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You arewelcome

StoneCreek

www.rossvillechurch.com

781 Salem Road, Rossville, GA 30741

October24, 2012

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Paul and company are in Caesarea staying in the home of Philip, one of the original seven deacons.

Acts 21

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Acts 21:10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. 11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle (belt), and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

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12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the Name of the Lord Jesus.

We see here as we saw Sunday in 1 Samuel how easily prophecy can be misunderstood.

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God had told David that He would deliver his enemy into David’s hand to do as he would.

David’s men took that to mean that David should kill Saul in that cave.

David knew that would be wrong.

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Here in Acts 21 the men and women in Caesarea thought that this prophecy from Agabus

Was a warning not to go to Jerusalem.

But Paul knew that he was supposed to go to Jerusalem.

His friends meant well, but they were making it harder for him to do

the Will of God.Not a warning, it was preparation.

So Paul would not be shocked when it happened.

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14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The Will of the Lord be done.

The Will of God is the only thing we should ever desire in any situation.

Romans 12 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, Will of God.

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Sometimes the Will of God may seem harsh to us;

But God is always working all things for our good.

Perhaps to bring a backslidden loved one back to a right relationship with God.

Perhaps to prepare us for a difficult ministry.Agubus’ prophecy to Paul was not a warning; it was preparation; Paul would not be shocked.

Perhaps preparing the way for a life that is much better than the one we have.

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15 And after those days we took up our carriages (baggage), and went up to Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is south of Caesarea, so why did Luke

say “went up?”

Elevation

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16 There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them {brought him to} one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.

When they could not persuade Paul not to go to Jerusalem, they went with him.

They were fearful because of the prophecies, but they went anyway.

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“an old disciple” probably isn’t speaking only of age, but rather time as a disciple of Jesus.

Maybe since the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Ghost came, and 3000 were saved.

Perhaps he had become a disciple during the lifetime of Jesus.

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It is good to spend time with those who have walked with the Lord for many years.

Proverbs 16:31 (NIV) Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.

A man or woman who has walked with God for many years can be a source of

wisdom and inspiration.Don’t let the arrogance of youth cause you to lose the blessing of time with such men and women.