against conventions

Acts 16:13

"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."

Paul's conversion was miraculous. Paul's lasting contribution is the letters he wrote to the churches he helped get started. In Paul's travels he covered 10,000 miles! For reference, from San Antonio, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska is 4,000 miles! He often went into strange towns and proclaimed the Gospel. Sometimes he was beaten, nearly to death. Seemingly, all he knew was to proclaim the Gospel.

The Roman Empire ruled this part of the world. They were brutal rulers who maintained the rule of law. This created a society that could prosper and thrive. They built a network of roads that allowed travel and trade. God used these assets of the Roman Empire to get His message out!

At this point, Paul arrived in Philippi, a community of retired Roman soldiers. It was a prosperous town that benefited from lots of trade serving the residents. Paul is looking for people who are knowledgeable about the Holy Scriptures and faithful to the true God. Going against social conventions, Paul talks to women. This is NOT something he learned in school as a young Jewish man.

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obedient unto death

Philippians 2:8 "And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Are you offended? The creator of the universe became incarnate and walked with people. He served people. He sacrificed Himself for you and me. Was this work beneath Him? Did He have to do this? Why is THIS God's plan? Who am I to question GOD'S plan? In this letter, Paul's Holy Ghost inspired writing tells us to put others’ interests ahead of our own. Paul tells us to live from a spirit of selflessness, compassion, and unity, reflecting the character of Christ and His love for humanity. A love that is truly "MIGHTY!" "MIGHTY" is one of the names the prophet Isaiah recorded for the Messiah. This is NOT the typical way to be "MIGHTY." Jesus is GOD, and all the glory and majesty that comes with that. And God came down from heaven to be born into the family of people. GOD lived with us and died for us. ...

the donkey

Luke 19:32-34 "32 And they that were sent went their way, and found even as He had said unto them. 33 And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt? 34 And they said, The Lord hath need of him." God's Grand Plan is your REDEMPTION! Since GOD can make that happen, getting a donkey to ride into Jerusalem is easy! Before the celebratory crowd is shouting "HOSANNA!" Jesus sent 2 Disciples to get a donkey. What is described in today's verses is exactly the way Jesus said things would unfold. Here we can see Jesus is in charge of ALL creatures. The people and the donkeys! In the verses leading up to here we can read that the Disciples are not getting it. They are thinking the Messiah was going to take David's throne. Take Israel back from the Roman occupation. People did not understand God's Grand Plan. Even though Jesus told them all. On their way to Jerusalem they pass through Jericho. Zacheas was there, the...

encouragement

Ephesians 6:10 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might." We continue our study of the Lord's Prayer. This week, "Deliver Us From Evil." is also translated as "Deliver Us From The Evil One." We need to remain "sober" and "vigilant." A big part of this is studying the Holy Scriptures, like we are doing. We want to form a solid united front against Satan. For the heart of our studies we turn to Paul's letter to the Ephesians. It was one of four letters Paul wrote while in prison in Rome. Paul cared deeply for the Ephesians. He lived with them for three years as this church was forming. He wants to encourage them and help them become successful. His words can help you and me today.

Sermon Notes; a Daily Devotional

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