Sermon Notes; a Daily Devotional

Acts 16:14&15 "14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. 15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us." Paul's conversion was miraculous. Paul's writing is incredible. Paul's travels are astonishing. Everything he did was to proclaim the Gospel. He was able to use the network of roads built by the Roman Empire to get God’s message out! In these verses, Paul is in the area of Philippi. Going against social conventions, Paul talks to women. This is NOT something he learned in school as a young Jewish man. Maybe this is something he learned from Jesus? In today's verses, "And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshi...

Acts 16:13 "13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither." Paul's conversion was miraculous. Paul's lasting contribution is the letters he wrote to the churches he helped get started. In Paul's travels he covered 10,000 miles! For reference, from San Antonio, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska is 4,000 miles! He often went into strange towns and proclaimed the Gospel. Sometimes he was beaten, nearly to death. Seemingly, all he knew was to proclaim the Gospel. The Roman Empire ruled this part of the world. They were brutal rulers who maintained the rule of law. This created a society that could prosper and thrive. They built a network of roads that allowed travel and trade. God used these assets of the Roman Empire to get His message out! At this point, Paul arrived in Philippi, a community of retired Roman soldiers. It was a prosperous town that benefited f...

Acts 16:11&12 "11 Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis; 12 And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days." Last week we studied the miraculous conversion of Paul. From the road to Damascus where Jesus confronts him, to Paul's writing that emphasizes the importance of faith, grace, and redemption offered through Jesus Christ. Paul's lasting contribution is the letters he wrote to the churches he helped get started.  Don't underestimate Paul's efforts and contributions. Paul covered 10,000 miles! For reference, from San Antonio, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska is 4,000 miles! He often went into strange towns and proclaimed the Gospel. Sometimes he was beaten, nearly to death. Seemingly, all he knew was to proclaim the Gospel. It was his calling. You and I have the same call. Go out and make Disciples of...

2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." Words written by the Apostle Paul.  He knew a little bit about becoming new! Jesus confronted him on the road to Damascus, as he was campaigning to end Christianity. He became a changed man. Became a great defender of the faith. He changed completely. God won't let you stay the way you are. God will transform you, too. We can all study Paul's writings and learn from his example as a follower of Jesus Christ, spreading the Gospel to the people in our lives. We can be a bridge from Christian circles to other cultures. We can show others that salvation is available to all, regardless of their background. Like Paul, we can emphasize the importance of faith, grace, and redemption offered through Jesus Christ. If some of us could be a little more like Paul, Christianity would spread through our culture and world! Please take a couple o...

Acts 13:9 "Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him," This is the first mention of "Paul." From this verse on, Saul is always referred to in Scripture as "Paul." The custom of dual names was common in those days. It's interesting to note that his name did not change right during the Damascus Road experience. It happens here in verse 9 of chapter 13. From the old to the new. He became a changed man. Became a great defender of the faith. He changed completely. God won't let you stay the way you are. God will transform you, too. We can't all be Paul. But, we can all study Paul's writings and learn from his example as a follower of Jesus Christ, spreading the Gospel to the people in our lives. We can be a bridge from Christian circles to other cultures. We can show others that salvation is available to all, regardless of their background. Like Paul, we can emphasize the importance of faith, grace, an...

Acts 9:19&20 "19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God." In the first couple of verses of this record, Saul is THREATENING to SLAUGHTER Christians! Then our Lord and Savior confronts him, and he is suddenly reduced to shaking and quivering in a state of amazement! He was blinded and left waiting for 3 days without eating or drinking. While Saul was meditating on his life, God was giving instructions to Ananias to visit and heal Saul. Saul's sight is returned to him, he is filled with the Holy Ghost, and he is baptized.  Then we have today's verses, "And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days WITH THE DISCIPLES which were at Damascus. And STRAIGHTWAY he preached Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God." This is the most dramatic conversion in a...

Acts 9:8-18 "18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized." We are in the Book of Acts to study the account of REPENTANCE when Saul becomes Paul. In the first couple of verses he is THREATENING to SLAUGHTER Christians! Then our Lord and Savior confronts him, and he is suddenly reduced to shaking and quivering in a state of amazement! Saul was one of the fiercest opponents of Christianity and upon the sight of Jesus he was defeated completely. When Saul stood up he was blind. He was led by the hand to the nearest city, Damascus. He could no longer see what was going on around him. He had to look inside himself. Internal evaluation. See what was going on within. Work on the inside. He sat there for 3 days without eating or drinking. While Saul was meditating on his life, God was giving instructions to Ananias to visit and heal Saul. Ananias was reluctant and God said, "he is a chosen vessel ...

Acts 9:3-7 "3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?" REPENTANCE has always been central to faithfulness to GOD. We have returned to the Book of Acts to study the account of REPENTANCE when Saul becomes Paul. In the first couple of verses he is THREATENING to SLAUGHTER Christians! He was a devout follower of Judaism and zealous to stomp out Christianity. He thought he was serving GOD. But, he was off the mark. Jesus appeared to him asking "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?" Saul "TREMBLING and ASTONISHED" asks what to do.  Jesus tells him to go into the city, and wait for further instructions. The travel companions with Saul heard the voice but did not see Jesus. Saul was well educated and experienced. For him to be suddenly reduced to shaking and quivering in a state of amazement says a ...

Psalms 51:10&11 "10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from Thy presence; and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me." After Jesus ascended to heaven the Holy Ghost was sent to inspire and guide the Apostles. Peter preached to the people who were present when Pilate offered to release Jesus, but they chose to shout, "CRUCIFY HIM!" Now, they felt accountable for Jesus's demise. Under Peter's guidance they REPENTED. As a result of Peter's sermon over 3,000 people became Christians! It was all the work of the Holy Ghost fulfilling God's plan. "as many as the Lord our God calls."  REPENTANCE has always been central to faithfulness to GOD. For today's verses we turn a very famous Psalm. Written by King David some 3,000 years ago. King David was a man after God's own heart. He was a GREAT ruler of Jerusalem. And, he was a dirty rotten sinner. He cried out to God in REPENTANCE. He leads...

Acts 2:38&39 "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." "Peter delivered a message, inspired by the Holy Ghost, that was clear and direct. The individuals listening had been present when Pilate offered to release Jesus, but instead, they had chosen to shout, "CRUCIFY HIM!" Now, they felt accountable for Jesus's demise. Overwhelmed, they asked, "What must we do?" "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. 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." Peter's stateme...

Acts 2:36&37 "36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 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?" Jesus made the grandest of exits, ascending to heaven. Afterward, the Holy Ghost filled the Apostles with knowledge and courage. They began spreading the Gospel message in Jerusalem. In today's verses, Peter is preaching a Holy Ghost inspired message that is sharp and to the point. "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, WHOM YE HAVE CRUCIFIED, both Lord and Christ." The people Peter is preaching to were there when Pilate offered to free Jesus and the crowd shouted "CRUCIFY HIM!" They felt responsible for Jesus's death. "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said ...

Acts 1:9 "And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight." The grandest of exits. Leaving a lasting impression on all the witnesses. Here, in the book of Acts, Jesus spends 40 days teaching His Apostles. Still, the Apostles do not comprehend exactly what Jesus is teaching. They had low expectations. They thought Jesus was restoring the kingdom of Israel. But, Jesus explained that they would be spreading the Gospel message to Judaea, Samaria, and all the world. They didn't want to go to Samaria. They feared and loathed the Samaritans. But, it's God's plan. They knew better than to question God's commands. We would be wise to do the same. And, these final words that Jesus shared with His Apostles become unforgettable. They became the foundation of the church.

Acts 1:8 "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." Yet, another place where Jesus promises to send the Holy Ghost! They needed the Holy Ghost and you and I need the Holy Ghost! Here, in the book of Acts, Jesus spends 40 days teaching His disciples. Still, the Apostles do not comprehend exactly what Jesus is teaching. They had low expectations. They were thinking about themselves and their country, their people. The Disciples still thought Jesus was restoring the kingdom of Israel. Jesus simply tells them the timing of God's plan is not for them to know. In today's verse, Jesus tells them, "ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem," The Apostles and followers will be cheering! Then, when Jesus says, "and in all Judaea," they would be applauding! Maybe even singing "Alleluia!...

Acts 1:7 "And He said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power." Mary and the Apostles' had great difficulty remembering Jesus's teachings. To be fair, what Jesus was teaching is hard to wrap your mind around. Jesus does promise to send the Holy Ghost! They needed the Holy Ghost and you and I need the Holy Ghost! Even here, in the book of Acts, Jesus spends 40 days teaching His disciples. Still, the Apostles do not comprehend what Jesus is teaching. They had low expectations. They were thinking about themselves and their country, their people. The Disciples still thought Jesus was restoring the kingdom of Israel. Jesus simply tells them the timing of God's plan is not for them to know. We can learn from this too. We should not be anxious and concerned about God's timing. We can rest easy that it is all under His control. Even when it looks like things are out of control.

Acts 1:6 "When they therefore were come together, they asked of Him, saying, Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?" Central to Mary and the Apostles' misunderstanding was their inability to remember Jesus's teaching. In today's verses, we read a bit of Jesus's teaching where He promised GOD God would send the Holy Ghost! They needed the Holy Ghost and you and I need the Holy Ghost! Following His resurrection, Jesus spent the next 40 days teaching His disciples. Even after that, the Apostles do not comprehend what Jesus is teaching. In today's verse they ask Jesus this question, "Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?" They had low expectations. They were thinking about themselves and their country, their people. The Disciples still thought Jesus was restoring the kingdom of Israel. Isn't this typical? Don't we go to GOD with our focus being on OUR pressing needs and wants? We think of...

John 14:25-27 "25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." This past week we stayed close to Jesus's empty tomb. We focused on Mary Magdalene as the first witness to our Lord and Savior resurrected! She went through a lot. Not the least of which, her friends, who were like family, didn't believe what she said she had experienced. Knowing this, we should not be surprised when we testify to friends and family about Jesus, and they don't believe us.  Central to Mary and the Apostles' understanding OR misunderstanding was their inability to remember Jesus's teaching. In today's verses, we read ...

John 20:18 "Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things unto her." And they didn't believe her! Her friends, who were like family, didn't believe what she said she had experienced. It had to be frustrating for her. She wanted to continue to serve Jesus, even after His death. Going to His tomb before sunrise. There she talked to 2 angels. Then Jesus approached her. She did not recognize Him, at first. She was there at a very critical moment. Jesus was about to "ascend unto My Father, and your Father."  We should not be surprised when we testify to friends and family about Jesus, and they don't believe us. What will be your response when you are in a difficult situation like this? We can stick by our Lord and Savior no matter what others believe or say. You have been given faith in the Lord. It's a big deal! Jesus changed the world! He can change you too! He can change your family and frien...

John 20:17 "Jesus saith unto her, Touch Me not; for I am not yet ascended to My Father: but go to My brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God." Mary did not recognize Jesus, at first. She wanted to continue to serve Jesus, even after His death. And NOW, her teacher is here to guide her and help her understand. She is there at a very early and critical moment. Jesus is about to "ascend unto My Father, and your Father."  We don't know what is entailed with "ascending." Can we even say "Where is God?" If we focus on what we don't know, we can feel like Mary Magdalene. "Where have they taken Him?" We will say when life separates us from Jesus. Nonetheless, we need to find Him. He is always there. Even during the storms of life. God is with you always, until the end of time.

John 20:16 "Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto Him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master." Mary did not recognize Jesus, until NOW. She wanted to continue to serve Jesus, even after His death. She had no way of knowing what had transpired. BUT NOW, her teacher is here to guide her and help her understand. Mary is very special and dear to Jesus. But, know that just like He is there for her when she needs Him. He is there for you and me too. People focus on many things other than God. Don't let anything eclipse God for you. Rain or shine, He is there. Seek and you will find. God always shows up. Where are you? Jesus has come to meet you.

John 20:15 "Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing Him to be the gardener, saith unto Him, Sir, if Thou have borne Him hence, tell me where Thou hast laid Him, and I will take Him away." Ouch! Mary did not recognize Jesus. She wants to continue to serve Jesus, even after His death. Mary is in the eye of the storm. The events are spinning around her. She has just met two angels and talks with them. She has no way of knowing what has transpired. BUT, her teacher is here to guide her and help her understand. Mary is very special and dear to Jesus. But, know that just like He is there for her when she needs Him. He is there for you and me too. When our minds are jam packed with thoughts, stress and even grief, we need to go to Jesus in prayer. He is never far away. He is walking with you and when the going gets too tough, He will carry you. https://youtu.be/FYQPtT3UEn4?si=Pk1qrumgLrM_1l2d

John 20:14 "And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus." Would you recognize Jesus if you saw Him??? What about your best friend? Would you recognize them? What about someone you see every day? Like your spouse, sibling or coworker. If you thought they were dead and gone. You witnessed their death. You helped bury them. Your mind is wrecked with grief. It was before dawn on the third day. Would you recognize them then??? We cannot say we would. Not for sure. There is so much happening, I doubt anyone could keep up with it all. Mary is in the eye of the storm, so to speak. The events are spinning around her. She has just met two angels and talks with them. She has no way of knowing what has transpired. BUT, her teacher is here to guide her and help her understand...

John 20:12&13 "12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid Him." This week we stay at Jesus's empty tomb with Mary Magdalene. She is "weeping." Her world has been turned upside down. Watching Jesus die. Helping bury His body. Her mind is clouded in the darkness of loss. She couldn't imagine any relief. Death is permanent. She sees the two angels and talks with them. She has no way of knowing what has transpired. Other than Jesus having told His followers what would happen. But, they didn't understand. How could they? This event is unparalleled in all history.

John 20:11 "But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre," Last week we read about the women who found Jesus's empty tomb and how the Apostles did NOT believe them! It's the event that changes our world forever. This week we will study a little deeper into the moment when the empty tomb is discovered. This time from the perspective of the Gospel of John. It was Easter morning. Mary Magdalene has come to Jesus's tomb, and she is "weeping." Her world has been turned upside down. Watching Jesus die. Helping bury His body. Her mind is clouded in the darkness of loss. She couldn't imagine any relief. Death is permanent. Isn't it???

Luke 24:11&12 "11 And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. 12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass." The big heavy stone rolled away. The two angels in SHINING GARMENTS. Jesus's body is no longer there! All seemed like "idle tales!" Who would believe such things? These ladies experienced it all and they remembered Jesus's teaching! Their experience and inspiration from the Holy Ghost has them knowing about the Resurrection! Knowing in a way that they will never forget. In today's verses they are reporting their experiences to their friends and peers. The Apostles knew these ladies. They were a small, close-knit community. STILL! They did NOT believe them! Wisely, Peter and John went to investigate. "...he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, WONDERING ...

Luke 24:9&10 "9 And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles." @Jesus's tomb on Easter morning. These women met two angels in SHINING GARMENTS. The angels told the ladies what was happening! They reminded the women of conversations Jesus had with them. These broken-hearted women recalled Jesus's teaching! Possibly, they never truly understood until now! This experience and inspiration from the Holy Ghost has them knowing about the Resurrection! Knowing in a way that they will never forget. In today's verses they reported their experiences to the Apostles. They have experienced gut-wrenching grief as they look on as their teacher and friend DIED hanging on the cross. It had to be a terrifying sight. They helped take Jesus's lifeless body and bury Him. And, they ...

Luke 24:7&8 "7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. 8 And they remembered His words," First to arrive at Jesus's tomb on Easter morning was Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salome, Joanna, Susanna, and "other women" who were not identified. They met two angels in SHINING GARMENTS. The angels told the ladies what was happening! They reminded the women of conversations Jesus had with them. (Jesus' prophecies of the Passion and the Resurrection are recorded in Luke 9:43-45.) "And they remembered His words," These broken-hearted women recalled Jesus's teaching! Possibly, they never truly understood until now! This experience and inspiration from the Holy Ghost has them knowing about the Resurrection! Knowing in a way that they will never forget.

Luke 24:5&6 "5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how He spake unto you when He was yet in Galilee," It was the women who discovered the miracles of Easter morning! First to arrive are Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salome, Joanna, Susanna, and "other women" who were not identified. They found the very HEAVY STONE rolled away. They could enter and discover that Jesus's body was no longer there! They do meet two angels in SHINING GARMENTS. The angels clue the ladies into what is happening! Today's verses, "And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the LIVING among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: REMEMBER how He spake unto you when He was yet in Galilee," Very interesting, the angels are reminding the women of conversations Jesus had with the...

Luke 24:3&4 "3 And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:" This week we are revisiting the verses where the Disciples discovered the miracles of Easter morning! “In the deep dawn,” is how the original Greek poetically describes this time of day. First to arrive are Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salome, Joanna, Susanna, and "other women" who were not identified. They found the very HEAVY STONE rolled away from the entrance to the tomb. This was not done to let Jesus out. It was done so they could enter and discover that Jesus's body was no longer there! Today's verses, "And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in SHINING GARMENTS:" These two are angels in the form of men. They are the first ...

Luke 24:1&2 "1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre." After Palm Sunday, after the Last Supper, after the Garden of Gethsemane, after the Jewish show trial, after taking Him before Herod, Jesus ends up being judged by the Roman Governor, Pilate. Pilate found "NO FAULT" in Jesus. Yet, Pontius Pilate gave in to the Jewish leadership and Barabbus was released instead of Jesus. The guilty man was released, and the innocent man was crucified!  After ALL OF THIS comes Sunday morning! Easter morning! Jesus defeated death and the Devil! This week we will revisit the verses where the Disciples discovered this miraculous event! The Gospel of Luke, chapter 24, verses 1 & 2. "Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the...