No one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:3
Life-Giver
The camera pans over an old, abandoned farm truck that has been sitting in the woods for decades. Ivy covers it. Moss covers it. A small tree grows through a rusty hole. Mice have built a nest in the cab. And over the years, the wheels have settled into the dirt. But then along comes a cheerful backyard mechanic by the name of Derek Bieri. With basic tools and good-natured humor, Derek goes to work on the hulk sitting before him. Despite setbacks and disappointments, he patiently persists until the thrilling moment when the long-forgotten truck roars to life and comes out of the woods under its own power.
This is the magic behind the wildly popular YouTube program entitled “Vice Grip Garage.” Each episode features a dead and forsaken car or truck that Derek manages to bring to life. One thing is for certain. These vehicles do not repair themselves. They start and run only because of Derek.
By nature, I am far worse off than any rusted wreck left in the woods. Not only am I born spiritually dead, but my attitude towards the true God is downright hostile. On my own, I have no ability whatsoever to trust in Jesus as my Savior from sin. There’s a greater likelihood that a dead farm truck from “Vice Grip Garage” would bring itself to life and drive itself out of the woods.
But that’s where the Lord comes in. Not only did he send his Son to become human and live a perfect life in my place. Not only did Jesus pay for my every sin through his death at Calvary’s cross, but he also raised himself from the grave. He has even sent God the Holy Spirit to bring my spiritually dead heart to life. Through the power of the Good News of Jesus, the Spirit has created within me the miracle of faith. And through this miraculous faith, I now receive full forgiveness, peace with God, and eternal life as my personal possessions.
Giving life: There’s nothing the Holy Spirit enjoys more.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, my heart was dead. But through your gospel you have brought me to life. Thank you. Amen.
Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd. Acts 2:14
Lesson Learned
Jerry Seinfeld is one of the most successful comedians of his generation. Before his career blossomed, however, Jerry learned a hard lesson. He describes the first time he ever went up on stage. Until that moment, he says, you assume that the audience is in a mood to laugh, and as long as you’re reasonably funny and say a few funny things, you’ll be just fine.
That assumption died the moment he began to speak. The audience fell into a dead silence. As you stand there, Jerry says, all you can hear is the sound of your own quivering voice. The shock was so great that he could not remember his material. He retreated from the stage, crushed. That experience, however, stripped away his false assumptions and replaced them with a true understanding of what it takes to make it in the world of entertainment.
The night before Jesus was crucified, the apostle Peter had a brutal lesson to learn. His, however, was far more serious, far more profound. Until that night, Peter had assumed that, on his own, he was strong enough and brave enough to stand up for his master. After Jesus’ arrest, however, Peter’s assumption died the moment someone simply asked him if he was a follower of Jesus. The strength and bravery he thought he had were not there at all. Instead of saying, “Yes, I’m a follower of Jesus,” Peter lied. He said he didn’t even know this Jesus. And when two more people challenged him, he lied to them, too.
That night ripped away Peter’s false assumptions. He realized what a broken sinner he really was. But Jesus replaced Peter’s false assumptions with a true understanding. He carried Peter’s sinful failures to the cross. He died for them. Then he raised himself from the dead.
Ten days later, after Jesus’ ascension into heaven, Peter had another opportunity to stand up for Jesus. This time, Peter spoke boldly. The bravery and strength, however, did not come from Peter. They came from the good news of what Jesus had done.
Our bravery and strength come from the same place.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, teach me the same lesson you taught Peter. Make me a bold witness for Christ. Amen.
Utterly amazed, they asked, “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans?” Acts 2:7
Adventure Awaits
Wapakoneta, Ohio, is a solid, stable small town. It has a population of about ten thousand. It has a high school and a public library. It has a movie theater and a bowling alley. To grab a bite to eat, you can stop by Lulu’s Diner, RJ’s Coffey Cup, or The Alpha Cafe. And every August, you can attend the county fair located just outside the city limits.
Wapakoneta is a great place to raise a family. At the same time, its citizens admit that it’s not the kind of place that automatically comes to mind when you think of famous figures or high adventure. But thanks to a 10-minute plane ride at a local air show, a 6-year-old farm kid by the name of Neil Armstrong got the flying bug. Three decades later, Neil Armstrong was the face of one of the world’s great adventures. He was the first man to set foot on the moon.
In the first century A.D., the region of Galilee was not known for much of anything. In fact, many in Jerusalem looked down on Galileans as being just a bit unsophisticated, a bit rough around the edges. Therefore, on the Day of Pentecost, it came as a shock for people in Jerusalem to see and hear several men from Galilee stand up and do something extraordinary. By a miracle, God the Holy Spirit empowered these Galileans to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ in a variety of different languages.
And the adventure did not stop there. In the years to come, these same men would travel far and wide proclaiming what Jesus had done to take away the sins of the world.
By the power of the gospel, that same Holy Spirit brings people today to faith in Jesus as their Savior. And through this miracle of faith, they receive full forgiveness of sin, peace with God, and eternal life in heaven. And adventure awaits them in their future. The Lord will use them to pierce the darkness of this world, to proclaim the praises of him who called them out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I am now yours through faith in you. Let my adventure begin. Amen.
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1 As Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the commander of the temple guard, and the Sadducees approached them. 2 They were very upset because Peter and John were teaching the people and proclaiming the resurrection from the dead in connection with Jesus. 3 They arrested them and put them in jail until the next day because it was already evening.
4 But many of those who had heard the message believed, and the number of the men increased to about five thousand.
5 The next day, the rulers, the elders, and the experts in the law assembled in Jerusalem 6 with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and all the rest of the high priest’s family. 7 After they made Peter and John stand in front of them, they began to question them: “By what power or by what name did you do this?”
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel, [1]9 if we are being questioned today for a kind act that was done for the lame man, as to how this man has been healed, 10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that it was by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead! By him this man stands before you healed. 11 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you builders, which has become the cornerstone. [2]
12 “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.”
13 When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and found out that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were astonished and took note of the fact that these men had been with Jesus.
14 But since they saw the man who had been healed standing there with them, they could not say anything in reply. 15 After they had ordered them to leave the Sanhedrin, they discussed the matter among themselves. 16 They asked, “What should we do with these men? To be sure, it is evident to all who live in Jerusalem that a miraculous sign has been done through them, and we cannot deny it. 17 However, in order that this may spread no further among the people, let us give them a strict [3] warning not to speak any longer to anyone in this name.”
18 Then they summoned them and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
19 But Peter and John answered them, “Decide whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God. 20 For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
21 After they had threatened them further, they let them go. They found no way to punish them because all of the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man on whom this miraculous sign of healing was performed was over forty years old.
The Church Speaks God’s Word Boldly
23 After Peter and John were released, they went to their own friends and reported everything the high priests and the elders had said. 24 When they heard this, with one mind they raised their voices to God and said, “Master, you are the God who [4] made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and everything in them. 25 By the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David, your servant, you said:
Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers are gathered together against the Lord and against his Anointed One. [5] [6]
27 “For certainly, in this city both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and people of Israel, were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did whatever your hand and your plan had decided beforehand should happen.
29 “Now Lord, look at their threats and give to your servants the ability to keep on speaking your word with all boldness 30 as you stretch out your hand to heal and as signs and wonders take place through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
31 After they prayed, the place where they were gathered was shaken. Also, everyone was filled with the Holy Spirit, and they continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
Footnotes
Acts 4:8 Some witnesses to the text omit of Israel.
Acts 4:11 Psalm 118:22
Acts 4:17 Some witnesses to the text omit strict.
Acts 4:24 Some witnesses to the text omit are the God who.
1 Peter and John were going up to the temple at the ninth hour, [1] an hour of prayer. 2 A certain man who was lame from birth was carried there every day and placed at the temple gate, which is called Beautiful, so that he could beg for donations from those entering the temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter the temple, he asked them for a donation.
4 Peter looked directly at him, as did John. Peter said, “Look at us.” 5 So the man paid close attention to them, expecting to receive something from them.
6 But Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I will give you. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” 7 Peter took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately the man’s feet and ankles were made strong. 8 Jumping up, he stood and began to walk. He entered the temple courts with them, walking, jumping, and praising God.
9 All the people saw him walking and praising God. 10 They recognized him as the one who used to sit begging for money at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. 11 While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people came running toward them in utter amazement in the area called Solomon’s Colonnade.
12 When Peter saw this, he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this? Why are you staring at us, as if by our own power or godliness we have made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, [2] the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you handed over and disowned in the presence of Pilate, though he had decided to release him. 14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked to have a murderer given to you. 15 You killed the Author [3] of Life, whom God raised from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16 And on the basis of faith in his name, it is the name of Jesus that has strengthened this man, whom you see and know. This faith that comes through Jesus has given him this perfect health in the presence of all of you.
17 “Now brothers, [4] I know that you acted in ignorance, just like your leaders. 18 But in this way God fulfilled what he had foretold through the mouth of all the prophets: that his Christ would suffer. 19 Therefore repent and return to have your sins wiped out, 20 so that refreshing times may come from the presence of the Lord and that he may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you. 21 He must receive heaven [5] until the times when everything will be restored, as God spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.
22 “Moses said to the fathers: [6]
The Lord your [7] God will raise up for you a Prophet from your brothers who is like me. Listen to everything he tells you. 23 And this is what will happen: Every person who does not listen to that Prophet will be completely cut off from the people. [8]
24 “Also, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have talked about these days. 25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with our [9] fathers when he said to Abraham:
In your seed [10] all the families of the earth will be blessed. [11]
26 “God raised up his Servant and sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you away from your wicked ways.”
Footnotes
Acts 3:1 3 pm
Acts 3:13 Some witnesses to the text read the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.
Acts 3:15 Or Prince
Acts 3:17 When context indicates it, the Greek word for brothers may refer to all fellow believers, male and female. In this case, it seems to refer to fellow Jews.
Acts 3:21 Or Heaven must receive him.
Acts 3:22 Some witnesses to the text omit to the fathers.
Acts 3:22 Some witnesses to the text read our.
Acts 3:23 Deuteronomy 18:15,18,19
Acts 3:25 Some witnesses to the text read your.
Acts 3:25 Or descendant. The literal seed is retained in the translation to help readers trace the line of the promised Savior from Eve through Abraham and David to Jesus, the promised Seed of the Woman.
37 Now when the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Gentlemen, brothers, what should we do?”
38 Peter answered them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your [1] sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
40 He testified solemnly with many other words and was appealing to them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”
41 Those who [2] accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added.
The Christians Lived in Unity
42 They continued to hold firmly to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of the bread, and to the prayers. 43 Awe came over every soul, [3] and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They were selling their possessions and property and were distributing the proceeds according to what anyone needed.
46 Day after day, with one mind, they were devoted to meeting in the temple area, as they continued to break bread in their homes. They shared their food with glad and sincere hearts, 47 as they continued praising God and being viewed favorably by all the people. Day after day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Footnotes
Acts 2:38 Some witnesses to the text omit your.
Acts 2:41 Some witnesses to the text add gladly.
Acts 2:43 Some witnesses to the text omit Awe came over every soul.
14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and spoke loudly and clearly to them: “Men of Judea, and all you residents of Jerusalem, understand this, and listen closely to my words. 15 These men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only the third hour of the day. [1]16 On the contrary, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 This is what God says will happen in the last days: I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in the sky above, and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and a rising cloud of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. 21 And this will happen: Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. [2]
22 “Men of Israel, hear these words! Jesus the Nazarene was a man recommended to you by God with miracles, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know. 23 This man, who was handed over by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, you [3] killed by having lawless men nail him to a cross. 24 He is the one God raised up by freeing him from the agony of death, because death was not able to hold him in its grip.
25 “Indeed, David says concerning him:
I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 26 Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced. My flesh also will rest in hope, 27 because you will not abandon my life to the grave, [4] nor will you let your Holy One see decay. 28 You have made known to me the paths of life. You will fill me with joy in your presence. [5]
29 “Gentlemen, brothers, I can speak confidently to you about the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Since he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath that he would seat one of his descendants [6] on his throne, [7]31 he saw what was coming and spoke about the resurrection of Christ, saying that he [8] was neither abandoned to the grave nor did his flesh see decay. [9]
32 “This Jesus is the one God has raised up. We are all witnesses of that. 33 So, after he was exalted to the right hand of God and after he received the promised Holy Spirit from the Father, he poured out what you are now seeing and hearing.
34 “For David did not ascend into heaven, and yet he says:
The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand, 35 until I make your enemies a footstool under your feet.’ [10]
36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
Footnotes
Acts 2:15 9 am
Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32
Acts 2:23 Some witnesses to the text add took and.
Acts 2:27 Greek hades
Acts 2:28 Psalm 16:8-11
Acts 2:30 Some witnesses to the text read that he would raise Christ, one of his descendants according to the flesh, to sit.
Acts 2:30 Psalm 89:3-4; 132:11
Acts 2:31 A few witnesses to the text read his life.
1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the rushing of a violent wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw divided tongues that were like fire resting on each one of them. 4 They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, since the Spirit was giving them the ability to speak fluently.
5 Now there were godly Jewish men from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. 6 When this sound was heard, a crowd came together and was confused, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 They were completely baffled and said to each other, [1] “Look, are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them speaking in his own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, and of Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt, and the parts of Libya around Cyrene; visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes; 11 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring in our own languages the wonderful works of God.” 12 They were all amazed and perplexed. They kept saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others mocked them and said, “They are full of new wine.”
Footnotes
Acts 2:7 Some witnesses to the text omit to each other.
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The Synodical Council (SC) normally meets twice each year. It held its spring meeting April 24-25. Some of the business addressed follows: In keeping with its role of acting on […]
Working closely with the leadership and volunteers from the Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ–Kenya (LCMC), the Central Africa Medical Mission (CAMM) organized a short-term medical camp in Chabera, Kenya, […]
Four writing teams have begun their work of drafting teacher and student materials for four program levels of a new WELS school theology curriculum. Work on this curriculum began in […]
Sharing Together content has never been easier. Here are some easy ways to make sure your congregation stays up to date with the latest synodical news. 1. Helpful icons at […]