Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
DISCIPLESHIP: CALL TO WITNESS
ACTS 2:37-47
Verse 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.”
ACTS 2:37-47
Verse 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.”
In the book of Acts, we can see God’s original plan and formation of the Church. We can see in Acts, Chapter Two that the disciples were all together in one place and this shows their unity among the early disciples. It was the day of Pentecost, fifty days after the day Jesus rose from the dead. 120 followers of Jesus had gathered to pray in the heart of the city of Jerusalem in a house, the whole building was on fire and the sounds of a strong wind was heard. The coming of the Holy Spirit of God with power was accompanied by a mighty wind and the second one was cloven tongues like a fire. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues. The news of the strange events taking place on the day of Pentecost quickly spread throughout the city.
Peter, standing with the other eleven disciples, lifted up his voice and said that, the people are not drunken as everyone thought, but what they are seeing the actuality of the fulfillment of the prophecy. Joel the prophet predicted this prophecy hundred years ago. (Joel 2:28-32). Peter’s preaching was very effective for those who heard and were pricked in their heart. The people asked Peter and the other disciples “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter told them to repent of their sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Peter’s first sermon was so effective and those who were pleased with his message got baptized and three thousand souls were added to the church on that day. They made a strong commitment to the Apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship and to the breaking of the bread and to prayer. They all watched many wonders and signs did by the Apostles. All those believed in the Apostles, sold things that they owned and shared the proceeds out to everyone who was needy. They all got united and worshiped in the temple. They were praising God and had approval in their whole community. The Church began with two promises: 1. Forgiveness of sins. 2. Gift of the Holy Spirit. We can see that the early church was a learning, fellowship loving, praying, sharing, worshiping and a happy Church. Can we follow the pattern of the early church and worship Him in spirit and in truth?
Jesus Christ commands us to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. We are to proclaim his good news to all people, everywhere and at all times. After Christ promises the disciples that the Holy Spirit will come upon them, He ascends into heaven. How often do we fail to realize that we are called to be Christ’s witnesses to the world? Who is a disciple of Jesus? A disciple of Jesus is someone who learns from Him and live like Him. Let us all live like true disciples of Jesus Christ and spread the good news in the community we live.
Peter, standing with the other eleven disciples, lifted up his voice and said that, the people are not drunken as everyone thought, but what they are seeing the actuality of the fulfillment of the prophecy. Joel the prophet predicted this prophecy hundred years ago. (Joel 2:28-32). Peter’s preaching was very effective for those who heard and were pricked in their heart. The people asked Peter and the other disciples “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter told them to repent of their sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Peter’s first sermon was so effective and those who were pleased with his message got baptized and three thousand souls were added to the church on that day. They made a strong commitment to the Apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship and to the breaking of the bread and to prayer. They all watched many wonders and signs did by the Apostles. All those believed in the Apostles, sold things that they owned and shared the proceeds out to everyone who was needy. They all got united and worshiped in the temple. They were praising God and had approval in their whole community. The Church began with two promises: 1. Forgiveness of sins. 2. Gift of the Holy Spirit. We can see that the early church was a learning, fellowship loving, praying, sharing, worshiping and a happy Church. Can we follow the pattern of the early church and worship Him in spirit and in truth?
Jesus Christ commands us to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. We are to proclaim his good news to all people, everywhere and at all times. After Christ promises the disciples that the Holy Spirit will come upon them, He ascends into heaven. How often do we fail to realize that we are called to be Christ’s witnesses to the world? Who is a disciple of Jesus? A disciple of Jesus is someone who learns from Him and live like Him. Let us all live like true disciples of Jesus Christ and spread the good news in the community we live.
PRAYER
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, please help us to be dedicated disciples for you and witness you in the community we live. We thank you for giving us the Holy Spirit, so that we can go forward in doing your will in our spiritual journey. Amen.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
A true disciple is a true, worshiper, a servant and a witness.
TA Mathew, Trinity MTC, Houston
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, please help us to be dedicated disciples for you and witness you in the community we live. We thank you for giving us the Holy Spirit, so that we can go forward in doing your will in our spiritual journey. Amen.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
A true disciple is a true, worshiper, a servant and a witness.
TA Mathew, Trinity MTC, Houston
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church