Scripture--Acts 1-Acts 3
Here we go with Acts! Acts is a continuation of the Luke story, and the story of the church’s beginning. So remember, we believe Luke to be a doctor, so his descriptions are detailed and concise. He narrates the story in detailed yet scientific prose, and he still cares for the poor and downtrodden. Acts is a story of the first church—of how the Apostles continued the story of Jesus. These stories may not be as familiar as the Gospels, but try not to get too caught up in all the details! I’m excited to continue this journey with you!
For more information see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acts_of_the_Apostles
Observation—I want to be Peter. I know that coveting is a sin. I know that. I also know that Peter is not a “hero” all the time. But in these three chapters, I want to be Peter! I want to preach to a huge group of people and help them turn their hearts to Christ! I want to be cool enough to say to someone in need, “Well, I don’t have any money for you, but I can heal you.” And they’re healed! Goodness! How cool would that be.
Application—Did you hear what he kept saying any time he opened his mouth? “Change your hearts and your lives!” That’s what his message was—change your hearts and your lives and good things will happen. And God will bless you and those around you. It’s a sermon that I could preach every day—with my words and my heart and my life! I pray God continues to change my heart and my life!
Prayer—O Spirit of Fire—burn in me, purifying my inmost parts and make me shine for you. O Spirit of Wind—Blow in me your breath of new life and let me breath out your love to the world. Bless what we do and give us strength to do more!
Blessings—
Pastor Emily
(PS—I’m leaving today for Nicaragua
3 comments:
So what did these first Christians do? They had fellowship, breaking of bread, teaching from the apostle and prayer. They were together and had everything in common. (They gave up having there own things in order to meet the needs of other Christians.) They met everyday at the temple. We do some of all of these today, but sure could improve in every one of these areas!
And Luke makes sure we know that Jesus ate with the disciples after the resurrection. He makes it clear that he had a body and was not a spirit/ghost.
Mary, you might want to check out my June 17 blog at http://marthaorlando.blogspot.com about those first Christians. :)
I love the part of Peter's first sermon where he recalls what David prophesied about the coming Christ. It talks about how with the Lord at your right hand, you cannot be shaken! It says David's heart rejoiced, his tongue was glad, and that his flesh rested in hope because his soul would not be left in Hades. Jesus made known to us the ways of life and makes us full of joy in His presence!! How awesome is that? Lord let me rest in the assurance that with you at my side I cannot be shaken.
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