Armed with Armor

13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons. -Mark 3:13-15

In today’s passage, we see Jesus appointing twelve apostles from all the disciple who were following him.  He pulls out of the crowd, a select few, giving them the charge to preach and he gave them authority to drive out demons.

It is no mistake that Jesus did both things.  You see whenever Jesus is talked about, Satan is near.  He will do his best to distract people from the gospel message.  Jesus is not concerned though, he has all authority over Satan and his demons.

The disciples Jesus picked were not perfect men.  We see time and again how they failed Jesus. Jesus does not need perfect people he needs loyal people.  Men who won’t walk away when times get tough, because they were going to get tough.  He picked men who would trust that God had a plan and it wasn’t always going to be what they expected.

Jesus knew that our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against the evil forces in our world. Jesus picked men who could be taught to understand where the fight lies.

We all need that same understanding.  If we are going to talk about Jesus, Satan will be near, trying to distract those around us.  Our fight is not with our neighbor though, it is with the devil and his demons. We need to put on the armor of God daily and stand firm against the devils schemes.

The First Sermon After Pentecost. Acts 2:14-18, 21-24, 36-41

Today we see our first sermon after the Holy Spirit filled the apostles. Peter is delivering this message of hope, explaining what happened to Jesus,

“But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. 24 But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip…So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”” (Acts 2: 23-24, 34)

I love what happens next! Verse 37 says, “Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” I’m sure Peter was a good speaker. He chose his words well and probably paused at all the right moments, but what happens next is totally the work of the Holy Spirit.

“Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit... 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. (Acts 2:38,41)”

Can you imagine 3000 people repenting of their sins and accepting Christ after hearing you deliver the gospel message? That could only happen under the power of God. When I read passages like this I feel peace knowing it’s not up to me to save the world, it’s just up to me to do what God calls me to do.

Read today's passage at Biblegateway Acts 2:14-18, 21-24, 36-41 

Jump for Joy - 1 Corinthians 9:15-27

Is there something you love to do?  Something you cannot imagine living the rest of your life not doing?  I know someone who is so friendly, loves to spend time with people, enjoys cooking for them and sharing a meal and conversation sprinkled with laughter.  This woman would be lost if she couldn't do these things and enjoy them often.  She is blessed with the gift of hospitality.

A neighbor of mine loves to help the people on his street.  You can often find him with a hammer in hand and tool belt around his waist walking down the street to a neighbor's.  He finds so much joy out of helping others do things around their house.  This man has been given a gift of helps.

Now today in our scripture read about Paul's passion, his love and greatest desire.  For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! (1 Corinthians 9:16).  Paul's gift, or one of them, is preaching the Gospel.  Like the woman who needs to open her doors to others and the man who needs to be helping his neighbors, Paul must preach.

What about you?  What special gift has God bestowed upon you?  What is it you can't wait to get up in the morning to work on or to do?  What makes your heart jump for joy?  Won't you share your passion with us this morning.  We would love to hear about it.

Read the text for today at Biblegateway and 1 Corinthians 9:15-27