Good Morning “Worshipers in the Storm”.  Today we are in Acts 16.

I don’t know about you, but I find it easy to worship and praise God when things are going good.  My faith is tested and I really have to press in and remember His promises when they aren’t.  Even though some of our culture denies God, He’s typically the first to get cursed when things go bad.  Do we do that to?  Maybe we don’t curse Him, but do we question?  Why God?  Where are you?  I’m trying to serve you?  

Check out Paul and Silas in this chapter!  They cast a demon out of a future-telling slave releasing her from bondage.  Her owners become irate because they had been making a lot of money off of her.  The owners seize Paul and Silas, drag them into the marketplace.  They stir up the magistrates with lies and Paul and Silas get stripped and beaten with rods.  Scripture has a way of understating the severity of certain things.  Beatings, floggings, stoning’s and crucifixions were common.  So, when The Bible says they were “flogged severely” - it was bad!

They put them in prison, post a guard and lock their feet in the stocks.  Likely in very bad shape… guess what they do?  

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭16‬:‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

You gotta dig in and read the rest of this!  Check it out!  We could learn a lot about praising God in the midst of the storm from these guys.  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “By Faith”.  Today we are in Acts 15.  

Sometimes the old ways are best.  Sometimes, depending on the purpose for the “old ways” they are not!  

The Law, and Sacrificial system given to Israel (the Jewish nation) had a couple purposes.

- Define sin:  These are the rules

- Incite sin:  Any time we’re told not to do something, in our sin nature - we want to.  Don’t think about elephants… what are you thinking about right now?  Rules / Laws don’t keep people from breaking them - heart transformation does.  Stirring up sin was required to recognize we need a Savior.  

- Bring the Jews to a place that they knew without a doubt that they could NEVER keep the law and the sacrificial system.  They needed a Sacrifice that paid for sin once and for all.

Check it out; in Acts 15 some people still committed to the “old way” came down preaching their old customs and beliefs to the new Gentile Believers - stirring them up.  We see some of that even today.  

Let’s be clear… Anything other than the Gospel of Grace - is a false Gospel at this point.  True Belief in Jesus and only Jesus, His blood shed on the cross for our sins plus nothing is what is required for Salvation.  Our good works can’t save us, but can demonstrate repentance in those that are saved.

If you find yourself still doubting here are a few verses to clarify:
John 14:6, Acts 4:12, Ephesians 1:7, 2:8-9, Romans 5:6-8, 15-17, Colossians 1:13-14, 1 Timothy 1:15-16, Titus 3:4-7  

Honestly I could go on and on with more verses.  In fact you would have to toss out most of the New Testament and much of Old Testament prophecy regarding The Messiah to get to Salvation based on works and doing.  You CANNOT ever do enough to earn Salvation.  That’s the point.

It’s ALL Jesus.  Only Jesus!  Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Unstoppable”. Today we are in Acts 14.  

Paul and Barnabas continue spreading the Truth of Jesus - urging everyone they see to repent and turn to God.  The Jews in turn continue to spread lies and turn the crowds against them.  Jews and Gentiles alike plot to harm these guys - to stone them.  Often they find out about it and head on to the next town.  This time however they didn’t.

“Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe. They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭14‬:‭19‬-‭22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

A few things hit me in this chapter:

- The number of towns they went to was incredible. This was their life!  They were all about it!

-  I’m struck by how offensive the Truth of Jesus was, and how easily people were swayed.  Do you think it’s much different today?  False teaching and ridiculous self serving gospels are accepted and spread like wildfire - while the Truth continues to be rejected!

-  Paul gets stoned, so badly they thought he was dead.  Not only does he NOT quit, he gets up and goes back into the same city!  Then gets right back at it!

We could learn a lot from the level of Paul’s commitment to the Gospel.  Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Fearless, Faithful, Followers.” Today we are in Acts 13.

Catch their passion!  Saul who once was one of the persecutors, is seemingly leading the charge, one of the most unlikely to be chosen to serve - was to be minister to the Gentiles.  Now together with Barnabas they are officially commissioned in the POWER of The Holy Spirit.  It was happening, just as God told Ananias in Acts 9:15, when he was afraid to go to Saul.  “But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.”

Check it out:
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”  Acts‬ ‭13‬:‭2‬-‭3‬

With every new convert, resistance grew.  Saul of all people, knew what they were capable of - yet they continued faithful.  The Jewish leaders plotted, and plotted, even stirring up God fearing women to rise up.  They continued - going to town after town preaching the Word of God, the Gospel of Jesus.  Each time they were kicked out, they dusted off their sandals as they were instructed, and moved on.  

How do you keep going when people are against you?  I fear we have gotten soft, or perhaps we’re just not finding our strength through the Holy Spirit as they did.  That’s their secret!  That’s the answer.

We don’t have to do it alone - we’ve got the Holy Spirit.  We just gotta get out of our own way.  It’s not about us, it’s about Him!  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “In The Sovereignty of God”.  Today we are in Acts 12.

God is sovereign… what does that mean?  He is in control of all things.  All means all and that’s all all means (Acts 10:36; Colossians 1:17-18)!  He's even numbered our days, and ordered their content (Psalm 139:16). NOTHING (except that which He ordains) can touch us, hold us, or take us until those days are up  (Job 2:3; Romans 8:38-39; Luke 12:25)

In today’s chapter persecution of the early church continues and now King Herod is getting in on it (Acts‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬-‭3‬).

Stephen had already been stoned, now James was the first of the Apostles to be martyred.  Why didn't God protect them?  They were doing His work.  Perhaps to display their courage to the rest of the followers?  Perhaps to make sure the rest knew the cost?  Perhaps to testify to the Truth of Jesus - people typically don't die for what they know to be a lie.  But… they will go to their grave for The Truth!  Or perhaps as in Stephens case, to display the goodness and love of Jesus through them.  

Remember Stephen glowing with the face of an Angel, praying out loud for God to forgive his killers even as they stoned him?  Im not sure that depth of love and Faith can be displayed any other way - but in death.  Jesus told them in this life they would have trouble.  Jesus told them men would come to kill them because of their message.  Now it's happening.  

But what of Peter?  Spoiler alert, God intervenes and Peter is freed miraculously.  Why?  Perhaps God wanted His followers to be reminded that He is still in control.  Both the deaths of the others and the saving of Peter were within His control!  

We’ll never understand ALL of Gods plan (Isaiah 55:8-9; Isaiah 40:13; Romans 11:33).  But what is more scary: To acknowledge that He is so immense, His ways are not our ways, and we will never fully understand Him?  Or…to believe God doesn't do things we deem bad - which suggests there are things out of His control?  If He's not in control who is?  That's horrifying!  God IS in ABSOLUTE control!  THATS The Truth of Scripture.  

He IS STILL in control of it all, no matter how crazy it seems to us.  True faith is demonstrated as we trust regardless of our inability to figure it all out.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Cross Cultural Ministers of the Gospel.” Today we’re in Acts 11.  

They’re getting after it.  The Disciples continue to share the Good News of Jesus.  Those they share with are sharing, and in turn those new converts are sharing also!  It’s multiplication.  For example say 1 shared with just 10.  Then that 10 shares with 10 each, so - 100.  That 100 goes out and shares with 10 each… so 1000.  In the meantime all keep sharing with even more.  Are you beginning to get a sense of what’s possible?

Jews and Gentiles are giving their lives to Jesus - becoming followers of Christ.  This is still a new thing.  Jews ministering to Gentiles was out of the ordinary - but it was happening.  The Church in Antioch is born, converts were called Christians, and Barnabas and Saul get involved.  

Jump in and check it out!  Soak up the excitement as The Word is spread and the Church of Jesus Christ explodes!  Good News is contagious and the Grace of God  - Salvation through Jesus is the Greatest News ever!

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “No favoritism show-ers”.  Today we are in Acts 10

Ever look at someone and think to yourself… yeah, Jesus isn’t for that guy?  This is a story of “that guy” as Peter may have seen him.

Cornelius has a vision.  An angel of the Lord appears.  The message he gets is simple really, God has witnessed his good works - and he is to send for Peter and bring him back.  At first glance this seems normal, but get this; Cornelius was a Centurion.  (A Roman soldier over 100 men).  He was also a Gentile.  It still was not common for Jews to associate with Gentiles, especially not Roman Soldiers!  Remember who arrested and carried out the execution of Jesus?

Peter still had a bit of a problem believing the Gospel was for Gentiles.  So… Around the same time Peter was receiving a vision.  Peter’s vision included animals that had been considered unclean and were forbidden food under Jewish law.  The fact that Gentiles did NOT consider these foods unclean, and ate freely was one of the major separating factors.  Jews could be considered “unclean” for associating with Gentiles who had eaten “unclean” food.  God wipes this concern out, with Peter.  As many formerly unclean animals appear in Peters vision God declares “…Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”” Acts‬ ‭10‬:‭13‬, ‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Peter understood that Gods message was about more than just food - it was about the Gentile as well.  Check out Acts‬ ‭10‬:‭34‬-35 “Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.”
‭‭
We’ve already read about many conversions of Jews and Gentiles that were far from expected.  Peter was now able to see, even better - Cornelius the way Jesus saw Cornelius.  

The Gospel is for EVERYONE!  

Check it out to see how God puts this whole thing together.  Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Those Who Now See Clearly”.   Today we are in Acts 9

I’m not sure who or what blows me away more from chapter 9 of Acts.
 - Saul and his conversion
- Ananias and the Faith he had to have to go minister to him - a killer!
- The Disciples ultimately accepting Paul into their group
- Or… Peter and the Disciples being used by Jesus to heal and even raise people from the dead… what?  

Saul was all about it.  Zealous for God.  He actually thought He was honoring God by persecuting these so called Christians.  Interesting to note, when Jesus blinds him on the road to Damascus He doesn’t say “Saul, Saul why do you persecute my followers.”  Check out Acts‬ ‭9‬:‭4‬.

Jesus takes it personally, He’s in us and we in Him.  When His children are persecuted - it’s Him they are attacking.

Saul was blind in more ways than one, even though his eyes worked fine to start with.  He was blinded by the culture and world around him that didn’t accept what they did not understand.  The majority were not willing to give up their customs, their way of life, their “feeling good about themselves”, to surrender their lives to Jesus.  Sound familiar?

Jesus had a plan for Saul.  First He had to get his attention.  Nothing like physical blindness to do that.  But God had more for Saul.  “But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.” Acts‬ ‭9‬:‭15‬ ‭

Check it out - if Jesus can take one of the most voracious persecutors of Christians and turn him into a “Gospel Preaching, Church Planting, Bible Book  Writing, People Loving - Rock Star”… He can mold and make you into a useful tool for the kingdom!

When Jesus uses broken tools - He gets the glory!  Are you broken and humble?  Then you’re qualified!  

Let Him have you!  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Indiscriminate Sharers of Gods Grace.” Today we are in Acts 8

Persecution comes - at the hand of Saul even.  Would you have stayed or would you have scattered?  Either way, wherever they find themselves, the Disciples are faithfully sharing the Gospel.  They don’t care who it is.  Sorcerers, Samaritan’s, Eunuch’s… the Gospel is for everyone.  “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
 
Simon was a sorcerer.  Simon needed Jesus, and needed to put away his sorcerer ways.  “…what fellowship can light have with darkness?” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭6‬:‭14‬ ‭ Simon had some old habits that were hard to break.  You’ll have to read on and check out what I’m taking about.  

The Gospel of Jesus is spreading like a wild fire!  Dig in, check it out, compare their commitment to the Gospel and their love for people to ours.  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Forgiven and Redeemed”.  Acts 7

Stephen has been arrested for preaching the Gospel, and now he is being questioned.  

“They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭6‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In the midst of the accusations we read “All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.”  Acts‬ ‭6‬:‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Some commentators will say he simply looked loving and calm - like an angel.  Others will say he was literally shining the light of Jesus, like Moses when he came down off the mountain after spending time with God.

“Then the high priest asked Stephen, “Are these charges true?”” Acts‬ ‭7‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Imagine for a second, its you.  You’ve just been arrested and you know their intent is to kill you.  How is your faith and resolve in this moment.  How bold are you now?  How would you respond?  

You’re gonna have to dig in and read it to see how Stephen answered them.  But check out how they responded.  

“At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.” Acts‬ ‭7‬:‭57‬-‭58‬ ‭

Whatever he said made them furious!  This entire event is really incredible - with so much for us to apply.  

- Did you catch the very last statement?  Ever wonder what Saul was up to before his conversion to Paul?  He was always zealous for God - he was just way off track.  Talk about Gods forgiveness, redemption and using broken tools!  He had plans even for Saul!  
- Stephen’s Faith was dialed - how’s yours.
- Even as they are stoning him, he models Jesus.
- See how much more you can apply to your life.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Care Givers”  Today we are in Acts 6.

The Disciples were intent on making sure everyone is being taken care of… but they realized some widows were being overlooked!  So what do you do?  Appoint some men to make sure this never happens again.  

Among those appointed was Stephen!  “Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭6‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Because Stephen literally shined the light of Jesus he was an easy choice!  “All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.” Acts‬ ‭6‬:‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Who’s responsible to care for those in need?  Widows, orphans?  It was never the government. It was the responsibility of the church body to take care of those that needed taken care of.  First the family & then the Church; and, not just our own (Timothy 5:3-8; Gal 6:9-10).

Dig in and check out this chapter to see what happens to Stephen!  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Persistent”. Today we are in Acts 5

These guys will not be quiet.  We saw the Disciples arrested in chapter 4.  Here they are again, arrested and jailed.  This time an angel of the Lord comes, opens the jail and instructs them to get back at it.  

They headed back to the Temple Courts and at Daybreak and began preaching.  When the Sanhedrin arrive they send for the prisoners.  Jail still locked, still guarded but guess what… empty!  Someone notices them doing as Jesus had instructed, as the religious leaders forbid - and they are brought in once more.  “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”” Acts‬ ‭5‬:‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭5‬:‭29‬-‭30‬ ‭NIV‬‬

They go on to elaborate regarding their witness to the resurrection.  

When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭5‬:‭30‬, ‭33‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Man, don’t they inspire you?  Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Spirit Filled Gospel Preachers”… yes I mean you.  If you believe and have received Jesus, I mean you.  

Today we are in Acts 4

The Disciples are actually doing it.  They are loving on people and sharing the Truth of the Gospel.  People are repenting and becoming Jesus followers by the thousands and the religious leaders are again stirred up!

“They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. “ Acts 4:3-4

What is the message they are preaching?  It’s still the same message - it never changes.  Repent and be baptized with the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of sins.

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

The leaders aren’t sure what to do with these guys.  Their followers have become many, and they speak with wisdom that is beyond them.  So after discussing it they decide to warn them.  

“Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. “But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.””
‭‭Acts 4:18-20

Jesus promised the Disciples they would be arrested and killed for the message they preach.  They witnessed Jesus horrible beating and death… yet they cannot help speaking about what they have experienced!  They are willing to risk it all - Talk about The Holy Spirit Power!  

So what do you do when you’re facing certain death for your message… Quit?  No way!  They prayed…

Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.” Acts 4:29‬ ‭

Man if only we could be so BOLD!  Love you all.  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning Gospel Sharers.  Check out Acts 3

Peter and the Disciples are getting after it - just as Jesus instructed in Acts 1:8, Matthew 28:18-20.

“Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.””
‭‭Acts‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬ ‭

They were healing people and giving God ALL the Glory!  “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?”  Acts‬ ‭3‬:‭12

There’s more, they weren’t just performing miracles.  With the overflowing love of Jesus they were able to share with everyone, including the very ones that cried out “crucify Him.”

They had become close with Jesus - they were buds!  Surely it was hard not to harbor resentment for these people.

“You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭3‬:‭14‬-‭15‬, ‭17‬-‭19‬

Many act in ignorance!  The message is still the same.  How’s your love level?  Do we care enough to share the saving Love and Grace of Jesus?  Remember - the Holy Spirit does the work.  We’re just a mouthpiece.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!  Acts is cool - they’re getting after it!  

Good Morning “Holy Spirit Filled!”  Today we are in Acts 2

The Holy Spirit is in the house… literally!  Just as Jesus promised “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit… Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬, ‭4‬ ‭

After witnessing Jesus’ resurrection and now being filled with the Spirit - they are spiritually transformed.  The disciples go from scattering, the night of Jesus arrest, and denying they even knew Him - to boldly preaching to much of the same mob that had Jesus arrested.   Weren’t they afraid they themselves would be arrested & crucified?  After all Jesus warned them people would come to kill them because of their message.

Their change, their boldness in the face of promised danger is even more evidence that Jesus really did rise from the grave.  The same Disciples who fled in the garden wouldn’t risk it all if It wasn’t true.  Would you?  No, they were transformed because now they BELIEVED at a level they never had!  And now they were empowered by the Holy Spirit!  

The message is still the same!
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭38‬, ‭41‬ ‭

Three thousand?  They had heard this message before!  It’s what Jesus came on the scene with - when He began His ministry.  So what else did Peter preach about?  What else was so convicting to crowd - that brought such a flood of conversion?  

Dig in and study for yourself.  Then ask yourself how different the Disciples must have looked, now filled with the Holy Spirit that “…the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭47‬

Love you all! Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Witnesses.” Today we start reading chapter 1 of Luke’s 2nd book - Acts.

After conquering death and being Resurrected from the grave, Jesus hangs out for 40 days.  What’s He do?  Fellowships, instructs, talks about the Kingdom of Heaven and appears to hundreds.  

“On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.””
‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

They first watched Jesus do ministry, then ministered with Jesus, now they will do it on their own.  However; they weren’t on their own.  They were about to be filled with the Holy Spirit - and that makes all the difference!  

“He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.””
‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It’s His power that makes it all possible.  He does the work!  We just make ourselves available. He will come back to gather / rapture The Church (believers) in the same way He left - in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). We do not know when…

Until He returns we are to be His witnesses?  To carry on the work He began - loving people well!  Like Jesus did!  Where? Everywhere!  Acts 1:8 parallels the Great Commission.  Go and make disciples.  Jerusalem was their home town, Judea was out a bit, Samaria was a different culture, a different people group, and then to the ends of the earth.  

It’s time for us to get to work.  The lost and hurting world needs the love of Jesus, and all that means.  That’s our charge.  Remember Jesus prayer in the garden?  ““My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,” John‬ ‭17‬:‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬
A witness just testifies.  To what?  To what Jesus has done in your life.  Tell them about Jesus, and how He loves you!

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Recipients of Gods Grace.” Today we finish the Gospels with John 21

The the tomb is indeed empty!  Remember, this is not argued - it’s a fact.  He is indeed risen!  He appeared and showed Himself to hundreds before He ascended into Heaven.   Many testified to it and ultimately gave their lives for the Truth of Jesus.

Some may be willing to die for what they believe in but who is willing to die for what they know is a lie.  The millions of martyrs since The Empty Tomb testify to its validity - with their lives.

Furthermore, if you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior - you know!  The joy, hope, peace and contentment provided by the Spirit living in you cannot be denied.  It makes no sense in the midst of the crazy world we live in!  

Our default destination because of sin is NOT heaven.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

God Loved, God Gave!  You BELIEVE, You Receive!  It’s all in there.  True belief results in emotional, spiritual and physical action!  Believe and repent, accept His payment made on the cross for your sins (Acts 3:19, Romans 10:9).

You cannot do it on your own.  You cannot EVER be good enough to earn your way into Heaven.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It’s all Him!  He is the WAY the TRUTH and the LIFE, no one comes to the Father except through Him!  John 14:6

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning Blessed!  Today we are in John 20.

Jesus told them He would be raised on the 3rd day.  Indeed the tomb is empty.  We believe He was born of a virgin, and came and lived and loved among us giving us an example to follow.  Then, He willingly gave His life on the Cross as payment for our sin - that we might be reconciled to God.  We get to have a relationship with God, and spend eternity with Jesus in Heaven - through His Blood shed for us.  He was raised on the third day as evidence that the payment was sufficient and accepted.  Opponents to Christianity might argue these events didn’t happen. Listen long enough and you may begin to doubt yourself.  

What you may not realize is that The Bible in its original form has been proven by secular standards to be THE MOST RELIABLE HISTORICAL DOCUMENT IN ALL OF HISTORY.  Furthermore, historically speaking, many of the details surrounding Jesus, His life, His, crucifixion and burial, and the empty tomb - are recorded in other widely accepted historical documents - other than the Holy Bible.  Those who reject Jesus, and the events which give us hope seem to overlook that.  As Christians we can fall into this “You just gotta have faith”… mentality.  Yes it is by Grace we have been saved, through faith, Eph. 2:8-9 + nothing, but Never forget THESE THINGS HAPPENED, and are not disputed by anyone who actually does their research.

Many ancient Jewish and Greek Antiquities contain writings collected from famous secularly accepted Historians, and record facts regarding Jesus.  One such Historian was Josephus.  

Check out one of Josephus’ writings from the Antiquities 18:63.  “About this time lived Jesus, a wise man, if indeed one ought to call him a man. For he was the achiever of extraordinary deeds and was a teacher of those who accept the truth gladly. He won over many Jews and many of the Greeks. He was the Messiah. When he was indicted by the principal men among us and Pilate condemned him to be crucified, those who had come to love him originally did not cease to do so; for he appeared to them on the third day restored to life, as the prophets of the Deity had foretold these and countless other marvelous things about him, and the tribe of the Christians, so named after him, has not disappeared to this day.”

Indeed the Bible is all sufficient!  It stands above any other historical document as the INSPIRED WORD OF GOD.  But the Bible is NOT the only historical document that speaks to Jesus and the empty tomb.  It’s not hard to see we live in a world that rejects basic truths based on feelings.  Me not liking or accepting truth does not somehow make it un-true.  In the end, when we all stand before Jesus, any denial of the Truth will be gone.  

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭9‬-‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

No reason to fight it - facts are facts.  Believe, repent and be reconciled to God (Acts 3:19).  Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Redeemed.”  Today we are in John 19.

Jesus gets it done!  He has successfully lived without sin.   Fully God, and fully man He faced all the temptation we do and yet was without sin (Hebrews 4:15.) The need to temporarily atone for sin by offering a blood sacrifice is over!  The payment for sin has been paid in full - once and for all!

“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John‬ ‭19‬:‭30‬  ‭

Notice once again He gave up His Spirit, when He was ready, when all He was called to do was accomplished!  Things were going to be different now!  All that is left is the acceptance of His payment.  The resurrection of Jesus IS the evidence His payment was accepted.  

The cost was great, but The payment has been made.  That payment however is not applied to our individual accounts until we receive it!  We all understand what it means to receive a pay check.  We also understand that unless we deposit that check it’s of no value to us.  

Give your life to Jesus.  Receive His payment made on the cross for your sins.  

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Receivers of Mercy and Grace.” Today we are in John 18

Jesus knew His time had come  (John 17:1).  He has just finished praying to the Father (end of 17) Jesus who was wrecked, in so much anguish His sweat fell “like” drops of blood, (or He sweat blood, whichever you subscribe to) now willingly turns Himself over to the mob who has come to arrest Him.  Willingly you say?  How do we know?

One piece of evidence comes when Peter steps forward and cuts off Malchus’ ear.  Matthew records Jesus saying “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” Matthew‬ ‭26‬:‭53‬.  As awesome as that sounds, it seems to speak to The Fathers power - not Jesus’.

But wait, check out this very interesting detail that only John records:

“Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.”
‭‭John‬ ‭18‬:‭4‬-‭6‬

Did you catch it?  “”When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.””  

Something happened in that moment!  With His Jesus power, and 2 words, “I AM” - He leveled them!  I removed the “He” just now, but why?  The “He” in our translations is italicized and not in the original.  “Ego Eimi” is the Greek equivalent of “I Am”from Exodus 3.  He actually leveled them with just 2 Words, “I AM” - His Name is Eternal!  

Why would He level them… then submit to their arrest?  Maybe He had a momentary lapse of judgment and was going to resist - so He flexed His Jesus muscles?  I don’t think so.  I believe one possibility is that, He simply wanted to make it clear to the mob, His Disciples, and us - that He submitted willingly.  Not to them, but to The Fathers will (John 10:17-18).  

He gave up His life for ours willingly!  They had zero power over Him to do anything they did.  If He leveled them there, He could have done it anytime during the trial, the beating, the crucifixion!  No… they didn’t take His life, He gave it!  He gave it that you and I might have life - don’t miss that!

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Objects of Jesus’ Prayer”.  Today we are in John 17

Let’s imagine your life is about to come to a close.  You know it.  You’ve been told.  You are about to be arrested, beaten beyond recognition, then hung on a cross.  What do you do?  Pray… sure, but for what?  Quick death?  Strength to withstand all the pain?  Maybe.  

We don’t know everything Jesus prayed for sure  - only what’s recorded.  Luke records that Jesus prayed ““Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”  Then , “An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭42-44‬ ‭

We’ve talked about this… The original Greek language used in this passage speaks to “as it was” rather than “like”.  We know it’s actually possible for someone to sweat blood. Medical journals actually site Jesus experience as one of those cases.  HEMATOHIDROSIS is a rare clinical phenomenon in which the capillaries burst due high stress and increased blood pressure.  

So what else does Jesus pray for while He’s in so much anguish that He’s sweating blood?

He prays for the Disciples, and He prays for the Believer’s, and those that will Believe as a result of their message.  He was praying for you!

As He sweat drops of blood praying for you… aren’t you curious what prayed for?  I won’t spoil it.  Dig into John 17.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Over Comers”.  Today we are in John 16

Our Heavenly Father does not leave us here to struggle through life on our own.  No, He gives us His Word as a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105).   Through His Word, the Holy Spirit guides and directs our path.  Check it out, “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” John‬ ‭16‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

He gives us The Holy Spirit when we receive Jesus payment for our sins (Ephesians 1:13). It is by The Spirit, through His Word, that He molds us,  makes us, convicts us of sin, and provides all the fruit of the Spirit - including joy and peace (2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Galatians 5:22-23).   We can have peace in the midst of horrible circumstances - peace that transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).  Furthermore we do not need to fear anything the world can throw at us because His Word tells us “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”  1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

At the end of this chapter Jesus reminds us, “”I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.””  John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In a world of turmoil we all need Jesus!  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Joy Filled Followers of Jesus.” Today we are in John 15.  

We spend much of our lives chasing after the shiny things of life.  Making choices that result in consequences we don’t like, then blaming God because He didn’t protect us from them.  All this in an effort to achieve true happiness, contentment, “nirvana” or whatever word you want to throw at it.  

REAL TRUTH… the secret to true joy isn’t that difficult.  I’m talking about the kind of joy that exists no matter what.  You see happiness depends on circumstances - joy is not dependent.   We try to fabricate happiness on our own - true joy is not of ourselves.  

Check it out:
“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I don’t know about you but I’m pretty sure I’ve never experienced COMPLETE joy - but I would like to!  This Joy that Jesus talks about putting in us - is His joy!  The same joy that He somehow had as He approached the Cross - the most heinous of all execution methods - separation from the Father and Spirt - torture beyond imagination.  “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬

What do we get from a relationship with Jesus?  All the fruit of His Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  But it’s not a one and done thing.  “I tried religion, didn’t work for me”.  Ha ha, it’s not religion it’s a relationship, and growth in any relationship takes time - years even.  

The promises are real!  The complete joy He offers is there for the taking but it’s not a drive up window order.  It’s the by-product of life lived in fellowship with Jesus.  Building a relationship is a daily process of spending time with Him in the Word, in prayer, and making yourself available to be used by Him (Romans 12:1).  

Or… there’s the alternative, keep trying to fabricate something on your own - with all the treasures the world offers.  How well is that working out?

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out.  There’s much more in this chapter!

Good Morning “Way Finders”.  Today we are in John 14

How do you get to Heaven?  Do you know the way?  Jesus during His last bit of time with Disciples was trying to reassure them they knew how to get where He was going.  

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God ; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

“Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?””
‭‭
You know the way to the place where I am going.” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”  John‬ ‭14‬:‭1‬-‭4‬, ‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

There is no other way but the blood of Jesus.  That’s it!  Narrow gate - one way.   The part that sticks out to me in this passage however is not talked about nearly as much.  We know from Scripture that the one who knows Jesus will never see death (John 8:51). Oh they will die but not experience the moment the death angel comes - they are protected from that.  “Absent from the body present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).  

But look again at what Jesus told them.  “I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”  

I believe He comes back to get us.   When I was a kid, I was afraid die.  With Jesus, we can fear dying but no need to fear death!  If you’ve got Jesus, He’s got you now and all the way into eternity.  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Like Jesus Lovers.” Today we are in John 13.  

That night in the Upper Room, Jesus washes their feet, then breaks bread with them… all of them, even Judas.  I’ve commented before regarding the depth of Jesus’ love.  He knows He is about to be betrayed but still includes Judas.  I can’t wrap my mind around that.  

Jesus spent a lot of time with the Disciples.  They did life together.  He showed them how to live and how to love.  He did miracles with them and through them - and cast out demons!  They fed and they loved, and risked their lives together.  

Now the night of His arrest, He gives them a “New Command.” The Disciples had to be thinking, “What?  What more could He teach us.”  After washing their feet He tells them ““A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”” John‬ ‭13‬:‭34‬-‭35‬ ‭

Remember He just demonstrated the type of servant love He was talking about, and is about to go to the Cross for them.  (Us too) It’s in this way that He says - love each other as I have loved you!  As He continues His discourse, in just a couple chapters He’ll say, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Some of us would lay down our lives for our friends in death literally.  Like taking a bullet for instance.  But could we lay down our life every day, while still living - putting others before ourselves.  That was the model of Jesus.  You before me.  How can I help you?  What would you like to do?  Let me get that for you.  No, you have it!  

That’s how He tells us to love… then they will know we are His followers - If we love one another like THAT.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!  Love ‘Em Like Jesus.