Do what I can do to preach gospel

Acts 28:23-31
From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe.
The Holy Spirit sure knew what he was talking about when he address out ancestors through Isaiah the prophet.
Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!
Two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
What happened after this is not known. Most probably he was released, went to Spain as planned, and then back East before further imprisonment and execution in about AD 64-65.
Why?
Paul knew that Jews will reject gospel for the prophet Isaiah has said about this situation. So he boldly preach the kingdom of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul did not care the result of what he had said, keeping talking gospel.
We can not expect everyone accept Jesus as their Lord, some convinced some would not believe.
How?
Preaching gospel is our mission, but results are reply on the power and mercy of the Lord.

以便以謝

以便以謝
10/30/2016       台南聖教會   高敏智牧師
撒母耳記上 7:10-13
戰爭的感覺：除了哭泣剩下是恐懼，沒有尊嚴
思想：
1. 戰爭時代的悲劇與教會的心情
感謝神的日子
戰爭的時代
沒有宣教只有戰區消息
沒有團契只有死亡消息
沒有敬拜只有眼淚歌聲
沒有團契只有分配麵包
戰區內教會
沒有教堂只有躲藏
沒有牧者只有 殉道
沒有樂團只有哀歌
沒有聚會只有哀求
2.戰爭的約櫃迷失與神心意的反思
箴言3:5-7 專心仰望耶和華一心  之前  一心 之後
大綱：
1.唯一的秘訣…心歸順耶和華，除掉外邦神
   心持兩意？心懷二意？一人不能事奉兩個主
  人想要有安全感
活出挑戰，
北國這些民又懼怕耶和華，又事奉他們的偶像。

2.因全歸向神…神大發雷聲，除掉來攻擊的敵人
耶和華必為你們爭戰;你們只管靜默，不要作聲
申3:21,22
我們是否願意專心事奉神
3.以便以謝記號…直到如今，耶和華都幫助我們
神知道你的態度，你是否預備好了？預備好太平盛世就來了
耶和華就為自己的地大發熱心，憐恤他的百姓。
耶和華應允他的百姓說：我必賜給你們五穀，新酒，和油
台灣不能成為同性戀城市，所有家庭要正常，有路可走。
挑戰：
珥2:23-26錫安的民哪，你們要快樂，為耶和華─你們的神歡喜；因他賜給你們合宜的秋雨，為你們降下甘霖，就是秋雨、春雨，和先前一樣。禾場必滿了麥子；酒醡與油醡必有新酒和油盈溢。我打發到你們中間的大軍隊，就是蝗蟲、蝻子、螞蚱、剪蟲，那些年所吃的，我要補還你們。你們必多吃而得飽足，就讚美為你們行奇妙事之耶和華─你們神的名。我的百姓必永遠不致羞愧。
他們不是厭棄你，乃是厭棄我，不要我作他們的王。自從我領他們出埃及到如今，他們常常離棄我，事奉別神。現在他們向你所行的，是照他們素來所行的（8:8）

Focus on the target of Christian life

Acts 28:16-22
Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a solider to guard him.
Paul called together the leaders of the Jews and said to them.
It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.
Jews said we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect.
So Paul reaches Rome at last, though hardly in the way he imagined. He is allowed his own lodgings, with a single guard. And for two years he bears witness to Jesus at the heart of the Empire, as Gd had promised.
Why?
Three days later Paul call together leaders of Jews for he want to let Jews know the Jesus Christ. Paul is focus on the mission that God gave to him.
Paul finally came to Rome without payment but through hardly way.
How?
Do not forget the mission from the Lord to witness God's glory and live out the light of the Lord to on this world.

Christian life affect others in our society

Acts 28:11-15
Paul came to Rome, the brothers there had heard that Paul was coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Raverns to meet Paul and his company.
At the sight of these men Paul thanked God and was encouraged.
So winter passes and the third phase of the voyage takes them safely to Puteoli, where a Christian welcome awaits.
The ship had a carved Gemini for its figurehead: "the Heavenly Twins."
In Bay of Naples they found Christian friends there and stayed with them for a week.
Why?
Luke make these record in Gentiles that shows the welcome of men and God is leading their way to Rome.
Suffering in his home town, Jerusalem and Jews, but welcomed by Gentiles. God's way is out of our expectation and mind we thought.
Jesus gave us the gospel and removed the wall in the Temple, so the activity of Christian is not limited in the Church but should go out of Church and enter the crowd to show the love of God to them.
How?
Good Christian is not in the church but live out the honor of God among our environment, the friends and unknown people. Christian life affect others in our society.

Kingly treat everyone around us

Acts 28:1-10
The people of Malta saw Paul suffered no ill effects, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
Paul went to see the father of the chief official of the island, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. They honored Paul in many way and when Paul's team were ready to sail, they furnished them the supplied them needed.
Paul make an impact on the people of the island, surviving a snakebite, and healing the father of the island chief.
Why?
God let the people of Malta experienced the miracle and healing through Paul, let people know Paul is a Christian with the power from the Lord.
Pray and lay hands on the sick man with the power of the Lord to make healing.
For people of the island kindly treated those people escaped from boat broken, God give them the healing through Paul.
Kindly treat everyone around us, may be he is came from the Lord.
How?
Kindly treat everyone around us, God may do some miracles among us.

To be a Christian with good reputation

Acts 27:38-44
The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. But the centurion wanted to spare Paul's life and kept the from carrying out their plan.
In this way everyone reached land in safety.
When the ship runs aground, all make it safely to shore on an island they discover to be Malta.
Why?
Paul was be respected by the centurion, for Paul's life shows the honor of the Lord and he is benefit to those around him.
Paul not only saved his own life but also saved the other prisoners, for a Christian should be like Paul has good behavior and won the reputation from the world.
How?
By the Holy Spirit I can live out the holy life to get the reputation from men around me.

Honor God's holy name in where I am

Acts 27:25-37
Paul said 'we must run aground on some island.'
The sailors let the lifeboat down into the sea, pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow. Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be save."
Paul urged them all to eat, "For the last fourteen days, you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food - you haven't eaten anything. Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head." After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all.
Why?
Not only the centurion and solders listened to Paul, but all 276 people listened to Paul, for Paul had warning them, but they did not listen, and it is happened. Now they lost their way, but Paul gave them the instructions and hope.
God is the leader of the ship, and God let Paul be the represent of God before these 276 men.
How can I show the power of the Lord among my family and among my colleagues and among my churches. Say the truth and have good witness and encourage those who lost hope.
How?
O Lord! please me know how to do to honor your name in where I am.

God only is my hope and my strength

Acts 27:12-24
When neither sun nor stars appeared for may days ad the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved. After the men had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said; Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete. But now I urge you to keep up your courage because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed.
Last night and angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said 'Do not be afraid, Paul, You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you."
They start late in the season (sailing eased for winter in mid-November) and by the time they reach Crete 'the Fast'; Atonement, September/October) is over.
As they seek a winter harbor, the favorable south wind changes to a dreaded 'north-easter'. For two weeks they run before the storm, with no means of knowing where they are: they fixed their position by sighting sun and stars).
Paul, the authority, giving hope and courage to all 276 souls aboard. God has promised them safety: Paul will appear before Caesar.
Why?
For they had not way to face this situation, they thought they will lost their life under such severer weather.
People lost their hope when they lost what they trusted, such as the sun and stars can give their position.
Only authority of the Lord beyond everything on the world. Only God can give us the hope and strength.
How?
O God! give me faith and sight like Paul, let me can face the difficulty and struggling on my way.

Beyond our mind and experience

Acts 27:1-11
When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius.
Paul warned them, but the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship.
The voyage to Rome is made in three ships: a coaster from Caesarea to Myra, on the south coast of Turkey; a cargo vessel (carrying grain on the regular run from Alexandria in Egypt to Rome) from to Myra to Malta; and another from Malta to Puteoli in the Bay of Naples. Luke gives a super account of the eventful passage.
Why?
Because centurion believed the expert of the pilot and the ship owner instead of Paul's warning.
Even Julius kindly treated Paul, but he did not trusted in Paul's word. For the identity of Paul is a prisoner.
Even we are right but do not insist our mind and experience, but have mercy to others who do not have the vision of the truth. On the sight of the Lord to look this world and people.
Christian has good friend but does not mean the his friends may easy turn to a Christian.
How?
Let the life of Christian could be showing to my friend.

May become what I am

Acts 26:24-32
What I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner.
Short time or long - I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.
The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. They left the room, and they said, "this man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment."
The governor and the king agree that 'this man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar'
Why?
At this point he is interrupted. 'You are out of your mind.' shouts Festus. Agrippa laughs it off - he cannot afford to lose face with Festus or to offend the Jews by denying the prophets.
Paul has faith to speak freely to governor. For Paul knew what is true and Paul is sure that nothing of what he has said sounds crazy to him.
Paul can let the unbelievers turn to him, his faith and focus on the mission of the Lord is greatest than any others.
Whom I can preach gospel to and what can I do to him.
How?
Give me the faith and strength like Paul to preach gospel, no matter what the situation is. May my friends or people around me may become what I am, a Christian.

Follow the mission of the Lord

Acts 26:13-23
Why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.
Paul received the light from heaven and mission of his own people and from the gentiles, to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light , and from the power of Satan to God. So that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in God.
So them, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.
The Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles.
Specifically Christ 'as the first to rise from the dead.'
The story here differs in emphasis from the account in chapter 22. The 'goads' are the pressures compelling Paul to a complete change of direction in life. Verse 16-18 summarized the Lord's words on the Damascus road, what Ananias said, and the message which came to Paul in the Temple.
Why?
Paul did what he should do to preach gospel and be witness of what he received from heaven, so he was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. The vision is from the Lord above all in the world.
Paul was persecuted for the gospel, but God help Paul in his mission. Although it is hard but God helped him passed all these suffering.
How?
Even there are many difficulty to preach gospel in the world, but I know God is with me so I do not fear and follow the mission of the Lord.

God raises the dead

Acts 26:4-12
It is because of this hope that the Jews are accusing me. Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?
The central issue is tells it to the kings. The central issue is resurrection - ' Why does it seem incredible to you that God should raise the dead?
Paul was same as other Jews before he met Jesus Christ.
Why?
Paul confessed his fault before he met Christ, in order to prove what he believed is right.
What I have changed after I trusted in the Lord? Yes I did, but need continue to do more better.
Like Paul I have accepted the grace from the Lord and experience the great power from God, so I will witness the honor of the Lord.
How?
Show the grace of God and continue witness the power and love of the Lord.

Christian is the citizen of the kingdom of Heaven

Acts 25:23-26:3
It is unreasonable to send on a prisoner without specifying the charges against him. Festus described about Paul before the audience and king Agrippa.
Paul said : I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies."
Festus is satisfied Paul has committed no crime, so what charge can he write in his letter to the emperor about the prisoner he is sending to Rome.
Once again Paul is called to speak in his own defense.
Why?
Faced to the great people and his accusers and the King Agrippa. Paul stood firm and spoke faithfully about why he was here and what happened in his life.
Once more is a good opportunity to witness the glory of Jesus Christ.
To be a son of the Lord we do not afraid any pressure or challenge from the world. For God is with us when we are walking on God's way.
How?
We are the people of the kingdom of the Heaven, we are the children of the Lord.

To be a blameless Christian

Acts 25:13-22
Festus knew that Jews did not charged Paul any of the crimes he expected. Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion ad about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive.
Then Agrippa said to Festus, "I would like to hear this man myself."
When King Agrippa comes to pay his respects to the new governor. Paul's case is put to him. This is Agrippa II, son of the Herod of Acts 12:1, great-grandson of the Herod the Great,  Bernice, his sister and acting wife, crowned an inglorious(光榮) career by becoming mistress(情婦) to the emperors Vespasian and Titus.
Why?
Luke described detail of the speaking among Festus and Aprippa. For Paul has not guilt in Rome's law. Paul should be released. But those governor listened to the Jews and did not follow the justice.
The view point of Christian in the world should be clean and follow the law and a man with love and blameless.
How?
Can I be a good Christian like Paul?

美好的靈性

美好的靈性
10/16/2016           台南聖教會        高敏智牧師
但以理書 6:1-5

1. 大利烏隨心所願，立一百二十個總督，治理通國。
2. 又在他們以上立總長三人（但以理在其中），使總督在他們三人面前回覆事務，免得王受虧損。
3. 因這但以理有美好的靈性，所以顯然超乎其餘的總長和總督，王又想立他治理通國。
4. 那時，總長和總督尋找但以理誤國的把柄，為要參他；只是找不著他的錯誤過失，因他忠心辦事，毫無錯誤過失。
5. 那些人便說：我們要找參這但以理的把柄，除非在他神的律法中就尋不著。

前言：
    美好的靈性可以學
   來到主前，也就像活石，建造成為靈宮
   提後3:5 有敬虔的外貌，卻背了敬虔的實意；這等人你要躲開

太15:8 這百姓用嘴唇尊敬我，心卻遠離我
83歲老醫師強風出診只為他的眼，屏基醫師 揪感心！這是美好的靈性

思想：
   1.這奧祕的事就在夜間異象中給但以理顯明，但以理便稱頌天上的神
  2.在你國中有一人，他裡頭有聖神的靈，你父在世的日子，這人心中光明，又有聰明智慧，好像神的智慧。你父尼布甲尼撒王，就是王的父，立他為術士、用法術的，和迦勒底人，並觀兆的領袖。
在他裡頭有美好的靈性，又有知識聰明，能圓夢，釋謎語，解疑惑。這人名叫但以理，尼布甲尼撒王又稱他為伯提沙撒，現在可以召他來，他必解明這意思

大綱：

1.有美好靈性

   但以理生命爭戰的日記1)巨像被擊碎的解惑 2)三朋友的火爐奇遇 3)巨樹被砍倒的警告 4)指頭上在壁上寫字的字 5)獅子坑的生命見證

 顯然 超過其餘總長和總督

    但以理不以王的膳和王所飲的酒玷污自己

    但以理在巴比倫被滅後，卻被瑪代波斯立為總長

大烏利王隨心所願立一百二十個總督，治理通國。又在他們以上立總長三人（但以理在其中），使總督在他們三人面前回覆事務，免得王受虧損

2. 因忠心辦事，毫無過失，故找不到他的把柄。

你對神的執著，竟是人唯一能攻擊你的重點。

 但也是神，唯一要看你的重點

神面前沒有第一，第二項，盡心，盡性，盡意愛主，神要的是忠心，超越體制外的忠心

詩篇14:2 

這樣的人不要想從主那裡得著什麼。

心懷二意的人，在他一切所行的路上都沒有定見

3.單純敬拜神的執著，致成為被拿的藉口。

   你所常事奉的神，他必救你。

   你所常事奉的神，能救你脫離獅子坑嗎？

   誰能使我們與基督的愛隔絕呢？靠著愛我們的主，在這一切的事上已經得勝有餘了

挑戰：

現在我降旨曉諭我所統轄的全國人民，要在但以理的神面前，戰兢恐懼。

因為他是永遠長存的活神，他的國永不敗壞；他的權柄永存無極！

To Caesar you will go!

Acts 25:6-12
Paul said If I am guilt of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!
After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: "You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!"
Paul has offended against neither Jewish nor Roman law. But he has more hope of justice from the Emperor Nero than from the Sanhedrin!
Why?
(Acts 23:11)The Lord had said to Paul "You are going to be my witness in Rome" and Paul wanted justice from the Emperor Nero. Rome citizen has the right to appeal to Emperor Nero.
Paul did not forget the word from the Lord, so when he was under prisoner and faced those people in Caesarea for two years, Paul did not give up the hope to be a witness of the Lord.
How?
Do not forget the mission God gives to me no matter what situation I am!

God is keep working

Acts 24:24-25:5
As Paul discoursed on righteousness,self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, 'That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you."
He later returns with Drusilla, a Jewess, daughter of Herod. his third wife and the likely source of his information about 'the Way'. Paul's talk of 'justice and self-control and future judgment' is too near the bone for this pair, especially as Felix was hoping for a fat bribe from his prisoner.
Two years pass, and Felix is succeeded by Procius Festus (He was not governor for ling, dying in AD 62). His attempt to curry favor(幫助) with the Jews compels Paul to appeal to Caesar.
Why?
The governor became the protector of Paul, and Paul could talk gospel before the governor. Although Paul was in prisoner but he had some freedom to preach gospel.
God make everything happen to approach God's goal. Something are worse to men but it may good to those who trust in the Lord.
How?
Even under pressure and worse situation God is keep working, so I should be encouraged and follow God's way honestly.

Gospel only

Acts 24:17-23
Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin— unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’
Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs.
His only 'crime' concerns his belief in resurrection. Felix adjourns(休會,順延) the case, giving Paul limited freedom.
Why?
The kernel of the gospel is the resurrection of the dead, so Paul focused on this issue when he was being charged. Actually Paul did not disturb any violent or stir any crowd publicly.
Talk the gospel with courage in right places.
Because Paul talked about the resurrection of the dead so he could not be released but under control of governor.
How?
Let learn from Paul to preach gospel at anywhere and anytime.

Keep my conscience clear before God and man

Acts 24:10-16
Paul replied to Felix," they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. However, I admit that I worship the God of out fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets....So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man."
Paul confident of Roman justice, gives a succinct(簡潔) summary of events. His only 'crime' concerns his belief in resurrection.
Why?
Paul spoke the truth that he follow the laws and the way of the prophets. One thing against them is he believe in resurrection.
Paul did not say any flatter word to the governor like the Jews who accused him.
Paul always do the right things before the God and man with conscience clear.
How?
Keep my conscience clear before God and man.

Man's flatter and false talk

Acts 24:1-9
The high priest Ananias and lawyer Tertullus etc, they brought their charges against Paul before the governor. First they praised Felix is excellent and they were under the peace of Felix for a long time.
They charged Paul was a trouble maker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world.
Felix: The violent but ineffective governor of Judea. He was eventually recalled to Rome for mishandling riots in Gaesarea. His residence was the palace built by Herod the Great.
Five days after the transfer, Paul's case comes before the Roman governor, Felix.
Tertullus opens ingratiatingly(溫和地) for the Jewish prosecution.
Why?
Tertullus flattered the governor for they want to make their desire be done.
When an enemy charges us they can use any false word and witness to accuse us.
This world are filled with unjust and many false and cheating. We need the wisdom from the Lord and show the truth on the world.
How?
May I can do the justice things and show the truth in my life to honor the name of the Lord. God is my protector and my hope.

God's plan must be executed successfully

Acts 23:25-35
The Centurions wrote a letter to the governor Felix, "..I found that he was being accuse about questions of their law, but charged with  nothing deserving death or imprisonment..."
Felix asked Paul what province he was from.
Why?
The Centurions knew that Paul is should be freed, for Paul did nothing deserving death or imprisonment. But Felix did not really want to judge this affair but wanted to get some profit from Paul. So Paul was under worse situation. But God has his plan and always protects Paul's safety.
How?
Even the situation is worse but the salvation program is keep going. God is the Sovereign Lord!God's plan must be executed successfully.

God rescued Paul from danger and risk of Jews

Acts 23:17-24
Paul was transferred to Caesarea by two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen  at nine that night.
The Romans administered the province of Judea from the port of Caesarea. And he kept quiet about this message.
Why?
Paul's life was suffered threaten by Jews but God used Gentile to save his life. How great the Lord who arranged many men to rescue his servant.
God is the Lord, God is not only the Lord of Christian but also the Lord of all who does not know him to protest us.
How?
Help other who is needed, so as God arranges others to help me.

By God's word we may face tomorrow

Acts 23:11-16
Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem,so you must also testify in Rome. God stood near Paul and said.
At this low point _Paul is given a word of encouragement,: he will be Christ's witness in Rome.
Forty men vow to kill Paul when he is taken to the council for further questioning. But Paul's nephew alerts the tribute in time for a count-plan.
Why?
Under so bad circumstances Paul was encouraged by the Lord. And he was under such evil and vigor Jews: his people.
By God's word we may face tomorrow!
How?
Reply on God's word we have courage to face tomorrow and today's challenge.

The kernel of what I believed

Acts 23:6-10
Paul found there were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin,"My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee, I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead." When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees.
Paul does not hesitate to play one party against another in the Council, by stating that he is on trial for his belief in the resurrection of the dead. Again the Roman troops remove him to the safety of the fort.
Why?
Paul turned the issue to the kernel of the problem. Which is not only enter the Temple with the Gentile but Jesus Christ is raised from the dead. It is the hope in the resurrection of the dead.
It cause two party had dispute about this issue. So that Paul may be remove out from them.
Paul does not care about safety his own, he did not talk about he did not bring Gentiles into the Temple. But Paul talk about the kernel about what he believed.
Jesus is the Lord, he raised from the dead and his blood has erased my sin when I trusted in Him. He will come again to the world.
How?
Pray to the Lord that let me remember the kernel of what I believed.

Base on the word of the Lord to make decision

Acts 22:30-23:5
Before the Sanhedrin the high priest Anaias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. Then Paul said to him, "God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!"
It is written "Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people." Paul said he did not know he is the high priest.
Jesus stood silent before his accusers, but Paul is vocal. He does not hesitate to play one party against another in the Council, by stating that he is on trial for his belief in the resurrection of the dead.
Why?
Paul criticized that the high priest accused he brought Gentile enter the temple, but now the Gentile commander asked them to judge according to the law, but the high priest did not follow the law but order others strike Paul. It is against the law.
The commander order them have a meeting. He wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews. This is the command from the ruler of the people.
The Christian should obey the law and follow the word of the Lord.
How?
Base on the word of the Lord to do everything, let the Holy Spirit help us to have clean conscious and pure heart.

Honor and elegant Christian life

Acts 22:22-29
As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, "Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn't even been found guilty?"
Those who were about to question him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains.
Paul was born a citizen, but the commander had pay a big price for his citizenship.
Why?
Paul knew that he said the truth and there is not right to hand him into prison without judgment.
It is the right of Roman citizen since Paul was born. So Paul did not worry about the threaten from crowd and commander.
To be a Christian should not proud in the position in the world, but should live noble and honor the Lord. We should humble ourselves but with gentle and courageous life.
How?
I am a son of God, so I should honor name of the Lord with honor and elegant.

Make witness of what I have received and experience from the Lord

Acts 22:12-21
The Lord said to Paul, "Go ; I will send you far away to the Gentiles."
But the mention of his mission to the Gentiles creates a fresh furore(轟動)
Why?
Paul left Jerusalem for he followed the instruction of the Lord to preach gospel to the Gentiles. Because the people in Jerusalem won't listen to his word and Paul afraid that he had persecuted those who believed in Jesus. Now he returned to Jerusalem to make witness of what he received the mission of the Lord.
Paul wanted to prove what he did is same as the apostle received from Jesus Chris in Jerusalem.
Paul suffered is same as Jesus Christ rejected in his home town. Paul follow the way of Jesus Christ had walked.
How?
Do what God leads me,  make witness what I saw and what I heard and what I have experienced to others.

一條又新又活的路

10/2/2016。       台南聖教會。        高敏智牧師
希  10:19-27
思想：
舊的路是安全感的迷失
少小離家老大回，鄉音無改鬢毛衰。
兒童相見

失落感

1.他使我
詩 篇, 23:3 - 他 使 我 的 靈 魂 甦 醒 、 為 自 己 的 名 引 導 我 走 義 路 。我 雖 然 行 過 死 蔭 的 幽 谷 、 也 不 怕 遭 害 ． 因 為 你 與 我 同 在 ． 你 的 杖 、 你 的 竿 、 都 安 慰 我 。
這君王是愛我們的，是喜樂的
2.詩 篇, 84:5 - 靠 你 有 力 量 心 中 想 往 錫 安 大 道 的 、 這 人 便 為 有 福 。他 們 經 過 流 淚 谷 、 叫 這 谷 變 為 泉 源 之 地 ． 並 有 秋 雨 之 福 、 蓋 滿 了 全 谷 。 他 們 行 走 、 力 上 加 力 、 各 人 到 錫 安 朝 見 　 神 。

綱要：
1. 開 了 一 條 又 新 又 活 的 路
   先要看見這路。進入至聖所是難的
  今天連票都沒有了，有人來帶你進去
殿裡的幔子從上到下裂為兩半。
耶穌自己就是票，進入聖所
2. 從 幔 子 經 過 、 這 幔 子 就 是 他 的 身 體 ．
 跟著耶穌就能進去。幫演唱家倒水，只是證明是演唱家的僕人。演唱家無須倒水。若自已為我為什麼幫你倒水，有可能被趕出去。
又有一位大祭司 治理神的家
你們就是基督的身體子，並且各自作肢體。

3.當 存 著 誠 心 、 和 充 足 的 信 心 、 來 到 　 神 面 前 ．
我其實沒有資格進來
我們心中天良的虧欠已經灑去。我們當存虧欠的心在神面前。
清潔的心和無虧的良心。無偽的信心。
命令的總歸就是愛
這愛是從
1.清潔的心
靈魂的甦醒，遇見神，看見自己的罪
2.無愧虧的良心
  生命的懊悔中，真正悔改，歸向神。不要驕傲
3.無偽的信心
   新生命的喜樂，將自己完全獻給神。每天事奉主
   188*38算很慢，100*100馬上算出來。神要完全，完全變成容易，不要斤斤計較。
挑戰：
1.你 們 不 可 停 止 聚 會 、 好 像 那 些 停 止 慣 了 的 人 、 倒 要 彼 此 勸 勉 ． 既 知 道 〔 原 文 作 看 見 〕 那 日 子 臨 近 、 就 更 當 如 此 。
2.我 們 得 知 真 道 以 後 、 若 故 意 犯 罪 、 贖 罪 的 祭 就 再 沒 有 了 ．
卡羅素帶你進來，又跑出去，想再進來，進不來了。把卡羅素當你僕人嗎？

Paul recounts his own story

Acts 22:1-11
Permitted to speak in his defense, Paul recounts his own story.
Paul met the Lord through the light and sound from heaven. Then he turned to the Lord.
Why?
How did I meet the Lord? After many grace and suffering, then I knew the Lord is the true living God.
What mission I got from the Lord? Honor God's name.
What can I do to honor name of the Lord?
I did not believe Jesus and somehow against Jesus Christ, but God changed me. Chose me through his grace and love.
How?
Preach gospel and love out the honor of God in my life.