God sent the wind and the fire and gave the disciples the ability to speak in different languages. He did this so all the people would know that God had decided it was time to start the church.
Peter wanted everyone to know that the man they knew as Jesus was the Son of God. People who belong to God's church believe that Jesus is God's Son.
What makes the church special? What special thing about Jesus do people in the church believe?
The Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost. Peter speaks to the crowd (Peter's Sermon).
As one child reads the Bible, let other children act out the Scriptures/Words from the Bible:
The Wind Blew.
Fire fell.
The crowd listened.
Peter spoke.
"You crucified Jesus."
The crowd cried out.
"What do we do?"
The disciples preached.
"Come to Jesus."
3000 came.
The Church began.
Therefore, let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. _ _ _ Acts 2:36
The apostles, filled with the Holy Ghost, and speaking divers languages languages, are admired by some, and derived by others.
Showing posts with label disciples. Show all posts
Showing posts with label disciples. Show all posts
Monday, May 7, 2018
Friday, April 27, 2018
Sunday - Jesus Gives His Followers a Job to Do - Children's Sunday School Lesson - Matthew 28:16-20; Luke 24:36-49 - 4/22/18
Matthew 28:16-20 ... Jesus' Final Orders to His Disciples. The Great Commission.
Luke 24:36-49 ... Jesus Appears to the Disciples. Jesus Other Appearances.
A witness is someone who has seen something happen and tells others about it. The disciples were witnesses of Jesus'miracles, His death, and how He came back to life. Jesus wanted to tell other people about all the things He had done.
A good exercise is to let children spell the name of the city and state they live in and name states from a map that is close to their state.
You may pray that people in this country learn about Jesus. Someday, God may even use you and or others to tell people in that country about Jesus.
Acts 1:8 ... You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Then the 11 disciples went to Galilee. They went to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.
When they saw Him they worshiped Him. But some still had their doubts.
Then Jesus came to them. He said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
So you must go and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And you can be sure that I am always with you, to the very end."
The disciples were still talking about this when Jesus Himself suddenly stood among them (Jesus Appears to the Disciples).
They were surprised and terrified. They thought they were seeing a ghost.
Jesus told the disciples to look at His hands and feet.
Jesus told them it was really Him. He told them to touch Him and see. A ghost does not have a body or bones. But they could see that He did.
After Jesus said that, He showed them His hands and feet.
But they still did not believe it. They were amazed and filled with joy. So Jesus asked them do you have anything to eat? They gave Him a piece of cooked fish.
Jesus took it and ate it in front of them.
Jesus said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you. Everything written about Jesus in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms must come true."
Then Jesus opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.
He told them, "This is what is written. The Messiah will suffer. He will rise from the dead on the third day.
His followers will preach in His name. They will tell others to turn away from their sins and be forgiven. People from every nation will hear it, beginning at Jerusalem.
You have seen these things with your own eyes.
I am going to send you what my Father has promised. Stay there until you have received power from heaven."
Reference scripture used from The NIrV May the Faith Be With You Holy Bible @ Zondervan 2017 and The New American Standard Bible (Parallel Bible) Zondervan Bible Publishers
Luke 24:36-49 ... Jesus Appears to the Disciples. Jesus Other Appearances.
A witness is someone who has seen something happen and tells others about it. The disciples were witnesses of Jesus'miracles, His death, and how He came back to life. Jesus wanted to tell other people about all the things He had done.
A good exercise is to let children spell the name of the city and state they live in and name states from a map that is close to their state.
You may pray that people in this country learn about Jesus. Someday, God may even use you and or others to tell people in that country about Jesus.
Acts 1:8 ... You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Then the 11 disciples went to Galilee. They went to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.
When they saw Him they worshiped Him. But some still had their doubts.
Then Jesus came to them. He said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
So you must go and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And you can be sure that I am always with you, to the very end."
The disciples were still talking about this when Jesus Himself suddenly stood among them (Jesus Appears to the Disciples).
They were surprised and terrified. They thought they were seeing a ghost.
Jesus told the disciples to look at His hands and feet.
Jesus told them it was really Him. He told them to touch Him and see. A ghost does not have a body or bones. But they could see that He did.
After Jesus said that, He showed them His hands and feet.
But they still did not believe it. They were amazed and filled with joy. So Jesus asked them do you have anything to eat? They gave Him a piece of cooked fish.
Jesus took it and ate it in front of them.
Jesus said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you. Everything written about Jesus in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms must come true."
Then Jesus opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.
He told them, "This is what is written. The Messiah will suffer. He will rise from the dead on the third day.
His followers will preach in His name. They will tell others to turn away from their sins and be forgiven. People from every nation will hear it, beginning at Jerusalem.
You have seen these things with your own eyes.
I am going to send you what my Father has promised. Stay there until you have received power from heaven."
Reference scripture used from The NIrV May the Faith Be With You Holy Bible @ Zondervan 2017 and The New American Standard Bible (Parallel Bible) Zondervan Bible Publishers
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Jesus Fixes Breakfast - John 21:1-14 - Children's Sunday School Lesson - Sunday - 4/15/18
Jesus Appears at the Sea of Galilee. Jesus and the miracle of many fish. Only the book of John tells us how Jesus came to the seven disciples as they were fishing. John remembers how many fish they caught, and their surprise and relief of finding the fishing had not been torn.
Jesus provides.
Once before, Jesus helped His disciples catch a big bounce of fish. Helping them catch a miraculous amount of fish this time showed the disciples it really was Jesus who was alive again.
How did the disciples know that this man was Jesus? ... None of the disciples dared asked Him (Jesus), "Who are You?" They knew it was the Lord. John 21:12
Only Jesus could make that big catch of fish happen. This man on the beach had to be Jesus who had come back to life!
Jesus showed the disciples He had come back to life by helping them catch a miraculous amount of fish.
How many fish did the disciples catch during the night? Zero
When did the disciples go fishing? At night time.
How many fish did the disciples catch when Jesus told them to fish? 153
What was Jesus doing on the lake shore? Making breakfast
Simon Peter said to the disciples, "He was going fishing." The disciples said to Simon Peter, "They would also go with him." They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing.
But when the day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.
Jesus therefore said to them, "Children (Disciples), you do not have any fish, do you?" They answered Jesus, "No."
And Jesus said to the disciples, "Cast the net on the right-hand of the boat, and you will find a catch." They cast therefore, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish.
But the other disciples came in the little boat, for they were not far from the land, but about one hundred yards away, dragging the net full of fish.
And so when they got out upon the land, they saw a charcoal fire already laid, and fish placed on it, and bread.
Jesus, said to them, "Bring some of the fish which you have now caught."
Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land, full of large fish, and a hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many that the net was not torn.
Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples ventured to question Him, "Who are You?" knowing that it was the Lord.
Jesus came and took the bread, and gave them, and the fish likewise.
This is now the third time that Jesus was manifested to the disciples, after He was raised from the dead.
Scripture reference used from The Comparative Study Bible, Copyright 1984 by the Zondervan Corporation, New American Standard Version and NIrV May The Faith Be With You Holy Bible @ Zondervan 2017
Jesus provides.
Once before, Jesus helped His disciples catch a big bounce of fish. Helping them catch a miraculous amount of fish this time showed the disciples it really was Jesus who was alive again.
How did the disciples know that this man was Jesus? ... None of the disciples dared asked Him (Jesus), "Who are You?" They knew it was the Lord. John 21:12
Only Jesus could make that big catch of fish happen. This man on the beach had to be Jesus who had come back to life!
Jesus showed the disciples He had come back to life by helping them catch a miraculous amount of fish.
How many fish did the disciples catch during the night? Zero
When did the disciples go fishing? At night time.
How many fish did the disciples catch when Jesus told them to fish? 153
What was Jesus doing on the lake shore? Making breakfast
Simon Peter said to the disciples, "He was going fishing." The disciples said to Simon Peter, "They would also go with him." They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing.
But when the day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.
Jesus therefore said to them, "Children (Disciples), you do not have any fish, do you?" They answered Jesus, "No."
And Jesus said to the disciples, "Cast the net on the right-hand of the boat, and you will find a catch." They cast therefore, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish.
But the other disciples came in the little boat, for they were not far from the land, but about one hundred yards away, dragging the net full of fish.
And so when they got out upon the land, they saw a charcoal fire already laid, and fish placed on it, and bread.
Jesus, said to them, "Bring some of the fish which you have now caught."
Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land, full of large fish, and a hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many that the net was not torn.
Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples ventured to question Him, "Who are You?" knowing that it was the Lord.
Jesus came and took the bread, and gave them, and the fish likewise.
This is now the third time that Jesus was manifested to the disciples, after He was raised from the dead.
Scripture reference used from The Comparative Study Bible, Copyright 1984 by the Zondervan Corporation, New American Standard Version and NIrV May The Faith Be With You Holy Bible @ Zondervan 2017
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
God Listens to Obedient Worship - John 9:24-38 - Daily Sunday School Bible Reading
By now the man who had been blind had heard the same questions over and over. He did not know he was healed, but he knew that his life had been miraculously changed, and he was not afraid to tell the truth. You don't need to know all the answers in order to share Christ with others. It is important to tell others how Jesus has changed your life. Then trust that God will use your words.
The man's new faith was severely tested. He was cursed and evicted from the Temple. Persecution may come when you follow Jesus. You may lose friends, you may even lose your life. But no one can ever take away the Eternal Life that Jesus give you.
The longer this man experienced his new life through Christ, the more confident he became in the one who had healed him. He gained not only physical sight but Spiritual sight as he recognized Jesus first as a Prophet than as his Lord. When you turn to Christ, you begin to see him differently. Peter tells us to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." If you want to know more about Jesus, keep walking with Him.
Again the Pharisees called the man who had been blind to come to them. Give glory to God by telling the truth! they said. "We know that the man who healed is a sinner.
He replied, "I don't know if he is a sinner or not. I do know one thing, I was blind, but now I can see!"
Then they asked him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?"
He answered, "I have already told you. But you didn't listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become His disciples too?"
Then they began to attack him with their words. They said we are disciples of Moses!
We know that God spoke to Moses. But we don't even know where this follow come from.
The man answered, That is really surprising! You don't know where he come from, and yet He opened my eyes.
We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does what He wants them to do.
Nobody has ever heard of anyone opening the eyes of a person born blind.
If this man had not come from God, He could do nothing.
Then the Pharisees replied, "When you were born, you were already deep in sin. How dare you talk like that to us!" And they threw him out of the synagogue.
Jesus heard that the Pharisees had thrown the man out of the synagogue. When Jesus found him, he said, do you believe in the Son of Man?
Who is He, Sir? The man asked, tell me so I can believe in Him.
Jesus said, You have now seen Him. In fact, He is the one speaking with you.
The the man said, "Lord I believe." And he worshiped Him.
They called the man back a second time - the man who had been blind - and told him. Give credit to God. We know this man is an impostor.
He replied, "I know nothing about that one way or the other. But I know one thing for sure: I was blind ... I now see."
They said, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?"
"I've told you over and over and you haven't listened. Why do you want to hear it again? Are you so eager to become His disciples?"
With that they jumped all over him. "You might be a disciple of that man, but we're disciples of Moses. We know for sure that God spoke to Moses. But we have no idea where this man even come from."
The man replied, "This is amazing! You claim to know nothing about Him, but the fact is He opened my eyes! It's well known that God isn't at the beck and call of sinners, but listens carefully to anyone who lives in reverence and does His will. That some one opened the eyes of a man born blind has never been heard of - ever. If this man didn't come from God, he wouldn't be able to do anything."
They said, "You're nothing but dirt! How dare you take that tone with us!" Then they threw him out in the street.
Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and went and found him. He asked him, "do you believe in the Son of Man?"
The man said, point him out to me, Sir, so that I can believe in Him.
Jesus said, "You're looking right at Him. don't you recognize my voice?"
"Master, I believe," the man said, and worshiped Him.
Scripture reference used from The Message Bible, NIrV Bible and Life Application Bible
The man's new faith was severely tested. He was cursed and evicted from the Temple. Persecution may come when you follow Jesus. You may lose friends, you may even lose your life. But no one can ever take away the Eternal Life that Jesus give you.
The longer this man experienced his new life through Christ, the more confident he became in the one who had healed him. He gained not only physical sight but Spiritual sight as he recognized Jesus first as a Prophet than as his Lord. When you turn to Christ, you begin to see him differently. Peter tells us to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." If you want to know more about Jesus, keep walking with Him.
Again the Pharisees called the man who had been blind to come to them. Give glory to God by telling the truth! they said. "We know that the man who healed is a sinner.
He replied, "I don't know if he is a sinner or not. I do know one thing, I was blind, but now I can see!"
Then they asked him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?"
He answered, "I have already told you. But you didn't listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become His disciples too?"
Then they began to attack him with their words. They said we are disciples of Moses!
We know that God spoke to Moses. But we don't even know where this follow come from.
The man answered, That is really surprising! You don't know where he come from, and yet He opened my eyes.
We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does what He wants them to do.
Nobody has ever heard of anyone opening the eyes of a person born blind.
If this man had not come from God, He could do nothing.
Then the Pharisees replied, "When you were born, you were already deep in sin. How dare you talk like that to us!" And they threw him out of the synagogue.
Jesus heard that the Pharisees had thrown the man out of the synagogue. When Jesus found him, he said, do you believe in the Son of Man?
Who is He, Sir? The man asked, tell me so I can believe in Him.
Jesus said, You have now seen Him. In fact, He is the one speaking with you.
The the man said, "Lord I believe." And he worshiped Him.
They called the man back a second time - the man who had been blind - and told him. Give credit to God. We know this man is an impostor.
He replied, "I know nothing about that one way or the other. But I know one thing for sure: I was blind ... I now see."
They said, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?"
"I've told you over and over and you haven't listened. Why do you want to hear it again? Are you so eager to become His disciples?"
With that they jumped all over him. "You might be a disciple of that man, but we're disciples of Moses. We know for sure that God spoke to Moses. But we have no idea where this man even come from."
The man replied, "This is amazing! You claim to know nothing about Him, but the fact is He opened my eyes! It's well known that God isn't at the beck and call of sinners, but listens carefully to anyone who lives in reverence and does His will. That some one opened the eyes of a man born blind has never been heard of - ever. If this man didn't come from God, he wouldn't be able to do anything."
They said, "You're nothing but dirt! How dare you take that tone with us!" Then they threw him out in the street.
Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and went and found him. He asked him, "do you believe in the Son of Man?"
The man said, point him out to me, Sir, so that I can believe in Him.
Jesus said, "You're looking right at Him. don't you recognize my voice?"
"Master, I believe," the man said, and worshiped Him.
Scripture reference used from The Message Bible, NIrV Bible and Life Application Bible
Friday, December 15, 2017
The Sacred Slow - Book Review
In the beginning, "there was evening, and there was morning - the first day." Time has not changed: it remains one of the few unaltered, original residents of the garden of Eden. Demand it to speed up or beg it to stand still, time will remain steady because it bows to only One. (And we, too, are His servants.)
However, each slow, calm tick of time has ceased to be a sacred reminder of the gift of life (let alone of the Giver of life).
A handful of numbers in the Scriptures have solid significance, and the number seven is surely one of them.
Consider the significance of the number seven in the Scriptures:
SEVEN
Literally, a prime number between six and eight
Figuratively, a symbol with spiritual weight
Seven figures prominently in Scripture as a period of waiting, warring, warning, and wisdom. The number boundaries intentional times, set-apart spaces, moments kissed by the divine, and resting places.
We see further evidence of the Israelites' understanding that their exile was in part connected to ignoring the Sabbath Years when Nehemiah came to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall around 445 BC. Upon its completion, the community made a binding agreement with God. Among their commitments, they stated, "Every seventh year we will forgo working the land and will cancel all debts."
Jeremiah 29:11-13 is one of the most quoted verses in all of Scriptures, and Jeremiah 29:10 is not.
When seventy years are completed: one year for every Sabbath Year God's people refused to embrace.
Listening is an exercise in interdepence, which nurtures a teachable spirit.
Not listening is a posture of arrogance, which ignores the contributions of another.
By not listening, God's people "brought harm to (them) selves."
We still struggle to listen and obey, and not listening is still toxic for our souls and communities.
Since God breathed into us "the breath of life" our divinely touched dust has been honored with a standing invitation to listen for our Creator.
The Genesis narrative introduces God's voice not at the creation of our "formless and empty" planet but at the installation of light. Before the first "Let there be," there was earth, water, and God's Spirit hovering over all. The voice brought light - a light that preceded the creation of the sun.
The Revelation prophecy concludes with God's voice still bringing light. Over all the end-times images and earthly uncertainities rests the clear voice of the bright Morning Star as He assures listeners of His authority and His soon return.
Adam and Eve had heard God's audible voice. However, hearing has never been a synonym for heeding.
In Mark 4:34, we read that Jesus "did not say anything to them (the crowds) without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything."
Perhaps thorns such as the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things are the means to the Enemy's ends, not the ends in and of themselves. The Gospel state that the thorns were the means to a specific end: choking the Word to hinder it from maturing and, thereby, making it unfruitful.
We live in a fallen world. The Kingdom of darkness constantly bombards us with impure and untrue messages about life, faith, spirituality, and God.
The Word heard is not enough. It must be heeded.
We recognize the value of devotions and quiet times. However, these spaces are means to an end, not ends in and of themselves.
Through the door opened by Jesus' sacrifice, you and God are together in one place. In everything you do, God is with you.
God has named you as the work of His hands! Do you know what was in His heart when He created you?
God had tears of love in His eyes as He formed you in the womb. You are saturated with His fingerprints.
Psalm 119 is written to God about God's Word. When studying the psalm, three categories of content stood out to author of The Sacred Slow: the psalmist's relationship with God's Word, descriptions of the power of God's Word, and prayers about God's Word.
We may use a computer, but we must relate to the Bible because the Word of God is alive.
Pick up your Bible and pray. Thank God for the gift you hold in your hands. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead into truth.
The anonymous pen of Psalm 119 clearly admired, studied, and loved God's Word. As we have already seen, this psalmist - mentor talked to God about his commitment to God's Word (what the Word is) and about his belief in the power of God
s word (what the Word does). The third component of his psalm was to scripture - pray to God for an even greater relationship with His Word.
Psalm 119 is punctuated with many prayer requests, most of which are supported by God's promises.
May God increase our hunger and respect for His life - giving Word.
The Corinthians' early struggle is our daily struggle.
As the Corinthians were deciding what touched their bodies and infiltrated their minds, Paul counseled them to choose options that left a morally positive deposit in their souls.
In truth, everything we do affects all that we are.
In his letter, Paul explained that since Christ has purchased a believer's freedom, the exercising of that freedom must, therefore, honor Christ.
Consider the disciples who were called to be with Jesus. They walked with Him and talked with Him and proceeded to walk by others without saying a word.
Remember the Samaritan woman who spent time alone with Jesus by a well and then brought her whole town to meet Him? However, she was not the first person familiar with Jesus' presence to go into town that day.
The disciples had been there earlier.
We can read in John 4:8, "Jesus disciples had gone into the town to buy food." In town, they interacted with bakers, fishermen, and fruit sellers in the marketplace long enough to buy sufficient food t feed at least thirteen.
So twelve leaders who walked alongside Jesus 24/7 went into a town and said, "We'd like to buy six fish and a loaf of bread." How many people followed them back to meet Jesus?
Not even one.
One Samaritan woman who had spent perhaps less than an hour with Jesus went into the same town and said, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?" How many people followed her back to meet Jesus?
The whole town!
The author of this book, Dr. Alicia Britt Chole is an award-winning writer. She is a speaker, author, and leadership mentor who enjoys thunderstorms, jalapenos, and honest questions.
However, each slow, calm tick of time has ceased to be a sacred reminder of the gift of life (let alone of the Giver of life).
A handful of numbers in the Scriptures have solid significance, and the number seven is surely one of them.
Consider the significance of the number seven in the Scriptures:
SEVEN
Literally, a prime number between six and eight
Figuratively, a symbol with spiritual weight
Seven figures prominently in Scripture as a period of waiting, warring, warning, and wisdom. The number boundaries intentional times, set-apart spaces, moments kissed by the divine, and resting places.
We see further evidence of the Israelites' understanding that their exile was in part connected to ignoring the Sabbath Years when Nehemiah came to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall around 445 BC. Upon its completion, the community made a binding agreement with God. Among their commitments, they stated, "Every seventh year we will forgo working the land and will cancel all debts."
Jeremiah 29:11-13 is one of the most quoted verses in all of Scriptures, and Jeremiah 29:10 is not.
When seventy years are completed: one year for every Sabbath Year God's people refused to embrace.
Listening is an exercise in interdepence, which nurtures a teachable spirit.
Not listening is a posture of arrogance, which ignores the contributions of another.
By not listening, God's people "brought harm to (them) selves."
We still struggle to listen and obey, and not listening is still toxic for our souls and communities.
Since God breathed into us "the breath of life" our divinely touched dust has been honored with a standing invitation to listen for our Creator.
The Genesis narrative introduces God's voice not at the creation of our "formless and empty" planet but at the installation of light. Before the first "Let there be," there was earth, water, and God's Spirit hovering over all. The voice brought light - a light that preceded the creation of the sun.
The Revelation prophecy concludes with God's voice still bringing light. Over all the end-times images and earthly uncertainities rests the clear voice of the bright Morning Star as He assures listeners of His authority and His soon return.
Adam and Eve had heard God's audible voice. However, hearing has never been a synonym for heeding.
In Mark 4:34, we read that Jesus "did not say anything to them (the crowds) without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything."
Perhaps thorns such as the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things are the means to the Enemy's ends, not the ends in and of themselves. The Gospel state that the thorns were the means to a specific end: choking the Word to hinder it from maturing and, thereby, making it unfruitful.
We live in a fallen world. The Kingdom of darkness constantly bombards us with impure and untrue messages about life, faith, spirituality, and God.
The Word heard is not enough. It must be heeded.
We recognize the value of devotions and quiet times. However, these spaces are means to an end, not ends in and of themselves.
Through the door opened by Jesus' sacrifice, you and God are together in one place. In everything you do, God is with you.
God has named you as the work of His hands! Do you know what was in His heart when He created you?
God had tears of love in His eyes as He formed you in the womb. You are saturated with His fingerprints.
Psalm 119 is written to God about God's Word. When studying the psalm, three categories of content stood out to author of The Sacred Slow: the psalmist's relationship with God's Word, descriptions of the power of God's Word, and prayers about God's Word.
We may use a computer, but we must relate to the Bible because the Word of God is alive.
Pick up your Bible and pray. Thank God for the gift you hold in your hands. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead into truth.
The anonymous pen of Psalm 119 clearly admired, studied, and loved God's Word. As we have already seen, this psalmist - mentor talked to God about his commitment to God's Word (what the Word is) and about his belief in the power of God
s word (what the Word does). The third component of his psalm was to scripture - pray to God for an even greater relationship with His Word.
Psalm 119 is punctuated with many prayer requests, most of which are supported by God's promises.
May God increase our hunger and respect for His life - giving Word.
The Corinthians' early struggle is our daily struggle.
As the Corinthians were deciding what touched their bodies and infiltrated their minds, Paul counseled them to choose options that left a morally positive deposit in their souls.
In truth, everything we do affects all that we are.
In his letter, Paul explained that since Christ has purchased a believer's freedom, the exercising of that freedom must, therefore, honor Christ.
Consider the disciples who were called to be with Jesus. They walked with Him and talked with Him and proceeded to walk by others without saying a word.
Remember the Samaritan woman who spent time alone with Jesus by a well and then brought her whole town to meet Him? However, she was not the first person familiar with Jesus' presence to go into town that day.
The disciples had been there earlier.
We can read in John 4:8, "Jesus disciples had gone into the town to buy food." In town, they interacted with bakers, fishermen, and fruit sellers in the marketplace long enough to buy sufficient food t feed at least thirteen.
So twelve leaders who walked alongside Jesus 24/7 went into a town and said, "We'd like to buy six fish and a loaf of bread." How many people followed them back to meet Jesus?
Not even one.
One Samaritan woman who had spent perhaps less than an hour with Jesus went into the same town and said, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?" How many people followed her back to meet Jesus?
The whole town!
The author of this book, Dr. Alicia Britt Chole is an award-winning writer. She is a speaker, author, and leadership mentor who enjoys thunderstorms, jalapenos, and honest questions.
Monday, August 7, 2017
Sunday - Called To Witness - Acts 6:1-7 - 8/6/17
When we read the descriptions of the early church - the miracles, the sharing and generosity - we may wish we could have been a part of this "perfect" church. No church has ever been or will ever be perfect until Christ and his followers are united at his Second Coming. All churches have problems. Do what you can to make your church better.
The twelve are the original disciples and Matthias, who was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:26).
As the early church increased in size, so did their needs. One was to organize the distribution of food to the poor. Each person has a necessary part to play in the life of the church (1 Corinthians 12). If you are not in leadership, you have gifts that can be used by God in various areas of the church's mission. Offer these gifts in service to him.
This administrative task was not to be taken lightly. Notice the requirements for the men who were to handle the feeding program: (1) good, with reputations for being honest, (2) full of the Holy Spirit, and (3) wise. We must look for honest, spiritually mature, d wise men and women to lead our churches.
Pastors should never try, or be expected, to do everything. Instead, the work of the church should be spread out among its members.
Spiritual leadership is serious business and must not be taken lightly by the church or the leaders. In the early church, the chosen men were commissioned (set apart by prayer and laying on of hands) by the apostles.
1 Timothy 4:14 (Instructions for elders. Paul gives guidelines for teaching). Timothy was a young pastor. Timothy's commission as a church leader was confirmed by prophecy (1 Timothy 1:18) and by laying on of hands by the elders of the church.
1 Timothy 3:10-13 ... Deacons means "one who serves." This position was begun by the apostles in the Jerusalem church (Acts 6:1-6) to care for the physical needs of the congregation, especially the needs of the Greek-speaking widows. Deacons were leaders in the church and their qualifications resemble those of the elders (bishops) in some churches today. Paul says men are to be tested with lesser responsibilities before being made deacons.
Some have translated wives as "women helpers" or "deaconesses." Paul expects the behavior of prominent women in the church to be just as responsible and blameless as that of prominent men. Phebe, the deaconess was mentioned in Romans !6:1.
Jesus had told the apostles that they were to witness first in Jerusalem (Acts 1:8). In a short time, their message had infiltrated the entire city and all levels of society.
Reference summary used from the Life Application Bible, KJV; Tyndale Publishers, Inc.,; Wheaton, IL
The twelve are the original disciples and Matthias, who was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:26).
As the early church increased in size, so did their needs. One was to organize the distribution of food to the poor. Each person has a necessary part to play in the life of the church (1 Corinthians 12). If you are not in leadership, you have gifts that can be used by God in various areas of the church's mission. Offer these gifts in service to him.
This administrative task was not to be taken lightly. Notice the requirements for the men who were to handle the feeding program: (1) good, with reputations for being honest, (2) full of the Holy Spirit, and (3) wise. We must look for honest, spiritually mature, d wise men and women to lead our churches.
Pastors should never try, or be expected, to do everything. Instead, the work of the church should be spread out among its members.
Spiritual leadership is serious business and must not be taken lightly by the church or the leaders. In the early church, the chosen men were commissioned (set apart by prayer and laying on of hands) by the apostles.
1 Timothy 4:14 (Instructions for elders. Paul gives guidelines for teaching). Timothy was a young pastor. Timothy's commission as a church leader was confirmed by prophecy (1 Timothy 1:18) and by laying on of hands by the elders of the church.
1 Timothy 3:10-13 ... Deacons means "one who serves." This position was begun by the apostles in the Jerusalem church (Acts 6:1-6) to care for the physical needs of the congregation, especially the needs of the Greek-speaking widows. Deacons were leaders in the church and their qualifications resemble those of the elders (bishops) in some churches today. Paul says men are to be tested with lesser responsibilities before being made deacons.
Some have translated wives as "women helpers" or "deaconesses." Paul expects the behavior of prominent women in the church to be just as responsible and blameless as that of prominent men. Phebe, the deaconess was mentioned in Romans !6:1.
Jesus had told the apostles that they were to witness first in Jerusalem (Acts 1:8). In a short time, their message had infiltrated the entire city and all levels of society.
Reference summary used from the Life Application Bible, KJV; Tyndale Publishers, Inc.,; Wheaton, IL
Friday, December 2, 2016
Friday - Out of Nazareth - John 1:43-46 - 12/2/16
Verse 43 ... The day following Jesus would go forth into Gal'i-lee, & findeth Phil'ip, & said unto him, Follow me.
Verse 44 ... Now .. Phil'ip was of Beth-sa'i-da, the city of An'drew & Pe'ter.
John 12:21 ... The same came therefore to Phil'ip, which was of Beth-sa'i-da of Gal'i-lee, & desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. (Certain Greeks desire to see Jesus)
John 1:45 ... Phil'ip findeth ... Na-than'a-el, & saith unto him, We have found him, of whom ...
John 21:2 ... There were together Si'mon Peter & Thom'as called Did'y-mus, & Na-than'a-el, of Cana in Gal'i-lee, & the sons of Zeb'e-dee, & two other of his disciples.
John 1:45 ... Moses in the law, & the ...
Deuteronomy 18:18 ... I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, & will put my words in his mouth; & he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.
John 1:45 ...prophets did write, ...
Isaiah 4:2 ... In that day shall the branch of the LORD be (beauty & glory) beautiful & glorious, & the fruit of the earth shall be excellent & comely (for the escaping of Israel) for them that are escaped of Is'ra-el.
John 1:45 ... Jesus ... of Naz'a-reth, the son of Jo'seph.
Luke 2:4 ... And Jo'seph also went up from Gal'i-lee, out of the city of Naz'a-reth, into Ju-de'a, unto the city of Da'vid, which is called Beth'le-hem (because he was of the house & lineage of Da'vid,)
John 1:46 ... And Na-than'a-el said unto him ... Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Phil'ip saith unto him, Come & see.
John 7:41,42,52 ... Others said, This is the Christ. But some said shall Christ come out of Gal'i-lee?
Hath not the Scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of Da'vid, & out of the Beth'le-hem, where Da'vid was.
They answered & said unto him, Art thou also of Gal'i-lee? Search, & look: for out of Gal'i-lee ariseth no prophet.
Scripture reference used from The KJV Bible, SouthWestern Co., Nashville, TN
Verse 44 ... Now .. Phil'ip was of Beth-sa'i-da, the city of An'drew & Pe'ter.
John 12:21 ... The same came therefore to Phil'ip, which was of Beth-sa'i-da of Gal'i-lee, & desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. (Certain Greeks desire to see Jesus)
John 1:45 ... Phil'ip findeth ... Na-than'a-el, & saith unto him, We have found him, of whom ...
John 21:2 ... There were together Si'mon Peter & Thom'as called Did'y-mus, & Na-than'a-el, of Cana in Gal'i-lee, & the sons of Zeb'e-dee, & two other of his disciples.
John 1:45 ... Moses in the law, & the ...
Deuteronomy 18:18 ... I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, & will put my words in his mouth; & he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.
John 1:45 ...prophets did write, ...
Isaiah 4:2 ... In that day shall the branch of the LORD be (beauty & glory) beautiful & glorious, & the fruit of the earth shall be excellent & comely (for the escaping of Israel) for them that are escaped of Is'ra-el.
John 1:45 ... Jesus ... of Naz'a-reth, the son of Jo'seph.
Luke 2:4 ... And Jo'seph also went up from Gal'i-lee, out of the city of Naz'a-reth, into Ju-de'a, unto the city of Da'vid, which is called Beth'le-hem (because he was of the house & lineage of Da'vid,)
John 1:46 ... And Na-than'a-el said unto him ... Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Phil'ip saith unto him, Come & see.
John 7:41,42,52 ... Others said, This is the Christ. But some said shall Christ come out of Gal'i-lee?
Hath not the Scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of Da'vid, & out of the Beth'le-hem, where Da'vid was.
They answered & said unto him, Art thou also of Gal'i-lee? Search, & look: for out of Gal'i-lee ariseth no prophet.
Scripture reference used from The KJV Bible, SouthWestern Co., Nashville, TN
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