SOAP >> Mark 11:27-33

Mark 11:27-33

Scripture //
27 And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders, 28 And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things? 29 And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me. 31 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him? 32 But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed. 33 And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.

Observation //
The authority of Jesus is brought into question after he clears the Temple of profiteers. Jesus uses a question about John the Baptist, and his authority, to close the subject.

Application //
The question for me is; what authority will I be in subjection to? When I rebel, when I sin, I am not recognizing God’s authority.  I chose to live under God’s authority and enjoy his covering, supply, mercy, grace and love.

Prayer //
Father; I submit to your authority and seek to please you in every area of my life. I thank you for the cross, for calling me to repentance, for your Holy Spirit, for the Word and for grafting me into the vine. Thank you Father for loving me! Amen.

One True God

Happy is the man who's God is the Lord! There is only one true God! Man has  created many gods in his mind and heart. These man-made gods are obstacles and barriers of lethal proportion. The True God will not share you with any other god. His love and desire to have a relationship with you is demonstrated on the Cross of Calvary. Destroy all your man-made gods and flee their false security. Run to Jesus and embrace salvation for your soul.

11-28-2014    Mark 11:11-14

S.       11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve. 12 And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: 13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. 14 And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.

O.      Jesus visits the temple to evaluate the conduct and ministry. Jesus speaks to a fig tree on his way to Bethany about fruit.

A.      I am aware that I am under evaluation at all times. My words, thoughts, attitudes and deeds are all subject to this spiritual examination. The fig tree is a warning to me that I should always have fruit (ministry, works, acts of love) for any need, even out of season.

P        Father; fill me full, to the very overflowing, with your love, joy and peace. Prompt me by your Spirit to be aware of the needs around me and excite in me a servant’s heart. Amen. 

Awake, Sleeping Church!

I am hungry for REVIVAL. God, please wake up your church!

11-24-2014    Mark 10:35-45

S.       35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. 36 And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? 37 They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. 38 But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? 39 And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: 40 But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared. 41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John. 42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. 43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

O.      Jesus reveals how to be “great” in the kingdom of heaven; be servant of all, like Jesus was a servant.

A.      I want to serve my fellow man. I will pray, teach, preach, council and share the word of God to as many as I can.

P.       Father; I surrender my will, my life and my service to you. Teach me how, when and where to serve! Amen.

What do you want Jesus to Do?

They that worship God must worship him "In Spirit and In Truth".  Much of the current noise about worship leaves this scripture completely out of the conversation. To worship in the spirit you must be filled with the Spirit....not sin. 

10-14-2014    Mark 5:15-17

S.       15 And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.16 And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.17 And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.

O.      After Jesus cast out the demons all the people were afraid and ask Jesus to leave.

A.      I must not become afraid of supernatural events. God is always the same and his ways are not always understandable. I will embrace and believe each miracle in the Bible. I will seek to draw closer to my Lord and conquer fear.

P.       Father; I seek to overcome all my fears and worries. Heal my mind and touch my spirit. I praise you and invite you to use me in this dark hour. Amen.

Outside-inside or Inside-outside?

Working out is so hard for me. I want my efforts to produce instant results. Long term, slow progress is not my thing. This is what I see in many Christians when it comes to spiritual efforts. Christians today want instant gratification. You do not get into an obese condition instantly nor do you become anemic over night. This is also true of our spirit. Keep praying, studying and attending Gods house.....in the long run you will be healthier. 

10-3-2014      Mark 4:10-

S.       10 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them

O.      Jesus sets a clear distinction between those on the inside and those on the outside of faith. Conversion is the key to understanding.

A.      I must move closer to God, learn his ways and serve his will. I must be changed! I surrender my pride, arrogance, anger, greed and selfishness.

P.       Father; re-make me like unto your son, Jesus. Create in me a pure heart, mind and soul as I willingly surrender my whole being to you. Amen.  

Paul in Rome

9-4-2014         Acts 28:29-31

S.       29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

O.      Paul lives as a free man in Rome and uses this freedom to spread the gospel.

A.      I must live the life of a free man, free from sin, shame and free from regret. I will keep myself from wickedness by clinging to Jesus and his word. I will commune with the Lord, listen and obey using my freedom wisely to the saving of my soul and as many other souls as possible.

P.       Father; I come to you weak to be made strong. I come to you hungry to be made full. I come to you lost that I may be found. I come to you to serve, use me as you will. Amen.

Meeting Jesus

8-21-2014      Acts 26:12-15

S.       12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

O.      Paul is on a journey to Damascus to arrest Christians and it is at this time he encounters Jesus.

A.      I have encountered Jesus and I know what Paul was talking about. When you meet Jesus you are forced to make a choice. Will you believe or will you turn away? Will you embrace or reject? I believe and embrace Jesus! I trade my sin for forgiveness, my shame for joy and my soul for salvation. I am no longer my own, I am his.

P.       Father; I am yours; I seek to do your will as I surrender my entire being to you. Amen.

Told and Re-Told

8-16-2014      Acts 25:13-21

S.       13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.14And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:15 About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.16 To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.17 Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:19 But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.20 And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.21 But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.

O.      King Festus shares his experience with King Agrippa and Bernice concerning Paul. Festus declares that he found nothing worthy of judgment in Paul and would have the matter handled in Jerusalem by Jewish courts but Paul exercised his right as a Roman to be judged by Caesar.

A.      When we are working to spread the gospel many of our listeners will rehearse our words to others. Our work is multiplied and God’s good news becomes a point of interest. We must plant the seed willingly and vigorously to as many as possible. Then and only then is the gospel imprinted into the minds of others that will continue the spreading.  

P.       Father; lead me to the individuals today that I may plant your words in them. Fill me with your spirit and speak through me. Amen.

Resurrection

8-11-2014      Acts 24:10-16

S.       10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:11 Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

O.      Paul gives his defence before Felix. He begins with a reference to the Jewish belief in resurrection and how he too has that same hope and faith.

A.      The power of resurrection is alive and stirring my heart today. I declare the resurrection of Jesus from the grave and then my own resurrection from sin. I rejoice in this truth and shout it out loud; I have been resurrected (born again) from my grave of sin and now I live in and through Jesus, The Christ!

P.       Father; Thank you for raising Jesus from the tomb and thank you for calling me out of the grave. Amen.

No Fear!

8-10-2014      Acts 24: 6-9

S.       6 Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.7 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,8 Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.9 And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.

O.      Tertullus lies to Felix about Paul’s profaning of the Temple, Paul was lawfully in the Temple, and he exaggerates the actions of Lysias in securing Paul away from the mob.

A.      We must be ready to hear lies and exaggerations told about us. The Devil must use lies because he has no truth in him. God will redeem us according to his will!

P.       Father; Take away all my fear, worry and doubt. Secure me in your arms as the storms pass my way. Amen.

Citizenship

8-3-2014         Acts 22:25-29

S.       25 And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?26 When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.27 Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea.28And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.29 Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.

O.      Paul reveals to the soldiers that he is a free born Roman citizen. This fact spares him from a flogging.

A.      We must speak out as to our heritage and declare where we came from. This will help us establish our “new standing” before God and man.

P.       Father; I will declare your love, mercy and grace to everyone I can. I will show them where you brought me from to where I am today. Fill my mouth with words that will declare your marvelous grace. Amen.

I will Not be HURT!

7-27-2014      Acts 21:37-39

S.       37 And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek? 38Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?39But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

O.      The captain holding Paul finds out that he has the wrong man in custody. Paul still wants to speak to the very people that have hurt him.

A.      We must communicate with people if they are to learn who we really are. We must not lose our compassion and love for the ones that have hurt us.

P.       Father; cleanse my heart and mind of thoughts of retribution towards those that have hurt me. Teach me how to communicate love and forgiveness to each one. May people see more of you in me! Amen.

The Will of God

7-22-2014      Acts 21:14

S.       14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

O.      Paul will not turn from his path to Jerusalem even though he knows that prison and maybe even death are ahead. God’s will was more important than personal comfort.

A.      This says that God has a will for my life! I will seek to learn that will and obey it. I know that the Bible says that it is God’s will that I be “born again” (saved, confessing my sin and abandoning sin’s practices) and I have. It says; I should love God and my fellow man, take up “my” cross and follow Jesus, I do that also. There must be more, some special things that I alone am called to do. I will seek this out.

P.       Father; I seek to do your will. Lead me this day to do your will, no matter the cost. Holy Spirit, fill me to the full, open my mind and show me God’s will and warn me if I stray. Amen.

Spirit led

7-21-2014      Acts 21:1-13

S.       1 And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phoenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.3 Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.6 And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.7 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

O.      Paul is on his final journey to Jerusalem where he will be arrested and sent to Rome. He visits with followers of the Christian way as he makes this trip. In most places the Spirit reveals the up-coming difficulty for Paul. Paul declares his faith to all.

A.      The Holy Spirit will prepare our heart for the work of Christ. Why do we try to do this work without the leadership of the Holy Spirit? We must rely completely, trust completely and obey completely the Spirit, lest our labor be in vain and our life a waste.

P.       Father; I empty myself before you this day and I surrender my mind, soul and heart to your perfect will. Fill me with your spirit. Reveal your plan for this day and I will obey. Use me Lord to gather souls. Amen.  

Dead Boy

7-13-2014      Acts 20:4-12

S.       4 And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.5 These going before tarried for us at Troas.6 And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.8 And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.9 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.10 And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.11 When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.12 And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

O.      Paul’s travels bring to Troas where he preaches so long that Eutychus falls asleep and is killed by his fall from a high window. Eutychus is brought back to life and the miracle brings great comfort to the church. Many people are traveling with Paul through Asia, leaders and men of good standing from churches newly established. These men are being trained in the ministry “on the job”.

A.      Working together will make us better. I must teach and learn from my fellow Christians. It is not just about me and what I am. It is about us and who we are. God gives us these examples of unity and fellowship to show us the proper way to live. We are to be parts of the whole, not isolated, not independent, not loaners or islands.

P.       Father; teach me how to pull people together, to grow, to produce and live as one being fully dedicated to worship, fellowship and to saving the lost. I need others and God I need you. Teach me Lord. Amen.

Legal Defense

7-11-2014      Acts 19:21-41

S.       21 After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.22 So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timothy and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.23 And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;25 Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.26 Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:27 So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.28 And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.29 And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.30 And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.31 And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.32 Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.33 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.34 But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.35 And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?36 Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.37 For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.38 Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.39 But if ye enquire anything concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.40 For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.41 And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

O.      Christians are brought into conflict with the silversmiths of Ephesus and the riot is calmed by the Town Clerk.

A.      As we go about spreading the gospel we may encounter opposition. We must be instructed by the Holy Ghost as to our reactions and responses. God may use many different methods, as he did here, to remedy our troubles. I will trust in the Lord.

P.       Father; I will lean on you in my times of trouble to guide my reactions and to bring about my remedy. I trust in your Spirit to guide my steps and fill my mind and mouth. Save me, Lord, Amen.

Opposition

7-7-2014         Acts 19:8-10

S.       8 And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.9 But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

O.      Paul moves the church members into a local school after members of the synagogue denounce the message of Jesus. All Asia is exposed to the gospel message.

A.      Paul did not rise up in anger and fight for his “rights”. He simply moved away from the opposition and continued to spread the gospel. Some will hear and accept and some will reject our message. Some will even try to stop the message altogether. We must never become discouraged or afraid because of opposition. Opposition is a sure sign that something is stirring the pot. The devil never fights with the ones on his side!

P.       Father; thank you for showing me Paul’s example. I will keep looking for people that will accept this wonderful message and not waste time with the rejecters.  Give me discernment to identify your children and wisdom to minister to their needs. Amen.

New Teachings

6-28-2014      Acts 17:16-21

S.       16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.17 Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.19 And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?20 For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.21 (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

O.      Paul preaches at Athens and his message is very new to these people.

A.      We must spread the message of Jesus to people who have never heard his teachings.

P.       Father; fill me with the words that can reach those who have never heard your message. Lead me by your Holy Spirit to the ones that I may be a comfort to. Amen.

Honorable People

6-26-2014      Acts 17:10-12

S.       10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

O.      Many people in Berea listen to Paul and receive his message.

A.      I must keep sharing the gospel wherever I may go. Souls are saved, lives changed and God will lift up the oppressed.

P.       Father; lead me today in all that I say and do. May I represent you and you alone, throughout this blessed day! Amen,

New Town, Same Message.

6-25-2014      Acts 17:1-9

S.       1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,3 Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.4 And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.5 But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.8 And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things.9 And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.

O.      Thessalonica is the next city to hear the news of Jesus. Once again trouble is stirred up by un-believing Jews.

A.      Some will hear and believe and others will reject the message of Jesus. I must remember it is Jesus they are rejecting and not to be offended.

P.       Father; renew my energy, fill my heart and lead me to the ones that will hear and believe. Amen.