Lesson for December 30, 2012: Christ’s Love for the Church

Lesson for December 30, 2012: Christ’s Love for the Church

Ephesians 5:18-21; Ephesians 5:22; Ephesians 6:4 (King James Version)

Ephesians 5:18-21

King James Version (KJV)

¹⁸ And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
¹⁹ Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
²⁰ Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
²¹ Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Ephesians 5:22

King James Version (KJV)

²² Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4

King James Version (KJV)

⁴ And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

 

Lesson for December 23, 2012: Alive in the Light of Christ (John 1:1-14; Ephesians 4:17–5:14)

John 1:1-14

King James Version (KJV)

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

² The same was in the beginning with God.

³ All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

⁴ In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

⁵ And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

⁶ There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

⁷ The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

⁸ He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

⁹ That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

¹⁰ He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

¹¹ He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

¹² But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

¹³ Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

¹⁴ And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Ephesians 4:17

King James Version (KJV)

¹⁷ This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

Ephesians 5:14

King James Version (KJV)

¹⁴ Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

I called upon The Lord

Psalm 27:10
When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.

Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

2 Corinthians 4:9
Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

Psalm 118:8
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Blessed Be The Name of God and His Risen Son - Christ Jesus, 

In whom we always have hope, even in the midst of the worst of times, He is in control....

 

2 Samuel 22:7
In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears.

 

Psalm 18:6
In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.

 

 

 

 

My Sincere Thanks!!!

Again, I wanted to express my heart felt thanks and appreciation to everyone involved with the Christmas Play @ St. Augusta yesterday afternoon. I got a chance to laugh a lot, run around a lot more, and enjoy myself even more than that. God Bless every child, teacher and the awesome cast that put on a show! With the help and direction of God, I wish to put on several more during the upcoming New Year and not just around holidays such as Easter, etc. I solicit your feedback and thank you for your support always!!!!!!!!

Grace and Peace Be unto you all!
Rev. Michael J. Hudgins

Philippians 1:2
Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Pray for them that have suffered such a horrific loss

"Romans 12:15
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep."

For there are no words that we as Christians can tell those families and others that have suffered so horrible a loss as those little ones, adults murdered. Pray with them, pray for them and let the peace of God take control, hug them, hold them, cry with them, cry for them:

For Earth knows no sorrows, that Heaven cannot heal, even such a horrible one such as this. Only God can, through Christ Jesus!!

Matthew 2:18
In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

The Lord shall repay!

Lesson for December 9, 2012: One in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2, 3)

Ephesians 2

King James Version (KJV)

2 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

² Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
³ Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
⁴ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
⁵ Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
⁶ And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
⁷ That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
⁸ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
⁹ Not of works, lest any man should boast.
¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
¹¹ Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
¹² That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
¹³ But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
¹⁴ For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
¹⁵ Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
¹⁶ And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
¹⁷ And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
¹⁸ For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
¹⁹ Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
²⁰ And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
²¹ In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
²² In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Ephesians 3

King James Version (KJV)

3 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

² If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
³ How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
⁴ Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
⁵ Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
⁶ That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
⁷ Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
⁸ Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
⁹ And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
¹⁰ To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
¹¹ According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
¹² In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
¹³ Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
¹⁴ For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
¹⁵ Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
¹⁶ That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
¹⁷ That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
¹⁸ May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
¹⁹ And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
²⁰ Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
²¹ Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Lesson for December 2, 2012: Blessed in Christ (Ephesians 1)

Ephesians 1:1-14

King James Version (KJV)

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

² Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
⁴ According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
⁵ Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
⁶ To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
⁷ In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
⁸ Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
⁹ Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
¹⁰ That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
¹¹ In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
¹² That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
¹³ In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
¹⁴ Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Lesson for November 25, 2012: Paul Evangelizes in Rome (Acts 28:11-31)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD.
______
By Sam E. Stone
Paul’s long-desired opportunity to preach in Rome was becomming a reality. Last week we learned how he and others from the ship wintered in Malta, awaiting better weather to complete their journey. With spring, navigation was considered safe and they resumed their voyage (Acts 28:11-14).
Luke notes that when they met brethren in Puteoli, Paul remained there for a week. W. R. Walker suggests that this makes it “more than probable” that the centurion transporting Paul had become a Christian, and was now using all the liberty he had to assist in spreading the gospel message! As they walked on the Appian Way toward Rome, two groups of Christian brothers from the city came out to meet the travelers.

Arrival in Rome
Acts 28:16, 17
Once in Rome Paul was allowed to live by himself, with just a soldier to guard him. Ever since his conversion, the apostle had attempted to preach the gospel “first to the Jews, then to the Gentiles” (Romans 1:16). He did the same in Rome. Calling together the local Jewish leaders, Paul explained how he had come to be brought as a captive to their city.

Meeting with Jewish Leaders
Acts 28:23, 24
The Jews came in large numbers to meet him and hear him. Wouldn’t you like to have listened as he witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God? Filled with his knowledge of Scripture, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and with a heart abounding in love for his brethren, Paul tried to persuade them about Jesus. Some were convinced . . . but others would not believe. F. F. Bruce notes, “The debate must have been keen and impassioned.”

Responding to Rejection
Acts 28:25-29
The group began to leave when Paul gave this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet. . . .” Paul then used the same quotations from Isaiah 6 that Jesus had used when rebuking the Jewish leaders for not listening to him (Matthew 13:14, 15). The text was also cited by the apostle John in explaining the unbelief of those who heard Jesus in Jerusalem (John 12:40).
J. W. McGarvey points out, “It furnishes the true explanation of the failure of the gospel to win some who hear it fully proclaimed.” This passage clearly points out that every person has a personal responsibility to accept or reject the message of the gospel. God is no respecter of persons. Every individual must exercise his or her free will in deciding how to respond to the invitation of Jesus. The Lord does not force anyone.
The apostle went on to tell the Jewish leaders, “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” Hearing this, the Jews left. Luke adds that they were arguing vigorously among themselves.

Preaching to All
Acts 28:30, 31
The book of Acts concludes with Paul still a prisoner (v. 16), a soldier chained to him day and night (v. 20). Since soldiers normally changed their shift every three hours, the apostle might have five or six different soldiers by his side during a 24-hour day. Talk about a captive audience! We can imagine how each one of them heard his testimony and listened to his preaching and teaching throughout the day.
Since this continued for two whole years, it is not surprising that Paul wrote later to the Philippians, “It has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ” (Philippians 1:13). This in itself had encouraged other believers to speak the Word of God more courageously and fearlessly (v. 14).
The fact that Paul welcomed all who came to see him suggests a steady stream of people, both Christians and non-Christians, who came to meet and talk with him. He was living in “his own rented house.” Some Bible teachers suggest Paul might have continued using his tent-making skills to support himself during this period. With all of the visitors, however, he probably wouldn’t have had time to do too much tent making!

Lesson for November 11, 2012: Paul Survives a Shipwreck (Acts 27)

Acts 27

King James Version (KJV)

27 And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.

² And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.
³ And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.
⁴ And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
⁵ And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.
⁶ And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.
⁷ And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;
⁸ And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.
⁹ Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,
¹⁰ And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.
¹¹ Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.
¹² And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.
¹³ And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.
¹⁴ But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.
¹⁵ And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.
¹⁶ And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:
¹⁷ Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.
¹⁸ And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship;
¹⁹ And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.
²⁰ And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.
²¹ But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.
²² And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.
²³ For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
²⁴ Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.
²⁵ Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.
²⁶ Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.
²⁷ But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country;
²⁸ And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.
²⁹ Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.
³⁰ And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,
³¹ Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.
³² Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.
³³ And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.
³⁴ Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.
³⁵ And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.
³⁶ Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.
³⁷ And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.
³⁸ And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.
³⁹ And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.
⁴⁰ And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.
⁴¹ And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.
⁴² And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape.
⁴³ But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:
⁴⁴ And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.

Lesson for November 4, 2012: Paul Testifies Before King Agrippa (Acts 25, 26)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD.
______
By Sam E. Stone
The remaining four lessons in this unit help answer the question, “Where does faith take us?” We will look at examples of the apostle Paul’s faith and ministry recorded in the book of Acts. Paul was preaching fearlessly in Jerusalem when a riotous crowd threatened his life (Acts 22:22-24). The Roman soldiers took him into custody in an attempt to restore order. When the commander ordered that he be flogged, Paul asked, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty?” (22:25).
That quickly convinced the commander he needed to learn more about this man and why the people were stirred up. In the course of a hearing with the Roman ruler, Festus, Paul finally declared, “I appeal to Caesar!” (25:11). Those words changed everything. No longer would he have to defend himself before the prejudiced Jewish leaders; now his case would be decided by Caesar himself, the highest authority in the Roman Empire.

Paul’s Obedient Life
Acts 26:19-23
Festus, the Roman governor of Judea, then had the responsibility to send Paul to Caesar—but he needed to report some specific charge against him. In an effort to come up with something, he invited King Agrippa (the great grandson of King Herod who tried to kill Jesus) in to assist in the interrogation. Agrippa knew the Jews. He served as an advisor to the Romans, as a knowledgeable student of the Jewish Scriptures (Acts 26:3). He told Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself” (26:1).
With appropriate respect and diplomacy, Paul began to recount what led him to become a preacher of Jesus. J. W. McGarvey outlined his message like this: his introduction (vv. 1-3); his position toward Jewish parties (vv. 4-8); his former position toward Jesus (vv. 9-11); his interview with Jesus (vv. 12-18). This is where our printed text begins.
Since his conversion in Damascus (Acts 9:10-19), Paul had faithfully declared Jesus as Lord wherever he went. The Jewish leaders had become even more upset when he included the Gentiles in his message of salvation. Paul assured Agrippa, however, that he had been true to the Old Testament message in all he said. He reminded him that “the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”

Paul’s Bold Message
Acts 26:24-27
At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. How could he say that someone the Romans executed has risen from the dead? Respectfully Paul responded that he was not insane, but that his words were true and reasonable. Then he quickly continued his appeal to King Agrippa. He was determined to win him, if possible.
Each part of Paul’s message had been designed to bridge the chasm between them. “I am convinced that none of this has escaped (the king’s) notice,” Paul told Festus. Turning again to the king, he said, “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.” The ruler knew the facts about Christianity, but he had not acted on them.

A King’s Perplexed Response
Acts 26:28-32
Agrippa’s response to Paul has generated many questions. How did he say it? Exactly what did he mean by it? Most scholars agree that the old King James Translation (“Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian”) is inadequate. The NIV is better. “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” One scholar paraphrased it, “Do you think you can win me with just one sermon?” Clearly Agrippa was moved—but not moved enough to act on what he believed. He would not be persuaded by one speech, no matter how well presented it was.
The apostle’s response made clear that he wanted to reach everyone with the gospel. “I pray to God that . . . all who are listening to me today may become what I am.” We can imagine him raising his shackled arm and adding with a smile, “except for these chains.”
With that, Festus, Agrippa, and his wife all rose and left the room. Once out of earshot, they agreed, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment” (compare Acts 23:29). Still, the innocent prisoner had to be sent on to Caesar in Rome.

Acts 8:26-39 King James Version (KJV)

Acts 8:26-39

King James Version (KJV)

²⁶ And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.
²⁷ And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
²⁸ Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
²⁹ Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
³⁰ And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
³¹ And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
³² The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
³³ In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
³⁴ And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
³⁵ Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
³⁶ And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
³⁷ And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
³⁸ And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
³⁹ And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing

Lesson for October 28, 2012: Philip Baptizes a Man from Ethiopia (Acts 8:26-39)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD.
______
By Sam E. Stone
Someone has said the book known as “The Acts of the Apostles” could more accurately be titled, “Some of the Acts of Some of the Apostles.” Philip was not an apostle, yet he was a key figure in the early days of the church. He first appears in Acts as one of the “seven men” called to “wait on tables” in the Jerusalem church (Acts 6:1-6). When next seen, he is preaching powerfully in Samaria (8:4-8). Later Philip is called an evangelist (21:8), an apt description.

The Scene
Acts 8:26-29
God gave direct and personal guidance to Philip. This depiction, “an angel of the Lord,” occurs four other times in Acts (5:19; 7:30-38; 12:7-10; 12:23). Philip had last been seen performing miraculous signs as he proclaimed Christ in Samaria. From this successful work, the Lord called him to reach just one individual some 50 miles away. “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” Desert means the region was uninhabited, not a waterless stretch of sand dunes.
On his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official. This man had come all the way from Ethiopia, south of Egypt. He had traveled many days to attend a feast in Jerusalem. He was likely a God-fearing Gentile, though he could have been a Jew or a proselyte. While unable to enter the temple, such a person could worship in the Court of the Gentiles (Deuteronomy 23:1). The official was reading from the book of Isaiah. His devotion to God is shown as he studied a scroll containing the book of Isaiah in the Greek language. The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” God’s message came this time through the Spirit, rather than an angel (Acts 8:26).

The Message
Acts 8:30-35
Philip ran up to the chariot. Prompt obedience to God is always good! He heard the man reading from Isaiah the prophet. Philip recognized the words of Isaiah. “Do you understand what you are reading?” he inquired. He began the conversation tactfully, showing interest in the official, and determining where he was spiritually. Always a wise way to begin an evangelistic conversation!
“How can I . . . unless someone explains it to me?” The nobleman had a humble, teachable spirit. Inviting Philip to ride with him, he opened his heart to the truth of the gospel. The section quoted is from Isaiah 53, one of the clearest predictions of the Messiah in the Old Testament. It is sometimes called the “Suffering Servant” passage. Comparing the submissive spirit of Jesus to that of a lamb prepared to be slaughtered, Isaiah foretold that the Messiah would not seek to defend himself. The prophecy’s clear fulfillment is seen in Christ’s sacrificial death on Calvary.
The Ethiopian asked, “Who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” His question is one that had puzzled Jewish scholars for years. The meaning did not become clear until the prediction was fulfilled in Christ. Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. What a text! What wonderful news! No doubt he pointed the nobleman to Isaiah’s description of the Messiah, then showed how perfectly the prophecy was fulfilled by Jesus of Nazareth. He obviously outlined the plan of salvation, telling him the terms of forgiveness outlined in Scripture (Acts 2:38), since the man requested baptism.

The Decision
Acts 8:36-38
“Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” The eunuch obviously had learned that baptism was both his duty and his privilege. His question has been raised by untold thousands of repentant believers through the centuries. The obvious answer is, “You should do it!”
Some manuscripts include the eunuch’s confession of faith. Since these are later ones, however, most modern translations omit the verse. Most Bible scholars feel certain this verse was not in the original text. It likely was added later to describe the normal procedure when a new believer confessed Christ as lord prior to baptism.
The eunuch ordered the chariot to stop and he and Philip went down into the water together. There Philip baptized him. Clearly New Testament baptism is by immersion in water (Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12). When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.
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*Lesson based on International Sunday School Lesson, © 2009, by the Lesson Committee. Scripture quotations are from the New International Version ©2011, unless otherwise indicated.

Lesson for October 21, 2012: Simon Wants to Buy Power (Acts 8:2-24)

Acts 8:2-24

King James Version (KJV)

² And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
³ As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
⁴ Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
⁵ Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.
⁶ And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
⁷ For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
⁸ And there was great joy in that city.
⁹ But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
¹⁰ To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.
¹¹ And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
¹² But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
¹³ Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
¹⁴ Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
¹⁵ Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
¹⁶ (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
¹⁷ Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
¹⁸ And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
¹⁹ Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
²⁰ But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
²¹ Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
²² Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
²³ For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
²⁴ Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

Lesson for October 7, 2012: Stephen Defends His Faith

Acts 6:8-15

King James Version (KJV)

⁸ And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
⁹ Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
¹⁰ And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
¹¹ Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.
¹² And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,
¹³ And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:
¹⁴ For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.
¹⁵ And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

Stephen Defends His Faith (Acts 6:1–7:53)

Stephen Defends His Faith (Acts 6:1–7:53)

Are You really a Brother?

I have been hearing a lot lately about my brother this, my brother that, from some folks that do not know what that really means. (because their actions say something different) If I am truly your brother, then why did you break into my house, steal from me, try to destroy me, lie to me, lie on me, and get mad when I say something about it! If you are truly my brother, sister, etc. if you need something all you have to do is ASK me, not steal from me! The enemy does that, not a brother!

Matthew 12:50 King James Version (KJV)
50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

...

Hebrews 13:1
Let brotherly love continue.

Galatians 6:10
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

The Dangers of Foot in Mouth Disease!

Today, I am asking all of you that know the words of prayer to be in prayer for those that are in need of Major Surgery today: "Removing Foot from Mouth" Lie so much that they forget what lie they told and on what dates they told them and always have so much to say loud and wrong. Lord help them and Lord help us all.

Proverbs 17:28
Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

James 1:19
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

Proverbs 6:16-19
16 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

Psalm 123:3
Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt.

Lesson for September 2, 2012: Faith Calls for Perseverance (Hebrews 10)

Hebrews 10

King James Version (KJV)

10 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

² For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
³ But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
⁴ For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
⁵ Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
⁶ In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
⁷ Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
⁸ Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
⁹ Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
¹⁰ By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
¹¹ And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
¹² But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
¹³ From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
¹⁴ For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
¹⁵ Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
¹⁶ This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
¹⁷ And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
¹⁸ Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
¹⁹ Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
²⁰ By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
²¹ And having an high priest over the house of God;
²² Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
²³ Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
²⁴ And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
²⁵ Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
²⁶ For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
²⁷ But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
²⁸ He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
²⁹ Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
³⁰ For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
³¹ It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
³² But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
³³ Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.
³⁴ For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
³⁵ Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
³⁶ For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
³⁷ For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
³⁸ Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
³⁹ But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Lesson for August 26, 2012: God Promised to Be with Us (Ezekiel 34)

Sunday School Lesson for August 26, 2012

Lesson for August 26, 2012: God Promised to Be with Us (Ezekiel 34)

Ezekiel 34

King James Version (KJV)

34 And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,

² Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?
³ Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock.
⁴ The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.
⁵ And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered.
⁶ My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them.
⁷ Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the Lord;
⁸ As I live, saith the Lord God, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock;
⁹ Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the Lord;
¹⁰ Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.
¹¹ For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.
¹² As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.
¹³ And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.
¹⁴ I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.
¹⁵ I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God.
¹⁶ I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.
¹⁷ And as for you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle, between the rams and the he goats.
¹⁸ Seemeth it a small thing unto you to have eaten up the good pasture, but ye must tread down with your feet the residue of your pastures? and to have drunk of the deep waters, but ye must foul the residue with your feet?
¹⁹ And as for my flock, they eat that which ye have trodden with your feet; and they drink that which ye have fouled with your feet.
²⁰ Therefore thus saith the Lord God unto them; Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle.
²¹ Because ye have thrust with side and with shoulder, and pushed all the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered them abroad;
²² Therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between cattle and cattle.
²³ And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.
²⁴ And I the Lord will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the Lord have spoken it.
²⁵ And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods.
²⁶ And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.
²⁷ And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the Lord, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them.
²⁸ And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid.
²⁹ And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more.
³⁰ Thus shall they know that I the Lord their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are my people, saith the Lord God.
³¹ And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God.

Sunday School Lesson for 8/19/2012

Jeremiah 23

King James Version (KJV)

23 Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the Lord.

² Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the Lord.
³ And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.
⁴ And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the Lord.
⁵ Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
⁶ In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, The Lord Our Righteousness.
⁷ Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that they shall no more say, The Lord liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;
⁸ But, The Lord liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land.
⁹ Mine heart within me is broken because of the prophets; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom wine hath overcome, because of the Lord, and because of the words of his holiness.
¹⁰ For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourneth; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force is not right.
¹¹ For both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in my house have I found their wickedness, saith the Lord.
¹² Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them, even the year of their visitation, saith the Lord.
¹³ And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.
¹⁴ I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness; they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.
¹⁵ Therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall: for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land.
¹⁶ Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord.
¹⁷ They say still unto them that despise me, The Lord hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.
¹⁸ For who hath stood in the counsel of the Lord, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his word, and heard it?
¹⁹ Behold, a whirlwind of the Lord is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked.
²⁰ The anger of the Lord shall not return, until he have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly.
²¹ I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.
²² But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.
²³ Am I a God at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off?
²⁴ Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord.
²⁵ I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed.
²⁶ How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart;
²⁷ Which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal.
²⁸ The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the Lord.
²⁹ Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?
³⁰ Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that steal my words every one from his neighbour.
³¹ Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.
³² Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the Lord, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the Lord.
³³ And when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask thee, saying, What is the burden of the Lord? thou shalt then say unto them, What burden? I will even forsake you, saith the Lord.
³⁴ And as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say, The burden of the Lord, I will even punish that man and his house.
³⁵ Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbour, and every one to his brother, What hath the Lord answered? and, What hath the Lord spoken?
³⁶ And the burden of the Lord shall ye mention no more: for every man's word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the Lord of hosts our God.
³⁷ Thus shalt thou say to the prophet, What hath the Lord answered thee? and, What hath the Lord spoken?
³⁸ But since ye say, The burden of the Lord; therefore thus saith the Lord; Because ye say this word, The burden of the Lord, and I have sent unto you, saying, Ye shall not say, The burden of the Lord;
³⁹ Therefore, behold, I, even I, will utterly forget you, and I will forsake you, and the city that I gave you and your fathers, and cast you out of my presence:
⁴⁰ And I will bring an everlasting reproach upon you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten.

Sunday School Lesson 8/19/2012

Sunday School lesson for 8/19/2012

Additional Sunday Lesson Information from Christian Standard:

Christian Standard Sunday School Lesson for August 5th, 2012

Confident Trust
Psalm 146:3-6
Do not put your trust in princes. Political and religious leaders are fallible. Even the best will often disappoint those under their direction. William R. Taylor notes the appropriateness of these words in our day: “The psalm sets forth in its own way a truth which needs fresh emphasis in an era characterized by secular trends in culture and taste.” Many put their hope in some charismatic leader, some well-educated scholar, some smooth-talking, convincing politician. Over and over we experience frustration, disappointment, and anger resulting from our misplaced trust.

Nobles are mentioned in Psalm 149:8 along with kings, and in Numbers 21:18 along with princes. Judah had known plenty of rulers who fit the psalmist’s description—mortal men, who cannot save. Even the best earthly leaders will one day die (Hebrews 9:27). When they are gone, their plans come to nothing. Even the greatest of men with the finest of intentions are not able to help in every situation. They are still human. Only God is constant and eternal.

Lesson for July 29, 2012: Jehoshaphat Makes Judicial Reforms (2 Chronicles 18, 19)

2 Chronicles 18

King James Version (KJV)

18 Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab.

2 And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramothgilead.

3 And Ahab king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Wilt thou go with me to Ramothgilead? And he answered him, I am as thou art, and my people as thy people; and we will be with thee in the war.

4 And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the Lord to day.

5 Therefore the king of Israel gathered together of prophets four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for God will deliver it into the king's hand.

6 But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the Lord besides, that we might enquire of him?

7 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the Lord: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.

8 And the king of Israel called for one of his officers, and said, Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imla.

9 And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah sat either of them on his throne, clothed in their robes, and they sat in a void place at the entering in of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them.

10 And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah had made him horns of iron, and said, Thus saith the Lord, With these thou shalt push Syria until they be consumed.

11 And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramothgilead, and prosper: for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king.

12 And the messenger that went to call Micaiah spake to him, saying, Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one assent; let thy word therefore, I pray thee, be like one of their's, and speak thou good.

13 And Micaiah said, As the Lord liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak.

14 And when he was come to the king, the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And he said, Go ye up, and prosper, and they shall be delivered into your hand.

15 And the king said to him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou say nothing but the truth to me in the name of the Lord?

16 Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the Lord said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace.

17 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good unto me, but evil?

18 Again he said, Therefore hear the word of the Lord; I saw the Lord sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left.

19 And the Lord said, Who shall entice Ahab king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one spake saying after this manner, and another saying after that manner.

20 Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the Lord, and said, I will entice him. And the Lord said unto him, Wherewith?

21 And he said, I will go out, and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And the Lord said, Thou shalt entice him, and thou shalt also prevail: go out, and do even so.

22 Now therefore, behold, the Lord hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of these thy prophets, and the Lord hath spoken evil against thee.

23 Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near, and smote Micaiah upon the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the Lord from me to speak unto thee?

24 And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see on that day when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself.

25 Then the king of Israel said, Take ye Micaiah, and carry him back to Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son;

26 And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I return in peace.

27 And Micaiah said, If thou certainly return in peace, then hath not the Lord spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, all ye people.

28 So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramothgilead.

29 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and I will go to the battle; but put thou on thy robes. So the king of Israel disguised himself; and they went to the battle.

30 Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of the chariots that were with him, saying, Fight ye not with small or great, save only with the king of Israel.

31 And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the Lord helped him; and God moved them to depart from him.

32 For it came to pass, that, when the captains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back again from pursuing him.

33 And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: therefore he said to his chariot man, Turn thine hand, that thou mayest carry me out of the host; for I am wounded.

34 And the battle increased that day: howbeit the king of Israel stayed himself up in his chariot against the Syrians until the even: and about the time of the sun going down he died.

2 Chronicles 19

King James Version (KJV)

19 And Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem.

2 And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the Lord.

3 Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God.

4 And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem: and he went out again through the people from Beersheba to mount Ephraim, and brought them back unto the Lord God of their fathers.

5 And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city,

6 And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the Lord, who is with you in the judgment.

7 Wherefore now let the fear of the Lord be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.

8 Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites, and of the priests, and of the chief of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of the Lord, and for controversies, when they returned to Jerusalem.

9 And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the Lord, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.

10 And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in your cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the Lord, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.

11 And, behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the Lord; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, for all the king's matters: also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and the Lord shall be with the good.