Happy Sunday!
In 2011 and 2012, our church theme has been, "Building Meaningful Connections". Bishop told us today that in 2013 our theme will be "A Well Church". We will be focusing on being well in every area of our lives - Spiritually, Emotionally, Physically, and Financially.
Along that theme, Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached "You Won't Even Recognize Me!" He used Acts 2:1 as his reference scripture.
The disciples and followers of Jesus had experienced some traumatic events. Their leader, Jesus was arrested, beaten, and crucified. Then he was resurrected and "As they watched, he was taken up and disappeared in a cloud. They stood there, staring into the empty sky. Suddenly two men appeared—in white robes! They said, “You Galileans!—why do you just stand here looking up at an empty sky? This very Jesus who was taken up from among you to heaven will come as certainly—and mysteriously—as he left.” Acts 1:9-11 (Message Translation)
On the day of Pentecost, they were in one place and all in agreement. Something miraculous happened. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit. They had been timid and afraid, but with the power of the Holy Spirit they were bold and joyfully declared the Good News. People from many nations with different languages were in Jerusalem for the feast and heard the Good News about Jesus. Peter preached that day and 3,000 people were saved. (Acts 2:41)
People who knew Peter before this event probably didn't recognize him. He once denied Jesus, but now he wasn't afraid to preach in front of thousands of people. The same thing will happen to us! When we surrender to the Spirit of God and allow him to lead us and guide us, people won't recognize us. Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (New Living Translation)
Ephesians 3:20 is one of my all time favorites, it says, "God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us." (Message Translation)
So I'm working on "getting myself together" and I'm allowing the Holy Spirit to lead me and guide me.
When my "change" is complete...you won't even recognize me!
Love and prayers, Cynthia
In 2011 and 2012, our church theme has been, "Building Meaningful Connections". Bishop told us today that in 2013 our theme will be "A Well Church". We will be focusing on being well in every area of our lives - Spiritually, Emotionally, Physically, and Financially.
Along that theme, Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached "You Won't Even Recognize Me!" He used Acts 2:1 as his reference scripture.
The disciples and followers of Jesus had experienced some traumatic events. Their leader, Jesus was arrested, beaten, and crucified. Then he was resurrected and "As they watched, he was taken up and disappeared in a cloud. They stood there, staring into the empty sky. Suddenly two men appeared—in white robes! They said, “You Galileans!—why do you just stand here looking up at an empty sky? This very Jesus who was taken up from among you to heaven will come as certainly—and mysteriously—as he left.” Acts 1:9-11 (Message Translation)
On the day of Pentecost, they were in one place and all in agreement. Something miraculous happened. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit. They had been timid and afraid, but with the power of the Holy Spirit they were bold and joyfully declared the Good News. People from many nations with different languages were in Jerusalem for the feast and heard the Good News about Jesus. Peter preached that day and 3,000 people were saved. (Acts 2:41)
People who knew Peter before this event probably didn't recognize him. He once denied Jesus, but now he wasn't afraid to preach in front of thousands of people. The same thing will happen to us! When we surrender to the Spirit of God and allow him to lead us and guide us, people won't recognize us. Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (New Living Translation)
Ephesians 3:20 is one of my all time favorites, it says, "God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us." (Message Translation)
So I'm working on "getting myself together" and I'm allowing the Holy Spirit to lead me and guide me.
When my "change" is complete...you won't even recognize me!
Love and prayers, Cynthia
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