Acts 4 - Peter's Sermon at Pentecost

 

Acts 4- Peter’s Sermon at Pentecost

In his sermon at Pentecost, Peter proved from the Scriptures that Jesus was alive; but now he proved it by the miraculous change in the beggar’s life. The man was healed through the power of the name of Jesus. The Sadducees did not believe in resurrection, so they wanted to put a stop to the ministry of the apostles. This was the beginning of the official persecution of Christians.

They were told to stop sharing the gospel and they recalled the words of Jesus Christ (Matt. 10:16-26) and depended on the Holy Spirit to help them, Furthermore, they were so filled with their message and with love for Christ that they could not stop telling people about Him!

They depended on prayer and directed their prayer to a sovereign God who made everything and can do anything. They based their petitions on Psalm 2, a marvelous Psalm to read when you are being attacked.

Sharing one’s faith or testimony should be guided by the Holy Spirit, not one’s education or experience.  Upon Peter and John’s report, the church then returned to what it does best; praying for the power of God to continue as they spread the gospel in Jerusalem and beyond.

In spite do the warning from the Sanhedrin, the apostles continued preaching the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, choosing to obey God rather than humans. Their boldness was the result of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible, J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

 

Acts 3 Priorities

 

Acts 3 – Priorities

 

Peter and John were not so caught up with large crowds that they had no time for individuals. Nor were they so busy in ministry that they could not pray. They had learned their lessons well from the Lord Jesus (Mark 1:35). Peter had directed the attention away from himself and toward Jesus – always the pattern for faithful preachers.

 

The emphasis is on the name of Jesus, the name above every name (Phil. 2:9-11). Faith in the name of Jesus releases power so that lives are changed. To pray or minister in His name means to ask or act on His authority (Matt. 28:18-20) so that He alone gets the glory.

 

At Pentecost, the sound of rushing wind drew the crowd; but here the witness of a changed life brought the people together. Peter told the people that he knew that they and the Jewish leaders had killed Jesus in ignorance and that Jesus appealed to the Father not to hold their sin against them (Luke 23:34), their sins could be blotted out if they would only repent and be converted (I Tim. 1:13). Thus, Peter had the opportunity to preach, and two thousand people were converted. Reach out to the individual and God will give you opportunities for a bigger harvest (John 4:28ff).

 

Peter’s conclusion: God in His mercy and grace, loves the Jewish people and will again turn His full attention to their nation after the church age is completed (Rom. 11:25,26).

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible.

Acts 2 The Spirit Came

 

Acts 2 – The Spirit Came

 

The Spirit came, not because the believers prayed but because the day of Pentecost had come, the day appointed for the “birthday of the church” (Lev. 23:15-21). He baptized the believers into one body (I Cor. 12:13) so that they had a living connection with their Head exalted in heaven. This is the birth of His spiritual body.

 

Spirit in both Greek and Hebrew speaks of wind, or breath. Just as man did not exist until the life-giving breath of Almighty God (Gen. 2:7), so the church did not come alive until God breathed forth the Holy Spirit.  The flames as of fire could well symbolize the purity and power with which these men would speak as they proclaimed what God had done.

 

The Spirit also filled the believers and empowered them for witness. He gave Peter insight into the Word and the ability to show men Christ in the Word. The Spirit used the witness of the church to convict the lost, just as Jesus said He would do. When Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit, God transformed his whole life.

 

But the same Holy Spirit assisted the believers in their church fellowship. The original group was outnumbered by the new believers, but there was still harmony in the church family. They worshiped daily and witnessed daily, and “The Lord added to the church daily.” The Spirit’s presence signified their baptism into the spiritual body, the church. Our experience with the Lord should also be daily.

 

Preaching Christ means to preach the person and the work of Christ – who He is and what He has done (I Cor. 1:23). Peter reminded the crowd of the miracles they had seen during the time of Jesus’ ministry on earth, which proved that He was who He claimed to be. He is Lord.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans for You. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. Through the Bible by J. Vernon McGee.

 

 

Acts 1 The Power of the Spirit

 

Acts 1– The Power of the Spirit

 

One hundred and twenty ordinary people hardly constitute an imposing army; but in a few days they would make an impact that is being felt even today. The same resources God gave them are still available to us.

 

Christ is the Head of the church (Eph. 1:22) and supplies life to His body, giving dynamic and direction to His people. What He began to do and teach, the church continues as He guides and empowers through His Spirit.

 

God’s power is available to God’s people who want to do His will and be His witnesses. You do not have to be an apostle to have the power of the Spirit in your life. (Eph. 5:18). Any attempted work of the church is doomed to failure without the Spirit. (John 16:7-11).

 

He is the Lord of history, working out His purposes in this world. The church may lose some battles, but we will win the war! Christ’s work in redemption rests primarily on His incarnation, His crucifixion, His resurrection, and His ascension. Just as He left, so would He reurn – in His glorified body. This is part of every Christians hope!

 

God shares His power with us as we pray and ask Him for His help. Throughout Acts, notice Luke’s emphasis on prayer. The first church was a praying church.

 

His Word is still our lamp and light (Ps. 119:105), and we must obey what it says. God guides His people when they are willing to follow.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better. If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. J. Vernon McGee Thru the Bible. Nelson’s Quick Reference. Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

 

John 21 Jesus the Master, Host, and Lord

John 21 – Jesus the Master, Host, and Lord

 

After Peter denied Christ, he returned to his old life, and he took six other men with him. Their work was in vain because the Lord was not with them. How kind Jesus is to come to us when we have disobeyed Him and have failed in our work!

When Jesus takes charge, failure is turned into success; and the difference was only the width of the ship! You never know how close you are to victory, so admit your failure and obey what He tells you to do. He never fails.

It took six men to drag the net, but Peter did it alone when Jesus gave the orders. We should always remember that “God’s commandment is God’s enablement.” Did the fire of coals remind Peter of his denials? Did the miraculous catch of fish remind him of his call to serve (Luke 5:1-11)? How kind of Jesus to feed Peter before dealing with him about his sins!

The most important thing in ministry is loving Christ, for all ministry flows from that. Peter the fisherman was also to be a shepherd and care for the lambs and sheep.

By saying, “Follow Me”, Jesus reinstated Peter as an apostle. But Peter turned around and took his eyes off the Lord (Matt. 14:30), and Jesus had to rebuke him. The next time you are tempted to meddle in somebody else’s ministry, ponder Christ’s words: “What is that to you? You follow Me!”

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary. Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

John 20 Confusion

 

John 20 Confusion

 

Mary jumped to conclusions and soon had Peter and John on the run. They were busy, but they had nothing to say and were accomplishing little. They saw the evidence for the Resurrection, but it did not change their lives. They needed a meeting with the living Christ. Their urgency to see the living Christ was due to excitement. Jesus’ disciples today should retell the story with the same excitement.

 

Unbelief blinds our eyes to the Lord’s presence. When He speaks His word to us, faith and love are rekindled. Mary was changed from a mourner to a missionary when she met the living Lord.

 

Locked doors will not give you peace, nor will they keep out your loving Savior. He comes with the message of peace based on His sacrifice on the cross (Romans 5:11). When Jesus showed them His wounds, they knew this was their Lord.

 

The Lord tenderly deals with our doubts and unbelief. We today cannot see Him or feel His wounds but have the Word of God to assure us. Rather than belittling Thomas for his doubts, Jesus welcomed his reach and touch, which moved Thomas from unbelieving to believing.  When your faith falters, do not ask for signs. Open His Word and let Him reassure you.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible

John 19 The Crown and the Cross

 

John 19 – The Crown and The Cross

 

Jesus and Pilate had been talking about a kingdom, so it was only right that the King have a crown. It was meant for mockery, but it preached a message, for Jesus was wearing the consequences of Adam’s sins (Gen. 3:17-19). But a crown is a sign of victory.  Even as the Roman guards held their mock coronation, they were unaware that the kingdom of God was truly at hand. He has overcome!

 

Jesus started out bearing His own cross, but then Simon was drafted to carry it for Him (Mark 15:21). We are not told why, although tradition says that Jesus fell and could not carry it. Considering all He had been through, that is not difficult to believe. Criminals carried the cross as a sign of guilt and Jesus was not guilty!

 

“It is finished!” was the cry of a conqueror, Jesus accomplished what all the old covenant sacrifices could not do (Heb. 10:1-18). The prophecies and types were fulfilled and the sacrifice for sins made once and for all forever. It was not a martyr that Joseph and Nicodemus put into the tomb, it was a victor. The price for all human sin was paid.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible