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Christian Network
Gospel: Luke 24:45-53
Today is the Sunday After Ascension.
Here's what I said at the 8 am service today:
Gospel: Luke 24:45-53
Jesus opened their minds to understand the Scriptures (45). They had to
understand the Scriptures themselves first, before they could teach others.
1. JESUS TOLD THEM WHAT TO PREACH 46-47a
a. Repentance of Sins.
Christ's first recorded message was "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at
hand" (Matthew 3:2, 4:17; Mark 1:15).
b. Forgiveness of Sins.
On the biblical basis of the Blood Atonement, our sins are covered by the
death of Another, and we can be forgiven. We are /justified/, "just-as-if-
I'd-died".
2. JESUS TOLD THEM WHERE TO PREACH 47b-48
a. In All Nations.
No longer is the Gospel the prerogative of the privileged people of Israel.
What about the underprivileged Gentiles of the world? We are their apostles.
b. In your own Home Town.
The most difficult place. "A prophet is not without honour, except in his own
country, and among his own kin, and in his own house" (Mark 6:4). They had to
"begin at Jerusalem" - where they lived. We need to begin in our home town
location. We are their prophets.
3. JESUS TOLD THEM WHEN TO PREACH 49, 52-53
a. After giving Pause for Prayer.
They worshipped Him; then went to the Temple. Those who would speak to men
about God, must first speak to God about men.
b. After receiving Power for Preaching.
We are ineffective until after we have received the Power from on high. "Did
you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" (Acts 19:2). Compare Acts
2:38-39. Forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit is contingent upon
Repentance. Christ's Baptism is in the Holy Spirit and Fire, not in water
only. Next Sunday we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost...
__________________________________________________________________________
In Christ,
Ben
--
Revd Ben Crick, BA CF
232 Canterbury Road, Birchington, Kent, CT7 9TD (UK)
http://www.cnetwork.co.uk/crick.htm
