touchedbygodchurch.com

Book of Acts

with comments by Pastor Jess Foglesong

Info and Prologue

Dec. 10, 2018

Acts 1: 1 --3

The Book of Acts does not specifically identify its author. From Luke 1:1-4 and Acts 1:1-3, it is clear that the same author wrote both Luke and Acts. The tradition from the earliest days of the church has been that Luke, a companion of the apostle Paul, wrote both Luke and Acts (Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:11).

Both Luke and Acts were letters to Theophilus. Luke indeed wrote the book of Acts. What is amazing about the book of Acts is that it acts as a sequel to his Gospel.

Date of Writing: The Book of Acts was likely written between 61-64 A.D.

The Book of Acts was written to provide a history of the early church. The emphasis of the book is the importance of the day of Pentecost and being empowered to be effective witnesses for Jesus Christ. Acts records the apostles being Christ's witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the rest of the surrounding world. The book sheds light on the gift of the Holy Spirit, who empowers, guides, teaches, and serves as our Counselor. Reading the book of Acts, we are enlightened and encouraged by the many miracles that were being performed during this time by the disciples Peter, John, and Paul. The book of Acts emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s Word and the transformation that occurs as a result of knowing Christ. There are also many references to those that rejected the truth that the disciples preached about the Lord Jesus Christ. The lust for power, greed, and many other vices of the devil are evidenced in the book of Acts.

Acts: Prologue

1 The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 until the day in which [a]He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many [b]infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

.... And so Luke writes in these first few verses of why Jesus was sent by his Father. that is, to disclose who he was by doing and to teach and prepare a lost people of the new kingdom. That his Holy Spirit would present to the Apostles instructions and commandments in order for them to carry on his teachings and his Word. He appeared and prayed with them for forty days, as they became witnesses of God's grace and wisdom. (Pastor Jess)

The Holy Spirit Promised

Dec. 11, 2018

Acts 1: 4 - 8

4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be [c]witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

In these verses, Jesus assures the Apostles that soon the Holy Spirit will come upon them and give them the knowledge and inspiration they will need to take with them into the Land as witnesses that The Christ Jesus, of whom is an extension (or part) of The Father in heaven has come and departed. Further more, Jesus imposed upon them that restoring the kingdom of Israel is not for them to know at this time, ... as 'we' at this present time understand that the Kingdom is indeed The Christ Himself ... as the entire nation of Israel has come into one man -- the Messiah! (Pastor J)

Jesus Ascends to Heaven

Dec. 12, 2018

Acts 1: 9 - 11

9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

..... And so the Apostles watched in astonishment as Jesus slowly rose triumphantly into the clouds, and in bewilderment, they saw two angels (in the image of men) near them, and heard them say "Men of Galilee" ... They assured them that this Jesus has risen and will indeed return at the end of this age. And as believers, we are guaranteed because we too died in Him (in Christ), and therefore will not die, but rise as Jesus did -- to meet Him in the clouds, at His return. Amen! (Pastor Jess)

Dec. 13, 2018

Acts 1: 12 -- 14; Pastor Jess Foglesong:
We are focusing on The Book of Acts ... and will in the next few weeks!: We are on verses 12 -- 14 ...

The Upper Room Prayer Meeting
12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey. 13 And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. 14 These all continued with one [d]accord in prayer [e]and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

..... As directed by the two angels, the Apostles hurried to Jerusalem to the upper room and there along with the women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers ... They sat in silence, in shocked, but amazed of what had just happened. They stared at each other not knowing what to say ... Their leader, their high Priest, their brother, their friend, their messiah had left to a higher realm. And soon Peter stepped forward and expounded what must be done. That they shall be witnesses to the Christ Jesus in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. And with that they all began to gathered together to decide whom would be the 12th disciple. (Pastor Jess)

Dec. 14, 2018

Pastor Jess Foglesong: Daily Bible Study:
We are looking at the Book of Acts; today at verses

Acts 1: 15 through 26:

Matthias Chosen
15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the [f]disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said, 16 “Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; 17 for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.”

18 (Now this man purchased a field with the [g]wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his [h]entrails gushed out. 19 And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.)

20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms:

‘Let his dwelling place be [i]desolate,
And let no one live in it’;

and,

‘Let another take his [j]office.’

21 “Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”

23 And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen 25 to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.” 26 And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

........ The Apostles were together in a room and Peter spoke of Judas who betrayed Jesus; but guilt overcame him and therefore with the amount that was given to him purchased a lot of land, and there he brought the end to his evil accomplice, in death. And with that said the group needed to find among them the 12th disciple, and prayed in asking the Holy Spirit for guidance. Two were chosen: Joseph and Matthias, and the Holy Spirit, after they cast their lots, the favor came upon Matthias ... To fulfill as the representative as the twelfth apostle. ..... We must take in to mind that Jesus chose the 12 as a complete number covering the entire tribe of Israel, which in turn (presently) also covering the multitude of believers, becoming the Messiah that took all of what they were, as a fragmented nation, into himself as the savior and kinsmen redeemer, to stand and plead their's and our case before the father in heaven. (Pastor Jess)

Dec. 15, 2018
Pastor Jess Foglesong
Daily and Ongoing look at The Book of Acts; today,
Acts 2:2-4

Coming of the Holy Spirit
2 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all [a]with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them [b]divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

......... Can you imagine what they felt and saw: the Spirit of God entering their house and room, as if a windstorm or (as we today shudder at the power) of a Tornado. But know that this was indeed the Holy Spirit; and it permeated and penetrated their minds and soul with knowledge and information; and allowed the Apostles to speak and utter in many languages ... Enabling them to start their journey of truth, and to witness for their (Our) leader and savior -- The Christ Jesus of Nazareth ... Now sitting at the right side of His Father in heaven. Such an amazing event --- Pentecost! (Pastor Jess)

Acts 2: 5 to 13: Dec. 16, 2018
On our daily look at the Book of Acts
Pastor Jess Foglesong

The Crowd’s Response
5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each in our own [c]language in which we were born? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and [d]Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” 12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?”

13 Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.”

........... The miracle of the Holy Spirit came upon the men; in many languages they spoke but the Spirit translated their language into understandable sentences and phrases ... amazing as it was. We know, In the present day technology it is readily available through our "devices" to be able to understand the language a foreigner speaks. The day of Pentecost was an illustration of the future times (indeed of today's technology). But the crowd, hearing the chaos, did not immediately realize the miracle of the special event put on be God's Holy Spirit that one day we will all communication with each other as one family of believers ..... They simply took it as just a bunch of men in a drunken celebration. But Peter soon stepped forward ..... (Pastor Jess)

Acts 2: 14 - 38;
We are walking through Luke's Book of Acts
Dec. 17, 2018; Pastor Jess Foglesong

Peter’s Sermon
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only [e]the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,
That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your young men shall see visions,
Your old men shall dream dreams.
18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days;
And they shall prophesy.
19 I will show wonders in heaven above
And signs in the earth beneath:
Blood and fire and vapor of smoke.
20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
And the moon into blood,
Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.
21 And it shall come to pass
That whoever calls on the name of the Lord
Shall be saved.’

22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know— 23 Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you [f]have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; 24 whom God raised up, having [g]loosed the [h]pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. 25 For David says concerning Him:

‘I foresaw the Lord always before my face,
For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken.
26 Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad;
Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope.
27 For You will not leave my soul in Hades,
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
28 You have made known to me the ways of life;
You will make me full of joy in Your presence.’

29 “Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, [i]according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, 31 he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. 33 Therefore being exalted [j]to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.

34 “For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself:

‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at My right hand,
35 Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” ’

36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the [k]remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

.........And the Apostle Peter spoke to the crowd , assuring them that the men were not drunk, but instead infused by the Holy Spirit. He enumerated the writings of Joel and David of the coming of a Kingdom of believers through a messenger from God, even a Messiah, who was crucified and put to death, but that death could not hold him, as he was raised be His Father, the All-Mighty God of the universe, to bring everlasting life to all who accepted his gift. And with that, the people asked what shall they do to receive the promise of God's grace? Peter answered that all must repent (that is to stop and turn toward God, and never look back); and to be baptized in the name of the Christ Jesus for the emission of sins. Do this and all will receive the Holy Spirit of God. I say ... that indeed is Good News! (Pastor Jess)

Acts 2: 40 -- 47, Dec.18, 2018
We have been looking at Luke's Book of Acts
Pastor Jess Foglesong

A Vital Church Grows
40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this [l]perverse generation.” 41 Then those who [m]gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ [n]doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and [o]sold their possessions and goods, and divided[p] them among all, as anyone had need.

46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added [q]to the church daily those who were being saved.

....... And so the Church began there that day and it grew and grew, Many were saved on the first day and the days afterwards. The Apostles received the promised instructions and from then on took to the streets of Jerusalem and performed many miracles and wonders, and amazed many and with that changed their lives into worshiping the sacrificial death, resurrection and ascension of their messiah, the Christ Jesus of Nazareth. Amen! (Pastor Jess)

Acts 3: 3 to 10
We are daily, looking at Luke's Book of Acts:
Dec. 19, 2018; Pastor Jess Foglesong

A Lame Man Healed
3 Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to [a]ask alms from those who entered the temple; 3 who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. 4 And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” 5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” 7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8 So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God. 10 Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

.......... As we know Peter and John, along with the other apostles received certain powers by the Holy Spirit. And so as the days went by after the Pentecost event, Peter and John visited the Temple at the beautiful Gate. But ran into a lame man on the steps of the entrance. He was placed there daily to beg for money. He did the same to the two apostles. Peter answered that they did not have any silver or gold, but that he had something much better. Peter took his right hand and raised him up and said, "rise up and walk, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth." ... The lame man rose up and was able to walk and even leap with glee.

In this passage we must look at the larger picture: The lame man becomes the multitude of earthly believers (you and me) asking for assistance at the gate of the Kingdom of God, and indeed receiving new life from a representative of God, through the Son, Christ Jesus. We as children of God are given a chance to choose life or death, to accept the gift of life through Christ's sacrificial death. After being healed by Peter, he was invited into the temple ... Just as we (as believers) will be invited and escorted into the beautiful gates of heaven to eternal life with angels ... Amen! (Pastor Jess Foglesong)

Acts 3: 11 -- 26
On our daily look at Luke's Book of Acts
Dec. 20, 2018; Pastor Jess Foglesong

Preaching in Solomon’s Portico
11 Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed. 12 So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. 14 But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and killed the [b]Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. 16 And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

17 “Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, 20 and that He may send [c]Jesus Christ, who was [d]preached to you before, 21 whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since [e]the world began. 22 For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. 23 And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ 24 Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also [f]foretold these days. 25 You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ 26 To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.”

........ Indeed, Peter was blunt with those that followed them in after the lame man was healed; saying it was not them that transformed this man into normal status. That the power came from the God of the universe through the sacrificial death and resurrection of His son, The Christ Jesus of Nazareth. Understand that this is a prophecy of where human kind (you and me) is today: We are indeed lost people needing to be healed (illustrated by the healing of the lame man). Peter reminded the folks that God promised that Abraham's seed, that all the families of the earth shall be blessed! But only by the one: the High Priest of the Temple, the Messiah, His Servant, Jesus the Christ. So by enter the gates into Solomon's Portico, they (as you and I will at the moment of our transformation) have put themselves under the protection and representation of the Kinsman Redeemer! Amen! (Pastor Jess Foglesong)

Acts 4: 1--4; We have been looking at Luke's
Book of Acts, New Testament
Dec. 21, 2018; Pastor Jess Foglesong

Peter and John Arrested
4 Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, 2 being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. 4 However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

............. So after Peter and John preached to the people at the Portico of the Temple many became believers in the gospel of Jesus Christ; but the Leaders of the political class of the Sanhedrin, the Sadducees interfered and opposed their teachings, and arrested them that day. So as we look at this scene we are reminded that "evil" -- Satan -- continues to be present today, even after being defeated at the Cross by the death and resurrection of Jesus. But between then and His second coming, Satan have free reign to influence the multitude (you and me); and will try to stop our progress into accepting God's gift of ever-lasting life through the Christ Jesus. We must always beware of the evils that surround us ...... Staying focus, with help from God's amazing Grace! Amen! (Pastor Jess Foglesong)

Acts 4: 1--4; We have been looking at Luke's
Book of Acts, New Testament
Dec. 21, 2018; Pastor Jess Foglesong

Acts 4: 5 -- 12; Our daily look a the Book of Acts
Dec. 22, 2018; Pastor Jess Foglesong

Peter Addressing the Sanhedrin
5 And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, 6 as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?”

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

............. Peter was filled by the Holy Spirit, and speaking as the Holy Spirit, expounded to the Sanhedrin -- including the High Priest, Annas -- that the lame man was indeed healed by the power of the Christ Jesus, of whom was crucified by them, but was raised by the Father in heaven. And that only through this Jesus can anyone be cleansed and made whole again (just as the lame man was made whole again). That they had reject the 'stone' needed to build the true Temple of God, that cornerstone has become the true Rock that will hold up the true church of followers of The Christ of God -- even, Jesus Christ of Nazareth! (Amen! Pastor Jess Foglesong)

Acts 4: 13 -- 22; Our daily look at the Book of Acts:
Dec. 23, 2018, with Pastor Jess Foglesong:

The Name of Jesus Forbidden
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a [a]notable miracle has been done through them is evident[b] to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.”

18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. 22 For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

............ In their minds, they knew that a miracle was performed by Peter and John, and the Sanhedrin could not deny it, as the people saw with their own eyes. Even though the two men were not educated in the dealings of their religion, they somehow knew what they were saying, Therefore in the end, was allowed to go free to preach about the man, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. We can relate to this matter today, as Christians all over the world speak of the Christ Jesus, but are rebuked by the power of the anti-Christ. In many countries, Christians are tortured and even killed for their belief in the knowledge of a Messiah. And because of the direct performance of giving the lame man his dignity and life, seen as a miracle, the apostles were allow to continue on their way. But today, miracles are difficult to come by, and in turn it is only the Faith in a God-man who touched our hearts and soul over two thousand years ago, is our only evidence in our defense. Certainly not enough, in the face of Evil. Many have and will be cut down, just as Jesus himself was mocked, whipped, scorned, and even died on a wooden cross. But the "Good News" is that we know that Jesus rose again, denying death. And we also know that by believing in Him, we too will rise, in victory -- in the name of The Christ Jesus of Nazareth! Amen! (Pastor Jess Foglesong)

Acts 4: 23 - 31: Our daily look at Book of Acts
Dec. 24, 2018; Pastor Jess Foglesong
Christmas eve: Merry Christmas!

Prayer for Boldness
23 And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, 25 who [c]by the mouth of Your servant David have said:

‘Why did the nations rage,
And the people plot vain things?
26 The kings of the earth took their stand,
And the rulers were gathered together
Against the Lord and against His Christ.’

27 “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. 29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”

31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

.......... And it is the Holy Spirit that came upon them (as it will come upon you today) and gave them a new Bold attitude to proclaim The Word of God that day and every day through their ministry as followers of Jesus Christ. The Apostles had been born with a new and better vision of The Kingdom of God, as described by the Christ Jesus. We too, here today, upon reaching out to the same Holy Spirit, in accepting the gift of eternal life through the Son of God, the Christ Jesus of Nazareth. We too will be like the Apostles; our eyes will be open in smelling the roses, and seeing a new dawn of God's immense Grace -- for all who believe in the Gospel of the Good News ... in Jesus Christ! Amen! (Pastor Jess Foglesong)

Acts 4: 32 - 37: Our daily look at the Book of Acts
Dec. 25, 2018; Pastor Jess Foglesong
Merry Christmas All and God Bless!

Sharing in All Things
32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. 34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

36 And [d]Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of [e]Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

............Just as in heaven, we are all one heart and one soul; after the Holy Spirit touched the apostles and instructions were given to all, there came a time when the multitude were as one and indeed sold all they owned and brought the proceeds to the apostles, where all goods was shared in good tidings as each needed. Know that this is a reflection of the Kingdom of God where life is a Happy Place under the Father, God's care. All is provided and shared throughout the heavenly Kingdom of angels and born again human beings of whom given a new nature at a higher realm ... inseparable in marriage with the God of the universe, through His Son, The Christ Jesus of Nazareth! Amen! (Pastor Jess Foglesong)

Acts 5: 5 - 11; Our daily look at the Book of Acts
Dec, 26, 2018; with Pastor Jess Foglesong

Lying to the Holy Spirit
5 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. 6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.

7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?”

She said, “Yes, for so much.”

9 Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. 11 So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.

............. So Ananias and his wife Sapphira, kept part of the sale of their land, thinking that the apostles and Peter would not know. But since Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit, it told him that they committed Blasphemy ... And in that moment, on that day, they both was separated from the rest and separated from God. Which is what happens to us today, if we don't accept the Gospel of Christ Jesus, of Nazareth. God's grace has left us with his counselor (the Holy Spirit) in a gesture of good will, giving us (you and me) a choice to join Him in His New Kingdom. He ask us to leave everything we own and not look back, because there is nothing on this earth that you will need in heaven; God will provide everything. And if you choose not to accept His gift of everlasting life, you have separated yourself from the power and grace of God. You will die; that is be separated from God's Happy Life forever! Amen! (Pastor Jess Foglesong)✝️

Acts 5: 5 - 11; Our daily look at the Book of Acts
Dec, 26, 2018; with Pastor Jess Foglesong

7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?”

She said, “Yes, for so much.”

Acts 5: 17 - 32; We are daily looking at Luke's
Book of Acts with Pastor Jess Foglesong
Dec. 28, 2018

Acts 5 Imprisoned Apostles Freed
17 Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with [a]indignation, 18 and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. 19 But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 20 “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.”

21 And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest and those with him came and called the [b]council together, with all the [c]elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

Apostles on Trial Again
22 But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported, 23 saying, “Indeed we found the prison shut securely, and the guards standing [d]outside before the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside!” 24 Now when [e]the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be. 25 So one came and told them, [f]saying, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!”

26 Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. 27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, 28 saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”

29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. 31 Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

................. How powerful are these verses! The High Priest and the Sadducees representing evil (symbolically) are astounded as to how the apostles escaped without being seen. They are bewildered at what was happening in front of their eyes. And the answer is simply with Peter and the apostles: that they only obey God rather than men. That the God of the universe sent Jesus, in becoming a Christ-child, and growing up to take his place as the Messiah, to be the sacrificial lamb; to pay the ransom, in-order to free the innocent people of the world (those who believe, and with faith). And that he has been raised to sit on the right side of the Father in heaven. And in doing that has left the Holy Spirit to guide the chosen apostles to be witnesses of the presence of the Christ Jesus here on earth. And to allow the witnesses to teach the multitude about God's grace and gospel of Christ. The apostles (illustrating our faith and devotion to God in today's world) became servants of God, through his counselor, the Holy Spirit. Amen! (Pastor Jess Foglesong)

Acts 5: 33 - 42: Our daily look at
The Book of Acts with Pastor Jess Foglesong
Dec. 29, 2018

Acts 5: Gamaliel’s Advice
33 When they heard this, they were furious[g] and plotted to kill them. 34 Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them: “Men of Israel, [h]take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. 36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, [i]joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. 38 And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; 39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”

40 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for [j]His name. 42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

............. And the lesson here is -- as explained by the Pharisee, Gamaliel, that what God ordains to be or to do cannot be stopped or undone. That nothing in the universe can go against the will of God. That many have risen to popularity with many followers and failed; many perished. But Gamaliel sense that these men, the apostles were different and even perhaps genuine. And so he warned the council to be patient and let the men go; but ask them to cease speaking of the MAN, Jesus as the Christ. And again in relating to life today: There will be opposition to you and me as faithful Christians to preach where ever we want. Here in the USA, and in most Cities it does go against community policies. They call it "Separation of Church and State." They will tell you to keep your preaching or praying at home or at church. God indeed have taken notice and has stepped in, in bringing focus on trying to solve the onslaught of Satan, influencing the populous here in America and in other nations. Amen! (Pastor Jess Foglesong)

Acts 6: 1 - 7; Daily look at Luke's
Book of Acts with Pastor Jess Foglesong
Dec. 30, 2018

Acts 6, Seven Chosen to Serve
6 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists,[a] because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.

7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

.......... The Word of God through Holy Spirit about The Gospel of the Christ Jesus spread mightily throughout Jerusalem. And Apostles were aware of the constant faith that was needed to keep the accumulation of disciples and therefore, through a consensus, that they would choose 7 faithful and wise disciples to care for the Greek speaking widows, of whom complained of being neglected. The apostles goal was to preach the message of the Gospel throughout the local region and did not want to take a chance of sparing even a moment away from the word of God to serve tables. A plan had to be drawn and they chose the 7. Amen! (Pastor Jess Foglesong)

Acts 6: 8 - 15; Our daily look at the
Luke's Book of Acts; with Pastor Jess Foglesong
Dec. 31, 2018

Acts 6: Stephen Accused of Blasphemy
8 And Stephen, full of [b]faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. 10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. 11 Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. 13 They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak [c]blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” 15 And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.

............. Evil (Satan) had infiltrated the Synagogue and the men from the regions. So deep was their hate for the intrusion of the Christians that they enticed the others to question everything about Jesus of Nazareth, including bring in false witnesses to solidify the accusations. In today's world it is a common practice for non-Christians to be mocked and harassed on a daily basis. The word of God has been challenged 2000 years ago, and today. Steven was accused of blasphemy against the Law of Moses and the reigning religious system. But all they saw was a wise individual, who seem to have knowledge like an angel of God. But the wings of the prince of darkness was lurking in the halls of the Synagogue. Amen! (Pastor Jess Foglesong)

Acts 7: 2 - 8: Jan. 1, 2019, Our daily look at the
Book of Acts with Pastor Jess Foglsong;

Acts 7: Stephen’s Address: The Call of Abraham
2 And he said, “Brethren and fathers, listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran, 3 and said to him, ‘Get out of your country and from your relatives, and come to a land that I will show you.’ 4 Then he came out of the land of the Chaldeans and dwelt in Haran. And from there, when his father was dead, He moved him to this land in which you now dwell. 5 And God gave him no inheritance in it, not even enough to set his foot on. But even when Abraham had no child, He promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his descendants after him. 6 But God spoke in this way: that his descendants would dwell in a foreign land, and that they would bring them into bondage and oppress them four hundred years. 7 ‘And the nation to whom they will be in bondage I will judge,’ said God, ‘and after that they shall come out and serve Me in this place.’ 8 Then He gave him the covenant of circumcision; and so Abraham begot Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot the twelve patriarchs.

............ It always amazes me to read in certain passages of how God reveals future events. No other being in the universe is able to know the future. Only the amazing power and wisdom of our Father in heaven, having this ability. And so Stephen reminds the Sanhedrin of the story of Abraham's journey and predicament. That their entire nation would be enslaved for 400 years; but through a 'type of savior' (in Moses) would in turn emerge from bondage to return to the land of promise. The nation of Egypt would eventually fall into ruins in time. And from our eyes today, we see that many nations in the world has indeed fallen into ruins for adopting a policy of killing the innocent and enslaving their own people as well as those they have conquered. Romans, Greeks, Mayans, Aztecs, Hawaiians, and many more have in many cases -- abruptly went extinct. The council seem to be in awe of Stephen's knowledge, but the influence of Satan was overwhelming, in their blindness to the 'truth' of God's word and gospel of the chosen ONE -- in Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Stephen's faith was solid! Amen! (Pastor Jess Foglesong)

Acts 7: 9 - 16; Jan. 2, 2019: Our daily look at Luke's
Book of Acts with Pastor Jess Foglsong

Acts 7: The Patriarchs in Egypt
9 “And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him 10 and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. 11 Now a famine and great [a]trouble came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers found no sustenance. 12 But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first. 13 And the second time Joseph was made known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family became known to the Pharaoh. 14 Then Joseph sent and called his father Jacob and all his relatives to him, [b]seventy-five people. 15 So Jacob went down to Egypt; and he died, he and our fathers. 16 And they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham bought for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem.

.............And Stephen told the story of the forefathers when they were saved from the famine that struck the land between Egypt and Canaan. He told the council that it was Joseph, who was left in the desert and then taken to Egypt and sold to the Pharaoh, but in time became a trusted man of wisdom and was given the title of governor of all of Egypt. And Stephen reminded the council of the forefathers through Jacob were saved by Joseph, and that their entire clan was invited to Egypt where there was grain for all. And there they lived for 400 years. Until a another was chosen by God, and came to being and led the people of Israel (Jacob's name was changed by God) to the Promised Land, where they stayed for generations. And so Stephen continued expounding the history and foundation of the nation of Israel, meticulously. Amen! (Pastor Jess Foglesong)

Acts 7: 17 - 36: Jan. 3, 2019, Our daily look at the
Book of Acts with Pastor Jess Foglsong;

Acts 7: God Delivers Israel by Moses
17 “But when the time of the promise drew near which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt 18 till another king arose who did not know Joseph. 19 This man dealt treacherously with our people, and oppressed our forefathers, making them expose their babies, so that they might not live. 20 At this time Moses was born, and was well pleasing to God; and he was brought up in his father’s house for three months. 21 But when he was set out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him away and brought him up as her own son. 22 And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and deeds.

23 “Now when he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel. 24 And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended and avenged him who was oppressed, and struck down the Egyptian. 25 For he supposed that his brethren would have understood that God would deliver them by his hand, but they did not understand. 26 And the next day he appeared to two of them as they were fighting, and tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brethren; why do you wrong one another?’ 27 But he who did his neighbor wrong pushed him away, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? 28 Do you want to kill me as you did the Egyptian yesterday?’ 29 Then, at this saying, Moses fled and became a dweller in the land of Midian, where he had two sons.

30 “And when forty years had passed, an Angel [c]of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire in a bush, in the wilderness of Mount Sinai. 31 When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight; and as he drew near to observe, the voice of the Lord came to him, 32 saying, ‘I am the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ And Moses trembled and dared not look. 33 ‘Then the Lord said to him, “Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. 34 I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt; I have heard their groaning and have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.” ’

35 “This Moses whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’ is the one God sent to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the Angel who appeared to him in the bush. 36 He brought them out, after he had shown wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red Sea, and in the wilderness forty years.

................ So as Stephen continued his summary of the beginnings of how Israel came to being and favored by the God of the universe; the people of the council listened in amazement of the passion of this disciple of Jesus! Whether Stephen knew it or not, he was in the fight for his life ... among a crowd of disbelievers, no doubt influenced by the Prince of Darkness himself! The story he told was the history of a people favored by God in using men not worthy of being deliverers (Joseph and Moses), although lived centuries apart, was chosen to live within the Pharaoh's elite circle, and later freeing and giving new life for their people -- the nation of Israel. Stephen expounded to the Sanhedrin council of the importance of seeing the progression of "Saviors" that God placed at precisely the right time, in order for the nation to exist; that in the future, a "true Savior" could emerge as -- The Messiah! Stephen had a definite purpose for his extended exhortation to the council and to those who wanted to kill him. He sensed that Satan was near, urging the crowd to kill him. Amen! (Pastor Jess Foglesong)

Acts 7: 37 - 43 - : Jan. 4, 2019, Our daily look at the
Book of Acts with Pastor Jess Foglesong;

Acts 7: Israel Rebels Against God
37 “This is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him[d] you shall hear.’'

38 “This is he who was in the [e]congregation in the wilderness with the Angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, the one who received the living oracles[f] to give to us, 39 whom our fathers would not obey, but rejected. And in their hearts they turned back to Egypt, 40 saying to Aaron, ‘Make us gods to go before us; as for this Moses who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’ 41 And they made a calf in those days, offered sacrifices to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. 42 Then God turned and gave them up to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the Prophets:

‘Did you offer Me slaughtered animals and sacrifices during forty years in the wilderness,
O house of Israel?
43 You also took up the tabernacle of Moloch,
And the star of your god Remphan,
Images which you made to worship;
And I will carry you away beyond Babylon.’'

.............. And so Disciple Stephen continued with his speech to the council in describing the long road, from God's message to Abraham in Mesopotamia to the long road and journey across the desolate Sinai Desert. He spoke of the rebellion by the people in coming out of Egypt where even though they were enslaved, at least they had food. And he described how impatient they were by creating an Idol of a Calf to worship. But God saw what was happening and condemned the tribe of Israel that day; as we'll see: A savior, in Moses, spoke for Israel and defended their innocence and foolishness, and persuaded God to scribe another (a second) 10 Commandments. But indeed the Ruler of the Universe, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob at the point where Israel turned away from HIM, likewise: turned away from them. The influence of Satan came upon the people and God saw that and HE turn away from "him." Amen! (Pastor Jess Foglesong)

Acts 7: 44 - 53, Jan. 5, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
Book of Acts with Pastor Jess Foglesong;

God’s True Tabernacle
44 “Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as He appointed, instructing Moses to make it according to the pattern that he had seen, 45 which our fathers, having received it in turn, also brought with Joshua into the land possessed by the Gentiles, whom God drove out before the face of our fathers until the days of David, 46 who found favor before God and asked to find a dwelling for the God of Jacob. 47 But Solomon built Him a house.

48 “However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says:

49 ‘Heaven is My throne,
And earth is My footstool.
What house will you build for Me? says the Lord,
Or what is the place of My rest?
50 Has My hand not made all these things?’

Israel Resists the Holy Spirit
51 “You stiff-necked[g] and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, 53 who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it.”

.............. Stephen's testimonial was thorough and true as the Sanhedrin Council listened intently about the Children of Israel and how they were guided by God the Father and His angels of Mercy. But many times their arrogance (fueled by Satan's influence) and stubbornness put a wall between God's generosity and their needs and wants. But through Moses and Joshua's faith in defending the people, God stayed with them in eventually bringing forth a redeemer and savior. Not withstanding the disbelief of many; choosing to side by the Prince of Darkness, rather than the truth and the Word and Gospel of Christ Jesus! Amen! (Pastor Jess Foglesong)

Acts 7: 54 - 60, Jan. 6, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
Book of Acts with Pastor Jess Foglesong;

Acts 7: Stephen the Martyr
54 When they heard these things they were [h]cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”

57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; 58 and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

................. Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit as he concluded his oration, but the people -- filled with Satan's arrogance -- rejected his cry for understanding and reasoning. All they saw was someone stealing their way of life and indeed the power to keep the status quo within their community, and they only saw Stephen as an outsider trying to radically change everything they have worked for through years of tradition and teaching. With Satan at their side they (as they did with Jesus) threw Stephen outside of the City and -- like Jesus -- killed him, except by stoning! But God, with Jesus at His right side, was with him in his last moments ... and indeed received Stephen with open arms, to his glorious reward with angels. The man, Saul, who later became the Apostle Paul was a witness of Stephen's murder; and the people recognized his authority given to him by the Sanhedrin. As we know, soon he will be completely changed from his evil ways to becoming a disciple of the Christ Jesus of Nazareth! Amen! (Pastor Jess Foglesong)

Acts 8: 1 - 8, Jan. 7, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
Book of Acts with Pastor Jess Foglesong;

Acts 8: Saul Persecutes the Church
Now Saul was consenting to his death.

At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.

3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.

Christ Is Preached in Samaria
4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. 5 Then Philip went down to [a]the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. 6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city.

.................Yes, as we previously saw, Saul watched and consented to Stephens death. And from that day on the spirit of Darkness came upon the Christians and those who saw the light of the Christ Jesus. And the devil was ruthless, using the body and person of Saul of Tarsus. Many -- men and women -- were dragged from their homes and tortured, and some imprisoned. Saul's corrupt and dastardly acts went on throughout the region. Meanwhile the Apostles were doing their work for the Lord in the distant provinces. Their devotion and faith, guided by the Holy Spirit, in places like Samaria and Judea, the word of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ was preached, and many were saved during these trying times. Two factions at odds with each other: God's word, and Satan's demonic stance! Amen! (Pastor Jess Foglesong)

Acts 8: 9 - 25, Jan. 8, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
Book of Acts with Pastor Jess Foglesong;

Acts 8: The Sorcerer’s Profession of Faith
9 But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced [b]sorcery in the city and astonished the [c]people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, 10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” 11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his [d]sorceries for a long time. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.

The Sorcerer’s Sin
14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

18 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

20 But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! 21 You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.”

24 Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.”

25 So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

.......................I always say to someone murmuring that: wouldn't it be great to win that much money? Yes, but you can't take it with you! So true today as it was in the days of the Apostles teaching through the Holy Spirit. Simon, the Sorcerer was so accustomed to receiving money for his evil deeds, that he was astounded at the miracles performed by Philip, as well as Peter and John. He assumed that by offering them money that he too could be given the power of miracles. But as we (you and me) know it is not as easy as that ... It is one's faith and devotion in the gospel of Jesus Christ that gives you everlasting life. Your money and wealth is worthless. And so Simon continued to seek the assistance from the apostles to receive the power of the Holy Spirit by asking them to speak or pray to the Lord of him, that the sins he held on to will not hinder his desires for acceptance by the spirit of God. The apostles chose to ignore the Sorcerer and simply continued to preach the word of God; then left the region and returned to Jerusalem to teach and preach further more. Amen! (Pastor Jess Foglesong)

Acts 8: 26 - 40, Jan. 9, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
Book of Acts with Pastor Jess Foglesong;

Acts 8: Christ Is Preached to an Ethiopian
26 Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is [e]desert. 27 So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, 28 was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and overtake this chariot.”

30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?”

31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 The place in the Scripture which he read was this:

“He was led as a sheep to the slaughter;
And as a lamb before its shearer is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.
33 In His humiliation His justice was taken away,
And who will declare His generation?
For His life is taken from the earth.”

34 So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. 36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?”

37 [f]Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.”

And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. 39 Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip was found at [g]Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.

................ Indeed in the days of the Apostles, the Holy Spirit (through His angels) was the counselor and teacher in charge, and firmly guided the Disciples, including Philip. And so we see that an Ethiopian eunuch, a man of authority, heard about the miracles performed by Christ Jesus, as well as those who followed Him -- the apostles and many disciples. He came north, out of Northern Africa to seek the truth and in that day, the Holy Spirit led Philip directly to him. Just as this eunuch seeking the truth, we (you and me) today also have and are seeking and looking for the truth; and just as in the days of Philip, the Holy Spirit guides us as well. Seek and you will indeed find. As the words of Philip proclaimed, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” So true: Believe with all your heart! And you will be baptized spiritually by the Holy Spirit. For those of you who have been baptized with water, it is a public (outward) demonstration of your faith; but not necessary, as all who believe with their hearts are inwardly sanctified and baptized by the Holy Spirit. Amen! (Pastor Jess Foglesong)

Acts 9: 1 - 9, Jan. 10, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
Book of Acts with Pastor Jess Foglesong;

Acts 9: The Damascus Road: Saul Converted
Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”

Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. [a]It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”

6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”

Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

7 And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. 8 Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

...................... The man, Saul of Tarsus was brutal, having his way with the Christians, but no matter what he did to them--even killing them--their faith was strong and even though he seem to be making progress, there were more believers of Jesus of Nazareth. Therefore he visited the High Priest of the Sanhedrin and convinced him to give Saul, letters that gave him authority to pursue Christians in the City of Damascus. But on Saul's way to the City, Jesus shone His Light and brought Saul to his knees. And gave him directions to go the Damascus to receive further instruction. Saul, a disbeliever and a member of the elite of Jerusalem in that amazing, epiphany moment -- believed! And was changed -- converted from doing evil, to doing right! He continued on his way (with assistance, due to his blindness). Today, many have been converted by God, through His Holy Spirit. God calls all of us (you and me); he pursues us every day of our lives. Whether we accept His invitation, or refuse ... The invitation is always open, until the final day of this age. The Son of God will return soon, and therefore we had better make that decision whether to chose life or death. God sent His counselor (the Holy Spirit) to help and assist us in this decision. Yes or no! Amen! (Pastor Jess Foglesong)

Acts 9: 10 - 19, Jan. 11, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
Book of Acts with Pastor Jess Foglesong;

Acts 9: Ananias Baptizes Saul
10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.”

And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”

11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”

13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much [b]harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”

15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children[c] of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord [d]Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.

19 So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.

.................... After Saul saw and spoke with Jesus on the road, he went into Damascus and waited and prayed. He was still in shock and could not understand what was happening to him. He knew what he was supposed to do, but at that moment was drawn away from the task; a new vision was clear in his mind: that a man was coming to heal and baptize him. And soon indeed a man named Ananias was sent by the Lord to assist Saul of Tarsus of whom by the word of the Lord would be a vessel of Him to bear His name before Gentiles, Kings and the children of Israel. And on that day in Damascus, at Straight Street Saul was healed and baptized. We today ask ourselves can an event such as this happen to us? That is to be visited by Jesus or even just an angel of God to turn us around from evil deeds. And the answer is of course: with God, anything is possible! But the fact is, we (you and me) already have the Holy Spirit in us; he is working with us every day, every moment of the time. And when you realize that "Yes" you believed that there is a God that created us and the entire universe, and confess your sins to His Son, the Christ Jesus ... Then, like Saul there will be a change in your attitude, your thinking, view point -- as a Christian! Saul, after being healed and baptize went and visited the disciples in Damascus. In disbelief they cautiously listened to his story; his epiphany! Amen! (Pastor Jess Foglesong)

Acts 9: 20 - 31, Jan. 12, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
Book of Acts with Pastor Jess Foglesong;

Acts 9: Saul Preaches Christ
20 Immediately he preached [e]the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.

21 Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?”

22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.

Saul Escapes Death
23 Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. 24 But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.

Saul at Jerusalem
26 And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28 So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. 29 And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists,[f] but they attempted to kill him. 30 When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.

The Church Prospers
31 Then the [g]churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified.[h] And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

.................. So, what can I say about this Saul of Tarsus? In one moment he was the image and character of the evil one -- Satan. Then in the next minute he was transpired into (Literally) Jesus-like. He became a man of God ... Through the power of God in Jesus Christ! A miracle within a miracle! God took an evil, vile Roman citizen and a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin to becoming the 13th Apostle ... and in the days ahead preached to the Gentiles throughout the region. As He had through and through, God took an unqualified person full of faults, and produced a well qualified preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; whom he had never met before. But by the power of the Holy Spirit, a man, became similarly, the image of the Christ himself. As we know, Jesus preached to the Jews of the region. So who was going to preach to the Gentiles, the lost, the rest of the world -- you and me? God covers the bases ... he does not leave loose ends. Saul who became Paul taught the Gentiles ... and he teaches us today, in the many letters he wrote!. And we give thanks! Amen! (Pastor Jess Foglesong)

Acts 9: 32 - 43, Jan. 13, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
Book of Acts with Pastor Jess Foglesong;

Acts 9: Aeneas Healed by Peter
32 Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. 33 There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. 34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately. 35 So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

Dorcas Restored to Life
36 At Joppa there was a certain disciple named [i]Tabitha, which is translated [j]Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. 37 But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. 43 So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.

....................Peter healed, and restored? But perhaps I should say: the Holy Spirit healed and restored! Well this is indeed what happens when an apostle (such as Peter) performs a miracle; in the name of Jesus Christ, of whom sent the Holy Spirit. The apostles indeed never took the credit themselves as the one with the power. They were reminded by the Holy Spirit that their strength and power comes from above. Just as many in biblical history has received, such as David, when he slewed Goliath. David prayed and asked the Lord for strength. And through the miracle, many were astonished; and many began to believe that there was a God in heaven. And so after Peter healed Aeneas and restored Tabitha's life many in the region of Joppa and Lydda were in awe, and many believed. And many more were baptized through the Holy Spirit as Peter and the Apostles traveled preaching and teaching the word of God, and the Gospel of the Savior, The Christ Jesus of Nazareth. Amen! (Pastor Jess Foglesong)

Acts 10: 1 - 8, Jan. 14, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
Book of Acts with Pastor Jess Foglesong;

Acts 10: Cornelius Sends a Delegation
10 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian [a]Regiment, 2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave [b]alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. 3 About [c]the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!”

4 And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?”

So he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. 6 He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He[d] will tell you what you must do.” 7 And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually. 8 So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa.

............... Cornelius a Roman Centurion was a man of deep faith in the Christ Jesus .... and most importantly: He was an Italian and the first gentile to be converted to Christianity! So you with Italian ancestry, you can boast! But this centurion received a vision by an angel of God, giving him instructions to send some men (a delegation) to Joppa to meet with the Apostle Peter. So what would you do, being a devoted believer of Jesus Christ, if you were visited by angel of of God? Would you question it; would you talk to it; would you believe it and what it ask of you; would you think that possibly could by Satan pulling something over on you? I would imagine a lot of things would be on your mind. But you know most of us never have ever experienced such a visit. Some of us have dreamed of something similar -- in a way: a vision. But we know that Cornelius was a devout believer and that the Lord had heard his prayers and used him for the good. And so we'll see in the few next verses. Amen! (Pastor Jess Foglesong)

Acts 10: 9 - 16, Jan. 15, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
Book of Acts with Pastor Jess Foglesong;

Acts 10: Peter’s Vision
9 The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about [e]the sixth hour. 10 Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance 11 and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 13 And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.”

14 But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.”

15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has [f]cleansed you must not call common.” 16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.

.................... Apostle Peter was called by God in his sleep while he was on the sixth floor. Why Luke wrote the sixth floor?: Six is the number for mankind and therefore he didn't go up any further. While still a sinner, we too (you and me) are held to the standards of human kind. And so Peter, although given the power of the Holy Spirit was still a just a mere man, but of immense faith. He became hungry and fell deeply asleep, and while asleep God sent him a sign three times, coming down from heaven depicting animals from four corners of the world. But when Peter awoke he rejected the notion to kill and eat! Stating that he had never eaten anything unclean or common. Immediately a voice from heaven proclaimed three times: What God has cleansed you must not call common. After which the sign left the earth and rose to heaven. But this was a sign to all that the many restrictions of old had been lifted; that all (which includes you and me) animals that were considered uncleaned, was cleansed by God. That Peter, as well as the world (you and me) could eat these animals. It was something that Peter had to think about; but as a man of faith, he considered the order. Amen! (Pastor Jess Foglesong)

Acts 10: 17 - 23, Jan. 16, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
Book of Acts with Pastor Jess Foglesong;

Summoned to Caesarea
17 Now while Peter [g]wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate. 18 And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there.

19 While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you. 20 Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.”

21 Then Peter went down to the men [h]who had been sent to him from Cornelius, and said, “Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?”

22 And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.” 23 Then he invited them in and lodged them.

On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

................ And so this is God's doing ... Everything we have read has been instructed by the Almighty, therefore it tells us that much of life in those days and frankly these days as well is directed by heaven. Naturally we are not apostles, but many of us (you and me) are disciples of the Christ Jesus and put our trust in the word of God; but it does not take away the notion that God is indeed in charge of our existence. If He departs or disowns us -- we disappear, we perish! But He is a genuine, trustworthy Creator, and we can count on His honorable, solid character; and of course -- His amazing Grace!. And so the voice of God was and is today imperative and valid! Amen Pastor Jess Foglesong
Acts 10: 23 - 48, Jan. 17, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
Book of Acts with Pastor Jess Foglesong;

Acts 10: Peter Meets Cornelius
24 And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.” 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together. 28 Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?”

30 So Cornelius said, [i]“Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your [j]alms are remembered in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. [k]When he comes, he will speak to you.’ 33 So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.”

Preaching to Cornelius’ Household
34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. 36 The word which God sent to the [l]children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— 37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom [m]they killed by hanging on a tree. 40 Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42 And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. 43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission[n] of sins.”

The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And [o]those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.

Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

..................Peter arrived at Cornelius' home and he greeted him by bowing at his feet. Bur Peter explained to Cornelius that he was just a man as you are. That God treats everyone the same. Saying to us today that God does not change his character, he treats all equally. Indeed one may have more knowledge and information than another, but all are the same; every man (and woman) are equal in God's eyes. God through the Christ Jesus chose 12 men, just as He chose 12 tribes that became Israel to show them the power of The Father in heaven. That Jesus of Nazareth came to disclose whom His Father was ... that "If you see me, you see the Father," Jesus formed the circle of Apostles so they could be witnesses of the power and wonder of God, through miracles and healing, and bringing good where every he went. And Peter expounded that if anyone desires and wishes something, that one needs to ask it in the name of the Christ Jesus of Nazareth, and he shall receive. And as Peter proclaimed the gospel of Christ to the people and friends with Cornelius the Holy Spirit came upon all who heard and believed. And Peter told them to be baptized publicly to show all, their deep faith. Amen! Pastor Jess Foglesong

Acts 11: 1 - 18, Jan. 18, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
Book of Acts with Pastor Jess Foglesong;

Acts 11: Peter Defends God’s Grace
Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2 And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, 3 saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!”

4 But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying: 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me. 6 When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ 8 But I said, ‘Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.’ 9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’ 10 Now this was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven. 11 At that very moment, three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea. 12 Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. 13 And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, 14 who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.’ 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?”

18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”

..................... So this a Peter going over what had happen to him, because the people did not know about the "change" in the instructions from God. That in the Mosaic Law, there were restrictions due to the fact that the Messiah had not appeared. But indeed he did come, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth; and performed what Isaiah wrote: that the Lamb of God be sacrificed to cover the sins of mankind: .... Isaiah 53:7-8 (NKJV):

7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
Yet He opened not His mouth;
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,
And as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.
8 He was taken from [a]prison and from judgment,
And who will declare His generation?
For He was cut off from the land of the living;
For the transgressions of My people He was stricken.

And we see that the Apostle Peter, who was not a Gentile also denied the word of God as soon as he heard it. But the angel told him that it is the instruction from God and Peter said who am I to go against the God of the universe. And as we in the present day look back, we recognized that a change had transpired, in that the Christ of God has taken all of the responsibilities of the Nation of Israel, into Himself! The old covenant had ended and the new covenant had begun -- a Blood Covenant -- guaranteeing."ALL" (uncircumcised) the same rights as the circumcised ... which in the larger scheme meaning: All of mankind (you and me) included in God's Grace! Amen! Pastor Jess Foglesong

Acts 11: 19 - 27, Jan. 19, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
Book of Acts with Pastor Jess Foglesong;

Barnabas and Saul at Antioch
19 Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. 20 But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.

22 Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. 23 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.

25 Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. 26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

................ And so we see that God (as His character tells us) is not a single person or single nationality Ruler, Lord and Master; no He covers all, He takes into consideration all of humanity when implementing a plan of salvation. And so His disciples have been given instructions to not only preach His word and gospel to Jews but also to Gentiles, everywhere. Again we ask ourselves: Is this why Saul was chosen? Was he chosen to preach to the lost, the down-trodden, the poor, the uncircumcised? Well, it sure does look like it from all points of view. Yes, it was difficult for the church in Jerusalem to accept this new addition to their worship and prayer sessions, to include Gentiles. But God is steadfast in His purposes and wishes since the Fall of mankind, after the fall of the Arch-angel Lucifer. He chose the Nation of Israel to uphold the words and laws stated in the Ten Commandments, until the onset of His Messiah, in the Christ Jesus of Nazareth. And now that He has come and gone back to heaven, it is His faithful followers role to carry on the message of God's amazing Grace! Amen! Pastor Jess Foglesong

Acts 11: 27 - 30; Jan. 20, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
"Book of Acts" with Pastor Jess Foglesong;

Acts 11: Relief to Judea
27 And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. 30 This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

.......... Indeed during these days there were many prophets, of whom many were disciples of the Christ Jesus. Agabus was one of the 70 Disciples who came to Antioch to proclaim that a severe famine would strike the land and region of Judea. The disciples believed that this prophecy was indeed true, and they scattered throughout Judea to warn the people. At the same time Barnabus and Saul went their way to warn the people of the outer region, beyond the realm of Jewish society. As God proclaimed earlier, that He will not separate the gospel of Christ Jesus from the circumcised Jews, that all will be equal. All will suffer equally from natural calamities; and all will benefit from the good times in the region or in the world. God's grace is equitable, including all -- you and me! No matter strife or harmony, God allows the natural world to exist; but He ask us to trust His plan; and have faith that all will be peaceful in the New Kingdom of heaven. Amen! Pastor Jess Foglesong

Acts 12: 1 - 4; Jan. 21, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
"Book of Acts" with Pastor Jess Foglesong;

Acts 12: Herod's Violence to the Church
Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. 2 Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3 And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread. 4 So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four [a]squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover.

.................. It is always good against evil in reading the Bible and its verses. King Herod like his predecessor represents the evil in their and our lives. And like the first Herod who murdered hundreds of children, just to prevent the emergence of the Messiah, the Christ-child; Christianity was rising at a fast pace. Therefore he had to act, by killing and imprisoning the followers (disciples and apostles) of Jesus Christ. As it is today, evil was in a frenzy in trying to stop the increasing truth of the word and gospel of God. Again Peter was imprisoned for preaching the word and character of God. But God was not done yet, and as we will see: His purposes and plan will continue through the 13th Apostle in Saul, who will become Paul of Tarsus. Amen! Pastor Jess Foglesong

Acts 12: 5 - 19; Jan. 22, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
"Book of Acts" with Pastor Jess Foglesong;

Acts 12: Peter Freed from Prison
5 Peter was therefore kept in prison, but [b]constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. 6 And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were [c]keeping the prison. 7 Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. 8 Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.” 9 So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.

11 And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.”

12 So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying. 13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate. 15 But they said to her, “You are beside yourself!” Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So they said, “It is his angel.”

16 Now Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. 17 But motioning to them with his hand to keep silent, he declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Go, tell these things to James and to the brethren.” And he departed and went to another place.

18 Then, as soon as it was day, there was no small [d]stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter. 19 But when Herod had searched for him and not found him, he examined the guards and commanded that they should be put to death.

And he went down from Judea to Caesarea, and stayed there.

.................... Wow! That definitely was a wow moment! To have an angel of God unseen stand next to Peter, and have the chains fall off of his arms and legs. And at the same time not be seen by the guards. The power of God is complete; He is in charge of all the elements, and commands each to obey. But the Apostle Peter had work to do, and God did not waste time to free him and set him on his way. But first must announce his miracle of being freed by an angel to friends, to be told to many; showing that there is indeed a God in heaven that is in charge of all of life. Herod illustrates the prince of Darkness by stopping the distribution of God's word throughout the region and the world. Satan lost his power to rule at the cross and death (sacrifice), and ascension of the Christ Jesus, which made him furious as a Grizzly! He was red hot with anger ... as shown in the actions of his disciple: King Herod. Amen! Pastor Jess Foglesong

Acts 12: 20 - 24; Jan. 23, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
"Book of Acts" with Pastor Jess Foglesong;

Acts 12: Herod’s Violent Death
20 Now Herod had been very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; but they came to him with one accord, and having made Blastus [e]the king’s personal aide their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was [f]supplied with food by the king’s country.

21 So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. 22 And the people kept shouting, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” 23 Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and [g]died.

24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.

.................... Herod II, died like his predecessor -- Herod 1 -- because he thought of himself as a god -- the God! But the true God of the universe struck him down, instantly ... We know that there is only one God. And so those who take up the role as disciples are reminded by the Holy Spirit that there indeed is only one God; that if you decided to boast yourself as the Father ... you will be rejected! As Herod was -- instantly! The believers of today must understand this truth as well. But there are SO many that don't believe and proclaim themselves as a god. And we know that they will not survive at the end of the age. But what of those whom are believers that boast and go beyond the boundaries as faithful disciples, and put themselves above God? I'm sorry but, your days are over! Don't know when but expect consequences! Amen! Pastor Jess Foglesong

Acts 13: 4 - 12; Jan. 24, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
"Book of Acts" with Pastor Jess Foglesong;

Acts 13: Preaching in Cyprus
4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant.

6 Now when they had gone through [a]the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus, 7 who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) [b]withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? 11 And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.”

And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

.................. There are evil people everywhere, and they hate the teachings of God so much that they can't help themselves in distorting the truth of the Gospel and God's Word. Even, as we see here with this sorcerer, who saw that Saul was about to enlighten the proconsul, didn't waste time in addressing him with lies. But the Holy spirit revealed to Saul the sorcerer's intentions, and was immediately reprimanded, and admonished as being a follower of demons; and as punishment, was stricken with blindness for a short time. Today we run across many that are indignant to God's Word and profess that there is no God; that it is all a lie, a fantasy! And all we as believers can do is turn and walk away, in the opinion and assurance that God, through His holy spirit, will confront them one way or another. There are always consequences for blasphemy and going against God's word. God hates arrogance! Amen! Pastor Jess Foglesong.

Acts 13: 12 - 41 ; Jan. 25, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
"Book of Acts" with Pastor Jess Foglesong;

At Antioch in Pisidia
13 Now when Paul and his party set sail from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia; and John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem. 14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down. 15 And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Men and brethren, if you have any word of [c]exhortation for the people, say on.”

16 Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen: 17 The God of this people [d]Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with [e]an uplifted arm He brought them out of it. 18 Now for a time of about forty years He put up with their ways in the wilderness. 19 And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He distributed their land to them by allotment.

20 “After that He gave them judges for about four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. 21 And afterward they asked for a king; so God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22 And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’ 23 From this man’s seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a[f] Savior—Jesus— 24 after John had first preached, before His coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘Who do you think I am? I am not He. But behold, there comes One after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to loose.’

26 “Men and brethren, sons of the [g]family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the [h]word of this salvation has been sent. 27 For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him. 28 And though they found no cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate that He should be put to death. 29 Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. 30 But God raised Him from the dead. 31 He was seen for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people. 32 And we declare to you glad tidings—that promise which was made to the fathers. 33 God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm:

‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.’

34 And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to [i]corruption, He has spoken thus:

‘I will give you the sure [j]mercies of David.’

35 Therefore He also says in another Psalm:

‘You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.’

36 “For David, after he had served [k]his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and [l]saw corruption; 37 but He whom God raised up [m]saw no corruption. 38 Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; 39 and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. 40 Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you:

41 ‘Behold, you despisers,
Marvel and perish!
For I work a work in your days,
A work which you will by no means believe,
Though one were to declare it to you.’ ”

.................... And now Saul, who also was called Paul spoke to the rulers of the Synagogue. He covered the plight of the Israelites from being enslaved in Egypt to the arrival of Jesus; to his death on the cross, to his ascension into heaven. Paul was chosen as a 13th Apostle by the risen Jesus, and met him on the road to Damascus. And told him to go out and preach to the lost Gentiles. Paul, through the Holy Spirit, pleaded his cause. Now we here today must know that Paul and all of the apostles receive their power from above (from God). We need to look at everything from this point of view. And in the larger perspective, we need to look above as to the reason why we (the human race) exist. Know that all that we are is due to the gracious gift and will of our Father in heaven. Unfortunately there is evil in the world. Satan is still with us; influencing life in every direction ... causing problems, strife and despair. But God has taken the amazing step in taking back ownership of human kind (you and me) with the implementation of a "Savior" -- the Christ Jesus of Nazareth, who died on the cross, covering all of our sins! Amen! Pastor Jess Foglesong
Acts 13: 42 - 52; Jan. 26, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
"Book of Acts" with Pastor Jess Foglesong;

Acts 13: Blessing and Conflict at Antioch
42 [n]So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. 43 Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. 45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. 46 Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us:

‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles,
That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”

48 Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.

49 And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region. 50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

....................... The Jews at Antioch were offended that Barnabas and Paul included the Gentiles in the region to hear the word of God so much that they conspired with the Leaders, and at and that point, the two were forced to leave the region. As in many denominations of today, the word of God is interpreted in various ways. And unfortunately it is misinterpreted badly, that the meaning of the Gospel is completely false. God had commanded Paul to make His Word known to the Gentiles, as well as the Jews. But as human nature goes, envy and jealousy entered in their minds (thanks to Satan) and like many today, as well as like the multitude in Jerusalem who chanted to "Crucify" the Messiah, Jesus, saying that the Law was being trampled on; that the gentiles were not worthy to receive the word of God. But God's will and purposes was strong and the Holy Spirit supplied Barnabas and Paul with perseverance and courage, and the pair instinctively moved on to other towns, including Iconium, to spread the gospel and the word of God. Amen! Pastor Jess Foglesong

Acts 14: 1 - 7; Jan. 27, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
"Book of Acts" with Pastor Jess Foglesong;

14: At Iconium
Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and [a]poisoned their [b]minds against the brethren. 3 Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

4 But the multitude of the city was divided: part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles. 5 And when a violent attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to abuse and stone them, 6 they became aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region. 7 And they were preaching the gospel there.

............................ To believe or don't believe! Barnabas and Paul traveled to Iconium hoping to be welcomed by the gentiles and the Jews. But unfortunately there were too many unbelieving people there that caused them to stay longer, guided by the Holy Spirit, to try to convince them of the truth of God's word. It is very similar to today's unbelievers who, no matter what, find a way to reject the word of God as fabrication and fairy tale. The prince of darkness malingers everywhere, influencing the multitude, and instilling lies and deceit. The pair basically escaped with their lives; but obviously their work was not done, and being under the protection of the Holy Spirit, would indeed have a chance to return to that region. Sometimes God will prefer us to come back later; that is, not to force the issue. The time may not be right. Allow God to work on them, to soften their thinking. It is God's work that will ripen an individual to receive the gospel pf Christ. So they would come back another day, and meanwhile they went on to another region where hopefully God had reached many and was ready to hear His Word! Amen! Pastor Jess Foglesong

Acts 14: 8 - 20; Jan. 28, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
"Book of Acts" with Pastor Jess Foglesong;

Acts 14: Idolatry at Lystra
8 And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. 9 This man heard Paul speaking. [c]Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, 10 said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked. 11 Now when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” 12 And Barnabas they called [d]Zeus, and Paul, [e]Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes.

14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out 15 and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, 16 who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” 18 And with these sayings they could scarcely restrain the multitudes from sacrificing to them.

Stoning, Escape to Derbe
19 Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. 20 However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

........................... The Holy Spirit indeed was with Barnabas and Paul as they spoke the word of God to the multitude. And Paul with the spirit of God in him did the miraculous deed by healing a man who had not been able to walk since birth. But Paul receiving his strength and power for above through the holy spirit, amazed the people of the township. But they still believed that the power came from their own gods who they had worshiped as idols. The two apostles obviously was taken back from their actions and proclaimed to them that there was only one true God: the one who formed the heavens and the earth ... and everything you see and smell. And afterwards the multitude began to hear the truth and many believed; unfortunately evil was just around the corner, and the men from Antioch and Iconium spoiled the day by spewing lies, so much that the people began to revolt against Paul, and stoned him. Another miracle happened: the men thought Paul was dead and dragged him away. But Paul, whom was probably dead, rose up as if nothing had happened to him. No doubt God was not through with His plans and it included the 13th Apostle. Paul and Barnabas continued on to Derbe. In my eyes, this is indeed an illustration that the power of God is real ... that if you were a person of deep faith, you will live forever! Amen! Pastor Jess Foglesong

Acts 14: 21 - 28; Jan. 29, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
"Book of Acts" with Pastor Jess Foglesong;

Acts 14: Strengthening the Converts
21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” 23 So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. 24 And after they had passed through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25 Now when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. 26 From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed.

27 Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 So they stayed there a long time with the disciples.

........................... As I mentioned earlier, the pair returned to the places they had preached and solidified the disciples with the true word of God and gospel of Jesus Christ, and gave them some authority as Elders of their Church, their congregation. But what screams at me is their passion to share the word of God ... inspired by the Holy Spirit. Can you imagine you and I being inspired by the spirit of God, today? Such an amazing inspiration. And many of us are inspired by God. And you know who you are! I can't speak for you but I can speak for myself: In 2008 I was called by God to study His word and his Gospel of Christ; then become ordained, and write about the character of God and about how He sent His Son to earth through a couple named Mary and Joseph. And write about the history of the Israelites; and of the day that Jesus sacrificed his life to vindicate his Father and be the savior of human kind. And I did that and put it all in books, which are available at Amazon and other book stores. The latest book is called "God: Spirit, Divine, Energy, Light!" He also inspired me to start an online Church called: touchedbyGodchurch.com, now in it's 10th year. And later I created a Facebook page called: "Touched by God Church World Ministries" which at the moment has nearly 120,000 followers. And so yes, we can be inspired by God, through His amazing holy spirit ... whom is with you and I right now. Like Barnabas and Paul: Believe and Trust in Him (God) passionately, and He will believe in you and stand by you, and give you strength, courage and perseverance! Amen! Pastor Jess Foglesong

Acts 15: 1 - 21; Jan. 30, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
"Book of Acts" with Pastor Jess Foglesong;

Acts 15: Conflict over Circumcision
1 And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question.

3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. 4 And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them. 5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”

The Jerusalem Council
6 Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. 7 And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 So God, who knows the heart, [a]acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, 9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus [b]Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.”

12 Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles. 13 And after they had [c]become silent, James answered, saying, “Men and brethren, listen to me: 14 Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. 15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written:

16 ‘After this I will return
And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down;
I will rebuild its ruins,
And I will set it up;
17 So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord,
Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name,
Says the [d]Lord who does all these things.’

18 [e]“Known to God from eternity are all His works. 19 Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, 20 but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from [f]sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood. 21 For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

.......................For hundreds of years after being freed from Egypt and receiving the 10 Commandments, the Laws were stringent and the children of Israel struggled at every corner in their travels and Kingdoms to follow God's commandments. They were chosen by God, not that they were a special group, but that they were unique, and for the most part, obedient and faithful. The ceremony of circumcision was indeed unheard of from any other tribe or nation in the world. Through hundreds of years of tradition, circumcision was in their mind, a sacred ceremony. And it no doubt would take quite an amazing message to convince the local Jews to simply halt performing the procedure (which was indeed painful and trying). But Paul was instructed by the Holy Spirit that the ceremony that the Jews had been doing for hundreds of years needed to stop. That there was/is a new covenant -- a Blood Covenant of the Christ Jesus, that covers all who believed in him. Circumcision (the cutting away of part of the body and the spilling of blood) ceremony had run its course; that the true circumcision had/has been done to the Son of God, The Christ Jesus; when they cut his body through and spilled His blood, in a sacrificial death, to vindicate His Father from Satan's accusations; and what is most important to us -- the human race -- freed us from the cruel grip of the prince of Darkness! Circumcision is not a requirement any more! Amen! Pastor Jess Foglesong

Acts 15:22 - 41; Jan. 31, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
"Book of Acts" with Pastor Jess Foglesong;

Acts 15: The Jerusalem Decree
22 Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas,[g] and Silas, leading men among the brethren.

23 They wrote this letter by them:

The apostles, the elders, and the brethren,

To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:

Greetings.

24 Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, [h]saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law”—to whom we gave no such commandment— 25 it seemed good to us, being assembled with one [i]accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: 29 that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual[j] immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.

Farewell.

Continuing Ministry in Syria
30 So when they were sent off, they came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. 31 When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement. 32 Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words. 33 And after they had stayed there for a time, they were sent back with greetings from the brethren to [k]the apostles.

34 [l]However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there. 35 Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

Division over John Mark
36 Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.” 37 Now Barnabas [m]was determined to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. 39 Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, being [n]commended by the brethren to the grace of God. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

........................ These apostles and disciples faithful to the Christ Jesus gathered together by the power and influence of the Holy Spirit, and through consensus decided to return to the cities that Barnabas and Paul had been, to see how God's word had taken hold. But even faithful apostles get into disagreements, and therefore Barnabas took Mark with him to the regions. While Paul took Silas on the road into Syria and the surrounding region. But it just strikes me that it really wasn't their choice to split up, but God's initiative through the holy spirit. And isn't it true that even today in our lives, that sometimes we wonder why we took that certain road or direction. Knowing that if we traveled another avenue our lives would have been completely and totally different. Do you suppose that since God knows our future that perhaps he influences us to go right, instead of going left? Perhaps increasing our safety; or affecting other peoples lives for the good? I think so .... Our Father in heaven is not a static supreme ruler; He is an active and dynamic parent, always interested in what each and every one of us are doing and up to. And He has someone that is part of himself: The Holy Spirit ..... and of course guardian angels, all around us, to keep us safe and on track! Amen! Pastor Jess Foglesong

Acts 16: 1 - 15; Feb. 1, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
"Book of Acts" with Pastor Jess Foglesong;

Acts 16: Timothy Joins Paul and Silas
Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. 2 He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek. 4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.

The Macedonian Call
6 Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in [a]Asia. 7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the [b]Spirit did not permit them. 8 So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.

Lydia Baptized at Philippi
11 Therefore, sailing from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day came to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is the [c]foremost city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were staying in that city for some days. 13 And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. 14 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. 15 And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” So she persuaded us.

.........................The Apostles now traveling in three, as Paul invited Timothy to also preach the word. Along the way we are shone that the Holy spirit is always in charge of where to go, and where not to go. And I believe the Holy Spirit was protecting them from perhaps deeply evil men, and that could have been harmed. So on the way they came to Philippi and stay for a while; and they came upon a woman of God named Lydia. They baptized her and blessed her on that day. And as i read about Paul's journey, I am amazed of how close God's Spirit follows Paul and the other two disciples. The Holy Spirit communicates with them constantly, I imagine by placing messages in their mind or thoughts. So far I have not read that angels are working with them No, they are being accompanied directly by God himself, via the Holy Spirit. And so this is the way it is going to be as they trek through the region on Paul's Journey. Amen! Pastor Jess Foglesong

Acts 16: 16 - 40; Feb. 2, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
"Book of Acts" with comment by Pastor Jess Foglesong;

Acts 16: Paul and Silas Imprisoned
16 Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. 17 This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” 18 And this she did for many days.

But Paul, greatly [d]annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour. 19 But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities.

20 And they brought them to the magistrates, and said, “These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; 21 and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe.” 22 Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. 23 And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. 24 Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.

The Philippian Jailer Saved
25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. 27 And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. 28 But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”

29 Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.

Paul Refuses to Depart Secretly
35 And when it was day, the magistrates sent the [e]officers, saying, “Let those men go.”

36 So the keeper of the prison reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Now therefore depart, and go in peace.”

37 But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us openly, uncondemned Romans, and have thrown us into prison. And now do they put us out secretly? No indeed! Let them come themselves and get us out.”

38 And the officers told these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans. 39 Then they came and pleaded with them and brought them out, and asked them to depart from the city. 40 So they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they encouraged them and departed.

Pastor Jess' comment: ................. Paul saw that the girl had unique powers, but soon annoyed him and told the spirit to leave the girl. I should have said: the Holy Spirit commanded the spirit to leave. As we know it is the Holy Spirit that is always in charge of the journey and gives instructions to Paul, as well as all of the apostles and disciples. But in this case, the Holy Spirit (who is the extension of God the Father), leads Paul and the rest in order to bring His Word to the outer regions of this part of the world. Knowing that because the girl had lost her unique powers that made the men rich; the Holy Spirit was with them when they were taken beaten badly and sent to prison. But this is where they met the purpose of why they were in prison: The Keeper of the prison. Paul saw that the Keeper was just about to kill himself, and intervened and allowing him to receive the word of God; and in that moment accepted the gift of life from the Christ Jesus. He was baptized and his entire family was sanctified. Paul later made sure the magistrate knew that they were Roman citizens ..... Then was allowed to go on their way. We today, those of us who believe sincerely in and accept the gift of life through the Christ Jesus also have the Holy Spirit working with us -- every moment of the day! Speak to Him as if he was your best friend! Amen! Pastor Jess Foglesong

Acts 17: 1 - 9; Feb. 3, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
"Book of Acts" with comment by Pastor Jess Foglesong;

Acts 17: Preaching Christ at Thessalonica
Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas.

Assault on Jason’s House
5 But the Jews [a]who were not persuaded, [b]becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. 6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too. 7 Jason has [c]harbored them, and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king—Jesus.” 8 And they troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things. 9 So when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.

.............Pastor Jess: As usual Paul and Silas continued their journey in accordance to instructions from the Holy Spirit, and came to Thessalonica and immediately went to the city's Synagogue to speak and try to convince the Jews and others, the Gospel of Christ. Some believed but a few of the Jews were skeptical and became envious, and began to cause trouble. At that point the Holy Spirit protected the apostles by removing them from the premises. Unfortunately angry Jews and various evil men went to one of the locals named Jason's home, and protested wildly ... These men just could not bring themselves to believe what Paul spoke of: that the Christ Jesus was indeed the Messiah and the Christ of God. Meanwhile the apostles went on to other cities in the region. But from time and time again, it was the Holy Spirit that saved the day for Paul and Silas. They were on a journey for God the Father, to bring the Good News! News of a Savior and Redeemer, who will give all, life ever lasting. But to some, it was too good to be true. Is that how folks you know feel? Are they having a difficult time coming over to your side? Well, not to worry ... because it is God's responsibility to persuade them to respond to your advances, and to bring them over to His Son, the Christ Jesus! Amen! Pastor Jess Foglesong

Acts 17: 10 - 34; Feb. 3, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
"Book of Acts" with comment by Pastor Jess Foglesong;

17: Ministering at Berea
10 Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more [d]fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men. 13 But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was preached by Paul at Berea, they came there also and stirred up the crowds. 14 Then immediately the brethren sent Paul away, to go to the sea; but both Silas and Timothy remained there. 15 So those who conducted Paul brought him to Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed, they departed.

The Philosophers at Athens
16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was [e]given over to idols. 17 Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there. 18 [f]Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, “What does this [g]babbler want to say?”

Others said, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,” because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection.

19 And they took him and brought him to the [h]Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak? 20 For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. Therefore we want to know what these things mean.” 21 For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing.

Addressing the Areopagus
22 Then Paul stood in the midst of the [i]Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; 23 for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription:

TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.

Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: 24 God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. 25 Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. 26 And He has made from one [j]blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, 27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28 for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ 29 Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. 30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”

32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, “We will hear you again on this matter.” 33 So Paul departed from among them. 34 However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

......................Pastor Jess: Paul after departing from Silas and Timothy and went on to Athens saw that the people worshiped Idols; but then he happened to see the words " To the Unknown God" and spoke up and described this unknown God as the true God of the universe that created the entire universe and everything in it ... and they were amazed. Of course there were many skeptics but also a few were interested and followed Paul on his journey, to learn more. Unlike some of the earlier cities, God had prepared the people in this region and they seem to receive The Word of God eagerly. The Holy Spirit guided Paul through every turn and protected him, knowing and understanding that there was more to be done. It was the time, after the departure of Jesus that God's Word and the Gospel of Christ was to be known to all; including the Gentiles. And so Paul sent word for Timothy and Silas to join him, as he introduced the Areopagites the sacred word of the ruler of the universe: God All-Mighty! Amen! Pastor Jess Foglesong

Acts 18: 10 - 34; Feb. 5, 2019, Our daily look at Luke's
"Book of Acts" with comment by Pastor Jess Foglesong;

Ministering at Corinth
18 After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. 3 So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.

5 When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled [a]by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. 6 But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” 7 And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named [b]Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue. 8 Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.

9 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” 11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

12 When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him to the [c]judgment seat, 13 saying, “This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.”

14 And when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or wicked crimes, O Jews, there would be reason why I should bear with you. 15 But if it is a question of words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves; for I do not want to be a judge of such matters.” 16 And he drove them from the judgment seat. 17 Then [d]all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. But Gallio took no notice of these things.

Paul Returns to Antioch
18 So Paul still remained [e]a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow. 19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there; but he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to stay a longer time with them, he did not consent, 21 but took leave of them, saying, “I[f] must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing.” And he sailed from Ephesus.

22 And when he had landed at Caesarea, and [g]gone up and greeted the church, he went down to Antioch. 23 After he had spent some time there, he departed and went over the region of Galatia and Phrygia [h]in order, strengthening all the disciples.

..................... Jess' comment: Paul was driven to preached the word of God through the region; stopping at Corinth and dealing with nonbelievers of Christ. But it wasn't a complete loss; something good came out of that visit: A married couple of Jews that were banished from Rome, as was all Jews, were faithful believers in the Lord Jesus. They were Tent Makers like Paul, joined him. They noticed that Paul was indeed a chosen person, simply by watching his actions. Not only the holy Spirit guided Paul, but at one occasion the Christ Jesus spoke to him in a dream; and told him to "speak up" and not to hold back, that He will protect him through the ordeals that he will face. Again, the Spirit of God was with them, and trust me, they are with us (you) today! These books and letters describe the journeys of the apostles; they are not fairy tales; They are the truth! God is real! Jesus is real! The Holy Spirit is real! And angels are real! They are with you ....... therefore God is with you! Amen! Pastor Jess Foglesong

Luke's: Book of Acts: Our daily look, ....with Pastor Jess Foglesong): Mar. 5, 2019

Acts 18: 24 -- 28 Ministry of Apollos
24 Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27 And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; 28 for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.
..........................Pastor Jess: Many exhort the word of God, thinking their interpretation is correct; unless they describe the character and word of God accurately, it is false words. By studying and listening intently to the words in the Bible without much outside influence, you will be okay. The Bible is God speaking to all of human kind. Read it from beginning to end, not once but several times. And you'll find that you'll learn the truth about God's character more and more. Apollos, who was keen and well versed of scripture, thought he was telling the gospel, but through the teachings of Paul, found that there was so much more to learn from the actual instructions by the Holy Spirit, through which Paul and his followers adhered to. God and The Christ Jesus sent the Holy Spirit as counselor and teacher to all of human kind to expound the true gospel of Christ and indeed, the sacred, holy Word of God and His grace! Amen! Pastor Jess Foglesong.