other than for this one statement which I shouted out while standing among them, ‘For the resurrection of the dead I am on trial before you today.'” Acts 24:21

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ changed everything! It set the entire world  upside down, no longer are we captive to sin and death, Jesus defeated all of this at the cross. This is why Satan uses anyone to strongly oppose any Christian. No other religion or group of followers faces more persecution than Christians. As is clearly evident with Jesus and the apostles.

While Paul was put on trial for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, he made this statement. The only reason he can think of why he is being put on trial was because of his mention of the resurrection. Why are people so strongly offended and opposed to the idea of the resurrection? Because when you understand the resurrection, you understand that Satan was defeated and left powerless by the power of God

Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.  John 19:30

When Jesus said “It Is Finished” on the cross, he defeated all evil and darkness. The power of Satan and even death has no hold on us any longer. Since the Resurrection that Sunday morning, the world has been trying to cover it up. Millions upon millions have been killed and persecuted because of Gods victory!

Just like Paul, its because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ you are on trial today as a Christian. But be strong and courageous because Jesus has already won the war Amen!

Heavenly Father, be with us during our trials and tribulations, remind us of your victory in Jesus Name Amen!

But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.” Acts 23:11

As Paul continued his journey into Jerusalem, it went as The Holy Spirit warned him, his life was in great danger. Paul tried to reach the Jews by even speaking in Hebrew, as Paul was Jewish and very well trained in the scriptures. The only thing keeping Paul alive at this point was the he was a Roman citizen, and the Jews feared harming a Roman due to the political consequences.

Paul knowing the Jewish theology very well brought up the resurrection, which immediately divided the Sadducees and the Pharisees. We still have these issues today in Christianity, doctrinal differences end up dividing a lot of Christians instead of unifying the Church. Eventually for Pauls safety the threw him into the barracks and wait until he can be put on trial as a Roman citizen.

During Pauls time in prison, Jesus Christ physically stood by Pauls said and told him “Take Courage” This must have been comforting words for Paul at this time, when it seemed the entire world was against him. Maybe you are in a midst of a storm or trial right now also, know that Christ is with you saying “Take Courage”

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Jesus has told us to “Take Courage” because at the cross he has already overcome the world. Paul didn’t know what his outcome would be at this time, but he knew Christ was with him Amen

Heavenly Father, give us your courage and strength during our trials  and struggles, help us to rely on you in Jesus Name Amen

“I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothes. “You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me. Acts 20:33-34

Paul was giving his farewell sermon to the Ephesians, he was headed to Jerusalem for the Day of Pentecost, and presumed he would probably be put to death because of his bold ministry. However before he left he gave a bold message to the Church, one of the topics was money

Today we live in an age where “Prosperity Gospel” has taken over Christianity. Mega church pastors making millions of dollars living in mansions and flying in private jets. Pauls message to The Church was exactly the opposite of what we are seeing today in Christianity.

Paul stated he never coveted anyone’s money or possessions, meaning he didn’t preach to make a living. He goes on to say that he actually supported himself by his own hands, meaning he worked besides ministry, to support himself. And while its always important for The Church to support the needs or their pastors, its also important the pastor doesn’t burden The Church with finances

“In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” Acts 20:35

Paul goes on to quote Jesus Christ in saying “Its better to give than to receive” Wouldn’t it be nice if modern day “pastors” followed this? In an age where greed and narcissism has invaded the Church, its time for true Christians to get back to their true purpose, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.  Matthew 6:24

Jesus addressed this topic very early, you cant serve God and Money! When Money becomes your God or idol, you lost true Christianity. We need Christian pastors and leaders today to follow the example of Christ and Paul, and not the example of the modern day Church

Heavenly Father, help us to deny ourselves and serve only you, provide all our needs so just like the sparrows we don’t have to worry about our needs in Jesus Name Amen

On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight. Acts 20:7

One of the ongoing debates in Christianity is still the Sabbath. When should Christians worship? Saturday or Sunday? Well the actual answer is both, if Christians such as Messianic Jews or Seven Day Adventist, want to keep the Sabbath , there is nothing wrong with that. However if other Christians want to worship on “The Lords Day” ( Revelation 1:10) Sunday, there is nothing wrong with that either.

We as Christians , need to stop making this a dividing doctrine and understand the Jesus fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17) Through Christ we are Under Grace and not Under the Law (Galatians 3:10) Does that mean the Sabbath day was abolished? NO it was fulfilled, however you can still worship on the Sabbath or any day if you want. Jesus is now our Rest (Matthew 11:28)

Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day;  things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ. Colossians 2:16-17

This is actually an issue the early Christian church had and Paul addressed it.  Hes saying don’t condemn one another based on what day your worship or holidays you keep, these things are a mere shadow of what the blood of Jesus Christ has accomplished

Remember we are now all one through Jesus Christ (Galations 3:28) There is no longer Jew and Gentile, we are all the body of Christ in Jesus Name Amen!

Heavenly Father, help us to love and accept one another, help us to worship and serve together for your Kingdom in Jesus Name Amen