Tag Archives: died

Guided by the Holy Spirit – Acts 16:6-10

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In Acts 16:6-10 we see throughout the passage Paul and Silas are constantly guided by the Holy Spirit.  They have allowed themselves to be open to the guidance of the Spirit, and when the Spirit then gave Paul a vision, they didn’t sit back, trying to decide if they should do anything about it, they simply got up and went!  They obeyed the Holy Spirit and went on to preach the Good News to many who were saved.

Last night at our Lifegroup, we looked further into the sermon that Phil preached on Sunday (I am posting in Fellowship some the rest of my notes on the sermon in the near future). A large emphasis of what we talked about was about the Holy Spirit, and how He strengthens us and guides us, as well as enables us to grow in Him. Looking then at today’s Our Daily Bread reading, I was surprised that Ephesians 2:22 has popped up again (Sunday, Thursday and now Friday)! As you may have read from previous posts, I believe the Lord will repeat Himself as much as it takes so that we will sit up and listen.

22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

The Holy Spirit does live inside us.  Before Jesus death, the only place for God’s Glory was the Holy of Holy’s in the temple at Jerusalem, and yet when Jesus died, the temple curtain was ripped in half, Jesus rose from the grave, and the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the disciples and has continued to be poured out across the world.  The Holy Spirit is there as our guide, like in this passage in Acts.  We need to listen carefully to what He says, and be obedient to His guidance.  If we feel we must share the Gospel with a random person on the street, then we should do so, ignoring the old human fears and impulses, but just trusting in the Lord and His Holy Spirit.  You may only plant a seed, but one day that seed with burst forth life.

Living in a state of obedience to the Holy Spirit is really quite exciting, as we are no longer living a life that we plan out for ourselves!  We are living a life where we don’t know where the Holy Spirit is going to take us next.  That is not to say we shouldn’t try to plan our careers etc, but we should lean heavily on the Holy Spirit for guidance to make the right career choices, family choices, etc.  I pray that I can be as faithful as Paul and Silas and that I will recognise the Holy Spirits voice when He calls and points me in directions, that sometimes I may not want to go.  And I pray that in those situations that the Lord will be Glorified.

He is Alive! – Luke 24:1-12

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There are many theories banded around about Jesus death.  Many people cannot believe that Jesus actually rose from the dead.  Of course if Jesus had not risen from the dead, there would be no Christian Faith.  We would simply be telling a sad story of a man who said amazing things but then died.  Thankfully, however Jesus defeated death in its own playing ground and rose victorious able to give life to those who believe.

Today’s Our Daily Bread reading makes an extremely good point with regard to anyone doubting the resurrection.  All of Jesus disciples (apart from John) died a martyrs death.  Yes they died for what they believed and what they were telling people about.  Their entire message was based on the fact that Jesus had risen from the grave.  Would men who were making up a story really die for a lie?  Of course not.  I found this such an encouraging way to look at any questions of doubt that may arise.

Some people who wish to disprove the message say that Jesus “woke up” or recovered from basically being unconscious because of all that was done to Him (they claim he had not died).  To clarify, there is no way that Jesus was still alive.  How on earth he had managed to live after the flogging alone, then carrying the cross over His back alone is a testament to His determination and love.  However once upon the cross, there was no way the Romans would let a man down until they were sure the victim was dead.  To be sure a spear was plunged into his side and out came a mixture of blood and water.  When someone dies the blood separates, proof Jesus was dead.  The Romans carried out thousands of crucifixion’s there was no way they were going to get it wrong.

Even if they did get it wrong (which if you remember the spear in the side, they didn’t), having been flogged, lost so much blood, been nailed to a cross and suffocated, being pierced by a spear etc, that a man would be able to make a full recovery and then roll away a tomb stone many times his own body weight to then appear to many disciples around the area.

Stolen body?  Not at all,  the Romans nor the Jews wanted to give Jesus disciples any more reason to “go on” about Jesus.  That’s why they crucified Him!  Thats also why they put guards to stop people getting near Him.  And of course as we have said, if the disciples had stolen Him, why on earth would they die for a lie?  They simply wouldn’t.  And finally then, how would we explain the many appearances of Jesus to Disciples and friends all around the area?

I am 100%, totally and utterly convinced of the resurrection and the power of the Lord Jesus over death!  I am so thankful he came to earth to die for our sins that we whom believe may have everlasting life.  Put any doubt away, and start believes in the Risen Lord.

Amen

Broken for You and Me – 1 Cor. 11:23-26

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This Easter time, people will be exchanging Easter Cards, purchasing and consuming Easter eggs, having Easter egg hunts, visiting family and generally enjoying the time off that the Easter season allows for.  I am reminded of a poem I ususally hear most Christmases however it it still very apt even now:

” Jesus

is the reason, for this season”

Like Christmas people often forget the true meaning of what is becoming more commonly known as the “Holiday Seasons”. Yes, many large companies are now taking on the term “Holiday Seasons” to avoid a direct relationship with Christian Celebrations so as not to offend others.  Television adverts during Easter concentrate on chocolate, and at Christmas, Santa and gifts!

Easter is the time we remember when our Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins on the cross.  He was the perfect sacrifice.  A lamb to the slaughter, untouched by sin, clean and yet he was willing to take the punishment we each deserve!  The part of Easter that fills me with joy is the fact that Jesus rose again.  Showing he had power over death and has gone ahead to prepare a place for each one who believes.

This Easter time, I pray that we don’t get carried away with chocolate and games, and forget the true meaning of Easter.  Of course chocolate and games are fun and I would highly recommend both, however we do need to make sure we spend time with the Lord, thanking Him for what he has done for us.  What he did was the most amazing gift of love.

Thank you Jesus.

Doubt – Genesis 3:1-7

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This passage is about the fall of man.  The Lord had made Adam and Eve, and provided a wonderful world for them to live in.  He asked them not to eat of one particular tree as it would lead to death, and yet we find that in the end, man succumbs to temptation and eats of the tree.

Firstly, why did God put that tree there?  This isn’t covered in my reading, but the question did pop into my head just now!  Thinking back to the beginning, God made man so that man could love God and have a relationship with him.  The thing is, you can’t make somebody love you, or make them want to be with you, therefore God allowed for choice.  If man still then chose not to partake of that tree, then things would still be as they were, and man would be in a permanent loving relationship with the Lord.   Unfortunately, we chose differently.

The daily devotional goes on to highlight how Satan can use the doubt of God and his goodness to draw us into sin:

 5 “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Satan was trying to convince Eve that God knew that the fruit of this tree would be good for her, but had decided to hold it back from her.  She therefore doubted Gods goodness and eventually took the decision to eat of the fruit on that tree, as did Adam.

You see, when we doubt God’s goodness, we need only look to the cross for confirmation that he really and truly does love us!  He sent his one and only Son to die for our sins so that we may be able to continue in a loving relationship with the father and join him for eternity.  Therefore, don’t consider the current circumstances and convince yourself the God does not understand, or that

God is holding out on you, just remember the Cross!

God Loves You!