Good morning to everyone in Hawaii, and all the remotest parts of the world, time has been running short for me, but the blessing is just around the corner, and you all know there is so much spiritual warfare going on, that I have been flinging the sword of the spirit, every morning. But I must stay faithful to the end, and look upon God and rest in His faith and truth and know He will pull me through.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for another day of life, and another day that we can worship you in spirit and in truth, we do all love you, and please forgive us of our sins, I am a sinner Lord, and I ask for your forgiveness, that I go on with this suffering, and I get attacked by the element of dread at times, but I know in my heart that it is only another way to open the door for the evil one, so as I shut the door again to darkness, we must submit all things to you, and trust in you, for true healing and I do thank you once again that I am able to preach this sermon and open our hearts to the true light of You Father, with rainbows and sunshine, and the gift of health, joy and happiness. I know we all go through tests and trials, and they all make us stronger and I know you are never going to leave us, or forsake us, Please grant your Holy Spirit to come upon us all and feel the presence of you O’Lord. We can do nothing on our own, we can only depend on you Father, and Your Son, and the Holy Spirit, the three in one, and the one in three
Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me--to keep me from exalting myself!
Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.
And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. 2Cor. 12:7-10 NASB
Boasting is necessary, though it is not profitable; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.
I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago--whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows--such a man was caught up to the third heaven.
And I know how such a man--whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows--
was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak.
On behalf of such a man I will boast; but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses.
For if I do wish to boast I will not be foolish, for I will be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me. 2Cor.12: 1-6 NASB
The fact remains Paul got to see a great revelation of the true heaven even though he does not speak of himself you can tell by all the wording, I have studied all the notes and commentary’s on the basis of the elements that he did see, and in the next section He asked about taking this thorn out of His flesh.
I beg of you, brethren, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have done me no wrong; but you know that it was because of a bodily illness that I preached the gospel to you the first time; and that which was a trial to you in my bodily condition you did not despise or loathe, but you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself. Where then is that sense of blessing you had? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me. Gal 4:12-15 NASB
See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand! Gal. 6:11NIV
Thorn in the flesh- Greek word for (skolops), basically in today’s interpretation a splinter thorn stake or some sort of a sharp wooden shaft. in some texts silver. Because of the many false teachers in Corinth, Paul did share his experience with the others about the “third Heaven” So during this time and most anytime we are discussing physical ailments, but it has to be pride to me, why would our Lord have some man of great value have a burden that would hurt or not make clear the teachings of God and His ministry, it would not make sense to me, the eye disease comes from Gal 4:13-15 ( ophthalmia-Greek) where the Galatians here would have given him there own eyes for the completion of his work and ministry, and it also confirms in Gal 6:11 that he wrote in such large print, which would make sense for a person with eye trouble but why would that be the only scripture, it means a lot more to be analyzed. Another theory is the messenger of Satan it could have nothing to do with any physical ailment, Paul did see the paradise of the Lord the third heaven, and God didn’t want him to boast about it, the first heaven is were the bird and the eagle flies, the second heaven is the stars the moon and where the constellations are, and the third, is heaven, is where our great creator lives along with Jesus sitting at his right. There are so many theories concerning this thorn in the flesh it could be as simple as the remorse of what Paul has done for the persecuting of the people of the Church. There are so many other physical ailments, there is really no need to list them all, like I said before I think it was pride.
It all started out when Paul and Barnabus can upon a man in Lystra and Derbe,( Iconium , Lysta and Derbe were like tri city area in the southern part of Galatia, a Lacadonian central area ). But in Lystra, they saw a man with crippled feet and he was on one of those carts and he was staring at Paul and listening to his voice, and very eager to what he had to say, and then there eyes made contact, Paul realized that this man was eager to listen to his preaching, and in a way the man new and thought he could, and wanted to be healed, Paul could sense this. Paul then felt the love and compassion for the man in one of these wooden boards and he just yelled over to the man and said stand upon your feet .And the man slowly got up and stood up and started walking, in all the translations it says leaped or jumped to his feet. But the way I imagined the man has been crippled from birth, he never was able to walk, in my mind I believe he got up in a normal pace and then leaped up or jumped up, Then in the crowd started to treat them as if they were God’s and they were just ordinary men and they tore there clothes and tried to explain that they were just as they were and they continued preaching and they didn’t want to make sacrifices to the bulls in the arena. Paul may have had the experience of the third heaven when He was left for dead in Lystra, the people themselves thought that Paul and Barrabas were gods they even gave them different names, Zeus and Hermes, also known as Jupiter and Mercury, and this is where this large crowd began to form and then the Jews that they just left in Iconim and Antioch provoked them to be stoned, they just escaped from a stoning in Iconim and this is where they left Paul for dead. My reasoning is why they didn’t even touch Barnabus, I guess they all had it in for Paul and this is probably the time period where Paul experienced the third heaven; he might have gone into a deep sleep or died temporarily.
Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe. Acts 14:19-20 NIV
If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am. God, the Father of our Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows I tell the truth. When I was in Damascus, the governor under King Aretas kept guards at the city gates to catch me. But I was lowered in a basket through a window in the city wall, and that's how I got away! 2 Cor 11:30-33 NLT
This will be my third visit to you. "Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses."I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others, since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God's power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God's power we will live with him to serve you.
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection. This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority--the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down. 2Cor. 13:1-10
As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked.
"I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." Acts 9: 3-6 NIV
Paul was traveling on the road heading into Damascus. He was on his way to persecute Christians and to stop any forms of Christianity there. Then came upon him while he was riding his horse a bright light, a light that is brighter than the sun. He fell off his horse and fell to the ground. To make it all plain, the light shone and the voice and picture of Jesus was seen by Paul. At that same time the other men that were with him only heard the voice of Christ. Paul did acknowledge him as Lord at that time. It seemed to be the point of his new life in Christ. He saw and heard him and none of the other men saw Jesus they just saw the great light but they did not hear him. This was an intense conversion experience. Sometimes God does some amazing things to convert you. Many people have been brought to the ground in the same sense like Paul here to be converted. Some conversions are simple and gentle but to me there are many that have unreal testimonies of what happens to them when they accept Christ. Paul and all others had to confess to all sins and surrender there lives to Christ and to obey His Lordship.
Damascus was the capitol of Syria and it is claimed to be one of the world’s oldest cities. It stands about 2300 ft. above sea level it was the foot hills of Mount Hermon and 60 miles east of Sidon and 150 miles NE. of Jerusalem. It was a Mediterranean port city and it is believed to have started as a town in 3000 B.C
And when we all had fallen to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' (Acts 26:14)
During one of the last of Paul’s great speeches he even converted or came close to King Agrippa, and Festus. Paul at that time named Christians, or the way or Christianity “Goads” within himself. Goads is a rod about eight feet long and it had a point on one end of it to control oxen and the other end was blunt, in which they used to clear dirt from the plows. On the other end was sharp, usually metal, made from castings.
Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. Acts.16:6-10
As we know in chapter sixteen Paul and Silas and Timothy were traveling in the area of Phrygia and Galatia because the Holy Spirit told them not to go into the Providence of Asia. We never knew how and it does, but the bible doesn’t explain how and why the Holy Spirit had told them not to go into Asia. But God is always keeping close tabs on Paul, more than anything he is like an instrument for the good news. We never know what directed them to go to Mysia than to Troas as long as you are one with the Lord it is easy to be open to direction and teaching in the lines in other words remaining open. In this whole sermon we are trying to identify the togetherness or as one with the Lord. Between Paul and God or in another way the spirit of Jesus, which could be in other words for The Holy Spirit. We are all one with unity, once we submit to the Lord with pure faith and trust it is easy for our Lord to communicate with us all, so the doors were shut to the providence Bithynia 16-9. So the vision he was given a definite direction upon which way to go .Paul saw an Angel or a man in a vision and saw and heard him tell him to go to Macedonia, in Northern Greece. At this particular point in 16:10 Luke the writer of the Book Of Acts and joined them and they became a party of four men. After seeing the vision that came to him in Trois. So Paul and his friends got up and left sailing from Troas by the way of Samothrace then they arrived in Neapolis the most important port in Eastern Macedonia. Then they traveled inland to a place called Philippi and they went to an open area to pray.
One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. "If you consider me a believer in the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my house." And she persuaded us. Acts 16:14-15NIV
They were received by Lydia, who was a merchant, and her whole household was baptized after she heard the message of Paul. But the fact remains it was a Christian Home. She was a God fearing woman from Thyatria, and in her house was the beginning, I believe, the first Christian Church in Europe
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, "Don't be afraid! Speak out! Don't be silent! For I am with you, and no one will harm you because many people here in this city belong to me." So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God. Acts 18: 9-11NLT
The Lord told Paul that there were many people in Corinth that he could trust. So in Acts 18:9 Paul saw another vision and the Lord told him not to be afraid. During that year and a half Paul did seek out many other Christians Pheobe, Esrastus, Gaius and Stephenas and his household and Fortunatus and Achaidus. These were the first two letters written to the fellow believers in Thessalonica. In these letters he established a hope in Christ, Salvation, suffering as a Christian, to perform loving deeds, to continue to have strong faith in the Lord. After the first letter was written people became lazy waiting for the Lord to come back soon so that is why he wrote the second letter to let them know that they are to continue with there work and devotion and stay away from sin and bad behavior until the second coming of Christ.
"When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance and saw the Lord speaking. 'Quick!' he said to me. 'Leave Jerusalem immediately, because they will not accept your testimony about me.'
" 'Lord,' I replied, 'these men know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you. And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.'
When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance. Acts 22:17 NIV
This time Paul fell into another trance just as before all of this when he was in Jerusalem, totally beaten. If it was not for the Roman Commander they would have killed Paul. As they were taking him up the stairs to lock him up he asked to speak a few words and he did give a great speech and testimony. It seems the hands of God were upon him and he was speaking in there own language which was Aramaic. He shared his testimony and his faith in Christ and he admitted the fact that he was going to Damascus and bring Christians to Jerusalem, but in his speech he mentions being healed by Ananias in Damascus because the Lord came himself and told to go visit Paul and heal him but he was afraid of him but he went anyway . He laid his hands on Paul and healed his blindness and Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit. God is always remaining in contact with Paul as he said he will be my chosen instrument in Acts9-15. He kept in constant contact through all these visions.
But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name's sake." Acts 9:15-16
But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, " Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also." Acts 23-11NASB
Paul was warned not to go to Jerusalem. Paul started to think about his decision but the Lord again was right there with him telling him do not fear. Paul was a prisoner in Jerusalem and he would be a token or “piece of God” in Rome. The chains were a symbol of truth and faith towards all Christianity and as you picture them in your heart you can see that they do glorify God. In all essence it furthers the actions and devotions towards the Minister of Christ. Do not forget in times of troubles and pain and in need for strength Paul was always given the help he needed.
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 an 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.' So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. Acts27:22-25NIV
As the storm was getting more intense on the ship there were orders given to kill all the prisoners but the Centurion had stopped the order and than God again spoke to Paul, telling him nothing will happen to anyone on this ship, all will survive. Paul had to warn them all to stay on the ship. The Roman soldiers were starting to listen to Paul and they stopped everyone plus the sailors trying to escape the ship and everyone escaped the storm and all made it to shore alive. God s promise is faithful and true through the voice and warnings of Paul.
In conclusion we have seen the ways of Paul and all the visions and callings and the spoken word to him, as an instrument to preach the good news, in comparison I have asked you for this thorn in my flesh to leave me also, so I know your grace is sufficient for Paul and it is sufficient for me too. I am not a man like Paul, but I believe that you will heal me, and I know I had to loose the element of self pride, spending all those hours in the gym, when I could have been teaching someone else about your Love and salvation, and to study and to give you more time then I did for all those years, now I realize that I am what I am, and I do accept all things that you have given me with open arms. Please guide me as you did Paul, I need you now more then ever, and my trust is in you. Jesus Please be my doctor, because some doctors help and some don’t, I need you because you are the great physician.
Dear Heavenly Father as we close another week of worship and the teaching of the bread of life, I wish I could say and teach a lot more, but my body s week, and I need your strength, We all need your protection, please heal and help with all the prayers that have been emailed to the church office, please help them all with there different problems, that sometimes I cannot keep up with the responses and prayer, and I am sorry for this, that I cannot reach out to them like I used to, and get to each and every one of them. Please forgive the doctors, and it seems Lord you are the only doctor I have, Pleas heal us all from any problem that exists, please take away any anger and frustration that exists with all our hearts, please guide us and give us the visions, and talk with us, like you did with Paul, we all want to be your chosen instruments, we all need you help, so we can help and edify one another, we love you dear Lord, please give us and the members and friends and families a hedge of protection this upcoming week. Please comfort us when we are a sleep, please help us with all our different jobs, and please be with us every morning as we wake, and cover us with a blessing of protection for the up coming week. We need you Lord, we can’t do anything without you, you are our peace, grace and our joy. Please forgive us of all our sins, and the sins of our other family members, please hold on to us Lord please calm us when we need you, we ask these things in the Powerful Name of Jesus, Amen and Amen.
