Peter's Bold Preaching

Now comes the important gospel message.

Acts 2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

A powerful sermon begins with, listen to my words as he spoke with authority.

Jesus of Nazareth, even the devils knew that name;

Mark 1:23 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,
Mark 1:24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.
Mark 1:25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.
Mark 1:26 And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.

a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs;

Yes even his enemies knew he was from God;

Jhn 11:47 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.
Jhn 11:48 If we let him thus alone, all [men] will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.

They were concerned for their own positions, seeking job security, so from envy they killed Jesus. When Jesus becomes king on earth all nations will bow to him. God worked mighty works through him.

Phil 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Phil 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

Jesus speaks

Luk 11:20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.

The testimony of the healed blind man

John 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshiper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
John 9:32 Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.
John 9:33 If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.

Acts 2:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

Peter doesn't hold back, he speaks the truth with new Holy Ghost boldness.

Even though God sent him knowing that he was to die for sins, and Jesus also knowing this was his cup given him by his father, yet he obeyed;

Mat 26:39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

Still, those who murdered Jesus must bear the responsibility for their actions.

"ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain (Jesus):"

Mat 27:25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.
Mat 27:26 Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

Mat 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Mat 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Peter was not out to tickle the ears of the people, or to make them laugh, he speaks the truth to them

Acts 2:24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

Quoting from Psalms 16, In the term "pains of death", the word pains is actually the word for "birth pains"; in this sense, the tomb was a womb for Jesus! The grave can no more hold the Redeemer than a pregnant woman can hold the child in her body.

John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Born of water, a natural birth from woman. Born of the Spirit, the resurrected Christ coming out of the cave tomb a new Spiritual creation.

Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

For as he was raised by the Spirit of life, so shall we likewise be made alive.

Rom 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

The resurrection is the proof of our new life in Christ

1 Cor 15:17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
1 Cor 15:18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
1 Cor 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
1 Cor 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
1 Cor 15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
1 Cor 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

Peter continues to speak of the resurrection. Killing Jesus was not a victory for Satan, but his defeat!

Through believing in Jesus, His blood removes our sins and we shall be with Jesus forever.

The ascension of Jesus

 Acts 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.

If we want to be witnesses, we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit! Far more important than the best course in evangelism is the filling of the Holy Spirit!

Wait in Jerusalem for Holy Ghost power; after which you shall witness starting at home, your own area of influence and unto every part of the earth. Never in our lifetime has the opportunity and need been greater than this day.

The progress of the spread of the Gospel from Jerusalem, to Judea and Samaria, and then to the end of the earth becomes the outline of Acts. Acts chapters 1 through 7 describe the gospel in Jerusalem, chapters 8 through 12 speak of the gospel in Judea and Samaria, and chapters 13 through 28 tell of the gospel going to the end of the earth

2 Cor 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

It is not a time to withdraw in fear. Soon the Holy Spirit will come giving the believers power to witness, power to love , power to cast out devils and all the gifts of God in which to accomplish His will. This will be the beginning of the Church.

Acts 1:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

The glory cloud ( Shekinah glory?)

Exo 13:21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way;  and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

Remember Jesus’ words to His disciples in John 16:7: It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. Now the disciples could know that that promise would be fulfilled. He allowed them to see that he was departing.

Acts 1:10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

Apparently angels dressed in white. Remember the appearance of the angel at the tomb; a young man dressed in a long white garment.

Mark 16:5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.

Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

No need to keep gazing into heaven. Jesus has given you a commission to go into the world and preach the gospel to every creature. This same Jesus, not another, shall return in like manner.

Beware of false Jesus' returning.

Mark 13:22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
Mark 13:23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.

He shall return in a cloud on the Mt. of Olives from whence he departed.

Angels and Bees

Our Apricot tree is full of blossoms, but I only saw one bee to pollinate it. Bees are required to set on the fruit. Like the Bees, we are to be working to produce fruit as well.

I noticed four or five Black Swallowtail butterflies that were landing on the blossoms. I saw it as angels sent to help in the harvest. Black angels, but good ones, for the work of pollinating the tree.

Cloaked like a priest it does the work before the harvest.

The color is on the outside of the wings of this angel butterfly. I thought of this story and was thinking that we in Christ are to be busy as the Bee in telling people that Jesus has come to bring them good news. He has paid the price for our sins. Come to Jesus and be saved. Only one Bee? and only a few workers in the sharing of the good news.

Mat 9:37  Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 

Mat 9:38  Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. 

I thought of the end of this age. The church having been raptured and the tribulation so great, when as a last call the LORD sends out an angel with the gospel message. Like these butterflies he will come to bring fruit and one last harvest.

Rev 14:6  And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 

Rev 14:7  Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. 

Worship our God , the creator of all there is and receive Jesus as your Lord and savior.

Eaglewings Ministries

Feet

An artist has painted a picture of Jesus washing a disciples feet. At first Peter refused to have Jesus serve him in this lowly way. But, it was an important lesson for him and for those who would follow Jesus as their master. The example was to show them that they were to be servants. I also see the foot washing as being symbolic of our need to be washed daily in the water of the word of God and in our asking for forgiveness for any new sins.

John13:7  Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. 

John13:8  Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. 

John13:9  Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. 

John13:10  Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. 

Joh 13:11  For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. 

John13:12  So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? 

Joh 13:13  Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 

John13:14  If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 

John13:15  For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 

1Jn 1:9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

A dear elderly widow has a pair of new shoes. They are very bright and colorful. She had worked in our church garden faithfully even in the hot summer sun. This was a way to serve that she enjoyed. Later on she suffered a small stroke and spent some time in a convalescent home, but now she is back in church. A mother of the church with a heart of gold.

Tit 2:3  The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 

Tit 2:4  That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 

Tit 2:5  To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 

This may sound foolish but I was praying in the darkness of the church sanctuary and I saw two spots of lights  at the back of the room coming from the sky light. In the dark I stood in these beams of light as an example of the word of God speaking of walking in the light.

Psa 56:10  In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word. 

Psa 56:11  In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me. 

Psa 56:12  Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee. 

Psa 56:13  For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?

Psa 119:105  Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. 

John 8:12  Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. 

1Jn 1:7  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 

Rom 10:15  And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 

Eaglewings Ministries

Bland

I made a loaf of bread today from a familiar recipe. I knew the ingredients by heart. It sometimes takes many hours for bread to rise and be ready to bake in the oven. It came out piping hot and lovely. I sliced a piece from the end, tasted it, and then I realized that I had left out the salt. The bread was good, but bland and pasty to taste. It had lost it's savor.

Mat 5:13  Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 

How do we lose our salt as a Christian? Some thoughts on this; by our bad testimony and willful sins we bring shame to the faith. Often we are fearful and do not speak when we should. Still another thought is we speak but not from God's inspired word. Or when we share the word,  we are dull and lacking the conviction of the Holy Spirit in what we say. The word is alive, so we should be alive when we share it. Speak boldly, with zeal.

Eph 6:18  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 
Eph 6:19  And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 
Eph 6:20  For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. 

Turning again to the way

John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 

I took a wrong turn in the car three different times today. I had to backtrack and get on the right way again. The last time made me a few minutes late for our rest home service. What a wonderful group of people were there waiting for us. They truly enjoy our time together as do we. The Lord is there; as one friend said, this is as the gates of hell or of heaven, a last chance to make a decision. We have the opportunity to point them towards Jesus and everlasting life. They hear us each week giving them the way.  We all were lost at one time, heading the wrong way. It just took correction, turning or repentance and accepting Jesus as the way to the Father. By loving them, by worshiping together we point the way. Maybe some have never heard the gospel message? They are given an opportunity before stepping into eternity. Lord save our rest home friends.

Act 2:36  Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 

Act 2:37  Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 

Act 2:38  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 

Act 2:39  For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 

Well fed

Between lunch and our 2:30 rest home ministry, I stopped by a local park. The camera was in the car so surely there should be something interesting to see. I saw this big fluffy homeless cat that looked well fed. He was well fed, for someone had a large supply of cat food and watering bowls out in the brush. There was even something similar to a dog house. I cannot call it a cat house, but it was a shelter. The stray cats were not alone scavenging in the park for there were many homeless, street people there as well. No food was poured out on the ground, in fact there is an ordinance preventing the feeding of stray humans. The local Rescue Mission has meals for the homeless. A new policy at the mission has made it so that they do not have to sit for a gospel message in order to receive free food. Always in the past the people were fed the word of God before feeding them. I suppose this is progressive? Perhaps some of the support comes from non Christian sources? Once outsiders start paying the bills, then they start telling you what to do. They say there is separation of church and state. In truth it is the state separating people from the Christian religion.

Bringing gifts

A Christmas lawn light display honors the birth of Jesus. Included in the manger scene are the wise men who brought gifts. In the Bible it says that they came to the house, so they came later to see Jesus. We often hear of things in the Bible with traditions instead of truth. The important thing here is that Jesus came as a babe and he was honored by the wise men bringing him gifts. This is the season for gift giving. I am amazed by some who give so generously, I suppose it is a gift, to be able to give. 

Last night our church blessed us with a wonderful dinner. After the dinner we were given gifts, I did nothing to deserve being gifted by the pastor or by a friend, but I suppose that is what giving is about. Jesus was the greatest gift ever given. We were unworthy but he gave himself to us to pay the price for our freedom. He made us to be children of God so that we may continue to live forever with him. How could we refuse such a gift? The greatest evil is to refuse this free gift and to forbid others from hearing the gospel so that they too may receive the gift.

We may think we have little to give, but we can share the greatest gift to others, the good news that Jesus has come and that through him our sins are forgiven. Go tell others of this wonderful gift, it is the greatest gift that anyone can receive; salvation by grace,through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Eph 2:4  But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 
Eph 2:5  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 
Eph 2:6  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 
Eph 2:7  That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 
Eph 2:8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 
Eph 2:9  Not of works, lest any man should boast. 
Eph 2:10  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 

Look up

The park is only a mile from our home, so when the last light of the day comes and I need refreshing I find solitude there. I see the LORD's creation as the sun dies in the west. How beautiful are the western skies through the majestic oaks from the pond boat dock.

The air is crisp and the beauty of God's creation takes my breath away. If it is so beautiful here, how much more beautiful will be our heavenly home?

John 14:1  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 

John 14:2  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 

John 14:3  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 

The silent ripples in the pool mirror the beauty of the sunset. We too are to mirror the beautiful light that is Jesus.

Joh 14:4  And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. 

John 14:5  Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? 

John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 

Mark 16:15  And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 

Mark 16:16  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 

Mark 16:17  And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 

Mark 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. 

Looking towards the eastern sky through the oak, the  clouds are a cooler pink and blue.

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. 

Streaks of pink clouds show the urgency of moving before the last light goes out.

Mat 16:1  The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. 

Mat 16:2  He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. 

Mat 16:3  And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? 

My heart knows that the world of man's doing is a mess, having removed the foundations of truth, the word of God. The creation shouts that the Lord lives!

Job 19:25  For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: 

Job 19:26  And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: 

Job 19:27  Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.

Luke 21:25  And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 

Luke 21:26  Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 

Luke 21:27  And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 

False Deceivers

It is Halloween day and as I drove home from a concert last night I noticed several yards that were elaborately decorated with ghosts, pumpkin faces, witches and some had expensive props with colored lights strung up. For some there is almost as much celebrating for this dark day as is done for Christmas. To many people there may be little difference in the days to them, all is for fun and treats. Not many are sad at Halloween,  maybe strung out on sugar, but at Christmas, many are sad. Perhaps this is conviction, the Lord seeking to draw the lost back to him. At worst it is the devil and the flesh remembering happier times. Let us hold onto what is good each day while we are alive on this earth for we are witnesses of a better time, the time of our meeting Jesus and our conversion from darkness to the kingdom of light. Paul encouraged a Bishop of God in his letter to Titus.

Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

Holding fast, he is anchored in the word of God. By the word he is able to correct and encourage others. The word of God is able to bring God's power for a new life to some of the skeptics and enemies of the Lord.

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

We must be subject to God's word and his direction. Too many are living evil lives, even some of those who are in the church; they are not disciples of Jesus Christ. We need to obey God and his word.

False ones

Titus 1:10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:

unruly; not under submission to authority

vain talkers; speaking empty worthless words

deceivers; seducers, flatterer, seeking to take advantage of you

the circumcision; the old covenant Jews, those who do not understand nor receive the grace of Jesus, or those who wish to put Jewish customs upon the Christians. For example, insisting in circumcision.

Gal 5:10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.
Gal 5:11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.
Gal 5:12 I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
Gal 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Titus 1:11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.

These dangerous false teachers must be exposed and stopped, they are seeking your money. They want to use you and are dangerous to follow, for they are not of God. Nothing is so sad as to seek to come out of the darkness and then to be subject to a false religious guide. Jesus is the light and the new life, follow him.

Gentle affection

A recent study is showing a decline in those who are connected to a church and a rise in those who are atheists or have no faith. There is a majority now of the unconnected and they tend to vote as liberals. My concern is not politics but on reaching the unsaved for Christ and helping them to continue. The best way to do this is a one on one relationship or small groups that connect with them and disciple them. Paul as an apostle and evangelist cared for those who came to Christ as a father or nurse to newborns. 

1 Th 2:5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness:

Flattery appeals to the flesh. Satan uses flattery before taking something from you. Paul used no flattery, nor was he seeking gain in money or personal favor. Ministers who preach a gospel of financial wealth, would not fit in with the apostle Paul. He desired only to preach Jesus on the cross and his resurrection. The way of grace for those who believe.

1 Th 2:6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

They could have sought and received the best food and accommodations. They could have taken money for themselves in excess of their needs, but this is not the mind of Christ. Paul followed the Holy Spirit who speaks of Jesus and his way. He did not Lord it over the people, nor did he manipulate them for personal gain.

1 Cor 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
1 Cor 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

1 Th 2:7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

Gentle as a nurse to newborn babes. We must be gentle and patient with those newly born into God's family.

1 Th 2:8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

The apostle Paul's love and care went beyond duty, he became as a father to them. They were close family, cherished by Paul and loved by God. If you are the one who led another to Christ Jesus, you have a responsibility to feed the new one and to give them love and support. This is where the church comes in. The church has all the gifts. An evangelist may not be gifted in mercy and helps, let others share in the care of the newborn in Christ using their spiritual gifts.Teachers are needed, helpers, encouragers and those with mercy to love them when they fail. These are people as examples and above all we point them to Jesus for he is the one we are to follow. This is how we do it online and it is the best way in our church communities; we need to connect with them.

No Offence

1Co 10:31  Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
1Co 10:32  Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

I suppose the only way not to offend is to show a true love for others and towards God. Even then people may be offended by what was not said. That Pharisee spirit is out there. The spirit of antichrist is strong too.

Rom 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Rom 1:17  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Rom 1:18  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Rom 1:19  Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
Rom 1:20  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Speak the word in love. If the word offends, it also convicts of sin. People need to hear what God is saying. Speak and if they are offended, share with someone else. Give them the word and give them freedom to respond.

Compelled to Speak

Amos 3:8  The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?

Like a burning fire in my heart... 

Jer 20:9  Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

Power of the Spirit to speak...

Micah 3:8  But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.

We must declare God's message... 

Peter...Act 4:20  For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

Woe is unto me , if I preach not the gospel...

Paul...1Co 9:16  For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! 

Increase our faith LORD...
 

You must believe God and trust in him if you are going to speak for him. God's word is true, all of it. The only thing lacking is our faith. LORD help me to speak your truth to those who want to hear.

The Gospel

Good behavior is very important for we are to let our light shine before men, but our behavior alone will not save anyone. We must tell them about Jesus Christ and give them the gospel message. A church may be full of nice people and many join to be accepted, but many churches do not preach the gospel. At the heart of man is sin, we all need to be saved. Our righteousness is as filthy rags,we must come into the spiritual body of Christ and receive and be seen in his righteousness.

Rom 1:13  Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.
Rom 1:14  I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.
Rom 1:15  So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
Rom 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Rom 1:17  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Paul said that he was a debtor to all men. He owed every person a chance to hear the gospel message of Jesus Christ. He was not ashamed of the gospel message.

What is the gospel message that he preached?

1Co 15:1  Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
1Co 15:2  By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
1Co 15:3  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
1Co 15:4  And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
1Co 15:5  And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
1Co 15:6  After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
1Co 15:7  After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
1Co 15:8  And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

Christ's death burial and resurrection for our sins was the gospel that he preached. He preached the cross and the blood of Christ spilled for our healing and our sins. By faith we believe and receive the grace of God and are the born again sons of God. We are to be baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit. It is a new spiritual life we receive and we are to be renewed by the word of God in our minds and hearts. The just shall live by faith and all things are possible through our faith in God.

The End Times

Some scholars think that the account of the end times in Matthew, referred to the end of the Jewish state and temple after the Lord's first coming.

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 24:9  Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. 
Mat 24:10  And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 
Mat 24:11  And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 
Mat 24:12  And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 
Mat 24:13  But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 

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:) 

and then shall the end come; not the end of the world, as the Ethiopic version reads it, and others understand it; but the end of the Jewish state, the end of the city and temple: so that the universal preaching of the Gospel all over the world, was the last criterion and sign, of the destruction of Jerusalem; and the account of that itself next follows, with the dismal circumstances which attended it. (Gill)

 Often the prophesies have a near and an end time fulfillment. Luke spoke of the end times as well.

Luk 21:20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
Luk 21:21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.
Luk 21:22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
Luk 21:23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.
Luk 21:24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
Luk 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
Luk 21:26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
Luk 21:27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

For me, both accounts are to warn us, to give us signs to look for and to prepare our hearts for his coming. Both accounts point to the coming of our Lord for his people. There will be tribulations, but we will be with Jesus in the end. To the Jewish people in 70 AD, when the Romans destroyed their city and temple, it seemed like the end to them, but the end had not yet come.  We are to be ready for his coming at any time. Some cults teach that Jesus has already returned. We were warned not to believe in false Christs.

Mat 24:5  For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 

The abomination has not come yet, the antichrist, the beast who shall enter the temple and declare himself to be the Christ.

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:) 

We are to know the times by the descriptions of the end times and to be ready. We will know the season before the world knows, because we have the Holy Spirit who warns us.