"Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen." 2Peter 3:18
A pastoral friend of mine posted this brief testimonial of George MacDonald's and it resonated so deeply with me I just had to share it devotionally. I appreciate writers who pour their very souls into their words. I have felt so similarly as he does about his commitment to Christ. Hope it inspires you too. Pastor Fred
"The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead." Acts 4:1-2
I have found that religious people, who sometimes pretend to be spiritual people, are easily disturbed. I think for three reasons. They hate three things. Change, Competition and Criticism.
"When God raised up his servant, He sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways." Acts 3:26
This verse right now is speaking so much to me I hope I can get it all written down, not long, but profound. Here are some insights.
"And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed." Acts 3:25
Let me share a few insights into the meaning of this verse.
Peter is talking to the Jews.
They are heirs of God's covenant.
God spoke to their prophets and their people.
He spoke through Abraham about His promises to them.
All peoples means not only His covenant people, the Jews, it means us Covenant people too.
Now, that is a promise fulfilled and a blessing to all people, all of us and each of us.
Means you and me specifically,
Pastor Fred
"Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days." Acts 3:24
Samuel was called a prophet in the Old Testament in 1st Samuel 3:20, although he did not directly prophesy about Christ, he did anoint David as King and speak of his kingdom and the promises David received were and will be fulfilled in Christ. You see, the Bible is intricately woven together, a veritable tapestry of truth in history, teaching, prophecy, fulfillment and God's direction and His plan concealed and revealed.
"Anyone who does not listen to Him will be completely cut off from among His people." Acts 3:23
This verse is really bothering me this morning. Peter is continuing to quote parts of Deuteronomy 18. In that chapter Moses is laying down the law about listening and what happens when we don't. Here, Peter reiterates this principle of disobedience.
For Moses said, "The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything He tells you." Acts 3:22
Yep, Moses is talking about Jesus here. Every Book in the Bible talks about Jesus. Jesus is the thread that weaves the whole Bible together.
"He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through His holy prophets." Acts 3:21
Let me break this down by words and phrases to show how we can understand The Bible more easily if we deal with the words a few at a time.
"...and that He may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you... even Jesus." Acts 3:20
God's promises compound. They multiply. They are a never-ending reservoir of blessings. There are thousands of them in Scripture.
"...and that He may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you-- even Jesus." [Acts 3:20]
There is no end to the blessings of knowing the Lord. If we slow this verse down for more impact it says that He, God the Father, sends the Christ, His Son, to each of us, personally, individually by name, in His Name, Jesus. Jesus, my personal Lord and Savior. Jesus, the one that your Father God sends specifically, by appointment for you and me individually, by name.
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