Category: Acts

The Authority of Jesus Christ.

Acts 4:5-12 (NIV)

5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is
“‘the stone you builders rejected,
    which has become the cornerstone.’[a]
12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Amen! Hallelujah! Pure Faith spoken by Peter before persecutors. For all to see. The Holy Spirit did not fail. The perfect and beautiful words given to Peter just at the right time.

There is no other name by which we are saved. JESUS! It is so awesome to know that we are given such a gift every day. To know that every morning we can breathe in New Air, see the New Light, and know that we are born again today. All sins wiped clean by the blood of Jesus Christ.

The stone the builders rejected…has become the Cornerstone! #JesusSaves

Amen
DK

The number of Believers grows through miracles in the name of Jesus…

Acts 4:1-4 (NIV)

The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.

Peter and John kept on preaching the Word of Jesus Christ as the Risen Savior. It is obvious that there were many that were not buying it. That would be the reason they were thrown in jail. Or was it fear from those that didn’t understand.

Fear can be a powerful weapon formed against us by the devil who seeks to kill, steel, and destroy us every day. If we are to believe in Jesus as our Savior, then we must not put fear above God.  Instead we are to place God above fear, as it is He who sent Jesus to conquer fear and sin. Through Jesus, no weapon formed against can harm us.

This weekend I saw 387 high school and junior high students worship Jesus powerfully at Camp Zephyr. I saw fear. I saw questions. I saw doubt. I saw ignorance. All this I saw in the eyes of these kids as they walked towards the first worship session on Friday. Then I saw Jesus break through all of that in the lives of these young believers. The walls came down, and the Holy Spirit entered their hearts. Close to 200 kids welcomed Jesus into their hearts and proclaimed Him as their personal Lord and Savior. It was beautiful.

Many of these kids, like John and Peter in these verses, knew that they were to step into the world to share what Jesus has done for all of us. They asked questions as to what their next step was, and the Holy Spirit came through and gave them answers because the did Seek Him. They did Ask. They did knock, some of them for the very first time.

As Peter and John walked and taught, the number of Believers grew to over 5000. This happened when they were thrown in jail that night. This weekend, 200 were added to that number. The Kingdom is growing. Do not be fooled by what you see in the news. The Liberation of Souls will not be televised. John and Peter knew this. Now we do as well. #JesusSaves

Amen
DK

Another opportunity presented to the Israelites. Another opportunity…

Acts 3:17-26 (NIV)

17 “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. 21 Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. 22 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. 23 Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’[a]

24 “Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days. 25 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.’[b] 26 When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”

All of those people that Peter was speaking were considered to be the knowledgeable and educated in the religion of Judaism. How then can Peter stand and call them ignorant? The reason is Jesus Christ. Peter now stood directly on the authority of Jesus.

Repent today and turn to Jesus. Peter emphasizes the fact that prophets had been presented to the Jews, and that they refused to accept Him. Even so, Jesus tells us that no matter what had been done, they would still be accepted if they repent and confess that Jesus is Lord.

Peter was pushing it. Peter believed though, and as such did not have to deal with his doubt. He lived with God in him. As we all should. #JesusSaves

Amen
DK

After the miracle of healing the lame beggar, all of those that saw it happen were dumbfounded and knew not how to act…

Acts 3:11-16 (NIV)

11 While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. 12 When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.

Peter hits the nail on the head. He asks why the crowd is looking at him. He knew that it was God not him that had performed the miracles. It was a very matter of fact statement Peter made.

There is no doubt that Peter could not have performed this miracle of healing without Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit. He states it very clearly. Peter is humble, and because of this he would do great things with the Holy Spirit in him.

We have been gifted and commissioned to spread the Gospel. We have been made worthy. We have been cleansed. It is by grace alone that you have been made whole and righteous. #JesusSaves

Amen
DK

Here it is. Peter heals. Peter. Focus and remember what you will from yesterday, but today, in the name of Jesus, Peter heals a man…

Acts 3:1-10 (NIV)

One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Action! This is the book of Acts, and by name and Dees it recounts action by the Disciples of Jesus. In this case, Peter heals a man who had been lame from birth. Coincidence…No!

I have no Gold or Silver, but I have Jesus in me. And guess what? You can have Him too. There is more than enough to go around. You will be filled with joy and happiness, and you will learn to love more deeply than ever before.

Get up and walk! Get up and speak p the glory of God the Father through Jesus Christ.  The mobilization started 2000 years ago. Gentiles like you and I are now free. There are no limits to what Jesus has always done in your life and mine.  Let us now remove the blinders and begin to run with Him. Not ahead and not behond. Run with God through Jesus is.

Amen
DK

We are to come together and pray…

Acts 2:42-47

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

The scene is played out daily all over the world. Eating, praying, loving, talking, worshipping, and getting to know God through Jesus Christ. With the barriers broken down, access is granted to Him who saved us. God the Father is now accessible. Along with that, all the perks of the beloved. All the blessings of Mercy and Grace poured out on us, filling our cups to the point of overflowing.

As we press closer to God and grow more through Him, we become more and more like Him. It becomes necessary to break bread and share all that we have to help each other through this place that is not our home. We have been placed here to come together and help each other make it to Him. We can enjoy the blessings of this world…Yes! But we must help those that are in need, even if they don’t appear to the naked eye that they need it.

Help us not only money. Time and the Word is so much more powerful. You must read and share. When you break bread with others, this is the time to share the Word of God. Read the Bible friends. It is ALIVE. It is the Living Word. #JesusSaves

Amen
DK

The gift of the Holy Spirit is Free… Repent and be Baptized, then Receive.

Acts 2:38-41 (NIV)

38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

That very day, 3000 new belivers came to know Christ. It happened through a man answering the call of God on his life. Peter was no Superman. He didn’t do anything miraculous. He was a man. A person like you and me. He believed. It is through his faith and belief that miracles would happen through Peter. But it wasn’t Peter.

The promise is for you, your family, and for everyone far off. It is for Gentiles and all who believe. Jesus was sent to save us and teach us to love, unconditionally. The lessons are there, located in the Holy Bible. They are in you. The Bible taps into the Word of God that was placed in you long ago. It just needs to be activated. Read! #JesusSaves

Amen
DK

The Word of God is sharper than the sharpest two edge sword…

Acts 2:29-37 (NIV)
29 “Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
    “Sit at my right hand
35 until I make your enemies
    a footstool for your feet.”’[f]
36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

Thoughts:
Peter continues to press into Go’s through Jesus Christ, the Risen Savior. We are instructed to look to the prophets for confirmation. Those prophets that came before Jesus were all in position to prepare the way. The way is not easy. It was never intended to be. The walk requires persistent faith. Faith that can move mountains. Collective faith of all believers through the church is powerful.

The last question is beautiful. “What shall we do now?”, is the question. This calling upon our lives is strong. The call is for us to be diligent and steadfast. Our Savior will return. We are to speak of this return and act in His stead. We are not to only “hold down the fort”. We are positioned to improve and expand the Kingdom of God. It is our calling.

If you sit still and listen to God, you will hear His call on your life. The call may not be what you expect. Chances are it will be the opposite, but do not be afraid. God’s plan is to prosper us. It always has been. As we walk in battle every day, know that the Lord our God has given all means to fight the good fight. He has given us the weapons and the protection required. It is at the moment when you think the fight is over and that you are finished that He is most or went with you.

Begin today to culture and grow a strong intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. He is your Advocate in Heaven. He sits at the right hand of the Father not for Glory or Prestige. He sits there for us, His beloved children. There is nothing He would not do to ensure your success in fulfilling God’s perfect plan. He would give His life again if it was required. Know that the finished work of the Cross is just that…FINISHED. walk in the authority of Jesus Christ. Pray today in the name of Jesus. Say that today. #JesusSaves

Amen
DK

It is time. The time is now…

22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men,[d] put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 25 David said about him:

“‘I saw the Lord always before me.
    Because he is at my right hand,
    I will not be shaken.
26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
    my body also will rest in hope,
27 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
    you will not let your holy one see decay.
28 You have made known to me the paths of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence.’[e]

Thoughts:
As Peter addresses the crowd, he speaks on the wonders and miracles of Jesus. However, at the same time, he speaks of scripture. He quotes King David. This was the prophecy that was to be and was fulfilled as Peter witnessed.

Understand that you are a witness and a minister of Jesus Christ. Miracles have been given for you to see and hear. You are witnesses for Jesus and as such you should share your testimony. It is your testimony that shows those that see you that Christ is alive in you. He is. He is alive in you. There is no doubt you have had an instance in your life where you knew you were touched by God and the presence of the Holy Spirit was with you. Share it. He will use that to help all who hear it. Trust in the Lord.

Peter knew it. He stood in front of many and professed the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Stand and let others know that through Jesus death has been defeated, vanquished, and no more. With Jesus as our Shepard, we cannot fail. He is always with us. #JesusSaves

Amen
DK

Peter is able to explain the happenings of the talking in tongues. Amazing!

Acts 2:14-21

14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17 “‘In the last days, God says,
    I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
    your young men will see visions,
    your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
    I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
    and they will prophesy.
19 I will show wonders in the heavens above
    and signs on the earth below,
    blood and fire and billows of smoke.
20 The sun will be turned to darkness
    and the moon to blood
    before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
21 And everyone who calls
    on the name of the Lord will be saved.’[c]

As they had been told, you will know when Jesus returns. I was trying to imagine what it would sound like. Last night’s thunderstorms were certainly loud. I would assume that it will be more obvious than that when He returns.

Many thought the Disciples were drunk. Peter is able to explain that away and get on with his business of shrink the Gospel. Adversity has no place here, just faith. It’s apparent and incredible.

The Holy Spirit is string and with us faily. He will never fail to steer you in the right dirextion. The direction is always toward God. #JesusSaves

Amen
DK