Last week we gave you a lot of history concerning Barnabas and Paul because I wanted you to have this facts established: 1. Brothers in Christ; 2. Co-Laborers in many mission works together and without a doubt friends. Remember everyone is not in your life for your whole life, many are put in your life for specific purposes and specific seasons. Thank God and celebrate those Father God puts in your life, who can finish the final season of your destiny because they are few most of the time. It’s proven right here in the early church.
Acts 15:37 Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. 38 But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. Barnabas, the people person, the encourager wanted to give John Mark another chance but Paul had not got over the fact that John Mark had quit on them in an earlier missionary journey, leaving them and going back home. There are so many ways this story can be approached from but let’s look at this side of the story: what if Paul had extended to John Mark the same mercy and grace that had been given to him. Maybe John Mark had got ahead of the Holy Spirit in his zeal to do something for Jesus and he wasn’t mature enough to fight the demonic encounters that an early missionary would fight. The scriptures does not give indication why John Mark left them. Could it have been a family matter? A job situation? A death? Or just because he was scared? We don’t know, we can only speculate but the fact was they were on a missionary assignment and John Mark left them and went home. Could Paul have been holding a grudge? Could Paul have been holding some unforgiveness? Once again scripture does not tell us, so we can only speculate but it would not be based on facts. This is a major disagreement between two of the early leaders of the early church proving to us that disputes, misunderstandings, and disagreements are part of ministry. It’s how we resolve the issues that is important. Ephesians says, neither give place to the devil. 39 Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. 40 Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord's gracious care. 41 Then he traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches there. Undoubtedly this disagreement got a little heated to the point that leaders had to go their separate ways. Barnabas took John Mark and sailed off for Cyprus and Paul got another missionary partner named Silas and took off to Syria and Cilicia. Both of these teams went on to do great work for the Kingdom but without a doubt this disagreement left a mark on the early church, causing division. The text omits two factors many find crucial in avoiding or minimizing conflict. First, prayer: there is no evidence that Barnabas and Paul prayed – and Acts abounds with prayer examples (see 1:14; 2:42; 6:4; 9:11). Anytime there is disagreement there should be a season of prayer. Second, a mediator or peacemaker is absent. It appears Barnabas and Paul decided to argue first and talk later—something typical of people throughout the ages. That is never acceptable among the children of God, we are called to be peacemakers. Who was right, who was wrong? That’s an easy question, both men were right and both men were wrong and Father God still loved them both. This dispute was not over doctrinal issues but rather a judgment call. To their credit, this dispute did not detour them in their pursuit of building the Kingdom. They realized the truth of the fact, that this was a personal issue they had to get over and they did. Read this carefully, over the long haul, the decision of Barnabas may have proved best – at least for John Mark. Years later, Paul finds the formerly useless Mark “useful,” as revealed in the apostle’s concluding epistle. “Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministering” (2 Tim. 4:11). And in Colossians 4:10, one observes that the once-rejected young worker was commended, and the Colossian saints were asked to be receptive to him. What am I saying? Never Never Give Up On Anyone! You never know whom the Holy Spirit will use in your future to help you. The one Paul refused to take with him, is one of the one he would later request. I’m thankful God isn’t through with any of us, so we need to exercise the same amount of grace and patience we desire Father God to show to us. I’ve learned this: I can be 100% right in facts but 100% wrong in attitude. Prayer Points: Pray, when I’m in a disagreement with some-one, help me to see the scene as you see it. Don’t let me be close minded or stubborn, but help me to see truth and walk in the truth.
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We have been studying how the early church was in revival and the Gentiles were being saved, healed and filled and now we read this:
Acts 15: 36 After some time Paul said to Barnabas, "Let's go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing." I love their spirit. They were not just interested in getting people saved but really engaged in making sure the new believers were continuing their spiritual walk with the Lord. For too many years, leaders have been more concerned about numbers than they are about people continuing along their spiritual journey. It’s not just enough to begin; we must continue growing in Christ. Friends, we as the body of Christ, are responsible for the rest of the body, not just the ministers. Ministers cannot take care of the whole body but it’s their duty to train and equip others to care for the body. Too many times believers rely too much on the ministers to do all the work of the ministry but every believer is called and anointed to minister to others, to disciple others, to help others. The whole body of Christ must learn to be involved in ministry, using their gifts and talents in the Kingdom. Eph 4:11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This is how the church was supposed to function; everyone doing their part but somewhere we began to miss it and thought the gifts God gave to the church were supposed to do all the work of ministry. I want Acts again! I want to see the supernatural manifestation of God’s power and glory over this region but if that is to happen, we must get back to what how the church functioned in the book of Acts. Acts 6:2 So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, "We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. 3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. 7 So God's message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too. In every believer there are talents Father God has imparted into them for work in the ministry of Father God’s Kingdom and in the local body. When the ministry gifts (pastors, teachers, evangelists, prophets, apostles) do all the work, other people’s talents are not released and soon they will become spiritually oppressed because they are not able to release their talents. We must release people within the body of Christ to minister to the body of Christ. This devotion goes out to different churches and to many people so I try to keep all the devotions applicable to everyone. If you have a gift or talent that is not being used, please go to your pastor to let him know you are willing to use the gift Father God has given you in the local body of Christ. We all want to hear the words WELL DONE when we meet Jesus but He can’t say WELL DONE if we have not DONE WELL with the talents He gave us. Please hear my heart when I say this, sometimes what we like to minister (or be involved) in ministry which is not what we are gifted to do. Make sure when you go to your spiritual leader and offer your ministry gifts, that you are gifted for what you have volunteered to do. I love to sing but I’m not gifted to sing so I sing in private. Maybe you love teaching but that doesn’t mean you are gifted to teach. Your gift will make room for you in each local body but stay within your gifting. I’ve seen people trying to help with students who were not gifted for that purpose and it created misery for the person and chaos for those involved. I’ve heard people want to sing but couldn’t carry a note and it didn’t bring harmony. When you find your place of ministry, your gifting will develop even more and you will begin to feel complete in your ministry assignment. Everyone needs to take a Ministry Gift Testing (we have one if you need it) to find out where your spiritual gifting lies. If you want to be a hostess but you do not have the gift of being hospitable, then we need to find your true gifting or it will create confusion. This devotion just seem to flow this morning, seemingly away from the text but I know it’s God’s for this week to all of us. Prayer Points: Father God give me a passion for ministry that goes with the talents you have placed deep inside of me. Guide me into the ministry path in my local church that you have for me. The early church leaders made up their minds in last week’s devotion that the Gentiles did not have to keep the Jewish laws but rather they were saved by grace through faith. Now they write a letter to the Gentile churches and send their counsel. Let’s read this together.
Acts 15: 22 Then the apostles and elders together with the whole church in Jerusalem chose delegates, and they sent them to Antioch of Syria with Paul and Barnabas to report on this decision. The men chosen were two of the church leaders—Judas (also called Barsabbas) and Silas. 23 This is the letter they took with them: "This letter is from the apostles and elders, your brothers in Jerusalem. It is written to the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. Greetings! 24 "We understand that some men from here have troubled you and upset you with their teaching, but we did not send them! 25 So we decided, having come to complete agreement, to send you official representatives, along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We are sending Judas and Silas to confirm what we have decided concerning your question.28 "For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay no greater burden on you than these few requirements: 29 You must abstain from eating food offered to idols, from consuming blood or the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. If you do this, you will do well. Farewell." It’s amazing to me how people take spiritual oversight in a person or in a group of people’s lives without proper spiritual authority. In verse 24 we read that these who troubled the Gentiles and tried to bring them back into bondage were not even sent by the early church leaders. Friends, we must be careful whom we let speak into our lives. I’ve learned that many times those who want to have spiritual authority over others almost never operate under proper spiritual authority themselves and many times their family and their house is out of order. If I’m going to follow someone, I want to know their fruits. I want to know how they react to the authority they are under. The men who stirred up this trouble were not under proper authority but yet spoke as if they were. The Bible plainly teaches authority in the church and if churches are to see a major move of God then that authority must be set up and adhered to. Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: KJV This is the way Father God set up the church and I still believe in the five fold ministry of the church He set up. The ministry of the apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher was to oversee, train and equip the believers so they could build the Kingdom. The deacons in Acts were set up to assist the ministers in the vision God has for the local body. The first deacon’s duties were to serve tables and help pass out food while the ministers prayed, studied and sought the Lord on behalf of the church. Many churches today are set up so unscriptural, that the Lord won’t send a major move of God in that local body because of the chaos which would happen. 30 The messengers went at once to Antioch, where they called a general meeting of the believers and delivered the letter. 31 And there was great joy throughout the church that day as they read this encouraging message. 32 Then Judas and Silas, both being prophets, spoke at length to the believers, encouraging and strengthening their faith. 33 They stayed for a while, and then the believers sent them back to the church in Jerusalem with a blessing of peace. 35 Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch. They and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord there. So they went immediately and called the Gentile believers together and read the letter to them. Immediately there was joy and freedom experienced among the new believers. God-assigned authority brings freedom and joy while also bringing correction and rebuke when needed. Friends, it so important to stay under the proper authority Father God has set for the local church. Always remember this about scriptural authority: to be in authority you have to be under authority. I learned a long time ago to stay under the authority God placed over me without murmuring and grumbling, so His anointing can rest upon my life. My responsibility is to help cover those above me in prayer, fasting and also to honor them as a gift from Father God to me. Prayer Points: 1. Pray for those whom God has put in spiritual authority in your life. Pray that the Holy Spirit will use you to bring freedom and life to those around you. Acts 14:21 After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia,
What remarkable courage the apostles demonstrated going back to the very places they had been persecuted and stoned. The welfare of the infant churches they deemed of more consequence than their own safety; and they threw themselves again into the midst of danger, to comfort and strengthen those just converted to God. There are times when ministers and leaders should not count their own lives dear to them (Acts 20:24), but when they should fearlessly throw themselves into the midst of danger, confiding only in the protecting care of their God and Savior. We must remember that this is at the beginning of the early church which still had no New Testament, just the apostle’s teachings when they would come through their town preaching and ministering. 22 where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God. Remember these were young converts; that they were surrounded by enemies, and exposed to temptations and to dangers because the religious system of that time hated the truth of Jesus being the Messiah. They had very little knowledge with the truths of the gospel, and that it was therefore important that they should be further instructed in the truth, and established in the faith of the gospel. When we stand for the full gospel, we will suffer hardship in the 21st Century because there is still a spirit of religion that operates in every region that hates the truth of the Gospel. Every day someone in countries around the world give their lives for the gospel. Hardship, which means troubles, pressure, persecution, is a word that most in America does not want to hear. We want an easy gospel but friends there is a cost to being a disciple for Jesus Christ. It will cost you your personal desires. We are still commanded to take up a cross and follow Jesus but the price is so worth the pressure! 23 Paul and Barnabas also appointed elders in every church. With prayer and fasting, they turned the elders over to the care of the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. The KJV version said they ordained the elders; the meaning of the word ordained here is appointed and the word elder here is simply the aged and mature. The implication is this; the early elders were to take charge of the churches during the absence of the apostles. The apostles were about to leave them. They were just organized into churches and many in the early church were young and inexperienced; they needed counsel and direction; they were exposed to dangers; and it was necessary that persons should be designated to watch over the spiritual interests of the each church. The probability is that they performed all the functions that were required in the infant and feeble churches such as exhorting, instructing, governing, etc. The more experienced and able would most likely be active in exhorting and instructing the brethren; and all would be useful in counseling and guiding the flock. Notice they took the example Jesus gave them, making important decision through prayer and fasting. 24 Then they traveled back through Pisidia to Pamphylia. 25 They preached the word in Perga, then went down to Attalia. 26 Finally, they returned by ship to Antioch of Syria, where their journey had begun. The believers there had entrusted them to the grace of God to do the work they had now completed. 27 Upon arriving in Antioch, they called the church together and reported everything God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles, too. 28 And they stayed there with the believers for a long time. We see this as some of the first missionary efforts of the early church. Jesus commanded them to go into all the world and they were accomplishing this commission and the power of the Lord was there to empower them for this mission. Prayer Points: Father help us carry out your purposes in our lives regardless of the price it might cost us because someone’s eternity is based on the purpose you created me with. 8 While they were at Lystra, Paul and Barnabas came upon a man with crippled feet. He had been that way from birth, so he had never walked. He was sitting 9 and listening as Paul preached. Looking straight at him, Paul realized he had faith to be healed. 10 So Paul called to him in a loud voice, "Stand up!" And the man jumped to his feet and started walking.
What an amazing miracle! A man who was born crippled that never had the joy of walking through a plush meadow, jogging on a sandy beach or walking in the snow; this man had never stood in church, never walked his daughter down the aisle, but rather had to be carried wherever he went but we find him sitting and building his faith as Paul preached. As the crippled man listened to the preaching, his faith began to grow and Paul, through the gift of discernment, knew he had the faith to be healed; notice what did not happen, he did not even lay a hand on the crippled man but rather shouted “Stand Up” and he jumped to his feet and started walking for the first time in his life! I want to see this happen over and over again in this region. 11 When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in their local dialect, "These men are gods in human form!" 12 They decided that Barnabas was the Greek god Zeus and that Paul was Hermes, since he was the chief speaker. 13 Now the temple of Zeus was located just outside the town. So the priest of the temple and the crowd brought bulls and wreaths of flowers to the town gates, and they prepared to offer sacrifices to the apostles. It’s hard to explain a miracle and these local people, who didn’t have a Bible, didn’t know about Jesus except what Paul was preaching to them, only wanted to honor the men of God but they went about it totally wrong. 14 But when Barnabas and Paul heard what was happening, they tore their clothing in dismay and ran out among the people, shouting, As you can tell from Paul and Barnabas’ response they did not want to receive any honor or glory because they knew without Father God working through them, they were nothing and then we read what they said: 15 "Friends, why are you doing this? We are merely human beings—just like you! We have come to bring you the Good News that you should turn from these worthless things and turn to the living God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. 16 In the past he permitted all the nations to go their own ways, 17 but he never left them without evidence of himself and his goodness. For instance, he sends you rain and good crops and gives you food and joyful hearts." 18 But even with these words, Paul and Barnabas could scarcely restrain the people from sacrificing to them. Once again the people were just trying to thank Paul and Barnabas but Father God will not share His Glory. 19 Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowds to their side. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of town, thinking he was dead. 20 But as the believers gathered around him, he got up and went back into the town. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe. This is so amazing! One moment they were wanting to praise and honor them, treating them like little gods and now some false teaching Jews show up and the crowd turns their back on Paul and Barnabus. In fact they stoned Paul on the spot and dragged him out of town to leave him but he was not dead. The fact was he got up, went back into town and left town the next day. Never accept the praise of man, number one: because only Father God deserves the praise and number two: man can easily turn against you. Whatever you do, do as unto the Lord and not unto man knowing Father God keeps good records and gives our great rewards. Prayer Points: 1. Father God help us to learn to hear your voice and be as close to you as Paul was. 2. Help us to never get our eyes on the praise of man but focus on pleasing you day by day. Acts 14:1 The same thing happened in Iconium. Paul and Barnabas went to the Jewish synagogue and preached with such power that a great number of both Jews and Greeks became believers.
This is what the American 21st Century modern day church is missing. We have more education, we have the best communication tools, beautiful meeting places but yet we are not as effective as the early church. The main reason, I believe, for this deficiency is our preaching is not as effective as the early church because the early church preached with POWER and conviction. They preached with and under the power of the Holy Spirit because they spent quality time in His presence and lived Holy lives for Him to flow through. They also had a total dependency on the Holy Spirit because they did not have all the knowledge available to us today; in fact they didn’t have a New Testament at this time but the power of the Holy Spirit transformed lives when they preached. 2 Some of the Jews, however, spurned God's message and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against Paul and Barnabas. Remember the Jews at this time were stuck in their past, stuck in the OT because they thought Jesus was not the Messiah and they hated the message the Holy Spirit was preaching through the disciples. They thought they were helping Father God out but they were really opposing what the Holy Spirit was doing. We must never get stuck in our religious traditions that we hinder what the Holy Spirit wants to do in our lives today. The Jewish leaders tried to keep everyone from believing the truth Paul was preaching because it didn’t line up with their thinking. Today I’m thankful we have God’s Word (Bible) to test our thinking to determine what real truth is. 3 But the apostles stayed there a long time, preaching boldly about the grace of the Lord. And the Lord proved their message was true by giving them power to do miraculous signs and wonders. The apostles did not back up on preaching on the grace and the truths about Jesus being the Messiah. They kept proclaiming the wonderful news of Jesus coming, Jesus living a sinless life, Jesus dying a cruel death and Jesus resurrecting on the third day and because of these great truths everyone can enter into the Kingdom of God by faith. Now it’s by grace through faith that we are saved not by works. Now the Jews and Gentiles are become one spiritually by the powerful blood of Jesus. The Jews did not like these truths and did everything they could to stop their preaching but I love the last part of this verse which declares that Father God gave them divine power to heal, deliver and to set the captive free. Friends, when we preach the gospel, the Holy Spirit shows up with power. As we obey Mark 16, the great commission; miracles, signs and wonders will take place. 4 But the people of the town were divided in their opinion about them. Some sided with the Jews, and some with the apostles. The problem with false doctrine is this; some will reject truth to believe an untruth. Paul was preaching a gospel that would set them free but some still chose to believe a lie that kept them bound. For every truth there is a false truth and we must be very discerning and studied up in His Word to apply the truth. The truth always draws a line in the sand, dividing sheep from goats. 5 Then a mob of Gentiles and Jews, along with their leaders, decided to attack and stone them. 6 When the apostles learned of it, they fled to the region of Lycaonia—to the towns of Lystra and Derbe and the surrounding area. 7 And there they preached the Good News. It’s amazing how mean people with a false religious spirit can be. They now decided since they couldn’t stop the gospel from being preached, they would just attack and stone them. The Holy Spirit could have protected them but instead informed them and they went to another region and preached. Never forget it’s still happening today, seemingly those who preach the truth are being stoned more than ever, not with physical stones but with stones of words. Words of criticism, words of hatred, words of complaining, words of tearing down, words of negativity, words which destroy or discredit a ministry but we must continue the course and build the kingdom. I pray the enemy never uses my words to destroy but rather to encourage. Friends, we must be careful with our words because we will have to give an account one day about every idle word that comes out of our mouth. We need to speak words of blessing over our family, friends and enemies. By our fruit we will be known and fruit is known by what comes out of it and the world knows what is in us by our words that come out of us. Let’s use our words for good not bad, for encouragement not to discourage, to build up not tear down. Prayer Points: Father God in Jesus name, help me to use every word to build your kingdom not tear it down, to raise people up not beat them down. I also cancel the assignment of any negative word spoken against me, my family or my church family in Jesus Name. I release your word over us now! Acts 13:13 Paul & his companions then left Paphos by ship for Pamphylia, landing at Perga. John Mark left them & returned to Jerusalem. Paul & Barnabas traveled inland to Antioch of Pisidia. On the Sabbath they went to the synagogue for the services. After the usual readings from the books of Moses & the prophets, those in charge of the service sent them this message: "Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, come & give it." So Paul stood, lifted his hand to quiet them, started speaking. "Men of Israel," he said, "& you God-fearing Gentiles, listen to me.”The God of this nation of Israel chose our ancestors & made them multiply & grow strong during their stay in Egypt. With a powerful arm he led them out of their slavery. He put up with them through forty years of wandering in the wilderness. He destroyed seven nations in Canaan & gave their land to Israel as an inheritance. All this took about 450 years. "After that, God gave them judges to rule until the time of Samuel the prophet. Then the people begged for a king, & God gave them Saul son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, who reigned for forty years. But God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, 'I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.' "it is one of King David's descendants, Jesus, who is God's promised Savior of Israel! Before he came, John the Baptist preached that all the people of Israel needed to repent of their sins & turn to God & be baptized. As John was finishing his ministry he asked, 'Do you think I am the Messiah? No, I am not! But he is coming soon— I'm not even worthy to be his slave & untie the sandals on his feet.' "Brothers this message of salvation has been sent to us! The people in Jerusalem & their leaders did not recognize Jesus as the one the prophets had spoken about. Instead, they condemned him, & in doing this they fulfilled the prophets' words that are read every Sabbath. They found no legal reason to execute him, but they asked Pilate to have him killed anyway. "When they had done all that the prophecies said about him, they took him down from the cross and placed him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead! Over a period of many days he appeared to those who had gone with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to the people of Israel.
"Now we are here to bring you this Good News. The promise was made to our ancestors, God has now fulfilled it for us, their descendants, by raising Jesus. This is what the second psalm says about Jesus: 'You are my Son. Today I have become your Father.' For God had promised to raise him from the dead, not leaving him to rot in the grave. He said, 'I will give you the sacred blessings I promised to David.' Another psalm explains it more fully: 'You will not allow your Holy One to rot in the grave.' This is not a reference to David, for after David had done the will of God in his own generation, he died & was buried with his ancestors, & his body decayed. No, it was a reference to someone else—someone whom God raised and whose body did not decay. "Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God—something the law of Moses could never do. Be careful! Don't let the prophets' words apply to you. For they said, 'Look, you mockers, be amazed & die! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it.’”
Paul and Barnabas left the synagogue that day, the people begged them to speak about these things again the next week. Many Jews & devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, & the two men urged them to continue to rely on the grace of God. The following week almost the entire city turned out to hear them preach the word of the Lord. When some of the Jews saw the crowds, they were jealous; so they slandered Paul & argued against whatever he said. Then Paul & Barnabas spoke out boldly and declared, “It was necessary that we first preach the word of God to you Jews. But since you have rejected it and judged yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we will offer it to the Gentiles. For the Lord gave us this command when he said, ‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.’ When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad & thanked the Lord for his message; & all who were chosen for eternal life became believers. So the Lord’s message spread throughout that region. The Jews stirred up the influential religious women & the leaders of the city, & they incited a mob against Paul & Barnabas & ran them out of town. So they shook the dust from their feet as a sign of rejection & went to the town of Iconium. 52 The believers were filled with joy & with the Holy Spirit.
This is the gospel that will change people’s lives. I tried to add some commentary but I felt strongly no words, no interpretation of this chapter was needed, just God’s Word (the most powerful devotion I’ve sent out ever)
Prayer Points: Father help us fall in love with your word & guard ourselves from false doctrine & religious traditions that are not of you
Acts 13:1 Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called "the black man"), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas), and Saul.
The early church was growing and thriving even under persecution because of many reasons including: daily prayer, daily communion, fasting and giving. Another secret to their power was the five-fold ministry was being recognized and operational in the early church (apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists as described in Eph 4:11). For those who like to research, Simeon is a great man to research. Most scholars believe he was the same as Simon who helped Jesus carry his cross and then his two sons became very instrumental in the early church. Each one of these men listed had great influence in the early church but came from different backgrounds growing up. God wants to use everyone in His Kingdom, there is so much work to be done and a harvest to be brought in. 2 One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them." 3 So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way. I love the fact that the early church was built on Jesus, and not all the things that people are building a crowd on today during Sunday services. I’m afraid we have gotten away from what church should be about and how His Kingdom should be built. We have just read that as they were praying, fasting and worshipping the Lord, the Holy Spirit (our helper) gave them direction. Even after they heard from the Holy Spirit they prayed and fasted even more before they ordained Saul and Barnabas to go out as missionaries. We are ALL called into ministry and should be doing the work of the ministry to everyone we meet but this was about sending men into full time ministry as missionaries across the known world. Friend, when you step out like this, make sure you have a true call of God on your life. Too many feel a call, which we all have and think it’s a full time ministry, but you must have a Word from the Lord that comes through fasting and prayer or when the storm hits you will have no foundation to stand on. I remember when the Holy Spirit called us to The Bridge. It was confirmed by men of God in prophesy which gave us a foundation to stand on when all hell broke loose. Because of that Word from the Lord we were able to stand strong in the storm and to God be the glory for all that has happened since. 4 So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit. They went down to the seaport of Seleucia and then sailed for the island of Cyprus. 5 There, in the town of Salamis, they went to the Jewish synagogues and preached the word of God. John Mark went with them as their assistant. Once again notice the wording; they were sent out by the Holy Spirit who is the guide of the church (Body of Christ) today, who is preparing the Church (Body of Christ) for the soon return of Jesus. 6 Afterward they traveled from town to town across the entire island until finally they reached Paphos, where they met a Jewish sorcerer, a false prophet named Bar-Jesus. 7 He had attached himself to the governor, Sergius Paulus, who was an intelligent man. The governor invited Barnabas and Saul to visit him, for he wanted to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas, the sorcerer (as his name means in Greek), interfered and urged the governor to pay no attention to what Barnabas and Saul said. He was trying to keep the governor from believing. 9 Saul, also known as Paul, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he looked the sorcerer in the eye. 10 Then he said, "You son of the devil, full of every sort of deceit and fraud, and enemy of all that is good! Will you never stop perverting the true ways of the Lord? 11 Watch now, for the Lord has laid his hand of punishment upon you, and you will be struck blind. You will not see the sunlight for some time." Instantly mist and darkness came over the man's eyes, and he began groping around begging for someone to take his hand and lead him. 12 When the governor saw what had happened, he became a believer, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord. We are all called and anointed but you are anointed for the purpose which Father God has ordained. Always stay in the boundary of your created purpose. They were anointed to handle what the enemy would use to stop them, in this case a false prophet and a sorcerer (both bad news). When you are anointed and appointed there is no power of hell that can stop you as long as you remain hungry for more of the Presence of the Lord and humble in the Lord’s sight. We are too dependent on our strength and ability but we must learn to be totally dependent on the Lord and know that through obedience the victory comes. Prayer Points: 1. Ask the Holy Spirit to confirm the calling He has upon your life and then begin to spend even more time in the Father’s presence waiting for further direction. He is God and He will show us all things. Acts 12:17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold
their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place. We have been studying the miraculous escape of Peter the night before he was to be executed for loving Jesus. The angel had showed up in his prison cell and led him out of the prison supernaturally and Peter had gone to Mary’s house where he thought they might be meeting and praying and they were. Rhoda came to the door when Peter knocked and was so excited she ran back into the house without letting Peter in and they didn’t believe it was Peter until they saw him. Now in verse 17 Peter begins to tell them about the goodness of Father God and his prison deliverance. That is what we are called to do, testify about what God has done for us. Every one of us has been in a prison of some kind in our lifetime and we are called to tell others of the good news of our deliverance. Our testimony encourages others because they know if God did it for us; He will do it for them. There is great power in personal testimony. Our job is to tell and then the Holy Spirit will do His part after that but we must go and tell. Someone in the same prison you were in is waiting for a word of HOPE and we must not hold back any longer but rather share the good news of what Father God has done for us. 18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. Peter became the talk of the town, this news spread like wildfire. The guards were there, the prison cell still shut, the prison gate shut, but where was Peter? 19 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode. A sad commentary for the guards and their families but when a miracle happens, people will believe or they will become hardened in their hearts. When people become hardhearted they will begin to kill those around them (most of the time spiritually with negative words of doubt and unbelief). Friend, continue to be careful who speaks into your life. Words are powerful and the most dangerous words that can penetrate your heart are words of doubt and unbelief. In the next few verses we see the darkness inside of Herod and it was simply PRIDE. 20 And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country. 21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. 22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. 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. Pride, the downfall of so many; pride, an enemy we must all learn to hate and destroy in our lives. Greater than the false gods of this world is pride that tries to set up a kingdom in our heart. Many times we make fun of those worshipping Buddha but we worship ourselves. Pride is what caused Lucifer to get kicked out of heaven. Pride is what caused Adam to disobey. Pride is what caused Samson to go where he shouldn’t go. Pride in Saul’s heart caused him to miss his destiny and we could go on and on proving pride (selfishness) is the root of all sin. Pride is centered around self, in fact the middle letter in pride is “I”. Pride is when it’s about what I want, what I thought, what I perceived to be true instead of what does Father God want for me, what does Father God want me to do, what does Father God say. Then we read this truth; 24 But the word of God grew and multiplied. 25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark. The early church is being persecuted BUT God’s Kingdom grew and multiplied. The persecution had taken the church from daily addition to multiplication. If we are going to multiply then we must be willing to be persecuted for the gospel but it’s worth it. Prayer Points: Father God, help me with the power of the Holy Spirit and the Blood of Jesus to destroy pride in my life. Help me to yield myself fully to your Kingdom in Jesus Name! What a supernatural and divine deliverance we have been reading and studying in Acts 12! Peter, about to be beheaded the next day, is visited by an angel and delivered from the prison supernaturally. The Holy Spirit reminded me of this truth early Tuesday morning; when it seems like you are the closest to total destruction with no hope, it’s then that you are really closest to your greatest breakthrough. Three Hebrew children about to be burned alive, it was too late seemingly but God had already made a way. Friends, the good news is this, God has already made a way for you also.
12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. Peter is now standing outside the prison on the street and finally decides that he will go to Mary’s house because if anyone is up at this time and praying for him, it will be Mary. Aren’t you thankful for the Marys in your life that you know are praying for you? As a pastor, it is such a blessing to know there are people praying for us daily and if you are not, please do so. We need your prayer covering and so do others in your circle. Let them know you are covering them in prayer; it will greatly encourage them in their spiritual walk. Then this story gets a little comical, let’s read; 13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. 14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. It’s dark, probably after midnight, and Peter is standing at Mary’s house trying to get in without waking up the neighborhood or bringing attention to himself. They are in the house praying for Peter’s deliverance when Peter knocks and Rhoda comes to the door and knows it’s Peter’s voice and she is so excited she runs back to the room where they are praying and tells them Peter is out of prison and standing at the gate. Imagine what Peter is thinking, someone please let me in. 15 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. This is so amazing to me, they are praying for this deliverance and now it has happened and they are having trouble believing it! Someone should have run to the door doing a Holy Ghost dance but they stood there having a discussion whether it’s Peter or Peter’s angel. This part blows my mind; if I can muster up the faith to believe its Peter’s angel knocking on my door, then surely I can believe its Peter! It’s so amazing that we can pray in faith but react in doubt. Friends, if you are going to pray, pray in faith knowing God is going to bring to pass what you are asking for. As long as you ask in faith according to God’s Word then you have the right to expect it to come to pass. Faith simply believes God’s Word to manifest in your life when you ask in faith. Continue to picture the scene, it’s dark, it’s late and Peter is still standing there waiting for someone to let him in; 16 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. I must ask would they have been less astonished if it had been Peter’s angel. Friends, we should never lose our awe of Father God and His Presence and his power but at the same time we should be expecting the miraculous to take place in our lives. We must firmly believe this, if God said it, then it’s settled so I need to believe it. If the Bible declares we can lay hands on the sick and see them recover then we need to believe it when we lay hands on the sick (Mark 16). We have been called to the miraculous so we must not only believe it but expect it. Expect cancers to fall off, expect the blind to see, expect the lame to walk, the deaf to hear, expect families to be restored, expect the intervention of God’s power when it seems like all is lost and there is no way out. I’ve said it before and many others have said it but Expectation is the Breeding Ground for Miracles. There has never been a day in which you have awakened that a miracle was not available. Learn to expect miracles in your daily lives because we serve a God of miracles who loves us so much and who desires to demonstrate his power in our lives. God is not short on miracles and there is never a shortage in His miracle working power. Prayer Points: Father God help us to believe your word to the point where we wake up each day expecting you to perform it. Remove any doubt or unbelief in our life that would block your word from coming to pass in our lives in Jesus Name. |