Today’s Reading: Hab 2:6–3:19, Acts 18:1–28, Job 26:1–14

Today’s Theme: Don’t just say it, be it!

Today’s theme is Be or Being. We will be looking at what it means to be honest in our financial dealing, to be joyful in the middle of difficulty, to be relentless in sharing and proving the Gospel, to be resigned to do God’s will and to be a mentor.

The reading in Job explores the glory of God, revealed in His creation.

Habakkuk 2:6–3:19

Be honest

“Woe to him who gets evil gain for his house, to set his nest on high, to be safe from the reach of harm! (Habakkuk 2:9, ESV)

As Christians we must walk in integrity and stay honest. All our gains must come via honest routes, we must avoid the temptation to receive money that has been gotten in  a dishonest way for the sake of our temporal comfort.

God’s glorious kingdom

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. (Habakkuk 2:14, ESV)

One day the whole earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, this is the glorious day of the Lord, when His kingdom will be established. This is why ultimately building temporal kingdoms, especially in dishonesty and cruelty, are all done in vain because God’s true kingdom will come and crush all false kingdoms.

Which kingdom are we building? This is a question we should ask ourselves.

Avoid profitless idols

“What profit is an idol when its maker has shaped it, a metal image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation when he makes speechless idols! (Habakkuk 2:18, ESV)

Idols and idolatry are such folly, they serve no profit and only serve to ensnare and deceive, as the demonic spirit behind them teaches lies.

We actually create our own idols, so it is up to us to recognise and destroy them.

Appeal to God’s mercy

O LORD, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O LORD, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy. (Habakkuk 3:2, ESV)

We should pray this over our nation, that in God’s wrath, He would remember mercy towards us.

God has gone to great lengths to save you

You went out for the salvation of your people, for the salvation of your anointed. You crushed the head of the house of the wicked, laying him bare from thigh to neck. Selah (Habakkuk 3:13, ESV)

God goes to great lengths to secure the salvation of His chosen people.

Don’t just wait, wait patiently

I hear, and my body trembles; my lips quiver at the sound; rottenness enters into my bones; my legs tremble beneath me. Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble to come upon people who invade us. (Habakkuk 3:16, ESV)

Like the prophet, we should patiently wait on the Lord’s salvation in things pertaining to this life.

Be joyful, despite the debts

yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. (Habakkuk 3:18, ESV)

Habakkuk declares he will rejoice and be joyful in God, even though he is living in a time of lack. No matter how tight our financial position feels, we must rejoice in the Lord.

God, our strength

GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places. To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. (Habakkuk 3:19, ESV)

God is our strength and will make us stable in tough times, God will give us stability in our walk with Him, if we depend on Him for strength.

Acts 18:1–28

Be relentless

And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks. (Acts 18:4, ESV)

Paul was relentless in his efforts to persuade both Jews and Greeks about the truth and necessity of the gospel.

God’s plan

And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” (Acts 18:6, ESV)

Some say this is anti-Semitic, but it is not. This is how God had ordained it, that only a remnant of the Jews, as prophesied, would be saved and the way of salvation would be opened to all nations.

God’s encouragement

And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” (Acts 18:9–10, ESV)

Despite the encouraging results mentioned in verse 8, the Lord knew that Paul needed to be encouraged, so the Lord tells him to go on speaking for Him.

Paul had nothing to fear because God was with him and God was in control.

The Lord mentions that He has many in the city that belong to Him, this points to the fact that God knows His elect in advance, as taught in the biblical doctrine of election.

Be resigned to do God’s will

But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus. (Acts 18:21, ESV)

Paul was totally surrendered and resigned to the will of God.

Strengthen the disciples

After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. (Acts 18:23, ESV)

Again, Paul is on his great mission to strengthen the disciples. We should seek to strengthen each other as disciples too.

Be a mentor

He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. (Acts 18:26, ESV)

This couple (Aquila was the husband’s name) were used by God to refine Apollos, making him one of the key ministers in the early church. We should be ready to instruct those around us who are zealous for the Lord, but need some teaching or mentoring.

God’s victory

And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus. (Acts 18:27–28, ESV)

Again we see the victory of God, this man who was already skilled in the scriptures, after receiving discipleship training, he dealt a great blow to the enemy and strengthened the church.

Job 26:1–14

The bible is scientifically sound

He stretches out the north over the void and hangs the earth on nothing. (Job 26:7, ESV)

This is the earliest book in the bible, yet the science is accurate. Other text from the same period would speak of the earth being carried by elephants or the god Atlas, whereas Job’s account points to the reality of gravity etc.

The earth is a sphere

He has inscribed a circle on the face of the waters at the boundary between light and darkness. (Job 26:10, ESV)

Again the spherical nature of the earth is mentioned, which was very advanced for that time. The Israelites taught that the earth was circular (which is essentially true) based on their scriptures and observations of the horizon etc, the idea of a flat earth comes from pagan cultures and religions.

Our God is the great God of creation and true science.

The glory of the Creator

Behold, these are but the outskirts of his ways, and how small a whisper do we hear of him! But the thunder of his power who can understand?” (Job 26:14, ESV)

Job rightly recognises that even the wonder of the created universe and the created order within the universe, are only dim echoes of the immeasurable glory of 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 18

Today’s Reading: Hab 1:1–2:5, Acts 17:1–34, Job 25:1–6

Today’s Theme: The Reasonable Gospel

Today’s theme is about the reasonable nature of God’s word and the Gospel in particular. As we see we can reason with, explain, prove and persuade concerning the Gospel. Engaging the heart and mind of man and drawing upon the logical and truthful nature of the message.

The enemy has attempted to paint a picture of Christianity as being unreasonable and illogical, belonging to a spiritual, discontented, private experience driven crutch for the uninformed, but this could not be further from the truth.

God made us reasonable and logical creatures and He has written down and declared through His saints the understandable, reasonable, explainable Good News.

We are called to live by faith and, with the Holy Spirits help, reason with men concerning God’s message, encouraging them to make the truth their own like the faithful Bereans.

Habakkuk 1:1–2:5

Perverted Justice

So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted. (Habakkuk 1:4, ESV)

This is how life feels here in the West at the moment, we are surrounded by and often ruled by wicked men so a type of justice goes forth but it is perverted. True justice can only come from the Lord in our situations today but ultimately at Christ return.

Don’t worship your own strengths

Then they sweep by like the wind and go on, guilty men, whose own might is their god!” (Habakkuk 1:11, ESV)

This is something men and even prosperous nations need to be weary of, we should not make our strong areas into a god, this is idolatry and folly.

If I only focus on the areas where I do well then I will never develop in the other areas. We need to be able to look at ourselves objectively and as the New Testament tells us ‘we should judge ourselves so that we won’t be judged’.

Lord help us to judge ourselves to the end that we would grow in You and bring glory to Your name and would not fall into the trap of idolising our strongest areas.

God’s Watchmen

I will take my stand at my watchpost and station myself on the tower, and look out to see what he will say to me, and what I will answer concerning my complaint. (Habakkuk 2:1, ESV)

We as Christians and men in particular need to take our stand as watchmen. We need to position ourselves in a way that we can observe what is going on and pray (the tower).

Jesus tells us we should watch and pray, we must keep our fingers on the pulse of our society and culture so we can pray effectively and relevantly.

This also points to the idea of watching and waiting on the Lord for an answer.

The final picture could be standing at the watch-post to guard the church against heresy and watching for the fulfilment of prophecy.

Start journaling, write it down

And the LORD answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. (Habakkuk 2:2, ESV)

This is a great principle and is one of the main reasons that I like to write things down. I find it helps to make things clear in my own mind and for sharing with others.

You should consider writing down the things God puts on your heart as you read your Bible, pray or attend church meetings, it can be a real source of encouragement to look back over these things sometimes years later.

Patiently wait for God in faith

For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. (Habakkuk 2:3, ESV)

We need to wait on the Lord in faith. If He has promised us something then it will come to pass. This slow release of the promises of God is a good tool to help us grow in Christian character and most essentially to grow in faith.

In this context it was the prophecy of the judgment mentioned in the earlier verses.

Live by faith

“Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith. (Habakkuk 2:4, ESV)

This is where we get the New Testament maxim from which sparked the protestant reformation of which we are all the beneficiaries.

We should live by faith in God not in religious systems or some works based righteousness because as we read in Job today man has no worthwhile righteousness in himself.

We must live in faith before God because without faith it is impossible to please Him.

Lust, never satisfied

“Moreover, wine is a traitor, an arrogant man who is never at rest. His greed is as wide as Sheol; like death he has never enough. He gathers for himself all nations and collects as his own all peoples.” (Habakkuk 2:5, ESV)

The arrogant lust of the flesh is never satisfied, it always wants more and cannot be filled up.

Acts 17:1–34

The Gospel is reasonable

And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, (Acts 17:2, ESV)

Our religion is a thinking religion so we can and should appeal to man’s reason, which has been given to him by God.

The Gospel is real and reasonable, so we can engage in meaningful debate to prove it’s claims, show the validity of it’s message and the logic of it’s conclusions.

The Gospel is logical

explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” (Acts 17:3, ESV)

The end goal of Paul’s continued reasoning was this truth. Notice Paul took time to explain, so should we. His explanations were so well presented and delivered that by this he was proving the necessity of the work of Christ and thus the validity of the Gospel message.

We must think of the Gospel in these terms. We can prove it’s validity because truth testifies to itself, we need to realise that the Gospel is rooted in the truth of who God is, the Bible and the human condition.

The Gospel is not existential in any way, instead it is rooted in the solid ground of truth and reality and it is from that place we can proclaim it’s necessity for every person leaving our hearers with only the choice to accept or deny the proven and logical truth.

The Gospel, tearing down walls

And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. (Acts 17:4, ESV)

This is a glorious victory, the strenuous effort of Paul in explaining and proving the Gospel was not wasted. It resulted in the fruit of persuaded believers who were both Jews, Greeks and women.

The three groups of persuaded people speak to the fact that the Gospel was tearing down walls of division and inequality around race and gender.

The Gospel (Bible), check and study it yourself

Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. (Acts 17:11, ESV)

We must learn and study like these noble Jews of Berea, we should not just listen to and read teaching, taking it as fact. We should go to the Bible ourselves and study these things to see if the teaching was in line with the scriptures.

This is why we say we must be Bereans, checking everything against the truth of God’s word. We should examine our own beliefs and any teachings we sit under against the Word of God.

Notice that these men were not skeptics because they received the word with eagerness, so they were hungry for the word and at the same time filled with the joy of the Lord as they sought out clarity and confirmation of the truth they had received.

So we should receive the truth or the taught word eagerly but then let the joy of the Lord in our hearts spur us on to check out the truth for ourselves and make it our own.

Study of the Word leads to faith

Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men. (Acts 17:12, ESV)

Notice in Thessalonica only a few believed, whereas in Berea, many believed because they didn’t just listen, they went to the Word themselves too and made the truth their own. This is why it is so important that we put the Bible in the hands of the lost as we share the truth of the Gospel.

We should support the translation and distribution of the Bible around the world, it will increase the capacity and success of world missions.

Reason in the marketplace

So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. (Acts 17:17, ESV)

Paul took his reasoning to both the religious and business world.

Philosophical awareness

Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. (Acts 17:18, ESV)

Paul was skilled in the philosophical ideas of his day. The Epicureans were empiricist (live life by experiences only) and hedonist (seeking pleasure and tranquillity by the absence of pain) while the Stoics taught that men should live altruistic and austere lives of doing good for the sake of good and with no thought of reward or pleasure.

We should also be aware of the philosophical arguments of our day so we can successfully defend against them and argue against them with the Gospel.

They recognised the speaking of Jesus as resurrected would make Jesus divine.

New fads

Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new. (Acts 17:21, ESV)

Our Western culture is also built on this, so often we love to debate and research just to hear some new thing or follow some new fad.

Contextualise the truth

For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. (Acts 17:23, ESV)

These Greeks had a pantheon of many gods and to be on the safe side even had a memorial to the unknown god in case they missed any.

Paul used this to contextualise and relate the gospel message to them. This is a great strategy when sharing the gospel… take something from the person’s life or beliefs and turn it around to show them the truth.

We need God

nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. (Acts 17:25, ESV)

Let’s get this straight, God does not need us! Some new teachings say that He does but He is totally self sufficient and does not need us at all, in fact we live in the grace of His benefits to all mankind… We need Him, not the other way around.

Racism, answered

And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, (Acts 17:26, ESV)

This destroys the philosophy and argument of racism and the underlying ideas of Darwinian evolution. God made all nations, tribes and language groups from one man.

God has set the boundaries for when and where we live, it is not in our hands but His as the sovereign ruler, so He is the author of every nation and community.

God’s desire for all men

that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, (Acts 17:27, ESV)

God’s great purpose in setting our boundaries is that we might seek Him and know Him.

This verse shows us God’s heart and the universal call of the Gospel. God is closer to each of us than we think, we need to pray that God would open the eyes of our loved ones so that they can see God’s grace all around them and realise He has been right there all along loving them, so that they will turn to God their benevolent benefactor and repent believing the good news.

God sustains all life

for “ ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “ ‘For we are indeed his offspring.’ (Acts 17:28, ESV)

Even though this is a quote from a Greek poet it is still true, God is the sustainer of all life.

We are not little gods

Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. (Acts 17:29, ESV)

This does not teach that we are little gods, this is just pointing to the fact made earlier that God created the world, made us all from one blood and sustains us now. We are made in God’s image and thus we are His offspring, descendants or we are here as a result of His providence and grace.

This is actually said in the building of an argument against idolatry so it is ironic to think of this as pointing to men as small gods as is taught in the Word of Faith movement.

The times have changed

The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, (Acts 17:30, ESV)

The times of ignorance are over. Since Jesus came times have changed, now the call to all mankind is clear and proclaimed by the church, God wants all men to repent.

Jesus, appointed judge

because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” (Acts 17:31, ESV)

The reason all should repent is because the God-Man Jesus Christ is also the Judge and God has appointed a day of judgement which all men should fear.

The elect will believe

But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them. (Acts 17:34, ESV)

The victory of God again, the elect believe even though others were just tickling their ears and mocked the glorious truth of the resurrection.

Job 25:1–6

Jesus the answer to the philosophers questions

How then can man be in the right before God? How can he who is born of woman be pure? (Job 25:4, ESV)

Bildad is right, none of us are righteous before God and what we consider as righteousness is like a filthy rag used for menstrual sanitation.

This has been one of the great philosophical questions of the ages and the answer is found in Jesus because man is not pure or right before the great holiness of God but Jesus lived a perfect life of righteousness for us and then when we are saved He imputes that righteousness to our account.

When we are saved our debt of sin is completely cleared but we are not left with a nil balance. God also adds great riches to our account by crediting the righteousness of Christ to us along with other spiritual riches.

Thank you Father that this great question and problem is answered in the life, death and resurrection of Your Son, 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 17

Today’s Reading: Nah 1:1–3:19, Acts 16:6–40, Job 24:12–25

Today’s Theme: Jealous God

Today’s theme is about the jealousy of God. When we speak of the jealousy of God it is not like the sin stained jealousy of man, instead Gods jealousy speaks of His zeal for His own Glory, ways and people. God is fiercely protective and unaccepting of disloyalty.

Another way to think of proper jealousy is a husband who is concerned for the love of his wife and is not indulgent of her (or his own) adultery.

We learn that God’s jealousy is invigorated by God’s right to avenge and holy anger while complemented by God’s goodness and mercy.

We are called to have this type of proper jealousy where we are concerned for God’s honour and glory and flee spiritual adultery. Live with zeal for God’s glory and you will be led by the Holy Spirit.

Nahum 1:1–3:19

The Jealous God

The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD is avenging and wrathful; the LORD takes vengeance on his adversaries and keeps wrath for his enemies. (Nahum 1:2, ESV)

We don’t often think of God as Jealous (Zealous), avenging or wrathful but these are some of His essential attributes and part of the full picture of who God is, He is not simply a God of love.

Be slow to anger like God

The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, and the LORD will by no means clear the guilty. His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. (Nahum 1:3, ESV)

This again helps us to understand the Lord. He is not quick to be angry, but is slow to get angry and encourages us to be the same. At the same time He will by no means clear the guilty.

God is good

The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. (Nahum 1:7, ESV)

As Nahum gives us a clear picture of the terrible wrath of God, it is refreshing to be reminded that along with this the Lord is good and a stronghold to those who trust in Him.

How do you plan on defeating God?

What do you plot against the LORD? He will make a complete end; trouble will not rise up a second time. (Nahum 1:9, ESV)

This sobering question should be asked to any one in rebellion against God and any nation standing against Him.

Your idols become your grave

The LORD has given commandment about you: “No more shall your name be perpetuated; from the house of your gods I will cut off the carved image and the metal image. I will make your grave, for you are vile.” (Nahum 1:14, ESV)

God is speaking to the Ninivites, but we can learn from this. Anything or anyone we idolise can end up being the death of us spiritually, an idol very soon becomes a grave.

Good News

Behold, upon the mountains, the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace! Keep your feasts, O Judah; fulfill your vows, for never again shall the worthless pass through you; he is utterly cut off. (Nahum 1:15, ESV)

This is picked up in the New Testament regarding the good news of the Gospel. This helps give us perspective on how the Gospel is good news…. it is because like the enemies of Israel, sin has been defeated at the cross.

Nineveh judged

Desolate! Desolation and ruin! Hearts melt and knees tremble; anguish is in all loins; all faces grow pale! (Nahum 2:10, ESV)

This and all proceeding verses in this chapter speak of the destruction on Nineveh, they had repented in Jonah’s day but this is 100 years later. They were used by God to judge Israel (not Judah) with destruction but now were under Gods judgement for their cruelty.

Just because God used them to judge His people did not absolve them of their own wickedness.

Nations judged

Behold, I am against you, declares the LORD of hosts, and I will burn your chariots in smoke, and the sword shall devour your young lions. I will cut off your prey from the earth, and the voice of your messengers shall no longer be heard. (Nahum 2:13, ESV)

If God declares Himself to be against any nation then that nation’s days are numbered. We must pray for our nations.

Is London like Nineveh

Woe to the bloody city, all full of lies and plunder— no end to the prey! (Nahum 3:1, ESV)

The question in my mind is does London like Nineveh also have blood on it’s hands?

Physical, spiritual and national whoring

And all for the countless whorings of the prostitute, graceful and of deadly charms, who betrays nations with her whorings, and peoples with her charms. (Nahum 3:4, ESV)

Sexual sin destroys both individual men and entire nations. Our culture is under such assault by perversion and pornography that even our secular government has recognised the problem.

Lord guard us and our children from the deceitful charms of this trap.

This is also true spiritually, we should be faithful to God in our minds and behaviours and not prostitute our souls for the satisfaction of our flesh.

This is also true on a national level, as a country we should not compromise our standards no matter what the financial or political cost. This is political prostitution and is spoken about in the book of Revelation as the great harlot (false religion) drawing in and deceiving all nations.

Alert Shepherds

Your shepherds are asleep, O king of Assyria; your nobles slumber. Your people are scattered on the mountains with none to gather them. (Nahum 3:18, ESV)

The shepherds and leaders of the church need to stay alert and ready for an attack of the enemy to defend and guide the flock.

The reason for judgement

There is no easing your hurt; your wound is grievous. All who hear the news about you clap their hands over you. For upon whom has not come your unceasing evil? (Nahum 3:19, ESV)

They were judged for their evil.

Acts 16:6–40

The guidance of the Holy Spirit

And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. (Acts 16:6, ESV)

This shows how much they were lead by the Holy Spirit, not only in going into new areas but being warned to not go to other areas yet. We need to ask the Holy Spirit to guides us about the places we should NOT go to.

Get up and work

And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. (Acts 16:7, ESV)

Notice the way they lived their lives, they would set about to do something in the work of the Lord because in Christ they had new desires to please God. If they were going in the wrong direction in their good endeavour the Holy Spirit would redirect them.

We should live our lives like this, not waiting on the Spirit to tell us to move but working for God’s glory and allowing the spirit to guide us as we work.

God can speak through dreams and visions

And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. (Acts 16:10, ESV)

God made His direction for them very clear with this vision. We should be open to what the Lord tells us in visions and dreams, always measuring them against the Word (in this case it was regarding the call to Spain).

Open ears and hearts

One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. (Acts 16:14, ESV)

This woman’s heart was opened by God to pay attention to what Paul was saying. We should pray that God would open our hearts to hear and apply the truth.

The ministry of hospitality

And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us. (Acts 16:15, ESV)

This woman showed hospitality to Paul and his companions, this is an important ministry for believers and women in particular.

Take authority over unclean spirits

And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour. (Acts 16:18, ESV)

We should, like Paul, take authority over unclean spirits, notice the manifestation of the spirit is very clear, not implied as is the case often today in parts of the church where everything is a spirit.

When there is a real demon, by the power of the Holy Spirit we can take authority and cast it out.

We can’t deal with men like spirits

And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. (Acts 16:23, ESV)

Notice they did not “bind them”, these were men, not demons, we can only take authority when it is an actual demon. The apostles suffered greatly for the faith.

Praise to breakthrough and breakout

and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. (Acts 16:26, ESV)

We can praise our way to breakthrough and breakout for us and others, Hallelujah – Pastor Dennis has a great teaching on this.

The ultimate question

Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30, ESV)

The question that we should pray our loved ones and enemies ask when they see God at work for us.

How to be saved

And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:31, ESV)

This is an exclusive statement, it is only by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ that we will be saved (not may be but WILL be).

Discipleship is necessary

And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. (Acts 16:32, ESV)

Some people stop at the last verse but there was more happening here. Discipleship means that Paul taught them all the word of God, again teaching is central to accurate believing.

Joy, evidence of salvation

Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God. (Acts 16:34, ESV)

This joy is one of the evidences of salvation.

Confidence in God’s control

But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.” (Acts 16:37, ESV)

God used the imprisonment to His Glory. It was a victory and now Paul speaks with the boldness and wisdom of God.

Encourage the saints

So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed. (Acts 16:40, ESV)

Paul was always encouraging the saints and concerned with their growth, we should be the same.

Job 24:12–25

Everything is recorded

From out of the city the dying groan, and the soul of the wounded cries for help; yet God charges no one with wrong. (Job 24:12, ESV)

This is not true, God is keeping a record of everything, nothing escapes His sight.

We hated the light

“There are those who rebel against the light, who are not acquainted with its ways, and do not stay in its paths. (Job 24:13, ESV)

This is all of us before we know the Lord, in John 3:20-21 Jesus tell us:

“For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.””

You can’t hide

The eye of the adulterer also waits for the twilight, saying, ‘No eye will see me’; and he veils his face. (Job 24:15, ESV)

This is the deception of sin, it doesn’t matter how late or dark it is, God still knows and sees all our actions.

Friends with demons

For deep darkness is morning to all of them; for they are friends with the terrors of deep darkness. (Job 24:17, ESV)

Think about this, without God we are friends with demons (although they are not friends with us).

Job’s pride

If it is not so, who will prove me a liar and show that there is nothing in what I say?” (Job 24:25, ESV)

The pride of Job is exposed here, not to say it was there in the first place, we must remember the tremendous emotional strain of the trial he was going through without excusing the sin of pride.

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 16

Today’s Reading: Micah 7:1–20, Acts 15:22–16:5, Job 24:1–11

Today’s Theme: Doctrine Matters

Today’s theme is that doctrine matters. Doctrine is the act of teaching or that which is taught. When Christians think of doctrine we mean the entire body of essential theological truths that define and describe the Gospel message and our life as disciples of Jesus Christ.

In one sense our faith would not exist without clearly defined doctrines like salvation coming through Jesus alone.

Today’s theme explores the importance of sound and clear doctrine to the church as a whole and each of our individual lives as believers. It is through keeping to the teachings of the Bible and the church that we can have confidence in God keeping us secure for eternity.

Micah 7:1–20

Rejoice in uprightness

The godly has perished from the earth, and there is no one upright among mankind; they all lie in wait for blood, and each hunts the other with a net. (Micah 7:2, ESV)

Godly and upright people are considered by Micah to be like summer fruit, they bring delight to his soul. We should feel the same way about our brothers and sisters in Christ who are walking uprightly. We can even rejoice when upright but not necessarily Christian men are in leadership in society.

Don’t be proficient in evil

Their hands are on what is evil, to do it well; the prince and the judge ask for a bribe, and the great man utters the evil desire of his soul; thus they weave it together. (Micah 7:3, ESV)

This sounds like the world we live in today. With new technology and supposed new ideas, men seek to be more proficient in evil, idleness, idolatry, selfishness, greed, vanity and every other work of the flesh.

This is a terrible state for any nation, if the leaders are not men of integrity, there is no hope for the wider society.

The end of the verse reminds me of those who lobby parliament with their evil desires like the Gay Marriage lobby in recent days.

Jesus quotes Micah

for the son treats the father with contempt, the daughter rises up against her mother, the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man’s enemies are the men of his own house. (Micah 7:6, ESV)

Jesus quotes this in His warning about the last days in Matt 10:35-36.

Look to the God of your salvation

But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me. (Micah 7:7, ESV)

Despite the rampant wickedness around him the prophet declares that he will look to the Lord the God of his Salvation. Because God is the God of our salvation we know we can turn to Him in difficult and dark days and have the confidence that He will hear us.

Not forsaken

Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD will be a light to me. (Micah 7:8, ESV)

Hallelujah, this has been the triumphal cry of every true believer. We have confidence in our redeemer that even when we stumble and fall we are not forsaken.

Internal honesty

I will bear the indignation of the LORD because I have sinned against him, until he pleads my cause and executes judgment for me. He will bring me out to the light; I shall look upon his vindication. (Micah 7:9, ESV)

Micah does not take this confidence in the Lord as an excuse to sin. He recognises his short comings and expects to bear indignation for his offence but is confident in light of this humility and internal honesty that the Lord will vindicate him as his Judge.

God is our shepherd

Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock of your inheritance, who dwell alone in a forest in the midst of a garden land; let them graze in Bashan and Gilead as in the days of old. (Micah 7:14, ESV)

God is the shepherd of all His elect people, both Israel and the Church.

God delights in steadfast love

Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. (Micah 7:18, ESV)

What a pivotal, awesome, overarching truth, God delights in steadfast love, and because of this delight He pardons the iniquity and transgression of His elect remnant.

We can have confidence in God’s desire to forgive us and not stay angry with us because we can be confident in His steadfast love and His right, joy and ability to fulfil that which He desires.

Free at last

He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:19, ESV)

What awesome imagery, God will trample upon our moral depravity and cast our shortcomings into the depths of the sea. God will destroy our sin and it will not resurface we will be free at last.

God’s love for Abraham’s seed

You will show faithfulness to Jacob and steadfast love to Abraham, as you have sworn to our fathers from the days of old. (Micah 7:20, ESV)

God will not forsake the children of Abraham. This in one sense applies to the physical Jews, despite hundreds of years of judgement and persecution God has kept the historical people alive as a people and has allowed much of their ancient land to be restored to them.

In another sense this applies to the spiritual children which are all true believers and disciples of the Old and New Testament. See Romans 9:7, Galatians 3:7 and Galatians 3:29

Acts 15:22–16:5

Doctrine (teachings) matters

Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions, (Acts 15:24, ESV)

This is why the decision of church councils throughout history on important topics like the nature of God, Jesus, the scriptures and salvation should be remembered and upheld.

Doctrine (teaching) and truth really do matter, without solid and firm convictions and clearly defined doctrines, our people can easily be troubled with words from the plants of the enemy and the enemies of the cross resulting in their minds being unsettled concerning the truth.

As God’s people we must vigorously defend the historic faith once and for all delivered to the saints. It is our solemn duty to defend the truth of the scriptures and the truth of the church’s public and agreed interpretation and application of those scriptures because as scripture says about itself… it has no private interpretation… therefore the church must be in one accord and agree on the foundational and important doctrines or the church and it’s people will be weak.

The Council of Jerusalem knew this and sent the letter and faithful men to remedy this early attack on the church.

Risk is right

men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 15:26, ESV)

We should not avoid risk in pursuit of the western dream of security and happiness. Instead we should be willing to risk everything for the sake of God’s calling, this is not risk for the sake of risk, that would be folly.

This risk for the Lord was a distinguishing mark of Paul’s life.

John Piper has written two good books on this, “Don’t Waste Your Life” and “Risk Is Right” (I’ve already read both).

Agreement with and through the Holy Spirit

For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: (Acts 15:28, ESV)

The council was led by the Holy Spirit and came to a place of agreement with and through the Holy Spirit.

God’s commands for our welfare

that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.” (Acts 15:29, ESV)

God’s commands are for the welfare of His people.

Rejoice in freedom

And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. (Acts 15:31, ESV)

The Body of Christ rejoices and are encouraged when they receive clear instruction and the burden of false teaching and legalism (you must be circumcised) are lifted.

Teaching and Preaching

But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. (Acts 15:35, ESV)

The ministry of the apostles was not marked by praise and worship or some other activity, it was marked by preaching and teaching the word of the Lord. This should be the highest priority in the church today.

Unity and disagreement

And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, (Acts 15:39, ESV)

Just because we have doctrinal unity, it does not mean we have unity in method, structure, administration, culture etc we have more freedom in these areas which is why Paul and Barnabas could have this heartfelt disagreement and still both be walking with the Lord and ministering in His name.

God used this disagreement to further spread the Gospel in the same way He had used the persecution in Jerusalem.

Paul, the disciple maker

And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. (Acts 15:41, ESV)

Paul was a disciple maker first and a church planter second so his purpose in retracing his steps was to strengthen the churches as they grew in the Lord.

God wants His church to be strong, this is why leaders teach the church to help the members grow in maturity and in the grace and truth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Contextualisation for the sake of the mission

Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. (Acts 16:3, ESV)

This was done for the sake of the mission, we should follow this example by for instance dressing like the locals, learning their language and eating their food, in mission work. This is called contextualisation and it is important in world missions. Hudson Taylor is a good modern example of this.

The growing church

So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily. (Acts 16:5, ESV)

Again we see the victory of God, the church is strengthened and thus increases in light of the clear guidelines from Jerusalem and the pastoral visit of Paul.

Job 24:1–11

Judgement day, a comfort and terror

“Why are not times of judgment kept by the Almighty, and why do those who know him never see his days? (Job 24:1, ESV)

This is a great question from Job. The fact is that if there was no judgement for thoughts, words and actions in this life then there would be no true justice in the universe.

Cowardly, wicked men who commit wicked sins and then are killed before they are brought to justice in this life do not escape the justice of God.

The fact that there is a coming day of judgement is a comfort and a terror. It is a terror to those who will have to answer for their own sins, shortcomings, transgressions and iniquity. It will be a joy for those who will have the best defence lawyer in the universe speaking up for them. He is also the one who paid the fine we surely owed and is also the Judge… because of Jesus we can look to the coming judgement with the comfort of the Holy Spirit who has been given to us as a down payment on our future inheritance.

Landmarks should not be moved

Some move landmarks; they seize flocks and pasture them. (Job 24:2, ESV)

Woe to our government, they have done this, they have moved the great landmark of marriage, for this our society and our country will suffer.

Help the poor

They thrust the poor off the road; the poor of the earth all hide themselves. (Job 24:4, ESV)

The plight of the poor is a vivid reminder that we have been called to help them. To shine the light of God’s truth and love to them by easing or reliving them of their suffering.

Fair trade is important

among the olive rows of the wicked they make oil; they tread the winepresses, but suffer thirst. (Job 24:11, ESV)

We must seriously consider the things we purchase, fair trade is important. The fact is that much of the world’s manufacturing is done in the third world by ruthless companies only concerned with profit, they care nothing for the workers who are paid pennies a day and work in terrible conditions.

As Christians it is our duty to be aware of these things, advocate against them and make informed decisions about where we shop and what we eat and wear.

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 15 and Acts 16

Today’s Reading: Micah 4:1–6:16, Acts 14:8–15:21, Job 23:1–17

Today’s Theme: The Unstoppable God

Today there is no clear theme but there is an overarching sense of God’s unstoppable will to be glorified and establish His kingdom. We should act as a sign post to point everyone to Him.

Micah 4:1–6:16

Jesus will reign from Jerusalem

and many nations shall come, and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. (Micah 4:2, ESV)

This will be a glorious day when Jesus reigns from Jerusalem and the nations will flow to Him there to be taught so that they can live in His ways.

The law will also come from here so we know this will be the centre of Christ’s reign on the earth. Also notice the typography of the land will have been changed.

Peace on earth

He shall judge between many peoples, and shall decide for strong nations far away; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore; (Micah 4:3, ESV)

When Jesus comes there will be peace on earth between all nations. The UN will never be able to bring lasting world peace, only Jesus can do this.

God has a plan

But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD; they do not understand his plan, that he has gathered them as sheaves to the threshing floor. (Micah 4:12, ESV)

Let this stand as a warning and rebuke against any nation that would seek to rise against Israel as a nation.

The Lord is a God of strategy in war, God is not passive but has clear thoughts, plans and intentions, He remains in control.

Earth belongs to God

Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion, for I will make your horn iron, and I will make your hoofs bronze; you shall beat in pieces many peoples; and shall devote their gain to the LORD, their wealth to the Lord of the whole earth. (Micah 4:13, ESV)

A reminder that the whole earth belongs to God and not the devil.

Jesus birth prophesied

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. (Micah 5:2, ESV)

The great prophecy of the coming Messiah, this makes clear that He would be born in Bethlehem and that His coming into this world was planned long ago. He is from of old, this is a hint to His divine origin.

Jesus our Shepherd

And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. (Micah 5:4, ESV)

Jesus is the great shepherd of the sheep.

Jesus our peace

And he shall be their peace. When the Assyrian comes into our land and treads in our palaces, then we will raise against him seven shepherds and eight princes of men; (Micah 5:5, ESV)

Jesus is our peace.

The Anti Christ

they shall shepherd the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrod at its entrances; and he shall deliver us from the Assyrian when he comes into our land and treads within our border. (Micah 5:6, ESV)

Some say this reference to the Assyrian is talking about the Antichrist.

God’s remnant

And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the nations, in the midst of many peoples, like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion among the flocks of sheep, which, when it goes through, treads down and tears in pieces, and there is none to deliver. (Micah 5:8, ESV)

We have seen this in our days for both the physical and spiritual remnant of Israel and the Church.

Props taken away

and I will cut off your carved images and your pillars from among you, and you shall bow down no more to the work of your hands; (Micah 5:13, ESV)

In this passage, God is taking away all props. We must be careful of this, that we do not idolise our work, efforts or achievements.

The danger of God’s anger

And in anger and wrath I will execute vengeance on the nations that did not obey. (Micah 5:15, ESV)

All rebellious nations are in great danger of God’s anger.

Don’t break God’s heart

“O my people, what have I done to you? How have I wearied you? Answer me! (Micah 6:3, ESV)

Hear the broken heart of God for the people that have forsaken Him in spite of His love and care. Lord I don’t want to break your heart, help us by Your Spirit to be faithful to You.

The gospel according to the Old Testament

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8, ESV)

This is a wonderful scripture and is like a summary of the Gospel according to the Old Testament.

Do Justice – We should do what is right and pursue justice on behalf of others, this can be in advocacy of the suffering church and in child sponsorship etc.

Love kindness – This speaks to our character, we should walk with the fruit of the Spirit as mentioned in Galatians 5:22, being kind to one another.

Walk humbly – this speaks to our attitude and behaviour, we should walk in genuine humility (of thought and action) before God.

Unsatisfied materialism

You shall eat, but not be satisfied, and there shall be hunger within you; you shall put away, but not preserve, and what you preserve I will give to the sword. (Micah 6:14, ESV)

We see this in the gnawing, unsatisfied hunger of materialism today.

Relationship is key

You shall sow, but not reap; you shall tread olives, but not anoint yourselves with oil; you shall tread grapes, but not drink wine. (Micah 6:15, ESV)

The principle cannot work when separated from walking in loving obedience before God.

Acts 14:8–15:21

See through the Holy Spirit

He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, (Acts 14:9, ESV)

Paul could somehow see that the man had faith to be made well. It is most likely that the Holy Spirit gave Paul this discernment and understanding.

Signposts to God

“Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. (Acts 14:15, ESV)

The devil wanted these people to be focused on the miracle and the personality of Paul and Barnabas, directing their worship to them and not to God.

This happens so often, where people focus on and worship people rather than God. The unfortunate thing is that those receiving worship do not always have the purity of heart of Paul and Barnabas who tore their garments and rushed into the crowd crying out for the people to turn from this vanity to God.

We must always remember that we are just sign posts to God, we are nothing in ourselves, no matter how God uses us.

Paul makes the point of distinguishing God as the living God as opposed to a dead idol or fable. Also note in this case that they were taking on the prevailing religion in the pagan world.

Finish the mission

But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. (Acts 14:20, ESV)

This was no ordinary man, he was filled with God’s Holy Spirit and was determined to finish the mission.

Make Disciples

But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. (Acts 14:20, ESV)

Paul’s great mission was to make disciples.

Through tribulation we enter

strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. (Acts 14:22, ESV)

They were not just making converts but actual disciples, this is why they went back to them to strengthen and encourage them as they grew in the Lord.

We should all take note that it is through many tribulations that we will enter the kingdom of God, this blows away the “Your Best Life Now” theology.

Church structure

And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. (Acts 14:23, ESV)

Paul set up proper church structure so that the believers could be nurtured and grow in the Lord.

God’s open door

And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. (Acts 14:27, ESV)

Praise God, this door is still open.

Debate to the glory of God

And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. (Acts 15:2, ESV)

It is important that we debate matters of doctrine to ensure we do not walk in error as God’s people. We must be ready to debate, we cannot be passive and let every new idea, book etc. that comes along be accepted into the church or Christian thought and life.

The first Church Council

The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. (Acts 15:6, ESV)

This is the first ever church council known as the Jerusalem Council.

One in Christ

and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. (Acts 15:9, ESV)

We must guard this New Testament truth, there is now no distinction between Jews and Gentiles in Christ, we are one.

Our hearts are now cleansed by faith, the New Testament later calls it the circumcision of the heart rather than the body.

Jesus alone could bear the weight of sin

Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? (Acts 15:10, ESV)

The law, (like the ring in Lord of the rings) cannot be borne by anyone, only Jesus could bear it’s weight.

Saved through grace

But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.” (Acts 15:11, ESV)

A core concept for us as Christians, we are saved through the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, both Jew and gentile.

Agreeing with God’s word

And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written, (Acts 15:15, ESV)

This prophecy speaks of the remnant of mankind, these are God’s elect from all nations. It is good to see that from the earliest days of the church, reasoning and decision making was made in light of the word of God and not just current experience.

Food and sex

but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. (Acts 15:20, ESV)

This is the first church decree, note it is all to do with food and sex, these are still some of the biggest problems in the world today.

Prepared with the Old Testament

For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.” (Acts 15:21, ESV)

This means that the truth of the Old Testament had spread to many nations, which in a way prepared the way for the Lord. (like Ken ham mentioned).

Job 23:1–17

Yes He would

Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No; he would pay attention to me. (Job 23:6, ESV)

Job is about to find out that this is not true because God will come down in the closing chapters and contend with him.

Trials purify

But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. (Job 23:10, ESV)

Job recognises the purifying effect of his trials, the New Testament picks up on this, we should be encouraged as mentioned in James that the trial of our faith produces patience and is more precious than gold (James 1:2-4, 12).

Treasure God’s word

I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food. (Job 23:12, ESV)

We should all treasure God’s word in this way. For Job the word of God was more precious to him than natural food, the word of God is often spoken of as spiritual food. Jesus said that His meat was to do the will of the Father.

God is unstoppable

But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back? What he desires, that he does. (Job 23:13, ESV)

This is true of God, He is unstoppable and cannot be defeated. God fulfils and goes to work achieving what He desires.

God’s will is multifaceted, this is where the teaching on the decreed will (the things God sovereignly decrees that will and must happen, like prophecy or choosing elect people in the Old Testament and New Testament) and commanded will (all men everywhere repent Acts 17:30, the 10 commandments etc) of God is useful.

Truly fear God

Therefore I am terrified at his presence; when I consider, I am in dread of him. (Job 23:15, ESV)

Although this does not fit our western conventions, Job’s fear of God is actually very appropriate. God is someone we should actually fear in light of His power and ability to exercise that power in judgement in this life and the next. Jesus warns us to fear Him in Matt 10:28.

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 14 and Acts 15

Today’s Reading: Micah 1:1-3:12, Acts 13:13-14:7, Job 22:14-30

Today’s Theme: Judgement, Salvation and Hope

Today’s theme is about the full gospel message which includes the three elements of judgement for sin, the salvation provided through Jesus and the hope of eternal life and peace with God.

Micah 1:1-3:12

Pray for London

All this is for the transgression of Jacob and for the sins of the house of Israel. What is the transgression of Jacob? Is it not Samaria? And what is the high place of Judah? Is it not Jerusalem? (Micah 1:5, ESV)

All the nation’s sin was summed up in the wickedness of the city of Samaria. We must pray for our own country and our capital cities in particular that they would repent and escape God’s judgement.

Disaster from God

For the inhabitants of Maroth wait anxiously for good, because disaster has come down from the LORD to the gate of Jerusalem. (Micah 1:12, ESV)

The prophesied disaster would come from the Lord.

Covetous thoughts

They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them away; they oppress a man and his house, a man and his inheritance. Therefore thus says the LORD: behold, against this family I am devising disaster, from which you cannot remove your necks, and you shall not walk haughtily, for it will be a time of disaster. (Micah 2:2-3, ESV)

The coveting, envy and oppression that mark so many lives all begins in the mind. It begins with dwelling on evil thoughts of greed, self exaltation or covetousness, it ends in the performance of what was meditated on. This is why the New Testament warns us to think on pure things.

Speak about coming judgement

“Do not preach”—thus they preach— “one should not preach of such things; disgrace will not overtake us.” (Micah 2:6, ESV)

Like today there are many preaching that the church should not preach about God’s wrath, the coming judgement or hell.

We must boldly stand against this trend which has been empowered by liberal theologians who reduce God, the Bible and its message down to their own warped, sentimentalised view of love.

Driven from the home

The women of my people you drive out from their delightful houses; from their young children you take away my splendor forever. (Micah 2:9, ESV)

In modern times the women’s liberation movement, libertarian ideas of freedom and egalitarian ideas of equality have driven our women from the home to the office.

I think this is in particular context to women who are married with young children as mentioned in Titus 2:4-5.

If we do not take care of our own children, within the safety of our own families then it is as if our children are taken away by the system around us. It should be no wonder that there is a great wall between children and their parents as the children grow.

We must encourage young Christian mothers to reclaim the home and the fathers to provide for their families and protect and nurture the family in the faith.

Lust driven teachers

If a man should go about and utter wind and lies, saying, “I will preach to you of wine and strong drink,” he would be the preacher for this people! (Micah 2:11, ESV)

This is the folly we see today and what the Bible warned us about, people heaping teachers to themselves after their own lusts.

King of the remnant

He who opens the breach goes up before them; they break through and pass the gate, going out by it. Their king passes on before them, the LORD at their head. (Micah 2:13, ESV)

God is the king of the remnant that He has elected to save. He opens the breach, He leads His people out, He is our king.

How not to be a leader

who eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them, and break their bones in pieces and chop them up like meat in a pot, like flesh in a cauldron. (Micah 3:3, ESV)

This imagery is of leaders who use people for their own advantage and neglect their duty as leaders.

Don’t be full of yourself

But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the LORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin. (Micah 3:8, ESV)

Micah was not like the other prophets, he was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, the others were just full of themselves.

Don’t try to profiteer from your gift

Its heads give judgment for a bribe; its priests teach for a price; its prophets practice divination for money; yet they lean on the LORD and say, “Is not the LORD in the midst of us? No disaster shall come upon us.” (Micah 3:11, ESV)

This is the disgusting practice which is becoming more popular today of profiteering from our gifts.

Acts 13:13-14:7

Historical context

The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. (Acts 13:17, ESV)

Paul relates to the people’s history and sense of identity by reminding them that God elected them from among all the nations. The short history that follows is Paul’s foundation to point to Jesus as the Davidic Messiah prophesied in the scriptures.

We hear Ken ham teach on the Biblical / historical foundations needed to effectively present the gospel in the following video

Historical connections

“Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation. (Acts 13:26, ESV)

Again Paul appeals to his brothers in the flesh, the people of Israel as fellow descendants of Abraham. It is likely that Jewish converts were also in the synagogue because he mentions those who fear God as a separate group.

Historical corrections

For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets, which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. (Acts 13:27, ESV)

I saw on the BBC Documentary on the Jews (in 2013) that they mock our claim to Jesus as Messiah and this is all based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the prophecy of the Old Testament. Paul picks up this point here and says that this misunderstanding led them into fulfilling the very same prophecy.

We must pray for the Jews today that they would recognise Jesus and have a new understanding of their scriptures.

God raised Jesus from the dead

But God raised him from the dead, (Acts 13:30, ESV)

This is crucial to the proclamation of the Gospel message which Paul has given a summary of in this verse. This is a mind blowing truth… God raised Jesus from the dead.

Evidence of the resurrection

and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people. (Acts 13:31, ESV)

Jesus appeared to his elect messengers and they are now impacting the world as witnesses of the resurrection. The radical change of the disciples from cowards to martyrs is evidence that the resurrection actually happened.

The Gospel Summarised

Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. (Acts 13:38-39, ESV)

This is one of the best summaries of the Gospel in all scripture.

A successful mission

And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God. (Acts 13:43, ESV)

This was a successful mission, many Jews and converts to Judaism became disciples of Jesus Christ. Paul boldly declared the truth but not without wisdom and God gave amazing results by His Spirit. They even asked them to come back.

God’s plan to save all nations

And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. (Acts 13:46, ESV)

This is because Israel are God’s chosen people to whom belong the promises and covenants as Paul says in one of his letters, salvation is of the Jews.

Many take this statement by Paul to be anti Semitic which is complete nonsense in its true context. They were resisting and God was leading Paul to the nations, but at the same time thousands of Jews have already been converted, all the original Christians were Jews, so this is an accusation without foundation.

God’s election

And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. (Acts 13:48, ESV)

This so clearly upholds the doctrine of election, God appoints, draws, calls and chooses those He will save and give eternal life to. We should find confidence and increased faith in light of this truth. God will accomplish all of His holy will and WILL save His people, the ones appointed to eternal life whom He has already written in the book of life.

Our salvation is not based on God looking into the future to see if we will chose Him or on any quality we possess, it is solely based on God’s electing love and grace. To God be ALL the glory.

Be filled with Joy

And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 13:52, ESV)

Even in the midst of resistance, God is victorious and His people, the true disciples will be filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. As Christians we should not be depressed, anxious or worried, we should be filled with the joy of the Lord by the Spirit of the Lord.

Jews and Greeks saved

Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. (Acts 14:1, ESV)

Notice both Jews and Gentiles are coming to faith.

God’s confirmation

So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. (Acts 14:3, ESV)

God backed up all they were saying in the proclamation of the Gospel with signs and wonders.

Run

they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country, (Acts 14:6, ESV)

Sometimes it’s time to run away, we must be led by God and use the wisdom He has given us to have maximum impact.

Job 22:14-30

Jesus brings peace

“Agree with God, and be at peace; thereby good will come to you. (Job 22:21, ESV)

In the midst of this friend’s (Eliphaz) bad council there are some nuggets of truth and this is one of them.

The reason Jesus came was to bring agreement between God and His people, to bring peace. When we submit to God it brings us peace. Submission and obedience bring peace and freedom.

Treasure God’s word

Receive instruction from his mouth, and lay up his words in your heart. (Job 22:22, ESV)

This is also true, we should lay up God’s word in our hearts, this involves meditating on His word. There is so much good in His word. If we rush through it we will miss the savour and nutrition, ultimately ending up with spiritual indigestion.

God our treasure

then the Almighty will be your gold and your precious silver. (Job 22:25, ESV)

God must be our greatest treasure, we should forsake the riches of this world for Him as Jesus commanded.

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 13 and Acts 14

Today’s Reading: Jonah 1:1–4:11, Acts 13:1–12, Job 22:1–13

Today’s Theme: God in Operation

Our God is not still, He is not distant or indifferent, He is active and we see Him today in operation in the account of Jonah and the people of Nineveh and in Paul’s dealings with Elymaus.

We can have faith in our sovereign God, the one who is in operation in our lives today. We look at various aspects of God’s attributes, character and presence and consider our response.

Jonah 1:1–4:11

God is everywhere

But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. (Jonah 1:3, ESV)

In reality it is not possible to flee from God’s presence because He is omni (all) present, He is everywhere.

God created everything

And he said to them, “I am a Hebrew, and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.” (Jonah 1:9, ESV)

One thing that sets God apart from everyone is that He created everything, Lord You are amazing.

Respond to God’s presence

Then the men were exceedingly afraid and said to him, “What is this that you have done!” For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them. (Jonah 1:10, ESV)

When we try to run away from God’s presence and purpose we put those around us in great danger. We must fulfil the mission God has assigned to us. We should respond to God’s presence, not run away from it.

God, Sovereign Lord

Therefore they called out to the LORD, “O LORD, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not on us innocent blood, for you, O LORD, have done as it pleased you.” (Jonah 1:14, ESV)

These sailors who before worshipped false gods now prayed to the God of heaven. They could clearly see that He was the true God by all that was happening around them.

They also recognised that God has the power, authority and ability to be totally sovereign and perform all His holy will.

Our God saves

Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows. (Jonah 1:16, ESV)

God can even take the rebellious life of one of His people to draw men to Him, these men became believers.

God is in control

And the LORD appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. (Jonah 1:17, ESV)

Again showing God’s control over the whole thing.

Hope in God’s Faithful Love

Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love. (Jonah 2:8, ESV)

This is a powerful truth that speaks for itself. Lord keep me from focusing on vain idols that cannot benefit me. Instead help me to keep my eyes on you in hope of your steadfast love.

Salvation, God’s gift

But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to the LORD!” (Jonah 2:9, ESV)

Salvation is God’s gift to give, not ours to take. We give God thanks for His grace towards us.

Fruits of repentance

And the people of Nineveh believed God. They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them. (Jonah 3:5, ESV)

This was real belief in the message, we can tell by their actions. True faith is always accompanied by repentance.

National repentance

but let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and let them call out mightily to God. Let everyone turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish.” (Jonah 3:8–9, ESV)

This was true national repentance, it is possible for an entire nation to repent, we should pray for our nations with this in mind.

Prayer, the game changer

When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it. (Jonah 3:10, ESV)

Things can be changed through prayer and repentance, so repent and pray.

God is gracious

And he prayed to the LORD and said, “O LORD, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. (Jonah 4:2, ESV)

This is God’s character and Jonah knew it. God is gracious, merciful and loving.

The God who appoints

When the sun rose, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint. And he asked that he might die and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.” (Jonah 4:8, ESV)

This is the third time in this passage that we hear that God appointed. This shows the extent of God’s sovereign rule and ability.

God cares for His creation

And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?” (Jonah 4:11, ESV)

Jonah had a very self centred attitude, Lord keep us from that. God had pity on the people of Nineveh and even on the animals. God cares for His creation, so should we.

Acts 13:1–12

The Holy Spirit sets apart

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (Acts 13:2, ESV)

The Holy Spirit specially calls out and selects for ministry, especially for church planters and missionaries.

The word of God proclaimed

When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them. (Acts 13:5, ESV)

Their mission was to proclaim God’s word. Again notice that this was happening in synagogues as the Lord by His Spirit reached out to the Jews.

Dealing with opposition

and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? (Acts 13:10, ESV)

Paul spoke with the authority of the Holy Spirit. This reminds us that people can be the biggest hindrances when we share the Gospel. Paul said Elymaus was making the straight path of God’s truth and appeal for salvation crooked by his resistance.

We should pray that God gives us authority and wisdom to deal with human opponents to the gospel.

Stand fast

Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord. (Acts 13:12, ESV)

Notice this bending of the Lord’s path was no bending at all because the devil meant it for evil but God turned it for good. It became the reason why the pro-council was saved.

The resistance we receive to the gospel will be the catalyst to many being saved if we stand fast in faith and do not waver.

Job 22:1–13

Be profitable to God

“Can a man be profitable to God? Surely he who is wise is profitable to himself. (Job 22:2, ESV)

Yes, Jesus demonstrates this in the parable of the servants. Jesus said it about Paul.

Bring God pleasure

Is it any pleasure to the Almighty if you are in the right, or is it gain to him if you make your ways blameless? (Job 22:3, ESV)

Yes because without faith it is impossible to please (bring pleasure to) 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 13

Today’s Reading: Obad 1–21, Acts 11:19–12:25, Job 21:17–34

Today’s Theme: God Answers

Today’s theme looks at the way God powerfully answers our prayers, even sending angels to deliver His people or judge the enemy. This should encourage our faith as we pray.

Obadiah 1–21

Success will not save you

Though you soar aloft like the eagle, though your nest is set among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the LORD. (Obadiah 4, ESV)

Success and affluence in this world are no protection from the judgement of God.

Omissions

On the day that you stood aloof, on the day that strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them. (Obadiah 11, ESV)

Their sin was one of omission, they did not try to help when Israel was attacked.

We have a duty to speak up against injustice and to help our brothers in the Lord.

Nations will be judged

For the day of the LORD is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head. (Obadiah 15, ESV)

Entire nations will come under judgment as mentioned in Matthew 24/25.

Jesus will reign

Saviors shall go up to Mount Zion to rule Mount Esau, and the kingdom shall be the LORD’s. (Obadiah 21, ESV)

The reign of Jesus at the second coming.

Acts 11:19–12:25

Christianity is for Jewish people

Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. (Acts 11:19, ESV)

This was a major thrust in the first Church, thousands of Jews were saved across the known world. This alone speaks against the claim that Christianity is inherently anti Jewish.

One of the main reasons Jews do not accept Jesus as Messiah is because they say nothing has changed and the kingdom is not here. As Christians we need to be able to explain that the Old Testament rightly understood, spoke of the Messiah coming in two stages. First as a suffering servant and later as a reigning king, this is what the scattered church explained when they spoke the word to the Jewish world.

Be steadfast in purpose

When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. (Acts 11:23–24, ESV)

We must encourage one another to stay faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose.

Christians

and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. (Acts 11:26, ESV)

In the midst of God’s great work in Antioch we are first given the name our religion would come to be known by “Christian” which means “Christ’s adherents, those who belong to, or are devoted to Christ (YBD).”

Give according to your ability

So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. (Acts 11:29, ESV)

This is how we should give to the Lord’s work and charity.

Pray together in unity

So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church. (Acts 12:5, ESV)

This is one of the greatest encouragements for us to pray with earnest, heartfelt faith in God in unity as a church.

Rescued by Angels

And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. (Acts 12:7, ESV)

This is awesome, an angel was sent to rescue Peter. We can pray this for those wrongly imprisoned in the suffering church that God would send angels to deliver them too.

God’s powerful answer

When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.” (Acts 12:11, ESV)

Despite the plans of the government (Herod) or the religious establishment (Jews), God was able to set His minister Peter free to do His will by sending a powerful angel to rescue him.

These angels have amazing powers, like the Bible tells us they are ministering spirits. Now notice the people were not praying for God to use angels, they were just praying to God and God chose to use an angel to answer the prayer.

1st century misunderstanding

They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!” (Acts 12:15, ESV)

A misunderstanding of the afterlife from the first century. The reality is that we do not become angels when we die, angels are a separate creature entirely from man.

God actually answers, believe it

But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed. (Acts 12:16, ESV)

We must have faith that God will actually answer our prayers.

Angels used for judgement

Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last. (Acts 12:23, ESV)

Again an angel is involved, but this time it is for judgement for not giving glory to God.

God’s victory

But the word of God increased and multiplied. (Acts 12:24, ESV)

Here is the awesome victory of God in the midst of all the tension and hostility, the Word of God proclaimed “The Gospel” increased and spread. The church was growing by God’s mighty power and the forces of man could not contend with the purpose of God.

Lord may Your word increase and be multiplied in our nation.

Job 21:17–34

Who can teach God?

Will any teach God knowledge, seeing that he judges those who are on high? (Job 21:22, ESV)

No one can teach God anything. As fallen man we often think we have a better opinion or perspective on things and then try to reinterpret the Bible to fit our own standards of right and wrong… this is folly.

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 11 and Acts 12

Today’s Reading: Amos 8:1–9:15, Acts 10:34–11:18, Job 21:1–16

Today’s Theme: God over all

Today’s theme looks at God as the sovereign God over all. We should honour him above the commerce, business and wealth of this world. God is over His people Israel and over the church. God presides over all the affairs of man and deserves the worship of every tribe, nation and tongue.

Amos 8:1–9:15

God over business

saying, “When will the new moon be over, that we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, that we may offer wheat for sale, that we may make the ephah small and the shekel great and deal deceitfully with false balances, (Amos 8:5, ESV)

We must honour God in sincerity, putting Him before business, in joy, and be honest and work with integrity when we do engage in business.

Eat the word of God, daily

“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord GOD, “when I will send a famine on the land— not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD. (Amos 8:11, ESV)

This is the worst type of famine, we need to pray that we do not have to endure a self inflicted famine of God’s word. We have the word of God all around us, for free, and in various formats, let us not sit in the middle of the pantry and die of starvation, or get sick from malnutrition.

Let us use our bibles and all the biblical resources the Lord has put at our disposal and let us do it with joy.

I thank God that we have a daily bible reading plan that the whole church is doing together. We must eat from the word everyday for our own joy and nourishment, so that we can grow to the glory of God.

Let us pray for the areas of the world that are not as privileged as us and where there is a famine for the word of God. Jesus said those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled.

Have and understand the word

They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run to and fro, to seek the word of the LORD, but they shall not find it. (Amos 8:12, ESV)

The fact that we have the word of God and understand it, should not be taken for granted. We should give God thanks for the gift of The Spirt of Truth, who guides and leads us into all truth.

God’s judgement

And if they go into captivity before their enemies, there I will command the sword, and it shall kill them; and I will fix my eyes upon them for evil and not for good.” (Amos 9:4, ESV)

If God fixes His eye on a people for judgement, then they will be judged and cannot escape.

A  BBC documentary shown in Sept 2013, regarding the Jews missed this fact, that the judgements on Israel were decreed by God. Instead it belittled the biblical accounts and pointed to the church and other world powers as the source of Jewish suffering.

We need the perspective of God’s word to understand history in context, especially when we consider God’s chosen nation Israel.

God’s remnant

Behold, the eyes of the Lord GOD are upon the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from the surface of the ground, except that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob,” declares the LORD. (Amos 9:8, ESV)

God in His mercy would always keep a remnant.

God’s restoration

 I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine, and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit. (Amos 9:14, ESV)

This is already happening, just look at the land of Israel today (this is also related to the return from Babylon etc.).

God’s planting

 I will plant them on their land, and they shall never again be uprooted out of the land that I have given them,” says the LORD your God. (Amos 9:15, ESV)

This has to be an end time in gathering, as God uses the words “Never Again”.

Acts 10:34–11:18

We need the anointing

how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. (Acts 10:38, ESV)

If Jesus was anointed with the holy Spirit for service, then how can we attempt to minister without the Holy Spirit?

God’s elected witnesses

but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. (Acts 10:40–41, ESV)

This awesome eyewitness testimony, to the full bodily resurrection of Jesus, is central to the Gospel message.

As Peter mentioned earlier in the passage, the good news is that we can have peace through Jesus.

Notice God was quite specific and strategic in the resurrection. Jesus could have appeared to all Jerusalem and the leaders in victory and consummated the kingdom there and then. Instead He appeared only to those elected by God to be witnesses and to carry the message of this Great News to the ends of the earth, that the Gentiles too might be saved, and that the Lord could consummate His kingdom in God’s appointed time (the kingdom is now and not yet).

Jesus the Judge

And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. (Acts 10:42, ESV)

This is one of the commands Jesus gave them in their time of teaching, after the resurrection, they were to preach that Jesus is Judge. We need to remember this in our evangelism.

It’s all about Jesus

To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” (Acts 10:43, ESV)

Peter looks back to the truth of the scriptures and reminds us of one of the greatest themes of the bible… JESUS.

When we read the OT, we should always keep an eye out for where it points to Jesus.

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit

 And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. (Acts 10:45, ESV)

Notice this time there is no laying of hands, this and the last event were both quite special as they were both the first of their kind.

Notice that in every place where the Gospel reached a new group of people, there was a special outpouring of the Spirit and the speaking of languages. Also notice the speech was always extolling God and speaking of His great works.

Jerusalem = The Day of Pentecost
Samaria = The Laying of Hands
Gentiles = Outpouring of the Spirit

One thing this does tell us is that all believers have the Holy Spirit as a seal of their calling in Christ and are given the Holy Spirit for ministry. This is where there is a distinction between having the Holy Spirit and being anointed by the same Spirit, for work.

Each time the Spirit was given, it was a sign of approval and clear direction to the church at Jerusalem, to the way God intended to impact the world.

Saved people get baptised

And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days. (Acts 10:48, ESV)

Again this shows that there is no rule that says baptism must proceed the filling of the Holy Spirit, because all believers are given the gift of the Spirit at the point of genuine conversion and God can, at any point from that time, fill or clothe the believer in the Spirit for service.

Baptism is in fact a sacrament pointing to the inward work that has already happened, no one is saved by baptism, instead saved people get baptised.

The gospel for all nations

 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, (Acts 11:2, ESV)

Already there are lines of division in the church between those who are following Jesus’ command and teaching along with the leading of the Spirit, to bring the Gospel to all nations and those still gripped by the sectarian views of Judaism in that day, which said gentiles were nothing but dogs.

We must be careful that the pendulum does not swing in either direction, to Judaizing Christianity or to disconnecting the faith from its Jewish origin and heritage.

The danger I see in the resurgence of appreciation for our Jewish roots, in the evangelical church, is the over emphasis and tendency of some to become like the circumcision party of old. They cast off identifying with Christ to identify with Israel, to the point that some have even said a faithful Jew, who does not accept Messiah, will still go to heaven.

The message of the Gospel

he will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household.’ (Acts 11:14, ESV)

Important note, it was the message of the Gospel that brought salvation.

One new people

As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. (Acts 11:15, ESV)

This was God’s stamp of approval on the preaching to the gentiles and a blast against sectarian teaching. Gentiles and Jews who believe in Jesus are seen as equal before God, which is why the outpouring was the same, so as to say one is not superior to the other.

God has granted repentance that leads to life

When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.” (Acts 11:18, ESV)

The circumcision party understood what all this meant and said it in this verse, which is why Peter took time to tell them the whole story, including the vision. From his account, we know that he was a devout Jew too.

The point of this whole account is summed up in this verse, Glory be to God for granting repentance to both Jews and Gentiles.

Job 21:1–16

Don’t mock your friends

Bear with me, and I will speak, and after I have spoken, mock on. (Job 21:3, ESV)

You have got to love Job’s boldness and humour. Here he makes clear that from his perspective, his friends were mocking him.

God’s grace to the wicked

Why do the wicked live, reach old age, and grow mighty in power? (Job 21:7, ESV)

Job brings balance to the view of the wicked. The fact is, often, wicked men have great power and live long. This is not a rule but is not uncommon and is only because God is gracious and merciful.

Generalisations are not helpful

They spend their days in prosperity, and in peace they go down to Sheol. (Job 21:13, ESV)

Again Job takes his counter argument too far. Some die in prosperity, this is true, but most do not die or even live in peace.

The false security of wealth

They say to God, ‘Depart from us! We do not desire the knowledge of your ways. What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? And what profit do we get if we pray to him?’ (Job 21:14–15, ESV)

This is the unfortunate attitude of the prosperous West today, little do these men realise that it is God keeping them alive. At any moment He could release His hold, withdraw life and leave these wretched souls to their fate in the darkness of hell.

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 11

Today’s Reading: Amos 6:1–7:17, Acts 10:1–33, Job 20:12–29

Today’s Theme: The Radical Gospel

The good news of the gospel, the new covenant in Jesus, is radical. It brings people together from every nation, tribe and tongue. We should not neglect the world changing nature, message and power of the gospel and should live our lives in light of it’s very bold, public and truthful claims.

Amos 6:1–7:17

Faith filled, active lives

“Woe to those who are at ease in Zion, and to those who feel secure on the mountain of Samaria, the notable men of the first of the nations, to whom the house of Israel comes! (Amos 6:1, ESV)

We are called to live faith-filled, active lives for the Lord. We should not be relaxed and at ease, this is a sure foothold for the enemy and puts our souls in danger of being dominated by the flesh.

Although we enter into the Lords rest, it is a rest for workers and servants, not for spoilt brats who never lift a finger around the house.

Idle songs!

who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp and like David invent for themselves instruments of music, (Amos 6:5, ESV)

We should not sing idle, pointless songs. We should enjoy songs, most of which are doxological (glorifying to God and not centred around man), and are theologically sound (derived from and expounding on the truth of the bible).

Avoid pride

The Lord GOD has sworn by himself, declares the LORD, the God of hosts: “I abhor the pride of Jacob and hate his strongholds, and I will deliver up the city and all that is in it.” (Amos 6:8, ESV)

God hates pride in His children. The deceiving thing is that our pride can be in areas where we feel we are strong.

Distorted grace

Do horses run on rocks? Does one plow there with oxen? But you have turned justice into poison and the fruit of righteousness into wormwood— (Amos 6:12, ESV)

This can be true of us if we take the grace of God for granted. Like Paul said, “should we sin that grace would abound… God forbid”. Paul also says we should not use liberty to give an excuse to the flesh.

God’s grace gives us strength to live for Him. Grace without the fear of God, will always be distorted.

God responds to prayer

When they had finished eating the grass of the land, I said, “O Lord GOD, please forgive! How can Jacob stand? He is so small!” The LORD relented concerning this: “It shall not be,” said the LORD. (Amos 7:2–3, ESV)

This is an awesome truth that should fill us with hope… Our God responds to prayer. He has the power and the will to respond to our prayers – what an awesome privilege. We can ask God and He actually answers, so much can be changed and directed if we would just pray.

The plumb line

And the LORD said to me, “Amos, what do you see?” And I said, “A plumb line.” Then the Lord said, “Behold, I am setting a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel; I will never again pass by them; (Amos 7:8, ESV)

A plumb line is a standard by which a wall’s vertical trueness is tested. The Lord is testing the people by His standard.

God’s plumb-line for us is His word.

Prophetic shepherds

But the LORD took me from following the flock, and the LORD said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ (Amos 7:15, ESV)

Amos did not come from a family of prophets, he was a faithful shepherd whom God called to be His prophet and intercessor for Israel.

This is a picture of biblical pastoral ministry today, it should be marked by the anointing to prophesy or proclaim God’s word with boldness, and the boldness and piety to pray for the people, before God.

Give God thanks for our Pastors (Shepherds) today.

The danger of compromise

Therefore thus says the LORD: “ ‘Your wife shall be a prostitute in the city, and your sons and your daughters shall fall by the sword, and your land shall be divided up with a measuring line; you yourself shall die in an unclean land, and Israel shall surely go into exile away from its land.’ ” (Amos 7:17, ESV)

The compromise and rebellion of this priest has cost his family dearly. When we compromise and rebel against God and His word, we risk jeopardising the lives of those around us.

Acts 10:1–33

Pray for revelations of Jesus

And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. (Acts 10:4, ESV)

We can pray that those who are seeking to serve God in sincerity, but do not have the truth of the Gospel, will have a vision like this. We know this is happening now in the Islamic world.

Also notice that the method for hearing the Gospel is still from a person, it is still the commission of the church. Often in these cases, the vision opens the door and softens the heart to receive the Gospel from an actual witness.

The gospel is for all peoples

And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” (Acts 10:13, ESV)

While the purpose of this vision was primarily to show Peter that the Gospel was for the Gentile nations, which were once considered unclean, there is still truth in the fact that the Mosaic dietary guidelines no longer needed to be followed, as an issue of religious duty. Although we can still be informed in our eating, by the guidelines set in the OT.

We must remember that although there were health benefits to the OT diet, it was really a shadow of the true reality of sin and righteousness and a sign of faith for the OT saints, now replaced by a new covenant.

The radical gospel

And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” (Acts 10:15, ESV)

This drives home the purpose of the vision and shows us the radical nature of the Gospel. We are unclean people whom God has declared clean, this is just amazing.

As mentioned before, this does signal a clear break with the Covenants of the Law of Moses, but it also signals a major change in Jewish and Gentile relations.

One new people

And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. (Acts 10:28, ESV)

The vision had prepared Peter for this mission and spelled an end to the unbiblical custom of the Jews of that day, to keep themselves separate from the gentiles. God had intended Israel to be a light to the world, but the teaching of the Rabbis against the Gentiles, was counter intuitive, thankfully the life, teaching and redemptive work of Jesus takes care of all that.

In Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, we are all one in Christ, this is a radical new way for those of the 1st century.

Do angels have wings?

And Cornelius said, “Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing (Acts 10:30, ESV)

Notice the appearances of Angels in the bible generally do not have wings, they appear as men. Seraphim’s do appear with wings.

Receive the gospel in humility

So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.” (Acts 10:33, ESV)

Cornelius, his family and household, are in a humble place, ready to receive the truth of the Gospel.

Let us pray that those who engage in charity work, like Cornelius and members of our own family, will also be humble and teachable so that they can receive the gospel too.

Job 20:12–29

Be content

“Because he knew no contentment in his belly, he will not let anything in which he delights escape him. (Job 20:20, ESV)

This whole speech is wrong but this is a part of truth, because those who do not learn to be content will run after every lust and desire and the more they eat of food, sex etc, the less they are satisfied.

This is why we must delight in the Lord and learn to be content, knowing that God is most glorified in us, when we are most satisfied in Him.

Plant the seeds (don’t eat them)

There was nothing left after he had eaten; therefore his prosperity will not endure. (Job 20:21, ESV)

Another true principle; if we use and eat all our money, for example, and hold none back for investment or saving, it is like someone eating seed that was meant to be planted.

Opinions and rebuttals

This is the wicked man’s portion from God, the heritage decreed for him by God.” (Job 20:29, ESV)

Not true, this is one of the things that we need to remember with Job’s book. There is discussion and opinion recorded with counters and rebuttals, we will hear Job rebuttal this blanket statement and view regarding the ungodly, tomorrow.

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 10