Worship: For Heaven’s Sake The captain of the imperial guards had granted comparative freedom to Paul to pursue the work of the gospel. Then he was replaced by one from whom Paul could expect no special favor. (Read more below.)
Wellness: For Health’s Sake Pastor Flemons, a doctor of biblical wellness, quoted King Solomon in Ecclesiastes 8:11, who said, “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” Pastor Flemons says that there are two reasons why our bad habits haven’t killed us yet. (Read more below.)
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Special Prayer was offered for call-in listener 9047, Geraldine (Cookie in ICU at Emory, Atlanta), Rowe family (Greenville, AL – bereavement), Cindy’s move to Uganda, and Rosalee with her family and friends.
Remember to continue praying also for 4190, a bereaved family, the Dawsons with their Voice in the Wilderness ministry, 3464 to be an effective soulwinner for Christ, 6252’s first international trip, John and Mary (Calif), 3719, and all others who have requested our prayers. Thank you.
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FaceBook – After Two Years in Prison (At Liberty)
FaceBook – Why Our Bad Habits Haven’t Killed Us Yet
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TOPICS THIS WEEK – September 24 – 30
Worship Sunday – In Rome; Monday – Caesar’s Household; Tuesday – Written From Rome; Wednesday – At Liberty; Thursday – The Final Arrest; Friday – Paul Before Nero; Saturday, the Sabbath – Paul’s Last Letter [All topics per The Acts of the Apostles by Ellen G. White.]
Wellness Sunday – New Tricks for Old Dogs; Monday – The Importance of Exercise; Tuesday – Lessons, Testimonies of Healing from Amish Country; Wednesday – Why Our Bad Habits Haven’t Killed Us Yet
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Words of Encouragement
Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 4:15-16 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
For Heaven’s Sake…
“The Jews were now more active than ever in their efforts against Paul, and they found an able helper in the profligate woman whom Nero had made his second wife, and who, being a Jewish proselyte, lent all her influence to aid their murderous designs against the champion of Christianity. AA 485.2
“Paul could hope for little justice from the Caesar to whom he had appealed. Nero was more debased in morals, more frivolous in character, and at the same time capable of more atrocious cruelty, than any ruler who had preceded him. The reins of government could not have been entrusted to a more despotic ruler. The first year of his reign had been marked by the poisoning of his young stepbrother, the rightful heir to the throne. From one depth of vice and crime to another, Nero had descended, until he had murdered his own mother, and then his wife. There was no atrocity which he would not perpetrate, no vile act to which he would not stoop. In every noble mind he inspired only abhorrence and contempt.
“The details of the iniquity practiced in his court are too degrading, too horrible, for description. His abandoned wickedness created disgust and loathing, even in many who were forced to share his crimes. They were in constant fear as to what enormities he would suggest next. Yet even such crimes as Nero’s did not shake the allegiance of his subjects. He was acknowledged as the absolute ruler of the whole civilized world. More than this, he was made the recipient of divine honors and was worshiped as a god. AA 486.1
“From the viewpoint of human judgment, Paul’s condemnation before such a judge was certain. But the apostle felt that so long as he was loyal to God, he had nothing to fear. The One who in the past had been his protector could shield him still from the malice of the Jews and from the power of Caesar. AA 486.2
“And God did shield His servant. At Paul’s examination the charges against him were not sustained, and, contrary to the general expectation, and with a regard for justice wholly at variance with his character, Nero declared the prisoner guiltless. Paul’s bonds were removed; he was again a free man.” AA 486.3
(This study is based on chapter 46, “At Liberty” in The Acts of the Apostles (AA), by Ellen G. White.)
For Health’s Sake…
For one, God is just so merciful to us. Secondly, God made our bodies so that they can “bear long with abuse.” But we are warned that in time, if we don’t change, we will not be able to prevent the inevitable: dying before our time.
Pastor Flemons says that you can stop disease before it comes by obeying the laws of health. Neatly packed in the acronym REFRESHING, biblical wellness is found in obeying these ten laws of health:
R – Rely on God.
E – Eat healthy. Eat a plant-based diet twice or three times daily and spaced out five hours apart, with the last meal five hours before bedtime.
F – Fresh air. It is essential while resting and exercising.
R – Rest. Getting to bed by 9:30 nightly allows the body to heal itself.
E – Exercise. Walking daily or gardening is a must.
S – Self-Control. Abstaining from all things harmful and doing only in moderation those things that are good is temperance or self-control.
H – H2O, water. Drink half your body’s weight in ounces.
I – In the sun. Daily getting 20 minutes of sunlight is recommended for adequate vitamin D.
N – Never give up. Perseverance is essential to regaining and maintaining health.
G – Giving to others is directly associated with healing. Isaiah 58:6-9 mentions various ways to help others and adds, “Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy reward.”