Acts 2:22-24, 32,33,37
"Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.
God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.
Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."
Note: Please take the time to read the entire passage, from verse 14-37. We excerpted the most relevant portions, leaving out some helpful material.
Questions:
- As you read this what are the first things that come to your mind?
- What in this text strikes you as remarkable?
- What are some points made by Peter?
- Why is there an emphasis on David?
- What point does Peter make about Jesus of Nazareth?
- Just what is Peter hoping to accomplish with this "first gospel sermon?"
- What from this text does our congregation need to hear?
What else is on your mind this week?
30 comments:
I got up sometime before 5.30 this morning, and I looked back toward my pond. A fire was burning in my newly renovated fire pit area. Luke and some of his friends spent the rest of their prom night back there. We got a call at 3 a.m. saying that Luke was leaving the After-Prom, which means they got out there sometime after that. As the sun rose I could tell that there were several young folks back there. I’ll find out later how many and who.
My guess is that most of our church kids will be in worship this morning. I don’t know how alert they will be. As I thought about that, I had a thought. Maybe we should have a sunrise worship on the Sunday morning of prom and invite anyone who wants to come. We would still have a 10.30 assembly, but I think we would have quite a few who would come to a 6.30 or 7.00 a.m. gathering, perhaps in the old building. What do you think?
Sorry that I left church early this morning but my stomach is still not doing well. Last night I got up three times to head off to the little boys room to empty my stomach and it was not a pretty sight. When I started hiccuping, I got a little worried there because the last time I had a hiccup that lasted over ten minutes, it went on for ten straight days (something I wouldn't wish on my worse enemy). When I puked for the last time, the hiccups went away. I doubt that it's a stomach virus since it only really bothers me right after I eat. Hope I didn't ruin anyone lunch/dinner/breakfast.
Tony and I ran the Kentucky Derby Mini-Marathon (13.1 miles) on Saturday morning in Louisville. He and Rhona picked me up at 4 a.m.. We got to the convention center in Louisville and picked up our race packets around 5.30 a.m. We boarded one of the fleet of buses that took us out to the start line, at the edge of Iroquois Park. We waited for a little more than hour for the race to start at 7.30. More than 10,000 runner lined up for the half marathon and a full marathon; most of them ran the half. The weather was perfect.
The course takes runners through Iroquois Park, which is pretty hilly! It then makes a little trip over to Churchill Downs. We ran through a tunnel and emerged on the infield. It was less than a thrilling experience actually, but it was kinda neat to see the twin spires. After you leave the downs you head straight downtown for the finish. Tony had an amazing run, running faster than he has in a few years! He has lost about 15 pounds, and that seems to have made a bigger difference than he anticipated. I had a mediocre run and was a little disappointed with my result but not too much; I really planned to be about 3 minutes faster. There were 8,992 finishers in the race. Tony finished 1,276th, and I finished 1,365th. His time was a little less than 1.51, and mine was a little less than 1.52.
Our next racing adventure is Run with the Foxes half marathon in Morgan-Monroe forest on May 19th. It is a 13.1 mile run on trails, including steep hills. I am looking forward to it.
Good Morning Everyone. What a beautiful one it is. Glorious Spring. One word stood out for me in the text regarding Jesus' sacrifice for us. He was 'poured' out, I think of emptied. When I think of poured, I think of watering flowers and plants. The benefit of water to the plant is life giving as it is to us as humans. It feeds the roots so that they can absorb life giving nutrients in the soil, it refreshes and prevents the plant from wilting, it evaporates into the air giving off life giving oxygen, even though we do not see it with our eyes, it is there. Likewise, His example and words in the Bible feed our souls allowing nourishment to reach our hearts and minds with valuable nutrients for our lives. He refreshes us every day and prevents us from 'wilting' by encouraging us to keep up the faith. We cannot see him physically now but we see His handiwork all around us and he does affect our lives for the good through His provisions and through His family. The thing that pours out from us is our thoughts and words and in my devotional this morning there was a good thought that I wanted to share from Max. Before you speak, ask: Will what I'm about to say help others become stronger? We have the ability with words to make a person stronger. Your words are to their soul what a vitamin is to our body. Of we have food, we would share it, if we have a drink and find someone thirsty we would share it. We should do the same for their hearts. Do we withhold encouragement from the discouraged? Do we keep affirmation from the beaten down? Speak words that make people stronger. Believe in them as God believes in you. ML Grace for the Moment II. Have a wonderful day everyone. Love, Sherron
Wow! What a day!
Last week I talked a little bit about what is going on in Turkey. Yesterday there was a huge protest regarding the possibility that the country is leaning more toward becoming an Islamic state; you can read about it HERE and/or HERE.
A few months ago in my sunday school class (allen's) I said a few things about my place of work. How management really doesn't care etc etc. We are a specialty unit, only 12 people and I added up our yrs of experience (that I knew of- could be more) and it came to 260 collective yrs. Management came up with a merit system of pay increase, its elaborate , pages and pages for just one person which takes a long time to compile. The majority of us all fit under the merit raise guidelines, but none of us have ever received it....why? because management said only a sm portion of employees housewide could get it period. It just looks good on paper that we have this system, never mind that hardly anyone gets a merit raise. We are told by our boss that we are the best of the best yada yada yada. What a joke...put it in the paycheck...
So in saying all this, last night at work my team member informed me she was going to treat me to take out tonight because no matter what I always do a good job, never get upset, and never ask for help. My response was its my job thats what I am supposed to do. She just wanted me to know how much she likes to work with me and she appreciates me. I was so touched I got all teary eyed.
This is the second blessing in less than a week plus Ashley graduating with honors from Ivy tech....life can't get much better than this...thank you God for giving me just what I need, right when I need it.
Annette
Last week I heard from most of my ACU cohort – the group of guys that started together pursuing our doctoral degrees. Three of us finished last May, and three more are graduating in about 2 weeks. One will finish next year, and one didn’t make it. Our cohort was named “The Waterboys,” because we drank gallons of water instead of coffee, which is pretty unusual evidently. Our “insider” language always makes reference to this, and we have watched the movie together. I really miss my trips to Texas, and I really miss fellowshipping with my fellow Waterboys. We sure drank a lot of “quality H2O” during our time together, which began in the Summer of 2003. It’s amazing how pleasant it is to reminiscence. Memory, and the remembrance of the past are so important. It shapes who we are today. I guess that’s why God places such a high value on memory.
My six buddies are scattered around the U.S. and do various things. One preaches in Tyler, TX; one started a non-profit para-church organization in Abilene, working with primarily minority populations. Another one preaches for an International Church of Christ in Omaha; one preaches for a church in Houston. One of the guys who graduates this month has been asked to teach undergrad classes at ACU, and the one who will finish next year is a small group minister in Lebanon, Tennessee. We’d like to get together, but, as you can see, that’s not easy.
Kedra, Rebecca, and Ben return from Alabama today. Kedra’s father had his (postponed) back surgery yesterday. It went well. Kedra and kids went down Sunday afternoon. Lester had his last class yesterday and does not have a final until Friday, so he came home. He joined Luke in working on the Bronco. They are doing a great job. Troy loaned them a plasma cutter, so they have cut out the flares on the fenders to accommodate the big tires that Lester got off ebay. He got quite a deal, actually. I’m sure he’d be glad to tell you about it.
We did have a little incident that involved fire. Lester was cutting one of the fenders when I noticed that the inside of the Bronco was filling with smoke rapidly. I said, with my best fatherly voice, “I think we have a problem.” And we did. After a couple of attempts we got it all out. It just melted a bunch of interior stuff that you don’t need for a mud machine anyway!
Hey Annette, that's really neat.
We appreciate you also.
For some blog etiquette thoughts and tips you can click HERE.
In reading the text and the footnotes in my bible and hearing peter say 'you should have known, you should have known' it makes me think about the coming of the anti-christ and how the church will deal with the 'you should have known'. The anti-christ is supposed to fool many people and it makes sense that it could very well divide the church family. If for instance, just as an example, Allen was fooled by the anti-christ, where would that leave the rest of us? Do we as a church family have anything set in place that would keep us bound together? Sorry if this is too far out there.
Annette
Hey all.
Not really the subject matter this week, but following along with some of the discussion. Annette eludes to some recent events in her life and how blessed she is and feels. Allen with great joy has told and again this week of some events with his children and his cohorts at ACU. Again examples of how blessed he is and feels. Today I took my daughter's recent school pictures to work. Two co workers who know them went on about how beautiful they are. I was thinking earlier about how special they are too. Darci has recieved all A's all through school and this year she has gotten more A+'s than regular A's. Pretty amazing. Despite the normal teenage challenges she has done remarkable. Bret has and does well with all A's and God has given her some gifts in talents. Wow, what a blessing in both of them. It is a shame that we don't stop and think about how blessed we are often enough!
RR
I second the emotion, especially about kids. A student stopped in my office last week and saw the picture of my kids and started talking about how children are just this incorruptable treasure--and he's right: nothing can change what they are and have been to their Dad and I. I have a colleague who stops in with her four year old daughter once or twice a week. Little Eleanor always asks to hold the picture of "big Abby" when she is here. Eleanor met Abby at Thanksgiving when we had the family over for dinner and has been in love with her since. Another picture I have in my office is of a group of friends and teachers I graduated with last summer. Their friendship blesses me, but even in their absence, they continue to bless others. One of my friends in the picture is black. I had a difficult student last semester (a black male) who was, understandably, defensive and suspicious of the people on campus who were trying to help him. Our campus is very white. We don't have a single black faculty member. Well, he came to my office one day and was looking around and saw the picture. He asked, pointing to my black friend, "is he your friend?" I said yes. After that the sweatshirt hood came off the head and he started to relax. Then I could work with him. Our friends and family--and the fact that we show honor to them through pictures or stories like Allen and Annette share--bless beyond what they know. also, I have this friend, Jesus....
Been thinking about the passage. The Spirit gets everyone’s attention in a most dramatic way, which then precipitates the question, “What does this mean?” Peter gets up and explains the miracle in a way that people will begin to know “what it means” for them. [Is this a fairly typical pattern in Acts: miracle following by practical explanation/application?]
How does our experience parallel this? How can we get people’s attention to lovingly say, “Listen to this,” as we lead in to telling the story of our Friend? How does the Spirit work today to attract people so he can point them to Jesus? Hint: I think Jillena’s post gives a lot of good insight.
Last Sunday after worship a woman came to me explaining that her husband had lost his wedding ring. They were uncertain when and where he last had it. She wanted to alert me to this just in case someone would turn it in. No one did. Later in the afternoon she called to tell me that they found the ring. She was joyful, and I rejoiced with her. [I thought it very nice of her to inform me, also.]
It reminded me of Luke 15 and the woman who lost one of her coins. Some scholars think the coin was a part of a headdress, thus something very sentimental.
”Suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
I want to go back to Annette’s post for a little bit. The issue of the antichrist is complex and confusing, to say the least. Paul seems to suggest that it is one person in 2 Thessalonians 2. John suggests in his epistles (1st and 2nd John) that the antichrist could be anyone. Here is 2 John 1:7:
Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist
The whole area of eschatology (study of the last things) is extremely interesting, but to me, way too many people spend way too much time thinking/worrying about it. This is one of things the world finds ridiculous about Christianity, I think. I recently saw a parody about all this on some mainstream TV show; can’t remember which one now.
The focus that Jesus and Paul place on the end of time is this: BE READY. Read Matthew 24 for example. I used to have a guy at H.U. come into my office on a regular basis to talk about bar codes and other marks of the beast. He was passionate about all the things that were pointing to the “tribulation.” I finally said, “You know I just don't worry about that stuff.” He was surprised and disappointed. I went on, “If I have faith in God and trust his promises, then what do I have to worry about?” I actually think that is what Jesus is saying; Paul too.
I think our focus must be on spiritual formation. The world, for the most part, does not make fun of transformed lives that look like Jesus. Think about how the world admired the Amish during the school shooting tragedy. If I am formed into the image of God, by the power of the Spirit, then why worry about bar codes? I’ve read Revelation many times and have taught it a few times, and the point is that Christians win; no matter what happens, we still reign.
BUT Annette raises a good point. How do you know if I, or anyone else who teaches, is telling the truth or is being influenced by evil? I think a couple of things are important. First, remember what Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount? “By their fruit you will know them.” The second thing, which is really crucial, is that we are all in communities of learning and study. The Bereans, in Acts 17:11, are role models.
Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
I think you can discern when someone is opening themselves up to evil. What do you think?
I also think that transformed lives–lives bearing fruit (of the Spirit)–are what matters. It is a sign of formation, evidence of the Spirit’s leading, and “proof” of the Resurrection. What do you think?
Thanks, Allen for the last post. I too think too many people place too much enphasis on 'end times' and forget the present time they are in. How much effort is expended studying and mulling over these theories that could be better spent elsewhere in the time at hand. It is true that when we live our lives quietly, with respect for others and gratitude for our blessings from God, our family and our Christian family and in reaching out that we are preparing for His second coming. It is just seems senseless to worry about these things. If we live today as if it were our last-knowing the outcome and the promise of Heaven-why worry. As I was looking at my flowers yesterday and pondering over the possibility that I will not see the newly planted wysteria bloom since it takes seven years I thought, someone else will see it bloom and it will be a blessing to them. I have no plans to leave this earth yet but God holds my plan in His hands. Two indigo bunting birds came to the feeders yesterday for my pleasure, on Saturday two rose breasted grosbeaks came and the pair of red headed woodpeckers and the 15-20 goldfinches light up the back yard with color and I see God. Have a blessed day everyone. I love hearing from all of you. Sherron
That was good Sherron. I have been trying to make my life simpler and weed out as much as I can to leave time to enjoy the simple things. Pluck, this can go, Pluck, that can go....and while doing this I actually 'planted' a new thing that is so exciting to me I can't wait to do it. Noni called me the other day about some flower seeds and while we were talking we came up with a plan to go cut wildflowers from the side of the road on saturdays so Noni can make flower arrangements to bring to church. I really really really love doing that, driving through the country cutting flowers, oh I can't wait!!
Annette
P.S. I also get Noni to myself for the WHOLE time!
Annette
I think you can discern when someone is opening themselves up to evil. What do you think?
I think that sometimes, yes, the
Spirit opens you up to this kind of knowing, for a reason. BUT I think that if you discern this, you must proceed very much under the Spirit's guiding for how to approach the person, how you humbly help or confront them. The other thing I want to say about this is that because we may discern this in some people, we do not necessarily discern ALL evil that everyone around us does. I am thinking of the four women (a staggering number to me) who have sat in my office this semester scared and stumped about what to do in the face of verbal abuse, stalking and emtional threats made to them by their husbands/boyfriends. They don't know who to go to, because they don't know who will believe them--two them have active christian church lives, but they "know" the people there won't believe them because their husbands act so friendly to everyone at church. In terms of discernment of evil,I think we have to humbly accept what we perceive, proceed with the guidance of the Spirit and don't ever assume. I think, as in everything, God uses us where we will work best--and that just isn't always everywhere.
P.S. i want to clarify--I wasn't "the answer" for these women. I just pointed them toward the counseling center and told them they could come cry on my loveseat anytime, or if they needed a safe place...
I'm glad that Sherron (and some other folks) are among those lucky people who can actually see God's hand in the natural world. Nature is not my friend. Sherron sees beautiful birds (and actually knows the species!)I KILLED a bird today, quite by accident. He was trapped in the garage, apparently near the door. I went out to the garage, opened the door, and must've scared the little guy to pieces. I screamed, he screamed (honest, he screamed, he really did!) and cold-cocked himself against the window. Dropped onto the workbench, dead as a hammer. There must be something deeply wrong with my spiritual life. Other people encounter nature and get closer to God; I encounter nature and get poison sumac.:)
Donna
Donna’s post was a good way to begin the day with a laugh. It keeps me from crying as I think about spending $68+ to fill up Smokey yesterday.
Donna & Annette & Allen. You all are a joy. Great way to start the day. Growing up on a farm and never going anywhere (honestly) forces you to find fun in the world around you and having a wonderful set of grandparents and parents to show it all to us and appreciate it themselves rubbed off on me and my sisters and brothers, all seven of us. Have a blessed day and Annette, have fun with Noni. What a treasure she is. You all made my day. Love, Sherron
Donna, you make me laugh. I appreciate everything about you. Thanks for sharing your "bird story". Jamie
Maybe you should downgrade to a moped, eh Allen? 75 MPG for those things:)
My sister Greta from Terre Haute, who spent the weekend with us last week (with her husband Sonny) is now reading the blog and enjoying it. She lived in Mitchell for a short time several years ago and her two sons (now grown) were regular campers at Spring Mill Bible camp. She was baptized at Central and was with us until they moved to Terre Haute. When she moved back she got our mom going to church with her and she was baptized into the Lord there. It's like we have come full circle. She really enjoys your comments and loved the story of Donna's bird. You never know how far your reach can go through such a simple and enjoyable means of communication we bloggers all enjoy. Love you all. Thanks for your influence. It's like ripples of water in a pond, it goes on and on. God bless you all. Sherron
Just a few quick hits this morning (don’t have my sermon done and am going for a long run and to Alabama).
I think the moped is a good idea! It would probably be better this Summer than an air-conditionless Smokey, especially when I am all dressed up for a funeral, for example. I would look pretty good tooling down the road in a suit on a moped, don’t you think? I like it.
Welcome, Greta! If you are anything like Sherron, then we would love to know you better.
For an interesting article about interesting numbers, click HERE. This will happen on Sunday.
Wish I had more time. I have a whole bunch of blog post ideas that I have written down. I’ll save them for next week.
I would appreciate your prayers for “traveling mercies” as Kedra and I make our way to Alabama around midday.
We made it to Alabama late yesterday afternoon, but it was a longer than usual trip due to heavy rain at times. Kedra’s father is somewhat improved, but won’t leave the hospital until at least Monday.
We'll return home sometime tonight.
Today was a wonderful day and I would give 50 percent of the thanks to Trey. At the event yesterday down at Ace, Trey came and told me that everything was going to be alright even though he did not know about me losing my job at the regenaration. By him telling me this it took all the concerns and stress off of me and my day has gone well since. Thanks Trey. Yesterday when I was told that I was no longer needed at the Regenaration, it felt like someone took a hook and rammed it down my back. I wont go into the detail of what had happened because if I do that then I will be talking negative about the store/worker and I don't want to leave any bad expression on the house that God started. I know that since Matt left the store business has dropped big time. In the last three weeks we have not really sold any clothes. Yesterday was the first time in three weeks that clothes in the back has been taking out front. There is a verse in the bible that reads, what door God opens, no man can close. I have accepted that verse, so man did not close the door but God did and there is a purpose and reasoning for it. I trust in God to the max so if this door was close, a better door will open soon. Trey showed that to me when he said, everything is going to be alright.
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