The Apostle Paul describes himself as an ‘ambassador in chains’. We know that Paul was under house arrest in Rome. Paul was faithful to the Gospel. As Christian’s we should be not only believers but willing to preach the Gospel to as many people as possible. We are lucky not to suffer as much for the Gospel as Paul did. Philippians 1:29 says, “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for his sake;” What does that mean? It means we should be willing to give up everything for the Gospel, even our lives that feel comfortable. In Matthew 5:12 Jesus taught that as Christian’s our ‘reward is in heaven’. Praise God for the gift of salvation and the power He gives to follow Him. Amen

We learn in the Old Testament that a guy name Jebez (1 Chronicles 4:10) asked for God to bless him. God is already with us as believers in Him but we can ask for Him to bless us. In this case God granted his request even Jesus taught to pray for God to protect us from evil. This is a commonly overlooked passage but it’s good to know God is ready and willing to bless us. Amen

It is good as a Disciple of Christ, a believer in Him to preach the Gospel and study the Word regularly. In the early church we learned of people who are very good about studying God’s word and searched the scriptures to see if what the Apostles said is true. It’s good not to just take a Pastor’s word but measure it with the Bible. People in the early church in Thessalonica studied God’s word and “…searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Acts 17:11” Paul sought to preach the Gospel to places where it was seldom heard he said, “It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.” Romans 15:20″ Praise God for the Gospel and salvation. Amen

“This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalms 118:24 What does that mean? We learn in Matthew 11:7 that God will provide for our needs. Even when times are hard God is with us that is why we should rejoice and be happy everyday. It may be very tough, each day has trials and joys. Rather than be negative we can be thankful for the good things God has given. When we are able to eat and live without issues it is a blessing and all good things come from God. Jesus wants us to walk with Him daily.  We should have daily fellowship with him, letting Him guide us through each day as He provides for us. Praise God the ‘Great Provider’ Amen.

1 Corinthians 6:2 says, “Or do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases?” What does this mean? Well, Paul teaches that the Saints will judge the world because God will give believers authority to judge. Revelation 2:25–26, Christ is quoted as saying that those who conquer and keep His word to the end will be given a share of His authority over the nations and rule over them. Paul does not completely explain this powerful idea, and the Bible doesn’t provide much detail about how those who are in Christ on this side of eternity will judge those who are not. Jesus says to His apostles in Matthew 19:28, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” The whole church of Saints will judge the world, Paul may have expected the Saints of Corinth to judge the world which is why he explains “Do you not know”. God loves us and has given us this wonderful earth. Thank God for the love He has and that we will have dominion over the earth.

We should not walk in fear but in victory. In society there is sometimes a sense of fear. “So don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow, too. Live one day at a time.” Mathew 6:34 LB” What does this mean? It means when we accept His mercy, grace and listen to His voice he helps give a sense of peace. God is with us and His ever-present help is in the lives of those that are true in Him.

Verses tackling fear:

“Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NAB), 

“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13) 

“The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear.” (Hebrews 13:6), 

“Do not fear, only believe.” (Mark 5:36), “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God.” (John 14:1) 

Jesus is the Lord of Glory (Acts 7:2). He is the ruler over all (Acts 7:27) and the judge of this world. When Jesus was on earth He said, “… lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:20”. Jesus, ‘The Lord of Glory’ died on the cross and rose from the dead. In Revelation 1:8 we learn that Jesus existed from the beginning even to the end. When we read the Bible we learn that Jesus always existed. This fact is shown in both the Old Testament and in the New Testament. In the Old Testament in a prophecy of Jesus birth it teaches His eternal nature; Micah 5:2, ““But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.””

The Bible teaches to pray without stopping. What does that mean? It means we should live our life trusting in God as if we are in His very presence. We should do this because as Christian’s God dwells in us. It is also implying constancy so we should pray daily. When we pray God will help give us perseverance to overcome challenges we face. Jesus is a good God and enjoys hearing from people which were created in His very image. Praise God that we can talk to Him through prayer. Amen

When the people were starving Jesus did a great miracle and multiplied the food so they wouldn’t run out. “But he said to them, ‘You give them something to eat.’ They said, ‘We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.’” Luke 9:13 ESV This and Jesus rising from the dead is proof that He is God who can do anything and has full control over life, death, food and everything else. God is the great provider and nothing is impossible for Him. We should trust in God and walk with Him daily. Christ is willing and able to provide for our needs. Praise God for the many blessings He gives. Amen.

Jesus Christ came to earth to die for us. Most of us can quote John 3:16 about how God loved the world enough to die for it to forgive sins. Paul says, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”— 1 Timothy 1:15.” Christ died not just for some of our sins but for all. While Jesus died for every sin we’ve done or will do we should not take Christ’s sacrifice in vain. We should try to be good people. Paul the Apostle warns us about this Romains 6:1-2 says, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” Praise God for His abundant grace and mercy. Amen