40 Days of FIRE – Day 13
The early church overcame angry crowds, shipwrecks and death as it traversed twenty centuries to our day. Pray for “The Church” that we would faithfully Go Carrying the transformational message of Jesus Christ to the next generation.
JESUS today YOU will SAVE me.
Eat This Book
Read Proverbs Chapter 8
Acts 28
1 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.
2 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
6 Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
7 In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.
8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.
9 So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:
10 Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.
11 And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.
12 And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.
13 And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:
14 Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.
15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.
17 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.
19 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.
20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
21 And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.
22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,
26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.
30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,
31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
The POFW Daily Bible Reading 
Verses 30-31 AMP “And Paul lived there for two full years [at his own expense] in his own rented lodging and welcomed all who came to him, preaching and proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness and boldness, unhindered and unrestrained.” As Paul, we must boldly welcome all who will come and testify to all who will hear about the glory of our God. We cannot allow the circumstances we may be in or whatever cares of life are occurring to defeat our purpose; but, never stop, never be defeated or let your praise be silenced. Acts 4:29 NLT “And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word.”
7 In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.
8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.
These verses show of how God blesses those who bless his people, just as he blessed those who blessed Israel. For the chief of the island took them in and lodged them courteously. He may not have had much in the way of possessions as his people where considered barbarians, but he did right by the man of God. So when he had a need that only God could answer, his need has answered first and his father was healed and all his people touched as well. May I follow the example of hospitality that the barbarians showed.
A side note but in verse 30 it says Paul had his own hired house. How much of a miracle is that, he went to Rome in chains and ended out of prison in a house of his own where he could preach the gospel! God is good!
27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
I pray that we walk (not just these 40 days but everyday) with fire behind us. I pray we hear with Gods ears and see with Gods eyes. Every morning shpuld be prayer so we can kindle the fire. So we can throw those little sticks on the flame. So we can keep it going. Every morning we shpuld walk out that front door on a mission for God. Yeah, a mission for God. Don’t forget what you’re called to do. Gods given you that beautiful mind for a reason now GO and WORK. GO and REACH for the lost.
28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
God bless you all!
3. And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
During these 40 days, while we are working to kindle the Fire in ourselves, the ole serpent is going to do what he can to stop us…
5. And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
…but he will be defeated by the very Fire he is trying to stop!
3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
6 Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
I wonder if what it would have been like to watch Paul just shake off the snake with such ease. I believe the word when it says if a snake bites us it’s shall not harm us but seeing a snake lash out to attack would still have bothered me. What gets me here is the absolute confidence he has to just shake it off like it’s no big deal. The spiritual application here is beyond profound, if we can learn to truly trust Christ when Satan fastens onto us and just have that nonchalant attitude to throw the beast into the fire and finish our work for the Lord we would see things we couldn’t dream of. Satan’s biggest weapon he uses is distraction, to get our focus on what he’s doing to us and forget what we were doing for him. During 40 days, let’s get so on that when an attack comes…we can just shake it off and keep moving. Amen!
A desired brethren
14 Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome
There are certain of the brethren that like the company of the other brethren, and there are others that we seldom break bread with or even never. There is no particular boundary between the breathren but there is a lack of desire to dwell with one another. In this case the brethren desired Paul to stay with them because they knew he would teach them about Jesus and his word. Paul would help them get to heaven. I desire to dwell with brethren that will teach and admonish me to go the right way and teach and instruct me in the ways of Jesus Christ. When the love for the word and will of God out shines the business of this world and our own quest in life we will find ourselves looking for ways to get to church to dwell with the brethren.
As paul gathered an armful of sticks and was laying them on the fire, a poisonous snake, driven out by the heat, bit him on the hand.
Acts 28: 3 NLT
One thing that I notice of Paul is his attitude of servant.
Titles will not influence people but an attitude of serving will.
31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ it’s not something we should keep to ourselves the we should share the word of God with everyone we know teaching a Bible study is a great way of sharing the word of God we a lot of the time it may seem like nonone is listening but the are the word of God shall never be shaking
iLove to Go Blog
24And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
I’m sure this was very frustrating to Paul. He has this great opportunity to preach and teach the Word of God while being held captive and folks still reject the message. I mean, who would be more qualified to teach the Word than the man who wrote the Word we teach today? Some folks will just reject the Word no matter what
16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.
Hannah: “31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.” This verse is so powerful to me because Paul was preaching the gospel and he kept on teaching no matter what anyone said. He didn’t let this world get into the way with his walk with God and he kept on doing God’s will in his life. He had so much faith and in my life I strive to have that same faith and trust in God like Paul had.
ATTACKED AND PROTECTED BY THE FIRE
5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
Efforts to build and fuel the FIRE ended up in an attack. Paul however was wise in his response and realized what produced the attack will also destroy the attack.
When we choose to fuel the FIRE of Revival in our hearts and lives, we often find ourselves facing attacks from unexpected sources. Our response to these attacks often determines the length and severity of the attack. I thank JESUS for an Holy Ghost filled on FIRE church where I can shake off the attacks of the adversary right back into the FIRE.
Do not carry unnecessary grudges, animosity, resentment, hurt or offense in your heart. This will no doubt sting you spiritually if not shaken off into the FIRE as soon as it is recognized. As we continue to fuel the FIRE of Revival at The POFW we will witness spiritual beasts attempt to intimidate and silence us, however we must not be fearful, but faithful and shake the beast off in the FIRE of Revival. Pray in the SPIRIT and allow JESUS to IMPACT your LIFE by delivering you in the FIRE.
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30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,
31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
It’s time to go work! Speak truth to anyone willing to listen, “with all confidence!”
Acts 28:31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ , with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
Ephesians 6:19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20. For which Iam an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly,as I ought to speak.
GO and be bold in he Holy Ghost and make known the Gospel in our City
speak it boldly as it ought to be preached.
31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
With All Comfidence
Paul had a confidence that gave him authority. Authority in the power of the Holy Ghost.
No matter where we minister we too have this confidence. The power of the Holy Ghost gives us this confidence this authority to speak with the anointing the power that God has instilled in us. Do not be afraid to speak God will lead you and will direct you in what to say. If we believe it we must teach it we must speak. There are those who will receive it. Those who do not we leave in the hands of God. So today go in confidence for we have been given the power of the Holy Ghost! Listen closely hear with Gods ears See with His eyes Touch with His hands walk in His steps.
His Strength is Perfect !
5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
The starting of these 40 days has been crazy spiritually….the devil has been attacking every way he can and it hasn’t been easy, but God has truly put the peace in my heart to keep going no matter what. I have to shake it out and give Him my problems because I can’t do this on my own. I need you Jesus every moment Lord!! Even though the devil is trying to drown us he is fleeing because every time we come to church Gods presence is so strong that even the little children are feeling it. Yesterday my Natalie was crying and praying and so close to receiving the HG during the Spanish service and I praise God because I know the devil hates all this but he can’t do NOTHING!!! Jesus has him like a dog with a collar controlling him. Your so amazing Lord!!! Thank You!!!
27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
This is the world we are trying to reach with the gospel. These are the very ones that need Jesus and will be converted through our witness. How do you feed a person who is not hungry? The Lord showed me you can only give them one small bite at a time. Every Monday morning when I worked at Lockheed Martin, I would come in to work and tell who I could about our Sunday services…what I learned, what was preached, what God did. At first they just listened with no interest, but I kept it up and before long I noticed they WANTED to hear what had gone on at church. I fed them the word. I taught many Bible studies to people there through first feeding them one small bite at a time. We can win this city and this type of people!
If we take a look at verses 8,9,10. Paul was used by God, and God performed miracles of healing….
Let us watch and be alert and ready to be able to shake off the bites from those snakes that might con toward us to harm us.
I believed this was not a quencidence,..
The enemy will always try to stop God’s will and purpose , he will try to missled the situation , so that those souls will not received the blessing that God has , and we wouldn’t be able to witness…
but Pul shook it off, he went on, and God was glorify !!!!!
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5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm
The devil has and will continue to try and attack us from every which way but we know all we have to do is shake it off and he will not be able to stop us! For we are here for a much greater purpose, and the enemy cannot stop the will of God!
31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
This is our purpose, this is what we are called to do!
24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
This is the quandary of preaching and teaching the word of God. No matter how hard you preach it and how much you believe it, no matter how much conviction you have behind your words and how truly passionate you are there will always be some who believe and some who dont. So you must preach with passion and sincere conviction because our job as ministers is to preach Gods word regardless of who believes it or not! We must preach the gospel truth!
24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
We need to speak the word to everyone even if we think that they won’t believe it because if we’re just sitting here then we’re not doing what God has called us to do!
2 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
Hospitality to the Fire Level!! This is what we as a church are doing with the 40 days of Fire and God is responding in favor of us. We are doing our part gathering wood and fresh sacrifice and the Lord is bringing in the fire that we may receive the harvest that is coming from their storms and the cold of this world. Thank you Jesus! Lets us continue to kindle the fire. They are coming in Jesus name.
23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
Not everyone will receive the testimonies of what the Lord is doing. Don’t be discouraged, shake the dust off from those that aren’t receptive and move on to another. There are hungry people looking for a deeper relationship with the Lord. God will lead us to those people and they will receive.
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24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
Why? They all heard the same message. They were all in the same place. Why did some believe and some did not?
It cant be Paul or the preacher/speaker as some of believed and some did not and only Paul was speaking. So, we do not have to be a great orator to lead people to Jesus. We do not need years of experience in preaching/teaching and public speaking to reveal the truth. We need a conviction about what we are taking about. He preached pure gospel truth. He preached the truth in love. His heart was in his message. He wanted those who heard him to know the truth. Yet, “some believed not.”
I can only conclude there are some that are ready to believe and some that are not ready to believe. Whats the difference? We feel like we are the masters of our own fate. We treasure many things more than we treasure Jesus. That is the condition of our heart before we choose to believe. Nobody can make that happen to themselves. We can listen to the Word of God and we can pray that God would come and open our eyes so that we can see Jesus for who he really is. “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ”.
I dont know that any one thing can be pointed to as the reason some believe and some do not. For some, they have tried everything else. For others it only takes a glimpse of Gods love and they are sold. Yet, others need to see the holes in His hands before they believe.
“As Paul gathered an armful of sticks and was laying them on the fire, a poisonous snake, driven out by the heat, bit him on the hand. The people of the island saw it hanging from his hand and said to each other, “A murderer, no doubt! Though he escaped the sea, justice will not permit him to live.” But Paul shook off the snake into the fire and was unharmed. The people waited for him to swell up or suddenly drop dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw that he wasn’t harmed, they changed their minds and decided he was a god.”
Acts of the Apostles 28:3-6 NLT
28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
And I’m so glad!
Thank you Jesus for yesterday’s message!
3. And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4. And: when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. 5. And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. 6. Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god. Luke Chapter 10 : 19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.
9 So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:
It can be very easy in our flesh to only see the trial, the obstacle, the mountain, the hardship which lies before us rather than an opportunity orchestrated by the hand of God. God allowed Paul to be shipwrecked upon that island and then used Paul to pray for those people to be miraculously healed.
Jesus has a work for us to do and brings us through many situations in our lives to mold, shape and equip us to accomplish His will. In whatever situation God allows me to be placed into, I cannot draw into myself and dwell upon what is negative. I need to put myself aside and pray to see the situation as God would have me to see it. I must trust Jesus to guide me and then willingly follow Him down the path He has placed before me so I can accomplish His will and be a light to those around me.
They changed their minds when the witnessed the snake didn’t harm Paul. They called him a God . Paul knew he wasn’t a God but he did spread the Gospel of the one True God . You see people are going to hate on. You accuse you and talk about you . But when they see God working in you they will change they minds about you . This is the time to tell them your testimony and about Jesus Christ .
Acts 28:5, 8, 23, 31
5) And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
8) And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.
23) And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
31) Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
As I read these things Paul did, I realized he did it all with CONFIDENCE.
So today, I encourage you to GO in CONFIDENCE.
I love to Worship the Lord
Justice refers to a goddess worship in Malta the snakebite was at first assumed as proof Paul was a criminal When he survived it was thought to be proof he was a.god
25And after they had argued back and forth among themselves.
Just like any time in history, you’ll have believers and nonbelievers. You’ll always end up debating someone who doesn’t believe in God. If you know the Word, you’ll come out on top and be able to defend your position. It’s quite easy to win an argument if God exists or not. The nonbeliever will try to make you look foolish in believing, but as long as you remain calm, serious and faithful you’ll be fine. The nonbeliever will get frustrated and leave.
Everyone is not going to understand what God is doing in your life. They will not understand that the reason you’re going through is because God is making you stronger for the bigger test ahead. Don’t allow the naysayers to bring you down. Allow God to continue to lift you up. We are mighty in God.
Acts28:16 ( English Amp) When we arrived at Rome,the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard,But Paul was permitted to live by himself with the soldier who guarded him. This sounds like that Paul preaching, under house arrest at Rome. For two years Paul waits for his case to come to trial.
For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them J soliz
Josiah: 30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,
31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
When we are in God’s will God provides and we are able to be a light to this world. Paul could have been let go but He went in the Lord’s will. Because of this, Paul not only got to receive all those that came to him for two years but He also got to have his own hired house. The chapter even says that he went “with all confidence” because if God is for us who can stand against? However what really stuck out to me is the last words of this chapter when it is talking about Paul sharing the gospel and it says there was “no man forbidding him”. Paul went in the Lords will and was blessed. He got to witness to people he would not have been able to witness to. However it is up to us. Will we take up the mantle or not? The blessings are right there but we just have to choose to GO in the Lords will. Let us GO in the name of the Lord. IN JESUS NAME! LET EVERYTHING THAT HATH BREATH PRAISE THE LORD. PRAISE YE THE LORD!
8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.
9 So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:
Mar 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
The boldness of preaching
30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,
31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
Be bold when you talk. You never know who is listening. Speak truth and life, not death and dispare. We must be bold ,when we speak about God and his mercy and grace.
Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously. And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:
We must remember that Paul was shipped wrecked, cold and probably hungery but the scriptures never said he complained. This helps me because either God allow Satan to cause the storm to destroy Paul and his witness or God put it there so that God could work through Paul to heal and to preach to the people on the island. I must remember no matter what goes on in my life that God may have some islander people He wants to work through me to reach them and the only way I’ll end up in there path to for a storm.
The barbarians know this particular kind of snake, and have seen what it’s bite can do. After Paul is bitten, they first thought he must be a murderer and justice won’t allow him to live. Then they wait to see what his reaction is and surprised that their is no swelling or death. This is a miracle and God doesn’t make mistakes and uses it for his glory to open doors to minister to the barbarians. This doesn’t give us a license to play with dangerous snakes. Instead, it shows he will use situations to grow us and minister to others for we are saved by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony (Rev 12:11).
I love this chapter. Especially after last night’s service. Just seeing that no matter what life takes you through, if you make up in your mind to love and live for God there is no telling how far He will take you.
24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
Someone will believe and others will not. Yet our responsibility is to preach and teach everything concerning Jesus. It is easy to be offended when others do not understand what we believe in. Yet we are to continue to reach lives that are hungry for the gospel and not worry about those living in unbelief. For the God of Revelation will one day visit them and open their understanding. We are to pray for them and Not judge them because they have eyes yet they do not see and they have ears yet they do not here but God is able to open their understanding.
5. but he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.
6. However they wee expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead.. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
For the primitive church all of this signs were part of their life. Lives full of miracles and wonders. We are the same church of God. Our God He still alive and He is the same.
Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: (Acts 28:26KJV)
This verse explained to me that God was telling Paul to go and preach the word of life and truth but they will neither understand nor perceive. Their hearts and hardened will not change unless they want to. Until a person is able to recognize they are hearts are hardened and minds fogged can they choose to repent.
27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
Im so glad that God chose me to live him. God has perform so many Miracles that the Jews still did not want to believe. I’m so glad that God extended this opportunity for the Gentiles. It’s not his will for any to perish but all should come to repentance some people can only be save by God himself . We need to ask God to bring revelation the mind and hearts of the lost souls.
“The people of the island saw it hanging from his hand and said to each other, “A murderer, no doubt! Though he escaped the sea, justice will not permit him to live.” But Paul shook off the snake into the fire and was unharmed. The people waited for him to swell up or suddenly drop dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw that he wasn’t harmed, they changed their minds and decided he was a god.”
Acts of the Apostles 28:4-6 NLT
As christians we will always have a crowd watching us. We lead at all times. It will be or lifestyle that wins them over to the truth. My prayer is that we are always thinking, talking and acting like Jesus.
3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
So thankful with the Lord’s help we can shake off the enemy.
5 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects.
6 The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god. -NIV
5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. 6 Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god. -KJV
DONT BE AFRAID OF THE FIRE! When you have rekindled the fire, the fire will try to throw some trouble at you, just shake it off, cause at the end you will be just fine, and God will use you as a testimony. You play with fire, you’ll get burned.
27 For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them. -NIV
27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. -KJV
Be careful dont fall short from God, that you cant hear his voice, you wont be able to have his blessings.
As Paul gathered an armful of sticks and was laying them on the fire, a poisonous snake, driven out by the heat, bit him on the hand. The people of the island saw it hanging from his hand and said to each other, “A murderer, no doubt! Though he escaped the sea, justice will not permit him to live.” But Paul shook off the snake into the fire and was unharmed.
Acts of the Apostles 28:3-5 NLT
When ever you try to add to the fire the snakes will always come out to try to hurt us but when we realize that God is in the fire those old snakes can mot hurt us. We just have to put them in the fire and the fire will take Care of it.
7 In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.
8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.
Courteously
The Chief of the island, served prisoners. More importantly he served the man of God courteously. Here is where the river meets the road, when we look at our true motives for serving when we do….
8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.
9 So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:
10 Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.
23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
My God is a healer! The testimonies that we heard on Sunday are only a few of the many miracles that God is still performing today! His mercy and His power still reign throughout the earth. Truly nothing is impossible to Him. As we go through these 40 days and continue on into this revival, we must not be discouraged by those who hear the word of God and choose not to believe. We must rejoice with those that repent and glorify God for those who give their lives to Him! Although, some may choose not to believe on Him, we must trust that the seeds we have planted in their hearts may one day bear fruit! With God all things are possible and for that we can rejoice and sing His praises! All glory be to God in all the earth!
26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: 27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
This description sounds like the world around us. People see but they don’t understand. Thy need to seek God and allow him to reign in their world.
30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,
31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
God is the creator and the finisher. He knew Paul’s heart and his intentions. God is in control he’s watching each of us. I give him the glory in advance.
“The people waited for him to swell up or suddenly drop dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw that he wasn’t harmed, they changed their minds and decided he was a god.”
Acts of the Apostles 28:6 NLT
Why do we have to wait until it’s proven? Is it lack of faith? They assumed the worst until that was proven wrong then jumped to another conclusion before seeking the truth of the matter.
We as children of God must stand on the Word of God unwavering and without changing our minds. Telling others of this truth.
Acts 28:31 He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!
It amazes me how the history book about the New Testament church ended with the testimony of Paul boldly preaching and teaching all who came, with boldness and without hindrance.
This is what I want the last chapter of my life to read. Go down as a man that preached the truth without fear and with boldness. Just as controversial that this truth is, it was at that time. There is nothing new under the sun.
30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,
31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
Sometimes, the only person that stops you from giving someone a word from God, is yourself.
3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
Oh how the viper thinks it has power, but it is only a Pesty snake easily thrown into the fire that burns. Always causing trouble, but when it comes face to face to the fire down it goes! Our fuel is the word, and the fire is the Holy Ghost. And we all know we have power and authority with Jesus!
If we should ever doubt our ability to carry the gospel, consider this verse: ‘Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.’ Paul was a prisoner being taken to his judgement; prisoners don’t get to tarry with the brethren. He had built such confidence amongst his captors who had seen the visible demonstration of God’s hand that they were willing to give him liberty to tarry among the brethren and exhort them along the way! This is the mighty arm of Rome we’re talking about here. The same men who thought it would be more expedient to kill the prisoners when the ship was lost… what a difference the favotof God can bring!
We may not have that magnitude of trial in our life as we carry forth the gospel but can we take heart from that example? Can we truly change our expectations of what can do in any given situation? When the odds appear to be stacked against us, rather than getting frustrated, can we take the time to seek their favor… can we allow God to transform the mindset of those who would otherwise oppose us? Can we let God be God and go forth carrying his gospel unto all!
May 8
28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
Salvation was sent unto me and I heard it through my grandma’s example!!!
3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. Mark 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. That was a fulfillment in Mark. Jesus is our healer and our Salvation.