They believed
In what and why?
Risen Christ – The people of Galilee had known of Jesus or seen him, a preacher, teacher, healer, friend and master. He had travelled through out the region, often followed by masses of people. He was definitely known - even political and other documents of the time and contemporary history books confirm that there was a figure Jesus who is the same person we learn of. His followers, who saw him die and then be buried, knew he had died and when they came to the grave yard and found his tomb open they still needed proof that he was risen and they got it!
He appeared and disappeared to many, in public and private places, during a period of forty days. He ate with them, invited them to touch his body, gave instructions, and taught them. Luke tells us that ‘he (Jesus) gave proofs’ and what ever they were they must have been convincing because these people were prepared to make fools of themselves, be martyred and continue preaching though told not to. Are there proofs that you have found that help you believe? It is often helpful to hear from friends and to remind ourselves.
Kingdom – Jesus does not rebuke the disciples' question about the Kingdom Acts 1:6, after all he had opened their minds to Scripture (Luke 24:44-45), they knew what they were asking, probably far more than we understand! But Jesus does explain that it is not for us to know the time or place but it is for us to be spiritually changed. And it was and is time for us to be part of sharing this spiritual Kingdom with those who want to hear the message. The assured hope is that Jesus has ‘given us our future’ and it is good to look forward to that, but it is also important to be busy in the present. Thinking of our earthly lives and careers we can draw a parallel in that we work hard for our future - do we not!
Each Other – A group of humble, devoted, holy followers huddle together - Doubting Thomas, Denying Peter, the ‘wanting to be greatest’ brothers - James and John, the unloyal brothers of Jesus, the list could go on. A very holy bunch! Those assembled could have blamed each other and doubted each other but they did not. They did not. They believed in each other and bound themselves together in unity they also believed in Gods leading - in one accord. ‘One accord’ is found six times in Acts – (1:14; 2:1, 46; 4:24; 5:12; 15:25 and note 2:44)
Now there is a challenge!
Risen Christ – The people of Galilee had known of Jesus or seen him, a preacher, teacher, healer, friend and master. He had travelled through out the region, often followed by masses of people. He was definitely known - even political and other documents of the time and contemporary history books confirm that there was a figure Jesus who is the same person we learn of. His followers, who saw him die and then be buried, knew he had died and when they came to the grave yard and found his tomb open they still needed proof that he was risen and they got it!
He appeared and disappeared to many, in public and private places, during a period of forty days. He ate with them, invited them to touch his body, gave instructions, and taught them. Luke tells us that ‘he (Jesus) gave proofs’ and what ever they were they must have been convincing because these people were prepared to make fools of themselves, be martyred and continue preaching though told not to. Are there proofs that you have found that help you believe? It is often helpful to hear from friends and to remind ourselves.
Kingdom – Jesus does not rebuke the disciples' question about the Kingdom Acts 1:6, after all he had opened their minds to Scripture (Luke 24:44-45), they knew what they were asking, probably far more than we understand! But Jesus does explain that it is not for us to know the time or place but it is for us to be spiritually changed. And it was and is time for us to be part of sharing this spiritual Kingdom with those who want to hear the message. The assured hope is that Jesus has ‘given us our future’ and it is good to look forward to that, but it is also important to be busy in the present. Thinking of our earthly lives and careers we can draw a parallel in that we work hard for our future - do we not!
Each Other – A group of humble, devoted, holy followers huddle together - Doubting Thomas, Denying Peter, the ‘wanting to be greatest’ brothers - James and John, the unloyal brothers of Jesus, the list could go on. A very holy bunch! Those assembled could have blamed each other and doubted each other but they did not. They did not. They believed in each other and bound themselves together in unity they also believed in Gods leading - in one accord. ‘One accord’ is found six times in Acts – (1:14; 2:1, 46; 4:24; 5:12; 15:25 and note 2:44)
Now there is a challenge!
3 comments:
will n bex here just checking it out
Yep I reckon I could manage this. It doesn't take too long to read and ponder. Not sure I'm brave enough to post discussion comments yet but willing to keep looking. I like the idea of the social events too.
I think the socials will be vital. It will be a real opportunity for the men to chat while they are doing something and for the kids to enjoy and the mums to relax.
Even if we haven't had time to study i think it is good to do the socials.
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