God's Love: Written in My Heart

I will enter the house of the Lord and praise him! I will thank him for calling me and extending his love to me. Why God would call me is a mystery, but he did, and I am so glad he called me. He is a good God and worthy of praise. God showed me his love.......he placed it upon a cross for all the world to see. Then he placed it in my heart.........for all the world to see. I pray that it may be seen in me.

6-22-2015      Luke 5:27-32

S.       27 And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me.  he left all, rose up, and followed him. 29 And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them. 30 But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?  Jesus answering said unto them, they that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. 32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

O.      The call of Levi and the context of the message Jesus preached.

A.      God’s call is to “whosoever”. The response to that call is repentance. I will spend my life fighting sin, sharing God’s love and being transformed. I will help others along the way to do the same.

P.       Father; cleans me from all sin, guide my steps and fill me with your spirit. Extend your love through me today. Amen.

Tax Time

Render to Cesar the things that are Cesar's! Today I am starting my tax return ordeal. This task is often unpleasant to me because I prefer to be outdoors working and not shut in my office during day-light hours. I am thankful to have enough income to meet all my needs (and then some) and make this ordeal necessary. So; I will stop whining and get busy.

S.O.A.P.

2-11-2015      Romans 7:5-6

S.       For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. 6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

O.      Now, free from the law, man should live (serve) in the spirit and faith.

A.      I am made free from sin by confession and conversion. I will live in the Spirit and overcome sin by the power of Grace living in me.

P.       Father; show me how to live this sinless life and be an example to those around me. May all the glory and honor be given to you! Amen.

He's still working on me!

Learning God's will for my life is a slow, on-going process. In the beginning of my walk, God made it clear, that I was to be a pastor. Since I was young, uneducated but eager and fearless I said "yes"to the call. The path was before me and God was by my side. Soon I learned that being a pastor required you to live by faith, trust God, do without many of life's pleasures and invest most of your time into others. This lifestyle was not matching my ambition or my nature. Forty eight years later and I am still working out the kinks. I'm not complaining, sorry or trying to gain sympathy, just letting you know that I am still a work in progress.

S.O.A.P.

1-22-2015      Romans 5:12

S.       12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

O.      Sin is common to all.

A.      The war of sin rages in every life. We are born under sin because of Adam. We can be victorious over sin because of Jesus. The war will be won or lost depending on which of these two men we follow. I chose Jesus.

    P.       Father; teach me how to live a life pleasing to you. Show me the path of righteousness and                 strengthen me that I could overcome my flesh. Amen.

46TH Wedding Anniversary

Forty six years ago, on a Wednesday night before evening service, Nancy and I stood before the pastor and became husband and wife. I was eighteen and she was sixteen and most people thought we were too young to get married, that it would not last, well they were wrong! I am married to the most wonderful woman in the world, She is beautiful, talented, strong, hard working, intelligent and best of all she is a woman of God. Nancy is also a fun person to be around and we laugh and smile and our days are filled with joy. I thank God that he gave me a perfect wife. Happy Anniversary, Sweetheart, I love you more with each passing year.

S.O.A.P.

1-8-2015         Romans 2: 12-20

S.       12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.

O.      The Jews were to follow all the law, exclude nothing, and those acts would be counted as righteousness and they could teach or lead other peoples. If they avoid any part they would be guilty of sin before God.

A.      God’s covenant with me is sealed by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross when I follow all of his commands. Like the Jewish law, if I turn my back on any one of his commands I will be guilty. This is an “all or nothing” covenant; God commands, I obey.

P.       Father; give me insight into your word as I hide it in my heart. Reveal my every sin and weakness by your Holy Spirit. I cannot overcome sin alone; I come to you in the name of your son, Jesus, for direction, cleansing, and overcoming power to fully walk in your perfect will. Amen.

Trust

8-31-2014      Acts 28:11-16

S.       11 And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.12 And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.13 And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:14 Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.

O.      The trip to Rome is completed and Paul is kept by one of his guards in his private home.

A.      God protects and provides for his servants. We must simply obey the command of the Lord and he will provide all we need. I will obey, with God’s help.

P.       Father; open my eyes to your will for my life and show me the things I need to see to be ready. I know that you will keep me safe in a time of trouble. I put my trust in you. Amen.

Jesus Lives!

8-23-2014      Acts 26:19-23

S.       19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:23 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

O.      Paul tells of the resurrection and that Jesus is alive. Paul places repentance as a requirement to both Jew and Gentile.

A.      All must repent, I repent. All must believe, I believe. All must face opposition, I face opposition. God will surly bless his servants, I am blessed.

P        Father; help me spend my life wisely before you as a servant. Wash away all my sin and fill me with your Holy Spirit. Fill my mouth with words that will be pleasing to you. Amen.

Keeping in Touch

7-5-2014         Acts 18:18-28

S.       18 And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.20 When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;21 But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.22 And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.23 And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

O.      Paul is caring for all the churches and all the believers in several places. Apollos is instructed and trained. Paul continues to reach out to many Jews and teach them that Jesus is the “Christ” that they are looking for.

A.      Helping other Christians and holding other Christians up is a vital part of being a man of God. I will do my part to help as many as I can, as long as I can and be like Paul. Life is full of battles that leave us weary worn and sad. I will praise the Lord in, and through them all.

P.       Father; guide my steps today to the ones that I can help, to the ones that I can lift up and encourage. I praise you, I exalt you. You are worthy of all Glory, Majesty, and Honor. Amen.

More Help

6-18-2014      Acts 16:1-4

S.       1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.

O.      Paul takes on Timothy as his student/helper here. Timothy is circumcised (no explanation is given as to why Timothy did not fall under the decision made at Jerusalem) and the group moves on to spread the word and the results of the Jerusalem council.

A.      God will place certain people in our lives that are to work alongside us. Working together can bring better result with less strain on a single individual. As we learn to depend on each other we gain better understanding about depending on God. The goals are unity, harmony and peace. These are in short supply in today’s me-istic society.

P.       Father; grant me wisdom and discernment to recognize which individuals I am to work beside. Speak into my spirit your holy instruction that I will know when to be student and when to be teacher. Amen.  

Trouble

6-13-2014      Acts 15:4-12

S.       4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

O.      The leaders of the church gather together to decide the doctrine that will be followed. This was a long hard debate and it took a while but it was settled and they all remained together on the matter.

A.      A growing church will need doctrine and a method to keep that doctrine pure. Man will often try to adapt doctrine to fit into contemporary situations and address the problems of his day. Doctrine formed by a single person must be declared and debated by many to test that doctrine and establish its validity.

P.       Father; lead me to the doctrines that I must declare and live by. Keep me from empty self-justifying prideful arrogance that builds barriers between me and others. Help me draw people to you. Amen.    

Doctrine

6-12-2014      Acts 15:1-3

S.       1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

O.      This clash of doctrine sends Paul to Jerusalem to settle the matter. Along the way to Jerusalem Paul shares the news of gentile conversion and this brings much joy.

A.      Joy should always be the product men’s lives being saved by faith in Jesus. Doctrines are a necessary product of growth and development within the church.

P.       Father; lead me to people that I can help find salvation and joy. Give me the message and the method to properly share your love, hope and joy through Jesus. Amen. 

Use me, Lord

6-8-2014         Acts 14:11-18

S.       11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

O.      After this healing the people wanted to worship Paul and Barnabas. Paul stops this action by explaining that it was God’s work moving through him.

A.      I want god’s works moving through me. I must live a life that God can use. I must have enough compassion for the lost that my focus is not distracted to the trivial matters of every day.

P.       Father; renew in me a sharp focus on the spiritual and at the same time dim the glare of daily life needs. Use me Lord to reach the lost souls all around me. Amen.  

Three days

6-4-2014         Acts 14:1

S.       1 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

O.      Everywhere the disciples traveled they keep telling the message of Jesus.

A.      The message of Jesus is needed today. I will speak about Jesus everywhere I go. I will speak what I know….his life, his death, his resurrection, his love for me, his forgiveness and his peace.

P.       Father; renew me today in the joy of my salvation. As I speak may my words bring life and peace! Amen.

6-5-2014         Acts 14:2-3

S.       2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

O.      People with conflicting views will struggle and act as enemies. When resistance arises Christians must maintain their efforts and depend on God to confirm their words with signs and wonders.

A.      The work of the Lord is often heavy and difficult but I must be steadfast and loyal. God will not forget me in my time of need. I will, I will, I will keep on marching.

P.       Father; I lift my voice to you in praise and adoration. I am weak and afraid because of my enemies. They have attacked from every direction….the battle is long. Touch my enemies with your love today. Amen.

6-6-2014         Acts 14:4-7

S.       4 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:7 And there they preached the gospel.

O.     Strife will lead to division and division can lead to evil actions. When the plans were set to kill the disciples they fled to safety and spread the gospel in new places.

A.      When life’s troubles bring us to flight we should keep up our efforts to spread the gospel. We lose our job and have difficult times. Our family and friends let us down. Our health and strength fail. All these bring change into our life (unwanted) but “change” can be an open door to tell the message in a different place to different people.

P.       Father in Heaven; use me in every situation, every trial and every difficulty to share your love and the message of salvation. Amen.

Don't Miss Your Chance!

6-3-2014         Acts 13:44-52

S.       44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

O.      This is where Paul turns his attentions to Gentile populations.

A.      When people continue to turn away from the message I must refocus on another group. All must hear the story of Jesus.

P.       Father; lead me to the people that I can help. Give me discernment to know when it is time to move on. Amen. 

Preach about Jesus

5-30-2014      Acts 13:13-23

S.       13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.16 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.17 The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.18 And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.19 And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he divided their land to them by lot.20 And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.21 And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.23 Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

O.      At Antioch Paul teaches in the synagogue that Jesus is the long awaited Messiah. He uses Old Testament references about the history of the Jews to establish his claims.

A.      I am directed by this scripture to use historical reference when establishing my claims concerning Jesus. I must guide my listeners to Jesus……no matter the reference…..I must preach Jesus, as Saviour, as Lord, and as soon coming King.

P.       Father; I come to you and empty myself that you will fill me beyond full. Fill me with your Holy Ghost and fire…….that I may preach Jesus……in Spirit and Truth. Amen. 

Helping each other.

5-21-2014      Acts 11:27-30

S.       27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: 30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

O.      Because of prophesy of the coming dearth the church at Antioch sends financial aid to the churches in Judaea.

A.      I must be willing to help my fellow Christians when they are afflicted by natural disaster. The church takes care of each other. It has been that way from the beginning.

P.       Father; help me remind the church of the responsibility we have in giving. Build in me a heart of compassion, led by your Holy Spirit and courageous enough to speak in faith. Amen.

Christians

5-20-2014      Acts 11:25-26

S.       25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

O.      The name “Christian” is first used to describe the followers of Jesus.

A.      To be a Christian is a wonderful blessing. To have my sin removed from all heavenly records and never worry about it being used against me. People should see me as a Christian because of how I live and speak, as a reflection of Jesus living in me. Not by some group I have joined or symbol I wear. “Not all that say Lord, Lord will enter Heaven”.

P.       Father; help me be a living example of your love and forgiveness. Amen.

God saved us to be his "Church"!

5-19-2014      Acts 11:22-24

S.       22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

O.      The news of what believers were doing came back to Jerusalem and the church leaders sent Barnabas to learn the news in a more perfect way. The term “church” is used to describe the followers of Jesus.

A.      God always looks on his redeemed ones as part of his “church”. God has an open door that is available to all who will enter. Jesus is that door. Once we enter we are grafted into a single body……the church……the bride of Christ.  We have many parts, but we all have the same purpose…..To Love God.

P.       Father; Thank you for inviting me to be your child, for sending Jesus to pay my “sin-debt”, for raising Jesus on the third day, for the Holy Bible to be my guide, for believers that help me to live right, for being with me every day, for the Holy Ghost baptism and for hope. Use me today to be a blessing. Amen. 

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.   

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.