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In Him We Live

John 14: 15-21, Acts 17:22-31 Our John passage has been entitled in our Bibles as, “The Promise of the Holy Spirit,” yet there is so much more to explore. Jesus here says if you love me, you will keep my commandments. But by their own weak spirits the disciples cannot do this by themselves They can’t even stay awake in Gethsemane. So, he promises an advocate for them – the Spirit of Truth which will abide in them. When he talks about the time they will not see him, he is telling about the three days after his crucifixion. These days Christ will be considered a martyr. But Jesus promised them that they will see him again. He is talking about the days he will appear to them after his resurrection from the dead. He says the potent line, “Because I live you also will live.” Not only did Christ have life after death but the disciples will too due to his work on the cross atoning for their sins. The Acts account was written after Pentecost when the Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit came...
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Preparing a Place for Our Spirits

 John 14:1-7, Acts 7:55-60 Our John passage is read at many a funeral. In it Jesus assures the disciples that where he is going, to his Father’s house – many believe heaven, he will prepare a place for them. Thus, when we die Jesus has prepared many dwelling places. When Philip asks him to verify the way there, Jesus states one of his greatest “I am” statements. He says, “I am the Way.” Remember last week we spoke of Jesus being the gate for his sheep – his people to come through. He states this again saying, “No one comes to the Father but through me.” He not only states that he is the way but the truth and the life also. He is the way then to eternal life. He is the way to the Father’s house. He will bring them there so that where he is they may be also. In Acts we have the account of Stephen, one of the early converts of the disciples who shared this passage of hope. Stephen is known as the first Christian martyr. He gives a long sermon telling the truth about their Jewish...
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The Gate Guarding our Souls

John 10:1-10, I Peter 2:19-25 We all know the metaphor of Jesus being the Good Shepherd but in our John account Jesus says he is not only the Good Shepherd but is also the gate for the sheep. Those who enter through him will be saved and find pasture. This image of Jesus being the gate may reflect the practice of shepherds lying in front of the opening to the sheep fold. This shepherd-sheep relationship is one of intimacy, guidance, and care. Jesus being the Good Shepherd knows his sheep by name and leads them out since the sheep know his voice. This is in contrast to the stranger, thief, and bandit who climb in another way. These thieves represent the political and religious leaders of the time. While the Good Shepherd gives abundant life, these thieves come only to steal, kill, and destroy. This passage is followed by Jesus stating he is the Good Shepherd and details the good he does for the sheep. Our Peter account talks about suffering justly and unjustly. Enduring unjust suf...
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Purified by the Truth

Acts 2:14, 36-41; I Peter 1:17-23 Our Acts passage is a continuation of last weeks where Peter preached the good news of Jesus being the Messiah, crucified for our sins, and raised to life again. The third part of his sermon here focuses on the resurrection and its implications. Peter tells about God’s purpose in the crucifixion of the perfect Jesus for our sins- the only sacrifice needed now. He contrasts God’s loving action with those who crucified Jesus. The Jewish listeners response was they were cut to the heart. This phrase in the Greek means to be severely pierced, stung, or severely troubled in spirit. These listeners recognized their guilt in crucifying Jesus and asked, “What can we do?” To this Peter tells them to repent and be baptized so that their sins can be forgiven. He verifies that this promise is for all their children and even those who are far away. The result of this piercing sermon is that 3,000 people are baptized and saved. Peter speaks to us again in I Pe...
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Made Known the Way of Life

Psalm 16, Acts 2:14, 22-32 Our scripture readings for this week are quite interesting since they shows Peter in the New Testament Acts quoting David in the Old Testament Psalms. David wrote what has become known as a refugee song. It is a plea for protection and pledge of loyalty. David contrasts two communities associating himself with the cohort of the holy ones. He tells how the Lord is his chosen portion. The word portion refers to a spiritual inheritance, allotment, or share. It is as if he is saying, “God is my source of happiness and blessing.” Then comes the part that Peter somewhat quotes in our Acts passage. “The Lord is always before me.” Due to this David will not be moved since his body rests secure. Then he says, “You show me the path of life.” He tells how in God’s presence there is fulness of joy and in God’s right hand there are pleasures forever. The Act’s account takes place at Pentecost after the tongues of fire of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. When the...
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Message Bearers

Matthew 28:1-10, Acts 10:34-43 How is it that after hundreds of years the Easter story of the resurrection is remembered and celebrated? Who were the first witnesses of this? In our Matthew account it is Mary Madgalene and the other Mary who encounter the earthquake that removes the stone showing the empty tomb with the angel sitting on the stone. The angel tells them to not be afraid like the guards who shook and became as dead men, but tells them news that Jesus is not there since he has risen from the dead. They are told to go quickly and tell the disciples, “He has risen from the dead and will meet you in Galilee.” These women have been tasked to deliver this message. It’s amazing that God chose women to be the first witnesses and messengers of the good news. Peter and John are told of in John 20 of going to the tomb and seeing only the linen wrappings wrapped up. Even though they see and believe they return to their homes not sharing the news. Peter makes up for this in ou...
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Christ Opening the Gate

Psalm 118:1,2,19-29; Matthew 21:1-11 This last Sunday was Palm Sunday celebrating when Christ rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. Our Psalm passage tells about the joy of entering the gates of righteousness, which were literally the gates to the temple. Could this also be seen as a metaphor of the way into God’s spiritual kingdom? This Psalm is one of rejoicing and praising God for answering the psalmist in distress and becoming his salvation.   One way this matches up with our Matthew scripture is when they are told to bind up the festal provision with branches. Skip ahead to our Matthew account where people praise Jesus with palm branches crying “Hosanna” which means “God save us now!” This crowd is expecting Christ to save them from the Roman government. It is full of praise stating, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” Did they steal this from Psalm 118 verse 26 which states the exact same praise? Are they repeating the Psalm they knew well, hoping upon hope th...
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