The Holy Spirit does not just give us Power to speak in tongues, and to speak blessings; He also provides us with the ability to do the incredible.
The Spirit gives us the Power to SPEAK and ACT in the right way.

I.  HOW DID JESUS DO GOOD AND HEAL PEOPLE? (Acts 10:38)

THE ANOINTING OF JESUS – “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me”  Luke 3:21-22; 4:1-19
THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS – Mat 9:35-38

II.  THE HOLY SPIRIT MOVES PEOPLE TO ACTION

One of the works of the Spirit is moti-va-tion – moving us to action!
God moves in many ways among His people….

THE GOOD NEWS + GOOD DEEDS  = A POSITIVE INFLUENCE

THE QUIET POWER OF THE SPIRIT  Acts 1:8 Eph. 1:18-20 Rom. 1:16

CREATED TO DO GOOD WORKS  Eph. 2:10
We are not saved by good works; we are saved to do good works

Luke 10:30-37 The person, who pleases God, is not the one who knows what is right – like the priest and the Levite, but the one who does what is right – the Samaritan man. Jesus says, “Go and DO likewise!” (v37; James 2:20; Heb. 13:16; 10:24, 25)

III.  MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT BEING MOVED BY THE SPIRIT

“Granola Pentecostals” : Fruits – Genuine; Nuts – Shallow; Flakes – Spurious

MISCONCEPTIONS…Moved by a Force, the Miraculous, Experiences, without Control, Mechanically, Anyhow, Anyway

IV. RECOGNIZING THE MOVE OF THE SPIRIT IN YOUR LIFE

1. Learn to recognize the ACTS OF THE FLESH (Gal. 5:13-26)
Acts that drown out the voice of God
Acts that manipulate people

2. Recognize the VOICE OF THE SPIRIT
-  A New Law in our Hearts, Law of the Spirit (Rom. 8:1-2)
-  A Word from the Lord (John 5:30)
-  Seeing in the Spirit (John 5:19)
- The Prompting of the Spirit / Inclination (1 Thess. 5:19)

AWARENESS. SENSITIVITY. CONSECRATION.
When we move in the supernatural we know “in part” (1 Cor. 13:9). It is always going to be part God and part us.

2 Pet. 1:21 “… holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit”

Acts 2:4 “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues (“glossa”), as the Spirit gave them utterance”

Acts 2:11 “… we hear them speaking in our own tongues (“dialektos”) the wonderful works of God”

I. THE HIGHEST FUNCTION OF HUMAN SPEECH IS TO BLESS GOD!

BLESS THE LORD!   Acts 2:11; James 3:9; Psalm 34:1 Psalm 103:1
PRAISING GOD!   Psalm 111:1; 112:1; 113:1;  115:18; 116:19; 117:2
GIVING THANKS TO GOD!    Psalm 107:1, 15
When our tongues are occupied with doing the positive things that God calls us to do – Blessing, Praising, Giving Thanks to God, they have little time to get into a lot of trouble.  They are bringing God’s blessings into our lives and into the lives the other people we know. Use your tongue to bless others for God!

II.  USE YOUR TONGUE FOR GOOD AND NOT FOR EVIL James 1:26

1.  BLESS AND CURSE NOT
BREAKING THE CURSE  (Mat. 5:44; Lk 6:28; Rom. 12:21)

2. DO NOT SPEAK AGAINST YOUR BLESSING Pro. 18:21; Pro. 6:2 Matthew 12:36, 37;
We negate the fullness of God’s blessings in our lives when we speak against them. God blesses us; regardless of how big or small our blessing how we receive and respond to it is critical.

3. YOU ARE WHAT YOU SPEAK! (not just what you eat) Job 22:28
When you say what God’s Word says, you activate God
When you say what the devil says,  you activate the devil

Our Tongue Can DIRECT our lives (James 3:2-4)
Our Tongue Can DESTROY our lives (James 3:5-6)
SPEAK BLESSINGS!

III. TRAIN YOUR TONGUE TO WORK GOD’S WAY – UNDER THE SPIRIT’S CONTROL Jer. 1:9; 2 Sam. 23:2

TAMING THE TONGUE.
Isa. 6:1ff
Eph. 4:29, 30 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption”

IT’S A MATTER OF THE HEART
Our tongues reveal the true condition of our hearts (James 3:11-12; Lk. 6:43-45).  Prov. 4:23-24 Mt.15:18 ; 12:34, 35 Repent of those attitudes of heart that are inciting the speech.

RENOUNCEMENT
I renounce the sins of the tongue, including gossip, unkind words, and judging motives.

ANNOUNCEMENT
I announce that my tongue is to be an instrument of Christ – it belongs to Jesus.

AFFIRMATION
I affirm that my tongue was created for
praise to God and edification.

COMMITMENT
I will speak the truth with a positive, affirming spirit to bless others.

Church Camp 2010 may have come and gone, but we are still burning with passion for God, and are expecting greater things to come. Here are the Camp Notes as promised. May you be blessed!

Download the files here:
X Marks the Spot where the Treasure is Buried (1.8MB)
Change Before you Have To (6.3MB)
Unconditional Favor -No if & but (3.5MB)
Favor Guaranteed (Romans) (3.3MB)

  Check out the camp photos in our photo gallery

(2 Pet. 1:21; Acts 2:4; 1 Cor. 14:18)
A Message by Rev Dr Vincent Leoh on 27 June 2010

NEW TONGUES FOR A NEW PEOPLE

“Speaking in tongues”
Glossa ~ the supernatural gift of tongues (Acts 2:4, 10:46, 19:6, 1 Cor 14)
Dialektos ~ earthly languages (Acts 2:6, 8, 11)

Tongues can be heavenly languages – tongues of angels (1 Cor 13:1), and they can be human languages as well – tongues of men.

WHAT IS SPEAKING IN TONGUES?

It is NOT “gibberish” but Praise to God – Acts 2:11
It is NOT a status symbol, indicating that one Christian is more spiritual than another.
It is NOT a shortcut to instant spiritual maturity.
It is NOT a hypnotic, zombie like state in which the person has no control of his faculties.
It is a sign to unbelievers 1 Cor 14:22
It is a source of Power for the believer 1 Cor 14:4.
It is directed to God 1 Cor. 14:2
It is of the spirit, not the soul of man 1 Cor 14:14

SPEAKING IN TONGUES IS COMPLETELY BIBLICAL

Isaiah 28:9-12
Mark 16:17
Acts 2:4; 10:46; 19:6
1 Cor. 12:10, 28; 14:5, 18, 39; Rom. 8:26
You can’t separate “speaking in tongues” from the Holy Spirit!

THE THREE MANIFESTATIONS OF SPEAKING IN TONGUES

1. EVIDENTIAL TONGUES. There are tongues that you receive when you are baptized in the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:1-4; 10:44-46; 19:6

2. MINISTRY GIFT OF TONGUES. And there is the gift of tongues that is used for the edification of the church as a gift of the Spirit. 1 Cor 14:1-5, 13-28; 12:28

3. INTERCESSORY TONGUES. The ability to pray in other tongues, or “in the Spirit” (1 Cor 14:2, 14- 16; Eph 6:18; Jude 20) and edify (build up) ourselves (1 Cor 14:4.) It is to be used in worship and personal devotions and prayer.

The Spirit Helps us in our weakness (Romans 8:26)
Sunantilambano
SUN- To Partner with Us
ANTI- Against what ever comes against Us
LAMBANO- To take upon Himself

BENEFITS OF PRAYING IN TONGUES

Speaking in tongues is the only gift which the Bible specifically states that it edifies the person who is speaking.

1. Builds oneself up spiritually (Jude 20)
2. Keeps us conscious of His Presence (John 14:17)
3. Helps us to fully trust God (1 Cor. 14:2).
4. Eliminates selfishness from our prayers (Rom. 8:26)
5. Expresses Praise and Worship (1 Cor 14:15)

FOUR WAYS OF PRAYING IN TONGUES

Devotionally
Prophetically.
Spiritual warfare.
Celebration.

Tongues are a wonderful tool God has given His people to enjoy His presence more fully and intimately, and to make us more effective in our service for Him.

HOW TO BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT

1. Come Clean Before God.
2. Be willing to forgive and let go.
3. Expect God to move in you.
4. Start praising God for what He has done.
5. Make a decision to speak.

MOVED BY THE SPIRIT, WE SPEAK …

(Genesis 1:1-3)

A Message by Rev Dr Vincent Leoh on 5 & 6 June 2010

I. THE SPIRIT MOVING AT CREATION (Gen. 1:2)

“And the earth was without form and void…” (Gen. 1:2)

Form – “tohuw” (to’hoo): to lie waste, desolation, no substance

Void – “bohuw” (bo’hoo): empty, withou habitation, lifeless

“Tohuw Wabohuw” – disordered and empty

Uninhabitable earth; impenetrable darkness … but above it hovered unutterable beauty – the Spirit of God

THE LAW OF FIRST MENTION

The first time something is mentioned in Scripture it dictates how that thing will act every time it is mentioned throughout the entire Bible.

“And the Spirit of God moved … ” (Gen. 1:2b). The Holy Spirit is a Spirit of action.

“And the Spirit of God moved … ” Spirit = breath, wind, air

“Ruach!” Onomatopoetic word – it sounds like the thing it describes. Gen. 2:7.

“Hovering” (Gen. 1:2; Deut. 32:11) Not a one-time, static image, but ongoing …  The Spirit gives life, sustains life and restores life! (Job 12:7-10). The Holy Spirit is Bigger, actively at work everywhere… Without God’s Spirit there is no life!

II. THE SPIRIT MOVES WITH THE WORD (Gen. 1:3)

“And God said …”  (appears 10x in Gen. 1)

By the word of the Lord were the heavens made (Ps 33:6, 33:9; 148:5; Heb. 11:3; 2 Pet. 3:5)

God speaks, the Holy Spirit acts: When you send your Spirit they are created (Ps 104:30)

THE SPIRIT FOLLOWS THE WORD AND THE WORD ONLY!

Ezek. 37:4, 7, 10 Prophesy!

The Holy Spirit does nothing without the Word

“The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God” (Eph. 6:17)

“… the Word … and the Holy Spirit…”   (Eph. 1:13-14)

The Word is interpreted by the Spirit (Lk. 24:27-32)

The Spirit is identified by the Word.

Gandhi: “You Christians have in your keeping, a document with enough dynamite to explode civilization, to turn society upside down, to bring peace to this war-torn world….but you read it as if it’s just good literature, and nothing else.”

Faith in God’s Word and Spirit. 2 Tim. 3:16; John 7:37

The Holy Spirit moves within the parameters of the Word of God.

Take steps based on the Word. To move in the Spirit is to move in faith.

III. THE SPIRIT RELEASES THE POWER OF THE SPOKEN WORD

God’s Word has irresistible power!  God’s Word will accomplish His desires and purposes! (Isa. 55:10-11)

“Let the one who has my word speak it faithfully … is not my word life fire … a hammer that breaks the rocks … ?” (Jer. 23:28-29). SPEAK GOD’S WORD FAITHFULLY and all kinds of positive things will begin to happen and all kinds of obstacles will be broken!

“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message” (Acts 10:44, 46)

“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it night and day so that you may be careful to do … ” (Joshua 1:8)

“The Word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart” (Rom. 10:8)

God’s all-powerful Word – the word of faith -  is in YOUR MOUTH to be spoken. SPEAK God’s Word and expect it’s infinite power to bring forth astounding results!

SPEAK THE RHEMA WORD OF THE LORD!

A word from God, an inspired word; not from the imaginings or desires of people.

Whatever we say with our mouth and believe in our heart will come to pass (Mk. 11:23)

SPEAK to (not strike) the rock! (Num. 20:8; Jn 11:44)

I AM WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS I AM!

1. I AM – A child of God!  Rom 8:12-16
2. I AM – Forgiven! Col 1:13-14
3. I AM – Redeemed from the curse of the law. Gal 3:13
4. I AM – The Righteousness of God in Christ. 2 Cor 5:21
5. I AM – Blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places. Eph 1:3.
6. I AM – Strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Eph 6:11
7. I AM – Not moved by what I see. 2 Cor 4:18
8. I AM – More than conqueror through Christ Jesus who loves me. Rom. 8:37

HOLY SPIRIT, MOVE IN ME!

The first mention of the Holy Spirit of the Bible says, “The Spirit of God moved” (Gen. 1:2)

Today is Pentecost Sunday – the Church’s Birthday. Pentecost was God’s big
move

I. THE SPIRIT MOVES IN (Acts 2:4; John 14:17b )

Pentecost is about the power of God falling onto the believers once and for all.

“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost” Acts 2:4

“The Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him not knows Him, but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you” John 14:17b

Pentecost is about ALL God’s people being filled! (Num 11:29; Joel 2:28; Acts 2).

How the Spirit moves in the Old Testament.

Clean but Empty (Matthew 12:43-45)

God in a Living Temple.

Spirit Controlled (Rom. 8:9)

When the Spirit moves, Satan will attack (Acts 8:1)

When the Spirit moves, there will be great joy! (Acts 8:8)

II. THE SPIRIT MOVES OUTWARD (Acts 8:5-7)

Pentecost is about God’s people being ANOINTED FOR THE WORK OF MINISTRY.

God wants to move outward through you to touch lives that seem to be destroyed by demons and diseases (Acts 8:7)

God is moving here!!

Let God’s Spirit “Move In” (1 Cor. 2:12-3:3) Let the Pastor “Move Over” Let the Church “Move Up.” Let the Laity “Move Out”

How Can I See God Moving In My Daily Life?

1) Prayer: God moves where people seek Him. He moves in those who want the supernatural in their lives.

2) The Spirit of God moves where there is unity

3) Faith: God moves where He finds faith. faith is to see what we believe.

4) Praise: God moves and is present in the midst of the praises of His people.

5) Obedience: God moves with them who do God’s will without questioning.

Pray: Lord I need you to move!!

A message by Rev Dr Vincent Leoh on 2 May 2010

Psalm 128 starts out with the word “blessed”. To be blessed is to be truly happy, regardless of circumstances. It includes well-being, fullness, and prosperity.

I.  BLESSED IN OUR WORK / PERSONAL BLESSINGS (2, 5-6a)
Fruitful Labor “When you shall eat of the fruit of your hands”
Happiness and Prosperity “You will be happy and it will be well with you”

Labor Day is officially a day to celebrate and pay tribute to the worker; and we celebrate the fact that we have work to do. How well do you do the work that you do? Labor Day is a celebration of the unique rights & freedoms that we, as workers, enjoy in our nation.

Labour Force of Malaysia (Feb 2010) 11.38 million. Employed: 10.95 million; Unemployed – 406,900 (3.6% of Labour Force)

The Bible consistently preaches a strong work ethic (2 Thessalonians 3:10; Proverbs 12:24). The “work of our hands” is something that God wants us to do ourselves to and something, which He has promised to bless abundantly.

When we walk with God we can expect Him to bless our work (cf. Psa. 127:1; 128:1).

Work is meant to be in partnership with God. There is no division between our secular work and our spiritual life (Col. 3:23). Investing our energies in serving God and other people are the only worthwhile reasons to work.

You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.

II. BLESSED IN OUR HOME (:3; 6a) / FAMILY BLESSINGS
Fruitful Wife  “Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine”
Numerous and Pleasant Children “Your children like olive plants around your table”

Grapevines and olive plants are Jewish symbols of prosperity, wealth, fruitfulness, charm, festivity, and abundant life.

Family life is not meant to be a burden, but is a great gift from God. So we need to put our relationships in the right place.  “Take your eyes off your work for a second and take a look at your family. They’re an example of the ultimate reason you do what you do.”

Patrick Morley in book “Man in the Mirror” gives a warning when it comes to balancing work and family: “No amount of success at the job will compensate for failure at home. To succeed in work, but fail at home is to fail completely.”

THE SEVEN FOLD BLESSING ON THE FAMILY:

PRESENCE. PEACE. PROSPERITY. PROTECTION. PATRONAGE. POSTERITY. PURPOSE

Charles Spurgeon once said, “Every blessing that comes from God is sent with the same message, ‘And more to follow.’”

III. BLESSED IN OUR LAND /  NATIONAL BLESSINGS (:5, 6b)

Zion/Jerusalem as the Place of all Blessing: “The Lord bless you from /out of Zion”(:5a) “And may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life” (:5b)  Communal blessing. “Peace upon Israel” (6b).
Malaysia as a God-blessed nation. As citizens, we can contribute to and enjoy of the prosperity of the nation. How?

SEVEN Ways to Nation Building
1. UNDERSTAND the Prosperity of the Land Belongs to all of Us/You.
2. PRAY: We can pray for our country and our leaders
3. SEEK the Peace and Prosperity of the Nation.
4.  LIVE for Christ – Be Salt and Light where we are – as Agents of Transformation.
5.  VOICE OUT: We can speak up.
6.  GET OUT: We can be involved in the community; seeking the welfare and well-being of all people and communities in all aspects of life.
7. VOTE: We can VOTE [ The Election Commission reported that 15.47 million of Malaysians are above 21 years of age and therefore eligible to vote in federal and state elections.  However, only 11.08 million (72%) have taken the trouble to register as voters. This means that 4.39 million (28%) eligible electors have opted to forfeit their right to vote in the event a general election is held. (Check your voter status: >>> http://daftarj.spr.gov.my/daftarj/daftarbi.aspx)] Christian votes must be seen in Malaysia as critical. Christian votes can make a difference!

CONCLUSION
If you want to be happy in your work, if you want your home to be happy, if you want your nation to be happy – Fear the Lord. Walk in His ways.

I.  SHOWING FAVOR: OUR RESPONSE TO GOD’S FAVOR

DAVID: A KING WHO SHOWED FAVOR

5He sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead to say to them, “The LORD blesses you for showing this kindness to Saul your master by burying him. 6 May the LORD now show you kindness and faithfulness, and I too will show you the same favor because you have done this. 7 Now then, be strong and brave, for Saul your master is dead, and the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.” (2 Sam. 2:5-7)

“Now David said, is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”  (2 Sam. 9:1)  

“Then David said, I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father showed kindness to me…” (2 Sam. 10:2)

This is so characteristic of David, a man who experienced grace (favor), and who was gracious.

“And David said, is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” “… That I may show the kindness of God unto him?” (2 Sam. 9:1, 3)

kindness = “Hesed” – grace, favor, lovingkindness.
It is extending favor to a person who does not deserve it, hasn’t earned it, and cannot repay it.

FAVOR IS NOT ALWAYS APPRECIATED

2 Sam. 2:1-7
2 Sam. 16:1-4; 19:24-26
2 Sam. 10:2

II.  SHOWING FAVOR IS NOT PLAYING FAVORITES (James 2:1-13)

The Ratonale for Avoiding Favoritism

God commands it: “do not show favoritism” (2:1)

God demonstrates it: God does not show favoritism (Deut. 10:17; Acts 10:34; Rom. 2:11; Gal. 2:6; Eph. 6:9; Col. 3:25). It is an attitude of Jesus (Mat. 22:16; Luke 20:21)

Faith and Favoritism does not mix!

III. THE FLAVOR OF FAVOR: EXPRESSING KINDNESS, EXTENDING GRACE

Greek: chrestos = KIND; christos = CHRIST
followers of Christ; followers of kindness

The Kindness of God
Neh. 9:17; Psa. 36:6-7; 63:3; Titus 3:4; Eph. 2:7

The Kindness of believers
2 Cor. 6:6; Col. 3:12; 2 Pet. 1:6-7; Eph. 4:32; 1 Cor. 13:4; Luke 6:35-36

Kindness is for men –
“The measure of a man is his kindness (Prov. 19:22) “A good man shows favor…” (Psa. 112:5)

Kindness is for women –
“In her tongue is the law of kindness;” (Prov. 31:26)

Flavor of Favor: How Can Favor be Expressed?

In 100’s of little ways – in words and actions…

Direct your favor towards those who cannot repay you

Do it in Jesus’ Name!

“Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.” (Prov. 3:3, 4)
Proverbs teaches, “he who waters, shall be watered himself” (Prov 11:25)

If you have indeed received the grace of God return the favor to others.

Lessons from Noah’s Ark (Gen. 6)
1. Don’t miss the boat.
2. Remember that we are all in the same boat.
3. Plan ahead…it wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.
4. Stay fit…when you’re really old, someone may ask you to do something really BIG.
5. Don’t listen to critics…just get on with the job that needs to be done.
6. Build your future on high ground.
7. For safety’s sake, always travel in pairs.
8. Speed isn’t always an advantage…the snails were on board with the cheetahs.
9. When you’re stressed, float awhile.
10. Remember…the ark was built by amateurs, the Titanic by professionals.
11. No matter the storm, when you are with God, there’s always a rainbow waiting.

THE THREE HEARTS
6:5 … that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time.
6:6 The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain
6:8-9 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.

I.  GOD’S FAVOR ALWAYS FOLLOWS FAITH

“By faith Noah …” (Heb. 11:7).

Noah TRUSTED GOD above all else

Trusting God is no small matter. But trusting God completely means expecting him to keep his promises, expecting him to help with your problems, and expecting him to do the impossible, when it is necessary.

It’s time to step out in faith.
When have we taken a risk for God?
What have we sacrificed for Him?
You’ll never truly believe God until you attempt to do something that can’t be done in your own power.

LIVING IN AN ENVIRONMENT OF FAITH
God wants to give you his far and beyond favor. Look for Him in everything. Seek Him. Trust Him. In every circumstances there is favor to be found!

II.  GOD’S FAVOR  ALWAYS FOLLOWS OBEDIENCE

“Thus DID Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so DID he.” (6:22)
Noah OBEYED GOD above all else.

OBEDIENCE = Doing exactly what you are told … immediately … with a happy heart!

James 2:24 tells us that we please God not only by what we believe but also by what we do.

Are you willing to pay the price, to take the steps to see the release of God’s favor in your life?
Obey God’s command immediately even when you don’t understand it.

Thus did Noah; according to ALL that God commanded him, so did he.” (6:22)

How BIG was Noah’s Ark?
The ark’s volume was 1,518,000 cubic ft! The ark could hold about 40,000 sheep sized animals in about 33% of its capacity.  This would leave more than two-thirds of the ark’s interior for other uses.  Probably far less than this amount of animals was loaded on board the ark.  In reality the ark was probably too big!

Favor, Rainbows & Promises
And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat. – Genesis 8:4

Obedience to God brings the favor of God

Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord
By Obedience
Through Faith

Message by Rev Dr Vincent Leoh on 4 April 2010

Text: John 20:1- ; 21:19-31; 1 Cor. 15:3-8

Easter was God … loving you!

The bodily Resurrection of Jesus Christ is a central pillar of the Christian faith. The fundamental question upon which Christianity ultimately rests is, “Did Jesus Christ actually, literally, and physically, rise from the dead?”Everything hangs on that question. There is a whole chorus of voices from the 1st century that say loudly and clearly, “Yes, He did rise from the dead. We saw Him; we talked with Him; we handled Him.” (1 Jn 1:1). The resurrection of Jesus is supported by the most powerful line of evidence that we human beings know anything about. It is direct, unquestionable eyewitness evidence, the kind that is employed in every courtroom.

In 1 Cor. 15:3-8 Paul records 513 men as having seen the risen Lord.

But in John 20-21, the apostle John mentions only four post Resurrection appearances of the Risen Jesus. So what is so special about these stories? I would like to suggest that JESUS appeared to the three individuals here BECAUSE OF LOVE….

1. GRIEVING MARY (John 20:11-18).

Who is the first witness of Jesus’ resurrection? – a woman named Mary Magdalene. God is always doing this. God does very large things in very small ways.

Mary loved her savior greatly. She was grieving and this was overcome by hearing the voice of Jesus. Jesus shows himself to Mary because of love.

The world may call you the Least, the Last and the Lost – but Jesus calls you “friend!”

2. DOUBTING THOMAS (John 20:19-23)

Jesus shows himself to Thomas, not to prove him wrong, but to help him believe. He shows himself to Thomas because he loves him. And Thomas said, “My Lord and My God!”

3.  STUMBLING PETER (John 21:14-19).

We have one account of a long private conversation between the resurrected Jesus and Peter.

Jesus appeared to Peter. Why? Because of Love. Does he come back to rub Peter’s nose it – his failure his denial, his cowardice? No he returns to love him, forgive him and reinstate him.

When others would criticize us, when our weakness and failures make us question our faith, when our adversaries seem to have gotten the victory, when our conscience has beaten us and shamed us, Jesus is hanging around to let us know that he loves us just the same. Regardless of your broken promises he loves you just the same. Regardless of your shattered determination he still claims you as his own. He does forget, he does forgive, he does allow us to start all over again and walk in the newness of life.

Conclusion

Jesus deals with each person’s needs differently. He treats us as individuals
Mary simply needed to hear Jesus’ voice and her grief was healed.
Thomas needed to see the Risen Christ and he was strengthened in faith.
Peter needed to know he’s forgiven.

Each of us has different needs – we all ask different questions – but there is only one solution – a touch from the risen Lord.

40 days post-resurrection appearances of Jesus.  Jesus doesn’t return to gloat over his enemies, he returns to Love his friends, and those who would become his friends. Jesus rose because He loves you. That’s what Easter is all about – God loving you.

We Are Easter People
When Jesus rose from the dead, His disciples became Easter People. When we believed their accounts and accepted Christ as our Savior based on Him dying for our sins and rising from the dead, we became Easter People. You are an Easter Person! Easter People have a reason to praise God, even in the midst of all of their circumstances. Yes there are grief and pain that we will experience; troubles we will have; days filled with doubt; and times when there is darkness all around us. But through it all, we are Easter People.