Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. John 21: 25
The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. 9 The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made. Psalm 145: 8-9
If the New Testament verse sounds familiar today it’s because John 20 (yesterday) says something similar about the purpose of the Book of John – so people will believe. Today’s verse is slightly different. I love how the apostle John makes a point to say the number of miracles was so numerous the world couldn’t contain all the books written. Imagine how many books there are in the world!
Jesus kept proving over and over to the people He encountered and those that heard of Him that there was something different about this man. As modern day believers we need to grasp that the books in the Bible are just a glimpse of the God of the Universe. They are a taste to show us a few of the million reasons why we should believe and trust in Him.
The Bible is book about one being – God in three persons. Over centuries, He had prophets, kings, and disciples write the biography of Him. There is no other religion that follows a god who wants the people to know them like the God of Abraham, Moses and Isaac. No other god who refuses to let us go. Who sent, in effect, himself to be humbled and suffer and die for His people.
His mercy to all people is revealed as bountiful. He is giving us plenty of time to turn to Him and acknowledge all the miracles He has performed in the past and even today. So that we can live in love with Him for all eternity. How many more reasons do you still need to trust in Him?
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.For, “In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.” Hebrews 10:36-37
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40: 30-31
I wonder how many times the apostles and the other disciples just fell to their knees in desperation and cried out for Jesus to return? I can only imagine over the last 2,000 years there’s been hundreds and hundreds of the faithful that have done the same.
It’s a sad truth that modern Christians come from a long line of faithful martyrs who were put to death by rulers afraid of losing power. Men who have felt threatened by people who proclaim, “I am Christian.”
In the United States, we have enjoyed a long run of a majority Christian society. Never facing the intense persecution so many who founded the country faced As we watch our societies across the world transform into a minority who would state in front of a mob, “I am Christian,” we too may be tempted to cry out for Jesus to come.
There’s so much in this song, “Come Jesus Come” that I love. The truth of the world when Jesus does return – no more war, no more pain — is something I too long for. On the other hand, my eldest daughter is yet to be saved. All my Christian friends have at least one child of whom their prayers for salvation are constant. I want one more day to pray that the Lord shake the scales from their eyes.
It’s a conundrum which Paul faced in his letters to the Philippians. He longed to see the face of Jesus yet he also knew he was commissioned to bring as many to Christ as possible while still breathing.
It’s a romantic thought to want Jesus to come today when we are facing terrible trials – sickness, death, financial loss, feelings of abandonment, being a victim of a crime. We want Him to come and provide the salve that erases it all. Until then, however, we are encouraged to persevere. To grow in faith through our adversity. To be an example to our unsaved loved ones who need to see the light of Jesus on our faces.
Deep down we long for Him, to take us home or to come and make this place home. Until then, we live in the hope of the glory to come.
Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wailon account of him. Even so. Amen. Revelation 1:7
Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. Fire goes before him and burns up his adversaries all around. His lightnings light up the world; the earth sees andtrembles. The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth. Psalm 97:1-6
So often when we share our faith we talk about the gentle love of God. He comforts us in our sorrows. He counsels us in our pain. He provides for us in our time of need. While this is all true, we can’t forget the basis for why we can be comforted. Why we know one day our pain will disappear. The hope that we have through God’s promised victory is the foundation for all that we believe. That one day we will stand beside our conqueror, Christ, in heaven.
Our gentle Lamb of God is the Lion of Judah. The God who destroyed evil nations, who moves mountains, who promises that justice will be His in the final battle, that is also our God. While we may romanticize Jesus during His time here on earth as humble and gentle, we need to remember the Jesus who cleared the temple with a whip. The one who called the Pharisees, who distorted the Word of God, vipers and evildoers. He was quiet and gentle at times because of a strength that no man can imagine.
When we feel sorrow over the ways of this world, we need to remember two truths. The first is that nothing that is happening is new. The words of Peter, James, Paul, and Jesus attest to that. The disciples who were killed for nothing more than proclaiming their faith in God’s son are just another scene played out for centuries before and after. Injustice, violence and evil perpetrated by people who deny the sovereignty of God.
If we sit and marinate in the knowledge of these evils, we too dismiss the second truth – the power of God and promise of things to come. It is that power and the written account of future events which lift us. We see the glory of God bringing His sword of justice to all mankind. With no one escaping judgement. No one.
We don’t know the day or time. But we should always plan as though it is today. Acting, speaking, loving, and doing in such a way as Jesus has ordained us. Spreading the word of His coming justice to truly ease our pain. And the hope of salvation from eternal damnation. Through our belief in Jesus Christ, who died for our punishable sins, we can stand in assurance of God’s coming roaring, glory.
"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14
In my Bible Study groups we have talked occasionally of the need to be educated about major religions so that in speaking with folks about Christ we know their general beliefs and positions of faith. When obeying the commands to love our neighbors and make disciples of all nations we must be aware and sensitive to the distinctions between Judaism, Islam and Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity. We’ve talked about missionary failures when believers enter into cultures too aggressively and trample on the very people we are tasked to love
Unfortunately, this history has caused many Christians to be overly cautious — thinking they shouldn’t ”push” their faith on people. The lack of apologetics and addressing the differences in religions in churches only makes this situation worse. If we truly believe in Jesus, if we seek to obey Him and therefore are promised peace and joy, then we must accept as truth His directive.
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," Matthew 28:19
It’s not about just trying to get Jesus’ conversion numbers up for the next quarter so God will be pleased. No, it’s about sharing the truth and glory of Jesus’ message to the world. It’s about wanting so desperately for our friends, neighbors, loved ones, and even strangers to experience the fullness of life for all eternity. It’s about how we view conflict and strife and fear – praying for, yes even our enemies, to come live in peace.
On this Christmas Day, when we celebrate the most significant day in the history of the earth since it was created, we should re-commit ourselves to this mission. Why? Because today the God of all monotheistic religions came down from the heavens and choose to live among us. Not as a prophet, as the Jews, Muslims and Hindus would believe. As God. That should be earthshaking news. It seems so un-god like which is why those religions have a hard time believing it. But God, over and over in the Old Testament and Torah (which both the Jews and Muslims accept as Holy Scripture) shows Himself to be atypical of gods.
He choose the least of us to lead thousands. The sinner is the savior for an army. A woman outsmarts a king to avoid genocide. A farmer stands before a ruler issuing warnings. Musicians defeat a powerful army. A tiny nation is taken under His wings as loved. A baby is crowned a Savior for allpeople.
Today, a few thousand years ago, God came to tell us the best news we have ever needed. We don’t need to keep striving. We don’t need to give more money or kill a few doves or lambs. We don’t even need to be a “good person.” In fact, He came and pointed a finger at you and said, “Sinner, I love you.” All three other major religions — Judaism, Islam and Hinduism — require you to just work harder. Sacrifice more. And hope that you’ve done enough on one column to make it into heaven (as we lie about what we put on the other column). Their own scriptures tell them it’s impossible on our own. What a terribly hopeless way to live!
"Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." John 1:16-17
If we believe in God, no matter the name we put on our faith, then how can we not believe He can do anything? Including coming to earth as both God and a human baby. A baby, not born of kings and queens but of an every day woman. Yet another worldly view that God shatters and turns upside down.
My friends, when we think of believers in other religions we should find common ground first. And then, we reveal the glory and hope of the Lord — through grace alone, through Jesus alone. No other religion offers true hope. Their messiah is really themselves, as in Buddhism. The truth of human history is that we cannot save ourselves. It’s something we are miserable at accomplishing.
Jesus is the only spokesperson for the most beautiful message of God’s love. He holds out His hand to every single person and says, “You can’t, but I can.” So again, today commit or re-commit yourself to His commands. Pray for people who hate each other to turn to Jesus. Pray for people who hate you to accept His love. Pray for knowledge and wisdom. Pray for your neighbors who are devoted to a religion that requires them to run daily on a never ending wheel to earn their way into heaven. And thank God that He came, revealing His light as a child born in Bethlehem.
May all honor, glory and power be given to the One True King and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen
Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming,
but who can stand before jealousy? Proverbs 27:4
When I delved into research about envy vs. jealousy I came across this interesting view from Psychology Today:
“Although jealousy is a painful emotional experience, evolutionary psychologists regard it not as an emotion to be suppressed but as one to heed—as a signal or a wake-up call that a valued relationship is in danger and that steps need to be taken to regain the affection of a mate or friend. As a result, jealousy is seen as a necessary emotion, because it preserves social bonds and motivates people to engage in behaviors that maintain important relationships.”
Jealousy, unlike envy, is about emotional needs within relationships. Be it between spouses, children and parents, or even between co-workers and a boss. “My mother loves my sister more than me.” “My wife pays too much attention to our neighbor.” “He’s always playing up to the boss for compliments.” These are all situations where a person is seeking to fulfill emotional needs through the wrong outlet. When we feel jealousy arise in our hearts it should be a warning to evaluate where our prideful hearts are seeking to fulfill all its needs.
In the books of Mark and Luke a scene unfolds wherein the disciples argue amongst themselves who is the greatest of them. They all want to be seen as the “top dog” alongside Jesus. Who does Jesus love more? Who does He rely on the most? All signs of a strain of jealousy woven among them. And true to Jesus’ ability to cut through the sin of man He reminds them all that they are to be the “least” among men. To accept His love as little children, with innocence and grace. James later reminds us of jealousy’s dangerous results: “You desire and do not have so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel.”
Friend, as Samuel Rutherford once wrote, “There is so much in our Lord’s pantry that will satisfy His children, and much wine in His cellar that will quench all their thirst.” He admonishes us to live on Christ’s love alone. When we place all our emotional needs in one human relationship we are sure to be disappointed. And disappointment can lead to jealousy. As Rutherford goes on to say, “Let those who love this present world have it; Christ is the more worthy and noble portion; blessed are those who choose Him.”
Loving Lord, thank you for being a fountain of love that never runs dry. A place I can return to over and over to refresh me. Help me to seek your love above all so I can place my earthly relationships in the right place in my heart. Amen
“Then Moses said to them, “This is what the Lord has commanded you to do, so that that the glory of the Lord may appear to you.” Leviticus 9:6
Holy God, it amazes me that you, in your infinite and powerful ways wants to talk to me. That the God of the universe wants me to come to you each and every day with my needs and my fears. Today I come to you with praise and thanksgiving that you love me so much. Amen
I heard a description of an early “church service” the other day. The first half was open to anyone and featured scripture reading and the teaching of the gospel. Then the pastor would call out, “the doors, the doors” and it was the message to those who were not baptized or confessed believers to leave. The doors would then be closed and the second half of the service commenced. This is when the holy gift of communicating with God began. The church membership would have an “upper room” type meeting with breaking of bread and prayer to the Most Holy One.
What I like about this is that shows reverence to the second greatest blessing God bestowed on us (the first being Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins) – a loving, two-way path communicating with God. A gift given to believers by Jesus and spurred on by the Holy Spirit that lives in the children of God. I’m not suggesting only believers should pray, it’s just an acknowledgement of the seriousness of this gift we’ve been given.
In the Bible verse today, we see the seeds of God’s desire to communicate with us in the priestly ministry of the ancients. God spoke through Moses on how to address Him through sacrifices and other holy activities. He tells the priests in training that when they take these steps, they will see God’s glory revealed to them. The same is true with the gift of prayer.
“One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”Luke 11:1
The disciples, just as in Moses’ day, desired to learn how to communicate with God. How to open up the heavens so they could see the glory of the One Almighty. And so Jesus taught them the prayer I mentioned yesterday, what we call “The Lord’s Prayer.” It starts with reverence, placing God in our hearts and minds rightly where He belongs. It moves on to acknowledging God as the provider of all our needs and our submission to Him. We then ask for forgiveness and to forgive others. And finally for daily guidance.
The gift of prayer is God’s message to us that we are not believers of a god who is unable to do all things, or a god who can’t be trusted, or a god to whom we need to beg to hear us. Before we pray we need to be fully informed of how we view Him. If we don’t believe He is merciful then we might believe He will punish us if we bring our sins to Him. Our prayers should always include a request for wisdom about Him so that when He answers our prayer – which He always does – we will understand the answer and see the glory in His ways.
Today, I want to leave you with this beautiful prayer from King David showing us how to glorify and praise God in all His magnificent ways.
Psalm 63
1 You, God, are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you,
my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land
where there is no water.
2 I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.
3 Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.
4 I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
5 I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
6 On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.
7 Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.
8 I cling to you;
your right hand upholds me.
9 Those who want to kill me will be destroyed;
they will go down to the depths of the earth.
10 They will be given over to the sword
and become food for jackals.
11 But the king will rejoice in God;
all who swear by God will glory in him,
while the mouths of liars will be silenced.
“For all the promises of God find their yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.”2 Corinthians 1:20
Perfect and majestic Father! How is it that you open your heavens, reach down and invite us in to your perfect world each and every minute of every day? I don’t want to miss a chance to say “yes!” back to you when you put out your glorious hand to me. Holy Spirit, I RSVP today to you, “Yes and Amen!”
A few weeks ago, my church was studying Proverbs 27 and the theme of friendship which runs throughout it. It hit me how God is always inviting us into relationships that mirror what He wants with us. Jesus, himself, changed the status of His relationship with the disciples in John 15:15 when he said, “No longer do I call you servants…but I have called you friends.”
The role that Jesus plays in the work of the Trinity allows us to create a personal relationship with the most holy of all holies – God almighty. In fact, a few of my friends who have spent years in Christian denominations where fearing God the Father is placed higher than other parts of the Trinity, recently discovered that it’s this close, personal friendship with the Lord that has brought them farther along in their sanctification.
God knows the value of friendships. He has defined what a healthy, beautiful friendship is through His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus provided gentle honesty, selfless attentiveness, stubborn loyalty, and intentional pursuit. He didn’t overlook sin and He didn’t call out sin without love. He doesn’t lie to us or betray us.
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”Proverbs 27:17
Jesus didn’t meet a couple of guys, sit around having a beer listening to their woes and their sins then sign off for the day with a “see ya!” He invested. He pursued. He sharpened. Isn’t it amazing that God wants this type of relationship with little ‘ole us?
The sermon that day about friendship featured a pin drop moment. The pastor said, “Me and Jesus, it isn’t enough.” The crowd was silent. We’ve always heard that’s all we need, right? But we were made to be loved and to love. We were made to be in communion with other believers; to be friends, loyal, intentional and wise. We know that because it’s what God wants with us and models for us.
Friend, today ask the Holy Spirit to put someone on your heart to reach out to. Someone that you need to make an effort to get to know. Let’s honor and glorify God by making a new friend to whom we can sharpen and they will sharpen us, in His name.
“So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”1 Corinthians 10:31
“Blessed God, we praise You for who You are. You are the God who cares for our needs. We see this meal before us as a demonstration of Your wonderful grace to us. We glorify You for the day we have had. Thank You for the family gathered here and for every blessing we enjoy. Amen.”
When my kids were little we started praying at dinnertime. We found a simple prayer that they could take turns saying. “God is great! God is good! Let us thank Him For our food. Amen.” It was an easy way to add glorifying and thanking God into our daily lives. The problem was it became rote. After awhile, there was no feeling, personalization or even love behind the prayer. It was just something we did – quickly – so we could start eating. For some of us we never even pray before meals. Or we pray only during certain meals. But Jesus gave thanks at every meal, glorifying the Father for being a provider of needs.
“30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.”Luke 24:30
The beauty of this scripture is what came next. You see, the disciples had been walking along with the risen Jesus chatting with him, not realizing who he was. For whatever reason they urged this stranger to come stay with them and join them for dinner. After they gave thanks and broke bread, “…their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him.”
It wasn’t until 2020, when the Covid pandemic hit that the love and glorifying act of praying before meals finally sunk in for me. Each evening when my husband came home from his job of caring for senior citizens exhausted, we decided to pray. Before dinner we prayed for anything good that happened that day, we prayed for help, we prayed for the health and safety of his employees and residents. We prayed for our leaders. We thanked God for providing. And my eyes were opened to Jesus.
“Lord God, not a sparrow is not known by You. Not a lily is not clothed by You. You know what we need, and we are thankful that You have provided the meal set here for us. Keep us from worrying about tomorrow but to be grateful for what You have provided us this day. Amen.”
A friend of mine has encouraged me to start praying before every meal. Even yes, in public, which in the area where I live you just don’t see much. Friend, at mealtimes we can see the obvious work of God in our lives. Whether what’s on our plate is a feast or just enough to sustain us for one more day – we need to give all glory to Him who provides.
The prayers from today’s post came from https://connectusfund.org/25-beautiful-prayers-for-meals where you can find more prayers for meal times. But I encourage you to just talk with God before you eat, having it come from your heart.
12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.1 Corinthians 15:12-13
Among your friends and family there’s probably an atheist, fence-sitter, and a fog dweller. While you might understand the first of these two, let me explain the “fog dweller.” Someone who goes about their life not seeking answers to the big questions, not thinking about creation or death, not pondering if there is a heaven. Just getting by day to day. And if you don’t have some of each of these in your life, you might want to take up Jesus’ admonition to “go and make disciples of all nations.” Because when you do your own faith will be tested, honed and hewed.
Each of the letters in the Bible by the disciples gives us examples of believers struggling to define their faith and the true meaning of the gospel. The planted churches all were in places hostile to the message of Jesus – whether by Jews or pagans. So, developing believers that understood and stood firm in their faith was crucial.
14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.1 Cor 15:14
Ouch! That’s a pretty bold statement. And Paul had the experience to back it up. He himself saw the risen Jesus! And while the members of the church in Corinth believed in Jesus’ resurrection, they were surrounded by a culture that almost celebrated death. The Greeks of that time saw the body as a prison and welcomed death to escape from it. They laughed at the idea of resurrection. And friends, there’s people around you that believe the same thing today.
While sitting bedside of my quickly waning mother-in-law who was on hospice, I had to ask myself, do I really, I mean really believe in, not only Jesus’ resurrection, but the resurrection of the entire body of the church? Do I believe that Bev will be resurrected one day? And therefore, I should only mourn this time “in between” and find joy in the “not yet.”
A friend of mine shared with me once how her son came to her with horrible news about an acquaintance of his. Their newborn baby had unexpectantly died. Her son, of course, was distraught for his friend. And although the death of any loved one can bring so much pain, the death of a child seems doubly so. My friend contemplated how hard it must be to experience so much pain without a belief in God. Her son, a non-believer, was apoplectic. “How could a god do such a thing?” The great “why?” He doesn’t believe the promised hope for the future and therefore doesn’t enjoy any of the comfort God can provide.
19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. 20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 1 Cor 15:19-20
You see friends, if I don’t believe in the resurrection of the dead then what’s really the point of ever quoting in John 3:16? True belief in a resurrection redemption is what brings true comfort. And times of great pain, especially death, are the ultimate opportunities to show the world we live as saved and redeemed people trusting wholly in the stated promises by Jesus.
I realized while in my Cherith I was a fog dweller when it came to the resurrection. I hadn’t thought a lot about it, mostly because I haven’t had many people around me pass away. But as God has fed me the solid food of His Holy Word, I’m coming to understand the whole picture. The beauty of living in the “between” of Jesus has come and is reigning and the “not yet” of the promised resurrection and the new heaven and a new earth (Rev 21:1). And while Elijah didn’t have the comfort of knowing the risen Christ he surely contemplated his death during those two years in the ravine. Thank God we have more than just the Old Testament prophets to lean on! We have the truth, the proven, historical truth of a risen King!
I recently was listening to an episode of The White Horse Inn podcast — which for those of you interested in getting some solid Christian food I highly recommend it. They’ve been discussing what “the good life” means to Christians. They describe us as living in the “here and not yet.” I love the analogy by one pastor as like the marriage steps. We once were single, now we are engaged but not yet married. We shouldn’t act like single people because we have a commitment to Christ. But the marriage isn’t yet consummated and we need to stay in the preparation stage until the date arrives. So, we work with our Holy Spirit wedding planner in inviting friends and family to this holy event. The guest list is expansive but yes, limited to those willing to come. We live for our betrothed, His thoughts and ways becoming our ways. And we dream of the day we are sure will arrive. When all those friends are gathered up and Jesus is waiting at the altar for us.
As the hours wound down to when I knew my last goodbyes to Bev were near, I found I could look at her with sadness and with joy in knowing not only was she going to a place far more glorious than here, but that one day we would be reunited at a party for all the ages. A party that is to come. A party that I want you all to be at – so will you RSVP today and yes, you can bring a friend or two.
Do you truly believe in the resurrection of the dead?
Are you living a life preparing for the New Eden, living a life of a bride in waiting – excitedly planning, preparing, inviting?
Speaking of heaven — please enjoy this beautiful poem my daughter, Madison Dooley, wrote and spoke at her grandmother’s funeral.
To See What She Sees
For Grandma Bev
Oh Lord my God, to see what she sees
To see you face-to-face, shining with glory. To grab your hand and feel it wrapped around mine.
Oh Lord my God, to see what she sees.
To be clothed in robes of white. To be completely whole, totally fulfilled. To be without sorrow, want, or pain.
Oh Lord my God, to see what she sees.
To feel roads of gold under my feet and see angels above. To look ahead and see you seated on the throne, pointing at the open seat next to you, for me.
Oh Lord my God, to see what she sees.
To see the mountaintops glistening with glory. To hear the angels and the saints singing Your praise, oh what a melodious sound it must be.
Oh Lord my God, to see what she sees.
To see the faces of those who have gone before me, shining with glory. To see the colors in all their vibrancy, the flowers in all their brilliance.
Oh Lord my God, to see what she sees.
To see the brokenhearted, the disabled, the outcasted – healed and totally restored. To feel anew again. To dance freely to the songs of heaven. To know the true meaning of Paradise. To look upon life on Earth and finally see the masterpiece you are sewing. To feel your presence wrapped around me like a tight hug.
Oh Lord my God, to see what she sees.
To see the river of life flowing from your throne, glowing like a crystal. To see the tree of life towering over me, boasting its healing fruits.
To have no need for the sun, or even a lamp, because darkness is no more, there is no night.
Oh Lord my God, to see what she sees.
To see the mysteries of heaven unfolded before my eyes. To look down and see cosmos swirling beneath my feet, looking small compared to You. To experience the love of the Father for all that it was, it is, and is to come.
To be without sin. To be exactly who You created me to be.
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 2:41
My husband and I are back in the process of a church search. For some of you, your church has been your lifelong home. For others, you know all too well the difficult path of church searching. We spent the last seven months trying out a church and realized it just wasn’t the right fit. Great preaching and friendly people but there were a number of pieces missing that we didn’t see being resolved any time soon. We left on friendly terms as we began our journey to the right home.
And this search led me to think about the first church. That fateful day of Pentecost when 3,000 souls turned their hearts and lives over to Jesus when the Holy Spirit was delivered to Earth. There could’ve been more. Others stood in the temple that day and heard the sound of the violent wind. They heard the Jews from every nation speaking to each other in their native tongues. But they hardened their hearts.
Some however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.” Acts 2:13
The 3,000, selected by God, were urged by Peter to recognize what had just occurred. He quoted the prophet Joel in explaining how the Holy Spirit would be poured out just as it had happened. He reminded the Jews of David’s words when he spoke of God’s promise to fill them with the joy of God’s presence. When Peter had his brief history lesson the 3,000 asked, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:38-39
He answered with the message of the Gospel. And he went on to plead with them to abandon their corrupt generation. Imagine. 3,000 people all at once starting on their new beginning. It must’ve been glorious!
But their baptism wasn’t the end of their stories. What came next was an intense learning period. They “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship.” (v2:42). They ate together, worshipped together, studied together, prayed without ceasing, worked together to help those in need. And they multiplied.
You don’t get the impression from reading about the first church in Acts that a bunch of individuals were saved then when to their own homes and began an intensive self-realization study. Or went about their work day as though nothing spectacular just happened. No, their common goal was to spread the news of Jesus Christ dying for our sins. Remember, they spoke in many different languages. So, they were preparing to go back home to make even more believers. Preparing to go do difficult work. That first church was all about discipleship. I wonder how many of our churches can truly say the same? I haven’t been a member of one yet. But it’s what I’m looking for now.
The Spirit of Christ is the spirit of missions and the nearer we get to Him, the more intensely missionary we must become.
Henry Martyn
The act of baptism, confessing our faith in Jesus Christ and receiving the Holy Spirit, is typically a public affair. It’s the starting point of our new beginning. But after that one time event we call on the power and strength of the Holy Spirit to fill us continually for one mission – to be in service to God. Those first 3,000 believers would need the Holy Spirit to continue on their mission. They would most likely encounter adversity, opposition, violence, and yes, success. Beautiful success.
We should all celebrate the day of Pentecost, which comes on the 7th Sunday or 50 days after Easter Sunday (June 5, 2022). For the Old Testament Jews, it represented the giving of the Law to Moses. But the new covenant, for all the world to partake, saw Jesus enter our lives. And after Jesus’ foretold crucifixion He gave us the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. On that day 1000s of years ago, yet another promise was fulfilled by God. His Spirit came to live in all of us, permanently. And we were commissioned into His service.
As my faith and biblical knowledge has matured, my list of “must haves” for my new church has been honed. I want a church that is biblically strong, always pointing me to Jesus, a joy-filled body of believers, and one whose primary goal is to create well-versed and confident disciples. I hope you will pray for us in finding such a place.
The modern church itself needs a new beginning. As individuals, may we be spurred to greater expectations of our Christian communities. And may we seek out ways to draw each other together in unity as our forefathers in Christ did on that day of Pentecost.
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