Unbelievable results
As Paul and Silas (Acts 16) pursued obedience to God, He already started using them in wonderful ways. The moment we elect to obey and follow the Lord, He immediately begins to use us. Lydia was the first result and the first convert and some commentators say that she was probably the first convert to the…
Opposition and challenges
Sometimes we imagine that if we are following God and in His will for our lives that everything will always go smoothly. The truth is that God will work everything out for our good, but opposition and challenges remain part of the deal. In Acts 16 we see that no sooner did they arrive in…
Do what God tells you to do
Acts 16:10 ‘Well, that settled it. We would go to Macedonia, for we could only conclude that God was sending us to preach the Good News there.’ (Living Bible) So we see how Paul gets this leading and direction from God and then he acts on it. Often we will hear the word of God,…
Jesus chose forgiveness
Jesus was able to forgive. In the midst of all the suffering and injustice He could forgive. He could because He knew no sin. Luke 23:34 “Father, forgive these people,” Jesus said, “for they don’t know what they are doing.” Jesus did not retaliate. He did not fight back. Jesus entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly….
The Last Words of Jesus (Part 7 of 7 Jesus commits His life into the Father's hands)
Luke 23:46 New Living Translation – Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!”[a] And with those words he breathed his last. Here again we see Jesus refer to God as His Father. The work is done and once again God is His Father. He was no longer separated from His Father. God…
The Last Words of Jesus (Part 6 of 7 Jesus is victorious)
John 19:30 New Living Translation (NLT) When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and released his spirit. This is a cry of victory. His suffering is over. His work on earth is done. He has accomplished the work His Father had prepared for Him. He had made a way! …
The Last Words of Jesus (Part 5 of 7 Jesus shows His human side)
John 19:28 New Living Translation – Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said,“I am thirsty.” Prophetic fulfillment of: Psalm 69:21 ‘They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.’ Jesus was suffering. There was a human side to this suffering. As Jesus cried out ‘I…
The Last Words of Jesus (Part 4 of 7 Jesus cries out)
GOD TURNS HIS BACK ON HIS SON JESUS Jesus did not say: ‘My God, it feels like you have forsaken me!’ Jesus knew what was happening. God was placing the sin of all mankind on His Son and in that moment God, who could tolerate sin, turned away. To be ‘forsaken’ is undesirable state. To…
The Last Words of Jesus (Part 3 of 7 Jesus makes provision)
John 19:26-27 New Living Translation – When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to this disciple,“Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home. THE RELATIONSHIP CHANGES Here we see how Jesus…
The Last Words of Jesus (Part 2 of 7 Jesus offers hope)
Luke 23:42-43 New Living Translation – Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” JESUS GIVES THE GIFT OF SALVATION. Here we see the greatest picture of the gift of Salvation being given to one who was not deserving….