DON'T LET GOD HAVE TO KNOCK YOU DOWN TO GET YOUR ATTENTION

 

DON'T LET GOD HAVE TO KNOCK YOU DOWN TO GET YOUR ATTENTION

PROCLAMATION

“And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus; and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven.  And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, ‘Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?’  And he said, ‘Who art Thou, Lord?’  And The Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom thou persecutest; it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.’ ”  Acts 9:3-5 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

These are the acts of the apostles of Jesus, The Christ, as written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Luke records that Saul was present when they stoned Stephen. (Acts 7:57-58)  After that Saul went from house to house arresting believing men and women and putting them in prison. (Acts 8:3)  Then Saul went to the high priest and requested letters authorizing him to arrest any believers he found in Damascus and to take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. (Acts 9:1-2)  He was on his way to Damascus when The Lord God knocked him to the ground, spoke to him, and blinded him. (Acts 9:3-7)  The men with him heard a sound but saw no man.  When Saul got up from the ground they led him by hand to Damascus.  He was there for three days without food or drink. (Acts 9:8-9)  After three days, The Lord God told Ananias to lay his hands on Saul to restore his sight.  At first Ananias was reluctant because of Saul’s reputation, but he did as The Lord God told him and Saul regained his sight. (Acts 9:10-18)  Saul was baptized and began to preach about Christ. (Acts 9:18-20)  Those who heard him were amazed and confused because of his reputation for arresting believers.  The more he preached, the more the Jewish leaders got upset with him and soon they were plotting to kill him. (Acts 9:21-24)  The disciples hid him from them, and then Barnabas took him to the apostles and told them how he had preached boldly in Damascus.  Then Saul joined them in Jerusalem and continued to preach in the name of Jesus. (Acts 9:25-29)   

APPLICATION

Saul was a zealous persecutor of believers until he had an encounter with The Lord God on the road to Damascus.  The Lord had to knock him down and blind him in order to get his attention.  He became a believer after that encounter with The Lord.  Like the Apostle Thomas who would not believe that Christ rose from the dead until he saw proof for himself, (John 20:25-29) Saul did not believe until he had a personal experience with The Lord.  Jesus said, “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)  Don’t let The Lord God have to knock you down in order to get your attention.  If we hear His voice, we ought to listen to Him, invite Him into our lives, and obey Him. (Revelation 3:20)

MONEY CANNOT BUY THE GIFTS OF GOD

PROCLAMATION

“And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands The Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, saying, ‘Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, may receive The Holy Ghost.’  But Peter said unto him, ‘Thy money perish with thee, because thou thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.’ ”  Acts 8:18-20 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These are the acts of the apostles of Jesus, The Christ, as written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Luke records that on the day that Stephen was stoned to death, a great persecution of believers began in Jerusalem.  Saul began to destroy the church putting believers in prison. (Acts 8:1-3)  The disciples, except for the twelve apostles, scattered throughout Judea and Samaria but they preached the gospel wherever they went. (Acts 8:4-7)  In Samaria a man named Simon, who practiced sorcery, heard the gospel, believed, was baptized, and began to follow Philip wherever he went. (Acts 8:9-13)  When Simon saw that the apostles could lay their hands on people and they would receive The Holy Spirit, he offered them money to give him that ability.  Peter told him that he had no part in their ministry because his heart was not right.  He needed to repent of his wickedness and pray to be forgiven. Then Simon asked Peter to pray for him. (Acts 8:18-24)  Afterwards, the angel of The Lord spoke to Philip and told him to go south, on the road which leads from Jerusalem to Gaza.  On the way he met an Ethiopian eunuch who was sitting in his chariot reading the scriptures from the prophet Isaiah.  Philip asked him if he understood what he was reading. (Acts 8:26-30)  The eunuch said, “How can I , unless someone explains it to me?”  Then Philip got into the chariot and explained the scriptures to him.  As they travelled, they came to a large body of water and the eunuch asked what prevented him from being baptized.  They stopped, Philip baptized him, and as they came up out of the water, The Holy Spirit took Philip away. (Acts 8:30-40)

 

APPLICATION

Simon, who considered himself to be someone great, (Acts 8:9) did not want to buy ability to heal others, he wanted the power to give others the ability to heal.  This causes his motives to be questioned.  The gifts of God cannot be bought nor earned.  The Lord God gives them to us, or to whomever He chooses, based upon our ability to handle them. (Matthew 25:15)  Some people think that they can get whatever they want with money.  The love of money can control and ruin a person. (1 Timothy 6:10)  Our service for The Lord God is not for our personal or financial gain.  Our service should be done because we love of God and want to glorify Him.

 

 

PRAY FOR THEOSE WHO DESPITEFULLY USE YOU AND PERSECUTE YOU

PROCLAMATION

“And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’  And  he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, ‘Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.’  And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”  Acts 7:59-60 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These are the acts of the apostles of Jesus, The Christ, as written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  After being arrested for teaching and speaking about Jesus, The Christ, (Acts 6:12) Stephen spoke before the Sanhedrin council.  He recounted for them the life of Abraham, the father of the faithful, from the time when God appeared to Him and told him to leave his home country and go to the land that He would show him. (Acts 7:1-7)  He continued and told them about the lives of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. (Acts 7:8-19)  He told them about the birth and life of Moses, (Acts 7:20-44) and then he told them about Joshua, David, and Solomon. (Acts 7:45-47)  He ended by calling them “stiff-necked people” just like their ancestors and then said that they murdered Christ. (Acts 7:51-53)  The members of the Sanhedrin were furious with him.  They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. (Acts 7:54-58)  It was as they were stoning him that he prayed the above prayer. (Acts 7:59-60)

 

APPLICATION

Jesus, The Christ, taught us that we should love our enemies. (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27 and Luke 6:35)  Some of us, although we are Christians, are not there yet and we are still working on this.  However, Stephen was a man full of God’s grace. (Acts 6:8)  He followed the teachings of Christ, (Matthew 5:44) even to the point of praying for his enemies while they were stoning him to death. (Acts 7:59-60)  We need to understand that if we choose to follow and speak up for Christ, the people of the world are not going to like us and may even hate us.  However, He said, “Blessed are you when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake.  Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven …” (Matthew 5:11-12)  

 

BELIEVERS CAN BE FULL OF GOD'S GRACE AND POWER

PROCLAMATION

“And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.”  Acts 6:8 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These are the acts of the apostles of Jesus, The Christ, as written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  As the number of disciples multiplied, there was complaining and murmuring among the people that some of the widows were not being served food.  The twelve apostles gathered all of the multitude of disciples together.  They asked them to select from among themselves seven men, who were full of The Holy Spirit and wisdom, to whom they could delegate this responsibility. (Acts 6:1-4)  Stephen was one of the seven men selected. (Acts 6:5)  These believers were laymen and are considered to be the first deacons.  They were all well versed in The Word of God and they spoke well.  The apostles prayed over them and laid their hands on them, and these men were blessed.  Stephen was full of God’s grace and power, and he was able to perform signs and great wonders. (Acts 6:6-10)  It is possible that all seven of these men were blessed with the ability to do this.  However, Stephen was such a powerful witness for the gospel of Jesus, The Christ, that he incurred the hatred of the Sadducees and they plotted against him. (Acts 6:10-15)

 

APPLICATION

It is important to note that Stephen and the other six men were selected out of the group of believers.  They were students of God’s Word.  They were not priests or apostles, but they had good reputations, and were full of wisdom and The Holy Spirit, (Acts 6:3) and full of God’s grace and power. (Acts 6:8)  If we truly believe and are serious students of The Word of God, then each of us could be used by The Lord God to be a powerful witness for Christ.  It is not just the preachers that God can use to do His work.  We all can do great things for Him if we are faithful and willing to be used by Him.

 

 

IT IS NOT GOOD TO LIE TO GOD

PROCLAMATION

“But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, and kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. … But Peter said, ‘Ananias … thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.’  And Ananias hearing these words fell down and gave up the ghost. … And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.  And Peter answered unto her, ‘Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much?  And she said, ‘Yea, for so much.  Then Peter said unto her, ‘How is it that ye agreed together to tempt The Spirit of The Lord?  Behold the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.’  Then she fell down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost; and the young men … carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.  And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.”  Acts 5:1-11 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These are the acts of the apostles of Jesus, The Christ, as written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  All of the believers at that time were on one accord. (Acts 4:32)  So that there would be no needy among them, from time to time those who owned property would sell some of their property and bring the full price which they had received and place it at the feet of the apostles. (Acts 4:34-37)  When Ananias and Sapphira sold their property, they kept part of the profits for themselves and brought the rest to the church and lied claiming that they had brought the church the full price.  They came to the church separately but they both lied about the price which they had received for their property.  They both were struck down and died where they stood for lying to God. (Acts 5:1-11)  The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people and multitudes of believers, both men and women, were added to the church. (Acts 5:12-14)  The people brought multitudes of sick folks to them and they healed all of them.  This upset the Sadducees and they had the apostles arrested. (Acts 5:15-18)  The angel of The Lord freed them and they went back to preaching and teaching in the temple and they were arrested a second time. (Acts 5:19-42)

 

APPLICATION

We are to give to The Lord God as He has prospered us (1 Corinthians 16:2) and as we determine in our hearts the amount which we can give cheerfully, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)  The problem here is that Ananias and Sapphira lied about their giving. (Acts 5:1-11)  The sin is in lying about the amount that we give.  God will not be mocked. (Galatians 6:7)

THERE IS NO OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN WHEREBY WE MUST BE SAVED

PROCLAMATION

“Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”  Acts 4:12 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These are the acts of the apostles of Jesus, The Christ, as written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  While they were still in the temple, after having healed the forty year old man who was lame from birth, the priests, the captain of the temple guard, the Sadducees, the rulers, and the teachers of the law, came upon Peter and John and had them arrested for preaching and teaching proclaiming Jesus, The Christ, and the resurrection of the dead. (Acts 4:1-3)  When they were brought before the Sanhedrin council, they were questioned and asked, “By what power or what name did you do this?”  Peter answered them saying, “… It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.” (Acts 4:7-10)  He then quotes the scriptures to them saying that Jesus is “the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.” (Psalm 118:22 and repeated in Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10, and Luke 20:17)  Then he boldly told them, “… there is none other name under heaven … whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)  After conferring among themselves, the Sanhedrin council “commanded” them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus and then they let them go. (Acts 4:13-22)  Upon their release, Peter and John returned to their own people and prayed.  After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken and they were all filled with The Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. (Acts 4:23-31)  And the multitude of them that believed were all on one accord.  The apostles preached with great power, and God’s grace was upon all of them and none of the people lacked for anything. (Acts 4:32-37)

 

APPLICATION

There is power in the name of Jesus, The Christ.  There is no other name, person, or thing under heaven which has that kind of power.  Whatever we ask in His name will be done, that is, if it is for the glory of God.  All who call on His name, believing in Him, will be saved.  Whoever is saved must be saved by Him for there is no other way to salvation. (Romans 1:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:9, and 2 Timothy 3:15)  Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto The Father, but by Me.” (John 14:6)  Believe and call upon His name, for it is through Him that we live, move, and have our very being. (Acts 17:28)  It is only through Christ that are we saved from the penalty of our sins. (Romans 6:23)

 

 

SUCH AS I HAVE I GIVE

PROCLAMATION

“Then Peter said, ‘Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee;  In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.’ ”  Acts 3:6 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These are the acts of the apostles of Jesus, The Christ, as written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  After the day of Pentecost, receiving The Holy Spirit, (Acts 2:1-4) and preaching to the crowd, (Acts 2:14-41) Peter and John went to the temple.  There was a man outside of the temple gate called Beautiful, who was lame from birth, begging for money. (Acts 3:1-3)  Peter said to him, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I to thee; In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” (Acts 3:6)  Immediately the man jumped to his feet, and began to walk, and he went into the temple with them and praised God. (Acts 3:8)  The people in the temple recognized the man and came running to Peter and John.  Then Peter admonished them and told them that this was done by the power of Jesus, The Christ, whom they had handed over to Pilate to be crucified. (Acts 3:12-13)  Peter also said that they disowned Christ before Pilate and asked for the release of a murderer when Pilate wanted to let Him go.  He said that they killed The Prince of Life and God raised Him from the dead.  It was through faith in Him that this man was made whole. (Acts 3:14-16)  Then Peter said that He knows that they acted out of ignorance, and then he told them to repent.(Acts 3:17-26)

 

APPLICATION

There are plenty of people today begging for money.  There are also plenty of them who would appreciate something to eat or some warm clothing.  We who have been blessed with a lot should share with those who are less fortunate.  We have clothes that just hang in our closets, which someone else could make good use of.  We also have shoes that we do not wear which someone else could use.  If you don’t want to give them money, you could pay for their meal.  Donate something to a shelter.  Such as we have, especially when we have an excess, we should give to the less fortunate.  We are blessed by The Lord God in order to be a blessing to others.  He that blesses others shall himself also be blessed. (Proverbs 11:25)

 

 

FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

PROCLAMATION

“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind … and there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.  And they were all filled with The Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as The Spirit gave them utterance. … Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.”  Acts 2:2-6 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These are the acts of the apostles of Jesus, The Christ, as written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  After the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, The Christ, when the day of Pentecost came, all of His disciples were all in one place and on one accord. (Acts 1:9-14 and 2:1)  There was a sound like a blowing violent wind, and they saw what appeared to be tongues of fire which came and sat upon each one of them.  Each of the 120 men and women in the upper room (Acts 1:13-15) was filled with The Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues, languages other than their own, (Acts 2:4) and each person in the crowd that gathered heard them speak in their own language. (Acts 2:6)  The crowd included people from the surrounding areas who spoke different dialects and languages. (Acts 2:8-11)  Then the apostle Peter stood up and spoke to the crowd. (Acts 2:14-40)  After Peter’s sermon, three thousand people joined the church and were baptized that day. (Acts 2:41)  The people devoted themselves to the apostles’ doctrine, and the fellowshipped and prayed with them.  They met daily either in the temple courts, or in each other’s homes. (Acts 2:42-47)  The Lord God added new members to the church daily as He determined should be saved. (Acts 2:47)

 

APPLICATION

Believers are filled with The Holy Spirit of God the moment we believe. (Romans 8:9)  Today, however, there seems to have been a misunderstanding of “speaking in tongues.”  Speaking in tongues means speaking in a foreign language or dialect, usually an ancient one, without having learned or been taught the language.  It is done for the benefit of someone who speaks and understands that language or dialect to help the church grow.  When one is given the gift of speaking in tongues, it is for the edification of the church, and there should always be someone else present who has been given the gift of the interpretation of tongues so that the church is edified. (1 Corinthians 12:28-30 and 14:4-5)  Speaking in tongues is not necessary in order to speak to God, for He speaks and understands all languages.  Prayers can be in any language or utterance.   Our spoken words, in whatever tongue or language, should be helpful to someone. (Colossians 4:6)

 

YOU WILL RECEIVE POWER FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT

PROCLAMATION

“ ‘But ye shall receive power, after that The Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.’  And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight.”  Acts 1:8-9 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, and the acts of the apostles, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, as recorded by Luke, the physician and frequent traveling companion of the Apostle Paul.  Forty days after His resurrection from the dead, (Acts 1:3) Jesus spoke these words to His disciples just before His ascension to heaven. (Acts 1:6-9)  Jesus told them not to leave Jerusalem until they had been baptized by The Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:4-5)  He said that they would receive power when The Holy Spirit came upon them and they would be witnesses for Him to all the earth. (Acts 1:8)  After this, as His disciples watched, He was taken up into heaven on a cloud.  Even after He had disappeared from sight, they continued to stare up at the clouds.  Then two angels appeared unto them and asked them why they were looking into the sky.  The angels said the same way that He left, is the way He will return. (Acts 1:9-11)  Then the disciples left the Mount of Olives and returned to Jerusalem.  They gathered in the upper room with the women who followed Him, and with His mother Mary and His brothers, and others.  There were about 120 of them gathered there and they were all on one accord with prayer and supplication. (Acts 1:12-15)  Chapter one ends with the selection of Matthias as the replacement for Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Christ and then killed himself. (Acts 1:18-26)

 

APPLICATION

These 120 men and women (Acts 1:14-15) which had gathered in the upper room were all on one accord even before they received The Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:1-4)  Today, we receive The Holy Spirit of God the very moment that we believe and accept Christ as our Lord and Savior.  We also receive spiritual power to be witnesses for Christ because The Holy Spirit dwells within each of us. (Ezekiel 36:26-27)  Although we did not physically walk with Christ, or directly witness His death, burial, and resurrection, we have heard the account of those who were witnesses and we have believed. (John 20:29)  We must choose to do the right thing and obey The Lord God. (Romans 7:19-23)   We have the power but we must choose to walk the walk with Christ.  We need to pray for Him to help us to let our light so shine before men that they may see our good works and give God glory. (Matthew 5:16)

 

THE POST RESURRECTION FISH FRY BREAKFAST

PROCLAMATION

“As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.  Jesus saith unto them, ‘Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.’ …  Jesus saith unto them, ‘Come and dine.’ …  This is now the third time that Jesus showed Himself to His disciples, after that He was raised from the dead.”  John 21:9-14 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to the Apostle John and were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this final chapter, John records the conversation and the events related to the post resurrection fish fry breakfast that Jesus had with His disciples.  Jesus appeared to His disciples a third time by the Sea of Galilee.  They had been fishing all night and had not caught anything. (John 21:1-3)  Early the next morning, standing on the shore Jesus told them to cast their nets on the right side of their boat.  They did as He told them and they caught more fish than they could haul in. (John 21:4-6)  When they landed, they saw that Jesus had prepared a fish fry breakfast for them.  He told them to bring over some of the fish they had just caught. (John 21:9-14)  Jesus sat and ate with them.  He feed them physically and then tells them to feed His sheep, speaking figuratively. (John 21:15-17)  Most of the Bible scholars think that Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him three times, and Peter responded “yes” three times, to clearly reinstate Peter who had denied Him three times. (John 18:15-18 and 18:25-27)  The Bible Book of John ends by testifying that what he had written was true and he stated that Jesus did many other things which were not written down. (John 21:24-25)

 

APPLICATION

There are times when we think that we know what we are doing, but The Word of God tells us to do something which is contrary to our way of doing things, as Jesus did here with these fishermen. (John 21:5-6)  We will be much more productive and effective if we would do things His way.  We would also be much more effective if we would feast on God’s Holy Word before we try to share it with others.  None of us is perfect; we all sin and occasionally break our fellowship with The Lord God and we have to be “reinstated”.  Our heavenly family membership status does not change but we can lose the joy of our fellowship with Him.  We need to ask to be forgiven for our sins and to pray as David prayed, “… Create in me a clean heart … renew a right spirit within me … Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation …” (Psalm 51:9-13)

 

 

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO BELIEVE WITHOUT SEEING

PROCLAMATION

“Then saith He to Thomas, ‘Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side …’  And Thomas answered and said unto Him, ‘My Lord and my God.’  Jesus saith unto him, ‘Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed; blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.’ ”  John 20:27-29 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to the Apostle John and were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter, John records the events surrounding the resurrection of Jesus and His post resurrection appearances to Mary and to His disciples.  Mary Magdalene was the first to get to the tomb, and first to see that the body of Jesus was not there. (Mark 16:1-8) Then Peter and John went into the tomb and saw that the linen, which Jesus had been wrapped in, was lying where they had laid Him. (John 20:1-10)  After the men left, Jesus appeared to Mary who was standing outside of the tomb weeping. (John 20:11-17)  Later, Jesus appeared to His disciples but Thomas was absent. (John 20:19-24)  Jesus appeared to His disciples again eight days later when Thomas was present. (John 20:26-29)  Thomas had said that he would not believe that Jesus had risen from the dead unless he saw Him for himself, and he saw the print of the nails in His hands. (John 20:25)  When Jesus appeared to them the second time, Thomas believed in His resurrection because he saw the evidence for himself.  Then Jesus offered a special blessing for those of us who would believe in Him and the resurrection without seeing the evidence. (John 20:26-29)

 

APPLICATION

Some people will only believe that which they see for themselves.  There is an empty tomb where they laid the body of Jesus, The Christ, with the linen just as it was when they wrapped His body in it, to provide proof that He lives.  However, those who do not believe will not accept this as evidence.  After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary, the mother of James, (Matthew 28:9, Mark 16:9, Luke 24:9-10, and John 20:14-18) to Cleopas and the man walking with him on the road to Emmaus, (Luke 24:13-34) and to His disciples. (John 20:19-24 and 20:26-29 and 21:4-14)  Jesus showed Himself to be alive, and He appeared to them multiple times over a period of forty days before ascending to heaven on a cloud. (Acts 1:3)  Blessed are those of us who believe in His virgin birth, life, death, burial, and resurrection without having seen the evidence. (John 20:29)

 

 

THE CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS THE CHRIST

PROCLAMATION

“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, ‘It is finished.’  And He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost.”  John 19:30 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to the Apostle John and were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter, John records the events related to the trial of Jesus by Pilate, the crucifixion of Jesus, and the words which He spoke while He was on the cross.  After His “trial” by Pilate, (John 18:29-40)  Jesus was scourged, beaten, and had a crown of thorns placed on His head. (John 19:1-3)  Then Pilate again went before the people and said that he found no fault in Him, but the people said, “Crucify Him.” (John 19:4-16)  They made Him carry His cross to Golgotha, they nailed His hands and feet to the cross, they raised His cross up, and placed Him between two thieves. (John 19:17-19)  He spoke seven times while hanging on the cross before He died. (First He said, Father forgive them, Luke 23:34; Second He pardoned the thief on the cross next to Him, Luke 23:43; Third He told the Apostle John to take care of His mother, John 19:26-27; Fourth He said, Father God, why have You forsaken Me, Matthew 27:46;  Fifth He said, “I thirst.” John 19:28; Sixth He said, “It is finished.” John 19:30; and Seventh He said, Father into Your hands I commend My spirit. Luke 23:46)  Jesus suffered and He died, but they did not kill Him; He willingly gave up His life.  Although He died on the cross and was buried in a borrowed tomb, He defeated death and three days later He rose from the dead. (Matthew 28:5-6)

 

APPLICATION

When Jesus, The Christ, said, “It is finished” He was referring to the redemptive work which He was assigned to do as payment for our sins. (John 17:4)  He had also fulfilled the prophecies which were written in the Old Testament regarding His death. (Genesis 22:18 and Isaiah 53:1-12)  As it was written, His skin was scarred and lacerated from the scourging, His forehead was pierced from the thorns, but none of His bones were broken. (Psalm 34:20 and John 19:33)  They pierced Him in the side. (Zechariah 12:10 and John 19:34)  The crucifixion did not kill Him.  He willingly gave up His life as the sacrificial lamb, dying for the sins of the world. (John 1:29 and John 15:13-14)  He who was without sin, took on the sins of mankind to redeem us and give us a chance at salvation.  However, in order to benefit from His redemptive work, we must believe in Him and His death, burial, and resurrection. (John 3:16, Romans 5:8 and 10:9)

 

THERE IS POWER IN THE WORDS OF CHRIST

PROCLAMATION

“Judas then, having received a band of men and from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.  Jesus, therefore, knowing all things that should come upon Him, went forth, and said unto them, ‘Whom seek ye?’  They answered Him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’  Jesus saith unto them, ‘I am He.’  And Judas also, which betrayed Him, stood with them.  As soon then as He had said unto them, ‘I am He,’ they went backward, and fell to the ground.”  John 18:3-6 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to the Apostle John and were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter, John records the events which occurred in the garden of Gethsemane by the brook of Cedron.  It documents His betrayal by Judas, His arrest, His trials, and the three times that Peter denied knowing Him.  Here, Jesus responds to the soldiers and the religious leaders who had come to arrest Him.  Jesus approached them and asked them who they were looking for, and they responded, “Jesus of Nazareth.”  When Jesus replied, “I am He,” they were all knocked backwards by His words and fell to the ground. (John 18:1-6)  They were not harmed and got up, then He asked them again who they were looking for, and they gave the same reply.  Then Jesus said to them, “I told you that I am He.  If you are looking for Me, then let these men go.” (John 18:7-9)  Peter drew his sword and cut off the right ear of a servant of the high priest.  Jesus told him to put away his sword, then He touched the man and healed his ear. (John 18:10-11 and Luke 22:50-51)  They arrested Jesus and led Him away, first to Annas, then to Caiaphas the high priest, (John 18:12-14) and then to Pilate at the judgment hall but Pilate could find no fault with Him. (John 18:28-38)

 

APPLICATION

There is power in the words of God.  When Jesus, The Christ, spoke and said, “I am He,” all those who were against Him were knocked backwards and fell to the ground.  However, because of their disbelief, their hard hearts were not changed, and they got up and arrested Him.  Non-believers are not changed by acts of God.  They frequently come up with some earthly reason to explain the occurrence of a miracle and continue in their non-believing sinful ways.  They do not give God credit for the things that He has done.  As believers, we need to acknowledge the presence of God in our lives (Proverbs 3:6) and give Him praise for the things which He had done. (Psalm 126:3, Isaiah 25:1, and 1 Chronicles 17:19)

JESUS PRAYED FOR ALL BELIEVERS

PROCLAMATION

“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word;  That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us; that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.”  John 17:20-21 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to the Apostle John and were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter, John records the words of the prayer which Jesus prayed for His disciples and for all future believers. (John 17:1-26)  As Jesus neared the end of His earthly ministry, He prayed to His heavenly Father and said that He had glorified Him and had finished the work that He had been given to do. (John 17:1-5)  Jesus also prayed for His disciples (John 17:6-19) and He made it clear that He was not praying for all of the people in the world. (John 17:9-10)  Jesus stated that He was not just praying for His disciples alone, but also for all of the people who would hear their message and believe in Him. (John 17:20-23)  He also prayed that they would be with Him where He was going to be. (John 17:24)

 

APPLICATION

Once we became a believer, this prayer that Jesus prayed also applied to us.  He prayed that God, The Father, would keep us safe and protected from the evil one. (John 17:15)  He also prayed that The Father would love us as He loved Jesus Himself. (John 17:26)  It is also important to note that He prayed that there would be unity among the believers, and that we would be as one, the unity of the church. (John 17:21)  When we bicker with other believers, the less likely it is that the world will see Christ in us.  We need to show more love towards our fellow believers.  Three times Jesus repeated the command for us to love one another. (John 13:34, 15:12, and 15:17)  Jesus prayed for us because He knew that we would need God’s help to make it in this world.  He also knew that the devil would attack us as we attempted to walk His way and do that which He had commanded.  For that reason we need to pray for ourselves and for each other, asking for God’s help that we might be more loving towards one another as we do the kingdom building work here on earth.

 

 

THE PEACE THAT COMES FROM CHRIST

PROCLAMATION

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace.  In this world ye shall have tribulation;  But be of good cheer;  I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to the Apostle John and were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter, John records the words which Jesus spoke to His disciples to explain why He was leaving them and what it would mean for them.  Jesus said that they will be put out of the synagogues, and people will kill them and think that they are doing a service to God. (John 16:1-3)  He said that He was telling them these thing so that when they happen, they would remember what He said.  Then He told them that He was going away, and that it was expedient that He go.  Jesus said that after He left them, The Holy Spirit would come and guide them into all truth, (John 16:4-13) teach them, and increase their understanding.  What The Spirit will reveal to them would not be anything new, He will help them recall and understand the things which Christ spoke to them. (John 14:26 and 16:14-15)  Jesus told them that He would leave them, and they would lament and be sorrowful for a while, but their grief would soon turn to joy. (John 16:19-22)  He also told them that they would be scattered.  Then He told them that He was telling them these things so that they would have peace during the trouble they would face. (John 16:31-33)

 

APPLICATION

Jesus, The Christ, left heaven and came to earth to die.  He did not come here to stay; He had to leave and return to heaven.  His death and resurrection was necessary in order to pay for our sins and for our salvation.  Additionally, while He was wrapped in human flesh, He could only be in one place at a time, but His Holy Spirit could be everywhere all at the same time.  The Holy Spirit can guide us and teach us, each one of us as we need it, all at the same time.  We know that The Holy Spirit is working within us when we are glorifying God.  However, The Holy Spirit of God only dwells within those of us who believe in Jesus, The Christ, and who have accepted Him as our personal savior. (John 14:17, Romans 8:11, 1 John 3:24 and 4:13)  While we are in this troubled world, believers will have His perfect peace as long as our mind is on Him. (Isaiah 26:3)  We should not worry about the things of this world because Christ has already overcome the world. (John 16:33)

 

 

CHRIST IS THE VINE AND WE ARE THE BRANCHES

PROCLAMATION

“Abide in Me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me.  I am the vine; ye are the branches;  He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without Me ye can do nothing.”  John 15:4-5 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to the Apostle John and were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter, John records the words which Jesus used to describe His relationship to His disciples and to His heavenly Father.  He describes Himself as the vine, God, The Father, as the gardener, and His disciples as the branches of the vine which occasionally need to be pruned. (John 15:1-2)  He tells them that as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own, so they cannot bear fruit unless they are connected to Him. (John 15:4-6)  Jesus also talks to them about effectual prayer and getting whatever they ask for, as long as they remain in Him.  He wants them to be productive and bear fruit for the glory of God, The Father. (John 15:7-8)  Jesus says that if they love Him they will keep His commandments as He has kept the commandments of God, The Father. (John 15:9-11)  Then He gives them a new commandment, that they should love one another as He has loved them.  Jesus says, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (John 15:12-14)  He tells them that they did not choose Him, but He chose them.  Jesus also tells them that the world will hate them because it hates Him (John 15:16-19) and then He goes on to explain why this is the case. (John 15:20-27) 

APPLICATION

There is some debate among the Bible scholars as to the meaning of the word “fruit” as it is used here.  Some think that it refers to soul-winning.  Others think that it refers to producing the fruit of The Holy Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)  In either case, our bearing of fruit is the result of our salvation.  If we stay connected to Christ, then we will bear fruit.  The fruit that we bear will glorify God and show that we are disciples of Christ. (John 15:8)  If we are not connected to Christ, we will not bear fruit.  If you are not connected to Him, get connected.  If you are connected to Him, stay connected.  For without Him we can do nothing. (John 15:5)  It is only through Christ that we live, move, and have our very being. (Acts 17:28)

JESUS THE CHRIST IS THE WAY AND THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE

PROCLAMATION

“Thomas saith unto Him, ‘Lord, we know not whither Thou goest; and how can we know the way?’  Jesus saith unto him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life;  No man cometh unto The Father, but by Me.’ ”  John 14:5-6 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to the Apostle John and were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter John records what Jesus said to comfort His disciples after telling them that He was going away. (John 14:1-31)  Jesus said that He was going to prepare a place for them so that they could be with Him. (John 14:2-3)  Then He said, “You know the way to the place where I am going.” (John 14:4 NIV)  It was this statement which prompted Thomas to ask his question, and the reply which Jesus gave him. (John 14:5-6)  Jesus later tells them that He will ask The Father to send The Holy Spirit to abide with them. (John 14:16-18)  The Holy Spirit will teach them and remind them of all of the things that He had said to them. (John 14:23-26)  Jesus also tells them that He is leaving but that He will be coming back. (John 14:27-28)

 

APPLICATION

When Jesus, The Christ, said, “I am the way …” He was not merely referring to Himself as the leader, or one who points out the right direction to them.  He was not pointing to His doctrine of salvation, but He was pointing to belief in Himself as the way to salvation.  Not only is what He says true, but He is truth itself.  He is also the giver of life, natural life, physical life, spiritual life, and eternal life.  The only way that we can get to God, The Father, and to the kingdom of heaven is through our belief in Jesus, The Christ, The Son of God. (John 3:16)  For God, The Father, The Word, and The Holy Spirit are one. (1 John 5:7)  The Word is Christ Jesus who became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14)  Belief in Christ is the only way to salvation.

 

 

LOVE ONE ANOTHER

PROCLAMATION

“A new commandment I give unto you, ‘That ye love one another;’  As I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.”  John 13:34-35 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to the Apostle John and were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter John records the events surrounding the last meal that Jesus had with His disciples before His crucifixion.  John describes Jesus washing their feet, (John 13:4-12) His explanation for doing it, (John 13:12-20) He identifies His betrayer, (John 13:21-27) and He gives them a new commandment, telling them to love one another as He has loved them. (John 13:34-35)  Jesus tells them that He will leave them and they cannot follow Him.  Peter asked Him why they can’t follow Him, and says that he would lay down his life for Him.  Then Jesus tells him that he will deny Him three times before the rooster crows. (John 13:36-38)

 

APPLICATION

As Christians we believe in the birth, life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, The Christ.  We also know that we are to share the gospel of Christ with others.  However, in order for us to effectively spread The Word of God, we must also live it.  Our behavior must be consistent with our words.  Worldly people will know that we belong to Christ if we demonstrate our love for one another.  To them our actions will speak much louder than our words.  If we do not act in a Christ-like manner, we may turn people away from becoming a Christian.  Not only are we to love those who love us, we are to love all believers.  We should be very careful regarding how we treat our Christian brothers and sisters.  Our bad behavior towards one another weakens the church and ruins our effectiveness in promoting the gospel and saving the lost.  The unsaved people of the world will judge us, and all Christians, by what they see in us, and by how we treat each other.  Therefore, let us love one another.