TEACHINGS

Christ Encounter of an Eternal Kind part II

Mark 5:21 – 43 ²¹Now when Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a great multitude gathered to Him; and He was by the sea. ²²And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet ²³and begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.” ²⁴So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him.

²⁵Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, ²⁶and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. ²⁷When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. ²⁸For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.”

²⁹Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. ³⁰And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?”

³¹But His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’”

³²And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. ³³But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. ³⁴And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”

³⁵While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”

³⁶As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” ³⁷And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. ³⁸Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly. ³⁹When He came in, He said to them, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.”

⁴⁰And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. ⁴¹Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “TalithaTalitha, cumicumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” ⁴²Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement. ⁴³But He commanded them strictly that no one should know it, and said that something should be given her to eat.

Jairus = “enlightener, diffuser of light.”

Vs. 35 While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”

Vs. 36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.”

Two causes for Jairus’ fear.

the report of her death.

the uncleanness of the woman and now Jesus is ceremonially unclean too.

Vs. 39 When He came in, He said to them, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.”

Vs. 40 And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying.

Jesus takes 2 groups of people into the room:

Those that had “HOPE”

Heb. 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for.”

Gal. 5:6 “Faith works by love.”

Those that had “FAITH”

Vs. 41 Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “TalithaTalitha, cumicumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.”

“talitha” – 2 Hebrew root words:

            tola – to cover with pieces as a tapestry.

            Tela – a covering.

Jesus is the “bread come down from heaven.” (John 6:34)

2 Considerations as we reflect on Jairus’ trek with Jesus that day.

Don’t permit delays and interruptions turn to bitterness and stop the grace of God from flowing to and through you.

HE’S GREATER; His holiness is greater than your “uncleanness.”

Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4

Christ Encounters of Eternal Kind

Mark 5:21 – 43

²¹Now when Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a great multitude gathered to Him; and He was by the sea. ²²And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet ²³and begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.” ²⁴So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him. ²⁵Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, ²⁶and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. ²⁷When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. ²⁸For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.”

²⁹Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. ³⁰And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?”

³¹But His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’”

³²And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. ³³But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. ³⁴And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”

5 lessons we can learn

#1. Vs. 26 “had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse.”

The Condition for Faith

Isa. 55:2 Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,

And let your soul delight itself in abundance.

#2. vs. 27 a When she heard about Jesus,

The Cause for Faith

Rom. 10:17 “faith comes by hearing”.

We learn:

1^st. The importance of Preaching.

2^nd. The importance of Testimonies.

#3. vs. 27 b she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment.

The Conduct of Faith.

“faith without works is dead.” (James 2:20, 26)

#4. vs. 28 For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.”

The Confession of Faith

#5. vs. 29 Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction.

The Consequence of Faith

Heb. 11:6 “He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him”

Three considerations:

#1. vs. 30, 31 And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?”

³¹But His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’”

“follower” vs. “thronger”

#2. vs. 32 And He looked around to see her who had done this thing.

#3. vs. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”

This lady’s touch of faith not only stopped the flow of blood; but she also received:

1>    Peace

2 > Wholeness

When we touch Him as a follower, He’ll know your “touch” and there will be a reward beyond the immediate.

All it takes is “just one touch.”

Encountering Christ

Luke 13: 10-ff ¹⁰Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. ¹¹And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. ¹²But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.” ¹³And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. ¹⁴But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath; and he said to the crowd, “There are six days on which men ought to work; therefore come and be healed on them, and not on the Sabbath day.” ¹⁵The Lord then answered him and said, “Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? ¹⁶So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound—think of it—for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?” ¹⁷And when He said these things, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him.

What is the basis for receiving from the Lord?

2 Cor. 5:17 NKJV Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

What does it mean to be a “new creation?”

Gal. 6:15 NKJV For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.

The basis is our standing as “new creatures” under the “new covenant”, i.e. based on grace & faith; not law & works.

Gal. 6:16 NKJV And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God

Rom. 9: 6ff Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: ⁷Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. ⁸That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. ⁹For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son. ¹⁰And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; ¹¹(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)

An heir of God and a joint heir through Jesus Christ. (Rom. 8:17)

Gal. 4:17 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

“Eye has not seen, ear has not heard – it hasn’t even entered into the heart of man.” 1 Cor. 2:19

TGIF

Today God Is First

Trust God In Faith

Trust God In Future

Today Go In Faith

Two-thousand-eight Go In Faith

Heb. 11:8 GWT   Faith led Abraham to obey when God called him to go to a place that he would receive as an inheritance. Abraham left his own country without knowing where he was going.

Faith leads us to go where we’ve never been before, to obtaining our inheritance

Faith Pleases God – Heb. 11:6 NKJV

Faith overcomes – 1 John 5:4 NKJV

Joshua 1:5 GWT   “No one will be able to oppose you successfully as long as you live. I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will never neglect you or abandon you.”

First – “I will be with you.”

Second – “I will never neglect or abandon you.”

“Be strong and courageous.” (Joshua 1:6)

Heb. 11:7 GWT Faith led Noah to listen when God warned him about the things in the future that he could not see. He obeyed God and built a ship to save his family. Through faith Noah condemned the world and received God’s approval that comes through faith.

Faith causes “radical obedience”

Heb. 11:4 GWT Faith led Abel to offer God a better sacrifice than Cain’s sacrifice.

Heb. 11:11, 12 GWT   Faith enabled Abraham to become a father, even though he was old and Sarah had never been able to have children. Abraham trusted that God would keep his promise. ¹²Abraham was as good as dead. Yet, from this man came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the grains of sand on the seashore.

“Never stop reciting these teachings. You must think about them night and day so that you will faithfully do everything written in them. Only then will you prosper and succeed.” Joshua 1:8

Rom. 10:17 NKJV So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God

Joshua, speak My Word.

Joshua, think My Word.

2 Cor. 10:4,5 GWT ⁴The weapons we use in our fight are not made by humans. Rather, they are powerful weapons from God. With them we destroy people’s defenses, that is, their arguments ⁵and all their intellectual arrogance that oppose the knowledge of God. We take every thought captive so that it is obedient to Christ.

Joshua, do My Word.

TGIF

Today Go In Faith

Positioning for Cultural Transformation



Acts 10: 9ff   The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. ¹⁰Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance ¹¹and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. ¹²In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. ¹³And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” ¹⁴But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” ¹⁵And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” ¹⁶This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.

Acts 15:20 but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood

15:29 that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.

Acts 10:10 Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance

Trance means to “displace the mind, be astonished.” The root word implies to be “out of wits.”

Isa. 55: 8, 9 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.

Fell means to “embrace, seize, and press on.”

Rom. 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Transformed means to have a metamorphose

“We are not yet what we are to become.”

How do we renew our minds?

2 Cor. 10:3- 5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: ⁴(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) ⁵Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Col. 3:1,2 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. ²Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

A couple of questions I would ask you to consider in the next few days;

Am I willing to “fall into a trance” for the sake of the Kingdom, for the sake of the Church?

What area/areas of thinking am I willing to be tranced?

Areas the Lord is dealing with me concerning my thinking:

Ø      Corporate anointing vs. individual anointing

Ø      Ministry of every believer vs. professional ministers

Ø      New wine skins vs. old wine skins

Ø      Changing the culture vs. challenging the culture

Ø      Inclusiveness in the Kingdom vs. Isolation

Ø      Merging of the Great Commandment and the Great Commission

Positioning to Facilitate Transformation

Acts 9:32 - 35 Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. ³³There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. ³⁴And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately. ³⁵So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

Acts 9: 36 – 43 At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. ³⁷But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. ³⁸And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. ³⁹Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. ⁴⁰But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. ⁴¹Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. ⁴²And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. ⁴³So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.

Positioning can occur through other circumstances as well.

Joseph’s Life

He was sold into slavery by his brothers (Gen. 37).

He was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife (Gen. 39).

He was forgotten by the butler (Gen. 40).

Principles for Positioning

We can’t camp at places that are wonderful events.

If negative, we can’t allow bitterness, resentment, or unforgiveness to sabotage God’s destiny for our lives.

Heb. 12:15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

Eph. 4:31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.

Acts 8:23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.”

Peter speaking to Simon the sorcerer.

Keys to Enduring and Enjoying Positioning

Guard against frustration.

2.    Guard against sudden movement.

3.   Remain sweet and smile.

Don’t bail!

Paul admonished us to “not forsake the assembling of ourselves,” but to keep on meeting.

Maturity is developed in season of challenge.

Power of First Fruits Giving.

The strength we war from:

#1. “blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.”

#2. “sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”

#3. Power of First Fruits Giving.

First Fruits giving began in the Garden.

Gen. 2:16,17 NKJV And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; ¹⁷but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat,

Gen. 4:4 Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering,

Two principles:

The First Fruits are the Best Fruits.

Give God the Best and He’ll Bless the Rest!

Rom. 11:16 For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches.

1 Cor. 15:20 – 23 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. ²¹For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. ²²For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. ²³But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.

Mal. 3:8-12 “Will a man rob God?

    Yet you have robbed Me!

    But you say,

    ‘In what way have we robbed You?’

    In tithes and offerings.

⁹    You are cursed with a curse,

    For you have robbed Me,

    Even this whole nation.

¹⁰    Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,

    That there may be food in My house,

    And try Me now in this,”

    Says the Lord of hosts,

    “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven

    And pour out for you such blessing

    That there will not be room enough to receive it.

¹¹    “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes,

    So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground,

    Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,”

    Says the Lord of hosts;

¹²    And all nations will call you blessed,

    For you will be a delightful land,”

    Says the Lord of hosts.

God says two things:

“Try Me”

“I will rebuke the devourer”

Why would God do that?

Pro. 3:9, 10 Honor the Lord with your possessions,

    And with the firstfruits of all your increase;

¹⁰    So your barns will be filled with plenty,

    And your vats will overflow with new wine.

Give God the Best and He’ll Bless the Rest.

Retaining What We Receive From God

1.      It’s a fight.

1 Cor. 9:26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.

1 Tim. 6:11, 12 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. ¹²Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

2 Tim. 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2.      Look for the health/blessing rather than the thief.

Eph. 1:16ff making mention of you in my prayers: ¹⁷that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, ¹⁸the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, ¹⁹and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power ²⁰which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, ²¹far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

Rev. 3:18 Msg. Here’s what I want you to do: Buy your gold from me, gold that’s been through the refiner’s fire. Then you’ll be rich. Buy your clothes from me, clothes designed in Heaven. You’ve gone around half-naked long enough. And buy medicine for your eyes from me so you can see, really see.

3.      Stand on the Word.

Eph. 6:13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Msg. Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet.

1 Peter 5:12 By Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand.

4.      Speak the Word:

Rev. 12:11 Msg. They defeated him through the blood of the Lamb

and the bold word of their witness.

They weren’t in love with themselves;

they were willing to die for Christ.

Rom. 10:10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Heb. 3:1 Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus,

Heb. 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

Heb. 10:23 ²³Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

5.      Stay in the Word

Psalm 119:11 Msg. I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart

so I won’t sin myself bankrupt.

2 Tim. 2:15 Msg. Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won’t be ashamed of, laying out the truth plain and simple.

Phil. 4:8 Msg. Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.

Psalm 119:148 NASB My eyes anticipate the night watches, that I may meditate on Your Word.

NKJV My eyes stay awake through the night watches, That I may meditate on Your Word.

Msg. I stayed awake all night, prayerfully pondering your promise.

6.      Stay free of unforgiveness, bitterness, and resentment.

Heb. 12:14, 15 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: ¹⁵looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

Eph. 4:31, 32 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. ³²And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

2 Tim. 3:1-ff – Unforgiveness a symptom of last days

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: ²For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, ³unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, ⁴traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ⁵having a form of godliness but denying its power.

7.      Stay connected to the Body of Christ

Acts 4:36 – And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,

Barnabas was known as an “encourager” what an epithet

Col. 2:1-3 For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, ²that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, ³in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Heb. 3:13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Heb. 10:24, 25 Msg. ²⁴Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, ²⁵not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.

A Notable Miracle

Acts 4:16 NKJV “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.

Miracle – mark, sign, indication, wonder

Notable – well known, acquaintance

Acts 3:1ff Msg. ¹One day at three o’clock in the afternoon, Peter and John were on their way into the Temple for prayer meeting. ²At the same time there was a man crippled from birth being carried up. Every day he was set down at the Temple gate, the one named Beautiful, to beg from those going into the Temple. ³When he saw Peter and John about to enter the Temple, he asked for a handout. ⁴Peter, with John at his side, looked him straight in the eye and said, “Look here.” ⁵He looked up, expecting to get something from them.

⁶Peter said, “I don’t have a nickel to my name, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!” ⁷He grabbed him by the right hand and pulled him up. In an instant his feet and ankles became firm. ⁸He jumped to his feet and walked.

The man went into the Temple with them, walking back and forth, dancing and praising God. ⁹Everybody there saw him walking around and praising God. ¹⁰They recognized him as the one who sat begging at the Temple’s Gate Beautiful and rubbed their eyes, astonished, scarcely believing what they were seeing.

¹¹The man threw his arms around Peter and John, ecstatic. All the people ran up to where they were at Solomon’s Porch to see it for themselves.

Acts 4:1ff Msg. ¹While Peter and John were addressing the people, the priests, the chief of the Temple police, and some Sadducees came up, ²indignant that these upstart apostles were instructing the people and proclaiming that the resurrection from the dead had taken place in Jesus. ³They arrested them and threw them in jail until morning, for by now it was late in the evening. ⁴But many of those who listened had already believed the Message—in round numbers about five thousand!

⁵The next day a meeting was called in Jerusalem. The rulers, religious leaders, religion scholars, ⁶Annas the Chief Priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander—everybody who was anybody was there. ⁷They stood Peter and John in the middle of the room and grilled them: “Who put you in charge here? What business do you have doing this?”

⁸With that, Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, let loose: “Rulers and leaders of the people, ⁹if we have been brought to trial today for helping a sick man, put under investigation regarding this healing, ¹⁰I’ll be completely frank with you—we have nothing to hide. By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the One you killed on a cross, the One God raised from the dead, by means of his name this man stands before you healthy and whole. ¹¹Jesus is ‘the stone you masons threw out, which is now the cornerstone.’ ¹²Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one.”

¹³They couldn’t take their eyes off them—Peter and John standing there so confident, so sure of themselves! Their fascination deepened when they realized these two were laymen with no training in Scripture or formal education. They recognized them as companions of Jesus, ¹⁴but with the man right before them, seeing him standing there so upright—so healed!—what could they say against that?

¹⁵They sent them out of the room so they could work out a plan. They talked it over: ¹⁶“What can we do with these men? By now it’s known all over town that a miracle has occurred, and that they are behind it. There is no way we can refute that.

Note these observations!

#1. Acts 3:1 Msg. One day at three o’clock in the afternoon, Peter and John were on their way into the Temple for prayer meeting (NKJV “at the hour of prayer”)

This miracle took place at an appointed time – hour of prayer.

#2. Acts 3:2 Msg. there was a man crippled from birth being carried up. Every day he was set down at the Temple gate, the one named Beautiful, to beg from those going into the Temple.

This miracle happened to a man that was desperate, he was a beggar.

#3. Acts 3:3 Msg. When he saw Peter and John about to enter the Temple, he asked for a handout

This miracle happened because of something unusual about the countenance of Peter & John.

#4. Acts 3:2 Msg. there was a man crippled from birth being carried up.

The commonality for ever miracle is NEED!

#5. Acts 3: 4 – 8 Msg. Peter, with John at his side, looked him straight in the eye and said, “Look here.” ⁵He looked up, expecting to get something from them.

⁶Peter said, “I don’t have a nickel to my name, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!” ⁷He grabbed him by the right hand and pulled him up. In an instant his feet and ankles became firm. ⁸He jumped to his feet and walked.

Who can do a notable miracle?

#6. Acts 3:9, 10 Msg. Everybody there saw him walking around and praising God. ¹⁰They recognized him as the one who sat begging at the Temple’s Gate Beautiful and rubbed their eyes, astonished, scarcely believing what they were seeing. ¹¹The man threw his arms around Peter and John, ecstatic. All the people ran up to where they were at Solomon’s Porch to see it for themselves.

A notable miracle that makes people sit up and take notice and it’s a miracle that is evidenced as being legitimate/real/authentic.

#7. Acts 4: 5, 6 Msg. The next day a meeting was called in Jerusalem. The rulers, religious leaders, religion scholars, ⁶Annas the Chief Priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander—everybody who was anybody was there.

Others benefit from notable miracles.

#8. Acts 4: 16 Msg. What can we do with these men? By now it’s known all over town that a miracle has occurred, and that they are behind it. There is no way we can refute that.

This notable miracle impacted not just the “religious community,” but also the “political community.”

The main reason for “notable miracles.”

Acts 4: 4 Msg. many of those who listened had already believed the Message—in round numbers about five thousand!

Evangelization.

Hidden Arrows

Arrows in the Word of God are a metaphor for people. In the Old Testament Arrows often stood for Isreal. We as New Testament believers have been grafted into the family of God. We are God's Arrows.

Psalm 127:4 Msg. Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth.

Num. 24:8 NKJV “God brings him out of Egypt; He has strength like a wild ox;

He shall consume the nations, his enemies; He shall break their bones

And pierce them with his arrows.

Psalm 18:14 NKJV He sent out His arrows and scattered the foe, Lightnings in abundance, and He vanquished them.

Psalm 7:13 Msg. Lethal weapons in hand, each arrow a flaming missile.

Isaiah 49:1 – 3 NKJV “Listen, O coastlands, to Me, And take heed, you peoples from afar! The Lord has called Me from the womb; From the matrix of My mother He has made mention of My name. ²    And He has made My mouth like a sharp sword; In the shadow of His hand He has hidden Me, And made Me a polished shaft; In His quiver He has hidden Me.” ³    “And He said to me, ‘You are My servant, O Israel, In whom I will be glorified.’

Polished means: examined, selected, made bright, choice, chosen, cleansed, clearly, purified, purged.

As Elisha, Esther and Paul were selected, cleansed and purified so are we. You are chosen. God is readying the arrows of his quiver to be shot forth as flaming missiles to set the world on fire for the Lord.

Faith Comes By Hearing

"The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them." Ralph Nichols

“History repeats itself because no one listened the first time.”

We spend 6% of our time writing, 9% reading, 20% speaking, 45% listening and 100% seeing.

85% of what we learn is through listening.

We recall 50% of what we’ve listened to immediately after having heard

We retain 20% of what we’ve heard after a long period of time.

We hear at the rate of125 – 250 words per minute

We think at the rate of 1,000 – 3,000 words per minute.

Listening is crucial to all aspects of learning:

·        Intellectually – academically and vocationally.

·        Relationally – spouse & friends

·        Spiritually – Rom. 10:17 “faith comes by hearing. . .”

2 Tim. 2:15 NKJV Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

John 1:1 Msg. The Word was first,

the Word present to God,

God present to the Word.

The Word was God,

Jer. 15:16 Msg. When your words showed up, I ate them—

swallowed them whole. What a feast!

What delight I took in being yours,

O God, God-of-the-Angel-Armies!

Psalm 119:11 Msg. I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won’t sin myself bankrupt.

Mark 4:1ff Parable on Four Kinds of Listeners.

Listening to the Word of God is Important Because

#1. Hearing God’s Word Brings Us Faith

Rom. 10:17 NKJV So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

The question is not if we hear; rather what we hear.

Each of us desire to have faith in our walk.

If we’re to be victorious, we need faith.

1 John 5:4 Msg. ⁴Every God-begotten person conquers the world’s ways. The conquering power that brings the world to its knees is our faith.

#2. Hearing God’s Word Keeps Us On Track

Joshua 23:6 Msg. Now, stay strong and steady. Obediently do everything written in the Book of The Revelation of Moses—don’t miss a detail.

Psalm 119:105 Msg. By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path.

NKJV Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

God’s Word is a lamp to our feet, i.e. our steps & His Word is a light to our path, i.e. our direction.

2 Tim. 3:16, 17 Msg. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. ¹⁷Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.

NKJV All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

The Word of God brings:

1.      Maturity

2.      Equips us

Matt. 22:29 Msg. ²⁹Jesus answered, “You’re off base on two counts: You don’t know your Bibles, and you don’t know how God works.

3.      Protects us

#3. Hearing God’s Word Brings Stability in Storms of Life

Matt. 7:24 Msg These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock.

1 Peter 1:23 – 25 Msg Your new life is not like your old life. Your old birth came from mortal sperm; your new birth comes from God’s living Word. Just think: a life conceived by God himself! ²⁴That’s why the prophet said, The old life is a grass life, its beauty as short-lived as wildflowers; Grass dries up, flowers droop, ²⁵God’s Word goes on and on forever. This is the Word that conceived the new life in you.

NKJV having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, ²⁴because

“All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, ²⁵ But the word of the