Pilate, in an attempt to please the crowd, asked them, “What then do you want me to do with Jesus?” How often do you make significant decisions with the noble idea of “pleasing the crowd”? As Easter comes upon us all, consider asking yourself the question Pilate asked: “What do I do with Jesus?” It is a question that has only one correct answer – and that answer is life changing.
James considered himself a servant of God – a “slave” of the most honorable position. He shares a revolutionary viewpoint centering on God’s perspective and not our own. James reveals how we are to view hardships when we are in them. God’s perspective, and God’s wisdom, allow us to see things with our eyes wide open – with trust, and ultimately, with joy.
As we enter Acts 25, two years have passed since Paul was imprisoned under the rule of Felix. A new governor, Festus, has now come into power. At the urging of the Jewish leaders, Paul now stands before Festus in a fervent Q&A. Amazingly, Festus is so impressed by Paul…
Critics Will Question And God Will Answer - Acts 25 [ 48:27 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (110)In Acts 24, we find Tertullus, the prosecutor for the Jews, presenting prefabricated accusations against Paul that were no more fact than all of the flattery he was flinging at Felix, the Roman governor. But notice, after all of the prosecutor’s artificial adulation, Felix chooses not to question the apostle; the governor simply raises his hand unto Paul, and then gives him the floor…
In 1 Samuel 21, we see David at an all time low; he is faltering and failing in his faith. Later in his life, he will write of the value of waiting on God, trusting God, and seeking God’s will; but for now, he is lying to priests and kings while fleeing in the face of fear. What is your greatest fear? With God you can find the strength to face it!
God’s people are Kingdom representatives. We need to take risks – we need to be daring, bold, strong and courageous; we need to step out in faith on God’s Word; we need to decide to follow Jesus and say there is no turning back. We may be in seasons of chaos, confusion, conflict, and calamity, but we cry out to Christ to come and renew us, restore us, rescue us…
As we continue in the book of Acts we see Paul facing numerous conflicts from within and without.
We can often find ourselves “between a rock and a hard place.” But, how do we respond when we find ourselves between several rocks and hard places?
In 1 Samuel 20, the king is in the process of losing his mind, and his throne. Saul knows the truth – David is God’s chosen heir – but Saul still tries to deny it. In his humanity, in an attempt to change reality, in his desire to stay in a place of prosperity, Saul takes matters into his own hands. Tragically, we learn yet another lesson from the king; you can’t kill truth and keep God’s blessings.
Killing The Truth To Keep God's Blessing - 1 Samuel 20 [ 1:05:27 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (92)Paul is overcome by a crowd trying to kill him because of gossip and false presumptions – but the Roman soldiers save his life!
And look at vs.37! Did Paul respond to the crowd with righteous indignation and say, “Do you know who I am? The mighty apostle Paul!” No! In Paul’s heart…
