I hope you capture this visual! All our sins washed away, simply because of our simple faith in Jesus!
Do you believe? In your heart? Have you placed your faith in Christ? Make a decision…and start living today!
Message me if you have any questions!
Check out (John 3:16; Acts 16:30-31; Psalm 103:12; Isaiah 38:17; Jeremiah 50:20; 1 John 1:9; Matthew 11:28-30)
Love you!!!
Acts 20:16 (NKJV) “For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.”
Did you know that Paul the Apostle traveled over 10,000 miles in his 3 missionary journeys and voyage to Rome? This is all before, trains, planes, and automobiles. Not a simple safari by any means, keep in mind back then the roads were bumpy, and the oceans were wild (still are)!
Did you know that this would be a minimum of 281 travel days? (And I thought a 14-hour flight to Cambodia was a lot!)
Paul’s journeys would cost at least 1,731 denarii (a denarii was a day’s wages). When you do the math (include 1 day off each week), this would be the equivalent of what a working man would earn in 5.5 years, somewhere around $302,500 in the year 2024.
If you’re interested in an article on this, shoot me an email; all this is according to a study conducted by Harvard University. (manny@calvarychapelelmonte.com)
Why would Paul go so far? Why would he risk his life, time and time again? So many days, weeks, and months in hazardous conditions. Most of us can only handle a short vacation, much less long missions. We want to enjoy the creature comforts and familiarly of home.
And so much money! Think of the fancy clothes, gold bling, choice chariots, or even the mansion Paul could have secured in Tarsus or Rome with that amount of money!
The answer to all these questions of why, is primarily Who? Jesus!
Jesus led Paul…all the days of his life. Jesus really was His Lord, for Paul had embraced Him – loved Him as Savior.
In our text for today, we read that Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus. It would have been much easier to stay in Ephesus, rest a while, he had plenty of friends there. But Jesus wanted him to keep the feast in Jerusalem. So, he kept it. I’ve definitely discovered over the years that obedience and inconvenience are often siamese twins. (Selah)
Let’s learn from Paul, the bondservant of Jesus Christ. Let’s be willing to surrender time and treasure, to sacrifice comfort when He calls, and pleasure to please Him. As we are dispatched at times to sail past our own personal desires, to do His will, I promise you, so many will be blessed…even you.
Safe travels my friend!
Your brother in Christ,
– Manny
Here are the notes from the March 6, 2024 study. Feel free to drop a comment or let me know if you have any questions. May the Lord bless you and keep you as you continue to draw near to God and study His Word!
Whatever you do, Solomon said, do it with all your might!
Ecclesiastes 9:10a (NIV) “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might…” Or as the New Living Translation puts it, Ecclesiastes 9:10a (NLT) “Whatever you do, do well.”
If this young man is willing to enthusaistically spin signs for his employer, or even for his own self interest, we Christians should be willing to work obediently, sincerely, and enthusiastically for Christ, for one day we will give an account – to Him! (See Colossians 3:22-4:1 Study).
Acts 4:31, “And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”
Imagine that! Your prayer meeting moves God to move the world – the earth quakes and shakes; but that’s not the best part. Next thing you know all the people in the prayer meeting are FILLED with the Holy Spirit and they speak God’s word with boldness!
What an awesome event – especially considering the events that led up to it.
Peter and John had been arrested for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Jewish authorities commanded the Apostles “not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.” (Acts 4:18)
Of course, the Christians knew this was a clear contradiction of commands – so they were set to obey God rather than man – but they didn’t pout about it; they didn’t picket, protest, or throw a pity-party…they simply prayed.
They prayed passionately, and God answered immediately and miraculously.
The earthquake happened because the Holy Spirit “arrived” with greater measure… there was more power from on high, so that they freely preached the name of Jesus and His Word with boldness – unequivocally and unintimidated by the threats of men.
Wow!
Some things never change. The enemy doesn’t want you to share the name of Jesus, and he daunts and distracts in different ways.
Can I ask you a question?
Have you shared Jesus with anyone lately? A few of you have, but I have a hunch that some of you haven’t. What difference does it make if we’re silent due to legislation, intimidation, or a lack of concentration? My friend don’t let the enemy silence you. Don’t let that cat get your tongue. Let’s determine to speak the Name of Jesus – for He is the only answer to every problem.
I hope we learn from the example of the disciples…and pray passionately.
I hope we emulate the disciples and speak Jesus and His Word with boldness.
Acts 16:30–31, And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
Until the whole world hears, your brother in Christ,
– Manny
If you have any comments or questions on this study, feel free to leave a reply. I’ll do my best to get back to you ASAP.