The Hope Of Israel Pt. 7
Amazing prophetic section of scripture that points to Jesus Christ being God’s true Messiah or Christ, come to save men from their sins.
Here is a link to a website that has 40 of the most helpful prophesies that Jesus Christ fulfilled that prove that He truly is Jehovah’s Messiah.
May God richly bless you as you diligently seek Him.
Pastor Ed Spagnoli
The Hope Of Israel Pt. 6
Amazing prophetic section of scripture that points to Jesus Christ being God’s true Messiah or Christ, come to save men from their sins.
Here is a link to a website that has 40 of the most helpful prophesies that Jesus Christ fulfilled that prove that He truly is Jehovah’s Messiah.
May God richly bless you as you diligently seek Him.
Pastor Ed Spagnoli
The Hope Of Israel Pt. 5
Amazing prophetic section of scripture that points to Jesus Christ being God’s true Messiah or Christ, come to save men from their sins.
Here is a link to a website that has 40 of the most helpful prophesies that Jesus Christ fulfilled that prove that He truly is Jehovah’s Messiah.
May God richly bless you as you diligently seek Him.
Pastor Ed Spagnoli
The Hope Of Israel Pt. 4
Amazing prophetic section of scripture that points to Jesus Christ being God’s true Messiah or Christ, come to save men from their sins.
Here is a link to a website that has 40 of the most helpful prophesies that Jesus Christ fulfilled that prove that He truly is Jehovah’s Messiah.
May God richly bless you as you diligently seek Him.
Pastor Ed Spagnoli
The Hope Of Israel Pt. 3
Amazing prophetic sections of scripture that point to Jesus Christ being God’s true Messiah or Christ, come to save men from their sins.
Here is a link to a website that has 40 of the most helpful prophesies that Jesus Christ fulfilled that prove that He truly is Jehovah’s Messiah.
May God richly bless you as you diligently seek Him.
Pastor Ed Spagnoli
The Hope Of Israel Pt. 2
Here is a link to a website that has 40 of the most helpful prophesies that Jesus Christ fulfilled that prove that He truly is Jehovah’s Messiah.
May God richly bless you as you diligently seek Him.
Pastor Ed Spagnoli
https://jewsforjesus.org/answers/top-40-most-helpful-messianic-prophecies/
The Hope Of Israel
Acts 28:16-31 ~ Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
17 And it came to pass after three days that Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. So when they had come together, he said to them: “Men and brethren, though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, 18 who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death. 19 But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation. 20 For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”
21 Then they said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren who came reported or spoken any evil of you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere.”
23 So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. 24 And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. 25 So when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had said one word: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, 26 saying,
‘Go to this people and say:
“Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand;
And seeing you will see, and not perceive;
27 For the hearts of this people have grown dull.
Their ears are hard of hearing,
And their eyes they have closed,
Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them.” ’
28 “Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!” 29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves.
30 Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.
God Cares
Acts 28:11-15 ~ After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island. 12 And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days. 13 From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli, 14 where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. 15 And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.
The Angle
Acts 28:11-15 ~ After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island. 12 And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days. 13 From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli, 14 where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. 15 And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.
Some Real Truths
Acts 28:1-6 ~ Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. 2 And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. 3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4 So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.” 5 But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
Link that I promised in the sermon to refute global warming:
Obey Jesus Christ and Arrive Alive
Acts 27:21-44 ~ But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. 22 And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, 24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 25 Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. 26 However, we must run aground on a certain island.”
27 Now when the fourteenth night had come, as we were driven up and down in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors sensed that they were drawing near some land. 28 And they took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms; and when they had gone a little farther, they took soundings again and found it to be fifteen fathoms. 29 Then, fearing lest we should run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern, and prayed for day to come. 30 And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, when they had let down the skiff into the sea, under pretense of putting out anchors from the prow, 31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the skiff and let it fall off.
33 And as day was about to dawn, Paul implored them all to take food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day you have waited and continued without food, and eaten nothing. 34 Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.” 35 And when he had said these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it he began to eat. 36 Then they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves. 37 And in all we were two hundred and seventy-six persons on the ship. 38 So when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship and threw out the wheat into the sea.
39 When it was day, they did not recognize the land; but they observed a bay with a beach, onto which they planned to run the ship if possible. 40 And they let go the anchors and left them in the sea, meanwhile loosing the rudder ropes; and they hoisted the mainsail to the wind and made for shore. 41 But striking a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the prow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves.
42 And the soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape. 43 But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land, 44 and the rest, some on boards and some on parts of the ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to land.
Why Do You Celebrate Christmas?
Luke 2:1-16 ~ 1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.
The Killer Storm
Acts 27:9-20 ~ Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, 10 saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” 11 Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul. 12 And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised to set sail from there also, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete opening toward the southwest and northwest, and winter there. 13 When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their desire, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete. 14 But not long after, a tempestuous head wind arose, called Euroclydon. 15 So when the ship was caught, and could not head into the wind, we let her drive. 16 And running under the shelter of an island called Clauda, we secured the skiff with difficulty. 17 When they had taken it on board, they used cables to undergird the ship; and fearing lest they should run aground on the Syrtis Sands, they struck sail and so were driven. 18 And because we were exceedingly tempest-tossed, the next day they lightened the ship. 19 On the third day we threw the ship’s tackle overboard with our own hands. 20 Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up.
Golden Nuggets In The Details
Acts 27:1-8 ~ 1 And when it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to one named Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment. 2 So, entering a ship of Adramyttium, we put to sea, meaning to sail along the coasts of Asia. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, was with us. 3 And the next day we landed at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him liberty to go to his friends and receive care. 4 When we had put to sea from there, we sailed under the shelter of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. 5 And when we had sailed over the sea which is off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. 6 There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing to Italy, and he put us on board. 7 When we had sailed slowly many days, and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, the wind not permitting us to proceed, we sailed under the shelter of Crete off Salmone. 8 Passing it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea.
The Gospel Call Of Christ
Acts 26:1-32 ~ Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.”
So Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself: 2 “I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, 3 especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which have to do with the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.
4 “My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know. 5 They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers. 7 To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. 8 Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?
9 “Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.
12 “While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13 at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. 17 I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, 18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’
19 “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. 21 For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come— 23 that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.”
24 Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!”
25 But he said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. 26 For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.”
28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”
29 And Paul said, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.”
30 When he had said these things, the king stood up, as well as the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them; 31 and when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying, “This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains.”
32 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
Jesus - The King Supreme. Acts 25:13-27
Acts 25:13-27 ~ And after some days King Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to greet Festus. 14 When they had been there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying: “There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix, 15 about whom the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, when I was in Jerusalem, asking for a judgment against him. 16 To them I answered, ‘It is not the custom of the Romans to deliver any man to destruction before the accused meets the accusers face to face, and has opportunity to answer for himself concerning the charge against him.’ 17 Therefore when they had come together, without any delay, the next day I sat on the judgment seat and commanded the man to be brought in. 18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation against him of such things as I supposed, 19 but had some questions against him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who had died, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. 20 And because I was uncertain of such questions, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there be judged concerning these matters. 21 But when Paul appealed to be reserved for the decision of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I could send him to Caesar.”
22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I also would like to hear the man myself.”
“Tomorrow,” he said, “you shall hear him.”
23 So the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp, and had entered the auditorium with the commanders and the prominent men of the city, at Festus’ command Paul was brought in. 24 And Festus said: “King Agrippa and all the men who are here present with us, you see this man about whom the whole assembly of the Jews petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and here, crying out that he was not fit to live any longer. 25 But when I found that he had committed nothing deserving of death, and that he himself had appealed to Augustus, I decided to send him. 26 I have nothing certain to write to my lord concerning him. Therefore I have brought him out before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after the examination has taken place I may have something to write. 27 For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner and not to specify the charges against him.”
Overview - God's Hand Is Not Short. Acts 25:1-12
In our message today we begin the next chapter of the Book of Acts, Ch. 25, but we also begin a new chapter of Paul’s life and for him in ministry. Felix, the governor of Caesarea has moved on, and a new governor has taken over, Porcius Festus. He comes to Caesarea, probably to be sworn in to office, and we read of him only staying three days. Then he goes to Jerusalem, where we see him immediately having an audience with those Jews that want Paul dead, and they have a request for him. A wicked request.
Why does Festus only stay in Caesarea three days?
How did the Jews get an audience with Festus just three days after he is in office?
What is their wicked request of him.
I answer all of these questions and we talk about much more, so come and take a listen and learn the Word of God.
And may God richly bless you as you diligently seek Jesus Christ
Pastor Ed Spagnoli
Overview - Fight or Flight. Acts 24:24-27
In our message today we mainly looked at how Felix responded to the seeds that Paul had sown on his and the religious leaders hearts during the last trial they had with Paul. Paul had been in some serious trouble with the religious Jews because of his teachings of Jesus Christ and the law of Moses, and they wanted him dead. During the last trial between Paul, the religious leaders, and Felix the governor of Caesarea, Paul not only defended himself with a great defense, but he also planted some seeds for Jesus Christ and God’s kingdom in his foes hearts. Today we get to read of how Felix responds to Paul’s witness.
Did the seeds he planted of Jesus Christ bear fruit?
Was his response a fight or flight one to Paul’s message?
Come and take a listen to the message and find out.
May God richly bless you as you diligently seek Jesus Christ
Pastor Ed Spagnoli
Overview - Beware The Flatterer. Acts 24:1-23
In our sermon today we look into yet another trial that involves the apostle Paul and some angry Jews that are there to try to get him the death penalty for some supposed wrongs. This time the Jews think they are smart and bring a certain orator named Tertullus, who turns out to be nothing more than a flatterer. He is brought into this situation, and begins by speaking some very smooth and soft words to Felix, trying to butter him up so the Jews can have a judgment against Paul, then accuses Paul of some terrible and awful things to give proof of how terrible Paul is. They want Paul dead and they are hoping Felix will grant his execution. Does evil plan and plot against him work?
Does Felix just believe the flatterers accusations against Paul?
Does Paul get a chance to defend himself?
Do the Jews get Felix to give Paul the death penalty?
Come and take a listen to this message as I answer all of these questions and more. Come and seek the truth at Gospel Saving Church.
May God richly bless you as you diligently seek Jesus Christ
Pastor Ed Spagnoli
Overview – Foiled Plans and Royal Treatment. Acts 23:12-35
In our message today we take a look at a pretty amazing, but evil plan, that 40 plus Jewish people scheme against the Apostle Paul to murder him. Their plan was brilliant and seemingly full proof, except for ONE huge factor they didn’t count on, Jesus Christ and His Word.
For you see, Jesus Christ had told Paul, literally the night before we learn of this evil scheme, that Paul would witness of Him in Rome just like he had done in Jerusalem. And, when Jesus Christ says something is going to happen, then it happens. So their plans were going to be foiled and they were doomed from the get-go.
We also learned of some royal treatment that Paul gets during his trip out of Jerusalem as God foils the plans of the 40 plus Jewish people to murder him. God knows how to take care of those that are His, and Paul is a walking testimony of this.
What was the brilliant full proof plan of the 40 plus Jews against Paul, and why was it brilliant and full proof?
In what ways did God give Paul the royal treatment for his trip out of Jerusalem?
I cover these questions and more in this message titled, “Foiled Plans and Royal Treatment”, so come and take a listen to the sermon and learn some great things about Jesus Christ.
May God bless you as you diligently seek Jesus Christ
Pastor Ed Spagnoli
P.S.
Link to the related sermon I mentioned in this message.
https://soundcloud.com/gospel-saving-church/does-mankind-have-free-will
Overview – The Road Of Suffering. Acts 23:11
In our message today we focus on the difficult road of suffering that the apostle Paul was on which is pretty obvious from the title. But, in this message, that only has one verse, the real surprise comes in the message that Jesus Christ gives Paul when He visits him right in the midst of his extremely long road of suffering. Jesus comes to Paul in Acts 23:11 with an amazing message of comfort, despite how he was depressed and in despair.
What was Christ’s message of comfort to Paul?
Come and check out the message and find out, especially if you are on the road of suffering for Jesus Christ right now, and may God richly bless you as you diligently seek Him.
Pastor Ed Spagnoli
Overview – Prayer. Matthew 6:5-15
I have a special message today, one that has impacted my life dramatically in and for Christ. A couple of weeks ago I was seeking the Lord on prayer and He was putting a sermon about prayer on my heart. So, I was about to begin preparing a sermon on prayer, and wouldn’t you know it, but God did a miracle in my life. As I was seeking God in prayer He led me to a sermon that was preached by one of my dearest mentors from my past, a fella God introduced me to just two or three years after I became a Christian.
He teaches an amazing sermon on prayer and that’s what I have for you today for our message. This pastors name is Darin Shedelbower, and he pastors a small church by the name of Home Fellowship Church (no relation to Fellowship church in the Dallas TX area), and the church is located in Bradenton Fl.
I hope that you are encouraged by his message just as I was.
Footnote.
Since my messages travel all over the world, I know that there may be someone listening to this message that might live in the Bradenton Fl. area, so below is the Home Fellowship Church address and church time.
Their address is, 6502 44th Avenue East
Bradenton, FL 34203
With a service time of 10:30 Sunday morning.
I encourage you, if you live in this area and don’t have a Biblically sound church, that you visit Darin’s church and pray about making it your home church and get involved.
May the Lord richly bless you as you diligently seek Him
Pastor Ed Spagnoli
Overview – A Head Scratching Trial. Acts Ch. 22:30 & Acts 23:1-10
In our message today we read of a trial that a Roman commander subjects Paul to, so that he can find out the truth about why the Jews were trying to kill him. Paul stands before his accusers and begins to speak to them, seemingly in a respectful way saying, “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.” He speaks to them in a seemingly respectful way, but the high priest doesn’t see it that way and commands those near Paul to strike him on the mouth. Paul, then harshly rebukes the high priest but then apologizes for doing so moments later because he doesn’t know the man was the high priest.
Why would the high priest be offended with Paul’s opening statement that doesn’t seem to be disrespectful?
Why does Paul harshly rebuke the high priest but then apologize moments later?
How could Paul not know that he was in a close proximity to himself?
I answer all of these questions plus a lot more, so come and take a listen to the message and be edified in the Lord Jesus Christ.
May Christ bless you as you diligently seek Him
Pastor Ed Spagnoli
Overview - A Question To Defend
In our message today we read of the sad end of how the Jews responded to Paul’s testimonial message of how he came to know Jesus Christ. Paul is right in the middle of his testimony and the Jews get angry and turn on him to kill him again. Their response comes right after he told them that Jesus told him to take the message of salvation to the Gentiles.
Well, because of the response of the Jews against Paul, the Roman commander decides to take him and basically beat a confession out of him, for after all, he must be guilty of doing something wrong for the Jews to be so angry with him that they want to kill him.
What does Paul do under the threat of being beaten, knowing he is an innocent man? He asks them one very simple, yet very powerful question to defend himself.
His question brings about a very interesting response from his Roman captors. How do they respond? Come and take a listen to the message and find out, and be edified in the Lord Jesus Christ.
May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you as you diligently seek Him
Pastor Ed Spagnoli
Overview - They Have A Zeal For God, But Not According To Knowledge. Acts 22:1-22
In our sermon today we continue to look at the interaction between Paul and the Jews in Jerusalem who were zealous for the law of Moses. Last week we read that they saw Paul in the Synagogue and attacked him and tried to kill him because they heard that he taught people against the law of Moses, but he was rescued by a Roman commander. Today we finish his interaction with them, as God gives him the opportunity to give them his testimony of how he had an encounter with the Saviour Jesus Christ, and how Jesus changed Paul’s mind in regard to the law of Moses.
Paul was teaching that the law of Moses wasn’t that important, now that Jesus Christ had come, because he realized that Jesus Christ’s death was enough to pay the high price for sin. God had showed Paul that no work of righteousness was going to save anyone from their sins, and grant anyone eternal life, and Paul was bound by his love for mankind to preach the truth because wanted them to be saved and born-again.
These Jews in Jerusalem worshiped and had a zeal for God that was NOT according to the knowledge that God had given through Jesus Christ, and Paul was trying to set them straight on this matter and bring them into this light.
How do they respond to Paul’s testimony?
Do they receive the fact Jesus Christ is enough for salvation?
Do they give up trying to be righteous before God by the keeping of the law of Moses?
Come and take a listen to the end of the interaction between Paul and the zealous Jews of Jerusalem, and, may God richly bless you as you diligently seek Him.
Pastor Ed Spagnoli
Overview – Jesus Christ Is Enough. Acts Ch. 21:30-40
In our message today we look at the reaction of the Jews from Asia, as well as the Jews from Jerusalem when they see Paul in the temple finishing up the fulfillment of a vow. They had heard that he taught people that Jesus Christ was enough. The Jews had heard that Paul had taught others, that they didn’t need to be zealous for the law of Moses, or the Levitical law that God had given to the Jews under the old covenant, and they were right! Paul did teach people that in Christ, that is, to those people that had put their faith in Jesus Christ and decided to follow Him, there is neither Jew nor Greek (Gentile), which means that there was no longer any necessity to keep the law of Moses in order to please God.
Is it necessary to keep the law of Moses for salvation?
Can someone be a good enough person to inherit eternal life, by the merits of their good works?
Is Jesus Christ enough for eternal life, or do people need to do more to attain eternal life?
I answer all of these questions and more in our message titled, Jesus Christ is enough, so come and take a listen and learn the Word of God with us.
And, may God richly bless you as you diligently seek Him.
Pastor Ed
Overview – The Jews Who Were Zealous For The Law Of Moses. Acts 21:15-30
In our message today we read of the fact that the apostle Paul finally makes it to Jerusalem. He’s been heading that way for a while now. Once there, day one, he meets with some Christians, day two he meets up with the original apostles, and immediately he tells them some of the exploits that he has had serving the Lord Jesus Christ since the last time they had met. And, they are excited to hear what he has to say on one hand, but have some bad news for him on the other hand.
That good and bad news is that they tell him that a multitude number of Jews had turned to the Lord Jesus Christ as God’s Messiah, which was good news, but the bad news was that these same Jews were also zealous for the law of Moses. Their being zealous for the law of Moses is really bad news for Paul. Why? Because these Jews are angry with Paul because they hear that he is teaching the Gentiles that they don’t have to follow the law of Moses.
Why is it bad news that these Jews are zealous for the law of Moses?
Why do these Jews think that they need to be zealous for the law of Moses even after they had turned to Jesus Christ as Messiah?
Should someone that has turned to the Lord Jesus Christ be zealous for the law of Moses?
Come and learn the Bible with us here at Gospel Saving Church, and may the Lord bless you as you diligently seek Him.
Pastor Ed Spagnoli
Overview – God’s Blessing Of Preparation And Confirmation. Acts Ch. 21:7-14
In our message today Paul is still headed for Jerusalem, but he makes two stops to two different coastal cities. It is in his second stop, in the city of Caesarea, where he and those with him visit Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven that the early church in Jerusalem had ordained to serve some widows. It is while in Caesarea that Paul meets a man named Agabus, who was a prophet of God, and he gives Paul some news. Some news of God’s blessing of preparation and confirmation, but news that was not received as such by those who were with Paul.
Why would a message of God’s blessing of preparation and confirmation not be received well by those who were with Paul?
Come and take a listen please and find out.
May God richly bless you as you diligently seek Him
Pastor Ed
Overview – Do You Test The Spirits? Acts 21:1-6
In our message today we study a section of scripture that is full of some very technical information about the travels of Paul. He jumps on boat after boat while he is traveling across the Mediterranean Sea. He was traveling this way trying to get to Jerusalem because God had called him there to testify of Jesus Christ.
Now, I know that technical information is not that exciting because it is just technical, but there is one good thing about this kind of text, it leads to interesting and discussion worthy text. And, this is exactly what the technical information of Paul’s travels do for us in what we study today. Paul travels to Tyre in Syria, and while there he meets some disciples and stays with for 7 days. While he is with them, they give him some very interesting and discussion worthy information. They tell him, supposedly through the spirit, the Holy Spirit of God, that he is NOT supposed to go to Jerusalem.
Why is this interesting and discussion worthy information? Because Paul had professed that God told him, through His Holy Spirit, that he WAS supposed to go to Jerusalem. Do you see the huge discussion point there?
According to Paul and the disciples of Tyre, the Holy Spirit of God has contradicted Himself, but is that really the case? I don’t believe so, but come and take a listen to why I don’t believe that the Holy Spirit contradicted Himself in this message titled, Do You Test The Spirits?
May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you as you diligently seek Him.
Pastor Ed Spagnoli
Overview - Giving Everything Over To Jesus Christ. Acts 20:32-38
We finish a long section of scripture today that included Paul’s long good bye to the Ephesian elders. He was leaving and would not return and they would see his face no more, and he was compelled by God to meet with these church leaders to tell them some very important things that were going to happen to them and those in their church once he was gone. Unfortunately, not one of the things Paul had to tell them was good.
Today, we read of Paul finish up of his long goodbyes and warnings to these Ephesian elders, where he gives them some closing statements of how he #1. gave them over to God and the Word of God’s grace to help them attain their inheritance. And #2. of how he never abused his authority among them by taking advantage of them financially, so working with his own hands to provide for himself.
Why did Paul give them over to God and His Word and grace?
Why would him giving them over to God help them attain their inheritance?
Why did he go out of his way to remind them of the fact that he worked to provide for himself, or be financially faithful towards them?
I talk about these 3 main points in my message today, so hit the play button and walk with me through the scriptures.
May God richly bless you as you diligently seek Him
Pastor Ed Spagnoli
Overview - The Watchmen On The Wall. Acts 20:25-31
In our message today, we jump right into the midst of a discourse between Paul and the elders or overseers of the Ephesian church. Up until this point, he had been telling them of how he lived among them, how he taught them, and even the circumstances that he taught them under. But, in this section he breaks down and finally gives them some earthshaking bad news. He tells them that he is leaving them and that he will never be back.
Today’s message focuses on Paul’s commission to them of their responsibilities for the church in Ephesus, as they will take his place as the heads or leaders of their church. Paul will no longer be there for them to rely on to lead them.
What does their responsibility for the Ephesian church entail? Paul passes the torch of him being their watchman to them being the watchmen for their church.
What do New Testament watchmen do for a Christian church?
Come and take a listen and find out, this sermon is full of goodies.
And, may God richly bless you as you diligently seek Him.
Pastor Ed Spagnoli
Overview – The Whole Counsel Of The Word Of God. Acts 20:13-24
In my message today we covered many different topics and ideas that we found in Acts 20:13-24.
Topics and ideas from Paul’s travels and of a conversation that he had with the Ephesian Christian church elders.
Topics such as: why he traveled, how he lived his life, and how he loved, served, and poured himself out to the Ephesians in their town and in their church.
Paul was an amazing man of God, and a true example of how all followers of Christ should follow Jesus Christ today.
Come and take a listen to some great information about the amazing apostle Paul and how he loved, served, and poured himself out to others for Jesus Christ, and may God richly bless you as you diligently seek Him.
Pastor Ed Spagnoli
The map that I spoke about in the message below.
