315 - "Jesus Starts Appearing From the Other Side---Inside of Them" Acts 7-8
Acts 8:1 "And Saul approved of Stephen's execution."
Great persecution among the church in Jerusalem.
Disciples scatter.
And Samaria believes and receives the Word of God!
These disciples were not afraid to preach the Word. hears an angel giving him a direction to go. Not so much as a detailed plan of what to do. But, to go! And he does. Acts 8:26
When Jesus was with the disciples, they had a hard time following directions. For example, Thomas---I will not believe until I see His nail-scarred hands. No direction taken.
The disciples moved in fear. When asked a question, Peter cowered and said he never even knew Jesus. But here's, a courageous Philip asking if a court official understands what he is reading. May I jump in your chariot? Philip opens his mouth and tells the good news! And the eunuch wants to be baptized! Acts 8:30
Then the Spirit carries Philip away! That's most unusual and scary to me. Not so, though. Philip finds himself in Azotus and starts preaching! Acts 8:40
This story amazes me. Jesus had been with most of these guys for 30 years. One day, He is gone. A grave is empty. And no one sees Him up in the air. They are grieving over the loss and He starts appearing from the Other Side---the inside of them. He now lives inside. And look what is happening in these men that didn't happen when He was physically present. And! He still lives today, inside me and you if we invite Him in! Am I listening for the stirring of the Spirit of God in me? What is so of God this day that I know I can't explain it any other way? May I jump in your chariot?
Great persecution among the church in Jerusalem.
Disciples scatter.
And Samaria believes and receives the Word of God!
These disciples were not afraid to preach the Word. hears an angel giving him a direction to go. Not so much as a detailed plan of what to do. But, to go! And he does. Acts 8:26
When Jesus was with the disciples, they had a hard time following directions. For example, Thomas---I will not believe until I see His nail-scarred hands. No direction taken.
The disciples moved in fear. When asked a question, Peter cowered and said he never even knew Jesus. But here's, a courageous Philip asking if a court official understands what he is reading. May I jump in your chariot? Philip opens his mouth and tells the good news! And the eunuch wants to be baptized! Acts 8:30
Then the Spirit carries Philip away! That's most unusual and scary to me. Not so, though. Philip finds himself in Azotus and starts preaching! Acts 8:40
This story amazes me. Jesus had been with most of these guys for 30 years. One day, He is gone. A grave is empty. And no one sees Him up in the air. They are grieving over the loss and He starts appearing from the Other Side---the inside of them. He now lives inside. And look what is happening in these men that didn't happen when He was physically present. And! He still lives today, inside me and you if we invite Him in! Am I listening for the stirring of the Spirit of God in me? What is so of God this day that I know I can't explain it any other way? May I jump in your chariot?
PHOTO: A dark day in Florida when the heavens opened up. Whatever darkness we face, may our first words be a prayer.
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