Putnam Church of Christ

You're Invited to join our Bible class online!

2011-02-02T20:42:00.002-06:00

Join the email broadcast of our Sunday Morning Adult Bible class by sending an email to bibleclass@aweber.com . We are currently studying the Minor Prophets.

May God bless your study of His Word.

Brad Loveland

Please Move Your Subscription for Bible Class!

2009-12-13T18:37:00.003-06:00

Hello Friends and Family,

The Putnam church of Christ adult bible class is moving to a new subscription server that be much easier to update and encourage you to participate more actively in the class. Create an email with subscribe to 'bibleclass' in the subject and send it to bibleclass@aweber.com . Be sure to follow the directions in the confirmation email when it comes. You will get a lesson every day until you catch up with us when they will come once a week.

Note that there are questions in each lesson. Some are for you to think about, some are to respond. To respond just reply to this lesson and email questions and comments back to me. The class will be as good or boring as you make it. I try to keep it interesting, but I'm human.

Invite others to join our class just like you have. Have them create an email with subscribe to 'bibleclass' in the subject and send it to bibleclass@aweber.com . Be sure to remind them to
confirm their subscription when the confirmation email comes.

If you have any questions call me or email me at brad@bradloveland.com

God Bless your Bible Study!
Brad Loveland
325-280-9050

Paul before Festus

2009-12-06T21:32:00.001-06:00

Acts 25

Festus came to Caesarea by way of Jerusalem to meet with the Jews there and discuss the case of Paul. Once again the Jews tried to get Festus to bring Paul to them. Festus declined saying that he was heading there right then. The accusations continue again in Caesarea.

The question that keeps coming up for me is why the writer by inspiration of the Holy Spirit included all of these details about Paul’s legal troubles with the Jews trying to murder him? How does this information have relevance to our Christian lives today?

When Festus asks Paul if he is willing to go back to Jerusalem to face the Sanhedrin again, he appealed his case to Caesar’s investigation. Festus conferred with King Agrippa about this case since Festus was really not familiar with Paul or his faith. Festus found that he was in a bit of a pickle because he would have to write a review of the case of Paul and the case against him. Festus was finding quickly that there really weren’t any charges to be reported to His Majesty.

King Agrippa expresses interest in meeting Paul and examining if there are any charges he can find for Festus to send to Caesar. They both agree that it would not be good to send Paul for further examination without sending any charges leveled against him.

The scene in King Agrippa’s court would have been an impressive mix of the most influential people in the area from the Jewish and Roman world. In the midst of this, little Paul the tent maker is lead in by the tall Roman legionnaires guarding him into the midst of the purple-robed powerful court of King Agrippa. From the moment he was given permission to speak, he had the attention of the court with the confidence of the spirit.

Next, Paul will deliver an impressive sermon to the court.

Be wary of Flattery?

2009-11-29T20:14:00.002-06:00

Acts 24:1-27

Tertullus began speaking with nauseating flattery which was anything, but true. Of course, the charges he leveled against Paul were equally false.

The charge he leveled against Paul had three main points. 1) Paul was a stirrer. He was always in trouble and a pest. 2) Paul was a leader of a sect of Nazarenes. Tertullus knew the havoc false messiahs had cause in the Roman Empire and knew this would capture the attention of Felix. 3) Paul was a defiler of the Temple. The charges were dangerous because they were a series of twisted half-truths.

Paul gave his defense. As a man of clear conscience, Paul maintained that he needed simply to state the facts and let them stand on their own. Something we should notice about Paul. The problem is that there are so many in our world that work like Tertullus instead of like Paul. Our problem is figuring out who is doing that with us to support their own agendas.

Felix knew well the facts about the Way, so he put the Jews off. He knew they were spinning half-truths against Paul choosing to believe the right people. Paul demanded the high morals of which terrified Felix. He had persuaded Druscilla away from Azizus with the help of a magician, so his conscience was guilt-ridden. He also wanted to keep his job after several problems he had encountered. Felix didn’t handle the Paul situation very well either. One too many problems, so he was taken out of his position.

Paul appealed to Caesar.

Paul Transferred to Caesarea

2009-11-15T17:41:00.003-06:00

Acts 23:11-24

Paul has been in front of the Sanhedrin twice and Paul has been rescued from the volatile situation both times. Now, about forty Jews have vowed not to eat until they have murdered Paul. The oath they took was called a cherem. They were basically asking God to curse them if they did not carry out the terms of the vow. This week, we begin with Paul’s communication from the Lord to take courage because he has testified about Him in Jerusalem and he will testify about him in Rome.

Two things are pointed out here. First, we see the lengths that the Jews were willing to go to eliminate Paul. Later, they even petition Festus to send Paul back to Jerusalem so they can ambush them and kill Paul along the way to carry out their vow, a cherem (Acts 25:3). The current passage is not the only time that the Jews will attempt to assassinate Paul. Paul’s nephew being there and hearing the vow was how God worked through people to ensure that his will would be accomplished. This time, God’s goal was to get Paul to Rome to testify about him in the most powerful government in their day.

Second, we see the lengths that the Roman commander is willing to go to protect Paul, a Roman citizen. Acts 21:34 says that the Roman commander was having trouble getting the truth from the gathering of Jews because of the uproar they were causing. Nothing changed in the next session Paul was brought before the Sanhedrin. When Paul’s nephew tells the commander of the plot to kill Paul, the commander decides to form a small protective army and transfer Paul to Caesarea saving Paul from the murder plot.

Paul knows that he is fulfilling God’s will, so he is acting boldly and continuing where ever the authorities send him. Next, we will see what the commander tells Felix in the letter he sends with Paul to Caesarea and on to Rome.

Paul Addresses the Sandedrin - Again

2009-11-08T19:53:00.003-06:00

Acts 23:1-10

Paul is back before the Sanhedrin. The commander brought Paul back before the group to find out why the Jews had such disapproval for Paul and what he was standing. To address that group as brothers put him on equal footing with the chief priests and rulers. The common way of addressing the court was to say “Rulers of the people and the elders of Israel.”

When Paul was ordered struck by the chief priest, the priest was breaking the law by doing this. “Whoever strikes the cheek of an Israelite strikes, as it were, the glory of God.” Paul turned on him calling him a whitewashed wall, referring to the whitewashing of tombs so they might not be touched by mistake causing the one touching to be made unclean. It was also breaking the law to speak ill of the rulers of the people (Exodus 22:28). Paul was making the point that he never knew that a glutton like Ananias could be a high ruler of Israel. What can we learn about how we should treat our leaders?

Paul made a comment that he knew would make the court take notice. The Sanhedrin was composed of two groups of people, the Sadducees and the Pharisees. They had opposing positions in belief. The Pharisees believed in the minute details of the oral law. The Sadducees accepted only the written law. The Pharisees believed in predestination. The Sadducees believed in free will. The Pharisees believed in the resurrection; and the Sadducees did not.

So Paul claimed that he was on trial because of the hope of the resurrection causing the controversy to ignite in the group. As a result, the court was torn violently in two. Paul was caught in the middle and had to be rescued by the Romans again. The commander had to take him back to the barracks again.

Paul's Story

2009-10-25T21:16:00.002-05:00

Acts 22:11-21

Reference Acts 9 and Galatians 1

Paul is continuing his defense to the people by telling more from his life story. He identified himself with the Jews he addressed. He stressed to the people that he had not come to destroy his ancestral law, but to fulfill it. Paul found it frustrating that the chosen people had rejected God’s son and was also rejecting the message Paul was bringing to the people.

Paul’s basic story recounted in Acts 9 and also in Galatians 1. The two accounts were told from different points of view. We find out that he came back to Jerusalem after about three years and still had organized opposition to his message. Our study of Acts 9 told us that Paul left Jerusalem because he was in danger. The Jews were not happy with offering privileges to gentiles without first becoming a proselyte Jew, then accepting Christ.

Verse 14 has the summary of what Paul is trying to convey to the people. Paul’s audiences were chosen as the nation of Israel to know His will, see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth. We have access to all of this through the Bible. In Galatians 1:12, Paul tells the Galatians that Paul’s message came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Paul then lets the people know that since his people has not accepted the message, then mercy has been offered to the gentiles. In the next passage, Paul met with intense opposition when he mentioned the gentiles.

What do we do when we are met with such opposition? It's so easy just to turn and run or run and hide. It is so easy to take it, bottle it, and swallow it until there is only numbness left. Keep a healthy outlook and continue to study the word. God has a plan and a purpose for you to stand and be counted among His children.

Have a Great Week!

Brad

The Defense of Paul, Part 1

2009-10-18T21:28:00.002-05:00

Acts 22:1-21

Paul made an amazing request when he asked the guard if he could speak to the people. He stated his credentials and it was apparent to the Roman officer, he knew that Paul was not a revolutionary thug. Paul was facing his accusers and not backing down from the shouting, but answers with experience and scripture proof.
First, Paul stressed that he is Jewish and rose with respect to the Jewish beliefs. He never forgot his roots and reminds the crowds of this fact often (2 Corinthians 11:22; Philippians 3:4-5). He was from Tarsus. He is a rabbi. He had the same background and training as the audience he was addressing at this time.
Paul was trying to convince the people to accept God’s authority accept Jesus as the Messiah. They were having trouble accepting the proof that Paul and the other Christian teachers were providing.
Second, what was different was that he accepted Jesus Christ as the savior of all. God sent Jesus to all people and loves all people. The chosen status being lost to the Jews was hard for so many to swallow.
He was with them and separated from them. As a Christian, we live in the world, but God has separated us from the world for His special purpose consecrating us for the task he has assigned us.
What has God separated you away from the world? Have you accepted his authority completely or are you hanging on to some baggage from tradition or your past?

Have a Great Week!
Brad

Paul's Farewell and Trip

2009-10-04T15:02:00.002-05:00

Acts 20:17-38

Paul spoke to the elders with an emotional farewell speech that touches everyone who was there to hear. He recounts that he has spoken with boldness – fearless, he has worked independently, and following the Holy Spirit which caused him to follow fruitful path that was not always pleasant to follow. They have all been through so much together.

Paul also encouraged his friends to in a few areas. He reminded them that they have the duty to oversee the flock to continue the work of Christ. He reminded them that they would be vulnerable to attack from evil, so they need to be watchful because they are in danger. Where truth is falsehoods are bound to attack. If love dries up in any church its spirit will inevitably dry up and die as well.

Acts 21:1-16

The narrative is speeding up through this passage. Paul’s trip back to Jerusalem continues to build suspense through the foreboding of what is awaiting him there. He is determined to face whatever awaits him for the ministry of Jesus.

Two things really stand out in this passage. First, Paul is determined to face what is waiting for him. He is willing to be bound in prison and ultimately die for the advancement of the gospel. Agabus, the prophet from Caesarea, warned Paul using his belt that he would be bound hand and foot by the Jews in Jerusalem who are determined to stomp out the truth that Jesus is the Messiah. How do we show our determination to continue the ministry of Christ in our lives?

Second, Paul is encouraged and pleased that everywhere he goes on his journey to Jerusalem that there are Christians (disciples) there to welcome him. These disciples are strong and zealous to continue the work Jesus began and Paul continued. When do we encourage those who are determined to continue their ministry for the glory of God?

The Ephesians get Riled Up!

2009-08-30T15:43:00.002-05:00

Acts 19:23-41

The account of the silversmiths getting the city riled up contains real drama in a grand scale. We find that Paul once again wanted to face the mob with no thought to his personal safety. He wanted to continue to make the case for Christianity with the mob.

The silversmiths had their incomes threatened by the Christians. They claimed that they were defending the honor of their goddess, Artimas. Their livelihood depended on making shrines for the goddess for the tourists as souvenirs and religious icons.

The town clerk is concerned that the Roman government would construe the gathering without a clearly defined purpose was a riot threatening his job. The Romans were pretty easy to get along with until it came to civil disobedience. If they heard about any civil disobedience, they would demand to know why the disturbance happened and they would dismiss anyone they felt did not do their job to avert the disturbance.

The town clerk calmed the crowd, reminded them of the consequences with the Romans for their actions, and then dismissed them. His goal was peace to save his own skin.

Questions to think of this week: How much do we rely on or follow the Bible studies of others? What is your vision for Christianity on our society?

Have a Great Week!

Brad

Does Your Christianity Have Room to Grow?

2009-08-16T14:48:00.002-05:00

Acts 19:1-12

The men Paul found in Ephesus had an incomplete Christianity. They had not even grown a conviction that the Spirit exists let alone received it. They had heard of the Holy Spirit by the teaching of John. These brethren had been baptized into John’s baptism and learned his message pointing to Jesus.

Paul was leading the group questioning their understanding and opening the subject of imperfect obedience to the message of Jesus. He was preparing them for his message of the good news of Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

John’s preaching was pointing the way for Jesus. His preaching was an awakening to the coming of the Messiah. John’s preaching differed from Jesus in that it was a threat. You’d better be watching because Jesus is coming. Jesus message was good news. There is hope of salvation through the Savior. See more in Matthew 3 and Luke 3 about John’s preaching.

Note that the Word says that God did these things through the hands of Paul. He was working and teaching in the temple. He was very busy and God kept him strong and awake to keep up with this physical work and his teaching work. Both were very taxing to body and emotions. Paul was eager to teach and Christians were eager to learn because they went to ‘class’ to learn more about Christianity instead of resting during the heat of the day like most people did. Next is the seven sons of Scevea calling attention to the evil of the magical arts. How does this apply to us today?

Have a Great Week!
Brad

Paul In Corinth

2009-07-19T18:03:00.001-05:00

Acts 18:1-11

Paul heads to Corinth from Athens. Corinth was at a key location in the geography of Greece. Greece is nearly cut in half by water. Corinth is on the piece of land that links north and south regions of the country. Corinth is also a wicked city. Paul is basically jumping out of the boiling pot and into the frying pan as he goes from Athens to Corinth.

Paul lived and worked in Corinth and realized several of his greatest triumphs there. When Paul wrote to the Corinthians, he listed all sorts of wickedness. Such as some of you were will inherit the kingdom of heaven (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). The sinfulness of Corinth was the opportunity of Christ. Paul is letting the Corinthians know that they are being harsh on the new converts given their own backgrounds before putting on Christ in baptism.

The Worst City of All

Paul devoted himself to preaching Christ in Corinth. Paul accepted no money for his preaching and teaching the word as a Rabbi in Jewish society. He was a ‘vocational’ preacher in Corinth. A rabbi received no money for preaching and teaching the word. They had to have a trade. Paul made a living and preached the word. He gained tremendous respect because of his insistence that he make preaching his loving gift. Paul was described as a tent-maker. Paul was always proud that he didn’t have to depend on anyone (1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:8; 2 Corinthians 11:9).

Timothy and Silas came to Corinth to bring Paul a gift that made it possible for him to devote all of his time to preaching the word and put aside his trade. This was likely support from the Philippians whom loved Paul and were supportive in the work of the Lord. Problems were rising in the city of Corinth against his teaching of the gospel of Christ. He would soon have to go before the governing bodies again and defend his faith and his preaching of the word of God.

Then, when Paul needed it, the Lord spoke to him that he would not be harmed. The Lord was with him to allow him to speak boldly once again. In the presence of God, Paul found his courage and strength. He was assured that God was with him to confront and endure whatever the devil had in store for him in his ministry preaching Christ.

Paul in Athens

2009-07-12T17:25:00.001-05:00

Acts 17:16-31

Paul found himself in Athens and as usual he had discussions with the Jews and philosophers of the area. He never looked back at the trouble, but ahead to the new group to preach the gospel of Christ. This time in Athens, the people had nothing better to do than talk of the ‘cutting edge’ ideas of the day or listen to new ideas. They were intrigued by Paul because he came with new ideas.

They also had tried to cover their religious bases with alters to all of the gods they knew and there was one there to an unknown god. Paul saw this and began there with his preaching to the Athenians. Paul was speaking to the Epicureans who believed that everything happened by chance, that death was the end of everything, that the gods were remote from everything of the world and did not care, and that the purpose of life of the pursuit of pleasure. They did not want material pleasure because, to them, pleasure could only be in situations where there was no pain.

The Stoics believed that everything was God. They felt that God was a fiery spirit that became dull in matter so that everything has a piece of God in it. They believed that everything that happened was the will of God so everything should be accepted without resentment. They believed that the world disintegrated and regenerates to go through the same cycle of events again.

The people took Paul to the Areopogus to share his ideas. So, he was in the most learned city in the world in front of the most exclusive court in the world. The court had about thirty and they did talk through and handle moral dilemmas as well as acting as a legal court. To Paul, this was just another God-given opportunity to share God’s word as a witness for Christ.

Paul had a six-point sermon for at the Areopogus.

1. God is the maker and not made by human hands referring to the alter to the unknown god.

2. God has guided history through time. He has caused the rise and fall of nation since the beginning of time.

3. God has made man in such a way that they long for and seek God in the darkness.

4. The days of feeling our way through and ignorance are passed. Searching in the darkness has been accomplished.

5. The day of judgment is coming. Life is not progressing to extinction as the epicureans believed. Everything is not absorbed back to God as the Stoics believed. Life is a journey to the judgment seat of God where Jesus Christ is the judge.

6. The proof of the absolute power is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is no unknown god but a risen Christ with whom we have to deal. Remember Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus.

Acts 17:32-34

The Athenians Respond

The Athenians had enough pretty quickly especially when they heard about the resurrection of dead men. So typical of the Athenians was that they wanted to handle the intellect of the situation, but they don’t want to follow through with action. It seems that Paul had less success in Athens than in other areas he had preached, but some still believed. It was worth his effort. The Spirit had a purpose for leading Paul to Athens.

Paul had to deal with three main responses: 1) Some Athenians mocked him. They were amused at the apparent passion and earnestness of this Jew. He was merely entertainment to them. Making light of life in this instance will certainly end in tragedy. 2) Some put off their decision in procrastination. We will hear you at a later time. Procrastination is dangerous because once you decide to put off a decision; you so often have made your decision to ignore. 3) Some of the Athenians accepted the message and embraced it. Foolish men reject an offer coming from God.

There were two men named as accepting Christ. The position of women in Athens was very restricted. It is very unlikely that a respectable woman would have been in the market square at all. It is telling that she was moved to turn away from the shame that was her life. Once again the message of God cuts across all social and economic lines.

Next, Paul heads to Corinth

Have a Great Week!

Brad

Thessalonica

2009-06-28T16:44:00.003-05:00

Acts 17:1-9

The first sentence makes the trip to Thessalonica was a pleasant stroll through the country-side. Actually, it is a distance of over 100 miles of walking travel. In a single verse the journey was pretty much dismissed moving on to the important point of the book, furthering the gospel of Christ. People were hearing and accepting Paul’s preaching of the truth of the gospel.

Thessalonica is very important because it is on a major ‘highway’ connecting to other parts of the Roman Empire known as the Aegean Way. This allows the gospel to continue to travel with the Christians on to more parts of the world. These paths were the key to commerce and communication in the Roman Empire.

Paul began in the community by debating the scriptures in the synagogue. This was his normal mode of business by offering the message to the Jews first then the others. During this debate the Jews were noticing that Paul and Silas were ‘stealing’ the gentiles from them. They saw the gentiles as part of their community and they were threatened just like when Jesus did during his ministry.

The Jews did their best to slow Paul and Silas down. They began by stirring up the crowd with emotion. Then, when they dragged Jason in front of the magistrates, they accused the missionaries in preaching political rebellion. Sound familiar? They accused Jesus of the same thing as they attempted to accuse him in the end. What can you learn from this situation? Is stirring up the crowd the best way?

Stirring up the crowd reminds me of the junior high and high school ‘drama’ that so often happens when someone gets angry in a situation. So often, teenagers will stir up and seek support from friends instead of going and confronting the object of the anger.

On to Borea and Athens next week. Have a Blessed week!

Brad

The Pytho and the Jailer

2009-06-21T15:43:00.002-05:00

Acts 16:16-40

The slave girl was known as a Pytho, someone who could give people glimpses into the future. The girl was also insane. These people were strangely respected by people in ancient times. They would say that she lost her wits to have the mind of the gods. The owners of this girl were making their living off of her “abilities.” When they realized she could no longer do this, they went after Paul and Silas appealing the people to all things Roman playing to the anti-semitism of the crowd. They were successful and had Paul and Silas arrested in maximum security.

As we choose our livelihood or career to make a living, what is acceptable for this profession?

When Paul and Silas were arrested their physical freedom had been taken away, but their freedom to worship God was still in tact. As Christians our ability to worship God and keep with him is with us and cannot be taken away no matter what setting we find ourselves.

Paul never held a grudge. He was quite willing to open the door of salvation to the jailer who had closed the door of freedom on him. He stood on his dignity and claimed his rights as a Roman citizen. He demanded the respect of his position for the sake of his calling. He wanted the people of Philippi to understand that the Christians of their city had influential friends. They should think before instigating persecution.

How would we react in a similar circumstance?

The Philippian jailer would represent the solid middle class of Roman society. He had standing in the community because of his official position. When the earthquake hit and all of the prisoners stayed, his physical life had been spared. He had heard Paul and Silas singing hymns and had heard something of the message because he was ready to be saved. God had his attention.

How does God demand our attention today?

As soon as everyone’s spiritual needs were met, the jailer changed his actions having Paul and Silas’ wounds dressed and food set before them at his table, a true change of heart.

Have a Great Week!

Brad

http://www.putnamchurchofchrist.com

Preaching in Macedonia

2009-06-14T15:37:00.002-05:00

Acts 16:6-10

Paul, Silas take the gospel to Europe

The doors were closed to Paul when it came to preaching the gospel where he was. This must have been a little perplexing to him since he was a Roman citizen in a Roman colony trying to preach. The Spirit kept telling him no and he kept searching.

How did the Holy Spirit send this message to him? We don’t know. Common ways in the early church were through a prophet of the Lord, it may have been by a vision, or it may have been an inescapable conviction of his own. Another way of communication could have been his ill health-his thorn in the flesh. At any rate, the message was clear to Paul. How do we react to these sorts of things? Could it be that we are being led in a particular direction?

What makes Paul’s health a possibility is that in verse 10 the story changes from third person telling to first person witnessing. Luke was a doctor making it more likely that Paul was suffering from some ailment that he felt needed attention. This is an example to us that Paul took his weakness as being a messenger from God.

Next, week is Paul’s dream and the first conversion from preaching in Europe.

Acts 16:11-15

Review: The dream of the man in Macedonia gave Paul guidance to seek to go on to Macedonia to preach the good news. What do Christians see as guidance from the Lord / Holy spirit today? Consistent study of God’s Word gives us guidance through faith in our convictions based on our study. We have read before that the amount the Holy Spirit works through us is a direct result in our attitude and growth in faith.

Are we paying attention? We have talked about the times in our lives when a check showed up in the mail on the day a bill was due or the milk ran out for the baby when there was no other money to pay for it. Are we paying attention and looking for these instances in our lives when something occurs by God’s intervention?

Do we keep searching for an answer or do we quit and wait for the answer to come to us? The search for answers can get exhausting and it is work. In our society today the prevailing attitude of young people is that it has to easy or I’m not going to be taking part. I don’t care what the consequences are. The addage of nothing worth-while comes without effort seems to have been lost to a certain extent these days.

In Philippi, the Jews didn’t have synagogs, but they had a place of prayer where they met each Sabbath. These places were generally along a river in a lonely, shady place. Paul’s work was so extraordinary there because of the cross section of people that were there. Lydia was among the most wealthy in the city being a merchant of purple. This was very costly because the dye was gathered drop by drop from a certain shellfish.

What do you think about the Lord opening Lydia’s heart to Paul’s message?

Lydia’s immediate reaction was to extend hospitality to Paul and his friends. When Paul was explaining Christian character he said that Christians should extend hospitality (Romans 12:13). Peter urged the same thing about hospitality on his converts recorded in 1 Peter 4:9.

Hospitality is hard for me because of the amount of effort it takes to get the kids on board for the hospitality program, clean the house, and have the energy to entertain. Then, there is the issue of space. Growing up, we had people around many times, but not really like what Paul and Peter are describing. I have started a new program in my business life that I hope will change this and get hospitality into our program giving us more motivation to do more of this.

Next week, the slave girl who tells the world Paul and Silas are preaching the Word of God.

Have a Great Week!

Brad

Something new: http://HeartFelt.myctmh.com

Led by the Holy Spirit

2009-06-07T18:39:00.002-05:00

Acts 16:11-15

Paul, Silas take the gospel to Europe

The dream of the man in Macedonia gave Paul guidance to seek to go on to Macedonia to preach the good news. What do Christians see as guidance from the Lord / Holy spirit today? Consistent study of God’s Word gives us guidance through faith in our convictions based on our study. We have read before that the amount the Holy Spirit works through us is a direct result in our attitude and growth in faith.

Next week, the first conversion from the preaching in Europe (Lydia)

Have a Great Week!

Brad

Paul and Timothy

2009-05-25T20:25:00.002-05:00

The Second Missionary Journey – Introduction

Paul's narrative of the second journey occupied about three years of time. The record of this journey is from Acts 15:36 – 18:23 beginning from Antioch. The biggest part of this journey is that Paul extends his ministry beyond Asia and into Europe.

Acts 16:1-5 – Timothy

Paul finds Timothy and decides to take him on the journey. By deciding to accept Timothy as a Jew, Paul is breaking down more barriers. Timothy was the son of a Jewess but his father was Greek. The strict Jews would have grieved the loss of their daughter and carried out a funeral when she married a gentile. Paul circumcised Timothy because of the Jews in the areas they were going to preach the gospel.

Timothy had a great heritage with his mother and grandmother (1 Timothy 1:5). He had been taught well and well prepared for the ministry he was beginning. He would become Paul's messenger when Paul was 'detained' (1 Corinthians 4: 17, 1 Thessalonians 3:2-6). Timothy was with Paul in Rome when Paul was in prison (Philippians 1:1, 2:19; Colossians 1:1; Philemon 1). Timothy and Paul had a special relationship with Paul. When Paul wrote the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 4:17), he called Timothy his beloved son. When he wrote to the Philippians (Philippians 2:19-20), he said there was no one whose mind was so much like his own. He saw in Timothy the continuation of his work. Paul believed in Timothy and gave him the gift of training and example to further the work of the gospel.

Next Paul will take the gospel to Europe week after next. Next week we will be celebrating my parent's 50th wedding anniversary - Charles and Erma Jean Loveland!

Have a Great couple of weeks!

Brad

Who Believes in You Now?

2009-05-17T15:41:00.004-05:00

Acts 15:36-41

Who Believed in You as You Grew Up?

Paul was always moving around. During the preparations for this particular journey, a large disagreement surfaced between Paul and Barnabas. Barnabas wanted to bring John Mark along and Paul did not. Paul refused to work with John Mark for whatever reason. Logically, we can see that John Mark had been with them on the first journey and left them to go home from Pamphylia. Perhaps Paul felt that he would not be up to completing a long, hard mission? We really don't know what Paul's reasons were, but he felt strongly enough about them that he and Barnabas went their separate ways after this.

Clearly, Barnabas believed in John Mark enough to stick by him and go a separate way from Paul. He was fortunate to have someone to believe in him like Barnabas. We have seen before when Barnabas' heart showed through large and warm.

Over the years, there have been a parade of beginning ministers who have preached at Putnam. Batsell Barrett Baxter and Paul Faulkner just to name a couple. A relationship evolved that helped both the congregation and the preacher. All have gone further into the ministry or have become missionaries. God uses the people we are around to lead us to where we are supposed to go.

One gentleman was intent on going to New Zealand. As they were preparing to go, the family had a child who could not thrive well in New Zealand's climate. God led them to Africa. They are missionaries, but at a different location than they originally planned. Remember to keep your mind open to God's will. It may not be exactly what you thought it would be.

Who do you believe in deeply?

Do you encourage them much and often?

Barnabas believed in John Mark, and in the end John Mark justified that belief in his ministry during life.

The Second Missionary Journey – Introduction

Have a Blessed Week!

Brad

PS Join the study of Matthew by emailing the group subscription address at matthew@bradloveland.com

The Personal Touch

2009-05-10T19:48:00.001-05:00

Acts 15:22-35

The “Official” Letter with Messengers

Last week, we learned that Peter and the other leaders of the early church presented their case on the question of what would “qualify” the gentiles for salvation under the mercy of Christ. The decision was made and the letter was written with efficiency and courtesy.

My experience in sales taught me face-to-face contact is much more effective and the correct message is most often fully achieved this way. Letters and fliers just don't achieve the same effects. The church leaders of the early church understood this as well. They sent Judas and Silas back with Paul and Barnabas to put a personal face-to-face quality with the official sounding letter. The kindness, caring, and concern for their brethren was conveyed through Judas and Silas.

The people of Antioch and beyond may have been suspicious of a letter carried only by Paul and Barnabas. Remember that they had a significant group of enemies in this area that would have doubted the authenticity of this letter. Here Judas and Silas were guarantors that the letter was authentic and from the leaders of the church in Jerusalem.

Build the bridge now to today and think about electronic communications. Many people of our world today communicate more with email, instant messengers, “texting” on mobile phones, and “blogging” than they do with face to face or even voice communication. How has this impacted our society? Our churches? The fellowship with our brethren?

Every one reading this knows someone that has a closer relationship with a character on a television series than they do any real person they know. Why is this? Is this healthy for spiritual growth? Remember to always check what I say with the Word of God, the Bible which is the ultimate authority.

Class Break 2

2009-05-03T20:25:00.001-05:00

Hi again!

We had a powerful time of sharing and praying this morning through our class time. I am glad we were able to pray for so many things all at once. We will have another lesson here next week.

In the meantime, here is a different way to subscribe to the study over Matthew. I would like to invite you to follow the study of Matthew we completed last spring in Putnam. The lessons are timed to come out once a week. As always, I appreciate your comments and your suggestions on the topics covered in these lessons. To join the Matthew Study send an email to Putnam Church of Christ Blog and use the subscription form on that page. Remember to confirm your subscription in the next email. There was a problem with the email subscription responder this evening.

Have a Great Week!
Brad Loveland

Class Break

2009-05-03T18:05:00.002-05:00

Hi!

We had a powerful time of sharing and praying this morning through our class time. I am glad we were able to pray for so many things all at once. We will have another lesson here next week.

In the meantime, I would like to invite you to follow the study of Matthew we completed last spring. The lessons are timed to come out once a week. As always, I appreciate your comments and your suggestions on the topics covered in these lessons. To join the Matthew Study send an email to matthew@bradloveland.com and be sure to confirm by clicking the link in the next email you get from me.

Have a Great Week!
Brad Loveland

The Proof Presented at Jerusalem

2009-04-26T17:45:00.003-05:00

Acts 15:6-12

Peter States the Case

Peter reminds the stricter Jews how he had been chosen to preach God's grace to Cornelius and his household about ten years before. God had granted those very Gentiles to have the Holy Spirit come upon them. They may have been ceremonially unclean, but the Holy Spirit from God cleansed their hearts. The attempt to earn salvation through commands is a losing battle everyone is inadequate to attain.

Peter cut to the heart of the matter by asking if we can earn the favor of God through what we do? Or are we going to have to admit our own humanity and helplessness throwing ourselves on the mercy of God? The faith of works or the faith of God's grace is the underlying question being debated. Peace cannot come until we realize we cannot put God into our debt because we owe so much more. We gain victory through surrender. Ironic, isn't it? We cannot have salvation without admitting our own helplessness and put God in control of life.

Acts 15:13-21

James Showing His Leadership

James was an outstanding individual and the brother of Jesus. He had a post resurrection appearance of Jesus all his own reported in 1 Corinthians 15:7. He was a pillar of the early church proclaimed in Galatians 1:19. He was known to be in prayer often and long. He was also known as James the Just and a strict observer of the law.

His silence followed by careful words help to overcome the last barriers between the Jewish Christians and the Gentile Christians. Why make it so hard on the Gentiles who wish to follow Christ? James then suggested a sort of compromise that would not be too cumbersome to the Gentiles, but allowed them to grow in spirit and truth as their Christian brothers. They were finally united in spirit and truth.

The letter was written and the decree went out to the brethren of the decisions of the meetings in Jerusalem of the leadership of the early church. Paul and Barnabas go back out on the road to preach the good news again.

Go ahead and read the rest of the chapter before the next lesson. Have a Great Week!

Brad Loveland, Adult Bible Class Teacher, Putnam Church of Christ

PS. Tell others who would enjoy these lessons to Subscribe to the entire list of lessons by sending me an email at acts@bradloveland.com and confirming in the return email.

The Problem of the Gentiles

2009-04-19T17:31:00.001-05:00

Acts 15:1-5

The Problem

A continuous stream of Gentiles being added to the church would inevitably be a problem for the early church. The Jews were still in firm belief that they were God's chosen people and felt they had certain rights and privileges associated with their ancestry. The Jewish sense of national identity was based on being the chose people of God.

The problem then is this. Since the gospel of Christ was sent first to the Jews, do the Gentiles have to become Jews first to be added to the church? There were Jewish preachers of the word that taught the Gentiles must become Jews first and undergo circumcision in order to complete their conversion to Christianity. Paul comes onto the scene now and is confronted with this problem.

What hoops to we require the newly converted to jump through today? Are these requirements based on the Bible or on the wishes of man?

The Problem Becomes Acute

The statement reported in Acts 15:1 being spread by some men was that Gentiles must be circumcised to be saved. Paul and Barnabas became involved in a huge dispute over this. Things had been going well in Antioch between Jews and Gentiles but the problem was inevitable to arise. They were not able to resolve the dispute, so there was only one thing to do. They went to the leadership of the church in Jerusalem creating the meeting known to us as the Jerusalem Conference.

The principle in question was quite simple and basic to Christianity. Was the gift of God for the select few, or for all of the world? Are we to look at this gift as a privilege or a responsibility?

The basic premise of question is a division or a preference between people. Our problem with division today is not necessarily between Jew and Gentile, but we do still have divisions in our world between people. There are people divided because of income level, race, location, etc. What can we do about them?

Next week we will dive into the question more and see what the arguments presented by the church leadership gives. Read Peter's argument in Acts 15:6-12 for next week.

Paul's Courage

2009-04-05T13:48:00.001-05:00

Acts 14:19-20

Courage of Paul

Some of the Jews had found Paul and stoned him. They left him just outside of the city for dead. As the disciples were standing around him he rose and left with them. Then, Paul and Barnabas gathered up and left for Derbe. Paul showed his courage when he came back to his senses because the very first thing he did was to go back into the city. How many of us would have left from the edge of town.

How do we show our Christian courage?

Acts 14:21-28

Paul does not shy away from problems. In this passage, we find out that Paul is returning to help the early Christians establish their churches in several of the areas where Paul and Barnabas threatened earlier. Not only did they return to those churches, but the spent a good amount of time.

We can see some interesting insights to the mind of Paul through this passage.

Paul showed his honesty to those who chose to become Christians. He showed them that Jesus did not come to make life easy, but to make people great.
As Paul traveled back through towns he appointed elders for all of these tiny groups of newly converted Christians. He made the point that the Christian life was for them. God opened the door for them as Gentiles to accept the mercy God showed by the crucifixion of his son. They had to rely on each other for support and encouragement to stay on the Christian path.
Paul and Barnabas never thought that anything happened through their own strength. They spoke over and over about what God had done for them or through them. Our Christian service is that we are tools that God uses to fulfill His purpose.

The critical problem of the Jewish brethren who saw themselves as chosen or better than non-Jewish brethren threatened to split the church. The problem had to be solved.

How do Christians encourage new Christians who are struggling because problems they are encountering in their lives? New Christians may blame God for their problems and eventually separate themselves from the church if there is not good encouragement and support for them to stick it out.

Have a Great Week!

Brad

Give God the Glory.

Paul & Barnabus Show Courage

2009-03-29T18:03:00.001-05:00

Acts 14:1-7

To Iconium

Basically, the same thing happened in Iconium as in Antioch. There were a great number of Jews and Greeks that believed. The Jews that did not believe inflamed the people. Paul and Barnabas had to leave.

Acts 14:8-18

Mistaken for gods

Paul and Barnabas were involved in an interesting incident in Lystra. This was around mostly non-Jewish people because the crowd got the idea that Paul and Baranabus were Zeus and Hermes come to earth in disguise to interact with them.

This is interesting because it shows Paul interacting people non-Jewish people and how that he gets the point across. Paul started with nature to lead them to introducing them to the God behind it all. He started with the here and now to get to then and there-the story of Jesus and his sacrifice for all people.

Where do we start with the here and now? Then, how do we get back to then, the crucifixion, and there, the middle east?

Trouble in Antioch

2009-03-22T12:30:00.002-05:00

Acts 13:42-52

Trouble in Antioch

Paul and Barnabas started by speaking in the synagogue in Antioch and all seemed to be going well. They were invited to stay in Antioch and speak again. Word spread during the next week and nearly the whole town showed up to hear what they had to say. Some of the audience that day were filled with envy and started arguing with Paul and Barnabas. Paul points out to the Jewish brethren that the word was preached first to them, but since they reject the gospel it was taken to the Gentiles.

One thing that infuriated the Jews more than anything else was they were keeping God's privileges to themselves. Christians were preaching and sharing the gospel with everyone – the uncircumcised Gentiles. With that openness, the Jews took action.

Antioch was a city of a host of nationalities all in one city because it on a road, it was a Roman city with Romans, Jews, Greeks, and a few native Phrygians, who are volatile and unpredictable people. This is quite a mix of people who can be easily sparked into emotion driven actions with devastating effects. These people were also very lax in their sexual behaviors causing a breakdown in the family and society. No one paid a dearer price than the women of these breaking families.

The Jews were preaching Godly family values appealing to these broken-hearted women, many of whom were married to men of power. The Jews prevailed on the women of affluence to turn their husbands against the Christian preachers. They used their influence on their husbands to in effect persecute the Christian preachers including Paul and Barnabas.

Paul and Barnabas had to leave at this point because it was not safe for them to stay. They shook off the dust from their feet and went to Iconium where they were well received with joy. The brethren were filled with the Holy Spirit there. A good place to recover from what they had endured.

Do we as Christians sometimes keep God's privileges to ourselves? How can we guard against this religious discrimination?

Next week, we will be going to Iconium. Things seem to be better there!

Have a Great Week!

Brad

The Preaching of Paul

2009-03-17T10:09:00.000-05:00

Acts 13:16-42

The Preaching of Paul

When we look at the preaching of the early church, they are almost identical in form and message. Comparing the message from Peter in Acts 2 and this sermon shows the main elements of the sermons are the same.

Paul insists that the coming of Jesus was actually the fulfillment of scripture and the end of history. He recounts the history of the Jewish nation coming to an end with Christ. It is easy for humanity to see this as a recounting of sins, mistakes, and shortfalls. The Christian view is that of hope pointing toward Jesus, our savior. History always shows us going forward according to the purpose of God.
Paul states the fact that when God's fulfillment came in Jesus Christ, it was not recognized. When man rejects the message, he enslaves himself to the world and cuts off from the spiritual wellness provided by acceptance of Christ.
Even though the people rejected Christ in the crucifixion, God could not be defeated (and will never be defeated). We have choice. The misuse of our choice will separate us from Christ and deny entry into the kingdom.
Paul goes on to use a purely Jewish argument. The promises given to David were leading people to look ahead and be completed by God's purpose. The resurrection was the proof of realization of God's purpose.
The coming of Christ is Good News to one group of people. All those who accept and obey the message a Christ have the hope of heaven.
What is intended as good news is in fact bad news to another group of people. Those who reject Christ and his message are given the bad news of eternal separation from Christ.

The message in this sermon is clear. The choice is ours every minute of every day.

Have a Great Week!

Brad

Paul working through physical infirmery

2009-03-08T19:14:00.001-05:00

Acts 13:14-15

An Adventurous Journey for a Sick Man

Paul mentions several times in his ministry that he prayed to have something he was afflicted with taken away. He reports that this request was denied. In a sentence, a heroic journey of Paul and Barnabas was passed over. Pisada Antioch was at 3600 feet above sea level, so there was quite a bit of climbing on the road. The road was notorious for being one of the most dangerous because of the number of highway robbers working on that road. Then, later Paul mentions his physical infirmary that was plaguing him on this trip.

This was so hard of a journey that it begs the question, why did they not go to Pamphylia? The gospel had not been proclaimed there and it was along the coast and easier road to travel. Not long later Paul wrote to the Galatians and talked about the time when he came and proclaimed the gospel.

Galatians 4:13 Paul reported that he first came to them because of his physical infirmary and proclaimed the gospel of Christ.

2 Corinthians 12:7-8 Paul talked about his thorn in the flesh. Paul obviously had some physical challenges in his ministry that he pushed through and still continued to proclaim the gospel. He continued his mission. He was patient and tenacious about persevering in the work of the Lord.

Read Acts 13:16-41

Paul addresses them as God-fearers. How does he address those from Jewish background? As we study Acts, compare this to how he addresses those who do not have a quality identification and relationship with God.

Note that what is intended as good news to one group is in fact bad news to another group of people.

Check out Mark's lesson at www.putnamchurchofchrist.com.

Have a Great Week!

Brad

Paul, the sorcerer, and the Roman Official

2009-03-01T14:34:00.002-06:00

Acts 13:4-12

Success in Cyprus

The trip started with a “bang.” Saul and Barnabas preached all over the island and confronted the “man of magic” who was opposing Saul and Barnabas to the proconsul. Saul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze on him and called him out striking down the falsehood that was being spread in the government. Saul never takes the easy way when there are major faith issues to confront in an area. He heads for Paphos, a center for Pagan worship in the area.

Cyprus was a Roman province famous for it's copper mines and ship-building industry. Paul preached in Paphos, the capital of the province, which was known for its worship of Venus, the goddess of love. Saul was up for the challenge.

It is here and this point forward that Saul is called Paul. Paul never backed down from a challenge and never took the easy way. He went right for the biggest problem and attacked it first.

How do we look at the challenges of teaching the gospel in our area?

How can we overcome those challenges giving God the glory?

Acts 13:13

The Deserter

...and John left them and went back to Jerusalem. During this expedition, the leadership of the expedition shifts from Barnabas to Paul. In the beginning it was Barnabas and Saul, then at this verse the reference is Paul and his friends establishing Paul as the leader of the group.

We will never know how the shift in leadership happened, but we do know that Barnabas continued with this new mission without complaint. John Mark left the group at this point and we will never know why. We do know that he was very young and we know that he will redeem himself in later missions. He went with Barnabas on his next journey, but Paul did not take him.

Whatever happened, Paul found it had to forgive John Mark for a time. He refused to take him on the second mission trip (Acts 15:38). Paul and Barnabas parted company forever over this incident. Barnabas took John Mark with him. Later after almost 20 years when Paul is giving instructions to Timothy, he tells him to take John Mark with him (2 Timothy 4:11). Paul said that John Mark would be useful to the work that he had to do.

How can we make sure that such disagreements do not distract from the message of the gospel?

Next week, we will travel a dangerous highway into danger. Read on ahead through Acts chapter 14.

Have a Great Week!

Brad

The First Missionary Journey

2009-02-22T15:00:00.006-06:00

Acts 13 & 14

Introduction

The next section of Acts takes us on the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas. They are setting out from Antioch. This was a rough journey riddled with health issues, attacks, and personal danger in many locations for the missionaries before they found their way back home to Antioch. With John Mark going back in the middle of the journey, conflict and drama must have been part of the story as well.

What is part of the “drama” in our mission? As we are talking to people about the good news of Jesus and our faith, sometimes we are surprised by the response or question that comes from the discussion. These times are going to happen, so it is important not to lead people astray. Be strong and respond that you will find the answer and get back. Don't risk giving false words from the Bible when you are not sure.

How can we limit the drama and have a positive impact on our community?

Acts 13:1-3

Preparation led by the Spirit

Paul and Barnabas were set apart for the service of the Lord in general and for this first missionary journey. The Holy Spirit set them apart in the group at Antioch for the missionary journey. The decision of the Church at this point was to take the gospel to all of the world and start preaching in more locations under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Mission work was a huge step led by what God wanted. The Christians in the early church always did what God wanted them to do.

The prophets and teachers had different jobs in the early church. Prophets were basically wandering preachers who had given their whole lives to listening to the word of God then taking it to others. The teachers were local people who taught the converts the gospel and the word of God. Each of their activities served to strengthen the early church.

How is the church strengthened today?Think about this one. We will talk about this question in our next lesson.

What do Christians do today to retain members in our congregations? Jesus took a simple, easily duplicated approach to recruiting and retaining disciples. The message is simple – follow me.

Have a Great Week!

Brad

Give God the Glory

2009-02-15T16:40:00.001-06:00

Acts 12:20-25

Herod Refuses God the Glory

What does this tell us about God? God wants us to give credit where it is due. We learn in the Old Testament that God is a jealous God. The people recognized that his speech was inspired or they were trying to flatter him. Herod didn't give God the credit or glory for the inspiration. He was struck down right then and God's message grew. His glory grew through the work of the early church led by the Holy Spirit.

Do you think God works to make his point with us today? When God answers our prayers, give him the credit so that His glory is seen through you.

Verses 24 and 25 takes us back to Acts 11:27-30. Saul and Barnabas are heading back to Antioch with John Mark from Jerusalem.

Acts 13 & 14

The next section of Acts takes us on the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas. They are setting out from Antioch. This was a rough journey riddled with health issues and personal danger in many locations for the missionaries before they found their way back home to Antioch. With John Mark going back in the middle of the journey, conflict and drama must have been part of the story as well.

Stay tuned for the first missionary journey.

Have a Great Week!

Brad

Earnest or Constant Prayer

2009-02-08T14:33:00.003-06:00

Acts 12:1-11

Peter and more persecution for the church and Peter's escape from prison

With the killing of James, John's brother, King Herod saw that the Jews were pleased. He attempted to find favor with the Jews by seeking out church leaders to persecute.
If you look at the family ancestors of King Herod Agrippa, he is a direct descendant of the Macabees through his mother. He was educated in Rome and was sympathetic to the Jews. When he arrested Peter during passover, he did not attempt to carry our his sentence during the Passover.

Christians met together and continually prayed for Peter and God sent an angel to free him from the intense security put in place to ensure that he would not escape. They did not know how their prayers would be answered, so when Rhoda said that Peter was at the door, they did not believe her. She had to insist. Is our mind open to all ways God answers our prayers?
The greatest tragedy of this whole situation was that he was not persecuting the church because of who the church stood for and principles, but purely for the satisfaction of the Jews that he wanted to gain favor with. It was all political.

Acts 12:12-19

Earnest Prayer turned to Joy

Peter was being guarded by 16 soldiers. The greatest of precautions was being taken to ensure that Peter did not get away. When he did get away, the guards were taken and executed. Those who were praying for him were astonished that he was there. They reasoned that it must be a ghost. In fact, it was not. It was Peter and they rejoiced.

During Jesus' lifetime, his brothers did not believe in him. They thought he was mad. It was only after his death with a special appearance to James that James committed to serve Jesus all of his life (1 Corinthians 15:7).

Sometimes the seeds we plant are not realized during our work or even our lifetimes. This is true with James.

Be sure to check out Mark's lessons at http://www.putnamchurchofchrist.com .

Have a Great Week!
Brad

Growing the Church

2009-02-01T14:26:00.001-06:00

Acts 11:19-21

Growing the Church

Great things are happening in Antioch. For the first time in history, the gospel is being taught to the gentiles. This is the third step to opening the message of salvation to the gentiles. First, Phillip preached to the Samaritans. The Samaritans were half Jewish providing a bridge to the Gentiles. Next, Peter accepted the hospitality from Cornelius and taught he and his household. The Holy Spirit fell upon them in the presence of the brethren from Joppa. And now, the Christians in Antioch are deliberately teaching the Gentiles there.

Antioch was the third greatest city at this time next to Rome and Alexandria. Antioch was a progressive, cosmopolitan city. They were known for their pagan worship of Daphne. When they talked about someone living the morals of Daphne, they were talking about someone who was engaged in loose living. The city was ripe for the message of the gospel. They were first called Christians here. The term was intended to be derogatory, but they took advantage of the label and made it work for them.

Acts 11:22-26

The church in Jerusalem were hearing about the gospel being offered to Gentiles in Antioch, so they sent someone to check it out. They sent Barnabas with the big heart and continuous encouragement to see what was happening. This turns out to be a very good thing because he assesses the situation and thinks of Saul in Tarsus.

Saul has not been heard from in about nine years. He has been living and working in Tarsus and witnessing during this time. The stage was set for launching his ministry. Barnabas brings him to Antioch and puts Saul in charge of the work there. They spend the next year working with the church in Antioch where disciples were first called Christians.

Barnabas immediately understood that the Christians in Antioch were going to need help by someone who would continually teach the truth of the gospel and stay on track in a very luxuriously immoral city.

What talents do the Christians need in your area?

Acts 11:27-30

Helping those in trouble

The prophets in the early church arrive on the scene. They arrive several places through what was recorded about the early church in Acts 13:1, 15:32, and 21:9-10.

Three types of leaders in the early church were apostles, elders, and the prophets. The apostles authority extended to all of the church, not confined to an area or congregation. The elders were the local leaders of the church with authority confined to the congregation where they are members.

The word prophet means foreteller or fourth-teller. They foretold the future. They were highly revered in the church and important to keep unity in the church. Christians realized the need to be unified even in the beginning. They helped each other when they were in trouble.

Next week, more trouble for the church from Acts 12.

Have a Great Week!
Brad

Putnam Church of Christ

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Paul before Festus

Be wary of Flattery?

Paul Transferred to Caesarea

Paul Addresses the Sandedrin - Again

More Problems for Paul in Jerusalem

Paul's Story

The Defense of Paul, Part 1

Paul's Farewell and Trip

The Ephesians get Riled Up!

Does Your Christianity Have Room to Grow?

Paul In Corinth

The Worst City of All

Paul in Athens

Thessalonica

The Pytho and the Jailer

Preaching in Macedonia

Led by the Holy Spirit

Paul and Timothy

Who Believes in You Now?

The Personal Touch

Class Break 2

Class Break

The Proof Presented at Jerusalem

The Problem of the Gentiles

Paul's Courage

Paul & Barnabus Show Courage

Trouble in Antioch

The Preaching of Paul

Paul working through physical infirmery

Paul, the sorcerer, and the Roman Official

The First Missionary Journey

Give God the Glory

Earnest or Constant Prayer

Growing the Church