Philemon and Philippians

Both of these books speak of love.  It speaks of the love between Christ and man, believers of Christ and each other, and believers of Christ and those that they spread the gospel to.  The books talk about the bond between those who do the Lord's work and carry on his will.


Paul tells how members should be of one accord and one mind.  This means that our goals and pursuits should be the same.  This goal should be to draw closer to God and do His work on earth.  


Paul talks about how he has given up everything for Christ.  He says to not look behind at sins and wrongful desires, but to look forward to the finish line.  He says that we should strive toward perfection. Paul tells us we should look toward Christ who can make our worldly, sinful bodies perfect.  Paul tells us to be honest, true, and chaste and to seek out things that are pure, lovely, of good report and praiseworthy.  If we do these things we'll have peace.  


Even though these things seem hard, Paul says they are possible.  He explains that he has endured many trials.  He says that we too will experience trials in our lives.  But he gives us hope and encouragement.  He says, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). 

Galatians

Galatians was written by Paul.  The whole book is only six chapters.  Galatians begins with Paul bearing his testimony.  He preaches about the gospel and prophecies its divinity.  He then goes to Jerusalem were he continues to preach.  He then explains about Christ and resurrection.  He states, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life I live now in the flesh I live by the faith of the son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" (2:20).  


Paul angrily tells the Galatians the Law of Moses is no longer needed.  He explains that Christ fulfilled this and that salvation comes through faith in Christ alone.


Paul explains that with Christ we are free.  It is only when we sin that we are put in bondage.




Throughout Galatians, Paul repeats many of the teachings that Christ himself explained.

SNAKES!!

     In Religion we have been discussing healing and snake handling.  Snake handling is actually found in certain parts of the bible, just maybe not described the way some people seem to take it.  So, what does healing and faith have to do with one another.  As long as you are faithful to God, He will protect you from anything, whether it be bodily or heavenly.  This is only if it is in God's will to do so though.  
     The people in the video, obviously misinterpreted the scriptures.  They took these verses too literally and did not find the deeper meaning.  These scriptures describe how if you are about God's work, He will protect you and keep you from harm.
     I think God tests us by giving us ailments.  Some people get well and some do not.  God has a plan for each of us and we have to have faith that He knows best.  I believe everyone should pray and ask to be healed or pray for strength to endure whatever it may be.  If this does not occur though, they should not lose faith, but just know this is not how God plans to test them. 

Acts 22-28

Acts 22-28 is the passage we were assigned to read this week.  In the beginning, Paul tells of his conversion.  The Lord appears to Paul at night.  Felix is touched by Paul's anointed speech.  Paul witnesses to Agrippa.  Agrippa perceives that Paul is innocent.
Paul warns shipmates of dangerous trip, but is ignored.  An angel then appears to Paul telling him about the trip. Paul survives vipers bite.  Paul heals someone with fever and dysentery.  Paul preached another anointed sermon and more believe the gospel.

Beginning of the Church

It is not very often one witnesses the complete change of a person.  This is show however in the book of Acts.  Just as the church starts from pretty much nothing and grows, so does the faith of one man.  This man was Saul, who later was named Paul.  In Acts 8, Saul is first introduced.  At this time the church is just beginning and Peter and the other disciples through patience, hard work and diligence are trying to grow it.  Saul is finally blinded, healed and is baptized.  This is how it is for many Christians.  Figuratively, of course, but in a way many of us are blind to God and Christ and are finally healed by Him and later decide to live for Him. 

Peter continues his efforts to grow the church by taking the gospel to the Gentiles.  The Gentiles receive the Holy Ghost.  God grants the Gentiles repentance.  The disciples are the first to be called Christians.  Later in our reading James is martyred and Peter is freed from prison.  Saul’s name is changed to Paul. 

The church continues to grow.  The disciples continue to preach.  They continue to be persecuted, but still stay strong and do the work the Lord has for them to do.

The Afterlife