hi that<inaudible> beat man.

Since Jesus came to seek and save the lost, give me the Holy message. I need a light shot. Guide me in a narrow way. Hey, precept. And<inaudible><inaudible> gave me<inaudible>. My heart is broke and<inaudible> and then green Pam<inaudible> gave me the precious words. My Jesus spoke. Oh, the face to show my<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> me in a narrow way.

Hey,<inaudible> to<inaudible> and he turned all day. Hey, give me<inaudible>. Oh, that’s and by the open gray, Hey,<inaudible> from heaven shining port or show me the glory gilding Jordan’s way. Hey, give me the<inaudible>. Holy message. I need a live shot. Guide me in a narrow way. Hey<inaudible><inaudible> and he turned all day.

Hey, you may be seated. Good morning. When you think about history, there are some things are true. Like for instance, there was a time in history before this country, Someone might say, well, what was America like before the United States of America? And you could Provided you knew something about that time period. You could tell them about the different parts of America and the different regions and,

and how they were under the thumb of, of a foreign power. But you could also be asked the question, what was life like? And I’ll use the phrase. My, my parents do B C you know, a, B, C stands for right before children, Like talking about what life was like before children, all the things they used to do before.

Yeah. Keep wanting to ask my parents. So what’s life like after children, But we’re not going to get on that topic. So often we wonder what are things like before something, But have you ever thought what existed? What was here before the beginning now for a modernist that’s nonsense. That’s foolish talk. You can have something before the beginning.<inaudible> And also,

I mean, there’s always been something here because something has to be eternal. Otherwise you’d have nothing, but it was small and infant testimony. It’s not what the Bible talks about though. In Genesis chapter one, verse one, we read in the beginning. And yet it is clear from the text that when you read in the beginning, it’s not the beginning,

is it? It’s not the, of everything. It’s the beginning of something, Just like there was a continent of what is now the United States of America. There’s a continent of North America before there was the United States of America Before The nation was ever a nation, the place. And even most of the people were already here. And yet they’re in 1776. You have the beginning in 1786 or three or whatever.

When you get out of the Confederate agreement into the United States, Say all of that to bring us forward to this question of what was there in the beginning before The beginning. And you might, so why Aaron, because it speaks to what is most important about our understanding of who we are. You and I, we have a beginning. Humanity has a beginning.

That beginning is what we read about in Genesis chapter one, verse one in the beginning, God, it’s not the beginning of everything. It’s not the beginning of God. It’s not the beginning of all things that God did. It is the beginning Of our story. But when you frame your understanding of who we are, who humanity is in a frame that doesn’t count in the things that God did,

the existence of God, you frame humanity by himself, material things by themselves, you ignore the supernatural. You ignore God, you ignore his actions in eternity, you ignore all of those things. Then you get a very different Man. And that is what so many in our world want to believe. They want to believe that man and humanity sprung up out of a series of accidents,

a series of events, over a period of infinite, infinite amount of time to create what we are now and we’re going to something else. And yet that’s not true. Before the beginning, there was number one, a God that existed before or The beginning of the world. There was a God that existed go to Genesis chapter For one in the beginning,

God was created, right? No, no. I think I got a few of those words in the wrong order. In the beginning, God created. If God created in the beginning, what existed before the beginning, God did. Otherwise he couldn’t have created. We already have the presumption in the text that there was something before the beginning. And who was it?

What was it? The answer is God. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Let me ask you this. When humanity shows, What was already here, the earth was when God showed up, what was not already Here, the earth that Is incredibly important Because humanity would love to have it. The other way around wouldn’t they,

They would loved to have in the beginning was matter over time matter produced man. And from man and his imagination came, God, That’s not the way it works. And that’s not what happened for in the beginning Before have the heavens and the earth existed. God existed. Matthew chapter 19, Jesus says something interesting about this. Matthew chapter 19 in a passage that quite often is,

is used to discuss marriage and divorce and remarriage and that’s appropriate given that’s it’s context. Jesus decided to have a discussion about the beginning in Matthew chapter 19 verse one. Now it came to pass when Jesus had finished these sayings that he departed from Galilee and came to the region of Judea beyond the Jordan and great multitudes followed him. And he healed them there.

The Pharisees also came to him, testing him and saying, is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason? And he answered and said, have you not Read That he who made them? Who is Them? A man And his wife, male and female. By the way, if you Ever have a desire to go read one of the best arguments ever made against evolution,

Go Read the Warren flu debate that happened in Texas in the 1970s, Where Dr. Anthony flu attempted to argue the agnostic position and evolution and brother Warren, by the Way, you can call him Dr. Warren too, but I’m going to call it. Brother asked Mr. Flu, when did male and female evolve, you see evolution has a problem because As you not only have to get cells that reproduce and then beings that reproduce,

but in all sexual beings, you have to get the evolution of a male and a female. Not only happening around the same time, but it has to happen around the same time and in the same species and in the same location. Because if you have one creature evolve into a male on one side of the planet and another creature evolve into a female on the other side of a planet,

a thousand years apart, guess what? You don’t have reproduction. Why? Oh, they just missed it by a thousand years. Now you want to take the odds of getting evolution to happen. Now compound them upon the odds of getting evolution to happen in the same time, at the same place, in the same location. And one of them to be mailing one of them to be female,

You just Took the odds of evolution happening and you skyrocketed it out of the planet, But that’s a side thought. Jesus Said that he, which made them at the beginning, made them male and female. And then notice what he says and said for this reason, shall a man leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife. And the two shall become one flesh before the beginning,

God existed. And God created What is here. But consider further that before The beginning Christ existed, some Would have Christ to be A created, being. Some would have Christ to be the first created being because they misunderstand The book of Hebrews. But Christ existed before For the beginning, John chapter one In John chapter one, as John introduces Jesus Christ,

He doesn’t introduce him as some of the other gospels do with his mother. He doesn’t introduce him with his birth. He doesn’t introduce him with his lineage as Matthew does. He introduces him with in the beginning was The word, okay? Not in the beginning was the word created in the beginning was the word it was already in existence. And the word was with God.

And the word was, Oh God, wait a minute, John, what do you mean? He means when that phrase in the beginning is used in Genesis chapter one, verse one, not only does God, the father exist, but God, the son exists, But he doesn’t stop there. Now does he 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 Before the beginning Christ existed. And John says, and he did the creative Act. God spoke Christ created before the beginning, Christ existed turn to John chapter 17. Lest we Leave the opportunity for one to come along and say,

well, that’s what John John thought let’s hear it from. Jesus’s mouth, John chapter 17, verse one, we father the hour has come glorify your son, that your son also may glorify you as you have given him authority over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to. As many as you have given him. And this is eternal life that they may know you.

The only true God and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have glorified you on the earth. I have finished the work which you have given me to do. And now father glorify me together with yourself, with the glory, which I had with you To be for the world was wait a minute. Christ, are you saying Like you did to the Jews?

You remember the Jews said, do you believe you’re greater than Abraham? And Jesus Said before Abraham was, as I am. And now we Says before the world was, I am God existed before the world Christ existed before the world someone might quandary. What about the spirit? Glad you asked that Hebrews chapter nine, Hebrews chapter nine, the Hebrew writer As he is here,

speaking concerning the, The things that we read concerning the mediator. We read this beginning in verse 11, but Christ came as high priest of good things to come, which the, the greater or excuse me, wind the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands. That is not This creation, not with the blood of bulls and goats, but God,

with his own blood, he entered the most Holy place once for all having obtained eternal redemption for if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling the unclean sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh. How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the terminal Spirit, through The eternal spirit, offered himself without spot, Got to God.

Cleanse Is your conscience from dead works to serve the living God. And for this reason, he is the mediator of the new covenant. Jesus Christ here in this passage is spoken of as the mediator. He has spoken of the sacrifice, but he is spoken of as making the sacrifice through the eternal Spirit. Add on to that in Genesis chapter one. And in verse one in the beginning,

God, and the Hebrew scholars will tell you clearly that word is plural. It’s not singular. The word Elohim in the text is in its plural form. God, the father was there. God, the son was there. God, the spirit who is eternal in his nature was there, which means God, the father, God, the son, God,

the spirit are greater in substance, in nature, In stature, in glory and in preeminence than all, All of this physical existence. But did you know they weren’t all that existed before the beginning. Few other things that existed before the beginning, John chapter 17, again, Jesus is, he is praying to the father, says in verse 20, I do not pray for these alone,

but also for those who will believe in me through their word, That they all may be one as you father are in me and I in you that they may be one in us that the world may believe that you sent me and the glory, which you gave me. I have given them that they may be one just as we are one I in them and you and me that they may be made perfect in one.

And that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them. As you loved me, father, I desire that they also, whom you gave me may be with me where I am, that they may be hold my glory, which you have given me for. You loved me Before the foundation of the world love existed before the beginning of the world.

No loves Just a human emotion. A by-product of, of, of, of the nature of humanity that evolved over millions of year. No God, the father loved the other ones. Beings of the Godhead bef Or the world was founded. Love preexists, humanity, Consider something else. Genesis chapter one, verse three, Go back to the creative act.

The description of that passage or that description of that event in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth verse three said, then God says, Let there be light. And there was light. Have you ever, I thought about the fact that communication existed before Humana We’re told that God spoke, what is that? That is communication. Why Is it?

The communication has such great impact and such great importance in our lives. Do you know something that Adolf Hitler realized and came to a realization of this fact, if he could become a good Speaker, I could convince his nation to change communication And its Power shifted Germany from 1919 to 1934 Because Adolf Hitler decided he was going to become a Great communicator. Communication is powerful and it existed before we did No,

no, no, no, no. I’ve seen the caveman drawings. There are no words Up there. So since there are no words, there must not have been any words, right? God spoke and it happened. But then consider as well. We read just a moment ago in John chapter 17 verse five, that Jesus said not only did I exist,

not only did the father exist, but glory Existed. Have you ever thought about that? When we think about love existing, we think about communication existing, God spoke, but have you thought about the fact that glory existed? Remember he said, glorify me with the glory I had with you before the world won Says, well now wait a minute. Glory from who?

See, because you don’t get glory from nobody. You don’t have glory. If you’re in the presence of no one, you don’t have glory. If you’re on an Island by yourself and no one else exists, guess what you don’t have of all the things you might have. You don’t have glory, Sorry for you. Leave no impression on anyone else.

And that’s what Three involves the impression you make on others. Glory is something that’s received by multiple people being present. And yet Christ had glory that tells you that someone else, since both Christ and the father, Or had glory, either Christ in the father and the spirit are standing there and miring one another and giving glory to one another, or someone ELDs exists with them.

Not claiming there are other eternal Beings claiming that someone else Existed before the world did, which by the way, we already know to be true. Is there a good chance from all the scriptures indication that the angels were present when God created the world? Absolutely glory existed before the world was interestingly, spend some time with Psalm 33 to consider that idea. But then one last thing in John chapter 17,

verse five, Jesus says that I was with you. I had glory with you and you sent me. We also see encapsulated in that that authority existed before the beginning turned us all 93, Psalm 93 beginning in verse one, we read the Lord reigns. He is clothed with majesty. The Lord is closed. He has girded himself with strength. Surely the world is established So that it can And not be moved.

Your throne is established from of old. You all are from ever Last thing. Wait a minute. What did we just read about? We read about the reign of God, the throne of God, the power of God and the creative act of God and all of those things. Those first three existed before the creative act God’s authority was Set in existence and was there before you and I am this word World ever existed.

Why is it though? Those who want to believe in evolution want to believe in evolution. This may not Be a hundred percent exhaustively true because there may be some people who are ignorant of the scriptures enough that they might believe in evolution and the scriptures at the same Time, in spite Of the fact that every single major section of scripture from Genesis to revelation claims God created the heavens and the earth and that it happened the way the Bible says it did every single major section.

There’s not a section of scripture. You can have left. If you throw out the creation that you get to keep that section of scripture, But predominantly throughout the last 200 years Of evolutionary thinking and promulgation of that ideology, it comes from this singular Desire. If evolution is true, I don’t have a God who I have to answer to because I’m just a by-product of Nature.

But the Bible Tells us authority existed before we did. And specifically God’s authority. Now God existed before the beginning Christ Existed before the beginning of the spirit existed before the beginning love existed before the beginning communication existed before the beginning glory existed before the beginning authority existed before the beginning. And I want to point out just one small series of things That existed Before there was,

It was a sin because These also have an incredible impact on your and I’s existence and understanding of ourselves. When I look at humanity, I am forced to look at it through the reality that I know sin exists and everyone I know has sin, But Before there was a sin, A few things were true. Number one, before there was a sin on earth,

people existed. We’re not going to spend any time with that one, improving it. Genesis chapter one, Genesis chapter two, Go read it, but Consider as well that before there was a sin Law existed, This is chapter two, verse 16, God commanded them of the tree of every are of every tree in the garden. You may freely eat,

but of the tree of the knowledge of the good and evil in the center of the garden. You may not, Not eat law existed before sin Bill existed before sin, but also consider less. We believe that all knowledge came from them eating that tree because it certainly didn’t Genesis chapter two verses 19 through 20, makes it clear that knowledge existed before sin,

before sin, Adam and Eve weren’t automatons. They weren’t robots just doing the programming of God because God took the animals, presented them before Adam. And what did he do? He named all, All of them who named the animals. God, no. Adam did. Yes. Knowledge existed before sin and humanity existed before sin and humanity existed in a time before there was Shame and sin,

go back to Genesis chapter two, just for a moment in Genesis chapter two, verse one 23, and Adam said, this is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. She shall be called woman because she was taken out of man. Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and they shall become one flesh.

And they were both naked. The man and his wife and were not Ashamed. They weren’t ashamed because shame had no existence in the world. Shame Aim had no presence in the world Out sin before there was a sin. There were people okay. Before there was a sin, there was knowledge before there was a sin. There were people who lived in knowledge of God,

obedience to God and without shame. And before there was a sin on earth, there was a plan for redemption. So we’ll wait a bit. Yeah, there was no sin. There was no shame. There was no problem. There were no struggles. Everything was perfect. Why in the world? Was there a plan for redemption Because The God who existed before creation knew,

man would Good sin revelation, chapter 13, Revelation chapter 13 and in verse eight, All who dwell on the earth will worship him. Whose names have not been written? The book of life. Now, wait a minute. Who’s the, who’s the him here? It’s, it’s the beast. We, we talked about this in revelation class. They’re worshiping the bees that set up by the dragon.

This is Satan influence People and who worships the beast. Those who aren’t written in the Lamb’s book of life. If it stopped right there, that would be an interesting point, but not nearly as interesting. This one, we read Names have not been written in the book of life of the land, Slain from the foundation of the world before the world was founded.

And before A sin happened on earth, The lamb had already determined the comm and was in the eyes of God slang. And the lamb is Jesus Christ. Turn to Hebrews Chapter nine, one more Time. Hebrews chapter nine, verse 12. Well not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood Christ entered the most Holy place once for all having obtained eternal redemption for if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled the unclean sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh.

How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal spirit offered himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God. And for this Reason, he is the mediator of a new covenant by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant. And those who are called that those who are called may receive the promise of an eternal Inheritance before the world existed.

Before the beginning, before a sin was ever committed, Christ paid for any terminal inheritance. Oh, you mean we’re not meaningless beings just living out life in the grip of nature. No, and we never were. And we were never, ever, ever created with only this existence in mind for before the world was Christ determined to purchase our redemption, that we might have eternal life.

We need to be careful about the stories we’re told by the world and what they would have us to believe because back of everything, the scripture says is what it is, man is intended to be while these here in preparation for what God intends man to be forever. So are you living your life in view of the truth of everything that existed before the world was ever created?

Or are you living your life? Like the Psalmus writer describes the individual who says the fool has said in his heart, there is no God, how are you living today? Jesus Christ came to purchase humanity’s redemption. And he said he would purchase that redemption through his blood. And the scripture tells us, we come into contact with the blood of Christ in baptism,

through the immersion of water. We come into contact with the forgiveness of sins that we might have the gift of eternal life. If you have need of that redemption today, it’s offered to you today, but might you always remember in the midst of the struggles, in the midst of the pain, in the midst of the difficulty that this world wasn’t never,

all that was planned for you and God offers you a home with him depending upon whether or not you choose to love the one who loved you before you existed. Oh, Bay, the one who had authority before you existed, believe the communication of the one who communicated before you existed and who paid the price for your redemption before you existed, will you accept that salvation?

If you have need of it, why not come now? As we stand in, as we say<inaudible><inaudible> for me and<inaudible> me,<inaudible> like<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> to the<inaudible> like<inaudible> no,<inaudible> no to<inaudible><inaudible> God like before our closing prayer will be number 611, 611, heavenly sunlight walking in<inaudible> through the<inaudible> Jesus.<inaudible> never,<inaudible> never can.<inaudible> heavenly.<inaudible> a<inaudible> singing.

His praise is Jesus<inaudible> and Brian<inaudible> pressing my way to mentions singing his praise gladly. I’m walking, walking in<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> singing his praise is Jesus Heavenly father. We’re indeed grateful for this privilege. We’ve had to assemble and worship you this day. We pray that our worship has been in spirit and truth and a sweet savor unto thee, as we prepare to depart were mindful of those that were mentioned that were sick.

We pray that you will remember them and bless them with a return of their much wanted Hill comfort. Those that have recently lost loved ones and bless each of us as we have need. We especially thank you for being aware as we repent of our sins, that you, we know you are faithful to forgive them, that we may stand, hold and pure in your side.

Bless each of us with these things and return us at the next appointed hour. This our prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Automated Transcript:

Okay, we are Going to be in acts chapter 13. This morning. We’ll begin with our questions from acts chapter 12, just by way of a review. And then we’ll get into chapter 13. Let’s get started with a word of prayer, Our gracious father in heaven. We come before you exalting your name, humbling ourselves, mindful of the glories that you present to us every day,

the mercy that you have shown us that the sun might rise, that the weather might be nice, that we might be able to have the health to get out. And to see this day, we are mindful of those who because of illness or difficulties are unable to get out. And we pray for their comfort and strength in the hardships that they have.

We pray for those who were dealing with the difficulties of COVID trying to recover from it. Perhaps they’ve had it in the, in the past. And though they no longer have the disease, the aftermath is causing difficulties in their lives. We pray for those who are still at home. We pray for those who deal with health problems on a continual basis.

We know the struggles that many endure, and yet we are so grateful that the largest struggle that we have in life has been resolved by your son. And that is sin. We thank you for your son who came and died on the cross for our sins to provide the hope of the world. And we pray that we might boldly speak his name and proclaim the truth that you would have us to proclaim that we might teach the truth in love,

but yet in boldness and firmness, we might never back down from the truth because others might not like it help us to always strive to do what’s right in your sight. Forgive us when we sin and fall short of your glory. And may we always with humility, seek to follow your, your path? All this, we pray in Jesus name. Amen.

Acts chapter 12. Questions, Question Number one. Yes or no. Were the Jews pleased when Herod had James, the brother of John put to death? Yes, they were pleased question two from verses four and six. How did Herod have Peter guarded in prison? Bound in chains between two guards, guards at the door. Alright. And he had put him under how many guards?

Four squads is the new King James there. Okay. What events led to Peter’s release from prison? All right. An angel showed up a light, showed up. All right. The, the angel struck him to wake him up. All right. To get up, get dressed and his chains were off. Okay. And then the angel led him out through the,

through the Gates. In what way? Verse. This is acts chapter 12, verses five, 12 and 16. In what way was the church trying to aid? To Peter’s release from prison. All right. They were praying for him. What was the reaction of the church when they saw Peter had been released astonishment and disbelief a yes or no. Did Herod find Peter after the angel had led his escape from prison?

No, he did not question six. Describe the occasion of Herod’s death. Alright. Eaten by worms from the inside, having received the praise of being a God. And instead of giving God, the glory took the glory for himself. Describe the growth of the word in acts chapter 12, according to verse 24, grew and multiplied. Okay. So in the last few chapters,

we’ve seen a couple of, of integral things to the account of the book of acts. We’ve seen the gospel taken to Cornelius and the Gentiles at the mouth of Peter at the behest of the Holy spirit. We’ve seen word of that. And news of that come back to the Jews in Jerusalem, the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, who Initially were upset about it,

but eventually having heard what the Holy spirit did gave glory to God and praise God for it. Now that doesn’t mean that every Jewish Christian was happy about it. Okay. Or that every Jewish Christian thought it was being handled the way they thought it should be handled. And this becomes the singular biggest issue in the Christian or in the church in the first century is the Jew and Gentile strife going on within the church.

It’s the background of the book of Romans. It’s the background of the book of Galatians. It’s the background to a lot of the events that we’re going to read about still further in the book of acts. And we’re going to see here in chapter 13, what it is that’s really dividing. The church is the perspectives, the attitudes, and the mentality that they brought into the church as Jews,

not the teachings of the apostles or the prophets or the Holy spirit. Okay. We’re going to see that exemplified in the Jews that Saul and Barnabas are going to be sent to as they begin their first missionary journey. Now acts chapter 13. The shift takes place where we’ve gone from looking at the church in Jerusalem, in the first eight chapters. And then with one of those chapters being Jerusalem and Judea,

and then Samarria. So the church in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria acts chapters one through eight, then chapters nine through 12, the church going to the Gentiles and going out of Jerusalem because of persecution into the other regions of Judea and in the remainder of the land of Palestine. And then beginning in acts, chapter 13, we have the church go and the gospel going to the rest of the world and all the way by the end of this book to Rome.

Okay. So that’s the path that we’re on. Verse 25 of chapter 12 says, and Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry. And they also took with them, John, whose surname was Mark? Why did they go to Jerusalem? Me again? All right. To take the benevolence that the churches in these other regions that had heard about the famine and knew,

knew of the, and the plight of the Jews in Jerusalem, the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem had sent aid to Jerusalem. And so Saul and Barnabas took that money to Jerusalem. And now they’ve returned. Who did they take with them when they went Mark? And now when they come back, John Mark is, is with them. All right, verse 13 or chapter 13,

verse one. Now in the church that was at Antioch, there were certain prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon, who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene Menin, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch and Saul. A couple of these individuals we don’t know much about, but it’s of interest that here is one who’s mentioned in Antioch, who biology from the indications of the text grew up with Herod.

And yet here he is serving as a teacher, as a preacher, as a prophet in Antioch. So in the city of Antioch, we read earlier that disciples, when, when the persecution began in Jerusalem, disciples dispersed, and one of the regions, they went to, one of the places was this Antioch. And as a result of that, the church was,

was founded, began to be, they began to teach, but in Antioch, there was something different. What happened in Antioch that didn’t happen in most other places when the church left Jerusalem, what did we read about? All right. They were called Christians there first, but the disciples, when they got there, they didn’t just teach. Right? They didn’t just teach the Jews.

They also taught as the text uses the word there, the Hellenistic, the Grecians. So they didn’t just teach the Jews. They also taught the Grecians, the Gentiles and they taught them the gospel also. So it is from this point that the Holy spirit will begin to make Antioch. The, the, really the church that reaches out to the Gentile world.

So these four Saul, Barnabas, Simeon, sorry, these five Lucius and minivan were serving there as prophets and teachers in the church in Antioch, as they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy spirit said now separate to me, Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. Then having fasted and prayed and laid hands on them.

They sent them away. Okay. So a couple things that we have in this text first and foremost, the Holy spirit says, I have a task for these two. I have something that I want Saul and Barnabas to be doing. Now, did the Holy spirit send Saul and Barnabas to some other location because they weren’t doing anything in it? No.

Was it Because Saul and Barnabas were no longer being effective in teaching and converting people? No. Sometimes I think we, we imagine That Things are going well in a location and that an evangelist or a minister or preacher is converting people. He needs to stay there till the supply runs out. He needs to stay there until nobody else has left for him to convert.

But that’s not even the way the Holy spirit operated. The Holy spirit said, I need these two and I need them over here. But notice something else that’s important About that is It wasn’t Saul and Barnabas who were the only ones working the work in Antioch. Didn’t see, because Saul and Barnabas were led by the Holy spirit to go on this missionary journey.

The work in Antioch continued because there were others there who were also doing the work. And that’s one of the things I think we struggle with sometimes in maybe the way we structure teaching and preaching in churches. And this isn’t the first time I’ve said this here in, in our modern times is quite often, we’ve got one preacher, one congregation. And if that preacher ever relocates or moves on,

now, the question is, well, who’s going to You do the breaching. Whereas the first century church, while they’re preachers may not have been, as it were, full-time employed preachers. Quite often, they work, but they had a number of them. They, they had a multitude of them. And when there wasn’t a Reacher, the members were doing the evangelism.

You know, when those disciples left Jerusalem, it wasn’t the apostles that went. It wasn’t the apostles who started the work in Antioch. It was the Christians. And so it goes back to this same point that Paul makes to Timothy when Paul writes to Timothy and he says in first Timothy chapter two verses one and two, that one of Timothy’s jobs was to find faithful men and to instill in them the ability to teach other faithful men.

And so there’s this responsibility and it’s at the it’s at the, the response, or it is Glade upon the responsibility of preachers to teach other Teachers to train up people who can teach others. So that is, It’s not just left to them. It’s one of the mistakes that I think preachers make. And as one I know how easy it is to make it where you just,

well, I’ll just do it. I’ll just do it. And everything that comes along, I’ll just do it. I’ll just do it. And sometimes you have situations where preachers kind of get, they get frustrated. They think, well, I have to do everything, but they’ve never asked anybody else to do anything. Well, it kind Of goes back to this whole James chapter one.

You have not because you ask not. And so How often preachers get so busy and wrapped up in thinking they have to do everything. They never ask anybody to do anything and they’ve crippled themselves Doing so, Paul and Barnabas are Working with other teachers, other profits. Now it is interesting to note and specific to this context That these teachers And profits were those who had these miraculous gifts to do these things okay.

Through the laying on of the apostles hands. These are those who had been given the gift of prophecy, given the gift of speaking, the revelation of God, they didn’t have a new Testament to reference, and they didn’t have the book of acts for Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. They didn’t have any of that. They had the old Testament scriptures,

but more often than not, these individuals were those who had been given these gifts by the Holy spirit, but they were using them. And as one who had the talent, the ability and the responsibility, they were fulfilling that role. So the Holy spirit calls Saul and, And says, or tells the church, send solemn Barnabas, that they might do this.

What is it that the teachers are doing when The Holy spirit calls solemn, Barnabas? What does the Text tell us? They were in the midst of doing Fasting and pray. Now we We’ve often had conversations and we’ve had them here before, but it’s worth mentioning because it’s in the text. Is there anything wrong in the 21st century with facts? No,

it is. Is there any passage in the new Testament that commands us to Fast? No. This was a Jewish practice and had One, one, again In the old Testament where it was under one circumstance, they were commanded to fast, but it had had grown up as a principle and something that, that was a spiritual discipline. And it’s, there is absolutely nothing wrong with fasting,

but maybe we should define what is fasting. Okay. It is the exertion of self-control by depriving yourself, withholding from yourself, some substance in this case, generally food or food and water for a limited period of time to utilize that self-control and that deprivation to focus your mind on a spiritual matter. Okay. So they are in a time of specific focused spiritual thought when this happens.

Okay. Usually when you’re fasting, you don’t go, all right, this is a great time to go out and do evangelism and run everywhere. And, and, and no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. You’re, you’re going without the natural fuel for the body. This isn’t the time of exertion physically. This is the time of taking time out and being settled in your physical situation to be exerted spiritually.

Okay. So this was a spiritual exercise and it was connected in this passage to what prayer. So this is a period of time where there, these teachers, these profits are talking to God. And during that fasting, that spiritual discipline and that line of communication to God, God, through the Holy spirit, communicates back to them. Okay. We should not be expecting that to happen if we faster pray today.

Okay. But all of that is to say, there’s nothing wrong with taking out time at an, on an individual or collective basis to devote oneself, to spiritual actions and thoughts, and to utilize fasting as a tool to do that. But then something else happens in this text. That again, is nothing that is, is withhold withheld from us. So it’s not a normal practice in America among the church that I’m aware of.

And that is when the Holy spirit calls solemn, Barnabas. What does the church do before they leave? They laid hands on them. Okay. Now there are two different laying on of hands that we read about in the church in the first century, one had To do with the apostles laying on hands and imparting the miraculous gifts in doing so. The apostles alone were the ones with the ability to do this.

No one else was given that ability. It was exclusive to them, but it happened, but through the laying on of hands and really all this is, I mean, there’s, there’s no missed thing about it. It was literally putting your hand on someone and usually was connected with a prayer. Okay. So you’ve seen in bald teams do this, you know,

when they all get in the huddle and they all put their hand in the middle, that that’s the say that no, that’s 21st century example, but that’s the same basic I did. Why, why are they putting their hands in the middle to show unity? Okay. So this is not something thing. And, and I know of one congregation that does this before they,

they have a group or some groups that go out and go on mission trips a couple of times a year before those mission, before those members leave on that mission trip on a Sunday, before they leave, they have all of them go to the front and the elders and the preacher lay their hands on them and pray over them. Now, is there anything wrong with that?

Not at all. Would we feel perhaps not having ever experienced that in person feel maybe, ah, ha is this okay? You know, because we do that. We, we think things are not okay because we’ve never done them, but is there anything that the Bible says that against that? Not at all, as a matter of fact, here’s a perfect biblical example of now.

Is there anywhere that the Bible commands us to do it? No, but it is an approved example. So if a church chooses to do it by all means, it’s a perfectly acceptable thing to do. All right. We’re going to have a hard time getting through chapter 13. If I take this long on every verse. So they ministered to the Lord verse two and fasted,

the Holy spirit has said now separate to me, Barnabas and Saul for the work which I have called them. Then having fasted and prayed and laid hands on them. They sent them away. By the way, I will mention concerning laying on her hands. This isn’t the only time this happens. We see this happen again. When the elders from emphasis meet with Saul or meet with Paul in acts chapter 20,

before he departs from them, they know it’s the last time they’re ever going to see him alive. And it, and it will be, and they lay their hands on him and they walk with him and minister to him as he leaves to go on that journey back to Jerusalem. So being sent out by the Holy spirit, they went down to Solutia and from there,

they sailed to Cyprus. Now, when they arrived in Solomon, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant or minister. One of the things that they did in the first century, which I think is a wonderful idea for long-term missionary Journeys is They would send out those who were the teachers and preachers,

but they wouldn’t send them by themselves. They would send them with others whose job it was to work labor and bring in the financial support that was needed by the missionaries To continue their work. So when Paul reaches Athens and he’s all by himself, what do we find him doing in short order, Making tents? Is he making tents? Did he just have in the itch to go back to his old occupation?

No, none of his ministers, none of his assistance as it were, are there functioning to work and labor for the money necessary to continue preaching. So he has to provide for himself. When Paul writes to the church at Corinth and says, I took nothing From you. I Robbed other churches to preach to you. There were churches that would help as,

as we do when we support missionaries and we helped with their missionary works, we send them eight that there were churches. That’s a new Testament example. The church at flip, I did that to Paul and we read, we read about that, but quite often in the day to day Needs, there would be those Associates assistance, Timothy Titus, John Mark,

in this occasion, who would be a long on the journey who their main function was to work, to provide for The group And be able to sustain their physical Financial needs. All right. So they took John Mark with them, verse six, by the way, I’m not going to talk a whole lot about the geography of this. You all have a map in the back of your Bible,

open it up and go look at the map yourself. We don’t have time to go look at maps in this class. If we’re going to get through all of these, these chapters in one lesson. Now, when they had gone through the Island of payphones, they found a certain source for a false prophet, a Jew. Now notice this, this is a Jew,

whose name was Barjesus. What does the word bar mean? When we come across it in the day? Son of it means Son of Jesus. Okay. Now this doesn’t mean he was connected to Jesus of Nazareth. The name Jesus, which is the old Testament equivalent of Joshua is not an abnormal name, a Hebrew lineage. And so he is the son of a man named Jesus.

Okay. Who was with the pro council? Now this pro council, would he have been a Jew or a Gentile? Probably a Roman. He’s probably a Gentile. He he’s, he is one who’s part of the Roman government. Okay. So they’re on the Island of Patmos, a certain sorcerer. Who’s a Jew and a certain pro counsel. Who’s a Gentile is they run into this man called for Barnabas.

Sergius Paulus. That is called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. Now, here is a Roman official, who is most likely a Gentile Sergius Paulus is his name. And he has heard about this gospel and he wants to hear it. So he calls for Saul and Barnabas, but<inaudible> now Musk is what? By nationality.

He’s a Jew. And yet he is an adviser. This illness, the sorcerer for, so his name is translated, withstood them seeking to turn the pro council away from the faith. Then Saul, who is also called Paul filled with the Holy spirit, looked intently at him and said, Oh, full of all this seed and all fraud. You son of the devil,

you enemy of all righteousness, will you not seize perverting the straight ways of the Lord. And now indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you. And you shall be blind not seeing the sun for a time. And immediately a dark mist fell on him. And he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. Then the pro council believed when he saw what had been done.

I’m going to stop right there. Why is it that? Cause, cause we know the rest of the story. We, we know he’s about to go into a synagogue and he’s about to teach people and there’s going to be Jews who reject him. Why is it that this Jew get struck blind when all the other Jews that reject the gospel don’t okay.

So you have a couple of things. Number one, by performing the miracle, he confirms the message, but what is this man? But what is alumnis? He’s a sorcerer. He might be a Jew nationally, but what is he occupationally? This same thing we read about in acts chapter six, He’s a sorcerer, sorry. Acts chapter eight. Is it eight?

I think it’s eight. All right. He’s a sourcer. He’s not a Faithful Jew. Following the Old Testament. What was, what was commanded in the old Testament to happen to sorcerers, sorcerers, witches, neck romance, All, all of those type of individuals were to be put to death. This man is not a faithful Jew. Who’s hearing the gospel.

This man is someone who opposes not only the old Testament, but the gospel as well. And this man is standing in the way of Sergius Paulus, hearing the gospel. Now a point that was made. And I think it’s incredibly interesting. You go back and look at the old Testament. We don’t have time to do it for this study, but it might be something we do at some point in the future.

And you look at God’s laws concerning with those who, who practice witchcraft. Those who practiced, just throw all of rounder, the quote, unquote, dark arts and practice them. Not in, you know, the sense of some, you know, magicians for show slight of hand type way, but in truly believing they were practicing these things and did it from a spiritual perspective.

Here they are. They’re practicing these things and God Condemns them to death For it. And some might look at that and say, well, isn’t that kind of kind of harsh, but here’s the thing. What was Israel in relationship to God, they were in what kind of relationship, a covenant relationship with God. And these people were committing the equivalent of treason against their nation.

Because If the nation Lost favor with God, because of sin, because of departing from him, what was going to happen in the nation, they’d be punished, they’d be lost, they’d be destroyed. And ultimately what did happen to the nation, that exact thing. Now what is treason from a national perspective, a person Who commits treason is one Who takes actions that Are in favor of an opposing national power that bring harm on their own Nation.

And what are, What do the U S laws State as the most Severe penalty for treason under Us law death, C w w nothing’s changed. We still understand treason is worthy of death. And that’s what this is. That’s The same thing in Deuteronomy chapter 13, when a person came in into them or came out from the Israelites and was teaching them to depart from the Lord,

he was a false prophet. The condemnation, there was also Death. Why? Because He’s literally destroying their standing with God and destroying the nation and Is a threat to the entire nation’s continued benefit by doing what he’s doing. And even today, Hey, we recognize a person who takes that kind of action against their own nation. The punishment should be including the possibility of death.

And so here, Saul will Through the power of the Holy spirit will cause this man to become blind, but I stopped halfway through verse 12, for a reason, verse 12, then the pro council Having or winning, He saw what had been done. So the pro council believed because What he saw, right? Read the rest of the verse. You see,

because All throughout the gospels, we see lots of people who see miracles happen And they don’t what they don’t obey. They don’t believe they asked for another sign at heritage Wants Jesus to come to him when he’s on trial, because he wants to see a miracle performed. Do you think it’s because Herod wanted to hear the gospel and wanted to believe and obey Jesus.

No, he wanted to see it a miracle, but this man, when he sees what occurs, read the rest of the text, being astonished by the miracle. No, at the teaching of the Lord, this man witnessed a miracle, but his astonishment, his all wasn’t the miracle that was performed. It was the gospel of Christ. And it is when the Visuals put more emphasis on the gospel,

Then the miracle that they’re converted When people are more interested in the miracles than the gospel that Jesus confronts them like he did in John chapter, when he said, why are you here? Because they had followed him because he had fed 5,000 of them the day before. And they followed him not to hear what he had to say. They wanted to be fed again.

They put more emphasis in the miracles than the message Searchie is Paula’s was more astonished by the message than the miracle. Okay. Verse 13, we don’t have nearly enough time for this. Now when Paul and his party set sail from payphones, they came Perga in Pamphylia and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem. And, but when they departed from Perga,

they came to Antioch in<inaudible> and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down. Now this Antioch is not the same Antioch that they left. This is a separate Antioch and interestingly, a smaller by way of population Antioch. And after the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them saying men and brethren,

if you have any word of exhortation for the people say on, so this is a normal practice in the synagogue. When a Jew in good standing would come into the synagogue. And by the way, Barnabas And Saul are both Jews. They come into The synagogue, they’re there on the, on the Sabbath day. And the normal reading takes place. They would read from the law,

they would read from the profits. And then, Then they would ask if there was anyone who had anything that they wanted to Get up and say, and so Saul And Barnabas do, and Saul’s going to use this, this method to his advantage all throughout his missionary journeys, the attribute of the synagogues, Just to let someone get up and speak. So he’d always go to the synagogue first.

So he’s And men and brethren, if you have any, or they said to the men in brother, and if you have any word of exhortation For the people say on, then Paul stood up. By the way, what just happened when he left Antioch, what was he called earlier in this chapter? Saul. Now he’s not all throughout scripture. We have people’s names changed,

but Saul is a Jewish name. And Paul isn’t. Paul is a Roman name. And now the gins, the gospel going to the Gentiles through Saul. And so right here, the Holy spirit stops calling him Saul. Okay. Notice what happens. Then Paul stood up And motion with his hands or motioning with his hand, said, men of Israel and you who fear Odd.

Listen, the God of this people, Israel chose Our fathers and exalted the bull when they dwelled as strangers in the land of Egypt and with an uplifted arm, Brought them out of it. All right, that’s the book of Exodus. Now for a time of about 40 years, he put up with their ways in the wilderness. And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan,

he distributed their land to them. My allotment, that’s the book of numbers, Deuteronomy and Joshua. And when he had, or verse 20, after that, he gave them judges for about 450 years until Samuel The prophet. That’s the book of judges and the book of first Samuel. All right. And afterward they asked for a King. So God gave them solved the son of Kish,

a man of the tribe of Benjamin for 40 years. And when he had Removed him, he raised up for them. David, as King to whom he gave testimony and said, I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after my own heart, who will do all my will from this man seed. According to the promise, God raised up for Israel,

a savior, Jesus, that would be first Samuel and second Samuel Part of first Kings. And when he had removed him or I’ve skipped down verse 24, after John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John was finishing his course, he said, who do you think that I am now? Why is Paul over here in Gentile areas,

talking to them about John, the bat They’re Jews. They knew the old Testament prophecies. And what, what did devout Jews from all over the world? Do They traveled back to Jerusalem for the feasts, and then Everyone who traveled back to Jerusalem for the fees. When they came and John, the Baptist was preaching, they would have heard about this prophet.

Now you remember when Jesus asked the, The Pharisees John’s baptism, was it from heaven or from men? The Pharisees reason within themselves, because the people believed John to be a prophet. Do you think all these Jews And the town didn’t hear about John, the prophet there hadn’t been a prophet in 400 years. Do you think they heard about John the prophet?

Oh yes, they are. I heard from their countrymen in Judea about John the prophet. And so Paul brings John into discussion and says, God said to David, I’m going to raise up my son through your lineage. And John, the prophet who you already know about before he said this, John to whom Or John Don was Finn. And as John was finishing his course,

he said, who do you think I am? I am not he the Messiah, but the whole, there comes one after me, the samples of whose feet, I am not worthy to lose men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham. And those among you, who fear God to you? The word of this salvation has been sent. They knew what John preached,

but they also knew that John said, I’m not the Messiah, but John did identify the Messiah. And the good news that would be preached. He said, there’s one coming after me, who will Give to you the kingdom. Okay. Now Seven, for those who dwell in Jerusalem in their rulers, because they did not know him. That is the Messiah,

nor even the voice of the prophets, which are read every Sabbath. What did they just heard Before Paul got up below on the profits. So He just references the profits. They’ve just heard the profits read in their, in their hearing, which are read. Every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning him. And though they found no cause for death in him,

they asked pilot that he should be put to death. So some might say, well, wait a minute. If this is the Messiah, why would our countrymen in Judea? Why would our countrymen in Jerusalem put him to death? And Paul already answers the argument it’s made because they were fulfilling. The prophet said, even though they didn’t know it. Okay.

So yeah. Now when they had fulfilled all, it was written concerning him. Verse 29. They took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead. He was seen for many days by those who came up from him or came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses to the people.

And we declared to you glad tidings that promise that promise, which was made to the fathers. God has fulfilled this for us, their children, in that he raised up Jesus, as it was written in the second Psalm. You are my son today. I have forgotten you. And that he raised him from the dead. No more to return to corruption.

He has thus spoken. I will give you the sure mercies of David. Therefore, he also says in another song, you will not allow your Holy one to see corruption for David. After he had served his own generation by the will of God fell asleep, was buried with his fathers and saw corruption, but he whom God raised up, saw no corruption.

This is the same thing. Peter preached on the day of Pentecost in acts chapter Two, he preached About David. He preached about David’s tomb being with us to this day. But Jesus Christ whom God raised up, never died again. Okay. Verse 38. Therefore let it be known to you. Brethren that through this man is preached to you, the forgiveness of sins and by him,

everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. Do you not think that they knew all the things that the law of Moses couldn’t handle? All the sins that the law of Moses couldn’t take care of in their lives. And every time they had to make sacrifices, but here’s Jews who don’t have access,

ready access to the temple. They don’t have ready access to a priest. They can’t go make sacrifices every day when, when they’re commanded by the law to make atonement for this and that and this and that and this and that. Can they go do that? Not at all. And yet they’re in bondage to a law living no longer in Palestine that they can’t really fulfill.

And they know it. Okay. We’re going to put a pin in it since we’re out of time and we’re going to leave it there. We’re going to deal with the rest of chapter 13 as we start chapter 14 on Wednesday. Thank you for your attention.<inaudible><inaudible> good morning. Welcome to Collierville. Church Christ. Sunday morning, worship service. If you are a visitor,

we’re glad to have you here and appreciate it. If you would fill out a visitor’s card, did this in the back of the Pew in front of you. And I think right there that I said an Easter card. It doesn’t say what people say anyway. I quit looking at it, but anyway, we’re glad to have any visitors that we do have.

We’ve got a long list of announcements this morning, just bear with me. And I hope I get them all right. If you hadn’t gotten your Lord’s supper, it’s on the back table. Be a convenient time for you to get it while we’re going through these. We need to remember our sick Bombardier steel. I guess you’re still making plans to have the surgery on her show.

I don’t think she’s had it.<inaudible> Okay. She’s going to be having S I tried to STEM cell treatment on her shoulder, but it didn’t work. So she’s going to have the rotor cuff surgery done on that. But Maria said, Joan, still doing just a little bit better, but still very sick. Janie. Marlon is still having a fab issues and Rodale Wilson still it’s sick.

And Dorothy has had a she’s back home from the ER and has still has her high blood pressure and stomach issues. BJ Clark had the COVID virus and got over that. And now she’s got pneumonia and he’s recovering. He was at home recovering from that Caleb Nelson, this 13 year old friend of the Springer’s is well, will be re moved to an inpatient rehab pretty soon.

And James Luna, who’s a member here, but he’s in a assisted living in Nashville. And he’s in the hospital St. Thomas hospital in Nashville. He’s out of the ICU and has a, a stone in the common duck piled up and a colon infection. When the infection gets better, they will try to remove the stone. Lee Lee van Cleef that’s Becky’s niece.

She had a kidney and a pancreas transplant last week. She’s doing well, but still had a lot of pain and nausea from the may edge. And the transplanted organs are doing good. And as she continued to improve, she might come home as early as Tuesday. And Becky has a new nephew. It has been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer and her sister had been diagnosed with COPD and asthma.

Diane Schaeffer is going to have thyroid surgery. Tomorrow is that right? Monday. Rebecca gave me, this is before we got up here. So Nathan has a 16 year old nephew of her sister-in-law Aliyah Rushmore has a bacterial infection and has damaged his heart. There’s no pediatric cardiologists in Guam where they, I guess they live in there is missionary. And they’re making plans to come back to LA to get some treatment on him and Aaliyah Leon’s uncle passed away this past week.

So we need to keep all of these on our prayer. And that’s all our announcements except the man’s meeting tomorrow night. So if you have anything that we need to bring up, there’s probably an agenda land back there on the bulletin board. And we’d ask you to put it on that song later for this morning. No one else. Olson, opening,

prayer, Aaron Cozort lower supper will be Jay Shafir. Michael Dale has a sermon and Joe caisson has a closing prayer. Thank you. Good morning. We will begin with oft. We come together is not in the book, but it will be on the PowerPoint. We’ll sing all three verses this song. Let us think off We come to<inaudible> off me saying and bring him here.

We bring our offering on this all the day.<inaudible> to sing. May we all lane truth and spirit.<inaudible> the may we<inaudible> all that.<inaudible> may we truly worship as me?<inaudible> help us. Lord.<inaudible> may we all then truth and spirit.<inaudible> the name? May we all<inaudible> and always one, ah, tank this<inaudible> thing,

given my, the<inaudible> may we all in truth and<inaudible> the, The next song is going to be number 604, six zero four. I want to be ready to meet him. We’ll sing all three verses of this song, and then we’ll have an opening prayer. My brother, Aaron, and Cozort, there were six zero four. I want to be ready to meet him.

Let’s say you may have Of your worldly pleasures, your silver and your gold. You may pile up all the riches than this on well can hold mud. I’d rather add my savior, ran with him, stand for, I want to be ready to meet him and the glory land. I want to be ready to meet him. My and my high one to be ready to meet him in a scotch time.

Oh, I want to me more like, as a man knew his Glasgow and or I wanted to be ready to meet him and the glory. And you may talk about your rich is your diamonds and your pearls. You may gain the wealth for ages of this and no world, but the save your is more precious. And when I’ll take my stand or I want to be ready to meet him and the glory land,

I want to be ready to meet him by and by. I want to be ready to meet him in the sky. Oh, I want to be more like him. Mandu is Blasko Mandy, or I want to be ready to meet him and the glory. And there is one thing I can, most of salvation from the fall I’m in Erin. Well thing,

Gloria, my father owns it all. Now, as my I’m shouting happy Django at his go man, or I want to be ready to meet him and the glory. And I want to be ready to meet him by and by. I want to be ready to meet him in the sky. Oh, I want to be more like him, man,

do his bless gum and four. I want to be ready to meet him and the glory. Let us pray. Our gracious father in heaven. We bound before you at this time grateful for all of the many blessings that you give to us grateful for the life that we have for the health that we have the ability to assemble together, mindful of those who are not with us this morning.

We pray for those who are struggling because of health. We pray for those who were struggling because of loss of loved ones. In recent days, we pray for those who are struggling because of spiritual issues. We pray most, especially for those who are dealing with spiritual issues, that their hearts and minds may be open to your word, to examine your scriptures,

to set their lives on the course that you would have them to be on. We Know the struggles that come in this life struggles in our homes, struggles in our personal lives, struggles in the economy, struggles in this nation and the world. But we have confidence in the one who reigns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And we know that each and every one of those areas is in your power and under your command,

if we will, but hear and obey. And even if we won’t, we also know that your power reigns and will reign now and in return. Yeah, We thank you for all that you do for us. We thank you for the good times, even in the hard times. And we thank you for the hard times where we grow in wisdom and knowledge and stature and understanding.

We pray for those who are traveling and we pray that they reach their destination safely and return home to us safely as well. And we pray for this time of worship. We pray for Michael and the message that he will bring us. We pray that the word spoken, the things done will be in accordance with your will and always in a right spirit and a right attitude.

Before you, we ask that you forgive us when we sin and fall short of your glory. Those times when we sin willfully and knowingly. And those times when we don’t even realize what we have done, we pray that your grace will be given to us. And the blood of Christ will continue to cleanse us from our sins. As we walk in the light,

as he is in the light, all this, we pray in Jesus name, Amen long before the Lord supper to help prepare our minds. We’ll be number 176, one seven six lamb of God. We’ll sing all three verses of this song. You are on the no sin, a Guide, but you have<inaudible> from yours. A time to walk up<inaudible> and to me come the lamb of God.

Oh,<inaudible> I love the Holy lamb of God. Oh, wash me and is precious. My gene is Christ. The lamb of God. You are a gift of the crews. If they laughed and<inaudible> him, as he died,<inaudible> King, they named a tough Roth and sacrifice the lamb of God.<inaudible> SMI them have gone on. I love the whole knee.

Them gone. Oh, wash me and his precious bla, my Jesus Christ. The lamb of God. I was so lost. I should add, you have wronged me to your, on to be led by your staff and wrong and to be called a lamb of God. Oh,<inaudible> me them. I’ve gone. I love the whole knee them.

Oh, wash me. My Jesus Christ. The lamb of God. We now come to a very special time in our worship service. When we remember the death of our Lord and savior Jesus to Christ. So let’s displace all the worldly thoughts from our minds and focus upon the cross and his death there and what it truly means for the forgiveness of our sins.

Let’s pray, heavenly father. We’re so very grateful to be considered your children and to be able to gather about this table and participate in these emblems. As we partake of this bread, which represents his body that was sacrificed on that grew across, help us to do so in a worthy manner in Jesus name, we pray amen. As we continue our Thanksgiving for this Memorial feast and participate in this fruit of the vine,

which represents the blood that was shed for the remission of our sins. May we do so with knowledge of what it truly represents and partake in a worthy manner in Jesus name that we pray. Amen. We find this a convenient time to offer back to the Lord. What we S have. So richly been blessed with through the week. So once again,

let’s go back to our father in prayer, Heavenly father. We’re so very grateful for the many materials listings you so richly, bestowed upon our lives. Help us always to remember that truly come from you and that we are merely stewards of these blessings, help us to cheerfully, give back a portion of what we’ve. So richly been blessed with. Ask this in Jesus name also,

Hey man, you want to, if you’re using a song book, if you want to go ahead and Mark number 903 there’s power in the blood 903 with a song of invitation song before the last one will be number 647, six, four seven, soldiers of Christ arise. Five verses. Let us think. Jurors of Christ.<inaudible> put your armor on strong in the strength,

which<inaudible> strong in the strength, which God supplies through his being love is strong in the Lord of hosts. Stan is my who in the strength. Jeez, us trust us who and the strength of Jesus trust is more than gone.<inaudible> Stan. Then in his grade,<inaudible> all his strength.<inaudible> but take two arm you for the<inaudible>, but take to arm you for the fight.<inaudible> leave NOLA,

unguarded play. Hey, snow weakness. So take every Birch. You add every gray.<inaudible> take every virtue. You, every grace and four, 10, five Oh nine, having all things and all your<inaudible>. You may or come through<inaudible>. You may or come through Christ alone and sad. And<inaudible>, I’m going to be reading for our scripture reading this morning,

Psalm 100 Psalm, 100 verses one through five, make a joyful noise unto the Lord. All you lands, serve the Lord with gladness. Come before his presence with singing know, you know, ye that the Lord he is gone. It is he that hath made us and not we ourselves. We are his people and the sheep of his pasture enter into his Gates with Thanksgiving and into his courts with praise,

be thankful unto him and bless his name. But the Lord is good. His mercy is everlasting and his truth and Durham to all generations. Good morning brethren. So before I get started, I wanted to announce that my mother-in-law and her family is moving to Topeka, Kansas starting tomorrow morning. And my wife forgot to tell them to put it in the announcements,

but it’s a long drive. They are older. So it’s a, it’s a long drive for them. So just ask that you keep them in your prayers and that they have a safe journey and that they get to where they’re going safely this morning. I want to talk to you about worshiping God while the evangelist preaches. I want us all to consider our coming together for worship,

with an understanding that we are collectively worshiping our God as a congregation. At the same time, we recognize that we are participating in an act of worship individually. Okay? Worship is the act of demonstrating our respect and reverence towards God. It is an act of love. The worship we offer God on Sunday is carried out in various acts of worship. One of those acts of worship is preaching.

Now preaching may not seem to fit into my worship of God because I’m just sitting in the Pew, right? No, the fact of the matter is preaching is an act of worship and like all acts of worship. I must be sure I am engaged in it so I can offer God acceptable worship. Turn with me to Romans chapter 15, Romans chapter,

and we’ll read verses 15 and 16, Never Less brethren. I have written the more boldly unto you in some sword as putting you in mind because of the grace that is given to me of God, that I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles ministering the gospel of God that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable. Being sanctified by the Holy ghost.

In this passage, Paul reveals some very interesting facts about preaching. The word Paul uses here for minister is the word for public servant or often a priest. The word ministering is related to the word for temple. And the word offering is a sacrificial offering. So Paul is comparing his preaching to a priest, offering a sacrifice that Gentiles converted and established in the faith by his preaching are compared to a sacrifice.

He is presenting to God because preaching is a sacrificial act, offered to God. It is acceptable worship to him. How does this apply to all of those who are not preaching though? The early Christians held the public exhortation of God’s word and very high regard. They continually devoted themselves. Let’s look in acts chapter two, acts chapter two. And this is after the preaching of Peter and the conversion of everybody.

We’re going to begin, just read verse 47 on the day of Pentecost, it says it’s written and they continued steadfastly in the Apostle’s doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread. And in prayers, they devoted themselves continuously to the apostles teaching all the time. They gave full attention to the scriptures. Let’s read first Timothy chapter four first Timothy chapter four. And we’ll read verses 10 through six.

All right. Timothy says for therefore we both labor and suffer reproach because we trust in the living God, who is the savior of all men, especially of those that believe these things command and teach. Let no man despise the youth, but be thou an example of the believers in word, in conversation in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity,

till I come give attendance to the reading to exhortation, to doctrine neglect, not the gift that is in the, which was given the, by prophecy with the laying on of one of the hands of the Presbytery, meditate upon these things, give myself Holy to them that thy profiting may appear to all take heed unto thy self and unto the doctrine. Continue in them for doing this.

Thou shalt, both saved myself and them that here the we as Christians today should do no less. We should desire to take in and ponder the message that is presented. So as to worship God through the preaching of his word, we worship God during the sermon. When we set our minds on the word of God, reverencing it. And its source Jesus stated in John chapter four and verse 24,

that the true worshipers worship God in spirit. And in truth, since preaching preaching is an act of worship and must follow these two tenants. The preaching of God’s word must be in spirit and it must be in truth. And our lesson this morning, we will consider these two points first preaching and spirit. Second preaching in truth to begin preaching. God’s word is not something that should be done.

Half-heartedly preaching must be in conjunction with the right attitude or spirit. There are two aspects to this. There’s the one doing the preaching. And there are the ones listening to the preaching. The one preaching must have the desire to do the preaching. Some have preached with the wrong spirit, as we can read in Philippians chapter one and we’ll turn their Philippians chapter one,

and we’ll read verses 15 through 17, Some preaching in the wrong spirit. Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife and some also of Goodwill. The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely supposing to add affliction to my bonds, but the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel, a desire to raise up God and Christ before men must be formed most on the preacher’s mind.

Let’s turn to first Corinthians chapter one first Corinthians chapter one, excuse me. My allergies are getting the better of me this morning and we’ll begin in verse 22 of first Corinthians chapter one For the Jews require a sign and the Greeks seek after wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified unto the Jews, a stumbling block and unto the Greeks foolishness, but unto them,

which are called both Jews and Greeks Christ. The power of God and the wisdom of God, because the foolishness of God is wiser than men. And the weakness of God is stronger than men. A desire to call attention to God’s. Holiness must be presented as well. Let’s turn to Matthew chapter six, Matthew chapter six, Jesus, the disciples have asked Jesus how they should pray.

And Jesus begins by telling them exactly how they should start after this manner. Therefore pray ye our father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name Jesus. The son lets them know from the beginning, you first call attention to how Holy God is all glory or fought. The father is all glory must be directed towards God. In other words, the preacher must get out of the way.

No showboating, no outlandish dramatics, no huge voice and Fluxions and you know, you’ve seen those preachers on TV sometimes to just start pounding on everything and go crazy when they’re preaching. That’s not what preaching is about. It’s about focusing our attention on God’s word for God is the only wise God Romans 16, 25 through 27. Let’s turn to Romans chapter 16,

Beginning in verse 25. Now to him, that is a power to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ. According to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest. And by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandments of the everlasting, God may known to all nations for the obedience of faith to God only wise be glory through Jesus Christ forever.

Amen. Let’s also consider Philippians chapter one verses nine through 11, Philippians chapter one, okay. Verses nine through 11, Paul writes through inspiration to the churches and Philippa. And this, I pray that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment that you may approve things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense,

till the day of Christ and pay attention to this verse, being filled with the fruits of righteousness, righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God. I want to consider one more passage on this point, Jude, the book of Jude verses 24 and 25, there’s only one chapter verses 24 and 25 half-brother of Jesus writes now unto him.

That is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory, with exceeding joy, to the only wise God, our savior be glory and majesty, dominion and power both now and ever. Amen. So those who are listening to the preaching of God’s word must have the proper attitude as well. Not just the preacher,

but those listening to the sermon. There must be a longing to hear God’s word on all of our parts. Let’s read Psalm 119, the 119 song beginning in verse one. No, I’m not going to read the whole thing. So don’t worry. 119 verse one through eight. Blessed are the undefiled in the way who walk in the law of the Lord,

blessed are they that keep his testimonies and that seek him with the whole heart. They also do no inequity. They walk in his ways that will has commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. Oh, that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes. Then shall I not be ashamed? When I have respect unto all thy commandments, I will praise thee with uprightness of heart.

When I shall have learned thy righteous judgments, I will keep thy statutes. Oh, forsake me not utterly. We were to have a love for the law for the word. There must be a desire to lift God up in your heart. And before the world let’s turn back a few songs, 111 Psalm 111, and we’ll begin in verse one. The Psalmist writes,

pray the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart and the assembly of the upright and in the congregation. The works of the Lord are great. Sought out of them that have pleasure there in his work is honorable and glorious and his righteousness and Joris forever. He has made his wonderful works to be remembered. The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.

He has given me to unto them that fear him. He will ever be mindful of his covenant. He has showed his people the power of his works that they may give them the heritage of the heathen. The works of his hands are very Verity and judgment. All his commandments are sure they stand fast forever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.

He sent redemption unto his people. He has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and Reverend is his name. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. A good understanding have all they that do his commandments, his praise endureth forever. So the Psalm begins by telling us that we need to praise the Lord in our heart, in the assembly and in the congregation and then starts praising the Lord.

Just like all of us should, there must also be a desire to hear God’s word so that we may be a doer of God’s. How can we do the word if we don’t hear it? James chapter one verses 21 through 25. Let’s turn to James Chapter one and we’ll begin in verse 21 Or lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness and receive with meekness,

the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls, receive it with meekness, but be ye doers of the word and not hearers only deceiving your own selves for if any, be a hearer of the word and not a doer. He is like unto a man, beholding his natural face in a glass for he beholdeth himself and go with his way and straightway forgets what manner of man he was,

but who so look if into the perfect law of Liberty and continue with their, in he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work. This man shall be blessed in his deed. No. I want you to imagine a congregation where the preacher is preaching. Not because he desires to preach, but because he wants a paycheck. Just imagine that for a second,

how great that preaching might be, right? And the same congregation. Can you visualize members that feel they have to come and hear God’s word and have no real intent on changing their lives when God’s word is preached, should we believe these individuals are worshiping God in the preaching of his word? It is a joyous thing to be able to come and hear God’s word presented in a proper manner by the preacher.

When one preaches out of law, out of the love of God’s word, then those listening can truly engross their whole being into the beauty and holiness of the Lord’s word. It is a joy to know that one on this Lord’s day, we are coming together with a desire to lift up and bring glory to our father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Through the preaching of his word.

As a member of the Lord’s body, there should be no greater joy than to hear as it were another portion of God’s word. We worship God during the sermon. When we set our minds on the word of God, reverencing it. And its source. We worship in the preaching when we do so in Spirit, not Only must the preaching be with the right attitude,

but it must also be according to the second aspect of God’s approved worship preaching must be in accordance with truth, for preaching to be according to truth. We must preach what God has authorized us to preach. Let us consider what Paul wrote to and his second epistle, the Timothy chapter one second, Timothy chapter one. And we’ll begin in verse 11, second,

Timothy one 11 through 14, Where on two, I am appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher of the Gentiles for the which, cause I also suffer these things. Nevertheless, I am not ashamed for, I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to keep that, which I have committed unto him against that day. Hold fast.

The form of sound words, which thou has heard of me in faith and love, which is in Christ Jesus, that good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy ghost, which dwelleth in us. Let us also consider what he wrote. Just a couple of chapters later in chapter three and verses 14 and 15, maybe a page over in your Bibles.

Second Timothy three, 14 and 15, but continue thou in the things which thou has learned and has been assured of knowing of whom the hast learned them. Can’t learn things if you’re not hearing for li for understanding and that from a child thou has known the Holy scriptures, which are able to make the wise unto salvation through face faith, which is in Christ Jesus.

We are to preach the word. Let’s turn this one more chapter over to chapter four and read verses one and two second Timothy four verses one and two. I charged the therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom preach the word. Be instant in season, out of season reprove,

rebuke exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. We preach the word. There are three reasons for this. The scriptures come from God reason. Number one, just turn right back to chapter three of second Timothy and let’s continue reading down in verse 16 and 17. All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine for reproof, for correction,

for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be perfect or complete thoroughly furnished or adequately, adequately furnished unto all good works. God’s word is our, is the truth, not our truth. The true let’s turn to the gospel of John and chapter 17, John chapter 17. And I could have quoted this verse, but I want you to read it.

John 17 and verse 17, sanctify them through the eye truth. Thy word is truth. His word is the only truth that we need to go to heaven. It is the truth that will set us all free. Turn over a few chapters to John chapter eight and let’s read verses 31 and 32, John eight 31 and 32. Okay. Jesus said to those Jews,

which believed on him. If he continue in my word, then argue my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth. What’s the truth, his word. And the truth shall make you free. If honor and glory Are to be given to God and preaching his word must be proclaimed in truth, separate from our opinions and unfounded beliefs. As a matter of fact,

we are warned against preaching error. Let’s turn to Romans chapter 16, verses 17 and 18 Romans 16, verses 17 and 18. Now I beseech you brethren Mark them, which caused divisions. We have to Mark them in offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you have learned and avoid them, Mark them and avoid them for they that are such serve, not our Lord Jesus Christ,

but their own belly. And by good words and fair speeches deceive the heart of the symbol. This makes me think of a lot of those false teachers out there who are out there just for the money so they could fill their bellies. The consequences of teaching error are very serious. The gospel must be preserved. Let’s turn to Galatians chapter one, the epistle to the Galatians chapter one.

And we’ll read verses six through nine, All rights to the brethren. And Glacia a lot of brother. And in glacier, I Marvel that ye are so soon removed from him. That called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel, which is not another, but there’ll be some that trouble you and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel and to you,

then that which we have preached unto you, let him be a curse. So we have to know the word so we can understand that they’re perverting the word and they are to be a curse to because they are perverting the word as he, as we said before. So say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you, then that you have received,

let him be a cursed. Excuse me. Teachers will receive a stricter judgment turn to James chapter three, James chapter three and verse one, James, right through inspiration. My brethren be not many masters or teachers knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. We will receive a greater judgment because we decide to teach the word. And we are all to teach the word.

As for those who are listening to what is being preached, we should be as the Bereans of acts chapter 17 and verse 11, let’s go ahead and read acts chapter 17, 11 acts chapter 17 and verse 11. Luke writes, these were more noble than those in Tesla Nika. And that they received the word with all readiness of mind and search the scriptures daily,

whether those things were so, so they receive the word. Then they search the scriptures daily to make sure what the word that they had received was right. They received the word with eagerness yet sought to seek the things, seek out all of those things to make sure that they were. So, in other words, we are to see if it is the truth and if it is not,

we are to reject it. So it is not just my job to make sure that I am preaching you the truth. It is also your job to make sure that I am preaching you, that truth or any preacher is preaching you the truth. One who is a preacher must preach the truth, regardless of any situation or any pressures that might be upon him to do other ones.

It is God’s word that will set us all free. We must desire to preach that word. We must desire to hear that word. We worshiped God during the sermon. When we set our minds on the word of God, reverencing it. And it’s source. I do this. When we, when the truth is being preached and received, it is a joyous thing to be able to come and hear God’s word presented in a proper manner with the right spirit and in truth.

It is a joyous thing to be able to come and hear God’s word presented in a proper manner with the right spirit and truth. I can not imagine someone desiring to hear any preacher who preaches with an improper attitude and adds to this by not preaching the truth. We worship God during the sermon. When we set our minds on the word of God, reverencing him and it’s source.

If we are to TRIBE, truly worship God in the preaching of his word, two things must be present. The preaching must be in conjunction with the right attitude or spirit, both by the one preaching and the ones who are listening. The preaching must be in accordance with God’s word. The truth. If these two things are involved, then we can worship God through the preaching of his word.

As stated earlier, we are not only to be hearers of the word, but doers, James chapter one in verse 22, Jesus commanded us all as Christians to go and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16, 15, all they have to do is hear the word as you have all done today, Romans 10 17. Once they hear it,

it must be believed that Jesus is the Christ. Your savior, John eight 24. Once you have the belief, you must repent of your sins because it is commanded by God, acts 17. In verse 30. Once you have repented, you must make the good confession that you believe that Jesus is the Christ. The son of God, Matthew 10 32.

And also with the story of the Ethiopian UNIC in acts chapter eight. Once you have made that good confession, you must be immersed for the forgiveness of your sins. And the Lord will add you to the church. Acts chapter two, verse 38 and verse 47 to ensure you have your savior with you always, you must live faithful to him and his word forever revelation two 10,

and first John one, six and seven. All of this you can know by hearing the word by studying the word. If you have yet to heed the word of the Lord, the waters of baptism are ready for you. If you have any other need of encouragement or prayers from the brother, and remember the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avail with much James,

five 16, whatever you need, please come forward. As we stand and sing<inaudible> would you Ari Vola victory when there’s wonderful power and blah,<inaudible> one new working<inaudible><inaudible> one new working power, no precious, blah. Would you be free from your passion and pride there’s power in the bla<inaudible> come for a cleansing to Calvary’s time. There’s wonderful power in the blood.<inaudible> wonder working power in the,

Oh, the<inaudible><inaudible> wonder working power in the French blot of the lab. Would you do so service for Jesus, your King there’s power in the bla power in the bla would you live day? And the, his braises to seeing there’s wonderful power in the blood<inaudible> wonder working power<inaudible><inaudible> wonder working power in the precious blot of the lab to think Michael,

for that great lesson this morning closing song this morning, this morning will be number 634 six three four we’ll work till Jesus comes. We’ll sing the first verse of the song, and then we’ll have our closing prayer we’ll work till Jesus comes. Let us sing. Oh, land for brass for the Eisai. When will the moment when I chalet my arm,

Aruba and well and P sat home well<inaudible> till Jesus comes well, till Jesus comes and will being a guy gathered home.<inaudible> God for the songs of praise that we’ve been able to sing To encourage one another and give the praise. We are thankful for Noah’s. He’s led us in this song service, and we pray that you continue to be with him in his studies at the school of preaching.

We’re thankful dear father, for Michael, as he’s delivered your word today, and we pray your continued blessings to be upon him and his family. As they prepare themselves to be a servant in the kingdom, by preaching and teaching the gospel with some congregation and some work, bless them and watch over them. Father. We’re thankful for Aaron and his work here with us and for his ability to teach and preach the gospel.

We pray that you be with Eddie and the boys as they are away from home and pray that you be with air and as they continue to labor and be a part of this congregation and encouraged us as we go through life, to be better people to go on board involved and in the work of the kingdom to serve and glorify use to the best of our ability.

We’re thankful father for those that, that have their health to improve some, and we pray you continue to be with them, pray for the others that are still suffering from various infirmities, help us to be mindful of them, especially those that are not able to be with us this day, that we might encourage them and help them as they go through life and let them know how much we love them and care about them.

Father continue to be with us and watch over us, help us to be better servants in the kingdom. Be more productive, help us to be more faithful in our work, our service to the, and help us father to Shaun the evil one. As he’s always there to try to draw us away from our goal and that’s to give the, the honor and the glory and the praise that we might have that home in heaven with even when this life is over father,

be with those that will be administering to Diana as she has her surgery tomorrow, we pray that it goes well and that she would recover quickly blessed his fathers. We’re about to depart, help us to be mindful of one another and be an encouragement to those that are preaching and teaching in other countries in Jesus name, we pray. Amen.<inaudible>.

Automated Transcript:

<inaudible> Good morning. We are in the book of acts this morning. We’re in acts chapter 11, cover the questions from acts chapter 10 and by way of review, and then get into chapter 11. Let’s begin with a word of prayer, our gracious father in heaven. We bow before you grateful for the day that you’ve given to us grateful for the life that we have and the opportunity that we have to serve.

You grateful for all that you do for us on a daily basis, we are incredibly grateful for the things that the first century church did in the evangelism and the efforts that they partook in to take the gospel to the entire world. And we are encouraged. And in Monish that in our day, we must do the same help us to understand the power of the gospel and the need for the gospel to be taught everywhere throughout the world.

Help us to understand the mission that you placed before Christians in every century and every generation that has passed since you ascended back into heaven and help us to fulfill that mission in our lives today, we pray for the many works that are going on throughout the world. Christians doing that very thing. We pray that as they are sound in the faith and faithful to you,

that they might prosper and that might grow as well. We pray that you be with those who are dealing with illnesses and injuries, difficulties, and hardships, financial hardships. We pray that they might have your blessings, have your comfort and find help in time of need. But most of all, that they might be faithful to throughout it. All We ask that you,

You forgive us when we sin and fall short of your glory and help us to always look to you for strength, guidance for mercy, and for grace, as we strive daily to serve you Acceptably all this, we pray in Jesus name. Amen. Acts chapter 10. Question one. When Cornelius was first Mentioned, he was not a devout man. Be fearful of God.

See a giver of gifts to others D praying Continually to God or he saved. He save. Y Did question two. Why did Cornelius from acts chapter 10 verses three through eight? Why did coordinator you send For Peter? He was told To by an angel. And how did he send for Peter? All right. He was told by a vision by an angel,

but he sent his servants to servants in one. What? Soldier. Okay. What did Peter see in the Trance when he was on the house top in jobs. Okay. Is she let down from heaven with what? On it? All right. All right. All kinds of wild bees, specifically unclean Wild bees. What Did the spirit tell Peter that his vision on the house top in Joppa Mint.

All right. Specifically what I have declared clean. You should not declare common or unclean. Okay. Who went with Peter to Cesarea? All right. Christians are brothers from Joplin who was with Cornelius when Peter arrived. All right. And his kinsmen and friends Speaking to Cornelius and others gathered, whom did Peter say is welcomed by God, God. All right.

Those in every nation who fear him and work righteousness, When Was the Holy spirit poured out on the Gentiles? Okay. Verse 45. And those of The circumcision who believed were astonished as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. And that happened while Peter was still speaking. Okay. Why were Cornelius?

And the other Gentiles allowed to be baptized? All right, Because the Holy spirit coming down upon them showed that God approved to them, or as the passage specifically says, because they received The Holy ghost. All right. Now the Holy spirit, Chapter 11, we’re going to read the end of chapter 10. Again, just kind of get, get the conversation in mind because it leads right into the discussion in chapter 11.

So chapter 10, verse 44, while Peter was still speaking. These words, the Holy spirit fell upon all those who heard the word and those of the circumcision. And that is how Luke will quite often describe Jewish Christians. Those of the circumcision. He says those of the circumcision who believed were astonished as many as came with Peter because the gift of the Holy spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles Also.

Okay. So They weren’t astonished that there. And this is an interesting point. They weren’t astonished that there were Gentiles who would believe in Jesus, that didn’t astonish them. They weren’t astonished that there were Roman centurions who would be interested in hearing about Jesus. They weren’t astonished That all of these friends and, and others had gathered together to hear Peter preach.

They were astonished That the Holy spirit fell on Gentiles. Okay. And that is significant because it will lead you into getting the perspective and the attitude that leads you to an understanding of the difficulties and the struggles in the first century church, which would be the background behind the book of Romans, the background behind the book of Galatians, the background behind the book of first Corinthians and second Corinthians,

the background behind a number of other epistles, not to mention acts chapter 11, acts chapter 15. All of these passages Have This section of scripture as their background. And that is the perception that the had about themselves in contrast to everybody else. Okay? And this was born out of a misunderstanding of their place in God’s plan of redemption. It was born out of a misunderstanding of what God did for them under the law of Moses.

So they’re astonished when they see these things for verse 46, they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Now, is it the case that every one through whom God spoke in old Testament and new was a faithful servant of God. Let me ask it another way. Does a person have to be, especially in, in the, in time of the miraculous and timeless scripture,

does a person have to be a faithful saved servant of God for God to miraculously speak through them? No. Some examples of non faithful people or, or others not. Let’s just use non faithful, some examples of non faithful ones that God uses. And I’m thinking old Testament examples right now. What? Prophet tried three times to curse Israel and God put a blessing in his mouth.

Everybody’s looking for the name. It’s, it’s trapped right there in the back of your head, Baylor them. Alright. Balal is trying for profit to cursive people. God wants to bless. Is he faithful to God? No, he just can’t say anything. God doesn’t put in his mouth because Bailyn will then turn around and call and tell Baylock the King of Moab,

how to get Israel. He’s like, I can’t curse them for you because everything, God puts in my mouth as a blessing, but I can tell you how to get them to curse your curse themselves. And that is in your daughters out, caused them to commit for an occasion and God will curse them for you. So he’s not faithful to God,

even though the words he spoke, belong to God. What about in the same event? Same story. Bailyn’s Donkey. Now here’s an important question. Do all donkeys go to heaven. Donkey saved or lost. The answer is neither one, The donkey, but good. God still use him to speak. Yes. Numerous times in scripture, God will use individuals to declare a message That would Not necessarily declare the messenger As being in a right relationship with God.

Okay. And that is essential because a lot of people will come to this passage and say, well, if the Holy spirit is speaking through these individuals We’re saved. No, I beg to differ. That’s the exact opposite of what the passage teaches. Wow. Is it that they had called Peter Awesome To find out what they must do to be saved.

Now, if the Holy spirit was going to do it without Peter having to actually tell them, and without them actually having to do it, why in the world did he need Peter? Why go through days of people traveling to go get Peter them stay in the night days, traveling back to go bring Peter to Cornelius. If the Holy spirit was going to do it all anyway,

Nothing in this passage Declares and chapter 11 will even bring more clarity to this. Nothing in this passage declares these individuals to be saved purely because the Holy spirit Poke through their mouths. Okay. And Numerous passages all throughout scripture, make it clear that God can speak through whomever whenever he wants to. And that doesn’t make that individual Safe. Okay. And That’s important because people will come to this passage and they’ll go see we’re saved by the Holy spirit.

Holy spirit falls down on somebody and then they’re saved. And then they start speaking in tongues. And that is not what’s going on Here. What is Going on here is the same thing. And we mentioned this when we were discussing this Wednesday in chapter 10, you see one of the locations where all three, and there are only three, all three references to the Holy spirit,

falling on someone or the Holy spirit, baptism of someone or the pouring out of the spirit on someone, all three references are right Here. The three References, the three occasions in scripture where this occurs Is number one, When Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist and the Holy spirit descended upon Jesus. Number two, when the apostles were preaching on Pentecost and the Holy spirit descended upon them.

And number three, when the Holy spirit descended upon the people in Cornelius’s house to Dick Layer, that they too would receive the gospel in the first occasion, Jesus Just being baptized. The Holy spirit descended upon Jesus To declare what that he was the son of God. Now the People there had John’s testimony that he was the son of God, But this gave them God’s Testimony that he was the son of God.

Okay. And there’s a big difference between John the Baptist saying something and God from heaven saying something. Well, what is it that Was declared in acts chapter two. You remember they’re up preaching and, and it’s not Abnormal on the feast of Pentecost for people to be up declaring the word God that’s, that’s not abnormal. What would be abnormal? Well,

cloven tongues of fire on their heads. They’re speaking in languages. They’ve never learned. Everyone’s hearing in their homes, Languages more languages than they were. Then there were even people speaking And people Say, ah, they must be drunk. No. Then what does that mean? It means the message is from God. So In the first occasion of the baptism,

Holy Spirit pouring out of the Holy spirit, the declaration is, this is from me, God. Second declaration of the pouring out of Holy spirit in acts. Chapter two is this Is from me, God, Third declaration in acts chapter 10 of the pouring out of the Holy spirit. The declaration is, This is from me, God. And that was the use.

Every single time, all three times of the pouring out of the Holy spirit, it was always to declare, this is my stamp of approval. Now you say, well, wait a minute. Lots of other occasions where people speak in tongues. Yes, there are. There’s lots of other occasions where people have miraculous gifts. Yes, there are. But in none of those occasions,

did they receive them directly from God? In every other occasion, the person who was utilizing miraculous gift receive them by the laying on of the hands of the apostles Or Christ. Every other occasion, These three are the only times where you have miraculous events occurring at the hand of God And not man. And all three of them are Declarations of God’s stamp of approval on a situation,

not declarations of lost or saved, not the saving of someone from their sins. None of them are the saving of someone from their sins. As a matter of fact, it’s interesting that all three occasions are also directly connected baptisms Aren’t they, Jesus was baptized spirit, fell on him, Parcels, preached spirit, falling on them. And the result was 3000 were baptized these people.

The spirit speaks through them, declaring them to be worthy verse 47. Can anyone for bid water that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy spirit just as We, Is it interesting that the thing that could have been forbidden? The one thing that could have made the biggest difference in the lives of these people was not the falling of the Holy spirit upon them,

not the speaking in tongues, But baptism. This Can, anyone for bid is such a glaring statement because it declares. This was the single most important reason they were there. If the Jews and Peter came and taught them the gospel And then left, would they be saved? No. If the, if Peter and the Jews came and tell them the gospel and the spirit spoke through them and they spoke in miraculous tongues and then Peter and the Jews left,

would they be saved? The one Thing the Jews and Peter could forbidden was the one thing that Mattered most. And Peter says, can anybody forbid this seeing God’s stamp of approval? The baptism was the singular most important act of the three. Now it going to happen without the first one, they were going to be baptized without being taught, but having been taught the possibility of forbidding the baptism would have been an act that would have been the single greatest hindrance to their salvation.

Not the lack of the Holy spirit.<inaudible> Absolutely. They’re, they’re getting assigned from heaven even without asking for one, but they needed one. And that’s, that’s in all of this. That’s what I want us to get. These Jews would have refused to baptize these Gentiles without the Holy spirit interacting and without the Holy Spirit’s actions, they would have refused because Peter’s already said at the beginning,

you remember we read on Wednesday, it is unlawful for us to even enter in your house. So if it’s unlawful for them to even enter into the house, how are they going to baptize them? How are they going to teach them? They’re not. They would have considered that altogether. Unlawful, just like entering into their house. Okay. So what you’re getting here is a picture of the bias that exists among the Christian Jews that isn’t there because God told them to have it.

It was there because they had it and God is counteracting it. Okay. So he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked them to stay a few days. Now, the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him,

notice the attitude, the, the response of the Jews who are Christians in Judea is when Peter comes back, they’re not at all happy. They are contending with him. Verse three, saying you went into uncircumcised men and ate with them over in Galatians chapter two. When Paul is there with Peter or sorry, there with Barnabas, and they’re eating with these Jewish or with these Gentile Christians and Peter comes,

sorry, Peter and Barton are there. James comes, I’ll get it right in a minute. So Paul, Peter Barnabas are there with the Gentile, Christians in James and those from James come. And when they start approaching and when they come near, Peter gets up and does what he’s Peter separates himself from the Gentiles, no longer eating with them. Barnaby.

This fall was a little long and two others. And Paul was stands Peter to the face because he, as the passenger says was to be blamed because Peter knows better. That’s happening over here. A few chapters later in the events leading up to this point, but Peter’s already been through this. Peter is the one who’s going to be the one who starts all of this,

Peter new better. All right. So notice what we read. But Peter explained it to them. In order from the beginning saying I was in the city of Joppa praying and in a trance, I saw vision and object, descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners. And it came to me when I observed it intently and considered.

I saw four footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. And I heard a voice saying to me, rise, Peter, eat or kill and eat. But I said not so Lord for nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth. But the voice answered me again from heaven. What God has cleansed.

You must not call common. Now this was done three times and all were drawn up again in the heaven at that very moment. Three men stood before the house where I was having been sent to me from Cesarea. Then the spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Now notice he said, I saw a vision. Here’s the substance of the vision.

I didn’t understand it. But the spirit said go. And the spirit said, do not doubt. And the idea there is, do not doubt what I’m doing. Okay. So he says, the spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover, these six brethren accompanied me and we entered a man’s house. So how many Jews went William six there or three that came,

but six of the brethren went with him. Okay. So we that’s one of the things in these different accounts that you get acts chapter 10, acts, chapter 11, acts chapter 15 is you get a little bit more detail every time. Okay. So how many Jews, Jewish Christians were present at these events? There were six. Okay. And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house who said to him,

send men to Joppa and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter, who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved. And as I’m began to speak, the Holy spirit fell upon them as upon us at the beginning. Something else interesting. In chapter 10, we read while Peter was still speaking. In other words, Peter’s speaking and the Holy spirit falls on them.

But chapter 10 doesn’t tell us the timing of the event. So some people will come to chapter tenants. See they heard the word and the spirit fell upon them and change them. And they were saved. But chapter 11, Peter makes it clear that as I was beginning to speak, he wasn’t done preaching. He hadn’t taught them anything yet. As he began to utter his words,

the spirit came into them. They didn’t have the spirit come into them as an act of faith or based upon their belief. This spirit came into them as Peter began To speak. Okay? So again, some more Details as I began to speak, verse 15, the Holy spirit fell upon them. As upon us at the beginning, then I remembered the word of the Lord,

how he said, John, indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy spirit. So if any of you have been wondering, why does Aaron keep referencing the baptism? Holy spirit, this doesn’t say they were baptized with Holy spirit. Chapter 11. Peter says, when I Say he fell on, on them as on us, at the beginning,

I’m talking about when the Lord promised To baptize us with the Holy spirit. And interestingly, he doesn’t say That the Lord or that the spirit fell on them as the spirit has fallen on us from the beginning, he doesn’t say it’s been happening all along. He doesn’t say, this is what happens all the time to Jews. He says, this happened once at the beginning,

He’s talking about acts chapter two. Okay. And now he’s made it clear. He’s talking about acts chapter two when he says, John, indeed baptized with water. But you, Jesus says shall be baptized with the Holy spirit. Who Did Jesus make that statement to all his disciples or the apostles to the apostles. And only to the apostles. Did Jesus make that statement?

And only to the apostles, Were they ever baptized with the Holy spirit that occurred and acts chapter two? And that was the fulfillment. Okay. If therefore God gave them the same gift as he gave us. When we believed on the Lord, Jesus Christ, who I, that I could withstand God, when they heard these things, they became silent and they glorified God saying,

then God has also granted to the Gentiles, repentance to life, The story, the details, the events and the actions of the spirit. Because if Peter had come back and said, well, I just decided that this is the way it should be. Would, would that have been accepted by the Christians? No, but Peter said, the spirit spoke to me.

The spirit spoke to Cornelius, the spirit directed these events, and this is what happened. And it shut the mouths of the naysayers. And instead they said, God has granted to the Gentiles, repentance to life. Now I want us to notice something, turn back over to Luke chapter 24.<inaudible> Something that I want to reinforce within us because so many times in our modern world,

people will come along and say, I’ve, I’ve seen a vision from God. God has spoken to me. And this is what he told me to say, this is what he told me to do. This is what he’s told me. That’s different from what the scripture say. And I want us to emphasize and be clear that what happens in these events when God speaks to Peter,

when God speaks to coordinator, yes. When God directs these events to transpire that he didn’t change anything, he had already told them, okay, this was not quote new revelation. Luke chapter 24, verse 44, Jesus has been crucified. Jesus has been resurrected. Jesus will soon be ascending back to heaven. And this is the same writer who wrote the book of acts.

Okay? So we’re clear, this is not new. This is Luke saying, Hey, all these years later, we finally got it. All right, Luke chapter 24, verse 44. Then he said to them, the them is the apostles. The, he is Christ. These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you.

That all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses and the prophets and the Psalms concerning me. And he opened their understanding That they might comprehend the scriptures. Now, no, that is the background of all. This is Jesus saying, all of this was prophesied. And in the old Testament, you all just didn’t get it.

So now they’re going to get it. But no, This, this next statement, verse 46. 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 beginning at Jerusalem. Or did I leave out a word or two or three that the Christ to suffer under Rise from the dead the third day,

and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in. His name Came to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. This is a new revelation acts chapter 11, verse 18. Then God, God has granted to the Gentiles. Repentance to life is the Christian Jews finally getting over their preconceived ideas to understand what Jesus said a decade more or so ago when he told them this the beginning,

Okay. Had they understood what Jesus meant and what Jesus said when they were standing there before he ascended back into heaven, they would have understood this and been preaching to the Gentiles all along. Now. Here’s What I’m not saying. I’m not saying that God didn’t know that the church was going to have to grow to understand this. Obviously that’s true. God knew the Jews were going to struggle with this.

But what I am saying is this is no new revelation. This is the same Thing. Jesus told him when he was standing on the earth, But they didn’t understand it and they weren’t practicing it. But now they are. And God, God has put his stamp of approval on it all the way through. So verse 19, now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia,

Cyprus, and Antioch preaching the word to no one, but the Jews only. Okay, so here, Luke’s letting you in on what’s going on. You remember we read that the disciples were scattered everywhere, preaching the word. And so often we go to the passage and say, look, these common Christians go everywhere. And what are they doing? They’re teaching people,

but they’re also not Teaching people. They’re teaching Jews only. Why do you think That these Christians who were scattered everywhere Were only teaching Jews? They didn’t know what happened, Peter, get it hadn’t happened yet. But when they were in Jerusalem, who were the apostles teaching just Jews, They were doing what they had been taught to do. They were doing what they had seen from example their leaders On earth.

Do they were acting out the examples they had seen, which was to preach and teach to Jews only. Okay. So that’s significant before we get to Too hard on the case of the people who didn’t understand and didn’t teach, right. And didn’t do what they should have done is they were doing exactly what they had been Taught to do, which was preached to Jews only.

Now Those who were scattered after the, or I read that already verse 20, but some of them were men from Cypress and siren who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to Helen is preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them and a great number believed and turned to the Lord, by the way,<inaudible> are what nationality they’re Grecians okay.

So there’s a contrast set here. And it’s The contrast is going to be very significant Jews go out in all regions. When, because of the persecution that started with Stephen persecution, that was, that was encouraged and promoted by Saul of Tarsus. They start leaving Jerusalem. They start going everywhere and they’re preaching to Jews only except their song of these Jews who end up in Cyprus and Sirrine and Annie,

Who don’t, they don’t just preach to the Jews. They also preach to the Greeks. And what happens in Antioch shapes The church moving forward in the book of acts, Because beginning here and in these passages that lead between here in acts, chapter 15 Jerusalem and the church in Jerusalem stops The focal point of the evangelism to the entire world, the church And Jerusalem no longer is the biggest influence in the church.

At large, The church in Antioch will become that biggest influence. It is believed by some, I don’t know, No how much basis. In fact there is in this, but it’s at least been stated by some commentators and historians, that it was believed that at the height of the church’s existence in the first and second century in Antioch, that there were more than 300,000 Christians in this.

So this city That begins and the church begins not by the preaching of one of the, those in acts chapter six that were selected by the apostles, not by the apostles, but by, as it were ordinary Christians and none of their names are even listed. That church becomes the portal to the entire Gentile world and will become a hub Of evangelism unlike any other in the new Testament.

So Verse 21 in the hand of the Lord was with them and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem. Notice the church, all of this has transpired and church Jerusalem doesn’t even know what’s happened yet. Definitely what didn’t happen in the days of the Internet. So news finally comes back about what’s going on in Antioch and Cyprus is irony.

And when the news comes back, they, the church in Jerusalem sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. So Barnabas is still in with the church in Jerusalem and they send him out to go and the AE, the church in Antioch, when he had, when he came, he and had seen the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them,

all that with purpose of heart, they should continue with the Lord for, he was a good man full of the Holy spirit and of faith and a great many people were added to the Lord, then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year, they assembled with the church and taught a great many people.

And the disciples were first called Christians In Antioch. And In these days, profits came from Jerusalem to Antioch. Then one of them named agamous stood up and showed by the spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudia Caesar. Then the disciples each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling into in Judea,

this, they also did and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas And Saul. Okay. So interesting details Here. Number one, All throughout the old Testament, smattering Throughout the prophecies from the profits was God’s statement Saying, I’m going to have a new law and I’m going to have a new people, and I’m going to write my law on their hearts and they’re going to have a new name.

And in acts chapter 11, we first read of the term Christian. Some have argued that this is a, this, this was a derogatory name Given to them, except There’s nowhere in scripture that actually declares that some would argue that this is not the, the new name that the prophet spoke about. Th they, they were, they would say that the new name was those who followed the way you remember back when We were reading.

And this is even in the new King James and it annoys me to no end a chapter nine, verse two, we read them Saul of Tarsus. He goes out, persecuting the church. And he asked for letters from him, from him, the high priest to the synagogues of Damascus so that he, if he found any who were of the way And in the new King,

James, the word way is capitalized. Now, was It capitalized? Because it was capitalized in the Greek? Nope. Because Every letter in the Greek at the time was capitalized. They didn’t have, they weren’t using smaller letters at the time. There wasn’t no upper and lower case. There were, there was a terrible grammar. There were no upper and lower case in the Greek alphabet at the time that came later,

All of the Letters were capitalized. This is not done by the translators because there’s any evidence that this is a proper name. This is done because they have interpreted. And the Clared, this is a proper name. This is not a problem. This is a description. The people who followed the Lord. Okay. So You come over to your acts,

chapter 11 and Luke tells us not making us interpret it, but instead using it clearly throughout the remainder of the book, not to mention all the rest of the letters using Clearly that the new name was Christian, but isn’t it interesting. They’re not called Christians until they’re Jew and Gentile Christians it’s after they become Jews and Gentiles together, that God, through the acts of the events that go on here says,

Now that’s my people. Those are who I give the new name to all nations under heaven. Okay. We’ll spend some more time talking about that at, at another point. But all of this to say, Barnabas goes to Antioch at the behest of the church in Jerusalem, he gets there, he begins teaching and preaching, edifying them, encouraging them.

Many, many, many more souls are continuing to be saved. And then he goes, I know who needs to be here. I know who needs to help with this. And he goes to Tarsus and he gets Saul and he brings him back. And then many more are taught because of Saul and Barnabas working together. And as a result of that,

the church grows by leaps and bounds. And then we read of a coming famine. This famine sets up a lot of what will happen in a number of passages in the first century, not only the remainder of the missionary or the, the missionary journeys that Saul and Barnabas go on there in the book of acts. But also you remember when Saul will or Paul will write to the church at Corinth and say,

remember, you promised to give to the churches in Judea to help them. This is second Corinthians, chapter eight and nine. And we told the church in Macedonia that you were going to give, and it was a result of your example. They’ve given now it’s time for you to pony up. Now, it’s time for you to actually give, to send back to Jerusalem that this is not a,

this is not a central church collecting dues from all the little outlying churches. This was, there was a famine in Jerusalem that was greatly effecting the Jews in Judea. And as a result of the spirit saying, this is going to happen. The churches in all these other regions are going to send money to aid those Christians in Judea. Why do you think they were being affected more than other places,

whore, mountainous, and their own people. The Jews in Judea who weren’t Christians would have blocked them out of a lot of the commerce because they were faithful Christians. Okay. So they had a lot more against them by way of persecution than a lot of the other regions did. All right. We’ll leave it there. Cause we’re out of time. Thank you for your attention.

And we’ll go over to acts chapter 11 questions Wednesday night.<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> Good morning. Welcome to the KIBO church of Christ or Sunday morning worship service. It’s good to see everybody. I don’t see any visuals, but if I’m missing one, I welcome you as our special guest. And we should fill out a card on the back of the Pew there.

So we would have a record of your attendance. We got some announcements, and if you, if you hadn’t gotten your Lord’s supper, now that’d be a good time to get that while I’m going over this. We got a good many announcements this morning. We got a few sick. We need to remember Bobby Digger is here today. Good to see her back.

And, and another announcement here later is Barbara is going to have to have surgery on her arm. The STEM cell is not working as well as they thought it was. So anyway, good to see Barbara here. Joan’s Springer is still at home sick Rodale and Dortha Wilson are both still at home and not doing real well. And Janie Marlin is still having a field issue,

BJ and Tish Clark over at forest Hill. They both have COVID and Julie Adams that’s a friend of the laser has got aggressive lung cancer, and she’ll start doing a six week daily, six weeks of daily radiation. Pretty soon. Kayla Bo Nelson, the 13 year old boy that had the sledding accident. He is awake and talking and doing some therapy in his room and he will be moved to an inpatient rehab room.

Soon. Glen knocks that’s Becky parsers nephew has been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. We need to remember all these people in our prayers and hope that they soon get better managed meeting will be Monday, March 15th. And the ju gender list is out there on the board. If you have anything you need to put a have put on there, daylight saving times,

Sunday, the 14th set your clock forward one hour, sprang forward and fall back a shampoo that goes after Don Robertson. He lost his brother. Jerry Jerry has had an incurable lung disease for a long time. And the writing was having not been made at this time. That’s all of our announcements. Those that be serving this morning, Michael Dale would be leading singing.

Jay Shafir has an opening prayer Joe Case, and we’ll be doing the lower supper and Aaron will be having the summer and closing prayer will be Tommy O’Neil. Thank you. Glasses. Do you ever get over the annoyance of having to do this all the time? It really bugs me. Huh? Our first song this morning will be praise the Lord. Number 74.

Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> bro, for their guidance, man. Hey<inaudible> man. Oh man. Oh man.<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> man, a man. Oh man.<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> Dan magnify his name. Hallelujah, man, a man.<inaudible> a song before the opening. Prayer will be number 781.

Thank you, Lord seven 81. For all that you’ve done. I will thank you for all that y’all going to do for all that you promise and all that you is all that as carried me through Jesus<inaudible> and I thank you.<inaudible> and I thank you. Thank you.<inaudible>. Thank you for loving and setting me free. Thank you for giving your life.<inaudible>.

Thank you, Jesus. I thank you.<inaudible> gratefully. Thank you<inaudible> and I thank you.<inaudible>. Thank you.<inaudible> thank you for loving and setting me free. Thank you for giving your life just for me. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you.<inaudible><inaudible> Spraying all mighty God. Our father in heaven, Holy and revered is your name father.

We humbly come before your throne. This hour, acknowledging you as our creator, the creator of this entire universe and all that in it is we’re so very grateful that you saw fit to create us in your image and to provide for us through your son. I means of salvation to be with you forever. We’re grateful for the church that your son established here,

and we’re so very grateful for the church that assembles here at Collierville. We pray that you will always have our full devotion and our support. We’re so very grateful for Aaron and Eddie is a labor here for Michael and Jessica as a labor with us, we pray for them a long and useful life and your service. We’re also mindful of Noah as he is entering school here and preparing to be a gospel preacher grant,

grant him a long and useful life as well. We’re mindful also of all of those of our number that are suffering illnesses. We pray that they will be given a renewed measure of health and that they, once again, will be restored to our number. We’re also mindful of those that have lost loved ones. Recently, we pray that you will comfort them as only you can.

Now, as we go through the further exercise. So this worship service, we pray that our worship will be in spirit and truth and a sweet savor unto thee. We ask also that you’ve looked out and have mercy upon us, that you forgive our sins as a repent and turn from them. And then all will be done in accordance with your will in Jesus name,

that we pray. Amen. The song to prepare our minds for the Lord’s supper will be number 386. He loves me why<inaudible> come to<inaudible> because he loves me. So he loves me. He loves me. He loves me this. I know he gave them to die for me because he loves me. Oh,<inaudible> no way. And why<inaudible> no<inaudible> please.

Dan pray be seen, loves me. So he loves me. He loves me. He loves me their side. No. Oh, he gave him a to die for me because he loves me. So I fell the gardens dread fall draws, smile through his trials. Nah, cross me. Cause I loves me. So he loves me. He loves me.

He loves me this. I know he gave him to phone me. The car seen me. We have the opportunity today to remember the greatest love that anyone could show. And that’s our savior dying on the cross of Calvary and knowing that mankind is in sin and he gave us a way of redemption that through his death and the shedding of his blood on the cross,

we have an opportunity to become a child of he is and be cleansed of those sins. Today. We’re gathered around the table to remember our Lord as he was crucified for his love for us and hopefully to help us as we go through life. But we remember him each Lord’s day, as we’ve been commanded to protect her this bread and this fruit of the vine,

until he comes again to remember his death, if you would bow with me, please, Oh God, our father in heaven. We, they come before your throne realizing father that we have sand from time to time. And we look to you and pray for, for forgiveness of those sins. And as we partake of these emblems, help us to go back to the cross where bless it.

Lord suffered and died for us and his body hung there on that cruel cross and this bread, which represents that body. We pray that we might partake of it in a way that would be pleasing to you remembering him and his love shown to us in Jesus. We pray. Amen, dear God, we, as we continue to remember our Lord and savior and see was there hanging on the cross of Calvary as he shared forth his blood,

we’re probably that we’re mindful of that sacrifice. They re we remember how much he suffered there and the bearing of our sins on the cross of Calvary, as we protect her, this fruit of the vine, which represents that blood help us to examine ourselves and partake of it in a way that would be acceptable and pleasing in your sight. And Jesus, we pray.

Amen. We found this to be a convenient time that we might give back as we’ve been prospered. And most of us have been blessed far beyond our needs. And this is a means that we can help spread the borders of the kingdom of the church and try to reach those lost, not only in this area, but throughout the world and support the work of the churches as we do benevolent work.

And we support several different efforts here in the carbo church. This gives us that means to do that. That’s bad there. God, our father in heaven, we truly are a blessed people. We pray father that we are liberal with our giving that we give, not the grudging. What we give that we have purposed in our hearts to do so.

And we might examine ourselves from time to time and see if there’s not more that we can can do. We realize father that there’s always needs. There, there are always those that would like to preach the gospel, but don’t have the support to do so. We’re thankful for the ones that we do, support and pray that they continue to work in the kingdom so that others might hear your word proclaim and be obedient to it.

We pray you bless our efforts and pray that we given away that we be pleasing in Jesus. We pray amen. Long before the lesson will be. Salvation has been brought down. If you’re able, let’s stand for this song. Salvation has been brought down. Jesus gave his life around some younger on kava.<inaudible> cruel cavalry paved the way by blah that we might win a bright,

shiny and crown praise. His Holy name, praise the Lord salvation has been brought. Ah, go and shout out and tell it though world. Ah, tell her today, tell her today, preach the word of God that we might win a tiny and cry.<inaudible> the news all over the land and see you go teach it and tell it, tell it<inaudible> thanks.

Jeanette has been brought, ah, I’m all alone without a friend he suffered to paid. Ah, yeah, see he paid it. Ah, Jesus paid it. Oh. And his blessing promise and sweet victory can be, ah,<inaudible> has been brought down. Oh, glory<inaudible> has been brought. Ah,<inaudible> tell her to dang talent today and tomorrow<inaudible> God that we might win a shining crown in heaven.<inaudible> salvation is full and free to sin.

Who’s spread the news all over the land and see, go teach it and tell it, ah, tell it up. All over has been brought. Ah, there’s a black suit home prepared way over in glory and in Bryan glory and blessing and glory. And I have trust in his love. And now I am having bah praise. His Holy name salvation has been brought down.

No glory praise. The Lord salvation has been brought down from heaven and Shah and tell it though, a round, go preach it and tell it today to people and Sabra. Tell it today and tell her tomorrow, hurry and slow word of God that we might win a shining crown in heaven. The law says salvation is full and free to sin. Spread the news all over the land and see,

go teach it and tell enough, ah, tell it up.<inaudible> you may be seated. Good morning. Salvation has been brought down song. We just sang in the verses, brings to mind the suffering that Jesus endured to accomplish the salvation brought down from heaven throughout this year on it. The goal is at least on the first Sunday of each month to spend time looking at one central theme faithfulness.

And as we consider The theme of faithfulness, There is In scripture, a number of examples of faithful individuals. Last month, we looked at Moses and how he was faithful as Servant. But today I want to, To consider another faithful servant Of God and his faithfulness, not throughout his life in Particular, but his faithfulness in One regard. And that is Jesus Christ in his faithfulness in suffering.

So many times, we find individuals who are faithful when it’s convenient, who want to be faithful when it’s easy, who want to be faithful and strive You to be faithful and act in a way that’s faithful when the times, But true faithfulness does not end with opposition. True faithfulness does not come to a cessation when difficulties All rise. When people begin to withstand your actions.

Instead, Ed faithfulness is tested, is tried, is evaluated on it. Trueness based Upon when one is faithful, do they persist In the midst of opposition in Hebrews chapter 11, the Hebrew Writer, as he is writing to these Jewish Christians that are beginning to suffer persecution. You read in the end of chapter 10, that they were beginning to suffer.

They had those who were working against them, but they had not yet. As the Hebrew writer says suffered to the shedding Of blood, they Then are presented in Hebrews chapter 11 individual after individual, after individual in the old Testament who was faithful and every single One of them from The first Abel, all the way to the last and all those who were given in that list at the end of chapter 11,

were faithful in the midst of opposition, whether internal or External and the Hebrew writer, It says in chapter 12, verse one, therefore we also, therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great, a cloud of witnesses, all those examples, chapter 11, let us lay aside every weight and the sin, which so easily ensnares us and let us run within Durance with patience,

the race Before us. But he doesn’t say, Look at those examples you see in the old Testament, look at those examples you read from those scriptures and then do what they did We’re to learn from their examples. But the, The shining example that he places in front Of us is verse two. He said, let us lay aside every weight and every sin,

which ensnares us, let us lay aside every weight that drags us down. Let us run with endurance. The race set before us looking Unto Jesus, the Author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross despising, the shame and his sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. As the Hebrew writer,

pictures, our lives as the Hebrew writer, pictures are Christianity. He says, in order for you to be faithful in order for you to run the race to the end, in order for you to make it through this marathon, that is life being faithful to God. You need to set your eyes On Christ. You need to look to Christ because for the joy that was set before him,

he endured Ross because of the goal. It accomplished the authorizing of our salvation. So as we consider Jesus faithful in Suffering, let us notice a few Areas in which he was faithful and how we can learn from them. We begin in first, Peter chapter two first Peter chapter two, Peter writes about the suffering of Christ and first Peter chapter two. And in verse 19,

Peter writes for this is commendable Because the conscience towards God, one endures, grief, suffering wrongfully, for what credit is it. If when you are beaten for your fault, you take it patiently. In the midst of this, he’s talking about their struggles. He’s talking about suffering. He’s talking about difficulties that arise as Christians. And he’s saying, if you suffer,

if you are beaten with many stripes, because you’re guilty, What profit do you have? You what you deserved? But he says, instead, if you endure suffering wrongfully, when you do good and suffer verse 20. So notice what they did. They did good. And what did they get as a result suffering when you do good and suffer. If you take it patiently,

this is commendable before God for, to this, you Called, he said, As to this, you were called because Christ also suffered For us. Now, What did he bruise? Chapter 12, verse two. Say looking unto Jesus, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, why did he do that? To author? Our salvation?

Peter says, Christ is our example because he suffered for us leaving us an example that you should follow in his steps, who committed no sin nor was deceit found in his mouth. That comes from Isaiah Chapter 53, 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.

Peter uses an example. As he starts out here of Christ and his suffering. He first and foremost says Christ was one who suffered. And when he was reviled, when he was spoken against, he did not revile in return. He did not come back at them as he was being accused. Turn over to Matthew chapter 27, keep your finger in first,

Peter chapter three, we’re not done there, but man, Chapter 27, we read about these events Beginning in verse 11. Now Jesus stood before the governor who was ponchos pilot. And the governor asked him saying, are you the King of the Jews? Jesus said to him, it is, as you say, and while he was being accused by the chief priests and elders,

He answered nothing as he was being accused, Something, he was not guilty of blast. God, he answered nothing. And this is It. Doesn’t go unnoticed. Notice what we read beginning in verse 13. Then pilot said to him, do you not hear how many things they testify against? But he answered him not one word so that the governor marveled greatly Jesus while being reviled,

while Being accused of that, of which he was not guilty of being accused of being a, an, an individual who with whom is, was guile, an individual who would blaspheme God and individual who would teach against the law of Moses, an individual who was worthy of death, an individual who was guilty of all of these things of which he was guilty of.

One of them in response, said nothing. And yet didn’t change his actions. Jesus understood that his faithful actions and his faithful words to that point stood as his rebuttal to their accusations. He didn’t need to plead his case. He didn’t need to revile them in return. He didn’t need to make accusations against them falsely the same way they were making accusations against him,

against him. He didn’t even need to make accusations against them For his actions. And his faithfulness was its own testimony, but then consider as well. We turned back to first Peter chapter three, we read again and Verse 22 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. Now, when, when Peter says that he committed himself to him who judges righteously, does he mean pilot? Does he mean this? Peter in 10 for us to understand that when Jesus was standing there saying nothing, that he was expecting pilot to judge righteous judgment, No, this is Not Peter’s prescription nor Jesus’s actions declaring to us how we will get justice from an earthly judge.

This is Jesus setting forth an example. I have one who knows that the judgment and the judge who really Matters isn’t on this earth And that the actions taken by any judge on this earth doesn’t matter In eternity. And so when Jesus did not threaten, but committed Himself to him who judges, he was committing himself to the Lord’s judgment and not To males.

But then we Read verse 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 As Peter grabs forward, Isaiah chapter 53, and the example and testimony of Christ actions and brings them forward to us, to those who are reading that, which he is writing.

He says you, if you’re beaten because you’re guilty deserve it, Which Might cause all of us to step back and question. Well, wait a minute. If I suffer For sins, don’t I deserve it. Let me ask it another way. Which one of us here gets to raise our hand and say, I’m sinless. Therefore I don’t deserve any stripes.

And the answer is none of us. So what’s Peter saying, you get what you deserve. No, he’s saying you covered by the blood of Christ. Washed from your sins. No longer deserve the stress Types you obtained or you earned by your sins. By his stripes. You are healed, healed from what healed from sin now Christ for the joy set before him off Third,

our salvation by enduring the cross and set an example for us of one who, when reviled did not revile again, when he endured grief did not return it. When he suffered wrongfully, he did not react in Turn, But I also want us to understand that he didn’t just suffer from his accusers, the chief priests And elders. He did not just suffer from the governor who chose instead of releasing an innocent man to put him to Death on the cross,

the suffering was much deeper than that. It went beyond that. Some of us are willing to suffer when an enemy opposes us. Yes, and yet we don’t learn to be faithful when a friend opposes us. And yet when Jesus endured grief, suffering, wrongfully, he didn’t just suffer from those who were his enemies. He suffered from those who were His friends,

Luke chapter 22, Luke Chapter 22 beginning in verse 19, We read about one who betrayed Jesus, Luke chapter 22 verse 19, just a minute. I’m in the wrong verse, 47. You know what? It would help if I’d read the right line. That’s the problem. I read 22. And then I looked at the light above it for a verse.

It was all right, Luke chapter 22, verse 47. And while he was still speaking, he’s in the garden, behold, a multitude. And he who was called Judas, one of the 12 when, before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said to him, Judas are you betraying the son of man with a kiss?

When those around him saw what was going to happen, they said to him, Lord, shall we strike with The sword? And one Of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus answered and said permit even this. And he touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priest, captains of the temple and the elders who had come to him,

have you come out against a robber with swords and clubs? When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize me, but this is your Power and the power of darkness in the garden. When Jesus was finished, praying Judas comes, you remember in the upper room there in John’s record of the gospels Judas after Jesus had shared that bread and that sup with the one who would betray,

I am went out. He went out to arrange this moment. John tells us that Judas Was the thief that this wasn’t the first betrayal. And yet this man still day in and day out, looked like a friend of Jesus in the Midst of the storm, on the sea of Galilee. When the winds and the waves were throwing over the boat. When Jesus was asleep in the back,

Judas, wasn’t off on the land saying this isn’t the son of God. Judas was in the boat. Jesus took the fish and the loaves and handed it to the apostles and tell them to go into the multitude and to give them food. Gee Judas was carrying a basket When Jesus was in the temple and pronounced wall after wall, after wall, after wall,

after wall, after Whoa, after Whoa against the scribes and the Pharisees for being hypocrites, Judas was listening. But when the chief priests offered 30 pieces of silver for someone to betray Jesus Judas was listening in the midst of the possibility of prosperity. Judas chose to be unfaithful and yet facing a betrayer who was a friend, Jesus continued to be faithful. Some might say,

well, yes, but, but Jesus knew that Judas was going to betray him. Yeah, he did. The Jesus also knew that there was somebody else standing right there who was going to betray him too. And I know that because he had already told him he would Luke chapter 22, verse 31, the Lord said to Simon, Simon, Simon,

indeed. Satan has asked For you that he may shift you as wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith should not fail. And when you have returned to me, strengthen your brethren, What does Jesus mean returned To me? What does Jesus mean when he’s talking to Simon, Peter and saying, there’s going to be a point where you are going to die.

Cozort but when you come back, strengthen your brethren, Verse 33. But he said that he, I am Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison. And the death. Peter Looked in, evaluated his own heart and looked at his own life and evaluated himself and said, I’m ready to die for you. You, you read further on.

And we just did concerning the one who cut off the servant, the servant of the high priest ear. And we’re not told by Luke who did it, but we’re told Where, who did Peter, when Those who oppose Jesus came, Peter said, I can be faithful. He pulled out his sword and he chopped off this servant’s ear. And Jesus put it back on because That wasn’t the faithfulness.

Jesus. Wow, Jesus didn’t Want a person who would be faithful by fighting back physically against someone who opposes the spirit of God Spiritually. He Wanted someone who would fight back Spiritually Against someone who would oppose them Physically. Then he Christ verse 34 said, I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not Crow this day before you will deny me. Three times 56 of chapter,

22 and a certain servant girl. Seeing him as he sat by the fire. This is Peter looked intently at him and said, this man was also with him. Jesus. He denied him saying woman. I do not know him. And after a little while another saw him and said, you are also of them. But Peter said, man, I am not.

Then after about an hour had passed another confidently. Affirmed saying, surely this fellow also was with him for, he is a Galilean. But Peter said, man, I do not know what you are saying immediately. While He was still speaking, the rooster crowed And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him before the rooster crows,

you will deny me three times. So Peter went out And wept bitterly. All of this, we bring up to remind ourselves. It’s one thing to say, I’m going to stand faithful and fight against the opposition of, And those who oppose God and Peter would have done that. It’s another thing to say, I’m going to be faithful. And I’m going to stand up to the opposition even when it’s profitable And Judas could have done that.

But he didn’t. It’s another thing entirely to say, I’m going to be faithful and I’m going to stand up when everyone’s looking at me and it looks like everything is lost Because Peter who thought I’ll stand up to anything. Didn’t stand up to that. Jesus though was faithful. When enduring grief suffering wrongfully by those who were against him, his enemies by those who claim to be as friends,

but were hypocrites. And even by one of his most trusted students and friends who would deny him still, he was faithful in Mark chapter 14, Mark chapter 14. We also find out that Jesus was faithful. Even when he wanted something different. When we choose faithfulness, when we Choose to remain faithful To God, it Will not always be Our first choice.

It will not always be what seems like what we want in that Moment. It will Not always be what seems like the best decision For us. How many times have you heard? Yeah. You know what I’m we, we’ve just, we’ve given a lot of consideration to what’s best for our Family. And we’re going to go do this, or we’re going to stop doing that.

We’re looking At what’s best for us. Had Jesus made that evaluation and done what was best for him. Notice what we read would have happened in Mark chapter 14, beginning in verse 32, Mark recorded Tourists. Then they came to a place which was named Gus eMoney. And he said to his disciples, sit here while I pray. And he took and James and John with him and he began to be troubled and deeply distressed.

Then he said to them, my soul is exceedingly sorrowful. Even to death, stay here and watch. And he went a little further and fell on the ground and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass, Pass from him. What do you think Jesus had done? Jesus had looked at what was coming, looked at the situation and he knew what was best For him from a physical standpoint.

Okay. From an earthly standpoint, from the, the perspective of one who’s alive and not wanting to suffer, He knew what was best for him. And yet notice what he prayed That this hour might pass from him, verse 36. And he said, Abba, father, all things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Nevertheless,

not what I, But what you will. What is that statement? That statement is encapsulated in a, in it, the whole premise of faithfulness, because to be faithful means to take someone else and their importance and their needs and their responsibilities and their wants and their wishes and their will, and put it above your own. Even when it costs you,

we read further, He came and found them sleeping and said to Peter Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour watch and pray less. You enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Again. He went away and prayed and spoke to the same words. And when he returned, he found them asleep again for their eyes were heavy and they did not know what to answer him.

Then he came the third time and said to them, are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough. The hour has come behold. The son of man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners rise. Let us be going. See my betrayer is at hand. And if you Know, the rest of the story, Judas has coming, Jesus is faithful when he desired something else.

Jeez, Jesus is faithful in during grief suffering wrongs Fully. Jesus is also faithful knowing the outcome before it happens, turn to John chapter three. So many times in life, we look back at what’s happened. And we think if I had only known that would have done something different, there’s a, an event with a tree that immediately immediately comes to my mind.

If only I had known what it was going to cost, what I was going to suffer, not talking about me, talking about Christ. If I had only known what it was going to require to be a Christian, I would have done something else. I never would have done this, but Jesus knew Jesus knew before he ever left heaven. What it was going to require if he came to earth in John Head For three,

as Jesus is speaking with Nicodemus, one of the teachers of the Jews, One of the council, he Says, verse nine, nicotine is answered and said, how can these things be Jesus answered and said to him, are you a teacher of Israel? And do not know these things most assuredly. I say to you, we speak what we know and testify what we have seen.

And you do not receive our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things, no one has ascended to heaven, but he who came down from heaven. That is the son of man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so much,

the son of man be lifted Up. Jesus said when I was in heaven, I came here and I knew Why I was coming as Mo Is lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the son of man be lifted up. That whoever believes in him should not perish, but have ever have eternal life 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 for God did not send his world, his son into the world to condemn the world. But as the world through him might Be saved. Who believes in him is not condemned, but he who does not believe is condemned already because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten son of God.

And this is the condemnation that the light has come into the world. And men loved darkness Rather than light because their deeds were evil Or everyone practicing evil, hates the light and does not come to the light. Lest his deeds should be exposed, but he who does the truth comes to the light that his deeds may be clearly seen, That they have been done in God.

Jesus was not faithful to God in the garden out of Blind hope that it would quote All work out. Jesus did not face Judas and his accusers looking at pilot thinking, surely God will figure out how to let me Outta here. So I’ll just stay faithful. G Jesus did not look at the centurions and those who were holding those, the, the scourge thinking.

If I just get through this without giving up God, They go so often. And I, we think through our minds, if I can just get through Through this, it’ll all get better. If I just endure long enough, it will turn out. Okay. I’ll realize on the other end of this, why I had to go through this Suffering With our mindset being,

it’ll still be all right. Wow. We’re still here on this earth. And yet that is not the lesson of faithfulness that the Lord presents to us. Peter says he was faithful in trusting himself to the one who judges righteously. Now let me ask you was Jesus Christ. Hope that alive Him to be faithful for the joy that was set before him enduring the cross despising the shame and is now set down on the right hand of God,

was his hope on anything that would change in this Life in regards to his physical circumstance and the answer’s no, his hope was in spite of knowing it would cost him his life. And yet he would give it joyfully because that’s what faithfulness required. Romans chapter 15, we started this lesson in Hebrews where the Hebrew Writer is telling these Christians, you look back at those examples of faith and then you look to Jesus And you be faithful because they were,

and he is, And end this lesson in Romans chapter 15, because Paul in writing to the church at Rome, says, verse one, we then who are strong ought to hear or out to bear with the scruples of the weak and not to please ourselves, let each of us, please his neighbor for his good leading to edification for even Christ did not please himself.

But as it is written, the reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me. Let’s let’s, let’s pull out of that. What that passage says, the reproaches of those, everyone, whoever sin, who reproached you, God, the father fell on me, Christ the son For whatever things were written were written for our learning that We through the patience and comfort of the scriptures Might have hope.

Now May the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another. According to Christ Jesus that You may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul writes to these Christians, okay. And says the things that were written before that’s the old Testament scriptures were written for our learning that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might Have hope.

And then He points us to Jesus And his suffering And our transgressions that fell on him and said, now you To learn, Not just to be blessed because you’re part of his body, but to suffer And never turn back. Jesus Christ faithful in suffering, faithful in during grief, suffering, wrongfully faithful. When opposed by enemies, faithful, when betrayed by friends,

faithful when denied by those closest to him, faithful, knowing what it was going to cost before he ever came and faithful, even when he wanted something else. And that is what it means to be faithful. If you’re outside The body of Christ this morning, you are outside of the place where salvation Is found. All Of these passages have told us that Jesus Christ came To purchase our Redemption,

to cleanse us of sins. That by his stripes, we might be healed. So then how are We healed? We’re healed by the blood of Christ. We had read the beginning of John chapter three. We would have read where Jesus said to Nicodemus. That one must be born again. He must be born again by the spirit And water. And Jesus is speaking of baptism.

One Is born again, dying to their old sins, rising to walk in newness of life. Because in baptism, they come in contact with the blood of Christ and that Heals our sins. But then we better do that. Knowing it is not a decision that comes without consequences for Paul writes to Timothy that all, All those who live godly in Christ,

Jesus will, Will suffer. So we better be ready. We better be ready to be faithful. No matter the price. John Would write to those Christians in the first Century and would write To them in revelation chapter two and say, be faithful Unto death. And you will receive the crown of life. It is that passage encapsulated all Saying, you commit yourself to him who righteously the same way Jesus did.

If you’re a Christian and you’ve become unfaithful, you can come back. If you have need of the invitation, why not come now as we stand and as we sing<inaudible> Oh, you for the trusting and his grace, this Oh, you washed and blah. Oh, you<inaudible>. And so cleansing<inaudible> Oh yeah.<inaudible> no. Oh, you washed and<inaudible>.

Oh, you walking daily by the sea. Oh, you<inaudible> do you<inaudible> you arched and blah<inaudible>. Oh, you are adjusting blah. And so cleansing blah<inaudible>. Oh yeah.<inaudible> no. Oh, you washed and<inaudible> they? God, man.<inaudible> and<inaudible> NASA fountain wing for the so clean washed and blah, blah<inaudible>. Oh,

you<inaudible> and blah. And so cleansing blah<inaudible>. Oh yeah.<inaudible> no, you washed and blah of the song before our closing prayer will be number 508, a wonderful savior. Number five, zero eight. Oh, wonderful. Save your is Jesus.<inaudible> save your to me. He, he hide is my soul and come on after the rock<inaudible> I see he hide it’s my song and the Clapham rock shadows,

dry, thirsty.<inaudible> he hide with my life and that DAP there’s<inaudible> and<inaudible> no one knew for save your is Jesus. My Lord. He is my burden.<inaudible> he holds me up and I shall not be moved. He gave me strength as my daddy. He hide it’s my song and the cleft of the rock. Nah, it’s a dry thirsty.<inaudible> he<inaudible> me there with<inaudible><inaudible> with number there’s blessings.

It’s more many crowns and filled with this nasty. Ah, I seeing and my raps. Oh, glory to God.<inaudible> he high with my song and the cleft of the rock. NA shadows, dry thirsty.<inaudible> he?<inaudible><inaudible>. Dan is Brian. Nick<inaudible> rise to meet him in clouds of the sky is perfect. Salvation. His wonderful love shod with the male Yens on,

ah, he ha it it’s my song and the clapped of the rock and a shot. Dry thirsty.<inaudible> he? God, it’s my life.<inaudible>. And there’s me there with<inaudible> and covers me there with his, Would you bow with me? Our heavenly father. We thank you for this beautiful day. We thank you for all blessings that we receive from you.

Our heavenly father, we thank you for the privilege that we’ve had to take to sang songs of praise to you and study your word. We pray that people throughout the world, my Sunday enjoy this privileged year on our heavenly father. We pray for each of the sick mentioned here today. We pray that if it be your wheel, that they might enjoy their health.

Once more, our heavenly father’s. We prepared to leave this building. We ask that you protect us and keep us safe and that you continue to forgive us of our sins. As we were penalties, the saints we ask in Christ’s name. Amen.

Automated Transcript:

Good morning, hope everyone is doing well. It seems like I remember just about a week ago, there was white stuff on the ground. What happened to that? I got up here with no sets of questions. Will you go get me a, a set of the questions, Not recording, hit the format button And it should format the card When it’s done with that.

Try again. Yes. All right. We are in acts chapter nine. We got down to Around verse 16 and seven, 16 or 17. So we’ll proceed through the remainder of the first lesson, two 56 down through verse 31, and then we’ll cover the questions for that. And then we’ll get into the remainder of the chapter. Let’s begin though,

with a word of prayer, our most Holy father in heaven, we are grateful for this day, humbled to have the opportunity to assemble together, to worship you, to praise your name, to glorify you. We are grateful for the weather. We are grateful for the health that we have to be out and assembled together. We are mindful of those who because of illness because of health reasons,

difficulties cannot make it out to assemble with us. We pray for those who are involved in mission works throughout the world, in this country. And in countries abroad, we know many times in those situations, they have great difficulties and situations to overcome, and we pray that you will bless them as they remain sound in the faith that they might also prosper in health and in their work,

we pray that you will be with us as we go throughout this period of study, may the things that we read here concerning Saul and concerning Peter and concerning the Christians in the first century, be those things which exhort us to greater knowledge and greater understanding of your word. All this, we pray in Jesus name. Amen. So on Wednesday we were discussing Saul of Tarsus and his journey on the road to Damascus and,

and his seeing of the light that shone from heaven, hearing the voice that spoke to him from heaven. And he asked the question who, who are you Lord? And because the question or the statement that was made to him is Saul. Saul. Why persecute us vow me? The response that Saul makes is who art thou Lord. And the reply is I am Jesus of Nazareth with whom thou persecute us.

God appears to Saul. And God Christ specifically makes it clear that what Saul is doing right now at that point in his life was not correct. That it was the exact opposite of what God would have him to do. Even though he sincerely with all his heart believed it was exactly what God would have him do. And in this, we see one Of the great struggles Of believing people,

because believe in something Doesn’t make that thing True. The fact that it is true Means we ought to believe in it, but that doesn’t work in the opposite direction. The fact that you believe in it doesn’t make it true. And Saul found that out. Saul would make it clear later on in life. When he was put on trial before a grip,

when he was put on trial before others w when he was speaking to the Galatians and writing to the churches that everything he did in his life was done in good conscience, everything he did in life, as far as his actions in, before he was a Christian. And after we’re done in an attempt to please God, but that doesn’t mean that They were.

And so See, have the burden, the responsibility individually, there are elders in the church who have the responsibility for congregations to feed and to shepherd a flock. There are teachers who have responsibility to make sure that they teach that, which is correct. And in accordance with God’s word, but we individually will stand before God on the day of judgment and be held accountable.

Not for our neighbor, not for our friend, not for our spouse, not for our children and not for our parents, but For ourselves. What did we do With the word of God? What did we do with the access and the opportunity and the ability that we received To understand what God expects of us? And if we did not verify our beliefs,

we will be held accountable for those beliefs and the fact that they’re false. Okay. So Saul is Confronted by Jesus on the road to Damascus and Jesus true, true or false. Jesus tells him immediately what he needs to do to rectify the situation Faults. What did Jesus tell him to do? Go to Damascus and do what wait is. As we get into the beginning in This introduction,

in the life of Saul, you know, those who as Paul Harvey was saying, no, the rest of the story, you know, that you’re looking at a new Testament that, that 13 or 14 of the, of the books, more, at least half or more of the books of the new Testament are written by this man. And yet, if you’re just getting into The account of,

you don’t know the end of the story, you’re going, wow, this guy is going to do a lot of Waiting because we’re going to find Out from what Paul tells the church at Glacia that after his conversion, there’s still going to be another three years before a lot of the things that we’re going to read about in chapter nine, even finish happening,

Luke’s Going to record it. The way to Luke has a tendency to this happened. This happened, this happened, this happened because he’s getting he’s, he’s moving, he’s getting you through the history, but, but Paul will later on tell us. And I spent three years here. We are doing this. And he does It doesn’t really even tell us what he was doing,

but there’s just a three-year time span where he’s not even on the scene of what’s going on. Okay? So all of this is important as we get into this, because God tells Saul, you go to Damascus and you Wait, and I will send one to you and an ISA. And he will tell you what You must do. And so Saul goes to Damascus.

Now, when he travels the remainder of the way to Damascus, he just gets back on his donkey. Because of course, you always see the pictures of the event and he’s on a donkey when this happens, right? Always no, ma’am, I wouldn’t have a donkey anywhere in the text. Just, just so you know, he didn’t fall off a donkey when this,

So, but he just Gets up and starts walking the rest of way to Damascus, right? No he’s Blind. Who helps him the rest of the way to Damascus The men who were with him. And We read about them here in this text, they, they All right. They heard a voice, but they didn’t see anybody. If you go to the other Passengers where Paul’s recounting this during his trials,

Paul will indicate that they heard the voice and didn’t understand Was sad, but there’s a little Clue in what Paul says, because in one of his recounting of this event, he specifically mentions that he was spoken to in the heat Brew tongue. Well, as a woman, Individual who grew up and was tutored under Gemayel, as one who was part of the Pharisees,

as one who was schooled in the law, Paul would have learned the Hebrew tongue, but most Jews at this point in time didn’t know Hebrew, they were speaking Greek, like the rest of the common world, excuse me. So the likelihood is you have these individuals who are with him, they see the light by all indications, they hear the voice,

but they don’t understand the conversation happening because they don’t speak Hebrew. So just like if I were standing in a room with two people speaking, Italian, I would hear a voice. Now, in that case, I’d see somebody, but I’d hear a voice. And I wouldn’t understand what was being said. That’s the indication of the events going on here.

So these men lead him to Damascus. They know he can’t see, they have no idea. What’s transpired. The indication is he’s not telling them what’s transpired, but they lead him to mask. Is there, he waits for three days and three nights praying and not eating, not drinking, waiting and praying. So then the Lord appears to Anna, nice sins and an ice and division sends an ISA to solve Tarsus.

And an ISDN immediately is excited to go see Saul of Tarsus right now. And, and I S reminds the Lord. You, you do remember why he came here, right? He, you, you know what he’s done to the church in Jerusalem, right? And the Lord makes it clear. He’s my servant. And he will be my instrument to take the gospel to the Gentiles and verse 16.

I will show him how many things he must suffer for my namesake. There are a few of the old Testament prophets, where as you’re going through the old Testament, you’re introduced to this prophet. And you’re you get a record of, as it were their commission, where God initially says to them, this is what you’re going to do. And this is how I’m going to use you.

And almost invariably, it went a lot like Moses’s commission. You remember when Moses went to Mount Sinai or sorry, saw the burning Bush. And he was there on the mountain, which by the way was Mount Sinai. But he he’s there. He sees the burning Bush. God speaks to him from the burning Bush. And God tells him, I’m sending you to,

And he’s not going to listen to you. Well, same way with Jeremiah. God will tell Jeremiah, I’m sending you to this people and they’re not going to hear you. And they’re not going to listen to you, but you’re going to speak my words anyway. And a number of times, and almost every time that you read the commission of a prophet,

you read, I’m going to send you, I’m going to speak through you. And they’re going to reject you Here. In this point in time, you see God saying, I’m going to use Saul. And Saul is going to be my instrument to teach the gospel, and many would receive the word, but who would reject him His own people, Or Paul would write in Romans that he had a desire for Israel to be saved.

He wrote that if he could exchange his own soul for theirs, he would do it, but it would be his own people that would reject him for all the same reasons, really that he rejected the Christians to begin with. And those reasons were he had been Lied to. He had been deceived instead of these Teachers and profits, and are these teachers and priests and lawyers teaching the law,

They had taught their traditions and stuff. Instead of them teaching the truth from God, they had taught their opinions. And when the truth came, they weren’t ready for it. You see When God gives you the truth and hands you the truth, and you learn the truth and you hold fast to the truth. You’re always ready for more truth. You’re always Ready for the next truth that you learn that comes from God,

because you’ve built a foundation of hearing, believing and obeying the truth. Now that doesn’t mean the truth you’re going to find out is going to be Easy. So often We dig into this book and we run into something and go, Oh, Oh, That’s going to require a little bit out of me. How About this one? When Jesus looks at those disciples and those people on the mountain says,

when someone strikes you on one cheek, Okay. Turn to him the other also. Now, now, If we actually honestly go and apply that in Our lives, not all the way At the point, not only all the way at the points where physically strikes us, but down to the personal inner interactions and relationships where we have where we’re Tim did,

because someone did something that we didn’t like to turn around and do the same thing back to them. We’re taught instead to suffer wrong and do good in return. Saul of Tarsus is going to go from one who had caused so much suffering to being one who would endure so much suffering, that there will be a Holy spirit inspired list for us to go back to in second Corinthians and realize everything he went through.

So Jesus would say, I will show him how many things he must suffer for my namesake. And an ice went his way and entered the house and laying his hands on him said, brother saw the Lord. Jesus, who appeared to you on the road. As you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy spirit.

How do you know Jesus tells him to go wait for someone to tell him what he must do, but, but how does Saul know that this man is really the one who’s going to be able to tell him what he must do. And, and I is, is going to provide him some details that Anna Niaz could not possibly have known, because remember you have Saul and his men traveling by all indications alone.

And the light comes down from heaven and who’s who are the only ones who see it, Saul and his men. And who’s the only one who hears the conversation, Saul, as far as hearing it and understanding it. So the only one who knows who spoke to him on the road is him. And there’s no indication. He’s been telling anybody who it was,

but, and I is, comes and says, I know who it was. And I know what he said. And here he says that he is, as you came, has sent me to you, that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy spirit. Immediately. There fell from his eyes, something like scales. And he received his sight at once and he arose and was baptized.

So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus immediately, we read verse 20. He preached the Christ in the synagogues and he, or excuse me, that he is the son of God. Now he showed up in Damascus To do what Persecute, anyone who called themselves After Christ. The very first reference we have once he gets into Damascus,

which we discussed Damascus is not a Jewish city. It’s a Gentile city, but there was a Jewish synagogue there. The very first reference we have of him entering the synagogue. The word had to have already come around because Anna Niaz already knows about it. Saul of Tarsus is coming with letters from the, from the priest to be able to put these people in prison,

to be able to persecute them. And the first time he walks through the door, what do you think the Jews in the synagogue were expecting him to say, I’m here with the letters. I’m here to deal with these guys. And he walks in the door and he does what Preaches that Jesus Christ is the son of God. You, I would imagine the people sitting in that synagogue,

What happened? We know where he started, but so something in the middle is missing here. What happened to Saul verse 21, then all who heard were amazed and said, is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem and has come here for that purpose so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests. But Saul increased all the more in strength and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus,

Moving that this is the Christ. He did. I didn’t just set out to say, someone appeared to me on the Road. And He said, he was Jesus. Therefore you need to believe me. That was not what Saul did. Saul didn’t preach his conversion. Saul didn’t preach his Mo Jesus miraculously appeared to me on the road to Damascus, no Solve,

Preach Jesus Christ from the old Testament. He went To the scriptures and Prove that Jesus was the Messiah. They were waiting for Question. When Saul was sitting at the feet of<inaudible> learning, Learning those scriptures and learning that law Was the evidence all ready there to prove that Jesus was the Christ. Yes, it was Why couldn’t solve. Prove it. Before Jesus appeared to him,

the answer is he could have, if he didn’t ignore the evidence That gets us Right back to the discussion we had, right, as we started this class. And that is that. So often we have our beliefs and we accept the truth that matches our beliefs and ignore the truth that doesn’t match our beliefs. And that’s what solid done. Because as soon as he knew that Jesus was the Christ,

the son of God, the Messiah, he didn’t have to go, all right, I got to go back to school and I need to relearn all this stuff, because apparently I misunderstood the scriptures all these years. There’s a bunch of scriptures. I just never ran into no, There were a bunch of scriptures. He never properly applied that he already knew.

And so he went and took the same knowledge he already had and taught the exact opposite of what he had always been taught, because it wasn’t a problem with the truth. That was what he read. It was a problem of the willingness to accept the truth in front of his eyes. And we’ve got to be careful about that. Not enough to say,

you know what? I go to this church. I do this. This has been good enough for me all my life. This has been good enough for my mother, my grandmother, my, it doesn’t matter. Everybody in Saul’s ancestry believed what he believed. And the most reputable people, he knew believed what he believed. Didn’t make it right. What made it right was when he finally agreed with God.

So He begins to increase more and more in strength, confounds, the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ. Now, after many days, we’re past the Jews plotted to kill Him. Are I the tables now turn, he was the one who was killing people before now. They’re going all right. Well, we got to get rid of this guy.

This guy has a problem. So they plot to kill him, but their plot became known to Saul and they watched the Gates day and night to kill him. Now, interestingly, they, they, they seek to do this at the Gates. What were the Gates generally speaking in a city in this day and time, All right. Place of commerce,

place of judgment, place of where, you know, when someone was to be judged, they would bring them to the Gates. This is where, this is where the men of renown and those who were high up would often sit in the Gates, The city. So they’re seeking To do an injustice In the place of justice, but they did the same thing to Jesus.

They took Jesus to the courts to be tried so that they go, You have an improper trial and deceive people into believing that he had done something worthy of death. Okay? So this isn’t strange, this isn’t new. Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket. And when solid come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples,

but they were all afraid of him and did not believe that he was a disciple, but Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road and that he had spoken to him and how he had preached boldly of Damascus in the name of Jesus, this Barnabas, when were we first introduced to him in the book of acts,

Okay. They’re in the end of acts, chapter four, Barnabas is among the Christians who sold property that they owned, gave it to, gave the proceeds of it to the church, to help those Christians who were in need in Jerusalem. And so we, we read about him there and that’s just kind of a passing thing we learned about this Barnabas,

this one who does this, now here comes Barnabas. Again, Barbara’s comes in. He’s known among the Jews or sorry, the Christians in Jerusalem. And he comes in and he vouches for Saul of Tarsus. He says, This is what happened to this man. And I will verify It. Okay. So Then he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out.

And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord, Jesus and disputed against the healthiness. But they attempted to kill him. Second location where Saul finds himself. Again, he, He speaks long enough, speaks loud enough, tells the truth and enough that people want Him dead. Now in the Intervening years, you go read the book of Galatians. And for the sake of time,

we’re not, we don’t have time, really go do that. But if you go read Galatians chapters one and two and Galatians chapter four, you will read the history that’s in here that Luke doesn’t mention. You’ll read about the three years he spends at Sinai. He comes and begins preaching. You’ll read about the time before he arrived in Jerusalem. You’ll read about Paul,

making sure the Galatians brethren understand that what he preached didn’t originate in Jerusalem. What he preached didn’t originate with the other apostles. What he preached had been given to him directly From Jesus Christ. So somewhere in the intervening time, Jesus prepares Saul to be an apostle. Now it’s of interest That the disciples were with Jesus, How long, approximately three years.

And over In the book of Galatians, Paul references, the fact that after he left Damascus, when he escapes through the wall in a basket, he goes to Sinai for three years. He doesn’t say what he’s doing there. He’s, doesn’t say what’s going on. But just like just Interesting analogies here, just lie. Big Moses gets Put at Sinai to go prepare,

To go to Egypt because remember That’s where the burning Bush happens. God tells Moses I’m sending you to Egypt. And you’re going to bring the people back To this mountain where I appeared to you. So the burning Bush was on Sinai. Moses was on Sinai. God Sent Moses from there, brought Him back. There went<inaudible> is discouraged and running away from Jesse rebel.

Where does he go? Sinai? The text tells us, he goes to Sinai. All of these seemingly repetitions in all Old Testament and new Testament history where God takes someone he’s ready Use and says, let me get you ready to be used. And For three years, Jesus with was with the other apostles. And for three Years, Saul is at Sinai.

Now My opinion and nothing more than that, that it’s during those three years, That Jesus teaches Saul. How he does that. I’m assuming he does it through the Holy spirit, but Teaches Saul what he Needs to know to do what he needs to do, because that’s what he did with the other apostles. And It is going to be of interest that when he comes to Jerusalem,

he comes, they’re not. And he’ll explain this in Galatians. He comes there not to be made an apostle by the other apostles. He’s already an apostle who can make someone an apostle Jesus Christ and him alone. You remember when they’re trying, when they’re replacing Judas, is it the apostles who choose the apostle to replace Judas? Or is it God it’s God.

Okay. So all of this is leading us to this understanding. Number one, he doesn’t preach what the apostles gave him. He preaches what God gave him. He didn’t originate it as an apostle because the apostles made him one. He became an apostle by Jesus Christ. And he first meets the apostles after all of that’s already transpired. But when he first meets the apostles was who they want to do with him,

nothing. They don’t want to have anything to do with him because they’re still afraid that this is all an elaborate ruse. And so it is Barnabas testimony that will cause him to be able to be joined together to these apostles in Jerusalem. So verse 31, then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee and Samaria, I skipped a verse, wait a minute,

verse 30. When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Cesarea and sent him out to Tarsus. So he’s gone back home. Saul of Tarsus makes it back to Tarsus, verse 31. Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee and Samaria had peace and were edified and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy spirit they were multiplied.

Okay. So in the midst of the persecution, they’ve undergone in the midst of the struggles that the hands of the Jews that they’ve they’ve endured, who do they fear the Jews or the Lord? The Lord. Do you remember what Jesus told his apostles? When he was sending them out? Matthew chapter 10, do not fear what men can do to you do not fear him who can kill the body,

but cannot destroy the soul. Fear him who can destroy both body and soul in hell. And so their reverence, their all their respect, their fear. And that’s using the fear in the common sense. Then not the way we use it now of being terrified. Their fear was of God and not men. Okay. So then verse 32. Now,

actually I was going to go through the question. Let’s go through the questions and then we’ll go through the remainder of the chapter. Briefly question number one Less than two 56. Why was Saul going to demands? Discuss All right. Persecute and arrest. Christians, question two. How did Jesus appear to Sol? All right. A light from heaven. What did solves traveling,

companions, hear and see. All right. They heard a voice, but saw no man. For what reason did Jesus tell Saul to go into Damascus? All right. To be told what he needed to do Vision to Anna Niaz what did the Lord say would be SOL’s work The gospel to the Gentiles. Okay. When saw or when was Saul baptized After you?

The site, when Anna Niaz came to him, what did Saul do after his battle? He went to the synagogue to preach. Why was it necessary for Saul to escape from demands? Ask us all right. The Jews were waiting to kill him. How did he get away On the wall? In the basket? When Saul went to Jerusalem, the disciples were afraid of him who took him to the apostles and spoke on his behalf.

Barnabas. Alright, verse 32. Okay. Came to pass. As Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt at Lydda there. He found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, and he is Jesus. The Christ heals. You arise and make your bed.

Then he arose immediately. So all who dwelled at Lydda and Sharon, which was a neighboring city, saw him and turned to the Lord. So this is following up on what we, what we just read in verse 31, that the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee and Samaria had peace and were edified as SU. So they’d gone under this persecution. They had suffered a great deal at the hand of Saul and others.

And now, as soon as that persecution ends, the church begins to flourish. The church begins to grow. The church begins to expand. And so here, Peter goes to this city and you’d begin traveling around teaching and preaching by all indications, he comes to litter, finds this man in the us and heals him after he had been crippled for eight years.

The likelihood is this is a very small town, very small village. Everybody there knows this man. And here comes this one, Peter preaching these things about Jesus. He shows up, he heals this man. And the miracles did exactly what they were always intended to do. They prove that the yes and juror was from God. And if the messenger was from God,

by performing the miracle and seeing the, the truth that this person came from God for, no one could do these things, except he come from God and academia’s tells Jesus in John chapter three, then the message he preached Chis is from God. So all of Lydia and all of Sharon, as a result of this man being healed believe, okay, verse 36 at Joppa,

there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds, which she did, but it happened in those days that she became sick and died when they had washed her and laid her in an upper room. And since Lydda was near Joppa and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him,

imploring him, not to delay in coming to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room and all the widows stood by him, weeping showing the tunics and the garments, which Dorcas had made while she was with them. But Peter them all out and knelt down and prayed and turning to turning to the body.

He said, Tabitha arise. And she opened her eyes. And when she saw Peter, she sat up. Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up. And when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive and it became known throughout all Joppa and many believed on the Lord. So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon,

a Tanner. Okay. So as you’re looking at this situation is you’re seeing Luke bringing in these accounts as again, go back to acts chapter one in your mind, Jesus said you will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem and in Judea and in Sumeria and into the outermost part of the earth. And Luke’s setting the stage for the transition. The big transition begins to happen in chapter 10 and chapter 11.

And then Paul and his missionary works, begin to hit that fourth stage of the growth of the church. Okay. Chapter or sorry, question one. We’ll go ahead and do these questions now because I’m pretty certain we’re going to need the extra time. When we get to acts chapter 10, acts chapter nine, verses 32 through 34 of what condition did Peter heal?

Aeneas who lived at Lydda Alright. Palsy or being crippled. What did the people of litter and Sharon do when they saw the healed man, Aeneas turned to the Lord by what was Dorcas of the city of Joppa known. Okay. For making clothes for the widows. She was also known as Tabitha. Where was Dorcas? His body laid after she died.

All right. Now, upper chamber. What did Peter do and say when he raised up Dorcas<inaudible> Okay. He held her hand and told her to arise. By the way, isn’t there an example of Jesus doing a very similar thing. Yes. Okay. What did the people of Joppa do after Dorcas was raised from the dead? They believed in the Lord.

How did Jesus? This is, comes from Matthew chapter six. How did Jesus address God in his prayer, on the mountain? When he showed the disciples? How to pray, Right? Our father who? Art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. All right. Comments or questions? We got a minute or two left. Yes.<inaudible> Absolutely.

Absolutely. The, the only, you know, one of the main differences that you see there is the occasion of the man of Aeneas being similar to the man who was let down through, through the roof. But what did Peter not say that Jesus did? Your sins are forgiven. You, you remember the reaction of the Pharisees when Jesus immediate statement is not take up diabetic and walk,

it was vices. Be forgiven. They, they go, Oh, who can forgive sins? But God, which was exactly the point. So Peter doesn’t enter into this one with your sins, be forgiven you, he does say arise. And I think it is, it is interesting. He says arise and make your bed. Your, your use for this bed has just changed.

You know, when, when you’re crippled, when you’re bedridden, that’s that’s every moment you spend, you spend in that bed. Now you have a reason to get up and make it. Now you have a reason to get up and depart that bed. It’s just an interesting concept. All right. Thank you for your time and your attention. We are dismissed.

It’s good to see each and every one of you here this morning, and for those members of ours that are still still watching it online, we are glad that we have that tape capability for you to participate in worship God via the internet, or to call in, do have some visitors with us this morning. It’s good to see each and every one of you.

And we are so glad that you chose to come worship God with us this morning. If you did not get a chance yet to pick up your Lord’s supper, it is on the table. In the back behind the back Pew. There now would be a good time while I go through announcements to get that, continue to remember our sick ed Richardson. That’s my father-in-law.

He did have a good day yesterday, which is a great blessing. Barbara Dillard. She’s still recovering from her rotator cuff surgery. Joan Springer Marie says that she is doing a little bit better today in the last couple of days. So that’s good news to hear that she’s feeling a little better. And then Donnie fine again, still recovering from his hip replacement surgery.

Route L Wilson has a followup appointment this week with his heart doctor. So continue to pray for Rodel. Dorothy is still having shortness of breath and weakness and stomach pains. So continue to remember and pray for Dorothy Janie. Marlin’s doctor told her that at this time they cannot do another ablation. He can’t say the word ablation because of the condition of her heart.

So she is going to seek another doctor and get a second opinion on that. Julie Adams, who’s a D Lisa’s 26 year old friend that we talked about on Wednesday night. Continue to pray for her with the aggressive lung cancer that that young lady has. And then Caleb Nelson, Springer’s a friend, a 13 year old friend that was unconscious from a sledding accident.

He is awake now and had surgery on the right side of his jaw. His jaw is wired shut at this time, and he is unable to move the right side of his body. So continue to pray for him. But at least he is out of that coma. I have two cards here. The first one is from Jenny Sanderson, Collierville, church of Christ.

Thank you for your kindness support and comforting words for the, and for the beautiful peace plant. We gratefully appreciate the cards, phone calls, and the kind expression of sympathy at the very difficult time. Jenny Sanderson and the entire two family also have a card here from Shelly and Michael stacks. Dear church, family, thank you for the cards, ham and stopping by Sunday at mom’s funeral.

It meant a lot to Michael and I, we love each one of you and are so blessed to call COVID church of Christ. Home love Michael and Shelly stacks. Other announcements, the Potter children home March pantry item is the individual drink packets that you put into water. And also they were here and picked up the commodities. So if you need a new coin,

can we have the coin cans on the table? Outside of Paula’s office, there feel free to pick one of them up after services today. Our worship service today song leader will be Michael Dale opening prayer as Joe caisson. Lord’s supper will be Tommy O’Neil. Our sermon this morning will be Noah Olson and our closing prayer is Tommy Lassiner. Thank you. My first song this Morning will be Holy ground.

Holy ground. This is<inaudible>. We’re standing on<inaudible> for<inaudible> press and<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> for the<inaudible> prize and<inaudible><inaudible> you? Ah, Oh, ah, perfect.<inaudible> we were<inaudible> for you with ah, made clean by. Jeez, you are. Oh, ah, perfect. And<inaudible> we were<inaudible> for you with<inaudible> made clean by.

Jeez, we<inaudible><inaudible> and I know<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> Hey Jesus.<inaudible> we are standing in his presence on<inaudible> we<inaudible> on<inaudible> and I know that<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> Hey, jeez.<inaudible><inaudible> when we<inaudible><inaudible> when we<inaudible><inaudible> The song before our opening prayer will be number 490. It is well with my soul. It is well with my soul.

When is like<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> and<inaudible> but<inaudible><inaudible> and<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> B roll back as a<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> That’s bow. Oh God, our father in heaven. We true to come before your throne thanking the old God for the love that you have for mankind. And we do pray dear father,

that it is well with our souls, that we’re trying to do our best to live a life that would be pleasing to you. It would give you the honor and the praise and the glory are so thankful. Dear father, for your precious son, coming to this earth and suffering and dying on the cross of Calvary. We’re so grateful for the love that was demonstrated there for each and every one of us for all of mankind.

We pray father that as we have studied your word this morning, that it has strengthened our faith. That has it. It has encouraged us as we go through life to be better servants in the kingdom, that we might be a body of Christ here that is known to be children of yours that are known to be faithful to your word that are known to be caring and loving toward the souls round about us that have never named the name of Jesus father.

We pray that we always keep one another in our thoughts and in our prayers that we are always mindful of one another. As we go through various burdens in life, that we truly are prayerful for each other. And especially for the body of Christ here, we’re thankful there, father that we can come here this day to worship you. We pray in spirit and in truth,

we pray that we are demonstrating our love as we continue to, to sing these songs of praise to you. As we admonish one another through these words, and we give you the praise for mindful father of those that are in other lands, teaching and preaching the gospel. And we pray you help us to continue to support those efforts and be with the ones that are in those other countries,

teaching and preaching the gospel. We pray for your watch and care over them. And that many souls might be able to hear the word proclaimed and that they’re honest hearts that they will no, that is from you. And yeah, it’s your will. And that they will believe and obey that word and become children of yours. Father. We pray that you be with us here,

as we continue to try to reach those in this area where the gospel that you strengthen each and every one of us we might say or do something to those that we come in contact with that will give us that opportunity to share your word with them. We pray father that as we look about us, we remind for those that are going through difficult times,

particularly those that have health issues. We pray that you be with the doctors and nurses that are administering to them and pray that they might regain their health bother. We’re mindful of those that have lost loved ones recently. And we pray that we might be of some comfort to them. Is it grieves their hearts. Father help us to be more aware of those that have left the faith and are not your children they’ve sand.

And they separated themselves from you help us to be conscious of those precious souls and try to encourage them as best. We know how to come back to you and repent of their sins and dedicate their lives in service to you. Once more father, we pray that you be with us in our worship service today, we ask that you be with Noah’s. He breaks into us the bread of life.

We pray that you bless Sam as he continues his studies at the school of preaching, as well as Michael pray, you be with both of these men, as they prepare themselves better to be ministers of your word, that you would bless them and help us to encourage them are so thankful, dear God, for Aaron and Eddie, if they worked with a congregation here,

we love and appreciate them so much for all that they do for the congregation here, ask that you continue to bless them and watch over him and Tonya with us, our father, and forgive us. If when we fail, then we help us to repent and come back to you and be faithful service in the kingdom. And Jesus, we pray. Amen.

So long to prepare our minds for the Lord’s supper will be number 366 by Christ redeemed. I cry is three deemed and cry is three<inaudible>. We keep up<inaudible> and the de<inaudible> and<inaudible> his body<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible>. And as we drink, we see, and<inaudible> he, ah, and that<inaudible><inaudible> and we, you know, ah,

one bright chain<inaudible> and<inaudible> ah, The day we prepared to eat of this bread and drink the cup that wrote to us as children of God represents the body and blood of our savior. Let each one of us think of the horrible death that Christ died for our sins. Would you bow with me, our heavenly father? We thank you for this bread,

which does your children represents the body of our savior. Our heavenly father, we ask that you strengthen each of us in our daily lives. As we strive to follow the word and the example that Christ brought for us, this we ask in Christ’s name. Amen. Okay. If you bow with me, our heavenly father, we continue our thanks for this fruit of the vine,

which just represents the blood of Christ. We thank you, dear Lord, that Christ was willing to sacrifice his life for our sins. We thank you for this fruit of the vine, which is able to cleanse us of our sins as we partake of it, help each one of us to do so with a truly thankful heart. This we ask in Christ’s name,

amen. We now have an opportunity to return unto God. A part of that, that we’ve been blessed with and we truly are blessed. Would you bow with me, our heavenly father? We thank you for all that. We’re blessed with blessing them for life. We thank you for all of the material blessings that we enjoy in this country. As we prepare to return unto the a part of that,

dear God, probably that we would do so with a cheerful and happy heart, pray that this money would be used to spread your word throughout the whole world, Jared Lord. And that man can, would turn to the push salvation. This we ask in Christ’s name. Amen. The song before the lesson will be, Have vine own way. Number five,

five, two. If you’re using the book, if you’re able, let’s stand for this song, please have an own way.<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> search me and<inaudible> master to<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> the<inaudible><inaudible> hold over my bee. So<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> and me May be seated. Good morning. There’s a privilege to be able to be with you this morning.

I don’t want to say how much I appreciate this congregation. And I’m glad to again, be able to worship with you all this morning. Our lesson this Morning is very simple. Our lesson is Christian responsibilities, Christian responsibilities. As Christians. We are given things from our gone, a work to do. If you go to Matthew chapter 25, and he look at verses 14 and following four 14 through verse 30,

we won’t take the time to read that. But Jesus is talking about the parable of the talents. Now he talks about how a man had had he had servants and he gave one servant five talents, another two and another one. And then you continue reading. And then when the, when the master comes and you see the servants, the servant with the five talents increased his,

the servant with the two increased his, but One, he didn’t do anything. And so what happened to that one? What happened to the one that, that the master gave responsibility To what happened when he didn’t fulfill that? Well, look at verse 30 And cast you the unprofitable servant into outer darkness. There should be weeping and gnashing of teeth. We as Christians are responsible for many things,

you know, in Ephesians chapter two, I want you to notice verse number 10, look what, what Paul tells The church at Ephesus For. We are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them. We have works that we need to do. We are commanded by God to fulfill the things,

the responsibility, And he has commanded us to do notice that everyone is responsible for themselves. Now we can help one another along, but it’s a it’s comes down to my soul. If there’s one thing that you need to be selfish about in this life, it better be your soul. Make sure that you get to have a note, a second Corinthians five and verse number 10 for,

we must notice all appear before the judgment seat of Christ so that everyone may receive the things done In his body. That persons, whether that be good or bad For ourselves, and we’re given the choice, do we want to fulfill the responsibilities that God has given us? We’re given that choice. God allows us to choose. Of course, there are consequences to each,

you know, Joshua 24, you you’ve read verse 15, choose you this day, whom you, whom you will serve. That knows what Joshua says. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. We’re given the choice. What are we going to fill the command from God? Are we going to, to, to take that response to those words,

Responsibilities as Christians and obey His wheel, I’m going to look at a couple of responsibilities in general, that Christians have and the church It needs to fulfill these things or else it cannot be faithful to God. Let’s look at our first point. Firstly, Christians have a responsibility first and foremost to God. If I cannot fulfill my responsibility to God, Everything else does not matter.

I first Need to be responsible to God. Look at Micah chapter six, you’ve heard also verse number eight, he has showed the Oh man, what is good? And what doesn’t The Lord require of me. But to notice this, do Joe To love mercy and to walk humbly with our God. Yes, I’m responsible to do those things. According to my,

to my God, as a, as a Christian, I need to be responsible to go for one. He deserves it. He created us and therefore he deserves the utter most respect Back, you know, in Romans chapter 12 and verse number one, notice what Paul says here in verse one of Romans 12, I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God that you present your body.

Notice this a living sacrifice Holy acceptable unto God notice this next phrase, Which is your reasonable service. That’s just reasonable. That’s just what you, what you, as, as a, as that’s what you need to do as a Christian, John simply lays a pattern for Christians to follow. Does he not want you to turn over to first John chapter one?

I know I’ve, I’ve done a Divo on this, but I love these verses so much. Notice what John says. First, John chapter one verses five through nine. He tells us if we’re going to be responsible, have fellowship with God. I need to do and live as a Christian. Notice what he says, verse five. This then is the message which we have heard of him and declare to you that God is lying to him is no darkness at all.

If I want to be with God, I need to be where he is and that’s in the light. And then, and then John continues on and he tells Christians how to be responsible to God, how to live in fellowship with God. Notice. Firstly, if we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in darkness, we lie and do not the truth.

I can’t just profess to know God, I can’t just claim that I’m a Christian I have to do Is his will. That’s number two, verse seven. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the lie, we have fellowship one with another and the blood of Jesus Christ. His son cleanses us from Olsen. If I’m going to be responsible to God,

what w what we’ve said before, I have to meet God Where he is. I have to do what he says, walking the line. If I want his son’s blood to keep on cleansing me, I have to do his will. Number three, if I’m going to be responsible to God, I have to be humble. As We looked at Micah,

chapter six, verse number eight, walk humbly with God. I gotta be humble. Look at verses eight and nine, a first John chapter one. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves. And the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, verse nine, he is faithful. And just to forgive us, our sins,

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If I’m going to be responsible to God, I need to be humble. I need to walk Humbly with my God. When I sin in which I will, I need to repent. I have to repent. I need to do those things. I love This idea. A brother, actually, one of them I,

Well, he’s a second year student and we were talking and he said he had a great sermon idea. I love this title. Sin is expected, but not accepted. Think about that. God knows we will sin. We’re not going to be, to be perfect, but he never accepts it. He never accepts when we sin, therefore we need to repent.

And if I’m going to be responsible to God, I have to do what walk humbly with God. Yes, Christians are commanded first and foremost, to be received To the one who created him for one, he deserved as a 10 for another. That’s what they’re commanded to do, but no number two, Christian is also responsible to themselves. Oh, they have responsibility to themselves.

This kind of does run along with our first point, but notice Christian Christians are responsible concerning themselves. I want you to notice first Timothy chapter three in verse Number 15, first Timothy Chapter three, verse number 15. But if I tarry long that thou mass know how now ought to Addis, to behave myself in the house of God, which is the church of the living,

God, the pillar and ground of the truth. I need to be responsible to myself and the church. I’m responsible as a Christian to, to, to, to fulfill the things that God would have me to do. Whether I be whether the wan be a father, a mother, a teacher, a student, a doctor, a business owner, whatever the case might be.

They have responsibilities to themselves. Firstly, more importantly, spiritually. But what about those things physically? We’re we need to take care of ourselves physically to be not, you know, on first Timothy chapter five, notice what Paul tells Timothy in verse number eight, first Timothy chapter five and verse number eight. We have responsibilities physically. We can’t negate those things.

No, the physical and spiritual and not on the same level, but they’re still important. Notice first Timothy five and verse number eight. But if any, provide not for his own and especially for those of his own house, you have denied the faith and is worse than it Lymphedema our bodies matter, physically. Yes. We need to understand that we need You abstain from all those things that could harm us,

physically alcoholism, drugs, things such as that gluttony, all of those sands that we need to, to put away. Yes, I have to. I have a responsibility to myself, physically Know we, we also need to understand that we cannot be at lazy people. We can’t be lazy. We need to get to work. You know, Paul would,

It would address this idea. If you’ve got a second Thessalonians Look at verses Or excuse me, a second Thessalonians chapter three, verses 10 and 11. What’s interesting. We’re studying the Thessaloniki. Well, actually that’s Lonial Timothy and Titus as we’re going through the testimonials. One of the things that we’re doing is, is they’re anticipating in the coming of Christ and they weren’t working because they were not working.

And those what Paul says, second Thessalonians, chapter three, verses 10. And following for even when we were with you This week, man, did you, if any, would not work neither, should he eat first 11 for, we hear that there are some which walk among you. Disorderly Working, Not at all. The are busy bodies. We as Christians cannot be alone,

Lazy people. We need to get to work. That’s what got you Commands us to do. If you think about it. What if we don’t? Well, if we sit back, That’s not fulfilling God’s commandment, but what does it also do at all? Also opens doors to temptation. You’ve heard the phrase, idle hands. Do the what? Devils work.

Yes. We as Christians responsible to take Care of ourselves physically. What about our finances? What about the things that God has entrusted us to do all that? That’s just, that’s just money. That’s not important. And in the grand scheme of things, money is, is, is going to, to be burned up one day. But God still commands us.

Be good stewards of it. And that’s our responsibility. Physical. What about spiritually? What about spiritually? I want you to notice What Paul tells the Corinthians. Look at first Corinthians chapter six, verses 19 through 20 notice There, Their body is not their own notice. What know you, not that your body is the temple of the Holy ghost, which is in you,

which you have of God. And you are not your own notice that we’re not our own. I don’t serve myself anymore. Galatians two verse 20, I’m crucified with Christ. Nevertheless, I live yet. Not I, but Christ live within me and the life of which I now live in the flesh. I live by the faith in the son of God who loves And gave himself for me.

But go ahead. Act of first Corinthians chapter six, look at verse number 20. Notice you were Bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body and in, in your spirit, which are God’s. I’ve a responsibility to myself spiritually because of it. It’s not mine body. It’s God’s. I serve him. I do Well. He commands me to do.

I need to examine myself. What are some things that I can do to make sure that I am responsible spiritually? What? Well, firstly, live a life of diligence in second Timothy chapter two in verse number 15, Paul tells Timothy in the, in the King James to study to show myself approved unto God, a Workman that needs not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth. You look at American standard American standard. It says Be diligent shell, a life of diligence to God. That’s what we are commanded to do. We are responsible to God for that, But also notice I’m not only responsible to, to, to study and to know his word, but Apliant and also to abstain from sin.

Yeah. Colonia is chapter five and verse 22. Notice what Paul says. He says abstain from all appearance of evil abstain from all appearance of evil. Now, does that mean For instance? Well, I Can’t, I can’t shop at Walmart because they sell alcohol. Oh, I can’t shop at this store because they sell cigarettes. All of those things such as that,

I don’t believe that’s what Paul is saying here. I think there’s, if we, if you use this illustration, for instance, if I were going to going to go into Walmart and Michael were to, to see me go into Walmart, what is the first impression that he’s going to think of me? Oh, there’s no going to buy alcohol. No,

there is no a probably going to, to buy groceries. Now, if Michael were to see me walk into a bar, what’s that impression that would be a different impression. Oh, there’s different impressions. There. We need to abstain from all appearance of evil. And we need to Understand that we need to make sure That we don’t put ourselves in situations where we could sin.

Hey, what’s interesting. You know, and the church, we, sometimes we try to get as close to sin as we can without I won’t cross the line, but I’m gonna try and get as close as I can Do that. Try to stay away from sin as much as you can. Why, why? Well, because God is Holy look at first Peter chapter one,

verses 13 and following first Peter chapter one, verses 13 and following, I love these verses wherefore gird of the loins of your mind. Be sober, be, be temporary, be self-control and hope to the end for the grace. That is to be brought onto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves, according to the former lusts in your ignorance,

Notice this, but as he, what Jeff called you is Holy. So That’ll be Holy in all manner of conversation and anything you do notice verse 16 because it is written. Be Holy for, I am Holy. What are we striving to be like? We’re striving to be like God. And so we can’t put ourselves in situations where sin is present.

That’s my responsibility to myself, to abstain from sin, to live a life of diligence. But let me touch on this for a bit. A moment. We also have A Responsibility to, to ourselves, spiritually to attend the assembly. Now are there exceptions always? Yes. God understands for those who are sick for those who physically cannot make it. God understands those things.

But sadly, I believe the church, some souls are lost in the church universally because Simon taken log rather stay home. It’s easier for me to, to, to worship at Home. Now I want To put this out here. There are exceptions, But to those who can go out to the store to socialize In restaurants and things such as that, You can go to the store There at worship,

Hebrews chapter 10, verse 25, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves. And we need to understand that. And sadly we have not. Sometimes we need to stress the importance of the Assembling. It’s important. It’s a commandment of God and yes, that’s my responsibility. Now, again, God Understands and in some situations and things such as that, But again,

worship is Important and I have responsibility in myself, spiritual, The land physically that’s to serve God and him alone. But number three, our third point for this morning, I’m not only responsible for my life as a Christian. What about my brother? Now? I know that that might not. I’m not contradicting myself here. I cannot get to heaven for you.

I can not be baptized for you, but our, this this point, we’re going to address this idea that we are. We have some things that we need to do for, We need to understand that Christians need to take responsibility in matters concerning all on brother. Well, how do I do that? Well, number one, I need to show kindness.

I need to show love. That’s my responsibility. God has commanded us to do that. Look at Ephesians chapter four, look at verse number 32, Ephesians chapter four and verse number 32. Notice this and be kind one to another tenderhearted, forgiving one another. Even God for Christ’s sake, hath Forgiven you. I love that verse notice also Galatians chapter six and verse number 10 as we have therefore opportunity.

Let us do good until all men, especially unto them. Who are the household of faith? That’s my responsibility to my brother. That’s all Responsibility to one another. As Christians, we are commanded to be kind is Christ show kindness unto us. Can we not simply show the same to our brother? And number two, a Christian is commanded to show love,

but we also cannot be those who are going to stir up straight. That’s my responsibility. I can’t be those who are going to go behind one. Another’s back to gossip to create division. I can’t do that. That my responsibility is to show love to one another. Look at James chapter four, James chapter four, look at verse 11, speak,

not evil. One of another brethren. We have a problem with someone let’s go to them alone, not go to the five other people around let’s love. Show love one to another. We were stopped. We are commanded to stop being busy bodies and creating division. I guess that’s not the church. The body of Christ. God is the author of,

of, of, of, of peace, not confusion. And therefore that’s what we are commanded to do. That’s my responsibility to want to know, to be kind and to do those things. But also notice my responsibility is, is, is, is as a Christian to one another is to reprove sin when one And perhaps is, is living in sin or,

or struggling with certain sin. Do I just let that go and say that’s all right. Just, just, just excuse them this. No, I need to tell him his fault To teach him the better way. According to the scriptures. Not my opinion, but that’s my responsibility because let me ask you a question. Let me think. Let, let’s think about this in an illustrative terms.

If you go back to his ego, chapter 33, I love this example has Equal talks about a Watchman. He sees the army coming and he sees the army coming and he knows that. And he tells his people. He tells the city, well, now they’re worn. And it’s up to them. If they want to, to flee or do whatever they need to do to get away from that,

the Watchman has done And his job, but the Watchman sees the army, the enemy coming, He sees, he understands. He knows that they’re going to come To this city says nothing. People don’t know. Now the people are still going to die. They’re they’re going to be to die, but whose fault is it as well? The Watchman, if I see my brother in sin,

if I do nothing, it’s my responsibility to tell him, is it not? So Christ commands us, Matthew 18. If I have a problem with my brother, go to him And tell him the fault alone, Matthew 18, but also notice I’m not only to reprove sin, stop gossip, be kind one to another in the church, but also to forgive also to forgive notice,

Colossians chapter three, verses 12 and following Washington, chapter three, verses 12, and following put on there. Four has the Elective, God, Holy and beloved, bowels of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness long suffering. Forbearing one another and forgiving one another. If any man have a quarrel against any right? And As Christ forgave, you so also do ye When one comes it,

perhaps someone were to do me wrong and they were, and they were to her pin. I apologize and repent. Truly. My attitude must be to forgive as Christ forgave me now, what does that mean? Does that mean like, excuse sin. Absolutely not. But when they repent, I forgive as God does. And that’s our responsibility to our on brethren.

You need to show kindness to show love, to forgive when others were pissed. Basically it points It’s down to, to, to, to, to following Christ Because that’s what Christ would do. Would he not? We are called to encourage one another and to be there for one another. That’s our responsibility. Look at Romans chapter 15, verse number two,

Romans 15 and verse number two, let every one of us please His neighbor for his good to edification. That’s our goal as Christians to Edify one another to encourage one another and to make sure that we’re all following the path of Christ men. Number four fourth point for this morning is this. We also have a responsibility. Those who are earning that brethren yes,

to those who are we, we are encouraged to, to be kind one to another. But what about those who are airing as we would? What about when, when, when a member in the church is perhaps struggling with a certain sin or will not repent, there are responsibilities that the church needs to do. I want you to notice Galatians chapter six,

Galatians chapter six, I love verses one and two. Notice what Paul tells the churches of glacier. He says brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you at your spiritual restore, such a one in the spirit of maintenance, considering myself less than I’ll also be 10 Barry, one another’s burdens. And so fulfill the law of Christ. We as Christians,

When we see a brother or sister struggling with a certain sin, we ought to be there for them, for one to encourage them. But to also show them The better way now with drawl is that the never The first step, if they are wanting to do better, if they are struggling with a certain sin and repenting, we need to be there and to help them along that way,

why it’s not to, to get back at them, but it is to help them along the way. Notice James chapter five. I love these verses as well. Notice verses 19 and following James chapter five verses 19 and following notice brethren, if any of you do air from the truth, Convert him. Notice this, notice what it does for his soul.

Let him know that he will. She converted the sinner from the error of his way. She’ll save a soul from death and shall hide a multitude of sins. When I see a brother or sister in fault, I need to show them that better way. That’s my responsibility to those who are struggling with sin. And we need to understand that that’s mine,

My responsibility, but what about this one? What about a brother or sister who is struggling with sin, but yeah, Well, not repent. What’s our commandment. Well, just excuse it to the side. Just put it aside. No. So I’m over commanded to do there’s a different approach. No, to second Thessalonians, chapter three in verse number six,

notice these Are those who walk disorderly. Now We command you brethren in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ that notice this, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother. They walk it disorderly and not after the tradition which he received of us. This tradition is not man’s traditions. The gospel, the gospel of Christ to those who are walking, not according to the gods.

What is our responsibility disorder Really? As to if you think about in the, in the army or military, those who walk in and rank and simply just order list to walk out of rank to those who are not walking, according to the tradition. And what’s what our responsibility as Christians is just to, To do what make sure there is no sin Push out sin as,

as much as possible. You know, in Joshua chapter seven, when akin sin, God was, God did not allow them to flourish. What happened? San entered the camp and they, You know, what’s interesting what sin also does. It doesn’t also hurt me. It hurts many individuals. And going back to what we read in Galatians chapter six brethren,

if any of you do are from the truth and or excuse me, if any man be overtaken in a fault, you at your spiritual restore, such a one in the spirit of maintenance, What is this? Considering myself less. That will also be Tempted. That’s my responsibility to make sure That sin is pushed out. And when one brother or sister who will not repent of their sins Steps to be taken.

And that’s of course what Jesus commands. If you go to Matthew chapter 18, this is what, what Christ is talking about here. If there is a brother who has a fault and, And we need to understand this idea. Notice this first 15 Matthew 18 verse 15, moreover, if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between me and him alone.

And if he shall hear the Taoists gain that breath, that’s the first step that you don’t have to go tell five other people it’s between you and him alone. But if he will not repent, once you bring him, brought him to God, once you have brought him this notice verse 16, but if he will not hear thee and take what the one or two more the,

in the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word may be established. There’s the next step. If he will not hear they, once you go with him alone, you bring one or two more, But knows this. If he will not repent, you bring him the truth. This is not just an opinion, but you bring Him the truth.

Notice verse 17, if he shall neglect To hear them, tell it into the church. And if you neglect to hear the church, let him Be unto thee as a heathen man in a publican. What is this? The idea, basically, we call this disfellowship or withdrawal when there is One who is not willing to repent, we do not accept sin,

but notice that This, this is not done to get at the brother or sister. This is not to say we got him, But it’s to save their soul in general. And that’s, that’s our responsibility to look at first Corinthians chapter five and verse number five, Paul here addressing this same idea to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh,

that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. Jesus, that’s the purpose of this. This is not to, to, to, to make sure that Just to get at him Ourselves look better, but to make sure that soul is say that’s that’s. The Purpose is also to save The church. Why? Because a little 11, 11.

Yeah, The whole lump, a little sin. It can be so much It’s destructive. And that’s our responsibility. When the sin is in the camp, I can’t let it remain. I can’t. That’s my Possibility as Christians. Let me ask you a question. Is, is anyone exempt from this? Well, it’s my mother. It’s my mother.

It’s my father. That’s living in sin. It’s all right, right. It’s okay. No, because Jesus Says, if any man come to me and hate not love less. His father and mother and wife and children and brethren and sisters Yana had his own life. Also, he cannot be my disciple. We need to understand. And they Christ comes first and yet sin cannot remain in the camp.

No matter the cost. Notice number five, Our last point for this morning, we’ve looked at many things that we were responsible for to our brethren, to ourselves as Christians. What about something to our government? I think sadly, and just looking at the church Again, I’ve said this before. COVID has not only affected those physically, but sadly, spiritually,

sadly, spiritually. I want to look at this for a bit. A moment. Firstly got it. It’s called Christians to be responsible. Has he not to our government? I want you to notice Romans chapter 13, God has called all Christians to be responsible to the authority, which they’re under Romans chapter 13 and verses one and two, let every soul Be subject unto The higher powers for there is no power,

but of God, the powers that be are ordained of God, whosoever therefore exist. If the power resistant the ordinance of God and they, that resist shall receive to themselves damnation, We Are commanded to be responsible to those which we Were under. But no, I Disagree with those who are in power. I disagree with the laws, the commandments that are stating doesn’t mean you have to agree with them That they don’t contradict The law of God.

We are commanded to them. And that’s our responsibility. If the government has ordained laws, that, that, again, don’t contradict, we are commanded to about, I think there are two questions or two things that we can ask ourselves Here. Does the Oracle does it? The law in which they’ve stayed that doesn’t contradict God’s law. Does it prohibit me?

Number two from going against God’s law. That’s what we need to ask ourselves. And if it, It doesn’t matter what I think I have to obey for instance, what about the speed limit? I do sometimes wish the speed limit was faster, But it doesn’t matter if gods, If the authorities have stated something that doesn’t contradict, I don’t think I’m going to go to hell or not.

If I concerning the speed limit, therefore I need to obey that ordinance. What about taxes? Well, I don’t like paying taxes. Well, not many do, but it’s still an Oracle of the government. What about this one? What about masks? What about masks? Well, I don’t like wearing masks. It’s annoying to me. It, to me Personally,

it is as well, but when there’s an ordinance that they, that the government has stated, We as Christians are obligated to obey, no matter unless it contradicts God’s law. I don’t think a mass can prohibit us from worshiping. God does it. I don’t think it does. Therefore. I need to obey Now again, if, if they, if they give us that,

that opinion or you get to choose, then that’s one thing. But if it is mandated, we, as Christians are obligated to Obey. If it doesn’t contradict The law of God and we noticed this, I love this phrase, Christians first, then Americans, I’m a Christian, Just because I’m a Christian. Doesn’t mean that those civil rights and Liberty,

These are just thrown away. I’m a Christian first. Then I am an American or whatever country I’m under. You want. It’s interesting. When Paul was writing Romans and when he was writing, He has letters. What did it, what government were they under? Were they under Governments that were acceptance of Christianity? I’ll just do what you want. You get to choose.

Right? They were under harsh persecution. You know, we were reading. Yeah, I can’t re I think it was a couple of days ago concerning the Roman emperors. I won’t go into details cause it really is Immoral. But Some of the things that they were that the Roman emperors were doing Wing was, was twisted. Paul says, obey, go back to Romans 13.

Notice again, Number one, let every soul be subject unto the higher powers Unless you disagree with them. Right? Whatever. So it will be subject to under the higher powers. If they, if there is an ordinance that they have Told us to do, we are commanded now again, what about if they have given us commandments to disobey the law of God?

What are we to do? We are to disobey. Look at acts chapter five and verse 29, acts chapter five and verse 29. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, we ought to obey God rather than men stop preaching on homosexual. The reality that we can’t do that you Cannot sing, sing praises unto God In worship. No, can’t do that.

I obey God first. And then the government, why are we doing this? Why, why, why this responsibility here? It’s for the Lord’s sake. It’s for God. That’s why I do it in first, Peter chapter two in verse 13, submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake. I do this for God and turn. When I obeyed the authorities,

according to the scriptures, I obey God. That’s my responsibility as a Christian. And we have a responsibility to pray for them to obey them. If it doesn’t contradict the law of God, that’s my responsibility as a Christian. And sadly, it’s a sad thing. It’s not something to, it’s a depressing thing to think that Christians are losing their souls because of these negated responsibilities.

That’s a sad thing that the church is doing. But looking at our lesson this morning, we, as Christians are responsible for many things, God has commanded us to do many things in the church. He’s given us responsibilities. And I want us to think about something again, as we, as we go back to that parable in Matthew 25, the master has given us responsibilities as he not the master has given us things to do.

When he comes back, is he going to look at us and say that we’ve done nothing with those responsibilities? Is he going to look at us and say, I never knew you depart from me either that work iniquity or is he going to tell us entry into the joy of Lord? Well, well done now. Good faithful servant. You have done many things.

I’ve given you responsibilities. I given you commandments to do, and you’ve done them. Enter in, live with me for eternity. Do we not want him to say that of us? Think we do. And, and perhaps there is one here this morning who is a Christian, but has not done the things that God would have them to do in these things.

God has given us these commandments for reason, because he wants us to obtain eternal life. He wants us to because he loves us. Second, Peter chapter three in verse nine, the Lord is not Slack concerning his promise. As some men counts Lochness, but as long suffering he’s patient toward us. Not willing that any should perish, but all should come to repentance.

But perhaps there’s one who has never even started that journey to become a Christian. Do you believe that Jesus is a son have gone? Are you willing to repent of your sins? Confess Christ before man, and then be baptized for the remission of your sins will be added to the church. The greatest institution known to man, the church, the body of Christ.

If you are added to the church, you’ll be able to go to heaven by living faithfully. If you do unto God, a beautiful blessing, we need to re be responsible as Christians. And if there is one here this morning, this subject in the invitation, won’t you come as we stand. And that’s what we see.<inaudible><inaudible> Oh, no way.

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but to trust and eh, then fan ships. We, we<inaudible>. Oh, well the walk by here is a side and Hey, what he says we well do where he Sans. We well, never fear on the trust and Oh, Hey trust. And<inaudible> for there’s. No,<inaudible> to be happy, but to trust and<inaudible> Song for our closing prayer will be number 634 we’ll work till Jesus comes.

Oh, land<inaudible>. Nah, man.<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> well<inaudible><inaudible> and<inaudible> two GS, a scribe, a flat for a sea bed. Me. See, he’s too wrong.<inaudible> on his breast. He asked me, Oh,<inaudible> to Jesus comes. Well, Jesus comes and<inaudible><inaudible> ah,<inaudible> no more<inaudible><inaudible> tide and reach my head.<inaudible><inaudible> well<inaudible> to,

Jesus comes when Jesus comes and<inaudible> Which he brought with me. I got and father in heaven. We indeed thank you for this beautiful first day of life and the freedom of opportunity that you’ve given us to gather here in worship and sing praises to your name, father. We thank you for the great lesson that was brought to us this morning by Noah and father,

we pray that we may study deeper into that and carry that with us through our daily lives, to bring that shine and light to those around us. Father, we’re mindful of those who were mentioned. There were sick and we pray father that you will be with those that are sick and return them back to a great slate of house and father be that well,

that, that you will comfort them. Those doctors tending to those father. We pray that you’ll be with us and keep us safe and forgive us for our sins in Jesus name. Amen.

Automated Transcript:

<inaudible><inaudible> Appreciate everyone’s patience. We are running a few minutes behind, but that’s all right. So we are going to be doing a review where we’re in between sections. We’re about to, as we’ve been studying the life of Christ, we’re about to move from that to the early church in the book of acts. So our review we’ll cover some of the classes,

some of the lessons that we went through in the life of Jesus, but then also the first few chapters of the book of acts, part of what we were getting this, where those at home could be able to see the questions on the video. So we’ve got those, we’ll go through as many as we, as we get through and hopefully everything will,

will work. You know, sometimes it does sometimes it doesn’t, but let’s begin with a word of prayer, our gracious father in heaven, we bow before you grateful for the day that you’ve given to us grateful for this life that we have and the opportunities we have in it. Most especially grateful for the opportunity to worship you, to praise your name,

to glorify you and all that you have created to recognize your majesty and your power in the very existence that we have and the life that we have, but also in the things that you have created us to be able to do. We pray for our nation and for its leaders, that they make choices that will lead our country on pals of righteousness that will provoke and promote that,

which is good and brings unity. As long as that unity is based in righteousness, we pray that we might make choices in our own lives that will promote righteousness and unity and faith and love in our own homes and in our own communities. And among those who we come in contact every day, we pray for missionaries and nations around the world that they be able to spread the gospel,

that they have opened doors of opportunity to teach the truth and to bring law souls to you. We pray that you will forgive us when we sin and fall short of your glory. All this, we pray in Jesus name. Amen. So we’re going to begin in John chapter 11 with lesson 86, John chapter 11, we’ll read the passage and then we’ll ask and answer the question.

John chapter 11, verse 57. Now both the chief priests and Pharisees had come had given a command that if anyone knew where he was, he should report it, that they might seize him at the Passover before Jesus, his death. What was the order given by the chief priests and Pharisees in Jerusalem? And I’m going to allow the folks who, who are in the room.

If they want to answer to answer what was the order that was given. All right. They were too. If anyone knew where he was, they should report it. Okay. Chapter 12, verse one, then six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, who had been dead, whom he had raised from the dead.

Where did Jesus go? Six days before the last Passover Bethany. Okay. Chapter 12 verses two through four and verse nine of John there. They made him a supper and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spike, Nard, anointed, the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair.

And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil, but one of his disciples, Judas, Iscariot Simon’s son who would betray him said, and then let’s go down to verse nine. Now a great many of the Jews knew that he was there and they came not only for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus whom he had raised from the dead in Bethany before the last Passover with whom did Jesus eat supper who was present?

Lazarus? Who else? Martha, Mary Judas, the disciples, and one other person, Simon, Who as we’ve discussed, I believe to be Judas as father. Okay. John chapter 12, verse three. I’m going to kind of reverse this. I’m going to read. I’m going to give the reference, read the questions, then read the passage.

What special treatment did Mary show Jesus at the supper in Bethany before the last Passover, then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spike, Nard, anointed, the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of oil. So what did Mary do to Jesus? All right, knowing it, his feet with oil and a wipe them with her hair.

What was Jesus’s response verses seven and eight, but Jesus said, let her alone, she has kept this for the day of my burial for the poor you have with you always, but me. You do not have always, why did, why did she do this? According to verse seven in preparation for what? Alright. For his preparation, for his burial,

and then who was opposed to Mary using the costly ointment to anoint Jesus’s feet Judas was why was he opposed to it? We, we actually, we didn’t read that yet. That’s verse six. Then he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief and had the money box and he used to take what was put in it.

So why did Judas object to this? Okay. If the money had been given to the disciples to Jesus or to, to, to them to give to the poor, then it would have gone in his money box. And he was a fif what was Jesus’ response to Judas. All right. So we’re going to correct that. We’re going to get,

we’re going to get on it. As soon as we get done with this question, we’re going to get on a lesson that matches the slides. I pulled number 89 out and it was supposed to be 86. So what was Jesus’ response to leave her alone? All right. That she, that the poor they have with them always, but Christ. They don’t always have with them.

Okay. So we’re going to skip to lesson. Oh, no minor out of order. Now tell you what we’re going to do this skip to less than 92. Do you see 92 in my list? 92, Mark chapter 12, verse 41 through 44. And John chapter 12 verses 20 through 50. And to Eric Halvorson. Thank you for texting me and letting me know that we weren’t on the same thing since I couldn’t see it since it was behind me.

I had no idea. Mark. Chapter 12, verses 41 through 44 as Terry, I saw you looking up there and you were rating it. How? Like, I don’t know why he’s confused by this. He’s got the page right in front of him. He’s got it up on the screen. Now. I know I was confused. You know,

sometimes, like I said, Sometimes, yeah, You think, you know what you did and you don’t always know what you did, Mark. Chapter 12, verse 41, question one. From what location in the temple did Jesus watch the people giving their money? Okay. Chapter 12, verse 41 says now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury.

And many who were rich put in much. So where was Jesus? Okay. Opposite the treasury. Okay. So he’s, he’s opposite of watching all of this take place. Verse 42. How much money did the poor widow give verse 42 says then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrant. How much money did she give to Mike?

Some translations say to pennies, Mark chapter 12 verses 43 and 44. Why did Jesus say the poor widow had given more than the rich people? Notice what we read? Verse 43. So he called his disciples to himself and said to them, assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury for,

they all put in out of their abundance. But she out of her poverty put in all that. She had her whole livelihood. So why did Jesus say this woman gave more than everyone else? Because she gave everything she had. Okay. So we’re going to skip over to John chapter 12. Again, John chapter 12, verse 24, Verse 24,

question four. How did Jesus compare a grain of wheat to his own death? Verse 24. I’m going to read verse 23 as well. Jesus answered them saying the hour has come. That the son of man should be glorified. Most assuredly. I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies. It remains alone. But if it dies,

it produces much grain. Why or how did Jesus compare a grain of wheat to his own death? Okay. When you plant a seed, the seed has to die for the plant to grow. And so Jesus is saying that by going to his death, he going to produce the fruit of the very reason why he came here to begin with he was going to accomplish his goal.

Chapter 12, verse 37. Why had Jesus performed so many signs for the People? Verse 37 says, but although he had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in him. So why is it? Jesus had performed the song Signs that they might believe. Okay. Chapter 12, verse 42. Why did many of the rulers who believed in Jesus not confess him?

Verse 42 says nevertheless, even among the rulers, many believed in him, but because of the Pharisees, they did not confess him less. They should be put out of the synagogue. So why did many of the rulers who believed in Jesus not confess him. Okay. For fear, The Jewish leadership that they might be put out of the synagogue, by what individuals,

excuse me, by what will individuals be judged on the last day, verse 48. He who rejects me and does not receive my words has that, which judges him. The word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. So by what will individuals be judged on the last day? The word of God, the word of Christ. Okay.

So now we’re actually going to transition over into the book of acts. So Michael, if you will pull up number Less than 112, Less than 112 acts chapter one verses one through eight and verses 13 through 26. So as I mentioned where we’re headed back into the book of acts in our normal studies. And so starting on Wednesday will be, I believe in acts chapter nine.

So the next few review lessons that we go through in the remainder of the time that we have will come from the book of acts, starting in chapter one, going through chapter eight, chapter one, verse three of the book of acts, how did Jesus, excuse me? How had Jesus proved to the apostles that he was alive? Chapter one, verse three.

He says to whom he also presented himself alive after his suffering by many infallible proofs being seen by them during 40 days. And speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. So how did Jesus to the apostles that he was alive? He showed himself to them. He was present with them chapter one, verse three, again, over how many days did Jesus appear to the apostles between his resurrection and Ascension 40 Chapter one verse eight before Jesus ascended to the father.

He promised the apostles that the Holy spirit would give them blank. And then also, where were the apostles to be witnesses? Verse eight says, 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. So what is it? Jesus promised they would receive the Holy spirit also power.

Okay. And they would be witnesses in what locations. Alright. Jerusalem, Judea Samaria. And to the end of the earth verses 13 through 15 of acts, chapter one name the 11 apostles gathered in the upper room after Jesus’ Ascension. And when they had entered verse 13, they went up into the upper room where they were staying Peter James, John, and Andrew Philip and Thomas Bartholomew and Matthew James,

the son of Alpheus Simon, the zealot and Judas, the son of James. So the names of the apostles, we’ll just go through this for the sake of time are Peter James, John, Andrew Philip and Thomas Bartholomew and Matthew James, the son of Alpheus Simon, the zealot and Judas, the son of James. This is the other Judas, not Judas Iscariot.

Okay. Which of the apostles repeated the old Testament? Prophecy that another would take Judases place, acts chapter one, verse 20, which of the apostles repeated the old Testament? Prophecy that another would take Judases place. Verse 20 says for it is written in the book of Psalms, let his dwelling place be desolate and let no one live in it. And let another take his office.

Who was speaking at the time. According to verse 15, Peter was okay verses 21 through 26 of acts, chapter one verses 21 through 26. What were the qualifications given for the person who was to take Judases place? Verse 21 says therefore of these men who have accompanied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us beginning from the baptism of John to the day that he was taken up from us.

One of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection. And they proposed two Joseph called Barsabbas, whose name was justice and Mathias. And they prayed and said, you will Lord who know the hearts of all show, which of these two, you have chosen to take part in this ministry. And apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

And they cast their lots and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the 11 apostles. All right. What were the qualifications given for the person who would take Judases place? He had to have been present with the Lord, from what point? To what point? All right. From his baptism to his, to his Ascension and had to be a witness of the resurrection,

but then also what was the method used to choose the man to take Judases place? They cast lots. And what was the name of the chosen man Mathias? All right. Acts chapter two, acts chapter two beginning in verses one through four. I’m going to read all three of these questions all at one time. And then we’ll read the verses. When did the Holy spirit,

which Jesus had promised to the apostles come in, what visible form did the Holy spirit appear? And what were the audible results of the appearance of the Holy spirit? Chapter two verses one through four. When the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing,

mighty wind. And it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them, divided tongues as a fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy spirit and began to speak with other tongues. As the spirit gave them utterance. When did the Holy spirit, which Jesus had promised to the apostles come on the day of Pentecost and what visible form did the Holy spirit appear?

All right, like cloven tongues of fire on their head. What were the audible result of the appearance of the Holy spirit sound of a re mushing? Righty. Let me try that again. The sound of a rushing mighty wind. And what else? What did they speak? All right. They spoke each in a or a, they spoke with other tongues,

other languages, chapter two, verses five through 11. What nations of people were gathered at Jerusalem on Pentecost. We’re just going to read these and leave it at that beginning in verse nine, we read Parthians and Medes. Elamites those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Kapha, dosha punches, and Asia Phrygia and Pamphylia Egypt, and the parts of Libya adjoining siren visitors from Rome,

both Jews and proselytes Christians and Arabs. We hear them speaking in our own tongues. The wonderful works of God speaking, many other languages. Why could the people understand the apostles there? According to verse 11? All right. They heard, if you go through and count, there’s more locations than there are even apostles. And so the apostle spoke, but they heard each one in their own tongue acts chapter two verses 13 through 15 acts,

chapter two verses 13 through 15, yes or no on Pentecost were the men who spoke in the many languages drunk as accused verse 13. Others mocking said these are full of new wine. But Peter standing up with the 11, raised his voice and said to them, men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you. And he,

my words for these are not drunk as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. So yes or no. Were the men who spoke in many languages drunk as accused? No. All right. Acts chapter two, verse 23, acts chapter two, verse 23 in his sermon on the day of Pentecost, who did Peter say,

put Jesus to death? Verse 23 says him. That is Christ being delivered by the determined purpose. And for knowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified and put to death. So in his sermon on the day of Pentecost, who did Peter say, put Jesus to death, the Jews at those who were standing there right then,

okay. Did Jesus’ body decay after death acts chapter two, verse 31. He foreseeing this beacon concerning David spoke concerning the resurrection of Christ that his soul was not left in Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. Did Jesus’s body decay after death? No. Where did Peter say Jesus is now verse 33, therefore being exalted to the right hand of God and having received from the father,

the promise of the Holy spirit. He poured out this, which you now see and hear. So where did Peter say Jesus is now at the right hand of God, acts chapter two, verse 37 and 38 and 41. We’re going to read all the questions and then go through and answer. Describe Peter’s replying to the people on the day of Pentecost.

When they asked what they should do to get forgiveness of sins. At what point did the people on the day of Pentecost received the gift of the Holy spirit and how many obeyed that day let’s go to verse 37 of acts chapter two. Now, when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles,

men and brethren, what shall we do then Peter said to them, repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. And you shall receive the gift of the Holy spirit for the promise is to you and to your children. And to all who are afar off. As many as the Lord, our God will call.

And with many other words, he testified and exhorted them saying, be saved from this perverse generation. Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. And that day about 3000 souls were added to them. So describe Peter’s reply to the people on the day of Pentecost, when they asked what they should do to get forgiveness of sins, all right, repent,

and be baptized for the remission of sins. At what point did the people on the day of Pentecost received the gift of the Holy spirit After they did what? All right after they were baptized after they obeyed what Peter said, how many obeyed that day? About 3000 souls. All right. Acts chapter two, verse 47. Last question. In this lesson who added others to the original group of obedient persons,

we read verse 47, praising God and having with all the people and the Lord added to the church daily, those who were being saved, who added others to the original group of obedient persons. The Lord did all right. Lesson one 14, acts chapter three, question one from acts chapter three, verse two. How long had the beggar at the beautiful gate been crippled?

We read in acts chapter three, verse two, and a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple, which is called beautiful to ask owns from those who entered the temple. How long had the beggar at the beautiful gate? Ben crippled his entire life from his mother’s womb acts chapter three, verses six through eight.

What did Peter give the crippled beggar at the beautiful gate verses six through eight says, then Peter said silver and gold. I do not have, but what I do have, I give you in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

So he leaping up stood and walked and entered the temple with them walking leaping and praising OD what did Peter give the crippled beggar at the beautiful gate? All right. The ability to walk acts chapter three, there that’s a typo. There acts chapter three, verse 12 and verse 16, which of the following did Peter say healed the cripple by the beautiful gate,

a Peter’s power B Peter’s godliness. See a medical doctor or D faith in Jesus, faith in Jesus. I’m going to go with that. I don’t even think we even have to read that passage. All right. According to Peter, question four, where, or excuse me, were the Jews responsible for Jesus’ death? Let’s go to verse 13 of acts,

chapter three, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers glorified his servant, Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of pilot when he was determined to let him go. But you denied the Holy one and the just and asked for a murderer to be granted to you and killed the Prince of life whom gone,

raised from the dead of which we are witnesses. According to Peter we’re Jews responsible for Jesus’ death. Yes. All right. Acts chapter three, verse 17. Did Peter say that the Jews were knowledgeable or ignorant of their violent sentence of death on God’s son? Verse 17 says yet. Now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance as did also your rulers.

Did Peter say that the Jews were knowledgeable or ignorant of their violent sentence of death on God’s son, Ignorant Acts chapter three verses 18 through 19, according to Peter, why did God allow Jesus to suffer and die? And how did Peter challenge the listeners verse 18? But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all his prophets, that the Christ would suffer.

He has thus fulfilled, repent, therefore, and be converted that your sins may be blotted out. So that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. So according to Peter, why did God allow Jesus to suffer Die? Okay. Right. It was told by the profits and fulfilled by Christ. How did Peter challenge the list? All right,

Right. And he challenged them to repent and be converted. Chapter three, verse 24 through the descendant of what man did God say, all nations of the earth would be blessed. Verse 24 says yes. And all the profits from Samuel and those who follow as many of us have spoken, have also foretold. These days, you are sons of the prophets of the,

and of the covenant, which God made with our fathers saying to Abraham in your seed, all the families of the earth shall be blessed through the descendant of what man did God say, all nations of the earth would be blessed. Abraham. That should be Verse 25 in that reference, not verse 24. All right. Acts chapter four, Few minutes,

Flipped acts chapter four, beginning in verse one going through verse two. Why did the Jewish leaders have Peter and John put in prison verse one. Now, as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captains of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in, preached in Jesus, the resurrection from the dead.

Why did the Jewish leaders have Peter and John put in prison? Okay. Right. Because they were preaching of Jesus’ resurrection verse 14 of acts chapter did the Jewish leaders believe that the crippled man had been healed verse 14 and seeing the man who had been healed, standing with them, they could not, or they could say nothing against it. Did they believe that he had been healed?

Yes. That’s why they couldn’t argue with it. Chapter four, verse seven and verse 10. By what power did be, did Peter tell the Jewish leaders that the crippled man had been healed? Verse seven says, and when they sent or when they set them in the midst, they asked by what power or by what name have you done this verse 10 says,

let it be known to you all. And to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus, Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead by him, this man stands here before you whole his name did Peter say, or I’m reading the wrong question. By what power did Peter tell the Jewish leaders that the crippled man had been healed?

Jesus Christ of Nazareth. All right. Verse 12. In whose name did Peter say that salvation is found? Verse 12 says now, is there salvation in any other for, there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved in whose name did Peter say that salvation is found? Oh, Jesus. In the name of Jesus.

Okay. After let’s acts chapter four verses 19 through 20, after the Sanhedrin commanded Peter and John, not to talk about Jesus and immor Peter and John, a stopped preaching in public B said that they had to obey God rather than men or C lost their temper and screamed at the Sanhedrin. The, they said they had to obey God rather than men.

All right. The crippled man, chapter four, verse 22, the crippled man by the beautiful gate whom Peter healed was over blank years old verse 22 for the man was over 40 years old on whom the miracle of healing had been performed. He was over Age 40. All right, Acts chapter four, verses 32 through 35. How did the followers of Jesus help those among their group?

Her who were poor in physical necessities, chapter four, verses 32 through 35. Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul, neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common and great power. The apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord. Jesus and great grace was upon them all,

nor was there any one among them who lacked for all who were possessors of land or houses sold them and brought the throw seeds of the things that were sold and laid them at the Apostle’s feet. And they distributed to each as anyone had need. And that’s the end of the passage. How did the followers of Jesus help those among their group who were poor in physical necessity?

All right. They gave of what they have. They sold their, of their property and their houses and gave it to those who were in need. Okay. For the sake of time, we are going to end there, there are handouts available for those who might like to come by and pick them up just by way of review to go through the remaining chapters,

we will pick up with acts chapter nine on Wednesday night. Thank you for your attention. And we’ll be back to start worship services in a few weeks.<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> good morning. Appreciate everyone who is here in person. There are a few of us and we appreciate everyone’s presence. We also appreciate everyone who is joining us remotely. Few announcements as we get started.

Remember our sick ed Richardson specifically also remember Barbara Dillard, Joan Springer, Donnie Flanagan, and Rodel Wilson, and update on Dorothy. She is back at home, recovering from a heart attack and a stint surgery. She is week from surgery. So definitely keep Dorothy in your prayers. Janie Marlin, her doctor canceled her appointment this week. So she will try and see a doctor this week for her aphid issues.

Potter’s children’s home will be here Thursday morning to pick up our collection of commodities. If you have coined cans, please bring those Wednesday night and have those here before Thursday. And also if you have any additional commodities, make sure those are here before Thursday. One last announcement Michael’s dad. James Dale will be speaking on the saved are in the church Tuesday night on the nationwide gospel call.

So a good opportunity to get a chance to hear him unless you’re planning on making any trips to Arizona anytime soon, it might be your only opportunity to hear Michael’s dad. So tune into that call into that Tuesday night at nine o’clock. If there are not any other announcements, Michael will lead us in our opening prayer. At the appropriate time, Noah will lead our singing and have our closing prayer.

And then Michael will also take care of the Lord’s supper. And I will present the sermon, I suppose. All right. No. All right. Good morning. Number 634, six three four. For you’re going to be using a song book. We’ll work till Jesus comes, sing the first and last verses of six, three, four. All right,

let us sing. Oh, land<inaudible>. When will the mom, man, When I found lame, I armor by and well and he side, Oh man.<inaudible> till Jesus comes well till Jesus comes and will be a guy. I saw that once my save your side, no more, my stab shall wrong with am brave ass, chilling tide and reach my Handley.

Oh man.<inaudible> till Jesus comes and will be guy<inaudible> Next song is going to be number 609, six zero nine. I’m not ashamed to own my Lord six zero nine. After which we have a prayer brother, Michael Dale, six zero nine. I’m not a shame to my Lord.<inaudible> main chain, neon, nurs of his word, the glory of his cross.

Jesus, my God, I know his name. His name is on my<inaudible> no more. Will he bud? My soul to shame no lead, my whole being lost for mass. His throne is promise. And then he can, well,<inaudible> what I’ve come it into his hands.<inaudible> then. Well, he on my worthless name before his father’s face and then a news porn for me,

my please bear with me Our awesome father in heaven. How Holy your name is? We thank you so much for this time that we have to come together, whether in person or online to be able to sing songs of praise to you and lift our voices in prayer and know that we are heard and hear a portion of your word. We thank you Lord for the technology that we are provided today,

to make sure that we are all able to come together, whether in the building or just in spirit. We thank you Lord so much for your son who, who died on the cross for us. And it is in his name. We pray amen. As long before the Lord’s supper to help us prepare our minds is not in a song, but that will be on the slides to set the face.

Divine set the fees to Bible in the first and last first, let us see<inaudible> Steve align, no bread and a fruit of the upline and say<inaudible> beef for the shrine and up the little may we<inaudible> his dad<inaudible> we thing Stan<inaudible> is<inaudible> and<inaudible> He’s got with me as we remember our Lord sacrifice our Lord in heaven. We humbly bow before your throne.

And we thank you Lord, for the sacrifice of your son and for this bread, which represents his body. When he asked that we do this in a pleasing manner in his name, amen. Please dealt with me, Our father in heaven. We come before you again, and we thank you so much for this fruit of the vine that represents your son,

shed blood for the covering. It gives us and the washing and regeneration that we gained from it. We asked that we never forget this and that we keep it in our minds and our hearts throughout the entire week and not just on Sunday. And thank you Lord for his sacrifice. Amen. Now this time we have set aside a time for offering, please bow with me,

Lord, in heaven, we thank you for the many blessings that you put upon us and that we receive in this world that you’ve created for us. We ask that as we give we so bound to flee so we can rebound to flee in the service of you. We ask that we give with a cheerful heart in your son’s name. Amen for the lesson will be number 647,

six four seven. If you are using a song book, do you want to go ahead and Mark 909, nine zero nine. Okay. A song of invitation, six 47, soldiers of Christ arise. We’ll sing all five verses. Let us soldiers of Christ.<inaudible> strong in the strength which gone up.<inaudible> strong in this rain, which God supplies through his being love is strong in the Lord of us.

That is my team who in the strength, jeez truck, who in this range of genies us trust is more than conch or Stan. Then in his grade,<inaudible> with all his strength and my tank to arm you for the fall, but take to arm you for the fight up.<inaudible> God leave no one garden.<inaudible> no weakness of the muscle.

Take every Birch you and every gray take every virtue. You, every grace and fortify the home, not that having all things done and know your conflicts pass, you may or come through Christ alone, alone. You may your come through Christ alone and stand in Tyra<inaudible>. And in the process of that, we have observed one of the amazing attributes of creation.

And that attribute is the nature of a snowflake. Those who have looked at these things under magnifying glasses will tell us there’s no two snowflakes alike. They are unique. They’re unique of how God Created them. And as I was thinking about that this week, one of the things that I fought about was the church, because the church is unique among all organizations,

among all bodies, among all assemblies, among all history, the church stands unique. Now there are some attributes of the church that are not unique. So, so let’s, let’s notice those just, just to get that idea out of the way, there are some things about the church that are not unique. For instance, it is not the only church that claims to be a church.

There’s a church in many cities on every corner that you drive by. It’s not the only one that claims to be a church or even a church associated or recognizing God. It is not the oldest religion in the sense of the church began when Jesus ascended back into heaven and the apostles had the power of the Holy spirit come upon them. As we talked about in Bible class,

and that as a form of religion, changing from the old law and the patriarch and Mosaical law to the new law is only about 2000 years old. And yet there are religions that history will tell us like those among Chinese cultures that are 5,000 years old. So somebody said, well, it’s not the oldest religion. It is not the only group that claims you can reach heaven by being a member.

Now it’s significant to know that there’s a difference as with many things in this world, there’s a difference between what people claim and what is actually true. But if we turn over to Galatians chapter one, verses six through nine, Paul will write to those in the churches of Galicia, that he was marveling, that they were so soon removed from the grays,

which called them by the gospel to another gospel, which he said is not another gospel, but some have perverted you and brought you away from God. So even in Paul’s day, just mere decades after Jesus ascended into heaven, after the church was established just mere decades. After this point, there were already those claiming you could get to heaven by a way,

other than the gospel of Jesus Christ, but notice as well, it is not unique in that it is not free from controversy internally and externally among organizations and even among religious organizations, controversy inside and out is not abnormal. And if you Are a part of a local congregation or a part of the church, universally in view of both aspects of the church,

you will recognize that controversy exists, but it existed even in the first century, turn to acts chapter 20 and acts chapter 20. As Paul is meeting with the elders from the church at Ephesus, he is meeting them there in the aisle or they’re on the Island and He is going to Speak with them because he knows that there are things that he needs to tell them before they don’t ever see him again.

So he meets there with those elders and he says to them and acts chapter 20 and in verse 29, therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock among which the Holy spirit has made you overseers to shepherd the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood. For. I know this that After my departure, Savage wolves will come in among you not sparing the flock also from among yourselves,

men will rise up speaking perverse things to draw away the disciples after themselves, therefore watch. And remember that for three years, I did not cease to warn everyone night and day With tears. Yeah. Notice Paul said that there was going to be controversy. There was going to be division. There was going to be struggling. The first attribute that he says,

or the first direction from which he said, that’s going to come, is those coming from the outside? He said, there’s going to be grievous wolves, perverse individuals who come in from the outside seeking to draw away men after themselves. But he said, it’s not just going to be those on the outside that are going to cause the problems he said.

There will also be those from among you. Now he’s talking to elders, he’s talking to the leaders of the church. He’s talking to the shepherds of the flock of God And he points it, them and stuff As there’s going to be those from among you who rise up seeking to draw away disciples after your selves. That moment As Paul is there with those elders,

I imagine To be very much like When Jesus was with the 12 apostles there at the table, in the upper room on the night of his betrayal. And he said, one of you sitting here will betray me. And they said, Lord has an eye. Lord, is it? I Lord has an eye at imagine the elders were looking at Paul going,

Well, I mean, it’s not going to be me. He must be talking about one of these other guys. But the reality Quality is the church is not free from controversy internally and externally. And in that way, it is not unique, But also it is made up of imperfect beings like Every other organization on planet earth. There are Some senses in which the church of Christ is not unique.

And I’m sure there’s more that can be added to the list. As I know, there are more attributes that can be added to the unique list than what I’ve prepared for this morning. But in these way, the church is not unique, but that doesn’t mean the church is not unique. The church is unique as it stands today, among all religions in existence today,

and every religion that has ever exist and every assembly, body or group of individuals or organization that has ever existed in history, the church stands unique and it is unique for these among many more reasons. Number one, the church is unique because it was founded by deity who took on humanity, turn to John chapter one, John chapter one, John is he is writing and giving these things that he writes.

So that those who read the things that Jesus did might believe and through their belief, their faith in Christ might have life through his name. John begins with this in the beginning was the word. And the word was with God. And the word was, God, the word was fails. The word was deity. The one who was in the beginning with God,

the one who was God. But then he says he was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him. And without him, nothing was made that was made the word that was with God. The word that was deity, the word was the one who created everything that exists the world and all that is there in. But if you skip down to verse 14,

we read and the word became flesh. Now you can go back to the old Testament and you can go back to the days of Moses. When God from Mount Sinai spoke to Moses and said to Moses, this is the law. This is what I’m giving to you. Now you go and give it to the children of Israel. And you can remember that occasion where God told Moses that he was going to pass by before him,

because Moses desired to see the Lord. And God said, you’re not going to see me to my face, but you’re going to see my, my hind parts as it were. You’re going to see the back of me, but you’re not gonna see the front of me because you would die if you did. And God manifested himself to Moses there in that form.

But God did not take on flesh. So even among the worship and the, the accurate and correct worship of God, there was never a time before the church where there was a religion founded by God who took on flesh. And yet the church is, but notice verse 15, John bore, witness of him and crying out saying this was he of whom.

I said that this was, excuse me. If I can read this. 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 was in, who was in the bosom of the father, he declared him. John points out that the word became flesh, but he doesn’t leave us guessing about who he’s talking about. He says the word that became flesh was the same one. John, the Baptist testified of saying, this is the son of God. And that word that became flesh was Jesus Christ.

The church is unique because it was founded by deity who took on flesh and no other organization in all of history has ever been able to claim that because no other organization in all of history of that, has it been true? But notice, secondly, it was founded by one who died, was resurrected and never died. Again. John chapter 20 in John chapter 20 and in verse 26,

as John is preparing to close his record of the life of Christ. We read in John chapter 20 and in verse 26 and after eight days, his disciples were again inside the inside where they were gathered together, inside and separated from everyone else. So after eight days, his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came the doors being shut and stood in the midst and said peace to you.

They’re in a room. The door is shut by all indications. It’s like it was the week before the door was shut and locked. And yet, instead of Jesus opening the lock, instead of knocking on the door, Jesus just shows up in the room and he says to them, peace to you. Then he said to Thomas, reach your finger here and look at my hands and reach your hand here and put it into my side.

Do not be unbelieving, but believing. And Thomas answered and said to him, my Lord and my God, Jesus said to him, Thomas, because you have seen me, you have believed blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book.

But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God and the believing you might have life in his name. Jesus died. Jesus was hung on a cross. Jesus was nailed to a cross, a sign placed above his head, said the King of the Jews. And it was written in three different languages. He was scourged.

He was beaten. He was mocked. He was ridiculed And he was killed. And as he hung on the cross and was all ready at the point where he had given up his spirit, the Centurion came along and was going by and breaking the legs of those two other individuals who were on their crosses because it was time for the repairing of, of the feast.

And there, they couldn’t have dead bodies hanging around during FaceTime. And so he breaks the knees of the other two, but he comes to Jesus and he’s all Ready, dead end, Thrust that spear up into his side and outcomes, blood And water Syngenta Recognizes that the death process has already begun to take place. The church was founded by a man who died,

but he didn’t stay dead. He was resurrected for, he appeared to the apostles on the Sunday, after his resurrection, he appeared to them again on the next Sunday, after his resurrection and appeared to Thomas as Well. But This additional fact is he did not just rise from the dead. He did not just come back to life, but he ascended to the father,

acts chapter one, acts chapter one. And in verse one, the former account I made oath. The awfulness of all the Jesus began both to do and to teach until the day in which he was taken up. After he, through the Holy spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom he had chosen to whom he also presented himself alive after his suffering by many infallible proofs,

being seen by them during 40 days. And speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God and being assembled together with them, he commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the father, which he said, you have heard from me for John, truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy spirit.

Not many days from now. Therefore, when you come together, they asked, they asked him saying, Lord, will you, at this time restore the kingdom to Israel. And he said to them, it is not for you to know times or seasons, which the father has put into his own authority, but you shall receive power. When the Holy spirit has come upon you and you shall be witnesses of me in Jerusalem and in Judea and Sumeria to the end of the earth.

Now, when he had spoken these things, while they watched, he was taken up and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they stood steadfastly looking toward heaven, as he went up behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, men of Galilee, why do you stay in gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven will.

So come in like manner. As you saw him go in to heaven, the one who was deity, the one who took on flesh, the one who died, the one who was resurrected and showed him siloed by many infallible proofs, that he was alive. That one ascended back to the father, which is why in Hebrews chapter 12 in Hebrews chapter 12.

And in verses one and two, the Hebrew writer tells these Christian TRIBE these Christians. Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great, a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin, which so easily besets us. And let us run with endurance. The racists set before us looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,

the originator, the creator of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross. He was the founder, the creator of all things that exist. And yet he took on flesh and for joy went to the cross who, for the joy that was set before him endured the cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

One thing that makes the church unique against every other organization, every other religion, every other aspect, and the thought of mankind, every other government, every other assembly of people is it was founded by one who died, was resurrected and never died again. Now, why is that last piece so critical? Because if you say, you know what, this was,

this was, it was founded by a man who died and was resurrected. Well, what if Lazarus, after he was resurrected by the Lord, decided he’d ought to preach his own glory, his own majesty and get his own disciples and draw them away after Lazarus. Well, then that would be a religion started by a man who died and was resurrected.

But what happened to Lazarus? He died again. Jesus Christ among all humanity among all who have ever lived is the only one who has ever died to be resurrected, never again, to taste death, which is why he is called the first born from the dead. And the church was founded by the one who died was resurrected and never died again. But thirdly,

the church is unique because it was in doweled by its creator with a unique mission message and might turn back to acts chapter one and acts chapter one. We just read this, we’ll read it again just briefly for the sake of drawing these thoughts together, but in acts chapter one, we are presented with this reality, the former account I made. Okay.

The off list of all the Jesus began both to do and to teach. It’s significant that Luke, as he is riding to the office says, I want you to understand the teaching and the actions of Jesus Christ until the day in which he was taken up. After, after he, through the Holy spirit had given commandments to the apostles who may have chosen.

Now, wait a minute, Jesus rise who died was resurrected and never died. Again. Not only did things while he was here, not only taught things while he was here, but he left commandments for those who were amazed when he left notice also whom also he presented himself alive after his sufferings, by many infallible proofs being seen by them during 40 days.

And speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God, even during the time where Jesus was alive and on the earth, after he was resurrected from the dead, he was still teaching them about the kingdom of God and being assembled together with them. He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the father there, which he said,

you have heard from me for John, truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy spirit. Not many days from now. Now we know in John chapter 16, as he was speaking with the apostles in the upper room, that Jesus told them that the Holy spirit, the comforter would be given to them to guide them in. And to all truth,

air four, he says, verse six, when they had come together, they asked him saying, Lord, will you, at this time restore the kingdom to Israel. And he said to them, it is not for you to know times or seasons, which the father has put in his own, but you shall receive power. When the Holy spirit has come upon you and you shall be witnesses,

they were going to speak on Christ’s behalf. We’re going to be witnesses concerning him in all or in Jerusalem and in all Judea and in Sumeria and to the end of the earth. So notice that the church is unique because it has a unique mission. If you turn back over to what Luke had just concluded in his former writings in Luke chapter 24, Luke concludes his previous letter to the office with this font in Luke chapter 24,

beginning in verse 46. And he, 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 Terry in the city of Jerusalem, until you are dude with power from on high. Now Luke gives this account of what Jesus tells the apostles. He also gives the account in acts chapter one, you might say, well, which one’s accurate. The answer is both of them are. And Luke is putting together the fact that repentance and remission of sins was what they were to be witnesses about.

They were to preach the gospel and Jesus had to die. So the gospel could be preached because Jesus died. And he was unlike anyone who had ever died. And because he was resurrected and he was unlike anyone who was ever resurrected and because he never died, again, the message they preached was unlike any other message that’s ever been preached. It was unique because it was Jesus Christ.

And as Paul says in first Corinthians chapter one, it was Jesus Christ and him crucified the message that they preached was part of the mission they were sent to fulfill. And that was repentance and remission of sins being preached to the entire world. Turn to Romans chapter one has Paul writes to the church at Rome. He tells these brethren beginning in verse 14,

I am a debtor, both to the Greeks and to the barbarians, both to the wise and to the unwise. So as much as in me as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also for, I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes for the Jew first and also for the Greek,

for in it. The righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, the just shall live by faith for the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness. God says, as he writes this through Paul, that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. The message of the gospel is unique for it is the only thing that will save mankind from their sins.

They were sent a mission To preach the gospel to the entire world Or debtors as Paul describes himself to preach the gospel to the entire world, the message that they preach was the only message that would save mankind. And yet It was the church is unique. Not only Because of its mission, not only because of its message, but because of It’s Mike,

there are two The senses in which the church is powerful and it is powerful In a way, unlike any other organization in all humanity’s history. First Then foremost, it is the might that we read about in acts After one in acts chapter one Beginning in verse six, the apostles asked Jesus, will you restore the kingdom to Israel? Jesus tells them it is not for you to know the times and the seasons which the father has put in his own hand.

He says, verse eight, you shall receive power. When the Holy The spirit has come upon you and you shall be witnesses. Now, you and I here in the assembly of the body of Christ today, do not have the gifts of the Holy spirit. But in the first century, when the church was founded, they did and they were there for a purpose.

They were there to confirm the message that was preached, that the message came from God, that the message was true and that the message could not be denied. And it was unique against every other message that had ever been proclaimed. The might of the church, big gain in the miraculous gifts of the Holy spirit and the revelation of God through those gifts.

But the might of the church didn’t end there when those gifts went away, because Those gifts were passed on only by the laying on of the Apostle’s hands. And when the apostles were dead and gone from this life, no one else had that ability to pass on those gifts. So with the apostles and all those who had met them in their lifetimes, the gifts went away.

We read about that in Ephesians Chapter four, and yet Paul and Ephesians chapter four says that these things were for a time while the church was in its infancy while it was growing to maturity until the gospel had been praised until the message amendment preach until those who were elders and teachers and deacons and ministers could come to a fullness of faith and a fullness of understanding.

So they wouldn’t be swayed about by every wind Doctrine. But Paul makes it clear. There was coming a time where these miraculous gifts were no longer going to be necessary. These miraculous gifts were not going to be needed. And yet it did not change The might of the church. And Matthew chapter 16, we read Beginning in verse 13, when Jesus came into the region of seven,

Three of Philippi, he asked his disciples saying, who do men say that I, the son of man am? So they said some of some say, John, the Baptist, some Elijah, others, Jeremiah, and One of the prophets he said to them, but who do you say that I am Simon, Peter, Or answered and said, you are the Christ,

the son of the living, God, Jesus answered and said to him, blessed, are you Simon? Barjona for flesh. And blood has not revealed this to you, but my father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter and on this Rock, not the rock that was Peter, but the rock that was the revelation of God,

I will build my church. But notice this statement, this, This statement about the church, the ekklesia, the called out of God, the church of Christ. This statement stands as you Nate, among all the organizations in history. He said, As upon this rock, I will build my church and the Gates of hell Eighties shall not prevail against it,

Of what organization in all of history. Can it be said that the Gates of hell Death did not overcome it, Of what organization can it be said in all of history that this organization stood and was able to withstand the power of Satan and the power of sin and the power of death. First Corinthians chapter one verses 50 through 58, Which organization can it be said in all of history was w was able to withstand the Gates of Hades.

And there’s only one. It is the church that Jesus built versus 19. And I will give to you the keys of the kingdom and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven. And whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Then he commanded his disciples that they should tell no one that he was Jesus, Jesus, the Christ Jesus had a mission to fulfill.

And in doing that, he left Half the church with a unique mission, a unique message and a Unique might in all history, but then consider as well. Number four, the church Is unique because it was purchased with a unique asset. Go back to acts chapter For 20, as Paul is there with the elders, as he Is speaking with those elders from the church at Ephesus,

he says to them in acts chapter 20 beginning in verse 25, He says, and indeed, now I know that you all among whom I have Gone preaching the kingdom of God will see my face no more. Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men for, I have not shown to declare to you the whole counsel of God,

therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock among which the Holy spirit has made you overseers to shepherd the church of God, which he Purchased with his own blood. Now, if nothing else was true, if not Nothing else that we’ve said in this lesson was applicable. This one thing would make the church unique because Paul, as he is, as he is speaking to these elders is he leaves this to us.

As Luke records, this in the book of acts tells us that the church was purchased with the one asset, nothing else in all of history Purchased with the blood of Jesus Christ. The church stands unique because it was purchased with a unique asset fifthly. It is completely And entirely unified. Now Someone’s going to raise Their hand and say, Oh wait, wait,

wait. As you said up there in that point about what is not unique about the church, that it is not free from controversy. How is it now you turn around and say it is completely and entirely Unified. And the answer is in John chapter 17 On chapter 17, as Jesus is praying among the apostles, as he is preparing to go out into the garden,

preparing to be betrayed. He says in his prayer to God, beginning in verse 20, Actually, let’s go back To verse 18. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. Speaking of the disciples, the apostles, and for their sakes, I sanctify myself that they also may be sanctified by the truth. I do not pray for these alone,

but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they all may be one as you father are in me and I in you, that they may be one in us. And that the world may believe that you Sent me Jesus Prayed for a unity and a unification to exist in the body of Christ. That was unlike anything else in all history,

in all mankind, because it was unity with Christ in the same unity he had with the father. And some One might say, well, yes, Aaron, I understand that, but that’s what Jesus had wanted. But that doesn’t mean that’s. What is He is? And I beg to differ turn first, John chapter one in first John chapter one,

we read about this unity. We, I read about the reality of the unity that exists in the body of Christ and nowhere else. John writes beginning in verse four. And these things I wrote, we write To you that your joy may be full. This is the message which we have heard From him and declare to you that God is light. And in him is no darkness at all.

If we say we have fellowship with him, we walk in darkness and walk in darkness. We lie and do not practice the truth. You say, Erin, I’ve looked in the body of Christ and I’ve looked among congregations. And there are people doing ungodly things. There are people at war with one another there’s people in controversy. There’s people doing things that are not right.

They are not living the way Jesus wanted them to live. And therefore there is not Unity in the church. And I beg to differ because God’s is that though Those who walk with him in light have fellowship with him and those who are in Darkness do not. It doesn’t matter who sits in a Pew on a Sunday morning. It matters who is in fellowship with God and then consider this.

He says, if we say we have fellowship with him and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus Christ, his son cleanses us from all sin. What is it that could stop the true unity of the body of Christ?

And the answer is sin, but what is it that the blood of Christ continually cleanses those Christians who were part of the church of Christ from all sin. And so there is unity in the body of Christ, unlike any other place in all of humanity, but then sixthly, the church is unique because it is perfect. There are not many things. Matter of fact,

I don’t believe there are any things in this life in our day and time of which you can say this thing is truly perfect, but that’s not accurate. When it comes to the church in Ephesians chapter five, Paul writes concerning the church and says, beginning in verse 25, husbands love your wives. As Christ also loved the church and gave himself for her,

that he might sanctify and cleanse Her with the washing of water By the word that he might Present her to himself, a Glorious church, and notice his description, not having spot or wrinkle or, Or any such thing, but that she should be Holy Add without blemish. What is that is Wholly sanctified, set apart cleanse and without blemish, not without any major blemish,

not without any minor blemish without blemish. It is perfect. All of the things that we have that are made up of precious metals or precious elements are gauged quite often in their value, their strength, their uniqueness on their perfection rating, but the finest cut diamond in all of human history, compares nothing with the unique perfection of the church. Number seven,

it is unique in that it can be created or generated perfectly anywhere in the universe under any conditions. If generated from the proper seed. Something that is interesting about seeds is seeds contain the potential for life. And if you were to take a seed from one location on the earth and it might even be, and this has been done before a sea, that was thousands of years old,

and you play of that seed in the right conditions, that seed will produce whatever it is a seed of, but in human history, there’s never been a seed that could generate anywhere under any conditions. If planted, except the seed of the church of Christ in Matthew chapter 13, Jesus is he is speaking concerning his kingdom. His church says in Matthew chapter 13,

beginning in verse 18, therefore hear the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away. What was sown in his heart? This is he who received the seed by the wayside, but he who received the seed on Stony places. This is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy.

Yet he has no rooted himself, but endures only for a while for when tribulation or persecution arises. But because of the word immediately, he stumbles. Now he who receives seed among the thorns is he who hears the word and cares for cares and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word. And he becomes unfruitful, but he who receives the seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understand it,

understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces some a hundred fold, some 60 and some 30. If you were to take the word of God and you were to extract it out of humanity and extracted out Of this world, and you were to carry it off into a S on a spaceship to Mars, as long as you had a human being who could hear it,

it could produce the church. Again, it is the only thing in all history that if jet that can be generated perfectly, anywhere in the universe, under any conditions, if generated from the proper seed, but eighth, and finally, the church is unique because it can has, and will be imitated, but never be replaced from the very beginning of the church.

There were those who sought to duplicate it. There were those who sought to change it. There were those who sought to model after it. There were those who saw to create one, just like it, but there’s never been another one. Just like four. It stands alone. It has never gone away nor will it ever. It has never been replaced nor could it be for,

for it to be replaced. DD would have to come back and flesh the would have to come back and walk this earth again. They would have deity would have to die again. Deity would have to be resurrected again. Dad would have to return to the throne of God again, and that’s never going to happen. Jesus said in Matthew chapter 16, verse 18,

upon this rock, I will build my singular unique one church. And the Gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. So while the church of Christ might be imitated, the church of Christ might be duplicated. The church of Christ might be manipulated to go away from him and be deceived by others. The church of Christ will never be replaced. The church of Christ stands unique in all history,

and it stands unique for the mission, the message and the might of God and the power of God to save mankind from their sins. If you’re outside the body of Christ and the church you are outside of salvation, Paul writes in Ephesians chapter two, that you are an alien from God and enemy of God. And without hope. Why? Because if you’re outside the body of Christ,

you are inside of sin and you have no hope, but you have hope in Christ. And if you are one who’s willing to do as the first century church did, when they were sinners, when they heard the word of God, they believed it. The seed was planted in their hearts and it began to grow and it took root and it produced fruit by them hearing the word of God and believing it,

but not just hearing it by them doing something about what they heard. They heard, they believed. And they repented because Jesus said repentance and remission of sins had to be preached in all the world because he went to the cross. They heard, they believe they repented. They confessed Christ as Lord and savior because they recognized he was the one true living.

God who took on flesh and walked this earth. But ascended back into heaven, never to die again, and having confessed the name of Christ. They were immersed in water for the remission of sins and they died. And then they Rose to walk in newness of life. Romans chapter six, verses three and four. The church is unique because it’s made up of people who were once dead,

but they’re not anymore. They’re alive in Christ. You’re outside of the body of Christ. You can change that today by entering into the church, which Jesus Christ died to purchase with his own blood. And the only place in which salvation is found. If you have need of the invitation of God, it is available now as we stand. And as we said For you and me,

let us say so a two and spring, and is the founder of, from the us or something and bids, Saul free. The dreaming well, you to the fountain three. Well, you can TIS for you and me thirsty. So here, the welcome call TIS a fountain, Oh, up and four. There’s a living stream with a crest,

all gleam from the throne of life. Now it flows while the water’s role let we are priests all hear the call. That four, three, the<inaudible> will you to the fountain free. You TIS for you and me thirsty. So here, the welcome call is fountain. Oh, and for all of them, there’s a rock that’s glass. And so is let that man,<inaudible> water.<inaudible> tears for you and me and his stream.

I seen let us, Hey son, Joel<inaudible> will you to the fountain and free will you come TIS for you and me thirsty. So here the welcome call, tos founder, and Oh, and for Raul. Well, thanks Aaron for that great lesson this morning, we’re going to have a closing song and it’s going to be number 957. This world is not my home.

We’ll sing the first verse only. And then we’ll have our closing prayer. Nine 57. This world is not my home. Let us sing. This world is not my home. I’m just passing through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue, the angels back on me from Evans opened, or, and I can feel at home in this world any more.

Oh Lord. You know, I have no friends like you. If heaven’s not in my home, then Lord, when will I do the angels back on me from Evans opened or, and I can feel at home in this world, any<inaudible> Let us pray our heavenly father. We thank you for another beautiful Lord today. Thank you for the privilege Lord,

to come into your house and worship you, Lord, we thank you for the message that Aaron brought us today. Lord, just to apply it to our hearts and let us use it in our everyday life. Lord, Lord, be with the sick, healed him as you see fit Lord, and just they with us as we leave and just keep us safe and bring us back at the next appointed time.

These things we ask in your precious name. Amen.