Resurrection

8-11-2014      Acts 24:10-16

S.       10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:11 Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

O.      Paul gives his defence before Felix. He begins with a reference to the Jewish belief in resurrection and how he too has that same hope and faith.

A.      The power of resurrection is alive and stirring my heart today. I declare the resurrection of Jesus from the grave and then my own resurrection from sin. I rejoice in this truth and shout it out loud; I have been resurrected (born again) from my grave of sin and now I live in and through Jesus, The Christ!

P.       Father; Thank you for raising Jesus from the tomb and thank you for calling me out of the grave. Amen.

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. 

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.

SOAP >> Matthew 27:32-36

S.         Matthew 27:32-36   32 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. 33 And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, 34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. 35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. 36 And sitting down they watched him there;

O.        This is a shortened record of the crucifixion of Jesus, not many details. Matthew was not a detail oriented writer. Jesus carried the cross as far as he could before Simon was called upon. Jesus was on the cross for a long time before they offered him vinegar. Watching him was necessary to complete their assignment.

A.        Once again I am reminded of all that Jesus suffered, for me and my salvation. I should have died on that cross. I was filled with sin. I was guilty. Out of a heart of love Jesus took my place to set me free!

P.         Dear Father above; how can mere words alone express my gratitude, my joy, my amazement and my appreciation? They Can’t! So I will commit to you my life… use me as you will… I surrender my all to you. Amen.  

My youngest daughter and her husband.