Rehab Chickens

It is wonderful how we have been able to help the drug rehab centre at Princesa Isabel set up the 2-Wings chicken project for egg and chicken produce run by the inmates looking after the chickens on their way to recovery from drugs. Please pray for the 2-Wings Chicken Runs and for the drug users at Rehab that they might come to know the Lord as Saviour. They hear the Gospel twice a day every day and have a very good 50% recovery rate which is very high for this difficult work and ministry. The people at rehab spend 7-months in recovery.

The Pastors and Leaders Family Conference is going very well and we had a lovely devotional service last night with fervent prayer, spirit-filled praise and edifying reflection on God's word. Now we are going into a senior leadership meeting and value your continued prayers.

Conference Team

Liz moved the Pastors' Conference team to Green Pastures yesterday afternoon all ready to prepare the opening meal for midday today. Liz is an incredibly hard worker and very organized.

Last night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study and Pastor Murilo brought the study on the Parable of the Weeds from Matthew 13.

Yesterday I was happy to complete half the book of Second Corinthians in writing of summaries of the Bible chapter by chapter,  so 6 chapters to go after the conference. The 2nd epistle is not as enthralling as the 1st, but we all have our off-days! 

The 2 species of wild cats constantly found at Green Pastures Conference Centre and Nature Reserve are the spotted Leopardus tigrinus and the larger rust coloured Hepailurus yagouaroundi (which is sometimes also seen with a dark blue/grey colour).  

2 Corinthians 7 (résumé): Paul's Joy

 Paul now says at the beginning of chapter 7: "Make room for us in your hearts because we have wronged no-one... I have great confidence in you and take great pride in you... my joy knows no bounds... it was tough when we came to Macedonia as there was no rest and we were harassed at every turn... but we were encouraged by Titus's arrival... and what he told me greatly increased my joy... although I know my previous letter hurt you... but I am glad that your sorrow led you to repentance... worldly sorrow brings death but Godly sorrow brings repentance... we are encouraged... and Titus's spirit has been refreshed by all of you.. and our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true... and his affection for you has grown". 

2 Corinthians 6 (résumé): Paul's Hardships

Paul begins chapter 6 telling the Corinthians that "now is the time of God's favour, now is the day of salvation... Paul then refers to the lengths to which he has gone to bless and help the church suffering troubles, hardships, distresses, beatings, imprisonments, riots, hard work, sleepless nights, hunger, and always with patience, purity and kindness... we have opened our hearts to you, but you are withholding yours from us... open wide your hearts also!" "But don't be yoked with unbelievers... for what fellowship can light have with darkness?... therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord".

2 Corinthians 5 (résumé): Our Heavenly Dwelling

Paul now starts chapter 5 comparing the human body to an "earthly tent" and expresses the Christian hope of after death receiving "an eternal house in heaven... for which we long... so that mortality be swallowed up by life... so whilst we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord... but we know that one day we will all appear before the judgement seat of Christ... thus we try to persuade men concerning this... because Christ died for all so that people don't just live for themselves but for him who died for them and rose again... and if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone and all things have become new... for God was reconciling the world to himself through Christ... and he has committed to us the message of reconciliation... for which we are Christ's ambassadors... so be reconciled to God... because he made Jesus who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God!"

2 Corinthians 4 (résumé): Treasures in Jars of Clay

Paul starts 2 Corinthians 4 saying: "By setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God... but the god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers... but we don't preach ourselves... we preach Jesus Christ... whose light shines in our hearts to give us the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ... and we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God... so we are hard pressed but not crushed... perplexed but not in despair... persecuted but not abandoned... struck down but not destroyed... and we are given over to death for Jesus' sake... for we know that God who raised Jesus will also raise us with Jesus... so that the grace which is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God... therefore we don't lose heart but are being inwardly renewed daily... for our light troubles are bringing eternal glory".

2 Corinthians 3 (résumé): The glory of the New Covenant

 Paul commences chapter 3 saying that he doesn't need a letter of recommendation because the transformed lives of the Corinthian Christians constitutes that letter, "written by the Spirit of God on the tablets of human hearts... for our competence comes from God... for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life... and if the law on stone came with glory... how much more glorious is the ministry of the Spirit which brings righteousness... Moses would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from seeing the glory... but when someone turns to God the veil is taken away... and where the Spirit is there is freedom... and we are being transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory".

2 Corinthians 2 (résumé): Forgiveness for the Sinner

Paul starts chapter 2 explaining that he decided not to visit Corinth again while things were difficult and "painful". His previous letter had been written with "great distress, anguish of heart and many tears", not to "grieve them", but because he deeply loved them and wanted them to recognize the seriousness of their situation. Paul then goes on to say that a person in the church "had grieved all of you... and had been disciplined ("punishment inflicted")... sufficiently and should now be comforted and forgiven... so that he doesn't get too upset... and says that forgiveness is important to that Satan doesn't take advantage of the situation". Paul then says that he had gone to Troas but didn't have peace of mind because Titus wasn't there. But, he says, "thank God who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ... and we are the aroma of Christ... so to the perishing we are the smell of death but to those being saved we are the fragrance of life... so we speak like men sent from God with sincerity". 

Conference Preparations

Liz took all the food for the Pastors Conference yesterday to Green Pastures having purchased everything at the supermarket with the help of Sister Zenaide. The Conference starts tomorrow with everyone arriving in the morning in time for a midday fellowship lunch, although the kitchen team moves in this afternoon. Then there will be a meeting at 2 pm on how to improve books of minutes and other church records. This will be followed by a meeting at 4 pm on our social action projects. Then comes the evening meal at 6 pm prior to our devotional service with praise, prayer and sharing on the topic of Biblical integrity. Please pray for the conference.

Yesterday I concluded my summary of the book of First Corinthians. This means I have completed 46 books of the Bible, 1,078 chapters and just over 90% of the Bible. The end is in sight and now it's on to the 13 chapters of Second Corinthians. 

2 Corinthians 1 (résumé): The God of all Comfort

2 Corinthians is a more personal letter from the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth than was the first epistle. Paul explains his ministry, defends his apostleship, stimulates reconciliation, calls out false teachers, and shows that God's power is displayed through human weakness as he himself was experiencing with his famous "thorn in the flesh".

Paul starts chapter 1 praising God as the one "who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can pass on comfort to others... through Christ our comfort overflows... because God shares in our suffering and in our comfort... and in Asia we learnt to rely on God when we were under great pressure... so on God we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us". Paul then says that he had lived in holiness and sincerity with them, "so that you can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus... and it is God that makes both us and you stand firm in Christ... he set his seal of ownership upon us... and put his Spirit in our hearts... and it is by faith that you stand firm".

1 Corinthians 16 (résumé): The collection for God's people & personal requests

Paul starts 1 Corinthians 16 organizing regular weekly collections in the church in Corinth, as he had done with the Galatian churches, for the Jerusalem church in need. Then he says that he will be going through Macedonia on his way to Corinth where he will stay for a while, maybe the whole winter period. Then he would stay at Ephesus until Pentecost. He also asks the church to take good care of Timothy if he should go there. Apollos will also go to Corinth "when he has the opportunity". Then he says: "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith, be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love". "Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus refreshed my spirit  and yours also. Such men deserve recognition". He closes sending greetings from the Asian churches and from Aquila and Priscilla, sending greetings with a holy kiss. He ends cursing all those who don't love the Lord but sending the church his love in Christ Jesus". 

1 Corinthians 15 (résumé): The resurrection of Christ

Paul now starts chapter 15 encouraging the Christians to hold firmly to the word of the Gospel. That is: "Christ died from our sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day... he appeared to Peter and the 12... then to 500... and eventually appeared to me also... for I am the least of the apostles... but by the grace of God I am what I am... but how come some of you are doubting the resurrection of the dead?... for this would make our preaching useless together with our faith... and it would make us false witnesses... and those asleep in Christ are lost... but Christ was indeed raised from the dead!... and as in Adam all die in Christ all will be made alive... and at the end Christ will hand over the kingdom to God the Father... but he must reign until he has put all enemies under his feet... and then God will be all in all... but some of you need to come back to your senses and stop sinning... but some ask how are the dead raised and what will their body be like?... well it's just like a seed planted to produce a new body... so there are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies and sun, moon and stars... so it will be with the resurrection of the dead which dies perishable but is raised imperishable... sown in weakness but raised in power... sown a natural body but raised a spiritual body... as we have borne the likeness of earthly man so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven... for flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God... but we will not all sleep but will be changed in the twinkling of an eye at the last trumpet... and mortals will be raised and clothed with immortality... and the words of Isaiah 25:8 will come true which says Death has been swallowed up in victory!... thanks be to God who gives us the victory through Jesus!... so let nothing move you!"

1 Corinthians 14 (résumé): Gifts of Prophecy & Tongues

Paul now talks in chapter 14 about the gifts of prophecy and tongues saying initially: "Follow love, desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy... because tongues are to God alone but prophecy strengthens men... and edifies the church... I would like all to speak in tongues but I would prefer prophecy... for prophecy is intelligible... and the trumpet needs to sound a clear call to prepare everyone for the battle... and try to excel in gifts that build up the church... and those who speak in tongues should pray for the interpretation... I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you... but in the church I would rather speak intelligible words... for tongues are a sign for unbelievers... and prophecy is for believers... so when you come together bring a hymn, word of instruction or revelation and a tongue and interpretation... all to strengthen the church... 2 or 3 in tongues is enough and there must be an interpretation... so too 2 or 3 prophets can speak with the others evaluating what is said... remembering that the spirits of prophets are subject to the control of the prophets... but women should remain silent in the churches... and if they have questions they should ask their husbands at home... for it is a disgrace for a woman to speak in the church... be eager to prophesy... speak in tongues... but always do things in an orderly way".

September Festival

Patos is now in its annual festival from September 14th to 24th for the Catholic patron saint of Patos known as 'Our Lady of Guidance'. The central streets of Patos are one massive fairground with roundabouts, and swinging boats, and dodgem cars, and helter-skelters etc. all raising money for the catholic church. You can perhaps imagine the chaos of the traffic with the centre of town blocked. Every year there is talk of moving the fairground to a more sensible location than the central streets, but always the power of the catholic church overrules. We grin and bear it, and carry on preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  

Last night I brought the Bible study to the Men's Fellowship on 'Trusting God under all circumstances' from Philippians 4:10-13. The meeting was led by schoolteacher Claudivan and was held at our school in the borough of Jatobá on the south side of Patos where we hold a meeting once a month to build bridges with the men of that area. One man from the local community joined us for the meeting.

1 Corinthians 13 (résumé): Love

In the middle of 2 chapters about spiritual gifts Paul points to the indispensable "most excellent way" of love for our fellow man as supremely important. He says: "if I speak in tongues but don't have love I am a clanging cymbal... and if I prophecy with great faith but don't have love I am nothing... love is patient, kind and doesn't boast of envy... love rejoices in the truth and never fails... prophecies and tongues will disappear... but we will see God face to face... and out of faith, hope and love the greatest of these is love!"

1 Corinthians 12 (résumé): Spiritual Gifts

Paul states that: "No-one can say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit... and there are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord... one has the gift of the message of wisdom... another the message of knowledge... another the gift of faith... to another gifts of healing... to another miraculous powers... another the gift of prophecy... another discernment of spirits... another the gift of tongues... to another the gift of interpretation... all this is the work of one and the same Spirit which God distributes as he wills". Then Paul goes on to talk about the body of Christ showing that as there are many parts in the human body "so it is with Christ... and Jew, Gentile, slave or free in Christ have the same Spirit... and all parts of the body are important and valued... and you are the body of Christ and each one of you is a part of it... and in the church are apostles, prophets, teachers, workers of miracles, those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those that speak in tongues... so eagerly desire the greater gifts... and next (in the next chapter) I will show you the most excellent way!"

1 Corinthians 11 (résumé): Head Covering + the Lord's Supper

Initially here in chapter 11 Paul teaches on the question of head covering which was an important cultural matter. He says "the head (or source) of every man is Christ, the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God... so every man that prays with his head covered dishonours his head... but a woman's head uncovered dishonours her head... for a man's head must be uncovered for prayer because he is the image of the glory of God whereas woman is the glory of the man... and for man to have long hair is a disgrace whereas for a woman it is her glory... but let's not fight about these matters!" Then Paul goes on to teach about the Lord's Supper... again criticizing the divisions in the church and the callous unruly way they were eating and drinking at the Lord's supper "whilst one remains hungry another gets drunk". Then Paul teaches the right way to break bread together and to drink the cup representing the body and blood of Christ. Paul insists that one must take care not to partake of the communion unworthily, but should examine oneself before God".

1 Corinthians 10 (résumé): Warnings from Israel's History

Paul starts chapter 10 warning the church to learn from historic Israel which was greatly blessed of God yet went away from the Lord. "These things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did". so don't "be idolaters... or pagan...or commit sexual immorality... don't grumble... be careful that you don't fall... and God will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear... so flee from idolatry... for is not the cup of thanksgiving participation in the blood of Christ... and the bread his body?... but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons... so you have to chose one thing or the other!... everything is permissible but not everything is constructive... however eat what you like from the market because the earth is the Lord and everything in it... and whether you eat or drink do everything for the glory of God... but avoid making people stumble... and follow my example as I follow the example of Christ".

1 Corinthians 9 (résumé): The rights of an Apostle

Paul starts 1 Corinthians 9 defending his apostleship as he had "seen Jesus" and pointing to his fruitful ministry at Corinth as proof that he was an apostle. He then goes on to argue that he has a right be supported in his ministry by the church. However he points out that he has never demanded this right. He in fact is very flexible in his ministry adapting to Jew and Gentile as necessary so that "I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some". "All the athletes compete in a race, "but only one gets the prize... so run in such a way as to get the prize... for secular athletes compete to get a crown which won't last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever!... so I beat my body to make sure that after I have preached to others I will myself not be disqualified from the prize!"

Wild Cats

The Wild Cat researchers from the state of Maranhão were at Green Pastures yesterday exchanging the memory cards and batteries from their dozen automatic cameras. They drive down 1,400 km every 3 months from the state of Maranhão to the state of Paraiba!

I have been preparing for the Pastors and Leaders Family Conference which starts on Friday. I have been resolving a number of administrative issues for different churches too.

I have now finished half the Book of First Corinthians and boy didn't they have a load of problems!

1 Corinthians 8 (résumé): Food sacrificed to idols

Paul discusses in 1 Corinthians 8 attitudes to eating meat which had been part of sacrifices to idols. Paul recognizes idols are not gods at all and that there is only one true God, but he sees that not everyone feels this way so the Christian must care about the others on this matter and let love govern how this controversial issue is dealt with. Paul says: "Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up... and food doesn't bring us near to God.. but be careful that exercising our freedom doesn't become a stumbling block to the weak... in which case your weak brother would be destroyed by your knowledge... so if eating meat causes my brother to sin I will never eat meat again!"

1 Corinthians 7 (résumé): Marriage

1 Corinthians 7 discusses Christian marriage, singleness and faithfulness to God under whatever circumstance we face. So Paul starts: "you wrote that it's good for a man not to marry... but no... faced with the rampant immorality it's good for each man to have his own wife and each woman to have her own husband... and husband and wife should fulfill their marital duties... with their bodies belonging to each other... and only abstain from relations for short periods for dedication to prayer... I wish that all men were single like me but everyone is gifted in different ways... the unmarried and widows should stay single unless they can't control themselves... but the married should not separate or divorce... and inter-faith marriages should stay that way... and the believer might be an instrument of salvation to their partner... and if you are a circumcised Jew stay that way... and if you are a slave stay that way unless you can gain your freedom... so each Christian should remain in the situation God called him to... time is short so live in the light of this reality because the world is passing away... so live in undivided devotion to the Lord... and avoid marriage if you can... but if you marry the partner must belong to the Lord". 

1 Corinthians 6 (résumé): Lawsuits among Believers

Paul starts chapter 6 criticizing the church for having legal disputes between each other and for seeking to settle their lawsuits in secular courts rather than resolving their differences amongst themselves. "For the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God", says Paul, "nor will the sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes or homosexuals, thieves, drunkards, greedy, slanderers or swindlers... but you were washed, sanctified and justified in the name of Jesus... everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial... the body is not made for sexual immorality... flee from it!... don't you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit... you are not your own. You were bought with a price. So honour God with your body". 

1 Corinthians 5 (résumé): Expel de immoral Brother!

I Corinthians 5 deals with a scandalous matter in the church at Corinth where a man was having a sexual relationship with his father's wife! What is more the church was criticized for doing nothing against this and even being "proud" of it. Paul tells the church to "hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature can be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord". "Stop boasting... and get rid of the old yeast of malice and wickedness... and replace it with bread without yeast of sincerity and truth... don't associate with sexually immoral people... or with greedy, idolatrous and swindling people... expel the wicked man from among you". 

Noise

The unbelievable noise from a political parade last night, which passed in front of our church during the service, was deafening! I can't describe how loud it was as you wouldn't believe it! Despite this Pastor Murilo managed to keep preaching with the sound turned right up and we outlasted the parade. He preached a good sermon on Jonah's prayer in Jonah chapter 2. The church was full.

I have written the summaries of the first quarter of 1 Corinthians.

Please pray for the Pastors and Leaders Family Conference at the Green Pastures Christian Conference Centre and Nature Reserve which starts on Friday with 120 expected.

I have just had my hair cut as I like to keep it short. I certainly don't have the problem of baldness which so many older men have. I hope you like it? 👨

1 Corinthians 4 (résumé): Apostles of Christ

Paul starts chapter 4 saying that "men ought to regard us apostles as servants of Christ... I care little if I am judged by you... for I have a clear conscience... but it is the Lord who judges me... when the Lord comes he will reveal what is hidden in darkness... so do not go beyond what is written... and don't take pride in one man over another... for everything we have we received from God so there is no room for boasting... but you feel rich as kings but us apostles are like men condemned to die... we are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ!... we have become scum, the refuse of the world... so I am writing this to warn you... and I urge you to imitate me... because some of you have become arrogant... but don't think I won't soon be there to sort out the arrogant... because the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power!"

Cultura Inglesa Run

Cultura Inglesa is the name of our daughters' excellent English Language School which teaches children, youth and adults taking them to real fluency and confidence in the English Language. Yesterday evening they organized the 'Cultura Inglesa Run' to encourage physical exercise and publicize the school. Children ran for 1 km and youth and adults either ran 3 km or 5 km, so Liz and I went in support and walked 3 km. The event was brilliantly organized with everything bang on time, and I was gob smacked by the technology involved to give serious athletes their times, and the photography and filming including drones. Well done girls! A great crowd gathered to watch the about 500 athletes taking part. Our granddaughter Beatriz (Bia) won a second place medal in the woman's 3 km race. 

1 Corinthians 3 (résumé): Paul further rebukes divisions in the Church

Paul starts 1 Corinthians 3 further rebuking divisions and sectarianism in the church: "I couldn't address you as spiritual but as worldly... and I had to give you milk, not solid food... for there is jealousy and quarrelling amongst you... disputing between those in favour of Paul and Apollos... but I planted the seed, Apollos watered but it was God who gave the increase... for we are God's fellow workers and you are God's building... each should be careful how he builds because no new foundation can be laid other than the one already laid which is Jesus Christ... and the construction will be revealed by fire on the Day which will test the quality of each man's work... you are God's temple and his Spirit lives in you and if anyone destroys God's temple God will destroy him... for the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight... and the thoughts of the wise are futile... and all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God"".

1 Corinthians 2 (résumé): Wisdom from the Spirit

Now in 1 Corinthians 2 Paul shows that the Christian message does not depend on human wisdom, clever speech, or a brilliant mind. Instead, it rests on Christ crucified and the power of the Holy Spirit. So Paul starts: "I didn't come to you will eloquence or brilliance but I proclaimed testimony about God... my preaching was not with wise persuasive words but in the power of the Spirit... so that your faith might rest on God's power... we do however speak of God's secret wisdom among the mature... for no eyes has seen, ear heard, mind conceived... what God has prepared for those who love him... and the Spirit searches the deep things of God... and we've received the Spirit so that we can understand what God has given us... and the spiritual man makes judgements about all things... for we have the mind of Christ". 

1 Corinthians 1 (résumé): Divisions in the Church

The church at Corinth in Greece was founded by the apostle Paul on his second missionary journey in about 50/51 AD together with Aquila and Priscila. This book/letter deals with topics such as division, immorality and spiritual gifts etc. in the church at Corinth. 

Paul starts 1 Corinthians 1 greeting the church with grace and peace as he always does in his letters thanking God for the grace they have received in Christ and for God's faithfulness. He then addresses the problem of division the church was facing: "I appeal to you... that there be no divisions among you... for I have been informed that there are quarrels among you... and factions have been formed with some with Paul, others with Apollos, others with Cephas, and others with Christ!... is Christ divided?... was Paul crucified for you?... were you baptized into the name of Paul?... Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the Gospel... for the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God!... for God was pleased through the foolishness of preaching to save those who believe... Jews want signs and Greeks want wisdom but we preach Christ crucified... for the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom... and God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise... and Christ Jesus has become for us wisdom from God... so let him who boasts boast in the Lord!

Assisted suicide bill defeated

I am very happy to hear from the UK House of Commons that the assisted suicide bill was defeated by 286 votes against 270. This is excellent and a vote in line with our Christian values. 

Yesterday I concluded writing the summaries of each of the 16 chapters of Romans which means I have now done 45 books of the Bible, 1,062 chapters and just over 89% of the Bible. Now it's on to the 16 chapters of 1st Corinthians.

QPR have just drawn 1 x 1 away to West Brom in an early match this Saturday. 

Romans 16 (résumé): Personal Greetings

Paul brings his epistle to a close with personal greetings, commends faithful servants, warns about false teachers and ends on a note of God's glory. First then Paul commends the deaconess Phoebe and then greets Priscilla and Aquila including the church which meets at their house. Paul then greets the first Asian convert Epenetus, plus Mary, and the apostles Adronicus and Junias who had become Christians before Paul. Then he greets Ampliatus, Urbanus, Stachys, Apelles, Aristobulus, Herodian, Narcissus, Tryphena and Tryphosa who were hard workers, Persis, Rufus and his mother, Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, Olympas and all the saints. "Greet one another with a holy kiss". Paul then alerts to those causing divisions... by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the naive... the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet... my fellow worker Timothy sends greetings... Gaius and Erastus send greetings... so to the only wise God be glory for ever through Jesus Christ! Amen".

Romans 15 (résumé): Paul the Minister to the Gentiles

Romans 15 teaches that Christians should live for the good of others, welcome one another as Christ welcomed us, and take part in God's mission to the world. Paul starts saying that we as Christians "should please our neighbours for their good, to build them up... may God give you a spirit of unity as you follow Christ... so that with one heart and mouth you glorify God... accept one another as Christ accepted you... and rejoice O Gentiles with God's people... and as Isaiah said the Gentiles will hope in him... and may the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in him... and Christ called me to be a minister to the Gentiles so that they might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit... therefore I glory in Christ... by the power of signs and miracles through the power of the Spirit.... and I plan to go to Spain... but first I am going to Jerusalem... but then I will go to Spain and visit you (in Rome) on the way... and I will come to you in the full measure of the blessing of Christ... the God of peace be with you".

Romans 14 (résumé): The Weak & the Strong

In Romans 14 Paul shows that love is more important than winning petty arguments and that the mature Christian distinguishes between essential tenets of the faith and secondary personal convictions. So Paul starts saying: "Accept him whose faith is weak without passing judgement on disputable matters... some eat everything whilst others are vegetarians but neither should condemn the other... everything we do or eat we do unto the Lord... if we live we live to the Lord... if we die we die to the Lord... dead or alive we belong to the Lord... so don't judge your brother, because one day we will all stand before God's judgement seat... so cut out judging your brother... for I personally am convinced that no food in itself is unclean but I can cope with him who thinks otherwise... because the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness, joy and peace in the Holy Spirit... so let's make every effort for peace and mutual edification... so keep controversial topics between you and God... and everything which does not come from faith is sin".

Romans 13 (résumé): Living the Christian Faith

Romans 13 shows Christians how their faith should affect their relationship with government, with other people, and with their day to day life. Paul emphasizes submission to authorities, love for others, and living in the light of Christ’s return. So Paul starts: "Submit yourself to the government... for authorities have been established by God... so rebellion against the government is rebellion against God... do what is right and the authority will commend you... but will rightly punish the wrong doer... you pay taxes because the authorities are God's servants... and leave no debt outstanding other than the debt to love one another... for he who loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law... don't commit adultery... don't murder... don't steal... love your neighbour as yourself... understand the time and awake from your slumber... the night is nearly over and the day almost here... behave decently with no orgies, drunkenness, sexual immorality or debauchery... clothe yourselves with Christ!"

Romans 12 (résumé): Living Sacrifices

Romans 12 marks a clear transition in Paul’s letter. After explaining God’s mercy and salvation in Romans 1–11, Paul now describes how Christians should live in response to that mercy through transformed lives and service. Paul starts urging Christians to live as living sacrifices to God resisting the world's negative influences. "And as a body has many members so we all have different gifts and we should prophesy, teach, serve, encourage and lead with commitment and dedication... and love must be sincere... be devoted to one another in brotherly love and honour one another... be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer... bless those who persecute you... don't be proud or conceited... always try to live in peace with everyone... don't take revenge... but if your enemy is hungry feed him... and overcome evil with good".

Romans 11 (résumé): The remnant of Israel

Romans 11 shows God’s continuing purpose for Israel, the salvation of Gentiles, and the enormity of God’s mercy. Paul emphasizes that God has not rejected His people and warns Gentile believers against pride in the light of their acceptance by God. So Paul commences emphasizing that God had not rejected Israel because "he did not reject his people whom he foreknow... so today, as in the days of Elijah, there is a remnant chosen by grace... and those who disobeyed God had their eyes darkened... and their backs bent forever... nor did Israel fall beyond recovery but their transgression to the Gentiles as too their fulness themselves will be... yet as the apostle to the gentiles I hope that my enthusiasm about their salvation might stir up the Israelites in envy... but Gentiles don't get arrogant... so consider the kindness and sternness of God... and Jews be grafted in again to God... for Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in... oh the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God... who has known the mind of God?... for from him and through him and to him are all things".

Romans 10 (résumé): I pray for all Israelites to be saved

Romans 10 shows that salvation is received through faith in Jesus Christ, and not by trying to establish our own righteousness. The Gospel must be proclaimed because people need to hear it in order to believe and call upon the Lord. So Paul starts expressing his desire that all Jews would be saved... and though they are zealous they need to understand that righteousness comes from God and not from ourselves. "We therefore proclaim the word of faith that if you confess Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved... and there is no difference between Jew and Gentile because the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him... so everyone who calls on the Lord will be saved... so send people to preach so that they can hear the Gospel... because faith comes by hearing the word of God... but the Israelites heard and understood... but were a disobedient and obstinate people". 

Romans 9 (résumé): God's sovereign choice

Romans 9 shows that salvation depends on God’s grace and purpose, not on nationality, religious privilege, or human works. Paul begins by remembering that Israel was the nation of covenants, patriarchs, temple worship and God's promises, yet it had largely rejected God's Messiah! But, he says, "It is not as though God's word had failed... because it is not the natural children who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are Abraham's offspring... and we recall that the sovereign Lord also said that Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated... which doesn't mean God isn't just because he said he will have mercy on whom he chooses... so that nothing depends on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy... for doesn't the potter have a right to do what he likes with the clay?... so God decides on whom he will have mercy... and he will call his people whom he will... for Isaiah says that though the Israelites be countless yet only the remnant will be saved... so what shall we say?... for the Gentiles obtained righteousness by faith but not Israel because they pursued it by works and not by faith... they stumbled over the stumbling stone (who was Christ)... but who trust in him will never be put to shame!"

Preparations

Liz went out to Green Pastures yesterday afternoon working on the preparations for our Pastors and Leaders family Conference with about 120 coming. It is a lot of work and starts next week on Friday, 18th September. Please pray!

Last night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study and lawyer Rayla, who is Pastor Rafael's wife, brought a good study from 1 Samuel 6. Pastor Rafael travelled to the neighbouring town of Santa Teresinha to hold a service with Edilson and Rozangela. This is a new church plant we are doing holding services there on Thursdays every other week.

I have now finished writing the résumés of half the 16 chapters of Romans and what a glorious book it is, having been written before the Book of Acts by the way. 

I have just watched the Celebration of the life of brother Sid Wilder on Zoom from St. John's church in Southend on Sea. Our great friend Sid went to be with the Lord last month aged 93. The service was very positive and uplifting and we thank God for his life.

I have now had an important meeting with a State Deputy which is the equivalent in the UK to an MP in the state of Paraíba where we live. We had a good discussion about our state.

Romans 8 (résumé): Life through the Spirit

Romans 8 is one of the finest chapters in the Bible about life through the Spirit, freedom from condemnation, our identity as God’s children, suffering and hope, and the undefeatable love of God. Paul starts: "Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus... who do not live according to your sinful nature, but according to the Spirit... the mind of sinful man is death but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace... and anyone who doesn't have the Spirit of Christ, doesn't belong to Christ... but the Spirit in us gives life to our mortal bodies... so if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live... for the Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God's children... so our present suffering can't compare with the glory that will be revealed in us... for we know that creation is groaning awaiting change... and the Spirit helps us pray and intercedes for us... and God is working through all things to make us like Jesus... because if God is for us who can be against us?... Christ is at the right hand of the Father interceding for us... and who shall separate us from the love of Christ?... for in everything we face in life we are more than conquerors through Jesus!" 

Romans 7 (résumé): Struggling with Sin

Romans 7 explains the Christian's relationship with the law and with sin, including the struggles of the heart involved in this. Thus Paul starts saying: "The law has authority over a man only as long as he lives... so my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ so that you might belong to him who was raised from the dead... by dying to what once bound us we have been released from the law so that we serve in a new way of the Spirit... apart from law sin is dead... I found that the commandment supposed to bring life in fact brought death... I do not understand what I do... for what I want to do I don't do... and what I hate I do... I have the desire to do good but I don't manage to carry it out... for it is sin in me that does it... and when I want to do good evil is right there with me... what a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

Fifth Book

Yesterday I concluded my summary of the Book of Acts which is the 5th book of the New Testament and the 44th book in the Bible. This means I have finished writing the synthesis of 88% of the Bible, so now it's on to the 16 chapters of Romans!

QPR drew 0 x 0 away to Charlton yesterday and are now 4th in the Championship. We had 72% possession but couldn't put the ball in the net!

Last night we visited our 54-year-old deacon Ricardo who had a heart attack a few weeks ago and is now preparing for heart surgery in the New Year to replace a faulty heart valve. Please pray for Ricardo and his wife Marah Danielle. 🙏

Romans 6 (résumé): Dear to Sin & Alive in Christ

Romans 6 shows how things work out when we're saved by grace and how Christians are called to live transformed lives by the Spirit. We certainly should not, says Paul, exploit freedom in Christ. He asks: "Shall we go on sinning so that grace may abound? By no means!" "We were baptized into Jesus' death... and buried with him... and raised with him... so that we may live a new life... for our old self was crucified with him... so that we do not remain slaves to sin... for if we died with Christ we also live with him... so count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus... don't offer your body to sin but offer yourselves to God... you used to be slaves to sin but now you whole heartedly obey God... you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness... for now that you are set free from sin and are slaves to God... this leads to holiness.. for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord!"

Romans 5 (résumé): Peace & Joy

Romans 5 explains the blessings of being justified by faith and compares Adam with Jesus. The chapter starts with the beautiful and famous verse: "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ... and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God... we also rejoice in sufferings... and God has poured his love into our hearts... for just at the right time Christ died for the ungodly... for God demonstrates his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us... and now we are reconciled we shall be saved through his life... and we rejoice in God through Christ". "As sin entered into the world through one man... the gift is not like the trespass... the gift of God's grace overflows to the many!... by the trespass of one man death reigned... how much more will God's abundant provision of grace reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ... and just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also through the obedience of one man the many will be made righteous... and where sin increased grace increased all the more... bringing eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord!" 

Romans 4 (résumé): Abraham justified by Faith

Paul starts chapter 4 stating that Abraham was not justified by works, which would give him something to boast about, but was justified by faith. "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness". (Genesis 15:6) "He who trusts God his faith is credited as righteousness. And Paul says that Abraham's faith and justification came before he was circumcised, so Abraham is father of the faith of circumcised and uncircumcised Christians. So, says Paul, Abraham received the promise of his heir, not through the law but by faith... the promise comes by faith... by grace... He is the father of us all, Jews and Gentiles... He is the father of many nations... because he never wavered in disbelief despite being a 100 years old and he believed in the promise... so God credits righteousness to us who believe in Jesus!"

Romans 3 (résumé): God's Faithfulness

The wonderful message of Romans 3 is that "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God... but can be justified freely by his grace through the redemption of Jesus Christ". Never, says Paul, should the Jew lose sight of the honour and privilege of being the custodian of the word of God. However all men are sinners and "there is no-one righteous, not even one". The law reveals our sin and need of God. So God has revealed righteousness that comes apart from the law and exclusively through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Through Christ, says Paul, God reveals his justice and the justifier! And Paul concludes the chapter making it clear that there is now room for boasting because "a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law... the God of the Jews and of Gentiles too who justifies the circumcised and the uncircumcised by faith".

Romans 2 (résumé): God's righteous Judgement

Paul now condemns that who judge others whilst they themselves are practicing the same things. God's judgement however is perfect and impartial, and "God's kindness leads you towards repentance". People should respond to God's love and turn from sin. God, says Paul, will judge everyone impartially and "will give to each person according to what he has done" citing Psalm 62:12 and Proverbs 24:12. God will give eternal life to those who seek immortality, but those who are self-seeking they will receive wrath and anger. For God will judge according to a person's heart. Paul then cautions the Jew about just having the law not making you righteous... you have to practice it and obey it! "If you call yourself a Jew... if you rely on the law... if you brag about your relationship with God... if you are a light for those in the dark... you teach others but don't teach yourself!... so circumcision must be of the heart and not just external... by the Spirit and not by a written code!"

Romans 1 (résumé): God's wrath against Mankind

The Book of Romans is a clear presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ initially explaining the link between God's righteousness and the Gospel, then going on to discuss peace with God, freedom from sin, Israel as part of God's plan and finally Christian living.

In chapter 1 Paul initially presents himself as "a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle... who writes to all the Christians in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints". Paul next expresses his longing to visit Rome so clearly the Book of Romans was written before Acts 28. He says: "I long to see you that I may impart some spiritual gift... and I am eager to preach in Rome". Paul then goes on to say: "I am not ashamed of the gospel... for the salvation of Jew and Gentile... for the righteous shall live by faith!" Paul them goes on to show why man (Jews and Gentiles) need salvation because God had revealed himself through creation but man chose idols instead of the true Lord. God therefore turned man over to his sinful desires because he had turned away from God. "God gave them over to the sinful desires of sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies... they exchanged the truth of God for a lie... and men and women ended up practicing same-sex relationships... so God gave them over to depraved minds... and they are gossips, slanderers and God-haters".

Acts 28 (résumé): Ashore at Malta & then on to Rome

Once safely ashore they discovered they were on the island of Malta and the people welcomed them around a fire where Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake but suffered no ill effects. Paul then healed all the island's sick in the name of Jesus and the people gave them supplies prior to them leaving. On the trip to Rome they spent a week with brothers at Puteoli and Paul was encouraged to see brothers in Christ upon reaching Rome who had heard he was coming. In Rome "Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him". For 2 years Paul stayed in Rome in his own rented house and boldly and without hindrance he preached the Gospel. "Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe".

Acts 27 (résumé): Paul sails for Rome

Eventually Paul was put on a ship to Italy together with some other prisoners. Stopping at Sidon the centurion Julius let Paul visit friends and then they sailed on to Myra where they changed ships. Progress was difficult and Paul warned of disaster ahead, but the centurion wouldn't listen. Then off the coast of Crete they met a hurricane and the situation became so grave that "we finally gave up all hope of being saved". Paul then prophesied that nobody would die but the ship would be lost "and run aground on some island". This indeed happened and all 276 people on board survived with many swimming to land and others floating to safety on planks.

Acts 26 (résumé): Paul before King Agrippa

Paul addressed King Agrippa: "I beg you to listen to me patiently... as everyone knows I was brought up as a strict Pharisee... yet I am on trial exactly for the promise the 12 tribes of Israel await... and why doubt that God raises the dead?... I used to persecute the church... but on one of these journeys near Damascus I was struck down by a blinding bright light from which Jesus himself spoke to me... told me to stop persecuting and called me to serve him... so I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven and I started preaching the Gospel of Jesus to Jew and Gentile alike... and this is why the Jewish leaders are opposed to me... Festus intervened then saying Paul was mad... but Paul replied that he was not insane because what he was saying was true and reasonable... and Paul asked the King if he believed the prophets?... and the King retorted that in such a short time Paul was trying to persuade him to be a Christian... and Paul replied that short time or not he prayed for this and everyone else there's conversion... and the King and governor agreed that Paul was not guilty and could have been released had he not appealed to Emperor Caesar".

Acts 25 (résumé): The Trial before Festus

Now Festus was governor he went to Jerusalem to hear the charges against Paul from the chief priests. He then went to Caesarea where he convened the court and the Jews repeated their accusations against Paul without proof. So Paul replied: "I have done nothing wrong against the Jews, temple or Caesar... so I appeal to Caesar!... and Festus said to Caesar you will go!" However next Festus consulted King Agrippa when he visited Caesarea, and having given him a summary of the story King Agrippa said he would like to hear Paul personally. When Festus presented Paul to King Agrippa the next day he said that he hoped the king would be able to help him to decide what to say about Paul when he goes before the Emperor in Rome.

Enjoying Preaching

I was just thinking on the day Liz caught me up in age, as her birthday is in September and mine is in January, that with both of us now in our seventies I am enjoying preaching the Gospel more than ever before and feeling freedom in the Spirit sharing the word. If David Attenborough can still campaign for the environment at a 100, Clint Eastwood can still act at 96 and Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger can still sing in their 80s, then I am certainly going to preach the Gospel while I have health and strength in my seventies! All glory be to God! 🙌

Last night I travelled with the Patos Men's Fellowship to preach the Gospel in the town of São Mamede. School teacher Claudivan led the service, Chico, Dedé and I brought short words, and Pastor Rafael preached from Psalm 95. It was a lovely service.

Happy 99th birthday to our friend and supporter Michael Heard at Bedford who is still playing the piano very well. I have known Michael all my life from Peniel Chapel and Immanuel Church days.

Acts 24 (résumé): The Trial before Felix

 5 days later High Priest Ananias and team brought their charges against Paul before Governor Felix, accusing Paul of being a trouble maker stirring up riots and trying to desecrate the temple. Paul replied saying that the Jewish leaders "cannot prove the charges"... I am a practicing Christian and "I strive to keep my conscience clear before God". "I came to Jerusalem after several years away... there was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance... but it is the matter of the resurrection for which I am on trial here today". Felix then adjourned the proceedings leaving the issue to be decided at a later date. Later Paul shared the Gospel with Felix and his wife, but Felix hoped that Paul would offer him a bribe. 2 years passed until Felix was succeeded by Festus and all this time Paul was held in prison to please the Jews.

Acts 23 (résumé): Paul before the Sanhedrin

 Paul defended himself before the Sanhedrin saying he had "fulfilled his duty to God in all good conscience". Then Paul made a clever ploy saying, "I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead". Thus he sparked off an uproar between the Sadducees (who didn't believe in the resurrection) and the Pharisees (who did). Eventually the Roman Commander called off the over heated debate and extracted Paul bringing him to the barracks. There then ensued a conspiracy by the Jews to murder Paul, but the commander got word of this and thwarted the threat. Then Paul was transferred to Caesarea under heavy guard and given over to Governor Felix with a covering letter from the Jerusalem Roman Commander. Paul was then kept under guard whilst they waited for the Jewish leaders to bring charges against him. 

Acts 22 (résumé): Paul's defense at Jerusalem

Now Paul defended himself before the mob in Jerusalem saying: "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, but brought up here... I was thoroughly trained in the law... and zealous for God... I persecuted the Christians... however a bright light from heaven floored me and Jesus spoke to me... I was led into Damascus because I had become blind... and then through brother Ananias my sight was restored... and I was baptized... and the Lord told me that he was sending me to the Gentiles with the gospel". At this point the crowd started shouting in opposition and became enraged, and Paul was near to being flogged until he invoked him Roman citizenship which made the Roman authorities sit up in respect! So the Roman commander channeled Paul to the Jewish Sanhedrin because "the commander wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews".

Birthday Girl!

Today is the birthday of my wonderful wife Liz, known as Betinha here in Brazil. I praise God for this blessing in my life and family. She is an amazing woman whom I dearly love and a dynamic active missionary for God's glory! Happy birthday Liz! 💖😘😍

With just under a month to elections in Brazil on October 4th we ask for your prayers. We will vote for Federal Deputy, State Deputy, 2 Senators, State Governor and President. President Lula is standing for re-election for the 4th time at the age of 80. His main rivals are Flávio Bolsonaro, son of ex-president Bolsonaro who was imprisoned for 27 years for an attempted coup, and Augusto Cury. There will probably be a tight second round run-off for president on October 25th between Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro and who will win nobody knows as the polls are very close!

Yesterday I completed the writing of the synopses of three-quarters of the Book of Acts and we are about to hear his brilliant sermon and testimony in Aramaic to the Jerusalem crowd, having previously just spoken toe the Roman commander in Greek!

Long-term EAB supporter Gillian Parsons has her 90th birthday today at West Wellow! Happy birthday Gill!

Acts 21 (résumé): Paul goes to Jerusalem

Paul, on his way to Jerusalem landed at Tyre where his ship unloaded its cargo, and finding believers there he ended up staying for a week. The disciples urged Paul not to go to Jerusalem, but they left anyway and upon reaching Caesarea they stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist who had been one of the deacons chosen in Acts 6. He had 4 unmarried daughters who had the gift of prophecy. They stayed there a number of days and then the prophet Agabus said to Paul that the Jews would bind him and hand him to the Gentiles. However Paul was resolute saying he was ready to be bound and also to die in Jerusalem, and upon arriving there Paul and the party were received warmly, and Paul shared news of his travels and ministry which greatly encouraged James and all the elders. Then Paul was told about the slanderous stories going round Jerusalem about him, so they suggested Paul go through a 7-day purification ritual which he did to combat the negative rumours, but it was no use and once the 7 days were over the Jews were asking for his head and aggressively criticizing him. "Seizing Paul they dragged him from the temple" the Roman commander heard about the uproar and intervened stopping him being beaten. However Paul was arrested and bound with chains. Nevertheless Paul spoke to the commander who was shocked that he spoke to him in Greek, and then Paul was permitted to address the crowd which he proceeded to do in Aramaic!"

Acts 20 (résumé): Through Macedonia & Greece

Paul now went to Macedonia and spoke many words of encouragement to the people, before finally arriving in Greece where he stayed for 3 months. Then Paul sailed from Philippi and joined the others at Troas. On the Sunday they broke bread and because Paul was leaving the next day he kept preaching till midnight, and sat in a third-floor upstairs window was a young man called Eutychus who fell asleep during the sermon and fell to the ground where he "was picked up dead"! However Paul threw his arms around him and declared him alive, so they took him home "greatly comforted". Paul was "in a hurry to reach Jerusalem by the day of Pentecost, and from Miletus he sent for the elders of the Ephesus church to whom he spoke: "He referred to his service in Asia with humility and tears... I have preached to both Jews and Greeks... and now I am going to Jerusalem... the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships await me... I have not hesitated to preach to you the whole will of God... be shepherds of the church of God... for savage wolves will come... be on your guard!... now I commit you to the grace of God... I never coveted silver or gold... I worked to supply my own needs... for it is more blessed to give than to receive... then they accompanied him to the ship never to see him again".

Acts 19 (résumé): Paul in Ephesus

Now Paul went to Ephesus where he met 12 disciples who had only received John's baptism, so he shared with them the full Gospel, baptized them in the name of Jesus and laid hands on them imparting to them the Holy Spirit followed by speaking in tongues and prophecy. Then for 3 months Paul shared the Gospel in the synagogue but owing to resistance Paul left changing his forum to the lecture hall of Tyrannus where he continued for 2 years, and God did miracles through Paul so that even handkerchiefs and aprons he had touched became channels of healing. Then 7 sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, tried to practice exorcism in the name of Jesus, but they ended up being beaten up by the evil spirit so they ran away naked and bleeding. This happening brought the fear of the Lord upon Ephesus, there was confession of sin and abandonment of sorcery. Then Paul decided to go to Jerusalem via Macedonia and Achaia, planning eventually to visit Rome. Then there occurred a riot in Ephesus brought about by the makers of silver shrines of the goddess Artemis because Paul was rightly teaching that "man made gods are not gods at all!" The angry crowd chanted: "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians"! However the city clerk quietened the crowd showing them that things must be settled in a legal assembly or else they will be charged with rioting, and so he dismissed the assembly.

Acts 18 (résumé): In Corinth

 Now Paul left Athens and went to Corinth where he met a man called Aquila and his wife Priscilla and they did tent making together, and every Saturday Paul preached in the synagogue. However when they resisted the Gospel Paul focused on the Gentiles. However Crispus the synagogue ruler was converted together with his entire household, many Corinthians also believed, and all of them were baptized. Paul "stayed there in Corinth a year and a half teaching them the word of God". The Jews made a united effort to combat Paul but Gallio the proconsul would not get involved with their petty religious complaints saying: "I will not be a judge of such things". Eventually Paul left Corinth and went with Aquila and Priscilla to Syria, having his hair cut prior to sailing as the result of a vow. He ministered at Ephesus but declined to stay long, then went to Caesarea before going back to Antioch. Meanwhile a Jew at Ephesus called Apollos was a great blessing in ministry, and he was encouraged and supported by Priscilla and Aquila. 

Acts 17 (résumé): In Thessalonica, Berea and Athens

 Continuing the 2nd missionary journey Paul, Silas and Timothy next went to Thessalonica where Paul ministered on 3 sabbaths at the Jewish synagogue proving to them Biblically that Jesus in the Christ. Though some Jews, Greeks and some prominent women were converted other Jews caused trouble and sought out Paul and Silas, but they couldn't find them. So Paul and team left at night for Berea where the Gospel was received "with great eagerness... and they examined the Scriptures every day" and many Jews and Greeks were converted. When the Thessalonians heard what was happening in Berea they stirred up trouble again, so Paul left for Athens. There Paul was "greatly distressed that the city was full of idols". Paul spoke at a meeting of the Areopagus commenting on their religiosity and that he had seen an altar there to an unknown God. Paul presented to them the true and living God that is the creator of all things. "For in him we live and move and have our being". So he presented the Gospel of the risen and living Christ and a few believed including Dionysius and Damaris. 

Sunday Communion Service

I led the monthly Sunday Communion Service last night in Patos and it was a lovely service. I also dedicated 4-month-old baby Priscilla who is the daughter of Caetano and Rebeca and sister of Moisés. I also received into fellowship a family from the neighbouring town of Santa Teresinha called Edilson and Rozangela with their teenage son Augusto and their young daughter Livia. We will be holding a weekly service at their house every Thursday. Pastor Rafael preached the Gospel from Matthew 12. The communion service was excellent with a full church. 

Today is a public holiday in Brazil in commemoration of 204 years of independence from Portugal. There will be marches and parades in the high street later on today.

Acts 16 (résumé): Timothy joins Paul and Silas

Paul's second missionary journey started in Acts 15:36 and went till 18:22 and even took the Gospel to the European countries of Greece and Macedonia. When Paul and Silas got to Lystra Timothy joined their team. He was of Jewish mother and a Greek father so Paul circumcised him "because of the Jews". As they travelled round the churches "the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers". Then Paul had a vision of a Macedonian man "begging him: Come over to Macedonia and help us", so they got ready straight away to go there and preach the Gospel. They travelled to Philippi which was the leading city of Macedonia where they stayed for several days, and whilst there a woman dealer in purple cloth was converted and she and members of her household were baptized. Next a slave girl with a fortune-telling spirit, which made a lot of money for her owners, kept following Paul and the team shouting that "these men are servants of the Most High God". Paul exorcised her so the girl's owners dragged Paul and Silas before the authorities because they had lost their source of income, and they were "stripped, beaten and thrown into jail". Paul and Silas however responded in jail with prayer and praise! Then came an earthquake which opened all the doors and the jailor was about to commit suicide when he was stopped by Paul shouting, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!" The jailer then asked: "what must I do to be saved?" He and all his household were converted and baptized. The following day Paul and Silas were officially released from jail by the magistrates, and they went to Lydia's house and encouraged the church.

Tropical Screech-Owl

As I arrived at Green Pastures meeting hall tonight I heard a Tropical Screech-Owl calling in prolonged fashion near at hand. I conducted the communion service and preached on "Unbelief" from John 10:22-42. Sister Nega led the praise and worship. It was a lovely service. 

QPR sadly lost 1 x 0 at home to Middlesbrough yesterday. We hit the bar but couldn't find the equalizer. We are now in 3rd place in the Championship.

I have prepared a new sermon on 'thankfulness' as requested by our Teixeira church up in the mountains where I will be preaching on September 26th at their 61st anniversary service.

Green Pastures

I went out to Green Pastures yesterday and saw a lovely little flock of Cactus Parakeets plus orange Campo Troupials and Red-cowled Cardinals. I also saw a large Hawk but I couldn't see which species it was. Later on I will go out to Green Pastures again to take the monthly communion service and preach the Gospel on 'Unbelief' (John 10:22-42).

This morning I have been listening to the chirping and chatter of the House Sparrows in our garden in Patos, and the cooing of the Ruddy Doves, the singing of the Southern Wren and the Great Kiskadee.

Firefighter

Last night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study, and firefighter Romildo brought an good study from the Book of Acts. Sister Maria gave a testimony, Vasti and Espedita sang solos and Deacon Dedé led the praise and worship.

I have now written résumés of half the chapters of the Book of Acts and have just completed Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey as recorded in chapters 13 and 14, so that leaves 14 chapters to go.

Yesterday I did Pilates in the morning and aquarobics in the afternoon as I keep my physical exercise up regularly. I really enjoy both these regular activities.

Acts 15 (résumé): The Council at Jerusalem

 Acts 15 tells how some men were teaching that nobody can be saved without circumcision, so Paul and Barnabas strongly disputed this and went to Jerusalem to discuss the matter with the apostles. Peter addressed them pointing out how God had given the Holy Spirit to converted Gentiles just he had with Jews. So, he said, don't put a yoke on their necks because "it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are". The whole assembly was gripped in silence as they listened to all that Barnabas and Paul told about God's blessing on the Gentiles through their ministry. Then James replied saying: "It is my judgement that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God... and we should abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from strangled animals and blood". Then the Council sent a letter to Antioch with Paul, Barnabas, Judas Barsabbas and Silas saying what James and Paul had earlier declared. The Antioch church was very pleased with the letter's encouraging and embracing content, and Paul and Barnabas stayed there for some time. Later Paul and Barnabas decided to go ministering around the young churches established here and there, but they had a sharp disagreement as to who to take with them so Paul ended up going in one direction with Silas and Barnabas went in another direction with Mark.

Acts 14 (résumé): In Iconium

Next Paul and Barnabas were in Iconium where "a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed", however many Jews resisted the Gospel and stirred up Gentiles against Paul and Barnabas. When they discovered that there was a plan to stone them Paul and Barnabas went to preach in Lystra and Derbe. When Paul healed a cripple he was acclaimed as a god, but they told them to stop it saying "we too are only men, human like you". However eventually the Jews won over the crowd against Paul and Barnabas and stoned Paul leaving him for dead, but he survived and he and Barnabas left the next day for Derbe where they preached with much fruit. They then returned to towns previously evangelized appointing elders in each church established and preaching the word. Then they sailed back to Antioch from where they had been sent in mission and reported everything to the brethren, and they stayed there a long time.  

Acts 13 (résumé): Paul's first missionary journey

Whilst the church at Antioch was worshipping and fasting the Holy Spirit indicated that Barnabas and Saul should be separated and sent out in service. They first sailed to Cyprus, with John with them as a helper, and they travelled through the whole island preaching the gospel. At Paphos they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus (Elymas) who worked for the proconsul who was very interested in the gospel. However Elymas did everything he could to combat his conversion and Saul, "who was also called Paul", condemned him as "a child of the Devil" and he became temporarily blind, and "when the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord". From Paphos Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, but John returned to Jerusalem. From Perga they went to Pisidian Antioch where Paul preached a long detailed message tracing the hand of God on his people through Egypt and Canaan and then sharing the gospel about Jesus' death and resurrection. Interest was great so that many invited Paul and Barnabas to preach more the following Saturday, and on that day nearly the whole city came to hear the gospel which filled the Jewish leadership with jealousy. So Paul and Barnabas made it clear that in the light of such rejection of the gospel by the Jews, the gospel and the church were now more that open to the gentiles. And "the word of the Lord spread through the whole region... but the Jews stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from the region... but the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit".

Green Pastures

Liz went out to Green Pastures to take 3 sacks of cement for maintenance work and repairs to the conference centre drainage system with the pastors conference later this month and a big youth conference at the end of October. The drought is biting very hard with only 7 mm of rain over the last 125 days and with heat in the mid-to-high thirties every day. 

QPR beat Cardiff 2 x 1 at home at Loftus Road yesterday, meaning we are in second place in the Championship, so back in the automatic promotion segment once again. This is a very good start to the season. 😀

I did a great deal of administrative work yesterday.

Acts 12 (résumé): Peter's miraculous escape from prison

King Herod was persecuting the church and had James, the brother of John, "put to death with the sword". Then he arrested Peter and put him under extremely heavy guard in prison with the intention of bringing him to public trial after the Passover. However in the night an angel of the Lord came and woke Peter in the middle of 2 guards, and freed him of the chains on his wrists. He told Peter to dress and then follow him, and he whisked him past guards and through gates and out into the street. Only when the angel left him did he realize that he hadn't been dreaming and that he was really outside the jail! So Peter went to Mary the mother of John's house and the servant who answered the door was so overjoyed to see Peter that she ran inside to tell everyone and left him standing! Eventually he was let in and he was able to tell them what God had done for him. Then next morning Herod executed the guards. Then Herod made a public speech wearing his royal robes and the people hailed him as a god! Herod lapped it up so "an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died". But the word of God increased and spread. 

Acts 11 (résumé): Peter explains his actions

Word soon reached the apostles and brothers in Jerusalem about gentiles receiving the Holy Spirit in the house of Cornelius and this generated criticism from the circumcised believers. So Peter set about explaining about his vision and how he had been sought out my representatives of Cornelius who had also had a vision. So, said Peter, "who was I to think that I could oppose God?" Peter's explanation satisfied the circumcised and they praised God that the Gospel was now open to the gentiles. And so the gospel spread to Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch initially to Jews but then also to Greeks and "a great number believed and turned to the Lord". So the Jerusalem church sent Barnabas to check things out and he was happy to see the move was of God, and many more there came to Christ under his ministry. Barnabas then sought out Saul at Tarsus and they came to Antioch and ministered there for a year, and "the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch". Then Agabus prophesied through the Spirit that there would be a famine in the Roman world and so the Christians helped the brethren living in Judea and they sent gifts to help through Barnabas and Saul.

South Patos Meeting

On the southern side of the town of Patos is where we have our Pastor Frank Dyer School and where we are working and praying to establish a second church in this town with a population of 108,000 people. Last night we had a meeting to evaluate the progress of the work amongst children, teenagers, women and men in the borough of Jatobá, and to plan ahead for the rest of the year. We hold weekly services on Wednesdays, monthly services on Saturdays, plus meetings for children, teens, women and men. Please pray for this venture of faith. 🙏

Speed Bumps

One of the things that impacts you on a visit to Brazil are the speed bumps or sleeping policemen. There is a real epidemic of speed bumps which are not bumps at all but speed mountains! They are everywhere! Whereas in Switzerland I didn't see one and in the UK they're few and far between and very gentle, here their clear aim is to break your car as often as possible! Say a prayer for us the next time you go over a speed bump!

Yesterday I saw a flock of Black-headed Vultures eating a dead animal on the road which was probably a fox, and I also saw a Crested Caracara which is a type of Hawk. 

Liz went to the Ladies Prayer Meeting last night whilst I worked on the preparations for the Pastors and Leaders Family Conference at Green Pastures from the 18th to 20th September. Please pray.

During the month of August this blog was read 1,621,642 times and the top 5 countries for readership were the USA, Germany, Brazil, India and Pakistan in that order. Thanks and greetings to one and all!

Acts 10 (résumé): Cornelius

At Caesarea there was a devout and God-fearing Roman centurion called Cornelius who had a vision of an angel. The angel said to him that his prayers and gifts to the poor had been remembered before God. He then told him to send for Simon Peter at Joppa. Coincidentally Peter then had a vision too of a large sheet full of creatures which he was told to kill and eat. Surely not, said Peter, fearful of eating impure creatures, but he was told not to call things God had made clean impure, and this happened 3 times. At that time the centurion's men arrived and Peter was told not to hesitate to go with them. So Peter and some brothers from Joppa went to Caesarea and Peter told Cornelius that not previously would he have had fellowship with a gentile, but his vision of the sheet had changed that. Then Cornelius told Peter about his vision which had led him to call him from Joppa. He then told Peter to feel free to speak to all those gathered at the centurion's house. Peter then preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ telling of his ministry, death and resurrection, and the Holy Spirit fell on all those hearing the word and the Jewish Christians were amazed that gentiles had received the Spirit! They heard them speaking in tongues and praising God, so they baptized them in the name of Jesus Christ, and Peter stayed with them a few days.

Missions Sunday

Last night I led the special Missions Sunday service in Patos with Pastor Rafael preaching on Hebrews 12:1-3. For us the nearest Sunday to September 2nd is Missions Sunday because it was on this date in 1938 that the Mundys first arrived in Brazil. So EAB/ACEV is celebrating 88 years of work for the glory of God. The church was full and the service was blessed of God with a message challenging everyone for the mission to carry on for the glory of God!

Curral Velho 36

Last night we got home very tired but rejoicing having preached at the 36th anniversary service of our church at Curral Velho (Old Cow Pen) which is led by Missionary Tica and her husband Ramos. Curral Velho is a small town with a population of 2,292 which is 149 km west of Patos taking a drive of 2 and a half to 3 hours to reach. It was a lovely service.

Just before we arrived at the church a local lad was drowned in their lake and a man burst into the church with the news! A minute's silence was held at the beginning of the service.

On the previous day the Curral Velho church baptized 4! 3 were young teenagers plus 1 young Mum! Praise the Lord!

Pastoral Meeting

Last night Liz and I had an excellent pastoral meeting with Pastor Rafael, Pastor Murilo and Missionary Sacha to discuss different aspects of the work in the Patos church. 

This morning I took another school on a nature trail at Green Pastures, and later I am going to preach at Curral Velho.

QPR won away to Blackburn 2 x 1 today and are in 4th place in the Championship. 😃

Acts 9 (résumé): Saul's Conversion

 Acts 9 tells us that "Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples" as he planned the further imprisonment of Christians. As he neared Damascus a light from heaven flashed, he fell to the ground, and Jesus asked why he was persecuting him? He then told him to go into the city where he would be told what to do, but Saul had to be led because the bright light left him blind for 3 days. God then organized it for Ananias, who had serious misgivings about helping Saul, to go and heal Saul and be God's instrument through which Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit and baptized. Saul then spent several days with the disciples in Damascus and he preached in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God, and people were astonished! Hence the Jews planned to kill Saul but they they lowered him to freedom through a basket in an opening in the city wall. When he got to Jerusalem many believers were afraid of him, but Barnabas took him to the apostles and told them what had happened, and Saul stayed with them and spoke boldly in the name of the Lord, and the church enjoyed a time of peace and grew in numbers. Peter travelled around and was used by the Lord to heal a paralytic named Aeneas in Lydda. In Joppa a dedicated woman always helping the poor died, but Peter went there and God used him to raise her from the dead. 

Acts 8 (résumé): The Church persecuted and scattered

Acts 8 starts by telling us that Saul was present at Stephen's death and approved it. Then a great persecution of the church broke out and Saul went from house to house putting the believers in prison. Those that were scattered by the persecution preached the word, and Philip was greatly used of God in Samaria proclaiming Christ with signs following. One man who was converted in Samaria was Simon the Sorcerer who had had a large following thanks to his magic. When the apostles realized the move of God in Samaria they sent Peter and John who prayed on those baptized so that they received the Holy Spirit. Simon then tried to buy the gift of imparting the Holy Spirit which Peter rebuked telling him to repent! Then an angel told Philip to go south to the desert road where he met an Ethiopian eunuch who had been worshipping in Jerusalem. Philip ran alongside his chariot and asked him if he understood what he was reading from the prophet Isaiah chapter 53 and he said no and welcomed Philip in the chariot so that he was able to share with him about Jesus. Soon they came to water so Philip baptized the eunuch who went on his way rejoicing after Philip had gone. 

Bible Study

Last night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible Study and Pastor Rafael gave the final study on the Book of Zephaniah. The praise was led by Louisa and her husband Tiago helped by Espedita and Vasti. It was a nice service. 

I finished yesterday my summary of the first quarter of the Book of Acts covering the first 7 of 28 chapters. Stephen has just "fallen asleep" having been stoned by a violent crowd "approved by Saul/Paul".

This morning I took a group of 60 students aged 15, from the Cristo Rei Catholic School where our granddaughter Beatriz goes, on a nature trail at Green Pastures teaching them to care for creation. It was a lovely morning full of opportunity. Whilst there I both saw and heard Red-Cowled Cardinals, Caatinga Cacholotes, White-naped Jays, Campo Troupials and Chalk-browed Mockingbirds. 

Acts 7 (résumé): Stephen's speech to the Sanhedrin

Stephen was asked by the Sanhedrin whether the charges against him of blasphemy were true? So Stephen commenced a long theological and Biblical reply: "Brothers and fathers, listen to me!... God appeared to our father Abraham... so he left the land of the Chaldeans... and God sent him to this land... and promised that his descendants would possess the land... and he gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision... and he became the father of Isaac and circumcised him... Isaac became the father of Jacob who became the father of 12 patriarchs... because they were jealous of Joseph they sold him as a slave to Egypt... and much later in a famine our fathers sought food from Joseph... and there in Egypt our people grew a lot... and Moses was preserved by God and God revealed himself to Moses through a burning bush... and was chosen to lead Israel out of Egypt... through the Red Sea... but they ended up worshipping a golden calf... but our forefathers had the tabernacle made as God directed Moses and it remained in the land till the time of David... but it was Solomon who built the temple... but God doesn't live in houses made by men... Heaven is his throne... you stiff-necked people... you are just like your fathers... you always resist the Holy Spirit... you received the law but failed to obey it!" So the leaders "gnashed their teeth at Stephen... but he was full of the Holy Spirit and saw the glory of God... and he said I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God... and the Jews rushed at him and dragged his out of the city to stone him... and while they were stoning him Stephen prayed Lord Jesus receive my spirit... Lord don't hold this against them... and he fell asleep".

Acts 6 (résumé): The choosing of the Seven

With the growing number of believers inter-cultural tensions arose concerning the social work of the church as one group of widows felt they were being neglected in the daily food distribution. Therefore the 12 apostles organized a meeting with the believers in order to improve the administration of social action as they didn't want to neglect the preaching of the Gospel because of this. Hence they decided to chose 7 men full of the Spirit and wisdom, and they chose Stephen, Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas. Thus the number of disciples grew rapidly, including a large number of priests. Then Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, was arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin where he was accused of blasphemy, but "his face was like that of an angel".

Acts 5 (résumé): Ananias & Sapphira

Acts 5, continuing on the theme of the selling of property for the common good, tells of a man called Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, who sold a property. However with his wife's knowledge Ananias kept part of the money and put the rest at the apostles' feet. Peter however perceived what had happened and said to Ananias he had not lied to men but to God! Immediately Ananias dropped dead! 3 hours later Sapphira came in not knowing what had happened and Peter confronted her with her deceit and lies when he perceived that she was traying to sustain the lie, and she also dropped dead bringing great fear upon the whole church. Then the apostles' ministry continued with signs and wonders and many were added to the church. People lined up the sick in the streets so that at least Peter's shadow could touch them and the sick and demon possessed were brought in from neighbouring places and all were healed. This generated jealousy amongst the Jewish religious leaders and they arrested the apostles and jailed them, but during the night the angel of the Lord released them! They then went and taught the Gospel in the temple courts and the Sanhedrin was called to discuss the matter as they were shocked by the apostles' prison escape. Then the Sanhedrin complained that the apostles continued to preach Jesus so they replied, "We must obey God rather than men... Jesus, who you killed, God rose from the dead and exalted him to his right hand... and the leaders were furious and wanted to kill the apostles. However a Pharisee called Gamaliel asked for calm and advocated the apostles' release... and his speech persuaded them to release the apostles with a flogging and they left rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer for the Name.... and they never stopped preaching the Gospel!"

Acts 4 (résumé): Peter & John before the Sanhedrin

Then priests, the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came and put Peter and John in jail for proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus, but many believed taking their number up to 5,000. The next day they brought the apostles before the rulers, elders and teachers of the law and asked by what name they did what they did? Peter replied full of the Holy Spirit: "If all this is about the healing of a cripple then let it be known that this was done in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth whom you crucified but God raised from the dead... the stone you builders rejected, has become the capstone.... and salvation is found in no other... and the priests were astonished and could see that they had been with Jesus... and there was nothing they could say with the healed man standing there... so they commanded Peter and John not to preach in the name of Jesus... and they replied that they must obey God and speak what we have seen and heard... so they released the apostles who had healed a man who had been over 40 years a cripple". Then the apostles went back to the Christians and reported all that had happened and they prayed remembering Psalm 2:1-2 "Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?... Now Lord, they prayed, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness... and do signs and wonders in the name of Jesus... and after they prayed the place was shaken and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit". Then all the believers were united and shared their possessions... and with great power they continued to testify to the resurrection of Jesus... and there were no needy people among them because they sold land and houses and put the money at the apostles' feet and it was distributed to the needy".

Acts 3 (résumé): Peter heals a crippled beggar

One day Peter and John were going to the temple when a man crippled from birth asked them for money. Peter said they didn't have money but "what I have I give you... in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk! He jumped to his feet and walked... and he went with them into the temple walking, jumping and praising God! The people were amazed that the temple beggar had been healed and many gathered around them. Peter said: "Why do you stare at us... this wasn't done by our power but God has glorified his servant Jesus!... you preferred a murderer to the author of life who you killed, but God raised him from the dead... so this healing came in the name of Jesus... repent then and turn to God... so that your sins might be wiped out... but anyone that doesn't listen to Jesus will be cut off.... the prophets foresaw these days!"

Acts 2 (résumé): The Day of Pentecost

All Jesus' followers were together on the Day of Pentecost and suddenly there was a violent wind sound and tongues of fire fell on each of them as they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues. A crowd gathered to watch and heard people speaking in their languages and they were amazed, though some said that they had had too much to drink! Then Peter stood to address the crowd: "Let me explain this to you... nobody here is drunk but this is what Joel prophesied when God said... I will pour out my Spirit and they will prophesy and have visions and dreams... I will show wonders in heaven and on earth... and everyone that calls on the name of the Lord will be saved... you know Jesus did many miracles... but you crucified him... but God raised him from the dead... and David said about him... you will not abandon me to the grave or let me see decay... seeing what was ahead he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ... God raised Jesus and we are witnesses to this... and he is exalted to the right hand of God... and poured out the promised Holy Spirit... so rest assured that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ... so the people asked what to do?... and Peter replied repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ... and you will receive the Holy Spirit... and about 3,000 were baptized... and they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer... and they had everything in common... and they sold their possessions and shared... and they met together daily... and their number grew daily".

Projects Team

Our Projects Team has delivered all the building materials for another toilet/shower unit this time in the Riacho do Meio Community in the municipality of Diamante. Then further to this pipes have been delivered for the latest well to be drilled in the California Community of the Municipality of Curral Velho where I will be preaching at the weekend. The projects press on for the glory of God and for the blessing of poor and needy communities. 

Yesterday I completed my writing of the syntheses of the 4 Gospels which means I have finished 1,018 chapters of the Bible which is nearly 86%. Now it's on to the 28 chapters of the Book of Acts. 

Today is our grandson Arthur's 25th birthday. Arthur is the grandson that loves travelling round the world. He has been to Africa, Japan, South Korea, Iceland, Italy, England, USA etc. He is a lawyer and travel consultant. Happy Birthday Arthur! 😀

Acts 1 (résumé): Jesus taken up into Heaven

The Book of Acts is the second book written by Luke and covers the coming of the Holy Spirit, the growth of the church in Jerusalem, the spread of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem, Paul's missionary journeys and Paul going to Rome.

Acts 1 tells initially of Jesus being taken up into heaven. Proof of Jesus' resurrection is emphasized in that he appeared "over a period of 40 days" and told his followers not to leave Jerusalem but "to wait for the gift my Father promised... and you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit... and you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses... to the ends of the earth... and after he said this he was taken up before their very eyes... and one day he will return in the same way he went". And there were about 120 of them that stayed in Jerusalem in prayer including Jesus' mother and brothers. Then Peter addressed the group about Judas Iscariot's demise and the need to replace him as an apostle. They chose 2 candidates: Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias, and after prayer they drew lots which chose Matthias as the replacement apostle.

John 21 (résumé): Jesus and the miraculous catch of Fish

The disciples went fishing all night and caught nothing, but in the morning Jesus was on the shore and told them just where to cast their nets. The haul was gigantic yielding 153 large fish! Jesus had a fire going on the shore so he cooked fish for them and bread. "Come and have breakfast", Jesus said, "and they knew it was the Lord". This was the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. When they had finished breakfast Jesus took the opportunity to reinstate Peter's ministry and discipleship. Jesus asked Peter: "Do you love me more than these? (these fish or these disciples?)... Peter answered you know I love you... so Jesus said feed my lambs... then Jesus again asked if Peter truly loved him... and Peter again answered in the affirmative to which Jesus said take care of my sheep...then for the third time Jesus asked the same question... and Peter was again affirmative... and Jesus said feed my sheep... and follow me".

John 20 (résumé): The Resurrection

Early on Sunday morning Mary of Magdala saw that the stone had been removed from Jesus' tomb so she ran to Peter and John to tell them! They hurtled to the tomb, with John outsprinting Peter, and saw the linen burial cloths lying there. Mary stayed there crying and saw 2 angels who asked her why she was crying? She said it was because the Lord's body had gone. Then Jesus appeared but she didn't recognize him thinking he was the gardener, but when he pronounced her name the penny dropped and she cried out "Teacher!" Then Mary of Magdala went and told the disciples: "I have seen the Lord!" Then in the evening Jesus appeared to the disciples and he said "peace be with you", and he showed them his hands and side, and they were overjoyed. Then Jesus said "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you... receive the Holy Spirit... if you forgive sins they are forgiven". Thomas then turned up late, and when they told him about the resurrection he said he wouldn't believe unless he saw the marks on his body and felt them. When Jesus eventually met up with Thomas he showed him his hands and side and said: "Stop doubting and believe!" Thomas reacted saying: "My Lord and my God!" 

John 19 (résumé): The Crucifixion

Pilate had Jesus flogged and the soldiers put mockingly a crown of thorns on his head saying: "Hail king of the Jews". However Pilate knew Jesus was innocent and looked for a way to free him, but finally after immense pressure from the Jews he handed him over to be crucified. They crucified him in the middle of two criminals... he bowed his head and gave up his spirit... and Jesus saw his mother and John the beloved so he commended Mary into John's care. Then Jesus said: "It is finished". Then they pierced his side with a spear from where flowed blood and water. Following this Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for Jesus' body as he was a secret disciple of Jesus. He took the body together with Nicodemus and together they prepared the Lord's body wrapping it with linen and spices brought by Nicodemus. Then they buried Jesus in a brand new tomb.