Acts 13:15,29-32,38-39
15 After the usual readings from the books of Moses and from the Prophets, those in charge of the service sent them this message: "Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for us, come and give it!"
29 "When they had fulfilled all the prophecies concerning his death, they took him down from the cross and placed him in a tomb.
30 But God raised him from the dead!
31 And he appeared over a period of many days to those who had gone with him from Galilee to Jerusalem -- these are his witnesses to the people of Israel.
32"And now Barnabas and I are here to bring you this Good News.
38 "Brothers, listen! In this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins.
39 Everyone who believes in him is freed from all guilt and declared right with God -- something the Jewish law could never do. (NLT)
Paul and Barnabus found themselves in the temple with an invitation to teach the Hebrew Bible to all present. The men in charge of the temple called it “a word of encouragement.” Paul of course had the greatest word of encouragement possible. The simple message was that Jesus had been crucified on a cross, three days later arose from the dead, never to die again, and appeared to countless witnesses. That this same Jesus because of His death and resurrection could forgive all their sins and free them from guilt and make them right with God.
They called this the “good news” which it truly was and still is. The Jewish people had been given the law which gave them knowledge of sin, but no way to remove or forgive it. The coming of Christ, the Messiah, assured all of us a way to a true relationship with God.
The death of Jesus on the cross was a substitute for us who truly deserve to die for our sin. The resurrection brought justification for our sin. Paul and Barnabus saw their mission was to declare this “good news.” Encouragement, hope, eternal life, forgiveness, and freedom from guilt and a right relationship with God were all theirs through Jesus.
Have you found the “good news” or have you only heard the condemnation of the law and not the freedom of the cross and resurrection. Jesus came to give you life and life abundantly. Trust Him today.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
______________________Today's personal note from Dennis
Greetings: from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ.
15 After the usual readings from the books of Moses and from the Prophets, those in charge of the service sent them this message: "Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for us, come and give it!"
29 "When they had fulfilled all the prophecies concerning his death, they took him down from the cross and placed him in a tomb.
30 But God raised him from the dead!
31 And he appeared over a period of many days to those who had gone with him from Galilee to Jerusalem -- these are his witnesses to the people of Israel.
32"And now Barnabas and I are here to bring you this Good News.
38 "Brothers, listen! In this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins.
39 Everyone who believes in him is freed from all guilt and declared right with God -- something the Jewish law could never do. (NLT)
Paul and Barnabus found themselves in the temple with an invitation to teach the Hebrew Bible to all present. The men in charge of the temple called it “a word of encouragement.” Paul of course had the greatest word of encouragement possible. The simple message was that Jesus had been crucified on a cross, three days later arose from the dead, never to die again, and appeared to countless witnesses. That this same Jesus because of His death and resurrection could forgive all their sins and free them from guilt and make them right with God.
They called this the “good news” which it truly was and still is. The Jewish people had been given the law which gave them knowledge of sin, but no way to remove or forgive it. The coming of Christ, the Messiah, assured all of us a way to a true relationship with God.
The death of Jesus on the cross was a substitute for us who truly deserve to die for our sin. The resurrection brought justification for our sin. Paul and Barnabus saw their mission was to declare this “good news.” Encouragement, hope, eternal life, forgiveness, and freedom from guilt and a right relationship with God were all theirs through Jesus.
Have you found the “good news” or have you only heard the condemnation of the law and not the freedom of the cross and resurrection. Jesus came to give you life and life abundantly. Trust Him today.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
______________________Today's personal note from Dennis
Greetings: from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ.
Have I told you lately how good God is? Well He is and I praise Him every day for being full of grace and mercy. He has so blessed me and Sandy. We are so grateful.
Prayer needs:
1. I am writing this on WED the 7th because I will be in the hospital getting a liver tube change again at the end of the week. Some of you will get this WED and some TR. Please pray for a smooth exchange of tubes and that no infection happens.
2. As of this morning, WED, my Dad is in the hospital in Jefferson City, MO. It is still not known what the problem is that has caused him to fall, be confused and other motor skills. Pray for him and my brother who is caring for him. I will know more later today.
3. Sandy and I plan to leave on the 17th for an extended trip to South Dakota. Pray for preparation and safety.
4. God is opening doors for ministry. Pray He will continue to do so.
I have been telling you we are making changes to The Encourager. The changes are made. We have set up a blog site. ALL of the 101 Encouragers are found on the blog site, Several of you have commented that you wish you had saved copies or could refer to an Encourager you may have read a year ago. Well now you can.
I will continue to send The Encourager as usual, BUT if you want the new format and would like to receive your Encourager from the blog site please go to http://dgtheencourager.blogspot.com Follow the simple directions to submit your email address. You can also check it out by a Google search to dgtheencourager.blogspot.com. I hope you will change to the new Encourager. I will repeat this message for the next two or three weeks.
God bless you today. God loves you and HE IS GOOD!! ~DGW
If you know someone who might like to receive The Encourager please send me their name and email address or send them to the blogspot.
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