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Content & Context. Two very important principles that are required for the right division of scripture. These two disciplines help put the pieces together for
interpreting the events of Acts 16:1-5. The Apostle Paul circumcises Timothy yet earlier in Acts it was discussed that circumcision was not required for the
gentile converts. The gentiles had four decrees to follow and circumcision was not one of them yet Paul performs the circumcision. Why? The lesson on 07-01 studies this event
and provides the proper content within the right context to show why Paul circumcised Timothy. The latter part of the lesson reminds us that today, we
are free of the law and ordinances because Christ nailed them to the cross. The freedom we have is in the abundant grace and mercy of God. Christ is
the way, the truth, and the life... knowing Him sets you free.   Click here to listen to the lesson on 07-01.
 Freedom in Christ. July 4th was the celebration
of Independence day in America honoring the 225th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence declaring freedom from England. Just
as this day was set aside to celebrate America’s national freedoms, the Christian should set aside time to recognize the freedom we have in Christ Jesus. The lesson on 07-08 teaches from Acts 16:6
-10. The book of Acts is as much about the Acts of the Holy Spirit as it is the Acts of the Apostles. What are the
differences between the activity of the Holy Spirit in Acts compared to today? This lesson discusses some of these
differences and puts acts of the Holy Spirit in context. Finally, the lesson correlates the national freedom Americans are
celebrating to the spiritual freedom we have from the law and ordiances by Grace in Christ. Click here to listen to the lesson on 07-08.
 Salvation is simple
. “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son
into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17. How can simplicity be associated with Christ? “And without controversy great is the mystery of
godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” 1 Tim 3:16. We may not understand the
power of God, but the simplicity that is in Christ is the way of salvation to receive eternal life. The Word of God provides “the simple” a way to gain wisdom and understanding. If we choose to
ignore God’s gift and avoid His word, we simply become as fools and the end result is sin and death. The lesson on 07-15
reminds us that the simplicity which is in Christ is available for everyone and we should encourge those who don’t know Christ to simply receive the free gift of life!
Listen to the lesson on 07-15 here.
 The Sovereignty of God and the Free Will of Man
. The decision in Acts 16:5-10 to go west with the Word of God is the very beginning of how the western civilization has been blessed
with the truth that is in Christ Jesus. There are really only two religions in the word... Hinduism and it's off springs, and the Judeo/Christian faith in it's various denominations.
The lesson on 07-22 teaches on the Sovereignty of God and the Free will of Man when looking at Acts 16:14 with a woman named Lydia. It says "who's heart the Lord opened..
.". Is this an example of Predestinantion or an example of God's sovereignty and man's free will? Clearly,
this was the sovereignty of God in action. His sovereignty is demonstrated in His Omniscience, Divine
Decision, and Foreknowledge. Lydia's heart that was "opened" gave her an insight into God's plan in which she freely choose to participate. Listen to the lesson of the week to learn more about the
sovereignty of God and how His divine purpose is accomplished no matter what choices you make.
 The Jailor’s Problem.
In Acts 16:23-34, the Phillipian Jailor had a problem on his hand. He was charged with keeping Paul and Silas in jail or it would be his life. When he awoke, the jail had been
opened from an earthquake caused by God yet Paul and Silas were still there singing praises unto the Lord. The first problem the jailor thought he had was the whereabouts of his prisoners... but the
“real” problem he knew was spoken in Acts 16:30 when he asked "sirs, what must I do to be saved
?" This is the problem that God has solved for all of us with Christ thereby shaking loose the prison
doors of sin and breaking the shackles of death. The jailors problem was solved by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ. There are many people today who are in need of the same decision and
conviction. Will it take a tragedy, prison, or an "earthquake" to bring the problem of sin which seperates us from God to
your attention? God wants you to experience the fullness of Christ in your life just like the Phillipian Jailor found for he and his family. The lesson on 07-29 covers this event in Acts.
Click here to listen now or go to the audio listings for the month of July.
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Audio Lessons for this Month
