May 27, 2018
Scripture:
Scripture:
Hymn 40 - The Gospel of Thy Grace
Prayer
We’ve been looking at Acts 2. This was the first place that the gospel of God’s grace was actually preached. Oswald Smith, a famous preacher, used to ask, “Why should anyone hear the gospel twice, before everyone has heard it once?” There are still many people out there today that have never heard the gospel. Recently, we heard it several times in Montreal, and once it was in the context of Nicodemus. He came to Jesus by night looking for answers, and seemed to get more questions. How could you be born again? How was the Son of Man like the brazen serpent? What did it mean that God loved the world and therefore gave His Son? We may wonder, did Nicodemus ever figure this all out? The last time we see Nicodemus is at the cross, burying Jesus. Maybe watching the crucifixion was his moment of realization: God was allowing those soldiers to lift His Son up like the brass serpent. They were mocking Him, spitting on Him, hurting Him; but really it was God’s purposes of love. He was dying for us. Nicodemus buried that body carefully, and we don’t hear about him again. Perhaps, though, he was one of the 120 disciples in that upper room, and was there to hear Peter preach the gospel for the first time.
Acts 2:36-40. The House of Israel had cried out for Pilate to crucify Jesus. Peter now let them know that Jesus was sitting on God’s throne. They had given Him thorns; God had given Him a crown. He was the anointed King!This pricked the consciences of those listening, and they asked, “What should we do?” What they should have done was change sides. Go to God’s side, and agree with Him. This would take repenting of their sins. What is repentance?
There was once a boy who was being mean to his little brother. Their mother told him to stop and say he was sorry. “But he deserves it!” said the boy. “How would you feel,” asked his mother, “If tomorrow morning you woke up, and your brother was dead, and you hadn’t said ‘I’m sorry’?” “Well, ” said the boy, “Alright, I’m sorry. But if he isn’t dead tomorrow morning, I’m going to get him!” That wasn’t true repentance. True repentance is being sorry enough to quit.
After repenting these Jews would have to get baptized, and they would receive forgiveness of sins and the Holy Spirit. God was willing to give and forgive!
Peter also explained that the gospel is a promise, and is open to all who will claim it. It is for all generations, and for those who are far off, which we once were. These people weren’t going to save themselves, but be saved from their generation, just as we can be saved. We also receive salvation, the Holy Spirit, and a home in Heaven. We have an eternal portion in the Lord Jesus Christ!
John 1:35-51
We have the first days of the Lord’s ministry in the first two chapters here. In verse twenty-nine we have “the next day” which means there had to be a day before. In verse thirty-five we again have “the next day”, and in verse forty-three there is “the day following”. In chapter two and verse one it says, “And the third day”. It means the third day after the fourth. So, that is a total of seven days. The end of the wedding closes the first section of this gospel.
It says that John the Baptist looked on Jesus as He walked. We could spend a lot of time seeing how He walked in obedience for God’s glory. John looking at Jesus walking affected two of his disciples.Some preachers try to attracted a crowd to themselves. We are to attract people to Jesus. They probably had been with John for a bit , but their hearts were still attracted to Christ. John stood still and watched Jesus walk. In our busy world you need to stop and look if you’re going to see Christ. “Be still and know that I am God.”
Jesus knew the disciples were following Him, but it’s precious to see how He turned back to them. He asked them that question to see what was in the heart. What would we have answered? “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you.”
The Son of man had no where to lay His head, but He had a dwelling place. He was and is always in the bosom of the Father.
Maybe the disciples asked so they could find Him when they wanted Him. Home is a place of communion. Intimacy with Jesus is one of our greatest blessings. Some people bubble over with this all the time, and others not so much. It takes development. Time passes so fast before we realize it the morning is past and we haven’t thought of God at all. Find yourself a portion of scripture that you can dwell on, maybe a favorite verse. We’re attracted to a person not a religion. It’s relationship and it makes our morning meetings special.
Jesus didn’t just tell them where he dwelt. He told them so come and see. They abode with Him. “In heavenly love abiding / No change my heart shall fear.” It is like the bride in the shadow of the bridegroom in Song of Solomon. It’s an open invitation to all. We can be involved with the Almighty Most High.
Hymn 228 - In heavenly love abiding
Prayer