TO ALL THE WORLD

Newsletter 293 April 29, 2012
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Luke 24:44-53
King James Version (KJV)

The period of time covered by these few verses in the final chapter of Luke, form a connecting link between the resurrection and the ascension , and also bridge Luke’s gospel to his other book, Acts of Apostles. The other Gospels contain material not included here. Luke is also linking the Mosaic era with that of the church. Many prophecies were fulfilled in his life, he reminds them. Now he is going to make certain that they remember by spending his remaining days teaching these men, and not the multitudes. No more parables. This reminds me of the fact that the final year in South African high schools is spent, not on new material so much as “revising” that which the students had been taught in preparation for writing that last days-long series of examinations called “Matric.”

44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

(Luke 9:22, Luke 9:44, Luke 18:31-34, Luke 22:37, many others)

NOW THEY UNDERSTOOD

“Then opened he their understanding.” He prepared them to stand on their own through the power of the Spirit. Most of the New Testament was recorded by others than the eleven, Judas was no more. The others scattered as evangelists. There will be no ministers, evangelists, or teachers in Heaven. Why not? Because our knowledge will be complete and we will know the answers to those things that we now don’t understand. I for one look forward to being able to do those things that I can’t do now.
45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

(Luke 24:32, Acts 16:14, 1 John 5:20)

AS IT HAS BEEN WRITTEN

HE WOULD SUFFER, DIE AND ARISE
Jesus had told them again and again that his was a ministry of suffering, that he was going to die and rise again, but they didn’t really believe him. Only days before, they had been discussing who would be the greatest in his kingdom

How many people today, do not believe he is coming again to judge? How many don’t even believe that he ever existed, let alone arose to live again? How many do not believe that there is such a thing as sin, or Heaven , or Hell? How many alcoholics, how many liars, how many killers expect to go to heaven? Scripture clearly points out that there will be none such there.

46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

(Luke 24:26, Luke 24:44, Luke 24:7)

47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

REPENTANCE OF SINS WOULD BE PREACHED

(Acts 5:31, Acts 10:43, Acts 13:38, Acts 26:18, Matthew 28:19)

To tell the world the truth of these things is up to us, and naturally, will bring to the surface the rage of being in the wrong.

48 And ye are witnesses of these things.

WOULD BE WITNESSES

(Acts 1:8, Acts 1:22, Acts 2:32, Acts 3:15, Acts 4:33, Acts 5:32, Acts 10:39, Acts 10:41, Acts 13:31, 1 Peter 5:1)

They, and all who believe since, have the task of setting the example in word and deed.

WAIT IN JERUSALEM FOR POWER OF THE SPIRIT

But, they were told to wait in Jerusalem. Why? “until ye be endued with power from on high.” That power came at Pentecost, when thousands heard, believed on Christ, and obeyed his command to be “baptized for the remission of sins”
49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

(John 14:26, Acts 1:4)

50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

(Matthew 21:17, Acts 1:12)

AT BETHANY HE BLESSED THEM AND ASCENDED

51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
ACTS 1:9-12

9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

(Luke 24:50, Luke 24:51, Acts 1:2)

10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

(Luke 24:4, John 12:20)

11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

(Acts 2:7, Acts 13:31, Mark 16:19, Acts 19:22, Matthew 16:27, Acts 3:21)

12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey:(Approximately 3.5 miles, Luke 24:52, Matthew 21:1)

52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:

53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

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READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012

APRIL

29th. Sunday – Joshua 22, 23, Luke 24:1-27, Psalm 53
30th. Monday – Joshua 24, Luke 24:28-53, Proverbs 11:1-6

MAY

1st. Tuesday - Judges 1:1-2:15, John 1:1-28, Psalm 54
2nd. Wednesday - Judges 2:16-3:31, John 1:29-51, Psalm 55:1-11
3rd. Thursday - Judges 4, 5, John 2, Psalm 55:12-23
4th. Friday – Judges 6, John 3, Proverbs 11:7-12
5th. Saturday - Judges 7, 8, John 4:1-26, Psalm 56

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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“Thus, it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” - Luke 24:46-47
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Yoke Joke
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The Move

The orthopedic surgeon I work for was moving to a new office, and his staff was helping transport many of the items. I sat the display skeleton in the front of my car, his bony arm across the back of my seat.

I hadn't considered the drive across town. At one traffic light, the stares of the people in the car beside me became obvious, and I looked across and explained, "I'm delivering him to my doctor's office."

The other driver leaned out of his window. "I hate to tell you, lady," he said, "but I think it's too late!" -Via MsKitty

From the Archive

A manager has to take on some sport by his doctor so he decides to play tennis. After a couple of weeks his secretary asks him how he's doing. "It's going fine", the manager says, "When I'm on the court and I see the ball speeding towards me my brain immediately says: To the corner! Back hand! To the net! Smash! Go back!".

"Really? What happens then?" the girl asks enthusiastic.

"Then my body says: Who? Me? Don't talk nonsense!"