#114“Great Intercessors of the Bible”

The Church – Pt. 3

(Called Out Ones or Dedicated To The Lord) 

 

“One day as they were worshiping God--they were also fasting

as they waited for guidance--the Holy Spirit spoke:

"Take Barnabas and Saul and commission them

for the work I have called them to do."

(Act 13:2)

The Message Bible (MSG) 

One of the greatest challenges that The Church was facing during this time was the jealousy of the  Jewish teachers and religious leaders. You would think that they would be embracing the Gospel of the kingdom of heaven but they were not. Why? Because they were threatened by the teaching of Jesus Christ because the people believed that He was the Messiah, “When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”They replied, “Some say, John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:13-15) Peter and the disciples were not the only ones who believed there were thousands upon thousands who believed and that number was growing more and more daily since His death, burier and resurrection.  

This was why the religious leaders…Scribe, Pharisees and Sadducees fought so hard against the church. Why because they know that more and more people believed on the Name of Jesus. They were afraid of losing control of the people and that they would no listen to their teaching any longer. “Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:17-18) 

Because of this the church was in what would seem like a perpetual mood of intercession, because they needed to constantly consult with the Lord for guidance and direction. “One day as they were worshiping God--they were also fasting as they waited for guidance--the Holy Spirit spoke: "Take Barnabas and Saul and commission them for the work I have called them to do. (Act 13:2) 

This passage so blesses me because sometimes I encounter people that God have called to “GO” but because of this they think that they can just go! Yes it may be true that you are called to go but you should inquire of the Lord where it is He wants you to go; because even though you may be called to go, the grace upon your life is for specific places not every places you can go. “So they commissioned them. In that circle of intensity and obedience, of fasting and praying, they laid hands on their heads and sent them off. Sent off on their new assignment by the Holy Spirit, Barnabas and Saul went down to Seleucia and caught a ship for Cyprus. The first thing they did when they put in at Salamis was preach God's Word in the Jewish meeting places. They had John along to help out as needed. (Act 13:3-5) The fact is you need special grace to deal with situation and people that you will encounter and this grace and anointing is given when the Lord instructs you where to go. Why? Because He has already prepared the way for you and made provision for your ministry there…you can go somewhere else, but the anointing you need want be there.

“They traveled the length of the island, and at Paphos came upon a Jewish wizard. who had worked himself into the confidence of the governor, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man not easily taken in by charlatans. The wizard's name was Bar-Jesus (son of Joshua). He was as crooked as a corkscrew. The governor invited Barnabas and Saul in, wanting to hear God's Word firsthand from them. But Dr. Know-It-All (that's the wizard's name in plain English) stirred up a ruckus, trying to divert the governor from becoming a believer.

But Saul (or Paul), full of the Holy Spirit and looking him straight in the eye, said, "You bag of wind, you parody of a devil--why, you stay up nights inventing schemes to cheat people out of God. (Act 13:6-9) This wizard had held the people captive with his bag of magic trick for quite some time but what He didn’t know was that his magic would have no power when face to face with the servants of the Most High God. “But now you've come up against God himself, and your game is up. You're about to go blind--no sunlight for you for a good long stretch." He was plunged immediately into a shadowy mist and stumbled around, begging people to take his hand and show him the way. (Act 13:10) Paul, Barnabas and John were anointed for this demonstration of God’s powerful sign and wonder, this is why they had been singled out by the Holy Spirit.

Because of this great miracle look what happened, “When the governor saw what happened, he became a believer, full of enthusiasm over what they were saying about the Master.” (Act 13:11) Beloved remember that, “many are called but few are chosen,” Paul and Barnabas had been chosen for this assignment by the Holy Spirit and He was with them every step of the way.  In our next lesson we’ll see  other instances of when Paul and his team wanted to travel into certain countries but couldn’t; because the Holy Spirit wouldn’t allow them too.  We must understand that it is by God’s leading that we do what we do, we should always seek His counsel as to whether or not we should go or not.  Let us always strive to be in God’s perfect will not his permissive will; for it is only in the perfect will of God will we have or greatest successes.  

My Prayer: Father God, as we start following the missionary journey of the Apostle help us to see how they totally relied upon your guidance and direction for their travels. Although sometimes we may want to participate in different events they may not be in your perfect will for us at that time, help us to be able to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit which is instructing us which way to go. Even in our prayer time Father give us a kin ear to hear what the Spirit is saying for us to say and pray.  Thank You Father for giving us wisdom and understanding on how to follow You,  in Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen!!! 

Have A Bless Day…Go in God’s Peace!  

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#113“Great Intercessors of the Bible”

The Church – Pt. 2

(Called Out Ones or Dedicated To The Lord)

 

“When Peter had come to himself, he said,

"Now I truly know that the Lord has sent out

His angel and delivered me out of the hand of Herod,
and from everything the Jewish people were expecting."

(Act 12:11)

New King James (NKJ)

Have you ever had a dream that seemed so real that when you woke up you were looking for the manifestation of the dream? Peter was sleeping comfortably between two guards, when an Angel of the Lord appeared and struck him on the side to awaken him. “Stand up quickly!"  His chains fell off from his hands.  The angel said to him, "Get dressed and put on your sandals." He did so.  He said to him, "Put on your cloak, and follow me."  And he went out and followed him.  He didn't know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and the second guard, they came to the Iron Gate that leads into the city, which opened to them by itself. They went out, and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.” (Acts 12:7b-10) 

The key thing that I’ll point out is that, the Angel of God was an answer to intercession by the church. They had not ceased praying for Peter’s deliverance since his capture. God didn’t just deliver Peter he sent angelic assistance. “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14)  As intercessors of the Lord we have the right and authority to command the angels who have been assigned to minister unto us...who will inherit salvation through Jesus Christ.  I’m also reminded of Daniel, who said to the King, “My God sent his angel and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty."

In essence when we pray all of heaven responds to our partitions and goes into action to bring it into being.  This is why it is so important that we pray in agreement with the will of God for this earth. When we stand in agreement with heaven the God can freely move in behalf of our prayers and intercession. Just like Peter God will send His ministering spirits to deliver us and bring us out; then we will see door (gates) opening up before us. We like Peter will sometimes find ourselves standing and wondering what just happened. “When Peter had come to himself, he said, "Now I truly know that the Lord has sent out his angel and delivered me out of the hand of Herod, 
and from everything the Jewish people were expecting." 

Now go and tell somebody what God has done for you and how He brought you out by His mighty hand. “Thinking about that, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark,  where many were gathered together and were praying.”  Peter headed straight to the house of Mark were the church was gathered praying for His release…not knowing that God had already set him free. When we are praying for someone we often times grow weary and stop praying but like the church there are times we should continue praying until we see or hear that person telling us about the goodness of God’s deliverance.

“When Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a maid named Rhoda came to answer.  When she recognized Peter's voice,  she didn't open the gate for joy, but ran in, and reported that Peter was standing in front of the gate.  They said to her, "You are crazy!" But she insisted that it was so.  They said, "It is his angel."  But Peter continued knocking.  When they had opened, they saw him, and were amazed.” (Acts 12:13-16)  Beloved, so many people are standing at the door of deliverance, just waiting to hear someone say come on into the House of God… don’t stop praying for those souls that are in prison with a death sentence hanging over their heads. They don’t now that Jesus has already given them the keys to unlock the door and go free. Keep praying, continue in your intercession until you see or hear about that person’s deliverance. 

My Prayer: Father God what power and authority you have given us though Jesus. Thank you for angels who will do your bidding as ministering spirits. We lift up those whom we’ve been praying and interceding for over the years and we say think you Lord for their deliverance and salvation. Open the prison doors and lead them out by the straight gate of Your righteousness. Thank You for giving them access to locked gates which are before them let them open and give them free access to you kingdom blessings. These things we ask  in Jesus’ precious name, Amen!!! 

Have A Bless Day…Go in God’s Peace!  

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#112 “Great Intercessors of the Bible”

The Church –  Pt.1

(Called Out Ones or Dedicated To The Lord)

 “Peter therefore was kept in the prison,
but constant prayer was made by the,

church to God for him!"

(Act 12:5)

New King James (NKJ)

I’m not sure about anyone else but this series has been absolutely amazing for me! I’m founding out about intercessors that I never know existed; however, during my research they are being revealed. I love this, yet I know that we will soon conclude this series of lessons; however, I knew that the Lord has something equally as amazing in store.  With that said let’s get started on the next “Great Intercessors of the Bible” The Church. Since the day of John the Baptist, the kingdom has been in under attack. “And from the days of John the Baptist until the present time, the kingdom of heaven has endured violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize—a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion].” (Matthew 11:12)

Because of this intercession and warfare has become an unstoppable force in the church; knowing the value and importance of intercession is paramount. It is because of this we as intercessors cannot afford to be found sleeping on or post; we must stay engaged! In this chapter 12 we see yet another murderous attack upon the church, “Now about that time, Herod the king stretched out his hands to oppress some of the assembly.  He killed James, the brother of John, with the sword.  When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also.” (Acts 12:1-3) However this attack cost James his life and appeared that it would take Peter’s as well… “but the church lifted up intercession on Peter’s behalf.” Where would Peter have been if not for the prayers of the church bombarding heaven on His behalf? When we as intercessors storm heaven with a life threading issue It get the attention of heaven!!! 

I didn’t read anywhere that Peter was afraid or nervous about what King Harold was doing: it would appear that He was at peace even in the face possible death, “Peter was sleeping between two soldiers…” I’m reminded of Jesus when He was asleep in the boat while a storm was rocking the world of his disciples, he too had to be waken up in order to deal with the storm and order it to, “Peace be Still!” “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39) This time instead of being awakened by his companions Peter is awaken by and Angle in response to the intercession of the church.  

And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side, and woke him up, saying, "Stand up quickly!" His chains fell off from his hands. The angel said to him, "Get dressed and put on your sandals." He did so. He said to him, "Put on your cloak, and follow me."  And he went out and followed him. He didn't know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened to them by itself. They went out, and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.”  What was interesting about the story is that Peter himself didn’t know that he was being divinely delivered: is there any wonder that the church couldn’t believe he had been delivered either. I’ll admit that the church was in it’s earlier years and that would prove to be an invaluable application lesion for them.  

In our nest lesion we will take a closer look at the reaction of Peter and the Church in light of this miraculous deliverance.

 

My Prayer: Father God, we worship you and give you praise today, as we study the events of the book of Acts we are keenly aware that; although this book is only 28 chapters long we are still writing the Book of Acts  Thank You for giving us the words, provision and guidance we will need to complete this book in Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen!!!

Have A Bless Day…Go in God’s Peace!

 

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#111 “Great Intercessors of the Bible”

Cornelius – Pt.3

(Horn, Strong Willed or Wise) 

 "While Peter was still speaking these words,
the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word."

(Acts 10:44)

New King James (NKJ) 

Now we come to the conclusion of our teaching on Cornelius another “Great Intercessor of the Bible”.  In this teaching we see God breaking down the walls of prejudice among the Jewish people and the Gentiles. By bring Peter to the home of Cornelius to preach the gospel to him and his entire household. “Peter opened his mouth and said, "Truly I perceive that God doesn't show favoritism; but in every nation He who fears Him and works righteousness is acceptable to Him. The word which He sent to the children of Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ--He is Lord of all--that spoken word you yourselves know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.” (Acts 10:43-48) 

Peter said, “Truly I perceive that God doesn't show favoritism; but in every nation He who fears Him and works righteousness is acceptable to Him.” I love this verse because it is a reminder that no matter where you come from or what your status is in this earth God will honor His word without showing partiality. “But if you embrace the way God does things, there are wonderful payoffs, again without regard to where you are from or how you were brought up. Being a Jew won’t give you an automatic stamp of approval. God pays no attention to what others say (or what you think) about you. He makes up his own mind.” (Romans 2:10-11) What a blessing knowing this can be for those who call upon the name of the Lord, knowing that regardless to your circumstances he will hear you and answer!

Peter said, “He charged us to preach to the people and to testify that this is he who is appointed by God as the Judge of the living and the dead.  All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sin.” Oh what a blessing it is to know that all men have a right to have their sins forgiven by the Lord!!! “For the scripture said, “Whoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Gentiles: for the same Lord over all is rich to all that call on Him. For whoever shall call on the name of the Lord, shall be saved.” (Romans 10:11-13)  “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord…” beloved this is promise you can take to the bank!!!

 

After the word of the gospel was preached, “Peter wasn’t planning to stop at this point, but the Holy Spirit suddenly interrupted and came upon all the people who were listening. ^45-46 They began speaking in foreign languages (just as the Jewish disciples did on the Day of Pentecost), and their hearts overflowed in joyful praises to God. Peter’s friends from Joppa—all of them Jewish, all circumcised—were stunned to see that the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on outsiders.” We as intercessor have to believe that when we pray and declare the word of God into a situation that the power of God will fall in that situation and bring salvation. The word of God works! It doesn’t matter if it’s being preached to sinners or declared during a time of prayer and intercession… “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and returns not thither, but waters the earth, and makes it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. For you shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. (Isaiah 55:10-12) 

God’s word will produce life when spoken in the life of the unsaved! Thanks to Cornelius the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the gentile nation giving us the same inheritance of God, as the Jewish nation; because of his faithfulness in prayer and intercession. Hold on and don’t let go of your intercession the day will come when you too like Cornelius will see the fruit of your intercession.  

My Prayer: Heavenly Father, what a joy and honor it is to pray and intercede on behalf of other, even more to see or hear of the impact of our intercessions. Although Cornelius never knew the impact of his prayer outside of that of his own family; nevertheless his prayers transcended time and space reaching even into the realm of the future. Now thousands of years later the impacts of his prayers are still being felt on the seashores of time even today. Father when we pray let our prayers and intercessions have such weight and authority that it too can transcend time and space, touching distant shores in future times; changing and transforming lives of many whom we may never know or see in this life. Thank you for the privilege of sharing with you in intercession for the souls of men. In the precious name of Your Son Jesus Christ…Amen!

Have A Bless Day…Go in God’s Peace!  

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#110 “Great Intercessors of the Bible”

Cornelius – Pt.2

(Horn, Strong Willed or Wise) 

 

 "Your prayers and your gifts to the needy have gone up for

a memorial before God.  Now send men to Joppa, and get

Simon, who is surnamed Peter!"

(Acts 10:5)

New King James (NKJ)

Now let’s pick-up where we lift off in our last lesion, Cornelius had a vision of an Angel of the Lord, who had instructed him to send for Peter, “Cornelius, your prayers and your gifts to the needy have gone up for a memorial before God.  Now send men to Joppa, and get Simon, who is surnamed Peter. (Acts 10:5) Cornelius followed the instruction of the Angel and immediately sent some of his servants go to get Peter.  This made Cornelius what is known as “first fruit” for the Gentiles; because He was responsible for his whole family being Baptized and accepted into the Christian Faith.  But what Cornelius did was not only for his family but it gave access to all gentles as well.  

Because the Lord God had been working on peter about not calling anything He had created unclean, Now on the next day as they were on their journey, and got close to the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray at about noon.  He became hungry and desired to eat, but while they were preparing, he fell into a trance.  He saw heaven opened and a certain container descending to him, like a great sheet let down by four corners on the earth, in which were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth,  wild animals, reptiles, and birds of the sky.   A voice came to him, "Rise, Peter, kill and eat!"  But Peter said, “Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean."  A voice came to him again the second time, "What God has cleansed, you must not call unclean."  This was done three times, and immediately the vessel was received up into heaven.” (Acts 10:9-16)

Peter like some people today felt that the his race (Jews) were superior to all other races and would have had a difficult time excepting the gentles as heirs to the promise of God; this is why God had to tell him, “What God has created, you must not call unclean.” God made sure that everyone who wanted to come to Him could come, “Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) I love the why God orchestrates things; here are two men, whom unbeknown to each other are having simultaneous visions pertaining to the same thing. One is instructed to send for Peter a Jewish man, the other; Peter is having a vision telling him that everything God has created is clean, just before Gentiles arrives at the door inquiring after Him.

 What’s even more fascinating is that neither of them fully understood what God was about to do! Yet Peter went along with them fully trusting God and not doubting a thing He was doing.  “Now while Peter was very perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, stood before the gate, and called and asked whether Simon, who was surnamed Peter, was lodging there.  While Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Behold, three men seek you. But arise, get down, and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them." Peter went down to the men, and said, "Behold, I am he whom you seek. Why have you come?" They said, "Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous man and one who fears God, and well spoken of by all the nation of the Jews, was directed by a holy angel to invite you to his house, and to listen to what you say." So he called them in and lodged them.” 

Peter had been chosen to preach Christ to the Gentiles and witness the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon them, although Paul would be the one who primarily ministered to them. Nevertheless, I believe this was needful so that there would be no doubt that God had poured out the Holy Spirit upon Jews and Gentiles alike. Proving that He truly had no respect of persons and that all that called upon the name of the Lord would in fact be saved whether Jew or Gentile. God had pronounced the Gentiles clean and therefore they were qualified to hear the Gospel “On the next day Peter arose and went out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him.” On the next day they entered into Caesarea. Cornelius was waiting for them, having called together his relatives and his near friends. When it happened that Peter entered, Cornelius met him, fell down at his feet, and worshiped him.  But Peter raised him up, saying, "Stand up! I myself am also a man."  As he talked with him, he went in and found many gathered together. 

He said to them, "You yourselves know how it is an unlawful thing for a man who is a Jew to join himself or come to one of another nation, but God has shown me that I shouldn't call any man unholy or unclean. Therefore also I came without complaint when I was sent for. I ask therefore, why did you send for me?”(Acts 10:24-29)  I often wonder how this story could be applied to our lives today, who is that you think is unclean and unholy and you cannot go to them and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

When Jesus was here on earth his life and ministry touched every kind of people, blind, lamb, holt, so called clean and unclean, leapers, raised dead men and even hypocrites."THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES, AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED" (Luke 4:18)  Yet we say we can’t go where they are because, their environment is unclean… what better place to take the cleansing power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Whenever you are having doubts about going to speak to someone, which you feel the Lord has placed on your heart, don’t doubt; because, if he is sending you to them then he is also preparing the way for your message. Just as He prepared Peter for what He was getting ready to do through Cornelius so too He well prepare you. This reminds me of a song I use to sing years ago, "Carry the Water to The Desert"... the sick ones need the doctor, I'm gonna stop this hauling water to the sea." 

The Lord told Cornelius when Peter arrives he will speak to you. Cornelius, told Peter what happen and why he had sent for him, then he said, “Therefore I sent to you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now therefore we are all here present in the sight of God to hear all things that have been commanded you by God.” (Acts 10:33)

Peter opened his mouth and said, "Truly I perceive that God doesn't show favoritism; but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him. The word which he sent to the children of Israel, reaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ--he is Lord of all--that spoken word you yourselves know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 

We are witnesses of everything he did both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they also killed, hanging him on a tree. God raised him up the third day, and gave him to be revealed, not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen before by God, to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.  He charged us to preach to the people and to testify that this is he who is appointed by God as the Judge of the living and the dead.  All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins.” (Acts 10:34-43)

We never know the impact that our dedication and commitment to prayer and intercession will have; however. we believe the Father hears our prayers and will answer just the same. I like to liken our intercession to the wave of the sea. When you’re standing on the seashore and a waive comes and dashes against you, there is no way for you to know from whist it came; for all you know it’s origination point could have been off the coast of China or Africa.  Intercession is much like that, no matter where it has come from once it has gone out, it is far reaching and you never know who or how many people will be caught in its wake. As we will learn in our next lesson, the same was true with Cornelius, he never know that his intercession before God would have a wake which traveled across generation not just his family.

My Prayer: Heavenly Father, what a joy and honor it is to pray and intercede on behalf of other, even more to see or hear of the impact of our intercessions. Although Cornelius never knew the impact of his prayer outside of that of his own family; nevertheless his prayers transcended time and space reaching even into the realm of the future. Now thousands of years later the impacts of his prayers are still being felt on the seashores of time even today. Father when we pray let our prayers and intercessions have such weight and authority that it too can transcend time and space, touching distant shores in future times; changing and transforming lives of many whom we may never know or see in this life. Thank you for the privilege of sharing with you in intercession for the souls of men. In the precious name of Your Son Jesus Christ…Amen!

Have A Bless Day…Go in God’s Peace!  

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#109 “Great Intercessors of the Bible”

Cornelius – Pt. 1
 (Horn or Strong Willed and Wise)  

 

 “About the ninth hour of the day he clearly saw in a vision

an angel of God who had just come in to him,

and said to him, "Cornelius!"

(Acts 10:3-4)

New King James (NKJ)

Now that we’ve finished our study on Saul of Tarsus let’s take a look at another “Great Intercessor of the Bible” named “Cornelius” who was known as a Centurion who was a part of an Italian band at Caesarea (Acts 10) Cornelius was a very devout man who feared God as well as His whole household. Just like Joshua, “If you think it's the wrong thing for you to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves today whom you will serve—the gods whom your ancestors served on the other side of the Euphrates River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose territories you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15) Cornelius had decided that not only would he serve the true and living God, But so would his whole house.

You see once Cornelius found out about the True and Living God, he packed up everything and moved his entire family to the Holy Land, in order to take full advantage of this divine opportunity. Cornelius embraced fully his new life and was well known for his generosity in giving alms to the poor; which signified his true nature being self sacrificing as well as his dedication to his new faith. “There was a man named Cornelius who lived in Caesarea, captain of the Italian Guard stationed there. He was a thoroughly good man. He had led everyone in his house to live worshipfully before God, was always helping people in need, and had the habit of prayer.” (Acts 10:1-2) Cornelius loved the Lord and worshiped God and was an intercessor who prayed continuously to God.

One day while in prayer Cornelius had a vision of an Angel of the Lord, that called him by name “One day about three o’clock in the afternoon he had a vision. An angel of God, as real as his next-door neighbor, came in and said, “Cornelius.” Cornelius stared hard, wondering if he was seeing things. Then he said, “What do you want, sir?” (Acts 10:3-5) Beloved it is a marvelous thing when God is so familiar with your intercession that he can call you by name!

Because of Cornelius dedication and commitment to prayer God had chosen him to be a catalyst for the “Blessing of the Gentiles” the release of the Holy Spirit upon the gentiles. “Cornelius stared hard, wondering if he was seeing things. Then he said, “What do you want, sir?”The angel said, “Your prayers and neighborly acts have brought you to God’s attention. Here’s what you are to do. Send men to Joppa to get Simon, the one everyone calls Peter. He is staying with Simon the Tanner, whose house is down by the sea.”  As soon as the angel was gone, Cornelius called two servants and one particularly devout soldier from the guard. He went over with them in great detail everything that had just happened, and then sent them off to Joppa.”

In the meantime God was busily at working breaking down the prejudice in his servant Peter who was a Jew and considered the Gentiles to be unclean and unholy. “The next day as the three travelers were approaching the town, Peter went out on the balcony to pray. It was about noon. Peter got hungry and started thinking about lunch. While lunch was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw the skies open u; something that looked like a huge blanket lowered by ropes at its four corners settled on the ground. Every kind of animal and reptile and bird you could think of was on it. Then a voice came: “Go to it, Peter—kill and eat.”  Peter said, “Oh, no, Lord. I’ve never so much as tasted food that was not kosher.” The voice came a second time: “If God says it’s okay, it’s okay.”  This happened three times, and then the blanket was pulled back up into the skies.” (Acts 10: 9-13)

Isn’t it amazing that God had to show Peter this vision three times in order for him to grasp what He was speaking to him? I wonder how many times He would have to speak to us, in order to get our attention today?  Well I’ve run out of time and will have to continue this lesson on tomorrow so join me right here for the next lesson on Cornelius another “Great Intercessor of the Bible”

My Prayer: Father God thank you for your graciousness and loving-kindness and for faithfulness. As we study the door of entrance which you use to bring about a monumental blessing upon the Gentile race we say thank you for including us in on the wonderful boundless riches of Your love. May we never take for granted what you have done for us and always give you thanks and praise, In Jesus name we pray Amen!!!

Have A Bless Day…Go in God’s Peace! 

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#108 “Great Intercessors of the Bible”

 Saul –of Tarsus (Paul)

Humble, Asked for or Prayed for) Pt.3 

 “The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias!" He said, "Behold, it's me, Lord." 
The Lord said to him, "Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight,
and inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus.”

(Acts 9:13)

Message Bible (MSG)

 

How we see Paul the intercessor: who would have believed that this persecutor of the church would be interceding for their salvation? Although Paul prayed for the people in each one of the places he visited, we do not adequately think of Paul as an intercessor. Yet He sought after and obtained, through prayer and supplication, divine power and authority. This same authority and power was upon not only Paul’s life; but also on the churches, which he founded everywhere he traveled.  

 

Several of Paul's prayers of intercession are recorded in the New Testament. In Philippians, Paul prayed: "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God." (Philippians 1:9-11)

In Ephesus he prayed: “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of His glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” (Ephesians 3:14-20) 

In Colossian he prayed: “For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:9-14)

Who could have imagined that one so great would have come for their intercession, Stephen could only hope that someone in that crowd that day would have heard and believed. So too, do we hope as we intercede for men and women everywhere; that even one would turn from their sinful ways, repent and be saved. For this and this alone we are compelled to press on in prayer and intercession. 

My Prayer: Lord God, we are so humbled by the story of Saul of Tarsus and how even in his rage against the church You turned him and brought him to repentance, calling Him to a divine calling... and what a calling it was. As we lift up men and women everywhere we don’t know if there is another Paul and Ananias or even another Peter, John or even Judas Iscariot. But what we do know is You Lord God know all.  So use us as You will guide and instruct us as we pray for the lost, sick and hurting. Rise up men and women everywhere to proclaim Your Glorious Gospel throughout this earth…in Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen!!!

Have A Bless Day…Go in God’s Peace!

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#107 “Great Intercessors of the Bible”

 Saul –of Tarsus (Paul)

Humble, Asked for or Prayed for) Pt.2

 “The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias!" He said, "Behold, it's me, Lord." 
The Lord said to him, "Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight,
and inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus.”

(Acts 9:10-11)

Message Bible (MSG) 

How many times have we prayed and asked God for something and because we ourselves don’t see it happening we think that it hasn’t been done? Such was the case with Saul of Tarsus the church was praying and asking God to intervene and yet when it happened they could not believe it had. While in prayer Ananias had a vision of the Lord calling him eager to reply he said, “Yes Lord it is me!” but he never could have believe what he was about to hear.  

“The Lord said to him, "Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus. For behold, he is praying, and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and laying his hands on him, that he might receive his sight." But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he did to your saints at Jerusalem.  Here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name."  But the Lord said to him, "Go your way, for he is my chosen vessel to bear my name before the nations and kings, and the children of Israel.  For I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name's sake."

I’m sure most of us would have replied just as Ananias did, ‘Lord, are you sure you want me to do that?’ This man is killing your followers and now he has authority from the Chief Priest to arrest all he finds and bring them to Jerusalem for trial.  This reminds me of the story of Peter, when the church was interceding for his life and release, but when he came knocking on the door they could not believe it was him.  Yet Ananias obeyed the Lord and went in search of Saul. “The Lord said to him, "Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight and inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus. For behold, he is praying, and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in, and laying his hands on him, that he might receive his sight." But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he did to your saints at Jerusalem.  Here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name."  But the Lord said to him, "Go your way, for he is my chosen vessel to bear my name before the nations and kings, and the children of Israel.  For I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name's sake."

This was just the beginning of Saul’s ministry of prayer and intercession, for there would be many days ahead when I he would find himself in prayer and fasting before the Lord seeking, learning and growing in the things of Christ. “Saul stayed several days with the disciples who were at Damascus. Immediately in the synagogues he proclaimed the Christ, that he is the Son of God.  All who heard him were amazed, and said, "Isn't this he who in Jerusalem made havoc of those who called on this name? And he had come here intending to bring them bound before the chief priests!" But Saul increased more in strength and confounded the Jews who lived at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.”

When we think in terms of an intercessor it increasingly becomes clear that one must understand and see the overwhelming grace of God upon their own life before they can stand in the gap for other lost souls. Here’s what Paul said. “I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power.  Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery" (Ephesians 3:7-9)

"I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.  But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them— yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me." (1Cor 15:9,10)

If we cannot see the great need in the lives of other, as being as great as our own need for salvation and deliverance then we will not have compassion for them. Saul now saw the riches of the manifold grace of God which was poured out upon him and understood that multitudes of mankind needed the same thing as he did. He was now ready to lay down his life to preach the unsearchable riches of God’s grace to lost souls everywhere. This reminds me of the hymn “Amazing Grace”, which was written by John Newton, an ex-slave ship captain, who when he came face to face with the possibility of death found himself repenting and pleading for mercy, which he himself had not shown… but found and transformed his life. Join us tomorrow for the conclusion of Saul –of Tarsus  "Great Intercessor of the Bible"

 

My Prayer: Lord God, we are so humbled by the story of Saul of Tarsus and how even in his rage against the church You turned him and brought him to repentance, calling Him to a divine calling... and what a calling it was. As we lift up men and women everywhere we don’t know if there is another Paul and Ananias or even another Peter, John or even Judas Iscariot. But what we do know is You Lord God know all.  So use us as You will guide and instruct us as we pray for the lost, sick and hurting. Rise up men and women everywhere to proclaim Your Glorious Gospel throughout this earth…in Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen!!!

Have A Bless Day…Go in God’s Peace!  

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