Resurrection Sunday 2024 – In Philippians 3, the apostle Paul is unsatisfied with knowing ABOUT Jesus – he wants to press on, reach out, and pursue KNOWING Jesus, which includes, knowing the power of his resurrection.
Persecution is taking place in and around Jerusalem with the aim of taking out the church and shutting down the name of Jesus. One of the leaders of the movement against the church is on his way to arrest believers 135 miles from home when all of a sudden his story is interrupted by the grace of Jesus.
In Acts 8, two kingdoms collide as one kingdom’s representative (Philip) interacts with the other kingdom’s representative (Simon). In the verses that ensue, and Simon apparently switches teams, the question soon becomes, “Where does his allegiance really lie?” Does he actually want Jesus, or does he just want the power to do some cool things?
Peter and the other apostles find themselves back in front of the Sanhedrin, this time as a full group, and they are in danger. The Sanhedrin has decided to kill all 12 of them because they continue to preach in Jesus’ name, even though they were told not to. The only thing that keeps them alive is a Pharisee named Gamaliel who has a better idea… do nothing.
Just like you don’t start a building project without finding out how much it will cost, Jesus tells his disciples to count the cost of following him.
When a stone mason begins building, he or she starts with one stone from which all the other stones are laid. As God is building believers into a spiritual house, there is one stone from which all the others derive purpose and significance.
Jesus sat down with his disciples and took the time to help them understand what prayer is and isn't, and what God is looking for. Hint: It's keeping the big picture in mind as you pray.
If Psalm 1 gives us the option of living our lives walking in the paths of the righteous, or in the way of the wicked, Psalm 2 shows us what…
