16 Nov (Acts 20-21)

Acts 20

(v.7) As we can see, the early church had worship and teaching, then they ate together. This is what we would call communion, but as I said before, it wasn't a piece of cracker and some grape juice! They had a meal together, where bread and wine would be the common items served with other things.

My family gives thanks before we eat every meal...remembering what Jesus did for us. Luke 22:19

(v.9) Here is a little humor in the Bible, because the man is made alive! It seems that Paul must have been going on and on, and the man fell asleep, which made him fall out the window! I don't feel so bad when I get a little groggy at church!

In reality, though, if the teaching is good, and the Word of God is being spoken, then I find it hard to fall asleep...it makes me alive!

(v.24) This is what being dead to the world, and alive in Christ is all about! If we are born again, then the things of this world that used to be important, are not anymore. Also, Paul yearned to be with Christ, so if he was killed, he knew he would be in heaven! Not having our grip on this world allows us to think like Paul.

(v.25) Paul knew that he was going to die soon.

(v.25) Give your family and friends the Gospel, and let the LORD do the rest!

Acts 21

(v.11) Paul's fate is revealed in prophecy.

(v.13) Paul was ready to die for Christ. This is a big distinction from Islam, where they MURDER for Satan...er...allah.

(v.14) Here was Paul, preaching the Gospel, and it seemed that the LORD wanted him in heaven. I bet some in the early church were asking, "Why?" We can relate, when a believer is killed or dies young, and it seemed they had so much to do for the LORD. We don't know God's ways, but if we look at the time after Paul, so many took his lead and preached the Gospel covering more ground and reaching more people. It almost looks like God knew what He was doing!