Today’s Reading: Micah 7:1–20, Acts 15:22–16:5, Job 24:1–11

Today’s Theme: Doctrine Matters

Today’s theme is that doctrine matters. Doctrine is the act of teaching or that which is taught. When Christians think of doctrine we mean the entire body of essential theological truths that define and describe the Gospel message and our life as disciples of Jesus Christ.

In one sense our faith would not exist without clearly defined doctrines like salvation coming through Jesus alone.

Today’s theme explores the importance of sound and clear doctrine to the church as a whole and each of our individual lives as believers. It is through keeping to the teachings of the Bible and the church that we can have confidence in God keeping us secure for eternity.

Micah 7:1–20

Rejoice in uprightness

The godly has perished from the earth, and there is no one upright among mankind; they all lie in wait for blood, and each hunts the other with a net. (Micah 7:2, ESV)

Godly and upright people are considered by Micah to be like summer fruit, they bring delight to his soul. We should feel the same way about our brothers and sisters in Christ who are walking uprightly. We can even rejoice when upright but not necessarily Christian men are in leadership in society.

Don’t be proficient in evil

Their hands are on what is evil, to do it well; the prince and the judge ask for a bribe, and the great man utters the evil desire of his soul; thus they weave it together. (Micah 7:3, ESV)

This sounds like the world we live in today. With new technology and supposed new ideas, men seek to be more proficient in evil, idleness, idolatry, selfishness, greed, vanity and every other work of the flesh.

This is a terrible state for any nation, if the leaders are not men of integrity, there is no hope for the wider society.

The end of the verse reminds me of those who lobby parliament with their evil desires like the Gay Marriage lobby in recent days.

Jesus quotes Micah

for the son treats the father with contempt, the daughter rises up against her mother, the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man’s enemies are the men of his own house. (Micah 7:6, ESV)

Jesus quotes this in His warning about the last days in Matt 10:35-36.

Look to the God of your salvation

But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me. (Micah 7:7, ESV)

Despite the rampant wickedness around him the prophet declares that he will look to the Lord the God of his Salvation. Because God is the God of our salvation we know we can turn to Him in difficult and dark days and have the confidence that He will hear us.

Not forsaken

Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD will be a light to me. (Micah 7:8, ESV)

Hallelujah, this has been the triumphal cry of every true believer. We have confidence in our redeemer that even when we stumble and fall we are not forsaken.

Internal honesty

I will bear the indignation of the LORD because I have sinned against him, until he pleads my cause and executes judgment for me. He will bring me out to the light; I shall look upon his vindication. (Micah 7:9, ESV)

Micah does not take this confidence in the Lord as an excuse to sin. He recognises his short comings and expects to bear indignation for his offence but is confident in light of this humility and internal honesty that the Lord will vindicate him as his Judge.

God is our shepherd

Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock of your inheritance, who dwell alone in a forest in the midst of a garden land; let them graze in Bashan and Gilead as in the days of old. (Micah 7:14, ESV)

God is the shepherd of all His elect people, both Israel and the Church.

God delights in steadfast love

Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. (Micah 7:18, ESV)

What a pivotal, awesome, overarching truth, God delights in steadfast love, and because of this delight He pardons the iniquity and transgression of His elect remnant.

We can have confidence in God’s desire to forgive us and not stay angry with us because we can be confident in His steadfast love and His right, joy and ability to fulfil that which He desires.

Free at last

He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:19, ESV)

What awesome imagery, God will trample upon our moral depravity and cast our shortcomings into the depths of the sea. God will destroy our sin and it will not resurface we will be free at last.

God’s love for Abraham’s seed

You will show faithfulness to Jacob and steadfast love to Abraham, as you have sworn to our fathers from the days of old. (Micah 7:20, ESV)

God will not forsake the children of Abraham. This in one sense applies to the physical Jews, despite hundreds of years of judgement and persecution God has kept the historical people alive as a people and has allowed much of their ancient land to be restored to them.

In another sense this applies to the spiritual children which are all true believers and disciples of the Old and New Testament. See Romans 9:7, Galatians 3:7 and Galatians 3:29

Acts 15:22–16:5

Doctrine (teachings) matters

Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions, (Acts 15:24, ESV)

This is why the decision of church councils throughout history on important topics like the nature of God, Jesus, the scriptures and salvation should be remembered and upheld.

Doctrine (teaching) and truth really do matter, without solid and firm convictions and clearly defined doctrines, our people can easily be troubled with words from the plants of the enemy and the enemies of the cross resulting in their minds being unsettled concerning the truth.

As God’s people we must vigorously defend the historic faith once and for all delivered to the saints. It is our solemn duty to defend the truth of the scriptures and the truth of the church’s public and agreed interpretation and application of those scriptures because as scripture says about itself… it has no private interpretation… therefore the church must be in one accord and agree on the foundational and important doctrines or the church and it’s people will be weak.

The Council of Jerusalem knew this and sent the letter and faithful men to remedy this early attack on the church.

Risk is right

men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 15:26, ESV)

We should not avoid risk in pursuit of the western dream of security and happiness. Instead we should be willing to risk everything for the sake of God’s calling, this is not risk for the sake of risk, that would be folly.

This risk for the Lord was a distinguishing mark of Paul’s life.

John Piper has written two good books on this, “Don’t Waste Your Life” and “Risk Is Right” (I’ve already read both).

Agreement with and through the Holy Spirit

For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: (Acts 15:28, ESV)

The council was led by the Holy Spirit and came to a place of agreement with and through the Holy Spirit.

God’s commands for our welfare

that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.” (Acts 15:29, ESV)

God’s commands are for the welfare of His people.

Rejoice in freedom

And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. (Acts 15:31, ESV)

The Body of Christ rejoices and are encouraged when they receive clear instruction and the burden of false teaching and legalism (you must be circumcised) are lifted.

Teaching and Preaching

But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. (Acts 15:35, ESV)

The ministry of the apostles was not marked by praise and worship or some other activity, it was marked by preaching and teaching the word of the Lord. This should be the highest priority in the church today.

Unity and disagreement

And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, (Acts 15:39, ESV)

Just because we have doctrinal unity, it does not mean we have unity in method, structure, administration, culture etc we have more freedom in these areas which is why Paul and Barnabas could have this heartfelt disagreement and still both be walking with the Lord and ministering in His name.

God used this disagreement to further spread the Gospel in the same way He had used the persecution in Jerusalem.

Paul, the disciple maker

And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. (Acts 15:41, ESV)

Paul was a disciple maker first and a church planter second so his purpose in retracing his steps was to strengthen the churches as they grew in the Lord.

God wants His church to be strong, this is why leaders teach the church to help the members grow in maturity and in the grace and truth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Contextualisation for the sake of the mission

Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. (Acts 16:3, ESV)

This was done for the sake of the mission, we should follow this example by for instance dressing like the locals, learning their language and eating their food, in mission work. This is called contextualisation and it is important in world missions. Hudson Taylor is a good modern example of this.

The growing church

So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily. (Acts 16:5, ESV)

Again we see the victory of God, the church is strengthened and thus increases in light of the clear guidelines from Jerusalem and the pastoral visit of Paul.

Job 24:1–11

Judgement day, a comfort and terror

“Why are not times of judgment kept by the Almighty, and why do those who know him never see his days? (Job 24:1, ESV)

This is a great question from Job. The fact is that if there was no judgement for thoughts, words and actions in this life then there would be no true justice in the universe.

Cowardly, wicked men who commit wicked sins and then are killed before they are brought to justice in this life do not escape the justice of God.

The fact that there is a coming day of judgement is a comfort and a terror. It is a terror to those who will have to answer for their own sins, shortcomings, transgressions and iniquity. It will be a joy for those who will have the best defence lawyer in the universe speaking up for them. He is also the one who paid the fine we surely owed and is also the Judge… because of Jesus we can look to the coming judgement with the comfort of the Holy Spirit who has been given to us as a down payment on our future inheritance.

Landmarks should not be moved

Some move landmarks; they seize flocks and pasture them. (Job 24:2, ESV)

Woe to our government, they have done this, they have moved the great landmark of marriage, for this our society and our country will suffer.

Help the poor

They thrust the poor off the road; the poor of the earth all hide themselves. (Job 24:4, ESV)

The plight of the poor is a vivid reminder that we have been called to help them. To shine the light of God’s truth and love to them by easing or reliving them of their suffering.

Fair trade is important

among the olive rows of the wicked they make oil; they tread the winepresses, but suffer thirst. (Job 24:11, ESV)

We must seriously consider the things we purchase, fair trade is important. The fact is that much of the world’s manufacturing is done in the third world by ruthless companies only concerned with profit, they care nothing for the workers who are paid pennies a day and work in terrible conditions.

As Christians it is our duty to be aware of these things, advocate against them and make informed decisions about where we shop and what we eat and wear.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Acts 15 and Acts 16

Today’s Reading: Micah 4:1–6:16, Acts 14:8–15:21, Job 23:1–17

Today’s Theme: The Unstoppable God

Today there is no clear theme but there is an overarching sense of God’s unstoppable will to be glorified and establish His kingdom. We should act as a sign post to point everyone to Him.

Micah 4:1–6:16

Jesus will reign from Jerusalem

and many nations shall come, and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. (Micah 4:2, ESV)

This will be a glorious day when Jesus reigns from Jerusalem and the nations will flow to Him there to be taught so that they can live in His ways.

The law will also come from here so we know this will be the centre of Christ’s reign on the earth. Also notice the typography of the land will have been changed.

Peace on earth

He shall judge between many peoples, and shall decide for strong nations far away; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore; (Micah 4:3, ESV)

When Jesus comes there will be peace on earth between all nations. The UN will never be able to bring lasting world peace, only Jesus can do this.

God has a plan

But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD; they do not understand his plan, that he has gathered them as sheaves to the threshing floor. (Micah 4:12, ESV)

Let this stand as a warning and rebuke against any nation that would seek to rise against Israel as a nation.

The Lord is a God of strategy in war, God is not passive but has clear thoughts, plans and intentions, He remains in control.

Earth belongs to God

Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion, for I will make your horn iron, and I will make your hoofs bronze; you shall beat in pieces many peoples; and shall devote their gain to the LORD, their wealth to the Lord of the whole earth. (Micah 4:13, ESV)

A reminder that the whole earth belongs to God and not the devil.

Jesus birth prophesied

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. (Micah 5:2, ESV)

The great prophecy of the coming Messiah, this makes clear that He would be born in Bethlehem and that His coming into this world was planned long ago. He is from of old, this is a hint to His divine origin.

Jesus our Shepherd

And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. (Micah 5:4, ESV)

Jesus is the great shepherd of the sheep.

Jesus our peace

And he shall be their peace. When the Assyrian comes into our land and treads in our palaces, then we will raise against him seven shepherds and eight princes of men; (Micah 5:5, ESV)

Jesus is our peace.

The Anti Christ

they shall shepherd the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrod at its entrances; and he shall deliver us from the Assyrian when he comes into our land and treads within our border. (Micah 5:6, ESV)

Some say this reference to the Assyrian is talking about the Antichrist.

God’s remnant

And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the nations, in the midst of many peoples, like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion among the flocks of sheep, which, when it goes through, treads down and tears in pieces, and there is none to deliver. (Micah 5:8, ESV)

We have seen this in our days for both the physical and spiritual remnant of Israel and the Church.

Props taken away

and I will cut off your carved images and your pillars from among you, and you shall bow down no more to the work of your hands; (Micah 5:13, ESV)

In this passage, God is taking away all props. We must be careful of this, that we do not idolise our work, efforts or achievements.

The danger of God’s anger

And in anger and wrath I will execute vengeance on the nations that did not obey. (Micah 5:15, ESV)

All rebellious nations are in great danger of God’s anger.

Don’t break God’s heart

“O my people, what have I done to you? How have I wearied you? Answer me! (Micah 6:3, ESV)

Hear the broken heart of God for the people that have forsaken Him in spite of His love and care. Lord I don’t want to break your heart, help us by Your Spirit to be faithful to You.

The gospel according to the Old Testament

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8, ESV)

This is a wonderful scripture and is like a summary of the Gospel according to the Old Testament.

Do Justice – We should do what is right and pursue justice on behalf of others, this can be in advocacy of the suffering church and in child sponsorship etc.

Love kindness – This speaks to our character, we should walk with the fruit of the Spirit as mentioned in Galatians 5:22, being kind to one another.

Walk humbly – this speaks to our attitude and behaviour, we should walk in genuine humility (of thought and action) before God.

Unsatisfied materialism

You shall eat, but not be satisfied, and there shall be hunger within you; you shall put away, but not preserve, and what you preserve I will give to the sword. (Micah 6:14, ESV)

We see this in the gnawing, unsatisfied hunger of materialism today.

Relationship is key

You shall sow, but not reap; you shall tread olives, but not anoint yourselves with oil; you shall tread grapes, but not drink wine. (Micah 6:15, ESV)

The principle cannot work when separated from walking in loving obedience before God.

Acts 14:8–15:21

See through the Holy Spirit

He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, (Acts 14:9, ESV)

Paul could somehow see that the man had faith to be made well. It is most likely that the Holy Spirit gave Paul this discernment and understanding.

Signposts to God

“Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. (Acts 14:15, ESV)

The devil wanted these people to be focused on the miracle and the personality of Paul and Barnabas, directing their worship to them and not to God.

This happens so often, where people focus on and worship people rather than God. The unfortunate thing is that those receiving worship do not always have the purity of heart of Paul and Barnabas who tore their garments and rushed into the crowd crying out for the people to turn from this vanity to God.

We must always remember that we are just sign posts to God, we are nothing in ourselves, no matter how God uses us.

Paul makes the point of distinguishing God as the living God as opposed to a dead idol or fable. Also note in this case that they were taking on the prevailing religion in the pagan world.

Finish the mission

But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. (Acts 14:20, ESV)

This was no ordinary man, he was filled with God’s Holy Spirit and was determined to finish the mission.

Make Disciples

But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. (Acts 14:20, ESV)

Paul’s great mission was to make disciples.

Through tribulation we enter

strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. (Acts 14:22, ESV)

They were not just making converts but actual disciples, this is why they went back to them to strengthen and encourage them as they grew in the Lord.

We should all take note that it is through many tribulations that we will enter the kingdom of God, this blows away the “Your Best Life Now” theology.

Church structure

And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. (Acts 14:23, ESV)

Paul set up proper church structure so that the believers could be nurtured and grow in the Lord.

God’s open door

And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. (Acts 14:27, ESV)

Praise God, this door is still open.

Debate to the glory of God

And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. (Acts 15:2, ESV)

It is important that we debate matters of doctrine to ensure we do not walk in error as God’s people. We must be ready to debate, we cannot be passive and let every new idea, book etc. that comes along be accepted into the church or Christian thought and life.

The first Church Council

The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. (Acts 15:6, ESV)

This is the first ever church council known as the Jerusalem Council.

One in Christ

and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. (Acts 15:9, ESV)

We must guard this New Testament truth, there is now no distinction between Jews and Gentiles in Christ, we are one.

Our hearts are now cleansed by faith, the New Testament later calls it the circumcision of the heart rather than the body.

Jesus alone could bear the weight of sin

Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? (Acts 15:10, ESV)

The law, (like the ring in Lord of the rings) cannot be borne by anyone, only Jesus could bear it’s weight.

Saved through grace

But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.” (Acts 15:11, ESV)

A core concept for us as Christians, we are saved through the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, both Jew and gentile.

Agreeing with God’s word

And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written, (Acts 15:15, ESV)

This prophecy speaks of the remnant of mankind, these are God’s elect from all nations. It is good to see that from the earliest days of the church, reasoning and decision making was made in light of the word of God and not just current experience.

Food and sex

but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. (Acts 15:20, ESV)

This is the first church decree, note it is all to do with food and sex, these are still some of the biggest problems in the world today.

Prepared with the Old Testament

For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.” (Acts 15:21, ESV)

This means that the truth of the Old Testament had spread to many nations, which in a way prepared the way for the Lord. (like Ken ham mentioned).

Job 23:1–17

Yes He would

Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No; he would pay attention to me. (Job 23:6, ESV)

Job is about to find out that this is not true because God will come down in the closing chapters and contend with him.

Trials purify

But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. (Job 23:10, ESV)

Job recognises the purifying effect of his trials, the New Testament picks up on this, we should be encouraged as mentioned in James that the trial of our faith produces patience and is more precious than gold (James 1:2-4, 12).

Treasure God’s word

I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food. (Job 23:12, ESV)

We should all treasure God’s word in this way. For Job the word of God was more precious to him than natural food, the word of God is often spoken of as spiritual food. Jesus said that His meat was to do the will of the Father.

God is unstoppable

But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back? What he desires, that he does. (Job 23:13, ESV)

This is true of God, He is unstoppable and cannot be defeated. God fulfils and goes to work achieving what He desires.

God’s will is multifaceted, this is where the teaching on the decreed will (the things God sovereignly decrees that will and must happen, like prophecy or choosing elect people in the Old Testament and New Testament) and commanded will (all men everywhere repent Acts 17:30, the 10 commandments etc) of God is useful.

Truly fear God

Therefore I am terrified at his presence; when I consider, I am in dread of him. (Job 23:15, ESV)

Although this does not fit our western conventions, Job’s fear of God is actually very appropriate. God is someone we should actually fear in light of His power and ability to exercise that power in judgement in this life and the next. Jesus warns us to fear Him in Matt 10:28.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Acts 14 and Acts 15

Today’s Reading: Micah 1:1-3:12, Acts 13:13-14:7, Job 22:14-30

Today’s Theme: Judgement, Salvation and Hope

Today’s theme is about the full gospel message which includes the three elements of judgement for sin, the salvation provided through Jesus and the hope of eternal life and peace with God.

Micah 1:1-3:12

Pray for London

All this is for the transgression of Jacob and for the sins of the house of Israel. What is the transgression of Jacob? Is it not Samaria? And what is the high place of Judah? Is it not Jerusalem? (Micah 1:5, ESV)

All the nation’s sin was summed up in the wickedness of the city of Samaria. We must pray for our own country and our capital cities in particular that they would repent and escape God’s judgement.

Disaster from God

For the inhabitants of Maroth wait anxiously for good, because disaster has come down from the LORD to the gate of Jerusalem. (Micah 1:12, ESV)

The prophesied disaster would come from the Lord.

Covetous thoughts

They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them away; they oppress a man and his house, a man and his inheritance. Therefore thus says the LORD: behold, against this family I am devising disaster, from which you cannot remove your necks, and you shall not walk haughtily, for it will be a time of disaster. (Micah 2:2-3, ESV)

The coveting, envy and oppression that mark so many lives all begins in the mind. It begins with dwelling on evil thoughts of greed, self exaltation or covetousness, it ends in the performance of what was meditated on. This is why the New Testament warns us to think on pure things.

Speak about coming judgement

“Do not preach”—thus they preach— “one should not preach of such things; disgrace will not overtake us.” (Micah 2:6, ESV)

Like today there are many preaching that the church should not preach about God’s wrath, the coming judgement or hell.

We must boldly stand against this trend which has been empowered by liberal theologians who reduce God, the Bible and its message down to their own warped, sentimentalised view of love.

Driven from the home

The women of my people you drive out from their delightful houses; from their young children you take away my splendor forever. (Micah 2:9, ESV)

In modern times the women’s liberation movement, libertarian ideas of freedom and egalitarian ideas of equality have driven our women from the home to the office.

I think this is in particular context to women who are married with young children as mentioned in Titus 2:4-5.

If we do not take care of our own children, within the safety of our own families then it is as if our children are taken away by the system around us. It should be no wonder that there is a great wall between children and their parents as the children grow.

We must encourage young Christian mothers to reclaim the home and the fathers to provide for their families and protect and nurture the family in the faith.

Lust driven teachers

If a man should go about and utter wind and lies, saying, “I will preach to you of wine and strong drink,” he would be the preacher for this people! (Micah 2:11, ESV)

This is the folly we see today and what the Bible warned us about, people heaping teachers to themselves after their own lusts.

King of the remnant

He who opens the breach goes up before them; they break through and pass the gate, going out by it. Their king passes on before them, the LORD at their head. (Micah 2:13, ESV)

God is the king of the remnant that He has elected to save. He opens the breach, He leads His people out, He is our king.

How not to be a leader

who eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them, and break their bones in pieces and chop them up like meat in a pot, like flesh in a cauldron. (Micah 3:3, ESV)

This imagery is of leaders who use people for their own advantage and neglect their duty as leaders.

Don’t be full of yourself

But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the LORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin. (Micah 3:8, ESV)

Micah was not like the other prophets, he was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, the others were just full of themselves.

Don’t try to profiteer from your gift

Its heads give judgment for a bribe; its priests teach for a price; its prophets practice divination for money; yet they lean on the LORD and say, “Is not the LORD in the midst of us? No disaster shall come upon us.” (Micah 3:11, ESV)

This is the disgusting practice which is becoming more popular today of profiteering from our gifts.

Acts 13:13-14:7

Historical context

The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. (Acts 13:17, ESV)

Paul relates to the people’s history and sense of identity by reminding them that God elected them from among all the nations. The short history that follows is Paul’s foundation to point to Jesus as the Davidic Messiah prophesied in the scriptures.

We hear Ken ham teach on the Biblical / historical foundations needed to effectively present the gospel in the following video

Historical connections

“Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation. (Acts 13:26, ESV)

Again Paul appeals to his brothers in the flesh, the people of Israel as fellow descendants of Abraham. It is likely that Jewish converts were also in the synagogue because he mentions those who fear God as a separate group.

Historical corrections

For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets, which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. (Acts 13:27, ESV)

I saw on the BBC Documentary on the Jews (in 2013) that they mock our claim to Jesus as Messiah and this is all based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the prophecy of the Old Testament. Paul picks up this point here and says that this misunderstanding led them into fulfilling the very same prophecy.

We must pray for the Jews today that they would recognise Jesus and have a new understanding of their scriptures.

God raised Jesus from the dead

But God raised him from the dead, (Acts 13:30, ESV)

This is crucial to the proclamation of the Gospel message which Paul has given a summary of in this verse. This is a mind blowing truth… God raised Jesus from the dead.

Evidence of the resurrection

and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people. (Acts 13:31, ESV)

Jesus appeared to his elect messengers and they are now impacting the world as witnesses of the resurrection. The radical change of the disciples from cowards to martyrs is evidence that the resurrection actually happened.

The Gospel Summarised

Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. (Acts 13:38-39, ESV)

This is one of the best summaries of the Gospel in all scripture.

A successful mission

And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God. (Acts 13:43, ESV)

This was a successful mission, many Jews and converts to Judaism became disciples of Jesus Christ. Paul boldly declared the truth but not without wisdom and God gave amazing results by His Spirit. They even asked them to come back.

God’s plan to save all nations

And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. (Acts 13:46, ESV)

This is because Israel are God’s chosen people to whom belong the promises and covenants as Paul says in one of his letters, salvation is of the Jews.

Many take this statement by Paul to be anti Semitic which is complete nonsense in its true context. They were resisting and God was leading Paul to the nations, but at the same time thousands of Jews have already been converted, all the original Christians were Jews, so this is an accusation without foundation.

God’s election

And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. (Acts 13:48, ESV)

This so clearly upholds the doctrine of election, God appoints, draws, calls and chooses those He will save and give eternal life to. We should find confidence and increased faith in light of this truth. God will accomplish all of His holy will and WILL save His people, the ones appointed to eternal life whom He has already written in the book of life.

Our salvation is not based on God looking into the future to see if we will chose Him or on any quality we possess, it is solely based on God’s electing love and grace. To God be ALL the glory.

Be filled with Joy

And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 13:52, ESV)

Even in the midst of resistance, God is victorious and His people, the true disciples will be filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. As Christians we should not be depressed, anxious or worried, we should be filled with the joy of the Lord by the Spirit of the Lord.

Jews and Greeks saved

Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. (Acts 14:1, ESV)

Notice both Jews and Gentiles are coming to faith.

God’s confirmation

So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. (Acts 14:3, ESV)

God backed up all they were saying in the proclamation of the Gospel with signs and wonders.

Run

they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country, (Acts 14:6, ESV)

Sometimes it’s time to run away, we must be led by God and use the wisdom He has given us to have maximum impact.

Job 22:14-30

Jesus brings peace

“Agree with God, and be at peace; thereby good will come to you. (Job 22:21, ESV)

In the midst of this friend’s (Eliphaz) bad council there are some nuggets of truth and this is one of them.

The reason Jesus came was to bring agreement between God and His people, to bring peace. When we submit to God it brings us peace. Submission and obedience bring peace and freedom.

Treasure God’s word

Receive instruction from his mouth, and lay up his words in your heart. (Job 22:22, ESV)

This is also true, we should lay up God’s word in our hearts, this involves meditating on His word. There is so much good in His word. If we rush through it we will miss the savour and nutrition, ultimately ending up with spiritual indigestion.

God our treasure

then the Almighty will be your gold and your precious silver. (Job 22:25, ESV)

God must be our greatest treasure, we should forsake the riches of this world for Him as Jesus commanded.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Acts 13 and Acts 14

Today’s Reading: Jonah 1:1–4:11, Acts 13:1–12, Job 22:1–13

Today’s Theme: God in Operation

Our God is not still, He is not distant or indifferent, He is active and we see Him today in operation in the account of Jonah and the people of Nineveh and in Paul’s dealings with Elymaus.

We can have faith in our sovereign God, the one who is in operation in our lives today. We look at various aspects of God’s attributes, character and presence and consider our response.

Jonah 1:1–4:11

God is everywhere

But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. (Jonah 1:3, ESV)

In reality it is not possible to flee from God’s presence because He is omni (all) present, He is everywhere.

God created everything

And he said to them, “I am a Hebrew, and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.” (Jonah 1:9, ESV)

One thing that sets God apart from everyone is that He created everything, Lord You are amazing.

Respond to God’s presence

Then the men were exceedingly afraid and said to him, “What is this that you have done!” For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them. (Jonah 1:10, ESV)

When we try to run away from God’s presence and purpose we put those around us in great danger. We must fulfil the mission God has assigned to us. We should respond to God’s presence, not run away from it.

God, Sovereign Lord

Therefore they called out to the LORD, “O LORD, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not on us innocent blood, for you, O LORD, have done as it pleased you.” (Jonah 1:14, ESV)

These sailors who before worshipped false gods now prayed to the God of heaven. They could clearly see that He was the true God by all that was happening around them.

They also recognised that God has the power, authority and ability to be totally sovereign and perform all His holy will.

Our God saves

Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows. (Jonah 1:16, ESV)

God can even take the rebellious life of one of His people to draw men to Him, these men became believers.

God is in control

And the LORD appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. (Jonah 1:17, ESV)

Again showing God’s control over the whole thing.

Hope in God’s Faithful Love

Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love. (Jonah 2:8, ESV)

This is a powerful truth that speaks for itself. Lord keep me from focusing on vain idols that cannot benefit me. Instead help me to keep my eyes on you in hope of your steadfast love.

Salvation, God’s gift

But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to the LORD!” (Jonah 2:9, ESV)

Salvation is God’s gift to give, not ours to take. We give God thanks for His grace towards us.

Fruits of repentance

And the people of Nineveh believed God. They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them. (Jonah 3:5, ESV)

This was real belief in the message, we can tell by their actions. True faith is always accompanied by repentance.

National repentance

but let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and let them call out mightily to God. Let everyone turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish.” (Jonah 3:8–9, ESV)

This was true national repentance, it is possible for an entire nation to repent, we should pray for our nations with this in mind.

Prayer, the game changer

When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it. (Jonah 3:10, ESV)

Things can be changed through prayer and repentance, so repent and pray.

God is gracious

And he prayed to the LORD and said, “O LORD, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. (Jonah 4:2, ESV)

This is God’s character and Jonah knew it. God is gracious, merciful and loving.

The God who appoints

When the sun rose, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint. And he asked that he might die and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.” (Jonah 4:8, ESV)

This is the third time in this passage that we hear that God appointed. This shows the extent of God’s sovereign rule and ability.

God cares for His creation

And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?” (Jonah 4:11, ESV)

Jonah had a very self centred attitude, Lord keep us from that. God had pity on the people of Nineveh and even on the animals. God cares for His creation, so should we.

Acts 13:1–12

The Holy Spirit sets apart

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (Acts 13:2, ESV)

The Holy Spirit specially calls out and selects for ministry, especially for church planters and missionaries.

The word of God proclaimed

When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them. (Acts 13:5, ESV)

Their mission was to proclaim God’s word. Again notice that this was happening in synagogues as the Lord by His Spirit reached out to the Jews.

Dealing with opposition

and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? (Acts 13:10, ESV)

Paul spoke with the authority of the Holy Spirit. This reminds us that people can be the biggest hindrances when we share the Gospel. Paul said Elymaus was making the straight path of God’s truth and appeal for salvation crooked by his resistance.

We should pray that God gives us authority and wisdom to deal with human opponents to the gospel.

Stand fast

Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord. (Acts 13:12, ESV)

Notice this bending of the Lord’s path was no bending at all because the devil meant it for evil but God turned it for good. It became the reason why the pro-council was saved.

The resistance we receive to the gospel will be the catalyst to many being saved if we stand fast in faith and do not waver.

Job 22:1–13

Be profitable to God

“Can a man be profitable to God? Surely he who is wise is profitable to himself. (Job 22:2, ESV)

Yes, Jesus demonstrates this in the parable of the servants. Jesus said it about Paul.

Bring God pleasure

Is it any pleasure to the Almighty if you are in the right, or is it gain to him if you make your ways blameless? (Job 22:3, ESV)

Yes because without faith it is impossible to please (bring pleasure to) God.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Acts 13

Today’s Reading: Obad 1–21, Acts 11:19–12:25, Job 21:17–34

Today’s Theme: God Answers

Today’s theme looks at the way God powerfully answers our prayers, even sending angels to deliver His people or judge the enemy. This should encourage our faith as we pray.

Obadiah 1–21

Success will not save you

Though you soar aloft like the eagle, though your nest is set among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the LORD. (Obadiah 4, ESV)

Success and affluence in this world are no protection from the judgement of God.

Omissions

On the day that you stood aloof, on the day that strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them. (Obadiah 11, ESV)

Their sin was one of omission, they did not try to help when Israel was attacked.

We have a duty to speak up against injustice and to help our brothers in the Lord.

Nations will be judged

For the day of the LORD is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head. (Obadiah 15, ESV)

Entire nations will come under judgment as mentioned in Matthew 24/25.

Jesus will reign

Saviors shall go up to Mount Zion to rule Mount Esau, and the kingdom shall be the LORD’s. (Obadiah 21, ESV)

The reign of Jesus at the second coming.

Acts 11:19–12:25

Christianity is for Jewish people

Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. (Acts 11:19, ESV)

This was a major thrust in the first Church, thousands of Jews were saved across the known world. This alone speaks against the claim that Christianity is inherently anti Jewish.

One of the main reasons Jews do not accept Jesus as Messiah is because they say nothing has changed and the kingdom is not here. As Christians we need to be able to explain that the Old Testament rightly understood, spoke of the Messiah coming in two stages. First as a suffering servant and later as a reigning king, this is what the scattered church explained when they spoke the word to the Jewish world.

Be steadfast in purpose

When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. (Acts 11:23–24, ESV)

We must encourage one another to stay faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose.

Christians

and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. (Acts 11:26, ESV)

In the midst of God’s great work in Antioch we are first given the name our religion would come to be known by “Christian” which means “Christ’s adherents, those who belong to, or are devoted to Christ (YBD).”

Give according to your ability

So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. (Acts 11:29, ESV)

This is how we should give to the Lord’s work and charity.

Pray together in unity

So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church. (Acts 12:5, ESV)

This is one of the greatest encouragements for us to pray with earnest, heartfelt faith in God in unity as a church.

Rescued by Angels

And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. (Acts 12:7, ESV)

This is awesome, an angel was sent to rescue Peter. We can pray this for those wrongly imprisoned in the suffering church that God would send angels to deliver them too.

God’s powerful answer

When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.” (Acts 12:11, ESV)

Despite the plans of the government (Herod) or the religious establishment (Jews), God was able to set His minister Peter free to do His will by sending a powerful angel to rescue him.

These angels have amazing powers, like the Bible tells us they are ministering spirits. Now notice the people were not praying for God to use angels, they were just praying to God and God chose to use an angel to answer the prayer.

1st century misunderstanding

They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!” (Acts 12:15, ESV)

A misunderstanding of the afterlife from the first century. The reality is that we do not become angels when we die, angels are a separate creature entirely from man.

God actually answers, believe it

But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed. (Acts 12:16, ESV)

We must have faith that God will actually answer our prayers.

Angels used for judgement

Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last. (Acts 12:23, ESV)

Again an angel is involved, but this time it is for judgement for not giving glory to God.

God’s victory

But the word of God increased and multiplied. (Acts 12:24, ESV)

Here is the awesome victory of God in the midst of all the tension and hostility, the Word of God proclaimed “The Gospel” increased and spread. The church was growing by God’s mighty power and the forces of man could not contend with the purpose of God.

Lord may Your word increase and be multiplied in our nation.

Job 21:17–34

Who can teach God?

Will any teach God knowledge, seeing that he judges those who are on high? (Job 21:22, ESV)

No one can teach God anything. As fallen man we often think we have a better opinion or perspective on things and then try to reinterpret the Bible to fit our own standards of right and wrong… this is folly.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on Acts 11 and Acts 12