Exploring God’s Word with Brad Thurston

Introducing Jesus

Exodus 3:13-15

Long Creek Baptist Church 

Sunday, September 17, 2023

Introduction 

The need for a cultural translator- Hajo helped by explaining the cultural realities of living in Germany.

We face something similar when it comes to understanding life in the Kingdom of God.  That is the job of the Holy Spirit.

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The need to know more about who God is.  I AM speaks to his eternal being, but that says little about his attributes, his character, his objectives and goals, his ideals, desires, his nature, his personality – the definition that explores and describes who you are. The journey into Exodus does a lot to explain who Jesus is, not only what he did on the cross. The introduction to the power, reliability and work of Jesus is core, critical and explains many the other aspects of who Jesus is that are found in the Exodus.

Here are some of the things we find concerning Jesus and the nature of the Kingdom of God:

Living Water - Exodus 15:22-26 Exodus 17:2, 5-6 John 4:10, 13-14

Bread of Life - Exodus 16:1-2, 4John 6:48-51

Lawgiver - Exodus 20:1 Matthew 5:38-39

Covenant Maker - Exodus 24:5-8Luke 22:20 

Life Changer - Exodus 19:3-6 Revelation 1:5-6

Mediator - 1 Timothy 2:5 

Friend - Exodus 33:11  John 15:15 

The introduction to Jesus is what gives us both our security in his promises as well as the joy of growing in our relationship to him. 

Living Water

“Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness and found no water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, because they were bitter; for that reason it was named Marah. So the people grumbled at Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?” Then he cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree; and he threw it into the waters, and the waters became sweet. There He made for them a statute and regulation, and there He tested them. And He said, “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God, and do what is right in His sight, and listen to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians; for I, the Lord, am your healer.””

Exodus 15:22-26 

“So the people quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water so that we may drink!” And Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?” Then the Lord said to Moses, “Pass before the people and take with you some of the elders of Israel; and take in your hand your staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.” And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.”

Exodus 17:2, 5-6 

“Jesus replied to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who is saying to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never be thirsty; but the water that I will give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up to eternal life.””

John 4:10, 13-14 

Bread of Life

“Then they set out from Elim, and all the congregation of the sons of Israel came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departure from the land of Egypt. But the whole congregation of the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, so that I may test them, whether or not they will walk in My instruction.”

Exodus 16:1-2, 4 

“I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down out of heaven, so that anyone may eat from it and not die. I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats from this bread, he will live forever; and the bread which I will give for the life of the world also is My flesh.””

John 6:48-51 

Lawgiver

“Then God spoke all these words, saying,”

Exodus 20:1 

““You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I say to you, do not show opposition against an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other toward him also.” Matthew 5:38-39 

Covenant Maker

“And he sent young men of the sons of Israel, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed bulls as peace offerings to the Lord. Moses took half of the blood and put it in basins, and the other half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar. Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it as the people listened; and they said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient!” So Moses took the blood and sprinkled it on the people, and said, “Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words.””

Exodus 24:5-8  

“In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”

Luke 22:20 

Life Changer! From slaves to a Kingdom and Priests

“Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.””

Exodus 19:3-6  

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.”

Revelation 1:5-6 

Mediator

“For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the Man Christ Jesus,” 1 Timothy 2:5 

God speaks to pharaoh and the people through Moses

The people speak to God through Moses. What they miss is the direct communication.

Friend

“No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, because all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.”

John 15:15  

“So the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses returned to the camp, his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent.”

Exodus 33:11  

Introduction to Jesus in Genesis: Abraham and his son offered on Mt. Moriah, present day Jerusalem and the place of Solomon’s temple. Also, Joseph is the most perfect illustration of Jesus in the OT: sold by his brothers for money into slavery, falsely accused of immorality and thrown into the dungeon, left for dead, raised and exalted to be Lord of all Egypt, savior of his family even those who betrayed him. 

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Moses shows us the type of Jesus as the deliverer. 

Saved from death as a baby. Aware of his calling to be a deliverer, he tries to do so on in his own strength and fails miserably. Running away from the situation, he encounters God, and the relationship grows in an intimate way.

Here are some of the types readily visible:

His growing personal relationship with God, from the “l AM” encounter, to the regular discussions concerning pharaoh and his leaders. Growth in dependency upon God for every action, direction, etc. you have the bitter waters of Marah turning sweet when he throws the tree into the water and it becomes sweet, and you have the need for bread, and the Manna comes down from heaven: both are reflected in Jesus being the water of life, and the bread of life!

That relationship develops into a very close intimate relationship with a vision of the heavens, the tabernacle as a miniature of what John sees in the Revelation, and him telling God even what he cannot do and why! Even his death is a view towards the ascension of Jesus.  Get this, he returns at the transfiguration, which could also reflect the return of Jesus. But the greatest type of Jesus that is found in his life is that of deliverer.

Look at the issues facing him – his personal reputation.

The oppression from the Egyptians

            Burdens treated like slaves

            Based on Fear and a need for Cheap labor

            Mean, torture, evil – wanting to kill babies, inflicting pain, hurts, lies, deception, betrayal.

            Idolatry, the demonic, sinful, blasphemous 

The objections of the Hebrew people

            Mistrust, seen as a coward, ran instead of helping.

            How do we know he speaks for God? Lack of faith, hopelessness, helplessness. Depression.

            Really, you want us to be happy when everything is getting worse?

The objections from Moses: unqualified, no influence, no authority

How do you get 600 000 men plus women and children to trust you enough to lead you out of your situation?

How do you overcome the obstinance of pharaoh? 

How will we live if we go? Not in shape to lead a war.

The answer lies in God’s covenant, promises, and his word.

The need for deliverance in a society like that is real for everyone involved. The first one to be delivered is Moses – he needed to learn to trust God.

The warnings he brought were to both solidify his role as the called one.

His initiates the greatest deliverance from oppression and slavery to that date in history. It becomes something that will be remembered forever in Christian and Jewish families because of the Passover.

This is a type of Jesus who does a quick work when we put our trust in him and he passes over our lives, never to experience death. See John 8:51,52: “The Jews answered him, “Aren’t we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?” “I am not possessed by a demon,” said Jesus, “but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.””

the deliverance of Jesus is greater!

It is not just for time, but eternity!

His deliverance is from torment, personal, internal, oppressive, imposed, and evil torment. 

The Passover lamb in the story is Jesus! He is the One who meets the enemies within and without, whose covenant he keeps and whose promises are true, whose love endures forever.

Where is the evil one here? Turn to Jesus and be delivered. Be set free from all that is in the world: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life! 

At the end of Acts, Paul continues to show that Jesus is the Messiah from Moses and the prophets.  It is the same that Jesus does from the end of Luke while on his way to Emmaus. Let’s look at some of those Scriptures over the coming weeks. Today I would like to look at some prophecies in the Psalms: and why they are so important and valuable to all of us.  As I was reading Reflections on the Psalms by CS Lewis, I was quite taken by his insights into the topic of Praise. 

Why praise? Why is it so important? – Let’s look at it from a non-Christian perspective:

Many have said to me, why would I want to go to heaven? Sitting around and playing harps all day.

How we view people who always want to be admired, constantly be assured of their virtue, or intelligence, how good they are at what they do?  We look down at the clouds that meet the demands of dictators and gratify their egos. So, what do we think of a god who demands praise from his followers?

How are we to equate that with being humble of heart? 50:14,15

Or it appears as though the Psalmists try and negotiate with God: if you do this for me, then I will do this for you. 54:1,6

Or the blackmail technique: If you don’t defeat my enemies, then I will go down to Sheol, and who will praise you then? 30:9

Or why does God demand we praise him? Or encourage others to motivate us to praise him? Does he really need it? Is he like humans, wanting to to be number 1 and all the world to know it? 119

In all of these negative approaches to Scripture, we fail to see the value and the importance of biblical praise. Let me begin with a couple of my experiences.  When the kids were little, Jan had to stay at home a lot. I traveled to May wonderful and exotic countries. The truth is, I only wanted to be there long enough to finish the work I came to do. I had no interest in sightseeing. Why, because Jan wasn’t there to enjoy it with me.  Now, when we are just the two of us, I have very rarely traveled without her, and when we go places, we love to try new foods, see new things, examine the similarities and differences in culture and appreciate it together.  So our trip to New Zealand, or Manu other places lives on in our hearts, not because of the pictures, but because of our identification and expression of our admiration.

This makes praising God different from seeing him as a benevolent dictator who wants to rob us of life and joy.

Why does God demand our worship? As the all-sufficient one, why does he demand we go to church and not forsake the assembling of ourselves together? Because in the corporate worship he communicates his presence to mere mortals. It is not for his sake, but for our sake that praise is most needed. God is not so vain that he needs our complements, but it is us who need to get to know him, appreciate him, and understand his magnificent ways. When we praise, and examine his laws, his character, his virtues, his will, his thoughts, his desires, our hearts are flooded with his wisdom, his understanding, his joy, and we become partakes with him in these divine experiences.

Often we only look at praise as being a complement, approval, or giving honor where it is due.  But look around us. Look at where praise happens: who do you praise? Your lover, your walks in the countryside, a good book, your favorite football club, a friend, your home, a picture, our lives overflow with enjoyment when we praise.  When we criticize, it falls flat and into arguments. Praise is what brings about encouragement and the best in all of us. It really begins when we can praise God.

That is why in the Psalms we have so many clear indications of God’s great plans and purposes. Hidden in dual meanings of the text, but which point directly to Jesus and his work and his joy and his salvation.

It starts in Psalm 1 with a view of the glory of heaven – trees with fruit every month revelation 22:2

“On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” Revelation 22:2

Compare with this: “Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, And on His Law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season, And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.” Psalms 1:1-3

Then we see Jesus as the good shepherd in Psalm 23 and in John 10:11

In Psalm 22 we see the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus: “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Far from my help are the words of my groaning. All who see me deride me; They sneer, they shake their heads, saying, “Turn him over to the Lord; let Him save him; Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him.” I am poured out like water, And all my bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It is melted within me. My strength is dried up like a piece of pottery, And my tongue clings to my jaws; And You lay me in the dust of death. For dogs have surrounded me; A band of evildoers has encompassed me; They pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all my bones. They look, they stare at me; They divide my garments among them, And they cast lots for my clothing. ¶I will proclaim Your name to my brothers; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You. All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, And all the families of the nations will worship before You. For the kingdom is the Lord’s And He rules over the nations.” Psalms 22:1, 7-8, 14-18, 22, 27-28 - compare with Jesus in Luke 23:33-48 Bible

In Psalm 24 we see the triumph of Jesus over sin, death and the devil for all time, and his receiving the crown of glory with all authority in heaven and earth for the salvation of all who will call upon him. 

“Lift up your heads, you gates, And be lifted up, you ancient doors, That the King of glory may come in! Lift up your heads, you gates, And lift them up, you ancient doors, That the King of glory may come in! Who is this King of glory? The Lord of armies, He is the King of glory.”

Psalms 24:7, 9-10 see Phil 2:9-11 and Eph 1:20-23

“For this reason also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 NASB2020

“which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and made Him head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” Ephesians 1:20-23

In Psalm 2 we see him as the conquering  king over all:  “Why are the nations restless And the peoples plotting in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand And the rulers conspire together Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, ¶He who sits in the heavens laughs, The Lord scoffs at them. “I will announce the decree of the Lord: He said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have fathered You. ‘Ask it of Me, and I will certainly give the nations as Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth as Your possession.” Psalms 2:1-2, 4, 7-8 and see Matt 28:18-20

“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” Matthew 28:18-20 

When that becomes clear to us, that God wants this known among all peoples everywhere, that his love surpasses all other loves, then the door that leads us into that courtyard is the door of praise. Our lives explode with the joy of worship and all finds its place of worth and value within the presence of the Lord. As we begin to live in praise, we start to praise one another, it changes our attitudes, it builds us all up, we become less critical of one another. It brings healing to our souls, our bodies, our approach to life.

We praise what we value! And we want others to enjoy it with us. We have to tell others about it, and we want to tell those who will appreciate it the most! The reason we do that with others is that praise with others completes the enjoyment!  Our delight is something is incomplete until it is expressed! The worthier the object of our praise, the more intense our delight will be!  As imperfect our attempts of worship are, we do glimpse it at times when God breaks through into our lives and the flow of praise erupts, as we join even for a brief moment the wonder of heaven and glimpse a bit of the love God has for us. What we begin to experience in our own prayer closets, let us bring in joy as we worship him together. Let us consummate our enjoyment of Jesus and the Father by Tell it to him, and to each other!

Apology for last week’s rant.  God’s Kingdom is greater than any nation in this world. His rule is just.  We see through a mirror dimly.  The roles of politics and the church are different and require different skills, talents and gifts.  Some can be learned, others are relational.  Don’t envy someone who is called to be a politician. They have hard choices to make. From war to social security, politicians are involved in the regulation and administration of all aspects of the nation. Those choices are not easy.

Choices in the church are difficult too. We deal with life and death issues as well, but they are more important as they affect a person's eternal destiny.

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Explain text:

1. Bring in the leaders of the Jews
2. Appoint a day when many come to hear
3. Conclude with the calling of Isaiah – the difference of cultures does not negate the power of the Gospel, nor the work of the Holy Spirit!
4. Continues to welcome all who come to him in captivity
5. The future growth of the church is secure

What do we glean from this:

This is the testimony of how the Holy Spirit works, in every culture and in every place. This is a testimony to the faithfulness of God to keep his promises to all who seek him and call upon his name. This is a clear view of how not all respond favorably to the transformation required by those who believe

Knowing this, how do we continue writing the end of Acts in our lives? What is the Holy Spirit doing in this place? How if Father wanted to spread the Gospel message throughout this community?  What will happen if we declare Jesus as the Messiah? Some will listen and some won’t. How do we continue to despite the hindrances in our way?  You might not be in chains, but there are other things that limit our abilities to share about Jesus.  How do we continue the work entrusted to us?

What do we do?  Love, forgive, show hospitality.

Let those who go, go.  The work of the Holy Spirit is to convict of sin, righteousness, and judgement to come.  Let him do his job. Focus on those who want to know more and grow in God.  Don’t be a parent to them, but someone who can open the scriptures to them and be life giving!  

Verses:

“All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.”

Philippians 4:22 “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned. For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.” 2 Timothy 2:8-10 

“Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs. He touched my mouth with it and said, “Behold, this has touched your lips; and your guilt is taken away and atonement is made for your sin.” Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!”” Isaiah 6:6-8 

“Now it came about in the days of Ahaz, that Rezin the king of Aram … went up to Jerusalem to wage war against it, but could not conquer it.  Isaiah speaks to Ahaz: 

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and she will name Him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:1, 14

“and pray in my behalf, that speech may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6:19-20

“He has told you, mortal one, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8

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Explain Text

Primary focus of this passage

Vs. 2 they welcomed us – throughout Luke -Acts, the theme of hospitality has been an important symbol of receptivity of God’s visitation. See Lk 5:29; 7:36-50; 9:4-5; 10:1-16, 38-42; 19:1-10; Acts 10:24; 16:11-15.

Vs. 3 Paul models authority as service Luke 22:24-27 just as Jesus did. Throughout the journey, his advice and actions have been practical and helpful, including helping with the fire.  Unusual for a prisoner to do so voluntarily. See 27:10, 22, 31, 34.

Vs 4 the assessment of Paul as a murderer, the in verse 5 as a god.  Allusion to Luke 10:18-19. Power over satan.  Reaction like Acts 14:8-13.

Vs.7 Paul has much freedom for 3 months. This includes the ministry of healing.  Throughout Luke Acts the healing ministry is coupled with the arrival of the Kingdom of God. Notice, it is not something that he sets up a healing crusade! What is going on in the centurion’s mind? Soldiers? Other prisoners? Sailors? Captain? Brought to the leading man and then conducts healing ministry on the island?  My assumption is that many believed, and he needed 3 months of discipleship training for the new believers. Paul is indeed the most unusual prisoner! Compare with Luke 4:38-44. On healing leads to many.

Vs. 10 demonstrates the sharing of good to be a sharing in the Gospel! Consistent with the narrative in Luke Acts: 

Vs. 14 meets the brothers.

The last chapters

What is the purpose of the book, and what are the most important themes that need to be conveyed?

Is Paul and his life the main character? Compare with writing my biography, I’m not dead yet!

Is there something much more significant being communicated her? In the last chapter, God reigns supreme in spite of storm, authority, laws to kill prisoners, darkest days of your life, in fear, in hunger, in hopelessness there is a way through. Jesus really has all authority in heaven and earth.

In this chapter we see the following main themes emerge that are continually visible in Luke and Acts:

The value and significance of service.

The value and significance of hospitality. Luke and Acts as well as the OT point to it’s importance. We are all sojourners in this world! Notice in heaven we are invited to a banquet! Celebration is eternal! 

The life of Jesus reproduced in every Christian, not just the celebrities.

The growth and the permanence of the church throughout both history and eternity despite all attempts by the devil to eradicate it.

Application is vital: contrary to today’s thinking: not a political kingdom, not individualism, not materialism – but righteousness peace and joy in the Holy Spirit!

But a vibrant, life-giving church requires more, not less, time and energy from its members. It asks people to prioritize one another over our career, to prioritize prayer and time reading scripture over accomplishment. This may seem like a tough sell in an era of dechurching. If people are already leaving—especially if they are leaving because they feel too busy and burned out to attend church regularly—why would they want to be part of a church that asks so much of them?

Although understandable, that isn’t quite the right question. The problem in front of us is not that we have a healthy, sustainable society that doesn’t have room for church. The problem is that many Americans have adopted a way of life that has left us lonely, anxious, and uncertain of how to live in community with other people.

Verses

“Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever you accomplish for the brothers and sisters, and especially when they are strangers; and they have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore, we ought to support such people, so that we may prove to be fellow workers with the truth.” 3 John 1:5-8 

“Let love of the brothers and sisters continue. Do not neglect hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are badly treated, since you yourselves also are in the body.” Hebrews 13:1-3 

“Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:9-10 

“Love must be free of hypocrisy. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor, not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.” Romans 12:9-13 

“When the days were approaching for His ascension, He was determined to go to Jerusalem; and He sent messengers on ahead of Him, and they went and entered a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him. And they did not receive Him, because He was traveling toward Jerusalem. When His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” But He turned and rebuked them. And they went on to another village.” Luke 9:51-56 

““When you reap your harvest in your field and forget a sheaf in the field, you are not to go back to get it; it shall belong to the stranger, the orphan, and to the widow, in order that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. When you beat the olives off your olive tree, you are not to search through the branches again; that shall be left for the stranger, the orphan, and for the widow. “When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you are not to go over it again; that shall be left for the stranger, the orphan, and the widow. And you shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt; therefore I am commanding you to do this thing.” Deuteronomy 24:19-22 

“The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt; I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:34 

“One who is gracious to a poor person lends to the Lord, And He will repay him for his good deed.” Proverbs 19:17 

“Calling them to Himself, Jesus *said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them; and their people in high position exercise authority over them. But it is not this way among you; rather, whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant; and whoever wants to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”” Mark 10:42-45 

“Then He got up and left the synagogue, and entered Simon’s home. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Him to help her. And standing over her, He rebuked the fever, and it left her; and she immediately got up and served them. Now while the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He was laying His hands on each one of them and healing them. Demons also were coming out of many, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” And yet He was rebuking them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that He was the Christ.” Luke 4:38-41 

““The one who listens to you listens to Me, and the one who rejects you rejects Me; but the one who rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me.”” Luke 10:16 

Introduction to our missions' program

The ministry of Jesus
““The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to captives, And recovery of sight to the blind, To set free those who are oppressed, To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.””
Luke 4:18-19 

The Commission of Jesus:
“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””
Matthew 28:18-20 
The Gospel to the world – expansion of ministries
Galatians 2:9 
Practical support: The team on the road with the missionary
Financial support, prayer support, feedback, involvement as partners, not just donors. Doing what Jesus did in his purpose statement from Isaiah.  Remember the poor. Galatians 2:10 

The character of a giver – the sharing principle directed by the Holy Spirit - the giver and the receiver are intertwined Luke 6:38 
remember that God cannot be mocked, whatsoever a person sows that will he also reap 
Galatians 6 s 31, 2 Corinthians 9:7-9 

The church and the gift
2 Corinthians 8  and Phil 4

The traditions of the eucharist. Communion, closed, open, traditional, meals, fellowship with results: strength, resolve, hope, wisdom, understanding, presence of God.

Read and explore Text.

Notice, before the big event, a daily investment in small faith steps prepares us for the great storms of life! Paul started by being faithful in little things along this great path he is living.

Sea of Adria was in the middle of the Mediterranean while the Gulf of Adria what we today call the Adriatic Sea. As they near shipwreck, it becomes clear to the crew that Paul’s prophecy is coming to pass.  Fear is still present.  Some want to escape.  Now Paul is in control with divine authority. His insight is followed by the centurion. When the ship starts to run aground, the centurion wants to save Paul, and the prisoners so all make it to shore.

What is the purpose of the very clear and extensive account given by Luke here and not in Chapter 21? Notice the lack of calming the storm. Here there is something else that God is doing, namely, he is establishing the power of faith and God’s control over history in sight of overwhelming paganism. What could be construed as magic has no place in the very real fear of the elements of nature. God is not tinkering with natural and human processes with arbitrary interventions, but with the direction of the human heart by revealing the purposes and call of God.  See Luke 21:12-19. 

When we are caught in the complexity of social entanglements, our faith in God must not be focused so much on the elimination of these circumstances but on God’s power that enables us to endure and so gain possession of our lives!

Here we find the real value of prophecy:  Though Paul is predicting the future and seeing it fulfilled, he is also a spokesperson for God! He advises, exhorts, comforts, strengthens, challenges as a servant of God whom he serves! And at the center of the storm and its ravages, fears, and confusion, he breaks bread.  Of the 276 on board, only 3 are Christians. Yet he includes all with dramatic results – not all believe, some try to escape, but all are brought to safety as he said they would. This act of faith changed the course of the events, as it gave courage, strength, and hope to all. Paul’s faith reminds us of Mary, who chose to believe God and whet he said would come to pass.  Put your faith in Jesus today.

Ask Jan to tell the story of meeting Daniel in LaMadd.

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Explain text: 

1. The “we” begins again after stopping in chapter 21. Luke and Aristarchus are part of the team.
2. Chain of command: Owner, Captain, then Roman centurion.  This one of Caesar’s cohorts!
3. Innocence of Paul shown in Sidon.
4. Trip to south of Turkey, and the to a new ship.  The Alexandrian ship is taking grain from Egypt to Rome, and the emptier paid extra, plus insurance to get the grain to feed the city in winter.  Leaving Turkey (Asia) the winds are contrary so the sail to Crete and want to spend the winter in a good Harbor.  Leave Fair Havens even though Paul warns against it. 
5. Danger at sea is something Paul has been used to, in 2 Corinthians 11:25 he says he had already been in shipwrecks and spent a day and night in the sea.  He is well travelled. And he is also a prophet though at this point in time the captain is making decisions based on his experience and knowledge – not on God’s direction. 
6. The dangers off the coast of Libya are treacherous. 
7. Now Paul uses his authority in Jesus to speak to the crew. The Centurion now takes his advice from Paul whose faith is going to save them all.
8. Paul’s purpose is now not just to witness in Rome, but to Caesar as well.
9. God’s authority supersedes all other authority. The Hope that faith gives, and the confidence of faith surpasses good ideas.

How does this affect us? In the storms of life, and in the crisis of worldly culture there is an anchor for our souls!

It’s a question of authority!

1. What is God saying to you? 
2. What place does God’s authority and word have in our lives? Only for salvation, or in all things?

Accepting God’s authority, leads us to obey that authority, leading to the salvation of our souls. 

1. It gives direction to what we do in life!
2. Obedience leads to the excitement of seeing God at work in our daily lives. 
3. Obedience to God’s authority is not enslavement but even greater freedom! (Soldiers)

How are you obeying in the midst of all going on around you?

1. The crisis the world is in does not affect the call of God upon your life, nor your obedience.
2. Whatever the culture of the world may say, it cannot negate the law of God.  If God says something is wrong, evil, sinful, or bad, your opinion on that matter is irrelevant.  You will not be able to argue with God on the day of judgement. The time to plead for mercy and grace is not on that day, but now in this life. By taking steps towards God in this way, you do not need to have a majority vote to do what is right! When God supports you, you will stand!  Paul ends up with more authority than all, and even the centurion takes his orders from him.