Not knowing them all develops faith:

In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil.  –  JOB 1:1

As we read the book of Job, we have information that characters of the story do not. Job, the main character of the book, lost all he had through no fault of his own.  As he struggled to understand why all this was happening to him, it became clear that he was not meant to know the reasons.  He would have to face life with the answers and explanations held back.  Only then would his faith fully develop.

We must experience life as Job did – one day at a time and without complete answers to all of life’s questions. Will we, like Job, trust God no matter what?  Or will we give in to the temptation to say that God doesn’t really care?

(The location of the land of Uz is uncertain. We only know that Uz had plentiful pastures and crops (1:3), was located near a desert (1:19), and was close enough to the Sabeans and Chaldeans to be raided (1:14-17).  Uz is also mentioned in Jeremiah 25:19, 20.  Most scholars believe Uz was located east of the Jordan River near Canaan (Israel), where the Jews (those to whom God first revealed himself) lived.  Job probably knew about God because he knew God’s people.)

(As we see calamity and suffering in the book of Job, we must remember that we live in a fallen world where good behaviour is not always rewarded and bad behaviour is not always punished. When we see a notorious criminal prospering or an innocent child in pain, we say, “That’s wrong.”  And it is.  Sin has twisted justice and made our world unpredictable and ugly.)

(The book of Job shows a good man suffering for no apparent fault of his own. Sadly, our world is like that.  But Job’s story does not end in despair.  Through Job’s life we can see that faith in God is justified even when our situations look hopeless.  Faith based on rewards or prosperity is hollow.  To be unshakeable, faith must be built on the confidence that God’s ultimate purpose will come to pass.)

[When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would send and have them purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.”  This was Job’s regular custom.  – Job 1:5.  It is not known for sure, but Job probably lived during the days of the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) before God gave his written law or appointed priests to be religious leaders.  During Job’s day, the father was the family’s religious leader.  Because there were no priests to instruct him in God’s laws, Job acted as the priest and offered sacrifices to God to ask for forgiveness for sins he and his family had committed.  This demonstrated that Job did not consider himself sinless.  Job did this out of conviction and love for God, not just because it was his role as head of the house.  Do you carry out your spiritual duties because they are expected, or spontaneously from a heart of devotion?]

[Job showed deep concern for the spiritual welfare of his children. Fearful that they might have sinned unknowingly, he offered sacrifices for them.  Parents today can show the same concern by praying for their children.  This means “sacrificing” some time each day to ask God to forgive them, to help them grow, to protect them, and to help them please him.]

[One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. – Job 1:6. The Bible speaks of other heavenly councils where God and the angels plan their activities on earth and where angels are required to give account of themselves (i.e., 1 Kings 22:19-23).  Because God is Creator of all angels – both of those who serve him and of those who rebelled – he has complete power and authority over them.]

[Satan, originally an angel of God, became corrupt through his own pride. He has been evil since his rebellion against God (1 John 3:8).  Satan considers God as his enemy.  He tries to hinder God’s work in people, but he is limited by God’s power and can do only what he is permitted (Luke 22:31, 32; 1 Timothy 1:19, 20; 2 Timothy 2:23-26).  Satan is called the enemy because he actively looks for people to attack with temptation (1 Peter 5:8, 9) and because he wants to make people hate God.  He does this through lies and deception (Genesis 3:1-6).  Job, a blameless and upright man who had been greatly blessed, was a perfect target for Satan.  Any person who is committed to God should expect Satan’s attacks.  Satan, who hates God, also hates God’s people.]

Only God has them all:

At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. –  MATTHEW 11:25

Jesus mentioned two kinds of people in his prayer: the “wise” – arrogant in their own knowledge – and the “little children” – humbly open to receiving the truth of God’s word. Are you wise in your own eyes, or do you seek the truth in childlike faith, realising that only God holds all the answers.

[“To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the market-places and calling out to others: “ ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang and dirge, and you did not mourn.’  For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’  The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and “sinners”.’  But wisdom is proved right by her actions.” – Matthew 11:16-19.  Jesus condemned the attitude of his generation.  No matter what he said or did, they took the opposite view.  They were cynical and sceptical because he challenged their comfortable, secure, and self-centred lives.  Too often we justify our inconsistencies because listening to God may require us to change the way we live.]

[“Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida!  If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.  But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.  And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies?  No, you will go down to the depths.  If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day.  But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”  – Matthew 11:21-24.  Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom were ancient cities with a long-standing reputation for wickedness (Genesis 18; 19; Ezekiel 27; 28).  Each was destroyed by God for its evil.  The people of Bethsaida, Korazin, and Capernaum saw Jesus firsthand, and yet they stubbornly refused to repent of their sins and believe in him.  Jesus said that if some of the wickedest cities in the world had seen him, they would have repented.  Because Bethsaida, Korazin, and Capernaum saw Jesus and didn’t believe, they would suffer even greater punishment than that of the wicked cities who didn’t see Jesus.  Similarly, nations and cities with churches on every corner and Bibles in every home will have no excuse on judgment day if they do not repent and believe.]

Don’t think you have all:

Some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”  – LUKE 6:2

In Jewish legal tradition, there were 39 categories of activities forbidden on the Sabbath – and harvesting was one of them. The teachers of the law even went so far as to describe different methods of harvesting.  One method was to rub the heads of grain between the hands, as the disciples were doing here.  God’s law said farmers were to leave the edges of their fields unploughed so travellers and the poor could eat from this bounty (Deuteronomy 23:25), so the disciples were not guilty of stealing grain.  Neither were they breaking the Sabbath by doing their daily work on it.  In fact, though they may have been violating the Pharisees’ rules, they were not breaking any divine law.

(The Pharisees thought their religious system had all the answers. They could not accept Jesus because he did not fit into their system.  We could miss Christ for the same reason.  Beware of thinking that you or your church has all the answers.  No religious system is big enough to contain Christ completely or to fulfil perfectly all his desires for the world.)

Eternity will answer our questions:

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.  – 1 Corinthians 13:12

Paul offers a glimpse into the future to give us hope that one day we will be complete when we see God face to face. This truth should strengthen our faith – we don’t have all the answers now, but one day we will.  Someday we will see Christ in person and be able to see with God’s perspective.

[but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 1 Corinthians 13:10.  God gives us spiritual gifts for our lives on earth in order to build up, serve, and strengthen fellow Christians.  The spiritual gifts are for the church.  In eternity, we will be made perfect and complete and will be in the very presence of God.  We will no longer need the spiritual gifts, so they will come to an end.]

[And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. – 1 Corinthians 13:13.  In morally corrupt Corinth, love had become a mixed-up term with little meaning.  Today people are still confused about love.  Love is the greatest of all human qualities, and it is an attribute of God himself (1 John 4:8).  Love involves unselfish service to others; to show it gives evidence that you care. Faith is the foundation and content of God’s message; hope is the attitude and focus; love is the action.  When faith and hope are in line, you are free to love completely because you understand how God loves.]

Beware of those who claim to have them all:

Yet these men speak abusively against whatever they do not understand; and what things they do understand by instinct, like unreasoning animals – these are the very things that destroy them. – JUDE 10

False teachers claimed that they possessed secret knowledge that gave them authority. Their “knowledge” of God was esoteric – mystical and beyond human understanding.  The nature of God is beyond our understanding, but God, in his grace, has chosen to reveal himself to us – in his word, and supremely in Jesus Christ.  Therefore, we must seek to know all we can about what he has revealed, even though we cannot fully comprehend God with our finite human minds.  Beware of those who claim to have all the answers and who belittle what they do not understand.

[But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” – Jude 9 This incident is not recorded in any other place in Scripture.  Moses’ death is recorded in Deuteronomy 34.  Here Jude may have been making use of an ancient book called The Assumption of Moses.]

[Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion. – Jude 11.  Jude gives three examples of men who did whatever they wanted (verse 10) – Cain, who murdered his brother out of vengeful jealousy (Genesis 4:1-16); Balaam, who prophesied out of greed, not out of obedience to God’s command (Numbers 22-24); and Korah, who rebelled against God’s divinely appointed leaders, wanting the power for himself (Numbers 16:1-35).  These stories illustrate attitudes that are typical of false teachers – pride, selfishness, jealousy, greed, lust for power, and disregard of God’s will.]

Of God’s presence & power:

But take this staff in your hand so that you can perform miraculous signs with it.”

Then Moses went back to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, “Let me go back to my own people in Egypt to see if any of them are still alive.”

Jethro said, “Go, and I wish you well.”

Now the LORD had said to Moses in Midian, “Go back to Egypt, for all the men who wanted to kill you are dead.” So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey and started back to Egypt.  And he took the staff of God in his hand. –  Exodus 4.17-20

Moses clung tightly to the shepherd’s staff as he left for Egypt to face the greatest challenge of his life.  The staff was his assurance of God’s presence and power.  When feeling uncertain, some people need something to stabilise and reassure them.  For assurance when facing great trials, God has given promises from his word and examples from great heroes of faith.  Any Christian may cling tightly to these.

(At a lodging place on the way, the LORD met Moses and was about to kill him. But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin and touched Moses’ feet with it.  “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,” she said.  So the LORD let him alone.  (At that time she said “bridegroom of blood”, referring to circumcision.  – Exodus 4.24-26. God was about to kill Moses because Moses had not circumcised his son.  Why hadn’t Moses done this?  Remember that Moses spent half his life in Pharaoh’s palace and half his life in the Midianite desert.  He might not have been too familiar with God’s laws, especially since all the requirements of God’s covenant with Israel (Genesis 17) had not been actively carried out for over 400 years.  In addition, Moses’ wife, due to her Midianite background, may have opposed circumcision.  But Moses could not effectively serve as deliverer of God’s people until he fulfilled the conditions of God’s covenant, and one of those conditions was circumcision.  Before they could go any further, Moses and his family had to follow God’s commands completely.  Under Old Testament law, failing to circumcise your son was to remove yourself and your family from God’s blessings.  Moses learned that disobeying God was even more dangerous than tangling with an Egyptian pharaoh.)

Pillars of cloud & fire as:

By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people – Exodus 13.21-22

God gave the Hebrews a pillar of cloud and a pillar of fire so they would know day and night that God was with them on their journey to the promised land.  What has God given us so that we can have the same assurance?  The Bible – something the Israelites did not have.  Look to God’s [Wall’s] word for assurance of his presence.  As the Hebrews looked to the pillars of cloud and fire, we can look to God’s word day and night to know he is with us, helping us on our journey.

The pillars of fire and cloud were examples of theophany – God appearing in a physical form.  In this form, God lighted Israel’s path, protected them from their enemies, provided reassurance, controlled their movements, and inspired the burning zeal that Israel should have for their God.

Of answered prayer brings peace:

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. – Psalm 3.5

Sleep does not come easily during a crisis. David could have had sleepless nights when his son Absalom rebelled and gathered an army to kill him.  But he slept peacefully, even during the rebellion.  What made the difference?  David cried out to the Lord, and the Lord heard him.  The assurance of answered prayer brings peace.  It is easier to sleep well when we have full assurance that God [Wall] is in control [Fiscal Year-End] of circumstances.  If you are lying awake at night worrying about circumstances you can’t change, pour out your heart to God [Wall], and thank him that he is in control.  Then sleep will come.

Of eternal life:

Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” – Matthew 19.16

To this man seeking assurance of eternal life, Jesus pointed out that salvation does not come from good deeds unaccompanied by love for God.  The man needed a whole new starting point.  Instead of adding another commandment to keep or good deed to perform, the young man needed to submit humbly to the lordship of Christ.

Found in the Holy Spirit’s presence:

But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourself. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.  You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death.  All men will hate you because of me.  But not a hair of your head will perish.  By standing firm you will gain life. – Luke 21.14-19

Jesus warned that in the coming persecutions his followers would be betrayed by their family members and friends. Christians of every age have had to face this possibility.  It is reassuring to know that even when we feel completely abandoned, the Holy Spirit [Centre] will stay with us.  He will comfort us, protect us, and give us the words we need.  This assurance can give us the courage and hope to stand firm for Christ no matter how difficult the situation.

Jesus was not saying that believers would be exempt from physical harm or death during the persecutions.  Remember that most of the disciples were martyred.  Rather he was saying that none of his followers would suffer spiritual or eternal loss.  On earth, everyone will die, but believers in Jesus will be saved for eternal life.

[Plate: She took the arc/chair]

Description of:

“ This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high. –  Genesis 6.15

The boat Noah built was no canoe! Picture yourself building a boat the length of one and a half football fields and as high as a four-storey building.  The ark was exactly six times longer than it was wide – the same ratio used by modern shipbuilders.  This huge boat was probably built miles from any body of water by only a few faithful men who believed God’s promises and obeyed his commands.

(“ So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. – Genesis 6:14. Pitch was a tarlike substance used to make the ark watertight).

(“ But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark – you and your sons and your wife and your sons’ wives with you. –  Genesis 6:18  A covenant is a promise.  This is a familiar theme in Scripture – God making covenants with his people.  How reassuring it is to know God’s covenant is established with us.  He is still our salvation and we are kept safe through our relationship with him.  For more on the covenant see 9:8-17; 12:1-3; and 15:17-20).

Kinds of animals on:

“ The LORD then said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation. –  Genesis 7.1

ff Pairs of every animal joined Noah in the ark; seven pairs were taken of those animals used for sacrifice – the “clean” animals.  Scholars have estimated that almost 45,000 animals could have fit into the ark.

(“ Noah did everything just as God commanded him. Genesis 6:22  Noah got right to work when God told him to build the ark.  Other people must have been warned about the coming disaster (1 Peter 3.20), but apparently they did not expect it to happen.  Today things haven’t changed much.  Each day thousands of people are warned of God’s inevitable judgment, yet most of them don’t really believe it will happen.  Don’t expect people to welcome or accept your message of God’s coming judgment on sin.  Those who don’t believe in God will deny his judgment and try to get you to deny God as well.  But remember God’s promise to Noah to keep him safe.  This can inspire you to trust God for deliverance in the judgment that is sure to come).

Noah’s responsibilities around:

“ The animals going in were male and female of every living thing, as God had commanded Noah. Then the LORD shut him in.  –  Genesis 7.16

Many have wondered how this animal kingdom roundup happened. Did Noah and his sons spend years collecting all the animals?  In reality the creation, along with Noah, was doing just as God had commanded.  There seemed to be no problem gathering the animals – God took care of the details of that job while Noah was doing his part by building the ark.  Often we do just the opposite of Noah.  We worry about details over which we have no control, while neglecting specific areas (such as attitudes, relationships, responsibilities) that are under our control.  Like Noah, concentrate on what God has given you to do, and leave the rest to God.

Noah’s patience in waiting to leave:

“ After forty days Noah opened the window he had made in the ark and sent out a raven, and it kept flying back and forth until the water had dried up from the earth. Then he sent out a dove to see if the water had receded from the surface of the ground.  But the dove could find no place to set its feet because there was water over all the surface of the earth; so it returned to Noah in the ark.  He reached out his hand and took the dove and brought it back to himself in the ark.  He waited seven more days and again sent out the dove from the ark.  When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf!  Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth.  He waited seven more days and sent the dove out again, but this time it did not return to him. –   Genesis 8:6-16

Occasionally Noah would send a bird out to test the earth and see if it was dry. But Noah didn’t get out of the ark until God told him to.  He was waiting for God’s timing.  God knew that even though the water was gone, the earth was not dry enough for Noah and his family to venture out.  What patience Noah showed, especially after spending an entire year inside his boat!  Noah, must trust God to give us patience during those difficult times when we must wait.

(Genesis 7:17-24 says: Was the flood a local event, or did it cover the entire earth? A universal flood was certainly possible.  There is enough water on the earth to cover all dry land (the earth began that way; see 1.9, 10).  Afterwards, God promised never again to destroy the earth with a flood.  Thus this flood must have either covered the entire earth or destroyed all the inhabitants of the earth.  Remember, God’s reason for sending the flood was to destroy all the earth’s wickedness.  It would have taken a major flood to accomplish this.)

Makes it more difficult to trust God:

‘   “I took for your deliverance, O LORD.  – Genesis 49.18

In the middle of his prophecy to Dan, Jacob exclaimed, “I look for your deliverance, O LORD.” He was emphasising to Dan that he would be a strong leader only if his trust was in God [Wall], not in his natural strength or ability.  Those who are strong, attractive, or talented often find it easier to trust in themselves than in God [Wall] who gave them their gifts.  Remember to thank God [Wall] for what you are and have so your trust does not become misplaced.

EXTRA

(‘   The sceptre will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his. – Genesis 49.10   “Until he comes to whom it belongs” may also be translated, “until Shiloh comes”.  What is Shiloh?  The meaning of this difficult passage is disputed.  Shiloh may be another name for the Messiah, because its literal meaning is “sent”.  Shiloh might also refer to the Tent of Meeting setup at the city of Shiloh (Joshua 18.1).)

(‘ “Joseph is a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine near a spring, whose branches climb over a wall. – Genesis 49.22   Joseph was indeed fruitful, with some heroic descendants.  Among them were Joshua, who would lead the Israelites into the promised land (Joshua 1.10, 11); Deborah, Gideon, and Jephthah, judges of Israel (Judges 4.4; 6.11, 12; 11.11); and Samuel, a great prophet (1 Samuel 3.19).)

Should be none in marriage:

The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame. –  Genesis 2:25

Have you ever noticed how a little child can run naked through a room full of strangers without embarrassment? He is not aware of his nakedness, just as Adam and Eve were not embarrassed in their innocence.  But after Adam and Eve sinned, shame and awkwardness followed, creating barriers between themselves and God [Wall].  We often experience these same barriers in marriage.  Ideally a husband and wife have no barriers, feeling no embarrassment in exposing themselves to each other or to God [Wall].  But, like Adam and Eve (3.7), we put on fig leaves (barriers) because we have areas we don’t want our spouse, or God [Wall], to know about.  Then we hide, just as Adam and Eve hid from God [Wall].  In marriage, lack of spiritual, emotional, and intellectual intimacy usually precedes a breakdown of physical intimacy.  In the same way, when we fail to expose our secret thoughts to God [Wall], we break our lines of communication with him.

Can develop faith and obedience:

‘ These are the nations the LORD left to test all those Israelites who had not experienced any of the wars in Canaan (he did this only to teach warfare to the descendants of the Israelites who had not had previous battle experience): the five rulers of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites living in the Lebanon mountains from Mount Baal Hermon to Lebo Hamath.  They were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the LORD’S commands, which heh had given their forefathers through Moses.  –  Judges 3:1-4

We learn from Chapter 1 that these enemy nations were still in the land because the Israelites had failed to obey God [Wall] and drive them out.  Now God [Wall] would allow the enemies to remain in order to “test” the Israelites; that is, to give them an opportunity to exercise faith and obedience.  By now the younger generation that had not fought in the great battles of conquest was coming of age.  It was their job to complete the conquest of the land.  There were many obstacles yet to be overcome in their new homeland.  How they would handle these obstacles would be a test of their faith.

Perhaps God [Wall] has left obstacles in your life – hostile people, difficult situations, baffling problems – to allow you to develop faith and obedience.

(‘ Yet they would not listen to their judges but prostituted themselves to other gods and worshipped them. Unlike their fathers, they quickly turned from the way in which their fathers had walked, the way of obedience to the LORD’S commands.  – Judges 2.17 Why would the people of Israel turn so quickly from their faith in God [Wall]?  Simply put, the Canaanite religion appeared more attractive to the sensual nature and offered more short-term benefits (sexual permissiveness and increased fertility in childbearing and farming).  One of its most attractive features was that people could remain selfish and yet fulfil their religious requirements.  They could do almost anything they wished and still be obeying at least one of the many Canaanite gods.  Male and female prostitution were not only allowed, but encouraged as forms of worship.  –  Faith in the one true God [Wall], however, does not offer short-term benefits that appeal to our sinful human nature.  The essence of sin is selfishness; the essence of God’s [Wall’s] way of life is selflessness.  We must seek Christ’s help to live God’s [Wall’s] way.)

(‘ The Israelites lived among the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. They took their daughters in marriage and gave their own daughters to their sons, and served their gods.  – Judges 3.5-7 The Israelites discovered that relationships affect faith.  The men and women of the surrounding nations were attractive to the Israelites.  Soon they intermarried, and the Israelites accepted their pagan gods.  This was clearly prohibited by God [Wall] (Exodus 34.15-17; Deuteronomy 7.1-4).  By accepting these gods into their homes, the Israelites, gradually began to accept the immoral practices associated with them.  Most Israelites didn’t start out determined to be idolaters; they just added the idols to the worship of God [Wall].  But before long they found themselves absorbed in pagan worship.  –  A similar danger faces us.  We want to befriend those who don’t know God [Wall], but through those friendships we can become entangled in unhealthy practices.  Friendships with unbelievers are important, but we must accept people without compromising or adopting their patterns of behaviour.)   *

(3.7   Baal was the most worshipped god of the Canaanites.  Most often cast in the form of a bull, he symbolised strength and fertility and was considered the god of agriculture.  Asherah was Baal’s female consort, mother goddess of the sea who was worshipped by means of wooden pillars that substituted for sacred trees.  In times of famine, the Canaanites believed Baal was angry with them and was withholding rain as punishment.  Archaeologists [Joseph John Campbell] have uncovered many Baal idols in Israel.  It is difficult to imagine the people of Israel trading worship of the Lord for worship of idols of wood, stone, and iron, but we do the same when we forsake worshipping God [Wall] for other activities, hobbies, or priorities.  Our idols are not made of wood or stone, but they are every bit as sinful.)

Don’t let them block you from Jesus:

‘   When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help.  “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralysed and in terrible suffering.”  –  Matthew 8:5-6

The centurion could have let many obstacles stand between him and Jesus – pride, doubt, money, language, distance, time, self-sufficiency, power, race.  But he didn’t.  If he did not let these barriers block his approach to Jesus, we don’t need to either.  What keeps you from Christ?

(‘ Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone.  But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them. – Matthew 8.4 The law required a healed leper to be examined by the priest (Leviticus 14).  Jesus wanted this man to give his story firsthand to the priest to prove that his leprosy was completely gone so that he could be restored to his community.)

(‘ The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof.  But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.  For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me.  I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes.  I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”  When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, “I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.  I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.  But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”  – Matthew 8.8-12 A centurion was a career military officer in the Roman army with control over 100 soldiers.  Roman soldiers, of all people, were hated by the Jews for their oppression, control, and ridicule.  Yet this man’s genuine faith amazed Jesus!  This hated Gentile’s faith put to shame the stagnant piety of many of the Jewish religious leaders.)

[JESUS’ MIRACULOUS POWER DISPLAYED Jesus finished the sermon he had given on a hillside near Galilee and returned to Capernaum.  As he and his disciples crossed the Sea of Galilee, Jesus calmed a fierce storm.  Then, in the Gentile Gadarene region, Jesus commanded demons to come out of two men.  Mediterranean Sea, Galilee, Capernaum, Sea of Galilee, Drowning of the pigs, Gadara, Gadarene Region, Jordan River, Samaria, Decapolis (Ten Cities), Perea, Jerusalem, Dead Sea, Judea, Idumea.]

‘ As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth.  “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.  –  Matthew 9:9

When Jesus called Matthew to be one of his disciples, Matthew got up and followed, leaving a lucrative career.  When God [Wall] calls you to follow or obey him, do you do it with as much abandon [everything that comes out/PR] as Matthew?  Sometimes the decision to follow Christ requires difficult or painful choices.  Like Matthew, we must decide to leave behind those things that would keep us from following Christ.

(9.9 Matthew was a Jew who was appointed by the Romans to be the area’s tax collector.  He collected taxes from the citizens as well as from merchants passing through the town.  Tax collectors were expected to take a commission on the taxes they collected, but most of them overcharged and kept the profits.  Thus, tax collectors were hated by the Jews because of their reputation for cheating and because of their support of Rome.)

(‘ Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town.  – Matthew 9.1 “His own town” was Capernaum, a good choice for Jesus’ base of operations.  It was a wealthy city [Seat] due to fishing and trade.  Situated on the Sea of Galilee in a densely populated area, Capernaum housed the Roman garrison that kept peace in the region.  The city was a cultural melting pot [Where, have I seen this before], greatly influenced by Greek and Roman manners, dress, architecture, and politics.)

(‘ Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”  – Matthew 9.2 Among the first words Jesus said to the paralysed man were “Your sins are forgiven.”  Then he healed the man.  We must be careful not to concentrate on God’s [Wall’s] power to heal physical [Sternum] sickness more than on his power to forgive spiritual sickness in the form of sin.  Jesus saw that even more than physical health, this ma needed spiritual health.  Spiritual health comes only from Jesus’ healing touch.)

(9.2 Both the man’s body and his spirit were paralysed – he could not walk, and he did not know Jesus.  But the man’s spiritual state was Jesus’ first concern.  If God [Wall] does not heal us or someone we love, we need to remember that physical healing is not Christ’s only concern [other Genre].  We will all be completely healed in Christ’s coming kingdom; but first we have to come to know Jesus.)

(‘ At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!” – Matthew 9.3 Blaspheming is claiming to be God [Wall] and applying his characteristics to yourself.  The religious leaders [Rig] rightly saw that Jesus was claiming to be God [Wall].  What they did not understand was that he is God [Wall] and thus has the authority to heal and to forgive sins.)  *

(‘ Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins. . . .”  Then he said to the paralytic, “Get up, take your mat and go home.”  – Matthew 9.5, 6 It’s easy to tell someone his sins are forgiven; it’s a lot more difficult to reverse a case of paralysis!  Jesus backed up his words by healing the man’s legs.  Jesus’ action showed that his words were true; he had the power to forgive as well as to heal.  Talk is cheap, but our words lack meaning if our actions do not back them up.  We can say we love God [Wall] or others, but if we are not taking practical steps to demonstrate that love, our words are empty and meaningless.  How well do your actions back up what you say?)

(‘ While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?”  On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’  For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”  – Matthew 9.10-13 When he visited Matthew, Jesus hurt his own reputation.  Matthew was cheating the people, but Jesus found and changed him.  We should not be afraid to reach out to people who are living in sin – God’s [Wall’s] message can change anyone.)

(9.11, 12   The Pharisees constantly tried to trap Jesus, and they thought his association with these “baddies” was the perfect opportunity.  They  were more concerned with their own appearance of holiness than with helping people, with criticism than encouragement, with outward respectability than practical help.  But God [Wall] is concerned for all people, including the sinful and hurting ones.  The Christian life is not a popularity contest!  Following Jesus’ example, we should share the gospel with the poor, immoral, lonely, and outcast, not just the rich, popular, and powerful.)

[In my work I use “Villain”, not baddies!!!]

Jesus’ death removes barriers:

‘ At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.  The earth shook and the rocks spit.  –  Matthew 27:51

The temple had three main parts – the courts, the Holy Place (where only the priests could enter), and the Most Holy Place (where only the high priest could enter, and only once a year, to atone for the sins of the nation – Leviticus 16.1-35). The curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place was torn in two at Christ’s death, symbolising that the barrier between God and humanity was removed.  Now all people are free to approach God [Wall] because of Christ’s sacrifice for our sins (see Hebrews 9.114; 10.19-22).

(‘ When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”  – Matthew 27.47 The bystanders misinterpreted Jesus’ words and thought he was calling for Elijah.  Because Elijah ascended into heaven without dying (2 Kings 2.11), they thought he would return again to rescue them from great trouble (Malachi 4.5).  At their annual Passover feast, each family set an extra place for Elijah in expectation of his return.)

(‘ The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. they came out of the tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.  – Matthew 27.52, 53 Christ’s death was accompanied by at least four miraculous events: darkness, the tearing in two of the curtain in the temple, an earthquake, and dead people rising from their tombs.  Jesus’ death, therefore, could not have gone unnoticed.  Everyone knew something significant had happened.)

[THE WAY OF THE CROSS The Roman soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and mocked him, dressing him in a scarlet robe and a crown of thorns.  Then they led him to the crucifixion site outside the city [Seat].  He was so weakened by his beatings that he could not carry his cross, and a man from Cyrene was forced to carry it to Golgotha.]

Jesus breaks down barriers of predudice:

‘ When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?”  (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)

The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?”  (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)  –  John 4:7-9

This woman (1) was a Samaritan, a member of the hated mixed race, (2) was known to be living in sin, and (3) was in a public place. No respectable Jewish man would talk to a woman under such circumstances.  But Jesus did.  The gospel is for every person, no matter what his or her race, social position, or past sins.  We must be prepared to share this gospel at any time and in any place.  Jesus crossed all barriers to share the gospel, and we who follow him must do no less.

(‘ So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well.  It was about the sixth hour.  When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?”  – John 4.5-7 Jacob’s well was on the property originally owned by Jacob (Genesis 33.18, 19).  It was not a spring-fed well, but a well into which water seeped from rain and dew, collecting at the bottom.  Wells were almost always located outside the city along the main road.  Twice each day, morning and evening [Syd Field], women came to draw water.  This woman came at noon, however, probably to avoid meeting people who knew her reputation.  Jesus gave this woman an extraordinary message about fresh and pure water that would quench her spiritual thirst for ever.)

(‘ Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” – John 4.10 What did Jesus mean by “living water”?  In the Old Testament, many verses speak of thirsting after God [Wall] as one thirsts for water (Psalms 42.1; Isaiah 55.1; Jeremiah 2.13; Zechariah 13.1).  God [Wall] is called the fountain of life (Psalms 36.9) and the spring of living water (Jeremiah 17.13).  In saying he would bring living water that could for ever quench a person’s thirst for God [Wall], Jesus was claiming to be the Messiah.  Only the Messiah could give this gift that satisfies the soul’s desire.)

[Put your money over … there]

Feeling awe for God:

‘ Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the skies. You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God! – Psalms 68.34-35

When we consider all God [Wall] has done for us, we should feel an overwhelming sense of awe as we kneel before the Lord in his sanctuary. Nature surrounds us with countless signs of God’s [Wall’s] wonderful power. His unlimited power and unspeakable majesty leave us breathless in his presence. How fortunate we are that God [Wall] cares for us.

What we think is best for us may not be:

When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.”  So God led the people around by the desert road towards the Red Sea.  The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle. – – Exodus 13:17-18

God doesn’t ways work in the way that seems best to us. Instead of guiding the Israelites along the direct route from Egypt to the promised land, he took them by a longer route to avoid fighting with the Philistines.  If God does not lead you along the shortest path to your goal, don’t complain or resist.  Follow him willingly and trust him to lead you safely around unseen obstacles.  He can see the end of your journey from the beginning, and he knows the safest and best route.

When did the Hebrews leave Egypt? There are two theories.  The early theory says the exodus occurred around 1446-1445 B.C.  The late theory suggests the exodus happened between 1300 and 1200 B.C.  Those who hold to the earlier date point to 1 Kings 6:1, where the Bible clearly states that Solomon began building the temple 480 years after the Hebrews left Egypt.  Since almost all scholars agree that Solomon began building the temple in 966, this puts the exodus in the year 1446.  But those who hold to the later date suggest that the 480 years cannot be taken literally.  They point to Exodus 1:11, which says that the Hebrews built the store cities of Pithom and Rameses, named after Pharaoh Rameses II, who reigned around 1290 B.C.  Regardless of which date is correct, the fact is that God led the Hebrews out of Egypt, just as he had promised.  This showed his great power and his great love for his people.

Why it is important to give God our best:

..you must present a male without defect from the cattle, sheep or goats in order that it may be accepted on your behalf. Do not bring anything with a defect, because it will not be accepted on your behalf.  When anyone brings from the herd or flock a fellowship offering to the LORD to fulfil a special vow or as a freewill offering, it must be without defect or blemish to be acceptable.  Do not offer to the LORD the blind, the injured or the maimed, or anything with warts or festering or running sores.  Do not place any of these on the altar as an offering made to the LORD by fire.  You may, however, present as a freewell offering an ox or a sheep that is deformed or stunted, but it will not be accepted in fulfilment of a vow.  You must not offer to the LORD an animal whose testicles are bruised, crushed, torn or cut.  You must not do this in your own land, and you must not accept such animals from the hand of a foreigner and offer them as the food of your God.  They will not be accepted on your behalf because they are deformed and have defects.’ “   – Leviticus 22:19-25

Animals with defects were not acceptable as sacrifices because they did not represent God’s holy nature. Furthermore, the animal had to be without blemish in order to foreshadow the perfect, sinless life of Jesus Christ.  When we give our best time, talent, and treasure to God rather than what is tarnished or common, we show the true meaning of worship and testify to God’s supreme worth.

Do not set up any wooden Asherah pole beside the altar you build to the LORD your God.  – DEUTERONOMY 17:1

The fact that this command was included probably indicates that some Israelites were sacrificing imperfect or deformed animals to God. Then, as now, it is difficult and expensive to offer God our best (i.e., the first part of what we earn).  It is always tempting to shortchange God because we think we won’t get caught.  But our giving shows our real priorities.  When we give God the leftovers, it is obvious that he is not at the centre of our lives.  Give God the honour of having first claim on your money, time, and talents.

“A son honours his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the honour due to me?  If I am a master, where is the respect due to me?” says the LORD Almighty.  “It is you, O priests, who show contempt for my name. 

“But you ask, ‘How have we shown contempt for your name?’

“You place defiled food on my altar.

“But you ask, ‘How have we defiled you?’

“By saying that the LORD’s table is contemptible. When you bring blind animals for sacrifice, is that wrong?  When you sacrifice crippled or diseased animals, is that not wrong?  Try offering them to your governor!  Would he be pleased with you?  Would he accept you?” says the LORD Almighty.  – MALACHI 1:6-8

God’s law required that only perfect animals be offered to God (see for example Leviticus 1:3). But these priests were allowing people to offer blind, crippled, and diseased animals to God.  God accused them of dishonouring him by offering imperfect sacrifices, and he was greatly displeased.  The New Testament says that our lives should be living sacrifices to God (Romans 12:1).  If we give God only our leftover time, money, and energy, we repeat the same sin as these worshippers who don’t want to bring anything valuable to God.  What we give God reflect our true attitude toward him.

Don’t let it become more important than God’s word:

…and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word. – Acts 6:4

The apostles’ priorities were correct. The ministry of the word should never be neglected because of administrative burdens.  Pastors should not try, or be expected to try, to do everything.  Instead, the work of the church should be spread out among its members.

As the early church increased in size, so did its needs. One great need was to organise the distribution of food to the poor.  The apostles needed to focus on preaching, so they chose others to administer the food scheme.  Each person has a vital part to play in the life of the church (see 1 Corinthians 12).  If you are in a position of leadership and find yourself overwhelmed by responsibilities, determine your God-given abilities and priorities and then find others to help.  If you are not in leadership, you have gifts that can be used by God in various areas of the church’s ministry.  Offer these gifts in service to him.

(In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. – Acts 6:1.  When we read the descriptions of the early church – the miracles, the sharing and generosity, the fellowship –  we may wish we could have been a part of this “perfect” church.  In reality, the early church had problems just as we do today.  No church has ever been or will ever be perfect until Christ and his followers are united at his second coming.  All churches have problems.  If your church’s shortcomings distress you, ask yourself: “Would a perfect church allow me to be a member?”  Then do what you can to make your church better.  A church does not have to be perfect to be faithful).

(Another internal problem developed in the early church. The Hebraic Jews, native Jewish Christians, spoke Aramaic, a Semitic language.  The Grecian Jews, Greek-speaking Christians, were probably Jews from other lands who were converted at Pentecost.  The Greek-speaking Christians complained that their widows were being unfairly treated.  This favouritism was probably not intentional, but was more likely caused by the language barrier.  To correct the situation, the apostles put seven respected Greek-speaking men in charge of the food distribution scheme.  This solved the problem and allowed the apostles to keep their focus on teaching and preaching the Good News about Jesus).

(Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them – Acts 6:3.  This administrative task was not taken lightly.  Notice the requirements for the men who were to handle the food scheme: full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.  People who carry heavy responsibilities and work closely with others should have these qualities.  We must look for spiritually mature and wise men and women to lead our churches).

Meaning of the word:

‘   The apostles gathered round Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught.  –  Mark 6.30

Mark uses the word apostles here and in 3:14. Apostle means “one sent” as messenger, authorised agent, or missionary.  The word became an official title for Jesus’ 12 disciples after his death and resurrection (Acts 1.25, 26; Ephesians 2.20).

Choose replacement for Judas:

‘   Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us.  For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”

So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart.  Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.”  –  Acts 1.21-25

The apostles had to choose a replacement for Judas Iscariot.  They outlined specific criteria for making the choice.  When the “finalists” had been chosen, the apostles prayed asking God [Wall] to guide the selection process.  This gives us a good example of how to proceed when we are making important decisions.  Set up criteria consistent with the Bible, examine the alternatives, and pray for wisdom and guidance to reach a wise decision.

(1.21, 22   There were many who consistently followed Jesus throughout his ministry on earth.  The 12 disciples were his inner circle, but others shared the disciples’ deep love for and commitment to Jesus.)

Threatened by Jewish council:

‘   They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”  –  Acts 4.7

The council asked Peter and John by what power they had healed the man (3.6, 7) and by what authority they preached (3.12-26). The actions and words of Peter and John threatened these religious leaders who, for the most part, were more interested in their reputations and positions than in God [Wall].  Through the help of the Holy Spirit (Mark 13.11), Peter spoke boldly before the council, actually putting the council on trial by showing them that the One [Private] they had crucified had risen again.  Instead of being defensive, the apostles went on the offensive, boldly speaking out for God [Wall] and presenting the gospel to these leaders.

Why believers were afraid to join them:

‘   No-one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people.  –  Acts 5.13

Although many people greatly respected the apostles, they did not dare join them in the temple or work beside them. Some may have been afraid to face the same kind of persecution the apostles had just faced (4.17), while others may have feared a similar fate as the one that fell on Ananias and Sapphira.

Tried before Jewish council:

‘   At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people.  –  Acts 5.21

The “full assembly of the elders of Israel” refers to the entire group, the 70 men of the council (also called the Sanhedrin). This was going to be no small trial.  The religious leaders would do anything to stop these apostles from challenging their authority, threatening their secure position, and exposing their hypocritical motives to the people.

(5.21   The temple at daybreak was a busy place.  Many people stopped at the temple to pray and worship at sunrise.  The apostles were already there, ready to tell them the good news of new life in Jesus Christ.)

How they reacted to threats:

(See above.) Acts 5.21

Suppose someone threatened to kill you if you didn’t stop talking about God [Wall]. You might be tempted to keep quiet.  But after being threatened by powerful leaders, arrested, jailed, and miraculously released, the apostles went back to preaching.  This was nothing less than God’s [Wall’s] power working through them (4.13)!   When we are convinced of the truth of Christ’s resurrection and have experienced the presence and power of his Holy Spirit, we can have the confidence to speak out for Christ.

‘   His speech persuaded them.  They called the apostles in and had them flogged.  Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.  –  Acts 5.40

(5.40-42:) Peter and John were warned repeatedly not to preach, but they continued in spite of the threats.  We, too, should live as Christ has asked us to, sharing our faith no matter what the cost.  We may not be beaten or thrown in jail, but we may be ridiculed, ostracised, or slandered.  To what extent are you willing to suffer for the sake of sharing the gospel with others?)

Paul’s authority as:

‘   Am I not free?  Am I not an apostle?  Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?  Are you not the result of my work in the Lord?  –  1 Corinthians 9.1

Some Corinthians were questioning Paul’s authority and rights as an apostle, so Paul gave his credentials – he actually saw and talked with the resurrected Christ, who called him to be an apostle (see Acts 9.3-18).  Such credentials make the advice he gives in his letter more persuasive.  In 2 Corinthians 10 – 13, Paul defends his apostleship in greater detail.

(9.1   Changed lives were the evidence that God [Wall] was using Paul.  Does your faith have an impact on others?  You can be a life-changer, helping others grow spiritually.  If you dedicate yourself to being used by God [Wall] and letting him make you effective.)

EXTRA:

(‘   When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.”   And he promised her with an oath, “Whatever you ask I will  give you, up to half my kingdom.”  – Mark 6.22, 23   As a ruler under Roman (Quality) authority, Herod had no kingdom to give.  The offer of half his kingdom was Herod’s way of saying that he would give Herodias’ daughter almost anything she wanted.  When Herodias asked for John’s head, Herod would have been greatly embarrassed in front of his guests if he had denied her request.   Words are powerful.  Because they can lead to great sin, we should use them with great care.)

(‘ Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” – Mark 6.31   When the disciples had returned from their mission, Jesus took them away to rest.  Doing God’s [Wall’s] work is very important, but Jesus recognised that to do it effectively we need periodic rest and renewal.  Jesus and his disciples, however, did not always find it easy to get the rest they needed!)

(‘ (With a reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. – Acts 1.18   Matthew says that Judas hanged himself (Matthew 27.5); Acts says that he fell.  The traditional [Movie] explanation is that when Judas hanged himself, the rope or branch broke, Judas fell, and his body burst open)

(‘   Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles. – Acts 1.26   The disciples became apostles. Disciple means follower or learner, and apostle means messenger or missionary.  These men now had the special assignment of spreading the Good News of Jesus’ death and resurrection.)

(‘   Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest’s family. – Acts 4.6   Annas had been deposed as high priest by the Romans [Quality], who then appointed Caiaphas, Annas’ son-in-law, in his place.  But because the Jews considered the office of high priest a lifetime position, they still called Annas by that title and gave him respect and authority within the council.  Annas and Caiaphas had played significant roles in Jesus’ trial (John 18.24, 28).  It did not please them that the man they thought they had sacrificed for the good of the nation (John 11.49-51) had followers who were just as persistent and who promised to be just as troublesome as he was.)

(‘   He is   “ ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.’  – Acts 4.11   The capstone unites the two sides of an arch and holds it together.  Peter said that the Jews rejected Jesus, but now Christ has become the capstone of the church (Psalms 118.22; Mark 12.10; 1 Peter 2.7).  Without him there would be no church, because it wouldn’t be able to stand.)

(‘   The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people.  And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade.  – Acts 5.12   Solomon’s Colonnade was part of the temple complex built by King Herod the Great in an attempt to strengthen his relationship with the Jews.  A colonnade is an entrance or porch supported by columns.  Jesus taught and performed miracles in the temple many times.  When the apostles went to the temple, they were undoubtedly in close proximity to the same religious leaders who had conspired to put Jesus to death.)

(‘   Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. – Acts 5.14   What makes Christianity attractive?  It is easy to be drawn to churches because of activities, good speakers, size, beautiful facilities, or fellowship.  People were attracted to the early church by expressions of God’s [Wall’s] power at work, the generosity, sincerity, honesty, and unity of the members, and the character of the leaders.  Have our standards slipped?  God [Wall] wants to add believers to his church, not just newer and better schemes or larger and fancier facilities.) **

(‘   Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.  – Acts 5.17, 18   The apostles experienced power to do miracles, great boldness in preaching, and God’s [Wall’s] presence in their lives, yet they were not free from hatred and persecution.  They were arrested, put in jail, beaten, and slandered by community leaders.  Faith in God [Wall] does not make trouble disappear; it makes troubles appear less frightening because it puts them in the right perspective.  Don’t expect anyone to react favourably when you share something as dynamic as your faith in Christ.  Some will be jealous, afraid, or threatened.  Expect some negative reactions, and remember that you must be more concerned about serving God [Wall] than about the reactions of people (see 5.29) [They might put you as Crowd]).

(5.17   The religious leaders were jealous – Peter and the apostles were already commanding more respect than they had ever received.  The difference, however, was that the religious leaders demanded respect and reverence to God [Wall].  The apostles were respected not because they demanded it, but because they deserved it.)

(‘   Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God [Wall] rather than men!  – Acts 5.29   The apostles knew their priorities.  While we should try to live at peace with everyone (Romans 12.18), conflict with the world and its authorities sometimes inevitable for a Christian (John 15.18).  There will be situations where you cannot obey both God [Wall] and man.  Then you must obey God [Wall] and trust his word.  Let Jesus’ words in Luke 6:22 encourage you: “Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.)

(‘   But if it is from God [Wall], you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God [Wall]. – Acts 5.39   Gamaliel presented some sound advice about reacting to religious movements.  Unless disciples in these groups endorse obviously dangerous doctrines or practices, it is often wiser to be tolerant than repressive.  Sometimes only time will tell if they are merely the work of humans or if God [Wall] is trying to say something through them.  The next time a group promotes differing religious ideas, consider Gamaliel’s advice, just in case you “find yourselves fighting against God [Wall]”.)

(‘   The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.  – Acts 5.41   Have you ever thought of persecution as a blessing, as something worth rejoicing about?  This beating suffered by Peter and John was the first time any of the apostles had been physically [Sternum] abused for their faith.  These men knew how Jesus had suffered, and they praised God [Wall] that he had allowed them to be persecuted like their Lord.  If you are mocked or persecuted for your faith, it isn’t because you’re doing something wrong, but because God [Wall] has counted you “worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name”.)

(‘   For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, won’t he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge.  When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.  Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.  – 1 Corinthians 8.10-13   Christian freedom does not mean that anything goes.  It means that our salvation is not determined by good deeds or legalistic rules, but by the free gift of God [Wall] (Ephesians 2.8, 9).   Christian freedom, then, is inseparably tied to Christian responsibility.  New believers are often very sensitive to what is right or wrong, what they should or shouldn’t do.  Some actions may be perfectly all right for us to do, but may harm a Christian brother or sister who is still young in the faith and learning what the Christian life is all about.  We must be careful not to offend a sensitive or younger Christian or, by our example, to cause him or her to sin.  When we love others, our freedom should be less important to us than strengthening the faith of a brother or sister in Christ.)

(‘   Don’t we have the right to food and drink? – 1 Corinthians 9.4ff   Paul uses himself as an illustration of giving up personal rights.  Paul had the right to hospitality, to be married, and to be paid for his work.  But he willingly gave up these rights to win people to Christ.  When your focus is on living for Christ, your rights become comparatively [not contrastedly] unimportant.)

[sociopath needs]

Of our need for Jesus:

But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” – – Matthew 9:13

Those who are sure that they are righteous can’t be saved because the first step in following Jesus is acknowledging our need and admitting that we don’t have all the answers. For more on “I desire mercy, not sacrifice”, see the chart in Hosea 6.

When he visited Matthew, Jesus hurt his own reputation. Matthew was cheating the people, but Jesus found and changed him.  We should not be afraid to reach out to people who are living in sin – – God’s message [Tanners] can change anyone.

(When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  – – Matthew 9:11, 12. The Pharisees constantly tried to trap Jesus, and they thought his association with these “baddies” was the perfect opportunity.  They were more concerned with their own appearance of holiness than with helping people, with criticism than encouragement, with outward respectability than practical help.  But God is concerned for all people, including the sinful and hurting ones.  The Christian life is not a popularity contest!  Following Jesus’ example we should share the gospel with the poor, immoral, lonely, and outcast, not just with the rich, moral, popular, and powerful.)

(Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” – – Matthew 9:14. John’s disciples fasted (went without food) as a sign of mourning for sin and to prepare for the Messiah’s coming.  Jesus’ disciples did not need to fast because he is the Messiah and was with them!  Jesus did not condemn fasting – – he himself fasted (4:2).  He emphasised that fasting must be done for the right reasons.) [N.B. This is not the desert]

(John the Baptist’s message was harsh, and it focused on law. When people look at God’s law and compare themselves to it, they realise how far they fall short and how badly they need to repent.  Jesus’ message focused on life, the result of turning from sin and turning to him.  John’s disciples had the right start, but they needed to take the next step and trust in Jesus.  Where is your focus – – on law or on Christ?)