THE LORD SPOKE (April 30)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: I Samuel 26-28

I Samuel 26:20,23 - "Now do not let my blood fall to the ground far from the presence of the Lord.... The Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness."

David desired with all his heart, and demonstrated throughout all his life, that he wanted to be faithful to the Lord. There were times when he failed, but in each case he got back up and stuck to the course.

Stick to the course! We have other ways of saying it: during the dark days of World War II, Churchill used to remind others to "KBO" ("keep buggering on"); my Dad used to say, "I know how to plod"; in the Iditarod it's, "die in the traces"; in Dodge City it was, "die with your boots on". I like, "fail falling forward".

David's commitment, and God's hand upon him, was recognized:

• by the evil king, Saul (26:25) - "May you be blessed...you will do great things and surely triumph."
• by the enemy king, Achish (27:12; 29:6,9) - "Achish trusted David and said...'You have been reliable, and I would be pleased to have you serve with me'."

Being committed to death or committeed to death won't do it. David wanted to be committed until death. His prayer was that he would die close to the Lord. Mine too!


New Testament: Romans 3

The “Romans Road”. It used to be known to every believer. Now, it’s more likely that some might confuse it with the “Via Appia” or some other boulevard in ancient history.

The “Romans Road is a string of important verses in the book of Romans that summarize succinctly God’s plan of salvation for man. By following this path one is brought to understand the essence of what is necessary for saving faith. It’s a valuable tool for presenting the Gospel message.

Beginning at Romans 3:23 we find the reason why man needs to be saved. He is a sinner. Every man is a sinner and cannot reach up to God on his own. Isaiah tells us that even our righteous acts are like filthy rags. They’re worthless to attain salvation. Because of our sin, we fall short of God’s righteous standard every time.

From there go to Romans 5:8 for the marvelous discovery that God loves sinners. In spite of our sin, God has demonstrated His wonderful love for us by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die in our place. He took the penalty for our sin, by dying to set us free from the debt we owe.

Romans 6:23 elaborates on that. The just recompense for our sin is death - eternal separation from God. “But” (that’s mercy) “the gift” (that’s grace) of God is to give us eternal life. That union with Him is found in the Lord Jesus. But how?

The answer comes in Romans 10:9-10. We must first believe it in our heart. Justification (which means “just as if I’d never sinned”) comes by believing what God has said in His Word. It is necessary to confess that with your mouth - to say it! A verbal affirmation of your trust in Jesus as Lord of your life is necessary. That’s what Paul meant when he said, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

The first thing you need is to have that down deep in your own heart. Then, be so familiar with it that you can easily share it with a friend or someone who is seeking to know the Lord.

Tip: If you have a hard time remembering the sequence of verses, try penciling in the margin the next reference so you know where to go next (3:23 ➔ 5:8 ➔ 6:23 ➔ 10:9-10,13). That way all you need to remember is Romans 3:23.

THE LORD SPOKE (April 29)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: I Samuel 23-25

In sharp contrast to Saul, we frequently find that David "inquired of the Lord" (23:2,4,10,12 et al.). He did so through prayer and by listening to the Holy Spirit's voice through his own conscience (see 24:5). Beyond that, he frequently sought out and listened to (!) godly people who helped him determine God's direction for him. Look at the four examples given in these chapters:

Abiathar (23:10) - one who went through a personal holocaust (all his family was killed by Saul - ch. 22) and knew how to trust God through severe stress

Jonathan (23:16) - a man who was learning how to deal with an abusive father and could help David "find strength in God" (23:16) - what a friend!

The Giborim (25:13) - a motley crew of "mighty men" in distress, debt, and discontent (22:2) who, nevertheless, served David faithfully and were frequently his spiritual eyes and ears

Abigail (25:32) - a godly woman who learned how to deal with a worthless husband (ch. 25) and gave David some of the best advice he ever received (25:26-31)

Take a closer look at one phrase in Abigail's wise counsel to David: "The life of my master will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the Lord your God." What is that "bundle of the living"? I believe it was exactly those spiritual friends around David who protected and preserved him from sin. Just as a valuable possession is carefully wrapped for safe-keeping, so we need some bubblewrap around our souls. Make sure you have friends like Jonathan who help you find your strength in God.


New Testament: Romans 2

The first sixteen verses of Romans 2 are written primarily for/about Gentiles. At verse 17, Paul switches his focus to Jews. He speaks of their privileges (vs. 17-20), their practices (vs. 21-24), and their position (vs. 25-29). In the next chapter he continues talking about the promise they received.

That’s an important observation if we’re to understand Romans 2:28-29 properly. A person is saved not by what he does but by faith in Jesus Christ. That’s true for both Jew and Gentile. The privilege came first for the Jews (Rom. 2:9-10) but with that privilege came responsibility. Being born Jewish, even being circumcised, is no guarantee of God’s favor.

True circumcision, the sign of a covenant relationship, must be that of the heart (Rom. 2:28-29). It is the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit that marks us as belonging to God. God evaluates us on the basis of truth (Rom. 2:2), good deeds (Rom. 2:6-11), and our response to the light He has given to us (Rom. 2:12-15). But does that mean our good works get us into heaven or that God grades on a curve? No! These things are meant to be the evidence of heart conversion.

It’s our own “stubbornness and unrepentant heart” that deserves God’s wrath (Rom. 2:5) but His grace is characterized by kindness, tolerance, and patience (Rom. 2:4).

Christ has for sin atonement made
What a wonderful Savior!
We are redeemed, the price is paid
What a wonderful Savior!

What a wonderful Savior
Is Jesus, my Jesus!
What a wonderful Savior
Is Jesus, my Lord!

I praise Him for the cleansing blood
What a wonderful Savior!
That reconciled my soul to God
What a wonderful Savior!

He cleansed my heart from all its sin
What a wonderful Savior!
And now He reigns and rules therein
What a wonderful Savior!

He gives me overcoming pow'r
What a wonderful Savior!
And triumph in each trying hour
What a wonderful Savior!

THE LORD SPOKE (April 28)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: I Samuel 20-22

You might say Saul had Jonathan "in his pocket". In spite of his miserable recent actions, he still had the loyalty of his son. Jonathan told David, "...My father doesn't do anything, great or small, without confiding in me" (20:2).

Scripture tells us that "Jonathan became one in spirit with David" (18:1). He "made a covenant with David" (18:3) and "spoke well of David to Saul his father" (19:4). Herein lies the reason for Saul's duplicity with his own son. Saul saw Jonathan's loyalty as his way to get at David (20:3). Now Saul plays his second card. He was adept with the spear. Notice how often and against whom he uses it:

18:10-11 - he hurls it at David twice
19:9-10 - and then again
20:33 - then he hurls it at his own son, Jonathan
22:6 - it's close by his side while he plots against David and issues the order to kill the priests at Nob
26:7,11-12,16,22 - again it's nearby while he hunts down David who removes it from him in self-defense and as a lesson to both Saul and General Abner
II Sam. 1:6 - it's still with him (Saul) at the moment of his death

That would be quite some piece for the Antiquities Museum of Heaven! Do you want to have some fun? Trace out the references to David's sword (remembering chapter 17) starting at 20:9-10.

How different this all could have been if Saul had just acknowledged his sin and asked God to forgive him. He was, after all, the one God had chosen to be the first king. Certainly, God would have been quick to forgive him and he could have still been useful as the King of Israel. I once heard Warren Wiersbe say, "It's not the weapon in your hand, but the integrity in your heart that God honors and uses." That was what Saul lacked. How is it with me?


New Testament: Romans 1

The description of sins at the end of Romans 1 sounds just like any normal day’s programming on TV. The paragraph concludes with the condemnation of those who approve of such practices. Wouldn’t watching them repeatedly constitute some form of approval? At the very least, that’s what keeps them on the air.

When we continue in such practices, we run the risk of falling under the judgment of God similar to another example in this chapter. Three times regarding sexual depravity, it says, “God gave them over” to their sin (Rom. 1:24,26,28). When we stay fixed on a sin or sins, we push God’s grace to the limit. There comes a time when God says, “Enough! Have it your way.” God will allow sin to run its course.

It’s not only the heathen who are “without excuse” (Rom. 1:20). True, there is just basis for their condemnation in the fact that they have all the necessary evidence to respond properly to God. The evidence of the created world is sufficient to know two things: (1) that there is a God, and (2) that He is all-powerful, i.e. I must bow before Him.

But willful ignorance of God is no worse than willful abandonment of the ways of God. Knowing God’s righteous standard and willfully turning away from it, or worse, applauding those who do, leads to a depraved mind (Rom. 1:28,32). That depravity will manifest itself in the ugly litany of sin found listed in Romans 1:29-31.

There’s hope. If you peek ahead to the next chapter, you read that “God’s kindness leads you toward repentance (Rom. 2:4).

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.

Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!

Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide;
What can we do to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?

THE LORD SPOKE (April 27)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: I Samuel 18-19

H.G. Wells said about one of his characters, Mr. Polly, "He was not so much a human being as a civil war." That surely fits King Saul. David's success caused Saul to give him "a high rank in the army" (18:5) but when everyone was talking and singing David's praise, "Saul was very angry... [and it] galled him.... And from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David" (18:8-9). It became a self-destroying obsession for him. During a Churchillian "black dog" day, he tried to kill David - twice (18:10-11). Look what else he did in just these two chapters:

18:13 - gave David an army but then tried to make him disappear
18:15 - withheld the daughter he'd promised (Merab) as David's wife
18:20-21 - knowingly gave David a bad wife (Michal) to ensnare him
18:25 - tried to set David up for an easy Philistine kill
19:1-2 - no longer even tried to hide his murderous motives from others
19:6 - lied with an oath
19:10 - attempted murder
19:15 - plotted murder
19:18-21 - sent out a hit squad (3x!)

This man was putting in lots of overtime on his twisted job! Contrast David's actions throughout this same time period:

18:1-4 - began a deep friendship with Jonathan
18:5-7 - remained faithful and enjoyed success from the Lord
18:10 - remained faithful in trying to minister to Saul
18:18,23 - remained humble
18:27 - went beyond the call of duty and did more than was expected of him
19:7ff - received and followed through on wise counsel from a friend
19:18 - sought wise counsel from a spiritual mentor

The obvious conclusions are drawn out for us in Scripture (18:12-16): "Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with David but had left Saul.... In everything [David] did he had great success, because the Lord was with him. When Saul saw how successful he was, he was afraid of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he led them in their campaigns."


New Testament: Acts 28

As the book began, so it ends. In Acts 1:3 we’re told that during His last days on earth, Jesus “spoke about the kingdom of God”. From his Roman imprisonment at the end of the book, Paul “preached the kingdom of God” (Acts 28:31). At the end of his life, it was also among the last words he ever penned. Paul was confident that the Lord would “bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom” (II Tim. 4:18).

That last phrase in Acts has an additional point that must not go unnoticed. The preaching of the kingdom of God is best done when we “teach about the Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 28:31). That’s exactly what Paul was actively doing during his time in Rome. Enjoying certain liberties because of his “house arrest” (Acts 28:16,30), Paul was able to engage the Jewish community which came to hear him “in large numbers”.

From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. (Acts 28:23b)

All the Bible is occupied with the clash of kingdoms. God’s kingdom vs. Satan’s kingdom. There is no fence to sit on between the two. Either you’re on one side or you’re on the other. Being on God’s side means that you’ve “heard and understood”, you’ve “seen and perceived”, and you’ve “understood and turned” to God’s salvation (Acts 28:26-28; from Isa. 6:9-10).

It involves studying the Scriptures (the “Law and the Prophets” of Acts 28:23). When you are fully convinced about Jesus it floods your soul with delight. “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him” (Ps. 34:8).

Pagan King Nebuchadnezzar was brought to his knees to realize that “the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men” (Dan. 4:25,32) and came to declare, “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just” (Dan. 4:37).

THE LORD SPOKE (April 26)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: I Samuel 17

The emphasis of this chapter is not Goliath. It's not the war between the Israelites and the Philistines. It's for sure not Saul (he's been one of the central figures up to this point but he's already a failed king). It's not even David. He made sure of that by always directing our attention away from himself.

• vs. 15 - he was his father's willing helper ("back and forth to tend sheep")
• vs. 20 - he was quick to obey his father ("early in the morning")
• vs. 26 - he was more concerned about his Father's reputation than his own
• vs. 34-37 - he was quick to give his Father the glory and not take it for himself
• vs. 45-48 - because he trusted his Father, he was undaunted in his courage

Note the response of those around him:

• vs. 28-29 - Big brother Eliab had it wrong! (Was maybe he the one who was "conceited and had a wicked heart? That's usually how it works; we accuse others of the very sin we are guilty of because that's a good way to hide.)
• vs. 37 - Saul: "Go and the Lord be with you." He was ready to stake his whole army and personal success on David?!
• vs. 49 - Goliath "fell down dead"
• vs. 51 - the Philistines "turned and ran"
• vs. 52 - the Israelites "surged forward" (Sometimes it takes a leader like David to get people off dead center.)
• vs. 55 - the king and the general pretend they didn't know him (Okay, maybe they're just trying to get information from the battlefront but do you really think they weren't watching the whole scene very carefully given the earlier part of this chapter?)
• 18:6 - all Israel literally sang his praises publicly and abroad (see 29:5)

David's answer to Eliab (vs. 29) is admittedly very hard to translate from Hebrew but I think my Nearly Inspired Version (NIV) got it wrong here. There's no personal pronoun in David's question (NIV: "Can't I even speak?"). That misses the tone not only of the passage but, especially, of David's life. "Is there not a cause?" is a better translation. David reminds us all that we have a charge to keep. I am under the mighty hand of God and all things (my life included) are meant to bring greater glory to Him. Amen - may it be so.


New Testament: Acts 27

Seven Lessons on Leadership from Paul the Prisoner

1. A leader takes charge. Like oil rising to the surface, a leader will come to the top because he takes the initiative. It’s a character quality that is recognized by others. The centurion’s first reaction was to ignore Paul (Acts 27:11) and go with what the pilot and ship’s owner said. After three days of terrible storm, Paul spoke up again (Acts 27:21) and this time they were ready to listen to him. Subsequent cases (Acts 27:31,33) solidified their trust in him and his leadership.
2. A leader is trustworthy. Paul had several opportunities to make a break or to barter for his freedom but he didn’t take them. He did his part and more to save the ship, to encourage both the guards and the prisoners, and to maintain discipline both on deck and on shore. Though a prisoner, Paul’s character set him apart. Even his guards knew they could trust him (Acts 27:32,43).
3. A leader speaks with authority. Paul didn’t know as much about ships and sailing but he did know God and the Scriptures. And, he knew God’s call upon his life. There was no possible way he could die at that point because God had called him to future ministry (Acts 27:23-25). That was the basis of his authority.
4. A leader knows how to motivate others. Both by his words and his personal example, Paul sparked others to action. He identified the problem, devised a solution, and convinced others that it would work. Rather than issuing commands, he said, “Follow me.” People will follow someone who knows where he’s going and how to get there. “He that thinketh he leadeth...and hath no one following him...only taketh a walk.” (John Maxwell)
5. A leader is enthused. Paul’s optimism was genuine. Not the kind to look back or to hesitate for fear, his enthusiasm was an encouragement to others. Genuine enthusiasm ought to be a characteristic of every believer for it comes from two Greek words that pack a powerful message - en (in) + theos (God).
6. A leader demonstrates good judgment. A good leader may have an elevated vision but it’s realistic. He may dream but he doesn’t have his head in the clouds. He counts the cost and moves ahead with the plan. He may occasionally have to back up and move to “Plan B” but he maintains momentum. He takes risks, but they are calculated risks and, if they fail, he’s ready to handle the consequences.
7. A leader focuses on the goal, not the problems. C.S. Lewis said, “Do you know what happens to people who set about with a determination to get no falls? They fall as often as the rest of us, and they cannot skate in the end.” A leader faces all the same problems that anybody else does but because he has his eye on the final goal, he gets past the problems. When the glory of God is that final goal, nothing can stop him!

THE LORD SPOKE (April 25)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: I Samuel 15-16

The prophet Samuel tells Saul, "Listen now to the message from the Lord (15:1)."

This was why I chose the title for this blog/email. I thought about calling it "The Lord Spoke to Me" but it's not about me. I need to seek the Lord every day and journaling is a good way to stay on track. It's also a good way to look back and see where I've been and what the Lord is doing in my life. But, it was with some trepidation that I decided to share it with others. It would be too easy to look at the text for what I think others need to hear, to get professional at it, to not be using this time to listen to the Lord for myself. So, sorry if this doesn't fit you right now. Tuck it away and maybe it will at a later day.

"Stop...let me tell you what the Lord said to me last night (15:16)." Those are the three goals I have in writing these daily reflections. I want them to be (1) personal - "to me", (2) fresh - "last night" - in my case, this morning, and (3) applicable- "let me tell you". Saul, much like Peter had to be told, "[Shut up, for a change, and] listen to him!" (Mat. 17:5).

Did you notice Saul's self-revealing blooper in attempting to defend himself? Three times in talking to Samuel he says, "the Lord your God" (vs. 13, 21, 30). One would hope that he would say, "the Lord my God". Samuel pointedly asks him, "Why did you not obey the Lord?" (vs. 19). After all, the Lord had spoken to him at the beginning and anointed him and given him a mission (vs. 17). His insincere, "I have sinned" (vs. 24), is boldly confronted by the faithful prophet (vs. 26) and a second attempt with even worse motivation (vs. 30) brings the crushing conclusion of the chapter: "the Lord was grieved that he had made Saul king over Israel" (vs. 35).

This is a depressing chapter but there is relief coming just around the corner. Be sure not to miss the connection between 11:6 and 16:13.


New Testament: Acts 26

Walter Kaiser has called it “promise theology”. It’s found repeatedly in both Testaments as one of the key themes of Scripture. It’s significant that when Paul presents his defense he turns his whole case on the question of God’s promise. Three times Paul refers to hope - both his and that of all Jews - in that Promise. In fact, it has become the hope of all those who believe, both Jew and Gentile.

It is because of my hope in what God has promised our fathers that I am on trial today. This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. O king, it is because of this hope that the Jews are accusing me. (Acts 26:6-7)

This is the “root” that Paul speaks of in Romans 11. The Abrahamic Covenant is the foundational Promise that God made first with Abraham and his descendants. Abraham’s physical descendants who do not believe are cut off from that root. We, Gentile believers, have been grafted in so that hope in the Promise has become our hope. We “share in the nourishing sap from the olive root” (Rom. 11:17) because we’ve been grafted in. That’s also the significance of Paul’s concluding statement in that passage. Those Jews who come to faith...

If they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. (Rom. 11:23)

Paul’s argument before Agrippa turned on his trust in God’s promise. He emphasizes that yet more clearly near the end of his discourse when he says, “I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen” (Acts 26:22). That Promise regarded the Christ who would suffer and die and then rise from the dead. Resurrection was the issue! Paul began his defense with that question, “Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?” (Acts 26:8). Indeed,

If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.... If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. (I Cor. 15:14,17)

THE LORD SPOKE (April 24)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: I Samuel 14

Jonathan was a leader touched by God. His inspiring words, "nothing can hinder the Lord from saving whether by many or by few" (vs. 6) helped to check the downward spiral of Saul's leadership. When a leader demonstrates his trust in God like that, notice what the people's response will be (vs. 7). It happened with Joshua against the Canaanites (Josh. 10), with Gideon against the Midianites (Jud. 6), with Jehoshaphat against the Moabites and Ammonites (II Chron. 20), and with many others who trusted the Lord (Heb. 11:32-34).

Notice though the uncertainty involved in following God. Joshua looked for a sure signal from the Lord that what he was doing was right (vs. 10). He was determined to press on only if he was sure it was the Lord's leading. Notice again the follower relationship that flows from that kind of leadership (vs. 14).

One more thing: compare Jonathan's "ministry goal" (vs. 6) with Saul's (vs. 24 - "before I have avenged myself ") and you'll see why they obtained such different results: Jonathan (vs. 13) - "the Philistines fell before Jonathan"; Saul (vs. 37) - "but God didn't answer him".

God is bigger than any human leader and, ultimately, He will have His way. In spite of Saul's failures, God delivered the people through him (vs. 46-48). Aren't you glad we serve such a great God?


New Testament: Acts 25

Three chapters; three trials. Each one quite different. Felix (Acts 24) was looking for a bribe and concerned not to offend the Jews. Festus (Acts 25) was the kind that liked to get things crossed off his lists, run a tidy court, and clear up unfinished business. Agrippa (Acts 26) was more philosophical in his interests, liked to get to the bottom of a matter, and weighed the issues.

The charge sheet had some things listed on it but it was anything by tidy. Festus wanted to clean it up before sending it to a higher court. It would reflect badly on him if the case wasn’t more clearly stated. He had four main points but none of them would stick and he knew it. Paul responded to all four (Acts 25:8,10):

1. I have done nothing wrong against the Law of the Jews
2. I have done nothing wrong against the Temple.
3. I have done nothing wrong against Caesar.
4. I have done nothing wrong to the Jews themselves.

If he hadn’t appealed to Caesar, Festus would have had no choice but to throw the whole case out of court. The suggestion to move the venue to Jewish Jerusalem held promise but higher courts don’t bounce things down to lower courts and besides, Paul saw quickly through that tactic. It would be a lynching trial there. Agrippa’s visit provided a welcome opportunity to shift the responsibility. Now, if he could just come up with some appropriate wording for the charge sheet....

Festus was really getting nervous by the end of the trial. He tried to silence what appeared to be contempt of court on the part of Paul (Acts 26:24). When the judges returned to their chambers (Acts 26:30-31) the feeling must have been, “Just who is on trial here?” They were feeling conviction themselves. Paul’s words, under the Holy Spirit’s direction, brought them to weigh guilt - their own!

It really does boil down to one ultimate question, “Do you believe?”

THE LORD SPOKE (April 23)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: I Samuel 11-13

This section of the historical record begins with the spotlight on SAUL.

I Sam. 11:6 - "the Spirit of God came upon him in power"

I Sam. 11:15 - "so all the people...confirmed Saul as king in the presence of the Lord"

I Sam. 11:18 - "so all the people stood in awe of the Lord and of Samuel"

It was Saul's reconfirmation day but did you notice how the limelight shifted from Saul to SAMUEL? Can you figure out why? Look at Samuel's heart:

I Sam. 12:23 - "...Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right."

I Sam. 12:24 - "Consider what great things he [the Lord, not Saul] has done for you."

Saul set out to show the people the great things he could do for them. Samuel turned their eyes to see what great things He (the Lord) had done for them. And that was the beginning of Saul's end.

I Sam. 13:11 - "I saw [i.e. notice what great insight I have]...[but] you did not come [i.e. you're such a failure Samuel]"

I Sam. 13:13 - Samuel says, "you acted foolishly...You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you." Did you notice? The Lord spoke!

And here's a concluding reminder we all need to remember:

I Sam. 13:14 - "The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart."


New Testament: Acts 24

“A ringleader of the Nazarene sect.” It was calculated to incite a negative reaction against Paul and he immediately responds. First of all, a “ringleader” implies someone who is conniving and fostering sedition. Paul says, they “did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else”.

As to the charge of “the Nazarene sect”, Paul goes back to the same terminology that was used prior to his own conversion (Acts 9:2) when he speaks of them as followers of “the Way”. He quickly defines that as solidly Bible-based (“everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets”) and founded on “the hope in God” regarding resurrection from the dead.

Felix was no stranger to “the Way” (Acts 24:22). Drusilla, his Jewish wife, also had an interest and came to the trial several days later (Acts 24:24). She was the daughter of Herod Agrippa I (the one who killed James and put Peter in prison) and the sister of Herod Agrippa II (the current king and the one before whom Paul will give his defense in Acts 25-26).

Though Paul was allowed to speak “about faith in Christ Jesus... [including] righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come” (Acts 24:24-25 - imagine that in a Roman court of law!), the listeners didn’t let themselves go too far. Their’s was an interest of convenience with dollar signs floating in the background (Acts 24:25-26).

And so, two years passed. Paul had some freedom to receive visitors and we know that Dr. Luke was one of them. Luke probably also used this time to interview eyewitnesses and gather material for his Gospel and the book of Acts (Lk. 1:1-4). Paul himself had just recently written Romans and was soon to write Ephesians so it’s not too hard to imagine what themes were occupying his thoughts. You could almost reconstruct his Bible study during those two years by looking at the OT passages he quotes frequently in Romans and Ephesians.

One thing is for sure - Paul used the time well. No moldering in jail for him. In fact, his brilliant defense in the next two chapters is another indication of where his mind was during those two years. It was a valuable timeout for one of God’s most effective servants.

THE LORD SPOKE (April 22)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: I Samuel 9-10

I Samuel 9:6 - "...In this town there is a man of God; he is highly respected and everything he says comes true."

• Do people in your town know you as a man of God?
• How could they know?
• They might know you, but do they know your God because of you?
• Do people coming from elsewhere find out about you because you are a recognized man of God?
• Do the people near you even talk about you?
• Of course they do, but is it because you are recognized as a man of God?
• Are you highly respected?
• When people think of you is their first thought, "Thank God for Him"?
• Are your words the very word of God to them because they come from the Word of God?
• Do all your words point others to God?
• Has the Lord spoken to you? through you? today?

New Testament: Acts 23

What an epitaph! Paul was able to say, “I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” Can you say that?

It sure made someone else squirm! Ananias, the High Priest was known for his violence and cruelty. He’s not to be confused with Annas, the High Priest mentioned in the Gospels (see Lk. 3:2). Ananias was High Priest from AD 47 to 59 so he was already in office for several years before Paul’s defense on this occasion. The NIV Study Bible offers these suggestions for why Paul “did not realize that he was the high priest” (Acts 23:5):

1. Paul had poor eyesight (suggested by such passages as Gal. 4:15; 6:11) and failed to see that the one who presided was the high priest.
2. He failed to discern that the one who presided was the high priest because on some occasions others had sat in his place.
3. He was using pure irony: A true high priest would not give such an order.
4. He refused to acknowledge that Ananias was the high priest under these circumstances.

The entire farcical nature of this examination led Paul to take a tactic which he did not normally employ. Knowing that God had a higher design for him, Paul launched a bomb calculated to explode in those religious waters. Within minutes the Pharisees and Sadducees were in such a violent dispute that the Roman soldiers had to extract Paul and escort him to the barracks.

That wasn’t the end of it though. The chief priests and elders hatched a plot to murder Paul in prison (Acts 23:12-16) and Paul had to be secreted away. Secret? It took 470 soldiers to pull it off under cover of darkness (Acts 23:23). Claudius Lysias must have breathed a sigh of relief when Paul was finally delivered intact to the guards in Caesarea.

And now Paul was several steps closer to the fulfillment of another detail of his original calling. At his conversion experience in Acts 9, he’d been told that God would use him “to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings”. At the end of Acts 23, he’s inside Herod’s palace, soon to meet King Agrippa, and on his way to testify before Caesar at Rome.

THE LORD SPOKE (April 21)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: I Samuel 6-8

When the people of Beit Shemesh "looked up and saw the ark they rejoiced at the sight" (I Sam. 6:13). Why? Because it represented the presence of God with them and it had been gone since that terrible battle when the Philistines captured it (I Sam. 4:22). But then the unimaginable happened. In their joy to get it back, some acted inappropriately and "God struck down some of the men" (I Sam. 6:19). Don't waste too much time on the question of how many were struck down. Rather, think of this: "The people mourned because of the heavy blow the Lord had dealt them". This One they'd been so longing to have back!

A long time later (I Sam. 7:2-3), Samuel led them to repentance and back to the Lord saying, "If you are returning to the Lord with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of ________ [you fill in your blank here] ...and commit yourselves to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliver you...." So they fasted and confessed, "we have sinned against the Lord" (I Sam. 7:6).

"Then Samuel took a stone...[and] he named it Ebenezer saying, 'Thus far has the Lord helped us' (I Sam. 7:12)." Why have they taken that word out of our hymn books? (Do we even use hymn books any more?) Why don't we, instead, remind God's people of what it means?! Even + haezer in Hebrew is "stone of help". That memorial stone was to remind them/later generations/us of God's help. "Here I raise mine Ebenezer, hither by Thy help I've come." I need to raise some great memorial so that I never forget what God has done for me!

[Unless you want to be discouraged again, don't even go to I Sam. 8:18-20 and the context.]


New Testament: Acts 22

A lot can be learned about Paul from this passage. Though the purpose is not biographical, consider the following:

1. He was multilingual. In the last chapter (Acts 21:37) the Roman commander was surprised to find that he spoke Greek. They were probably conversing in Aramaic, the lingua franca of the day and the most likely language they would have had in common. When Paul speaks in his own defense, he uses Hebrew to best communicate with his Jewish audience. The text literally says “in the Hebrew dialect” (Acts 22:2) and there’s good evidence that this was Hebrew - not Aramaic as some of our English translations have it. With his travels around the Roman Empire he, no doubt, picked up some Latin too.
2. He was well-traveled. In this brief passage we have mention of Tarsus in Cilicia, Damascus, and Jerusalem. But the ease with which Paul converses with a Roman centurion, who himself was well-traveled, is indicative of a broad perspective.
3. He was highly educated. Besides the multiple languages and extensive travel, Paul had received the very finest formal education. He had been trained in rabbinic law by no less than Gamaliel, the most respected rabbi of the first century and the grandson of the great Hillel (see Acts 5:34).
4. He was well connected. Paul could appeal to his familiarity to “the high priest and all the council”. Being a student of Gamaliel would have opened any Jewish door for him but Paul’s Roman citizenship was a key factor in the secular world. There were three ways to obtain Roman citizenship: (a) win it as a reward for some outstanding service, (b) buy it at considerable price - see Acts 22:28, or, as in Paul’s case, (c) be born into a family of Roman citizens. It brought great advantages throughout the Roman world of occupation (e.g. not being chained or flogged without a trial in Acts 22:25,29).
5. He was hot-wired. Whatever he did, he did thoroughly and with all his heart. From his education to his persecution of “the followers of the way” (Acts 22:4), Paul demonstrated that he had a strong sense of drive. In this instance and many others he spoke boldly and without fear. He gave his personal testimony before a hostile crowd and Roman soldiers. In the end he spread the Gospel more strongly than he had persecuted it.
6. He was called of God. Perhaps nothing else accounts better for his drive. He had met the Lord and received clear instructions from Him on more than one occasion (Acts 22:7-10,18,21). Once Ananias was convinced himself, he told Paul that God had chosen him “to know his will and to see the Righteous One”. And that eventually resulted in his going to the Gentiles.

That was enough to bring the Jewish accusations crashing down around him, calling for his very life. But it was also enough to bring the Gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth - all the way to America! Aren’t you glad?

THE LORD SPOKE (April 20)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: I Samuel 3-5

When God called the little boy Samuel, Eli, the High Priest (!), almost blew it. It took Eli three times to even recognize the Lord's voice.

What Samuel heard must have been hard to understand at first and a little bit scary to a young boy: "I am about to do something that will make the ears of everyone who hears of it tingle." (I Sam. 3:11). It had made a lot of ears tingle recently and it wasn't all for good. But when God creates that sound, more than ears tingle. Just look at what Samuel continued to hear from the Lord:

The Lord was with Samuel...and he let none of his words fall to the ground. And all ________ [you fill in your blank here] ...recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the Lord. The Lord continued to appear...and...he revealed himself to Samuel through his word." (I Sam. 3:19-21)

Can you hear the tingling? Did you notice that last phrase? It comes to us too through God's Word! Because of the pronoun there, it's a little hard to decide who it was that "let none of his words fall to the ground". Was it Samuel or God himself? Either way, there's a good lesson in it for us. I don't think God is ever going to let his own words fail so I better not be the one who drops them.


New Testament: Acts 21

When you go on vacation, do you look for a good church to attend on Sunday? Or do you just figure it’s a good time to take a vacation from church too? If so, that probably reveals something of your character that would be better off not revealed.

When Paul came into a town, even if it was a new place for him, he sought out the brothers in that place. Okay, you can say it’s because he was a professional missionary but that doesn’t always seem to be the case. Here in Acts 21 he’s making the trip from Ephesus to Jerusalem and we’ve already been told that “he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible by the day of Pentecost” (Acts 20:16).

So, why is he “delaying” all along the way by meeting with the believers at each stopping point? In Tyre he found the disciples and stayed a week (Acts 21:4). At Ptolemais, he only had a day but he spent it with the brothers (Acts 21:7). Likewise, he did it at Caesarea and again as soon as he got to Jerusalem, Apparently, he loved the fellowship of the saints.

How is it when you travel? Do you stick your nose in a book and try hard not to have a conversation with the passenger in the seat next to you? Is it your tendency to stay in the hotel room, or at least not make any church plans on Sunday? If you’re camping, those people really don’t want someone smelling like campfire smoke coming into their services, right? We can sure come up with any number of excuses, can’t we?

But just think of the blessings you’ll miss. First, there’s the opportunity to draw near to God with others who love Him too. Then there is the mutual encouragement that results from finding brothers in unexpected places. The discovery that God’s family is large will deliver you from a warped parochialism. After all, you’re going to be spending eternity with some of these people. Why not get started now?

So, as summer vacation time approaches, why not plan ahead to visit believers in other places. You might even want to choose your vacation spot by what’s available locally on the Sunday you’ll be there. Going to visit family and they don’t go to church? Better yet! Take them with you. They just might pick up a good habit themselves.

Get serious about God!

THE LORD SPOKE (April 19)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: I Samuel 1-2

"Hannah's Prayer" is found in I Samuel 2. I've read it over 40 times in the past (that's not a guess - I just tried counting it up). I found one verse in there that I never saw before and it doesn't even seem to fit what immediately precedes it. But, without a doubt, God put that verse in there specifically for me today.

Do not keep talking so proudly
or let your mouth speak such arrogance,
For the Lord is a God who knows,
and by him deeds are weighed.
I Samuel 2:3

I've needed that verse a lot this week. Several times I've heard the Lord saying, "You talk big. So, why don't you do it yourself. Put your money where your mouth is. How can you lead others to do it if you're not doing it yourself."

Talk is cheap but God weighs our deeds.


New Testament: Acts 20

There are not three (or more) biblical offices in the church. There are two and only two. When Paul writes to the church at Philippi, he writes “to the bishops and the deacons” (Phil. 1:1). That eliminates deaconesses (as an office) and it eliminates the distinctions that some have between pastors and elders.

This passage, Acts 20, is the key to understanding that issue. When Paul is about to sail for Jerusalem, he makes a stop in Miletus on the coast of Asia Minor. Wanting to have one more opportunity to speak to the leadership of the church at Ephesus but knowing that if he goes there himself he will be detained, he calls them to come to meet him.

From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders [presbuteros] of the church. (Acts 20:17)

When he speaks to the group, he says:

Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers [episkopos]. Be shepherds [poimainein] of the church of God....” (Acts 20:28)

There you have it, as plain as can be. The three terms, “elders” (presbuteros), “overseers/bishops” (episkopos), and pastors (poimainein) are used for the same office. They may well speak to different aspects or functions of the office but they do not refer to three different offices.

Paul makes a similar link between two of the terms, elders and overseers, in Titus 1:5 & 7. But Peter again uses all three terms interchangeably in I Peter 5:1-2 where he says:

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder... be shepherds of God’s flock [literally, “shepherd the sheep herd”] that is under your care, serving as overseers....

There may well be different emphases among these leaders. For example, Paul speaks of administrative and teaching elders in I Timothy 5:17. But the office is one and the same.

As Paul spoke to the Ephesian elders, he reminded them that the job involves fighting off savage wolves (Acts 20:29), combating twisted teachers (Acts 20:30), and lots of hard work (Acts 20:35). The compelling reason for this loving care is that Christ so loved the church that He bought it with His own blood (Acts 20:28).

THE LORD SPOKE (April 18)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Ruth 3-4

We’re under no obligation to defend Ruth’s honor. Going perfumed to the threshing floor after dark has only one interpretation. Boaz’ honor shines through and, in the end, God is honored by what happens on the outskirts of Bethlehem.

Boaz, probably an older man himself (Ruth 3:10), apparently had no heir. Ruth, a poor foreigner, had little or no home. Naomi, a destitute and childless widow, had lost heart a long time ago (Ruth 1:11-13, 20-21). But God....

But God.... Don’t you love those words? They always come at just the right moment. In our greatest extremity, He is there to redeem our life from the pit. He is there to cheer and to guide. He is there to abide.

• Gen. 50:20 - But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
• Ps. 49:15 - But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me.
• Rom. 5:8 - But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
• 1 Cor. 1:27 - But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty....
• Eph. 2:4-9 - But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved); and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

We may not be in the blood line of the Messiah like Ruth (see Ruth 4:18-22 with Mat. 1:3-6) but we’ve been bought by the blood and given life in the Messiah, our Kinsman-Redeemer. Glory be to God that a rural story from a barley field in Bethlehem can impact all of eternity! Only He can do such a thing.

Up Calv’ry’s mountain, one dreadful morn,
Walked Christ my Savior, weary and worn;
Facing for sinners death on the cross,
That He might save them from endless loss.

Blessed Redeemer! Precious Redeemer!
Seems now I see Him on Calvary’s tree;
Wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading,
Blind and unheeding - dying for me!

Oh, how I love Him, Savior and Friend,
How can my praises ever find end!
Through years unnumbered on heaven’s shore,
My tongue shall praise Him forevermore.

Avis B. Christiansen


New Testament: Acts 19

If it weren’t for a level-headed city clerk there might have been a lynching that day in Ephesus. A riot ensued when Demetrius the silversmith pointed out that Paul was teaching “that man-made gods are no gods at all” (Acts 19:26). Imagine that! It wasn’t hard for the local businessmen to imagine what was going to happen to their pocketbooks if the great goddess Artemis was discredited.

Ephesus had a good thing going. According to legend an image of Artemis (the Greek equivalent to the Roman goddess Diana) had fallen from heaven and they had built a magnificent temple to house the image (Acts 19:35). Magnificent temple? It was 425' long and 220' wide with 127 white marble columns 62' high, spaced every 4' apart. It was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and people came from far and near to see it.

And to buy a replica of the image of Artemis! She was depicted with several rows of breasts on her torso to depict the mother goddess of fertility. Several reproductions have been found in excavations at Ephesus and elsewhere. Paul had the audacity to undercut “the good income from this business” (Acts 19:25-26).

Gaius and Aristarchus were drug into the theater (which still stands in marvelous preservation at Ephesus). Paul wanted to go to their rescue but other friends dissuaded him (Acts 19:30-31). A Jew named Alexander was pushed forward, presumably to strengthen the case against these Christians, but when the crowd remembered that Jews didn’t recognize Artemis either, he was shouted down.

The frenzy carried on for two hours until the city clerk was able to gain control. He was the most important local official and liaison officer between the city and the Roman authorities. Fearful of serious repercussions (Acts 19:40), he reminded them that Rome could shut down their commerce just as quickly. Was it with tongue-in-cheek that he told the idol-worshipers that their “facts were undeniable” (Acts 19:36)?

It finally grew quiet that day. But not for long. Paul founded one of the most dynamic of all the first-century churches right there at Ephesus. Today the Temple of Artemis lies in dusty-ruins but the Gospel has continued to sound out from that place (and others) for 2000 years.

THE LORD SPOKE (April 17)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Ruth 1-2

It’s a slice out of ordinary daily life. Other than the messianic connection, there’s not really a lot that is unique in the story of Ruth. Famines weren’t rare and foreigners were always there. Men died and left widows. Women cried and were bereft of the will to go on. Beit-Lehem (“the house of bread”) was empty and pleasure (the meaning of “Naomi”) had turned to bitterness (“Mara”). There wasn’t much reason or will to carry on.

But Naomi received a wonderful boon - the friendship of her daughter-in-law. Ruth’s declaration of love and support has inspired us through the ages (but please don’t let it be sung again at a wedding, unless it’s by the bride to her mother-in-law):

Whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge. Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God. Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried. The LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. (Ruth 1:16-17, KJV)

Returning to the Judean Hills in April/May at the time of the barley harvest, the stage is set for a beautiful romance of redemption. When he sees her for the first time, Boaz’ response is “Wow! Who’s damsel is this?” (slightly revised from the KJV in Ruth 2:5). When he finds out who she is, he determines to make her his own. Or, as Naomi puts it later, “the man will not rest until the matter is settled” (Ruth 3:18).

That’s what’s unique about this book. The love story that illustrates how our Kinsman-Redeemer pursued and finally won us for Himself is portrayed so beautifully. Love so amazing, so divine, is not a common thing.

The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled,
And pardoned from his sin.

O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.

Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.

Frederick M. Lehman


New Testament: Acts 18

Apollos’ creed! It’s found in the last verse of Acts 18. “Jesus is the Messiah.” He argued it (1) vigorously, (2) publically, and (3 from the Scriptures (Acts 18:28). If you go back a little in the chapter you also find that he did so (4) with great fervor, (5) accurately, and (6) boldly (Acts 18:25).

His most impressive characteristic was his thorough knowledge of the Scriptures (Acts 18:24). Coming from Alexandria in Egypt, he brought a high level of learning to the table. Alexandria was second only to Rome in the empire and had a large Jewish population. Some 250 years earlier they had produced the Septuagint - a superb translation of the Hebrew Old Testament into the Greek language. The city had become famous for the un-equaled library that had been assembled there. Scholars came from everywhere to study and debate in Alexandria.

That was Apollos’ background but his knowledge of the Gospel was faulty. He knew the OT Scriptures very well and, from that, he “taught about Jesus accurately” (Acts 18:25) but he was missing some important ingredients. Until Priscilla and Aquilla found him! They took him into their home “and explained to him the way of God more adequately” (Acts 18:26). Talk about being “apt to teach”. That Aquilla and Priscilla Team gives us a model to follow! Inviting him into their home (like Paul before him - see Acts 18:3), they graciously helped this man to be a better teacher. You wouldn’t think that tentmakers would have much to offer a world-class scholar but they played a vital role in encouraging another servant of God.

Apollos began at Ephesus (Acts 18:24) but was sent to Corinth (Acts 18:27; 19:1). Later he returned to Ephesus but apparently maintained a teaching ministry at both places (I Cor. 16:12). It must have been a great delight to Aquilla and Priscilla to sit in on his classes whenever they could. They enjoyed the rich dividends God paid on their initial investment.

THE LORD SPOKE (April 16)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Judges 20-21

One tribe was nearly wiped out. Benjamin dropped from 26,700 swordsmen to 600 in a few days’ time before the executioner’s hand was stayed.

The crime had been heinous. Gibeah deserved a severe punishment. The tribal support that Benjamin gave them was surprising but the Israelites were careful to seek counsel from the Lord for this. Even so, their original number of 400,000 was twice hacked down by a total of 10% (Judg. 20:21,25). It would appear that everyone had some lessons to learn through this experience.

When the dust settled, 600 Benjamites were sitting on a rock just northeast of the Central Benjamin Plateau. They sat there for four months (Judg. 20:47). What was left of their town and possessions was thoroughly sacked and burned. A once mighty tribe was reduced to bare bones and Israel “grieved for their brothers, the Benjamites” (Judg. 21:6).

“The Lord had made a gap in the tribes of Israel” (Judg. 21:15). It wouldn’t be long before He began to fill it in a beautiful way. The book closes with “in those days Israel had no king” (Judg. 21:25), but that was soon to change. God began to fill that gap by choosing Israel’s first king from the tribe of Benjamin.

Saul was “an impressive young man without equal among the Israelites” (I Sam. 9:2) when God singled him out to be Israel’s first king. Enjoying the support and counsel of Samuel, he got off to a good start. His end was less impressive.

But another Benjamite who started very badly ended up very good! Saul, who went on to become the great Apostle Paul, was proud to be of the tribe of Benjamin (Rom. 11:1; Phil. 3:6). How impoverished we’d all be if the tribe of Benjamin had been wiped out completely on that day clear back in the time of the judges. God’s sovereign purposes were at work over 1000 years earlier. The gospel finally arrived at our own doorstep by means of a slender thread of God’s marvelous grace.


New Testament: Acts 17

Paul made a practice of it. At Thessalonica “he reasoned with them from the Scriptures” (Acts 17:2). From the biblical text he demonstrated that...

1. the Messiah had to suffer to the point of death
2. the Messiah would then rise from the dead
3. Jesus did this and, therefore, is the Messiah

It brought conversion. “Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks, and not a few prominent women” (Acts 17:4, c.f. 17:12). In short order, some of these people were persecuted for their faith but held strong.

Yet the Bereans were exalted as being “of more noble character than the Thessalonians” (Acts 17:11a). Why? What was the difference? Their’s was the next town visited by Paul and, presumably, received the same message and manner of delivery. But the difference was that the Bereans “received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” (Acts 17:11b).

Thomas Brooks, one of the Puritans, put it this way: Take no truth upon trust, but all upon trial. It was the glory of [the Bereans] that they would not trust Paul himself.

Paul’s message to the Athenians on the Areopagus was notably different from his preaching in the Jewish synagogues. Nevertheless, he followed the argument of the Old Testament:

1. God is the Creator of All (Past) - vs. 24-26
2. God is the Sustainer of All (Present) - vs. 27-29
3. God will be the Judge of All (Future) - vs. 30-31

Paul concluded with the same message he’d been using in the synagogues - the final judgment will come by Jesus, “the man [God] has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead” (Acts 17:31). The resurrection of Jesus was and is the capstone of all revelation and reason. Apart from that historical fact there is no ultimate truth, no message from God, and no hope of salvation.