acts of the apostles – Page 3 – The Notes are Good

Acts: Week 7, Day 4

Summary: The wolves arrive in Wolf Land! Out of town Jews travel over 100 miles to “win the crowd”. They take stone Paul and take him out of the city, but after they leave him for dead he got up and went back into town.

10. How quickly things can turn and how dangerous crowds (mobs) can become. But, seriously, after being left for dead by stoning Paul gets up and “went back into town”!?!?! I cannot see myself ever stepping foot back in the gates!

11. From Acts 16:1–3; Philippians 2:19–21; and 2 Timothy 1:2–5:

a. Timothy

b. I’m assuming this question refers to Gal 5:22-23 the fruits of the spirit (especially since that was the children’s memory verse this week!) Paul, in Timothy, found love, joy, kindness, goodness and faithfulness

c. God provides, through trials and persecution come blessings, the spirit blesses us through those we help teach and lead

12. (Challenge) I think this question is asking if Paul died at Lystra and then came back from the dead. Did he have an experience such as described in modern books such as Heaven is for Real or The boy who came back from heaven (both great reads, BTW)? Reading verse 5 of 2 Corinthians 12, I don’t think so. I think, in these verses he is talking about John. Paul may have died and been revived and he may have had a vision of heaven and the writing of this second letter to the Corinthians may have been 14 years later, but I think this passage refers to the Revelation to John – Rev 1:9-10, Rev 4:1

Conclusion: This verse and a half are the patron verses (is there such a thing?) of anyone who has worked in senior management, particularly at a large corporation. One day you can do no wrong. The people think you are a god. The next, a new consultant/author/leader comes on the scene. Next thing you know, you are being dragged outside the city walls and people are hurling stones at you!

Matthew Henry once said, “popular breath turns like the wind.” In our culture being liked, being popular, fitting in, particularly in youth but, frankly in all of us, can become an obsession. We can count and compare how many “friends” we have on Facebook. We can turn the television on to any number of shows based on judges criticizing (lambasting for sport) contestants. Paul learned a very important lesson in Lystra that he never forgot. It is never about Paul’s ministry, it is always about Jesus Christ.

Finally – is anyone else having a Sergeant Peppers album flashback??? Paul is dead. I buried Paul. (sorry, another one of those generational moments I have!)

Acts: Week 7, Day 3

Read Acts 14:8–18; Psalm 19:1–6; and Romans 1:18–32.

Summary: P&B move out of Iconium to Lystra and Derbe, smaller towns in the Lycaonians region. They preach and do miracles, but face a new challenge, the people want to worship them as gods rather than worship the true God of their message. P&B mourn, tearing their clothes, and attempt to set the people straight.

Questions

6. a. Preach first.

b. He listened and had faith to be healed

7. They were the messengers. They could not be confused with the master. The people wanted to accredit worship to them, which was the same as denying the only true on worthy of worship, God.

8. a. They worshiped “worthless things”. They had been allowed to go their own way.

b. Turn / No Longer — Worthless / Futile

9. a. There is no “ignorance” defense for not believing. God’s power and divine nature are evident in all creation and His work and blessings have been ongoing: rain, crops, food, abundance.

b. From all creation. From the bible. From Believers. From a thorough examination: it is the explanation with the least “leap of faith”.

c. It stands in opposition to their gods and belief system. Zeus is a child of Uranus and Earth. Hermes is a messenger These are man made gods as opposed to the one true God who created all.

Conclusion: The area that Paul and Barnabas are now in is a very large elevated plain. See this photo of the area. The area was ideal for raising sheep and the King of Galatia is said to have had as many as 300 flock of sheep of his own (anywhere from 12,000 to over 100,000 head of sheep) in this area, not counting those privately owned. Sadly, the people of the area appear, at least at this time, to be much more comfortable being sheep than shepherds. Interesting to note that the greek word, Lycaonia, literally means Wolf Land!

They speak a very different dialect and appear to have a difficult time seeing the depth and power of Paul’s message. They see the miracle, but like so many today, they can not see the bigger picture and try to process the miracle within their jaded mindset.

I recently read the formal report of a cardiologist who went to Joplin. He saw first hand the miracles that happened. People huddles in a closet who survive only to find the only walls in their house still standing is this one closet, or those lying in a bathtub who open their eyes to find their entire driveway and house ripped away, but their bathtub untouched. Through it, he first had heard the stories of the winged ladies who sheltered and protected these people. He knew it to be true enough that he wrote of it in his official newsletter to all patients and partners. But felt compelled to add the line “people have to believe in something.”

Acts: Week 7, Day 2

Acts 14:1–7

Summary: Paul and Barnabas preached “as usual”, effectively and boldy, in Iconium. God confirms His message of grace through miracles. The city is divided into two camps, Apostles and Jews. P&B learn of a plot to stone them so they leave for the outlying towns.

Questions

3. a. Effectively and boldly

b. Because I have learned to rely on the words of the bible and not my own, my witnessing is effective. However, I find that I am mostly bold in situations which probably do not require much boldness.

4. The word was spoken, many are saved, miracles are performed, but opposition was organized against the truth.

5. They rejected the message as being the truth and, as a result, fought it with the same fervor that Saul did before he saw the light. This is not a surprising reaction, although it is wrong.

Conclusion: Iconium, modern Konya, is on a roadway southeast of Pisidian Antioch by approximately 100 miles. According to last week’s notes, we learned that Romans considered a good day travel in this region to be about 16 miles so it would have taken the better part of a full week of travel to get here As you can see from maps of the area, Iconium is on a direct pathway, and roadway of that day, from Pisidian Antioch to Tarsus (Paul’s home town). The city, which was the capital of the area of Lycaonia, sits on the western edge of a great plain at 3600 feet elevation (more on this on Week 7, Day 3 Questions).

As the apostles head in the direction of Tarsus, they begin experiencing more of the fervor that Saul brought to the scene in his previous life. The Jews who stand in opposition to the truth, particularly now that “their God” is being co-opted into a God who is available to gentiles without them becoming jewish, is hitting a little too close to the core of what they hold as “theirs alone.” As a result, the passion against the truth is rising. Even with the authorities in Jerusalem, in opposition to Peter, we saw them mostly imprison, scold, and beat the Apostles. But, here, now, we see the people move quickly from treating them as guests invited to speak in the temple to something less that human that you would kill without trial by a mob throwing stones at it.

We will see Paul return to each of these places where seeds have been planted in future chapters of Acts and in the epistles. However, we also know that he felt the hatred of those who stood in opposition not only of him but of the grace of God. In 2 Tim 3:14 he recounts the persecution that he faced in this area.

Acts: Week 7, Day 1

2. There were three things that I found very interesting in this week’s notes.

The first was that Paul’s three missionary trips, the heart of his ministry, in total lasted only 10-13 years. What an amazing impact he made in such a short period of time. I have worked at jobs for more than 10 years and accomplished far, far less!

The second was the distance and terrain that Paul and his various companions travelled. In this first mission trip of 3 years, they spend almost 10 percent of their total time travelling from place to place, over treaturous seas and snow covered mountains on rickety bridges.. In each new town they have to find lodging and work (they supported themselves along the way so as not to be a burden or lead anyone astray.)

Third was the realization that the only reason that we have the writings of Paul is because God allowed him to be imprisoned. Had it not been for his forced solitude, it is clear that he would be in the field saving souls, not locked in a cell with someone documenting the notes, information and faith.

We are so richly blessed by the way that the Holy Spirit worked through this one man’s life. But, to me, the biggest realization is that the power of the Holy Spirit is ready and willing to work to that level again, today, in any devoted christian. Who knows what an amazing story our generation of believers may leave to childrena dn grand-children.

Bible Lesson 7: Acts 13 (Lecture)

Scripture: Acts 13

Aim: God’s workers tell the good news to those who have not heard it.

Introduction: If you are a fisherman, it might be a lot of fun to hang out in the fishing lodge and talking with other fishermen, but you won’t catch many fish that way. You have to go where the fish are.

If you are a builder, it might be fun to grab a cup of coffee at the Home Depot and talk with other builders, but things are going to get built that way. You have to go where the job site is.

If you are a disciple of Christ, it might be a lot of fun to hang out with other christians, but that isn’t the work we are called to do. We are called to spread His name to those who haven’t heard it. We are called to go where the work is.

First Division: Acts 13: 1-4 – Barnabas and Saul called out of the church in Antioch

Principle: Pray yields guidance from God

Illustration: I have a soccer ball that kept going flat on me. I would pump it up and then a few days later I would have to do it again. To find out where the leak was I pumped up the ball then was very quiet and put my ear up to the ball. Sure enough, if I was quiet enough I could hear it leaking air. But I still didn’t know where. So I filled up a bucket with water and put the ball down in it. Sure enough, I could see bubbles and found the leak. Prayer works much the same way. We start by being very quiet and listening for God to speak to us. When we seek His direction He makes things visible so we know exactly where to go.

Application: Are you spending quiet time with God each day? Do you pray for guidance or just for luxuries? Do you pay attention when God is showing you areas you need to patch in your own life?

Second Division: Acts 13: 5-12 The Proconsul of Cyprus seeks, hears, sees and believes

Principle: The power of the Holy Spirit always defeats evil.

Illustration: Do you know the difference between light and darkness? Is there light in the world? Is there darkness? Do you know the difference between right and wrong? Is there right in the world? Is there wrong? Do you know the difference between good and evil? Is there… is there…? So if you walk into a dark room and turn on a light, which wins, light or dark? Can you turn on a dark light and make things darker? Light always is more powerful Which is more powerful: right or wrong? Good or Evil? Which always wins, God’s ways or evil’s ways? So whenever you are afraid, know that you are not relying on yourself – you have the full power of God’s Holy Spirit in you – which is stronger that or whatever you are afraid of?

Application: When you are afraid, do you shrink back or call on the power of the Spirit? Do you recognize evil and call it what it is or are you too polite?

Third Division: Acts 13: 13-52 Paul and Barnabas reach the crossroads: Jews reject, Gentiles rejoice

Principle: God’s protection turns persecution to joy

Illustration: The comforts of a warm house on a cold, snowy, windy day. Snuggled up to a fire with a warm blanket and a cup of hot chocolate. We see this image and smile, despite the frigid storm outside. In fact, the frigid storm is what brings us to this place of comfort and joy. Persecution for spreading God’s truth works the same way. We don’t hide from it, but we are sheltered from the storm by God’s overflowing love.

Application: Do you avoid the storms? If so, you might be missing the comforts? Do you snuggle up with THE good book each day?

Conclusion: A little boy was terribly afraid of the dark. One evening his mother asked him to get the broom from the garage. The light switch was out of his reach and he was horribly afraid His mother reminded him of the lesson he had learned in church that he did not need to be afraid because Jesus was always with him. The young boy pondered this for a moment, then boldly went to the garage door, opened it and in a loud voice stated, “Hey, Jesus, can you hand me the broom?” While we laugh at this, we see it lived out in our lesson this week. Paul and Barnabas are called into scary new places, with new and often unfriendly people. While Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, is with them every step, guiding them and comforting them – they are called to do the work, to speak the words and to spread the news.

Acts: Week 6, Day 5

Acts 13:42–52.

Envy and jealousy prevent Jews from accepting the gift. Paul calls them on their rejection and quotes Isaiah – a light to the gentiles is now on the move. Paul and Barnabas leave the torment behind, shaking the very dirt from their sandals, and carry on in joy.

13. Salvation is not a one time event – it means to live a changed life. To lean on and trust in the Lord daily and in all things. Grace is also the means to faith (Eph 2:8: it is by grace you have been saved through faith

14. (Challenge) a. Reject:

Rom 2:8

But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger

Isa 49:6

he says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”

15. a The gentiles listened and were saved. The Jews did not and were not

b. Too often I obsess and it festers. I need to be better at shaking it off and letting it go. I love the analogy of shaking the dust from my feet – not bringing any part of their negativism along with me.

Conclusion:

Paul is not one to mince words. It is not accept the gift or don’t accept the gift. There is no neutral state in Paul’s message. You are either going forward or you are in reverse. There is no parking. You either accept the truth that Jesus is Lord or you have rejected it, calling it a lie.

Again – Paul cuts to the chase of the truth in a way that we are all to “wishy-washy” about today. We allow so many to take a neutral stance, at least in their eyes. “I’m not going to say you are lying in what you say about the gospel, but, while it may be true for you it is not necessarily true for me.” And, we let it go. In the words of the bible, that is the worst possible position to take. Either accept it or reject it, but don’t be luke warm. Why? Because it corrupts the truth. It chisels away, not in an attack on the truth, but like rain does, one drop at a time it wears away at the truth, not making it less true, but by creating a rule of tolerance where you are not allowed to speak the truth because it may not fit someone else’s belief system – no matter that their belief system is wrong and will land them in eternal damnation – we are too polite.

Paul was not polite.

Acts: Week 6, Day 3

Acts 13:1–14a.

After establishing leaders and teachers in the church in Antioch, Saul and Barnabas are called out by the Holy Spirit on a mission trip. After prayer and fasting, the church sends them forth. They travel broadly and deliver the good news to many.

5. a. Told by the Holy Spirit

b. Pray, fast and ask other members of the faith to do the same. Seek the blessing of the church.

6. a. Barnabas (and Saul) / Saul AKA Paul

b. Filled Paul with the H/S, Blinded Elymas, converted the procounsel

7. a. Pamphylia to return to Jerusalem

b. We don’t know. Could have been that he felt called back to Jerusalem. Could have been fear. Could have been concern over Paul’s illness and if this was right (Gal 4:13), Could have been issues that power was switching from Barnabas (his cousin) to Saul. We don’t know!

c. For a period of time, he lost Saul’s respect. He also lost participation in what was happening next in their mission

d. Jerusalem

e. We don’t know. Maybe it taught Mark a lesson and he grew to be a stronger missionary?

f. (Personal) Have I not gone a mission trip that later I regretted? Have I ever let someone down and that shaped me to be a better person so that I wouldn’t do it again? Have I fallen back to a position of comfort and safety when I wasn’t ready to face the trials around me? Yes, yes and yes. France and Joplin. Too many people to name including close family and friends. Almost on a weekly basis.

8. Paul’s first Mission Trip

Conclusion: I become frustrated by the “just suppose” questions. I’m of the belief that if it was material for the message of truth, then we would know, but little is gained by guessing the what’s and why’s that an action was taken. We know that Mark left. We know Saul was frustrated by it. We know that later Saul’s opinion of Mark changes with the conclusion that this is because Mark changed. We know Mark later wrote the gospel. We know that all events in our life and the decisions we make shape our learning and growth. But we seldom know why.

Now, off of my soap box. We are getting into territory that I struggle with. Not that I don’t understand maps, because I do, but because the names and arrows don’t tell me about the culture of the city. For business I have travelled a lot and each town and city has it’s own feel to it. So instead of focusing on distances and maps and arrows and miles, I researched the places in regard to feel of the town.

Antioch, we know, was a city of big commerce. This was a hub of activity, a city with solid roots, great infrastructure and good growth. It was one of the first cities to light their streets at night. It was a hub of commerce on major trade routes. This was a New York, Chicago, Denver, Dallas or LA.

From Antioch they travelled to the nearest major port city, Seleucia. There isn’t mention of specific preaching in this area, it seems like more of a launching off point, like a train or shipping hub. New Orleans, Houston, Philedephia.

From here they go to the island of Cyprus. We know that Barnabas grew up in Cyprus from Acts 4:36 and that many of the original preachers in Antioch were from Cyprus and Cyrene (Acts 11: 20). So this was in some ways a first trip into a land with some ties to the church at Antioch. They would have places to stay and people to meet.

While on the island of Cyprus, they travel to the western edge to Paphos. From what I’ve read, Paphos was the Las Vegas of that time. (Interesting that the sin-city of their day was also the seat of government – no further comment on that one!). There was heavy worship of Venus and Aphrodite, the goddesses of love and sex and immorality was rampant. (No offense to God fearing christians living in Vegas who might read this).

There is tradition to indicate that while souls were converted it was not without price or pain. Paul indicates in 2 Cor 11:24 that on 5 previous instances he had received 39 lashes (it was believed that 40 would kill a man). It is tradition in the area that the first of these lashings for speaking of Jesus in the synagogues occurred in Cyprus in Paphos and that Bar-Jesus aka Elymas may have been present.

In Paphos they encounter the Jewish Sorcerer (that is an interesting oxy-moron), who had attached himself to the court. After a smack down by Saul he is blinded but the proconsuls eyes are opened to faith in Jesus. From this point forward, Saul is now Paul.

Next they catch a boat off the island and head north and landed by Perga, which is a major coastal city, 5 miles inland from a major port of Attalia. Perga is a very wealthy city and the capital of Pamphylia. Mark catches a boat back to Jerusalem and Paul and Barnabas head farther inland to the north to Pisidian Antioch, which was the home of Sergius Paulus, the proconsul who had accepted the gift of salvation. We finish our verses today as they enter the synagogue in that city.

Acts: Week 6, Day 1

2. One of the things that struck me in the notes was the information provided about the hub of the church now moving to Antioch. To me, this shows that the center of the church is not in some physical place, but that it is centered on where the spirit is moving, where the word is being preached and where brothers are responding, proactively, to the needs of other brothers. It reminded me of the dialogue between Jesus and the woman at the well. She challenged Jesus over the physical location of worship – the temple in Jerusalem. In John 4:23 He replied: “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” I think we are seeing the church in Acts modeling worship in spirit and truth.

Living in Fear of the Lord

Acts 9:31 tells us the early church was, among other traits, “living in fear of the Lord.” What does that mean? Is that a good thing?

When we think of someone “living in fear” we think of that as a horrible state. We think of a victim of abuse and domestic violence. We think of someone in a rough area of town, always vigilant of gang violence, shootings, muggings, rape and murder. We think of someone who has a horrible secret, an unconfessed wrongdoing that they suffer its revelation every day.

If that is what is meant by “living in fear of the Lord” then, for most of us, our first thought would be: count me out!

But as I prayed on this and researched it, I found a completely different, but accurate, meaning. In Isaiah 11:2, we learn that “the fear of the Lord” is a gift of the Spirit, on the same par with “wisdom, understanding, counsel and power.” Clearly, this isn’t something to avoid or dread. So what is it?

Christ refers to “God the Father”, which prompted me to think in terms of fear of my Dad. I grew up far before the days of “time out” and when I, justly, had pushed things to the degree that I was going to receive a deserved spanking, then I had a clear element of fear. But that was seldom and a last resort, so I didn’t believe that is what these verses were trying to portray. Instead I thought more to my teen and adult years and my view of my Father.

I grew up in an area where, from my perspective at least, everyone knew my father. He has been gone from this earth for 7 years and, on a weekly basis, I will still run into someone who recognizes me because of my Dad. My Dad cared for me, loved his family, went to church was involved in the community and did his best to follow God’s design for his life. As I matured to the point that I understood this and appreciated it, I realized that one of my greatest fears was to do something to let my Father down or cast him in a negative light. How could I repay his love and devotion, not to mention his support and patience, by dishonoring him or his name?

I think this type of fear is what is meant by “living in fear of the Lord.” When we mature to the point that we recognize the love and sacrifice that our Lord has made for us, we should live our lives guardedly. How could we ever desire to disappoint or reflect His love and gifts to us in a negative light by our actions? We live in fear, not of punishment or retribution, but that, by our actions, we would somehow fail to show our appreciation, respect and honor for the Father who has given us so much – His only Son!

They say that there are healthy fears. Fear of power tools, fear of great heights, fear of electricity. These fears don’t paralyze us, but they cause us to be attentive in all that we do. I believe that as we mature in our faith and the Spirit grants us the amazing gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel and power, we also receive a very healthy and humbling gift of being able to “live in fear of the Lord.”

What are you thoughts and experiences? Please comment back to me!

Bible Lesson 6: Acts 9:31 – 12:25

Aim: Jew or Gentile, there is only one way: Jesus

Last week we saw the conversion of Saul, and what a turn around that was – from persecutor to preacher. He saw the light. We also heard that Saul was being given a mission, to help spread the good news about Jesus to the Gentiles – people that weren’t Jewish. Now this caused quite a stir because the Jews were God’s chosen people, so was this going to be OK? Should they be invited, too?

So, as we begin to think about our lesson this week, picture this: William and Kate (Prince/Princess) are coming to your town and throwing a huge party that lasts a really long time. However, tickets to the event cost $1 bizzillion (a really, really big number). Is there any way you can buy a ticket? Is there anyway that anyone can pay that kind of price? Probably not even the queen. But, wait, they just announced that they are going to give away free tickets with only 3 requirements:

You have to accept the gift of the ticket. You can’t ignore it, or throw it away, or sell it, or anything like that.
You have to come in through the front door only, the door that is opened by the host to let in his guests. No trying to sneak in the back.
While not a requirement, it is strongly suggested that you act grateful for this amazing gift.

That is how things are with God. When Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, He paid the price for all of our tickets. And God wants everyone of us to accept that ticket and join the party. But he gets very frustrated when someone shows up with a fake ticket that they tried to make on their own. Or they try to sneak in some backdoor.

There is only one way into this party. It doesn’t matter who you are, who your parents were or how much you work to make your own ticket.

Division 1: Acts 9:31-10:48

In chapter 9 we have 2 amazing stories of healing and prayer. The power of the Holy Spirit is overflowing and as Peter travels outside of Jerusalem he is partaking in and witness the power of the Holy Spirit, not only in changed bodies, but in changed hearts and souls. The first is the story of Aeneas, so crippled that he had stayed in bed for 8 years. Then, with one blessing from God, he gets up and walks. Are you saying, we’ve seen that before – ok, how about Dead Dorcas? Her friends pray and talk about the gifts she has made and… back from the dead.

But in Acts 10, we get into the really interesting story of Peter and Cornelius. Peter was a Jew. Jesus came to the Jews. And when you are a Jew you live as a Jew. This isn’t a club, it is a way of life, every moment of every day. You mess up one thing, touch a dead animal by accident, brush against someone with a skin disease, and you can be living outside of the city for days or weeks.

I’m going to talk about the blanket and food restrictions. This meeting with Cornelius, in his house, eating and just how big of a deal that was. But the whole time God was working on Peter, from the inside out, to help him see God’s love for all.

Principle: God welcomes all who believe

Illustration: Picture the gates of heaven. In your mind, do you see a sign next to the door that says, Girls only, no boys allowed? Or boys only? Or only people with black hair allowed? Of course not. There is a big welcome mat saying all believers enter here.

Applications: Do you understand that God is bigger than skin tone, eye color, nationality or any other difference in humans?

Do you welcome into your church family people that don’t look, act or sound like you? Do you call them brother and sister?

What “rules” are you expecting people to jump through because that is how you did it when you were a new believer?

Division 2: Acts 11

The jewish born christians are troubled by this new understanding that Peter has received and they have no issue speaking up about it. Peter goes to Jerusalem, right to the heart of the discussion and lays out the facts. In one verse (18) they understand, “so, then, that’s how it is.” God said it, done deal. Meanwhile, Antioch becomes a hotbed of God’s spirit, Barnabas is dispatched, joined by Saul and the new church gets its legs.

Principle: God’s word unites believers

Illustration: Have you ever used the words, “Mom said” or “Dad says” or “the coach said to”? When you are in a family or on a team, it is important to know who is in charge and calling the plays. There is nothing wrong when you see someone heading a different direction to stop them and ask questions. But when the direction comes from God, it is best to get on board.

Application: When you have an issue, do you go to the source or chitchat rumor about it?

When you understand that a direction is spelled out in the bible, do you accept it or still want to argue?

Division 3: Acts 12

King Herod (Agrippa), seeks to build his political cachet by imprisoning some of the heathen christians. When that goes well, he murders James. Seeing how well that is received he imprison Peter, with plans to kill him as well.

(retell story of the Peter in jail, shackled, 2 guards, sound asleep, freed by H/S, Rhoda, the church praying)

Finally, King Herod get eaten by worms and dies – yuck!

Principle: God sets us free of earthly confines

Illustration: (I’m sticking with Peter and this story)

Application: If someone wanted to jail the christians, would they know you were one?

What are you losing sleep over?

Do you believe it when God answers your prayers?

What are you shackled to that God needs to set you free from? Past sins? Current guilt? Worry? Fear? Secrets?

Conclusion: In all that is happening, don’t miss the skill movement of the master’s hand in everything that is happening. I was reading an article on grand masters at chess. It pointed out that if you take any chess game, at any point in the game, and for less 2 seconds show the board to a master. They can go to another board and place every piece in place, where a non-chess player is doing good to get 3-4 pieces. God not only knows this board that we live on, He created it, and He is the Master of All.