G for Gamaliel

G for Gamaliel

Unstoppable

Pic. Credit: A to Z Blog Challenge 2014

“If God be for us, who can be against us?”

Paul’s logic in Romans 8:31 was inspired, but it may have reflected his training as well.  Another great rabbi also believed this.

NAME: “Recompense of God”

DATE: 1^st Century AD

IDENTIFICATIONS: Famous member of the Sanhedrin, teacher of Paul

STORY LINE: Advised the Sanhedrin to use moderation on the apostles

READ IT IN THE BIBLE:  Acts 5:17-42

Gamaliel was a Jewish scholar in the first century AD.  He had a particularly bright and eager student named Saul of Tarsus (Acts 22:3) from Gamaliel Saul learned the Law and the traditions of the rabbis. Two influential Pharisaic rabbinical schools had evolved by this time, one by Hillel and the other by Shammai.  Gamaliel is considered to be the grandson of Hillel.

Gamaliel was not only a member of the Sanhedrin, but he served as its president during the reigns of Roman emperors Tiberius, Caligula, and Claudius.

Once when the high priest hauled the apostles before the Sanhedrin and ordered them to quit preaching in Jesus’ name, Peter said, “We ought to obey God rather than men.”  Incensed, the Sanhedrin wanted to kill the apostles until the cool-headed Gamaliel rose and advised,  “Keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men,  it will come to nothing;  but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it” (Acts 5:38,39).

Hudson Taylor delighted in saying, “God’s work, done in God’s way, will never lack God’s supply.”

Paul said, “If God is for us, who can be against us?

Gamaliel said, “If it is of God, you cannot overthrow it.”

If you have clean hands and a pure heart, and if you have a green light from God, then no one will be able to keep you from accomplishing His work.  Rejoice in that, and live like it.

                      —Dr. Woodrow Kroll
                      (Former President and Bible Teacher, Back to the Bible)

Source: 

Confident Living Magazine
This post is posted as part of this years A to Z Blog Challenge 

F is For Follow Your Leader

Follow Your Leader

Read Psalm. 25:8-15

I have little sense of direction.  Fortunately, my wife was built-in radar.  If she did not travel with, I’m afraid I often would be lot.  David talks about the guidance of God in these verses.  So much has been said about God’s guidance.  Does He still guide us?  Does He have a specific plan for each of our lives?  How does He guide us?

David gives us some simple advice on receiving God’s guidance.

We must start with meekness.   “The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way” (v.9).  Meekness means that we are not telling God what to do; we are not counseling Him.  Who could possibly be His counselor?  The meek person receives the Word of God and is submissive to His will. “All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, to such as keep His covenant and His testimonies (v. 10).  God does not reveal His will to those who are curious.  He reveals His will to those who are obedient.

God guides those who are concerned about His glory.  “For Your name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my iniquity, for it is great” (v.11).  Surely goodness and mercy follow us, but they won’t unless we are walking in the will of God for His glory, for His name’s sake.  “He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” (Ps. 23:3).  That leads us to the fear of the Lord.  “Who is the man that fears the Lord?  Him shall He teach in the way He choose” (v.12).  “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Ps. 111:10).  Finally, we must be alert to God’s guidance.  “My eyes are ever toward the Lord” (v.15).  We must watch and pray.  We must keep our eyes open if we want our Shepherd to lead us.

God desires to lead His sheep and use them for His glory.  Is your life characterized by meekness, obedience, a desire for God’s Glory and the fear of the Lord? As you remain alert to His leading, you may be assured of His guidance in the decisions and steps of your life.

 By Warren W. Wiersbe

 Source;

Back to the Bible Intl.

Warren W. Wiersbe

Confident Living Magazine  
Pic. Credit: A to Z Blog Challenge 2014

This post is posted as part of this years A to Z Blog Challenge

This post is written as part of the  A to Z Blog Challenge 2014 - Blogging From A to Z April Challenge 2014 - See more at: http://pvariel.com/few-amazing-facts-about-the-most-often-used-f-word/#sthash.UR82vecB.dpuf

his post is written as part of the  A to Z Blog Challenge 2014 - Blogging From A to Z April Challenge 2014. - See more at: http://pvariel.com/few-amazing-facts-about-the-most-often-used-f-word/#sthash.UR82vecB.dpuf

his post is written as part of the  A to Z Blog Challenge 2014 - Blogging From A to Z April Challenge 2014. - See more at: http://pvariel.com/few-amazing-facts-about-the-most-often-used-f-word/#sthash.UR82vecB.dpuf

his post is written as part of the  A to Z Blog Challenge 2014 - Blogging From A to Z April Challenge 2014. - See more at: http://pvariel.com/few-amazing-facts-about-the-most-often-used-f-word/#sthash.UR82vecB.dpuf

his post is written as part of the  A to Z Blog Challenge 2014 - Blogging From A to Z April Challenge 2014. - See more at: http://pvariel.com/few-amazing-facts-about-the-most-often-used-f-word/#sthash.UR82vecB.dpuf

E is for ERASTUS

ERASTUS

Christians in Government

A Latin inscription on a marble
paving stone at Corinth,
Pic, Credit. Wikiepedia

Politics is a dirty business.  How often have you heard those word?

But government service can be as much a ministry as serving in the local church.  Paul said those who serve in positions of authority are “God’s minister to you for good” (Romans 13:4).  The Mayor of the town is as much God’s appointee as the pastor of the church.

NAME: “Beloved”

DATE: 1^st Century AD

IDENTIFICATIONS: Corinth’s city treasurer, director of public works in Paul’s day.

STORY LINE: Erastus was a city official who sent greetings to Rome

READ IT IN THE BIBLE: ROMANS 16: 21-27

Tucked away in the list of those who sent greetings along with Paul to the Christians at Rome was a government official.  In some translations he is called a Chamberlain,” which originally was a royal official in charge of the private quarters of the king.  But with time. Chamberlains took on other official duties as well.  Perhaps that’s how Erastus became the treasurer of his hometown, Corinth (Romans 16: 23).

 In 1929 archaeologists from the American School of Classical Studies found a Latin inscription on a marble paving stone at Corinth with the name Erastus on it.  Whether it was the same man or not we cannot tell, but Paul’s friend apparently was well known to the believers in Rome.

The fact that Erastus cold serve the Corinthian government and the Lord

at the same time is not surprising.  God never intended politics to be a dirty business.   Government service has always been honorable when it honors God.  Perhaps if more Christians like Erastus entered government service, politics wouldn’t be such a dirty business.

Take some time today to pray for the leader of your nation, your local government, and your town.  And pray for your city treasurer too. You might just be praying for another Christian like yourself.

—    Dr. Woodrow Kroll

(Former President 

Back to the Bible)

Source: Back to the Bible Intl.

Confident Living Magazien

Dr. Woodrow Kroll

PS:

This post is the part of 2014 A to Z Blog Challenge

D is for 'Delighting In God'

Delighting In God

Psalm 18:20-27

God wants to have a personal relationship with each of us.  He is the God of the individual believer through Jesus Christ, and He delights in us just as we delight in those we love.  The highest and holiest experience we can is the worshipful delight of the Lord.

This passage gives us insight into how we can delight in God and How He delights in us. 

First, how does one delight God?  By one’s character.  David had integrity (v.20).  He was not free from sin, but his heart was devoted to God.  Righteous means “obedient.”  David was obedient (vv. 21, 22).  He had the Word of God in his heart.  God delights in us when we do what He wants us to do it (Matt. 3:17).  What counts is that He delights in what we do, not what our neighbors think about us.

Second, how does God deal with those in whom He delights?  He treats us the way we treat Him (vv. 25-27).  We are as close to God as we want to be.  David was wholly devoted to Him, so God was able to bless him.  David was merciful to those who wronged him; God was merciful to him (v. 25).  David was loyal; God was loyal to him (v.25).  David was pure, submissive and humble.

In contrast, Saul was devious.  Shrewd means “to wrestle.”  God wrestles with us (as He did with Jacob) when we are perverse and devious.  Parents often wrestle with their children when it comes to discipline.  God wrestles with us to bring us where He wants us to be; then He can delight in us.

Third, how can we increase our delight in God and His delight in us?  Believe that He wants you to be happy; Happiness and holiness go together.  Submit to and enjoy God’s will, but not grudgingly.  He will give us the best.  When we delight in Him and He delights in us, life becomes delightful, and we bring glory to our Father’s name.

Delighting in God is an expression of your personal relationship with Him.  His delight in you is an expression of His love for you.  Be the kind of person who delights God.  Walk with integrity and obey His Word.  He will bless you and use you to bring glory to Himself. 

—Warren W. Wiersbe

(Former General Director  and Bible Teacher Back to the Bible)

Soruce: 

Confident Living Magazine

Back to the Bible Intl.

Warren W. Wiersbe

“C” for CLEOPAS

“C” for CLEOPAS

No Disappointment with Jesus

Pic. Credit. A to Z Page

Sometimes disappointment is hard to hide.  Friends and family let you down, and it’s written all over your face.  But what about when you think God lets you down? 

How do you beat back disappointment then?

NAME: “Renowned Father”

DATE: 1st Century AD

IDENTIFICATION:  Christian from Emmaus, northwest of Jerusalem

STORY LINE: Cleopas encountered the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus

READ IT IN THE BIBLE:  Luke 24:1-35

Cleopas and a friend were glumly returning to Emmaus after a disappointing week in Jerusalem.

They had gone to the Holy City for Passover, but they weren’t prepared for what they encountered there—the shocking crucifixion of Jesus.

As true believers, they anticipated this was the Passover Jesus would declare Himself to be Messiah.  Instead He was humiliated and put to death.  All their hopes were dashed.  Their faith was in shambles.

As they trudged home, a stranger caught up with them and inquired what they were talking about.  Not realizing it was Jesus, Cleopas related all the bizarre events of the week.  Jesus responded by demonstrating from the Scriptures that every Bible writer had pointed out the event of this week; it was all part of God’s plan.  No sooner did they realize this was the resurrected Christ than He was gone.

Nothing could change their disappointment except the reality of the risen Christ.  Nothing could make Cleopas and his friend retrace their steps to Jerusalem except news that was too exciting to keep to themselves.  Jesus hadn’t failed them.  He is risen indeed!

If you find yourself disappointed with God, maybe you also need a fresh encounter with the resurrected Christ.  Nothing is better antidote to disappointed faith than to discover the reality that Jesus Christ is alive. 

We do not worship a dead Savior.

We worship a living Lord.

There is no disappointment in Jesus.

       by Dr. Woodrow Kroll
(Former President back to the Bible)

Source:
Back to the Bible Intl.
Confident Living Magazine

The Blessings of Fear

Credit: A to Z Blog Challenge

We don't hear much these days about the fear of the Lord.  All too often the Lord is looked upon only as a heavenly friend, someone who walks with us and smiles on us constantly.  But verse 1 says, “Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord.”

What does it mean to fear the Lord?  It means to be in reverential awe of Him.  It means we don’t tempt Him.  We don’t jest with Him.  We don’t try to make Him do things He will not do.  The Israelites did not fear the Lord.  They tempted Him.  They played with His Law and tried to see how close they could get to the world.  So God had to discipline them.

God blesses us in three areas of our life when we truly fear Him. 

First, He will bless us in our walk.  “Blessed is everyone who fear the Lord, who walks in His ways”  (v1).  This means that our conduct and our character become holy.

Second, God blesses us in our work.  “When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you” (v.2).  Some people are unhappy in their work.  But if we are obedient to God, we are doing His work no matter what our occupation is and therefore can rejoice in it.  When we fear the Lord, we can go to work and be happy.

Third, God blesses us in our homes.  “Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the very heart of your house, your children like olive plants all around your table” (v.3).  This does not mean that everybody is going to have a family, let alone a big family.  It does mean that you’ll be a blessing to your family.  “Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord” (v.4)

Never become so “familiar” with God that you lose your reverence for Him.  He is your personal God, but He deserves your awe and respect.  The fear of the Lord is the key to His blessings.  Fear Him.  Walk in His ways and receive His blessings.

—Warren W. Wiersbe
(Former President Back to the Bible)


Source:
Confident Living Magazine
Back to the Bible Intl.
Back to the Bible India
Warren W. Wiersbe

“A” for AMOS, God’s ‘Little People’

“A” for AMOS

God’s ‘Little People’

William Carey was an apprentice shoemaker at age 14.  He came to Christ as Savior at age 18.  Later when a high society Englishman wanted to embarrass Mr. Carey he said, “I hear, Mr. Carey, that you were a cobbler.”

“Oh, no, my lord, not a cobbler,” replied the humble Carey, “just a shoemaker.”

On  William Carey's Bicentenary celebration time
India Government honored him
by releasing a postal stamp.

Carey’s motto was, “Expect great things from God, Attempt great things for God.”  He was one of God’s “little people” who went to India and, along with two friends, attempted great things for God.  Together they founded 26 churches and 126 schools with a total enrollment of ten thousand.  They translated the Bible into 44 languages and produced grammars and dictionaries.  Cary and friends organized India’s first medical mission, savings bank, seminary, Indian girls’ school, and Bengali newspaper.  Their accomplishments were astounding, especially for such humble beginnings.

NAME: “Carry or "Bear a Burden”

DATE: 8^th Century BC

IDENTIFICATION:  Shepherd form Tekoa, called by God as a prophet

STORY LINE: Amos denounced the corruption of Northern Kingdom

READ IT THE BIBLE:  Amos 1:1-2; 6:1-14; 8:1-1

The prophet Amos also was one of God’s little people.’  He had humble beginnings, too.  He was but a shepherd living in Tekoa, an unassuming village about ten miles south of Jerusalem.  But God does not look on our humble beginnings when He chooses someone to attempt great things for him.  God spoke to Amos in a vision, and the shepherd—turned—prophet mightily denounced the idol worship, graft, and corruption of Israel.  He was just a herdsman and a tender of sycamore fruit (Amos 7:14), but Amos spoke effectively with the highest authority possible—the authority of God.

It doesn't matter who you are; what matters is what God wants to do through you.  If you feel like one of the “little people” in the church, be encouraged.  Our big God likes to use little people to impact the world.

                       —Dr. Woodrow Kroll
                          (Former President Back to the Bible Intl.)

                                                                   

Source:

 Back to the Bible International

Dr. Woodrow Kroll

Confident Living Magazine

William Carey picture (Google)