In today's sermon, "Do Not Trouble Those Who Are Turning To The Lord", according to the section "Summary From Last Week(#46)": How, and why should we consider all the suffering that happens to God's saints? What is the difference between nonbelievers and God's saints in the handling of hardships? What is our goal that we are seeking behind our hardships? Why is it very necessary for God's saints to go through a process of "tribulation"inside as well as outside of their lives? What is our ultimate goal in the midst of our hardships? What is the blessing of Immanuel, and how is it experienced? What is the true reality of our beings? What and how, must God's saints remember about their hardships on earth? How does John 16:33 show this?
In the section "That the remnant of men may seek the Lord, ... , that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God"(vv.17-19): What matter caused Paul and Barnabus to be appointed to go to the church of Jerusalem? Why did certain believers of the sect of the Pharisees also point out the same concern there? What is the work of "grace"? What is a very necessary step for every true believer? Why are there many treasures that we can't easily give up, and why do they need to be given up? How does Philipians 3:8-9 explain this? How does 2 Corinthians 4:16 encourage us in this?
Why isn't it easy for all the Jews to accept the new fact that salvation only comes through the grace of Jesus Christ alone? Describe our new and old statuses, and how our old objects are to the eyes of God.
How does Peter finally address the issue with clarity in verses 8-10, and what is the "yoke" he is talking about? What is the natural sin deeply rooted in man? Why does our world fall into more darkness every day? What role does the law play to the chosen saints of God? Why are men evil? Why can't we stop exercising such evil ways so naturally, without God's grace?
Why should we be so thankful that we came to know the grace of the Gospel? How did Jesus' disciples compete with each other until the moment of Jesus' death? What did Jesus say to Peter when he asked Him about the future of John? Why can't even believers be satisfied with the plan of God prepared for them now and in the future?
What happens when our faith becomes religious? How does Matthew 23:27-28 describe this condition? How have we been since birth, and what happens when the Gospel becomes a religion? What kind of life is true Christian living, and how will that agape work transform us?
During the discussion at the meeting, how did James support Peter's statement? What was his point, and what was the strong comment he made about it? What is the behavior of the evil spirit who tries to come and harass one not to follow truth? What is the ultimate goal of Satan, and what happens when we are destroyed by Satan's scheme? How does Matthew 12:42-45 portray this situation both in the believer and in the church itself?
What is our primary job during our Christian living, and why must we do it? What happens when the church is not filled with the word of truth and grace? Why must we study the word of God more truthfully and deliberately?
In the "Conclusion": What didn't Jesus do when He came here? What did He do, and what was the result? So then, what shouldn't we do, and what should we do because of what He has done?
In "What's God Doing?", by Ray Stedman: What is false Chritianity, and why must we understand it? What was the issue that split the church of Antioch wide open, both verbatim and in reality? How is this issue still with us today, both in Stedman's time and now? Why was this such a tough question to settle, both for and against the issue? Why did the whole fate of the Gospel hang on one man's faithfulness for a while? According to Stedman, what were the three meetings that were held in Jerusalem?
Who was in charge of the council, and why is it important that it was not Peter? What did Peter say that silenced the crowd, and what did "silence" mean, and allow? What four things of extreme importance did James point out? How does everything that happens in history or current events relates somehow to the great program of God? Are you involved in what God is involved in - moving to call out a people for His name?
In today's daily devotion, entitled - God Is Listening: What is one major obstacle to developing your prayer life? What changes do you sense God wants to make in your heart so that you see prayer as a way of life?