Category Archives: WomenUHW Studies

10/20/13

Psalm 24 NIV

Psalm 24 (New International Version)

 

 

Perhaps at first glance Psalm 24 does not appear to be a warfare Psalm. David speaks of the beauty and majesty of GOD’s creation. He speaks of the beginning of the world; the first thoughts of Creation. Yet, if you read Psalm 24 with the heart of GOD you will realize that it is a Psalm of warfare, for it gives us a glimpse into the weaponry needed to fight the battles.

 

 

Weaponry is not always physical, it is predominately spiritual. David speaks of the qualifications for the job of warrior–those qualifications that touch GOD. A clean, purely minded individual who obeys the ten commandments as Jesus taught of them in the Book of Matthew Chapter 5: 17- 20 .

 

“Do not think that I have come to do away with the Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets. I have not come to do away with them, but to make their teachings come true. Remember that as long as heaven and earth last, not the least point nor the smallest detail of the Law will be done away with–not until the end of all things. So then, whoever disobeys even the least important of the commandments and teaches others to do the same, will be least in the Kingdom of Heaven. On the other hand, whoever obeys the Law and teaches others to do the same, will be great in the Kingdom of Heaven. I tell you, then, that you will be able to enter the Kingdom of Heaven only if you are more faithful than the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees in doing what GOD requires.”

 

Does this mean that we are to be as the Pharisees were? Are we to stand around congratulating ourselves about how holy we are? No, it does not. This means that we are to obey and revere our LORD and in so doing gain control of the battleground. It is in being willing to fight the battles that we will gain strength to overcome, and to be able to enter the gate of Heaven. Jesus is the King of Glory, the LORD mighty in battle. David knew this in his spirit, we can know it also.

So, lift up your head and let the Spirit of GOD enter your doors. Be mighty and strong in this battle that we as saints face, and let GOD be the warrior in us.

 

Additional Reference: Matthew 5 through 7; Proverbs 6: 12-19; Galatians 5:19-26; 2 Samuel 1-23

 

Charlene

 

 

Of David. A Psalm.

 

 

1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,
    the world, and all who live in it;
2 for he founded it on the seas
    and established it on the waters.

 

 

 

3 Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?
    Who may stand in his holy place?
4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,
    who does not trust in an idol
    or swear by a false god.[a]

 

 

 

5 They will receive blessing from the Lord
    and vindication from God their Savior.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
    who seek your face, God of Jacob.[b][c]

 

 

 

7 Lift up your heads, you gates;
    be lifted up, you ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?
    The Lord strong and mighty,
    the Lord mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, you gates;
    lift them up, you ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is he, this King of glory?
    The Lord Almighty—
    he is the King of glory.

 

 

Footnotes:

 

  1. Psalm 24:4 Or swear falsely

  2. Psalm 24:6 Two Hebrew manuscripts and Syriac (see also Septuagint); most Hebrew manuscripts face, Jacob

  3. Psalm 24:6 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 10.

 

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2013 Charlene Kirst
08/21/12

Psalm 42 A Psalm of The Clan of Korah

 

The Psalmist speaks and sings of intense internal longing. Exile is a sad place to be–primarily because its existence indicates the disregard of personal choice; which is a GOD-given gift. The Psalmist speaks of cool water, which is a refreshener, and the lack of it in his exile. Is he speaking of actual water? No. He is speaking of the River of GOD; the River of Life and Salvation. He is speaking of the lack of spiritual food, praise, and worship. In exile all of the things that you hold dear have been stripped away, leaving only the basics behind. The joys of life are denied you, the bitter cup is poured out daily.

The Psalmist speaks of the past and the assembly, where he “led them as they walked along. A happy crowd, singing and shouting praise to GOD”.

The Psalmist asks for a song at night; a prayer to GOD for deliverance. Oh, that we all would remember the GOD of our youth; the joy of our salvation. Put your trust in the GOD of Israel; the GOD of the Universe who framed the Heavens and the Earth; who sees his children as equals in His sight.

Praise ye the LORD.  Charlene

 

 Psalm 42

 

Good News Translation (GNT)

 

BOOK TWO

 

   ( Ps.42-Ps.42.72; )

 

The Prayer of Someone in Exile[a]

    
    As a deer longs for a stream of cool water,
      so I long for you, O God.
 2 I thirst for you, the living God.
      When can I go and worship in your presence?
 3 Day and night I cry,
      and tears are my only food;
   all the time my enemies ask me, 

 
         Where is your God? 

 

 4 My heart breaks when I remember the past,
      when I went with the crowds to the house of God
      and led them as they walked along,
      a happy crowd, singing and shouting praise to God.
 5 Why am I so sad?
      Why am I so troubled?
   I will put my hope in God,
      and once again I will praise him,
      my Savior and my God.

 

 6-7Here in exile my heart is breaking,
      and so I turn my thoughts to him.
   He has sent waves of sorrow over my soul;
      chaos roars at me like a flood,
      like waterfalls thundering down to the Jordan
      from Mount Hermon and Mount Mizar.
 8 May the Lord show his constant love during the day,
      so that I may have a song at night,
      a prayer to the God of my life.

 

9 To God, my defender, I say, 

      
         Why have you forgotten me?
   Why must I go on suffering
      from the cruelty of my enemies?

 

 10 I am crushed by their insults,
      as they keep on asking me, 

      
         Where is your God?

 

 11 Why am I so sad?
      Why am I so troubled?
   I will put my hope in God,
      and once again I will praise him,
      my Savior and my God.

 

 

Footnotes:

  2. Psalm 42:1 HEBREW TITLE: A poem by the clan of Korah.

 

 

Good News Translation (GNT)

Copyright © 1992 by American Bible Society

08/20/12

Jeremiah 9 NIV Oh, That My Head Were A Spring of Water

  

The Book of Jeremiah

 

[1] The Prophet Jeremiah lived during the latter part of the seventh century B.C. During his long ministry he warned God’s people of the catastrophe that was to fall upon the nation because of their idolatry and sin. He lived to see this prediction come true with the Fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonian King, Nebuchadnezar, the destruction of the Temple, and the exile to Babylonia of Judah’s king and many of the people. He also foretold the eventual return of the people from exile and the restoration of the nation…

 

Jeremiah was a sensitive man who deeply loved his people, and  who hated to have to pronounce judgment upon them. In many passages he spoke with deep emotion about the things he suffered because God had called him to be a prophet. The Word of the Lord was like fire in his heart–he could not keep it back.

 

Some of the greatest words in the book point beyond Jeremiah’s own troubled time to the day when there would be a new covenant, one that God’s people would keep without a teacher to remind them, because it would be written on their hearts

(Jeremiah 31: 31-34)

  

Jeremiah 9

 

New International Version (NIV)

 

9 [a]1 Oh, that my head were a spring of water
    and my eyes a fountain of tears!
I would weep day and night
    for the slain of my people.
2 Oh, that I had in the desert
    a lodging place for travelers,
so that I might leave my people
    and go away from them;
for they are all adulterers,
    a crowd of unfaithful people.

 

3 “They make ready their tongue
    like a bow, to shoot lies;
it is not by truth
    that they triumph[b] in the land.
They go from one sin to another;
    they do not acknowledge me,”
declares the Lord.
4 “Beware of your friends;
    do not trust anyone in your clan.
For every one of them is a deceiver,[c]
    and every friend a slanderer.
5 Friend deceives friend,
    and no one speaks the truth.
They have taught their tongues to lie;
    they weary themselves with sinning.
6 You[d] live in the midst of deception;
    in their deceit they refuse to acknowledge me,”
declares the Lord.

 

7 Therefore this is what the Lord Almighty says:

 

“See, I will refine and test them,
    for what else can I do
    because of the sin of my people?
8 Their tongue is a deadly arrow;
    it speaks deceitfully.
With their mouths they all speak cordially to their neighbors,
    but in their hearts they set traps for them.
9 Should I not punish them for this?”
    declares the Lord.
“Should I not avenge myself
    on such a nation as this?”

 

10 I will weep and wail for the mountains
    and take up a lament concerning the wilderness grasslands.
They are desolate and untraveled,
    and the lowing of cattle is not heard.
The birds have all fled
    and the animals are gone.

 

11 “I will make Jerusalem a heap of ruins,
    a haunt of jackals;
and I will lay waste the towns of Judah
    so no one can live there.”

 

12 Who is wise enough to understand this? Who has been instructed by the Lord and can explain it? Why has the land been ruined and laid waste like a desert that no one can cross?

 

13 The Lord said, “It is because they have forsaken my law, which I set before them; they have not obeyed me or followed my law. 14 Instead, they have followed the stubbornness of their hearts; they have followed the Baals, as their ancestors taught them.” 15 Therefore this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “See, I will make this people eat bitter food and drink poisoned water. 16 I will scatter them among nations that neither they nor their ancestors have known,and I will pursue them with the sword until I have made an end of them.”

 

17 This is what the Lord Almighty says:

 

“Consider now! Call for the wailing women to come;
    send for the most skillful of them.
18 Let them come quickly
    and wail over us
till our eyes overflow with tears
    and water streams from our eyelids.
19 The sound of wailing is heard from Zion:
    ‘How ruined we are!
    How great is our shame!
We must leave our land
    because our houses are in ruins.’”

 

20 Now, you women, hear the word of the Lord;
    open your ears to the words of his mouth.
Teach your daughters how to wail;
    teach one another a lament.
21 Death has climbed in through our windows
    and has entered our fortresses;
it has removed the children from the streets
    and the young men from the public squares.

 

22 Say, “This is what the Lord declares:

 

“‘Dead bodies will lie
    like dung on the open field,
like cut grain behind the reaper,
    with no one to gather them.’”

 

23 This is what the Lord says:

 

“Let not the wise boast of their wisdom
    or the strong boast of their strength
    or the rich boast of their riches,
24 but let the one who boasts boast about this:
    that they have the understanding to know me,
that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness,
    justice and righteousness on earth,
    for in these I delight,”
declares the Lord.

 

25 “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will punish all who are circumcised only in the flesh — 26 Egypt, Judah, Edom, Ammon, Moab and all who live in the wilderness in distant places.[e]For all these nations are really uncircumcised,and even the whole house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart.”

 

Footnotes:

 

  1. Jeremiah 9:1 In Hebrew texts 9:1 is numbered 8:23, and 9:2-26 is numbered 9:1-25.

  2. Jeremiah 9:3 Or lies; / they are not valiant for truth

  3. Jeremiah 9:4 Or a deceiving Jacob

  4. Jeremiah 9:6 That is, Jeremiah (the Hebrew is singular)

  5. Jeremiah 9:26 Or wilderness and who clip the hair by their foreheads

  6.  

 
 

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

[1] Good News Bible: Today’s English Version

Introduction To the Book of Jeremiah

American Bible Society: Thomas Nelson Inc. Publishers

08/10/12

Psalm 46 A Song of Asaph NIV Version

Psalm 46[a]

For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According to alamoth.[b] A song.

1 God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.

 
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
    and the mountains quake with their surging.[c]

 

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
    God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
    he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

 

7 The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

 

8 Come and see what the Lord has done,
    the desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease
    to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the shields[d] with fire.
10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

 

11 The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 46:1 In Hebrew texts 46:1-11 is numbered 46:2-12.
  2. Psalm 46:1 Title: Probably a musical term
  3. Psalm 46:3 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verses 7 and 11.
  4. Psalm 46:9 Or chariots

Retrieved from the worldwide web August 10, 2012  www.biblegateway.com

06/4/12

Matthew 4: The Tempting In The Wilderness

New International Version (NIV)

Matthew 4

Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness

 1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a] by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[b]”

 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6“If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

   “‘He will command his angels concerning you,
   and they will lift you up in their hands,
   so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[c]”

 7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[d]”

 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9“All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’[e]”

 11Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Jesus Begins to Preach

 12 When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. 13 Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— 14to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:

 15 “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,
   the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan,
   Galilee of the Gentiles—
16 the people living in darkness
   have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
   a light has dawned.”[f]

 17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Jesus Calls His First Disciples

 18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20At once they left their nets and followed him.

 21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Jesus Heals the Sick

 23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24 News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. 25 Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis,[g]Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.

Footnotes:
  1. Matthew 4:1 The Greek for tempted can also mean tested.
  2. Matthew 4:4 Deut. 8:3
  3. Matthew 4:6 Psalm 91:11,12
  4. Matthew 4:7 Deut. 6:16
  5. Matthew 4:10 Deut. 6:13
  6. Matthew 4:16 Isaiah 9:1,2
  7. Matthew 4:25 That is, the Ten Cities

Source: retrieved from www.Bible gateway .com on April 17, 2012.

This entry was posted in Our Studies, Rev. Charlene’s Teachings, Scripture Expounded, Scripture to Share,Women UHW Curriculum and tagged , , , , , , by admin.

05/18/12

Circles of Trust: Essential Elements of Conduct

Whenever you are dealing with people there are certain absolutes that apply to the exchanges between you and them. When you are leading intimate study and relational groups these absolutes are vital.
Unquestionably, there must be trust. What is said in the meeting(s) to one another must be guarded from exposure to others outside of the group. Why is this important? It is important because there are situations and scenarios happening in people’s lives that they feel comfortable relating to a small intimate group of friends–but not necessarily to the entire community. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the moderator of the group to create an atmosphere of order and trust so that everyone feels welcome and relaxed.

While attending graduate school I had a text written by Parker J. Palmer entitled, “A Hidden Wholeness”. In Chapter Five, ‘Preparing For The Journey–Creating a Circle of Trust’ Mr. Palmer states the following, ” …community–a kaleidoscope word that assumes new meanings at every turn–can evoke utopian images of a bygone era, a slower, simpler time when people lived side-by-side in villages and small towns. If community is to become an option for more than a fortunate few, we must shake off these romantic fantacies and create forms of life together that respect contemporary realities. Circles of Trust do exactly that because they have boundaries that traditional communities lack. Such circles, for example, do not depend on a critical mass of people the way a traditional community does–two people who know how to ‘protect and border and salute’ each other’s solitude can form a circle of trust” (73) The average Circle of Trust contains five to eight participants.

There are rules in a Circle of Trust. These are:

a.Respect one another

b. Do not blurt

c. Do not interrupt one another. Everyone gets their say.

d. Turn off cell-phones

e. Never argue with another circle member

f. Allow the moderator to moderate.

g. Greet one another and always pray

If everyone can agree to adhere to the rules of the Circle of Trust you can avoid chaos and misunderstandings, and the planned events can take place.

Women Under His Wings is a Circle of Trust. Feel free to unburden your heart with the knowledge that your sisters in Christ will listen, pray, intercede, and keep the things that are close to your heart in their trust.

Rev. Charlene W. Kirst

Reference: ” A Hidden Wholeness’ by Parker J. Palmer. Copyright 2004 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.  Jossey-Bass Publishers.

05/5/12

Psalm 57 When David Fled From Saul Into the Cave

Psalms as Songs. I believe that we sometimes forget that Psalms were the original hymns of the Old Testament. They still apply today, but are mostly used as Biblical poetry endowed with wisdom. David, especially, wrote Psalms as praise of God’s deliverance and as inspiration for others. That is why in this present age we can personally relate to the Psalms and hold them dear to our hearts. Psalms are an expression of the inner workings and intentions of the heart, therefore they still stand the test of time.  Psalm 57, which we have here, is a Psalm which expresses David’s gratitude for the shelter of God’s wings. Saul was in pursuit of David, which placed David and his followers in a defensive position. Through the grace of GOD, David was able to turn the tables and to become a victor. We all have that ability in Christ today. We are truly loved.

 

PSALM 57

 

Psalm 57[a]

For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam.[b] When he had fled from Saul into the cave.

1 Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,
    for in you I take refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
    until the disaster has passed.

2 I cry out to God Most High,
    to God, who vindicates me.
3 He sends from heaven and saves me,
    rebuking those who hotly pursue me—[c]
    God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.

4 I am in the midst of lions;
    I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts—
men whose teeth are spears and arrows,
    whose tongues are sharp swords.

5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
    let your glory be over all the earth.

6 They spread a net for my feet —
    I was bowed down in distress.
They dug a pit in my path—
    but they have fallen into it themselves.

7 My heart, O God, is steadfast,
    my heart is steadfast;
    I will sing and make music.
8 Awake, my soul!
    Awake, harp and lyre!
    I will awaken the dawn.

9 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
    I will sing of you among the peoples.
10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
    your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
    let your glory be over all the earth.

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 57:1 In Hebrew texts 57:1-11 is numbered 57:2-12.

  2. Psalm 57:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term

  3. Psalm 57:3 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 6.

 

Cross references:

  1. Psalm 57:1 : 57:7-11pp — Ps 108:1-5
  2. Psalm 57:1 : 1Sa 22:1; 24:3; Ps 142 Title
  3. Psalm 57:1 : Ps 2:12; 9:9; 34:22
  4. Psalm 57:1 : S Ru 2:12; S Mt 23:37
  5. Psalm 57:1 : Isa 26:20
  6. Psalm 57:2 : Ps 138:8
  7. Psalm 57:3 : Ps 18:9, 16; 69:14; 142:6; 144:5, 7
  8. Psalm 57:3 : Ps 56:1
  9. Psalm 57:3 : Ps 25:10; 40:11; 115:1
  10. Psalm 57:4 : S Ps 35:17
  11. Psalm 57:4 : S Ps 55:21; Pr 30:14
  12. Psalm 57:5 : ver 11; Ps 108:5
  13. Psalm 57:6 : Ps 10:9; 31:4; 140:5
  14. Psalm 57:6 : S Ps 38:6; 145:14
  15. Psalm 57:6 : S Ps 9:15
  16. Psalm 57:6 : S Est 6:13; Ps 7:15; Pr 28:10; Ecc 10:8
  17. Psalm 57:7 : Ps 112:7
  18. Psalm 57:8 : Ps 33:2; 149:3; 150:3
  19. Psalm 57:10 : S Ps 36:5
  20. Psalm 57:11 : S Ps 8:1; 113:4
  21. Psalm 57:11 : S ver 5

 

 New International Version (NIV)Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

Charlene’s Source: www.biblegateway.com

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05/3/12

Acts 2: The Coming of The Holy Spirit

Acts 2 NIV

 

[The Day of Pentecost marked an Epiphany moment for the Christian Church as it was the day that the promise of Christ to send his Holy Spirit to mankind was fulfilled. This was the beginning of the Early Church, so the Book of Acts bears great significance in the Canon of Holy Scripture. Take note of Peter’s impassioned speech to the people gathered to witness this marvelous miracle.]

 

The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost

 

2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.

 

5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,[b] 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

 

13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”

 

Peter Addresses the Crowd

 

14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

 

17 “‘In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.
19 I will show wonders in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.
20 The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
21 And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved.’[c]

 

22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men,[d] put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 25 David said about him:

 

“‘I saw the Lord always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest in hope,
27 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
you will not let your holy one see decay.
28 You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.’[e]

 

29 “Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,

 

“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand
35 until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet.”’[f]

 

36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
38 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. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off —for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

 

40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

 

The Fellowship of the Believers

 

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

 

Footnotes:
a.Acts 2:4 Or languages; also in verse 11
b.Acts 2:9 That is, the Roman province by that name
c.Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32
d.Acts 2:23 Or of those not having the law (that is, Gentiles)
e.Acts 2:28 Psalm 16:8-11 (see Septuagint)
f.Acts 2:35 Psalm 110:1

 

Charlene’s Source: retrieved May 3, 2012 from www.biblegateway.com on the World-wide Web

 

All Scripture Quotes are from the New International Version of the Holy Bible