The counsel of God.

7-16-2014      Acts 20:25-27

S.       25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

O.      Paul says goodbye and declares that he has taught them everything he could.

A.      It is wise to share our knowledge with each other. Missing elements are brought to light and memory is awakened. I will share all I know about God and his love.

P.       Father; I rededicate myself to the spreading of the gospel. Help me to remember all I have learned and to listen to my brethren and learn. Amen.

Take a stand

6-15-2014      Acts 15: 24-29   (Father’s Day 2014)

S.       24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

O.      This is the letter sent out from the Jerusalem Council.

A.      We do well when we come to a place of understanding and unity. Unity is a central theme of Heaven. We can therefore have “heaven on earth” when we establish and foster unity. (Pride must die for unity to be complete)

P.       Father; Make me into a man of peace and a builder of unity. Amen.

A matter settled.

6-14-2014      Acts 15:13-23

S.       13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:14 Simon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:

O.      James announces his approval of the decision and reminds the council of scriptures concerning fornication and idol worship and blood disposal. This pleased the council and word is returned to Paul’s churches.

A.      Sharing the council of others is a good thing. “In the multitude of councilors let every matter be established”. I must not isolate myself from the wisdom of my contemporaries. They are a fountain of experience to be shared.

P.       Father; lead me to men and women that are full of life, joy, peace and the Love of God. Help me to listen, learn and glean their wisdom. Give me discernment as a filter and memory of the vital. Amen.