THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 2:29-36 “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” (Acts 2:36) Jesus is the promised messiah, Who will save us and restore God’s kingdom. Jesus is also the restored Adam, Lord of creation (Genesis 1:26-28). He is King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 17:14) We are the kings…
Because He lives!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 2:22-28 “It was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.” (Acts 2:24) Why was it impossible for death to keep it’s hold on Jesus? As a human, Jesus was subject to suffering and death. Death couldn’t hold Him because it had nothing to hold on to. The wages (or consequence)…
Open to God’s Spirit in me!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 2:14-21 “I will pour out my Spirit on all people.” (Acts 2:17) In Genesis 2, God breathes His Spirit into Adam (i.e. all humankind). When they sinned, Adam and Eve did not lose the Spirit of life. But they did lose the Spirit of fellowship and cooperation. They were separated from God, and…
Living for good with confidence!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 125 “The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land…” (Psalm 125:3) As a follower of Jesus, I believe that all creation belongs to God. God created all things and made humans responsible to rule it for God. But humans rebelled by listening to the Deceiver, and things went bad….
Just as Jesus accepts me!?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Romans 14-16 “Accept one another just as Christ accepted you…” (Romans 15:7) We are all so different. And we also have strong opinions about who is better. We look up to the strong, we look down on the weak. We criticize those who do not follow our religious traditions. We avoid the unacceptable,…
Living with Jesus, like Jesus, for Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Romans 12-13 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world…” (Romans 12:2) Thanks to Jesus, evil is defeated, God’s kingdom is coming! How then shall we live? … NOT like the world! “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2) Having received the Spirit of life, we can live like God…
Set my tongue on fire!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 2:1-13 “Tongues of fire separated and came to rest on each of them.” (Acts 2:3) I am trying to figure out what a “tongue of fire”. The word ‘glossa’ can literally mean the tongue, or a language. Either way, it normally has to do with the mouth. I imagine some kind of…
I’m a witness too!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 1:12-26 “Must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” (Acts 1:22) Why was only one chosen to witness to Jesus’ resurrection? My guess is to have twelve leaders, like the twelve tribes of Israel. Matthias is selected, but does that mean Joseph can’t witness? If he had actually seen Jesus alive…
Acts 29 still being written!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 1:1-11 “I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach…” (Acts 1:1) The four stories about Jesus tell us about Jesus’ time on earth. Now Luke (the author of Acts, see Luke 1:1-4) is writing the sequel. The book of Acts follows up on what Jesus began to do and…
Another book about Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 21:24-25 “The whole world wouldn’t have room for the books that would be written.” (John 21:25) How little we appreciate all that was accomplished through Jesus. Not enough room for all the books to be written? Like facets on a beautiful diamond, each reflecting the light of God’s love. This is why…