March 31, 2024 – Happy Easter!
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in our Lenten readings from “The Life of Jesus”? Here’s today’s reading:
Day 42 in the Book: “The Life of Jesus“
The Last Forty Days
Read Sections 6.13 through 6.14 (pages 193-194)
This book is an account of Jesus’ life and teachings told through in chronological order from the four Gospels to create one continuous story.
*If you do not have a copy of the book please contact the church at (401)667-0775 and we can get you a copy.
Best day of the year. Praise Jesus.
In Russian, Slavic speaking churches, saints are greeting each other today with “Jesus is Risen!” The reply, “Truly, He is Risen.”
My short time here at Living Hope has settled one truth, in part, Jesus ascended from earth into heaven before his disciples. “Ye men of Gallilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go up into heaven.” Acts 1
And without fear of successful contradiction, this verse affirms the whole, that Jesus Christ will descend from heaven and stand on earth, ONCE-PERIOD.
I believe in the only and only literal Return of Jesus Christ on earth, He shall stand here, all eyes will see him, kings and nations will wail in his sight. Not will he ride a donkey, but a powerful White Horse, and at that time there will be no question who is KING of kings, and LORD of lords.
I thank my brothers and sisters in Saturday Bible study on Revelation for that confirmation and clarity.
My reflections this past month on Resurrection Sunday expressed how passionate (compassionate) he was that all men should be saved, as His determinate will before the foundation of the world. Not all have, or will believe.
In Russian, the word for compassion is “co-suffering”. If anything, by His co-suffering in the flesh, as only Jesus could do, we now have peace with God. Such a forgiving God! There is no salvation in any other name!
“Йисус Воскрес- Воистину Он Воскрес!” -gy
Lenten 2024 – Day 42
Happy Easter!
Happy Resurrection Day!
The Apostles were given the ability to speak in tongues but they were known languages for those that heard them; heard them in their own native tongue. This was so for the gospel to be spread quicker without the Apostles learning a new language. Most of the Apostles were simple fishermen. Most of the time in modern times missionaries have to take time to learn another language in order to preach the gospel to the people. People like Hudson Taylor had to learn the language and culture. He also had a special skill of being a doctor. I remember while I was at Prairie Bible College I had a teacher share with us about his dad that was a missionary years ago, He said that his dad spoke a language to a tribe person in a foreign land and led the person to Christ. His dad never spoke the language again. I don`t have any reason not to believe this story . Anyways God can do anything He wishes. Years ago I had the privilege of leading someone to Christ but mine was through a translator. This was in Mexico during Christmas school break. The mission was Operation Mobilization. What joy that was in being used by God to bring someone to Christ. May the Lord bless as we follow Him.
Dennis, I heard many such accounts. Our God is the God of Language, and His Word never returns void. I never mastered French in school, but loved it. Been studying Russian since ’86 and still don’t get it.
Acts 2 demonstrates God can open ears as well as loosen tongues to present the Gospel of peace, miraculously.
I do want to speak in tongues, that is Russian, by God grace; if I ever did, it would be a miracle!
Lenten Day 42
The disciples receive the Holy Spirit! God have them the power to heal and to teach. What a blessing for humankind!
As promised by Jesus, the disciples receive the Holy Spirit in a way they had not received Him before. This would be evidence that although they “got rid of Jesus”, His power and influence would be evident in these 12 as well as all others who would believe in His name. How grateful we can be that we have been granted the Holy Spirt to help us live the Christian life. May we all bear His fruit and be filled with His influence to overflowing. And what a miracle to give manifestation to His presence and the message of Christ spread because of it. The same Spirit that empowered tongues, also inspired Peter to give a message and cut to the heart of those assembled there about what they had done to Jesus and how they needed to change their minds about Him and accept Him for Who He is.
The message you presented Sunday was beyond belief! You took your Phillipians study right where you were at and challenged me to the core. What have I counted as dung after salvation?
I read Acts 1 through 5 this morning. Pastor, I am shocked at the immediate change within the apostles and disciples after the Holy Spirit. How they possessed a comprehension of Scripture that would bring a priest to tears. Unlearned fishermen countering and confounding the combined wisdom of Jerusalem’s elite and seasoned leaders on the spot. Their only resolution was to apply human force, threatening upon them to stop was weak and puny before Peter. Even threats would not stop the apostles.
Apostles presented a simple message recounting the facts known to all, and hearts were mended and turned to Christ instantly.
I am confounded at the awesome power of the Holy Spirit! What a way to start the day!
Thanks Gordon and amen!