Friday, November 30, 2012

The Full Message


Acts 5:19-21
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. 20 “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people the full message of this new life.”
21 At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people.
When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles.

I have often wondered how this verse really applies to me today and then this morning the thought came to me as I read, “Anyone who is a Christian, who has claimed Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, has been freed from prison”.  Notice they were told to tell the people of the “full message of this new life” after they were freed from prison.  Are we also called to do so?

As I woke this morning the first thoughts that came to my mind were all of the people in our community who are hurting.  I have been asked to pray for a number of people and I am glad to do so.  But this morning I realized how much our community needs more than just the healing of  bodies.  Our people need to know the Lord.  The apostles had been healing, which is a wonderful message to bring but what is even more important is the full message of knowing Christ as Lord! 

The message :   Christ came to this earth in human form, born of a virgin.  He ministered to many in His short time on earth, healed the sick, and raised the dead.  He was crucified on the cross, an innocent man, yet He took all of our sins to that cross as a sacrifice for all of us who will believe.  He was buried but three days later rose from the dead, showing us that He could conquer death, the only One who has ever done this.  He was seen by many, and then ascended into Heaven, His home, where He sits on the right hand side of God and is our intercessor.  Jesus, God in human form, did all of this for you and for me!!!!!  Even more, a third part of God is here right now, the Holy Spirit.  He is here to guide and direct all of those who call upon the name of Jesus, believe in their hearts that He is the Son of God and claim Him as their Savior.  He will come again someday and will catch many off guard.  We will all bow at His feet, will we be ready?  Will you be ready? That is the full message of Jesus Christ.

Yes, healing is miraculous but even more miraculous is that we have a God who was willing to be a sacrifice for us.  That was willing to open the door to salvation through Jesus Christ, His One and Only Son.  It seems complicated yet simple.  Anyone who calls to God for healing needs even more to call upon His name for His salvation.  Many have seen miraculous signs but how many have opened their hearts to Him and gave Him their all.  He did it for us, won’t you do it for Him?

As you seek Him may you find Him and may you ask Him to be your life.

Seeking Him with all my heart,

Sheila

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