Thoughts on Acts two - Oct 27, 2006
We are studying through the book of Acts in our Tuesday night bible study class. Here are a few more thoughts on this amazing chapter in God’s grand scheme of salvation.
Peter had been personally handed the keys to the kingdom of heaven by the Lord. Here he stood in Acts 2 ready to usher in the Reign of Grace. Announcing the facts of mysteries hidden in secret from age to age of the Messiah’s death, burial, and resurrection. All stood ready to hear these revelations.
A child born of a humble virgin, in Bethlehem of Judea, brought up by Joseph, a carpenter in the town of Nazareth. After a life of perfect purity, holiness, undefiled, lived among the people doing good. The deeds that he did were noble, they were deeds of piety, he showed his humanity and kindness, they were numerous, and John said the world could not contain the books that should be written about the Lord. He was opposed, insulted, reproached, finally condemned, crucified, put to death, and laid in a borrowed tomb. Suddenly he rises from the grave, identifies himself to a few close and faithful few, though disconsolate, conducts numerous interviews for instruction and consolation, bids them an affectionate farewell and ascends to heaven. He is carried though the portals of glory amidst the adoring saints and wondering Angels, is ushered into the presence of the King, eternal, immortal, and invisible.
Jesus now presides over the universe, a new law giver and judge, the same person who was reproached by the Jews and crucified by the Romans. He has the entire power of the Holy Spirit readied to proclaim the “Good News” this honor given to him by the Father. Isaiah said, “Unto us a child is born, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Might God, the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be know end, upon the throne of David and of his kingdom to order it with judgment and with peace henceforth forever more.”
Peter desired to prove, in the most convincing manner, that God had made that same Jesus, whom the nation had wickedly condemned and crucified both Lord and Christ. This he did by the proper application and testimony of the Old Testament Prophets, whose authority was supreme. Peter also did this by reasoning in a very clear, concise, and pointed way and than by solemn declaration of his own personal knowledge of the events, as well as the eleven eye witnesses standing beside him, of the absolute certainty of his resurrection from the dead and his ascension into heaven.
Tongues of fire had earlier radiated upon them and now they were speaking in dialects not their own, the Holy Spirit confirming the message delivered. Never have words carried more weight than those that said, “Let the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this same Jesus, whom you crucified both Lord and Christ.” This information cut them to the quick.
This is the model sermon. It was scripture, argument, proof. No idle words, no pompous speech, to oratory tricks, or gentle cadences. There was sincerity, and there was gravity. The conciseness, characterized by word and action. All of it lead to three thousand people obeying the gospel.
Steve Corbett
Be Thankful - Oct. 22, 2006
“Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you are called in one body; and be thankful.”(Col 3:15). Expressions of gratitude are pleasant to hear when they come from a thankful heart. When some one says “thank-you” it makes you feel good. The bible is a book that points out to us things that are good for man but also pleasing to God. Thankfulness is one of those thoughts.
I have tried over the past several years to be more expressive about this to God. When you stop and consider all the wonderful blessings we have you can not but be thankful. Thankfulness makes one more closely consider what comes from God. It gives you perspective that you might not otherwise get. Thankfulness keeps the one expressing it more humble because he or she soon realizes that God is the giver of all our blessings. Like the old song says, “Count your many blessings name them one by one, count your many blessings see what God has done, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, count your many blessings see what God has done.”
God gave us his thoughts and words in written form that we might be able to study it and to come to know him. The expressions of his love for us should melt the heart when we think about it. Than those expressions of love had an exclamation mark put on them when his son died on that cross for the forgiveness of my sins.
We live in a wonderful world full of colors, smells, sunshine, rain, snow, deserts, mountains, valleys, plains, steams, ponds, lakes, oceans, wetlands, woods, forests, country and urban settings, whatever your taste there is something for everyone.
Than there is family what a blessing. I’m thankful for my parents and grandparents. My wife is part of my family she has been a wonderful help to me. I never thought I would have nine kids but they are a source of great pride and love. We live in a country where we can worship God with out the fear of being harmed. A country where we can openly plan our own lives. There is so much strife in the rest of the world, so much unrest and violence.
“I praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well” (Psa 139:14). How complex and wonderful is the human body. I’m glad for mine.
The family of God is made up for the most part of wonderful people. Yes there are imperfections, the members are human, they are tempted and tried, sometimes they sin. One of the things that has contributed to my happiness in life are the brothers and sisters that I have in the Lord who are generous, loving, kind and encouraging. They are a blessing.
If you are reading this than you have not crossed the river of death yet. One day we will see that shimmering city set on a hill that God has prepared for those that love him. Life there in that wonderful place will be a gift from God.
All those wonderful blessings! To God be the glory forever and ever amen!
These Are Smoke in My Nostrils - Oct 3rd, 2006
Do you realize that God also has a "sense of smell"? There are aromas that He likes and there are aromas that He dislikes. He liked the aroma of Noah's sacrifice upon exiting the ark (Genesis 8:20-21). The generous gifts of faithful Christians are a sweet-smelling savor to Him (Philippians 4:18). The sacrifice of Jesus upon the cross was a pleasing aroma to the Father (Ephesians 5.2). However, not all aromas are pleasing to God; some actually are repulsive to His nostrils. We will consider an Old Testament example as we continue our thoughts.
"These are smoke in My nostrils, A fire that burns all the day." (Isaiah 65:5). The things that Isaiah mentioned as being repulsive and irritating to God in this context were egregious sins committed in Israel, many of them in the name of religion! The self-righteous ones among the children of Israel were the cause of God's displeasure; they were as smoke in the nostrils of God. Smoke irritates, causes discomfort, and gives rise to pain, even agony, in the lives of those who have to endure its uninvited effects. Such were the effects of sin in the lives of God's people upon God; they caused him great discomfort and pain.
We totally misunderstand God when we characterize Him as in some way finding pleasure when He detects sin in the lives of an individual. In fact, it is just the opposite; He finds no pleasure in discovering some hidden sin; He winces in pain! God's character is good, not sinister as some would have it. His character is holy in every regards; that is why sin in the lives of His children is as smoke in His nostrils.
Ezekiel wrote of God's character when He said, "I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked." (Ezekiel 33:11). To the contrary, He desires that all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). The pain that He suffered over the sins of men was greater than the pain that He endured when He gave His only begotten Son so that all could live (John 3:16). He is a loving Father who finds no pleasure in the disobedience of His children, but who delights in the faithful as they honor Him through their faithfulness.
Smoke is more than an annoyance; it can be the source of great discomfort and pain. How God sees us in this regards all depends on how we see Him. If we see Him as the source of life, He finds great pleasure in us. If we see Him as the source of death, we are as smoke in His nostrils!