Awake Us Now

Scripture: Mark 16:15, Acts 16:11-34.

Individuals matter to God, and so do families. In today's study of God's Word, we see entire households being baptized into the family of God.

God calls us to proclaim the Truth of the Message of Jesus, The Gospel of God. For today's teaching let's consider this frequently asked question:

Is baptism necessary for salvation? Answer: NO

BUT!

Is baptism necessary? Answer: YES

Baptism IS necessary but the Bible makes it clear it's not necessary for salvation. Yet, it's incredibly important.

Today's story is of Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke in Philippi. In this city of retired Roman soldiers, there was evidently no synagogue in town, so on the Sabbath Day Paul and his group went to where people would be gathered. That was at the river outside of town and it was women that were gathered there. Paul's team shared the gospel with the women and Lydia - a business woman - was there. God opened her heart to respond to Paul's message.

After accepting Jesus as her Savior, she and her household (family, servants, employees) were baptized.

As the story progresses, Paul and Silas end up being thrown into jail after being flogged. They were held in irons around their ankles and how are they responding to this? It's midnight and they are trusting God in this time of difficulty, praying and singing while the other prisoners and the jailer were listening.

Suddenly there was a violent earthquake causing the prison doors to fly open and the chains to fall off. The jailer woke and when he saw the prison doors were all open he drew his sword and was going to kill himself because he thought all the prisoners had escaped.

But instead this jailer's life was spared in every way imaginable: Paul shouts for him not to hurt himself. The jailer calls for light to be brought in and he sees they are still in their cells and he says "what must I do to be saved?" The jailer sees something in Paul and Silas that he himself is lacking and he wants what they have: JESUS!

In Acts 16:31 we read, "And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." Then the jailer invites them to his house. Paul and Silas share the Gospel Message with him and his family and then the Bible text tells us that "immediately" he and his household were baptized. The jailer now has what Paul and Silas have - JESUS - and the jailer was filled with joy because he and his household came to believe in God.

Biblical Basics RE: Baptism

⁃ Baptism is not magic ⁃ Baptism is miraculous ⁃ Baptism is the beginning nt the end ⁃ Baptism is never delayed ⁃ Baptism is never restricted.

Baptism changes lives!

God wants His Gospel Message to reach households, the people nearest and dearest to us all. God desires all to be saved to come to a knowledge of the truth. He wants all to become followers of Jesus and be baptized into Him.

We are important to God, our families are important to God and He wants all to be part of His family, the Family of God because Family Matters!

Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.

Check out the video from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Acts 8:26-39, Psalm 51:7, Isaiah 53

God offers His invitation to every single one of us.

Pastor opens today's class with a story from Ruth Bell Graham's life (the wife of Billy Graham) and how personalizing chapter 53 of the book of Isaiah in the Bible changed her life.

Our scripture story today is the story of an angel telling Philip to go south on the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. On the road, Philip meets a eunuch who is an Ethiopian high official in charge of the treasury. He is on his way home from Jerusalem.

When God calls, when God invites, we ought to answer, we ought to respond, and Philip did.

Things to learn from this story: 1. God loves individual people. 2. God especially seeks seekers. 3. God arranges encounters.

The Spirit of God told Philip to go to the Ethiopian's chariot and stay near. As Philip approaches, he hears the man reading out loud chapter 53 of Isaiah and Philip asks the him if he understands what he is reading. And the eunuch says he can't unless someone explains it to him and so he invites Philip up into his carriage so that Philip can explain the powerful words that we find in this chapter. It is a chapter that talks about Jesus and who he is. Philip shares the good news about Jesus. This chapter that changed, Ruth Bell Graham's life had previously changed the Ethiopian's life.

Through Philip answering God's call, the Ethiopian is given the invitation to experience life forever through faith in Jesus who died for him, for you, for me and who rose from the grave and who is coming back.

The Ethiopian believed, and they stopped the chariot so that he could be baptized. Have you received the invitation? Have you received the invitation to believe on Jesus as your Savior? Have you received the invitation to be baptized into His name? If not, we invite you to reach out to us at [email protected].

Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.

Check out the video from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture: Acts 2:41-42.

What we see in today's Scripture is that believers "practiced" living out their faith by doing. Not with head knowledge of "HOW to do things," but by simply "DOING things." Today's verses tell us they devoted themselves NOT to the "How," but rather to the "Doing."

Today verses say:

Acts 2:41-42 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

They not only DID these things, they "devoted" themselves to doing them. They practiced them.

Practice definition - noun: 1. The actual application of use of an idea, belief, or method as opposed to theories relating to it. 2. The customary, habitual or expected procedure of way of doing of something.

Pastor shares a great basketball example to help us understand the difference between "how to do things" and "doing things." And in his example we will see that doing requires practice!

Let's examine verse 42. 1. Devoted themselves to the apostles teaching - the Greek word used for "devoting" actually is more accurately translated as "continually devoting" themselves to what they had been taught about the Gospel message of Jesus. We are to hold onto the right teachings and truth and practice living them. The application for us for "being devoted to the apostles teaching" is through: ⁃ Regular study of God's Word ⁃ Solid biblical teaching ⁃ Christ-centered, Spirit-lead 2. Devoted themselves to fellowship - time with others that believed. Fellowship has several meanings, all which apply. It can mean communion both in having communion with the Holy Spirit and communion with the body and blood of Jesus. It can also refer to participation in sharing with others, being generous. The application for us for "being devoted to fellowship" is through: ⁃ Large and small groups ⁃ Christian friends and mentors ⁃ Generous life style 3. Devoted themselves to the breaking of bread which is they had meals together for sharing their faith both privately and publicly. They went to temple (large groups) and to small home groups along with doing the Lord's Supper together. The application for us for "being devoted to breaking of bread" is by: ⁃ Christian fellowship at mealtime ⁃ Faith talk at meals ⁃ Lord's Supper 4. Devoted themselves to prayer by following the morning and evening prayer times, formal times of prayer, but also informal prayer times in home gatherings and other places both public and private. The application for us for "being devoted to prayer" is by: 5. Having a personal prayer life - God desires we talk to Him 6. Prayer partners - people we pray with 7. Public prayer and worship

We too are called to practice, not just understand what the Bible says about the Christian faith but DOING what the Bible says about the Christian faith

Questions - Am I aware of what God is saying? Am I growing in the apostles teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer? Am I putting these into practice? Do I understand AND apply this verse? Do I understand what I am to do and do I do it?

God is calling us to act on - to practice - the application of what we saw in today's verse.

Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.

Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/40-10

Join us Sundays https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture: Acts 2;22-41

Pastor continues our study of Pentecost with a look at part two of Peter's sermon as shared in Acts 2 on that first Pentecost.

The Bible account of this story tells us that "Peter's words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?"

So let's dig into what Peter said that pierced their hearts, into what the Holy Spirit was doing and into their response. Then, let's see what we can learn.

In part one of Peter's sermon in Acts 2, he shared the story of Jesus' incarnation - of God coming to earth in the person of Jesus Christ. As we pick up with the rest of this sermon, Peter is talking about how Jesus is the Promised One that fulfills God's promises made in the Old Testament. Then Peter tells them of Jesus' suffering and crucifixion and states that they are the ones who crucified Jesus.

As we consider this accusation, we ask who did put Jesus on the cross? Was it the Roman rulers who ran the Jesus trial? The soldiers that beat, whipped and nail Him to the cross? Was it the religious zealots that wanted Jesus stopped? Who put Jesus on the cross. The Bible tells us that "everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard." Meaning we all need a Savior Jesus died for our sins. WHO put Him on the cross? WE put Him on the cross.

Peter goes on with the good news of Jesus' resurrection from the grave and that death could not hold Him quoting King David, "'…My body rests in hope. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave….'" Acts 2:26b-27. Peter shares that this prophetic word from David was about Jesus who is the Messiah they have been awaiting.

Peter tells them that after Jesus' resurrection He ascended to God's right hand and that the Holy Spirit was released just as Jesus had promised and tells them that is what they are witnessing this very day.

Then the high point of the message is reached in verse 36, "So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!" Jesus is the Chosen One, the Savior!

In the next verse we see their response to hearing Peter's words. It is the verse we started with today, "Peter's words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?"

Their response was their hearts are pierced, cut to the heart by what Peter said, heart-broken, filled with sorrow, convicted. Having their hearts pierced, led them to see Jesus' story as personal and made them want to change so they say, "What shall we do?"

Accepting Jesus as our Lord, our Savior, our Messiah requires a response. What He's done for each of us is personal and it requires a personal response.

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. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."

Peter's message is one of the most important ever taught. ⁃ Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophesied Messiah ⁃ Repentance is recognizing that, "I'm a sinner. I need a Savior." It is a change of heart and a change of mind. ⁃ Baptism in Jesus' name for the forgiveness of sin. ⁃ Holy Spirit - Jesus desires to pour the Holy Spirit out into us today and everyday!

Peter's sermon brought thousands of people to faith in who Jesus is, to repentance, and to baptism.

If you have walked away from Jesus or if you have not come to faith in Jesus, our prayer is that Peter's message pierces your heart and brings you to faith in Jesus your Savior and Messiah!

Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.

Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/40-10

Join us Sundays https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

"Followers" challenges us with the question: Who are we following? Jesus extends this invitation, "Follow Me" to each of us. Matthew 8:1 says, "great multitudes followed Him." Will we choose to follow Him too and live a lifestyle that shows we are His? Even the most popular Mega Influencer in social media today will gradually age, diminish, and fade from public memory. Is there any influencer who lasts forever? Yes! Jesus! Jesus, the Good Shepherd, does not "lead from behind" but is out in front, calling us to follow Him. He laid down His life for us and rose again in power and glory. He now leads the way for each of us to triumph over the grave and to live forever.

The Gospel of John Week 23 Scripture: John 18.

Our story begins with Jesus in the Garden and soldiers, high priests, and Judas come to the garden carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. Jesus goes out to meet them asking, "Who is it you want?" Clearly showing who's in charge. Something we will see Jesus repeat in the next hours.

Jesus is in charge and He's always been in charge and that is a take home for us in our own lives as well. He's in charge! He's the Lord. Jesus knows all that is going to happen to Him. He's shared that with His disciples, though they will not fully understand until Jesus' resurrection. He is not blindsided by this group coming to the Garden. This is the reason He came, and this is the purpose for which He has come to carry out His work.

Then Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest, cutting off his right ear. Jesus tells Peter to put his sword away - and Jesus says, Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?" Jesus knows what's coming and is willing to go through with it all because it is the Father's desire and the Son always obeys the Father.

Pastor delves into the personality of Peter and how we will see him go from cutting off the ear of this man, to denying he knows Jesus, to going on to become a powerful evangelist. And yet Peter was flawed, we are all flawed individuals. The Lord still used Peter. He transformed Peter and He transforms us and this story is a reminder that Jesus uses us, too.

As we return to our story we know Jesus is in control but He willingly allows His hands to be bound. Jesus is willing to go all the way to the cross for us. He is then taken to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year.

Pastor shares some info on the recent discovery of an ossuary, bone box, belonging to Caiaphas and also some other archeological discoveries including a palatial mansion that may possibly be one of the locations where Jesus was tried. Pastor also reads some fascinating information from Eusebius' History of the Church and puts together some interesting pieces of historical evidence to help bring light to all that John is telling us.

Now our story moves into Peter's first denial of knowing Jesus. Followed by Peter's second and third denial of knowing Jesus. And then we read that at that very moment the rooster crowed. And Peter suddenly remembers what he has done and what Jesus had said.

There is a contentious conversation, verses 19-24, "the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. "I have spoken openly to the world," Jesus replied. "I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said." When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby slapped him in the face. "Is this the way you answer the high priest?" he demanded. "If I said something wrong," Jesus replied, "testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?" Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest."

From Caiaphas Jesus was taken to the palace of the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. It is now early morning. Pastor shares the logistics of getting Jesus there and the possible location of the praetorium, the governor's house. Pastor shares on the map the possible locations of this home.

Jesus is brought before Pilate in verse 29 and Pilate asks what charges are being brought against Jesus, thus opening a court proceeding.

Pastor shares interesting historical information about Jewish executions (stoning to death) and Roman executions (crucifixion), and what they were like. He shares the history of how the Romans, in the early first century, took away from the Jewish high priests and from the Sanhedrin, the right to convict and punish in capital cases and how the Romans demanded that they be the ones to carry that out. So this is why Jesus was crucified, and not stoned.

Pilate then begins his questioning of Jesus and they have an in-depth conversation during which Jesus says, "The reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." Pilate replies, "What is truth?"

We live in a society where people are still asking that same question. And the answer is still the same. Jesus is Truth. The truth sets us free!

Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com

Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper

Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01

⁃ The Gospel of John study is part five of five of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. ⁃ The Gospel of John may be one of the most powerful books ever written. Many people have come to faith after reading only this book of the Bible. Scholarly and archeological discoveries in recent decades give us new insight on details in the Gospel of John. We can now understand it as the most Jewish rather than the most "Gentile/Greek" of the Gospels, and when we do that we see many things that we missed before.

Our 2 year study of the gospels is great for large group, small group or home group study and can be started at any time!

Scripture: Acts 2;1-21, Acts 2:17, Hebrews 1:1-2, 2 Timothy 3:1-4, 2 Peter 3.

Pentecost is the birthday of the Christian church, but it's even more than that. Join us as we explore the story of the first Pentecost and specifically focus in on Acts 2;17 "'In the LAST DAYS,' God says, 'I will pour out my Spirit on all people.'"

The New Testament makes it clear that these are the last days - with the coming of Jesus in the flesh, His ministry, His death and resurrection, His ascension and Pentecost a new era has begun. Beginning then we have entered into the Last Days of what we know of planet earth. Hebrews 1:1-2 tells us "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe." 2 Timothy 3:1 says, "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" 2 Peter 3:3 "Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires."

The "last days" are also in the Old Testament and they were: Israel's Hope (The day they were longing for) Numbers 11:23 Ezekiel 36:26 Hosea 3;5 Micah 4:1 Jeremiah 31:31-34

What the Old Testament pointed to is now being fulfilled in the New Testament. God's intent and plan has been there all along!

Applications ⁃ These are the Last Days! God is fulfilling his plan - not a cause of panic - God is faithful - we are to take Him seriously - these are exciting times - dangerous many times - difficult, yes - these last days are days that change our world view. ⁃ Holy Spirit is outpoured and that outpouring continues. Holy Spirit yearns to fill us to overflowing so that we walk and pray in the Spirit - Holy Spirit points us to Jesus, the Spirit convicts, guides, leads and directs our lives. ⁃ The New Covenant is here. The law shows us God's will but it doesn't save because we are all sinners. The New Covenant is about the grace of God in Jesus Christ - God paid the price of the penalty for our sin at the cross. ⁃ Heed God's Holy Spirit. Seek the Holy Spirit - do what He says - Keep on being filled with the Holy Spirit - we need the Holy Spirit to live the Christian life and to grow in faith. ⁃ Be Prepared - Be Awake! We are to be ready, on guard and awake! ⁃ Awake to: ⁃ What God has done ⁃ What God's word has declared ⁃ The truth that the Last Days are here ⁃ The reality of the Holy Spirit's indwelling ⁃ Awake and prepared for what is ahead.

We need what only God can provide: ⁃ Divine Wisdom ⁃ Divine understanding ⁃ His truth ⁃ Strength for today ⁃ Power for tomorrow ⁃ Assurance of life forever through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

Everything we do is to revolve around the goodness, grace, mercy, presence, love and forgiveness of God because He changes everything!

Pentecost is not just the birth day of the Christian church it is the culmination of all God had promised His Old Covenant people for centuries and that is fulfilled in Christ Jesus and His return.

We are in the Last Days - but THE Last Day is coming - as is the age to come that is forever with Him!

Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.

Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/40-10

Join us Sundays https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture: Psalm 145:13b, Acts 1:3, Acts 1:4-12, Ephesians 5:18, Matthew 5:16, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

How many promises are in the Bible? The number given by many different individuals and groups ranges from many hundreds to many thousands. We will settle on saying there are "lots and lots!"

Today, we take a look at several more of Jesus' appearances after His resurrection and explore three specific promises found in Acts 1 that are applicable to any believer's life.

Promise #1: Holy Spirit Promise #2: Witnesses Promise #3: Second Coming

Applications ⁃ Holy Spirit - given to all who believe. Ephesians 5:18 says, "keep on being filled with the Spirit of God." Listen to Him and seek His guidance. ⁃ Witnesses - disciples of Christ. Matthew 5:16 tells us to "let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Our witness flows from our faith in Jesus. We bear witness to Jesus with our actions and words (not to earn salvation, as it is a free gift through faith, but rather it flows from us in thanks for the gift of salvation.) We are called to be His witnesses in the world today ⁃ Jesus' second coming - a source of comfort and peace in the midst of a crazy world. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 assures of we will be raised to life forever with Christ.

Our salvation was won at the cross Our salvation was guaranteed at the empty tomb Our salvation is secured because Jesus is coming back!

Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.

Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/40-10

Join us Sundays https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:6-8, Acts 1:15, Matthew 28:16, Matthew 28:20, 1 Peter 3:15, 2 Peter 3:18, 1 Peter 4:11

During the forty days between Jesus' resurrection and His ascension, Jesus saw many individuals and small groups, but He also saw over five hundred people at one time. Where was it, and when did Jesus see this large group of people?

Jesus kept showing up… ⁃ Jerusalem ⁃ Emmaus ⁃ Mount of Olives ⁃ Galilee (Pastor shares why he thinks that Jesus may have been in Galilee when He saw the 500. Pastor shares several pictures of the area around Galilee.)

Those Jesus appeared to had a heart to share the amazing news after seeing Jesus truly was alive.

Because Jesus is alive - because there are convincing proofs - what does that mean for our lives? ⁃ sharing the Gospel message ⁃ Obeying what Jesus had commanded

APPLICATIONS ⁃ Purpose: Testimony - The One who rose, changes our lives and He is coming back! Peter's testimony - 1 Peter 3:15 "but in your hearts revere Christ as lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." When God has changed our lives through Jesus Christ, that gives us a testimony, it gives us purpose to share our personal testimony with friends, family, strangers. Our testimony isn't just what we say, it's how we live, too.

⁃ Purpose: Maturity - We are to grow in our faith, in our witness, in our knowledge of the living God, and not remain baby believers. 2 Peter 3:18 "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen." We are not saved because we are mature, but rather it is because we're saved, we want to mature. We don't; want to remain baby believers, we want to grow up in Christ. And that gives Him glory, Our purpose is anchored and centered in the Lord Jesus Christ, our risen King. And we are to keep on maturing.

⁃ Purpose: Service - We are called to service Him with the gifts He has given us, with the time He has given us, with the opportunities and settings He has given us, 1 Peter 4:11 "If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen." Speak the words of God and bring joy and hope, conviction and power into the lives of others. And serve them in God's strength so that He is praised through the witness we share of Jesus and who He is. Be encouraged to serve Him with the gifts you've been given., to serve Him with your lives, your talents, your examples and in the opportunities He provides.

Our purpose is to live for Him - Not for ourselves - but for HIM!

Today, people are coming to faith in the Lord Jesus like never before, faith in Christ is exploding. And we are called to be part of that!!

Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.

Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/40-10

Join us Sundays https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture: Acts 1:3, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, Galatians 1:18-19, 1 Timothy 1:13-17.

In today's study we take a look at a Credal Statement. What is a Credal Statement? ⁃ It is a fundamental of faith ⁃ It enable people to talk about what they know and believe ⁃ It is easily memorized ⁃ It is easily understood ⁃ It is easily shared

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:3-5 "What I received I passed on to you. And it is the most important of all. Here is what it is. Christ died for our sins, just as Scripture said he would. He was buried. He was raised from the dead on the third day, just as Scripture said he would be. He appeared to Peter. Then he appeared to the 12 apostles." (The Credal Statement in bold.)

Then Paul continues with verses 6-8, "After that, he appeared to more than 500 brothers and sisters at the same time. Most of them are still living. But some have died. He appeared to James. Then he appeared to all the apostles. Last of all, he also appeared to me. I was like someone who wasn't born at the right time."

Paul mentions three men in these verses: Peter, James (Jesus' 1/2 brother) and himself. 2000 years later we have evidences of authenticity: There is convincing physical evidence of Peter's home in Jerusalem. Pastor shares pictures. There is a bone box, The James Ossuary, which has also been discovered and has an inscription, "James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus." The basic consensus of scholarly opinion is that this is very likely authentic.

Who were these men? Peter: denied Jesus publicly three times James: his brother, was an unbeliever - did not believe Jesus was who He was, and James ridiculed his brother Jesus Paul: persecuted and killed believers and denounced Jesus

Who did they become? ⁃ Peter became an apostle of Christ and bold preacher of God's Word. Even arrest, beatings, and threats didn't lessen Peter's determination to preach the risen Christ. ⁃ James, after seeing Jesus risen from the grave, became a believer and also became the leader of the early Christian church in Jerusalem. ⁃ Paul was born Saul and he persecuted believers, but after meeting Jesus on a walk to Damascus Saul became Paul the Apostle and defender of the Gospel.

What did these three have in common? ⁃ They had all failed Jesus ⁃ A denier ⁃ A radical ⁃ A persecutor ⁃ All come to faith in the Risen Lord ⁃ Their lives are changed ⁃ They give powerful testimonies to Christ's love for all sinners What else do they have in common? ⁃ The PARDON of Christ - Forgiveness in full. ⁃ Each of their stories is a story of redemption in Jesus and a testimony that not a single one of us is beyond the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁃ In these three men we see that God saved the worst of us so that He might save all of us. Their changed lives are a testimony to the heart of God wanting us all.

How do their stories speak to us today?

Applications of the Pardon of God ⁃ Christ's mercy and grace is for us too - 1 Timothy 1:13-14 "I used to speak evil things against Jesus. I tried to hurt his followers. I really pushed them around. But God showed me mercy anyway. I did those things without knowing any better. I wasn't a believer. Our Lord poured out more and more of his grace on me. Along with it came faith and love from Christ Jesus." ⁃ Christ's saving power is for us too - 1 Timothy 1:15 "Here is a saying that you can trust. It should be accepted completely. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. And I am the worst sinner of all." ⁃ Nothing we have done can cause Jesus not to want to win us over to Himself ⁃ Nothing that would cause Him to say He's done with us ⁃ God wants ALL to be saved. ⁃ Christ's patient renewal is for us too- 1 Timothy 1:16 "But for that very reason, God showed me mercy. And I am the worst of sinners. He showed me mercy so that Christ Jesus could show that he is very patient. I was an example for those who would come to believe in him. Then they would receive eternal life."

Incredible Love - Incredible Grace - Incredible Pardon And Jesus' mercy and grace, saving power, patient renewal and incredible love are for us, too!

Paul, Peter and James were living examples of God's incredible grace - we too are living examples of His incredible grace.

Pardon - God offers pardon, forgiveness to all who will repent and believe in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and we become the children of God…. FOREVER!!

Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.

Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/40-10

Join us Sundays https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.