113 Sermon Illustrations on Testimony

The weather was perfect on that January day in 1986 when the space shuttle, Challenger, exploded into a cloud of smoke and debris. Millions watched in horror and disbelief (via television) as expectation vanished into confusion. At this very critical stage of NASA's propulsion into the future, the space program was crippled, and in that paralyzing moment, it was as if time stood still. It would be two years before another shuttle would be launched in these United States. Since the space program began, Americans have been intrigued, amazed and inspired by the exploits of astronauts, and those who have helped to send them into space. It's no secret that the selection process used by NASA is rigorous and intense, producing an elite team of the best of the best. Little known, however, is the fact that many of these individuals associated with the space program are far more in awe of something they view more important.

Astronaut Joe Tanner monitors shuttle systems in space where the typical work day is 16 hours. He says that going to space was everything he expected it to be and more. Back on earth, Tanner and his wife Martha, apply themselves to infinitely greater tasks. "It's very important to be a part in a local church" says Tanner. Together with their two children, the Tanners attend a local Baptist church. "We realized we needed to serve as well as to attend," added Tanner. Today, he teaches the 10th & 11th grades at church, and together with his wife, he visits schools where he unashamedly confesses playing with his food in space and having a relationship with Jesus Christ.

His wife Martha proclaims, "We are living up to the potential of being who God created us to be. We are His hands. We are His only means of reaching some people."

In a nail biting event, astronauts Charles Duke, and John Young landed on the moon in April of 1977, with fuel for only 100 seconds of hover time left. "It was a blast! I had a great time," the jovial Duke exclaimed. However, life was not a laughing matter for him or his family. Duke humbly confesses that, at that time, his job was his god and that it had caused problems at home.

"I hardly knew my kids when I went to the moon. We looked the All-American family on the outside, but inside there was a lot of troubles. In 1975, Duke's wife Dottie gave her life to Jesus. Over next two years he noticed "amazing" changes in her life. One day Dottie invited him to a Bible study, and when he gave life to Jesus, she couldn't believe it.

It's been a long time since Duke spent 71 hours on the moon. Today, he and Dottie spend their time sharing their secret for a successful marriage with church groups and at marriage seminars.

"We go around the world sharing our story and our testimony about Jesus," said Duke, "If we concentrate on Jesus, he brings us together."

Astronaut Gary Ross has flown on the space shuttle 5 times, and has walked in space 4 times. "Flying in space is great, but walking in space is like having your cake and eating it too," explained Ross.

A veteran of 850 hours in space, Ross has had many memorable moments. In November of 1995, his shuttle docked with a Russian space shuttle. As they shared each other's food, including American ice cream, he was surprised to see two Christian icons on the wall above their eating area.

"I don't know how anybody could go through life and not have Christ as their Savior and not have the hope of eternal life," says Ross.

Ross believes he is responsible to help spread the gospel of Jesus. A member of the United Methodist Church, he recently volunteered with his church to help out at another church in Costa Rica. "I get involved in mission projects because it's something Christ said we should do," explained Ross.

Alexander McCool is the manager of the space shuttle projects office at the Marshall Space Center. Involved in the American rocket program since the mid 50s, he has helped send the first rocket into space, helped John Glenn become the first man in history to orbit the earth, and helped Neil Armstrong become the first man to walk on the moon.

Two years after the Challenger became a fiery grave in the Florida sky, NASA was prepared to try again. In the control room on that day, Alexander McCool warned co-worker Gene Thomas, that he was going to take his hands and pray with him just before lift off. Initially, Thomas was concerned about what people might think if he was seen holding hands with McCool. But when the time came, both Thomas and McCool laid aside all pride and sought God's favor together in prayer. The launch was a success and NASA was back in business.

Gene Thomas will never forget the saddest day in his life. He was NASA's launch director when the Challenger exploded just 73 seconds into its flight. Although an investigation cleared the space center of all responsibility for the explosion, Thomas suffered great pain at the loss of his friends on the flight. He was close to all of them. "The Lord spoke to me and said, "I'm still Lord, I'm still in control," recalls Thomas. "Without Christ in my life, I couldn't cope with it." Thomas also said that, "Without the Lord's hand in anything a Christian does, there is no future." Today he is the Deputy Center Director for NASA.

On Christmas Eve, 1968, as the Apollo 8 made history orbiting the Moon, Americans sat by their TVs and radios listening to the crew read from Genesis, Chapter 1, which describes how God created the heavens and the earth. The soul-stirring reading finished with this sign off: "God bless all of you ... all of you on the good earth."

If someone came to your door at midnight and asked you where was the nearest Christian, what would you answer?

Lady Rosie tells how she came one night to a Chinese village without a decent inn, and how her muleteer went out to find a Christian house for her. Christian homes are always cleaner than others and Christians always willing to help. Then a village elder came.

"I understand that you are asking for a Christian in this village. We nave none. I am very sorry."

"Where does the nearest Christian live?"

"The nearest Christian," said he, "lives five days' journey from here."

My father said, when I told him this story, "Yes, and they knew where he was." Five days' journey and his light had shone. How far this little candle throws its beams!

(Taken from an old book published in 1954 called "COO-EE and other Gospel Stories")

1. There is a name I love to hear,

I love to sing its worth;

It sounds like music in my ear,

The sweetest name on earth.

Chorus

O how I love Jesus,

O how I love Jesus,

O how I love Jesus,

Because He first loved me!

2. It tells me of a Saviour’s love,

Who died to set me free;

It tells me of His precious blood,

The sinner’s perfect plea.

3. It tells me what my Father hath

In store for ev’ry day,

And, though I tread a darksome path,

Yields sunshine all the way.

4. It tells of One whose loving heart

Can feel my deepest woe;

Who in each sorrow bears a part

That none can bear below.

*

Wonderful, wonderful Jesus,

Who can compare with Thee!

Wonderful, wonderful Jesus,

Fairer than all art Thou to me!

Wonderful, wonderful Jesus,

Oh how my soul loves Thee!

Fairer than all the fairest,

Jesus, art Thou to me!

A young man named Jared has become somewhat of an American celebrity, all because of the massive amount of weight he lost. A deli-sandwich chain has featured him in a lot of their advertising the last couple of years. He says he lost basically the equivalent of another whole person, largely by eating their low-fat, low-calorie turkey sandwich for months. And as Jared's body has been shrinking, the sandwich chain has been growing!

Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft, and I want to have A Word With You today about “The Power of One Changed Life.”

Advertisers know the best way to sell a product, whether it's a diet plan, exercise equipment, a medication - have someone who's living proof of their product's effectiveness tell their story. For two thousand years, that's what has motivated people to pursue the most important thing in life - a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It's what will interest the people you know in Jesus - if you'll tell them your story.

Some call it their “testimony.” I call it your personal hope story - the story only you can tell ... the story of what Jesus Christ has done in your own life. There's a great template for that story in our word for today from the Word of God in John 9:25. Jesus has healed a man who had been blind from birth. But the enemies of Jesus are trying to get the man to acknowledge that Jesus was a sinner because He had healed on the Sabbath. I love this man's reply: “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”

He refuses to get entangled in their religious questions. He just tells them the difference Jesus has made - no one can argue about that. That's what you need to tell the folks in your world. They're not that interested in all our theology and our beliefs. Here's what they want to know: “What difference does Jesus make?” And your life is the answer that is right in front of them - if you'll tell your story.

You need to take a little time and think through your Jesus story - your “once I was _______ but now I ______________.” That's your story. Take a piece of paper and make three sections: “B.C.” - what I was like before I began my relationship with Jesus; then, “The Turning Point” - how I began my relationship with Jesus; and “A.D.” - the difference Jesus has made and is making.

Maybe you say, “But I was pre-natally nice.” You don't have a dramatic turnaround to tell about, but does that mean Jesus isn't making any difference in your life? Your assignment is to put these words at the top of a piece of paper - “If it weren't for Jesus....” Start writing the ways your life would be different if there was no Jesus - how you handle your lonely times, your hurting times, your stressful times. How would you be different as a single person, a married person, a parent, a boss, a friend if there were no Jesus? People don't just want to know about how you got started with Jesus. They want to know what difference does He make in your everyday life.

And that means you don't have just a testimony - you should have many testimonies, describing the difference Jesus makes in the parts of your life that might matter to the person you're with. It's your personal hope story that opens the door for you to then explain the Good News about Jesus - about His death for all the wrong things we've done, the way He's torn down the wall between us and the God we need so much.

You have a story that's all yours, that only you can tell. It's ultimately not a story about you - it's about the Man who is making your life what it could have never been without Him. It's a story that could help someone you know be in heaven with you!

________________

Copyright © Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc., PO Box 400, Harrison, AR 72602. Used by permission. Written by Ron Hutchcraft. "Practical Answers to Real Life Issues"

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Christian musician Steve Green was a close friend of Rick Husband's, the astronaut who was selected to be captain for the final Columbia mission. Their friendship began a number of years ago when Rick and his wife stood in line to meet Steve after a concert in Houston. As Rick told Steve how much he enjoyed his music, Rick's wife whispered to Steve that Rick was an astronaut. Steve said he (Steve) made a big deal about that and soon the people were lined up to ask Rick for an autograph instead of Steve! Thus, their friendship began.

Steve was in attendance for Rick's first shuttle launch several years ago and was also in attendance for this launch. He sang both times at pre - launch receptions. He said the reception for the Columbia launch was very Christ - honoring, and that there were many unbelievers in attendance. Steve described Rick as a quiet, unassuming man who was, however, very vocal about his faith. He said Rick did not miss an opportunity to give glory to God and mentioned that when Mission Control said it was a beautiful day for a launch, Rick responded with, “The Lord has given us a perfect day!” A suit technician shared the following story with Steve. He said that after the astronauts suit up they walk down a hallway and then open a door to “face the press!” Rick stopped the crew before they opened the door and said he wanted to pray for them. Later the technicians talked about this and one said that in all his years he had never heard of a captain praying for and with his crew.

The spouses of the crew each get to pick a song for them to wake up to one of the mornings they're in space. Rick's wife selected “God of Wonders” by Steve Green. Steve played a tape for us of Rick communicating with Mission Control after the song was played. The conversation went something like this: Mission Control - “Good morning. That song was for Rick. It was 'God of Wonders' by Steve Green.” Rick - “Good morning. Thank you. We can really appreciate the lyrics of that song up here. We look out the window and see that God truly is a God of wonders!” (Unfortunately, we probably won't hear that one on the news.) Steve also shared part of an e - mail he received from Rick, transmitted from outer space! Did you know that was possible? I didn't! Anyway, Rick wrote about how overwhelming it was to see God's vast creation from space. He said he had never cried while exercising before, but peddling on the bike and looking out the window at God's incredible creation brought tears to his eyes.

Steve also shared that he had been in Texas for a concert about a week before coming here. While there, Steve and his “crew” spent the day with Rick's wife, Evelyn, and their two children and also Mike Anderson's family. Mike was also aboard Columbia. During the concert that evening, Steve had the two women stand and he asked the audience to pray with him for these women while their husbands were in space. It was encouraging to hear Steve say that there were at least three astronauts (including Rick and Mike) aboard the Columbia who were believers in Jesus.

It was a moving concert and a welcome surprise to learn all these things. What a blessing to know that at least three of these astronauts loved Jesus! Steve did not name the third person or mention if there was a family left behind. But two of the families, at least, will be relying on God to carry them through this and will have opportunity to share God's love with families/friends of the other astronauts. Steve mentioned that before President Bush talked to the families, they had formed a circle and were praying.

Steve was even able to share with us pictures of Rick at different stages of his life, his career and family. He and Rick's wife had put this together to be set to one of Steve's songs. They had done it awhile back for some special event. Steve had it with him and shared it with us. He also gave us all a challenge from Rick's life. He said that astronauts lead extremely busy lives, and he (Steve) had been impressed with Rick's commitment to discipling his two children. Steve asked us to think about if our lives were to end tomorrow and there would be no more opportunity for us to disciple our kids. Would we be happy with what we had done, or would we have regrets?

I'm guessing, from the pictures Steve showed, that Rick's son was around 5 years old and his daughter 10. I may be off, but that gives you an idea. They certainly are not close to adulthood. Rick made 34 devotionals, by video, before he left on the Columbia. There were 17 for his daughter and 17 for his son, one for each day he was to be gone. So each day his daughter and son had their own “devotion with Dad” by video. What treasures they will be to his children! Thank you, God, for leading Rick to do that!

_______________________

“Shuttle commander shared love for Christ in '96 documentary” by James Dotson, Baptist Press, February 4, 2003:

It was 1996, and Rick Husband was a new graduate of NASA's astronaut training program -- excited about his future role in the space shuttle program. But he also was excited about his relationship with God, leading a Bible study in his home for fellow astronauts.

It was in this role that Husband was featured in a Southern Baptist television documentary, “Circle of the Earth.” The documentary -- which profiled a number of Christian astronauts -- was provided to ABC network affiliates across the country by the former SBC Radio and Television Commission, now part of the North American Mission Board.

In the interviews, Husband revealed much about his love for the space program and his even-more-important relationship with Christ.

“Apart from God, I'm really nothing,” he said in the interview. “And only through God can I really do anything worthwhile. ... I hope that through the course of my life I will be able to do the things that God wants me to do because I love God. He is the most important thing to me.”

The U.S. Air Force colonel was commander of the Columbia space shuttle on a 16-day mission that ended tragically Feb. 1 as it broke up over Texas upon reentry into the earth's atmosphere.

Bernie Hargis, producer and director of the documentary, said he and a film crew were able to spend one or two days with Husband and his family. “They were just gracious, completely willing to share their testimony about Christ with a national television audience. ... They were just lovely Christian people.”

Husband said he had wanted to be an astronaut as long as he could remember. “I remember when I was a real little kid watching on the TV and seeing those first shots,” he said.

He was raised in a United Methodist church, and it was during college that he made a personal profession of faith in Christ.

“It's through Jesus that I can have a relationship with God, and through that sacrifice that Jesus made,” he said. “Jesus gave his very own life for all of us that we could come into a relationship with God and be with him in heaven after we die our physical death.”

The Bible study started several months into his training program, after he and several other astronaut candidates participated in a Promise Keepers rally in Houston in 1995. They were studying through the book, “Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper.” He had earlier led another Bible study while stationed in England.

“It's a real good opportunity to get to know these guys,” he said. “It's also a good opportunity to get to use each other as sounding boards. ... We try and just help each other, encourage each other, build each other up.”

Husband also addressed the inherent risk of his profession, but as with other astronauts he accepted it as a calculated risk.

“With the space shuttle, they go through a very, very detailed analysis of different hazards they expect to see, and they do a good job of trying to minimize those risks,” he said. “But once you've gotten to that point and then you get to go and do the flying, it's very exciting. ... It's a lot of fun. It really is.

“You have to kind of just condition yourself not to, not to worry about stuff,” he added later in the interview. “And the one thing that I normally try to do when I fly, and I know I will be when I go up on that first space shuttle mission, is saying a prayer. I know I'll be praying to God that everything goes okay, and that I will do everything correctly and perform to the best of my ability.”

Husband's favorite Bible verse was Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

“That has been a verse that has really come to mean a lot to me over the last several years,” he said, noting that it was especially helpful as he went through the selection process with NASA. He also found comfort in the verse, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart,” from Psalm 37.4.

“I came to realize that the desires of my heart were that Evelyn and I stay together in a strong marriage and that my children grow to come to know Jesus,” he said. “And so God was just telling me, 'Trust me. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and don't lean on your own understanding, 'cause you can't figure it out.’ And I have found that to be a good guiding verse for me in just about everything I do.”

*

In Acts 8:26, we are told that the Holy Spirit sent Phillip to the desert road from Jerusalem to Gaza. Following the Spirit’s leading, Philip soon met an Ethiopian eunuch, a man in charge of the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians.

At this point in the story, the really impressive fact is that the eunuch has a scroll of Isaiah the prophet. He had been to Jerusalem to worship, and someone seems to have given him the scroll. Religious writings were very precious at that time and almost never left the temple. We have to guess that only because the man was such a high official and in position to influence a nation was he given such an important document. Had he, even in far off Ethiopia, heard stories of a Messiah who was to come to the Jewish people? Had he heard the recent religious news about Jesus and come to investigate this “new” religious belief. We do not know for sure, but we do know he was not making much progress with the scroll he had been given until Philip came to assist him with understanding.

Starting with the passage in Isaiah about the sheep led to slaughter, Philip explains that the prophet was referring to Jesus. With Christian concern, Philip carefully explains the story of Jesus and the good news of salvation. Not one to waste time, the eunuch is baptized immediately when the two come to some water by the road. After the baptism, the Spirit takes Philip away, and the eunuch goes on his way rejoicing.

How many times do we feel that our job is finished if we hand out pamphlets or invite someone to church? Maybe what someone really needs from us is a little steady care — not only friendship but teaching. The Bible is a powerful tool — the best in the world, but a new convert may need some explanation with what he may feel is a new or different belief. Maybe even though the person has lived in the United States all his life, he could still use some guidelines or Scriptural passages as a place to begin his study. Maybe he really needs to know why you personally believe. Maybe he needs Scriptural guidance for a particular need or hurt. Do we listen to the gentle leading of the Spirit or to the unasked but necessary questions of our friends?

I used to be too trusting

wore my heart upon my sleeve

I would share my life with everyone

I was easy to deceive.

I thought that everyone I met

would become my new best friend

then when I’d get hurt as I always did

I’d meet someone new and begin again.

Our Deepest Blessings

come from our hardest times

though it’s very hard to see

I truly do believe

Our deepest blessings

come from our hardest times

I remember this best when I look into

my true best friend my Savior’s eyes.

We tried for a very long year

to have a new born child

many times I’d get discouraged

and then I’d begin to cry

Then Your gentle voice would remind me

that I had prayed for Your will

and though Your timing wasn’t the same as ours

our dream You’d soon fulfill.

Our deepest blessings

come from our hardest times

though it’s very hard to see

I truly do believe

Our deepest blessings

come from our hardest times

I remember this best when I look into

our new born babies eyes.

Our deepest blessings

come from our hardest times

though it’s very hard to see

I truly do believe

Our deepest blessings

come from our hardest times

I thank you Lord for my lessons learned

when I focus on Your eyes.

Now our family’s complete

with my husband and me

two beautiful girls and

two wonderful boys.

God has blesses us so

I want you to know

so just place your trust

in Jesus Christ.

Ralph is the son of a couple who lived next door to my wife's parents. He was a normal healthy baby until some candy got stuck in his windpipe with consequent damage to his brain. Ralph grew into a normally sized young man but never spoke and was frustrated with his life. His family sent him to a special school in Montgomery, Alabama, and eventually Ralph could carry on a limited conversation with people outside the family and got some job training.

Eventually Ralph got a job with the sanitation department in Prattville, Alabama and has done a great job, receiving several awards for his productivity and punctuality.

One day Ralph amazed many of us at the First Baptist Church here in Prattville as he made a profession of faith and gave a short speech. He was baptized and joined the church.

Ralph taught me a very important thing about being a Christian. He taught me that we need to be content in whatever circumstances we find ourselves and to make the best of it.

__________

R. P. Cly, Copyright (c) 2003

For as long as I can remember I’ve been a Christian. But although I believed in God, I started to become more and more distant from him. I began thinking about how I could do things on my own. Questioning why such bad things could happen in my life such as how my younger brother could go to jail at only seventeen years old. My life began to feel as though it was spiraling out of control. I felt alone, depressed, and like I didn’t belong. I was lost!

One night I decided that if I only I would allow God to take control, ask for forgiveness, and let him know how much I needed him in my life I would feel whole again, like I had a purpose. I prayed, “Lord, please forgive me of all my sins. I’m sorry that I’ve been so distant. Lord, I don’t want to be selfish but I need you, Lord, now more than ever. I haven’t felt complete for awhile now and all I ask is that you give me guidance Lord, direct me in the path of life you want me to follow, and please help me to be more like you. Again, I’m sorry Lord for ever turning from you, you are the only thing I ever need. You are my everything and I can’t do it with out you, Lord, I love you with all my heart. Please Lord guide me and watch over all those I love and those they love. Thank you for everything, Amen.”

The next morning I decided I was going to go to a young adult youth group called Flip The Switch at Timberline Church on Friday. It was only Tuesday but I had made my decision; not even knowing a single person who’d be there. When Friday finally came I was so excited and couldn’t wait. This was very strange for me considering I’ve always had a problem with feeling like a loner and I had no idea who’d be there.

That night at Flip The Switch was amazing like it was all centered on me from the message to the worship. And then a young woman named Noelle walked to the piano and began to sing. The words she sang touched my heart so much that I began to cry. I couldn’t control myself as I wept. The song felt as though it was written from the exact emotions I was feeling and I could only picture myself as she sang, “I turned my back but you still call my name...” That’s when I realized God hears my prayers.

I later asked Noelle, a person I’d never spoken to before, what that song was called. She told me that she had written it the night before and had prayed to God that it would touch just one person, just one! I believe God hears my prayers, and I can’t think of any better way to discover this than the way I did.

In 1995 I attempted suicide. The doctor told me I was lucky to be alive. I told her I was not grateful she saved my life. At that time I was into a very destructive lifestyle that consisted of alcoholism, prescription drug abuse and lesbianism. I was involved in activities that were not only destroying my life but the lives of others. I was an angry and bitter person. I hated God, blaming Him for all the tragedies in my life. My sister, mother and close cousin had died while I was in my teen years. I blamed God for the abuse I endured. I was tired of living and saw no hope for change.

Then a couple invited me to a Life in the Spirit Seminar (LISS) in Illinois. I had no clue what a LISS was. It did not take long to figure it out. A LISS consists of several team members teaching on various aspects of the Holy Spirit and sharing their testimonies. My intentions for that weekend and God's plans were vastly different. I planned to kill myself, yet He planned to give me Life!

On that Saturday of the LISS, I listened as team members presented their teachings. One person, Peg really connected with me. Her topic was life. She first got my attention when she stood up, did a spin move and stated, “I am a miracle!” I thought she was crazy and as she spoke I grew more skeptical of her. How could she really love God after tragically losing her 15 year old son? How could she have a strong relationship with a God who is so heartless? Surely she must blame God. As God would have it, I was Peg's divine lunch appointment. For some reason, I felt compelled to tell her my story. I was too ashamed to look her in the eyes or speak above a whisper. Her sincerity, compassion and gentleness were amazing! The fact that she did not criticize me for my life choices (sins) baffled me. Peg became “Jesus with skin on” to me that day. She spoke truth in love to my hurting heart. She asked me to return that night for the prayer time and I agreed to do that. But as the day wore on I had many panic attacks and decided I was going home. Several team members surrounded me and prayed for peace, and I felt calm instantly.

I returned for the evening service. However, it seemed a game of tug-of-war was being played and my soul was the rope. The enemy raged at me to leave and I wanted to go home. The Holy Spirit spoke softly to me, lovingly encouraging me to go forward. My feet would not move. I knew that if I left that night without Jesus Christ that I would never have another chance. After what seemed like hours my feet were moving-towards the front of the church! Peg's prayer team was the only one open so I went immediately to them. Peg's team prayed with me for salvation and baptism of the Holy Spirit. They prayed with me for deliverance from many issues, some only God would have known. That was awesome to me! For the very first time in my life I felt peace and joy. The hour-long drive home seemed like only moments as I drove singing praises to God.

I thought God would leave me when the team left and thus could not stop crying! What I did not realize then is that God promises to never leave us or forsake us. It has been 2 1/2 years since that day and Jesus Christ has done just that. I am free of the bondage to lesbianism, alcohol and drugs. He has done and is doing much inner healing. Last year, just days before my dad died unexpectedly, I was able to tell my dad that I forgave him for the abuse he had perpetrated and asked him to forgive me for my hatred towards him. That was God! He has given me a new family at my church. He has helped me to accept myself as the creation He made. But the greatest gift is that I no longer live under condemnation (Romans 8:1-2).

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[Original illustration at this number was a duplicate in KeruxID 25837-26027]

A. Psalm 19:7–11 (NKJV) God’s Wondrous Words « Leader information shown in this fashion »

7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;

The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;

8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;

The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;

9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;

The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold,

Yea, than much fine gold;

Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned,

And in keeping them there is great reward.

B. In verses 7 to 9, God’s words are described by various terms

1. which term stands out as different from the others? « — fear »

2. in what way(s) does this fit in with the others after all?

a. « fearing God is the beginning of wisdom – Job 28:28, Psalm 111:10, Proverbs (among others) 9:10 »

b. _____ing God encompasses saving doctrine « (Fearing) »

(A) recognition of one’s S __ __ « (sin) »

(B) S __ __ __ __ __ & repentance for it « (sorrow) »

(C) T __ __ __ __ and dependence upon God « (trust) »

(D) W __ __ __ __ __ __ humbly with Him « (walking) »

c. so note that it is the one with specifically eternal results

3. what do God’s wondrous words bring? « — conversion, wisdom, joy, enlightening, enduring, and truth & righteousness »

C. From verses 10 and 11, how would you describe God’s wondrous words in your own way?

1. « they are most precious, meeting the deepest needs of the heart and giving directions away from penalty and to blessing »

A friend of the ministry reminded us recently that every human testimony is a testimony to the faithfulness not of man, but of God. It struck me as a thought easily misplaced between plans for tomorrow and tasks needing to be accomplished today. Our declarations of what God has done in our lives come naturally in past tense, for the view from hindsight is often the place where we see his faithfulness most clearly. Scripture calls us to sing of his lovingkindness forever; we are also reminded to live aware of his faithfulness today.

Young David was first brought into the king's circle, and one step closer to the throne, because of his ability to play the harp. (One has to wonder if David saw the music lessons his mother made him attend as something God could use to his glory.) Unbeknownst to King Saul who had called for a musician to soothe him in his distress, God had already chosen David among the brothers of Jesse as one anointed for kingship. Unbeknownst to David as he learned to play the harp, God was confirming the work of his fingers even as He was orchestrating the days of his life.

Though I've never drawn the connection before, my mother holds a testimony similar to David's. In need of work and praying that God would provide the right opportunity, she was offered a job because she had once played a musical instrument. Using a nearly forgotten experience from high school, God moved among her pleas and made his faithfulness known in the most unlikely of settings. How easy it is to forget that in any undertaking — in chores and in pastimes — God can be the one establishing the work of our hands today.

Standing between the Philistine giant and a king who insisted he would be of no help, David persisted in his argument that he should be the one to fight Goliath. Significantly, in his argument to King Saul, David described the tasks of tending sheep. Given to him as the youngest son, it was considered the most menial of responsibilities. And yet David makes it clear that he saw the task as one wrought with the purposes of God, one that had prepared him for this moment. “I have been taking care of my father's sheep,” said David. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and take the lamb from its mouth.” His afflictions as a shepherd became to David the burdens that bore the weight of God's glory: “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37).

Whether we are experiencing trials of every kind or walking rhythmically through our routine, the One who calls us is faithful. The ground is holy because God is with us.

F.W. Boreham tells of visiting a minister's widow within a quaint old cottage in England. Pulling up the blinds by her bedside, he noticed on the glass of the windowpane four carefully etched words: “This is the day.” When he inquired as to the engraving, the woman explained that she had seen many troublesome days in her life and found herself often in fear of what was going to happen tomorrow. But one day when she read the words of Psalm 118, “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it,” she was startled by God's presence. It occurred to her that He was speaking very specifically of this day. And so she scratched the words into the glass of her window, so that every time she drew her blinds in the morning she was reminded with the psalmist that “this” is the day. Beholding the One who made this day, she was no longer troubled by the next.

In the midst of the suffering and uncertainty of exile the writer of Lamentations proclaims our reason for hope today: “Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (3:22-24). What we see in hindsight is true of each morning. His faithfulness is our testimony.

Like words carved on a windowpane, engraved upon this day are the markings of its maker.

________

Copyright © 2004 Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM). Reprinted with permission. "A Slice of Infinity" is a radio ministry of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries.

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Version from 8/2/06:

A friend of the ministry reminded us recently that every human testimony is a testimony to the faithfulness not of a person, but of God. It struck me as a thought easily misplaced between plans for tomorrow and tasks needing to be accomplished today. Our declarations of what God has done in our lives come naturally in past tense, for the view from hindsight is often the place where we see his faithfulness most clearly. And while Scripture calls us to sing of his lovingkindness forever; we are also reminded to live aware of his faithfulness today.

Young David was first brought into the king’s circle and one step closer to the throne because of his ability to play the harp. (One has to wonder if David saw the music lessons his mother made him attend as something God could use to his glory.) Unbeknownst to King Saul who had called for a musician to soothe him in his distress, God had already chosen David among the brothers of Jesse as one anointed for kingship. Unbeknownst to David as he learned to play the harp, God was confirming the work of his fingers even as He was orchestrating the days of his life.

Though I’ve never drawn the connection before, my mother holds a testimony similar to David’s. In need of work and praying that God would provide the right opportunity, she was offered a job because she had once played a musical instrument. Using a nearly forgotten experience from high school, God moved among her pleas and made his faithfulness known in the most unlikely of settings. How easy it is to forget that in any undertaking - - in chores and in pastimes - - God can be the one establishing the work of our hands today.

Standing between the Philistine giant and a king who insisted David could be of no help, David persisted in his argument that he should be the one to fight Goliath. Significantly, in his argument to King Saul, David described the tasks of tending sheep. Given to him as the youngest son, it was considered the most menial of responsibilities. And yet David makes it clear that he saw the task as one wrought with the purposes of God, one that had prepared him for this moment. “I have been taking care of my father’s sheep,” said David. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and take the lamb from its mouth” (1 Samuel 17:34). His afflictions as a shepherd became to David the burdens that bore the weight of God’s glory: “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37).

Whether we are experiencing trials of every kind or walking rhythmically through our routine, the one who calls us is faithful. The ground is holy because God is with us. Even in the midst of exile the writer of Lamentations proclaims our reason for hope today: “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (3:22-24).

F.W. Boreham tells of visiting a minister’s widow within a quaint old cottage in England. Pulling up the blinds by her bedside, he noticed on the glass of the windowpane four carefully etched words: “This is the day.” When he inquired as to the engraving, the woman explained that she had seen many troublesome days in her life and found herself often in fear of what was going to happen tomorrow. But one day when she read the words of Psalm 118, “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it,” she was startled by God’s presence. It occurred to her that He was speaking very specifically of THIS day. And so she scratched the words into the glass of her window, so that every time she drew her blinds in the morning she was reminded with the psalmist that “this” is the day. Beholding the one who made this day, she was no longer troubled by the next.

What we see in hindsight is true of each morning. His faithfulness is our testimony. Like words carved on a windowpane, engraved upon this day are the markings of its maker.

________

Copyright © 2006 Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM). Reprinted with permission. "A Slice of Infinity" is a radio ministry of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries.

The sun was setting behind the hill. At the summit, a weathered fence defined the long, mass grave that contains the bodies of the Lakota people massacred at Wounded Knee.

At the bottom of the butte, my missions team and I stood and listened to the words of a woman named Cecilia Spotted Bear. We learned that more than 150 men, women, and children were slaughtered on that awful day in 1890. But then she told another story. From tragedy she moved to hope and redemption. It was her story.

Cecilia Spotted Bear grew up on the Pine Ridge reservation. Her early years were filled with alcohol and apathy. She wed and continued in her ways -- even giving booze to her children. She made money for her family by bootlegging -- selling illegally-made liquor. Her life was a blur of unhappiness and drunkenness.

Then she began to read a Bible. The words spoke to the deepest pains in her heart. In time she prayed and received Jesus as her Savior. Cecilia's life changed dramatically. Her husband and children soon saw the difference. While she became an outcast to her people, having turned away from their religion, she became a beacon of light to the few believers on the reservation.

Her whole family eventually gave their lives to Jesus. In the years that followed, Cecilia helped start a church and saw many of the Lakota people come to belief in her Lord.

She told us, however, that her life has not been easy. There have been waves of persecution that have threatened to knock her down. She has experienced the pain of loved ones straying from their faith and the loss of some to death.

But through it all, she explained, "My blessed Savior has been merciful." Cecilia has joy in her heart, for she has grasped the meaning of these words: "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

Cecilia no longer has a wounded heart. Jesus has filled it with His mercy and peace. -- Tom Felten

DESTINATION POINTS * What is my story of faith in Jesus? * How am I experiencing "trouble" in this world? * Jesus has "overcome the world." What does that mean to me?

Jesus' mercy is greater than my troubles.

Acts 26:1–23 — Paul’s Defence (outline by F. F. Bruce, NICNT) « Leader information shown in this fashion »

{A.} The Birth of the Church (1:1–5:42)

{B.} Persecution and Expansion (6:1–9:31)

{C.} The Acts of Peter & Beginnings of Gentile Christianity (9:32–12:25)

{D.} Church Extension from Antioch & Apostolic Decree at Jerusalem (12:25–15:35)

{E.} Paul Leaves Antioch & Moves to the Aegean World (15:36–19:20)

{F.} Paul Plans to Visit Rome and Gets there by an Unforseen Route (19:21–28:31)

{1} He Prepares to Leave Ephesus for Macedonia and Achaia (19:21–20:6)

{2} The Journey to Jerusalem (20:7–21:16)

{3} Paul at Jerusalem (21:17–23:30)

{4} Paul at Caesarea (23:31–26:32)

A. Paul Taken to Caesarea (23:31–35)

B. Paul Accused before Felix (24:1–9)

C. Paul’s Defence before Felix (24:10–21)

D. Felix Adjourns Proceedings (24:22-23)

E. Paul’s Interviews with Felix (24:24-26)

F. Felix Replaced by Festus; Paul Left in Custody (24:27)

G. Festus Visits Jerusalem (25:1-5)

H. Paul Appeals to Caesar (25:6-12)

I. Agrippa II and Bernice Visit Festus (25:13–22)

J. Paul Appears before Agrippa (25:23-27)

K. Paul Accepts Agrippa’s Invitation to Speak 26:1

1. 1 Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘You are permitted to speak for yourself.’ So Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself: NKJV

2. What has Paul just heard Festus say? « – that Festus is looking for something to write about Paul in sending him to Caesar »

3. Festus having set the parameters, now who takes charge? « – this being neither official nor judicial, it is not against protocol for Agrippa II now to take the lead »

4. This follows the same ground as Acts 22:3–21 in Paul’s defence to the Jews. Why does Luke spend so much time describing to the Greek Theophilus the persecution carried out by the Jews against Paul in his journeys and in Jerusalem? « – Christianity must be shown to be legitimate. Paul, the principle exponent of Christianity to the Gentiles, is in Nero’s prison as he writes. Clearing Paul’s name also clears any charges against Christianity; this is also why, beginning with Jesus’ birth in the Gospel and all the way through to the end of Acts, the essential unity of Christianity with historic Judaism is portrayed and defended. We still need to engage in this defence. »

L. Paul’s “Apologia pro vita sua” (Defence for his own life) 26:2–23

1. “Exordium” (Opening Address), 26:2–3 (NKJV): 2 “I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, 3 especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which have to do with the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.

a. What marks of courtesy does Paul show to Agrippa? « – he is ‘happy’ to face Agrippa, he knows Agrippa’s expertise, he requests Agrippa’s patience »

b. Paul will describe his life to Agrippa; what could Agrippa determine from this that Festus could not? « – if there was any legitimate reason for the Jew’s hatred of Paul »

2. The Resurrection Hope, 26:4–8 (NKJV): 4 “My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know. 5 They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers. 7 To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. 8 Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead? Omit “the”

a. What did Paul’s accusers deliberately suppress?

i. « His actions (‘manner of life’) from his youth on up »

ii. « His behaviour in all his days spent in Jerusalem »

iii. « His religious character as a Pharisee »

b. What marked Paul’s resurrection hope?

i. What was it based upon? « – God’s promise »

ii. Who shared it? « – all 12 tribes; ie., all Jews in general; the Bible does not support the myth of 10 lost tribes »

c. Why is this pertinent and reasonable to Paul’s defence (Acts 25:19)? « – Paul’s dispute with the Jews swung on this axis: Jesus had been resurrected in accordance with Israel’s hope the Pharisee’s belief; is Paul not a consistent Jew? »

3. Paul’s Persecuting Zeal, 26:9-11 (NKJV): 9 “Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

a. How do these verses add to Paul’s defence?

i. They unite « – Paul with the Jews now persecuting him »

ii. They confirm « – the orthodoxy of his manner of life »

iii. They raise the question « – ‘What changed Paul?’ »

b. What then characterized Christianity? « – it took place in the synagogues; it was a part of Judaism, believers Jews. »

4. The Heavenly Vision, 26:12–18 (NKJV): 12 “While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13 at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. 17 I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, 18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ « See Jeremiah’s (1:5-8) call »

a. What did this confirm in what Paul had already said? « – the fact of the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth »

b. What question does this answer? « – ‘What changed Paul’ »

c. What did it reveal concerning Jesus? « – His deity »

d. What is emphasized as part of Paul’s service?

i. The spread of salvation « – to all mankind »

ii. Faith will give « – an inheritance to a holy people, a term the Jews thought to apply only to themselves »

5. Paul’s Obedience to the Vision, 26:19-20(NKJV) — 19 “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and * throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles,* that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.

a. ** alternatively, “in every region, to Jews and to Gentiles”

b. What brought sanctification (verse 18)? « – faith »

c. Of what does this consist in these verses? « – repentance from and to, works demonstrating faith’s reality; Paul’s message does not differ from James as some would tell us »

6. Paul’s Arrest, 26:21 (NKJV) — “For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me.

a. What are the reasons just cited?

i. That Gentiles « should receive the inheritance promises »

ii. That Jews « needed salvation that was apart from law (Romans 3:28 had already been written!) – the same blindness exists today, as one prominent rabbi states they do not need the Messiah, they have the covenant »

7. “Peroration” (Concluding Summary), 26:22–23 (NKJV) — 22 “Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come — 23 that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.”

a. Replace ‘would’ with ‘must;’ Greek word implies no doubt

b. What is Paul’s synopsis here of the Gospel? « – the plan of God found in the law & prophets of the suffering, death, resurrection, and universal proclamation of the Messiah; see esp. Isaiah 49:6, 60:1–3, Matt 2:1–12, Luke 2:32 »

c. Festus would not understand the implications of this; do you think Agrippa II would? … see next week!

Luke 10:1–24 — The Mission of the Seventy[-Two]? — « Leader information shown in this fashion »

A. notes about this event

1. only an approximate timing can be given

a. Luke 9 was set at the time of Jesus’ going up to the Feast of Tabernacles (early autumn); Luke 10 follows that Feast, with Christ having retired in Judaea north of Jerusalem, and possibly the town of Ephraim

b. this places Luke 10:1–13:21 after Jesus’ teaching about the Good Shepherd in John 10:1–21, and preceding His going to the Feast of Dedication (end of autumn)in John 10:22–39

2. 70 or 72?

a. the evidence of the ancient manuscripts is evenly divided

b. we would note the same confusion concerning the number of translators of the Septuagint version of the Old Testament

c. the number has been associated with

(A) the 70 (plus 2 in the camp) of the elders appointed by Moses (Number 11:16, 24, 26)

(B) the 70 members of the Sanhedrin

(C) the 70 (in Hebrew, 72 in Greek) nations in Genesis 10

3. Instructions to the 70

a. Their equipping: Luke 10:1–4 (NKJV): 1 After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. 2 Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into His harvest. 3 Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. 4 Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road.

(A) how does their equipment here compare with that of the twelve sent out in Luke 9:3?

(1) « they are basically the same words »

(2) « the disciples were to go UNequipped »

(B) what was the particular purpose of these seventy? « — little John the Baptists, forerunners of Christ »

(C) what unusual command do you find here, and what do you think is its importance? « — don’t greet people on the road … don’t be diverted from the mission I gave you, even by things that are acceptable or good »

(D) what is taught here about the work of the gospel?

(1) « it is immense, immediate, important »

(2) « it is undermanned »

(3) « it is managed and controlled by the Lord »

(E) what things in these verses are still today applicable in Christian service? … about Christian priorities?

(1) « going in pairs (with support) as Paul & Silas, etc. »

(2) « depending solely on God for needs »

(3) « going in innocence into spiritual war against evil »

b. Their accommodation and mission: Luke 10:5–9 (NKJV): 5 But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the labourer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house. 8 Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. 9 And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’

(A) how did their mission compare to that of the twelve in Luke 9:2? « — same: healing, preaching the kingdom »

(B) how did their accommodation compare to that of the twelve in Luke 9:4? « — same: into one home where they were accepted: … but, here characterized by peace »

(C) what do we learn in these verses about the desired response from His servants for the provisions and the accommodation that He provides? « — accept what you receive as from God; don’t be demanding; recognize that your task is worthy of just payment (1 Tim 5:18) »

c. Their response to rejection; Luke 10:10–11 (NKJV): 10 But whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, 11 ‘The very dust of your city which clings to us we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near you.’

(A) how does the response to rejection compare with that asked of the twelve in Luke 9:5? « — same: shake of the dust as though they were Gentile cities; different: tell the message in the streets, in the hearing of all »

(B) what difference is there between the message to those who receive it in peace and those who reject it? « — it is the same message: the kingdom is near, ie. ,at hand for the taking, but it must be accepted by the hearer »

d. The results of rejection; Luke 10:12–16 (NKJV): 12 But I say to you that it will be more tolerable in that Day for Sodom than for that city. 13 Woe {Alas!!!} to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. 15 And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades. 16 He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me.”

(A) similar words accompanied the sending out of the twelve (see Matthew 10:14–15), and these words repeat what is recorded in Matthew 11:20–24 (either on the same or a different occasion)

(1) who were Sodom and Gomorrah? « — the wicked cities of the plain, where Lot lived, destroyed by God »

(2) who were Tyre and Sidon (see prophecies in Isaiah 23 and Ezekiel 26–28, for example)? « — port cities, originally Phoenician, destroyed by God and now Gentile cities; known for their wealth (King Hiram) »

(3) who were Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum? « — cities on north side of Galilee, who beheld miracles of Jesus in His ministry their; characterized by unbelief »

(B) what principle do we learn here about God’s judgment (”Day” is “Judgment Day”; see also Luke 12:48)? « — there are degrees of judgment, just as of reward, based upon the response to known truth; pride brings fall Isa 14:13,15 »

(C) what encouragement does the witness to Christ find in these verses? … what warning or challenge? « — it is not us but Christ who is accepted or rejected; our witness must be worthy of the One to whom we bear such witness »

4. The Return of the 70

a. Causes for the disciples’ rejoicing; Luke 10:17–20 (NKJV): 17 Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” 18 And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” « other references: Psalm 91:13, Acts 28:3-5 »

(A) what abilities gave the disciples cause for rejoicing? « — spiritual power over evil and power of the Enemy; and, Jesus who was watching saw a notable defeat of Satan »

(B) what more important reason had they to rejoice? « — their eternal salvation; some other references of interest to this: Exodus 32:32, Daniel 12:1, Hebrews 12:23, Revelation 3:5 »

(C) what is the lesson here for us? « — exalt what Christ has done for, in, and with us rather than our work for Him »

b. Jesus’ rejoicing: 21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. 22 All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.” « Other references: John 3:35, 13:3, 2 Cor 11:31 »

(A) For what did Jesus rejoice in the Spirit? « — God revealing the truth to common, everyday people »

(B) Why rejoice for this … that is, what did this fact prove? « — it was a work of God, not a cleverness of man »

(C) how should these verses affect any attitude that we may have because “we know God”? « — pride displaced; it is the work of God, alone »

c. Jesus’ encouragement: 23 Then He turned to His disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see; 24 for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it.”

(A) what things did the Father reveal to the disciples that were withheld from “the wise and prudent” and from “prophets and kings”? « — His power, His son, His plan »

(B) who does 1 Peter 1:10–12 tell us wanted to understand the things that these disciples heard and saw? « — prophets, angels »

Have you ever walked in a dry, hot climate for an extended time? The sun beats down, sweat begins to pour off your brow, and your throat and mouth are parched with thirst. A little shade, a slight breeze, or a cool drink becomes the greatest thing one could value at the moment.

When you and I walk with Christ in the workplace, we become that kind of oasis for non-Christians. However, they may not recognize it at the time. Let’s face it, the workplace is pretty tough, especially when Christ is not in the center of it.

When a person becomes aware of their need of Christ through you or me, we have become a shelter from the wind. We become their refuge from the storms of life.

Someone once said that you and I might be the only Bible someone ever reads, so we need to be something worth reading. Are you available to be that shelter for a non-believing friend? If so, then you may open the eyes of someone who has been blind his whole life. What an incredible blessing to know you were the instrument God used to bring a person into the Kingdom of God. Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen (Isaiah 32:3).

1. It only takes a spark

to get a fire going,

And soon all those around

can warm up in its glowing;

That’s how it is with God’s love,

once you’ve experienced it:

You spread His love to ev’ryone,

you want to pass it on.

2. What a wondrous time is spring–

when all the trees are budding,

The birds begin to sing,

the flowers start their blooming;

That’s how it is with God’s love,

once you’ve experienced it;

You want to sing, its fresh like spring,

you want to pass it on.

3. I wish for you, my friend,

this happiness that I’ve found–

You can depend on Him,

it matters not where you’re bound;

I’ll shout it from the mountain top,

I want my world to know;

The lord of Love has come to me,

I want to pass it on.

Acts 9:19b–31 — “Paul’s (Saul’s) Early Ministry” — (outline by F. F. Bruce, NICNT) « Leader information shown in this fashion »

{A.} The Birth of the Church (1:1–5:42)

{B.} Persecution and Expansion (6:1–9:31)

{1.} Stephen (6:1–8:1a)

{2.} Philip (8:1b–40)

{3.} Conversion of Saul of Tarsus (9:1–31)

A. Saul’s Expedition to Damascus (9:1–2)

B. The Light and Voice from Heaven (9:3–7)

C. Saul Enters Damascus (9:8–9)

D. Ananaias Sent to Saul (9:10–16)

E. Ananias Visits Saul (9:17–19a)

F. Saul Preaches in Damascus 9:19b–22 (NKJV)

19b … Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus. 20 Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. 21 Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.

Galatians 1:16-17 (NKJV): 16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.

1. Arabia at then ran from the Suez (Sinai) peninsula northward east of Palestine, (Judaea, Galilee, Peraea & Decapolis) to Syria and Mesopotamia. Damascus, in Syria, was close to the borders with Palestine & Arabia. From about 34 to 62 A.D. there were no Roman coins minted here, but was ruled by Arabs under Aretas. From here to Nabataean Arabia was but a short trip.

2. From last week’s lesson where we looked at Ananias’ role in the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, what would you conclude was the spiritual gift(s) Ananias bore at that time? « — healing: by laying on his hands, Saul’s blindness was cured; prophetic: he received a word directly from God and relayed it to Saul, which included relaying the mission command to Saul given by God. »

3. Both Luke and Paul use the same word, “immediately” but one must precede the other; what are the arguments for each? « — (1) Arabia first, as he did not confer with anyone, including Ananias (2) preaching first; a time in Arabia would be too long for the use of “immediately” respecting his preaching. God’s word does not answer every detail; why? to challenge our minds to study »

4. What material did Paul use in preaching? … what illustration might he have used (more than sanctified imagination here!)?

a. Psalm 2:7, Mark 14:61, 1:1 : « the Messiah as the Son of God »

b. Jesus is « — the Messiah or Christ »

c. Illustration (compare Acts 22, 26) « — Saul’s own conversion »

5. Isaiah 29:14 (NIV): Therefore once more I will astound these people with wonder upon wonder; the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish. — how does God do this in these verses? « — (1) Saul, coming to eradicate this Way, becomes its foremost proponent (2) the Holy Spirit makes the words of Saul, like those of Stephen, beyond human argument »

G. Saul Escapes from Damascus 9:23–25

23 Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. 24 But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. 25 Then the {most manuscripts, “his”} disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.

2 Corinthians 11:32-33 (NKJV): 32 In Damascus the governor, under Aretas the king, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me; 33 but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands.

1. It is surmised that when in Arabia, Paul preached the gospel, arousing the ire of Aretas IV (Herod Antipas’ father-in-law) which may be why this secular persecution now took place.

2. What means does God use in protecting His people? « — (1) direct intervention as in release of apostles (Acts 5:17ff); (2) conversion of the enemy as with Saul; (3) making known the enemy’s plan either directly or through natural means »

3. What do we conclude about Saul’s ministry? « — it was effective, as shown probably by the converts he had gathered under his teaching, but also by the opposition aroused. »

H. Saul in Jerusalem; He is Sent to Tarsus 9:26–30

26 And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28 So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. 29 And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. 30 When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.

Galatians 1:18-19, 22-23 (NKJV): 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. … 21 Afterward I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ. 23 But they were hearing only, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.”

1. How long is the “many days” of Acts 9:23, according to Paul’s own words in Galatians 1:18? « — three years (which under normal Jewish reckoning, could be two plus part of a third) »

2. What antagonists would Saul meet up with in Jerusalem?

a. His old « associates, the Pharisees, now the opposition. »

b. His new « brethren, the believers, whom he had persecuted and still would suspect his motives »

3. We last heard of Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus, when he was selling his property to give funds to the church; how was he able to live up to his name, “Son of Encouragement” here? « — he was able to give strength and courage to both Paul and believers in his recounting what had happened to Saul and how God was working through Saul. This speaks of personal knowledge, so we conclude that Barnabas was not a “stay at home” Christian »

4. How effective was Barnabas’ intercession and why? « — At his word, Saul was received; his known integrity which was shown clearly by the contrasting acts of Ananias and Sapphira (ch. 5) »

5. Galatians is more specific in describing Saul’s meeting with the apostles; how? « — it tells us that he only met with two of them, namely, Peter and James, brother of Jesus (giving him apostolic status, though he was not one of the twelve disciples, a disputed point is that this is James who saw risen Lord, 1 Corinthians 15:7) »

6. Whose work did Saul resume in Jerusalem? « — that of Stephen in debating with the Greek-speaking Jews »

7. Saul’s visit lasted how long? … why so short? « — two weeks (15 days); because the Greek-speaking Jews sought to kill him »

8. What other reason did Saul have for leaving at this time (see Acts 22:17–21)? « — the command of Jesus in a vision, overturning Saul’s arguments to stay, and reminding Saul of the breadth of Saul’s special apostolic commission (Ramsay’s argument void) »

9. In what Roman province is Tarsus? « — Syro-Cilicia or Cilicia; this reconciles the different wording in Galatians from Acts) »

10. Note that in the Galatians passage, as elsewhere, the temple city of Jerusalem was considered quite distinct from Judea. For example, consider Acts 1:8, “… both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea … “ The churches in Judea are those outside of Jerusalem formed by the Paul’s persecution which scattered disciples (Acts 8:1).

I. The Church Enjoys Peace and Prosperity 9:31 (NKJV)

1. 31 Then the churches {some manuscripts, “church”} throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

2. What do we note here concerning the diversity of the working of God? « — earlier God used persecution to spread the church and establish believers; now He uses peace to strengthen and increase the church. What lesson? We should not tell God how to accomplish His will and purpose in our situation, but that He give to us the faith to recognize and to trust in what He is doing »

3. What spiritual gifts were used in multiplying believers? … the following are the words used … explain in what sense they are spiritual gifts and how they can have this effect? … the lesson?

a. “Fear” « — includes respect and reverence; it is a requisite for worship — “worship the Father in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23) — joyful, spiritual worship of believers is a witness to God that He will use in speaking to the lost »

b. “Comfort” « — literally the “calling alongside” of the Holy Spirit; (Zechariah 4:6, “not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit”) the freely flowing Holy Spirit in our lives without our grieving or hindering Him will reach lost mankind »

4. This ends the record of Saul’s conversion. When did God begin preparing Saul for ministry (Galatians 1:15)? « — at conception! »

For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. (Acts 13:47 AV)

The Waitomo Caves, in New Zealand, through which runs a river, is visted by many tourists each year. The caves are illuminated by hundreds of glowing worms hanging from the roof. Each worm has a number of sticky threads hanging to catch the numerous insects attracted to the light. A remarkable feature, too, is the control each glow-worm has over its light. At the sound of voices all lights may be switched off, plunging the place into complete darkness. Jesus once said to His disciples, “Ye are the light of the world,” and He says it to the Christians today. I wonder are our lights always “switched on”? — Wm. Montgomery

You created for His glory, is your purpose unfulfilled?

Have your heart’s deep chords of music never by His hand been thrilled?

Is your soul without its jewel? is your light a hidden hoard?

Is your spirit dead within you? is your life without your Lord?

How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace. — Romans 10:15.

Does your Bible need a new binding? The Bible I carry is bound in the best sealskin, with a kid lining. It is supposed to be the best binding for hard wear. But there is a much better sort of leather than that for Bible binding —I mean shoe leather. When we tread this Bible out in our daily walk, when what we are becomes an illustrated copy of the Bible, the greatest revival that the earth has ever known will come. With utmost reverence let me say that the Lord Jesus Christ wants to come and walk around in our shoes, and live in our garments, and touch men through us. — S. D. Gordon.

Lord, lead me to some soul today,

And love that soul through me,

And may I nobly do my part,

To win that soul for Thee.

Other Baptist leaders in Puerto Rico affectionately call Ernesto Rene Pereira the “pope.” But he has not always worked for God’s Kingdom. “I was an alcoholic,” Pereira said plainly during a meeting at his church in Ponce.

Today, Pereira is pastor of Glenview Baptist Church in Ponce, the largest Southern Baptist church in Puerto Rico, and the largest of any denomination in the south of the island.

Years ago, Pereira was a professor and director of the biology department at the Catholic University of Puerto Rico, also in Ponce. He had a prestigious job, a wife and children, but he was not fulfilled. He used alcohol as an escape.

One day, his wife began to change. “An SBC missionary came to our area,” Pereira said. “My wife was raised in an evangelical church, but she was not saved. She met a friend that invited her to a Bible service with that missionary. My wife started going to those services.”

Pereira noticed a change in his wife, but he was jealous of the time she spent at the church. “I tried to stop her from going to church,” he said. “I would say, ‘You made me my lunch every Sunday before. But now you go to church, and I don’t have lunch. You have to make me my lunch.’ I was jealous of the church.”

Then his wife started getting up early on Sunday so she could fix his lunch before going to church. This piqued Pereira’s curiosity even more. “One day I went to see what was going on there, but that was my mistake,” he said to laughter from the group. “I went to argue,” he said. “You can fight people, but it’s difficult to fight the Word. That’s why I don’t preach opinions. My preaching is expository. I just say, ‘This is this and the Bible proves it.’”

Pereira was immediately impressed by the love he felt from the people at the church. “I drank on Saturday, and when I went to the church with my wife it was like ... a dragon,” he said. You give me a match, I was so alcoholic with my breath, I could light it. But people loved me. They didn’t reject me because I was drinking. They still loved me.”

Pereira’s wife prayed for the Lord to move him. “My wife told me later that she’d put my children in the bed every night to pray for daddy. They did that behind my back,” he said to more laughter.

It took a while for those prayers to be answered. Despite Pereira’s positive experience at church, he still was reluctant to give his life to Christ. Then a major event caused him to rethink his priorities.

“One day my wife wanted to go to a Christian concert on a Saturday,” he said. “I said ‘I will take you, but this is Saturday and I’m going to have my drinks with my friends.’”

Pereira took his wife to the concert, while his then-12-year-old son, who is now a pastor, stayed home alone, not wanting to go to the concert. “I didn’t know it at the time, but he was trying to be like Dad,” Pereira said of his son’s lack of interest in spiritual things.

After dropping his wife off, Pereira went to a friend’s house. The two began talking and drinking as they did frequently. While there, Pereira said he began having a feeling unlike any he’d ever had before. “I felt an urgent concern for my son’s security,” he said. “It wasn’t the only time he’d been left alone, but at that time, I felt there was something wrong in my home on the other side of the city.

“I told my friend, ‘I think I should go back home. I don’t know why, but I’m really concerned about my son. Something is wrong.’ He said, ‘Ah, forget about it; have another drink. He’s at home. The windows are closed. He’s OK.’”

Pereira tried to put the feeling out of his mind for some time, but eventually he couldn’t resist the sensation that something was wrong. He told his friend goodbye and drove across the city to his home. When he arrived at his home, two burglars were breaking in the window.

“My son was hysterical,” Pereira said. “He was so scared. He was yelling and screaming. I don’t know what would have happened to my son if they [had been] able to go inside.”

Pereira said the Lord knew it would take something so monumental to reach him. “Something special really was needed,” he said. “I was so proud of my knowledge. I had to be broken. I understood that all my life could be gone in a minute. I could have lost my son.”

The miracle that happened that day is why Pereira said he doesn’t “swallow” the “natural church.” “The church was designed to be a supernatural institution,” he said. “I don’t like anybody that doesn’t believe in miracles. They can’t work for me. I don’t care if he has three Ph.D.s and four Doctor of Divinities. If you don’t believe in miracles, I don’t need you. I don’t want you to be around my church.”

Pereira gave his life to Christ. Eventually, the missionary at the church his family attended left to become director of the Baptist seminary in San Juan. Pereira was called to lead the congregation. He resigned after one year. “Not even my wife got emotional when I preached,” he said of the brief stint. “I thought being a professor was enough. The Lord told me, ‘I don’t need professors. I can do the work with people like Peter, James, fishermen. I don’t need professors. I need people broken.’”

Pereira cried and asked for forgiveness, resigning himself to be merely a servant. Then things started to change. Now the Lord is blessing his ministry at Glenview beyond what he could have imagined. The church has baptized hundreds of people in the last year, both at the church and at a nearby federal penitentiary. They are also filling their 1,000-seat auditorium three times each Sunday and teaching 800 students in their Bible institute each Wednesday.

The overwhelming feature of their auditorium is a huge mural covering the entire wall behind the pulpit. It depicts the Old Testament tabernacle surrounded by tent dwellings as far as the eye can see. “It represents the prophecy of Jesus,” Pereira said. “I use it to preach.”

He said the flame over the tabernacle was God’s presence. When it moved, the people followed it. Then, at Pentecost, the flames came and landed on the believers’ heads, indicating that Christians are now God’s presence in the world. “It’s not symbolic. It’s real now,” he said.

Pereira has now been at Glenview 30 years and sees no end in sight for his ministry there. “I don’t think I have a right to resign from the church because somebody offers $2,000 more. For me that’s a sin. That’s part of the American way of life, but it’s not the biblical way of life. Prosperity and success are not the goal. The goal is obedience.

“I am anxious every morning to come to the church. No one has enough money to take me away from the pastorship.”

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation … then will I teach trangressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. — Psalm 51:12, 13.

There are more people concerned about their souls’ welfare than we imagine. If we were to gain their confidence and watch for their souls as those that must give an account, we might be instrumental in their conversion. The customs of society too often hinder us from speaking to the unsaved about the Lord Jesus. Satan persuades us that those who have been brought up under Christian influences “know the way of salvation” as well as ourselves, and therefore there is no use speaking to them. We need more courage and more enterprise in this blessed business. A clearer apprehension of the terrible danger to which unbelievers are exposed, and a firmer faith in the power of the gospel would make us more successful “fishers of men.”

“Call them in” — the weak, the weary,

laden with the doom of sin;

Bid them come and rest in Jesus;

He is waiting — “call them in.” — Anna Shipton.

On one occasion in the early days of the Society of Friends, a Quaker was riding across a moor when he heard the sound of hoof beats behind him. In a moment a highwayman drew abreast and, pointing a pistol at him, demanded, “Your money or your life!”

Without a moment’s hesitation the Quaker pulled out his purse and handed it to the man.

“That’s a fine horse you have,” observed the robber. Then he ordered, “Get down! I’m taking him.”

Calmly, without a word of protest, the Quaker dismounted, and the robber changed horses. As the robber was turning the horses around to ride off, the Quaker stepped in his path and, taking hold of the bridles, began to talk to him.

“How can you,” he asked with quiet earnestness, “a man made in the image of God, be happy living a life of crime and violence? Repent, my friend, before it is too late!”

The robber drew his pistol and pointing it at the Quaker’s head, snarled, “How dare you preach to me, you … Another word and I’ll shoot you where you stand.”

The Quaker never flinched. “Friend,” he smiled, “I know you could kill me. I wouldn’t risk my life to save either my purse or my horse, but I would gladly lay it down if I could save you from eternal damnation!”

Without a word, the robber returned the pistol to its holster, sprang off the Quaker’s horse, and returned it to him with his purse. Then, mounting his own horse, he rode off, saying, “If you’re that concerned for my soul, I’m not taking anything.”

I believe in Jesus. Growing up, every Sunday without exception, my family went to church. However, until one spring day in April, I never understood the point of attending. I was sitting in my family’s usual pew, paying attention as hard as any 7-year-old can, when I unexpectedly comprehended everything my pastor said. The message finally made sense to me. Jesus died so that I could live. He lived a perfect life and died sinless, so that I could spend eternity with him. The realization was amazing! Jesus sacrificed everything for me! I suddenly felt the urge to rise from my seat and go pray. Quietly, I snuck out of the room and had my first real conversation with God. I knew I was a sinner, but Jesus loved me enough to die for me. For him to live in my heart forever, all I had to do was ask for forgiveness. After praying to receive his gift of eternal life, I was overjoyed! I rushed back into the sanctuary and told my parents about my decision. After church, my family and I talked to my pastor and I was baptized the following week.

Since that milestone in my life, I have struggled with always living a Christian life, yet I am certain that my soul will go to Heaven when I die. By placing my life in God’s hands, I have faith that he will take care of me and lead me along his path of righteousness. As Jeremiah 29:11 says, God is in control, he has “plans to prosper [me] and not to harm [me], plans to give [me] hope and a future.” He has plans for your life too. Regardless of any sin you have committed or any sin you will commit in the future, he loves you. He, the creator of the universe, sent His one and only Son to die so that you may spend eternity with him. You just have to ask for His gift. Ask Him to be your Lord and Savior, to live in your heart and be the steering wheel behind your life. It was the best decision I have ever made, and I hope someday you make the same choice. God Bless.