Showing posts with label fulfilled. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fulfilled. Show all posts

Monday, October 13, 2014

Acts 8:26-40 The Eunuch Hears

Acts 8:26-40 NIV
In one visit with Philip, the Ethiopian eunuch heard the good news about Jesus and was baptized. It did not take many visits. There was no set time period for the eunuch to have to study before he was baptized. But, the eunuch did have a history. At first glance, it may appear that this is the eunuch's first introduction to the savior. But, it is not. He apparently knows the scriptures and the scriptures point to Jesus. He doesn't understand them completely. But, he has been reading them. He has been studying them. He's got a pretty good idea what they say. He just doesn't understand until Philip explains them that the prophecies have been fulfilled in Jesus the Christ.

This is my opportunity to remind you that not only do we usually need someone to help us understand scripture; but, that we actually need to know what scripture says in order to help us understand them. As I said, the eunuch knew what the scriptures said. He knew the words of the prophets. Now, he knows that the prophecies were fulfilled and he rejoices. By the power of the Holy Spirit, faith grabs hold of the eunuch and the eunuch is baptized.

There are plenty of opportunities to read, hear, and study the word of God. Zion has a Bible study open to all every Wednesday at 9 a.m. and Worship Services at 10 a.m. on Sundays and 6 p.m. on Wednesdays. On Wednesdays, the sermon is interactive so that you can ask questions and discuss the readings. Join us or your local congregation in studying and hearing the message about the word. After all; faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. (Rom 10:17) And, for those who are reading this blog, don't forget to click on the Scripture link above and actually read the passage that inspires the reading.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Monday, September 15, 2014

John 19:28-37 Witnessing To The Truth

John 19:28-37 NIV
 "It is finished." Jesus' last words on earth were a declaration that his life; his work here on earth, was complete. He had fulfilled the prophecies of old.

There were witnesses to his death. The soldier who pierced him with a spear saw that he was already dead. There was a witness who testified that he had seen water and blood flow from the wound made by the spear. This man saw this and testified to them so that we might also believe. It is upon the testimony of this man and many others that we have the truth of what happened to Jesus. The testimony of this man has been passed down for generations so that all might believe.

I know that this testimony will not be stopped. The Spirit of God has empowered generations to speak the truth about Jesus. Even in the face of much persecution, themselves, the truth has been proclaimed to generations and will continue to be shared with those who do not know him.

I pray that you will be a witness of all that Jesus has done for you, for all humankind. Be not afraid; rejoice and share the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.

God's Peace - Pr. J  

Monday, July 1, 2013

Isaiah 60 - Arise and Shine!

Here, in Isaiah 60, we find a chapter full of hope. It is the promise that God gives to His people. It is part of a larger covenant that God makes with the church.

He will bless the church with the light of His glory. He promises growth. He promises peace. He promises...  The most extraordinary thing about God making promises it is that He will fulfill those promises. None of these blessing of the church on earth or in heaven is accomplished by what you or I do. It is all a work of God.

He has promised and the fulfillment of those promises is found in our LORD, Jesus the Christ. Arise and shine for our light has come (Isa 60:1) Jesus is the light that, as promised, has come into the world. What God has promised, He has fulfilled.

The church on earth has a tendency to delude itself into thinking that somehow through lobbying and politicking, through doing the right things, it will fulfill the promises of God. Peace will come, growth will come, edification will come by the works of our hands. It is just not so. These things are gifts from God. We will not know peace, our neighbors will not know peace, unless we know Jesus the Christ, who is our peace. (Eph 2:14) Peace come from him. It is a gift, as he stated on more than one occasion "My peace I give you." (John 14:27)  Then, of course, most of the world is looking for another kind of peace than the one that Jesus offers.

As I began reading the lesson for today, I immediately taught of two things. First, a memory of my father that had been buried way back in my memories. When I was a child, my father would generally wake us up by hollering up the stairs: "Rise and Shine." I wonder if he knew that morning wake up call may have originated from Isaiah 60. The first also put that popular children's song into my head and so I close with its refrain this morning:

Rise and shine
And give God the glory, glory
Rise and shine
And give God the glory, glory
Rise and shine
And give God the glory, glory
Children of the Lord
           (Author and copyright unknown - happy to credit it if someone would email or fb it to me)

God's Peace - Pr. J