If you read the news and the polls, you would be convinced that the church is shrinking and God is starting to lose ground. Persecution is at an all-time high, and governments are moving to prohibit more of what the church does. Scriptures like Matthew 24:9 stating that many will fall away come to mind. God isn’t surprised by all of this. He knows who is a part of His true church. Don’t worry. If it is of God, it won’t fail.

‭‭ACTS‬ ‭5:38-39

“So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.”

Gamaliel, a Pharisee during the time of Jesus, gives us one of the best quotes in the New Testament, “if it is of God.” He used this reasoning when the Sanhedrin was trying to shut down the ministry of the Apostles and the early church. Earlier scriptures gave examples of rebellions that ceased once the leader was killed. He tells them to leave them alone because if it is of men, it will fail, but if it is of God, you can’t stop. History tells us that it was God and this small group, through the power of the Holy Spirit changed the world forever. Many men and governments can be found fighting against God, and it is fruitless.

Married couples will often look at their rings and be told by the minister that this is a bond that cannot be broken. The minister is trying to state that the commitment between the man and woman is before God, and He doesn’t quickly release that bond. The church possesses a bond that can’t be broken. It is something that can withstand the attacks of the enemy and build up the believers. Today’sToday’s passage shows us what that is.

‭‭ACTS‬ ‭5:12

“At the hands of the Apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon’sSolomon’s portico.”

In the early days of the church in Jerusalem, they established a rhythm. They would go to Solomon’sSolomon’s portico in the temple in the afternoon to hear the Apostles teach. They would then gather in houses at night for a time of food, fellowship, communion, and prayer. Many of the people who joined the church were not from Jerusalem. They didn’t have jobs or a place to stay. People in Jerusalem opened their homes. This Koinonia fellowship and the working of the Spirit were significant factors why the church exploded in growth.

It is normal to scratch your head when you hear the baffling words of a world ruler. You can even question their sanity. We do it all the time here in the United States. The hardest part to deal with is wondering why they are in power in the first place. Isn’t God a loving God who looks out for His children? The answer is yes, but we live in a sinful world, and wicked rulers are put in power. Sometimes they are allowed to remain so God can show His power.

‭‭EXODUS‬ ‭9:16‬

“But, indeed, for this reason I have allowed you to remain, in order to show you My power and in order to proclaim My name through all the earth.”

Pharaoh was a stubborn man. He didn’t want to lose the free services that the Israelites were providing. Even after several plagues, he refused to budge. All the livestock were killed, boils came up the people, and locusts ate the plants. Still, Pharaoh didn’t budge. God hardened his heart and allowed him to live so that He could show His power and proclaim His name. It switched from Pharaoh using Israel to God using Pharaoh to accomplish His purposes. Never think that a wicked ruler has gotten one over on God’s people. God is probably using them to do His work.

Every family has one or more members who can’t get on their feet. They have a history of taking advantage of their parents or other family members. When their name is mentioned, people roll their eyes. It is wise to be aware of their tactics, but as Christians, we are called to love like a brother. That means they will always be family.

‭‭PHILEMON‬ ‭1:15-16

“For perhaps he was for this reason separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever, no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.”

Paul had led Onesimus to the Lord and discipled him. It came out that he was an escaped slave from another believer in Colossae, Philemon. Under Roman law, Onesimus could be put to death by Philemon. Paul writes this letter to persuade Philemon to forgive Onesimus. He appealed to Philemon’s generosity and care for the church. Paul asks him to extend the same to Onesimus and uses the letter to show how God extended grace to everyone, even though they deserved death.

Is your heart hurting right now? Are you struggling to get over a complicated issue? If so, you are not alone. The Bible gives a lot of wisdom and insight into how to process these circumstances. Finding joy in tough times can be a lifesaver. The principles here can help you work through the challenges you are facing.

‭‭PSALMS‬ ‭109:30‬

“With my mouth I will give thanks abundantly to the LORD; And in the midst of many I will praise Him.”

This Psalm is a prayer for vengeance against the writer’s enemies. He wants God to deliver him from his troubles and bring justice to those causing harm. At the end of the prayer, the author pens some vital principles when going through tough times. He will give thanks and praise to the Lord even when he is in the midst of many adversaries. It’s easy to focus on justice and judgment when someone is wronging you, but to find joy in tough times, it is better to focus on praising the Lord.

Don’t fall for the line of thinking that all roads lead to heaven or that all religions are the same. There is nowhere in the Bible that it tells you that. In fact, it tells you several times that there is only one way to be saved, Jesus Christ. There is power in His name, and by calling on Him and asking for forgiveness of your sins, you will be saved from an eternity in hell.

‭‭ACTS‬ ‭4:12

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”

Peter says this as he is standing in front of the Sanhedrin. They have arrested him, and now he is speaking. He tells them that Jesus Christ healed the crippled man at the gate. The same man that they had rejected and crucified, but that God has resurrected. He then tells them there is only one way to salvation, only one name to call on, Jesus Christ. Bold words from an uneducated fisherman.

The most well-known feast the Israelites celebrate is Passover. It commemorates God’s rescue of the Jews from Egypt. The celebration typically falls around when we celebrate Easter. Jesus was crucified during the feast. Did you know that the initial Passover was full of symbolism? It shows us what Jesus would do for every sinner. We are covered by the blood and spared final judgment.

‭‭EXODUS‬ ‭12:13‬

“The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live; and when I see the blood I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.”

The final plague in Egypt was the killing of the firstborn. The way that Israel would escape that judgment was to put the blood of a lamb on the doorposts. That way, when the Angel of Death saw the blood, he would Passover the house, thus sparing the family judgment. This instituted what we know as the Passover celebration. The Israelites were to sacrifice the lamb, put the blood on the doorpost, and have unleavened bread ready to eat for the long journey out of Egypt.

It’s no surprise that there has been a renewed interest in the end-times prophecy. With a global pandemic, wars, and economies faltering, there is no wonder why people are looking to the book of Revelation for answers. Navigating the last days will be difficult, but the Holy Spirit has equipped each believer to endure until the end.

‭‭2 TIMOTHY‬ ‭3:1-2

“But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,”

If there is a verse that defines our times, it is this one. Paul says the last days will be difficult. Are we there? I think so, and I am not even an end-times guy. What has happened in the last three years convinced me that Jesus is coming soon. I am afraid of what is coming down the pike if it isn’t. Difficult times will define the last days. People will be lovers of themselves. You will be criticized for not conforming to the narrative. Question someone’s motive, and they will act like a victim and attack you. It will take the resolve of steel to navigate the last days.

What if I could give you a piece of advice that would change your life almost instantly? Would you be interested? Today I want to show you two things that, if implemented, change your outlook and could change your situation. This isn’t some hoax or bait and switch. Do these two things well, and it will go well with you. Master them, and they will change your life.

‭‭PSALMS‬ ‭112:5

“It is well with the man who is gracious and lends; He will maintain his cause in judgment.”

You have both promises and principles in the books of Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The promises you can take to the bank because God will do them. There are multiple promises in all three of these books. Predominantly what you find are principles. If you follow these, it will more than likely go well for you. That is what we find in today’s passage. It goes well for the person who is gracious and generous.

Building a house is a long and involved process where I live. It usually takes you 3-5 years from plans to finishing construction. You have to deal with the government, architect, and contractor to have your dream home completed. God asked His people, “What kind of how will you build me?”

‭‭ACTS‬ ‭7:48-49

“However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands; as the prophet says: ‘HEAVEN IS MY THRONE, AND EARTH IS THE FOOTSTOOL OF MY FEET; WHAT KIND OF HOUSE WILL YOU BUILD FOR ME?’ says the Lord,’ OR WHAT PLACE IS THERE FOR MY REPOSE?”

The translation above is the NASB. It capitalizes the word of Jesus. I like the emphasis it places and makes it jump out of your Bible. Here we see God talking about how heaven is His throne and earth is His footstool. No temple or church can be built big enough to house the Lord. He is much bigger than anything human hands can build. I love that Steven reminds us that God is bigger than anything we can imagine.

Truth is under attack today. If you stand for biblical truth that goes against the popular narrative of the woke mob, you will be attacked. They will try to cancel you. As a disciple of Jesus Christ, you must stand firm on the Scripture. You guide your life by the Word and base your decisions on its wisdom. Paul tells Timothy to be bold with the truth.

‭‭2 TIMOTHY‬ ‭2:15

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.”

Paul continues his mentoring of Timothy by encouraging him to present himself approved to the Lord. What does it mean to be approved by the Lord as a minister of the Gospel? Paul lists several indicators. First, Timothy was to be a workman. He was to be in the trenches doing the work of a pastor and evangelist. Second, he was not to be ashamed of following Jesus. Paul wanted him to live out his faith boldly. Finally, Timothy was to handle the word of truth. That means he was to preach the truth of the Gospel without worrying.

In the story of the wild man from Gadarenes, we see a person who is so crazy that he ran around the cemetery naked because no human chains could hold him down. We discover the source of his strength when Jesus cast a legion, or a thousand demons, out of him and into the nearby pigs. The man was in his right mind when the town came to see what was happening. He desperately wanted to go with Jesus but was told to go and tell everyone what had happened. The man shows us that we need to learn to delight in His Great Works.

‭‭PSALMS‬ ‭111:2

“Great are the works of the LORD; They are studied by all who delight in them.”

The Psalmist spends all of Psalms 111 extolling the greatness of God. Verse two captures the whole theme. “Great are the works of the Lord.” The Psalmist is rejoicing, which is an essential form of worship. To rejoice means to give back the joy that is inside of you. If the Joy of the Lord is our strength, then rejoicing is the form of worship expressing our gratitude.

I ran across a video the other day of the best showdowns from all of the western movies made. Most of the encounters were of two men about thirty feet apart, with revolvers on their hips telling the other to draw. Out of these standoffs came some of Hollywood’s greatest one-liners. Moses had a showdown with a powerful person in the Bible. He told Pharaoh to “Let my people go.”

‭‭EXODUS‬ ‭10:3

“Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said to him, “Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, ‘How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me? Let My people go, that they may serve Me.”

Chapter 10 begins the eighth plague on Egypt, the locust. These grasshopper-like insects wiped out all of the plant life. It was so bad that Pharaoh’s wise men begged him to let the people go, but God had hardened his heart, so he refused. He had a lot to lose. The Jews were a source of free labor that made bricks for his buildings and managed the livestock and farms. Pharaoh prospered off the Israelite’s backs. If he let them go, he would lose all of that.

If there is one emotion everyone struggles with, it is fear. Some deal with it constantly, while for most, it is a sporadic battle. Fear is not something to laugh off or belittle. Prescriptions to battle it is on the rise. Jesus offers an alternative treatment for His followers, and Paul tells us what it entails.

‭‭2 TIMOTHY‬ ‭1:7

“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.”

In Paul’s final letter to Timothy and the last one we have recorded, he starts by giving some powerful insight. We aren’t given a spirit of fear but one of power, love, and a sound mind. This is part of the victory that we have in Jesus. He has overcome the ruler of the world and replaced that fear in us with a sound mind. Timothy needed to hear this as he was leading a church with people older than him. Paul was telling him to operate in the power of the Holy Spirit, love the people God has given them, and not be given over to fear.

Nothing is better than putting your feet up after a hard day. It relieves pain and can help with circulation. Did you know God is making His enemies a footstool for His son, Jesus Christ? None other than David prophesied it would happen. You serve the Almighty God. He is stronger than any military force on earth. Don’t worry about today’s troubles. God has got it under control.

‭‭PSALMS‬ ‭110:1

“The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”

This is one of the most quoted Old Testament verses. Boice estimates that it is quoted twenty-seven times. Jesus quoted this verse in Mark 12:36 and ascribed David as the author. Why is this verse a big deal? Because it is David talking about the Messiah sitting at the right hand of God as he makes His enemies a footstool. This shows that Jesus was not only the Messiah but also will be the one who reigns at the end of time.

Many people ask why there aren’t miracles like there were in the early church. Some explain it by saying that the gifts ceased with the last Apostle’s death. Others claim there are no signs and wonders because the church lacks the faith the early church possessed. We could speculate until Jesus returns, but I believe that God can do signs and wonders when He wants to. Our job is to seek Jesus and leave the rest up to God.

‭‭ACTS‬ ‭5:12

“At the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s portico.”

There were a lot of miracles in the early days of the church. Signs and wonders follow the apostles through their ministry, starting with the poor man at the temple entrance. Peter prayed for Dorcas, and she was revived. Paul cast out the demon in the little girl in Philippi. We could go on and on, but God often used these to bolster the testimony of the young church. Skeptical Jews and clueless pagans were blown away by the work done through the Apostles. Some people wanted to pay them for these powers.

As a pastor, I have a unique perspective on wealthy people in the church. For the most part, they are ordinary people. The primary time their wealth becomes an issue is when a problem needs to be solved. They rise to the occasion because they have experience in this area. The challenge is getting them to see the solution through Scripture instead of money. It becomes a time of instructing the rich.

‭‭1 TIMOTHY‬ ‭6:17-18

“Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,”

The issue of money in the church has been around since the beginning. How are those endowed with monetary wealth to conduct themselves? First, they are to be humble and not conceited. It’s natural for the rich to think their wealth makes them better than everyone else. Seldom is that true. Next, they are to fix their hopes squarely on God and not on their riches. Too many have fallen into the trap that their money can fix everything. Finally, they are to be known for their good works. Benevolence should be their reputation. Paul wanted Timothy, and every other minister who read this letter, to teach this.

At the start of every American Football season, you hear all of the motivational speeches and slogans from the football coaches. They print t-shirts and posters to remind their players what will bring success on the field. All of this will be forgotten at the end of the season except by the winning teams. Paul gives a formula for success for Christians, but it isn’t anything like a motivational slogan.

‭‭1 TIMOTHY‬ ‭6:6

“But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.”

Paul gives Timothy the formula for success as a Christian. Godliness with contentment is the way to great gain. Let’s break this down, so we understand what Paul is saying. Godliness is what it sounds like. You act like God in your behavior and words. This is manifested by obeying Scripture. Contentment is being okay with what you have and where you are. Great gain is another term for success. By obeying God’s Word and not striving for the next thing, you can find what you are looking for.

It is an interesting world we live in today. Gone is common courtesy and kindness, replaced rudeness and arrogance. It’s not uncommon to do something nice for someone only to receive an insult in return. It’s no wonder people are losing what sanity they had remaining. The world we live in today is much different than the one I grew up. To respond correctly, we need to be equipped with the right spirit.

‭‭PSALMS‬ ‭109:4-5‬

“In return for my love they act as my accusers; But I am in prayer. Thus they have repaid me evil for good And hatred for my love.”

This passage is what is known as an Imprecatory Psalm. The author is David, and it is probably his strongest Psalm when it comes to him calling down curses from God upon his enemies. Why is David so upset? He has loved people who have turned on him and accused him. He has done them good, and they repaid him with evil. Now he is asking God to deal with them.

Trust in the government is at an all-time low. The heavy-handed policies that prevented children from going to school and congregations meeting at church have turned many people off. This has led many to question when Christians are allowed to disobey willfully. Peter and John give us a great example to follow. They cannot stop speaking about Jesus.

‭‭ACTS‬ ‭4:19-20

“But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

The transformation of the disciples from clueless to courageous is astounding. While they were with Jesus, they couldn’t figure anything out. Once they were filled with the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, the pieces fell into place. Now they are standing before Israel’s Religious elite and not backing down. The Sanhedrin, the congress of all religious leaders in Israel, is telling them to stop preaching the Gospel. The Apostles’ response? “You judge whether it is more important to obey you or God. While you figure it out, we will keep preaching the Gospel.”