NOBLE BEREANS

“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11 KJV).

In the town of Berea where the apostle Paul and Silas ministered, the folks are complimented for their attitude towards the Word of God. Our attitude towards the Word says plenty about us. The Bereans were said to be “more noble” than the folk in Thessalonica where many had rejected the Word so violently that Paul and Silas had to leave Thessalonica by night (cf. Acts 17:10). The Bereans’ attitude towards the Word can be summed up in a threefold way - they honored the word, were interested in the Word, and studied the Word.

Honored the Word – “They received the word.” The Bereans did not reject the Word; they honored it by their reception of it. In many places where the apostle Paul ministered, the people were hostile in their rejection of the Word of God. In our day, rejection of the Word of God is increasing. Educators have taken it out of our schools, while many individuals and churches are giving little respect and honor to the Word. This, however, does not discredit the Word of God, it only condemns those who reject it.

Interested in the Word - “With all readiness.” This phrase means they were enthusiastic in receiving the Word. They were interested in the Word of God which is in contrast to many church folks today. Many church members are more interested in socials than in sermons. They are not very interested in Bible study but prefer recreation and entertainment. Furthermore, few folks read the Scriptures; and this failure also shows a great disinterest in the Word of God.

Studied the Word - “Searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” The Bereans carried out a diligent study in that they “searched” the Scriptures and pursued the Scriptures every day. And the aim of the study was to examine the message of the missionaries. We too need to examine every message of preachers by the Word of God so that we are not deceived or be misled.

(Adapted from Butler’s Daily Bible Reading 2)

Soli Deo Gloria (To God Alone Be The Glory)

Quotation of the Week

“Knowledge of the Bible never comes by intuition. It can only be obtained by diligent, regular, daily, attentive reading!”

J C Ryle (1816 – 1900)

English Evangelical Anglican Bishop

Word Study

Fellow servant

In Col. 1:7 we read, “As you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf” (NKJV).

“Fellow servant” is the Greek word sundoulos (σύνδουλος = soon'-doo-los). It is made up of two Greek words: “sun” which means with, association, fellowship, and “doulos” which means bondservant or slave. The word is used to describe a willing fellow slave, and a servant who is intimately associated with another servant (or servants) by virtue of the fact that they belong to or serve the same master. In classical Greek, sundoulos means fellow slave. In the Septuagint sundoulos is translated as companions or associates. In the New Testament, sundoulos also means fellow servants. The word is also used figuratively to emphasize that angels as well as humans are fellow servants of the same Lord (cf. Rev. 19:10; 22:9).

Did You Know…

The apostle Peter’s action to replace Judas Iscariot was grounded in the Book of Psalms (Acts 1:20-22; cf. Psalm 69:25; 109:8).

Bible Quiz

What happened when Belshazzar and his guests drank wine from the gold and silver cups taken from the temple of the Jews?

**Answer to last week’s Bible Quiz

Which Old Testament figure did the apostle James used to demonstrate how the prayers of a righteous man can have powerful results? Elijah (Jam. 5:13-18).

Prophecies Fulfilled by the Lord Jesus Christ

Not a Bone of Him Broken - Prefigures the Lord Jesus, the Lamb of God, the Perfect Sacrifice (Num. 9:12; cf. John 19:31-36)

"They shall leave none of it until morning, nor break one of its bones. According to all the ordinances of the Passover they shall keep it” (Num. 9:12 NJKV).

This passage is alluded to in the Gospel of John and sees the Lord Jesus as the true “Passover (Paschal) Lamb “who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29; cf. 1 Cor. 5:7). At His crucifixion none of His bones was broken “that the Scripture should be fulfilled” (John 19:36; cf. Num. 9:12). It’s significant that these soldiers who were under orders to break the legs of the crucified men would skip the Lord Jesus, who was in the middle! Even when they saw that He was dead, it would have been normal for them to break His legs, too. But God sovereignly prevented the soldiers from carrying out their orders so that the Lord Jesus would fulfill Messianic prophecy!

Did You Know – Christian History

Stanley Tam was born in 1915, in Lima, OH. He was Christian businessman and philanthropist.

After graduating high school in 1933, Tam was selling products door to door when one of his customers shared the Gospel with him. Six weeks later, he attended church and gave his life to the Lord Jesus Christ. As a young man struggling to make a go of business in the depression, he allowed God to guide his actions. Although it was difficult for him, he began to witness about the Lord Jesus to his contacts. He even followed God’s leading and had his lawyer draw up legal papers making the Lord his business partner. In 1936, he stumbled upon what he thought was an extraordinary business opportunity that involved reclaiming silver from film negatives with the use of a machine that would be installed at photo labs. It seemed like a foolproof plan. In time, Tam improved on his electric silver collector and added a plastic bucket. Plastic products were not yet widely distributed, and customers began to request additional containers for their own purposes. Then, the customers began to make requests for other plastic products such as valves, piping, tubing, and fittings. Eventually, Tam’s plastic business surpassed his silver collection business and United States Plastic Corporation was born.

Tam’s faith in the Lord Jesus was always at the center of his personal and business life. He constantly looked to God for wisdom and guidance to run the business and to work with vendors, customers and his employees with integrity. In 1955, Tam had a profound conversation with God where he heard God asking him to give over control of his company and become His employee. From that encounter, Tam decided to give 100% legal ownership of the company to God by setting up a foundation. To this day, the foundation owns U.S. Plastic Corporation and gives 100% of the dividends to bring God’s hope and tangible support to communities around the world. The business has generated more than $140 Million towards the work of the Lord. In particular, much of the resources have been poured into world evangelism and just one of the ministries it supports is in over 42 counties with 1,600 men going door to door sharing the gospel.

It has been over 60 years since Tam made the decision to give God 100% control of his business and to this day, U.S. Plastic Corporation is committed to the very same vision and mission. For Tam, knowing God was the best decision he ever made. Whether meeting with vendors, customers or neighbors in the community, his greatest joy was to share how the Lord Jesus had changed his life. He considers giving his business to the Lord as simply an act of obedience. On April 16, 2023, at the age of 107, Stanley Tam, founder of U.S. Plastic, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A Little Humor

A young man joined the church service for the first time. When the collection plate came around, he whispered, “Do you accept new accounts, or is it cash-only?”

Thought Provoking Church Sign

“Fall for Jesus. He never leaves!”