Sermon Notes; a Daily Devotional

John 20:22&23 "22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained." JESUS LIVES!!! His Disciples were hiding in a locked room. Their minds were wrecked by grief. They are FEARFUL of what might happen next. They knew the religious leaders would persecute them next! Into this situation, Jesus miraculously showed up. The Disciples see their friend and teacher standing before them in flesh and blood. They KNOW it's Him. Can they comprehend His message? Jesus asks them to continue His mission with the Father's will! It is a call to action and a promise of divine support as they go forth to spread the message of salvation. Given their state of mind, it would be a miracle if they retained ANY information.  And, help is on the way! In today's verses they are baptized with the Holy Ghost! The same way God breathe...

John 20:20&21 "20 And when He had so said, He shewed unto them His hands and His side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. 21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you." "Peace be unto you." Jesus said to His Disciples who were hiding in a locked room. Their emotions are raw. Their minds were wrecked by grief. They are FEARFUL of what might happen next. They knew the religious leaders would persecute them next! They were disheartened. They had hoped Jesus would become a king, uniting the people and driving out the Romans, but His death brought an end to those hopes. They were also dismayed that they did not fully understand Jesus' promises. I'm not confident I can fully appreciate the full extent of their FEARS. Into this situation, Jesus miraculously showed up. The Disciples see their friend and teacher standing before them in flesh and blood. They KNOW it's Him. Can they compre...

John 20:19 "Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you." Last week we studied the women who found the empty tomb. We made note of their FEAR, having encountered the angel from heaven. They kept quiet about their experience. Today we turn to the Gospel of John and see the situation developing as the Disciples are coming to grips with Jesus's death and learning about His resurrection! In today's verse we read that the Disciples were also AFRAID. In fact, they are hiding behind locked doors, FEARFUL of what might happen next. They could NOT know what the future held, and they knew the religious leaders would persecute them next! They were disheartened. They had hoped Jesus would become a king, uniting the people and driving out the Romans, but His death brought an end to those hopes. They were also...

Mark 16:8 "And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid." These brave women have shown up to the empty tomb! There they encountered an angel telling them "He is Risen!" This experience is extreme. Their hearts are pounding, their eyes are dilated, every sense in their body is turned up to ten, their experience of time has slowed down. This moment has to be overwhelming. An angel standing in front of you and talking to you is REALLY incredible! BUT! The resurrection of Jesus is OFF THE CHARTS incredible! And then, the angel gives these ladies a very important assignment! They get to be the first to SHARE THE GOSPEL! And, in today's verse we learn they DIDN'T!?!? The women then fled the scene, seized by terror and amazement, and said NOTHING to ANYONE because they were too frightened. Obviously, their silence was not permanent, or we wouldn't know abo...

Mark 16:7 "7 But go your way, tell His disciples and Peter that He goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see Him, as He said unto you." These brave women have demonstrated their devotion and care for Jesus by showing up to the tomb, which is empty! They are hearing the Good News from the lips of a messenger from God! "He is Risen!" These ladies are taking it all in. It's a heightened experience. Their hearts are pounding, their eyes are dilated, every sense of their body is turned up to ten, their experience of time has slowed down. This is all they can handle. They are having a close encounter with an angel. A sight so incredible, so attention-grabbing, the angel has to say, "Behold!" Look, Jesus has risen from the dead! An angel standing in front of you and talking to you is REALLY incredible! BUT! The resurrection of Jesus is OFF THE CHARTS incredible! And then, in today's verse, the angel gives these ladies a very important assignment! ...

Mark 16:6 "6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: He is risen; He is not here: behold the place where they laid Him." Being in the presence of an angel is frightening. It is stated and restated in these verses. These brave women have demonstrated their devotion and care for Jesus by showing up to the tomb. Now! They are hearing the Good News from the lips of a messenger from God! "He is Risen!" YOU and I would impulsively respond "He is Risen, indeed! "Allelujah!" But, on this very first Easter morning, these ladies are trying to wrap their heads around what they are experiencing. "Behold..." the angel says. They are taking it all in. It's a heightened experience. Their hearts are pounding, their eyes are dilated, every sense of their body is turned up to ten, their experience of time has slowed down. This is all they can handle. It's more than I could handle. 

Mark 16:4&5 "4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. 5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted." "Send me an angel." We might say. When people encounter angels in the Holy Bible it's usually VERY frightening! These women are demonstrating their devotion and care for Jesus even after his death by showing up to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus. These women remained steadfast while the male disciples had fled out of fear. They continue to support Jesus even AFTER His death. They have shown up and are not sure if they can open the tomb. They are going to figure it out as they go. And, now they meet a messenger from God and it's terrifying!

Mark 16:2&3 "2 And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. 3 And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?" We just celebrated Easter. Our commemoration helps us appreciate and understand the deep LOVE GOD has for us! If we carefully read the personal accounts in the Gospel, we will find them deeply informative. These verses take us to the empty tomb on that first Easter morning. These women are demonstrating their devotion and care for Jesus even after his death by showing up to anoint the body of Jesus. They had not been able to do it before the Sabbath began due to the Jewish law prohibiting work on the Sabbath. This act of anointing was a common practice to prepare a body for burial. These women were with Jesus during His ministry. They were present at the foot of the cross during Jesus's crucifixion. They remained steadfast while the male discipl...

Mark 16:1 "And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint Him." We rightfully celebrate Easter. It's the MOST glorious event in history! Our commemoration helps us appreciate and understand the deep LOVE GOD has for each and every one of us! The personal accounts in the Gospel are deeply informative. Today's verse takes us to the empty tomb on that first Easter morning. These women are demonstrating their devotion and care for Jesus even after his death by showing up to anoint the body of Jesus. They had not been able to do it before the Sabbath began due to the Jewish law prohibiting work on the Sabbath. This act of anointing was a common practice to prepare a body for burial. They are courageous to come to the grave and serve their friend and teacher after His death. It was a dangerous situation...

John 20:14-16 "14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. 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. 16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto Him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master." Jesus was there with her, even when she didn't know He was there. This Lent we strengthened our walk of faith with our Lord and Savior. Hopefully, we better appreciate and understand the deep LOVE GOD has for each and every one of us! To wrap up this GREAT devotional journey, please read Pastor Steve's writing. Here he shares what it means to be called and in fellowship and service with our Christian brothers and sisters... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/49/

2 Corinthians 5:21 "For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." Endlessly forgiven. Jesus paid the price to buy us OUT of our slavery to sin. We will not fully understand how profound this is, this side of heaven. Today's verse gives us a glimpse of it. Jesus's sacrificial act gives us the "righteousness of God!" In today's devotional, Ginger illustrates the challenge Christians wrestle with. A feeling of not being worthy and also gratefully blessed by God. We are exonerated and can do better. This Easter, know that Jesus died for you. Giving you Mercy and Forgiveness you can not have any other way. Please read today's devotional... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/48/

Ephesians 1:7 "In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace;" Jesus bought you. We know slavery intellectually. We read about it. We think about. We may even realize that is happening today! Most of us don't experience it. We don't live it. It's not visceral to us. In today's devotional, written by Mike, we read about a young lady who lived in slavery and what it meant for her to become FREE! We can only hope to respond like her. Jesus's work on the cross was to buy us out of our slavery to sin. This Easter weekend we can all reflect on the price paid for our FREEDOM and offer our own LOVE and gratitude for this gift. Please read more here... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/47/

John 13:34&35 "34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another." Love one another. GOD'S Commandment. Simple in its expression. We make it complex in our practice. We make it challenging to love one another. If we can focus on this, everything else will fall into place. In today's devotional, Allen helps us understand the Disciples' perspective on the NEW COMMANDMENT. And, how the resurrection helps it all make sense! You should read it... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/46/

Mark 15:15 "And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified." Who are you? Do you identify with anyone in the Holy Week series of events? Today's devotional entertains a number of perspectives from the people caught up in this moment. Have you considered yourself as Barabus? Maybe you think of yourself as more of a Pilate type? This week is pregnant with meaning and gives birth to many feelings and experiences. Pay attention and consider the gravity of this week. Appreciate how this one moment changed the world forever! Please read today's devotional by Lisa...  https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/45/

Psalms 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." CALM DOWN! The human condition is often in a state of excitement and anxiety. But, GOD calls us to be calm and quiet. GOD doesn't want us fighting or striving. We need to recognize God's control over all situations. God is supreme and will ultimately be exalted and recognized as the true ruler of all creation. The call to "BE STILL" can be seen as an invitation to stop resisting God's plan and to trust in His ultimate victory and exaltation. Which we are reminded of every Easter. If you need some tranquility and peace in your life, read today's devotional. Teresa shared a scene from her life on a farm. Read it here... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/44/

1 John 5:3&4 "3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous. 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." It's not an incongruous idea that loving God involves obeying His commands, and that these commands are not meant to be oppressive but are a blessing for those of us who know God! Here in John's letter we understand that obedience to God's commands is a necessary expression of love. Obedience is not a way to earn salvation but is the expected result of being a child of God. In today's devotional, Tim testifies about his FAITH journey and the comfort and peace he has received. Read about it here... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/43/

Psalms 103:1 "Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name." As we celebrate Palm Sunday and the wonders that make up Holy Week, we want to choose to walk with GOD. We want to fortify our confidence in God's plans and promises, even when they are not immediately visible or tangible. We want to walk by FAITH and not sight. A major part of walking with GOD is celebrating GOD and blessing His Holy Name! We get to do this through worship and praise. We also do it with how we live our lives, obeying His commandments, following His plan and letting the Holy Ghost guide us through the Holy Scriptures. Take some guidance from today's devotional and get excited about the hymns and celebrations you will be doing this week. Read Cindy's tips here... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/42/

2 Corinthians 5:7 "(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)" How do you walk? Do you trust in God's promises and unseen realities rather than relying solely on what can be SEEN or experienced physically? We need to live our lives with confidence in God's plans and promises, even when they are not immediately visible or tangible. Take this metaphor further: we step out in faith one event at a time. If we consistently and repeatedly step out in faith, our steps becomes a walk! When we walk in faith, we have a life with our Lord and Savior. And, that's what GOD wants! It's a beautiful picture made clear in today's daily devotional. Read it here... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/41/

Romans 5:3-5 "3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." This verse emphasizes the assurance and comfort that God's love provides, which is a result of the Holy Spirit dwelling within believers. The love of God is not just a feeling but a transformative reality that is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. This love is a gift that enables believers to have hope, even in bad situations. For an enlightening and inspiring example of this, read today's devotional by Lynne. She simply shares how cancer is changing her life and God has given her peace... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/40/

1 Corinthians 6:19&20 "19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." YOU BELONG to God.  You like to think you are your own person. Independent and free-willed. Carving your own path and doing things "my way!" Only that's a lie. God is interacting with you in the form of the Holy Ghost. He is offering you the opportunity to glorify God. He is encouraging you to read the Holy Bible. He is inviting you to attend church. If you are blessed, you will follow this direction. If you choose your own way, you will do otherwise. Follow the lead of the Holy Ghost and read today's devotional by Deanne. And, if you are really inspired, listen to the recommended song! https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/39/

Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." GOD asks us to LOVE GOD and to LOVE OTHERS. Jesus teaches us to acknowledge our own limitations and the value of OTHERS. Jesus also urges us to avoid condemning others and instead to practice self-reflection and humility. Always recognizing our own need for forgiveness and understanding. This can all seem like a tall order. At times these high ideals can be intimidating. So, it's great to read today's encouraging verses. For even more affirmation, read today's devotional by Sandy. Look at the way GOD loves Sandy and Sandy loves GOD. It's a beautiful testimony. Read it here... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/38/

Matthew 7:1&2 "1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." The daily devotionals we are reading are concentrated and powerful. They are very EDIFYING to me and hopefully you. We also learned that the GREATEST commandment is to LOVE GOD and to LOVE OTHERS. And, yesterday we were reminded to remain humble. Have a modest view of one's own importance and a willingness to acknowledge one's limitations and the value of OTHERS. Following these lessons we have today's verses about not judging others. Jesus is urging us to avoid condemning others and instead to practice self-reflection and humility. Always recognizing our own need for forgiveness and understanding. Now, whether these verses pertain to the practice of open Communion compared to closed Communion, I don't know. In today's devotional, Roger makes this connection. Read it and let me know...

James 4:10 "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up." We are learning! The old-fashioned word "EDIFY" is a little like education. We need to be educated as well as be educational for others. We also learned that the GREATEST commandment is to LOVE GOD and to LOVE OTTERS! 😉 (If you know, you know. If you don't, read yesterday's devotional.) Today's verse brings up the discipline of "humility." Not to be confused with humiliation. Humiliation is a negative experience involving a loss of dignity and self-respect, often imposed by external circumstances or actions of others. In contrast, HUMILITY is a POSITIVE trait characterized by a modest view of one's own importance and a willingness to acknowledge one's limitations and the value of OTHERS. In today's devotional, Pastor Clint, shares his experience in a Seminary that helped define "HUMILITY" for him. It's a GREAT read. Find it right here.....

Matthew 22:36-39 "36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." Yesterday we learned about "EDIFY." And how important it is to seek to edify and to be edified. To edify means to instruct and improve, especially in moral and religious knowledge, and to uplift. It involves improving another by instructing them. Edification is one of the most important aspects of demonstrating LOVE for others. Today's verses highlight God's greatest command to people. First, love GOD and second, love others. It's so simple... LOVE! However, it's not that simple. We read a great lesson in today's devotional by Nancy. It's made all the more memorable by teaching children we need to "Love otters." ❤️🦦🙏✝️ ...

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." Yesterday we read about Jesus being the vine and we are the branches. Christians cannot bear spiritual fruit without being connected to Jesus. AND! We are more than fruit producers, we are "new creatures!" In today's devotional, Tammy compares us to caterpillars transforming into butterflies. It's a good read, right here... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/33/

John 15:5 "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing." Grapevines are amazing plants. They can grow and spread over great distances. They can live for many years, even one hundred and more! They can produce a lot of fruit, year after year. There is a wide diversity of types of fruit produced by various types of vines. Interestingly, they produce more fruit and better quality when pruned and cared for. And, as today's verse pointed out, no branch can produce fruit if it's cut off from the vine. Just as branches cannot bear fruit without being connected to the vine, followers cannot bear spiritual fruit without being connected to Jesus. In a short and sweet devotional, Norm explains our spiritual relationship with our Lord and Savior. Read it here... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/32/

Philippians 3:20 "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:" I love the King James Version of the Holy Scriptures. It can be hard to read at times, and you need to work a little bit to truly understand it. But, it's worth it. Here in today's verses the word "conversation" doesn't mean talking. In the KJV times, the word was used to describe a person's behavior, conduct, or manner of life. This can include how a person acts and behaves in their daily life and interactions with others. With this understanding of the word, we can see the beautiful meaning of today's verse. It is telling us our way of LIFE is in heaven. Our home is with our Lord and Savior! And, thoughtfully explained in today's devotional, our whole identity and meaning comes from our GOD! GG writes very well; Take a moment to read it here... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/31/

1 Corinthians 1:18&19 "18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." The execution of Jesus, crucified like a common criminal, was seen as a sign of weakness and defeat. By both the Jews who expected a powerful Messiah and the Greeks, who valued human wisdom and power. However, to Christians, the cross is understood as the power of God. It signifies God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ's sacrifice, which is the ultimate act of divine power and wisdom. Paul contrasts human wisdom and divine wisdom. The cross, which seems foolish to the world, is actually the wisdom and power of God. In today's devotional, Royce quotes the Holy Bible to make the point even more clear. Read it here... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/30/