March 9, 2014

'Make No Mistake About This'

Acts 2: 14 - 21

Luke

Then Peter stepped forward with eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, "Listen carefully, "Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem!  Make no mistake about this.  Some of you are saying these people are drunk.  It isn't true!  I'ts much too early for that.  People don't get drink by nine o'clock in the morning.  No, what you see this morning was predicted centuries ago by the prophet Joel: 'In the last days, God said, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.  Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.  In those days I will pour out my Spirit upon all my servants, men and women alike, and they will prophesy.  And I will cause wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below - blood and fire and clouds of smoke.  The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon will turn bloodred, before that great and glorious day of the Lord arrives. And anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved'.  [Joel 2:28-32]

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Thoughts....

Last week we learned the day of Pentecost occurred.  We learned that Holy Spirit, arrived suddenly, as a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm and settled on everyone present, filling them, and they began to speak in other languages.  We learned that the Godly Jews from many nations heard this sound and came running to see what it was all about.  And we learned they were bewildered, wondering how the people from Galilee could be speaking in the languages of the lands where they were born.  They also accused those of doing so that they were drunk.  What we didn't learn specifically, and we seek to still learn, is how many were there that day, how many received the gift of speaking in other languages, and how many joined the church that day.  So let's carry on where we left off to see if we can answer those questions today. 

In todays first paragraph we learned that Peter appeared as the first speaker.  Per the notes in the Life Application Bible New International Version, verse 2:14, we are reminded that 'Peter was an unstable leader during Jesus' ministry letting his bravado be his downfall, even denying that he knew Jesus (John 18:15-18, 25-27) [NOTE:  I haven't correlated the LAB NIV references to accurate positioning from the New Living Translation].  But Christ had forgiven and restored him (John 21).'  The reference further notes that 'This was a new Peter, humble but bold.  His confidence came from the Holy Spirit, who made him a powerful and dynamic speaker.'  We certainly see that, as he takes the lead, stepping up to speak to MANY. 

Have you received the baptism of the Holy Spirit?  Have you asked him into your life yet?  Are you a powerful and dynamic speaker?  If not, why not?  Perhaps it is because you have not allowed Holy Spirit to have full reign over your life.  If you are a powerful and dynamic speaker, are you using your gift to preach/share/tell the documented history of Jesus Christ to lead others to him, God, Holy Spirit?

Then we learn that the folks who had received the fiery baptism of the Holy Spirit were accused of being drunk.  Peter refutes this, of course, further explaining that what everyone was seeing, and experiencing, was prophesied by Joel centuries ago.  We find this prophecy in Joel 2:28-32.  Jews and Gentiles alike will be saved and receive the Holy Spirit.  Peter says:  'In the last days, God said, I will [Say WILL.] pour out my Spirit upon ALL people.  Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.  In those days I will [Say WILL] pour out my Spirit upon ALL my servants, men and women alike, and they will prophesy.  And I will cause wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below - blood and fire and clouds of smoke.  The sun will be tuned into darkness and the moon will turn bloodred, before [NOTE:  it says BEFORE] that great and glorious day of the Lord arrives.  And anyone [Say ANYONE.]  who calls on the name of the Lord   WILL BE [Say WILL BE.] saved.'  [ !! ]  

Have you called on the name of the Lord?  If not, why not?  Where ALL the folks who have received the God's poured out Spirit?  Where are ALL the sons and daughters prophesying?   Where are ALL the young men seeing visions and the old men dreaming?  One of them may be you....but you have not been willing to receive, or step forth, or answer the call.  The rest may be in the churches, in the fields, on the streets, in homes, or with the masses.  Have you looked?  Listened?  If you did, what have you heard?  If you have not listened, they will not be heard.....the people....NOR will God, Jesus, Holy Spirit be herd speaking through them.  Then, how will you learn?     

God is willing, and SO desires, to pour out his Spirit upon ALL his servants, men and women alike.  Are you willing, do you SO desire to be his servant?  If not, why not?  What is holding you back?  Are you a member of a church who teaches that Holy Spirit only came upon the Apostles?  That he no longer 'functions' in this day and age?  ALL of Scripture refutes this!  What you have been taught is not true.  You can read this for yourself in todays lesson, last weeks lesson, in all of Acts and the New Testament.  Even the OLD Testament will tell you this:  Holy Spirit IS alive and well, right now, here today, and ready to be poured out on everyone seeking the one true Messiah, Savior...Jesus Christ. 

Do you fear you will lose control of your life?  Why is that a bad thing?  Wouldn't you rather God fill the desires of your heart, knowing not only what you want, but what is best for you, and that which you need, than for you to go along just filling every whim you have and yet never being fulfilled?  Ok, so you may not get Prada shoes next time you NEED shoes, or that Hemi engine, next time you NEED a car, but you WILL have shoes, and you will have a car.  Might you be humbled?  Yes.  Might you even receive Prada and a Hemi?  Yes.  Having God, Jesus, Holy Spirit in your life is not about giving up and loss.  Or even giving in.  It's about receiving them, and ALL they have to give, to make you a better person in all ways to include a foundation spiritually, so that you might help others along their way....and point the way to the life saving grace, mercy, cleansing and healing power of  the resurrected Jesus Christ....Messiah, Savior....Lord.  In order to do so, you MUST have Holy Spirit to guide, lead, and direct you.    

Matthew also alluded to the sun being darkened and the moon not giving light.  (Matthew 24:29)  He also said 'there will be deep mourning among all the nations of the earth.  And they will see the Son of Man arrive on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.  And he will send forth his angels with the sound of a mighty trumpet blast, and they will gather together his chosen ones from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.'  

Will you be one of his chosen ones?  If not, why not? 

Today, this very minute, God, Jesus, Holy Spirit await your response.  Will you say 'Come'?  The Word of God will be illuminated like never before.  You will better understand all they have to tell you.  You will be able to hear Holy Spirit as he leads, guides and directs you along the path of righteousness....for His name's sake....Jesus Christ.  And your own sake.  And those around you as you reach out to share the joy, the passion, of knowing the one true Lord of the Trinity....Jesus Christ. 

For your sake Jesus chose to live and die.  For your sake, in dying, he took upon himself your sins, dying a sinners death, that you, may be forgiven of  sins by God's grace.  Because of his resurrection, you can receive eternal life.  And, in receiving the baptism of fire by the Holy Spirit, you can learn how to obey God, walk the right path, and lead others along the way as well.  There is no other more wonderful embrace than when one is being embraced by the Trinity....God, Jesus, Holy Spirit. 

Have you learned today how many were assembled on the day of Pentecost, or how many received the gift of speaking in other languages, or how many joined the church that day?  Ya know, since God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, we can know that today, right now, is the most important moment in history....for you.  Are you ready for the Holy Spirit to baptize you with his fire?  Will you receive the gift of speaking in another language?  Will you join the church of God, Jesus, Holy Spirit today? 

Make no mistake about it.  Will joy cometh in your morning?  In God's, because of your response?

Next week, and the week after, we will learn more about the answers to the questions posed within the lessons.  But God is waiting for an answer to his question right now.....will you be his....today?  

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 Let Us Pray

Dear God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, the world so needs you.  Only through you, Jesus, can anyone receive forgiveness of sins, enter heaven and have eternal life.  There is NO other way.  My prayer today is that all who read this, and all Scripture, will accept who you are, that you are, and how wonderful you are, and, believe in a way they have never believed before....with the whole of their heart, their mind, their body, and their soul.  That they will believe in you, and believing, accept, and accepting, be willing to receive all you have to give them....and go forth in your name sharing all who you are and have to offer.  God, I pray this for all in the world.  In Jesus' name, by and with the power of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and would like to do so, and would like to be forgiven of your sins, pray the following, or any prayer from your heart:

God, I believe you created the universe....and me.  Please forgive me of my sins, especially of unbelief in you, God, Jesus, Holy Spirit.  I believe in you now.  I believe you, Jesus, that you lived and died for me, so that I would have the opportunity to be forgiven of my sins and receive eternal life, and, that you lived again on earth and now live in heaven eternally.  Holy Spirit, I believe you, that you were sent to help me know how to live my new life and help me understand the importance of obeying you, God, and Jesus, so that I can receive eternal life and live in heaven.  I want to receive all the gifts and fruits you want to give me, Holy Spirit.  I want to make Jesus the Lord of my life.  I come to you now, Father God, Jesus, Holy Spirit in humble prayer with thanksgiving for everything you have done for me.  Please heal me and make me whole.  Show me your way, your truth, your Light.  Thank you.  Amen.      

I pray you will now make Jesus LORD of your life.  Amen.

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Let us hear from Paul as he prays:  

When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.  I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit.  And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him.  May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love.  And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it.  Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Now glory be to God!  By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.  May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.  Amen.  Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT         

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Scroll down to read Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving...'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'.

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Definition of a Christian:  Anyone who believes in God, Jesus and Holy Spirit, and accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Regardless of church name or religious affiliation. 

'All who have been united with Christ in baptism have been made like him.  There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female.  For you are all Christians - you are ONE in Christ Jesus.'  Galatians 3: 27

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It is time to reach into the community and the world around you to see wherein lies the greatest need.  As you choose to focus on these areas, do so with a servant's heart.  Whether the need is for children, adults, or animals, or any cause in between that will help those in need, ask God how you can best serve his needs, what path you must take, and how long you should persevere.  Sometimes we are to be in the lives of others merely as stepping stones.  Sometimes we are to touch those lives forever.  Whatever journey you are called to take, whatever team you will be a member, know this:  God is with you always...even til the end of time.  He loves you, is grateful for you, and will help you along life's way, especially if you are helping others along theirs, persevering with a servant's heart.  

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    One last thing....

 Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving

'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'

"Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer:  "Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.  You've concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people.  Yes, Father, that's the way you like to work."

Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly.  "The Father has given me all these things to do and say.  This is a unique Father - Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge.  No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does.  But I'm not keeping it to myself; I'm ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen."

"Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn how to live freely and lightly.

   Matthew 11:  25-30

  The Message

And the people said,

"Amen."

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I now write most prayers in the position of ' I ' (first person) because most people are sitting at their computer alone, not in groups, and it allows those reading and praying to personalize the prayer as coming from them going to God.  Variations may appear on holidays when families may wish to use the prayer provided.  I encourage you to pray your own prayers as well.

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  Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996.  Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189.  All rights reserved.

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NOTE:  I said it long ago, but let me say it again.  If you are wanting to lead a group, start a church, or are confined in an institution, or live in a country where the Gospel is not preached, and you don't know what to say or how to say it, and yet feel led to share, teach, or preach, besides just reading straight out of the Bible and sharing what God puts on your heart, please feel free to share any or all of what I've written, if it will help you, as long as you include where it comes from, due to copyright laws.  Jesus gave God's love and healing freely, as well as his message.  Our responsibility is to get the Word out to those who need to hear it.  If what I've written....by the power and direction of the Holy Spirit....or what he has said through me....has helped you, it may help others that you know.  You are welcome to share it.  God calls all of us to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the world.  Please share it with the fullness of love that God, Jesus, Holy Spirit....and I....have given it.  Amen!

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