Can’t Understand
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Author Archives: Unashamed of Jesus
Luke 1- John The Baptist Foretold
And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. Luke 1:11-15
As we begin the gospel of Luke, the first event we see is the foretelling of the birth of John the Baptist. This should tells us the importance of John’s appearance and his ministry. The first thing we notice here, is Zechariah was a high priest, therefore John was also from the line of high priest. Often when we think of John the Baptist, we think of a crazy guy wandering the wilderness. But this was not the case, as John the Baptist was not only from the line of high priests, but Jesus called John “The greatest of all prophets” (Matthew 11:11)
John the Baptist was also the fulfillment of prophecy as foretold by Malachi (3:1) and Isaiah (40:1) John was the one who was preparing Israel for the coming of The Messiah by a message of repentance, and he was the one who baptized Jesus in the Jordan River, to signify that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God
An interesting note is John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit from birth, and was great in the sight of The Lord. We can probably assume, John was also taught the scriptures by his father Zechariah since he was a high priest. John the Baptist whole mission in life was to reveal the Messiah to Israel
And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. Luke 1:16-19
John the Baptist was also a fulfillment of the coming of Elijah. Jesus confirmed this in Matthew 17:12-13. Many Jews today are still waiting for Elijah to come, but Christ confirmed it is already fulfilled. As the angel Gabriel revealed this messenger was to prepare the way for The Lord, the same as Isaiah foretold about John the Baptist
Notice what the Angel Gabriel says in verse 19, “to bring you this good news (glad tidings) meaning the gospel. Jesus is the gospel message, the salvation for the world, this is the good news!
And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. Luke 1:20-23
However Zechariah didn’t believe the angel Gabriel, and because of his disobedience he would not be able to speak until John the Baptist was born. Zechariah was an old man at this time, and he didn’t see how it was possible for God to fulfill his promise, however as the angel say “With God all things are possible”
I find it interesting the similarity between Abraham and Zechariah, the fulfillment of the Messiah is coming into place. John the Baptist will be the messenger to prepare the way for Jesus, for everyone to come to repentance and receive Christ, Amen!
Foolishness Of God
Acts 28-Paul preaches at Rome
And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, Acts 28:23-25
Paul finally arrives in Rome, he called upon the religious leaders to come together so he can teach them the gospel of Jesus Christ. Now Paul assumed the Jews hated him, however they revealed to Paul they had heard nothing about him and they were willing to hear what he had to say. Imagine the big stage Paul is on right now, in the city of Rome preaching the gospel to all the religious leaders of this area
Paul taught them about Jesus through the Old Testament. Now he actually was able to convince some of them, while others rejected the gospel. Paul then quoted Isaiah , who prophecy about this very moment hundred of years before
Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. Acts 28:26-28
Paul revealed through the prophet Isaiah, that salvation is going to the Gentiles because of the hardness of the hearts of the Jews. They rejected and killed their own Messiah, so God is building his Kingdom now through the Gentiles! Obviously this was not a message the Jews wanted to hear, or many still today don’t want to hear this message
And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves. And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him. Acts 28:29-31
Paul remained in Rome for 2 more years, preaching the gospel of Christ. Historians believe Paul was eventually beheaded in Rome from Nero. As stated throughout his letters, he fought the good fight and he ran the race! Paul knew eventually his death would come but he willingly accepted this mission as a servant of Christ
This concludes the book of Acts, this book is a great reference on the history and story of The Church. We , as the Church, should learn and remember what our brothers and sisters endured in the name of Jesus Christ! Amen!
The Great Commission
Acts 28- Fear No Evil
And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. Acts 28:2-5
Paul’s shipwrecked adventure ended on an island called Malta. Here the Islanders that lived there showed the men extraordinary kindness. One night while Paul was creating a fire, a venomous snake bit Paul on the hand. Everyone was expecting Paul to become ill and eventually die, however the venomous snake seemed to have no effect on Paul at all
Secondly the Islanders originally believed Paul was “cursed” because he was struck by the snake. Obviously this was superstition and not practical however the Islanders view of Paul will change once they see he is not effected by the snake. You see God is in control and He wasn’t finished with Paul yet!
Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god. In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously. And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. Acts 28:6-8
No matter where you are, God can use you for his glory. Paul is stranded on an Island and still he’s healing people and sharing the gospel. God can use you also , wherever you are, thats your mission field for the day!
So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary. Acts 28:9-10
Once the other Islanders heard about the healing, then came a revival, people flocked to Paul for a healing. The Islanders got to see the Holy Spirit working, this probably opened the door to many people coming to Christ. Its doesnt say how many people , if any , were saved that day, but we can only imagine with the Holy Spirit working strong there
Paul was literally in the middle of nowhere, yet God led him by the Holy Spirit, and did his will. God can find you and use you wherever you are! Call upon The Lord and you shall be saved Amen!
Upon Him
Acts 27- Calm in the Storm
But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Acts 27:21-25
Here in Chapter 27 we see Paul being taken to Rome on a ship to see Caesar. Now during the trip, Paul has a prophetic moment and warns them this trip would be dangerous and potentially life threatening. However the pilot and the owner of the ship decided to continue on due to the winter season that was coming. During the trip, as expected , they got caught in a violent storm for days. The passengers all began throwing the cargo overboard to try and prevent from sinking the boat
The passengers haven’t eaten for days and were all worn down by battling the storm for days. However Paul gave them good news. An angel gave Paul a message that nobody would perish during this storm. God reminded Paul he must still stand before Caesar, you see God’s will must be done, God is always in control!
Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island. But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country; And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms. Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day. Acts 27:26-29
I think its interesting in verse 29 , many translations say “they prayed for daylight” rather than wish. Could some of these men have become converted during this storm? Often many of us find God during the worst times in our life, not the easiest time in our life.
And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat. Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea. Acts 27:35-38
The next interesting thing we see here, is before they ate, Paul blessed the bread and broke it, just like Communion. Were these men now converted and partaking in the Lords Supper? I could be looking to far into this, but its very intriguing for me
Even when your caught in the storm, God is with you! Often times we need to go through the storm to find the Calm in the storm, Jesus Christ! God promised to Paul, that he would be delivered, trust in The Lord and lean not on our own understanding! Jesus is the Calm in the storm, Amen!
Son Of Man
Acts 26- Mad About Jesus
And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Acts 26:24-27
Paul began to give his testimony to King Herod Agrippa, remember in the previous Chapter, Paul revealed his testimony about how he was a Pharisee persecuting the Christians, then on the road to Damascus he saw the light of Jesus (literally) and became Born Again. Then God called Paul to minister the gospel to the Gentiles and build his Kingdom
While Paul was preaching the gospel about the resurrection of Christ, Festus, who was the mediator for the Romans, interrupted Paul and told him “You are insane”! The gospel message can seem insane to those who are not drawn by the Holy Spirit. (John 6:44) For the natural man does not understand spiritual things. It was clear that Festus didn’t understand the gospel
Now Paul makes an interesting challenge to Festus, saying “You are familiar and believe the Prophets (Old Testament)? Basically Paul was making a point to Festus, if you truly believed the Old Testament, you would understand the gospel of Jesus Christ
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds. And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them: And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds. Acts 26:28-31
King Agrippa makes a sarcastic claim to Paul “Can you convince me to be a Christian” ? Many people today make this same claim mockingly, however if people were truly and honestly searching for truth, they would know that Jesus is Risen and thats a historical fact. The hearts of those , like King Agrippa, who reject Christ are hardened. They don’t care about truth, they just care about themselves
Paul gave his testimony and preached the gospel that day, the seed was sown, the invitation was sent. However Paul can’t save these men, only God can save these men if the Holy Spirit draws them to Christ!
Unashamed of Jesus 