Bible Chapter: Acts 4
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Peter and John got in trouble with the religious leaders because they were proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus. Because of the healing described in chapter three, they were arrested and put in jail. The next morning they were brought before the religious leaders and asked how the miracle happened. Luke gives an important insight in verse eight in saying that Peter answered filled with the Holy Spirit. Peter clearly told them that it was by the name of Jesus that the man was healed and it was the power of the Spirit that enabled him to do so.
Acts 4 contains two of my favorite verses. Verse 12 proclaims a truth that will set the world free. Salvation, deliverance from the control of sin, is found only in the name of Jesus. All of the other names proclaimed throughout the world fall short in answering life’s deepest questions. Jesus gives real life and peace. Jesus really did claim exclusivity regarding the road to eternal life. It is the attack of the enemy to cause confusion in assailing those who preach Jesus as the only way. It is not arrogance, but the understanding of the truth, to say that Jesus is the only way.
Verse 13 is another favorite of mine. The King James translation puts it this way.
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
The New King James Version tweaks some of the words.
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.
unlearned and ignorant men – uneducated and untrained men, this phrase has always stood out to me. Peter and John had some powerful boldness to proclaim the message of Jesus. They didn’t cower when brought before the council. They simply told it like it was. And, they didn’t have any special education. They were common, ordinary people. That says that God will use anyone who is willing and submits to Him. Average people can be used by God in above average ways. What stood out to the observers was that Peter and John had been with Jesus.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
God wants to use me. Being put down as not popular or cool is an issue millions have put up with for generations. We all want to be accepted. Sadly, the common occurrence is that acceptance only comes with trying to follow some self-proclaimed popular people who have set the rules of what kind of behavior is acceptable. In seeking acceptance many people look down on themselves, believing they don’t have much ability and can’t accomplish anything in life. This is true among Christians. Too often believers don’t think God can do much through them, so why try.
I have wrestled with this. I have to accept and apply that God wants to use me and step out and let Him do just that.
3. How can I help someone?
I can help someone see that God wants to use them. He has invested various talents and abilities in them and they can develop them. Whatever God has for them to do is worth doing.
Bible Chapter: Acts 3
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Power in the name of Jesus. This is what Peter showed to the man with a real need. There was a man who was crippled from birth. His only hope was to be carried to a public place every day to beg for a little money. He lived on the sympathy of others. He probably also had to put up with ridicule and taunts. He had no hope in life. He was a pathetic creature.
Then one day Peter and John were going to pray. The power of God’s Spirit was upon them. Peter was used in the gift of healing and the humanly impossible happened. Instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong and he jumped up. He had never walked in his life. I can assume that he dreamed many times what it would be like to walk. He finally knew.
Verse six is a well known verse.
Acts 3:6 NKJV
6 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”
Of course, because this was done in a public place, it drew a crowd. Peter didn’t waste the opportunity. One of the key points Peter made was that they must repent and turn to God. Repentance is a key factor in becoming a Godly person. Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to God. Repentance includes listening to what God says to do and doing it. The teaching of repentance is not as popular today as it should be. To receive the grace of God requires repentance.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
The Book of Acts tells the story of the beginning of the church. Throughout this book we find the believers prayed and moved in the power of the Holy Spirit. Being filled with the Spirit is necessary to the Christian life. It is not just that a person experiences a one time event and then lives on that the rest of life. It is that we continually live in and are filled with the power of the Spirit. That speaks to me and all who call on the name of Jesus. We must have a continual flow of God’s power to see the supernatural happening. My Christian life won’t grow without the river of the Spirit. I must apply the Bible by continually seeking God’s power.
3. How can I help someone?
The more I have God’s power the more I can pray for people and see God do for them what they need. God will use His power to draw people to Him. He will use His power to minister to believers. I need to live in His power and presence. That will help people.
Bible Chapter: Acts 2
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Many of the followers of Jesus obeyed His command to wait in Jerusalem till they were given the power of the Holy Spirit. Receiving this power was necessary for them to do the ministry Jesus prepared them to do. After the outpouring of the Spirit, Peter preached an amazing sermon. He had changed from a wimp to a powerhouse. The results were 3,000 people receiving Jesus as their personal Savior. Verse 37 reveals a critical factor in how a person comes to the place of receiving Jesus. Acts 2:37 NKJV
37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
The statement “they were cut to the heart” defines what is needed. No person responds to Jesus without the work of the Holy Spirit speaking to their heart. In my ramblings through life I have heard people talk about trying to sneak Jesus into a conversation or trick someone into hearing about Him. That is unnecessary and unproductive. The work of the Spirit is to speak to a person, to convince them of their sin. They the person needs to make the decision to respond. Some will walk away. But, it always relies on the power of the Spirit.
The reason why so many people responded on the Day of Pentecost was the working of the Holy Spirit in their hearts. They knew they had to do something. They needed to repent.
Acts 2 tells the story of when people were first baptized in the Holy Spirit. This clothing of power given to the church started a worldwide movement of people believing in Jesus. Nothing has changed in two thousand years. It still takes the power of the Spirit to see church growth and lives changed. The church today still needs the power of the Holy Spirit to make an impact and see lives changed. Fancy buildings, technology, mass marketing and the like won’t ever change a life. All these tools are fine when they are used under the anointing of the Spirit of God. Without Him, nothing really matters.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
The continual empowering of the Holy Spirit is necessary in every Christian’s life. Church history has shown that when the church seeks God and His power, great things happen. The spiritual battle is real and it is intense. God’s power outpoured through the Spirit brings spiritual victory. I have been praying for the spiritual breakthrough where I live. Many others have been praying as well. I, and all believers, must keep praying and seeing God’s power to be poured out. This is the only way we will see lives change. The world is a mess. Jesus in the only hope.
The early church had power because of the power of the Holy Spirit working through them. Down through the centuries it has been when believers sought God and lived in obedience that great things happened. Nothing has changed, that is still the answer today.
3. How can I help someone?
I must keep praying for the people I know for the working of the Spirit in their lives to convince them. I must keep praying for the Spirit to bring people to the same place they were in verse 37 when they were cut to the heart. When they receive Jesus they will have what they really need for life and eternity.
Bible Chapter: Acts 1
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Luke wrote the Gospel, telling the story of Jesus’ life and teaching. Next he wrote the Book of Acts, the beginning history of the church. An encouraging truth that jumps out is the statement that Jesus showed many convincing, infallible proofs of His resurrection. There was no doubt that He really did come back to life. He appeared to many over a period of forty days. It was this convincing proof that caused many who saw Him to be willing to die for the faith. If they thought it was all a hoax they would have given up when things got difficult.
Jesus gathered with a group of believers and gave them one last statement. They would not know the specifics of dates and times when He would return. But, they were to wait for the promise, the gift of God’s power to enable them to do God’s work. They were to receive the power of the Holy Spirit and then start spreading the message of the good news of Jesus. This message must go to the ends of the earth. This answers the question sometimes raised: why spend time, effort and resources on getting the message all around the world when there are so many people close by who still need Jesus.
I can’t imagine the awe experienced by the group as Jesus said His final words and then was lifted up into a cloud and taken out of their sight. What an amazing promise the angels gave - this same Jesus will come back. That is our hope when we trust in Him. Some day we will see Him face to face.
Verse 14 is an encouragement and illustration of why they could do so much for Jesus. They continued together with one accord in prayer. Spiritual unity is a key to accomplishing the work God has given us to do. There has always been, and always will be, a spiritual battle to get Christians fussing with one another. We must reject that and vigilantly keep unity.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Verse 8 is a well known verse. It says that we are to be witnesses of Jesus, of Who He is and all He has done. People will only know about Jesus when someone tells them. Again we see the impact of the spiritual battle because it seems so difficult to talk about Jesus, when we can talk about almost any other subject. The power of the Spirit will enable us to speak of Jesus. Jesus said that He is the way, truth and life. He is the only route to the Father. If noone tells about Jesus, how will people know. I must continually be aware of the opportunities to tell of Jesus. Tell of Jesus, not religious things. There is a difference.
Luke talked about the infallible proofs of Jesus’ resurrection. God is still giving infallible proofs of His reality today. I recently talked with someone who said they were excited to experience the presence of God, because they had never felt Him before. They had no doubt that Jesus is real and with them. I must continue to walk in His presence.
3. How can I help someone?
Anyone can sense the reality of Jesus. He died for all. Many doubt that they can really know Him beyond some generic faith that God exists because they have never felt Him. I need to spread His presence in my world.
Bible Book: Acts
Because the Bible is practical, here is an overview of the book.
Author: Luke
Type of Book: History
Outline
Introduction (1:1-2)
The Period From Jesus’ Resurrection to the Day of Pentecost (1:3-26)
From His Resurrection to His Return to Heaven: Forty Days of Proofs and Instructions (1:3-11)
Jesus’ Appearances After His Resurrection (1:3)
The Promise and Purpose of the Coming Holy Spirit (1:4-8)
Jesus’ Ascension Into Heaven and the Promise of His Return (1:9-11)
From His Ascension to the Day of Pentecost: Ten Days of Prayer and Preparations (1:12-26)
The Promise of Power Fulfilled at Pentecost (2:1-41)
The Holy Spirit’s Powerful Arrival and the Crowd’s Response (2:1-13)
Peter’s Spirit-filled Preaching and the Crowd’s Response (2:14-41)
The Early Days of the Church in Jerusalem (2:42-8:1a)
Characteristics of the Spirit-Empowered Church (2:42-47)
A Remarkable Miracle and its Effects (3:1-4:31)
The Benefits of Community and Consequences of Deception (4:32-5:11)
Miracles Through the Apostles and Opposition from the Religious Establishment (5:12-42)
The Selection of Seven Assistant Leaders (6:1-7)
Stephen: The First-Known Christian Killed for His Faith (6:8-8:1a)
Severe Persecution Leading to Rapid Expansion (8:1b - 9:31)
Christians Scattered Throughout Judea and Samaria (8:1b-4)
Philip: The Ministry of an Evangelist (8:5-40)
Saul of Tarsus: The Conversion of a Persecutor (9:1-31)
The Spread of Christianity Beyond the Jews (9:32-12:25)
Peter’s Ministry at Lydda and Joppa (9:32-43)
Peter’s Mission to the Gentiles at Caesarea (10:1-48)
Peter’s Report to the Jerusalem Church and His Action Approved (11:1-18)
Antioch: The First Gentile Church (11:19-30)
Persecution of the Church by Herod Agrippa I (12:1-23)
Summary of the Church’s Progress (12:24-25)
Paul’s First Missionary Journey (13:1-14:28)
Paul and Barnabas Commissioned by the Local Church at Antioch (13:1-3)
Paul and Barnabas in Asia Minor (13:4-14:28)
The Jerusalem Conference (15:1-35)
Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (15:36-18:22)
Parting Ways With Barnabas (15:36-40)
Revisiting Old Territory (15:41-16:5)
Reaching New Territory (16:6-18:21)
Returning to Syrian Antioch (18:22)
Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (18:23-21:16)
Encouraging Stops Throughout Galatia and Phrygia (18:23)
The Ministry of Apollos (18:24-28)
Extended Ministry at Ephesus (19:1-41)
To Macedonia, Greece and Back to Macedonia (20:1-5)
Return Trip to Jerusalem (20:6-21:16)
Paul’s Arrest and Ministry During Imprisonment (21:17-28:31)
In Jerusalem (21:17-23:35)
In Caesarea (24:1-26:32)
On Voyage to Rome (27:1-28:10)
In Rome (28:11-31)
Theme: The Triumphant Spread of the Gospel Through the Power of the Holy Spirit
Date of Writing: c. A.D. 63
Background
The book of Acts is a sequel, or continuation, of the Gospel of Luke and is addressed to the same man named “Theophilus” (1:1; see the introduction to Luke). Although the author is not identified by name in either book, the opinion of the majority of early Christians and the supporting evidence from within the two books point to Luke, “our dear friend... the doctor” (Col 4:14), as the author of both books.
The Holy Spirit inspired Luke to write to Theophilus to fill a need in the church—particularly among the first Gentile (i.e., non-Jewish) Christians throughout the middle-eastern and Mediterranean regions of the Roman Empire. Luke’s books provide a full and accurate account of the beginnings of Christianity. (1) His “former book” (Luke) is his Gospel (i.e., his account of the “good news”) about Jesus’ life. (2) His latter book (Acts) is his account of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Jerusalem (i.e., when God sent the Holy Spirit to fill and empower his first followers). Acts also gives account of the growth and development of the early church that followed. It is obvious that Luke was a skilled writer, a careful historian and an inspired theologian (i.e., a student of matters relating to God, particularly the Christian faith and God’s relation to the world).
Acts covers selected portions of the first thirty years of the history of the church (i.e., the broad community of Christ’s followers with the shared purpose of worshiping God and the primary mission of spreading the message of Jesus worldwide; see article on The Church). As a church historian, Luke traces the spread of the message about Christ from Jerusalem to Rome. In the process, he mentions 32 countries, 54 cities, 9 Mediterranean islands, 95 different persons by name and a variety of government officials by their specific titles. Modern archaeology continues to confirm the amazing accuracy of the details recorded by Luke. In addition to historical details, Luke insightfully describes the meaning and importance of various experiences and events in the church’s early years.
In its first stages, the NT Scriptures were available in two collections: (1) the four Gospels—the accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry according to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and (2) the letters of Paul—a pioneer missionary and Christian leader who started many NT churches among Gentiles (those who were not Jews). As the very important connecting link between these two collections, Acts is placed among the writings that are accepted as God’s proven and authoritative Word. Chs. 13-28 provide the historical background necessary for a more complete understanding of Paul’s ministry and letters to various churches. The “we” references found in Acts (16:10-17; 20:5-21:18; 27:1-28:16) reveal that Luke participated personally in Paul’s travels.
Purpose
Luke has at least two purposes for recording the church’s beginnings. (1) He shows how the gospel (i.e., “good news” about forgiveness and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ) spread effectively beyond the Jewish believers to the Gentiles (i.e., people of other nations who are not Jewish). In spite of opposition and persecution, the book of Acts reveals how Christ’s message eventually reached most of the Roman Empire. (2) Luke reveals the Holy Spirit’s central role in the church’s life and mission, emphasizing the baptism in the Holy Spirit (see ch. 2) as God’s way of empowering the church to spread the message of Jesus and to continue his ministry. Luke clearly records three times that the baptism in the Spirit was characterized by speaking in tongues (i.e., praying, praising or prophesying in unlearned languages as inspired by the Holy Spirit, 2:4ff; 10:45-46; 19:1-7). The context of these passages indicates that this was a normal experience in early Christianity and is God’s enduring pattern for the church to this day (see articles on Baptism in the Holy Spirit, and Speaking in tongues).
Survey
While Luke’s Gospel records “all that Jesus began to do and to teach” (Ac 1:1), Acts describes what Jesus continued to do and teach—through his followers—after he returned to heaven. Jesus’ work continued through the power of the Holy Spirit working through his followers individually and as a church body in communities, cities, regions and nations throughout the world. Before Jesus ascended into heaven (1:9-11), his last instruction to his disciples was to wait in Jerusalem until they were “baptized with the Holy Spirit” (1:4-5). The key verse of Acts (1:8) summarizes the spiritual and geographical focus of the book: Jesus promises his followers that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on them—power to spread his message and do his work (1) “in Jerusalem” (chs. 1-7), (2) “in all Judea and Samaria” (chs. 8-12) and (3) “to the ends of the earth” (chs. 13-28).
Acts reveals a crucial blending of God’s power and purpose working through human activity. The entire church—all individuals who were a part of it, not just its pioneer leaders—“preached the word wherever they went” (8:4). People like Stephen and Philip (6:1-6) assisted the church leaders and took a bold stand for truth, showing great faith and relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to perform “great wonders and miraculous signs” (6:8). As a result, the message of Christ impacted entire cities at once (8:5-13). Individuals guided by God prayed with passion, saw angels, had visions, witnessed powerful miracles, commanded demons to release their power over people’s lives, healed sick people and preached about Jesus with great boldness and authority. Although there were problems at times among some of the believers (e.g., tensions between Jews and non-Jews, ch. 15) and persecution from religious and public authorities outside the church, the message about Jesus spread effectively in words and actions from one city to the next.
In chs. 1-12 the main center of the church’s ministry and outreach is Jerusalem, and Peter is shown as the primary leader God used to spread the message (see map of Philip’s and Peter’s missionary journeys). In chs. 13-28 the main center of the church’s outreach is Antioch in Syria, and Paul is shown as the primary messenger whom God used to spread the gospel beyond the Jews to people of other nationalities. Acts ends abruptly with Paul in Rome, still awaiting his trial before Caesar. Though the outcome of the trial is left hanging, the book ends with a positive and victorious tone as Paul, still a prisoner, boldly and freely continues to preach and teach about Jesus (28:31) For an overview of Paul’s ministry, see maps of Paul’s first missionary journey, Paul’s second missionary journey, and Paul’s third missionary journey).
Special Features
Nine major themes (key topics) characterize Acts: (1) The church: Acts reveals the source of power and the true nature of Christ’s mission for his worldwide community of followers, along with principles that should guide and direct the church in every generation. (2) The Holy Spirit: The third person of the Trinity (i.e., the Three-in-One essence of God, see article on The doctrine of the Holy Spirit) is mentioned specifically 50 times. The baptism in the Holy Spirit and the Spirit’s ministry provide power (1:8), boldness (4:31), fear and reverence of God (5:3, 5, 11), wisdom (6:3, 10), guidance (16:6-10) and spiritual gifts and abilities (19:6; see charts of The gifts of the Holy Spirit, and The work of the Holy Spirit). (3) Early church messages: Luke skillfully relates Holy Spirit-inspired sermons by Peter, Stephen, Paul, James and others, providing insight into the early church not found anywhere else in the NT. (4) Prayer: The early Christians devoted themselves to consistent and faithful prayer, sometimes lasting all night and always producing powerful results (see article on Effective praying). (5) Signs, wonders and miracles: Powerful spiritual manifestations confirmed the truth of Christ’s message, convinced people of his power and brought honor to him among those who were receptive to the truth (see article on Signs of believers). (6) Persecution: Preaching and teaching about Jesus consistently stirred up opposition and harsh resistance from both religious and worldly sources. (7) Jew/Gentile sequence: Throughout Acts the message of Christ is delivered first to Jews and then to people of other nationalities. (8) Women: Special mention is made of women involved in the ongoing work of the church. (9) Triumph of the message: No barriers (national, religious, cultural or racial) and no opposition or persecution could prevent the message about Jesus from spreading throughout the world.
Interpretation Principle
Some scholars and interpreters, as well as some ministers, view the book of Acts as if it were in an entirely different category from other NT books. They see it mainly as a description of God’s plan for the early church only at its starting point. From this perspective, the many descriptions of spiritual gifts, powers and activities applied only for a limited time in order to spark the growth and influence of the church. In general, this view does not consider Acts to be God’s standard or pattern for the church during the entire period of time that the NT calls “the last days” (i.e., generally from the beginning of the church to the time when Christ returns for his church, cf. 2:17, note). But God gave us this book as more than just a history of the early church. The content reveals that God wanted it to be a guide for Christian living and for a Spirit-filled church (i.e., guided, directed, empowered and characterized by the Holy Spirit working through God’s people).
Christians today ought to desire and expect their lives and churches to be characterized by the same types of ministry and experiences that were evident in the NT church, except that we are not still writing NT Scripture, i.e., God’s Word. This Biblical standard is accomplished when the church is operating in the full power of the Spirit. Nothing in Acts or the rest of the NT teaches that the miracles, spiritual gifts and standards for the church revealed throughout this book were relevant only for a period of time. These powerful works of the Holy Spirit were not meant to end with the ministry of Christ’s first followers. Christians today have the same purpose and need the same power to fulfill Christ’s mission in their generation. Acts clearly reveals what the church must be and do in any generation as it continues Jesus’ ministry in the Pentecostal power of the Holy Spirit (see Ac 7:44, notes).
Giving credit where credit is due. These informational notes about this book come from the Full Life Study Bible, also known as the Fire Bible. Don Stamps, editor. Originally published by Life Publishers.
Bible Chapter: John 21
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Some of the disciples went back to what they had known in the past, they went fishing. That was their profession when Jesus called them to follow Him. In the days after the crucifixion and the resurrection, they were trying to get a handle of what had happened and what was coming. After a whole night of catching nothing (how many people who go fishing can identify with that?), Jesus came by early in the morning. He asked if they had any fish. They said they had none. He gave them some unusual advice, fish from the other side of the boat. Suddenly their net was full, one hundred fifty three fish.
John recognized that it was Jesus. He told Peter. Peter jumped in the lake and swam to shore. They were about one hundred yards from shore and they all came in. Jesus had a fire going and they had something to eat. All of this is the setting for something amazing Jesus did for Peter. After his agonizing failure during the time of Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion, Peter is given the opportunity to declare his love for the Savior. Jesus restored him in his position of ministry. Peter went on to be used in great ways, eventually giving his life for the Lord.
What is so exciting here? There is hope and restoration for those who fail. While failure or sin is never the goal and is always discouraging, there is restoration in the amazing grace of God. Jesus forgives sin. That is amazing. That gives real hope.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
The last verse of the book is a fitting wrap up of this account of Jesus and His life on earth.
John 21:25 NKJV
25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.
Jesus did so many things that it would be difficult to write them all. Now, two thousand years later, that statement is even more true. To try to document everything He has done would be impossible. John wrote what he did so that we would have an uplifting testimony of the life of Jesus. I can live in His power and still see the supernatural accomplished.
What can I apply in my life? Seek Jesus and His supernatural power in and through my life.
3. How can I help someone?
Let me borrow from another Bible author.
Hebrews 13:8 NKJV
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
As people see that Jesus is the same, that He never changes, they will see that He is here for them today in the same way that He was when He walked the face of the earth. Jesus is here for all. Jesus gives hope to all who trust Him.
Bible Chapter: John 20
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
This was a most amazing day. Some of the followers of Jesus went to the tomb and found it empty. He was ALIVE. This was the promised resurrection of Jesus. It took a while for the reality to sink in. The rumor that was spread was that someone had stolen the body. It is interesting to note the details that the grave cloths were still there and the cloth that had been around His head was neatly folded. Grave robbers wouldn’t do that. Jesus talked with Mary and when she recognized His voice she clung to Him. They had seen Jesus perform miracles, but this was the greatest one of all.
Jesus wanted to get the message out that He was alive. He appeared to the disciples to prove it. Thomas was missing from the group the first meeting. I can imagine the discussions they had with Thomas about the fact that Jesus really was alive and how he doubted. For some reason he had to wait eight days till Jesus showed Himself to them again. I think it might have been a frustrating eight days for Thomas, wondering why he missed out and trying to believe and wondering what really happened.
This chapter ends with a powerful truth for us today. It says that Jesus did many other signs that they witnessed that were not included in the book. These were included so that people could believe in Jesus. And, that in believing, they would have LIFE in His name. In Jesus we have life, real life. This is the real application for our world today.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I must not get sidetracked regarding living life and understanding what is important. John wrote that he gave enough illustrations of the miracles of Jesus so that we can really know we have life. Reading what Jesus did and then allowing God’s power to touch my life gives me assurance I can count on. It is exciting to observe the change that comes over a life when a person takes a step of faith to trust Jesus. These are modern illustrations I can observe that the promises of Jesus really work.
It is interesting to try to imagine what it was like to experience that resurrection morning. They were used to funerals and going to a tomb. They grasped the process. This was something brand new. The grave was never empty and the dead person was never standing there to greet them. It is very hard to get an accurate picture of what the observers experienced. Shock needed to turn to acceptance. Was this some kind of a dream? To prove the resurrection was why Jesus showed Himself to many people in various situations, including sharing meals with them. Little by little people experienced and believed. Jesus told Thomas that those who don’t see and believe will be blessed.
3. How can I help someone?
I read about various people groups around the world who insist that God would never do what Jesus did. They don’t accept the sacrifice He made. People must understand that Jesus did come from heaven and give us an amazing gift. He really did make the sacrifice because of His great love for us. He did it for every individual alive. It must be made personal so people will personally accept it.
