Blessed Hope Bible-Presbyterian Church
500 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 678106
The opposition and severe persecution which came to him in Ephesus as likened to being thrown into a den of wild beasts and be torn apart. These beasts are a reference to evil men who sought to take his life and thwart the work of the gospel.
He speaks here of the dangers that he was exposed to daily that is life-threatening. Despite these dangers, he was courageous and trusted in God to accomplish the gospel work. He rejoices over the spiritual conversions and progress made in the spiritual lives of the Corinthian church.
The Apostle Paul preached the gospel without apology, boldly declaring the truth, often facing great persecution. He acknowledged that it took courage on his part to persevere. God’s grace sustained him. He lived a life often hanging by thread, facing great dangers because of his persecutors.
William MacDonald said well, “At the time Paul wrote, there was fierce persecution against those who took a public stand for Christ. This persecution was especially vicious at the time of their baptism. It often happened that those who publicly proclaimed their faith in Christ in the waters of baptism were martyred shortly thereafter. But did this stop others from being saved and from taking their place in baptism? Not at all.”
Hymns: RHC 27 Now Thank We All Our God, 309 Thank You, Lord, 130 I Waited for the Lord My God
Psalm 103 (KJV)
1 A Psalm of David Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. 7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. 8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. 10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. 16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. 17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children; 18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. 19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. 20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. 21 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. 22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.
Forget Not All His Benefits (1)
This world seemed to be running amok. There is a sense that things go out of control, out of order. We hear of wars and rumours of war. There seemed to be no true peace. The day is coming when Jesus Christ has to return to bring order to His created world. For all who know Him as Saviour, it will be a day of rejoicing. But for those who do not know Him, it is a day of wailing.
Christ by His resurrection from the dead overcome the curse of God upon the creation of man after his fall. It was a process of great length that the Father has to send the Son to accomplish the victory over the last enemy, namely, death. From prediction to fruition and the final consummation spans the entire history of mankind since his creation and to the end of the age.
The Apostle Paul described death as the last enemy that shall be destroyed with the resurrection of the dead in the consummation of the age. Death has been the greatest impasse for mortal men since the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Death was first defeated at the cross when Jesus Christ suffered and died for the sins of men and rose from the dead three days later.
Acts 26:21-32 (KJV)
21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.
22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
23 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.
Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians Knowing Your Privilege in Christ “Be Strong in the Lord (1)” Ephesians 6:10-24 (KJV) 10Finally, my brethren, be strongin the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye …