Miracles

4-22-2014           Acts 5:12-16

S.            12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. 13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. 14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) 15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. 16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

O.           Sings and wonders help many people believe in Jesus. Healing seems to be the prominent miracle.

A.           I will seek to be used by God in the same ways.

P.            Father; I acknowledge you as the true source of all miracles. Please use me in these gifts. Amen.

Instant "Judgement" of sin!

4-21-2014           Acts 5:1-11

S.            1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. 5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. 6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. 7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. 8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. 9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. 10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. 11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

O.           God deals with hypocrisy and lying in the church. Sin was not overlooked, covered up, coped with or set aside. There was direct immediate result seen by all. How do modern religions explain this “punishment”?  Were these two people “unsaved”? Clearly this sin did not hurt anyone else or even cause hardship. God’s standards are high and his actions are fair. Modern religion must be wrong in their teachings concerning sin and its consequences!  

A.           Sin must be my enemy and I must avoid sin at all cost. I am not alone in my fight against sin. God has provided three companions to aid me in recognizing sin and conquering it, my conviction, his word and the Holy Ghost. Conviction; God breathed life into me and I became a living soul with knowledge of right and wrong. His Word; the Bible is filled with examples if sin, those who failed and God’s blueprint for building a life free of sin and the Holy Ghost; The Spirit of God to live inside us and “empower” us in the overcoming of sin.  God’s design is revealed to mankind in and through his Son, Jesus. Jesus laid down his “God-ness”, became a man and lived as a human. Jesus never sinned. Jesus died on the Cross. Jesus rose from the dead. Jesus is living proof of the love of God for sinning man and “proof” that sin can be eliminated.

P.            Father; forgive my sin, fill me with the Holy Ghost and direct me in my fight to destroy sin by revealing your truth about sin. Open my mind to your Word that “religion made by man” will not lead me into wicked deception and folly. Amen.   

WHAT IS FORGIVENESS?

Part 1

First I will look into the dictionary and discover what I can there.

1.            A transitive verb…….gives up resentment <forgive an insult> …….grants relief of payment <forgive a debt> ……not feeling anger at the offender <forgive our enemies>

               This is the earthly idea of forgiveness. These words cover insult, debt and enemy wrongs but do not make reference to the divine.

               (a.) Insult: to do or say something that is offensive or shows a lack of respect. How can life be lived and be insult free? How can respect always be given? There is only one answer to these two questions……they can’t!

               (b.) Debt: the state of owing money or respect, allegiance and honor. Everyone has debt!

               (c.) Enemy: someone who hates, attacks, tries to harm, threatens or opponents in war. How can enemies stop being enemies?

This word (Forgiveness) offers solution to life’s most difficult situations. By eliminating insult, debt and enemies mankind solves countless problems. Forgiveness seems to require a great deal of inner strength and self-control. One must somehow erase insult, offence, debt, hate and hurt and proceed forward as if nothing happened. Can we do this? Can we put aside pain, insult and live together in peace? Is mankind even capable of this noble idea? The history of man is filled with glaring examples of destruction, domination and murder over insult, wars fought because of money, riches and resources and generational hate maintaining enemy status between nations. Why do we live like this? What do we gain? Why is forgiveness so rare? Are we humans dominated by selfish, I’m the only one that matters, ideas and emotions to the extent that we would eliminate other humans before we eliminate hate, insult or debt? It would seem so.    

Sharing

4-12-2014           Acts 2:42-47

S.            42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

O.           The birth of the church happened on this day. People came together and shared their possessions and they all kept spreading the word about Jesus and who he really is. The group grew every day.

A.           The church should “keep it simple”; share with each other and spread the word. Now, how can I make this work in today’s complex world? I can’t, but the Holy Spirit can!

P.            Father, help me share this beautiful message with the church. Amen. 

Holy Ghost

4-11-2014           Acts 2:37-41

S.            37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

O.           Peter’s preaching revealed the sin of Israel so deeply that the people ask for direction. Peter said “Repent” and be “Baptized” and they too could enjoy the “Gift” of the Holy Ghost. Peter also made it clear that this “Gift” will be available to “All” believers, forever. It must have been a big crowd because three thousand people responded and joined the disciples.

A.           My preaching must be like the preaching of Peter…….not the same words……not the same text…..not the same pattern…..but, the same SPIRIT! Every day our life preaches a sermon. Make your “Sermon” one worth hearing (or seeing). BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST!

P.            Father; thank you for my filling……I ask to be always FULL, full of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Jesus is "The Christ".

4-8-2014              Acts 2:29-32

S.            29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. 30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; 31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. 32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

O.           Peter confirms that Jesus is the Jewish Messiah, the Christ! Peter also declares that the people speaking in tongues that day are all witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus. These statements are a “legal claim” for Jesus being the long awaited ruler of the Jews.

A.           I too must declare the truth as to who Jesus really is. Jesus is the King; of the Jews, of my heart, over all creation, King! He is my Lord, my Saviour, my Healer, my Friend, my Protector and so much more, more that words are able to explain.

P.            Father; I come to you today to bring my sacrifice of praise, my love and gratitude for all you are, all you have been and all you will be…..forever. Thank you, Father, for accepting me into your kingdom. Amen.

Hard Preaching

4-7-2014              Acts 2:22-28

S.            22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: 23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. 25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:  26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: 27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

O.           Peter declares Jesus to be risen from the dead. He also reminds the Jews of what King David had spoken concerning Christ and how Jesus had fulfilled all that David said.

A.           Peter’s preaching was not easy to hear; he spoke of wickedness, he spoke of crime, he spoke of failure, he spoke of ignorance and he made all these statements, indicting his audience. I must preach the truth, not as man wants to hear it, but as God declares it.  I must use the Bible as my guide when preaching. Sin must be exposed and choices revealed. Peter spoke a clear, plain and straightforward message, and so shall I.

P.            Father God; teach me to preach your message in a clear, plain and straightforward manner. Teach me the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth: Only truth can set men free from sin. Amen.   

Peter's First Sermon

4-6-2014              Acts 2:12-21

S.            12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: 19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: 21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

O.           Peter begins his first sermon; defending his brethren against wrong accusations, declaring Joel’s prophesy to be fulfilled and describing the “end of days”. Peter also opens the way to God to “whosoever” through Jesus, The Christ.

A.           Applying these scriptures will require a lifelong effort. I am one of the “whosoever” and very thankful for that. I am filled with the Holy Ghost (1968) and thankful for that. I must be living evidence of these two gifts in a lost and dying world. There is an “end of days” coming and I must be ready, prepare others to be ready, while never breaking fellowship with God.

P.            Father; you fill me with joy, peace and love: I am grateful. Speak to the world through me. I surrender all that I am to you. Amen.           

TONGUES

4-5-2014              Acts 2:5-11

S.            5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

O.           The tongues spoken were actual languages (unlearned) from all around the world. The message, of the tongues, is telling people about God and his wonderful works. All this is coming from Galilaeans, a very small place of very common people.

A.           The filling of believers with the Holy Ghost spreads the message of God.

P.            Father; keep me full of the Holy Ghost, I have a message to share, and I want to share it with as many as I can.                       Amen.

4-4-2014 SOAP

4-4-2014              Acts 2:1-4

S.            1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

O.           The disciples are filled with the Holy Ghost and speak with other tongues (languages) after waiting in Jerusalem as instructed.

A.           Jesus said, “I will send you another comforter, to be in you”. The Holy Ghost is the fulfilment of that promise. The speaking in “other tongues” is unique evidence of that filling. I too wanted this filling and received it many years ago. Now I can testify that God is always the same, never a respecter of persons, what he has for one, he has for all.

P.            Father; thank you father for always being the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow. Send now your Holy Ghost and fill hungry believers. Amen.  

Are you "Doing it Right"?

4-3-2014              Acts 1:12-26

S.            12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey. 13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. 15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) 16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. 17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. 18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. 19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. 20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. 21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. 23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, 25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. 26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

O.           About 120 men and women joined together in prayer and waiting (as Jesus had instructed) in an upper room in Jerusalem. A replacement was selected to the position held by Judas, Matthias was chosen.

A.           I too must follow the instructions given by Jesus. There is a time to wait. There is a time to go. There is a time for laughter. There is a time for tears. My Bible is full of instructions for living. I will read, learn and do. I always say; “You ARE what DO and you DO what you ARE”.

P.            Father; lead me, teach me, show me your plan for my life. I commit all I am to you. Amen.

The Promise of Return

4-2-2014              Acts 1:9-11

S.            9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

O.           The disciples are witness to yet another prophecy as they see Jesus received up into heaven and hear the promise of his return.

A.           Jesus will return. What a wonderful promise! I must be prepared, at all times, to every extent possible, for his return. I will be prepared. I will denounce sin, embrace salvation, follow the Spirit’s leading and encourage everyone I meet to do the same.

P.            Father; Help me to be ready, each day, each hour of each day, each minute and every second of each day to welcome the return of Jesus. I denounce my sin and declare my salvation, by faith, in Jesus Christ. I am made whole through the cross and my hope is secure. I am your son, adopted into Christ, looking forward to the day of reunification of this blessed family. Amen.

Jerusalem

4-1-2014              Acts 1:4-8

S.            4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. 6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

O.           Jesus tells the disciples to remain in Jerusalem until they receive the promise of power. Jesus says that this will happen in the form of a “Baptism with the Holy Ghost”.

A.           If Jesus gave this “Baptism” to his first disciples then I want it as well. I certainly need power to tell people of God and his great miracles.

P.            Father God; Baptize me with the Holy Ghost as you did the disciples in Jerusalem. I will witness to all around me. I need the help, courage and wisdom your Spirit will provide. Amen.