This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "A Command To Worship God", Exodus 31"12-18, 9/17/2017

A COMMAND TO WORSHIP GOD

Exodus 31:12-18

INTRODUCTION

The book of Exodus is a book of transition for the nation of Israel from slavery to

freedom.

The nation grew up in 400 years of slavery in Egypt. Although they knew the true and living God handed down by word of mouth from Jacob and his family, they only

knew formal worship of the idol gods of Egypt.  The Egyptians worshiped from 500

to 2000 idol gods (Baker Theological Dictionary).

The true living God had not performed any miracles or given them any new revelations during their time in slavery. After the death of Joseph there is no recorded man who

regularly spoke with God.  There seem to be a 400 year gap in God's communication

with man. It is the same as the gap between the close of the Old Testament and the

beginning of the New Testament. In both cases God selects a deliverer of His people

to start a new covenant or dispensation with man. Moses is the dispensation of the Law

and Jesus is dispensation of Grace.

Israel probably knew God as God Almighty. God revealed to Moses that He is Yahweh,

I AM That I Am. After delivering Israel from slavery God gave them His Law for

freedom.

God also establish a formal structure for all Israel to  worship Him.

In slavery all Israel knew was oppression and death. Under God's law, Israel would

learn freedom and eternal life.  They would learn that freedom comes with responsibility

to Yahweh, the almighty God. Yahweh would be their protector, provider and

promise keeper.

In the mist of desert, the Lord established His law and His tabernacle with Israel.                                The Tabernacle was complete with an order of priests, rules for sacrifice, sacred vessels                     and an order of worship. 

I believe all of us go through a "desert time", a time of growth and development

before He takes us to the next level. Israel had to go through the desert to get prepared

for the promise land.

Exodus began the dispensation of the Law. God's house rules for free and holy

people.  In slavery, Israel depended on the Pharaoh of Egypt. In freedom

Israel would have to learn to depend on Yahweh.

The delivery of Israel out of slavery is the fulfillment of part of the prophecy

God gave Abraham 400 years earlier.  Genesis 15:13 . This is proof that

God keeps his promises.

WHEN GOD SPEAKS WE SHOULD LISTEN

V:12. " Then the Lord said to Moses,

13 "Say to the Israelites, 'You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy. "

A. Those who serve the Lord must always have a listen ear.

    1. Like a man and his wife must be tuned to each other, the servant must tune his

        ear to the Lord.

    2. God always has a message for us. The question is are we ready to hear from God.

B. God commanded a day of rest for the Israelites.

    1. God wants us to have some vacation time each week.

    2. God intends for us to set aside a day to worship Him.

C. We are not like the world.

     1. Our relationship with God has separated us from the world and its habits.

     2. A sign of our devotion to God is our day of worship.

D. Not only has God separated us from the world, but by His divine operation

     has made us Holy.

    1. The Hebrew word for Holy is "qodesh" which means a sacred place.

    2. God equips each believer with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

    3. We are God's holy place, the temple of the Lord.

    3. When we worship the Lord, we come to know Him as our Lord.

    4. We need that constant reminder that we belong to the Lord and that He

         takes responsibility for us.

WORSHIPPING THE LORD IS OBEDIENCE

V:14. "'Observe the Sabbath, because it is holy to you. Anyone who desecrates it must be put to death; whoever does any work on that day must be cut off from his people. "

A. During the  day of worship, the Israelites were commanded to dedicate themselves to

     the Lord.

    1. The Israelites were just starting their way to the promise land when God gave them

        His commands.

    2. God's commands were the tools that the Israelites would need to face the difficulties

        of being free people.

    3. They grew up as slaves in a foreign land and were not accustom to controlling their

        own lives.

 B. In Egypt, they were bombarded with the worship of idol gods while trying to

     maintain their belief in their God.

   1. Notice, God gives us a choice to choose salvation or death.

   2. Worship on the Sabbath day was a command not an option.

   3. In slavery in Egypt, the hard labor of Israelites was to their death.

   4. Now being freed from slavery, God made the labor of the Israelites

       their livelihood.

   5. So that their work would not become their idol, God commanded a day of rest.

   6. The consequences of rejecting God's command is death.

FAILING TO WORSHIP IS SEPARATION FORM GOD

V:15 For six days, work is to be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day must be put to death.

16 The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for the generations to come as a lasting covenant."

A. To understand the "work" we must consider it in God's divine creative order.

     1. The work of creation was God giving life, first to earth and then to man.

     2. God gave man the work of maintaining his creation.

     3. Man was not given work to survive but to participate in God's ongoing population

         of life on earth.

B. Man was made in God's image and likeness, therefore He mandated a day of rest so

     man could reflect on the good done with his hands under the divine power

     of the creator.

   1. Under slavery in Egypt, work was death, but under freedom with God, work

       produces life.

   2. Under slavery there was no rest, under obedience to God is the freedom to rest.

   3. Sometimes we have to break with the traditions of the past to find                            

       the joy in the presence.  

C. We have to understand this concept of work because in the New Testament

     Israel had a misconception of its meaning and application.

     

            The Hebrew word for work is melakah which is general employment or

             occupation.

           The Hebrew word for rest is sabbathown which means special holiday.

           The Hebrew word for Sabbath is the same but means intermission.

           God commanded Israel to take an intermission from their general occupation.

           This intermission was meant for their good, not to their harm nor to

           deny the care for those in need. The act of healing ( Mark 3:2)

           and the act of preparing a meal was considered a violation of the Sabbath which

           not intended (Matthew Chapter 12)

WORSHIP, A SIGN OF OUR DEDICATION TO THE LORD

V:17. " It will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever, for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he abstained from work and rested."

A. God set the example for us to follow.

     1. He completed His creative plan in six days.

     2. On the seventh day God rested and reflected on His creation.

B. God set believers apart from the world.

    1. The world work to survive, believers work to rest.

    2. The world work to obtain goods, believers work to enjoy the goods provided.

    3. The world's work ends in death, believers work ends in  life

C. When the world see us worship, it is a sign that we serve the true and living God.

    1. We worship the God of peace, joy and everlasting life.

    2. The world worship their works wish leads to misery, frustrations and death.

    3. We are commanded to worship God which will work to our good.

THE WORD OF GOD IS PERMENANT

V:18. " When the Lord finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two

     tablets of the Testimony, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God."

A. The study of the God's Word should bring confidence in our lives.

     1.God's commands are to be permanent in our hearts.

     2. We need to study and meditate on God's Word so that they are permanently

          implanted in our hearts and minds.

  

B. God is the author our health and our salvation.

    1. The love of God has to be maintained with our obedience.

    2. Love is defined as our obedience to God's commands.

Rev M. Mitchell

Asst Pastor Of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church

5510 West Sam Houston Toll Way North

Houston, Texas 77041

For more lessons, follow me on face book or visit my blogs

goodnewsrevmmitc.blogspot.com and www.revmmitchell.com

This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "God Selects His People", Gen 17:1-14, 9/10/2017

GOD SELECTS HIS PEOPLE

Genesis 17:1-14

NEVER TO OLD TO BE USED BY GOD

V:1. " When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, "I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless. "

A. You don't get to old to be used by God.

    1. At 99 years old, God had a message for Abraham.

    2. This was a reminder of the message that God gave Abraham at 75 years of age.

B. The requirements to be blessed by God are:

    1. Acknowledge that He is God all by himself.

    2. Walk before God. Walk according to His commandments.

    3. Live according to His righteousness.

GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES

V:2. " I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your   

      numbers."

 A. God made an agreement with Abraham that did not require his approval.

     1. At the time of this covenant with Abraham,  Sarah had not conceived a  child.

     2.  Abraham had a son by Sarah's maiden.

     3.  Abraham had nieces and nephews, but no biological child between he and Sarah.

B. God promise a miracle conception between Sarah and Abraham.

     1. God also promised generations of off springs .

     2.Even though it was 25 years since God first made the promise of a child,

        Abraham still trusted God.     Gen 12:4

    3. God does not work on our time.

    4. God works on His divine time.

V:3-4. "Abram fell facedown, and God said to him,

        "As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. "

A. The covenant God made with Abraham is the prophecy of the nation of Israel.

    1. The covenant that God made with Abraham is also the prophecy of the Church.

    2. The prophecy that God made with Abraham is the prophecy of

         salvation by faith in the Word.

    3. Abraham was considered righteous because he believed God.

B. Abraham shows us how to approach God: face down.

   1. When we go to God, we must first humble ourselves.

   2. Abraham had a long history with God.

      a. From his first call, Abraham followed God's directions.

      b. He trusted God to lead him from his family into another place.

      c. He knew the voice of God and did not hesitate to respond to

         Him willingly.

   3. In order to respond to God like Abraham, we need to know

       His voice.

   4. When the voice we hear lines up with God's Word. we will know it

        is Him.

GOD WILL ELEVATED THE FAITHFUL

V:5-6. " No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. 6 I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you. "

A. The name change from Abram to Abraham is the indication of God's

      elevation of Abraham.

     1. The name Abram means exalted father.

     2. The name Abraham means father of a multitude.

 B. Along with the elevation of Abraham came the promise of his personal

      success and the success of his descendants.

     1. In Genesis 12:7, God promised a son to Abraham.

     2. At that time Abraham was 75 years old.

     3. The first 25 years of Abraham's relationship with God may have been

         his time of testing.

       a. It may be that God was molding and shaping Abraham into the kind

           leader he would need to be to start his family on the road of being

           a nation.

C. Notice God is laying the ground work for Abrahams descendants to

     produce the king of Kings; Jesus Christ.

   1. In God's promise was King David, King Solomon, and King Jesus.

   2. God called King David a man after His own Heart.

   3. God made King Solomon the wisest man to ever live.

   4. God elected King Jesus to be our salvation.

D. In God's covenant with Abraham is the promise of the Nation of

     Israel  and the Nation of Believers, the body of Christ.

   1. God's covenant with Abraham is called the Abrahamic Covenant.

   2. In God's covenant with Abraham is salvation by faith.   Gal 3:6

  

THE FAMILY OF THE FAITHFUL WILL BE BLESSED

V:7. "I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. "

A. God says "I Will", meaning that this covenant with Abraham is non conditional.

     1. This covenant depends only on the divine will of God.

     2.  This Abrahamic covenant is an everlasting covenant.

     3.  God says, heaven and earth will pass away but my Word will never pass away.

          Matt 24:25

B. This covenant was not just with Abraham but with all believers.

     1. God establish Himself as our God forever.

     2. God said I change not.    Mal 3:6

     3. God promised to be our God for all times.

     4. The Hebrew word for God used here is Elohiym which means

          the supreme God.

WHAT GOD HAS FOR YOU IS FOR YOU

V:8. " The whole land of Canaan, where you are now an alien, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God."

A. God's covenant with Abraham includes the promise land.

     1. Abraham's grand son Jacob and his family will go into Egypt

         for 400 years and develop into a nation of millions before

         returning to this promise land.

     2. What God has for you is for you.

         a. This promised land was occupied by the Canaanites until, God

             got ready for Israel to inhabit the land.

         b. Some of the promises that God makes to us are reserved for a

             later time.

         c. Abraham and Sarah had a son, the start of the Nation of Israel,

             but did not see his descendants inhabit the promise land.

         d. It is a comfort to know that if you serve God faithfully, your

              descendants will do well.

B. Our trust in God is a role model for our children and grandchildren.

    1. As parents and grandparents, we set the standards for our

        children to follow.

    2. Our children need to see that we trust God in all circumstances.   

GOD'S COVENANT IS FOREVER, OUR BLESSING ARE CONDITIONAL

V:9. " Then God said to Abraham, "As for you, you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for the generations to come.

10 This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised. "

A. This is the conditional part of the Abrahamic covenant.

    1. God promise is non conditional.

    2. Our individual blessings are conditional, based on our obedience to

        God's commands.

B. God adds circumcision of each male as a personal condition of

     this covenant.

    1. This circumcision represents the personal commitment to God's

        commands.

    2. Each believer must make a personal commitment to God.    

AN OUTWARD SIGN OF A SPIRITUAL CHANGE

V:11-12. " You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you.

12 For the generations to come every male among you who is eight days old must be circumcised, including those born in your household or bought with money from a foreigner — those who are not your offspring. "

A. Israel was required to make this personal commitment to God.

    1. Fathers set the standards for their children to follow.

    2. We should dedicate our children to God from the time they are born.

    3. Everything we do can affect those we love.

B. Every child born to us and those we take responsibility for should

     follow God's commands.

   1. God makes parents responsible for the welfare of their children.

   2. Train up a child in the way they should go and when they get old

       they will not depart.   Prob 22:6

C. The circumcision of the males set the nation of Israel as  apart

     from nation who worshipped Idol god.

   1. Circumcision was an outward sign of an inward change.

   2. Our baptism is an outward sign of an inward change to God.

ALL THAT YOU ACQUIRE  IS BLESSED BY GOD

V:13-15. " Whether born in your household or bought with your money, they must be circumcised. My covenant in your flesh is to be an everlasting covenant.

14 Any uncircumcised male, who has not been circumcised in the flesh, will be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant."

A. Notice the last sentence in verse 14. It is God's covenant with

     His chosen people.

   1. Circumcision was included in the Abrahamic covenant as a sign

       to all nations, that Israel was God's people.

   2. God will not break His covenant, it is permanent.

   3. Man can choose not to be under God's protection and provisions.

B. This requirement was for Abrahams descendants and any male

     who they took in ownership .

  1. Circumcision  became part of the Law God gave Moses

      400 years later.

  2. Circumcision was required until Jesus death on the cross which

      fulfilled all the requirements of the Law.

Rev. M. Mitchell

Asst Pastor Of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church

5510 West Sam Houston Tollway North

Houston, Texas 77041

For more lessons follow me on facebook or visit my blogs

www.revmmitchell.com and goodnewsrevmitc.blogspot.com

This Week's Bible Study Lesson, "A Change In House Rules", Acts 10:19-33, 8/26/2017

A CHANGE IN HOUSE RULES

Acts 10:19-33

There are two main characters in this text; Cornelius and Peter.

Acts 10:1-2

V:1-2. "Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment,

2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. "

NKJV

The quality of Cornelius

  1. He was a godly man

  2. He feared God

  3. He taught his household to fear God

  4. He had an active prayer life

  5. He was generous. He gave to the poor

  6. He was a positive role model for his family and friends.

His credentials

    1. He was a Roman Soldier

    2. He was a Gentile

    3. He was more religious than most Jews

    4. He was an unusual man, because the Romans  believed in idol gods .

    5. Cornelius claimed none other than the true living God as his God.

Some key points

1. God is no respecter of person

2. God knows your character

3. God rewards those who are faithful

4. God hears your prayers

5. You can expected the unexpected from God.

Peter the Apostle.

1.  God has a job for those He calls.

2. For you to minister to someone else, you have get rid of your problems

    and hang-ups.

3. Peter by his heritage and training was what we would call today a racist.

   He was trained under the Law which forbade the Jews from

   associating with foreign nations primarily because of their worship of

   idol Gods.    Lev 18:24-30, Due 7:3-12

A CHANGE IN HOUSE RULES

God put Peter in a trance to visualize to him the change in the dispensation of the Law to the dispensation of Grace.

Peter saw a sheet coming down from heaven full of four footed animals and creepy things.

God told Peter to arise and eat. But Peter said I have never ate anything unclean

and was not about start.

But God responded, what I make clean is clean.. God used this demonstration to

show Peter the end of the age of the Law and the restriction against fellowshipping

with people of foreign nation had been lifted.

Belief in the blood of Jesus under Grace is what make a person clean.

Not the sacrifice of animals by earthly priest, but the sacrifice of our spiritual

priest , Jesus Christ, is what makes a man clean.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

GOD'S DIRECTIONS IN YOU LIFE COMES FROM BIBLE STUDY

V:19. "While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Behold, three men are seeking you.

20 Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them."

A. It is the work of the  Holy Spirit that give you an understanding of the Word.

    1. Understanding of the Word of God is activated by your personal meditation

        of the Word guided by the Holy Spirit.

    2. God will prepare your heart to receive those He wants you to proclaim the Word.

    3. God will prepare the hearts of unbelievers to receive His Word from you.

B. When God make plain His mission to you, don't doubt that it is for you.

   1. When unbelievers know that you love the Lord, they will come seeking

        you.

   2. We ought to live our lives so that we are the lamp of God that others are drawn to.

SERVICE REQUIRES OBEDIENCE

V:21 "Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius, and said, "Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?"

22 And they said, "Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you."

A. When God gives you directions, He will confirm His Word from a different source.

    1. Since the Jews were under Roman authority, Cornelius could summon Peter

        to his home.

    2. Cornelius men identified him as one who loved the Lord and was a friend of

         the Jews.

    3. Cornelius men identified the summon as being from the Lord.

B. The Cornelius men identified Peter's mission was to proclaim the Word

     of God to Cornelius.

    1. God will confirm His mission to you.

    2. God will open doors for your mission to be successful.

BE KIND TO STRANGERS

V:23. " Then he invited them in and lodged them. On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

Peter Meets Cornelius 24 And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends.

A. When God send some one to you, make them welcome in your mist.

     1. If we are agreeable to the Word of God, we will be agreeable to those He

         sends to us.

     2. Be kind to strangers , because you never know when you are entertaining

         an angel.

B. Peter went to preach to Cornelius, but God bless the mission with

     with Cornelius family and friends.

    1. God's call requires an immediate response.

    2. Here, I am Lord, send me.

    3. To work for the Lord requires :

         a. A willingness to serve.

         b. Making yourself available to serve.

         c. Making a commitment to serve.

C. To serve God you have to go where the mission leads you.

WE ARE ALL EQUAL IN THE BODY OF CHRIST

V:25. " As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him.

26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up; I myself am also a man."

A. Preachers and teachers need to understand that we are not to be worshipped.

    1. Our position in Christ does not make us better than others.

    2. We are all equal in the sight of the Lord.

B. God broke down the racial barrier in Peter's heart.

    1. God instituted the New age of Grace in the blood of Jesus.

    2. Jesus with His death on the cross, ratified a New Covenant in

        His blood.

    3. Peter was instructed to operate not under the Law, but under Grace.

CHURCH STARTS WHEN YOU SHOW UP

V:27. " And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together.

28 Then he said to them, "You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

29 Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?"

A. God's Grace is more powerful than the Law.

    1. All the requirements of the Law were fulfilled with Jesus death and resurrection.

    2. The Law was a tutor until Grace came.

B. It is the Lord that changes your heart so you can minister to others.

    1. It is the Word of God that convicts us of our short comings.

    2. We were all born in sin and shaped in iniquity..

    3. We cannot judge others because we have not been judged.

YOUR TESTIMONY IS IMPORTANT

V:30. " So Cornelius said,  "Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour i prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

31 and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God.

A. No one can tell your story like you.

    1. Everyone has a time when God called you to Himself.

    2. Everyone's testimony is different.

    3. Everyone's testimony is important.

B. Cornelius had a had an active prayer life, so his testimony was based on his love

    for God.

  1. He got a message of his acceptance from God during his prayer time.

  2. His fasting indicates devotion and sacrifice for God.

OBEDIENCE LEADS TO UNEXPECTED BLESSINGS

V:32. " Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you."

33 So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God."

Preaching to Cornelius'

A. The heart of Cornelius was prepared to receive a Word from Peter before

      Peter was given the mission.

     1. God's draws us to himself.

     2. No one can come to Christ unless the Father draws them.

     3. We can make plans, but it is God who causes the increase.

B.  We should follow God directions, expecting the unexpected.

    1. According to the word from the angel, Cornelius knew he

        would we receive a word from the Lord through Peter.

    2. He had no idea that he would receive the gift of  eternal life.

    3. He had no idea that he and his family and friends would have a

        friend in Jesus.

    4. He had no idea that he and his family and friends would receive

        the gift of the Holy Spirit.

    5. God can do exceeding abundantly more than you can ask or conceive.

THANK GOD FOR THE UNEXPECTED

Rev Melvin Mitchell

Asst Pastor of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church

5510 West Sam Houston Toll Way North

Houston, Texas 77041

For more lessons, follow me on facebook and visit my blogs,

www.revmmitchell.com and goodnewsrevmitch.blogspot.com

This Week's Bible Study Lesson, "An Event To Remember, Your Conversion", Acts 9:1-12, 8/17/2017

AN EVENT TO REMEMBER,  YOUR CONVERSION

Acts 9:1-12

SAUL'S BACKGROUND

To understand Saul before his conversion, you must view his background and training

in his own words.

Acts 22:3-4

3 "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. Under Gamaliel I was thoroughly trained in the law of our fathers and was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.

4 I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison,

Galatians 1:14

14 And I made progress in the Jews' religion above many of my equals in my own nation, being more abundantly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

Paul was well trained in the in the law of God according to the Jewish tradition. His

training was void of the spirit of God, Jesus and the love for his brethren.

Saul held a high opinion of himself.  He was proud of his heritage and his knowledge

of Jewish tradition. He was convinced that following his interpretation of the

Jewish tradition he was doing God a favor.

YOUR INTERPRETATION OF THE WORD DETERIMINE YOUR BELIEFS

V:1-2. "Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest  and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. "

A. Saul used his popularity and status with Jewish leaders to persecute anyone

     who did not agree with his theology. The church was his target.  

     Saul was a Pharisee (Acts 23:6), one of the leaders of the synagogue.

   1. Saul, the elders of the synagogue and the teachers were experts in the

      legality of the law which they used as a hammer for the common population.

   2. They were ignorant of the person of the Holy Spirit and the person of Jesus

       Christ in the Holy Trinity.

   3. They were all blinded by their traditions and their perverse interpretation of

        the Old Testament.

B. Saul's theology followed the ignorance and disobedience of His teachers.

     Mat 15:3

    1. Saul was sincere in the application of his theology, but he was

        sincerely wrong.

AN ENCOUNTER WITH JESUS CHANGES YOUR LIFE

V:3 "As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed

     around him.

  A. Saul was on a mission to destroy the members of the young Church call

     "the way".

     1. Saul, with armed soldiers and letters of approval from the leaders

           of the synagogue was on a mission to destroy what God had ordained.

     2. Saul had established himself as an enemy of Jesus.

B. If  the leader are messed up, those who follow will be full of mess.

     1. Saul was only doing what he was taught.

C. Saul was on a mission to destroy what God had put together.

   1. Saul with limited power was fighting a God with all power.

   2. Saul with limited knowledge was fighting a God with all knowledge.

   3. Saul confined to a particular place was fighting a God who is everywhere

       all the time.

   4. Saul was operating in the dark and didn't know it.

D. The Lord turned on the light around Him.

   1. That what happens to us.

   2. We were operating in the dark until we were introduced to Jesus.

   3. Jesus is the light of the world.

   4. Jesus is the light from heaven.

   5. Jesus is the lamp to our feet.

E. Notice the light shown in a limited  area.

   1. God chooses who He wants to enlighten.

   2. Some are chosen and some are not.

   3. Thank God He chose you.

HUMBLE YOURSELF BEFORE JESUS   

V:4.  He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you

         persecute  me?"

  A. Saul recognized the voice to be from heaven.

      2. He could recite the Word.

      3. Saul knew that God sometimes spoke through angels

      4. He knew that the God spoke to men in visions.

      5. He knew that God spoke to men in dreams.

  B. Notice, Saul was knocked to the ground,

     1. In the presence of Jesus every knee shall bow.

     2. God hates the proud.

     3. The proud in Saul had to be removed to communicate with God.

  C. God knows you by name.

      1. He knows your sins.

      2. He knows who is for Him and who is against Him.

      3. We need to ask ourselves if we are persecuting the Lord by

          the way we treat others.

          a. Are we treating others with kindness and love?

          b. Are we treating others with envy and hate?

          c. Are we treating others as if we are better than them?

STUDY THE WORD TO KNOW JESUS

V:5 "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he

        replied.

   A. Saul recognized the voice as being from Heaven.

       1. The Greek word Saul used for Lord is Kurios which means supreme

           authority.

       2. The voice from heaven responded, I am Jesus whom you persecute.

  B. I cannot image all that was going on in Saul's mind when he

      heard the name Jesus.

     1. He knew about Jesus.

     2. He knew Jesus as the criminal who was crucified on the cross.

     3. He knew Jesus as the trouble maker who claimed to be the Son

         of God.

     4. He knew Jesus as the one who so many Jews were claiming to

         be risen from the dead.

     5. Saul knew Jesus as the one who started the movement call the "way" which

         He was trying to destroy.

     6. To find out that Jesus was actually the Son Of God must have been mind

         blowing.

  C. I can imaging Saul immediate saw Jesus in all the Old Testament scriptures.

      1. I can imaging Saul recalled all the scripture that talked about the coming

          Messiah.

      2. I can imagine Saul immediately recognized the lies of the Jewish

          traditions that he had been taught all his life.

      3. I can imagine that Saul recognized his total sinful life

      4. I can imaging that he saw his past as a lie masquerading as

          a righteous man. 

      5. Can you imaging recognizing that you were trying kill those who

          you.

   

OBEDIENCE TO THE WORD

V:6. "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."

 A. I believe the reason Saul responded immediately and obediently is because he

      was looking for a word from the Lord to confirm that what he was doing was right.

     1. I think with Saul's thorough knowledge of the Law of God that he knew in his heart

         that Jewish tradition opposed the Word of God.

     2. I also believe that even though he had letters of approval to bound members of

         of the "Way" that he was not sure that was right.

 B. After meeting Jesus, Saul was completely converted,

     1. He had a change in direction.

     2, He had a change in leadership,

     3. He had a Change in devotion.

     4. He had a change in lordship.

     5. He had a change in mission.

C. Saul recognized the person of Jesus in the Holy Trinity.

    1. He saw Jesus as Lord.

    2. He saw Jesus as who He said He was, the Son of God.

    3. He saw the purpose of the cross.

    4. He believed the report of the resurrection of Jesus.

D.  He was convicted of the Lordship of Jesus,

    1. Instead of going to kill the church, Saul became part of the Church

    2. Instead of traveling in the name of the Jewish tradition, Saul

        was led in the Name of Jesus.

   3. Instead of giving direction, Saul submitted himself to the

       direction of Jesus.

   4. Saul's journey of faith in Jesus began at this point.

    

GOD CHOSE YOU AS HIS DISCIPLE

V:7, " The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did

   not see anyone.

A. God chooses who He wants to serve Him.

    1. All the men heard the voice from heaven, but only Saul understood the voice.

    2. God enlighten His chosen to His presence.

B. God speaks in a language His chosen can understand.

   1. Saul spoke many languages.

   2. Maybe God spoke in a language that only Saul knew.

   3. The language that God spoke was foreign to all the other men.

   4. The text tells us the all the men heard a sound,

   5. The text does not tells that men with Saul saw a light.

   6. Saul was enlighten, but the men were left in the dark.

V:8.  Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So

  they led him by the hand into Damascus.

  A. God took away Saul's physical sight and gave him spiritual insight.

      1. Even though the soldiers that were with Saul did not understand the voice

          they heard, they were affected by it.

     2. It was the men with Saul that lead him to Damascus.

What happen to the letters Saul had  with him , that authorize him to

persecute the members of the "Way"? 

B. This Damascus experience was the turning point in Saul's life.

A PRAYER OF DEDICATION

V:9. " For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. "

A. After the encounter with Jesus, Saul went on a three day fast.

    1. I can image that during the three days, Saul was rethinking

        all of His theological training.

    2. I can imaging that during the three days of physical blindness

        Saul in his mind was reviewing  all Old Testament Scriptures

        concerning Jesus Christ.

B. I can imagine during the three days of blindness, Saul was getting

    to know the Jesus He would serve.

    1. I also believe that Jesus was continuously communicating with Saul.

    2. Galatians 1:11-12 states:

         

         "For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is

           not according to man.

          For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a 

          revelation of Jesus Christ. "

DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING

V:10. " In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, "Ananias!"  "Yes, Lord," he answered.

11 The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. "

A. The first thing God does to a new convert is to put him with other believers.

    1. God prepares and selects strong believers to minister to new believers.

    2. There are those in the body of Christ who are ordained to encourage new

        believers.

B. A disciple of Christ knows His voice.

    1. A disciple of Christ responds to His voice.

    2. A disciple of Christ trust His Word.

C. A disciple of Christ follows the direction of Christ.

    1. Go to the house of Judas.

    2. The house was located on the street call Straight.

    3. Ask for a man from Tarsus

    4. The man's name was Saul

    5. You will find him  praying.

        a. An active prayer life is important in the life of a believer.

        b. Prayer is our direct line of communication with the Lord.

ANOINTED TO SERVE

V:12, " In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to  

    restore his sight."

    A. At the same time God gave Saul a vision of Ananias coming to visit him.

       1. Saul saw in His vision, his physical sight being restored.

       2. Saul saw in his vision saw Ananias placing his hand on him before

           his sight was restored.

THE CONVERSION PROCESS

   B. Lets review Saul's conversion process.

      1. Saul was chosen from his birth to preach the Gospel   Gal 1:15

      2. Saul was trained in the Old Testament by the best teacher of Jerusalem

      3.  He was born in the family of a Pharisee.

      4. He was ordained as a Pharisee.

      5. He saw Jesus crucified on the cross

      6. He participated in the persecution of Jesus disciples

      7. He met the resurrected Jesus Christ and received his sight.

      8. He came to faith in Jesus and the Word of Jesus on the road

          to Damascus.

THANK GOD FOR OUR CONVERSION TO FAITH

Rev Melvin Mitchell

Asst Pastor Of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church

5510 West Sam Houston Toll Way North

Houston, Texas 77041

For more lessons follow me on facebook

or visit my blogs,  www.revmmitchell.com and goodnewsrevmitc.blogspot.com 

This Week's Bible Study Lesson, "You Have Been Called To Serve", Acts 13:1-12, 8/11/2017

YOU HAVE BEEN CALLED TO SERVE

Acts 13:1-12

THE VISION OF THE CHURCH COMES THROUGH PRAYER

V:1-2. " In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul.

2 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."

A. In the middle of your trouble, you ought to be in Church.

    1. Jesus their leader had been killed.

    2. The church had been run out of Jerusalem because of their faith in Jesus.

    3. Family members had been killed and others imprisoned.

B. Yet, this group of believers continued to serve the Lord

    1. In the middle of their trouble, the church came together in prayer.

    2. In the middle of their trouble, they devoted themselves to the Lord.

C. If you are looking for a word from the Lord, you ought to be in Church.

    1. If you looking for the Lord's help you ought to continue to serve.

    2. If you are looking for some inspiration from the Lord, you ought be

        in prayer.

D. Sometimes God will speak to your Pastor about a job He has prepared you

     to do.

    1. The leaders of the Church were in prayer when God told them what He                

        wanted Paul and  Barnabas to do.

    2. God gives the vision of the Church to the Pastor.

        a. He uses individuals in the Church to accomplish the mission.

        b. God may put you through some trouble times before He tell you

            what He wants you to do.

E. The Working of the Holy Spirit.

    1. He calls.

    2. He separates

    3. He ordains

    4. He empowers

    5. He convicts.

F. The Holy Spirit will equip you for the work, before He call you to

     your mission.

   1. Immediately after his conversion, Saul wanted to go the work

       proclaiming the Gospel.

   2. The Church at Jerusalem didn't believe his conversion and

        opposed him.

   3. Saul was a ring leader in persecuting the Church.

       a. The church did not initially believe he had change,

     b. It was 17 years later before Saul got the call from the Holy Spirit.

  4. God didn't change Saul's name to Paul until after He got the call to serve.

  5. It was probable during the 17 years that Saul grew spiritually to earn the

      name change to Paul.

  6. Sometimes God closes the door on our desire to serve until He has

      prepared and equipped us to do His work.

THE COMMISION THROUGH THE CHURCH

V:3-4 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

4 The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. "

A. It was the Church through the power of the Holy Spirit that ordain Barnabus and Saul

     to the office of missionaries.

    1. It was the Church through the power of the Holy Spirit that anointed Barnabus and

        Saul.

   2. It was the church who sponsored the missionary journey in obedience to the Holy

       Spirit.

IT IS GOD WHO PREPARES THE HEARTS OF MEN TO HEAR THE GOSPEL

V:5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their helper. "

A. It is God who calls, but we have to be willing to serve.

    1. God calls, but we have to make ourselves  available to serve.

    2. God calls, but we have to make a commitment to serve.

B. When we decide to serve, God will add others to the ministry.

   1. Our job is to get started on the mission and God will take care of

       the arrangements.

   2. They started in a familiar place: the synagogue

EXPECT SATAN TO SHOW UP DURING THE MISSION

V:6-8. " They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus,

7 who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God.

8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. "

God sent Saul and Barnabus to Cyprus, an Island deeply rooted in idol worship

complete with temple of idols and prostitutes.

The Gospel has its most powerful effects in the mist of Satan's operations.

The mission of the Church is outside the  four walls  of the Church.

Training for the mission begins in the Church

A. The moment you decide to serve God, Satan will show up in opposition.

    1. When they got to the Island of Cyprus they didn't immediately find the mission.

    2. Sometimes, you have to go searching for the Lost.

    3. Satan will show up with all his devices to distract you from the mission.

B. You can  identify Satan because He will try to block the mission.

   2. Those who are against Jesus will not hear His Word.

   3. Bar-Jesus reputation was base on false statements.

   4. Bar-Jesus was a false prophet, which means he talked a lot,

       a. He was persuasive.

       b. He gained his status by deceiving people.

C. The truth always exposes a lie.

    1. Bar- Jesus met the truth in Saul and Barnabus.

    2. A liar knows he is a liar and will oppose the truth.

THE WORD OF GOD DRAWS  

D. When you speak the truth about Jesus others will follow.

    1. The deputy of the country heard about the preaching of

         Saul and Barnabus and wanted to hear from them.

    2. Bar-Jesus knew the moment the deputy heard the truth

        his lies would be exposed.

E. The text say the deputy was a wise man

     1. He wanted to hear the Word of God

     2.  Our job is to preach the Word regardless of the opposition.

     3. God will ensure that the Word reaches the right people.

STAND UP AGAINST THE DEVIL

V:9-10. " Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, 10 You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? "

A. The devil looks like us.

    1. Bar-Jesus was a Jew.

    2. Sometime you are the one who God will use to put people in their place.

    3. We cannot speak on our own, but own the authority of the Holy Spirit.

B. Sometime the enemy need to hear a Word from God.

     1. God can change the heart of the enemy to a believer.

     2. We are a testimony, because God did it for us.

YOU HAVE THE POWER TO REMOVE THE DEVIL

V:11. " Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind, and for a time you will be unable to see the light of the sun." Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand. "

A. When Facing the devil speak the Word from the Lord.

    1. Bar Jesus was rebuked for his lying.

    2. He was blinded because he sought to blind others from the light of the Word.

    3. Notice that His physical blindness was temporary

    4. Everyone should be given a chance to be redeemed.

    5. Bar-Jesus was given a season to get right with God.

B. You cannot stand against the Word of God

YOUR FAITH WILL CAUSE OTHERS TO BELIEVE IN JESUS

V:12. " When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord. "

A. God prepares others to receive a Word from Him through you.

    1. The proconsul was  living in a world of darkness.

    2. He was surrounded by idol worshippers.

    3. Yet He had a yearning  for the truth.

B. God works in the hearts of men in every situation.

    1. We are commissioned to take the Word to the street so others can

        be drawn to Christ.

    2. It was the presence of God in Saul and Barnabus that brought light

        in a dark situation.

A CHANGE IN THE WORLD STARTS WITH YOU

Rev. M. Mitchell

For more lessons follow me on face book or visit my

blogs, www.revmmitchell.com  and goodnewsrevmitc.blogspot.com

This Week's Bible Study Lesson, "You Are Valuable To The Lord", Luke 15:8-10, 8/2/2017

YOU ARE VALUABLE TO THE LORD

Luke 15:8-10

Jesus was conducting a Bible Study when some of the highly placed city

leaders began murmuring about who He hung around with. The Pharisees and the

lawyers complained that Jesus taught the Word of God and ate with tax                 collectors and sinners like you and me.

Jesus told a series of three parables indicating the value He places on our souls.

The first parable was about a lost sheep. Sheep follow their noses in search of food

and can easily get lost.

The third parable was about a lost son. The son made a conscience decision to separate

himself from the father.

The second parable is about a coin that got lost due to the carelessness of its owner.

The coin had no conscience of being lost. It was not aware that it was out of place.

8 "Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?

9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.'

10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

The woman represents the local church. The coins represents church members.

The desire to find the lost coin is the power of the Holy Spirit.

There are some important lessons in this parable

YOU HAVE VALUE

1. You are valued by the Lord.

    a You are valued enough for Jesus to select you.    Eph 1:4

    b. You are valued enough for Jesus to put in His select group.

    c. You are valued enough for Jesus to keep track of you.

    b. You are valued enough for God's grace and mercy.

    e. You are valued  enough for God to let you get lost  so you will

        learn the value of being in His company.

    

2. You are part of an elect group.   Isa 44:1

     a. I can imagine the woman spent some time  putting together this collection.

     b. She chose each piece.

3. You were selected by the Father to be in glory with Jesus

3. You are wanted.      Jesus wanted you enough to select you

4. You have Jesus looking after you.

5. You are loved by Jesus.

YOU HAVE PURPOSE

 1. Silver in it purified form is bright and shiny.

 2. Sliver reflects light.

 3. It is the Word that polishes you to a bright shine.

 4. We were given the Word to reflect to others.

 5. When others see us, they ought to see a reflection of the owner, Jesus.

The coin was not always lost.

  1. It was part of a collection

  2. In some way, it got lost or separated from the other nine.

       a. In the course of time we can get separated from the church.

       b. Since we live in the flesh, we face the world's opinions, ideas and

           sinful attitudes each day.

       c. We can easily lose our focus and stray away

       d. Even though you stray or  back slide, you didn't lose

          your value, you just lost your focus.

 YOU HAVE A PLACE

 1. The lost coin was just as valuable as the other nine.

      a. The owner did not seek a replacement.

      b. God does not have a replacement plan, He has a revival plan.

      b. The owner wanted to find the lost coin because it was valuable to the

           collection.

 2. God has gifted each of us with gifts to spread the

     Gospel of Jesus Christ.

       

      a.  Ephesians 4:11-12   " And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some,

          evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

         12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of

          the body of Christ:

      b. Like bricks on a house, each one supports another.

          If one is missing, the structure suffers.

      c. Often times the church seeks replacement members.

          One leaves and we get replacement.

          God don't want replacements, He wants repentance.

     d. When we have not seen someone in a while, we should make

         it our business to check on them .

YOU HAVE A MISSION TO SPREAD THE WORD

The text says she turn on the light.

  I am told that during time of this parable, houses did not have many

  windows. The windows they had would have been covered to keep

  out the sun. Therefore a candle light or oil lamp would be necessary

   to see inside the house.

  1. The Word of God is the lamp for our feet.  Psalms 119:105,  Proverbs 6:23

  2. Jesus said I am the light of the World    John 8:12

  3. Some times we needed to turn on the light, that is return to the Word

      of God, so we can see our sins and short coming clearly.

  4. We are responsible for ourselves and others around us.

      a. What could we have done to keep the lost member?

      b. We need to examine ourselves to see why we didn't meet the needs of

           one that is lost.

YOU HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT TO STIR UP YOUR SOUL

 1. The text says  the owner swept  the house.

     Since the houses were dimly lighted, dust could accumulate and

     not be noticed.

 2. Since we live in a world that is  blind to the Word of God, we can

     easily be blinded by it dust.

    a. Sometimes, we may be the reason someone gets lost.

    b. We may need to clean up our stuff before we can see the needs of others.

    c. Sweeping may stir up the dust and uncover the light.

    d. When we examine our selves, we will discover that we have

        collected a lot of clutter that has hidden the Word from our hearts.

    e. When our light start shining, other will be affected.

WE HAVE A MISSION TO PURSUE THE LOST

A. Notice the coin was lost in the house.

  1. We have to be careful that the truth is always taught.

  2. We have to be careful that we are not causing confusion.

  3. We need to study the Word to know it for ourselves.

  4.We need to know if those who heard the Word understand the Word

  5. We need to know how to apply the Word to our daily lives.

 

B. There are at least two reasons that people get lost in the Church

1. They are ignored by other members.

     a. They are made to feel like they are just a number on the roll.

     b. I have some old coins.

         I have not looked at them in quite awhile.

         I really can't tell you how many coins are in the collection.

         In fact, I have lost interest in the collection.

     c. Maybe that is what we do to each other in the Church

     d.  Do you ever sit next to someone in the church and don't ask their name?

     e. Maybe we are not interested enough in others to find out how they are

         doing.

     f. It is our job to get to know those around us.

     g. Perhaps the lost  were never encouraged by other members.

2. Their are those who don't want to be known, so they hide in the pews

    a. They don't what be part of any activity in the church

    b. They run from the responsibility  of service.

    c. They don't see the value of fellowship.

C. YOU HAVE A SEARCH AND RESCUE MISSION

1. To find the lost, you have to take time and look.

2. To identify the lost you have to know what you are looking for.

    a. The lost are inactive

    b. The lost don't show up for church on a regular basis.

    c. The lost hang around the wrong crowd

    d.  They come to church out of tradition.

    e. The lost come to be entertained.

    f. The lost don't see the relevance of the Word to their lives.

YOU HAVE REASON TO BE JOYFUL

A. We should rejoice when we others come to Christ. 

  1. You have a second chance to make people feel welcome.

  2. You have a second chance to encourage.

  3. You have a second chance to get to know the lost.

  4. You have a second chance to get involved with the lost.

B. We should call our friends to share in the joy of those

     who come to Christ.

   1. The angels in heaven rejoice when one sinner is saved.

   2. In the same light we should celebrate with those

       who come to Christ.

  3. We should make a big deal out of the recovery of the lost.

THANK GOD FOR SELECTING US

Rev M. Mitchell

Asst Pastor Of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church

5510 West Sam Houston Toll Way North

Houston, Texas 77041

For more lessons, follow me on facebook or

visit my blogs, goodnewsrevmitc.blogspot.com

and www.revmmitchell.com