Point of Grace Online Worship - July 27, 2025

Point of Grace Worship 7.28.25 “Seek Wisdom – Part 3 – The Way of Wisdom is the Way of Humility”

Seek Wisdom

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding”.  Prov.9:10

“Seeking Wisdom = Seeking Jesus “ – Proverbs 8

“The Way of Wisdom is the Way of Humility”- Proverbs 10-31

Proverbs 10-31
Hundreds of proverbial sayings on a myriad of topics applying wisdom to living … “with the grain living”.

Whoever winks maliciously causes grief, and a chattering fool comes to ruin. (10:10)
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. (10:11)
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.  (16:24)
Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. (10:12)
Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.  (10:18)
Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.  (10:19)
A gossip betrays a confidence; so, avoid anyone who talks too much. (20:19)

All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. (16:2)
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. (16:3)
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.  (16:18)
Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. (19:20)
Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.  (16:20)
There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death.  (16:25)
Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. (16:32)

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!  (16:16)
The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. (22:9)
Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.  (15:16)
Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred. (15:17)
Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops;
then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. (3:9-10)
Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. (11:28) 

Which proverbs will cost you something when applied in your life?

1 Peter 5
All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because
“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Humility costs the “self” something… prying it loose from its authoritative position.
The “self” is relegated to the back seat and God is trusted in the driver’s seat.
Humility is the practical path moving us from “self-reliant” living to “God-reliant” living.

Philippians 2
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself  by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

1 Corinthians 1:21-30
21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength….
28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.  

What does The Way of Wisdom cost me?

What does The Way of Wisdom offer me?

Point of Grace Online Worship - July 20, 2025

Point of Grace Worship 7.20.25 “Seek Wisdom – Part 2 – Proverbs 8-9”

Seek Wisdom

“Wisdom “- Chokmah (חָכְמָה):  Biblical wisdom denotes knowledge with understanding as well as practical skill in applying wisdom guided by a moral component.  To live with “wisdom” is to flow with the way the universe was designed to function.  Folly (wisdom-less-ness) on the other hand is living “against the grain” of the designer’s design for a meaningful life in this world.

“Fear of the Lord” – Awe and reverence with deeply relational love, trust and submission.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.  Proverbs 9:10

The Case for Seeking Wisdom Above All (Spoiler Alert – Seeking Wisdom = Seeking Jesus)

Proverbs 8:1-11          Wisdom Pleas (Passionately)

Does not wisdom call out?    Does not understanding raise her voice?
2 At the highest point along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
3 beside the gate leading into the city, at the entrance, she cries aloud:
4 “To you, O people, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind.
5 You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.
6 Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right.
7 My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness.
8 All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse.
9 To the discerning all of them are right; they are upright to those who have found knowledge.
10 Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold,
11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

Proverbs 8:12-21       Wisdom Gives

12 “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.
13 To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.
14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power.
15 By me kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just;
16 by me princes govern, and nobles—all who rule on earth.
17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.
18 With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity.
19 My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver.
20 I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,
21 bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me and making their treasuries full.

Proverbs 8:22-31       Wisdom Is … … … Divine Creator

22 “The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old.
23 Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth.
24 When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water.
25 Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth,
26 before he had made the earth with its fields, or the first of the dust of the world.
27 When he established the heavens, I was there; when he drew a circle on the face of the deep,
28 when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep,
29 when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth

30 Then I was constantly at his side, as a master craftsmen, I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence,
31 rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind.

Proverbs 8:32-36       Wisdom Blesses (don’t miss out the consequences are devastating)

32 “Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it.
34 Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.
35 For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord.
36 But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death.”

Proverbs 9     Who will get my “Yes”… … … everyday?
Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars.
2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table.
3 She has sent out her servants, and she calls from the highest point of the city,
4     “Let all who are simple come to my house!”  To those who have no sense she says,
5     “Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed.
6 Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight.”

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

13 Folly is an unruly woman; she is simple and knows nothing.
14 She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city,
15 calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way,
16     “Let all who are simple come to my house!”
To those who have no sense she says,
17     “Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!”
18 But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead. 

“Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed.” - Jesus

Point of Grace Online Worship - July 13, 2025

Point of Grace Worship 7.13.25 “Wisdom – Proverbs and Ecclesiastes – Part 1”

Proverbs 1:1-7
The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:
2 To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight,
3 to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity;
4 to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth—
5 Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,
6 to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

1 Kings 3:7-12  7 “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 

Wisdom - Chokmah (חָכְמָה):  Biblical wisdom denotes knowledge with understanding as well as practical skill in applying wisdom guided by a moral component.  To live with “wisdom” is to flow with the way the universe was designed to function.  Folly on the other hand is living “against the grain” of the designer’s design for a meaningful life in this world.

Fear of the Lord – Awe and reverence with relational trust and submission.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.  Proverbs 9:10

The Problem – The folly of fools. 
Proverbs 3:1-10
My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the  first fruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,  and your vats will brim over with new wine.

Where does God rank in your decisions, priorities and values?

“We preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God.  1 Cor. 1:23-24

Point of Grace Online Worship - July 6, 2025

Point of Grace Worship  7.6.25   Sermon Notes  – Praying in the Name of Jesus

Scripture Focus: Luke 11:5–10 (ESV)

And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’?

I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs.

And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

Pray100: A 100-Day Invitation to Prayer

Vision:
To contend together for 100 days for spiritual renewal, awakening, and revival—
in our hearts, homes, church, region.

Goals:

• That God would awaken the lost to faith

• Renew and ready our church for His mission

• Send His “sent ones” into the fields ripe for harvest (Matthew 9:38)

How to Join:
Text Pray100 to 512.881.8773

• Receive a daily prayer prompt at 1:00 PM

• Includes a link to a written prayer

• Began June 30, 2025 — Join any time during the 100 days

What It Means to Pray in the Name of Jesus

John 14:12–14

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.
Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”

John 15:16

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”

John 16:23–24

“In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.
Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”

Two Key Invitations: Intimacy and Authority

What Jesus Says:

• Whatever

• Anything

• Everything

Why the Name Matters:

• The name represents a Person.

• The name grants authority.

Living in Union with Christ

Galatians 2:20

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Union gives us the power to pray in His name.

How to effectively pray in Jesus’ name:

• Surrender yourself

• Yield your life to be governed by the Name

Colossians 3:17

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Why? It Glorifies God

“Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
– John 14:13

Quote from E.M. Bounds:

“Prayer in Jesus' name puts the crowning crown on God, because it glorifies Him through the Son and it pledges the Son to give to men 'whatsoever and anything' they shall ask.”

A Final Reflection

“IF I LET THE NAME HAVE ALL I HAVE, IT WILL LET ME HAVE ALL HE HAS.”

John 16:13–15

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth…
He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.
All that the Father has is mine; therefore, I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”

Point of Grace Online Worship - June 29, 2025

Point of Grace Worship 6.29.25   Sermon Notes  - “Pray 100 – The Heart Posture of Contending Prayer”

Pray100 – An Invitation to Pray for Spiritual Renewal

Pray100 is a 100 day season of contending prayer seeking God daily for spiritual awakening and renewal
      in our hearts,  
      in our homes,  
      in our church  
      in our region
that He would pour out His Spirit
     to bring the lost home to Himself,
     to ready His church for His move in the world and
     to send out workers into the fields ripe for harvest.

Text: Pray100 to 512.881.8773 
You will get a daily prayer prompt at 1:00 pm with a link to a written prayer you may use.
The daily texts begin June 30, 2025 and will continue for 100 days.

Luke 11:1-13
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

2 He said to them, “When you pray, say:
“‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.
3 Give us each day our daily bread.
4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
And lead us not into temptation.’”

5 Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6 a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ 7 And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ 8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.

9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for[f] a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Jesus is training us in the “heart - posture” of contending prayer -

-  To A.S.K. and keep on A.S.K.-ing …

-  As “friends in the middle” (contending is enduring, selfless intercession to the only One who can help)

-  With “all in”-ness (shameless audacity)

-  For God to move, pouring out His Spirit.

Point of Grace Online Worship - June 22, 2025

Point of Grace Worship  6.15.25   Sermon Notes  – Holy Trinity – “Loved and Sent by the 3 in 1 God”

Followers of Jesus are “Sent Ones!”

John 20:21 “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 

Holy Trinity Sunday – We are “Loved and Sent by the 3 in 1 God”

God has painstakingly reveals Himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit yet as One God.

Why?

The answer has to be “love”.  Out of love and desire for us to relate to Him in a deep love relationship He openly reveals Himself, who He is, how His very nature is a community of love which He is inviting each of us and all of us into everyday into eternity.
He wants to be known by us and wants us to know that He knows us!

Titus 3:1-8
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

The “Loved and Sent” mission context. 
Titus 1:12 “One of Crete’s own prophets has said it: “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.” (A quote from Cretan philosopher Epimenides)

3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 
4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. 
He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

Our “Loved and Sent by the 3 in 1 God” identity means we have the,
            Deep Love of the Father,
            Complete Redemption by the Son
            Empowering Presence of the Holy Spirit.

An Invitation to Pray100
Pray100 is an invitation for Point of Grace to daily contend together for 100 days for spiritual renewal, awakening and revival in our hearts, homes, church, region that God would awaken the lost to faith,
                 renew and ready our church for His mission and
                 send His “sent ones” into the fields ripe for harvest. (Mt. 9:38)

Text: Pray100 to 512.881.8773  
You will get a daily prayer prompt at 1:00 pm with a link to a written prayer you may use.
The daily texts begin June 30, 2025 and will continue for 100 days.

A Prayer to my 3 in 1 God

Holy and victorious Trinity,
you alone are worthy of all my worship, all of my heart’s devotion, and all my trust..
I love you, I worship you,
I give myself over to you in my heart’s search for life.
Thank You Father for Your unconditional love,
Thank you Jesus for redeeming me to a new life
Thank you Holy Spirit for the power of Your Presence in me so I might live fully alive in You.
Holy Trinity …….. I renounce all other gods, every idol,
and I give to you, the place in my heart and in my life that you truly deserve.
You are the Hero of this story, and I belong to you.
I ask your forgiveness for my every sin.
Search me and know me, reveal to me where you are working in my life,
grant to me the grace of your healing and deliverance and a deep and true repentance.

Father, Son Holy Spirit, I am so thankful and are in awe that You love me, that you want me and you desire to be with me.  Thank you   I love being loved by You.

I now receive my identity as Your “Sent One”….  Thank you for Trusting me with Your gospel and sending me to the people within my “orbit of influence” … Friends, Relatives, Associates, Neighbors, Coworkers. 

I pray for them now ……..

Amen

Point of Grace Online Worship - June 15, 2025

Point of Grace Worship  6.15.25   Sermon Notes  – Holy Trinity – “Loved and Sent by the 3 in 1 God”

Followers of Jesus are “Sent Ones!”

John 20:21 “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 

Holy Trinity Sunday – We are “Loved and Sent by the 3 in 1 God”

God has painstakingly reveals Himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit yet as One God.

Why?

The answer has to be “love”.  Out of love and desire for us to relate to Him in a deep love relationship He openly reveals Himself, who He is, how His very nature is a community of love which He is inviting each of us and all of us into everyday into eternity.
He wants to be known by us and wants us to know that He knows us! 

Titus 3:1-8
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

The “Loved and Sent” mission context. 
Titus 1:12 “One of Crete’s own prophets has said it: “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.”
(A quote from Cretan philosopher Epimenides)

3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 
4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. 
He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

Our “Loved and Sent by the 3 in 1 God” identity means we have the,
            Deep Love of the Father,
            Complete Redemption by the Son
            Empowering Presence of the Holy Spirit.

An Invitation to Pray100
Pray100 is an invitation for Point of Grace to daily contend together for 100 days for spiritual renewal, awakening and revival in our hearts, homes, church, region that God would awaken the lost to faith,
                      renew and ready our church for His mission and
                      send His “sent ones” into the fields ripe for harvest. (Mt. 9:38)

Text: Pray100 to 512.881.8773  
You will get a daily prayer prompt at 1:00 pm with a link to a written prayer you may use.
The daily texts begin June 30, 2025 and will continue for 100 days.

A Prayer to my 3 in 1 God

Holy and victorious Trinity,
you alone are worthy of all my worship, all of my heart’s devotion, and all my trust..
I love you, I worship you,
I give myself over to you in my heart’s search for life.
Thank You Father for Your unconditional love,
Thank you Jesus for redeeming me to a new life
Thank you Holy Spirit for the power of Your Presence in me so I might live fully alive in You.

Holy Trinity …….. I renounce all other gods, every idol,
and I give to you, the place in my heart and in my life that you truly deserve.
You are the Hero of this story, and I belong to you.
I ask your forgiveness for my every sin.
Search me and know me, reveal to me where you are working in my life,
grant to me the grace of your healing and deliverance and a deep and true repentance.

Father, Son, Holy Spirit, I am so thankful and are in awe that You love me, that you want me and you desire to be with me.  Thank you,  I love being loved by You.

I now receive my identity as Your “Sent One”….  Thank you for Trusting me with Your gospel and sending me to the people within my “orbit of influence” … Friends, Relatives, Associates, Neighbors, Coworkers. 

I pray for them now ……..

Amen

Point of Grace Online Worship - June 8, 2025

Point of Grace Worship  6.8.25   Sermon Notes  – Pentecost – Sent Ones “Who Would’ve Thought?”

Followers of Jesus are “Sent Ones!”

John 20:21 “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 

Acts 2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

Who would’ve thought?  … this would be the way God would launch His worldwide mission and bring long awaited redemption to the story of human sin and brokenness.

The Spirit’s in charge – “Sent Ones” follow His lead! 

Acts 2   Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”
14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 “‘In the last days, God says,    I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and 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 heavens above and signs on the earth below,….
   before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
21 And everyone who calls  on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

Peter continued, “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men,[d] put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 
. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

Who would’ve thought? … Peter would be the person to stand up and preach with “boldness and eloquence” and thousands of “these people” would be “cut to the heart” by the truth about Jesus.

The Spirit’s in charge – “Sent Ones” follow His lead!

Acts 2 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Who would’ve thought? … that the good news of “forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit” would draw thousands of “these” people to repentance and baptism.  The Gospel really works.

The Spirit’s in charge – “Sent Ones” follow His lead! 

Living as “One Sent” where I live, learn, work and play!     

We get to B.L.E.S.S. those we are sent to in Jesus’ name!
B – Begin with Prayer (3x5 … or more)
L – Listen
E – Eat
S – Serve
S – Story to Share 

A Prayer for Daily Pentecost

Holy Spirit, thank you for coming. I love you, I worship you, I trust you.

I receive all the work and triumph in Pentecost, through which you have come,    
you have clothed me with power from on high, sealed me in Christ,
you have become my union with the Father and the Son,

You are

the Spirit of truth in me,   
the life of God in me,
my counselor,
my comforter,
my strength,
and my guide.

I honor and worship You as God and I fully give and yield to you every aspect and dimension life —to be filled with you, to walk in step with you in all things. Fill me afresh, Holy Spirit. ……… Anoint me for all of my life and walk and calling in Your mission.  Lead me deeper into Jesus today.

I receive you with thanks, and I give you total claim to my life.

Amen