Reaching the Goal

We should all strive to reach the goal before us. Some will reach it and unfortunately some will not. What is that goal, Eternal life.

Acts 26:1-16

26:1-2 God allowed Paul to answer for his actions. Agrippa was appointed by the Romans and well versed in the customs of the Jews.

26:3-5 Paul was highly educated and followed after the Pharisees sect with great zeal. The Sadducees believed not in life after death but the Pharisees did, this is one of the reasons why he was arrested. In order to reach the goal of eternal life there must be a resurrection of the soul.

26:6-7 instantly G 1722; intensity. Paul was accused by the Sadducees for believing in this hope. What is that promise Paul speaks of?

26:8 incredible G 571; disbelieving (without Christian faith). Why should it be a strange thing to believe in life after death.

26:9 Paul was very wrong in the things he did for his religion before being struck down. Paul was just as zealous for Christians as he was against them.

26:10 voice G 5586; a pebble used for voting. Paul is admitting the sins he committed against Christians.

26:11 Many horrible things are committed today in the name of religion! Those who choose to follow after the traditions of man rather than the simplicity of God’s word will have a difficult time achieving eternal life.

26:12 The chief priests under the Roman rule gave authority to persecute Christians in the name of religion.

26:13-14 the prick is the center point of the compass utilized to draw a perfect circle. If you kick against the prick, you attempt to knock the very circle out of line. Paul was fighting against the plan of God and it had to be stopped. They all knew Jesus was crucified and now is speaking to Paul. How is that possible?  Jesus rose again after the crucifixion.

26:15-16 Paul had a purpose and it was to testify of His resurrection and the good news. We too can resurrect into eternal life if we follow after Jesus.

Philippians 2:1-13

2:1-2 consolation G 2874; comfort. Bowels G 4698; inward affection. We are all a part of the many membered body of Christ which makes up the church.

2:3 vainglory G 2754; self-conceit. God gives gifts to the body for a purpose. Don’t ever be jealous or envious of what others may have. Utilize the gifts God has given you!

2:4 We must put others first. We must all strive together for the end prize of eternal life.

2:5-7 The King of kings and Lord of lords took upon Him the form of a servant for us. We must be the same way.

2:8 Jesus died a criminal’s death for us, so that we can achieve eternal life.

2:9-11 every knee shall bow and tongue confess on the first day of the millennium that Jesus Christ is Lord.

2:12-13 We should strive to attain this goal as well. Be pleasing to God all the time. This is the only way we can receive His blessings. Please God over man!

Ephesians 4:1-16

4:1-2 vocation G 2821; calling. We all face troubles in this world. Be patient and tolerant to others and willing to give a lending hand. Christ (our example) suffered many things but always kept the focus on others, this is how we should try and be.

4:3 be a peace maker and not a trouble maker!

4:4-6 The Holy Spirit dwells within us, if you will allow it. This is how it is!

4:7 Each member of the body of Christ receives what they are able to handle. All are important for the edifying and nourishing of the body!

4:8 (compare: Psalm 68:18).  Jesus resurrected and we can all look forward to the same if we follow after Him.

4:9-10 Immediately after the death of Christ He went to those who had passed away under the law (compare: 1Peter 3:19). He preached the good news and many were saved.

4:11-12 we must all work together for the goal that lies ahead.

4:13-14 perfect G 5046; complete. Stature G 2244; maturity. None of us are perfect but it is our duty to mature in our faith. When we mature as Christians we don’t have to worry about being deceived.

4:15-16 it takes the whole body to bring forth the message of peace and understanding th help reach the goal.

Hebrews 1:10-14

1:10-11 the ages will perish but God will remain forever!

1:12-14 the heirs of salvation are those that reach the goal. We should all strive to hear the words from God, “well done thou good and faithful servant”.

V.O.W (verse of the week)

James 1:19-20

 (19) Wherefore, my beloved bretheren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: (20) For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

 What would happen if we lived this out in our daily life? Maybe giving people a little more slack when they mess up so we can show the love of God. I bet your life would show great benefits if we could all adhere to these verses. Try it out for a while, and see how your life is after that.

Being Morally Correct

Here is a question to all, should we be morally correct or politically correct? If you are a Christian we should concern ourselves more with being morally correct. Way too often we overlook truth in order to be politically correct. Christ is our salvation and should be that Rock we stand firm on. Don’t stand idly by and allow people to take Gods name out of everything, just because it makes them feel weird. Stand firm for God.

Luke 11:33-36/44-54

11:33 (compare: Matt 5:15). Jesus Christ is that light we are supposed to set on high for all to see. Don’t be ashamed of Him, and your Christianity!

11:34 single G clear, sound. When your spiritual eyes are clear you are full of light and not darkness. Those who concern themselves with political correctness are afraid to offend others. We should be morally correct and be offended when those try and take God out of everything. Stand for God and let that light shine through you so others might find Jesus, it could save their souls.

11:35 (compare: Rom 16:17, 2 Cor 4:18, Phil 2:4/3:17, Gal 6:1). Don’t be so concerned with offending someone that it would seem you are ashamed to speak about Jesus.  There is a war going on against Christianity, which side are you on?

11:36 Let Christ be your guide. Don’t allow anyone to rob you of your Christianity on the account of being politically correct.

11:44 hypocrites G 5273; stage actor. They are as death (no life) and the people walk over them unawares. These are supposed to be bringing life as teachers of God. Unfortunately they are as stage actors and are only playing church.

11:45 These were offended by the words of Christ. Christ was trying to correct them so they can get back on the right path. Jesus, you could say wasn’t being politically correct. Let’s see what He does.

11:46 lade G 5412; load up. Jesus spoke the truth and wasn’t concerned who became offended. Let Christ be our example, these scribes, Pharisees and lawyers were making it impossible to find salvation.

11:47 He is speaking of the Kenites. They were building up the graves to look pretty but it was their ancestors who sent them there. Beware of hypocrites.

11:48-49 Be careful who we follow. It is everyone’s obligation to check things out for themselves and not depend on a man or religion to tell us what to think (compare: 2 Tim 2:15).

11:50 foundation G 2598/2596/906; to cast down, the overthrow (katabole).  Generation G 1089/1096; offspring, kin. What generation or offspring are we speaking of?

11:51 who slew Able? Of course it was Cain who slew him. His offspring are called Kenites. The Kenites serve their father satan and try to remove God any chance they can. Many times it is in the name of political correctness they do these things. Jesus called them exactly what they are without fear of political correctness.

11:52 The beginning of knowledge is to fear or revere the Lord (compare: Prov 1:7). These wannabe Christians were taking the knowledge of God away from the people. Today is no different. Many would like to bring santa and the easter bunny into our churches and leave Jesus out. Stand firm!

11:53 urge G 1758; ensnare. They were questioning Jesus to find fault with Him not for info. Take note and be wise when saying and doing things.

11:54 who is the accuser, it is satan of course. We live in a great nation built on religious freedom. Nobody has the right to tell us how and what to worship. Stand firm for God.

Hebrews 10:16-31/36-39

10:16-17 during the millennium everyone will know the Lord, and sins repented of are gone forever.

10:18 remission G 859; freedom. Once repented of it is gone. Don’t bring it up again.

10:19-21 Jesus is that high priest after the order of Melchisedec.

10:22 Christ is that cleansing water. Once we have cleansed ourselves, the sin is gone.

10:23 Jesus paid an awesome price, don’t waver from the faith. Don’t allow political correctness deter the work for God.

10:24 don’t provoke people to bad but rather to do good.

10:25 we are to gain knowledge in the word so we can help our brothers and sisters that are lost. Reach out to them, and teach them how to be morally correct.

10:26 once we come to full knowledge we need to stick with it.

10:27-29 (compare: Deut 17:2-6).  Despite G 1796; to insult. Don’t trod underfoot the Holy Spirit or Christ. Stand up for Him and be morally correct, even when it means you might hurt someone’s feelings.

10:30-31 (compare: Deut 32:5-6). Repent often and seek to please God over man.

10:36-37 Christ will soon return to us. He is at the door. Make sure you don’t have to explain to Him why you stood idly by as you trod Him underfoot.

10:38-39 don’t ever allow your faith to become compromised and draw back from Him. Stand for Jesus and don’t allow your faith to become compromised in order to keep political correctness! He paid an awesome price for us, stand for Him.