The Church Part 2

THE CHURCH PART 2

There was a span of time in which the Christians, who were dispersed from Jerusalem in fear and the converted gentiles. enjoyed a certain amount of freedom in worship and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Primarily, their outreaching was kindled by one Saul of Tarsus. Many Christians fell into his hands as he sought them attempting to annihilate the entire clan of Jesus followers. Others escaped by leaving Jerusalem and establishing themselves among the inhabitants of other lands. However, while on the road to Damascus with a fist full of warrants for the arrest of Christians, Jesus Christ our Lord smote Saul blind; gave him specific instructions and led him into the church.

Acts: 9: 3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man.”

God had placed Saul’s entire life in schools of preparation. He graduated with honors and received degrees in the Jewish religion. He was preparing to take the gospel to the gentiles. God changed not only his belief but also his name. He became Paul the Apostle.

Acts 9: 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

Paul’s contribution to our record of God’s words in immense and clearly pointed. The remainder of his life on earth was a tortured but very successful enlarging of the Christian Church. He and the disciples of Christ founded many worship centers for Christians throughout all known territories. The growth of Christs Church was deep rooted and would stand the test of time and tribulation. It is here today because many believed and clung to the words and walk of Jesus. They loved the Church as did Jesus.

Ephesians 5:27 “... as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Paul faced many seemingly impassable barricades to his preaching throughout the land but he did preserver. He was an instrument prepared by God to present unto Him such a Church. So well was his presentations of Jesus and prophasy received that once again the Jewish Leaders in Jerusalem was threatened with an ever diminishing following and began to loose revenue.

Acts 14: 19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

Acts 13:16 “Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.”

Acts 13:46 “Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.” Thus began, an everyone welcome, “whosoever will come let him come” preaching of the gospel. The church now had unlimited candidates and possibilities. It is so today. Know Peace, know God. Praise Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 02-28-2020 BLL (Next Part Three)