All a Witness Needs to Knowby Michael Lewis April 4, 2021 |
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All you need to know to be a witness:
1. Jesus is risen!
“After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them…” -Acts 1:3-4
“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living…” -1 Corinthians 15:3-6
“It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence.” -2 Corinthians 4:13-14
2. Jesus is returning.
“For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” -Philippians 3:18-20
Acts 29
“Boldly and without hindrance he preached the Kingdom of God and taught about Jesus Christ.” -Acts 28:31
In Luke 15, Jesus shares several “lost” parables, the first is about one-hundred sheep! One sheep turns up missing and I would figure I was pretty lucky that only 1 is missing! I would go home with the 99 and feel pretty happy. This story shows how Jesus is obsessed with “lost” things and along with the “lost coin” and the “lost son” allows us a window into the Mind of God. The “lost sheep” story ends with an outstanding declaration in verse 7, “I tell you in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Then in verse 10 of the next parable, it is announced that the “Angels of God” rejoice over sinners when they repent! If angels are this interested in us, it is only natural for us to be interested in them.
We will celebrate Resurrection Sunday next Lord’s day on April 4th… Each family attending next Sunday will receive a free copy of Max Lucado’s book, “He Still Moves Stones.” Those sheltering at home will be mailed a book if they request one. It will lift your spirit.
Encouraging note for week of March 24
Church family,