“The scribes and the Pharisees were watching Jesus closely to see if He healed on the Sabbath, so that they might find reason to accuse Him. Jesus said to the man with the withered hand, “Get up and come forward!” And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to destroy it?” After looking around at them all, He said, “Stretch out your hand!” And he did so; and HIS HAND WAS RESTORED. But they themselves were FILLED WITH RAGE, and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.” (Luke 6:7-11)
Jesus asked them, “If one of you has a child or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not IMMEDIATELY PULL IT OUT?” And they had nothing to say.” (Luke 14:5-6) Of course they would pull their child out of the well but that was not the issue they were filled with rage at Jesus because whatever He taught them PIERCED THEIR HEARTS with conviction. When the people heard the preaching of the apostles, “…they were CUT TO THE HEART and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 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…Those who accepted His message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number THAT DAY.” (Acts 2:37-38, 41)
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, CONTINUE TO LIVE YOUR LIVES IN HIM, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. For in Christ ALL THE FULLNESS of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ YOU HAVE BEEN BROUGHT TO FULLNESS…When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you ALIVE WITH CHRIST. He FORGAVE US ALL OUR SINS…Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.” (Col. 2:6-10, 13, 16)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham