“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus” – Acts 4:13.

These men and had been with Jesus. Period. It reminds me of the Old Testament account when Moses was with God and the radiance of God remained on his face following his one on one conversations. Everyone knew God was at work in his life. People should know that Jesus, through the Holy Spirit is at work in us too!

Pastor and Author Francis Frangipane wrote this about those men “who had been with Jesus.” Look at what Jesus did with common men. In just 3 1/2 years, average men and women were transformed into fearless disciples, literally filled with the spirit of God.
They did not wince at suffering; they did not withdraw from sacrifice. These ordinary people were equipped with spiritual authority over demons and exercised power over illnesses. They were the living proof that Christ transforms people. Three and a half years of undiluted Jesus will produce in us what it did in them: The Kingdom of God! Those men were as average and human as we are. The difference between them and us is Jesus. He is the only difference and thankfully “Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.”(Hebrew 13:8).

The Mission of First Church is to “Make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!” “Undiluted Jesus” – I love that phrase! He is all we need. We had an especially sweet time of worship last Sunday. Thanks to each of you who have commented to me about it. To God be the glory! The Holy Spirit is working, as we continue to yield ourselves to Him. We are seeking to hear his voice and obey – that’s how we grow in our relationship with Jesus. I hope you each have – in old CB lingo – “had your ears on” and your hearts open wide this week so far! I’ll be sharing more about that this Sunday as we conclude our sermon series on The Power of a Whisper by Bill Hybels. Thanks to each of you who have sent me your God whispers and promptings. It’s encouraging to hear how the Lord speaks to His Body here at First Church. The family of God is the absolute best family in the world!

Sunday’s message is “Living Wide Open for God and for Good!” Hope you’ll be here, so you won’t miss what the Lord wants to say to you. Blessings!

Yours in Christ’s Love,

Mark

PS: First Church Men be to sure to sign up for our Men’s Retreat at Camp Canyon Feb. 11-12. Sign-up in The Plaza this Sunday!