Is Your Name Written Down in Heaven

 

Rejoice Because Your Name is Written in Heaven

 Book of Luke Chapter 10

 Heb 12:23  To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 

Heb 12:24  And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. 

 Many who deny the deity of Jesus Christ do so by referring to the term firstborn. They claim that if this term relates to Jesus, it must imply that He had a beginning in time, but they are wrong.

 In the Old Testament, the culture was all about the status of the oldest son.

 Deu 21:17  But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his.

 In reality, the word firstborn denotes priority or supremacy, and this is the way it is used of Jesus Christ.

 Col 1:18  And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 

 Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church and preeminent in all His creation.

 Heb 1:6  And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. 

 Heaven's angels will not worship anyone but God!

 Psa 89:27  Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.

 God's Messiah will be the firstborn who is resurrected to New Life to rule this entire earth.

 The firstborn of the Church, who are all those whose names are written down in Heaven. Born Again, Regenerated,

 Tit 3:4  But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 

Tit 3:5  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 

Tit 3:6  Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 

Tit 3:7  That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

 Joh 1:11  He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 

Joh 1:12  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 

Joh 1:13  Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

 These are those whose names are written down in Heaven.

 If we cannot rejoice because our names are written Heaven, then we need to question our salvation.

 *****Luk 10:1  After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. 

 1) We should be able to tell that there are many disciples of the Lord Jesus, just as there are many more today.

 Most of these disciples would not meet the qualifications to become an Apostle, but many of them were still committed to the Lord Jesus Christ.

 These seventy disciples were so committed that the Lord Jesus could send them to preach and teach the Gospel.

 There may have been at least one hundred and twenty who met the qualifications to be an Apostle, but were not chosen by the Lord Jesus.

 Act 1:12  Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey. 

Act 1:13  And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. 

Act 1:14  These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. 

Act 1:15  And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) 

Act 1:16  Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. 

 2) The Lord Jesus also sent them out two by two.

 This does not mean we are not to go out alone to witness for Jesus Christ, but two together are much stronger against our enemy, Satan. With the two, there could be mutual encouragement and help when help was needed.

 3) There was a tremendous need for people to hear the truth of the Messiah and the truth of the Word of God.

If that need was great at that time, it is certainly much greater now.

 We know that the Lord had sentenced that generation to death, and Jerusalem and the Temple was destroyed in 70 A.D.

 We now know that all those who reject the Lord Jesus Christ are sentenced to eternal death, and the Lord Jesus could return at any moment.

 There is certainly a greater need to spread the Gospel!

 4) These seventy were sent as forerunners. They were to prepare the people for His coming.

 Tit 2:12  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 

Tit 2:13  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

 We have the same job today!

 Our time to serve the Lord grows short!

 *****Luk 10:2  Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

 1) The first thing they were to do was to pray!

 Who is this Lord of the Harvest? We know only one Lord and He is the Lord Jesus Christ!

 Every believer has a duty in this work for the Lord Jesus! 1Co 3:5  Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? 

1Co 3:6  I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 

1Co 3:7  So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 

1Co 3:8  Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 

1Co 3:9  For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. 

 2) What kind of people are in the world to be witnessed to?

 *****Luk 10:3  Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. 

 Notice that the Lord Jesus Christ does not call them the "Lost Sheep of Israel”; He calls them wolves.

 We see a reversal of sorts; the disciples are now the lambs, and those who are lost are the wolves.

 Going out for the Lord is not a victory march, but it is a bit dangerous and is growing more so today.

 The lambs of God's House are defenseless against the wolves of this world unless they walk in faith and the purpose of the Holy Spirit.

 The key, they must still go out with "faith," but the Holy Spirit will be working on the hearts of those they witness to.

 There is still the danger of persecution.

 It is the wolves of this world who are trying to rid the world of the followers of God.

 So, the next time you see your politician going against the Word of God, remember they are wolves out to destroy your nation and allow sin to rule.

 The next time your preacher preaches against the Word of God, remember they are just wolves employed by Satan.

 The next time your News Source defends sin, remember they are just wolves trying to regain control of our nation.

 *****Luk 10:4  Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. 

 If we do not trust God, then we will never be of much use to Him!

 They were not to worry about money for food, housing, clothing, or an extra pair of sandals.

 If they had to pack and prepare all these things, they would not be able to cover as much ground.

 Friendliness is all good and well for things of this earth and the time we live in, but as witnesses for the Lord, we must think about our eternal salvation.

 Here we see that the Lord Jesus told them not to waste time on needless conversation.

 All their time was to be used on their ministry and prayer.

 The Lord intended to instill in them the urgency and the commitment to enter the Kingdom of God.

 2Co_6:2  (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

 As believers, we know that the Lord could return at any moment now, and those who are lost need to understand this.

 *****Luk 10:5  And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. 

Luk 10:6  And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. 

 We must clearly understand that the message of salvation is a message of peace with God, our Creator.

 The Lord Jesus said, Joh 14:27  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

 One of the greatest things I have realized as a believer is that I can rest each night knowing that I am at peace with God.

 Rom 5:1  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 

Rom 5:2  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 

 As witnesses for Jesus Christ, we are to proclaim peace in any household we enter.

 If the head of that household was a man of peace, then God's peace could be proclaimed.

 If the head of that household did not proclaim peace, then the message of God was not to be forced upon that house.

 God will never force anyone to accept His message of truth.

 Rev 22:11  He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. 

 Psa 81:15  The haters of the LORD should have submitted themselves unto him: but their time should have endured for ever. 

 *****Luk 10:7  And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. 

 We must understand that those who carry the message of the Kingdom of God in truth are worthy to be supported by those who receive the truth of God!

 1Ti 5:17  Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 

 They were to seek compensation, but they were not to seek luxury.

 They were not to be embarrassed or self-conscious in receiving payment.

 There is certainly nothing wrong with living a simple life!

 Our Heavenly Father is already committed to providing our needs.

 They were to eat whatever food was placed before them without question, regardless of the Jewish food laws.

 *****Luk 10:8  And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: 

Luk 10:9  And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. 

 The Apostle Paul wrote, guided by the Holy Spirit: 1Co 10:25  Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: 

1Co 10:26  For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. 

1Co 10:27  If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. 

 We know that the number twelve has a particular significance in the Bible, and we can be sure that the number seventy also has significance to the Jews.

 Notice the Lord Jesus also gave these seventy disciples the power to heal the sick.

 We are never to take on the sin of that person we are witnessing to, but they must feel that we have compassion on them, and we may have to change our own customs and habits to reach these people.

 Those we witness to must see that they are accepted just as they are, and they should see that we care for their souls just as the Lord Jesus does.

 We must remember that the Lord Jesus died for us while we were still sinners.

 He could have just as easily said: "no Father, I do not want to have anything to do with that bunch of sinners".

 Thank you, Lord, for your precious love for us!

 When the Lord Jesus walked upon this earth, He was the Kingdom of God in the flesh.

 When we take the exact Word of God to others, we are taking the knowledge of the Kingdom of Heaven to them.

 One day soon, we will be witnesses to the actual Kingdom of God, and this should also be mentioned.

 We may not know what Heaven looks like, but we know it will be wonderful.

 1Co_2:9  But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

 We do know more of what the Kingdom of God will be like during the Lord's reign from Jerusalem for one thousand years.

 Zec 8:3  Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain. 

 The "Good News" is for those who accept the truth of God's Messiah.

 Those who reject the "Good News" will be told of their coming "Judgment".

 *****Luk 10:10  But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, 

Luk 10:11  Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. 

Luk 10:12  But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. 

Luk 10:13  Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 

Luk 10:14  But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. 

Luk 10:15  And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell. 

 The Lord's disciples were told to walk away from all those who rejected the truth of God.

 We are not to argue with non-believers. We are never to create a bad situation that might reflect upon our character; we must just leave.

 We have the truth of God, and they can only offer the meaningless thoughts of the Devil.

 1) There would be cities that rejected the disciples of Christ.

 They symbolized God's rejection by shaking the dust off their feet as they left that city. This was a silent testimony that was clearly understood on that day.

 This was a symbol of serious judgment. It meant that not even the dust of that city was worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, much less the people.

 That city was to be left to itself just as they had wanted.

 The Lord Jesus will not force the truth upon anyone!

 2) There would be those who professed to be God's People. These were mostly Jews.

 These are people who only make a profession of faith but stick to their old lives, and there is no change.

 The truth is, you cannot claim to be God's people if you reject God's Son.

 The world needs to wake up to this fact!

 The judgment of God would be greater on those who claim to be God's people and reject Him than was God's judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah.

 These would include Chorazin and Bethsaida, and would be far worse than the judgment upon Tyre and Sidon.

 We know that Chorazin and Bethsaida do not exist as cities any longer, nor do Tyre or Sidon.

 3) There would be those who had a constant witness.

 Capernaum was the city where Jesus Christ was raised, and Jesus was the One who never committed even one sin.

 He was known as the Carpenter, which means He was a good carpenter.

 The Lord Jesus healed every sick person in this city. Things that only God could do, and they knew this to be true.

 He was accused of having worked these great works with the power of the Devil.

 This is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, which cannot be forgiven.

 The residents of Capernaum went straight to Hell because they rejected God's Son and the truth of the Gospel.

 These are the Scriptures that give us the thought that there are degrees of punishment even in Hell, but there is no joy in Hell at all!

 Mar 8:36  For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 

Mar 8:37  Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 

Mar 8:38  Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. 

 When the Lord Jesus Christ uses the word "woe", it is not a call for vengeance but is a call of deep regret and a warning to others.

 Jud 1:14  And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 

Jud 1:15  To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

 When we hear the Word of God by God's called people, we are hearing from God Himself.

 *****Luk 10:16  He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me. 

 We must understand that when we speak the Word of God, just as it is written by the Holy Spirit, we are speaking the words of our Savior and our God!

 2Ti_3:16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

 Rev 22:18  For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 

Rev 22:19  And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. 

Rev 22:20  He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen.

 Every person who has lived and who will live upon this earth needs to know what God has said.

 1Jn_4:15  Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

 Act_2:21  And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

 Rom_13:2  Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

 Rev_20:15  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

 As witnesses for the Lord Jesus Christ, we provide the opportunity to know the truth of Jehovah God. Yeshua. Yahweh.

 Our lesson picks back up as these seventy witnesses sent out by the Lord Jesus Christ have returned.

 *****Luk 10:17  And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. 

 The seventy have returned with great joy, but they do not speak a word about their preaching and teaching or the results.

 They could only talk about the authority they had over demons.

 They did not mention:

 1) How much they had done for Jesus Christ.

2) How hard the work had been.

3) How strongly the Devil fought back to keep his own.

 They could only talk about the power that is in the name of Jesus Christ.

 Any power we have as Christians comes from the Lord Jesus Christ.

 Act 4:12  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. 

 There is great power in the rich red blood of Jesus Christ!

 1) Demons deceive people. 1 Thessalonians 3:5, Ehphesians 2:2

2) Demons inflict disease. Luke 13-16

3) Demons deceive nations. Revelation 16:14

4) Demons influence the mind. Gen 3:1-5

 Every victory over Satan and his demons should bring great joy!

 Satan is a defeated foe!

 *****Luk 10:18  And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

 Satan has fallen from his position in Heaven and can no longer be there where he once had the power of angels.

 Col 1:12  Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 

Col 1:13  Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 

Col 1:14  In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 

 Satan and his demons may still be able to cause many problems for a short time longer, but Satan is a loser, and we need to remind him of that at all times.

 Joh 16:7  Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 

Joh 16:8  And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 

Joh 16:9  Of sin, because they believe not on me; 

Joh 16:10  Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 

Joh 16:11  Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

 The power of God given to each believer is for the purpose of defeating Satan!

 *****Luk 10:19  Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 

 We should understand that if God has called us for some special mission, some special purpose, there is nothing on this earth that can cause us harm until that purpose has been fulfilled.

 Satan certainly has some power: Eph 6:12  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 

 The Lord's power is far greater: Rom 8:31  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 

 1Jn 4:4  Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 

 The Lord Jesus will give His believers power over the enemy: Luk 9:1  Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

 Eph 1:19  And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 

 God's servants are perfectly safe against all enemies: Joh 17:11  And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. 

 These are not the most important things in our lives as Christians.

 *****Luk 10:20  Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. 

 We should rejoice far more in our salvation than in any power the Lord may have given to us.

 Gal 4:4  But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 

Gal 4:5  To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 

Gal 4:6  And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 

Gal 4:7  Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. 

 1Pe 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 

1Pe 1:4  To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 

1Pe 1:5  Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 

 Amen

What Is Important In Your Life

 Wisdom Recognizes What is Important

 Book of Ecclesiastes Chapter 7

 From the earliest times, the name given to a child was supposed to indicate some characteristic of that child.

 Today, we mostly set a nickname on them, and sometimes it sticks for life.

 We should ask ourselves; do we have a good name?

 The Lord Jesus says that we can get a new name: Rev_2:17  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

 We know we are all appointed to a day of death, which really means life to the Christian, but dying with a good name is far better than being born into prosperity.

 Death is appointed to every person.

Death is a matter we all need to take seriously.

 We know that after our salvation, the most important factor for being successful in this life is wisdom, but only that wisdom that comes by the "Fear of the Lord".

 King Solomon was better known for his wisdom than he was his riches.

 It is more important today to live wisely than it was in the day of Solomon.

 The Holy Spirit has given us this collection of simple, practical sayings that we can live by.

 We must live wisely day by day.

 Every day we live is good or bad according to the choices we make that day!

 *****Ecc 7:1  A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.

 We already know that the most important decision we will make in this life is that decision to follow the Lord Jesus Christ in salvation.

 So, we have to learn what matters in this life. The world will offer nothing but confusion!

 We must learn to discern between the good and the bad; Php 1:9  And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 

Php 1:10  That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 

Php 1:11  Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

 Precious ointment in the day of Solomon was so valuable that only the rich could afford it.

 Average people could seldom afford to waste what little money they had on such things as perfume.

 This ointment cost nearly a year's wages; Joh 12:3  Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. 

Joh 12:4  Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, 

Joh 12:5  Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?

 The Holy Spirit is teaching us that if we have to choose between a good name and a lifestyle of the rich and famous, it would be best for us to choose the good name.

 Many of us will question whether the day of our death is more important than the day of our birth.

 If we had not been born, how could we ever die that death? This is a promotion for the Christian.

 If the Lord Jesus Christ had not been born as a human, how could He ever die for our sins?

 To me, the difference is that the Lord Jesus had a miraculous birth, but we are all born in sin.

 The time we have between the time of our birth and the time of our death is the time that we get to make the right choice about the Gospel.

 For the Christian, the time of our death is a promotion to the glory world.

 Php 1:21  For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 

Php 1:22  But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. 

Php 1:23  For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 

Php 1:24  Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. 

 I feel a whole lot like the Apostle Paul felt about this thing.

 I do not want to stay one more day upon this earth than is necessary, but I know for some in my family it is better for me to stay here for as long as God will allow me.

 The truth for the Christian is: 2Co 5:6  Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 

2Co 5:7  (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 

2Co 5:8  We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

 For the unbeliever, these things are not true because they do not have the promise of eternal life; they live every day with the promise of eternal death.

 *****Ecc 7:2  It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.

 We should understand that the day of a person's death is better than a joyful feast is only true if Jesus Christ is not involved!

 We who love Jesus Christ know that to depart this world is very much better.

 Php 1:23  For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

 Any reasonable person will admit that going to a festival is more enjoyable than a funeral.

 No one gets excited about attending a funeral of a family member or a friend.

 For me, death hits me right in the heart because in Vietnam, I saw death, and it is terrible, and I would rather not be around death because it brings back memories I would love to forget.

 I accept this scripture because I know the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Savior.

 To those who do not know the Lord Jesus as their Savior, it is better to go to the house of mourning because death is something that every living soul needs to take seriously.

 There is death coming to this body of flesh we live in!

 Most of us will reflect on our own mortality at a funeral.

 In many cases, God the Holy Spirit will go to work at funerals, and in their conscience and thoughts, they will begin to feel that there can be some kind of life after death.

 We must take the time to think about what we can do to prepare for our death and help others to prepare for their death.

 Ecc_12:7  Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

 Even if you do not believe in God, our Creator, you should wonder why we do not live longer in this great world of technology.

 Heb_2:14  Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

 Heb 9:27  And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 

Heb 9:28  So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

 It is a Holy God who holds the power of life and death in His hands.

 God is not saying to avoid the right causes for celebrating because God gives much to celebrate.

 If we wait till the day of our death, we will have missed out on God's promise of life.

 *****Ecc 7:3  Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. 

Ecc 7:4  The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. 

 We can feel sorrow or sadness for many reasons!

 Our emotions depend upon the cause of our distress.

 We cannot wish that death would simply go away.

 There will never be a life-giving serum that will overcome death.

 This was God's purpose for sending His Son to death.

 There is no life in pleasure because pleasure is short-term.

 Sorrow brings benefits to life that pleasure cannot.

 Sorrow causes us to release our emotions and draw closer to others.

 The world looks at life on the animal plane, while the child of God looks at life on the Spiritual plane.

 Life is not hopeless if we look through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ!

 Those who take the "leap of faith" into the truth of the Gospel will not be in despair because of hopelessness.

 Solomon says life is in vain, while Jehovah says true life is in our future after this short life we live today.

 We must allow sorrow to do its work in our lives while thinking about the sorrow that our Lord Jesus Christ endured both on and off the cross, then we can see the impact it had on His life, which is our life.

 Heb 2:9  But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 

Heb 2:10  For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 

 Col 1:15  Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 

Col 1:16  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 

Col 1:17  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 

 It is a fool who rejects the truth of Jehovah God!

 *****Ecc 7:5  It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools. 

Ecc 7:6  For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity. 

Ecc 7:7  Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart. 

 None of us likes to be corrected.

 None of us like to be scolded.

 None of us like to be criticized.

 People just prefer flattery and compliments.

 The fool is blind to Spiritual things.

 If we want to be serious about God's plan for our lives, we have to deal with wise people who will help us live our lives.

 Those who have the "fear of the Lord" cannot take away all our grief or solve all our problems, but they can show how to deal with them.

 A fool has nothing to offer to those with a broken heart!

 A fire for cooking will not last very long if it is built out of thorns and has no effect on the cooking pot.

 It is foolish to see if the pot is boiling.

 Thorns do not even make the pot warm.

There is not enough fuel in those thorns to cook with.

 It is a fool who thinks he will not see death at any time.

 It is a fool who seeks only laughter but is blind to the essentials of life.

 In reality, humans are poor judges of what is real and of lasting value unless we know the truth of the Gospel!

 A gift intended as a bribe might cause us to act differently from our understanding of the truth if we allow it.

 There are two ways to make a wise man mad.

 1) By suffering oppression from other so-called wise men.

2) By being offered a bribe to oppress others.

 This is the vanity of worldly wisdom that causes corruption and loss to those who cannot afford any loss.

 *****Ecc 7:8  Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. 

 At the beginning of a matter, it is not clear how it will develop, but only at the end of a matter.

 It can only be determined if it is useful information and important if we wait until the end to form our judgment.

 It is the same in Spiritual matters as it is in practical living.

 Sometimes our lives are like unfinished projects. They start good, but we run out of steam before we can finish them.

 It is better to finish something we have started than to start something new in almost every case.

 To the righteous man, we must realize that the important things in life are not quickly completed.

 The things that really matter require commitment, determination, and discipline.

 It is not always easy to live the Christian life!

 Again, the Lord Jesus is our example: Joh 4:34  Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. 

 We may not think of it, but it is a great thing to come to the end of our lives knowing that we have completed the thing that God had planned for us to accomplish.

 We need patience to continue in the plan of God for our lives and see it to the end.

 Heb 10:35  Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 

Heb 10:36  For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 

 Life is too short, and our opportunities are limited for us to make a name that is good as our days come to an end.

 God does not lead us to begin something that He will not give us time to finish!

 *****Ecc 7:9  Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. 

 People who can hold their temper are wise for many reasons.

 Pride is the reason for those who cannot and lack patience.

 Many people get mad at God when something tragic happens in their lives or the life of a family member.

 Many people get mad at God when it does not seem that God will answer their prayers.

 These people will get mad at other people for these same reasons!

 The Word of God stresses the importance of controlling our anger.

 Jas 1:19  Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 

 We can be eaten away with anger.

 Any sin of the flesh can be conquered by following the Word of God.

 1) We must know that a quick temper is a sin.

2) We must realize that we are wearing the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

3) We must listen to the Holy Spirit who lives within us.

4) We must die to ourselves, allowing Jesus Christ to live through us.

5) We must be prepared to battle the temptation to become angry by memorizing and recalling Scripture when it is needed.

 Col 3:8  But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 

 *****Ecc 7:10  Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this. 

 When we talk about the good old days, the Lord Jesus teaches us, we are not thinking right.

 It is not profitable to live in the past!

 When we think back, we tend to think of only happy days, and we forget that our past had its bad days, too.

 The world is always changing, so expecting things to stay the same is unrealistic.

 This world we live in is in constant deterioration, not progressing into a better world.

 We are to focus on today and not tomorrow.

 God will be just as faithful tomorrow as He is today.

 Listen to the Apostle Paul:

 Php 3:13  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 

Php 3:14  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

 *****Ecc 7:11  Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun. 

Ecc 7:12  For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it. 

Ecc 7:13  Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked? 

Ecc 7:14  In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him. 

 Wisdom is a source of wealth and is precious, and is to be used wisely.

Wisdom is greatly desired.

Wisdom is one of the gifts we can get from God just by asking Him for it.

Wisdom is gained from those who have gone on before us.

 If we receive an inheritance, it is something that was earned through the efforts of those who went before us.

It is the same with wisdom.

 Wisdom is somewhat like money. It can be used wisely, or it can be thrown away.

Wisdom will retain its value unless we foolishly forsake it.

 Jehovah God is the source of perfect wisdom, and He will share it with all His children.

 There is no other knowledge that gives life like the knowledge of God the Father and God the Son, the Gospel.

 No one can change anything God has done or what He says He will do!

 The more we dispute God, the less we will understand!

 We must remember one most important thing!

 Rom 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 

 Why would we want to change anything God has already done when He did those things for His children's betterment?

 God brings prosperity and adversity to our lives, and He has His reasons.

 When we are on the mountain, we need to enjoy it to the fullest because it will not be very long before we are in a valley.

 Listen and learn from Job:

 Job 1:21  And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. 

Job 1:22  In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. 

 God's wisdom helps us accept that we cannot know what tomorrow will bring, but we do know what our ending will be.

 Our faith must stay steady.

 God is not committed to our short-term happiness.

God is committed to our salvation and our character after salvation!

 We cannot go through this life wondering, "What if I had done things differently”?

 It is our Heavenly Father who is in control of the years, the months, the days, the hours, the minutes, and the seconds of our lives.

 We are to learn from the things we go through and be better because we went through them!

 God knows what is best for us!

 *****Ecc 7:15  All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness. 

Ecc 7:16  Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? 

Ecc 7:17  Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? 

Ecc 7:18  It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.

 Many times we as Christians are miserable because we see wickedness prosper while Christians suffer.

 1Co 15:19  If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 

 It seems the ungodly prosper in this world and no one cares if they do it illegally.

 It is only when we know the truth that we begin to understand.

 Psa 73:17  Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. 

Psa 73:18  Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. 

Psa 73:19  How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors. 

 I do not think we realize until we get old just how fragile these bodies we live in are.

 We should be amazed that these bodies last into the seventy years that are mentioned in the Scriptures.

 Why do bad things happen to good people, and why do the wicked prosper in their wicked lives?

 When we look over the things in this world, we see that life is far different from what we expect.

 God does not always reward the righteous, and God does not always punish the wicked.

 Some people believe that only the good die young.

 The truth is that there are no guarantees in life.

 There is no formula for a long, prosperous, trouble-free existence.

 The truth is it is a sin to elevate ourselves over others in our judgment!

 We must never elevate ourselves to the place of God.

 It is a sin to think we are wiser than God!

 It is a sin to assume that living righteously places God under some obligation to us.

 God will keep every promise He has made to us in His own time and in His own place of choosing.

 We are not to become Pharisees and make salvation a works doctrine.

 1Pe 5:5  Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 

1Pe 5:6  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 

1Pe 5:7  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 

 We must never think we can commit a wicked deed and prosper as the wicked did when doing that same deed.

 A life of excessive sin will most times lead to premature death.

 We see this every day in the news.

 Our world is becoming worse just as the Lord has said.

 2Ti 3:12  Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 

2Ti 3:13  But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

 The only answer we need to the things we see is for us to continue our walk in the name of Jesus Christ.

 We must walk daily in the "fear of the Lord".

 As long as we are on this earth, we will have to learn to deal with the brutal reality that we live in a sinful and wicked world.

 Our Heavenly Father is never unjust, and He never makes a mistake.

 We should understand that death is our friend and not our enemy.

 The Lord is always working out things for the good of us: Rom 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 

 What happens here on earth is not our final outcome!

 There is ultimate condemnation coming to the wicked!

 Psa 37:1 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. 

Psa 37:2  For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.

 *****Ecc 7:19  Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city. 

Ecc 7:20  For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

 There is great strength that comes from the wisdom of the Lord!

 It is by the wisdom of God that this world could conquer sin, if this world wanted to conquer sin.

 We know that the world is too involved in sin to want sin eradicated.

 We will face temptations all day in this world.

 1Jn 2:15  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 

1Jn 2:16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 

1Jn 2:17  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. 

 This world is the domain of the Devil.

 1Pe 5:8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 

1Pe 5:9  Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 

 Sin will rob us of our effectiveness in this world.

Jas 1:14  But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 

We must face sin and deal with it according to the Word of God.

Our penalty for sin has already been paid at Mount Calvary.

We know that God is always right.

God's wisdom warns us of the dangers that lie ahead of us until He takes us home.

Amen

The Ministry of Deacons

 The Ministry of Deacons

Book of Acts Chapters 6 and 7

One of the greatest statements in our lesson today is that Satan will change his tactics according to where he sees weaknesses in the Church.

The greatest weakness in the Church as I see it today, is that the modern Church has begun to reject the infallible truth of God and has begun to accept the world's interpretation of the Word of God.

As Christians, we know that we will not be able to have a good understanding of God's Word without the Holy Spirit living within us!

If lying and hypocrisy are allowed to live within the Church, the Church will cease to be "the pillar and ground for the truth"!

1Ti 3:15  But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 

1Ti 3:16  And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 

The truth of the Word of God is that "it is the mystery of Godliness", and this truth is rejected by the world we live in today.

We must clearly understand that God will not allow these things to go on indefinitely.

Remember God's plan moves right along as we see all these things unfold before our eyes.

We must never forget the command of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Mat 28:18  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 

Mat 28:19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 

Mat 28:20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. 

As the Church begins to grow in Jerusalem, God will take this command and the errors that Satan is bringing upon the Church, and He will cause some changes in the direction of the Christian Church in Jerusalem.

Remember the Church in Jerusalem had not been obedient up to this time. Spreading the Gospel was only done locally.

These are all things the Church of today is to learn so these same mistakes are not made again.

The Book of Acts teaches us about the beginning of the Church, and we are never so far advanced that we cannot learn from the Book of Acts and all the Word of God.

Remember what God has said: 2Pe 1:20  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

God has said what He means, and God means what He says! 

We are not to interpret the Scripture!

We pick up our lesson with the Church begins to grow:

*****Act 6:1  And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 

Here we see that the Church began to grow in numbers, but is this a true measurement?

Church growth should not be measured by the amount of people who attend nor by the number of people who join the Church as we will see.

Church growth must be measured by those who have accepted the complete Word of God and live their lives accordingly.

Only then can these certain ones become witnesses to the truth of God and therefore witnesses and missionaries to the world.

As missionaries and witnesses who speak the truth of God.

We are all to be missionaries in the place where God has allowed us to live!

"It is our job to just speak the truth of God and God will do all the work from that point on.

Isa 55:11  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and "it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it".

We need to have this clear understanding of the Word of God and just be obedient witnesses and allow God to do what God does which is.

"God can save anybody, anywhere, at any time"!

Act_2:21  And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Moving on, we see that there were some problems that comes when the people of the Church do not accept the complete Word of God.

Do not be fooled "murmuring" means problems.

We see here the clash of two distinct cultures.

Hebrew women:  We should understand that men and women are on equal ground when it comes God and salvation.

In the Hebrew culture the men were the bread winners, and the women took care of the household and even then, they would contribute in every way possible in caring for their families.

It was the Hebrew family that was to take care of these mothers when her husband died and many times this did not take place.

God had given clear commands on this issue.

This became something that the Church took upon themselves to do.

As the Church grew from being for the most part Jews of Hebrew descent, it began to absorb mothers who were Jews of Greek descent.

We should understand the conquests of Alexander the Great had changed the culture of the entire world.

These changed people were known as Hellenists.

Alexander the Great encouraged his soldiers to take wives from the lands that were conquered and with the other things that he did, Greek culture was spreading like a wildfire around the known world at that time.

Even the Romans had adapted the Greek culture in many ways.

Governments always believe they know better than the average person.

Along with these things, philosophy and intellectual pursuits were the rage amongst these conquered peoples.

It is easy to see the clash that was bound to happen between these widows.

The Hebrews were more accustomed to the ways of Jerusalem, and the ways of the Law, than the Greeks and this would cause a conflict.

The Apostles tried to take care of these matters and it was hurting them in the pulpit.

Peter produced the answer.

So is born the "Deacon".

*****Act 6:2  Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 

Act 6:3  Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 

Act 6:4  But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

The word or title Deacon means to minister or to serve as a minister.

This is not a Minister in what many refer to a Pastor or Preacher but knowing the Word of God was certainly a requirement.

This is not to say the Pastor is not minister also because God has called the pastor or Preacher to do as he is led.

The Deacon should be able to manage day by day matters and the more serious events they can bring to the Pastor.

The Pastor is in charge of the things of the Church.

In this instance the subject was the care of widows.

The Apostles addressed these same issues.

If we want to help our Pastors, then we need to shoulder the majority of the visitations of our Church and our elected Deacons and committee people should shoulder this responsibility as they are able.

The Deacons need to study this passage.

They are not to be rulers as they are to be more like a waitress as Peter has described them.

We see that number seven and we should realize the seven is a perfect number so it could take more than seven in some churches, and it could take less than seven in some churches, but it should never be less than three in my opinion.

What were the keys to choosing these men?

"Honesty, full of the Holy Ghost, the wisdom of God".

The wisdom of God is knowledge of the Scriptures

They must be appointed by the Body of Christ!

There must be proof of their faith!

Their job was to take the minor things off the shoulders of the Pastors and Preachers.

If a problem needed to go to the Preacher, then it should go these Deacons first.

The preaching of the Word of God is far too important to not give our Preachers time to prepare!

The Church then then be made aware of these things before they occur!

*****Act 6:5  And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 

Act 6:6  Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

We should notice a few things here. This Church in Jerusalem has met as a group in unity. The biggest part of these are Jews who left Judaism to become Christian.

Some were so bedded in Judaism that they thought Christianity was just a growth from Judaism, but this was never true.

To be Christian is to love and trust the Lord Jesus Christ and the Christian Church stands alone in this world as teaching that the Lord Jesus Christ the only means to ever get to Heaven.

It takes a personal relationship with Jesus to get to Heaven!

There are so many who reject this truth at their own peril!

This is not something we should brag upon; it is just the truth of God and the truth of the Word of God!

This Church acted out of love and humility.

No one spoke up at this time because of hurt feelings.

The Apostles had not denied that this was a problem, and it was the Apostles who brought forth the remedy provided by the Holy Spirit and this was the first qualification for such men, "to be noticeably filled with the Holy Spirit"'

A Church cannot survive in this world if it is not a Holy Ghost (Spirit) filled Church!

It was the Grecian believers who seemed to be having the problem and God begins training the Church to manage all the problems that would come against the Church until the end of what we call time.

Act 1:8  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and "ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth". 

It was persecution that was in the near future for this Church, and it was time to prepare.

Problems in the Church can only be solved when the Church works as one unit led by the Holy Spirit!

The Church must be rooted in love for each other with the love of God!

Our Pastors must be given the time to prepare a message they have received of God, or "they will try to give us a message they have made up themselves" and that Church will fail.

It was the Church that chose these men not the Apostles!

Stephen was the first of these men chosen. Why? He was a man full of faith and full of the Holy Ghost (Spirit)!

Notice also it appears that Stephen was a Hellenist himself as were all these new Deacons that are mentioned.

In fact all these men had met the qualifications set down by the Apostles and these qualifications should still be the same today as any church chooses its officers and Deacons.

We had met Philip earlier, but this is not Philip the Apostle but Philip the evangelist.

Act 21:8  And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. 

Philip was a great preacher and spoke boldly as persecution of the Church began.

The Holy Spirit traveled with Philip as He does with al Christians but there are no miracles performed by the evangelist of today.

They bring with them the promise of salvation a healing of the soul.

It is Jehovah who is the source of all miracles, and He allowed some men to take credit for these things during the time of the early Church

Act 8:5  Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. 

Act 8:6  And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 

There are no men in the modern Church who can actually perform such miracles today, no matter what some claim!

Next came Prochorus who we know nothing more about. Tradition says he could have become the Bishop of Nicomedia.

Next came Nicanor. We also know nothing more of this man. Tradition says he died in the early persecution of the Church.

We should also keep in mind that there are many men and women who are working in the background of every church, not ever seeking recognition but who keep the Church moving in the right direction.

Next came Timon. Timon is also a Greek name. In reality all these seven men may themselves have been Hellenists.

Parmenas another man that the Bible offers no more information.

Last comes Nicolas which the Bible adds was a Gentile who had converted to Judaism and now having heard the truth became a Christian also forsaking Judaism.

After these men were chosen, they were then presented to the Apostles who ordained them for the work that was given to them.

Notice this ordination was done in view of the Church because it was an official ceremony!

The Church set these men apart.

The Church prayed for each of them and the work they had been chosen to do.

The Apostles, the Preachers, laid their hands upon them in ordination.

The "laying of the hands" was a significant symbol for God's blessing!

Mat 19:13  Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. 

Mat 19:14  But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. 

For healing: Mar 5:23  And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. 

Mar 5:24  And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him. 

For imparting the Holy Spirit: Act 8:17  Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. 

Act 8:18  And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 

Act 8:19  Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. 

We still see the laying of the hands in ordaining and commissioning men to the ministry!

What were the results?

*****Act 6:7  And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. 

1) The Word of God increased as never before because those who preached the Word of God were not hindered trying to solve every little issue that came up in the Church but concentrated on the message of God.

2) The Church grew not just in numbers but also in knowledge of the truth of God which is far more important.

In many mega churches today the "Good News" of the Word of God is rarely mentioned. Witnessing the truth of God is not even mentioned.

3) Many new Preachers and Pastors were reached for the work of the Lord Jesus Christ. These things are the job of the Church and will always be the job of the Church. So many churches have forgotten this today!

We do not need seminaries training our preachers, this is God's job!

Seminaries have ruined too many men of God today!

Gal 2:19  For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 

Gal 2:20  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 

Gal 2:21  I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. 

At the death of Stephen persecution came to the Church!

It is at this time that God reminded the Church to be obedient to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Mat 28:19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 

Mat 28:20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. 

We must observe these things as commands.

We understand that the Lord Jesus Christ is sitting at the right hand of God, but we see something amazing in this passage as the Lord stands up in honor of His martyr Stephen!

Stephen preached a sermon exposing the truth to the people of Jerusalem and Judaism.

When they had heard the truth, it brought conviction.

*****Act 7:54  When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

1) They had heard that their father Abraham was called of God before he was circumcised, before the Law was given to Moses, and before the Temple was built, which they had so high regard for.

2) They heard that Moses and Joseph had not been treated very well by their own fathers they so bragged about. There was not devotion in their hearts, there was only persecution because of the truth

3) They were reminded how their fathers behaved in the wilderness after receiving the Law they so bragged about keeping.

4) They were reminded how their fathers had fallen into idolatry over and over again. Just because Solomon had built the Temple they so bragged about, the Lord Jesus Christ cannot be bound to any temple nor to any building or place upon this earth. We can build immaculate places to worship the Lord, but we are fools to believe we can trap the Lord Jesus within walls nor to any religion.

5) They were reminded that it was their own fathers that persecuted and slew the very Prophets of God and it was they who were the betrayers and the murderers of the men God had sent to teach them the truth.

6) They were reminded that it was they, themselves that could not keep the Laws they so cherished!

The results: They were cut to the heart. Sometimes the truth will cut you to the heart. They were filled with anguish. They felt great pain. They became uneasy.

They became  full of anger and indignation and Stephen became the object of their wrath. They began to show their hatred for the truth, and they were the bigots not Stephen.

How did Stephen react to their hatred?

*****Act 7:55  But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 

Act 7:56  And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 

Stephen may have been aware of what was going on around him, but his focus was upon the glory of God.

Joh_17:5  And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

You see when we rebel against God the truth of the Lord Jesus Christ, we can become disturbed and tormented and it is then that we must make a choice.

Do we accept or reject the truth of Jesus Christ? When we accept the truth of the Lord Jesus then and only then can we be delivered from this sin filled world!

Once we know the Lord Jesus as our Savior, where else could we look but to Heaven!

This world shows no heartfelt sympathy to us. The Lord Jesus Christ came to this place called earth and bled and died for our sins just so we could spend eternity with Him in Heaven.

When we know the Lord, and this earth casts us out, then we know Heaven waits to receive us.

This is the truth of peace in our lives!

In the Book of Isaiah Chapter 6:1 through 13 we can see how this glory of Heaven is described, but Stephen sees this and something even more spectacular.

Rev 21:23  And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. 

The Lord of Glory stands to His feet. The same Lord who had been rejected by this world stood up to receive His child with open arms.

1Co_2:8  Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

While those who were stoning Stephen to death were seeing victory.

While those who were just spectators saw an atrocity, one way or the other.

Stephen saw deliverance!

You see God is always present when one of His children is caused to suffer by this world!

Mat 28:20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. 

Stephen was a man always filled with the Holy Spirit and he clearly understood what that meant while rocks and stones hit his weak body.

1Ti 1:16  Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 

We can believe that what Stephen saw we will see just before we make this same trip to Heaven.

Those in the graves whose soul is already in Heaven will get to see the glory of God as they speed toward Heaven.

Glory, Glory, Glory, Lord God almighty.

What those who knew Stephen saw was a great testimony left behind for all the world to see.

Those who hated Stephen's testimony saw something else but there would be one sinner who would never forget this day.

*****Act 7:57  Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 

Act 7:58  And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. 

Law abiding citizens became murderers this day and the ultra-religious smiled as these were taking place.

We should know that the Holy Ghost is always busy.

We must know that all persecution is rebellion against God!

Those who lead in the persecution of Christians and those that follow them are acting against the Lord and not against that believer!

Rom 1:28  And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 

Rom 1:29  Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 

Rom 1:30  Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 

Rom 1:31  Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 

Rom 1:32  Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. 

They became murderers free to roam this earth because this earth was on their side!

This is the world we live in today and it is only going to get worse until the Lord returns.

This is the first time that Saul of Tarsus is mentioned in the Bible and this event makes an impression upon him. 

*****Act 7:59  And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 

Act 7:60  And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. 

The soul of Stephen went to Heaven, his body is buried somewhere in Jerusalem awaiting the call of the Lord.

We must remember as Christians we will suffer the trials of persecution, some much more terrible than others.

Remember Stephen called out for the Lord's help, Stephen certainly felt the pain.

What we witness is the "grace" and the "strength" to endure these trials and many did become martyrs and there may be many more before the Lord returns in the clouds and calls us out of here.

The Lord wants us all to be with Him right now:

Joh 14:1  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 

Joh 14:2  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 

Joh 14:3  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Stephen was depending on the Lord Jesus as he says "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit".

Why? Because he knew this truth.

2Co 5:8  We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 

2Co 5:9  Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 

Then Stephen shows that loving caring spirit for all as he says, "lay not this sin to their charge".

The truth is that death brings life to all those who love the Lord, and we should have no fear of death.

Just recently I tried to make my doctor understand this as I rejected my last Chemo treatment.

What did Stephen then do?

He fell asleep in Christ and all his pain was over and the Lord met him in Heaven and then returned to His throne awaiting the next saint of God.

Amen