April 6, 2014

Listen....Obey....Or Be Cut Off

Acts 3: 12 - 3:26

Luke

Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd.  "People of Israel," he said, "what is so astounding about this?  And why look at us as though we had made this man walk by our own power and godliness?  For it is the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob, the God of all our ancestors who has brought glory to his servant Jesus by doing this.  This is the same Jesus whom you handed over and rejected before Pilate, despite Pilate's decision to release him.  You rejected this holy, righteous one and instead demanded the release of a murderer.  You killed the author of life, but God raised him to life.  And we are witnesses of this fact!

"The name of Jesus has healed this man - and you know how lame he was before.  Faith in Jesus' name has caused this healing before your very eyes. 

"Friends, I realize that what you did to Jesus was done in ignorance; and the same can be said of your leaders.  But God was fulfilling what all the prophets had declared about the Messiah before hand - that he must suffer all these things.  Now turn from your sins and turn to God, so you can be cleansed of your sins.  Then wonderful times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord and he will send Jesus your Messiah to you again.  For he must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things, as God promised long ago through his prophets.  Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up a Prophet like me from among your own people.  Listen carefully to everything he tells you.'  Then Moses said, 'Anyone who will not listen to that Prophet will be cut off from God's people and utterly destroyed.'

"Starting with Samuel, every prophet spoken about what is happening today. You are the children of those prophets, and you are included in the covenant God promised to your ancestors.  For God said to Abraham, 'Through your descendants all the families on earth will be blessed.'  When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to your people of Israel, to bless you by turning each of you back from your sinful ways.'   

***

Thoughts....

Recall from last weeks lesson that Peter and John had met a lame man whom Peter spoke to proclaiming 'in the name of Jesus of Nazareth' the lame man crippled from birth was to get up and walk.  The crowd, appearing astonished per todays lesson, was addressed by Peter as he queried, "People of Israel, what is so astounding about this?  And why look at us as though we had made the man walk by our own power and godliness?  For it is the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob, the God of all our ancestors who has brought glory to his servant Jesus by doing this."  Please note that God is also the God of Jesus....and us. 

When Peter says 'glory was brought to God's servant Jesus' by healing the lame man, please realize that Jesus is NOT JUST a servant of God.  He is God's son, who obeyed his father, even to the point of death, that all might be saved and become one with them.  And the lame man was not healed by Peter or John.  He was healed by faith and in the name of Jesus of Nazareth.  Through the healing of this lame man,  glory was brought to Jesus, because Jesus worked THROUGH Peter as he spoke the words for the man to be healed.  It also brought glory to God.

There is another very important lesson here.  The man sought to receive money that day, not healing from God.  It was not his faith in God or Jesus that healed him, it was Peter's faith in God and Jesus that healing was manifested.  Please recall this as you seek prayers for others.  If you do not believe and pray in Jesus' name for others, many may never be healed.  They do not even have to believe.  They do not even have to pray.  But you do....and should....if you see a need for God, Jesus to fill.

Consider letting Jesus work through.  How do you do that?  Become one with him.  Believe in God, Jesus, Holy Spirit and ask them into your life.  Believe that Jesus was born, died, was buried, returned to earth, arose to heaven and sits next to God's....at his right hand.  Believe that Jesus died for your sins.  Ask forgiveness for those sins.  Realize, as a result of his resurrection, you have been given the opportunity for eternal life.....if you obey them.  Ask Holy Spirit into your life, for him to give you all the fruits and gifts he chooses to guide you and direct you to better obey them all (the Trinity), and to know how to live your new life.  Give thanks to them.  Praise them.                   

Peter goes on to say, "This is the same Jesus whom you handed over and rejected before Pilate, despite Pilate's decision to release him.  You rejected this holy, righteous one and instead demanded the release of a murderer.  You killed the author of life, but God raised him to life.  And we are witnesses of this fact!'

From this we learn Jesus is the author of life, that God raised him to life....eternal life.  What does an author do?  He writes the book.  We refer to the 'book of life' as the Bible.  Everything written that refers to Jesus makes him the author.  Note that those texts (found, or not, at this point in time) are not just documented history (Old and New Testaments, Dead Sea Scrolls, Gnostic Gospels, ETC.) but biographies and autobiographies of Jesus' life.  Being the author of life, then, means he also created life. 

Peter said, "The name of Jesus has healed this man - and you know how lame he was before.  Faith in Jesus' name has caused  this healing before your very eyes.  Remember this....for yourself, for others.  Jesus specifically said we are to pray to God using his name and what we ask for will be given to us.  'The name of Jesus has healed....'  'Faith in Jesus' name has caused this healing....'  Have faith in Jesus....and....in Jesus' name!   

From the Gospel of John read the following:

John 14:12-14  "The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do [Say WILL DO] the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.  You can ask [Say CAN ASK] for anything in my name, and I will do it, because the work of the Son brings glory to the Father.  Yes, ask anything in my name, and I will do it!"

John 15: 7-8  "But if you stay joined to me and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted!  My true disciples produce much fruit.  This brings great glory to my Father."   

John 15:16b  "I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name."

John 16:23b-24  "The truth is, you can go directly to the Father and ask him, and he will grant your request because you use my name.  You haven't done this before.  Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy." 

John 16:26-27  Then you will ask in my name.  I'm not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe I came from God."

So, whether we ask Jesus, or we ask God in Jesus' name, we will receive what we ask for and have abundant joy.  WE....that's you and me.  It's for the whole world of those who believe.  Believe!

Peter then says, "Friend's, I realize that what you did to Jesus was done in ignorance; and the same can be said of your leaders."  Are you acting in ignorance as a result of your leaders not imparting truths, or your own choices to not spend time with God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, getting to know them, what they seek from you, and learn what they have to give you, what you can give to them?  Have you chosen to disobey? 

"But God was fulfilling what all the prophets had declared about the Messiah beforehand - that he must suffer all these things."  Not only did he suffer at the hands of the people as he lived, and died.  But he suffered for ALL sins....from all those who lived before him and all those who lived after him.....that would be you and I. 

Peter preaches, "Now turn from your sins and turn to God, so you can be cleansed of your sins.  Then wonderful times of refreshment will come [Say WILL COME] from the presence of the Lord, and he will send [Say WILL SEND] Jesus your Messiah to you again.   

Note that he says 'wonderful times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord'.  What does this mean?  It means by being in the presence of THE LORD, wonderful times of refreshment WILL COME.  How do we do that?  Spending time WITH him, listening to him, talking to him, reading everything about him to better know his character, his personality, how he loves, the ways in which he loves....that we may love that way, too.  We can learn his mannerisms, how he speaks, the ways he emphasizes his heart through his words, what angers him, why he reprimands, that he doesn't need to if we obey.  There is so much to learn, if we take the time to be in his presence.  Listen....obey.

Reading further, "For he must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things, as God promised long ago through his prophets.  Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up a Prophet like me from among your own people.  Listen carefully to everything he tells you.'  Then Moses said, 'Anyone who will not listen to that Prophet will be cut off from God's people and utterly destroyed.'   [I continue to refer you to John 15, Hebrews 10:26-27, James 2, 2 Peter 2:20-21....and now, Acts 3:23.] 

'ANYONE WHO WILL NOT LISTEN TO THAT PROPHET [JESUS] WILL BE CUT OFF FROM GOD'S PEOPLE AND UTTERLY DESTROYED.'

Listen and obey, or be cut off.

"Starting with Samuel, every prophet spoke about what is happening today.

"You are the children of these prophets, and you are included in the covenant God promised to your ancestors. 

"For God said to Abraham, 'Through your descendants all the families on earth will be blessed.  When God raised up his servant [Jesus], he sent him first [first] to you people of Israel, to bless you by turning each of you back from your sinful ways.'

And when they didn't listen....and obey....he turned to the Gentiles and gave them the opportunity for a new life in and with him. 

Will you listen for their voices and answer God's, Jesus', Holy Spirit's calls?  Will you accept the opportunity to ask for forgiveness of your sins?  Will you obey them to receive eternal life?  Will you go forth making yourself available as a vessel through which others can be healed in Jesus' name?

If not, why not?

Hosea promised, "Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him.  As surely as the sun rises, he will [Say WILL] appear; he will [Say WILL] come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth."  Hosea 6:3 NIV

Paul (or Timothy) spoke to the Philippians saying,

"I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection!  [Me either!]  But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be.  [Me, too!]  No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing:  Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.  I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.  [Yes!  Amen!  But not soon, I hope!]

"I hope all of you who are mature Christians will agree on these things.  If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you.  But we must be sure to obey the truth we have learned already. 

"Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.  For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ.  Their future is eternal destruction.  Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and all they think about is this life here on earth.  But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives.  And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.  He will take these weak mortal bodies of ours and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same mighty power that he will use to conquer everything, everywhere." Philippians 3:12-21 

Are you, right now, citizens of heaven of which Paul or Timothy spoke?  If not, why not?  You can be...right now.  Just believe in the Trinity; have faith; ask God, Jesus, Holy Spirit into your life; ask forgiveness for your sins.  Ask for all they have to give you.  Then go forth, listening and obeying.

Remember, listen and obey, or be cut off....from life ever lasting.

Other references for todays lesson: 

Murderer released:  John 19:1-6.  Prophecies:  Psalm 22, Isaiah 50, Isaiah 53.  Abraham's descendants' blessing:  Genesis 12:3.

***

 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, their spirit, and their soul.  That they will believe in you, and believing, accept, and accepting, be willing to receive all you have to give them, listen to you, obey you and then, go forth, 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 and will do for me....and for others through me, as I go forth in your name.  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 everyone will now make you, Jesus, LORD of their lives.  Amen.

*** 

Grateful for God's lesson today?

We now have Pay Pal!  See below! 

 Visit our NEW rooms in The Family Room! 

Hey....we have a New Blog....'Truth On Main Street'!

Our Catalog Page is here....'Shoppe'!

Did you know there are over 5 (!) years of 

'Scriptures Archived'?

For when you need The Word any time of day or night!

Lord,LordJesJeJeJJjEJJJ     JJThe LORD is king!  Let the nations tremble!  T***

More love.... 

  Benediction....Blessing

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         

*** 

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

***

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!

***

***

If you feel that the Church of the Holy Spirit has inspired or helped you, we'd like you to prayerfully consider tithing regularly to us, or gifting us, so that we can further the work and carry out the will of the Father as proclaimed in Matthew 28:19-20 NLT

to

 "Go and make disciples out of all the nations

baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

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."

***

There is no better time than now to let God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit know how grateful you are for them being there for you, all they have done for you and will do, and, show thankfulness for being fed the Word of God, so you can know and obey him.   

Through your donations,

 people will be able to continue to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ spread throughout the world,

and lives will be changed!

Not only will people hear the Gospel preached, but healings will be manifested, food and housing provided,

water will quench thirsts, and medical care provided. 

Please consider donating your best gift possible today.

We now offer Pay Pal as a way to donate immediately and safely.  You'll find that option as you scroll down on this page.

Thank you and may God richly bless you!   

***

  Our Continual Cause

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.  

Please accept my sincerest thanks....and God's....and may God richly bless you ! 

BesidesBesid  ***

  Checks or money orders can be made out to

Trinity Missions

or the

Church of the Holy Spirit

and sent to

Trinity Missions

2321 S. Lazy A Place

Tucson, AZ

85713

USA

OR

You can now donate securely through Pay Pal!

No gift is too small or too large to the Lord. 

*

If you have any questions, we can be reached at:

520-883-6604

Monday - Friday

10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

USA Mountain Time

or

TrinityMissions@msn.com

Please note Trinity Missions or CoHS in your subject line.

 *

As we grow, you will have options for allocating your gifts.

In the meantime, we hope you will trust us to direct them to where the need is the greatest.

***

    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."

***

 ***  

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.

***

  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.

*** 

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!

*