December 21, 2014
Scripture:
Scripture:
Let’s turn to a familiar verse in 1 Corinthians 11. V. 26 is most often brought before us at this time. Those words “the Lord’s Death” are two of the most improbable words to be put together: the One who created life connected with death! We have remembered His death this morning. But look at what comes next: “Till He come”. He rose again! He came to accomplish a work on Calvary, but He will come again. We have fulfilled His desire this morning, but we find ourselves waiting for the time when the emblems will be replaced by Himself.
Hymn 341 - Jesus bids us shine
Prayer
John 8:12
We have been talking about the many times that Jesus said “I am.” We have seen “I am the Good Shepherd”, “I am the Bread of Life”, and “I am the Door.” Today we are looking at “I am the Light of the world.”
Genesis 1:3
This is about how God made the world. He made light by saying, “Let there be light”. Today, light comes from the sun; but during creation, the world had light before the sun. So between Genesis 1:3 and John 8:12, was it light or dark? It was light. Jesus wasn’t talking about literal light here; He was using a figure of speech.
How do you explain light? The dictionary defines light as “that by which we are able to see; a radiant energy that effects the retina of the eye.” Of course, we need eyes to see with light; no amount of light will help a blind person see.
2 Corinthians 4:6
God commanded light to come out of darkness; that’s the light we read about in Genesis. And God has shone a light in our hearts. It wasn’t the sun that lit up creation: it refers to knowledge. Light can be a picture of knowledge. Spiritual light means to know truth about God. We must know God as our Saviour; this sheds the light of life in our hearts. Light exposes who we are, and shows His purity. It also shows us the need we have for the light of life. Every believer can say that God has shined the light of life into his or her heart. And when we have that light, we can shine like candles for Christ.
Acts 20:32-38, 21:1-14
Paul’s talk with the Ephesian deacons has important content. Verse 32 is especially precious, for Paul commended them to God, who can’t change.
After his instruction, Paul spoke briefly about himself, and how he hadn’t coveted any of the Ephesians’ possessions. It’s sad when religion becomes big business. Paul said that he was an example to follow: he did his work, and didn’t ask for donations or make appeals for personal needs. The Ephesians knew how he had provided for himself and those with him; that’s probably where his tentmaking came in. Paul told them that they should work and support the weak, and to remember what Jesus said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
This ended Paul’s talk, and he prayed with the deacons. It was a touching scene. They wept, for Paul loved them and they loved Paul. He knew that they wouldn’t see each other again, which is why he commended them to God. They sorrowed that they would never see him again, but maybe they should have also sorrowed for the wolves that would destroy the flock. After this, they accompanied him to the ship.
Paul continues his trip to Jerusalem in Chapter 21. From the pronouns, we gather that Luke was among his traveling company.
One of the big issues in chapter 21 is about Paul going to Jerusalem. Was he right to go? He thought so. He was warned ahead of time by the Spirit (v.4) and the Holy Ghost (v.11); but he thought that he had the Lord’s mind to go, and therefore nothing would stop him from going.
Along the way, Paul and his companions found saints that they spent time with. One was Philip, one of the seven we saw appointed in Acts 6, in Caesarea. This man had four virgin daughters that prophesied, but apparently not in meetings.
Another person that we’ve seen before is Agabus, from Acts 11:27-28. He was recognized as one who could prophesy, and he warned the Apostle Paul that the Jews would bind him in Jerusalem. Paul’s companions and the other disciples begged Paul not to go, but he would have none of it. According to Acts 20:22-24, he felt bound in the spirit to go; and nothing would deter him.
Hymn 367 - When He cometh, when He cometh
Prayer