A Net in Time

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The Apostles Arrested and Freed, Part Two

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Continuing in this series where the Apostles are arrested and freed, this is part two.  Acts 5:21b-26.   We seen the miracles and the arrest, followed by the get out of jail free card.  We’ve also seen the apostles being obedient to God’s will. Let’s see what happens next eh? 

Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22 But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported, 23 “We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside.” 24 Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to. 25 And someone came and told them, “Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” 26 Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.

The Apostles Arrested and Freed, Part Two Acts5:21b-26 image of raptor

The Apostles Arrested and Freed, Part Two

Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 

This was not a casual get-together.  This was a serious judgment time.  Calling together the high priests, the council, and the senate.   Calling for the apostles in for questioning. 

Can you imagine their surprise?

22 But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported, 23 “We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside.”

SHOCK

I’m betting those guards were scared witless.  Back in the day letting prisoners escape wasn’t exactly met with a slap on the wrist.   But at least the prison doors were securely locked and the guards were still on duty. I’m guessing that might have helped, but I don’t really know.  The prisoners…. GONE.  Can’t you just picture the absolute shock everyone must have been in?

 24 Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to. 

And then to discover that the apostles didn’t run away but were doing the very thing they were locked up for!   Preaching to the people.

25 And someone came and told them, “Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” 

The end result, brought before all the muckety mucks.  Not forcefully, because the police of the day, were afraid of the crowd using force against them. 

26 Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.

So in the end nothing really changed. 

  • The guards probably frightened, but there was proof they did no wrong.
  • Mob control had to be maintained, a quiet “can you come along with us” rather than a forceful dragging along.
  • They ended up standing before the council, high priests, and senate.

What was the point then?

  • Putting the fear of God into the leadership? 
  • Testing the apostles and their determination to preach to the people as God told them to?
  • Showing the Jewish leaders that God is more than?
  • Helping us to see the benefits of obedience? 
  • Showing us the power of God through the preaching of his word.

Hmm… consider this.

The police of the day asked the apostles to come rather than forcefully compelling them to come along. Because they were afraid of the potential voilence from the crowd.  A crowd of people who “were so fully persuaded that a divine power attended the apostles, that they held their persons sacred, and would not have borne any open attack upon them.” (Hub)  Eye-opening I’m guessing for the police force eh? When the head-honchos want a job done… you tend not to mess around.  But here they took their time and played nice. 

So God’s power at work.

God’s power shows up all the time.  

We saw the miracles and works of wonder.

We saw the apostles arrested, jailed, and then walk out freely.

The amazement of the Jewish rulers at the locked jail and empty cells. we’ve seen.

Also seen in the fervour of the crowds with the apostles that the police had to be careful. 

Isn’t it so cool to be aware of the might of God to move in the lives of his people? 

a black and white photo of a prison cell
Photo by Héctor Berganza on Pexels.com

Follow Along

 If you are interested in the rest of the series you will find them here eh?   

Praying for Boldness

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So on biblegateway, Acts 4:23-31 is given the title of Praying for Boldness.  After having reviewed the previous passage I’m wondering why?  The men, Peter and John, had already been bold in how they spoke to the council and answered them.   So let’s give this passage a look see and discern why huh?

Acts 4:23-31

23 When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit,

“‘Why did the Gentiles rage,
    and the peoples plot in vain?
26 The kings of the earth set themselves,
    and the rulers were gathered together,
    against the Lord and against his Anointed’—

27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

mottled shades of light blue and green. Text Praying for Boldness Acts 4:23-31

So Peter and John were told not to say anything and were released by the council. Their first action was to simply return to their friends.  Can’t blame them.  They’d have known that their friends would be worried about them and would need an update. They told their companions what was done and said. 

23 When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 

The response to this report was praise!  God was good. No harm happened to Peter and John.  They were questioned but not beaten.  They were threatened but not imprisoned, they were released. You can’t expect much better eh? 

24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God

Praise for who God is, the futility of those who would work against him, and here we have it.  A prayer for continued boldness on their part! 

Breaking down their Prayer

Recognition of who God is

  • sovereign Lord
  • Creator of heaven and earth and everything in the world
  • one who knows the future

and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit,

“‘Why did the Gentiles rage,
and the peoples plot in vain?
26 The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers were gathered together,
against the Lord and against his Anointed’—

Cause you see, those quoted verses came from Psalm 2 and were spoken by David.  What was true in David’s time remains relevant to the time at hand. The Holy Spirit was David’s guide then. I love how the friends of Peter and John could see the futility of folks plotting against God.  It didn’t work in the past (in David’s time) and it won’t work now.  They have FULL confidence in God in this. 

After all they saw how the city was aligned against Jesus, the leadership as well as the Jews and Gentiles.  And despite all that God’s preordained plans still came to fruition. 

27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.

They come to their ask Praying for Boldness

So now we come to their request of God. God, you see their threats.  They are real. We know your plans will out in the end, but it’s scary.  So let us, your servants, continue to speak your truth boldly.   That as you act and move that we are able to tell folks what is what. 

 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

God heard them.  He made the place they were in shake.  He filled them with the Holy Spirit.  They were emboldened, speaking the truth of God’s word. 

 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

You know what!?!?!   I need to see God more clearly again. To have that strong confidence in him that I know that regardless of what happens it’s going to be okay.  That confidence will let me speak his truth to those around me. Sometimes I wonder what happened to me over the years.  Got to complacent in some ways, wasn’t challenged enough to really live out my faith maybe?

But I live in the now, not the past.  God is working at rebuilding me and that’s a good thing. I can hold to what I know and let him build the rest.

What about YOU?

Do you have a strong confidence in God?   Are you able to be bold in sharing his word?  Can you see clearly how God has worked in the past fulfilling his plans?  Does that help you see the future with him more clearly?  

Follow Along

 If you are interested in the rest of the series you will find them here eh?   

Studies in Malachi

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The theme this week with the Homeschool Review Crew is something old.  I was pondering what this post could be on and then thought… you know what?  The bible is the oldest book and it tells the oldest story. I got to thinking about how as I study through books of the bible I am engaging in “something old”.   The desire to know God more.  My studies in Malachi started on April 28.  I will be finished probably May 26.   

Studies in Malachi

What is Malachi all about

I started my studies listening to Peter Baker.  He summed up the history of Israel before Malachi came on the scene.   You can view my entire playlist should you wish to. 

I love this idea you know.  That discipline starts from a place of love. God demonstrates his love for us. Stating his love for us BEFORE he exercises discipline.  We should be like this with others in our lives don’t you think?

Malachi

I was captured this week by a recurring thought in Malachi 2. How do we honour God?  If we don’t go to church expecting to meet God and just go through the motions… how does that honour God?   If we fail to consider the one that we call our Lord and Saviour throughout the day… how does the honour God?  

We need to consider who God is as we go about our faith duties.  Perhaps duties is the wrong word, but how we live out our faith matters!  In James, we were oft reminded that if we didn’t let our lives be changed by the words we hear we are merely fooling ourselves.  So if God’s word doesn’t cause us to honour him more… what are we really doing?

I don’t want to be seen as offal in the sight of God…the gross bits of cattle, goats and sheep when they were sacrificed to God.  Do you?  I want God to be pleased when he sees me, to know that he makes a difference in my life. I want God to see the respect I offer to him, as insufficient though it be. 

malachi 2

Opinions Abound

Occasionally the comments that made me think caused others to think as well, sometimes with strong opinions.  This one on tithing was one such post.    The point with tithing though is this… doesn’t matter what you give to God.  Other things are much more important.  First, we have to remember it’s all his in the first place.  Second, our giving needs to be done joyfully and generously.  Third, 10% is a basic amount, a good starter for saving for yourself, for encouraging people in ministry and for helping to grow the kingdom of God.  

One of the speakers I was listening to made this statement “Our spouses are like a garment”.  I was fascinated by that idea and almost forgot to listen to the rest of the sermon!  🙂  But it made me think of how some women need to dress the part or their spouses are looked down upon… even if the wife has no part in her husband’s work.   Then I got to thinking about how my hubby doesn’t care about what I wear, if I dress up or down, but how if I dress up, his eyes smile.  Kinda like my eyes smile when I’m wearing something that I particularly like to wear.   Smiles are worth it, even if it causes you to do something you’d rather not.   I keep thinking I might be missing something but for now, isn’t it an interesting thought?

Excellent Sermons

On my second last day of listening to Malachi Sermons I watched this video below.   I loved the message of his sermon.  Malachi is a book of God calling his people back, offering hope instead of wrath. A call to see something deeper, that something more is offered.   Which has people looking forward to the New Testament where Jesus’ birth is the first thing talked about!

Oh…and that depiction of cattle when released from the barn for the first time after winter!  Brings back memories from my childhood of crazy cows and heifers delighting in freedom.   We should delight in the same way!

Have you written a post about something old?  Share it in the linky below!

May 2020

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The Maxwell Leadership Bible

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Today I am reviewing an interesting bible called The Maxwell Leadership Bible.    This bible presents lessons in leadership by John C. Maxwell.  Written in the NKJV, John C Maxwell says “If you want to learn leadership, go to the greatest Book on leadership ever written – the bible.”

About the Author

John C. Maxwell is an internationally recognized leadership expert.   He has written several books.  Mr. Maxwell is the founder of EQUIP and the John Maxwell Company. He mentors Fortune 500 companies, and Christian businesses/leaders worldwide. 

About the book

Every believer is a person of influence. In the Maxwell Leadership Bible, leadership expert John C. Maxwell shows you the principles of leadership taught in God’s Word and how to use them. Whether you are an employee, a boss, a parent, or a neighbor, you are a person of influence in your part of the world. Throughout the pages of Scripture, John Maxwell has assembled the time-tested and irrefutable biblical principles of leadership to equip and encourage leaders with his signature approach, including the 21 Laws of Leadership, the 21 Qualities of a Leader, biographical profiles, and hundreds of notes.

What you Get

The bible I received was a heavy, hard-back bible.  Contained within it’s page you will find these lessons:

  • the 17 laws of teamwork in action
  • 25 ways to win with people
  • 6 strategies for extraordinary leadership
  • three laws of growth
  • 21 qualities of discernment
  • as well as many other lessons

Leadership profiles, both good and poor leadership examples.  There were more examples of Good leadership than poor.

Each book opens up with an introduction to the book including an overview of the leadership lessons contained within. 

Occasionally images would scatter the pages, all with a point of highlighting a leadership principle. 

Frequently, gold highlighted boxes would appear.  These would be smaller lessons that fit well with the text on the pages. 

The NKJV is a good translation of the bible.  Comfort font  is used for the biblical text which is quite easy to read.  The font used to introduce bible books was larger, the font in the explanation boxes smaller, but all of it was easy to read. 

My Thoughts

To be honest, I had never heard of John C Maxwell before I chose to review this bible.   I haven’t read every note or article found within this large study bible, but nothing that I did read set off alarm bells.  🙂  

Just as every focused study bible does, this bible focuses solely on it’s message.  Leadership.  You won’t find behind the scenes stories, settings, or time period maps.  What you will find are copious amounts of leadership examples.  Showing us, for the most part, excellent examples of leadership so that we, the reader, can take heart and learn to be leaders in our spheres of influence. 

I appreciated that Mr. Maxwell, not only showed good examples of leadership, but bad ones too.  Showing us how to work around opposition, what to expect, and what bad leadership looks like.   Being forewarned is good yes?  🙂

disclosure

The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible

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Okay, today I have an illustrated bible story book that I would like to share with you.   The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible is the name, but it’s less of a bible and more of a story book, and that is how I approached it.  It’s always nice to have a wonderfully illustrated story book to help children better understand the mysteries of God isn’t it?  Mr. Juarez has done an excellent job of bringing the 45 stories within these pages to life. 

the spirit of god illustrated bible

From the Cover:

The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible brings to life more than 40 Bible stories that help readers understand that God’s Spirit has been with us since the beginning of time and continues to be with us today. From the glory of creation through the powerful letters of Paul, God’s Spirit is living in his people. Old and New Testament stories such as Adam and Eve, Abraham, Joseph, the Baptism of Jesus, and Pentecost come alive with dramatic illustrations by Fernando Juarez and moving text by Doris Rikkers. This is a special storybook Bible that will appeal to both children and parents alike.

About the Author:

Doris Rikkers is a freelance writer and editor who has written many bestselling children’s books and Bibles. Although she loves the ocean, she lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, surrounded by her books, her flower gardens, and her family and friends.

What you get:

312 pages of bible stories complete with full colour illustrations. I like how every page is illustrated that shows specific aspects of the story presented.  Some of those stories are “the day the Spirit was sad”, “The Spirit helps Amasai Speak Up”, “How will Jesus come?” and “the Spirit Stays”.   Most of the titles have the word Spirit in the name. The focus seems to be more on how the Spirit of God moves, rather than on all three persons of the Trinity. 

Spirit of God Illustrated BibleAren’t the illustrations well done? They aren’t excessively Caucasian, they show the type of clothes worn in the day, and provide good talking points with children.  The type of bottles that would hold oil, or how an angel might look, or even how a baby might be swathed. 

spirit of God illustrated bible
The text is clear and easy to read, meant to be read with a child sitting next to you or in your lap. It is written in simple enough language to that grade 3-5 students should have no real problems reading for themselves aside from some of the Biblical names like Zechariah, Nazareth, and Belshazzar.

Each story is introduced with a bible verse and where it comes from in the bible.  For instance in the story “The Spirit makes Daniel wise” we are told it comes from Daniel 5, the verse Daniel 5:11 is highlighted. Then we are told the story of Daniel and Belshazzar and the writing on the wall.   This story was well done, and many of the rest were as well. 

My Thoughts:

Forty-five stories round out the pages of this illustrated story book, stories that showcase God’s power and presence.  Okay, I have a couple of bones to pick.  I dislike story books being portrayed as bibles, particularly when they similarly sized as a bible. This is a story book, not a bible. The fact that it is a story book is further demonstrated when they change the actual bible story to something that is close, but not quite the same.

God never looked around at the time and said “this is really good.” He said “it is good”.  There’s a difference, he saved the demonstratives for when he made people. It may seem nit-picky, but you have to be nit-picky.  These books tell children about GOD, not some random character with whom you don’t need to do your due diligence.  This is almighty God.   

With all story book bibles, read them with a keen eye for truth, and help your children understand God’s word. Be aware that this illustrated bible story book focuses on the work of the Spirit….and sometimes stretches at point a bit. Overall a nice story book that introduces 29 Old Testament stories and 16 New Testament ones. I loved the fact that not just the familiar stories were used, but some not as familiar as well such as Azariah and Jahaziel. I don’t ever recall reading about in another story bible for children. It’s good to learn these unfamiliar tales as well isn’t it?   Help children see God in action through his people. 

Overall, this is a good story book with bible stories, read them, read the bible too, and help your children grow in the knowledge and fear of the Lord. 

the spirit of God illustrated bible

The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible
Doris Wynbeek Rikkers, author
Fernando Juarez, illustrator
Zonderkidz
312 pages, hardcover, illustrated bible story book

Elementary, faith, biblical
View a sample.
Reviewed for: FlyBy Promotions.

 

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller/FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Review: The Woman’s Study Bible

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Imagine a study bible, meant for women, edited by women.  Would that intrigue you?  Now imagine that this Woman’s Study Bible is a beautiful bible, hardcover done in a beautiful floral pattern.  Would that bible be encouraging to you to receive God’s truth for transformation, hope and balance?  Thomas Nelson as produced a lovely hardcover NIV Woman’s Study Bible,to encourage women to spend time in God’s word.  Stories about women, for women, with notes and quotes to encourage. 

review of the the NIV woman's study bible.

What do you get?

The NIV, The Woman’s Study Bible has everything you look for in a good study bible. Book notes that tell you about each book, it’s themes, author, date, outline and so forth.  I found this bible to be a sturdy hardcover.  It was easy to read, and the standard complement of maps were in full colour as easily used.  The bible itself is done with colour throughout.  

It was interesting to read the variety of quotes found throughout the pages.  Study notes lined the bottom of the pages, bringing deeper understanding to the text. 

The bible is sturdy and the font size is readable. It is very easy to read and the maps are beautifully illustrated. The use of full colour throughout makes this bible enjoyable to navigate.

Scattered throughout the bible were small essays that were interesting to read, and seemed spot on.  Mind I didn’t read all of them, but the many that I read didn’t raise any alarm bells for me. 

My Thoughts:

Oh…this is such a pretty bible, and the quotes are great.  I really appreciated the front section of the bible where women could list their spiritual mentors.  Isn’t that a neat thing to have?  To think on and have yourself reminded by?  But one doesn’t live on prettiness, quotes and other people.  One lives on God’s word explained.  The numerous essays and articles, and the extensive indexes help women to dig deeply into God’s word.   That makes this a good, useful bible.  The pretty aspects just are great bonuses.  🙂

The Woman's Study Bible (NIV)
Thomas Nelson
Hardcover
Woman, Study Bible,
Reviewed for: BookLookBloggers. 

Where can you find: Amazon Link.

Other bibles I have reviewed:

Unapologetic Bible.
Study bible for kids.
My Jesus Bible.
Revolution Bible.
Readers Bible. 
Visual Study Bible. 
Jesus Storybook Bible.

Review: NKJV Unapologetic Study Bible

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When I received the NKJV Unaplogetic Study Bible I said to my hubby, “Wow, isn’t this a beautiful bible?”   It’s simply is a beautiful bible, not only the cover, but how it is designed to help people know God better.   Isn’t that the point of a study bible?  To help people know God more?  The goal of this bible is to inspire Christ-like thought, belief, speech and action.  

The NKJV Unapologetic Study Bible, a great resource to help you think through current issues in the church.

This red-letter bible has a number of various useful features, the predominant feature being the various notes found within the pages.  Most Study Bibles that I have used with have historical background, and explanatory text on the bottom half of the page.  The NKJV Unapologetic Study Bible takes a somewhat different approach.   They use notes and articles found from the Kairos Journal to deepen the understanding of the bible.   These historical to present day articles delve into topics in a way that a normal study bible cannot. 

This means that when you are reading the bible, you are predominately READING the bible, and not a bunch of helpful little notes at the bottom of each page.  This bible is not the same as most study bibles. You need to understand the study bible wants to help you think through issues that we need to consider now-a-days, and does this through the use of well written articles, interspersed throughout the pages.  Sample article pages from NKJV Unapologetic Study Bible.

These articles are divided into 8 categories: Church, corruption, Economics, Education, Family, Government, Sanctity of Life and Virtue. Each section is colour coded.  A image like the one below is found on the opening page of each book.  A white star in the block under each type of article you can find showing you if an article is found in that book of the bible.  The articles found come from biblical, historical, Quotations/Writings and Commentary. catefories used in NKJV unapologetic Study bible

Each book of the bible has an introductory page, on which the book is introduced. The background, content, insight, and a brief outline is given. A central verse is highlighted.   As you could see from the image below, 2 Chronicles has 6 articles placed in it. 

chapter introduction of NKJV unapologetic Study bible

The articles included vary in length, most are one page long but some go a bit longer. You can find the articles referenced at the end of the bible. I did not read every article presented, but the ones I did were well-written and thought-provoking. I did not find anything that set off any alarm bells. You will find over 200 articles, 70 historical quotations and 50 profiles of historical figures. There are two indexes: canonical and topical. 

My Thoughts:

This is a bible for pastors and individuals who want to deepen their understanding of God’s word and his standard for living.  The articles presented are biblical and further the understanding of who God is and his call upon our lives.  I was delighted to be introduced to the Kairos Journal and wish I were a pastor so I could fully utilize it. 🙂  Some of the articles on this site are public, so I urge you to visit it, if only to get your brain thinking on various topics. 🙂   Would I use this bible?  It’s a hard one to answer.  If I wanted a hard copy of a bible, this would be one I would use.  I liked the articles I read.  I didn’t find them detracting or distracting God’s word, but rather giving me insight which helped me think more deeply. I love my online bible though… and would be hard pressed to give it up.  🙂  This NKJV Bible though… it’s a good one and worth keeping. 

picture of cover NKJV unapologetic study bible 
NKJV Unapologetic Study Bible
   Confidence for such a time as this
Thomas Nelson
Hardcover, Fly-Overleaf, Study Bible
bible, study, kairos journal
Reviewed for: BookLookBloggers.

Where to find: Amazon Link.