Click here to go to Acts 20
It's hard for pastors when people fall asleep during their sermon, but how many have pastors have had people fall three stories to their death. Yet this happened to Paul and how does he respond? He goes out and raises him from the dead. I wonder if the guy ever fell asleep in church again.
There's some really good stuff in this chapter. What jumps out to you?
Blessings
33 “I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. 34 You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. 35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
ReplyDeleteThis part jumped out at me. I think this is a lesson I continually need to learn because the false prophets of the world try to pound it into our heads that we need to consume, acquire and take. But, that just leads to emptiness.
Acts 20
ReplyDelete27 I didn’t avoid telling you the whole plan of God.
28 Pay attention to yourselves and to the entire flock in which the Holy Spirit has placed you as bishops to be shepherds for
God’s church which he acquired with his own blood.
29 I know that fierce wolves will come to you after I leave, and they won’t spare the flock.
30 Some of your own men will come forward and say things that distort the truth. They will do this to lure disciples into following them.
Paul's parting words to the church leaders from Ephesus, stood out to me. How important it was to recap where they had been and what was before them. Caution to look to the One we serve; not a man being followed. The necessity of each one seeking the Lord for himself, not being led by what another has determined.
God’s church. Redeemed by His shed blood.
John 8
32 You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
Jeremiah 29
13-14 When you look for me, you will find me. When you wholeheartedly seek me, I will let you find me, declares the LORD. I will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I've scattered you, declares the LORD. I will bring you back from the place where you are being held captive.