by David Long
How long can you hate someone? Read Acts 23:12-14; 24:27; 25:1-3, 24. Some people never stop hating someone. They will even hate them after they are dead. Some people will go to their graves hating someone. Hate and bitterness are poisons to the soul.
by David Long
"Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance" (Matt. 3:8)
"But showed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance" (Acts 26:20).
What does "meet for repentance" mean? It means "prove by the way you live that you have really turned from your sins and turned to God." Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of life. If you haven't changed your life then you haven't repented. The prove is in the pudding!
by David Long
"Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds" (Acts 26:28-29).
Almost persuaded but lost. To be almost persuaded is to be lost. We can't be almost, we have to be altogether. Here's the hard truth that most people don't want to face: most people are lost and on the road to hell (Matt. 7:13-14). Why? Because they reject the truth for a lie! Are you one?
by David Long
Four times in the book of Daniel we are told that God rules in the kingdoms of men and gives them to whomseover He wills (Dan. 4:17, 25, 32; 5:21). The word "kingdom" refers to "dominion; rule; realm." God even sets over kingdoms the basest or lowest of men (Dan. 4:17). God is in charge of this world and even though we may not like who is in power, I know they are there because of God (Rom. 13:1-2).
by David Long
"I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" (2 Tim. 4:1-2). No matter what happens or is happening, preach the word. Whether people like it or not, preach the word. In good times and bad, preach the word. Whether the time is favorable or not, preach the word. Whether it's convenient or in convenient, preach the word. Whether it is welcome or unwelcome, preach the word.
by David Long
"but had certain questions against him of their own religion, and of one Jesus, who was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive" (Acts 25:19). Paul affirmed that Jesus is alive. Paul affirmed that because he saw Jesus and talked to Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). Is Jesus alive? Yes, He is. How do I know He lives? I know it because the Bible says so (Rev. 1:18; 2:8). I believe God.
by David Long
"And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee" (Acts 24:24-25). Paul told Felix and Drusilla what they needed to hear. Truth hurts but only truth can save (John 8:32). Obey the truth of God's word or be lost.
