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Apr25

After the Resurrection – part 1 – according to Matthew

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After the Resurrection – part 1 – according to Matthew
This entry is part 1 of 6 in the series After the Resurrection

In this series, I’ll review the days right after Jesus’ Resurrection as told in each of the four Gospels and the Book of Acts (The Acts of the Apostles).

Read: Matthew 28:8-20

Remember the women were the last ones at the cross…
and the first ones at the tomb.

In Matthew, the women are running after discovering the empty tomb to tell the male members of Jesus’ followers and suddenly Jesus appears in front of them. He allows them to touch Him to prove to them that He is alive. They fall to their knees and worship Him. They are the first to see the Living Christ.

He first comforts them by saying, “Do not be afraid.” Then He tells them to tell the brothers to go to Galilee that He would see them there.

Now, the Jews knew of the prophecy that supposedly the Messiah was to be raised from the dead so to make sure that Jesus’ followers didn’t steal His body during the night and then claim that He rose, Roman guards were stationed outside the tomb.

But when Jesus really did rise from the dead, the chief Jewish priests didn’t want a riot to start or admit that Jesus was the Messiah, consequently, they bribed the guards to say that the disciples stole the body. Hence, the rumor that Jesus didn’t really rise from the dead spread through the area.

The faithful disciples went to Galilee as directed, but did they really believe the women? All they could do is trust them and do what they said. I can imagine even Peter accusing the women of making up the story. But what choice did they have? If they stayed in Jerusalem, they feared that they may prosecuted as well.

When they got to Galilee, they saw Him and still some doubted that He was really alive. Yet, they worshiped Him. At this point is when Jesus tells them to go to all nations to make disciples of them.

ALL NATIONS – Jews and Gentiles alike – everyone.

Teach them to obey everything that He has commanded. (Love one another, etc.) He tells them (us) what to do – to go to non-believers – convince them to believe, baptize them and then they become a disciple – a follower of Jesus.

Then Jesus assures them that He would be with them (us – yeah you, too) always, until the end of the the age.

It’s a promise. Believe in Jesus and He will be with you forever.

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Check out these other great blogs:

Deo Volente! (God Willing): Love in the First Century by Giselle AguiarIf you enjoyed this, you’ll love Giselle’s award-winning Christian novel: Deo Volente! (God Willing): Love in the First Century a historical novel about the early church check it out! $1 from the sale of each book – no matter what format, benefits StreetLight Phoenix to help eradicate child sex slavery. www.giselleaguiar.com/novel1

Great Blessings!
Soli Deo Gloria!
Giselle Aguiar
Christian, Award-Winning Author
Follow Giselle on Twitter
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Apr26

After the Resurrection – part 2 – according to Mark

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After the Resurrection – part 2 – according to Mark
This entry is part 2 of 6 in the series After the Resurrection

Read Mark 16:1-20 

As in Matthew, the women are comforted with the words, “Don’t be alarmed.” But, Mark tells of the women seeing a “young man dressed in a white robe.” We assume the man is an angel of God because he says clearly that Jesus “has risen! He is not here.”

Then the angel tells them to go tell the disciples and Peter. Peter is singled out specifically because Peter denied that he knew Jesus 3 times.

The next section was written later and it highlights the disbelief as word spread among the disciples that Jesus was alive.

Think about it. If someone tells you that a person who you saw die was alive your first reaction would be – yeah, right, shake your head and walk away thinking they were insane.

First the women tell the men and they don’t believe. Then Jesus appears to two of the disciples who were walking in the country. The two believe, but when they tell the others, they get the same reaction – disbelief.

Then when all the eleven are together at a meal, Jesus appears to them and He scolds them for not believing.

Jesus gives them the same instructions – “go into the world and preach the good news to all creation.” Do not discriminate. Everybody is to know the good news of God’s love, of salvation and that Jesus is the only way to heaven.

Jesus tells them, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” That’s a promise.

Then they saw Jesus ascend into heaven. He sits at the right hand of God.

Jesus said, “I am going there [Heaven] to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” (John 14:3-4)

To be sure that you have a reservation in heaven, click here. 
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Check out these other great blogs:

Deo Volente! (God Willing): Love in the First Century by Giselle AguiarIf you enjoyed this, you’ll love Giselle’s award-winning Christian novel: Deo Volente! (God Willing): Love in the First Century a historical novel about the early church check it out! $1 from the sale of each book – no matter what format, benefits StreetLight Phoenix to help eradicate child sex slavery. www.giselleaguiar.com/novel1

Great Blessings!
Soli Deo Gloria!
Giselle Aguiar
Christian, Award-Winning Author
Follow Giselle on Twitter
https://twitter.com/giselleaguiar

Apr27

After the Resurrection – part 3 – according to Luke

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After the Resurrection – part 3 – according to Luke
This entry is part 3 of 6 in the series After the Resurrection

Read Luke 24:13-53

It’s hot news. It’s the talk of the town. Everybody’s buzzing about it. Wow! Jesus was dead and his body was gone!

So, this “stranger” comes up to you and your friend and asks you what all the excitement about? You wonder, “Where’s this person been? Under a rock? How can he not know what happened?”

The two were more concerned about the spectacular nature of the event than what it truly meant.

The “stranger” then starts giving them an Old Testament lesson.

They invited him to lunch and then they recognized that it was Jesus.

They ran back to Jerusalem and told the other disciples that it was true – Jesus was really alive. Then Jesus appeared before the whole group.

A ghost? Again, initially, they didn’t believe.

They touched Him and with “joy an amazement” they ate with Him and He reminded them that “The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead” and then He promised them that a “gift” will come from God.

Then, in front of them, He rose to Heaven.

And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. ~1 Corinthians 15:14

“If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” ~Romans 10:9

It’s that simple.
So, what’s stopping you?
Do you think you are unworthy? That doesn’t matter. God loves you anyway and that’s why Jesus died for you – to wipe away ALL your sins – no matter how bad they are. Wiped clean. Purified. Redeemed.

Jesus said, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” ~John 14:3-4

That’s where He is right now. In Heaven preparing your room in God’s wonderful house where there will be no more pain, we will have perfect bodies, we’ll live in constant joy – no more tears, problems or heartaches. Doesn’t that sound nice?

Jesus is coming back and it really seems like it will be soon. Don’t you want to have that one-way ticket to Heaven?

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. ~Acts 2:38

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God Bless,
Giselle
Soil Deo Gloria
www.giselleaguiar.com

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May1

After the Resurrection – part 4 – Gospel of John – Doubting Thomas

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After the Resurrection – part 4 – Gospel of John – Doubting Thomas
This entry is part 4 of 6 in the series After the Resurrection

Read John 20:19-31

I’ll believe it when I see it. That’s something you say when you’re told something rather outrageous, unbelievable or from someone who’s not exactly trustworthy.

Like when you hear about an overweight friend who’s been notoriously lazy say they’re joining a gym and planning to lose 40 pounds before Christmas. You reply, “Yeah, right – I’ll believe it when I see it.”
When Christmas rolls around and the person lost the 40 lbs. and more, you’re reaction is different, “Wow! You look great! You did it!”

If you had not seen the person, you would not have believed that they lost the weight. Or would you have taken someone else’s word for it?

Or when a politician promises something. That’s easy.

Why do you think Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed”? (John 20:29)

He knew that the disciples’ upcoming challenge was getting people who did not witness His death and resurrection to believe in Him and that it really happened. We still have that problem today.
How can you believe in something you can’t see?

We do it all the time. Take gravity for instance. We can’t see it, but we know what would happen if we didn’t have it. It’s a law – no doubt about it.

I could name some other things like time, air, etc. But that’s not the point.

The Rapture is coming. Jesus will come back for His believers and then there will 7 years of tribulation. If you say, “I’ll believe it when I see it.” sorry, Charlie, but it will be too late.

Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) That is the law of the New Testament. There’s no getting around it. And unfortunately, we also know what will happen if we didn’t have Jesus – we’d die and burn in Hell forever.

But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. ~John 20:31

That’s what Faith is all about.

To have eternal life with Jesus, just pray this prayer wholeheartedly and sincerely:

Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.

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Check out these other great blogs:

Deo Volente! (God Willing): Love in the First Century by Giselle AguiarIf you enjoyed this, you’ll love Giselle’s award-winning Christian novel: Deo Volente! (God Willing): Love in the First Century a historical novel about the early church check it out! $1 from the sale of each book – no matter what format, benefits StreetLight Phoenix to help eradicate child sex slavery. www.giselleaguiar.com/novel1

Great Blessings!
Soli Deo Gloria!
Giselle Aguiar
Christian, Award-Winning Author
Follow Giselle on Twitter
https://twitter.com/giselleaguiar

May1

The Gift of the Holy Spirit – After the Resurrection – part 5 – The Book of Acts

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The Gift of the Holy Spirit – After the Resurrection – part 5 – The Book of Acts
This entry is part 5 of 6 in the series After the Resurrection

The Book of Acts (aka The Acts of the Apostles) was written by Luke as an addendum to his Gospel. He continues the historical narrative of the transition from the life of Christ to the Church.

Read Acts 1

First Jesus tells the apostles not to leave Jerusalem, that God is going to send them a “gift”.

But the apostles think that the “gift” is God taking the Romans away and giving Israel their “kingdom” that was promised long ago. (Israel didn’t become it’s own nation until 1948 – God kept His promise.)

To that Jesus replied,  ”It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.” (And people are still trying to figure out when He’s going to come back!)

Jesus continues, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Once they receive the Holy Spirit, they are to go into the world and spread the Good News of that Jesus conquered death and who ever believes in Him would also conquer death and live forever with Him in Heaven.

They were to tell everyone – even the gentiles.

Then Jesus was lifted up into the clouds and “two men dressed in white” stood beside the apostles as they stared into the sky.

Who were they? Angels? Moses and Elijah? It doesn’t matter. It’s what they said that matters, “…why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

God keeps His promises. Jesus will return soon, first he’ll summon His believers to join Him in Heaven (The Rapture), then comes the Great Tribulation and finally He’ll defeat the Antichrist (the devil) and He’ll come back to the New Earth to reign in peace. Only His believers have a room reserved there.

But even YOU can get your reservation in Heaven. It’s easy. To have eternal life with Jesus, just pray this prayer wholeheartedly and sincerely:

Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.

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WWJD? The Revival on Facebook
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Check out these other great blogs:

Deo Volente! (God Willing): Love in the First Century by Giselle AguiarIf you enjoyed this, you’ll love Giselle’s award-winning Christian novel: Deo Volente! (God Willing): Love in the First Century a historical novel about the early church check it out! $1 from the sale of each book – no matter what format, benefits StreetLight Phoenix to help eradicate child sex slavery. www.giselleaguiar.com/novel1

Great Blessings!
Soli Deo Gloria!
Giselle Aguiar
Christian, Award-Winning Author
Follow Giselle on Twitter
https://twitter.com/giselleaguiar

May7

The Holy Spirit – God’s Gift to Us – After the Resurrection – part 6

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The Holy Spirit – God’s Gift to Us – After the Resurrection – part 6
This entry is part 6 of 6 in the series After the Resurrection

The Holy Spirit – God’s gifts to His believers.

Read Acts 2

The phrase “filled with the Holy Spirit” congers up pictures of folks rolling down the aisles of a church speaking gibberish. That’s not what it’s about.

The Holy Spirit is a gift from God when someone becomes a believer in Jesus Christ. You can only receive the Holy Spirit by receiving Jesus Christ into your heart and being baptized.

The Holy Spirit gives believers the power to overcome temptations from the devil. The Holy Spirit also brings us special “fruits”:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.~Galatians 5:22-25.

But you don’t automatically get the fruits. The devil doesn’t like that you’re a believer and he’s going to tempt you and mess up your life every chance he can get. That’s when you call on the Holy Spirit to help you. The Holy Spirit will deliver those fruits and all you need to do is ask.

What you need to remember is that the Holy Spirit is there, inside of you 24/7. It’s how Jesus lives in you when you become a believer.

How do you become a believer? It’s easy. To have eternal life with Jesus, just pray this prayer wholeheartedly and sincerely:

Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.

Being a Christian is a journey of faith with the goal to be closer to God and live like Christ and sometimes it is a struggle for some Christians to live like Christ. It also doesn’t guarantee that life will be trouble free. God sends trials to test our faith. So we must read the Bible to grow stronger in faith.

Subscribe so we can notify you when the new articles are posted.

WWJD? The Revival on Facebook
Twitter: @wwjdrevival

Check out these other great blogs:

Deo Volente! (God Willing): Love in the First Century by Giselle AguiarIf you enjoyed this, you’ll love Giselle’s award-winning Christian novel: Deo Volente! (God Willing): Love in the First Century a historical novel about the early church check it out! $1 from the sale of each book – no matter what format, benefits StreetLight Phoenix to help eradicate child sex slavery. www.giselleaguiar.com/novel1

Great Blessings!
Soli Deo Gloria!
Giselle Aguiar
Christian, Award-Winning Author
Follow Giselle on Twitter
https://twitter.com/giselleaguiar