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Thoughts Archived > 'Let It Be Clearly Known'


16 Mar 2014

                                   

 

March 16, 2014

'Let It Be Clearly Known'

Acts 2: 22 - 36

 

 

Luke

"People of Israel, listen!  God publicly endorsed Jesus of Nazareth by doing wonderful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know.  But you followed God's prearranged plan.  With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to the cross and murdered him.  However, God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life again, for death could not keep him in its grip.  King David said this about him:  'I know the Lord is always with me.  I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.  No wonder my heart is filled with joy, and my mouth shouts his praises!  My body rests in hope.  For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave.  You have shown me the way of life, and you will give me wonderful joy in your presence.'

"Dear brothers, think about his!  David wasn't referring to himself when he spoke these words I have quoted, for he died and was buried, and his tomb is still here among us. But he was a prophet, and he knew God had promised with an oath that one of David's own descendants would sit on David's throne as the Messiah.  David was looking into the future and predicting the Messiah's resurrection.  He was saying that the Messiah would not be left among the dead and that his body would not rot in the grave.

"This prophecy was speaking of Jesus, whom God raised from the dead, and we all are witnesses of this.  Now he sits on the throne of highest honor in heaven, at God's right hand.  And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today.  For David himself never ascended into heaven, yet he said, 'The LORD said to my Lord, Sit in honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under you feet.'

So let it be clearly known by everyone in Israel that God has made this Jesus whom you crucified to be both Lord and Messiah!      

 

 

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Thoughts....

 

People in the world, listen!  That is how one would speak to folks today.  Jesus is not just for Israel anymore, he is for everyone on earth....and beyond.  Remember from Genesis, that God made everything....sun, stars, moon, night and day.  Humans and animals alike,  the Psalmist reminds us.  Why would we think Jesus is still only for the Jews?  Clearly throughout the New Testament we are shown Jesus came for the Gentiles, too.  Gentiles were anyone who were not Jews.  Jesus was born and died for ALL creation.  That means you....and me....and our pets....all genetic matter who has life.

In the first paragraph today, Peter is still shouting to the crowds, as evidenced by the exclamation point.  He tells them God endorsed Jesus of Nazareth.  That the wonderful miracles, wonders, and signs through him are evidence of that.  If you followed with us for the last 2 years or so while we studied the Gospel of Luke, you may recall many of those things occurring as a result of Jesus listening to God, obeying him, and he, then, going forth by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Something you and I can do, too, by the way.  As a matter of fact....FACT....we are ALL CALLED to do this. 

Peter then goes on to admonish and remind the Jews and residents of Jerusalem, the lawless Gentiles, that they nailed Jesus to the cross and murdered him....by God's prearranged plan.  I know, I hear you, as I've heard before....'Why would God send his son to earth to suffer at the hands of others and die on a cross?'  Jesus didn't just do THAT.  He showed the world God!   He pointed the way to the cross, which meant salvation to everyone who chose him to be their Savior and make him Lord of their lives.  Okay, so you say, 'They already knew God.'  Did they?  The Gentiles thought he was only for the Jews apparently, as did the Jews.  God wanted ALL to know he was available for ALL.  That they could be forgiven of their sins.  And live eternally.  That there was a rock they could rely on....Rock of Ages.  Prince of Peace.  Counselor.  You know them by the names of God, Jesus, Holy Spirit.  

Why couldn't God just forgive and save?  He could.  He did.  But the people were not listening, they were not convinced.  Their belief became unbelief and disbelief.  The message was not getting through to other generations effectively.  He decided that, if he sent his son to prove his existence, the world would surely wake up and smell the roses, so to speak.  If someone told you there was a God and did not SHOW you God existed, would you believe?  "Blessed are those who do not see and believe anyway."  There are many in the world who, like 'back then', were shown, and did not believe either.  But of those who believed as a result of seeing Jesus, knowing the truth which set people free (from the bondage of sin and death), the percentages increased enormously.

This is why we must obey to show ourselves approved.  If we say we are saved, we must prove it by our actions.  You cannot just say, 'Ya, I was baptized, and accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior' and then not live it in your everyday life.  All that proves is that you are a liar.  You are not living the Truth and living in the Light of Christ.  You are living of your own steam, desires of your heart, and answering to Satan.  Because Scripture says you cannot have 2 Gods.  You are either for Christ or against him.

If you are not for Christ, you 'follow the desires of your sinful nature, and your life will produce evil results:  sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin.'  Galatians 5:19-21a.  Paul goes on to say, that anyone living that kind of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.    

But because of Christ, and all that he did, including sending the Holy Spirit to help people understand what God and Jesus are trying to tell everyone, Holy Spirit can now control our lives 'producing this kind of fruit in us all:  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Paul goes on to say in Galatians 5:23 that with these fruits, there is no conflict with the law of God.  Folks who follow this path, will be saved.  

Death does not have to keep you in its grip.  You can, today, believe in God, Jesus, Holy Spirit.  Today you can accept Jesus as your Savior and make him Lord of your life, or, renew your vows with him and begin to rebuild that relationship anew if, big IF, you do not have a reprobate mind, that of one who continues to sin again and again, because, if you do, he may not welcome you into his loving arms again.  Ah, I hear you saying 'Jesus always saves'.  You've been taught salvation is forever.  It isn't.  What you have been taught is not true.  You CAN lose your salvation.  See John 15, Jude 5 & 6, Matthew 3:12, Hebrew 6:4-6, 10:26-38, Jude 2:1-13a, 2 Peter 2.  For starters.

But the blessing in reading all of the above references pertaining to how you can lose your salvation, or not gain it at all, is that the majority of the remaining Scriptures reminds you that you have a choice to follow God's way, Jesus' way, Holy Spirit's way.  By reading the New Testament, by listening to others who are saved, by reading other books about THE Trinity, the Bible in its entirety, you can learn the way to follow the Truth and the Light.  You CAN receive forgiveness of sins and CAN be saved....receive eternal life....IF you believe AND obey.  He WILL [Say WILL.] know you by your fruits, and, the truth WILL [Say WILL.] set you free.  And you will be free indeed....from eternal damnation in hell. 

Just like Jesus, who God released from the horrors of death and raised back to life again, you, too can arise to new life.  Although the Psalmist spoke this prophetically of Jesus, you, too, can experience this wonderful joy in God's presence.  Read the Psalmist's words again and see if you can apply them to your life: 'I know the Lord is always with me.  I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.  No wonder my heart is filled with joy, and my mouth shouts his praises!  My body rests in hope.  For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave.  You have shown me the way of life, and you will give me wonderful joy in your presence.'  Is this true of your life, or are you living a life producing the evil desires as quoted in Galatians 5:19-21a?  Don't lie to yourself or live in denial.  When you lie to yourself, deny your truth, you are also lying to God, Jesus, Holy Spirit.  And you are most assuredly NOT a Christian in truth, if you are living the Galatians 5:19-21a life.  Wouldn't you rather live as the Psalmist lived?  Filled with joy and shouting praises to God?  As Peter says, I say, 'think about this'.....pray earnestly.  I say it again, the Truth WILL set you free, and then you WILL be free indeed.  

King David, the Psalmist, tells us this about Jesus, THE Messiah.  He gives proof, through prophecy, that Jesus IS who he said he was.  And because there were witnesses of Jesus life, death, and resurrection, parts of which are documented historically, we have further proof that Jesus was/is the Lamb of God sent to save us all, and he now sits on his throne in highest honor in heaven, at God's right hand. 

Peter goes on to tell us that his Father [and our Father], God, as he had promised, gave Jesus the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us.  Just as we see in documented history, he and others saw that day, on what we now call Pentecost.  And we can experience what they experienced....by believing, accepting, receiving, obeying.  At times, we can receive by merely being in the midst when Holy Spirit's fire falls. 

King David also said 'The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit in honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet."'

We can see this clearly presented and further supported in the following from Paul in his letter to the Hebrews 1:1-13:

Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets.  But now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son.  God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he made the universe and everything in it.  The Son reflects God's own glory, and everything about him represents God exactly.  He sustains the universe by the mighty power of his command.  After he died to cleanse us from the stain of sin, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God of heaven. 

This shows that God's Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is far greater than their names.  For God never said to any angel what he said to Jesus: "You are my Son.  Today I have become your Father."  And again God said, "I will be his Father, and he will be my son." 

And then, when he presented his honored Son to the world, God said, "Let all the angels of God worship him."  God calls his angels 'messengers swift as the wind, and servants made of flaming fire.' 

But to his Son he [God] says, "Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever.  Your royal power is expressed in righteousness.  You love what is right and hate what is wrong.  Therefore God [Jesus], your God [I, God, your Father] has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else."

And, "Lord [Jesus], in the beginning you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.  Even they will perish, but you remain forever.  They will wear out like old clothing.  You will roll them up like an old coat.  They will fade away like old clothing.  But you are always the same; you will never grow old."

And God never said to an angel, as he did to his Son, "Sit in honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet."

Don't you want the oil of joy like Jesus had?!!!!  Reach for it....reach for God, Jesus, Holy Spirit!

Keep reading Hebrews for further historically documented proof of who God, Jesus and Holy Spirit are.

Let's further read what Peter had to say in Acts 2 in todays lesson, "So let it be clearly known by everyone in Israel that God has made this Jesus whom you crucified to be both Lord and Messiah!"   

Have you figured out yet how many were there that day of Pentecost?  Or how many received the gift of speaking in other languages?  Or how many joined the church that day?  What matters most is if you've joined God's church today.  Have you? 

We'll learn the answers to all the questions and more next week (promise), as we continue to listen to Peter, God, Jesus, Holy Spirit.  I hope you will join us.  There is a LOT to learn about the salvation message, how you can be saved, and what it can mean to worship the ONE TRUE LORD!  

 

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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 obeying you....sharing with all who you are and what you 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 you 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 that you, Jesus, 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 in 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.  I'm learning to love 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

 

  It is not how we worship, but that we worship....the Trinity!

 

Teach tolerance....reach in acceptance....worship as one!

 

Embrace....Respect....Encourage!

 

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Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.  And be sure of this:

I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

 

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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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Bible Authors and Minister