The Parable of the Shrewd Manager, found in Luke 16 tells the story of a manager who, upon learning he's about to be fired for mismanaging his wealthy master's assets, reduces the debts of his master's debtors. While the manager's actions are initially presented as dishonest, the master commends him for his shrewdness. The parable emphasizes the importance of using earthly resources wisely, even to the point of being "shrewd" in preparing for the future, whether earthly or eternal.
Acts 2 describes the coming of the Holy Spirit on the apostles on the day of Pentecost and the subsequent establishment of the early church in Jerusalem. This chapter portrays the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, empowering believers to preach the gospel in various languages, leading to the conversion of approximately 3,000 people that day. It marks the beginning of the church's mission and emphasizes the importance of community, teaching, and fellowship.
John 20 tells the story of Jesus appearing to his disciples after the resurrection, offering peace and empowering them to forgive sins. The passage emphasizes Jesus' victory over death, His presence among His followers, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. It also highlights the disciples' initial fear and doubt, ultimately leading to a moment of rejoicing and understanding.
The Holy Spirit gushes power in Acts 3 and 4. It describe the miracle of healing and it highlights the power of Jesus and the apostles' unwavering faith, even in the face of opposition and persecution.
Paul and Silas travel through Galatia and are prevented by the Holy Spirit from going to Asia, but they are guided to Macedonia. They thought they were to help a man, but God had them preach the gospel and set up a new Christian community. Sometimes our plans are quite different from God's plan for us.
For three Sabbaths, Paul interprets the scriptures, demonstrating that the Messiah must suffer and rise from the dead, and that Jesus is the fulfillment of those prophecies. Some Jews and Gentiles believe Paul's message, but others become jealous and incited a riot, attacking the converts and searching for Paul and Silas to put them in jail. The Christian message will divide light from darkness.
This passage highlights the conflict between the growing movement to include Gentiles in the church and the traditional Jewish beliefs. Peter emphasizes that God is the one who initiates the work of salvation and that He has granted repentance, the Holy Spirit and eternal salvation to all who believe.
Part of the Sermon on the Mount is presented in this section of Matthew. It teaches that believers should be like a city on a hill, a lamp on a stand, visible and shining brightly. The message emphasizes that Christians are not meant to be hidden, but to be visible, allowing their good deeds to shine, so others will see God's glory. Even in times of deep tragedy, Christians should look to God to live in a way that reflects His love and saving grace.
On Easter Sunday, or Resurrection Sunday, Christians around the world join together to celebrate the most significant day in history – the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The resurrection of Jesus is one of the foundations of our faith, and it’s essential for us to understand why it matters so deeply. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death thereby providing believers with salvation.
Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, is the Christian day to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and His death at Calvary. For Christians, Good Friday is important because it celebrates what we believe to be the most momentous weekend in the history of the world. Ever since Jesus died and was raised, Christians have proclaimed the cross and resurrection of Jesus to be the decisive turning point for all creation. On Good Friday, we remember the day Jesus willingly suffered and died by crucifixion as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of all humanity