Sermon Notes; a Daily Devotional

Galatians 5:22-26 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another." This week we have studied Priscilla and Aquila and their influence on Apollos. They were instrumental in the early church. All were influenced and educated by the teachings of Paul. Christians make other Christians better. And, each of them would be quick to point to and give the glory to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! We can read and contemplate today's verses and let their wisdom guide us. We want to become better people, like Priscilla, Aquila, and Apollos. We want to "walk in the Spirit." Please take a couple of minutes and read this great article. It will make...

Acts 18:28 "For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ." To this day Jewish people doubt Jesus was Christ, the Messiah. The one prophesied about in the Old Testament. Apollos went into synagogues and publicly spoke to Jewish people showing them where the prophecies pointed to Jesus of Nazareth. His reasoning was so strong, his arguments so weighty and powerful, and the passages he produced out of the Old Testament so full and pertinent, that the Jews were not able to disagree with him!  All thanks to the training Apollos received from Priscilla and Aquila. Through the GRACE of GOD, they were in Ephesus at the same time as Apollos. They helped him with the technical subjects Paul had written about. Doctrines of salvation by grace, and justification by faith, and the gift of the Spirit, and union with Christ through baptism and the Supper of the Lord. Priscilla and Aquila's time with Paul had prepared them to prep...

Acts 18:27 "And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:" PRISCILLA and Aquila were students of Paul. While staying in Ephesus they meet Apollos, from Alexandria, he is eloquent and passionate. Only he is not quite fully educated on the Gospel message. Priscilla and Aquila fixed that, humbly they took Apollos aside privately and conversed with him to fill in any gaps he was missing. No doubt they helped him with the technical subjects Paul has been writing about. Doctrines of salvation by grace, and justification by faith, and the gift of the Spirit, and union with Christ through baptism and the Supper of the Lord. What a blessing that GOD provided Priscilla and Aquila to help Apollos! In today's verse we read that Apollos is hitting the road; "And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples t...

Acts 18:26 "And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and PRISCILLA had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly." PRISCILLA and Aquila meet Paul in Corinth, the CHURCH grew there. Paul set out to return to Jerusalem and PRISCILLA and Aquila went with him as far as Ephesus. There they meet Apollos, from Alexandria, he eloquent and passionate. Only he is not quite fully educated on the Gospel message.  Don't misunderstand, Apollos was very well-educated and polished. He had the best Rabbis that Alexandria had to offer. Today's verse; "And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and PRISCILLA had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him THE WAY of God MORE PERFECTLY." Priscilla and Aquila have lived and worked side by side with Paul. They are where the Holy Ghost is working. We can also conclude that she was a woman of culture, a student of the Old Testament, ab...

Acts 18:24&25 "24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John." PRISCILLA and Aquila meet Paul in Corinth, there is a camaraderie between Paul and Aquila as they are both tentmakers. God spoke to Paul in a vision and told him to keep preaching the Word, and He would not let anyone harm him. His ministry is vital and growing by leaps and bounds. Priscilla and Aquila were doing their part in helping and supporting the ministry. They follow Paul to Ephesus as he is traveling back to Jerusalem. Paul shaved his head as an expression of gratitude to God. This was a common practice for the Jews. Paul continued to Jerusalem, leaving Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus.  Enter into the record another early Christian, in today's verses; ...

Acts 18:18 "And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow." Last week we studied Lydia and how her generosity made much of Paul's work possible in Philippi and beyond. Paul did many GREAT things and, he needed help every step of the way. This week we will look into the help Paul was given from PRISCILLA and Aquila! They meet in Corinth, there is a camaraderie between Paul and Aquila as they are both tentmakers. They help each other professionally. And, they will help each other spiritually. Paul preached Jesus is the Christ to the Jews. They did not listen and opposed Paul. He left them to preach and teach to the Gentiles. As Paul had success with the Gentiles the leader of the synagogue, began believing in the Lord. As a result, many of the people in the synagogue of Corinth were saved. God spoke to Paul in a ...

Acts 18:1-3 "1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; 2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. 3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers." Last week we studied Lydia. She was an enthusiastic Christian. She made herself and her resources available to help the new and growing church. Her generosity made much of Paul's work possible. In Paul's writing, we read how much he cherished the ASSISTANCE he was given in Philippi. We want to learn from Lydia, that the great purpose of the truly faithful person is not to please themselves, or to please others, but to please God. We want to cultivate these thoughts, speak of what is good, and act in ways that bring glory to GOD! AMEN! We are aware that Paul did many GREAT things. ...

Psalms 19:14 "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." This week we have studied Lydia. She was one of the first Europeans to become Christian. She was an enthusiastic Christian. She made herself and her resources available to help the new and growing church. Lydia's generosity made much of Paul's work possible. In Paul's writing, we read how much he cherished the assistance he was given in Philippi. Her example is very INSPIRING! Lydia did not know Jesus as He walked around Israel preaching and teaching. She only knew Paul and others who preached the Gospel. The Holy Ghost worked in her and made her a preacher of the Gospel too! She focused on doing what she could for GOD. Today's verse would summarize her attitude perfectly; "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." May you and I l...

Acts 16:40 "And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed." Don't underestimate Lydia's importance. She was one of the first Europeans to become Christian. She was an enthusiastic Christian. She made herself and her resources available to help the new and growing church. Her PURPLE business was very successful and gave her the wherewithal to help in many ways. After verse fifteen, which we read yesterday, Paul and Silas cast out a demon from a young lady whom some wicked people used to make money. They had Paul and Silas arrested, beaten, and thrown in jail. The jail experienced an earthquake and Paul and Silas did NOT escape when they had the chance. The warden of the jail is then converted to Christianity and the judges come and set Paul and Silas FREE!  When they got out of jail, where did they go? Today's verse, "And they went out of the prison, and entered into...

Acts 16:15 "And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us." Paul and Timothy arrived in the town of Philippi, as they brought Christianity to Europe. There was only a small Jewish community there. On Saturday, the sabbath day for Jews, Paul and Timothy go and meet the people there. In that group is Lydia from Thyatira, and a convert to Judaism. The Holy Ghost opened the hearts and minds of Lydia and others. They are the FIRST Christian converts in Europe!  Lydia is an enthusiastic new Christian, today's verse; "And when she was baptized, and her household, she BESOUGHT us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she CONSTRAINED us." She made herself and her resources available to help the new and growing church. Her PURPLE business was very successful and gave her the where...

Acts 16:14 "And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul." This is a monumental moment for the world. Christianity is stepping out of the Middle East and into Europe! Paul and Timothy, approximately seventeen years after the resurrection, arrived in the town of Philippi. There was only a small Jewish community there. They did not even have a synagogue. Without a building to meet in the Jewish people went out of town to the riverside for worship and prayers. On Saturday, the sabbath day for Jews, Paul and Timothy go and meet the people there.  Here they meet Lydia, recorded in today's verse; "And a certain woman named LYDIA, a seller of PURPLE, of the city of THYATRIA, which WORSHIPPED God, HEARD us: whose heart the Lord OPENED, that she ATTENDED unto the things which were spoken of Paul." Thyatira, in the valle...

Acts 16:13 "And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither." We are studying Lydia this week, she is not mentioned in the verses until tomorrow. The writer of Acts is the Gospel writer, Luke, who loves to add geographic details. Which helps us retrace the path of their journey. In this account, we are following Paul and Timothy, approximately seventeen years after the resurrection. They are heading northwest, bringing the Gospel message into Europe! They are part of GOD’S plan, the Holy Ghost is guiding and inspiring them. They have arrived in Greece by boat in the port town of Neapolis. From this bay town, they walked across a coastal plain and up a hill to the town of Philippi. A thriving Roman city, with a military outpost, gold mines, and a textile industry specializing in rare and beautiful PURPLE fabrics. It was a place of considerable wealth and fully Greek a...

Acts 16:11&12 "11 Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis; 12 And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days." We are studying the inspiring Women of Faith in the Holy Bible. We are studying Lydia this week and keeping in mind the heart of the issue; our thoughts and attitudes. As expressed in Psalms, chapter fifty-one, verses ten; "Create in me a clean HEART, O God; and renew a RIGHT SPIRIT within me." Words that underscore the importance of us having our hearts and minds in the right place.  Today we turn to the Book of Acts, chapter sixteen, verses eleven and twelve. The writer of Acts is the Gospel writer, Luke, he loves to add geographic details. Which is great because it helps is retrace the path of their journey. In this account we are following Paul and Timothy, approximately seventeen years after ...

Psalm 51:10 "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." We are studying Women of Faith in the Holy Bible. It is inspiring to read accounts of their FAITH. Last week we focused on the women of Canaan who's daughter was possessed by a demon. Her daughter was made whole because of her GREAT FAITH. She was persistent and didn't take "no" for an answer. Her HEART was in the right place. That is the reoccurring theme we see; it's an issue of the heart. For today's verse we turn to Psalms, chapter fifty-one, verses ten; "Create in me a clean HEART, O God; and renew a RIGHT SPIRIT within me." Words we recognize from our liturgical worship service. Hopefully we say these words at least once a week. They underscore the importance of us having our hearts and minds in the right place. We will keep this in mind as we study Lydia this week...

Matthew 15:28 "Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour." "her daughter was MADE WHOLE" This woman of CANAAN had to argue with our Lord and Savior! How fantastic it would be to hear Jesus say; "GREAT is thy FAITH." Especially after having heard Jesus say "NO" repeatedly. Her daughter is cured of her demon possession! Alleluia! The testimony of the woman of CANAAN is wonderful! She came to Jesus's feet asking for help, begging for help. Jesus tells her no until he has compassion for her because of her dauntless FAITH. She knows who He is, she did not take no for an answer. She was not asking for the main course she is asking for crumbs. We can see in this event that every person is worthy of redemption. We see this theme repeated in the vision Peter has of the sheet filled with clean and unclean meat. Also, when the violent adversa...

Matthew 15:27 "And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." Can you imagine??? Having to argue for your FAITH with your Lord and Savior??? This woman of CANAAN is desperate, her daughter is possessed by a demon. She knows only Jesus that can help her. She followed them trying to get Jesus's attention. Then when she is in front of Jesus, He tells her His ministry is for the Jews only! She responded by laying down on the ground at Jesus's feet. She is demonstrating humility and submission to the Messiah, worshiping Him as her GOD! Still, Jesus says "NO." This time with harsher words, saying He is not going to "CAST IT TO DOGS." Notice there is NO indication that the “Syro-Phœnician" woman takes any OFFENSE to what Jesus said. In today's verse is her inspiring reply; "And she said, TRUTH, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which FALL FROM their masters' table." She agrees...

Matthew 15:25&26 "25 Then came she and worshipped Him, saying, Lord, help me. 26 But He answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs." This woman of CANAAN is desperate, Her daughter is possessed by a demon and she knows only Jesus that can help her. She has been following them trying to get Jesus's attention. The Disciples said "SHE CRIETH after us." The Disciples know and expect certain things from their Rabbi. The place she is from, Tyre and Sidon, have often led Israel into idolatry. How can they expect anything less from this woman who is a stranger to them? Jesus tells her His ministry is confined to the Jews! It will NOT be until after Jesus's ascension that the gospel was preached to the Gentiles. Nonetheless, this “Syro-Phœnician" woman not only knows about the Messiah, she believes better and stronger than many Jewish people!!! In today's verses she seeks to show her outstanding FAITH to he...

Matthew 15:23&24 "23 But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and besought Him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. 24 But He answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel." This desperate woman of CANAAN has waited for the Messiah to come out of Israel. She is seeking out Jesus and praying the prayer every believer utters at some point in their life; "HAVE MERCY ON ME!" Her daughter is possessed by a demon and she knows it's only Jesus that can help her.  In today's verses we learn that this woman has been bothering the Disciples; "But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and besought Him, saying, Send her away; for SHE CRIETH after us. But He answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel." AND! Jesus says His ministry is confined to the Jews! For the most part, this is TRUE. It was NOT until after Jesus's ascension that the gospel w...

Matthew 15:22 "And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto Him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, Thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil." Our study of Women of Faith in the Holy Bible has helped us to understand that it is the unsung heroes that maintain our FAITH. By example they show us that when we live in FAITH according to GOD'S plan we benefit from HIS GRACE, COMPASSION & GOODNESS.  This week we catch up with Jesus after He has performed miracles that angered the Pharisees. Jesus is taking the Disciples on the road OUT of Israel toward the ancient port cities of Tyre and Sidon. Israel failed to conquer Sidon as they claimed the Promised Land back in the Old Testament days. Ever since then, Tyre and Sidon have been thorns in the side of Israel and often led them into idolatry. We should appreciate that the Disciples would have been a little stressed in this situation. In today's verses Jesus is approach...

Matthew 15:21 "Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon." Our study of Women of Faith in the Holy Bible has helped us to understand that it is the unsung heroes that maintain our FAITH. They simply and humbly do what they do for the GLORY of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! It is becoming clear that GOD is looking at our TEMPER and CHARACTER. With GOD it is always a heart issue. GOD sees our motivation and thoughts. GOD calls us to do His work in our world. When we live in FAITH according to GOD'S plan we benefit from HIS GRACE, COMPASSION & GOODNESS. Our work and our words should always praise the Lord! Throughout the Holy Bible we see the results of God's Abundant Mercy. This week we catch up with Jesus after He has performed miracles that have once again raised the anger of the Pharisees. To the Disciples their current journey looks like they are withdrawing from conflict with the Jewish leadership. Putting them on th...

Psalms 145:8-10 "8 The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. 9 The LORD is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works. 10 All Thy works shall praise Thee, O LORD; and Thy saints shall bless Thee." As we study Women of Faith in the Holy Bible we begin to understand that it is the unsung heroes that maintain the FAITH. Staying late and coming early to keep things running smoothly. They may be women or men. They provide a great benefit, and they do very good work. They simply and humbly do what they do for the GLORY of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! GOD'S ways are often the opposite of man's ways. GOD'S plan is NOT for equality. Some are first and some are last. This ranking is NOT based on the duration of service, nor even on the amount of work done, but on the TEMPER and CHARACTER of the worker. With GOD it is always a heart issue. GOD sees our motivation and thoughts. GOD calls us to be better for our frie...

Matthew 20:16 "So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen." This week we have focused on the women who were the last at cross and the first people to arrive to the empty tomb; Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome. These three women were exceptionally brave. And, without a doubt they helped Jesus and His Disciples in countless other ways. Some in the church will aspire to be like Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome. Staying late after the crowds have gone home to help clean up. Coming early to help set up and do the chores that keep things running smoothly. We might think of them as unsung heros. They may be women or men. They provide a great benefit, they do very good work, and sometimes performe some heroic deed. All to often they do not receive the credit or recognition they deserve. They simply and humbly do what they do for the GLORY of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Knowing GOD'S way...

Luke 23:49 "And all His acquaintance, and the women that followed Him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things." This week we have focused on the women who were the first people to arrive to the empty tomb; Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome. They were the first witnesses to the GOOD NEWS of the resurrection! These three women were exceptionally brave. They were also there at the cross, as recorded in today's verse. This moment is recorded in the Gospel of Luke right after Jesus died on the cross. They were the ones that helped prepare Jesus's body for the tomb. And, without a doubt they help Jesus and His Disciples in countless other ways. Not many of us want to be Jesus. Dying on the cross for other people's sins is a big ask. Some people aspire to be like Paul and Peter. Thinking that preaching and leading is the coolest thing to do. Often overlooking that all the Disciples had to sacrifice everything and were executed too! Som...

Mark 16:7&8 "7 But go your way, tell His disciples and Peter that He goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see Him, as He said unto you. 8 And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid." After the crucifixion no one among Jesus's followers is remembering that He predicted His death AND RESURRECTION. It seems like they are all in shock and their thinking is clouded with grief. Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome are the first people to arrive to the empty tomb. An angelic being shares the GOOD NEWS with them! This changes everything! They witnessed; Jesus was killed. He was buried. On the third day He ROSE AGAIN! He defeated death. He is GOD! It is blowing their minds.  In today's verses, the Angel gives them directions; "But go your way, tell His disciples and Peter that He goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see Him...

Mark 16:5-7 "5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. 6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: He is risen; He is not here: behold the place where they laid Him." We are in the Gospel of Mark after the crucifixion. It seems like no one among Jesus's followers is even remembering that He predicted His death AND RESURRECTION. It seems like they are all in shock and their thinking is clouded with grief. Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome are the first people to arrive to the empty tomb. GOD radically affirmed the full dignity of women and the vital value of their witness being the FIRST witnesses to Jesus's resurrection. They arrived thinking they would need to roll the stone away, BUT Jesus has done it for them.  Today they continue to discover the reality that changes everything; "And enterin...

Mark 16:2-4 "2 And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. 3 And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? 4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great." As we study Women of Faith in the Holy Bible, we recognize that the contribution of women to Christianity is beyond measure! We have turned to the Gospel of Mark to read the record after the crucifixion. It seems like no one among Jesus's followers is even remembering that He predicted His death AND RESURRECTION. It seems like they are all in shock and their thinking is clouded with grief. And, we need to keep in mind that everything unfolds as GOD plans it.  Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome are the first people to arrive to the empty tomb. We should not underestimate the importance of these women being the FIRST witnesses to Jesus's r...

Mark 16:1 "And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him." We are continuing to study Women of Faith in the Holy Bible! The contribution of women to Christianity is beyond measure! As we studied Mary, the Mother of Jesus, we saw that she is arguably one of the most blessed person ever! If we will examine her life, we realize that it was not always easy. The blessings that GOD bestowed on her also gave her extreme challenges. Of note are the times that her own Son predicted His brutal future. How did this effect Mary when she heard it? Did it prepare her for living through it? Without a doubt the Holy Ghost came to her and helped her through the toughest times. Today we turn the pages to the Gospel of Mark to read the record of another tough time. This is after the crucifixion. It seems like no one among Jesus's followers is even remembering that He predicted His death A...

Luke 9:22 "Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day." We have been studying Mary, the Mother of Jesus! Specifically we focused on the Magnificat. The poem where Mary praises GOD for His blessing to her and His faithfulness to Israel. She also highlights a series of reversals in which the proud are humbled and the humble are exalted! She is not solely focused on GOD'S goodness to her, she enlarges her views to a contemplation of His goodness and power in general. She also celebrates God for all that He has done for all people. She is good and faithful. She praises GOD and inspires us to worship and praise GOD too! Mary is arguably one of the most blessed person ever! She inspires us to be more faithful. If we are honest we will examine her life and realize that it was not always easy. Her time being pregnant before she was married was stressful if not t...

Luke 1:54-56 "54 He hath holpen His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy; 55 As He spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to His seed for ever. 56 And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house." This is end of Mary's Magnificat. In this poem Mary praises GOD for His blessing to her and His faithfulness to Israel. She also highlights a series of reversals in which the proud are humbled and the humble are exalted! She is not solely focused on GOD'S goodness to her, she enlarges her views to a contemplation of His goodness and power in general. She also celebrates God for all that He has done for all people. She is good and faithful. She praises GOD and inspires us to worship and praise GOD too!  From today's verses; "holpen" denotes properly, to take hold of one, to help him up when he is in danger of falling, and here means that God had succoured his people when they were feeble, and were in danger of falling or being ove...

Luke 1:51-53 "51 He hath shewed strength with His arm; He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. 53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away." This is Mary's Magnificat. Beginning with verse forty-six Mary's responds to Elizabeth’s blessing is EPIC! In this poem Mary praises GOD for His blessing to her and His faithfulness to Israel.  Mary's Magnificat also highlights a series of reversals in which the proud are humbled and the humble are exalted! Which we read in today's verses; "He hath shewed STRENGTH with His arm; He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and EXALTED them of low degree. He hath FILLED the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away." We should marvel at GOD'S choice of this poor young girl to be the m...