Today please be in prayer for:
James Mardock
Colby Hays District | 
Bill Gepford
Colby Hays Districtt | 
Norma McNair
Gove Grainfield Hays Districtd |
Great Plains Daily Devotional for Wednesday, 15 April 2015
Today please be in prayer for
 |  |
Great Plains Daily Devotional for Thursday, 16 April 2015
Today please be in prayer for
Logan Asbury
Long Island
Hays District
| 
Hoxie
McGraw
Selden
Hays District
| 
Paradise
Waldo
Hays District
|
2nd Sunday of Easter – White or Gold
Acts 4:32-35
Psalm 133
1 John 1:1 – 2:2
John 20:19-31
Acts 4:32 All the many believers were one in heart and soul, and no one claimed any of his possessions for himself, but everyone shared everything he had. 33 With great power the emissaries continued testifying to the resurrection of the Lord Yeshua, and they were all held in high regard. 34 No one among them was poor, since those who owned lands or houses sold them and turned over the proceeds 35 to the emissaries to distribute to each according to his need.
Psalm 133: (0) A song of ascents. By David:
(1) Oh, how good, how pleasant it is
for brothers to live together in harmony.
2 It is like fragrant oil on the head
that runs down over the beard,
over the beard of Aharon,
and flows down on the collar of his robes.
3 It is like the dew of Hermon
that settles on the mountains of Tziyon.
(1) Oh, how good, how pleasant it is
for brothers to live together in harmony.
2 It is like fragrant oil on the head
that runs down over the beard,
over the beard of Aharon,
and flows down on the collar of his robes.
3 It is like the dew of Hermon
that settles on the mountains of Tziyon.
For it was there that Adonai ordained
the blessing of everlasting life.
1 John 1:1 The Word, which gives life!
He existed from the beginning.
We have heard him,
we have seen him with our eyes,
we have contemplated him,
we have touched him with our hands!
2 The life appeared,
and we have seen it.
We are testifying to it
and announcing it to you —
eternal life!
He was with the Father,
and he appeared to us.
3 What we have seen and heard,
we are proclaiming to you;
so that you too
may have fellowship with us.
Our fellowship is with the Father
and with his Son, Yeshua the Messiah.
4 We are writing these things
so that our joy may be complete.
5 And this is the message which we have heard from him and proclaim to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him — none!
6 If we claim to have fellowship with him while we are walking in the darkness, we are lying and not living out the truth. 7 But if we are walking in the light, as he is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of his Son Yeshua purifies us from all sin.
8 If we claim not to have sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we acknowledge our sins, then, since he is trustworthy and just, he will forgive them and purify us from all wrongdoing.
10 If we claim we have not been sinning, we are making him out to be a liar, and his Word is not in us.
2:1 My children, I am writing you these things so that you won’t sin. But if anyone does sin, we have Yeshua the Messiah, the Tzaddik, who pleads our cause with the Father. 2 Also, he is the kapparah for our sins — and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.
John 20:19 In the evening that same day, the first day of the week, when the talmidim were gathered together behind locked doors out of fear of the Judeans, Yeshua came, stood in the middle and said, “Shalom aleikhem!” 20 Having greeted them, he showed them his hands and his side. The talmidim were overjoyed to see the Lord. 21 “Shalom aleikhem!” Yeshua repeated. “Just as the Father sent me, I myself am also sending you.” 22 Having said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Ruach HaKodesh! 23 If you forgive someone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you hold them, they are held.”
24 Now T’oma (the name means “twin”), one of the Twelve, was not with them when Yeshua came. 25 When the other talmidim told him, “We have seen the Lord,” he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, put my finger into the place where the nails were and put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe it.”
26 A week later his talmidim were once more in the room, and this time T’oma was with them. Although the doors were locked, Yeshua came, stood among them and said, “Shalom aleikhem!” 27 Then he said to T’oma, “Put your finger here, look at my hands, take your hand and put it into my side. Don’t be lacking in trust, but have trust!” 28 T’oma answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Yeshua said to him, “Have you trusted because you have seen me? How blessed are those who do not see, but trust anyway!”
30 In the presence of the talmidim Yeshua performed many other miracles which have not been recorded in this book. 31 But these which have been recorded are here so that you may trust that Yeshua is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by this trust you may have life because of who he is.
John Wesley's Notes-commentary for
Acts 4:32-35
Verse 32
[32] And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
And the multitude of them that believed — Every individual person were of one heart and one soul - Their love, their hopes, their passions joined: and not so much as one - In so great a multitude: this was a necessary consequence of that union of heart; said that aught of the things which he had was his own - It is impossible any one should, while all were of one soul. So long as that truly Christian love continued, they could not but have all things common.
Verse 33
[33] And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
And great grace — A large measure of the inward power of the Holy Ghost, was upon them all - Directing all their thoughts, words, and actions.
Verse 34
[34] Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
For neither was there any one among them that wanted — We may observe, this is added as the proof that great grace was upon them all. And it was the immediate, necessary consequence of it: yea, and must be to the end of the world. In all ages and nations, the same cause, the same degree of grace, could not but in like circumstances produce the same effect.
For whosoever were possessors of houses and lands sold them — Not that there was any particular command for this; but there was great grace and great love: of which this was the natural fruit.
Verse 35
[35] And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
And distribution was made — At first by the apostles themselves, afterward by them whom they appointed.
[2] It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
Ointment — It is no less grateful and refreshing than that oil which was poured forth upon Aaron's head at the time of his consecration to the priestly office.
Skirts — Not to the lower skirt or bottom of his sacerdotal garment, but to the upper skirt of it, or the mouth of it, as the Hebrew word properly signifies.
Verse 3
[3] As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.
Zion — It is as desirable as the dew which falls upon mount Hermon, nay, as desirable as that heavenly dew of God's ordinances and graces which he hath commanded to fall upon the mountains of Zion and Moriah, and others which are round about Jerusalem.
There — Where brethren live in peace and unity.
[1] That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
That which was — Here means, He which was the Word himself; afterwards it means, that which they had heard from him.
Which was — Namely, with the Father, verse 2, before he was manifested.
From the beginning — This phrase is sometimes used in a limited sense; but here it properly means from eternity, being equivalent with, "in the beginning," John 1:1.
That which we — The apostles. Have not only heard, but seen with our eyes, which we have beheld - Attentively considered on various occasions.
Of the Word of life — He is termed the Word, John 1:1; the Life, John 1:4; as he is the living Word of God, who, with the Father and the Spirit, is the fountain of life to all creatures, particularly of spiritual and eternal life.
Verse 2
[2] (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
For the life — The living Word.
Was manifested — In the flesh, to our very senses.
And we testify and declare — We testify by declaring, by preaching, and writing, 1 John 1:3,4. Preaching lays the foundation, 1 John 1:5-10: writing builds there on.
To you — Who have not seen.
The eternal life — Which always was, and afterward appeared to us. This is mentioned in the beginning of the epistle. In the end of it is mentioned the same eternal life, which we shall always enjoy.
Verse 3
[3] That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
That which we have seen and heard — Of him and from him.
Declare we to you — For this end.
That ye also may have fellowship with us — May enjoy the same fellowship which we enjoy.
And truly our fellowship — Whereby he is in us and we in him.
Is with the Father and with the son — Of the Holy Ghost he speaks afterwards.
Verse 4
[4] And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
That your joy may be full — So our Lord also, John 15:11; 16:22. There is a joy of hope, a joy of faith, and a joy of love. Here the joy of faith is directly intended. It is a concise expression.
Your joy — That is, your faith and the joy arising from it: but it likewise implies the joy of hope and love.
Verse 5
[5] This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
And this is the sum of the message which we have heard of him - The Son of God.
That God is light — The light of wisdom, love, holiness, glory. What light is to the natural eye, that God is to the spiritual eye.
And in him is no darkness at all — No contrary principle. He is pure, unmixed light.
Verse 6
[6] If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
If we say — Either with our tongue, or in our heart, if we endeavour to persuade either ourselves or others. We have fellowship with him, while we walk, either inwardly or outwardly, in darkness - In sin of any kind.
We do not the truth — Our actions prove, that the truth is not in us.
Verse 7
[7] But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
But if we walk in the light — In all holiness. As God is (a deeper word than walk, and more worthy of God) in the light, then we may truly say, we have fellowship one with another - We who have seen, and you who have not seen, do alike enjoy that fellowship with God. The imitation of God being the only sure proof of our having fellowship with him.
And the blood of Jesus Christ his Son — With the grace purchased thereby.
Cleanseth us from all sin — Both original and actual, taking away all the guilt and all the power.
Verse 8
[8] If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we say — Any child of man, before his blood has cleansed us.
We have no sin — To be cleansed from, instead of confessing our sins, 1 John 1:9, the truth is not in us - Neither in our mouth nor in our heart.
Verse 9
[9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
But if with a penitent and believing heart, we confess our sins, he is faithful - Because he had promised this blessing, by the unanimous voice of all his prophets.
Just — Surely then he will punish: no; for this very reason he will pardon. This may seem strange; but upon the evangelical principle of atonement and redemption, it is undoubtedly true; because, when the debt is paid, or the purchase made, it is the part of equity to cancel the bond, and consign over the purchased possession.
Both to forgive us our sins — To take away all the guilt of them.
And to cleanse us from all unrighteousness — To purify our souls from every kind and every degree of it.
Verse 10
[10] If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Yet still we are to retain, even to our lives' end, a deep sense of our past sins. Still if we say, we have not sinned, we make him a liar - Who saith, all have sinned.
And his word is not in us — We do not receive it; we give it no place in our hearts.
Verse 32
[32] And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
And the multitude of them that believed — Every individual person were of one heart and one soul - Their love, their hopes, their passions joined: and not so much as one - In so great a multitude: this was a necessary consequence of that union of heart; said that aught of the things which he had was his own - It is impossible any one should, while all were of one soul. So long as that truly Christian love continued, they could not but have all things common.
Verse 33
[33] And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
And great grace — A large measure of the inward power of the Holy Ghost, was upon them all - Directing all their thoughts, words, and actions.
Verse 34
[34] Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
For neither was there any one among them that wanted — We may observe, this is added as the proof that great grace was upon them all. And it was the immediate, necessary consequence of it: yea, and must be to the end of the world. In all ages and nations, the same cause, the same degree of grace, could not but in like circumstances produce the same effect.
For whosoever were possessors of houses and lands sold them — Not that there was any particular command for this; but there was great grace and great love: of which this was the natural fruit.
Verse 35
[35] And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
And distribution was made — At first by the apostles themselves, afterward by them whom they appointed.
Psalm 133
Verse 2[2] It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
Ointment — It is no less grateful and refreshing than that oil which was poured forth upon Aaron's head at the time of his consecration to the priestly office.
Skirts — Not to the lower skirt or bottom of his sacerdotal garment, but to the upper skirt of it, or the mouth of it, as the Hebrew word properly signifies.
Verse 3
[3] As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.
Zion — It is as desirable as the dew which falls upon mount Hermon, nay, as desirable as that heavenly dew of God's ordinances and graces which he hath commanded to fall upon the mountains of Zion and Moriah, and others which are round about Jerusalem.
There — Where brethren live in peace and unity.
1 John 1:1-2:2
Verse 1[1] That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
That which was — Here means, He which was the Word himself; afterwards it means, that which they had heard from him.
Which was — Namely, with the Father, verse 2, before he was manifested.
From the beginning — This phrase is sometimes used in a limited sense; but here it properly means from eternity, being equivalent with, "in the beginning," John 1:1.
That which we — The apostles. Have not only heard, but seen with our eyes, which we have beheld - Attentively considered on various occasions.
Of the Word of life — He is termed the Word, John 1:1; the Life, John 1:4; as he is the living Word of God, who, with the Father and the Spirit, is the fountain of life to all creatures, particularly of spiritual and eternal life.
Verse 2
[2] (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
For the life — The living Word.
Was manifested — In the flesh, to our very senses.
And we testify and declare — We testify by declaring, by preaching, and writing, 1 John 1:3,4. Preaching lays the foundation, 1 John 1:5-10: writing builds there on.
To you — Who have not seen.
The eternal life — Which always was, and afterward appeared to us. This is mentioned in the beginning of the epistle. In the end of it is mentioned the same eternal life, which we shall always enjoy.
Verse 3
[3] That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
That which we have seen and heard — Of him and from him.
Declare we to you — For this end.
That ye also may have fellowship with us — May enjoy the same fellowship which we enjoy.
And truly our fellowship — Whereby he is in us and we in him.
Is with the Father and with the son — Of the Holy Ghost he speaks afterwards.
Verse 4
[4] And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
That your joy may be full — So our Lord also, John 15:11; 16:22. There is a joy of hope, a joy of faith, and a joy of love. Here the joy of faith is directly intended. It is a concise expression.
Your joy — That is, your faith and the joy arising from it: but it likewise implies the joy of hope and love.
Verse 5
[5] This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
And this is the sum of the message which we have heard of him - The Son of God.
That God is light — The light of wisdom, love, holiness, glory. What light is to the natural eye, that God is to the spiritual eye.
And in him is no darkness at all — No contrary principle. He is pure, unmixed light.
Verse 6
[6] If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
If we say — Either with our tongue, or in our heart, if we endeavour to persuade either ourselves or others. We have fellowship with him, while we walk, either inwardly or outwardly, in darkness - In sin of any kind.
We do not the truth — Our actions prove, that the truth is not in us.
Verse 7
[7] But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
But if we walk in the light — In all holiness. As God is (a deeper word than walk, and more worthy of God) in the light, then we may truly say, we have fellowship one with another - We who have seen, and you who have not seen, do alike enjoy that fellowship with God. The imitation of God being the only sure proof of our having fellowship with him.
And the blood of Jesus Christ his Son — With the grace purchased thereby.
Cleanseth us from all sin — Both original and actual, taking away all the guilt and all the power.
Verse 8
[8] If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we say — Any child of man, before his blood has cleansed us.
We have no sin — To be cleansed from, instead of confessing our sins, 1 John 1:9, the truth is not in us - Neither in our mouth nor in our heart.
Verse 9
[9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
But if with a penitent and believing heart, we confess our sins, he is faithful - Because he had promised this blessing, by the unanimous voice of all his prophets.
Just — Surely then he will punish: no; for this very reason he will pardon. This may seem strange; but upon the evangelical principle of atonement and redemption, it is undoubtedly true; because, when the debt is paid, or the purchase made, it is the part of equity to cancel the bond, and consign over the purchased possession.
Both to forgive us our sins — To take away all the guilt of them.
And to cleanse us from all unrighteousness — To purify our souls from every kind and every degree of it.
Verse 10
[10] If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Yet still we are to retain, even to our lives' end, a deep sense of our past sins. Still if we say, we have not sinned, we make him a liar - Who saith, all have sinned.
And his word is not in us — We do not receive it; we give it no place in our hearts.
Verse 1
[1] My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
My beloved children — So the apostle frequently addresses the whole body of Christians. It is a term of tenderness and endearment, used by our Lord himself to his disciples, John 13:33. And perhaps many to whom St. John now wrote were converted by his ministry. It is a different word from that which is translated "little children," in several parts of the epistle, to distinguish it from which, it is here rendered beloved children. I write these things to you, that ye may not sin - Thus he guards them beforehand against abusing the doctrine of reconciliation. All the words, institutions, and judgments of God are levelled against sin, either that it may not be committed, or that it may be abolished.
But if any one sin — Let him not lie in sin, despairing of help.
We have an advocate — We have for our advocate, not a mean person, but him of whom it was said, "This is my beloved son." Not a guilty person, who stands in need of pardon for himself; but Jesus Christ the righteous; not a mere petitioner, who relies purely upon liberality, but one that has merited, fully merited, whatever he asks.
Verse 2
[2] And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
And he is the propitiation — The atoning sacrifice by which the wrath of God is appeased.
For our sins — Who believe.
And not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world — Just as wide as sin extends, the propitiation extends also .
[1] My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
My beloved children — So the apostle frequently addresses the whole body of Christians. It is a term of tenderness and endearment, used by our Lord himself to his disciples, John 13:33. And perhaps many to whom St. John now wrote were converted by his ministry. It is a different word from that which is translated "little children," in several parts of the epistle, to distinguish it from which, it is here rendered beloved children. I write these things to you, that ye may not sin - Thus he guards them beforehand against abusing the doctrine of reconciliation. All the words, institutions, and judgments of God are levelled against sin, either that it may not be committed, or that it may be abolished.
But if any one sin — Let him not lie in sin, despairing of help.
We have an advocate — We have for our advocate, not a mean person, but him of whom it was said, "This is my beloved son." Not a guilty person, who stands in need of pardon for himself; but Jesus Christ the righteous; not a mere petitioner, who relies purely upon liberality, but one that has merited, fully merited, whatever he asks.
Verse 2
[2] And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
And he is the propitiation — The atoning sacrifice by which the wrath of God is appeased.
For our sins — Who believe.
And not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world — Just as wide as sin extends, the propitiation extends also .
John 20:19-31
Verse 19
[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.
Mark 16:14; Luke 24:36.
Verse 21
[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 — This is the foundation of the mission of a true Gospel minister, peace in his own soul, 2 Corinthians 4:1.
As the Father hath sent me, so send I you — Christ was the apostle of the Father, Hebrews 3:1. Peter and the rest, the apostles of Christ.
Verse 22
[22] And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
He breathed on them — New life and vigour, and saith, as ye receive this breath out of my mouth, so receive ye the Spirit out of my fulness: the Holy Ghost influencing you in a peculiar manner, to fit you for your great embassy. This was an earnest of pentecost.
Verse 23
[23] Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
Whose soever sins ye remit — (According to the tenor of the Gospel, that is, supposing them to repent and believe) they are remitted, and whose soever sins ye retain (supposing them to remain impenitent) they are retained. So far is plain. But here arises a difficulty. Are not the sins of one who truly repents, and unfeignedly believes in Christ, remitted, without sacerdotal absolution? And are not the sins of one who does not repent or believe, retained even with it? What then does this commission imply? Can it imply any more than, 1. A power of declaring with authority the Christian terms of pardon; whose sins are remitted and whose retained? As in our daily form of absolution; and 2. A power of inflicting and remitting ecclesiastical censures? That is, of excluding from, and re-admitting into, a Christian congregation.
Verse 26
[26] And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
After eight days — On the next Sunday.
Verse 28
[28] And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
And Thomas said, My Lord and my God — The disciples had said, We have seen the Lord. Thomas now not only acknowledges him to be the Lord, as he had done before, and to be risen, as his fellow disciples had affirmed, but also confesses his Godhead, and that more explicitly than any other had yet done. And all this he did without putting his hand upon his side.
Verse 30
[30] And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
Jesus wrought many miracles, which are not written in this book — Of St. John, nor indeed of the other evangelists.
Verse 31
[31] But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
But these things are written that ye may believe — That ye may be confirmed in believing. Faith cometh sometimes by reading; though ordinarily by hearing.
Verse 19
[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.
Mark 16:14; Luke 24:36.
Verse 21
[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 — This is the foundation of the mission of a true Gospel minister, peace in his own soul, 2 Corinthians 4:1.
As the Father hath sent me, so send I you — Christ was the apostle of the Father, Hebrews 3:1. Peter and the rest, the apostles of Christ.
Verse 22
[22] And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
He breathed on them — New life and vigour, and saith, as ye receive this breath out of my mouth, so receive ye the Spirit out of my fulness: the Holy Ghost influencing you in a peculiar manner, to fit you for your great embassy. This was an earnest of pentecost.
Verse 23
[23] Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
Whose soever sins ye remit — (According to the tenor of the Gospel, that is, supposing them to repent and believe) they are remitted, and whose soever sins ye retain (supposing them to remain impenitent) they are retained. So far is plain. But here arises a difficulty. Are not the sins of one who truly repents, and unfeignedly believes in Christ, remitted, without sacerdotal absolution? And are not the sins of one who does not repent or believe, retained even with it? What then does this commission imply? Can it imply any more than, 1. A power of declaring with authority the Christian terms of pardon; whose sins are remitted and whose retained? As in our daily form of absolution; and 2. A power of inflicting and remitting ecclesiastical censures? That is, of excluding from, and re-admitting into, a Christian congregation.
Verse 26
[26] And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
After eight days — On the next Sunday.
Verse 28
[28] And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
And Thomas said, My Lord and my God — The disciples had said, We have seen the Lord. Thomas now not only acknowledges him to be the Lord, as he had done before, and to be risen, as his fellow disciples had affirmed, but also confesses his Godhead, and that more explicitly than any other had yet done. And all this he did without putting his hand upon his side.
Verse 30
[30] And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
Jesus wrought many miracles, which are not written in this book — Of St. John, nor indeed of the other evangelists.
Verse 31
[31] But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
But these things are written that ye may believe — That ye may be confirmed in believing. Faith cometh sometimes by reading; though ordinarily by hearing.
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Upper Room Ministries, a ministry of Discipleship Ministries
PO Box 340004
Nashville, Tennessee 37203-0004 United States
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Sermon Story "Trusting to Receive Life" by Gary Lee Parker for Sunday, 12 April 2015 with Scripture: John 20:19-31
scripture text: John 20:19 In the evening that same day, the first day of the week, when the talmidim were gathered together behind locked doors out of fear of the Judeans, Yeshua came, stood in the middle and said, “Shalom aleikhem!” 20 Having greeted them, he showed them his hands and his side. The talmidim were overjoyed to see the Lord. 21 “Shalom aleikhem!” Yeshua repeated. “Just as the Father sent me, I myself am also sending you.” 22 Having said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Ruach HaKodesh! 23 If you forgive someone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you hold them, they are held.”
30 In the presence of the talmidim Yeshua performed many other miracles which have not been recorded in this book. 31 But these which have been recorded are here so that you may trust that Yeshua is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by this trust you may have life because of who he is.
24 Now T’oma (the name means “twin”), one of the Twelve, was not with them when Yeshua came. 25 When the other talmidim told him, “We have seen the Lord,” he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, put my finger into the place where the nails were and put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe it.”
26 A week later his talmidim were once more in the room, and this time T’oma was with them. Although the doors were locked, Yeshua came, stood among them and said, “Shalom aleikhem!” 27 Then he said to T’oma, “Put your finger here, look at my hands, take your hand and put it into my side. Don’t be lacking in trust, but have trust!” 28 T’oma answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Yeshua said to him, “Have you trusted because you have seen me? How blessed are those who do not see, but trust anyway!”30 In the presence of the talmidim Yeshua performed many other miracles which have not been recorded in this book. 31 But these which have been recorded are here so that you may trust that Yeshua is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by this trust you may have life because of who he is.
As we read these Scriptures, we realize that the disciples still was afraid of the authorities even though they have heard that Jesus has been raised from the dead for they remained behind closed doors. Jesus comes into the room while the doors are still locked saying to them that Peace should be upon them. As He breathed, He spoke that they are to receive the Holy Spirit for the work He has for them to do. Them Jesus mentioned to them that when they have forgiven sins, they will be forgiven while if they do not they will remain. what is meant by this has been interpreted many different ways, but if we understand these words as He taught them in the Model or Lord's Prayer that if we do not forgiven others, we will not be forgiven brings us to realize what Jesus is really saying. After Jesus left and Thomas was not with them, the ten of them told Thomas, but Thomas did not believe saying that unless he sees the nailed pieced hand and feet and place is hand into the side that the soldier pieced with his sword he would not believe. Some ten later when all eleven of the disciples which included Thomas was in the same locked room, Jesus appeared saying to Thomas to touch His hands, feet, and side. Thomas immediately said My Lord and My God whereas Jesus responded to Thomas and the others that he believed because he saw while those who do not see and believe will be blessed. Scripture concludes with the writer of this Gospel saying that there were many other signs, wonders, and miracles that were done by Jesus but were not written down. These signs, wonders, and miracles were written down that those who hear and read these words will believe that Jesus is the Messiah of the Jews as well as the whole world and all people in the world living and who will live. We come to believe in all of Jesus as we come and eat His Body and drink His Blood through the Holy Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist singing the Hymn "There is a Redeemer, Jesus God's own Son" by Melody Green
Gary Lee Parker
1. There is a Redeemer -
Jesus, God’s own Son;
Precious Lamb of God, Messiah,
Holy One.
Refrain:
Thank You, O my Father,
for giving us Your Son,
And leaving Your Spirit
till the work on earth is done.
2. Jesus, my Redeemer,
name above all names;
Precious Lamb of God, Messiah,
Hope for sinners slain.
Refrain:
Thank You, O my Father,
for giving us Your Son,
And leaving Your Spirit
till the work on earth is done.
3. When I stand in Glory,
I will see His face;
There I'll serve my King forever
in that holy place.
Refrain:
Thank You, O my Father,
for giving us Your Son,
And leaving Your Spirit
till the work on earth is done.
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San Diego, California 92104-1844, United States
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Today's Devotional: The Upper Room Daily Devotion "More Than A Sandwich" for Tuesday, 14 April 2015 - Scripture: James 2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith but has no actions to prove it? Is such “faith” able to save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food, 16 and someone says to him, “Shalom! Keep warm and eat hearty!” without giving him what he needs, what good does it do? 17 Thus, faith by itself, unaccompanied by actions, is dead.18 But someone will say that you have faith and I have actions. Show me this faith of yours without the actions, and I will show you my faith by my actions!
Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?[James 2:15-16 (NIV)]
When I was 25 years old, I decided to travel to Ireland for a little adventure. I met some other young adults in a hostel, and one night three of us were walking down a street in Dublin when a disheveled-looking man and woman approached us asking for money to buy food. Despite the objections of one of our party, we gave them the equivalent of $5.00. As the couple walked away, the person who had objected told us that he suspected they would use the money for drugs or alcohol. He then announced that he was going to follow them to prove it!
Somewhat unwillingly, my other companion and I went along. We followed the couple across the River Liffey down a street where raucous laughter filled the air as people drifted in and out of the many pubs. Just as my friend began to say, “I told you so,” the couple appeared coming out of a convenience store with two sandwiches. In silence, we all looked at one another and realized that the sandwiches weren’t the most important gifts given that day. The gift we had received was a reminder that we are not called to judge human hearts. We are simply called to emulate Jesus by responding with compassion to the human needs we encounter.
The Author: Wade Griffith (Alabama, USA)
Thought for the Day: God calls us to show compassion, not judgment.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, help us to be like you by responding to human needs with compassion rather than judgment. Amen.
Prayer focus: Young Adults Who Are Traveling
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Today's Devotional: The Upper Room Daily Devotion "The Prodigal Daughter" for Wednesday, 15 April 2015 - Scripture: Luke 15:11 Again Yeshua said, “A man had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that will be mine.’ So the father divided the property between them. 13 As soon as he could convert his share into cash, the younger son left home and went off to a distant country, where he squandered his money in reckless living. 14 But after he had spent it all, a severe famine arose throughout that country, and he began to feel the pinch.15 “So he went and attached himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the carob pods the pigs were eating, but no one gave him any.
17 “At last he came to his senses and said, ‘Any number of my father’s hired workers have food to spare; and here I am, starving to death! 18 I’m going to get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against Heaven and against you; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired workers.” ’ 20 So he got up and started back to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity. He ran and threw his arms around him and kissed him warmly. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against Heaven and against you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son — ’ 22 but his father said to his slaves, ‘Quick, bring out a robe, the best one, and put it on him; and put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet; 23 and bring the calf that has been fattened up, and kill it. Let’s eat and have a celebration! 24 For this son of mine was dead, but now he’s alive again! He was lost, but now he has been found!’ And they began celebrating.
The father said, “This son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!”[Luke 15:24 (NRSV)]
I hit the road with everything I owned packed inside my small car even though the idea of leaving my apartment, job, school, friends, and my comfortable life of sin had paralyzed me. The drive home seemed like a lifetime; I dreaded returning to face my mom. Fearful thoughts also filled my mind. How could God ever forgive my poor choices? How could I cope without my destructive, self-made support system? All I could do was muster up a tiny seed of hope that my life was not over.
When I entered my mother’s house, I found my bedroom decorated with a bright new bed cover and cheery new curtains. My mom came in and sat down beside me. She was all hugs and smiles, ecstatic that her baby girl was home. I didn’t realize it at the time, but God used the simple act of my mom sprucing up the bedroom to show me a glimpse of love and grace. And little did I know that the next few years would be filled with new friends, a college degree, a wedding, and opportunities to mentor teenagers.
Looking back to that long drive home I never would have guessed that God would be so lavish in pouring out love on me, especially knowing it was nothing that I deserved or earned. God longs to lavish love on each of us. Knowing this, we can muster up a tiny seed of hope today that life is not over. With God, it is just beginning.
The Author: Natalie Guarascio (California, USA)
Thought for the Day: God has a parent’s heart toward his children.
Prayer: Dear God, take our tiny seeds of hope that you can change our lives, and show us your love and grace that await us. Amen.
Prayer focus: Parents Of Young Adults Returning Home
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Today's Devotional: The Upper Room Daily Devotion "Focus on Jesus" for Thursday, 16 April 2015 - Scripture: Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in union with the Lord always! I will say it again: rejoice! 5 Let everyone see how reasonable and gentle you are. The Lord is near! 6 Don’t worry about anything; on the contrary, make your requests known to God by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving. 7 Then God’s shalom, passing all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with the Messiah Yeshua. 8 In conclusion, brothers, focus your thoughts on what is true, noble, righteous, pure, lovable or admirable, on some virtue or on something praiseworthy. 9 Keep doing what you have learned and received from me, what you have heard and seen me doing; then the God who gives shalom will be with you.Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks.[Philippians 4:6 (CEB)]
For 14 years I worked in a sporting goods store in Anchorage, Alaska. One day as I was coming from the warehouse to deliver a few items to the store, an irate customer met me when I walked through the store entrance. She was livid and began a tirade of complaints about a previous purchase. As I listened to her, I noticed that she was wearing a T-shirt with “Focus on Jesus” written on the front. I thought to myself: Lady, you are one big hypocrite. The Holy Spirit immediately brought me up short saying, “Are you going to lose your focus on Jesus, too?”
With a sigh, I admitted that my focus was more than a little blurry. I began to pray silently for the woman. Before I knew it, I felt God’s peace and she regained her composure. She left as a satisfied customer, and I enjoyed God’s peace in a way I never had before.
Philippians 4:6 comes to mind more and more as I seek to maintain my focus on Jesus: “Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks.”
The Author: Phil Cages (Alaska, USA)
Thought for the Day: Peace is only a prayer away.
Prayer: We thank you, dear God, for peace that you give in the midst of troubling moments. Help us call to you at such times so that we can be a channel of your love and understanding. Amen.
Prayer focus: Christians In The Marketplace
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Contact Information
Great Plains Episcopal Office
9440 E Boston, Suite 160
Wichita Kansas 67207 United States
316-686-0600
800-745-2350
info@greatplainsumc.org
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Contact Information
Great Plains Episcopal Office
9440 E Boston, Suite 160
Wichita Kansas 67207 United States
316-686-0600
800-745-2350
info@greatplainsumc.org
____________________________
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