Light of the Gentiles

Act 13:44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.
Act 13:45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.
Act 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
Act 13:47 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.
Act 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
Act 13:49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
Act 13:50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.
Act 13:51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.
Act 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

Isa 60:1 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
Isa 60:2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
Isa 60:3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.

Paul and Barnabas delivered the gospel first in the synagogues to the Jews, because Jesus was sent first to the Jews.

Joh 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

Jesus the good shepherd was sent first to his own fold and later to bring in other sheep, the Gentiles, to be one fold, one body in Christ.

Joh 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

Gal 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

There are those who speak against God's plan of salvation for envy or pride. They seek to be in power over you and the prople. Resist them and speak the word of truth. If you are not welcome in one place, then move on. The Holy Spirit will help you and you will be filled with the Holy Ghost and Joy.

Elymas the Sorcerer

Acts 13:5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.

They arrived at the city of Salamis, on the Island of Cypress. This was the place Barnabas had as his early home. (Acts 4:36) First the Gospel goes to those we know, our friends, our home city, then to the whole world.

Acts 13:6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:

Barjesus meant son of Jesus, but this was no son of Jesus. He was a son of satan. We don't know someone so much by a name; it is the character we see.

Acts 13:7 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.

Acts 13:8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.

Elymas, a son of satan, withstood him. Satan always opposes God's people.

Opposition will follow the people of God...

John 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Our spiritual weapon is the word of God.

Satan will oppose the word, seek to discredit it. But we stand on the word, not defend it with our words, but with the word itself.

2 Tim 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Psa 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Heb 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Next satan will accuse you and come against you personally.

Overcome him by your testimony, do not defend yourself by words of wisdom.

Rev 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

It is the blood of the lamb and the Holy Ghost witness within us, that is the power to overcome satan.

Another power, as the Holy Spirit directs you, is to cast out the devil or bind him in Jesus name.

Mat 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Acts 13:9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,
Acts 13:10 And said, O full of all subtlety and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
Acts 13:11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

Paul, full of the Holy Ghost and power blinds the sorcerer. Perhaps remembering his own encounter with Jesus, he was blinded and repented. Will the sorcerer repent? Elymus was preventing another from receiving the Lord. Paul stopped him.

How often in chats when we are close to leading someone to the Lord, satan will send his worker of iniquity into the room. Whenever possible, it is best to be one on one, to avoid satan's distractions. Even when ministering in the nursing homes, often when the gospel is being preached a patient will begin speaking in a loud noise, I know who wants to silence God's word, but it will not be silenced.

Acts 13:12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

This made a believer out of the deputy. This and the gospel message. Miracles alone will not save you, you must follow the light of the gospel word. Feelings leave, his word stays in our heart. A conversion is of God, through believing in his son, and by confession and repentance.

Herod's End

Act 12:1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
Act 12:2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

James was the first apostle to be martyrd. This evil Herod also mocked Jesus and allowed him to be crucified.

Luk 23:11 And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.
Luk 23:12 And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.

When we see a ruler who is evil and seeking his own glory, pray that he will find God. God will not allow evil pride to continue. Herod would reach the limit of the LORD's long suffering. Some read of the LORD in the Bible destroying a person or a nation and they may think that God is unjust. God is just and he puts up with a lot of sin, but there is a time of reckoning. Herod's time had come.

Act 12:21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.
Act 12:22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.
Act 12:23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

He gave himself glory and made himself as a god. If there is one sin that causes many to be judged it is the sin of pride.

Psa 10:4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.

Pro 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

Pro 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. .

Pride caused Lucifer to be cast down from heaven.

Isa 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
Isa 14:13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
Isa 14:14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
Isa 14:15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
Isa 14:16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;

Lucifers pride will burn in the Lake of Fire. Be proud of Jesus and those who do his will. Humble yourself before the Almighty and he will lift you up. Be like Jesus, not like Herod. Lord help us to follow you closely, for you showed us how to live.

Friends Who Accuse

Job 27:4 My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit.
Job 27:5 God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me.
Job 27:6 My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live.

Job 27:7 Let mine enemy be as the wicked, and he that riseth up against me as the unrighteous.

Job's three friends were trying to uncover some secret sin of his as the reason for his affliction. Job had done nothing to deserve what befell him, so he is compelled to warn his friends that their words were as slander and they would be held accountable to God for being false witnesses.

Job did seek to do what was true and right and he defended himself. Likewise we at times must defend the truth of the word of God from those who speak against it. When they speak as false witnesses against God's word they speak against God himself.

It was commonly thought in Bible times that a persons sins were responsible for his affliction.

John 9:2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
John 9:3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

Check your own heart before you accuse another.

Mat 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Mat 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Mat 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Mat 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
Mat 7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

Jas 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
Jas 1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

I suppose it is impossible to be in public and not be accused by someone. I am not perfect nor are you. A friend will seek your good and not to destroy you. Be right with God and just forgive those who offend you and accuse you unjustly. In Jesus we are free from God's wrath. Jesus was perfect and he still was accused; we are his disciples and if we suffer as he did, we also will reap the rewards of eternal life with Him.

Gentile Believers

Act 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

Act 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
Act 10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
Act 10:37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
Act 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
Act 10:39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
Act 10:40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
Act 10:41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
Act 10:42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
Act 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Act 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
Act 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Act 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
Act 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

Peter spoke this beautiful gospel of Jesus Christ to Cornelius a Roman Centurion, a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house. They loved the LORD and were seeking the way to him when an angel told him to send for Peter. Peter not knowing what to expect, but being given a vision of the unclean being cleansed, came to them and spoke the words of salvation. The result was that the Gentiles also believed the word of God and spoke in tongues just as the Hebrews had done at Pentecost. Tongues are for the unbelieving. There were Jews present who did not believe that the Gentiles would be saved. God is no respecter of persons. Whosoever will come and believe in Jesus will be received. There were two baptisms; the baptism of the Holy Ghost and the symbolic water baptism, a picture of the death burial and resurrection of Christ.

The Longest Day

Jos 10:12 Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon.
Jos 10:13 And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day.
Jos 10:14 And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel.

Scientifically, it is impossible for the sun and the moon to stop. Nothing is impossible for God regarding his covenant people.

The angel said to Sarah regarding a promised son in her old age:

Gen 18:14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

The angel said to Mary:

Luk 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Mar 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

Did the sun and moon really stop? I believe the Bible is the true word of God. Is there any proof that this happened in history? Yes, there is evidence.

In the ancient Chinese writings there is a legend of a long day. The Incas of Peru and the Aztecs of Mexico have a like record, and there is a Babylonian and a Persian legend of a day that was miraculously extended. Another section of China contributes an account of the day that was miraculously prolonged, in the reign of Emperor Yeo.

The Day the Sun Stood Still--Joshua's Long Day ....Page 35

What about the reference to the book of Jasher? Is this book available today?

There is no mention of the Book of Jasher in the Bible after the time of David. However, there is a book by that title today, although it is not the same book. It is an eighteenth-century forgery that alleges to be a translation of the “lost” Book of Jasher by Alcuin, an eighth-century English scholar. The Book of Jasher mentioned in the Bible was lost and has not survived to modern times.

What is the Book of Jasher and should it be in the Bible?

Beware of books that are not included in the Bible.

Put Away The Accursed Thing

Jos 7:13 Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow: for thus saith the LORD God of Israel, There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you.

They were commanded to not take anything from the enemy as their own. I see this in the spirit as applying to us. We are not to covet anything that belongs to the enemy. We are not to hold onto sinful things. We cannot be servants of God and seek the devil's things.

1Jn 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1Jn 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
1Jn 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Things to put off and to put on

Rom 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

Eph 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
Eph 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
Eph 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Eph 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
Eph 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Eph 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.
Eph 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
Eph 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Eph 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
Eph 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

We must decide who we will serve. To serve God requires a commitment and to be a disciple of Jesus Christ we must be disciplined. Put off that which hinders you and Jesus will give you a ministry to bring forth everlasting fruit. Eaglewings ministries started from a decision to put off sin and to seek a ministry to glorify the LORD. Put off the accursed thing in your midst.

Jas 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Not For Sale

Act 8:9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
Act 8:10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.
Act 8:11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

Simon the sorcerer saw the apostle Philip doing mighty works in the name of Jesus. Seeing this he came to Philip to be baptized in the name of Jesus. Later the apostle Peter came laying hands on people to receive the Holy Ghost. Simon wanted this power too.

Act 8:18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
Act 8:19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
Act 8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
Act 8:21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
Act 8:22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
Act 8:23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
Act 8:24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

The Holy Ghost is not to bought or sold. How many want the power? and not the purity of God? Many seek the power and the wealth but will they be faithful with purity, persecution and Jesus? Come to Jesus first for a righteous standing and live a sanctified life, holy unto God.

Luk 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

An evil man may give a gift, but it would not be comparable to the gift of the most righteous Father in heaven. Will the Most Holy Father give the gift of the Holy Spirit to an unrepentant sinner? I do not see that happening. Seek purity before power. Repentance, salvation in Jesus Christ, followed by the filling of the Holy Spirit. We do not use the Holy Ghost power for magic or for money. The Holy ghost magnifies the Lord Jesus Christ.

Mat 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

As an Eagle

Deu 32:9 For the LORD'S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.
Deu 32:10 He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.
Deu 32:11 As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:
Deu 32:12 So the LORD alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him.

As God's children he is never far from us. Some things we must do alone, for afflictions come to all people. He is there always to bear us up on his wings as an eagle bears it's young. They try to fly alone, but he is there to catch them. All is by faith and we are never alone. He goes with us here and forever, for he loves his eaglets.

1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Woe to a Nation

Psa 10:4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.

Isa 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Isa 5:21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
Isa 5:22 Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:
Isa 5:23 Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!
Isa 5:24 Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.

Isa 29:13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
Isa 29:14 Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.
Isa 29:15 Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?
Isa 29:16 Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?

Mat 12:25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:

Gamaliel

Act 5:34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;

Act 5:38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
Act 5:39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
Act 5:40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

I have seen churches arise that were thought to be where God was moving, many rushed to this church or that church because they saw something different and then in a year or so they were no more. I have seen church bodies grow to overflowing because of a persuasive Pastor and then I have seen that pastor move on to a bigger and "better" church; he was just a hireling after all. Another church has a godly preacher who preaches the whole counsel of God and a board member or elder tells him not to preach about the blood of Christ and he is asked to leave. Some ministries cease because they leave the foundational truths of the Bible; others are destroyed by the devil within the church. The true church of Jesus Christ will continue, because he founded it upon his death, burial and resurrection and on his word and promises.

Gamaliel was a master teacher of the law. He had taught the law to Paul, when he was a Pharisee named Saul of Tarsus. When the devil's who were in power in the Jewish religion opposed the apostles who were preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, casting out devils and healing the sick; he said give them space, don't be so quick to stone them. The test of a God sent people of faith is in their enduring. If it does not last, it was not of God. This of course is not absolutely true, because some strange religions have lasted. The angels will sort the true from the false. The LORD through Gamelial came to the aid of the apostles. Gamelial probably had the Spirit of God; the spirit of truth.

2Ti 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Rev 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
Rev 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Do Not Lie To God

Act 5:1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
Act 5:2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
Act 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
Act 5:4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
Act 5:5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
Act 5:6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.
Act 5:7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.
Act 5:8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.
Act 5:9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.
Act 5:10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.
Act 5:11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

The power of the church was and is in it's unity in God's spirit calling upon the Lord in prayer and obeying the Lord's will. Willful disobedience and lying divides the unity of the church and God's spirit is grieved. Satan is given a foothold in the church opposing God's spirit and direction.The church becomes powerless and worldly or just a dead place. Sometimes a church may actually be a place of evil intent.

2 Tim 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Has manipulation and deceit entered the church? God hates this. How do we know if we have sinned? We have the commandments of God.

Exo 20:15 Thou shalt not steal.
Exo 20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

We are not to be two faced believers or church day smiling Christians, putting on a front to hide the unconfessed sin in our hearts. We are to do the work of a Christian, which is to obey God and to walk in His Spirit. We have a conscience and the spirit of God if we are of God. God is within us guiding us in all truth.

Joh 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

He will also convict you of sin. We are to be pure hearted people of faith, not hypocrites who pretend and put on an act to appear to be something else.

Jas 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Jas 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Rom 14:23 ...: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Be faithful and holy before God and man.

By What Authority?

Act 4:6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
Act 4:7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?
Act 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
Act 4:9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;
Act 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
Act 4:11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Act 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

In the name of Jesus Christ, is the authority to heal, to save the lost and to set the captives free. There were evidences of his power and authority. The evidence is in the fulfillment of the prophecy of the stone that was rejected. There was the evidence of the healing of the crippled man

Act 3:2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;
Act 3:3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.
Act 3:4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.
Act 3:5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.
Act 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
Act 3:7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
Act 3:8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

There was the evidence of a changed life, Peter full of the Holy Ghost and power and their was the evidence of many saved of the 5000 men who heard them speak.

Act 4:3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.
Act 4:4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

Before this there were 3000 saved.

Act 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Act 4:18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
Act 4:19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
Act 4:20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

The powers that be, tried to shut them up. We are entering a time where there is hostility to the name and authority of Jesus. What should we do? We are told to obey the higher powers. Well, the highest power is God and the name of Jesus. We obey Him always above all other powers. Second we obey the government and authorities, if they do not impose upon our duty to God. Lastly we obey our wants and needs. Do not act foolishly in the flesh looking for trouble. Jesus gave his disciples wise advice.

Mat 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Their Worm Dieth Not

Mar 9:44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

A picture in the natural of a place where trash and garbage are burned, like the city dump. In the spiritual it refers to hell a place of fire and torment. People do not burn up and their worm, as in a buried body...yuck, dieth not. Is this a place with a literal fire? In the story of the rich man and Lazarus it sounds literal.

I have thought about this body in hell. When we are with Jesus we will receive glorified spiritual bodies. Satan is a spirit, an angel and hell was made for satan and his angels. It must be some sort of spiritual fire. The torment of spiritual worms, thoughts, regrets, torment of being separated from all that is good and with others who only add to our torment. (Like millions of depressed people complaining)

But what of souls in hell? Will they have some form of natural bodies? I think they will be souls with some form, that will continue. Sorry for the pictures I am making. There are places where people have said they are a worm and not a man.

Even Jesus said this concerning the cross, in Ps 22, a body in torment.

Psa 22:6 But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.

Job in torment

Job 17:14 I have said to corruption, Thou art my father: to the worm, Thou art my mother, and my sister.

The LORD spoke to Jacob

Isa 41:14 Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Saints and the damned

Isa 66:22 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.
Isa 66:23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.
Isa 66:24 And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.

Jesus spoke of the worm three times in Mark

Mar 9:48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

In conclusion I see the worm as those who are in torment, a worm, not a man or woman. But for the saints, they are with Jesus forever. The Holy Spirit stays with us, we shall see no wrath of God,there will be persecution from man, but not God's wrath. We may feel as worms, but we also like Jesus despise the shame and look forward to eternal glory with Jesus.

Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Are we living perfect lives to where we need not witness? We just walk along and everyone is amazed at the presence of God? Maybe, but I doubt it. They hated Jesus...the devil would love to have us be silent, perhaps hiding secret sins, but pretending to be an example. I think we must be more active, warning people of hell. Showing them the grace found only in Jesus for a new life. Get the word out, the devil hates the word. Be in the truth, speaking the truth. Endure...

Jas 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

2Ti 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

There are still those who want to hear his message, keep going and be encouraged.

Jud 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
Jud 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Jud 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
Jud 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

It is Saving Time

Deu 11:16 Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them;

Deu 11:17 And then the LORD'S wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you.
Deu 11:18 Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.
Deu 11:19 And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
Deu 11:20 And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates:
Deu 11:21 That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth.
Deu 11:22 For if ye shall diligently keep all these commandments which I command you, to do them, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cleave unto him;

The LORD gave these commands to Israel and they certainly are applicable to our time as well. When the nation looks away from God to other gods which is anything that takes the place of His worship. We must return to the God of Israel and remember his commands. In Christ Jesus we are free from God's wrath, but not free to sin and to ignore him. This is for Jew and Christian alike.

Find a way to keep the word of God before your eyes. Keep the word and commands of God before your family. Post the scriptures on signs, in store windows, on fence posts, in newspapers in magazines, on cards and tracts; in Internet chat rooms, on Internet web pages and blogs. Post the scriptures on You tube, in face book. Do not hide the light of God, let it shine in a sin darkened world. Share the good news.

2Co 3:3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

As Jesus said:

Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

Who will help in saving this world from sin and wrath? Brothers and sisters in the LORD, it is DAYLIGHT SAVING time.

Holy Ghost Power

Act 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Power, dunamis, (like dynamite), strength from God to witness for him and to teach the nations.

Jesus spoke of his power given to us through the Holy Spirit.

Mar 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Mar 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Mar 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Miraculous power, power beyond human abilities. Power to cast out devils and to speak in new languages. Protective power, through the prompting of the Holy Spirit laying on of hands to heal the sick. Do not tempt God here. Some say there is no healing today or if so, why don't you heal everyone?

Let me tell you a story of a young woman that God sent to me on the Internet in a chat room, I will call her Jane. She received the Lord with tears, had a difficult life before coming to salvation, but one of her spiritual gifts was healing. Another young friend of Jane was staying in a group home where she was living. The friend of Jane slit her wrists, attempting to commit suicide. Jane held her wrists and prayed, the bleeding stopped and there was no scar. Another time she was in a retreat place when a voice told her to get up out of bed and go out into the lobby. There was a man laying on the floor, he had suffered a heart attack. She kneeled and prayed for him and he was healed. A religious group, people of a authority in this sect heard about her healing and they took her to many people. Some were healed, some were not, but she said with tears, I led one person to Jesus before she died. A prominent religious leader was on his death bed. They brought Jane to heal him, she prayed, but he died. They accused her of not praying hard enough! Listen, do not tempt God. He leads us through the Holy Spirit to manifest the gifts as he chooses.

Paul is a good example of a Spirit filled servant of God

Act 28:3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
Act 28:4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
Act 28:5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
Act 28:6 Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
Act 28:7 In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.
Act 28:8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

Healing is a gift, but it is directed by the will of God, not by the will of a man. Let God lead you by His Spirit, pray and be obedient.

2Ti 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Wise in their own eyes

Mat 27:40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.
Mat 27:41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,
Mat 27:42 He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.
Mat 27:43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.

Do not listen to the revilers, to those who mock and try to put you down. Jesus listened to Our Father in heaven. He did his will, not his own. Just as satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, satan used the words of others to send fiery darts to bring his soul down.

They thought that they had won when they nailed Jesus to the cross. He allowed this because it was the plan of God from the beginning of creation.

Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Eph 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Eph 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

It was the utmost act of love for Jesus to willingly go to the cross so that we might be saved from the wrath of God. He paid for our sins, taking our place. He could have spoken the word and he could have come down; but if so we would still be bound.

He had spoken to Peter:

Mat 26:52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
Mat 26:53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
Mat 26:54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?

Would they have believed in Jesus if he had of come down from the cross? No they would not have, for he was raised from the dead as in the story of the rich man and the beggar and they still would not have believed.

Luk 16:31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

Moses and the prophets spoke of the Messiah. Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22 prophesy of the messiah on the cross, but they would not hear. Speak the word, hear God, if they will not hear, then neither will we hear their insults. If they mock God they will face him at judgement day.

2Co 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Jesus went to the cross for all, but we must repent of sins and come to him in faith. Do not insult the Master, humbly come to him and be received into everlasting life. Pray for those who resist Jesus, for they resist their own salvation.

Hypocrites

Mat 27:3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
Mat 27:4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
Mat 27:5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
Mat 27:6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.

Judas repented, but he went to the devils who were the chief priests, you can't repent to devils. It was the money from their treasury that was given to Judas. They pretended to look religious and law abiding, not allowing the money back into the treasury because it was blood money. Hypocrites, they plotted to kill Jesus and paid Judas to be the informer. Judas repented, but it was too late and he repented to the wrong people. There is no record of the Chief priests repenting. I think their judgement will be greater than for Judas.

Jesus strongly rebuked the religious leaders eight times in Matthews gospel.

Mat 23:13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!

Mat 23:14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!

Mat 23:15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!

Mat 23:16 Woe unto you, ye blind guides,

Mat 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!

Mat 23:25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!

Mat 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!

Mat 23:29 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!

Woe to the scribes and Pharisees and woe to the chief priests at his first coming. What will Jesus say at his second coming? Being a spiritual leader is a serious responsibility. The world hates them, unless they talk like the world. The media mocks them. Nevertheless the leaders have the responsibility to speak the truth as from the throne of God. God bless and give grace to the Church leaders. We want to here a "well done" not a "woe unto you" when Jesus returns.

Mat 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Staves

Mat 26:46 Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.

Mat 26:47 And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.

Swords and staves; What are staves?

Staves; definitions from Strong's Concordance:

1) wood

a) that which is made of wood

a1) as a beam from which any one is suspended, a gibbet, a cross

a2) a log or timber with holes in which the feet, hands, neck of prisoners were inserted and fastened with thongs

a3) a fetter, or shackle for the feet

a4) a cudgel, stick, staff

2) a tree

I would assume that they came with shackles, to lead Jesus away a prisoner .It also could have been clubs or spears. Right here we see him taking upon himself our sins and bondage's. His purpose in coming was to set the captives free and to loose the bonds of sin and slavery to evil. Earlier he spoke of his work for us.

Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

Luke 4:19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

Luke 4:20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.

Luke 4:21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

He was taken captive to free us, he took our sins upon himself for our salvation. He came to break the power of satan over our lives. By trusting in him, we receive his power to overcome this world and to enter heaven.

Another verse in Matthew speaks of taking staves on a journey.

Mat 10:9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,

Mat 10:10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

These were probably walking sticks which are also used for protection. I like to carry a walking stick to keep overly aggressive animals away.

There are other staves which were poles that fit in the rings of the Holy Ark of the Covenant. They were used to transport the Ark. They were made of Acacia wood overlaid with gold.

Exo 25:15 The staves shall be in the rings of the ark: they shall not be taken from it.

Did you notice another definition used for staves?

A beam from which any one is suspended, a gibbet, a cross.

Jesus, after a mock trial, was severely beaten and whipped and nailed to a cross to bleed and to die for our sins. He was raised from death on the third day.

Staves: shackles, poles overlaid with gold, a cross. These staves were used to transport and to hold in place the Holiest of Holies. Jesus, Emmanuel, the very presence of God with us.

(Jesus)...Rom 4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Rom 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Swords and staves for the master; power and grace for those who believe in him. Thank you Lord Jesus for being our substitute. We were guilty, but you came to take our place so that we could freely come to God through your holy sacrifice. You took our sins and curses upon yourself so that we may be the adopted children of God.

The Hymn Jesus Sang

Mat 26:30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

The Hallel (Praise) Psalms(Psalms 113-118) were traditionaly sung at the Passover. At the end of the Passover dinner Psalms 116-118 were sung. Psalm 118 is probably the Psalm sung at this time by Jesus and the disciples.

Psa 118:1 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.
Psa 118:2 Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
Psa 118:3 Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
Psa 118:4 Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
Psa 118:5 I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.
Psa 118:6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
Psa 118:7 The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.
Psa 118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
Psa 118:9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.
Psa 118:10 All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them.
Psa 118:11 They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.
Psa 118:12 They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.
Psa 118:13 Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.
Psa 118:14 The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.
Psa 118:15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.
Psa 118:16 The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.
Psa 118:17 I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.
Psa 118:18 The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death.
Psa 118:19 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:
Psa 118:20 This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.
Psa 118:21 I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.
Psa 118:22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
Psa 118:23 This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
Psa 118:24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psa 118:25 Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.
Psa 118:26 Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.
Psa 118:27 God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.
Psa 118:28 Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.
Psa 118:29 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Psa 118:22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
Psa 118:23 This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

These verses were quoted five times in the New Testament, referring to Israel's rejection of Jesus their Messiah. Jesus was about to go to the cross for our sins having completed the Passover dinner, he sang this Psalm and was the fulfillment.

Psalm 118 in English

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WwccBABT3o&feature=player_embedded#at=103

Psalm 118 in Hebrew

http://www.5min.com/Video/Psalms-hallel-service-22-9802729

The Foolish and the Wise

Mat 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
Mat 25:2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
Mat 25:3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
Mat 25:4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
Mat 25:5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
Mat 25:6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
Mat 25:7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
Mat 25:8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
Mat 25:9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

All the virgins had lamps but five had no oil. The oil is the symbol for the Holy Spirit. I think of a flashlight with old batteries; once ready for use, but neglect resulted in a dead flashlight in the time of need. Have you checked your batteries? I assume all the virgins represented those who at one time professed faith in Jesus Christ. They were all awaiting his return, but all were not ready for him. Five of the virgins had neglected their relationship with God. They had not learned to maintain their spiritual lives. Perhaps they were always coming to the other five virgins for help. They did not look at the Bible for God's truth, they neglected to pray. Oh, they had lots of problems but they learned to just complain to the others to gain satisfaction. Well, the time came when the bridegroom came, Jesus had arrived. Those who always were leaning on others had been refused. I only have enough oil for my lamp; I cannot give to you what you needed to receive for yourself. In the end, each one was responsible for their own walk of faith, another person cannot save them, only Jesus saves and the evidence is the filling of the oil of the Holy Spirit. Perhaps these virgins were as the women that Paul spoke about? Lacking discernment they listened to false teachers and were unable to find truth.

2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2Ti 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
2Ti 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Holy Father God, help us to know you and Jesus who died to give us eternal life. Fill me LORD with your Holy Spirit and guide me in all truth. Help each one who reads this to trust in Jesus for salvation and to be filled with your Holy Spirit. In Jesus name I pray, amen

Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

The Lord's Coming

We are seeing the events leading up to the coming of Christ. One well known Christian Radio teacher has predicted the end is coming: May 21, 2011. No man knows the date, so he will be proven to be a false prophet.

Mat 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
Mat 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
Mat 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
Mat 24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
Mat 24:8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

Mat 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Mat 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

Mat 24:16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:

Dan 11:36 And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.
Dan 11:37 Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.
Dan 11:38 But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.
Dan 11:39 Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain.

2Th 2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
2Th 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
2Th 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
2Th 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

Mat 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Mat 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

Mat 24:27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Mat 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Mat 24:37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Mat 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

Mat 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
Mat 24:45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
Mat 24:46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
Mat 24:47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.

Mat 25:7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

Mat 25:8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

Mat 25:9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

Mat 25:10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

Mat 25:11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

Mat 25:12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

Mat 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

We are to be ready for his coming, not slothful but busy serving him. If we knew what day he was coming, then many would say they are his...BUT...If he comes when not expected, only those who are committed to him will be ready for him. He will give heavenly rewards to those who are faithful.

It seems that one event must occur before his return. Whether this is the rapture or his coming back to rule, I do not know. The man of sin, the abomination of desolation, the anti christ, the satan filled beast, called the man of peace, he will be showing himself. He will claim to be the Christ setting himself up to be worshipped as god in the temple. Tribulation in the form of persecution of the children of God will come followed by God's wrath on the children of disobedience. The rapture could occur at any time, but these events will come before his return to earth. Be ready and be faithful.