God reframed the disciples’ expectations as Jesus answered their questions before His ascension. Acts 1:6 So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” 7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they …
Jesus commanded His followers to wait for the power of the Holy Spirit before He ascended into heaven. Jesus emphasized the importance of waiting for the Holy Spirit rather than rushing ahead. Luke 24:49And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy …
Witnesses to God’s saving work were essential to the early church’s spread of the Gospel. Their witness was a message that transformed lives. This mission began just before the ascension, when Jesus opened their minds to understand the Scriptures and prepared them to proclaim the good news. Luke 24:46 And Jesus said, “Yes, it was written …
Jesus opened their minds, giving us insight into how dependent we are on God to understand His Word. As Jesus prepared to ascend into heaven, He began to prepare the disciples for a new season of ministry by giving them greater insight into the Word of God. Luke 24: 44 Then Jesus said, “When I was …
As the story of the Emmaus disciples comes to a close, they have good news to share. They had unknowingly walked with Jesus from Jerusalem to Emmaus, about seven miles. As they walked along, Jesus showed them how the prophets had foretold that the Messiah would have to suffer before coming into His glory. Sharing …
There’s a saying, cold hands, warm heart. The disciples walking with Jesus to Emmaus said, “were not our hearts burning within us?” A warm heart generally means someone kind, loving, and sympathetic. Here, the disciples’ hearts were not only warm but burning. God’s Presence is Often Associated with Fire God shows Himself in fire often …
The Father sent Jesus, and Jesus wanted His followers to know this, as it was part of His identity. John records seven “I am” statements that Jesus made. The term “I am” was the name God gave for Himself to Moses at the burning bush. When the Jews heard Jesus use this term, they knew …
The phrase “I am the way, the truth, and the life” is a well-known statement by Jesus in the Bible. John 14:6 Jesus told Thomas, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.[1] This verse describes part of a dialogue between Jesus and His disciples, …
God has work for us before we go to heaven! As believers, this gives our lives a whole new meaning and purpose. Many people search for purpose and meaning in their entire lives. In God’s mercy, if we turn to Him, He will reveal a plan for our lives that we could never imagine. Psalm …
As Jesus was preparing His disciples before He gave His life on the cross, He told them, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other.[1] John 13:34 Then Jesus continued to explain the profound impact of this commandment. John 13:34Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your …