Acts 2
36 “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”
37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”
38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”
41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.
When the first Gospel sermon was preached on the Day of Pentecost and when it came time to extend the invitation, what was said? Did Peter invite people to “pray Jesus into their hearts?” NO! He invited them to repent and to be baptized in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins. Why is it that so many people who claim to follow Christ today simply ignore this, or try to diminish this, or flat out deny this? Sigh.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Holy Heartburn
Luke 24
32 They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?”
Two of Jesus’ followers are down in the dumps over the events that have occurred over the past few days. The man they thought was Messiah has been crucified. They trudge out of Jerusalem towards Emmaus when a “stranger” catches up with them on the road. He seems clueless about what is going on, and they attempt to “straighten him out,” only to find that this stranger seems to have a better grasp on the reality of the situation than either of these two long-faced followers of Jesus. After straightening out the two long faced followers using God’s Word, this stranger finally reveals Himself to be none other than Jesus! Finally, these two followers are illuminated as to God’s Truth. They see the folly of their long-faced, put Messiah in my box, attitudes, and their hearts burn with a passion for the Word, and for the Lamb of God. Holy Heartburn! As I read this passage today, I am reminded not just of my tie-dyed “Hearts Afire” shirt based on this Scripture story, but I am reminded of my past few days. I’ve teetered on the edge of being a long-faced follower, questioning whether or not Jesus really “gets it” and if so how it could all be playing out like it has. I really needed praise team rehearsal last night. Those folks ALWAYS pick me up with their desire to honor God through their musical talents. I really needed today’s Scripture reading. I really need to remember that Jesus has it all under control. I must turn it over to Him, because I can’t see the Big Picture. When I try to cram Jesus into my “Messiah Box” I am committing folly of the worst kind. May my heart burn with a desire for the Word, and for Jesus to illuminate me. No little purple pill (I take Nexium for my stomach acid reflux disease) is needed, this is the kind of heartburn that will do me good!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Closet Followers
Mark 15
43 Joseph of Arimathea took a risk and went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. (Joseph was an honored member of the high council, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come.)
Matthew 27
57 As evening approached, Joseph, a rich man from Arimathea who had become a follower of Jesus, 58 went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. And Pilate issued an order to release it to him. 59 Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long sheet of clean linen cloth. 60 He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance and left.
Luke 23
50 Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph. He was a member of the Jewish high council, 51 but he had not agreed with the decision and actions of the other religious leaders. He was from the town of Arimathea in Judea, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come. 52 He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. 53 Then he took the body down from the cross and wrapped it in a long sheet of linen cloth and laid it in a new tomb that had been carved out of rock.
John 19
38 Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus’ body. When Pilate gave permission, Joseph came and took the body away. 39 With him came Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night.
One of the interesting things about reading the Chronological One Year Bible, is getting to see the different accounts side-by-side as you are reading. Two things really jump out at me in this story as told by each of the four Gospel writers:
1) Joseph “took a risk.”
2) He was a “secret disciple” as was Nicodemus.
I wonder how many of us would be classified as a “secret disciple?” How many of us allow the fear of some group from whom we think we need approval to keep us quiet about wanting to follow Jesus. I mean, it certainly is not Politically Correct to do so, and the PC Police are anything but tolerant when it comes to those who would follow Christ. So, lots of folks choose to try to be “closet followers” of Christ. There comes a time when that is simply no longer an option. A risk must be taken. Just like Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus did. I just pray that those who are “closet followers” don’t wait too late, because Jesus says that he who acknowledges Him before me will be acknowledged by Him before the Father. Conversely those who deny Him before men, will be denied by Jesus before the Father.
43 Joseph of Arimathea took a risk and went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. (Joseph was an honored member of the high council, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come.)
Matthew 27
57 As evening approached, Joseph, a rich man from Arimathea who had become a follower of Jesus, 58 went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. And Pilate issued an order to release it to him. 59 Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long sheet of clean linen cloth. 60 He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance and left.
Luke 23
50 Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph. He was a member of the Jewish high council, 51 but he had not agreed with the decision and actions of the other religious leaders. He was from the town of Arimathea in Judea, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come. 52 He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. 53 Then he took the body down from the cross and wrapped it in a long sheet of linen cloth and laid it in a new tomb that had been carved out of rock.
John 19
38 Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus’ body. When Pilate gave permission, Joseph came and took the body away. 39 With him came Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night.
One of the interesting things about reading the Chronological One Year Bible, is getting to see the different accounts side-by-side as you are reading. Two things really jump out at me in this story as told by each of the four Gospel writers:
1) Joseph “took a risk.”
2) He was a “secret disciple” as was Nicodemus.
I wonder how many of us would be classified as a “secret disciple?” How many of us allow the fear of some group from whom we think we need approval to keep us quiet about wanting to follow Jesus. I mean, it certainly is not Politically Correct to do so, and the PC Police are anything but tolerant when it comes to those who would follow Christ. So, lots of folks choose to try to be “closet followers” of Christ. There comes a time when that is simply no longer an option. A risk must be taken. Just like Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus did. I just pray that those who are “closet followers” don’t wait too late, because Jesus says that he who acknowledges Him before me will be acknowledged by Him before the Father. Conversely those who deny Him before men, will be denied by Jesus before the Father.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
The Enemy Has Been Defeated
Mark 15
37 Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last. 38 And the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.
What satan planned as a defeat, God used for a great victory! When Jesus breathed His last breath on this earth, satan thought he had won. But the curtain separating the holy of holies from the most holy place in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, signifying the separation between God and man no longer existed. Last night, I had the privilege of baptizing into Christ a dear friend of mine. It topped off an amazing day of good news on several fronts. This morning, I was made aware of some grumbling aimed in my direction. It is easy to get absorbed by the grumblers and allow my joy to be taken away, but I will not give in. Of course satan is on the attack! VCC is doing great things for God. People are coming to know Christ. People are serving Jesus more than ever here. To be attacked from within the ranks is one of satan’s biggest ploys. I will not let it get me down. I will press on, knowing that I serve a risen Savior, that I have support from my Elders and Preacher, and knowing that satan is a wimp. He is only good at snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, so I will continue to be faithful in my service to Christ so that the enemy remains defeated! I will do so with great joy and with a song of praise in my heart!
37 Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last. 38 And the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.
What satan planned as a defeat, God used for a great victory! When Jesus breathed His last breath on this earth, satan thought he had won. But the curtain separating the holy of holies from the most holy place in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, signifying the separation between God and man no longer existed. Last night, I had the privilege of baptizing into Christ a dear friend of mine. It topped off an amazing day of good news on several fronts. This morning, I was made aware of some grumbling aimed in my direction. It is easy to get absorbed by the grumblers and allow my joy to be taken away, but I will not give in. Of course satan is on the attack! VCC is doing great things for God. People are coming to know Christ. People are serving Jesus more than ever here. To be attacked from within the ranks is one of satan’s biggest ploys. I will not let it get me down. I will press on, knowing that I serve a risen Savior, that I have support from my Elders and Preacher, and knowing that satan is a wimp. He is only good at snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, so I will continue to be faithful in my service to Christ so that the enemy remains defeated! I will do so with great joy and with a song of praise in my heart!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Truth
John 18
33 Then Pilate went back into his headquarters and called for Jesus to be brought to him. “Are you the king of the Jews?” he asked him.
34 Jesus replied, “Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?”
35 “Am I a Jew?” Pilate retorted. “Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?”
36 Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”
37 Pilate said, “So you are a king?”
Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.”
38 “What is truth?” Pilate asked.
“What is truth?” Jesus is the Truth. Jesus is the Way. Jesus is the Life. In a world desperately seeking truth in all the wrong places, it is our responsibilities to teach the Truth in Love so that those seeking may have everlasting Life. Who will you reach today?
33 Then Pilate went back into his headquarters and called for Jesus to be brought to him. “Are you the king of the Jews?” he asked him.
34 Jesus replied, “Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?”
35 “Am I a Jew?” Pilate retorted. “Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?”
36 Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”
37 Pilate said, “So you are a king?”
Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.”
38 “What is truth?” Pilate asked.
“What is truth?” Jesus is the Truth. Jesus is the Way. Jesus is the Life. In a world desperately seeking truth in all the wrong places, it is our responsibilities to teach the Truth in Love so that those seeking may have everlasting Life. Who will you reach today?
Monday, November 2, 2009
Bitter Tears
Mark 14
66 Meanwhile, Peter was in the courtyard below. One of the servant girls who worked for the high priest came by 67 and noticed Peter warming himself at the fire. She looked at him closely and said, “You were one of those with Jesus of Nazareth.”
68 But Peter denied it. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, and he went out into the entryway. Just then, a rooster crowed.
69 When the servant girl saw him standing there, she began telling the others, “This man is definitely one of them!” 70 But Peter denied it again.
A little later some of the other bystanders confronted Peter and said, “You must be one of them, because you are a Galilean.”
71 Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know this man you’re talking about!” 72 And immediately the rooster crowed the second time.
Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he broke down and wept.
Oh, if I only wept bitter tears when I deny Jesus. I mean, we pick on Peter in this passage, because after swearing that he will stick with Jesus no matter what, he does deny Jesus three times just as our Lord had said he would. Even though Peter promised it would never happen…it did. When I think about the promises I have made to Jesus…promises to stick with Him through thick and thin…promises to NEVER deny Him with my words, nor my actions…well breaking down in bitter tears would be appropriate. Just as Peter was restored by Jesus, I am so glad that my repentance restores me in my relationship with my Lord and Savior. Father, help me to do better in my walk with Jesus. May I walk closer to Him so that denial doesn’t come so easily. May I live a life that reflects the love of Christ to everyone, especially those who would hate me because of Christ. Especially those who have hurt me, or my family. The rooster has crowed, may my bitter tears be wiped away by the hands of my Loving Lord.
66 Meanwhile, Peter was in the courtyard below. One of the servant girls who worked for the high priest came by 67 and noticed Peter warming himself at the fire. She looked at him closely and said, “You were one of those with Jesus of Nazareth.”
68 But Peter denied it. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, and he went out into the entryway. Just then, a rooster crowed.
69 When the servant girl saw him standing there, she began telling the others, “This man is definitely one of them!” 70 But Peter denied it again.
A little later some of the other bystanders confronted Peter and said, “You must be one of them, because you are a Galilean.”
71 Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know this man you’re talking about!” 72 And immediately the rooster crowed the second time.
Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he broke down and wept.
Oh, if I only wept bitter tears when I deny Jesus. I mean, we pick on Peter in this passage, because after swearing that he will stick with Jesus no matter what, he does deny Jesus three times just as our Lord had said he would. Even though Peter promised it would never happen…it did. When I think about the promises I have made to Jesus…promises to stick with Him through thick and thin…promises to NEVER deny Him with my words, nor my actions…well breaking down in bitter tears would be appropriate. Just as Peter was restored by Jesus, I am so glad that my repentance restores me in my relationship with my Lord and Savior. Father, help me to do better in my walk with Jesus. May I walk closer to Him so that denial doesn’t come so easily. May I live a life that reflects the love of Christ to everyone, especially those who would hate me because of Christ. Especially those who have hurt me, or my family. The rooster has crowed, may my bitter tears be wiped away by the hands of my Loving Lord.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Praying for God's Will
Matthew 26
39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
How could I dare grumble about anything God wants of me? How could I dare fret over where God has placed me? Jesus, knowing that He was about to be scourged and crucified, pays that God’s will be done. That needs to be the prayer of my lips. That needs to be the attitude of my heart. As I go through my daily life, with the ups and downs, and the struggles, I have no reason to grumble. I have every reason to give my praise to my Lord, and to long for His will to be done.
39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
How could I dare grumble about anything God wants of me? How could I dare fret over where God has placed me? Jesus, knowing that He was about to be scourged and crucified, pays that God’s will be done. That needs to be the prayer of my lips. That needs to be the attitude of my heart. As I go through my daily life, with the ups and downs, and the struggles, I have no reason to grumble. I have every reason to give my praise to my Lord, and to long for His will to be done.
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