Memorials in the Bible

Good morning,

A memorial is an object which serves as a focus for memory of something, usually a person (who has died) or an event. The most common type of memorial is the gravestone or the memorial plaque. Also common are war memorials commemorating those who have died in wars. 

God has given us many memorials. This week we will look at three of them.

PRIEST’S GARMENTS

9 And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel:10 Six of their names on one stone, and the other six names of the rest on the other stone, according to their birth.11 With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel: thou shalt make them to be set in ouches of gold.12 And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord upon his two shoulders for a memorial. (Exodus 28:9-12)

Exodus 28:9-12 describes the creation and placement of the onyx stones on the ephod. These stones, engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, are to be worn by the high priest on his shoulders, serving as a memorial of the people before the Lord. The stones, set in gold, are to be attached to the ephod’s shoulder pieces. 

An ephod was a sacred vestment, an apron-like garment, worn by the High Priest of Israel in ancient times. It was made of fine materials like gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarns, and finely twisted linen. The ephod was an important part of the priestly ritual and was often associated with seeking divine guidance through the Urim and Thummim, which were attached to it. 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Memorials in the Bible

Good morning,

A memorial is an object which serves as a focus for memory of something, usually a person (who has died) or an event. The most common type of memorial is the gravestone or the memorial plaque. Also common are war memorials commemorating those who have died in wars. 

God has given us many memorials. This week we will look at three of them.

God’s Name

14 And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you.15 And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, the Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.16 Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt: (Exodus 3:14-16)

In Exodus 3:14-16, God reveals his name to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM” and instructs him to tell the Israelites that “The God of your fathers has sent me to you.” Exodus 3:14 This reveals God’s self-existence and faithfulness, and also instructs Moses on how to communicate this revelation to the people. God also commands Moses to gather the elders of Israel and deliver a message about his intervention and the promised land, Exodus 3:16 demonstrating his commitment to their liberation from slavery.

Thy name, O Lord, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O Lord, throughout all generations. (Psalm 135:13)

LORD GOD

4 Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him in Bethel, and there he spake with us;5 Even the Lord God of hosts; the Lord is his memorial.6 Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment and wait on thy God continually. (Hosea 12:4-6)

Hosea 12:4-6 emphasizes the contrast between Jacob’s powerful encounter with God at Bethel and the Israelites’ current state of disobedience. It highlights Jacob’s struggle with the angel, his perseverance, and the importance of returning to God, maintaining love and justice, and waiting for God’s guidance. 

PRIEST’S GARMENTS

9 And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel:10 Six of their names on one stone, and the other six names of the rest on the other stone, according to their birth.11 With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel: thou shalt make them to be set in ouches of gold.12 And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord upon his two shoulders for a memorial. (Exodus 28:9-12)

Exodus 28:9-12 describes the creation and placement of the onyx stones on the ephod. These stones, engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, are to be worn by the high priest on his shoulders, serving as a memorial of the people before the Lord. The stones, set in gold, are to be attached to the ephod’s shoulder pieces. 

An ephod was a sacred vestment, an apron-like garment, worn by the High Priest of Israel in ancient times. It was made of fine materials like gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarns, and finely twisted linen. The ephod was an important part of the priestly ritual and was often associated with seeking divine guidance through the Urim and Thummim, which were attached to it. 

28 And they shall bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate be not loosed from the ephod.29 And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the Lord continually.30 And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron’s heart, when he goeth in before the Lord: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the Lord continually. (Exodus 28:28-30)

Exodus 28:28-30 describes the Urim and Thummim and their purpose in the breastplate of judgment worn by the High Priest, Aaron. The verses state that the High Priest would bear the names of the twelve tribes of Israel on his heart, and that the Urim and Thummim would be placed within the breastplate to help him discern God’s will and make judgments on behalf of the people. 

The Urim and Thummim were a pair of objects, often described as stones, used by the high priest of ancient Israel to seek divine guidance. They were kept in the breastplate of the priestly garment, called the ephod. The Urim and Thummim were used to determine God’s will in important matters, such as seeking answers to questions or judging the innocence or guilt of individuals. 

7 And he put them on the shoulders of the ephod, that they should be stones for a memorial to the children of Israel; as the Lord commanded Moses. (Exodus 39:7)

Exodus 39:7 describes the placement of the onyx stones on the shoulders of the ephod, the priestly garment. The stones were engraved with the names of the six tribes of the Israelite tribes. This symbolized the priests carrying the burden of the people’s names, or interceding for them. 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Memorials in the Bible

Good morning,

A memorial is an object which serves as a focus for memory of something, usually a person (who has died) or an event. The most common type of memorial is the gravestone or the memorial plaque. Also common are war memorials commemorating those who have died in wars. 

God has given us many memorials. This week we will look at three of them.

God’s Name

LORD GOD

4 Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him in Bethel, and there he spake with us;5 Even the Lord God of hosts; the Lord is his memorial.6 Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment and wait on thy God continually. (Hosea 12:4-6)

Hosea 12:4-6 emphasizes the contrast between Jacob’s powerful encounter with God at Bethel and the Israelites’ current state of disobedience. It highlights Jacob’s struggle with the angel, his perseverance, and the importance of returning to God, maintaining love and justice, and waiting for God’s guidance. 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Memorials in the Bible

Good morning,

A memorial is an object which serves as a focus for memory of something, usually a person (who has died) or an event. The most common type of memorial is the gravestone or the memorial plaque. Also common are war memorials commemorating those who have died in wars. 

God has given us many memorials. This week we will look at three of them.

God’s Name

14 And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you.15 And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, the Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.16 Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt: (Exodus 3:14-16)

In Exodus 3:14-16, God reveals his name to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM” and instructs him to tell the Israelites that “The God of your fathers has sent me to you.” Exodus 3:14 This reveals God’s self-existence and faithfulness, and also instructs Moses on how to communicate this revelation to the people. God also commands Moses to gather the elders of Israel and deliver a message about his intervention and the promised land, Exodus 3:16 demonstrating his commitment to their liberation from slavery.

Thy name, O Lord, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O Lord, throughout all generations. (Psalm 135:13)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

The resurrection has taken place. Jesus has walked among men for forty days and has ascended back to heaven. Matthias has been chosen to replace Judas. 

So what happens next?

Next to the birth, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, the most significant event is the baptism and indwelling all believers with the Holy Spirit. Not only did it change the lives of the apostles and disciples, but literally change all of mankind forever.

This week we will look at Acts 2, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, the result of that sermon, and what happens next.

POST RESURRECTION 

ACTS 2

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (2:21)

Believers continue united (2:41-47)

⁴¹ Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.⁴² And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.⁴³ And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.⁴⁴ And all that believed were together, and had all things common;⁴⁵ And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.⁴⁶ And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,⁴⁷ Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

The result of Peter’s preaching and the Holy Spirit’s conviction was three thousand people saved. After they received the word, salvation, they publicly identified with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, through baptism.

These new believers then sat under the feet of the apostles and disciples and learned more about Christ.  They learned, prayed, and fellowshipped together. They witnessed and God increased the church daily.

This group of believers had a balanced approach to life. Study, prayer, worship, exhortation, and fellowship. They boldly took what they were learning to the streets so others would have the opportunity to receive Christ.

God did the work of convicting sinners.

God wants us to go. We do not see souls saved because we never tell anyone about Jesus Christ.

Tell someone today!

THINGS WE LEARNED

The baptism of the Holy Spirit was initially for the communication of the gospel

It changed the disciple’s lives from timid to bold

Three thousand souls were saved  

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

The resurrection has taken place. Jesus has walked among men for forty days and has ascended back to heaven. Matthias has been chosen to replace Judas. 

So what happens next?

Next to the birth, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, the most significant event is the baptism and indwelling all believers with the Holy Spirit. Not only did it change the lives of the apostles and disciples, but literally change all of mankind forever.

This week we will look at Acts 2, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, the result of that sermon, and what happens next.

POST RESURRECTION 

ACTS 2

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (2:21)

Hearers receive salvation (2:37-40)

³⁷ Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?³⁸ Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.³⁹ For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.⁴⁰ And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

Peter preaches, the Holy Spirit convicts, and the people ask, ”…what shall we do?” Repent. They had to repent of their sins. A person needs to understand that they are a sinner in need of a Savior. They then repent, or acknowledge their sin, and ask God to forgive them. Then by faith they accept Christ as Savior and Lord.

Then they are baptized. Baptism does not save. Believer’s baptism happens after one has accepted Christ. The believer is identifying with the death, burial, and resurrection, of the Lord Jesus Christ.

All believers should be baptized as Jesus was by immersion. All of us should be willing to identify ourselves as believers by being publicly baptized.

I have. Have you?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

The resurrection has taken place. Jesus has walked among men for forty days and has ascended back to heaven. Matthias has been chosen to replace Judas. 

So what happens next?

Next to the birth, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, the most significant event is the baptism and indwelling all believers with the Holy Spirit. Not only did it change the lives of the apostles and disciples, but literally change all of mankind forever.

This week we will look at Acts 2, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, the result of that sermon, and what happens next.

POST RESURRECTION 

ACTS 2

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (2:21)

INTRODUCTION

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit (2:1-13)

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.² And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. ³ And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.⁵ And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.⁶ Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.⁷ And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans?⁸ And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?⁹ Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,¹⁰ Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,¹¹ Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.¹² And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?¹³ Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

First, we need to realize that the apostles obeyed Jesus. They were told to wait. They waited and suddenly they were filled with the Holy Spirit.

Second, this enabled them to speak and understand other languages. They used this new ability to tell those assembled about Jesus and “…the wonderful works of God.” 

Third, some believed, but some doubted. So it is today. The message is still the same. The results are still the same. Some believe and some do not.

Why are we not as bold as the disciples? Has the power of the Holy Spirit diminished over the centuries? Or could it be that we fail to draw upon the power that the Holy Spirit gives us? We fail to obey the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

We must obey God’s leading through the Holy Spirit.

Will we?

Peter preaching at Pentecost (2:14-36)

¹⁴ But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:¹⁵ For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.¹⁶ But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;¹⁷ And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:¹⁸ And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:¹⁹ And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke:²⁰ The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:²¹ And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.²² Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:²³ Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:²⁴ Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.²⁵ For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:²⁶ Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:²⁷ Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.²⁸ Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.²⁹ Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this day.³⁰ Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; ³¹ He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.³² This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.³³ Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.³⁴ For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,³⁵ Until I make thy foes thy footstool. ³⁶ Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Peter, who was impetuous, denied Christ three times was now controlled, preaching the gospel of Christ with boldness! The Holy Spirit gave him utterance and he accused the people assembled of crucifying Christ.

The Holy Spirit worked in those who were listening, to convict them of their sins and of their need for Jesus. 

Do we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives? We have the same gospel message Peter had, but we fail to communicate it effectively to others. Who is the Holy Spirit telling us to witness? Will we willingly go and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading?

Peter did.

Hearers receive salvation (2:37-40)

³⁷ Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?³⁸ Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.³⁹ For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.⁴⁰ And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

Peter preaches, the Holy Spirit convicts, and the people ask, ”…what shall we do?” Repent. They had to repent of their sins. A person needs to understand that they are a sinner in need of a Savior. They then repent, or acknowledge their sin, and ask God to forgive them. Then by faith they accept Christ as Savior and Lord.

Then they are baptized. Baptism does not save. Believer’s baptism happens after one has accepted Christ. The believer is identifying with the death, burial, and resurrection, of the Lord Jesus Christ.

All believers should be baptized as Jesus was by immersion. All of us should be willing to identify ourselves as believers by being publicly baptized.

I have. Have you?

Believers continue united (2:41-47)

⁴¹ Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.⁴² And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.⁴³ And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.⁴⁴ And all that believed were together, and had all things common;⁴⁵ And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.⁴⁶ And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,⁴⁷ Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

The result of Peter’s preaching and the Holy Spirit’s conviction was three thousand people saved. After they received the word, salvation, they publicly identified with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, through baptism.

These new believers then sat under the feet of the apostles and disciples and learned more about Christ.  They learned, prayed, and fellowshipped together. They witnessed and God increased the church daily.

This group of believers had a balanced approach to life. Study, prayer, worship, exhortation, and fellowship. They boldly took what they were learning to the streets so others would have the opportunity to receive Christ.

God did the work of convicting sinners.

God wants us to go. We do not see souls saved because we never tell anyone about Jesus Christ.

Tell someone today!

THINGS WE LEARNED

The baptism of the Holy Spirit was initially for the communication of the gospel

It changed the disciple’s lives from timid to bold

Three thousand souls were saved  

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

The resurrection has taken place. Jesus has walked among men for forty days and has ascended back to heaven. Matthias has been chosen to replace Judas. 

So what happens next?

Next to the birth, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, the most significant event is the baptism and indwelling all believers with the Holy Spirit. Not only did it change the lives of the apostles and disciples, but literally change all of mankind forever.

This week we will look at Acts 2, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, the result of that sermon, and what happens next.

POST RESURRECTION 

ACTS 2

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (2:21)

Peter preaching at Pentecost (2:14-36)

¹⁴ But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:¹⁵ For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.¹⁶ But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;¹⁷ And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:¹⁸ And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:¹⁹ And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke:²⁰ The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:²¹ And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.²² Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:²³ Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:²⁴ Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.²⁵ For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:²⁶ Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:²⁷ Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.²⁸ Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.²⁹ Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this day.³⁰ Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; ³¹ He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.³² This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.³³ Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.³⁴ For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,³⁵ Until I make thy foes thy footstool. ³⁶ Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Peter, who was impetuous, denied Christ three times was now controlled, preaching the gospel of Christ with boldness! The Holy Spirit gave him utterance and he accused the people assembled of crucifying Christ.

The Holy Spirit worked in those who were listening, to convict them of their sins and of their need for Jesus. 

Do we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives? We have the same gospel message Peter had, but we fail to communicate it effectively to others. Who is the Holy Spirit telling us to witness? Will we willingly go and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading?

Peter did.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

The resurrection has taken place. Jesus has walked among men for forty days and has ascended back to heaven. Matthias has been chosen to replace Judas. 

So what happens next?

Next to the birth, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, the most significant event is the baptism and indwelling all believers with the Holy Spirit. Not only did it change the lives of the apostles and disciples, but literally change all of mankind forever.

This week we will look at Acts 2, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, the result of that sermon, and what happens next.

POST RESURRECTION 

ACTS 2

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (2:21)

INTRODUCTION

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit (2:1-13)

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.² And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. ³ And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.⁵ And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.⁶ Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.⁷ And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans?⁸ And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?⁹ Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,¹⁰ Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,¹¹ Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.¹² And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?¹³ Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

First, we need to realize that the apostles obeyed Jesus. They were told to wait. They waited and suddenly they were filled with the Holy Spirit.

Second, this enabled them to speak and understand other languages. They used this new ability to tell those assembled about Jesus and “…the wonderful works of God.” 

Third, some believed, but some doubted. So it is today. The message is still the same. The results are still the same. Some believe and some do not.

Why are we not as bold as the disciples? Has the power of the Holy Spirit diminished over the centuries? Or could it be that we fail to draw upon the power that the Holy Spirit gives us? We fail to obey the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

We must obey God’s leading through the Holy Spirit.

Will we?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Post Resurrection 2025

Good morning,

The Lord Jesus has risen from the dead. What’s next?

Jesus gives the Great commission. He walks among men for forty days. He tells the apostles to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father. He ascends into heaven. Matthias is chosen to replace Judas.

MATTHIAS CHOSEN TO REPLACE JUDAS (Acts 1:15-26)

¹⁵ And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)¹⁶ Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.¹⁷ For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.¹⁸ Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.¹⁹ And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.²⁰ For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishopric let another take.²¹ Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,²² Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.²³ And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.²⁴ And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,²⁵ That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.²⁶ And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

The disciples prayed, sought God’s will, and voted. Matthias won. God answers prayer.

WHAT WE LEARNED

Wait

Pray and ask

Do

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com