"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there." Acts 20:22 NIV

Paul had an interesting life. Born a Jew's Jew, he passionately persecuted followers of Christ. He was on the fast track of leadership in the anti-Christian movement. One day, when going to bring tragedy to more Christians, Paul

"I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me." Acts 20:23 NIV

Yesterday we saw that Paul felt compelled by the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem. This was not on the most safe city lists for Paul. With the Jews growing rejection of Christ, and with Paul's fervor for telling the "Good News" of

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." Acts 20:24 NIV

For two days we have looked at scripture where Paul tells the people he is going to Jerusalem. He felt "compelled" to go by the Holy Spirit, even

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13 NIV

I saw a sad obituary this past week. A young man took his life. I'm told the family has no church affiliation, no relationship to God, and is almost certainly unsaved. His remains were to be

When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, "I Am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12 NIV

When Jesus said "I Am the light" He was claiming to be God. This is what He was crucified for. It is quite interesting to me, that though many claim He was only a good man,

In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a revelation was given to Daniel (who was called Belteshazzar). Its message was true and it concerned a great war. The understanding of the message came to him in a vision. At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all

On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris, I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of the finest gold around his waist. He said, "Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now

This is what He showed me: The Lord was standing by a wall that had been built true to plumb, with a plumb line in his hand. And the LORD asked me, "What do you see, Amos?" "A plumb line," I replied. Then the Lord said, "Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel; I will spare them no longer. Amos 7:7-8 NIV

The few times I have tried

"Tell us what we should say to Him; we cannot draw up our case because of our darkness. Should He be told that I want to speak? Would any man ask to be swallowed up?" Job 37:19-20 NIV

Elihu was Job's friend. In his counsel to Job, he makes some very valid points. Those points are equally valid for you and me today.

Perhaps you have been

Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David. 1 Samuel 19:1 NIV

David was minding his own business one day, tending sheep, when God called him to be a king. He didn't ask to be king, but God said he was the one. He turned out to be a really good king. Imagine that? God made a good pick! David had a heart modeled after God's,

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker, to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier and to the church that meets in your home: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philemon 1-3 NIV

If you have never met our good friend in the Bible

I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. Philemon 4-5 NIV

Philemon had matured. He had become an active, vibrant member of the Christian community. At one time, Philemon was just a slave owner. He met Paul, and through his witness, he became a

I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Philemon 6 NIV

Did you know that my brother once travelled literally around the world? Or that my sister was a wonderful decorator? Had you heard that I have two terrific boys? You would have heard these facts and

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints. Philemon 7 NIV

There is a lady in my church who refreshes the saints. I could have picked many others to write about, but she was the first to come to mind. I don't always get to see her on Sundays, because we have several different

Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I appeal to you on the basis of love. I then, as Paul--an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus-- Philemon 8-9 NIV

Philemon was a good Christian man. We don't know what he used to be like, but we know that when Paul writes this letter to him, he

I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. Philemon 10-11 NIV

Onesimus was once a slave. Apparently he wasn't a really good slave. In fact, it doesn't seem that he was even very useful to Philemon. In the days when slaves were

I am sending him--who is my very heart--back to you. I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. Philemon 12-13 NIV

I used to have a boss that, when you did something he perceived as wrong, would call you in, have you to stick your hand in a bucket of water, and then

But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do will be spontaneous and not forced. Philemon 14 NIV

One of the most frequently asked questions this Bible teacher hears is why, if God knew we were going to sin, did God allow us to make choices which lead to sin? Why didn't He "program" us us to obey Him; force us

Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good-- no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord. So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done

I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask. And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers. Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus,

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Philemon 25 NIV

You only thought we were through with Philemon, didn't you? We still had one verse to go. Did you know that already? Whenever I do a series, I get some who wish it could continue, and others who wish it had ended after the first one. Whichever one you are, this is the last in

O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." 2 Chronicles 20:12 NIV

The Israelites were about to face an army bigger than they had ever seen. They were afraid. They didn't know what to do. They called upon God for advice.

Are you at a

And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."

Luke 22:19 NIV

It was just a piece of bread. It wasn't holy in and of itself, but what it stood for was the Holiness of God, come down in the form of a man. It stood for the provision of God for His most