Today’s Reading: Amos 4:6–5:27, Acts 9:20–43, Job 20:1–11

Today’s Theme: The Person and Power of God

Today’s theme has us looking at the power and person of God. We look at God as a person who seeks relationship and reconciliation with His people and at the same time, He will show His power. He will go into judgement with us, for our good, and will show His power through creation and miracles.

God’s person and power is seen most clearly in His Son, Jesus Christ. Like Paul, we should argue the case for the gospel, in the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Amos 4:6–5:27

God’s gracious appeal

“I overthrew some of you, as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and you were as a brand plucked out of the burning; yet you did not return to me,” declares the Lord. (Amos 4:11, ESV)

As our Pastor always reminds us, 5 is a number that points to grace in the bible. This is the fifth time that this sentence is used in this chapter. The theme is that God has been using various difficulties to draw the people back to Him in repentance, but after the 5 gracious attempts, there is no repentance.

Even the difficulty that God allows in order to correct us, save us and cause us to repent and put our trust in Him, is His grace shown to us. The worst thing would be for Him to leave us to ourselves.

Prepare for battle

“Therefore thus I will do to you, O Israel; because I will do this to you, prepare to meet your God, O Israel!” (Amos 4:12, ESV)

This phrase is said in judgement, we meet God in judgment. The imagery is of meeting in battle, we of course, will be overthrown.

I never want to meet God in a fight, because it is folly. He is right and has good intentions for me, why should I hold on to darling sins and in madness go to meet my God on the battlefield?

Many lives are marked by this battling with God, we hear it from prosperity preachers on TV, talking about themselves arguing with God… really? We also hear it from the ungodly (including churched ungodly), that “have a problem with God” or “disagree with God” or “Don’t like the things of God or His ways”. This is the futile madness of sin.

Let us pray for ourselves and for everyone around us, that we would not indulge in the madness of meeting the one that would save us on the battlefield.

God knows your mind

For behold, he who forms the mountains and creates the wind, and declares to man what is his thought, who makes the morning darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth— the Lord, the God of hosts, is his name! (Amos 4:13, ESV)

God can read our thoughts, our minds are not a secret cupboard. By the way, Psychology cannot read a man’s thoughts, nor can any demon – only God can.

Seek the Lord

Seek the Lord and live, lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and it devour, with none to quench it for Bethel, (Amos 5:6, ESV)

This is God’s cry to all His people today. If we want to truly live in Christ, then we must spend our time seeking God in His word (the bible), in prayer, in fellowship and in service (including evangelism).

How great is our God

He who made the Pleiades and Orion, and turns deep darkness into the morning and darkens the day into night, who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out on the surface of the earth, the Lord is his name; (Amos 5:8, ESV)

Pleiades and Orion are both star constellations, God declares that He made these great stars – How Great Is Our GOD! Evolution is such an insult to God.

God created and maintains the mechanism for rain to be poured on the earth, from a scientific perspective. We behold His amazing wisdom and stand in awe of the greatest Scientist, Engineer and Designer.

Don’t despise instruction

They hate him who reproves in the gate, and they abhor him who speaks the truth. (Amos 5:10, ESV)

If we despise instruction and correction, this is a sure sign of destruction, then no one can help us.

Hate evil

Hate evil, and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph. (Amos 5:15, ESV)

We are called not only to love, but to hate. As Pastor always says; ‘to truly love, we need to truly hate’. We must hate (want dead) evil, and love and cherish that which is good, doing this will establish justice in our society.

A terrible day

Is not the day of the Lord darkness, and not light, and gloom with no brightness in it? (Amos 5:20, ESV)

The day of the Lord is not a joyous time, it is a terrible time of judgement.

God is active

“I hate, I despise your feasts, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. (Amos 5:21, ESV)

Again, the theme that external observance, legality and religious routine are not pleasing to God and elicit no response from “the universe” or “divine laws”.

For our religious actions to have any worth and benefit, they must come from a person walking in love and obedience to God. God hates it when we seek to please Him with anything other than faith in Him and when we treat Him like an impersonal force.

God is not passive while man is active, quite the opposite, God desires to be actively engaged in relationship with His children, out of which will flow Godly rituals of service and devotion.

Pursue justice

But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. (Amos 5:24, ESV)

All these religious events, sacraments and songs of worship mean nothing to God, without the pursuit of justice. Social justice goes hand in hand with genuine worship. Reaching out and ministering to God’s creation, displays His glory and attracts the lost to the beauty of the Lord, which is reflected in His church.

God alone is God

You shall take up Sikkuth your king, and Kiyyun your star-god—your images that you made for yourselves, (Amos 5:26, ESV)

Again, the star god is mentioned (also see Acts 7:43), this lends even less credibility to the so called “Star of David”.

We must cast down every idol, no matter how entrenched they are in our traditions or culture, God alone is God.

Acts 9:20–43

Jesus, Son of God

And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” (Acts 9:20, ESV)

This is one of the bold distinctives of Paul’s ministry, the declaration that Jesus is the Son of God. This truth proclaimed that Jesus is the Son of God and therefore God is essential to the gospel message.

Prove with Apologetics

But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ. (Acts 9:22, ESV)

Paul increased in strength by proving that Jesus was the Christ. The Greek word used for ‘proving’ is ‘symbibazō’ which means: to unite, conclude, infer, demonstrate, prove, instruct, teach and advise (Lexicon source used is BDAG).

So Paul engaged in apologetics, this would fit the Jewish context well as they enjoyed debating the scriptures. Paul enters with full force into these discussions, to prove through the scriptures and with biblical reasoning, that Jesus was indeed the Christ.

We must not shy away from apologetics, research and proving with the scriptures, the truth of the Gospel. When we do it, others will be saved but we will grow in the faith too.

One of the ways I have grown in the Lord over the years, is by facing tough questions on the Gospel, through research, meditation and argument (often with myself as part of bible study), to make myself firm in what I believe.

Make disciples

but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket. (Acts 9:25, ESV)

Paul didn’t just make converts, he made disciples, so should we.

Be a disciple

And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. (Acts 9:26, ESV)

Paul could make disciples because he was a disciple himself, we are called to be disciples of Jesus Christ.

Dispute, to the glory of God

So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him. (Acts 9:28–29, ESV)

Here Paul is using two important methods; the first is conventional preaching, the seconds is apologetic argument. As Christians we must regain the art of disputing to the glory of God.

Walk in the fear of the Lord

So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied. (Acts 9:31, ESV)

These are the ideal conditions for church growth. We as a people, must walk in the fear of the Lord  and seek our comfort from God, the Holy Spirit and not from the comforting sins of compromise in this world.

Lord show your power

And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose. (Acts 9:34, ESV)

This amazing display of power caused the entire town of Lydda to turn to the Lord.

Dependence on God

But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. (Acts 9:40, ESV)

Peter was totally depending on the Lord here. Picture the scene, he is on his knees seeking God in prayer and is turned away from the body knowing that he can do nothing in himself. As he prays, faith arises in his heart and the Spirit of God answers, he then turns to the body and declares the word of the Lord.

The plan for miracles and salvation

And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. (Acts 9:42, ESV)

Notice the fame of these events and the strategy behind them was not just for show or comfort of the recipients, but for the salvation of the lost. This should be our goal in seeing the Lord perform such miracles through us today.

Job 20:1–11

The life of the ungodly

that the exulting of the wicked is short, and the joy of the godless but for a moment? (Job 20:5, ESV)

This and everything said down to verse 11, is simply not true. This is a bad caricature of the life of the ungodly.

The truth is that, often, the ungodly live long, pleasure filled lives. This is because God is merciful and perhaps the goodness and providence of God will lead them to repentance (although God will also allow hard times to draw a man to Himself too).

God’s common grace is shown to all mankind, or all would immediately die from the sin of Adam which we all inherit. However do not let this (God’s mercy), be a caricature either, because the ungodly can have lives that end in disaster and in utter ruin.

The ultimate end of the unrepentant ungodly is quite clear, under God’s punitive judgement, they will go to hell for eternity.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

Desiring God on Acts 9

Today’s Reading: Amos 1:1–4:5, Acts 8:26–9:19, Job 19:13–29

Today’s Theme: God, great and gentle

Today’s theme is about God’s greatness and gentleness which He shows to us and expects us to display to one another and to the world. We are to be like shepherds; keeping covenant, showing mercy, walking in honesty, loving and comforting one another, while pursuing social justice, in Jesus’ name.

Amos 1:1–4:5

God’s Shepherds

The words of Amos, who was among the shepherds of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel, two years before the earthquake. (Amos 1:1, ESV)

This gives us insight to the type of man that Amos was, Shepherds were hard working, humble men.

We are not all called to be Shepherds of God’s people, like Pastors (the word Pastor literally means shepherd), but we should have the qualities of shepherds. We should be hard working, humble people, whose lives do not lead people astray.

We all have people in our lives whom God has called us to shepherd, this could be our spouse, children, friends, colleagues, neighbours etc.

The Covenant of Brotherhood

Thus says the Lord: “For three transgressions of Tyre, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because they delivered up a whole people to Edom, and did not remember the covenant of brotherhood. (Amos 1:9, ESV)

This covenant of brotherhood is Amos’ way of summarising the long relationship of mutual cooperation between the city of Tyre and Israel, mentioned in the days of Kings David, Solomon and Ahab.

It reminds us that we have a duty of care to one another, in the body of Christ. We are brothers and need to cooperate with each other, especially in hard times.

Show mercy

Thus says the Lord: “For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because he pursued his brother with the sword and cast off all pity, and his anger tore perpetually, and he kept his wrath forever. (Amos 1:11, ESV)

A reminder for us as the Church, we must show mercy to each other and we should not fight each other, or like Paul said, we will devour each other (Galatians 5:15), and finally we should not bear a grudge.

Abortion, an abominable sin

Thus says the Lord: “For three transgressions of the Ammonites, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because they have ripped open pregnant women in Gilead, that they might enlarge their border. (Amos 1:13, ESV)

The great sin of abortion is nothing short of infanticide. The brutal and often selfishly motivated murder of a defenceless baby, either by force in times of war and persecution, or by “choice” in the corrupted “freedom” of the West.

Deception deceives!

Thus says the Lord: “For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because they have rejected the law of the Lord, and have not kept his statutes, but their lies have led them astray, those after which their fathers walked. (Amos 2:4, ESV)

If we lie and live in dishonesty, that very sin will lead us astray into deception and destruction.

Do not be dishonest and do not tell lies, it dishonours God and those you lie to. Inevitably,  you will eventually be tripped up by your own lies and dishonesty.

Have the boldness in Jesus to be honest.

Don’t sell Jesus

Thus says the Lord: “For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because they sell the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals— (Amos 2:6, ESV)

Judas did this to Jesus in the NT.

We must guard against this in our own lives, we should not sell or betray Jesus for our own selfish desires.

As Christians we should also be concerned with the needs of those in poverty, we should not sell them out for our own comfort, by spending our money only on ourselves. Give to their needs through charities like Compassion.

We don’t get to redefine

“But you made the Nazirites drink wine, and commanded the prophets, saying, ‘You shall not prophesy.’ (Amos 2:12, ESV)

Redefining what God ordained (like the Nazirites vow in the passage) and intended, is open rebellion.

For example: Marriage cannot be redefined, in fact, redefinition of a word is foolish to the senses, and a word means what it means and cannot mean anything else.

Marriage is more than a word, it is an actual thing, it is tangible. It is and cannot be changed.

This and every other truth and reality established by God, cannot be redefined by man.

Man cannot help

Flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not retain his strength, nor shall the mighty save his life; he who handles the bow shall not stand, and he who is swift of foot shall not save himself, nor shall he who rides the horse save his life; (Amos 2:14–15, ESV)

When God’s judgement is poured out, human strength and ability cannot aid us.

We need to remind people of this reality, when sharing the good news.

Loving discipline

“You only have I known of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities. (Amos 3:2, ESV)

God’s relationship with Israel is special, so their judgement is more severe. This can be true in our lives too, because the Father chastens the son He loves.

Walking in agreement

“Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet? (Amos 3:3, ESV)

Unity and agreement is necessary in any partnership, whether it be marriage, ministry or business. Ask God to help you to walk in agreement with your partners today.

Sovereign over disaster

Is a trumpet blown in a city, and the people are not afraid? Does disaster come to a city, unless the Lord has done it? (Amos 3:6, ESV)

This brings perspective to all “natural disasters” – God is sovereign over all nature.

God’s secrets

“For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets. (Amos 3:7, ESV)

God reveals His secret to those in relationship with Him and in particular, His ministers, like the Prophets. We have seen this in the Bible, throughout church history and in our own church too.

The Lion’s roar

The lion has roared; who will not fear? The Lord God has spoken; who can but prophesy?” (Amos 3:8, ESV)

The preached word from our Pastors comes with the strength and power that it does, because it is a proclamation of the Lion’s roar… Hallelujah!

The ignorance of sin

“They do not know how to do right,” declares the Lord, “those who store up violence and robbery in their strongholds.” (Amos 3:10, ESV)

Jesus points to this condition when He said “Father forgive them for they don’t know what they do”. We must pray for those in sin, recognising that they do not always comprehended the gravity of their sin, but are walking in deception themselves.

In the darkness of sin there is ignorance, while in the light of the gospel there is truth.

Fight Social Injustice

“Hear this word, you cows of Bashan, who are on the mountain of Samaria, who oppress the poor, who crush the needy, who say to your husbands, ‘Bring, that we may drink!’ (Amos 4:1, ESV)

Social injustice is a stench before God. As the church, one of the reasons we exist is to establish God’s kingdom and shine the light of the gospel, which includes reaching the least, providing for their needs and showing them the love of God.

Yes our faith is also a social movement, bringing life, freedom and truth to all people, in Jesus’ name.

Acts 8:26–9:19

Desire guidance

And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. (Acts 8:31, ESV)

This is the attitude we should all have, we all need instruction in the word, which is why God gave us teachers and Pastors.

Christianity in Africa

And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. (Acts 8:38, ESV)

Christianity came to Africa long before European colonization.

Many black power advocates say that Christianity is a “white” imported religion. This is foolishness, it in fact originated in Israel and spread throughout the Middle East before it came to Europe, and as we see from this account, came to the continent now known as Africa, in the days of the Apostles.

The Way

and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. (Acts 9:2, ESV)

‘The Way’ was one of the early names for us as Christians. The title is a good one because it points to the fact that our lives were marked by following a certain path.

God, great and gentle

And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4, ESV)

Here we see the awesome power of God displayed like at the burning bush, yet the words of Jesus are so gracious.

God is Sovereign in electing the chosen, but also gentle in the way He draws.

This is a paradox, the vision was bold and full of authority, while the call was loving and heartfelt.

Pre-planned Purpose

But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. (Acts 9:15, ESV)

God, in His sovereignty, chose Paul to accomplish His purposes, it was all pre-planned.

You are not Paul, but God has a pre-planned purpose for your life too.

Equipped for ministry

So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 9:17, ESV)

No one is ready for ministry without being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Job 19:13–2

Marriage difficulties

My breath is strange to my wife, and I am a stench to the children of my own mother. (Job 19:17, ESV)

Sometimes we forget that Job’s trial would have put tremendous strain on his marriage. Pray for marriages under strain from difficult circumstances today.

Comfort one another

All my intimate friends abhor me, and those whom I loved have turned against me. (Job 19:19, ESV)

The emotional pain of Job’s plight was severe too. We must comfort one another in times of trial.

The incarnate redeemer

For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. (Job 19:25, ESV)

Job wants a record of what has happened because he knows he has a redeemer who can help his cause. Again, this shows that the OT understanding of God was not Unitarian (one person only).

There is hope in God

And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, (Job 19:26, ESV)

Job has a glimmer of hope here, this is his heart of faith and trust in God.

Don’t be spiteful

be afraid of the sword, for wrath brings the punishment of the sword, that you may know there is a judgment.” (Job 19:29, ESV)

This is in line with when Jesus told us we should not judge one another in hypocrisy and spitefulness.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Acts 9

Today’s Reading: Joel 3:1–21, Acts 7:54–8:25, Job 19:1–12

Today’s Theme: Jesus Glorified

Today’s theme is about Jesus glorified, seen in the prophecy of the end and in Stephen’s vision.

Joel 3:1–21

Dividing the Land

I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. And I will enter into judgment with them there, on behalf of my people and my heritage Israel, because they have scattered them among the nations and have divided up my land, (Joel 3:2, ESV)

The reason that God judges the nations is for scattering His people and dividing the land of Israel. This is exactly what we are dealing with politically today.

Nations take note

Behold, I will stir them up from the place to which you have sold them, and I will return your payment on your own head. (Joel 3:7, ESV)

God actively causes Tyre, Sidon and Philistia to reap what they have sown.

Reaping what we sow is not an automatic process, God is actively involved.

The valley of decision

Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. (Joel 3:14, ESV)

This is talking about the great battle of Armageddon which is to come.

Finding context

“So you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who dwells in Zion, my holy mountain. And Jerusalem shall be holy, and strangers shall never again pass through it. (Joel 3:17, ESV)

This gives us context that this part of the prophecy is connected to Jesus’ second coming.

Acts 7:54–8:25

Jesus Glorified

And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:56, ESV)

The Holy Spirit opened Stephens’s eyes to see Jesus glorified at the right hand of God. This had two purposes; firstly it would encourage his faith in this very difficult situation and secondly, it would serve as a witness to his accusers.

Jesus Displayed

And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:60, ESV)

To say this, Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit till the very end. He was also fulfilling Jesus’ new command to love our enemies and following His example on the cross.

The Gospel Spreads

And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. (Acts 8:1, ESV)

This shows the position of influence that Saul had and his murderous nature, before he met Jesus.

The persecution was used in God’s plan, to spread the Gospel further abroad.

Make an impact

Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. (Acts 8:5, ESV)

Philip made a huge impact in Samaria, he proclaimed Christ and confirmed what he had proclaimed, by delivering those with demons and healing the sick.

Respond

But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. (Acts 8:12, ESV)

The Gospel is not like magic, we are not trying to amaze people. We preach to solicit a response, a very conscious and thoughtful response to that which is preached, resulting in belief and the corresponding actions such as baptism.

Laying of hands

Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:17, ESV)

This laying on of hands was the practice of the Apostles, but is not the only way the Holy Spirit is given for service. The laying on of hands seems to have been used to draw out the wicked intention of Simon (notice the context, the text has focused on this character for a while).

The gift is God’s

But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! (Acts 8:20, ESV)

Ministry can be a dangerous thing for someone whose heart is not right. Simon just wanted to be seen as great and to exercise power, whereas God’s ministers serve the flock in love.

Also, this speaks against the practice in the prosperity movement today, where a “Man of God” is paid for various things, like giving a word of prophecy to someone.

Forgiveness is not automatic

Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. (Acts 8:22, ESV)

Notice the nature of forgiveness, it is not automatic. God is personally involved in forgiving His people, they do not deserve it and cannot demand it, but must ask for it so that God might show mercy and grace in granting repentance.

Job 19:1–12

Keep your eyes on God

know then that God has put me in the wrong and closed his net about me. (Job 19:6, ESV)

Job continues to recognise that God has done this. The NT also encourages us not to compare ourselves to others, but to keep our eyes on God.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Acts 8

Today’s Reading: Joel 1:1–2:32, Acts 7:1–53, Job 18:1–21

Today’s Theme: God Restores

Today we look at God as our great restorer and rescuer, seen most clearly through Jesus, the better Joseph and Moses.

Joel 1:1–2:32

Fruitfulness brings joy

The vine dries up; the fig tree languishes. Pomegranate, palm, and apple, all the trees of the field are dried up, and gladness dries up from the children of man. (Joel 1:12, ESV)

Fruitfulness brings joy, in both the physical and spiritual. If joy is lacking, we need to ensure we are growing fruitfully in the Lord.

No word leads to no joy

Is not the food cut off before our eyes, joy and gladness from the house of our God? (Joel 1:16, ESV)

Again, no word from God means no Joy.

No word leads to suffering

How the beasts groan! The herds of cattle are perplexed because there is no pasture for them; even the flocks of sheep suffer. (Joel 1:18, ESV)

Without the word which brings Joy, God’s flock will suffer.

Sound the Alarm

Blow a trumpet in Zion; sound an alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming; it is near, (Joel 2:1, ESV)

Part of the Gospel is to warn off the wrath to come.

God’s army

The LORD utters his voice before his army, for his camp is exceedingly great; he who executes his word is powerful. For the day of the LORD is great and very awesome; who can endure it? (Joel 2:11, ESV)

This terrible force is God’s army because they are under His control.

Tear your heart

and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster. (Joel 2:13, ESV)

God desires that these warnings draw His people in genuine heartfelt repentance, which is more than just an external show.

This is a cry to wayward saints (sinners were never with the Lord).

God’s character is clearly outlined here. God is gracious, merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and wants to turn back concerning disaster for His people (in the same way a parent would prefer to not have to smack a child in love, if the child repents).

Our repentance will cause God to turn back from judgement too.

Jealous Love

Then the LORD became jealous for his land and had pity on his people. (Joel 2:18, ESV)

God showed His jealous love and zeal for the land whilst also having pity on His people, in response to the prayer of His people.

God restores

I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you. (Joel 2:25, ESV)

I am so grateful that God is a God who restores what He had taken away in judgement.

It is also comforting to know that the Lord can restore years that were eaten away in sin or rebellion.

Satisfied in God

“You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame. (Joel 2:26, ESV)

God is most glorified in us, when we are most satisfied in Him.

The Promised Holy Spirit

“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit. (Joel 2:28–29, ESV)

Peter said this was fulfilled in Acts, on the day of Pentecost. We give God thanks that we live in these days.

Everyone who calls

And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the LORD has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the LORD calls. (Joel 2:32, ESV)

Salvation is available and offered to all who will call upon the name of the Lord.

Acts 7:1–53

Know history

and said to him, ‘Go out from your land and from your kindred and go into the land that I will show you.’ (Acts 7:3, ESV)

History gives foundation and definition to our faith, this is why it is so important that we know our history as God’s people.

God our Rescuer

“And the patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him and rescued him out of all his afflictions and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who made him ruler over Egypt and over all his household. (Acts 7:9–10, ESV)

Joseph was like an OT type of Jesus.

God remained sovereign in the midst of Joseph’s trouble, which gives us hope in the midst of ours.

Joseph, a type of Jesus

And on the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family became known to Pharaoh. (Acts 7:13, ESV)

This is also a nod to Jesus, because at His second coming He will make Himself known to His brothers, the Jews.

Moses, a type of Jesus

He supposed that his brothers would understand that God was giving them salvation by his hand, but they did not understand. (Acts 7:25, ESV)

Another type of Jesus, the first time He came to Israel they did not understand either.

Jesus, the Judge

But the man who was wronging his neighbour thrust him aside, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? (Acts 7:27, ESV)

This was the attitude of many in Israel, to Jesus too. Also, this gets to the heart of the problem why many from all nations, do not follow Jesus and obey God. It is because at heart, they do not want anyone to judge or rule them.

We need to make sure this wicked attitude is not in our hearts, homes or churches.

It all points to Jesus

“This Moses, whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’—this man God sent as both ruler and redeemer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. (Acts 7:35, ESV)

Here, Stephen is making the point of his historical retelling clearer. He is trying to show his accusers that the entire History of the Jewish people, was pointing to Christ and how He would come in two parts, being rejected and suffering first and then coming a second time to rule.

Turn your heart to God

Our fathers refused to obey him, but thrust him aside, and in their hearts they turned to Egypt, (Acts 7:39, ESV)

May we receive and obey Jesus from the heart, and not turn back to the world in our hearts, we must guard against this.

Replacement gods

And they made a calf in those days, and offered a sacrifice to the idol and were rejoicing in the works of their hands. (Acts 7:41, ESV)

The calf for Israel today is a Christ-less Judaism, we must continue to reach them with the gospel. We must ensure that we do not have replacement gods in our lives.

Look past this world

Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says, (Acts 7:48, ESV)

Stephen wants them to get their eyes past the temple and the external observances of tradition and religion.

Have circumcised hearts

“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.” (Acts‬ ‭7:51‬, ESV‬‬)

This is the summation of Stephens’s lesson and appeal.

Lord, may we be circumcised in our hearts and help us to not resist Your Holy Spirit.

Job 18:1–21

The wicked trap

For he is cast into a net by his own feet, and he walks on its mesh. (Job 18:8, ESV)

This is true of the wicked, they are deceivers and are being deceived, like the Proverbs and NT teach. They will be caught in their own traps.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Acts 7

Today’s Reading: Hos 13:1–14:9, Acts 6:1–15, Job 17:1–16

Today’s Theme: Hope in God

Today’s theme looks at the hope we can have in God.

Hosea 13:1–14:9

God the only Saviour

But I am the LORD your God from the land of Egypt; you know no God but me, and besides me there is no saviour. (Hosea 13:4, ESV)

God makes these exclusive statements that only He can make. He reminds the people and us about who He is, the only God and Saviour.

The good times test

but when they had grazed, they became full, they were filled, and their heart was lifted up; therefore they forgot me. (Hosea 13:6, ESV)

This is the test, do we forget God when we prosper and all goes well? Sadly this is often the case. We need to test our hearts, if God is our number one desire then we will not forget Him in good times.

Seize the opportunity

The pangs of childbirth come for him, but he is an unwise son, for at the right time he does not present himself at the opening of the womb. (Hosea 13:13, ESV)

Lord, help us to be wise and to seize the opportunity in the lifetime of the opportunity.

Death will be defeated

Shall I ransom them from the power of Sheol? Shall I redeem them from Death? O Death, where are your plagues? O Sheol, where is your sting? Compassion is hidden from my eyes. (Hosea 13:14, ESV)

This is a prophetic passage, in the end Jesus will defeat even death, there will be no more death.

Hope for Apostates

I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them. (Hosea 14:4, ESV)

This verse shows the loving heart of God, and the amazing truth that there is even hope for the apostate to be healed and restored.

The ways of the Lord

Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the LORD are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them. (Hosea 14:9, ESV)

God’s right ways are the litmus test of authentic faith; do we walk in the Lord’s ways? If we do, that is evidence of true conversion. If His ways are a stumbling block to us, we are not yet converted.

Acts 6:1–15

Social action

And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. (Acts 6:2, ESV)

This daily distribution must have something to do with the pooling of resources that was happening so that everyone had food etc.

Social action and service should not be pitted against the preaching of the Word, both are important, but the Pastor should be able to focus on the highly important task of studying the word to preach and teach it to the church.

Some in the West, play down this role and give very little time in their service to the exposition of the word. I thank God we are in a church where the expository preaching of the bible is central.

Ministry in the word

But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:4, ESV)

Another good example for today’s churches; elders should devote themselves to the word of God and prayer. These spiritual disciplines are crucial in the lives of the church leaders, for the growth of the entire body.

Also note the context here; a deacon’s focus should be the social care of the church.

The power of the gospel

And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. (Acts 6:7, ESV)

Another reminder of the power of the Gospel, many of the Jewish priests from the tribe of Levi were converted.

Unbeatable wisdom

But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. (Acts 6:10, ESV)

This is the kind of wisdom that the Holy Spirit gives to us as God’s people. We will speak with the kind of wisdom that cannot be refuted.

Also note the word “Spirit”; they were not able to resist the power of the Holy Spirit in Stephen. We need the Holy Spirit in order to be effective witnesses.

This is why when we speak the truth in the Holy Spirit, we are not met with reason or logic, but ignorance and violence.

Job 17:1–16

Hope in God

where then is my hope? Who will see my hope? (Job 17:15, ESV)

Job has been explaining in this whole chapter that he has no hope. Thank God for Jesus, we do have hope if we put our hope in God.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Acts 6

Today’s Reading: Hos 11:1–12:14, Acts 5:1–42, Job 16:10–22

Today’s Theme: The attributes of God

Today we read about just some of the wonderful attributes of God which should fill us with awe and faith. In the New Testament we see God’s order, structure and life in the early church.

Hosea 11:1–12:14

Called out

When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. Hosea 11:1 (ESV)

This like much of the Old Testament has dual meanings on one hand it speaks of Israel but the New Testament also uses it to speak of Christ.

God has called us out of Egypt in a sense if we consider Egypt as representing the world system.

The motivation in all three cases (Israel, Jesus, us) is God’s love for us.

God, our loving Father

I led them with cords of kindness, with the bands of love, and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws, and I bent down to them and fed them. Hosea 11:4 (ESV)

God is a loving Father to His people Israel, be encouraged by this today that He loves you as a father, His leading in our lives is motivated by His love.

God is compassionate

How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender. Hosea 11:8 (ESV)

God has great affection and compassion for His people, I just thank God that He is not like man.

We should be like God as Jesus showed us in His life and ministry. We should show compassion (compassion noun. – a deep awareness of and sympathy for another’s suffering.).

God, the true Lion

They shall go after the LORD; he will roar like a lion; when he roars, his children shall come trembling from the west; Hosea 11:10 (ESV)

God is the true Lion, He roars and His people come to Him. This is such a picture of authority and power, God is not some lonely man on a hill just wishing people would follow Him, He is a mighty, sovereign God in operation drawing and saving His people with all authority.

Don’t feed on wind

Ephraim feeds on the wind and pursues the east wind all day long; they multiply falsehood and violence; they make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried to Egypt. Hosea 12:1 (ESV)

A picture of the futility of our pursuits without and against God. It is like feeding on wind, it will bring no satisfaction.

Also the winds of false doctrine are empty and cannot satisfy.

God the Wise One

I spoke to the prophets; it was I who multiplied visions, and through the prophets gave parables. Hosea 12:10 (ESV)

God declaring His glory as the revealer of visions and parables. Our God knows everything and is wise, these are two of His eternal attributes.

God’s guards for His people

By a prophet the LORD brought Israel up from Egypt, and by a prophet he was guarded. Hosea 12:13 (ESV)

The Prophet Moses was used as a guard for the people of Israel, this is also true today, our pastors are guards and shepherds over the flock. Paul admonishes the elders/pastors and leaders to watch over the doctrine, to guard and defend it. Doctrine matters.

Thank God for the guards he has given us.

Acts 5:1–42

Don’t be dishonest

and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 5:2 (ESV)

It was not that they were obligated to give it all, the problem here is that they were acting as if they gave the full price of the land when they did not as Peter mentions later.

The lesson is simple, we should not be dishonest.

You can’t lie to God

While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” Acts 5:4 (ESV)

This is the most foolish position any man can take. God is all knowing and wise, how can man lie to Him and hope to get away with it… well it happens all the time and shows the depravity and unsound thinking of our fallen nature. We need to be regenerated. We need the Holy Spirit.

Discipline from God

When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. Acts 5:5 (ESV)

God still uses this sort of discipline today. This one was recorded for our instruction but God will judge and chastise severely and openly to cut out rot and deception in the church.

Jesus died to save the church and will move to preserve her when necessary, but as noted earlier in today’s reading this is done mostly through pastoral leadership, good elders, exposition of the Bible and biblical church discipline which all give the church biblical discernment.

My own thought (it is possible that the Lord so drastically cut off these deceivers because the church was in such early days and this culture of falsity needed to be dealt with, also that maybe the elders were not yet trained and mature enough to deal with this sort of manipulation etc).

The Fear of God

And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. Acts 5:11 (ESV)

God’s purpose in this judgement was that the fear of God would be established in and through the church.

Church Leadership

Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. Acts 5:12 (ESV)

Again notice these are by the hand of the apostles and not just any believer.

Church Membership

None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. Acts 5:13 (ESV)

In those days joining the church was no casual thing. This is still the case in areas of the world where the church is persecuted. Let’s pray that the serious nature of church membership would be revived.

Delivered by Angels

“Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” Acts 5:20 (ESV)

The command of the angels shows the purpose in their mission to free the apostles was not for them to escape into hiding on this occasion but to Go, Stand and Speak the gospel.

Thank God that he sends angels in answer to our prayers to deliver His people.

Teaching the people

And someone came and told them, “Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” Acts 5:25 (ESV)

Like Jesus, this was often the mission of the apostles. Man has been so deceived that teaching in the truth is one of his greatest needs.

Our creed

The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” Acts 5:30–32 (ESV)

Peters third sermon as it were and in it we find some good definition and summary of the beliefs of the early church.

The enduring Church

but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, Acts 5:39 (ESV)

…and time has proven that this is of God because we are still here today.

Elected to suffer

Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. Acts 5:41 (ESV)

Do we rejoice in being elected to suffer for His name, if not we need to check our hearts.

Job 16:10–22

The trinity

that he would argue the case of a man with God, as a son of man does with his neighbor. Job 16:21 (ESV)

Here is a nod to the Old Testament understanding / revelation of the trinity (God bringing a case before God).

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Acts 5

Today’s Reading: Hos 8:1–10:15, Acts 4:1–37, Job 16:1–9

Today’s Theme: Rebellion vs God’s Spirit

Today’s theme will look at the futility of our natural state of rebellion vs the supernatural empowerment of God’s Holy Spirit to live lives in faith and obedience to God and His word.

Hosea 8:1–10:15

Do not rebel against God

They made kings, but not through me. They set up princes, but I knew it not. With their silver and gold they made idols for their own destruction. Hosea 8:4 (ESV)

This is not a good place to be in, we should be careful not to walk in rebellion or God may leave us to our own plans in judgement.

This also reminds us that we must seek God’s guidance in all that we do.

Be careful about what you invest in

For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind. The standing grain has no heads; it shall yield no flour; if it were to yield, strangers would devour it. Hosea 8:7 (ESV)

We should be careful where we spend our time, money and resources because we will reap what we sow.

Sacrifices are not an end in themselves

As for my sacrificial offerings, they sacrifice meat and eat it, but the LORD does not accept them. Now he will remember their iniquity and punish their sins; they shall return to Egypt. Hosea 8:13 (ESV)

Sacrifices are not an end in themselves, we may make them and God not accept them because we only make the sacrifice to make up for the lack of love, affection, desire and obedience we have toward God.

Don’t be fooled into thinking you can appease God with religious duty. He is seeking a faithful and fruitful relationship with you not a phoney externalised religiosity.

God is no automatic impersonal force, the bible teaches us that God is a person and operates on the basis of relationship.

The deceitful pleasure of Sin

Rejoice not, O Israel! Exult not like the peoples; for you have played the whore, forsaking your God. You have loved a prostitute’s wages on all threshing floors. Hosea 9:1 (ESV)

Do we like the reward or pay off from prostituting our devotion to God with the world?

We must not be negligent to the fact that sin is pleasurable. We must recognise that this pleasure pales into insignificance when compared to the pleasures found in God.

Don’t get choked by things

For behold, they are going away from destruction; but Egypt shall gather them; Memphis shall bury them. Nettles shall possess their precious things of silver; thorns shall be in their tents. Hosea 9:6 (ESV)

This reminds me of those who heard the word but the cares of this life choke it out.

In Jesus own words from Matthew 13:22 “As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.”

You become what you love

Like grapes in the wilderness, I found Israel. Like the first fruit on the fig tree in its first season, I saw your fathers. But they came to Baal-peor and consecrated themselves to the thing of shame, and became detestable like the thing they loved. Hosea 9:10 (ESV)

The words “became detestable like the thing they loved.” reminds us that we become what we love. We have to be careful with our affections. Ultimately we should set our affections on God and become more like Him.

God hates the wicked (sinners)!

Every evil of theirs is in Gilgal; there I began to hate them. Because of the wickedness of their deeds I will drive them out of my house. I will love them no more; all their princes are rebels. Hosea 9:15 (ESV)

God does not just hate the sin as this verse and many others display. Also it doesn’t say He hates what they do. It says He hates them because of their evil deeds, man is culpable and responsible for his deeds before God.

Consider this, sin will not be consigned to hell for all eternity, sinners will.

We need to preach the full context of the Gospel that God is angry with us for our sin and will judge each of us personally for our sin because He hates one who commits sins. Yet because of His love for mankind He has made a way of escape and because of His particular love for His elect He has saved us.

The prosperity test

Their heart is false; now they must bear their guilt. The LORD will break down their altars and destroy their pillars. Hosea 10:2 (ESV)

Riches and prosperity can test our hearts to see whether we are genuine or not, will our hearts prove to be false?

God must be our greatest treasure.

The political idols

For now they will say: “We have no king, for we do not fear the LORD; and a king—what could he do for us?” Hosea 10:3 (ESV)

This is the political state of the west where God is not honoured and leadership is scorned. We should consider this as we pray for our nations.

Ideas like Socialism, Communism and Capitalism all have consequences especially when belief in these political systems seeks to usurp God’s place and His personal and delegated pattern of authority.

Break up the hard ground

Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you. Hosea 10:12 (ESV)

This is a great call to repentance, restoration and sanctification. This can apply to us as well, Jesus said His yoke is easy and burden is light as mentioned in the previous verse but if we walk in wickedness, then we will burden ourselves with a great yoke and with work to do.

It is hard to break up hard uncultivated ground, but our lack of trusting in God will leave us with this great burden and work which Jesus did not intend for our neck. ( See next verse).

Acts 4:1–37

The promise of the Gospel

greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. Acts 4:2 (ESV)

This is a key message and promise of the Gospel. We need to let the world know that there is a hope for resurrection in Jesus to eternal life.

The Gospel is more than just the great escape from Hell.

The victory of the gospel

But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand. Acts 4:4 (ESV)

Luke is reminding us here that this was a great victory, even though they were imprisoned, five thousand were saved.

If we are faithful in our proclamation of the Gospel, God will be glorified.

The Holy Spirit speaks

let it be known to all of you 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 is standing before you well. Acts 4:10 (ESV)

As Jesus had promised, they would be filled with the Spirit when standing before accusers

Listen to the boldness of Peters declaration empowered by the Spirit… just wonderful.

Today we must also rely on the Holy Spirit to speak through us.

Jesus is the only way

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (ESV)

Peter outlines clearly the exclusivity of the Gospel message. Jesus is the only way.

Speak boldly

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13 (ESV)

The confidence they spoke with reflected the Lordship of Jesus. We need to remember this, we can speak boldly because of who Jesus is and because we spend time with Jesus.

Speak from your experience with the Lord

for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:20 (ESV)

Peter and John were not just speaking from what Jesus had taught them they were speaking from their experience with Him too. We must also do this.

God is Sovereign

while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” Acts 4:30 (ESV)

This prayer (verse 28 – 30) recognises God as sovereign even over the cross

This is what we should pray for when our faith comes under fire, Lord please give me boldness.

The apostles recognised that even the healing was not coming from some special gift possessed by them but God working through them.

Filled to persevere

And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:31 (ESV)

Notice this time they were filled with the Holy Spirit to persevere in speaking boldly. We need this too.

Taking care of each others needs

There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Acts 4:34–35 (ESV)

This is the great vision of God’s kingdom which in some ways we have lost today. Crippled by pragmatism and conventional wisdom, we would see such devotion and abandon as irresponsible.

At the same time we must look at this in context, this did seem to be a special event at the start of the church. Later through Paul’s writing we hear that the church at Jerusalem was poor so he took a collection for them.

Also note that although land owners sold their land I’m sure they still had somewhere to live, Note also that in the mind of these believers Christ could return at any moment. It is a lesson for us about how we live our lives in this present world in regards to our possessions and the needs of others

Job 16:1–9

The Comforter

“I have heard many such things; miserable comforters are you all. Job 16:2 (ESV)

I must admit this made me laugh when I first read it this morning, but looking at it again we should be grateful that we have the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Acts 4

Today’s Reading: Hos 6:1–7:16, Acts 2:42–3:26, Job 15:21–35

Today’s Theme: The church or marks of a biblical church

Today’s theme is the church, we read about the marks of a biblical church from the account in Acts of the earliest church and the works of the apostles. We explore God’s plan for His people in our Old Testament reading which is manifested as the Church of Jesus Christ in the New Testament.

Hosea 6:1–7:16

Remedial Discipline

“Come, let us return to the LORD; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up. Hosea 6:1 (ESV)

This is a call to repentance, we must like Hosea recognise that the purpose behind God’s discipline for his children is remedial.

God wants us to be reformed, never forget that God desires for you to grow and flourish.

Persevere as God’s Saints

Let us know; let us press on to know the LORD; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.” Hosea 6:3 (ESV)

Hosea calls us to perseverance in seeking and knowing God, we can do this through His word.

We have been called to perseverance as Christians, our walk is not for the faint hearted. We need to press forwards with courage and zeal.

If you do not have an appetite for God and His word then you need to examine yourself and realign your priorities by the centering of your delight on God.

Love, the active ingredient

For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6 (ESV)

Again this cuts to heart of Hosea’s message. God wants love not sacrifice and to be known rather than to be given offerings. This means that God has no desire for external observances without inward truth.

This is why those that teach that even the ungodly and backsliding / rebellious Christians can benefit from tapping into divine principles are simply wrong. This sounds more like the new age… NO ..our God is a God who delights in genuine love and relationship. In fact love for and in God is the active ingredient that makes the “divine principles” and “promises” of God work.

None of this is possible aside from the knowledge of God found in the special revelation of His word… it is not acquired by relativity because the truth is absolute and settled.

Deal with it today

For with hearts like an oven they approach their intrigue; all night their anger smolders; in the morning it blazes like a flaming fire. Hosea 7:6 (ESV)

Like Paul said, we should not let the sun go down on our anger in Ephesians 4:26 “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,”

If we hold on to things overnight, it will smoulder and a root of bitterness and anger will start to take root. We have been called to live in peace and freedom.

What is taking your strength?

Strangers devour his strength, and he knows it not; gray hairs are sprinkled upon him, and he knows it not. Hosea 7:9 (ESV)

What is it that is taking your strength, be sure to know and prioritise accordingly?

We need to take personal inventory of our lives, where is our time, our thoughts, our money and our energy being used?

We need to plug the leaks and take hold of the reigns. Don’t go into a drift and be taken along by the busyness of life.

Don’t be silly

Ephraim is like a dove, silly and without sense, calling to Egypt, going to Assyria. Hosea 7:11 (ESV)

Lord keep us from being silly and without sense. Help us to run to you and not to the apparent help of this world.

Jesus calls us to wisdom in Matthew 10:16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”

Desire God

They do not cry to me from the heart, but they wail upon their beds; for grain and wine they gash themselves; they rebel against me. Hosea 7:14 (ESV)

It seems that the heart of rebellion amongst God’s people is our lack of desire for Him and the strength of our desire for other things. Lord help us today to have joy filled, healthy desires for You and the things that please You.

Acts 2:42–3:26

4 Marks of a biblical church

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42 (ESV)

It is just wonderful to have this record of how the first of the early churches functioned, it should be remembered that all the members of this first Christian community were Jewish.

Here are 4 marks of a biblical church. The first is sound doctrine, followed by active fellowship, keeping of the sacraments and finally commitment to prayer.

Devoted to Apostolic Teaching

They were first of all devoted to apostolic doctrine. For us today we should be devoted to the bible and the sound exposition of it by our pastors and by tried and tested men in church history like Spurgeon and others God has raised up today like Piper. As they seek to build us up as God’s people that we might know God and live for Him, growing in the Lord daily.

There is no new doctrine in the church only cults come up with new things all the time. This is why our doctrine should be driven by the teaching of Jesus and the apostles of the New Testament.

Active Fellowship

They engaged in fellowship, this is one of the unique qualities of the church, without heartfelt, sacrificial and loving fellowship the church would be little more than a college of learning. The fellowship is what makes the church community into a family of believers living out their lives on mission together in accountability and mutual care.

Those who say they do not need fellowship break with the pattern of this the first ever church and the admonitions of scripture.

Keep the sacraments

The breaking of bread means they were keeping the sacraments that Jesus instituted at the last passover meal with the disciples which is the Lord’s supper and later we see the sacrament of baptism. These two are crucial to a church, they are rituals of faith and identification with Christ that MUST be practised by a church that professes to follow Jesus.

I think God gave us sacraments to humble us and remind us that we can’t do things just the way we want to and there are some things that should unite us all. Also, just like the sacraments of the Old Testament, they would display our faith and obedience, although doing them without faith and love are without effect as mentioned earlier and is in fact dangerous.

Commitment to Prayer

Finally the church was marked by a commitment to prayer. The church could do with reminding of this today, God has called us all to engage in corporate prayer. I would go as far as to say that if we are not praying we are committing a sin of omission. Jesus quoted the Old Testament and said His Father’s and His house is a house of prayer.

Also when we look at the pattern of Christ’s life it was marked by prayer. As a church we must pray. Notice it says “the prayers” it is likely the apostles wrote prayers that people would pray like the Psalms and we should not neglect this practice privately and corporately today.

God’s glory and order in the church

And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. Acts 2:43 (ESV)

This tells us that those observing the church stood in awe of what God had done, this should still be the case.

Also notice that many signs and wonders were done, but not just by anybody, they were done by the leaders, the apostles.

The church would not be a safe place if it was a free for all and any untried and untested person could lay hands and perform miracles in Jesus name. In the same way the church would be unsafe if the pulpit were open to novices to lead the church into heresy.

God has order in the church, elders (including pastors) are there to minister to the people in order that God gets the glory, these are men that must be qualified through a tried and tested life.

Called to generosity

And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, Acts 2:46 (ESV)

This gets to the heart of this passage about having all things in common. Some take this model too far and make it like a communist idea while others ignore it as a fad of the first church.

The fact is that this shows another great principle of any church and its people and that is the necessity of generosity. Notice there is no prescription of tithes, weights and measures here like in the Old Testament, instead this giving is done with a joyful, willing heart of generosity… we must be generous and give.

If (as in modern days) we want to use the OT principle of tithing (10%) as a guide to what we give that is fine although it does raise a danger of heartless, joyless and frankly unwilling and ultimately ungenerous giving by following the principle without our hearts being in it and our affections in giving remaining unmoved.

So we should give all we have with a generous, grateful and joy filled heart.

The Church, God’s project

praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2:47 (ESV)

A reminder at the end of the chapter that this first church in Jerusalem was the Lord’s great project, not Peter’s or anyone else. Also it reminds us that the Lord saves us and draws us into fellowship with the church.

Work in Jesus name

But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” Acts 3:6 (ESV)

Peter did this in the name of Jesus, so this miracle would bring glory to Jesus because it was done in His name.

The church must minister in Jesus name, not our own name.

Also notice that these men were not wealthy, contrary to the teaching of prosperity gospel proponents.

Preach the gospel

And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? Acts 3:12 (ESV)

The miracle was a draw for the people to hear the preached word. The bold and public declaration of the Gospel is a distinctive mark of the true church.

If God performs a miracle through us we should use it as an opportunity to preach the Gospel.

Preach from the Bible

The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. Acts 3:13 (ESV)

Peter relates to the audience of Jews in the temple, by calling on the name of God in a way that they were familiar with “God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers”.

We should also use this method today to reach both Jews and Gentiles. The Old Testament is where we find the rich roots of our faith. The Old Testament was the only bible Jesus and the New Testament church had.

The principle is that the church should preach from the bible.

Jesus, Author of life

and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. Acts 3:15 (ESV)

What an awesome title, Jesus is the author of life, that means He started life, He wrote the book of life, He is God.

Power in Jesus name

And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all. Acts 3:16 (ESV)

Lord help us today to have faith in the name of Jesus, there is power in the name of Jesus… but not in a magical way, there is power when we call upon his name in faith.

A biblical church will trust in the name of Jesus

The call to repentance

Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, Acts 3:19 (ESV)

The great imperative, the call of the gospel, to repent. Peter makes it very clear (for the Easy Beliveists of our day) that repentance means we need to turn back to God, it is only when we repent that our sins which are many will be blotted out.

A true church will call people to repentance in mind and actions. Repentance and saving faith are inextricably linked.

Living in the gap

whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. Acts 3:21 (ESV)

This is the gap the Jews did not foresee, we are living in the gap now. Jesus is in the heavens and will come again at the restoration of all things when He consummates His kingdom.

While the church is in this age we are called to be the light of the world, ambassadors of the King and His kingdom proclaiming the good news.

The exclusive gospel

And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’ Acts 3:23 (ESV)

There are no grey lines here, Jesus is the only way. Anyone ( Jews, Gentiles, rich, poor, educated, religious etc) who does not follow Jesus will be destroyed in the ultimate judgement of hell.

Our gospel message is exclusive, any church that does not hold to the core doctrine that Jesus is the only way to salvation is no church at all.

Love the sons of covenant

God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.” Acts 3:26 (ESV)

Appealing to the Jews as sons of the covenant and reminding them that God sent the prophets and Jesus to them first is a great way to reach them today.

God loves His people the Jews and wants them to repent and be saved.

A biblical church will love Gods people the Jews, seeking their salvation in Jesus, not seeking to replace them.

Job 15:21–35

The trap of emptiness

Let him not trust in emptiness, deceiving himself, for emptiness will be his payment. Job 15:31 (ESV)

Although the basic assertion that the wicked have terrible lives is not true, this statement really is true because Paul picks this up in the New Testament reminding us that the wages of sin is death.

Also as saints we need to recognise what emptiness can represent for us. It could be a film, television, a conversation, a book, a website. What is it in our lives that is empty because we will reap nothing good from it.

Replace emptiness by living for God and His people, the Church of Jesus Christ.

Jesus said in John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Acts 3

Today’s Reading: Hos 3:1–5:15, Acts 2:1–41, Job 15:10–20

Today’s Theme: Filled with The Holy Spirit

Today’s theme is the wonderful filling of the Holy Spirit which gave birth to the church, saves us and keeps us from the spirit of whoredom so we cherish God above all as we declare God’s great works to the world.

Hosea 3:1–5:15

The love story

And the LORD said to me, “Go again, love a woman who is loved by another man and is an adulteress, even as the LORD loves the children of Israel, though they turn to other gods and love cakes of raisins.” Hosea 3:1 (ESV)

This is the love story between God and His bride. He loved her in spite of who she was, this is the sort of love Jesus taught us about.

We need to ask ourselves the question, are we committing spiritual adultery?

Knowledge of God

Hear the word of the LORD, O children of Israel, for the LORD has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land. There is no faithfulness or steadfast love, and no knowledge of God in the land; Hosea 4:1 (ESV)

We will not have faithfulness and steadfast love for God without knowing God through His word.

We must know about God, that is why God recorded truth in the written form of the Bible for our benefit. He knows we need knowledge of Him to flourish.

Give thanks for the means of knowing God in your life including the Holy Spirit, Bible reading and study, pastors, teachers, books, blogs, videos and mp3s.

Rejecting knowledge

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children. Hosea 4:6 (ESV)

God’s contention was with the priests and prophets because they did not teach the people the word of God.

This is picked up in the New Testament where Paul says teachers and pastors have double accountability before God.

We should thank God that we have good leaders and pray for them. Also any time we are called to serve we must do it knowing God will hold us accountable for it.

As Christians we must avoid anti intellectualism, which is a culture of rejecting faithful biblical exposition and study. Without true knowledge of God we are open to the ‘spiritual elements’ and destroyed by the winds of evil doctrine and heresy.

Cherish the Lord

They shall eat, but not be satisfied; they shall play the whore, but not multiply, because they have forsaken the LORD to cherish whoredom, wine, and new wine, which take away the understanding. Hosea 4:10–11 (ESV)

We should cherish The Lord. Notice wine and new wine are mentioned alongside whoredom and God says that this takes away a man’s understanding and discernment.

Cherish in the Hebrew means to keep, watch over, take care of, preserve, protect, save, retain and to guard. Think about each of these words in regards to your relationship with the Lord.

What do you cherish?

The spirit of whoredom

My people inquire of a piece of wood, and their walking staff gives them oracles. For a spirit of whoredom has led them astray, and they have left their God to play the whore. Hosea 4:12 (ESV)

Lord deliver your people from the spirit of whoredom. We may not think of ourselves as being under a whoring spirit but we must ask God to show us our own hearts so we can see what we put above God and prefer over God.

Be governed by the Holy Spirit, not the deceptive spirit of whoring after other spiritual lovers and the world.

Dear darling sins

When their drink is gone, they give themselves to whoring; their rulers dearly love shame. Hosea 4:18 (ESV)

Our problem can be that sins are dear to us, we cherish them, we hold them close, we love them, we adore them. However they will bring us to ruin (see verse 14).

Sin is like a drug, it draws the user into a false sense of satisfaction and a relationship of dependence which is really slavery.

In reality when you love sin you are in love with shame, pain and death masquerading as life.

Be killing sin or sin will be killing you.

Sin blocks us from God

Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God. For the spirit of whoredom is within them, and they know not the LORD. Hosea 5:4 (ESV)

Our actions can bar us from knowing or approaching God. Sin works against us by putting a gulf between us and the only one who can deliver us.

Stop sinning and return to God.

The slave master, Sin

Ephraim is oppressed, crushed in judgment, because he was determined to go after filth. Hosea 5:11 (ESV)

The driving forceful nature of sin is seen here.

Paul teaches us in Romans 6:16 “Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?”

The prodigal method

I will return again to my place, until they acknowledge their guilt and seek my face, and in their distress earnestly seek me. Hosea 5:15 (ESV)

God will not always pursue man. When His people need discipline He will leave them to themselves until they seek Him like the prodigal sons

Acts 2:1–41

The church is born

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

This is the birth of the church, also here we see a reversal of Babel where languages were confounded. Here men and women are speaking in languages they were never taught, like Spanish, French etc.

A great functional, evangelical move by God through His Spirit to reach many people from many lands without the barrier of language.

As we read yesterday God fills us with His Holy Spirit for service and to speak for Him.

Declare God’s mighty works

both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” Acts 2:11 (ESV)

They were quite specifically talking about God’s mighty works, likely the mighty works of redemption Jesus had just accomplished. This is wonderful in itself but to speak this in unlearned languages is miraculous.

Open to all

And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ Acts 2:21 (ESV)

Peter was saying that this prophecy was fulfilled this day. It is wonderful that now because of Jesus the offer of salvation is more clearly open to all people.

God’s plan

this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. Acts 2:23 (ESV)

The cross was no tragedy it was a victory, God planned it all and nothing took Him by surprise.

The OT in light of Jesus

he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. Acts 2:31 (ESV)

Peter who was taught personally by Jesus shows us how we are to exegetically read the Old Testament in light of Jesus.

Foundational Apostles

This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. Acts 2:32 (ESV)

This (witness to the resurrection) is the foundational key to the apostles ministry, these who were foundations of the church were eye witnesses to the resurrection. This is one of the reasons they went from cowardice to boldness and God even used some of them to write holy scripture.

Those called apostles today are not a part of this special and particular class of apostle.

The victory of the Son

Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Acts 2:36 (ESV)

The victory of God and exaltation of the Son through the cross and resurrection, this is the Gospel we proclaim as God’s heralds.

Salvations’s requirements

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 (ESV)

This is the requirement and goal for salvation for all of us. Repentance is crucial, baptism essential and the Holy Spirit is the gift necessary for salvation.

God’s elect

For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” Acts 2:39 (ESV)

This salvation is for all God’s elect. God knows whom he has predestined and chosen. We preach to everyone the Holy Spirit works to save whom He wills.

We rejoice that we were elected and when others are chosen too.

Salvation is of God.

A great Start

So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. Acts 2:41 (ESV)

What a start to the church! Thousands were saved at the first open air sermon given by Peter. This is a sign of the victory of our sovereign God and the healthy and exponential growth the church would go through over the next 2000 years.

Job 15:10–20

Be around older people

Both the gray-haired and the aged are among us, older than your father. Job 15:10 (ESV)

This gives us a little insight into the age of Job’s friends and the sort of company he kept. It is always good to have friends who are older than you are

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Acts 2

Today’s Reading: Hos 1:1–2:23, Acts 1:1–26, Job 15:1–9

Today’s Theme: Enduring Love

Today we begin two new books, Hosea and Acts. In Hosea we read about the unfaithfulness of Israel and God’s enduring love for His covenant people. We see this manifested in the New Testament as we observe the birth of the church and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Hosea 1:1–2:23

Forsaking the Lord

When the LORD first spoke through Hosea, the LORD said to Hosea, “Go, take to yourself a wife of whoredom and have children of whoredom, for the land commits great whoredom by forsaking the LORD.” Hosea 1:2 (ESV)

The fact that God uses this sort of language shows that for Him faithful relationship is more important than religious observance which is so often not done in truth.

We need to ask ourselves today, are we being faithful to God in the marriage like covenant relationship we have with Him? Have we forsaken the Lord in any way? Are we guilty of spiritual whoredom?

Shameful results

“Plead with your mother, plead— for she is not my wife, and I am not her husband— that she put away her whoring from her face, and her adultery from between her breasts; lest I strip her naked and make her as in the day she was born, and make her like a wilderness, and make her like a parched land, and kill her with thirst. Hosea 2:2–3 (ESV)

We must forsake spiritual adultery (loving and being dedicated to anything or anyone more than God) or suffer the shameful consequences. As well as open shame our thirst will not be satisfied, we will be in the torment of unfulfilled desire.

God is a jealous God, He will not share His glory (due honour, worship, praise, victory, beauty and admiration) with anyone else. His love for His covenant people will not settle for a marriage of convenience with no passion, love, faithfulness or single hearted devotion.

God, the one who provides

For their mother has played the whore; she who conceived them has acted shamefully. For she said, ‘I will go after my lovers, who give me my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, my oil and my drink.’ Hosea 2:5 (ESV)

God is our provider, we must be careful not to idolise other apparent sources like our jobs, family or friends.

Look past the means God uses to provide for you and see that it is by His grace that you have anything.

Pray for Backsliders

She shall pursue her lovers but not overtake them, and she shall seek them but shall not find them. Then she shall say, ‘I will go and return to my first husband, for it was better for me then than now.’ Hosea 2:7 (ESV)

We should pray this for those who are in a backslidden state, we should pray that God would take away their satisfaction in sin.

We should find our ultimate satisfaction in God alone.

Enduring Love

And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the LORD. Hosea 2:19–20 (ESV)

God’s love for Israel and His chosen people is strong and enduring.

God’s commitment to Israel is like a faithful husband’s for his wife. The Church has this too as the bride of Christ in the New Testament.

God’s love for us is enduring, our love for Him should be enduring too.

Acts 1:1–26

Many Proofs

He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. Acts 1:3 (ESV)

In the Greek the phrase many proofs was nearly always used in Greek historical works. It is a term belonging to the realm of historiographical biography which is what Luke has produced in this second volume (the 1st volume was Luke) where he provides apologetics to confirm and build our faith.

The Bible is no book of myths, this is a historical book rooted in real events filled with eyewitness, historically faithful reports contrary to the propaganda of the enemy which always marginalises the Bible as historically inaccurate.

This must have been an amazing time where Jesus taught the apostles about the kingdom of God. It is likely that Jesus explains the mission the Apostles as witnesses of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection had in founding the church and the twofold nature of the kingdom (now and not yet).

The restoration of Israel

He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. Acts 1:7 (ESV)

Only God knows when the kingdom will be restored to Israel, this is all connected to Jesus’ second coming and the millennial kingdom.

Baptised in the Holy Spirit

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (ESV)

The gift of the Holy Spirit was one of the surest signs that the Messiah had come and the new covenant age had begun.

Every Christian should be baptised with the Holy Spirit. This happens when we are born again in a general sense. However as we walk with the Lord we should always ask God to fill us with His Spirit.

We receive the Holy Spirit to be witnesses, it is for a very functional rather than mystical reason. We receive power to be witnesses to Jesus like the first disciples.

Jesus will not come through birth again

and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11 (ESV)

Another verse to deal with any cult that says Jesus has returned in some other form like the Rastafarians, Mormons or Jehovahs Witnesses

God’s new people

All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. Acts 1:14 (ESV)

This was already a big change that the men and women were waiting on God together. In Jewish culture this was not the way things were done, men and women would stay separate.

The freedom and unity of the new covenant in Jesus means men and women can come before God together. Notice both Judaism and Islam still keep the sexes separate in worship.

Special Apostles

beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” Acts 1:22 (ESV)

One of the qualifications for the apostles in this mission was that they had to have seen the resurrected Lord. Paul will qualify as he sees the resurrected Lord too.

Genuine evidence is important to the New Testament narratives.

Job 15:1–9

Without the Holy Spirit

What do you know that we do not know? What do you understand that is not clear to us? Job 15:9 (ESV)

Without the Holy Spirit we are left to the whim of our own ideas and the pride and offence that comes when we don’t see eye to eye. Thank God that we have the Holy Spirit given by Jesus.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Acts 1