A Devotional Study of the Living Word of God

Psalm 119:71 Many are the plans of a mans heart, but it is God who directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9 Affliction is a major tool in the hands of God, so we might as well stop complaining, repent and start anew; by following the statutes of the LORD!

Good Morning

Take the life cycle of a submarine for an example; Average twenty-five years of service to the country and during that time the vessel travels several thousands of miles, maybe a million miles or more. The accomplishments are many. Battle ribbons, accommodations and accolades from political officials both at home and abroad. The boat has a fine reputation, one that makes you proud to have served with the others who crossed the gang plank and played some role in the ship's exemplary history. The men who served are the average guy you see on the street every day. Full of faults that make up the world around us. They have drinking problems, marriage problems, family problems, legal problems and a host of other issues that if exposed would melt away the gold and silver accomplishments of the ship's wonderful history. The ship will remain in the hall's of fame because in the eyes of nation it is “justified” to be there and has gained a permanent recognition in history. When our soul is before the judgment seat of Christ, it will be our standing in Christ that protects us from, the drinking problem, marriage problem, family problem, legal problem and the host of other issues that try the hearts of mankind daily. Yesterday we looked at being redeemed by the blood of Christ, today we are looking at being justified by the blood of Christ. If you are not redeemed, then you are not justified and if you are not justified, then you are not saved by the blood of the Lamb. There are a couple of other applications of the blood of Christ to look at over the next couple of days. This is setting us up for a study of the book of Romans when we have completed the book of Acts.

Acts 21

Acts 21:15-22 Paul and his disciples arrive in Jerusalem. I always anticipated the best of things when I came home from a long journey, only to find out that the washing machine is broke, the car needs an overhaul and the children are extremely disobedient. Immediately on his arrival Paul is confronted with the problem of legalism and grace. This is one of the major battles of church history today, some are over zealous in one way or the other and it always causes confusion, disappointment and division.

Acts 21:23-25 The recorded Word of God is for us to live and learn and to be always on the alert. Verse 20 states that thousands of Jews have believed (saved) but that they are zealous for the Law of Moses. Saved men and women often caused the persecutions that came upon the apostle. Paul even states before legal council that they have a zeal for God according to the Law, but not according to grace in Acts 2:3. When there is strife within the church, it will soon bleed into the public eye. Later it will be the unbelieving Sanhedrin who take over as Paul's accusers.

Acts 21:26-36 Many of us have not involved ourselves with mobs and riots, but I am sure that there are a few readers here that have as many were young adults in the sixties. What we see on the television looks bad, but if you are there, it is very bad. Being tossed to and fro, getting hit and not knowing who hit you. Talking that sounds more like the roar of a lion that communication. The established religion standing tough against the persecuted way of following Christ. Folks, let us not be foolish thinkers here. There is coming a day soon, when this nation will fight that battle. If you are still “vertical” then, you will be in the battle on one side of grace or the other.