2-28-2025 Devotion

 Do you ever think that you have it all figured out? Life seems to be going smooth and then something happens to let you know how far you have yet to go to be like Jesus. Sometime ago, my wife and I had someone we trusted and helped them out financially and personally. My wife invested a lot of time with this person. Then all of a sudden, betrayal and disloyalty came out of no where like a car that ran a stop sign and broadsided her. Has this ever happened to you? You trust someone and then they turn on you. It hurts, but our response has to be to act like Jesus (even though our initial response might be quite different). Matthew 6:14-15says: " For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Jesus said this in the Sermon on the Mount; He said and He lived it. We are to be His disciples and follow Him and do likewise.

 

The Barnes New Testament Commentary explains: "This is constantly required in the Bible. Our Saviour says we should forgive even if the offence be committed seventy times seven times, Mt 18:22. By this is meant, that when a man asks forgiveness, we are cordially and for ever to pardon the offence; we are to declare our willingness to forgive him. If he does not ask forgiveness, yet we are still to treat him kindly; not to harbour malice; not to speak ill of him; to be ready to do him good; and be always prepared to declare him forgiven when he asks it."

 

Today, make every effort to forgive quickly. Search your heart to see if there is past unforgiveness in your heart that needs to be dealt with. Unforgiveness is serious business and we must forgive. Remember the words of Jesus. If you find unforgiveness, repeat the following: "Lord, I forgive ________, they owe me nothing. I release them from what they did to me. I refuse to allow any root of bitterness in my heart. I walk in love.”

2-27-2025 Devotion

 Paul went through some tough times: shipwrecked, beaten, stoned, and even bit by a snake. How do our difficulties compare to his? Yet, Paul could write to the Philippians: "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice." The word "rejoice" is a present imperative active verb. This means that it is a command and not an option. Further, by being in the present tense it means continuous actions. We are commanded to continually rejoice!

 

The Preachers Sermon and Outline Bible explains the verse as: "Remember: Paul is in prison and the church is having a problem with some false teaching. Yet, Paul tells the believers that they are to walk about rejoicing in the Lord. In fact they are to rejoice in the Lord always—no matter the circumstances." This is great advice even for today and the special problems facing our nation: tough economic times, terrorism, and gross immorality. Regardless of what is occurring in our lives: rejoice!

 

Today, make a special effort to walk a life of rejoicing. It will help you look at your world in a different light. You will see it through the eyes of rejoicing. The only way that you will be able to do so is if you keep your eyes on Jesus. You can do it because He is there to help and guide you.

2-26-2025 Devotion

 Did you ever wish that you could select the temptations you have to deal with? It could be like going to an all you can eat buffet: I'll take some temptation to backslide due to having incredible abundant wealth. I'll pass on the major sickness or major financial crisis. As you know, it doesn't work like that. However, the good news is that regardless of the temptation there is a consistent answer and it is found in Proverbs 3:5: "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." Regardless of the circumstances that you may face, the answer is found in whom you trust and in whom you don't trust. Don't place your ultimate trust in anyone or anything but God. 

 

Thomas Scott wrote: Entire dependence on the providence and promises of God in every undertaking, is here contrasted with a man’s “leaning to his own understanding.” He who “trusts in the Lord with all his heart,” is doubtless a true believer; and he expects the blessing from God on his lawful undertakings in the use of allowable means, and these alone: But he who “leans to his own understanding,” engages in such pursuits as are agreeable to his own inclinations, and relies on his own capacity, policy, or management, for success; and consequently he is under continual temptations to deviate from the path of duty, both as to the end proposed, and the way of humility, faith, piety, peace, and safety.

 

Today, fight the temptation to lean on man and instead affirm that your total trust is in God. As you do so, the actions of others will begin to have a lesser impact on you. Your leaning on God will stabilize and deliver you from the actions of men. True freedom will reveal itself as you trust in God. This is a great place to be.

2-25-2025 Devotion

 Is there something you need God to do for you today? Do you carry a burden for a loved one or friend? Is there a need, either physical, emotional or financial? If so, know that God is the source of your answer. He does all things well and in His timing, not ours? You will find the answer in the Word of God. Philippians 4:19 says: "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Who supplies the need? God does! How does He meet the need? He meets it through His riches by Jesus Christ! Jesus Christ is the source of your needs being met. I like the Amplified Version translation of this verse: "And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." God is not stingy; He doesn't just meet the need, He fills to the full!

 

The Spurgeon Devotional Commentary comments: "This is a grand assurance. God is the giver, his infinite glory is the store, Jesus is the channel, and the supply knows no limit.  What more can the most expanded desires wish for?  This promissory note from the Bank of Faith makes all believers rich beyond a miser's dream." If you are in Jesus Christ, then you have a bank account in the bank of faith. Just like going to a physical bank, if you have funds on account with them, they will give you what you want up to the limit in the bank. With God, your account is limitless and full because of Jesus Christ.

 

Today, go to the bank of faith and make a withdrawal. Plead for healing, plead for deliverance or plead for a need to be met according to the will of God and His Word. And, the great news is, that you are not limited to making one trip a day and this bank never closes! It is always open for its customers. You don't need an ID, because in this bank they have a list of names in the Book of Life and the owner knows everyone by name!

When God Breaks in Part 3

 https://pathwaytopurityandpower.podbean.com/e/reviving-faith-when-god-breaks-in/

Bible Study Acts 2: 29-47

 

Commentary of the Book of the Acts of the Apostles

By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins

Text Used: Legacy Standard Bible

Bible Study Acts 2: 29-47

Text:

29 “Men, brothers, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is [y]with us to this day. 30 And so, because he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath to set one of the fruit [z]of his body on his throne, 31 he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the [aa]Christ, that He was neither forsaken to Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses. 33 Therefore having been exalted [ab]to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured out this which you both see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says:

‘The [ac]Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at My right hand,

35 

Until I put Your enemies as a footstool for Your feet.”’

36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and [ad]Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.”

About Three Thousand Souls Saved

37 Now when they heard this, they were [ae]pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men, brothers, what should we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ [af]for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” 40 And with many other words he solemnly bore witness and kept on exhorting them, saying, “[ag]Be saved from this crooked generation!” 41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 42 And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers.

43 And fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and [ah]signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those who had believed [ai]were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were dividing them up with all, as anyone might have need. 46 And daily devoting themselves with one accord in the temple and breaking bread [aj]from house to house, they were taking their [ak]meals together with gladness and [al]sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding [am]to their number daily those who were being saved.

Verse by verse commentary

Verse 29: “Men, brothers, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.”

This is a reminder to the Jews that David’s body had never been raised, so he could not be the fulfillment of the prophecy of Psalm 16. Peter is building an evangelistic sermon to the listeners at Pentecost.

Verse 30: “And so, because he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath to set one of the fruit of his body on his throne,”

Peter is quoting from Psalm 132. As God’s spokesman, David knew that God would keep His promise and Christ would come in the flesh and sit on David’s throne. 

Verse 31: “he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that He was neither forsaken to Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption.”

Simon Peter’s sermon is about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. The first sermon ever preached in the church age was a Resurrection Sunday sermon. And every sermon in the early church was a Resurrection Sunday sermon. Think about the sermons you hear today. How do they compare to Peter’s sermon on that first Pentecost for the church? Peter placed no emphasis on health, wealth or prosperity. His message was on the risen Christ.

Verse 32: “This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses.”

That “God raised up (the Lord Jesus Christ) again,” attests to His approval of Christ’s work on the cross. There were many witnesses to the resurrection. This was not an isolated event will few witnesses, but rather, sufficient evidence existed to prove beyond a shadow of doubt that Christ rose from the dead. 

Verse 33: “Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured out this which you both see and hear.”

God’s plan included not just the resurrection, but also the ascension to place the Son back to the position He held prior to the incarnation. This verse is a strong argument for the Trinity. The Son is exalted to the right hand of God. The Father sends the Holy Spirit to the people Who causes the attendees to speak in other languages. The people saw this miraculous event and there were a multitude of witnesses.

Verse 34: “For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says:

‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at My right hand,”

Peter quoted Psalm 110:1 concerning the exaltation of Messiah by ascension to the right hand of God the Father, and reminds the reader that it was not fulfilled by David (as bodily resurrection had not yet occurred in the Old Testament). David was not speaking of himself, but One that would come in the future, i.e. the Messiah. Peter had been an eyewitness to that ascension and was now able to testify of the event. The “right hand” was a place of honor. 

Verse 35: “Until I put Your enemies as a footstool for Your feet.”’

In the Old Testament, there were physical flesh and blood enemies of Israel. In the New Testament, the battle is intensified, as the Lord Jesus Christ fights against the invisible, demonic powers of evil. There is a day coming where all those that oppose the gospel will become a footstool for Christ. Come quickly, Lord Jesus Christ.

Verse 36: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.”

In this summary statement, Peter not only stresses that Jesus is God’s Messiah and Savior of the Old Testament, but that He is the exalted Lord Jesus Christ, and the conquering King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Verse 37: “Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Men, brothers, what should we do?’”

The word “pierced” means something sudden and unexpected. In grief, remorse, and intense spiritual conviction, Peter’s listeners were stunned by his charge that they had killed their Messiah. Repentance always includes taking the blame for your actions. Here, Peter wants his listeners to take the blame for the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Verse 38: “And Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”

Peter gives the gospel conditions: repent, be baptized in Jesus’s name and receive the Holy Spirit. To “repent” is to take the blame for your actions and turn to God in sorrow for your sin. The command to be baptized in Jesus’ Name is not in contradiction with Matthew 28 to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Rather, this is a  summary of Matthew (i.e. baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), with only Jesus mentioned here, since Peter’s sermon had to do with the Lord Jesus Christ and His ministry. To “receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" was the gift of the indwelling Person of the Holy Spirit, as well as the gift of forgiveness, and the power to do ministry in the name of Christ.

Verse 39: “For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.”

This includes you and me and everyone since that first Pentecost for the church. Peter taught that salvation through God’s Messiah was promised to the Jews, to their children, and to all those far off, i.e., the Gentiles.. Here again is the message of Acts: the gospel is for all people including Jews and Gentiles.

Verse 40: “And with many other words he solemnly bore witness and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this crooked generation!”

Peter was urging his listeners to repent and be saved. This is the heart of every true ministry, i.e., the salvation of souls. After the Holy Spirit’s arrival on Pentecost, the first major event of church history was Peter’s sermon, which led to 3,000 conversions and established the church in Jerusalem.

Verse 41: “So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.”

Luke’s use of a specific number, i.e. 3000, suggests records were kept of conversions and baptisms. This is not some church count to impress others. These were genuinely born again converts to the faith. This was an accurate count.

Verse 42: “And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers.”

This verse is a summary of the essential elements needed in Christian discipleship: consistency, study of the Word, spending time together in fellowship, taking communion and developing a prayer life. This should be our pattern for our churches as well.

Verse 43: “And fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.”

In the New Testament, the power to perform miracles was limited to the apostles and their close colleagues, e.g. Philip. These miracles produced awe and respect for divine power. It validated the early message of the resurrection. The Scriptures tell us that Jews look for a sign and a sign was given them in the miracles. Yet, most still rejected Christ.

Verse 44: “And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;”

This verse demonstrates the unity of the Spirit of all those that believed. “Had all things in common” means not that the early Christians lived in a commune or pooled and redistributed everything equally like communism, but rather that they held their own possessions lightly, ready to use them at any moment for someone else, as a fellow believer needed.

Verse 45: “and they began selling their property and possessions and were dividing them up with all, as anyone might have need.”

The believers were unified in the Holy Spirit,and were sensitive to the physical needs of others and voluntarily  gave to meet those needs of others. This was not by force or coercion, but a free will offering from a heart that had been changed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Verse 46: “And daily devoting themselves with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,”

Believers went to the temple daily to praise God, observe the set hours of prayer, and to hear the gospel message.  “From house to house” meant that the Christians met in a variety of homes and they shared their possessions with those in need. The participants had “gladness and sincerity of heart” because the message and ministry was focused on the Lord Jesus Christ. That message a;ways brings joy and happiness to the heart.

Verse 47: “praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number daily those who were being saved.”

Church growth is a matter of Divine Sovereignty. The church belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ, and He is the one who sovereignly builds His church according to His Perfect Plan.