Luke 19:45-48 ~ He entered the Temple

The Shepherd, by Greg Olson

Luke 19:45-48

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45 And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold, 46 saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers.”

47 And he was teaching daily in the temple. The chief priests and the scribes and the principal men of the people were seeking to destroy him, 48 but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were hanging on his words.

In the book "They Like Jesus but Not the Church: Insights from Emerging Generations" by Dan Kimball. It has a good basis- 70% of Church-going college students quit going to Church after 2 years, with a large percentage of 20-30 year olds having nothing to do with the Church & don't think it's relevant.

This passage speaks to us in the Church and those just loving Jesus without the Church. Many people, like the Essenes, had fled from the 2nd Temple due to the climate - it was being politically correct as a tool of the government/establishment. So, Jesus came from an era finding the Temple insufficient.

Jesus said that we, in our bodies, are the Temple, yet it came with a caveat:

1 Corinthians 6:19
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own

Jesus went into the Temple (not just His Body, but the physical location) at least 26 times, recorded in the Gospels; And Jesus entered Synagogues at least 12 times. Every day, Jesus acknowledged a problem with the system and with the "religious" but He didn't feel as He was above the difficulties.

To us, already part of the Bride of Christ, this passage brings up other situations, the religious are using God's House for their own interests:

We ignore the regulars in order to get more people in the door. Robbing the richness of community. We become a business and not a house of prayer.

We are known, today - this generation, to speak down to Non-Christians. Or to make sweeping generalities as judgment. We act as the judges seeking to destroy.

We ignore everyone who isn't already a friend. We act as the Principal Men - too important and comfortable to reach out.

We work the crowd to increase our business. We rob God of our worship.

We work the crowd to increase our friendships. We rob God of our love.

We worship control over contribution. We seek to become chief priests and the scribes and the principal men of the people.

After some harsh words, it is good to remember - the Un-Churched are waiting for the Light of Christ. The Non-Church-Going shouldn't throw stones. The Church should not act as the world. And know this - we all have earned God's judgement, but Jesus never threw the first stone.

It would seem to be impossible to move the Non-Church-Going into part of the solution. It would seem impossible to move the Church into being the Body of Christ. And then, in our goal-orientedness, we have forgotten. We do not worship the Temple, we worship the LORD. When all seems without hope, it is because we have focused on man being the solution. We need to hang on His Words.

Mark 10:27
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."

Matthew 5:14
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.

Philippians 2:1-11
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of JESUS every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that ..... Jesus Christ is Lord! To the glory of God the Father!

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Genesis 18:16-33 ~ Oh do not let the Lord be angry if I speak

Abraham (in the front left) entertains 3 Angels. Painted by Aert de Gelder, 1645-1727, was one of Rembrandt's last pupils and considered the best.

Genesis 18:16-33

Then the men set out from there, and they looked towards Sodom; and Abraham went with them to set them on their way. 17 The Lord said, ‘Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, 18 seeing that Abraham shall become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? 19 No, for I have chosen him, that he may charge his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice; so that the Lord may bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.’ 20 Then the Lord said, ‘How great is the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah and how very grave their sin! 21 I must go down and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me; and if not, I will know.’

22 So the men turned from there, and went towards Sodom, while Abraham remained standing before the Lord. 23Then Abraham came near and said, ‘Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? 24 Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city; will you then sweep away the place and not forgive it for the fifty righteous who are in it? 25 Far be it from you to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?’ 26 And the Lord said, ‘If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will forgive the whole place for their sake.’ 27 Abraham answered, ‘Let me take it upon myself to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes. 28 Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?’ And he said, ‘I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there.’ 29 Again he spoke to him, ‘Suppose forty are found there.’ He answered, ‘For the sake of forty I will not do it.’ 30 Then he said, ‘Oh do not let the Lord be angry if I speak. Suppose thirty are found there.’ He answered, ‘I will not do it, if I find thirty there.’ 31 He said, ‘Let me take it upon myself to speak to the Lord. Suppose twenty are found there.’ He answered, ‘For the sake of twenty I will not destroy it.’ 32 Then he said, ‘Oh do not let the Lord be angry if I speak just once more. Suppose ten are found there.’ He answered, ‘For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.’ 33 And the Lord went his way, when he had finished speaking to Abraham; and Abraham returned to his place.

~ 23Then Abraham came near and said, ‘Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?

Why wasn't Abraham turned into a pillar of salt for questioning the Lord?

Father God tells us. The Lord’s plan for Abraham is to keep the way of the Lord. If Abraham had kept his mouth shut and let God Almighty go forward, his nephew Lot would have died.

My niece is being trained as a paramedic. She was in a large crowd of people at a rodeo and the bull gorded the rider. She could tell from the stands the accident was extremely serious. Brooke became alarmed because in the huge crowd, no one was going to help the rider. She ran down through the stands, asking for someone to help him. No one replied. The people hired to be the medical attendants had not shown up for the evening.

Brooke jumped over the rails, spoke with the man to stay conscious, not to look down and pressed her shirt into the gaping wound in his abdomen. At that point, Brooke had to direct a bystander to call 911. No one in the auditorium had called and the 911 operator said help was 10 to 15 minutes away.

Much later at the hospital, the man found out from the hospital staff, who’d heard from the paramedics arriving from the 911 call, that without Brooke’s help, he would have surely died.

For the crowd, they’d paid for rodeo entertainment and no one even lifted their cell phone to help the injured man. Not everyone speaks up. Not everyone speaks up.

Abraham was willing to speak up to the Lord for his nephew. The Lord was teaching Abraham about loving his neighbor as himself. This is only the 18th Chapter of Genesis, the beginning of the Scriptures and God as Father is teaching us to care for others as ourselves.

Galatians 3:6
Consider Abraham: "He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

James 2: 22-24
22You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. 24You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.

Romans 4: 1.18-21
1What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter?
18Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be." 19Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. 20Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.

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Psalm 141 ~ let my prayer be counted as incense before You

Psalm 141 ~ (New Revised Standard Version)


I call upon you, O Lord; come quickly to me;
give ear to my voice when I call to you.
Let my prayer be counted as incense before you,
and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.
Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord;
keep watch over the door of my lips.
Do not turn my heart to any evil,
to busy myself with wicked deeds
in company with those who work iniquity;
do not let me eat of their delicacies.

Let the righteous strike me;
let the faithful correct me.
Never let the oil of the wicked anoint my head,
for my prayer is continually against their wicked deeds.
When they are given over to those who shall condemn them,
then they shall learn that my words were pleasant.
Like a rock that one breaks apart and shatters on the land,
so shall their bones be strewn at the mouth of Sheol.

But my eyes are turned toward you, O God, my Lord;
in you I seek refuge; do not leave me defenseless.
Keep me from the trap that they have laid for me,
and from the snares of evildoers.
Let the wicked fall into their own nets,
while I alone escape.



Luke 18:1-8

1 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. 2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. 3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 4 For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” 6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

Prayer is our conversations with the Lord.

Ephesians 6:18
praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints

Prayer helps us grow in the Lord.

Philippians 1:9
And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment

God honors people who have turned to Him, even as a last resort.

Psalm 102:17
he regards the prayer of the destitute and does not despise their prayer.

God is not the prosperity gospel, or fond of easy grace.

Proverbs 28:9
If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.

God expects us to care for each other in prayer. Jeremiah was directed not to pray for the Children of Israel, that is far from usual. Moses prayed for the people. Jesus spent a lot of time in prayer.

Jeremiah 7:16
As for you, do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer for them, and do not intercede with me, for I will not hear you.

Exodus 32:31-32
So Moses went back to the LORD and said, “Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made themselves gods of gold. 32 But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.”

God wants you to pray for your Church.

Daniel 9:17
Now therefore, O our God, listen to the prayer of your servant and to his pleas for mercy, and for your own sake, O Lord, make your face to shine upon your sanctuary, which is desolate.

In all and extreme situations, God wants your roller-coaster prayer.

Jonah 2:7
When my life was fainting away, I remembered the LORD, and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple.

God expects us to have conversations knowing He is God. To be His creation.

Matthew 6:5
And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.

For hopeless situations, God says:

Mark 9:29
And he said to them, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer."

The prayer of faith, expecting God to show up:

Mark 11:24
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Letting God's will be done in our lives:

John 17:1
When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you

Praying in community:

Acts 1:14
All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

2 Corinthians 1:11
You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.


Father God, we thank You for hearing our prayers. Thank you for answering 'no' to some of them, in time we see Your blessing. Thank You for the gifts You've given us in blessing. I am grateful today for some of the no's. Thank You, Jesus Christ, Father and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Romans 12:12
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.


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Ezekiel 39:21-40:4 ~ I will set my glory among the nations

One of the clay tablets revealing the presence of the Judean royal house as prisoners in Babylon. Excavated from an arched building near the Ishtar Gate of ancient Babylon. The cuneiform texts, 595 - 570 B.C., contain lists of rations of barley and oil issued to the captive princes and artisans, including "Yaukin, king of the land of Yahud." This is a direct reference to Jehoiachin (or Jeconiah). The other tablets mention his 5 sons accompanying him to Babylon. Staatliche Museum, Berlin

Ezekiel 39:21-40:4

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21 “And I will set my glory among the nations, and all the nations shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid on them. 22 The house of Israel shall know that I am the Lord their God, from that day forward. 23 And the nations shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity, because they dealt so treacherously with me that I hid my face from them and gave them into the hand of their adversaries, and they all fell by the sword. 24 I dealt with them according to their uncleanness and their transgressions, and hid my face from them.

25 “Therefore thus says the Lord God: Now I will restore the fortunes of Jacob and have mercy on the whole house of Israel, and I will be jealous for my holy name. 26 They shall forget their shame and all the treachery they have practiced against me, when they dwell securely in their land with none to make them afraid, 27 when I have brought them back from the peoples and gathered them from their enemies' lands, and through them have vindicated my holiness in the sight of many nations. 28 Then they shall know that I am the Lord their God, because I sent them into exile among the nations and then assembled them into their own land. I will leave none of them remaining among the nations anymore. 29 And I will not hide my face anymore from them, when I pour out my Spirit upon the house of Israel, declares the Lord God.”


1 In the twenty-fifth year of our exile, at the beginning of the year, on the tenth day of the month, in the fourteenth year after the city was struck down, on that very day, the hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me to the city. [brought me there] 2 In visions of God he brought me to the land of Israel, and set me down on a very high mountain, on which was a structure like a city to the south. 3 When he brought me there, behold, there was a man whose appearance was like bronze, with a linen cord and a measuring reed in his hand. And he was standing in the gateway. 4 And the man said to me, “Son of man, look with your eyes, and hear with your ears, and set your heart upon all that I shall show you, for you were brought here in order that I might show it to you. Declare all that you see to the house of Israel.”


Ezekiel was in captivity with the King of Judah, Jeconiah, eleven years before Jerusalem was destroyed. Ezekiel never mentions Jeconiah's uncle, the successor Nebuchadnezzar put up as puppet king, Zedekiah. This is the 25th year of captivity for the first group of captives, they will not be released for 34 more years. 57 years from the 2nd Temple being built.

It is utterly astonishing the Babylonian Emperor, Darius, would give directions to free the slaves and build the Temple. Build with his funds and the original Temple tools, held in waiting through 3 different emperors. It defies anything else on earth. And, recently historically, the world saw this happen again - 1947 - Israel was re-established. Imagine a country not only in ruins, but obliterated - the people scattered & yet they return to their homeland. Does Archaeology agree this occurred. Yes. Scholars debate the timing by six months.

If we know Israel came back from being annihilated, several times; these amazing events set a pattern to believe God's Son would rise from the dead.

Blessed be the Lord God, our Redeemer. Amen.

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Psalm 100 ~ Serve the Lord with gladness

Psalm 100

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Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
2 Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!

3 Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his; [and not we ourselves]
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!

5 For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.

Psalm 100, sung by the Cy-Ridge Varsity Treble Choir - sounds like Angels

We were blessed to have Andy Piercy recently come to our Church. He is the head of AMiA (Anglican Mission in America) worship, he is really talented. How talented? This man has his own Wikipedia site. Before he turned to Christian music, he was opening for Queen, ELO and Van Halen. Then he began to be on fire for Christian music, and began writing /recording many of the songs used on Alpha and produced records for Delirious, Matt Redman, Rita Springer, Soul Survivor and Graham Kendrick.

Andy made an off hand comment during his humble, down-to-earth sermon & said, in his lovely English accent, Worship is a bit like going to a party where everyone there is holding their breath waiting for the famous person who may or may not show up. That analogy is wonderful, perfect for Psalm 100.

Psalm 100 is about what we bring to the Lord. It is the expectation - the Lord IS going to show up. It's about going to Church, it's about opening our hands to ask Him to give us His daily works. It's about what we bring to this life, it's about the next life.

It's about making the decision to place ourselves in God's hands and let Him work His Plan. Rejoice! This is about putting anxiety down with our decision to trust.

We are the Lord's !

And the music today is from my childhood. It is like putting on the Holy Spirit - the Comforter. Andy Piercy read us terrible letters written to the minister saying how terrible, romantic, uninspiring the new hymns were. Of course the letters were written 140-300 years ago over songs like 'Amazing Grace', 'Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee', 'The Old Rugged Cross". We all have a different taste in music, Psalm 100 is a song sung with practice, with joy, with a decision to put down our interests and concerns, to take time to Praise God.

It is He who made us, and not we ourselves!!!

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Doxology of Psalm 100, always a blessing


O Praise Him, David Crowder Band

Psalm 96 ~ oh sing to the Lord a new song

Psalm 96

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1 Oh sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth!
2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
4 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!
8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
bring an offering, and come into his courts!
9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; [of holy attire]
tremble before him, all the earth!

10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.”

11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
12 let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
13 before the Lord, for he comes,
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness,
and the peoples in his faithfulness.

Our Church family small group had been studying Bill Hybels' (Pastor of Willow Creek) book, "Just Walk Across the Room." One of the things I've enjoyed about this reasonable study, looking for the opportunities to share God's love with others. We are studying the 5th week, the video was pretty hilarious and we laughed a lot.

The main theme today is being more clear on having a one minute personal story - how God's love changed our lives. The video gave rave performances - not to be too long, rambling. Avoid being fuzzy, unclear, wobbly. Not to be weird and give God stories best shared in a small group who love you and know you. No to lots of esoteric Religious speak - i.e. too many thee's and thou's are not easy or comfortable. And flee from giving holier than you, speak downs.

Years ago, I went to a Christian renewal weekend. During my time with this group, I realized they had a love for the Lord causing them to glow with joy. We were in the very rural country and it was so dark outside. We were in the Chapel, and the priest said the light in the lantern represented the Presence of Christ. We were asked to remember Jesus as the Light of the World. We were asked to decide, did we indeed believe or would this merely be a light. It was a question I had been asking myself. I knew I had a decision, I knew Jesus as Lord. Suddenly I was given a peace, a joy, a Love. I was filled with the Light of Christ. I'd never felt such love wash over me.

Over the years, as I've journeyed as a follower of Jesus Christ, I've felt the Light - the free gift of salvation - given to me - strengthen me in times of need. Lift me higher in joyful times. Giving me more compassion to others. Growing me to go home to the Lord. The Lord is my rock.


John 1:5
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.


!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


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Psalm 134 ~ may the Lord bless you from Zion, He who made Heaven and earth!

Evening Prayer, by Jean Francois Millet


Psalm 134

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Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord,
who stand by night in the house of the Lord!
2 Lift up your hands to the holy place
and bless the Lord!

3 May the Lord bless you from Zion,
he who made heaven and earth!


Years ago, the Roman Empire began to crumble when inner corruption, greed, overcame trade. Christ then began to be proclaimed as Son of God and propped the Roman Empire for another 200 years. Then cities became afraid again, we slid into the Middle Ages and major fortification was established as cities became walled in and lives became walled in. Distrust and starvation set in and the Churches, acting as stewards of Jesus Christ were the first to feed and to care for children of God and provide hospital care. At the end of the plagues, when people began to leave serfdom all over Europe, the Church was the first place built outside of the fortified walls. Churches were responsible for people beginning to trust their environment. People left the walled enclosures to attend evening prayer. The Evening Service is called Vespers, people would, and do, gather to give thanks. A blessing for the Lord.

Here is a sample of the prayers:

Jesus said "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one lights a lamp to put it under a bucket, but on a lamp-stand where it gives light for everyone in the house. And you, like the lamp, must shed light among your fellow man, so that they may see the good you do, and give glory to your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

Almighty God, we give you thanks for surrounding us, as daylight fades, with the brightness of the vesper light; and we implore you of your great mercy that, as you enfold us with the radiance of this light, so you would shine unto our heart the brightness of your Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Psalm 141:2

Yours is the day, O God, yours also the night; you established the moon and the sun. You fixed all the boundaries of the earth, you made both summer and winter. Psalm 74:15-16

I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel; my heart teaches me, night after night. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not fall. Psalm 16:7-8

If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,”
even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you. Psalm 139:10-11

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13




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Acts 28 ~ and welcomed all who came to him

Tomb of St. Paul

Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (the Aurelian Walls, city walls built between 271-275 for Rome's seven hills. Unfortified area of Rome.)

Earlier this week we remembered the monuments to Paul, all over his travels. Here is Paul's current house, dedicated to His LORD. It was built with his tomb at the altar. The Basilica named for Paul was built in 354 by Constantine. It was fortified in the 9th century and burned by roof repairs in 1823. Rebuilt in 1840.



Acts 28

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1 After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. 2 The native people [barbaroi that is, non–Greek speakers] showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. 3 When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. 4 When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice [justice] has not allowed him to live.” 5 He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.

7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. 8 It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him healed him. 9 And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. 10 They also honored us greatly, [honored us with many honors] and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed.

11 After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods [Greek gods Castor and Pollux] as a figurehead. 12 Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 There we found brothers [brothers and sisters; also verses 15, 21] and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. 15 And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. 16 And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier that guarded him.

17 After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” 21 And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”

23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement:
“The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:

26 “‘Go to this people, and say,
You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.
27 For this people's heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed;
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.’’

28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”

30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, [his own hired dwelling] and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

Paul knew he was probably on the voyage ending his life.

Acts 21:11
And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'"

While shipwrecked he stayed with the crew. Healing along the way. In each stop, Paul meets brothers and sisters in Christ all along the long journey, just 26 years after Jesus rose again. Paul has been told he will meet his death at the hands of the Gentiles, yet Paul is here to proclaim to all ~ Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior.

Just as it was since 60 A.D., all are welcome at the house of Paul. Paul's house is always the home of the Holy Spirit.

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Philemon 1:7-20 ~ refresh my heart in Christ

Photo Compiled by Investigation Bureau of Germany. I'd think it would be the compilation of the numerous icons of St. Paul. Usually Paul looked more cheerful in the early Christian art.


Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, 2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began 3 and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior
Titus 1:1-3




Philemon 1:7-20

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7 For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you. 8 Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, 9 yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus— 10 I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, [Onesimus means useful or beneficial] whose father I became in my imprisonment. 11 (Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.) 12 I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart. 13 I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel, 14 but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord. 15 For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, 16 no longer as a slave [bondservant] but more than a slave, as a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

17 So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. 18 If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. 19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it—to say nothing of your owing me even your own self. 20 Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.

The Books of the Scriptures are not placed in date order in the Bible. When Paul wrote Philemon, with the Holy Spirit, there was more to be written: 1st & 2nd Timothy, Titus and Hebrews. There is so much we don't know of Paul. We don't know with certainty he completed his plan to travel to Spain. There are fragments of documents to guess Paul's plan was complete.

What we can know of Paul, the Holy Spirit has placed well within our hands, in the Scripture.

Paul is credited with affirmation of slavery. Really Paul was saying, to be content with our lives, knowing that in Jesus Christ, we live according to His Plan. When it is said Paul affirmed slavery, it sounds like we confuse St. Paul with Father John Newton, the British slave trader who converted to Christianity and wrote Amazing Grace.

Paul, again and again, is the living example of the Holy Spirit's words. Paul is in prison, yet he is speaking comfort, love, joy, freedom, free will, consent. Paul is sending Onesimus back into his slavery, to be freed. Paul doesn't charge Philemon to be a better slave owner, or bondservant master, he asks Onesimus be treated as a brother of the household. Paul's prison allows Paul to set others free - not just Onesimus from slavery - but today, us. We are to be set free from our fears, from our prejudices, from our circumstances. Not just to accept our "lot" in life, but to reach out with the compassion of God shown in Jesus Christ. To do all, in our own joy, to refresh the hearts of others, for the sake of Jesus Christ.

The next time you hear Paul accepted slavery, remember what an imprisoned Paul actually did for a slave. Remember we have earned death, but like Paul gave, today, we have been given life!!!!

Refresh our hearts in the truth of Jesus Christ.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Chains of St. Paul, found in Rome in St. Paul's Basilica.
June 2009 - Pope Benedict announced excavation results in the tomb of Paul, at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. The sarcophagus was not opened but examined by probe. It revealed pieces of incense and purple, blue linens and small bone fragments. The bone was radiocarbon dated to the 1st to 2nd century,confirming the tomb being Paul's.

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Acts 25 ~ let them bring charges against him

Marcus Julius Agrippa II, grandson of Herod the Great
Caesarea - aerial view


Acts 25

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1 Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2 And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him, 3 asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem—because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way. 4 Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly. 5 “So,” said he, “let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him.”

6 After he stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought. 7 When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove. 8 Paul argued in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.” 9 But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?” 10 But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. 11 If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.” 12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.”


13 Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus. 14 And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, “There is a man left prisoner by Felix, 15 and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews laid out their case against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him. 16 I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him. 17 So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought. 18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed. 19 Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive. 20 Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them. 21 But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.” 22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” said he, “you will hear him.”

23 So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24 And Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. 25 But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write. 27 For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.”




3d Reconstruction of Caesaria - mostly the theater. The palace is undergoing actual partial reconstruction as a tourist path from the theater to a seaside walk ending at the Crusader Fortress Wall.

We know the story of Acts, perhaps too well. Paul wants to go to Rome, partially to avoid being killed by assassins who swore never to eat or drink until they'd killed Paul. One never hears of them dying of hunger or thirst. Paul also knew Jesus brought the disciples to Caesarea, Matthew 16, to hear Peter proclaim Jesus to be the Christ, the Messiah. Using Caesarea as a symbol of Rome, Jesus told Peter he was the rock upon which the Church would be built.

Charges are never brought formally to Paul. Instead 2 governors - Felix, later Festus, continue to keep Paul in prison for 2 years.

When we look along the routes Paul traveled, there are memorials all over his journey. What did Paul leave behind for his 2 years? We know Paul did not put aside his love for Jesus Christ, even when we hear Paul was in prison and in chains. Paul loved the LORD.

Let's briefly look at Bernice, granddaughter of Herod the Great. How can it be that a Queen of Judea (Israel) was so unaffected by the Holy City during the Second Temple? Bernice disappears from history after having an affair with the destroyer of Jerusalem, the soon to become, Emperor Titus. When Titus banishes Bernice, she becomes unknown to history, sinking into obscurity.

Agrippa II was known to Paul, in Acts 26, as a believer of the prophets. Jesus never had reason to say any Herod family were believers. Perhaps, accordingly, this Herod doesn't end his life poorly. Agrippa was recorded in history as being a believer. So much so, he incited Jewish revolt with the way he raised and exiled Priests in the Temple. Agrippa was exiled to Rome for dabbling with the Temple too many times.

Agrippa was a close friend of Josephus', the son of a priest, a military man capitulating to Roman historian, as they lived out their lives in Rome. While Agrippa lived to old age & never married, Josephus married four times, divorcing twice. Josephus kept two of the letters he received from Agrippa. For both men, the Scripture applies:

Mark 9:40
for whoever is not against us is for us

Matthew 12:30
He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters

The Scriptures apply because: Paul is not handed over to the assassins, Acts records Paul being called to speak to the Governor endlessly without a conversion written about, justice could have arrived at a solution there and then without Paul being in prison and in chains without clear charges. Paul's 2 year imprisonment instead of sending him off to Rome. Agrippa was the legal leader of the Temple, but vacillation appears to have been the leadership. As the born king of a client state, one would have hoped for more allegiance from both Bernice and Agrippa. While Josephus admires the Christians, he does not continue to write about their non-violent intentions. Paul is willing to wade into whatever fray occurs to promote love and mercy over sacrifice and mere rules. The others do not even add contributions to peace.

Paul fought the good fight. He finished his race. Greeted by the Lord Jesus, as well done, good and faithful servant. Paul's words, written with the Holy Spirit, are living and active.

Paul helped us to know more about the nature of God, Himself.

Love never fails.

Rejoice in the Lord always.

We live by faith, not by sight.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil.

If God is for us, who can be against us?

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.

If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.

For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.

Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.

For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.

Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.

I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

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Romans 8:22-23 ~ For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now

Romans 8:22-23

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22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

The Scriptures are unique because we don't think of an entire letter, or chapter, and remember it in times of need. God just gives us a few words and we are comforted.

Gardeners know something my grandmother cherished and prayed. Camellias are unusual flowers, vibrant, they drop to the ground almost whole to be collected by The Gardener.

We see suffering in the world. It can be fierce. There is a Plan. And the One Who loves you most, will come to you in your suffering, your purpose will be fulfilled. The promises of the LORD are sure. One of the places of Sanctuary for you, look for the holiness of your Church, as you are still, pray for your Church.

1 Corinthians 13:12
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Isaiah 55:11

so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

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Psalm 24:1-6 ~ who shall ascend

Psalm 24:1-6

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The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, [and all that fills it ]
the world and those who dwell therein,
2 for he has founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.

3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false
and does not swear deceitfully.
5 He will receive blessing from the Lord
and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah

Gratitude would be the aspiration for the day. What can we give the LORD that He has not already given us. Thanks from our hearts.

Oh Lord, our rock and redeemer. Let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our heart be always acceptable in Your sight.

In the name of Your Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ.

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Luke 20:27-38 ~ afterward

Luke 20:27-38

27 There came to him some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection, 28 and they asked him a question, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies, having a wife but no children, the man [his brother] must take the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife, and died without children. 30 And the second 31 and the third took her, and likewise all seven left no children and died. 32 Afterward the woman also died. 33 In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had her as wife.”

34 And Jesus said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, 35 but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage, 36 for they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. 37 But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. 38 Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him.”

In our first Scripture paragraph -

Paul, yesterday we read in Acts 24, drew his summary point of his arrest to Felix being his belief in the resurrection. Paul said this is the reason the Jews wanted Paul arrested. This is a point Paul would know the most about having been a zealous Temple official and educated at the feet of Gamaliel.

In the second Scripture paragraph-
Jesus is called Lion of the tribe of Judah. This type of situation exists in His family. One of his women ancestors was Tamar, she had been given in marriage to a second son of Judah, Jacob/Israel 's grandsons, upon the death of her first husband. If the second husband had impregnated Tamar, their offspring would have been counted as the first husband's child. It was not an uncommon practice. This practice was biblically discontinued in:

Leviticus 20:21
21 If a man marries his brother's wife, it is an act of impurity; he has dishonored his brother. They will be childless.

Combing these -
Jesus could have addressed this issue with quoting Leviticus 20:21. Instead Jesus wanted to talk to them about new life. Why? With the New Covenant, Jesus created a new heaven and a new earth. He was giving them the Kingdom of Heaven. Not laws and all that is seen by the visible eye, but straight to the point of mercy, kindness, to walk humbly with the Lord. Jesus took their bickering and gave them the mercy of abundant life in Father God. He didn't promise life for all, He told them of the abundance and the reward of those looking to Father God.

When we are trouble by the details, the small irritants of life, remember Jesus refocuses attention away from the death we deserve and opens up a glimpse of God's Kingdom for those who look up to Father God.

Blessed are You, Father God, You are our redemption.

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