New Testament – Acts 3:12-19
Here we start in the middle of the story. Peter is talking to a crowd of people who
had just witnessed him and John healing a man using the name of Jesus. Peter
reminds this crowd that they handed Jesus over to be crucified. Peter also
reminds them that this was part of God’s plan. Peter tells them to repent so they
can receive forgiveness for their sins.
We know this is part of God’s plan for us also. When we repent, we will receive
forgiveness of our sins.
Old Testament – Psalm 4
The songwriter thanks God for helping him in times of trouble and asks God to
hear his prayers. The psalmist asks us if we are running after worthless things.
He reminds us that God honors the godly person. We are to offer God “sacrifices
of righteousness.” What are the “sacrifices of righteousness?” Loving our
neighbor, worshipping God, and doing good whenever we have the opportunity
are “sacrifices of righteousness.”
New Testament – 1 John 3:1-7
John, Jesus’ disciple, wrote this letter to the early church. It is written to us also.
John reminds us that we are God’s children. John also reminds us that when
Jesus comes again and resurrects us we really don’t know what we will be like.
We do know we will have a resurrected body like Jesus.
Next, John tells us that those who sin don’t belong to God. But, wait…we all sin.
How can this be? John makes it clear that those who deliberately practice sins are
those who don’t belong to God. This should make us consider all areas of our
lives. Are there areas of our lives where we deliberately disobey God? Are we
mean to unpopular people? Do we deliberately hold grudges and remain angry?
Are we deliberately ungrateful?
New Testament – Luke 24:36b-48
Once again we are starting in the middle of the story. Two disciples had just seen
Jesus is alive. They were so happy they walked back to Jerusalem to tell the other
disciples. Jesus suddenly appears in the middle of the room. Obviously, this
would frighten anybody. But, He reassures them it is really Him. He eats and
then gives them His peace.
What are we to make of this strange event? The lesson for us is that Jesus is
always here with us even when we don’t think He is. Jesus reassures us always.
Jesus also gives us His peace if we will accept it. Watch the below video for all
the events in today’s gospel.
Younger Childrens Lesson:
Today we learn that Jesus showed up alive to his disciples. He proves He came
back from the dead. Listen to Miss Kirsten’s talk below teaching us how Jesus
proved He came back to life. This is important to us because Jesus promises us
that we too will come back to life and be with Him forever.
