Be not deceived

Remember the song, “Room at the Cross.”

Acts 22:1-30

Paul made his defense before the mob in which case he recalled his manner of life before he was saved. In the past he was a Pharisee of the highest order, persecuting the Church and thought he was zealous towards God. He threw believers into prison.

But on his way to Damascus, he met the Lord, the great light that shined over him from heaven; and spoke with Him and knew that Jesus Christ was speaking from heaven; and was blinded and led about by the hand of others for 3 days.Then he had a miracle healing and baptism and given instructions that shaped his life and future.

Gal. 6:1-18

Those who consider themselves spiritual have a duty to restore any of the brethren that are overtaken in a fault. It is a great duty. This work of restoration must be done in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

He that soweth to his flesh, shall of his flesh reap corruption: but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. For, if any man thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

Gal. 6:7, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that he shall also reap.”

Predestined

Remember the song, “Softly and tenderly.”

Acts 23:1-35

Paul made his defence before the Sanhedrin and there was a conspiracy to kill him: But Paul took knowledge of the difference in beliefs between the Sadducees (who do not believe in the resurrection, angel and spirits: but the Pharisees confess both. Paul used to be a Pharisee. He used that as a strategy to deflate some of his opposers.

In verse 6 Paul said, “Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope of resurrection of the dead I am called in question.

The night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome. Finally, Paul was sent to be examined in Caesarea by Felix.

Eph. 1:1-23

Paul points to the position of the believers in grace. We were chosen to be holy. We were predestined to be sons of God. Made acceptable unto God. Redeemed by his blood, the precious blood of Jesus Christ our Lord, for the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace. Having made known to us the mystery of his will. In whom we have obtained an inheritance, according to both his pleasure and purpose with blessings.

Eph. 1:10, “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him.”

Believers

Position in Christ

Remember the song, “Child of the King.”

Acts 24:1-27

Paul had another defence to make before and his accusers from Jerusalem. In his defence Paul made it clear that his accusers did not find him in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city. Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.

But this I confess unto thee, that after the ways which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets.

Also except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, touching the resurrection of the deadI I am called to question by you this day.

Eph. 2:1-22

Paul wrote about the sources and purposes of eternal redemption. For God who is rich in mercy, for his great love where with he loved us. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved). Ye were once without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.

Eph. 2:8, “For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

The indwelling

Remember the song, “Where could I go but to the Lord.”

Paul objected to that and decided rather to appeal to Caesar since he was before Caesar’s judgment seat. Festus had no choice after conferring with his council, said to Paul unto Caesar shalt thou go.

Shortly after king Agrippa and his wife Bernice came to visit Festus. Who introduced Paul’s case to them because they knew more about the ways of the Jews than he.

Before Agrippa and Bernice Paul witnessed a good confession.

Faithful witness

Remember the song,

“Leaning on the everlasting arm.”

Paul asked who was talking to him. Paul said, Who art thou, Lord? And He said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

Here Jesus Christ told Paul, But arise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee.

After Paul’s defense, then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar. But remember God had his purpose and that included that Paul must testify at Rome. Romans 8:28, don’t forget.

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling: One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But everyone of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Neither give place to the devil. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind.

Verse 26, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.”

Remember the song, “ Where could I go but to the Lord.”

And when neither sun nor stars appeared in many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away. After about 14 days, Paul said, I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, saying, “Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.” After the fourteenth day Paul asked them to eat for they had been fasting, having taken nothing. They eventually found themselves on the island of Melita; some swam, others used pieces of the wreck ship to float to land safely.

For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

Speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it. That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.

Remember this song, “There is power in the blood.”

Every true believer will arrive at their destination (heaven) and satan cannot do anything about it but will end up in the lake of fire; like the venomous snake.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God.