Teaching

After Jesus ascended, the Holy Spirit descended, just as Jesus had promised. Filled with the Holy Spirit, the apostles began to speak in the native tongues of all those gathered in Jerusalem for the Feast of Weeks. Some made fun of the apostles, and others accused them of being drunk, but at the end of the day, three thousand people trusted in Jesus as their Savior.

The apostle Peter was all about focus and clarity. The gospel of Mark, believed by most theologians to be Peter’s words recorded by Mark, is straightforward, hard-hitting, and action-packed. In our passage today, Peter takes all the potential spiritual gifts (see Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4) and lists them in two broad categories—speaking and serving. 1 Peter 4:7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.

Today’s passage, the Shema (from the Hebrew word “hear”), is a confession of faith. It is recited every day by pious Jews and every Sabbath in the synagogues. We have been using these powerful verses as a parenting evaluation.

When our children hear and see our teaching and adopt the truth as their own, God’s success follows. The challenge with success is not the desire to be successful but the paths we take to reach the desired destination.

We must teach our children the power of words from their mouths or through their thumbs with Tic Tok, Instagram, texts, or Twitter. And, of course, an important part of teaching is show and tell. We must model what we teach!

The Messiah was on his way!

God has your back. Let him cover for you.

In today’s passage, the psalmist prays that God will cause his people to flourish.

Following Ezra’s life purpose gives us a four-part powerful prayer.