Peter was the first Penecostal pastor in history. His ministry began in Acts 2 when he spoke up for the other disciples as they all spoke in toungues. Let me paraphrase here (for the full story go to ibs.org).
The Holy Spirit came down and filled the disciples. They began to speak in toungues and confused the passerbys. It was Passover, which means that people from neighboring countries came to the temple in commemoration of the day that the Angel of Death passed over the blood-stained doorways. They heard the disciples speaking in all these different languages and were completely confused. Some began to make jokes saying that the disciples were drunk. Peter heard this and went off!Peter began his sermon defending his fellow believers but it ended up preaching on what the death of Jesus brings to all who believe.
His first sermon was on sin and how belief in Jesus frees us from the bonds that it puts on us. That sermon, taught 2,000-something years ago, is still being taught today. This sermon, by God's annointing, gathered and saved 3,000 people! Peter began a revolution. Peter began a religion.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Amazed
We have finished the book of Romans! I have commented on many of the chapters, most of them I think, and I hope you've enjoyed it. This doesn't mean that I'm going to stop disecting scripture and bringing you God's words on the subjects. I will continue with the Book of Acts.
We begin Acts as all of Paul's books... greetings. He says hello, introduces himself, and then plunges into whatever he has to say. He tells of the going of Jesus here. Jesus' final words can be found in Acts 1:8 (you probably have them memorized!) But what I'd like to focus on is the following excerpt:
"These were his last words. As they watched, he was taken up and disappeared in a cloud. They stood there, staring into the empty sky. Suddenly two men appeared—in white robes!"
-Acts 1:9-10
Paul simply puts a period (.) after expaining how Jesus FLEW! But then adds an exclamation point (!) after telling us what color robes the angels wore.
Paul did this because, though I'm sure he was impressed by Jesus' flight in a cloud, he wasn't surprised. As christians we have the oppourtunity to call on the name of Jesus and see our needs (that are in line with God's will and timeframe) met. Though it was really cool it wasn't as surprising as the angels.
Okay, so maybe you'd like to see a guy fly over a blonde kid in a white robe, I would too, but it was really cool to get an angelic visit. If you met an angel who gave you a message from God, don't you think you'd be excited?
Expect the miracles, signs, and wonders to occur. Rejoice at the messages given from God!
Hope you enjoy the rest of Acts!
We begin Acts as all of Paul's books... greetings. He says hello, introduces himself, and then plunges into whatever he has to say. He tells of the going of Jesus here. Jesus' final words can be found in Acts 1:8 (you probably have them memorized!) But what I'd like to focus on is the following excerpt:
"These were his last words. As they watched, he was taken up and disappeared in a cloud. They stood there, staring into the empty sky. Suddenly two men appeared—in white robes!"
-Acts 1:9-10
Paul simply puts a period (.) after expaining how Jesus FLEW! But then adds an exclamation point (!) after telling us what color robes the angels wore.
Paul did this because, though I'm sure he was impressed by Jesus' flight in a cloud, he wasn't surprised. As christians we have the oppourtunity to call on the name of Jesus and see our needs (that are in line with God's will and timeframe) met. Though it was really cool it wasn't as surprising as the angels.
Okay, so maybe you'd like to see a guy fly over a blonde kid in a white robe, I would too, but it was really cool to get an angelic visit. If you met an angel who gave you a message from God, don't you think you'd be excited?
Expect the miracles, signs, and wonders to occur. Rejoice at the messages given from God!
Hope you enjoy the rest of Acts!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
When Praise Floats
I was reading through Romans 16 today and saw that the whole chapter was devoted to saying hello to his Roman friends. It encouraged the believers in Rome to greet openly the believers coming to Rome. Paul took the time to mention a few of them.
But what I want to focus on is the last two paragraphs. (The very last line is this week's verse>>>)
"All of our praise rises to the One who is strong enough to make you strong, exactly as preached in Jesus Christ, precisely as revealed in the mystery kept secret for so long but now an open book through the prophetic Scriptures. All the nations of the world can now know the truth and be brought into obedient belief, carrying out the orders of God, who got all this started, down to the very last letter."
Paul calls us to worship. Joining all creation with the heavens in one accord. Singing songs of glory to an incredible God! Letting our praise float to the sky like millions of balloons filled with the songs of the saints waiting to burst at the feet of God!
Okay, the balloon illustration sounds lame, I know, but it bears alot of depth. When the Holy Spirit consumes us bringing us to that point of total love, we can't hold it in! We have to release it in harmonies and melodies of such beauty.
There's a song that says "even the mountains wish they could sing". How great an oppourtunity we have to worship Jesus, and yet how many of us take the oppourtunity? Next wednesday at my church is Elevation. It's a night devoted to Jesus and giving him glory. No sermon. No games. Just praise. It sounds boring to some, but the true worshipers arise and create it one of the most awesome events at our church.
Anyhow, when praise floats... blessings fall....
But what I want to focus on is the last two paragraphs. (The very last line is this week's verse>>>)
"All of our praise rises to the One who is strong enough to make you strong, exactly as preached in Jesus Christ, precisely as revealed in the mystery kept secret for so long but now an open book through the prophetic Scriptures. All the nations of the world can now know the truth and be brought into obedient belief, carrying out the orders of God, who got all this started, down to the very last letter."
Paul calls us to worship. Joining all creation with the heavens in one accord. Singing songs of glory to an incredible God! Letting our praise float to the sky like millions of balloons filled with the songs of the saints waiting to burst at the feet of God!
Okay, the balloon illustration sounds lame, I know, but it bears alot of depth. When the Holy Spirit consumes us bringing us to that point of total love, we can't hold it in! We have to release it in harmonies and melodies of such beauty.
There's a song that says "even the mountains wish they could sing". How great an oppourtunity we have to worship Jesus, and yet how many of us take the oppourtunity? Next wednesday at my church is Elevation. It's a night devoted to Jesus and giving him glory. No sermon. No games. Just praise. It sounds boring to some, but the true worshipers arise and create it one of the most awesome events at our church.
Anyhow, when praise floats... blessings fall....
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
A long time ago....
Many people think that since the Bible is like a gagillion years old it has no meaning to us now-a-days. But I don't agree with that at all. Not just because it has been re-translated almost 100 times in the English language alone, but because the topics it discusses are still happening today.
Satan doesn't have any new tricks or any more brilliant schemes. He's just recycling the same junk he shoved upon people over 2,000 years ago. The answers for avoiding him is right before you.
"Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it's written for us. God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all."
-Roman's 15:4-6 (theMESSAGE)
Don't ignore the Word of God, believing that it is full of ancient junk. Read the Bible and take to heart the words of wisdom it brings.
Satan doesn't have any new tricks or any more brilliant schemes. He's just recycling the same junk he shoved upon people over 2,000 years ago. The answers for avoiding him is right before you.
"Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it's written for us. God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all."
-Roman's 15:4-6 (theMESSAGE)
Don't ignore the Word of God, believing that it is full of ancient junk. Read the Bible and take to heart the words of wisdom it brings.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Opinions....opinions....
There are many denomonations of Christianity. Many Christians believe in different ways, different traditions, events, choices, even Bibles. But as long as you have made Jesus your lover and Savior, who cares? I am what I am because I like it, and I feel it's the truth. I used to be a little stand-offish of other denomonations. I didn't think they were right but then in romans I discovered that that thought was wrong.
"For instance, a person who has been around for a while might well be convinced that he can eat anything on the table, while another, with a different background, might assume he should only be a vegetarian and eat accordingly. But since both are guests at Christ's table, wouldn't it be terribly rude if they fell to criticizing what the other ate or didn't eat?"
-Romans 14:2-4
Don't tear others down for what they believe. instead pray that what they believe is heading them in the right direction.
"For instance, a person who has been around for a while might well be convinced that he can eat anything on the table, while another, with a different background, might assume he should only be a vegetarian and eat accordingly. But since both are guests at Christ's table, wouldn't it be terribly rude if they fell to criticizing what the other ate or didn't eat?"
-Romans 14:2-4
Don't tear others down for what they believe. instead pray that what they believe is heading them in the right direction.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Citizenship
Isn't funny how we always say "God, I just don't get it!" or "I don't understand!" It's true, we won't understand everything. But there are many things we can comprehend. God lays these things out for us plain and simple.
What better comparison to obeying God's laws than the comparison of obeying man's laws? We are so cautious to obey the law, to do right by it's commands, and not to go against it. How much more important, then, is it to obey God's laws?
"Do you want to be on good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you'll get on just fine, the government working to your advantage. But if you're breaking the rules right and left, watch out."
-Romans 13:3-4 (theMESSAGE)
It's so plain and simple that a tard could pick it up within at least 5 minutes... maybe...
I believe that God loves object lessons and illustrations. Jesus taught in many different illustrations and stories. I think it's one of the most simplistic, yet effective, ways to tell someone about how to live for God. Look for these illustrations in the Bible, think on them, decode them, and then apply them.
What better comparison to obeying God's laws than the comparison of obeying man's laws? We are so cautious to obey the law, to do right by it's commands, and not to go against it. How much more important, then, is it to obey God's laws?
"Do you want to be on good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you'll get on just fine, the government working to your advantage. But if you're breaking the rules right and left, watch out."
-Romans 13:3-4 (theMESSAGE)
It's so plain and simple that a tard could pick it up within at least 5 minutes... maybe...
I believe that God loves object lessons and illustrations. Jesus taught in many different illustrations and stories. I think it's one of the most simplistic, yet effective, ways to tell someone about how to live for God. Look for these illustrations in the Bible, think on them, decode them, and then apply them.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Pay Back!
"Revenge is sweet" is a saying that has gone through all of our minds at one time or another. I believe that, though it was probably said by someone else origionally, this phrase came strait from the lips of Satan. He whispers it to our enraged and vulnerable souls, poisoning our minds with its deceitful joy. He lies to us, telling us that we will happier once we've gotten back at our enemies. All too often we believe Him.
Wether you're a bum on Broke Ave. or a stuck-up rich kid in Beverly Hills, you are in the pursuit of happiness. You're looking for that one thing that will bring you joy. That's why Satan pulls us in so easily by telling us that it will make us "happy".
Once you've achieved this happiness you are "happy" for a while, but the realization of what you've truly done is soon upon you. You are shocked by the realization that you've just sinned in the pursuit of happiness. Satan doesn't enjoy the sin you do but the shock of realization afterwards. We can't put on an enjoyable show for him any longer.
"Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. 'I'll do the judging,' says God. 'I'll take care of it.'"
-Romans 12:17-19 (theMESSAGE)
Why should we take matters into our own hands? All we do by fighting back is building up more rivalry. We can only stir up more hatred and more anger. By giving the situation to God we let God break that person. Not physically but by a more satisfying means. When God breaks you He humbles you...HARD. Even Jesus said that he wasn't on earth to judge! Are we so higher that Jesus?! Absolutely NOT! (Haha! Joke from Galatians! Haha!)
Be sure to check out the Verse of the Week to the side!
Wether you're a bum on Broke Ave. or a stuck-up rich kid in Beverly Hills, you are in the pursuit of happiness. You're looking for that one thing that will bring you joy. That's why Satan pulls us in so easily by telling us that it will make us "happy".
Once you've achieved this happiness you are "happy" for a while, but the realization of what you've truly done is soon upon you. You are shocked by the realization that you've just sinned in the pursuit of happiness. Satan doesn't enjoy the sin you do but the shock of realization afterwards. We can't put on an enjoyable show for him any longer.
"Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. 'I'll do the judging,' says God. 'I'll take care of it.'"
-Romans 12:17-19 (theMESSAGE)
Why should we take matters into our own hands? All we do by fighting back is building up more rivalry. We can only stir up more hatred and more anger. By giving the situation to God we let God break that person. Not physically but by a more satisfying means. When God breaks you He humbles you...HARD. Even Jesus said that he wasn't on earth to judge! Are we so higher that Jesus?! Absolutely NOT! (Haha! Joke from Galatians! Haha!)
Be sure to check out the Verse of the Week to the side!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Happily Confused
School and life have kept me from writing here, but I'll post every now and then when God gives me something to say.
Today I found a verse in Romans 11 (yes I'm still trying to get through it).
It said:
In one way or another, God makes sure that we all experience what it means to be outside so that he can personally open the door and welcome us back in.
Romans 11:32 (theMESSAGE)
I was really confused by this, but then it bagan to make sense. We get pushed through trials and troubles to show us our need for Jesus. When thought of it that way it almost seems like God likes putting us in almost impossible situations just to watch us fall. But He also said (somewhere in the Bible) that we will never be tempted beyond that which we can bear.
God loves picking us up when we fall but He'd much rather watch us turn to Him and stand up in our times of trouble or heartache.
If you're still confused, don't worry, you're not alone!
Romans 11 goes on to say:
Is there anyone around who can explain God?
Anyone smart enough to tell him what to do?
Anyone who has done him such a huge favor that God has to ask his advice?
We are all confused by God and some people can't stand dealing with that. But I am happily confused! I know that God knows all and is on my side. He watches after me and helps me out.
I don't have to see where I'm going, as long as I can hear my guide.
Today I found a verse in Romans 11 (yes I'm still trying to get through it).
It said:
In one way or another, God makes sure that we all experience what it means to be outside so that he can personally open the door and welcome us back in.
Romans 11:32 (theMESSAGE)
I was really confused by this, but then it bagan to make sense. We get pushed through trials and troubles to show us our need for Jesus. When thought of it that way it almost seems like God likes putting us in almost impossible situations just to watch us fall. But He also said (somewhere in the Bible) that we will never be tempted beyond that which we can bear.
God loves picking us up when we fall but He'd much rather watch us turn to Him and stand up in our times of trouble or heartache.
If you're still confused, don't worry, you're not alone!
Romans 11 goes on to say:
Is there anyone around who can explain God?
Anyone smart enough to tell him what to do?
Anyone who has done him such a huge favor that God has to ask his advice?
We are all confused by God and some people can't stand dealing with that. But I am happily confused! I know that God knows all and is on my side. He watches after me and helps me out.
I don't have to see where I'm going, as long as I can hear my guide.
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