From the desk of Pastor Edd

  Chapter three of Acts opens with the dramatic healing of a man people knew from sight. He sat at the gate of the Temple every day for more than 30 years begging alms. Then Peter and John show up and heal the man in one short moment. Then they were left having to explain their part in the healing to be almost nonexistent other than being in the right place at the right time. “God did the healing. God is the worker of all miracles.”  If your life changes, God is at work. And God works on faith, His faith in us, our faith in Him.     As the crowd began to grow around the scene Peter took advantage of the amazement of the people. Much the same as we have the opportunity to share with those who see us and make comments about what they see happening in our lives different from their own.   Peter’s approach is interesting. He asks them a question. “Why are you so surprised?” He is questioning their faith. If a person says they believe in God but is surprised whe...

Acts 3:1 It was time for Peter and John to come to the temple at the 9th hour of the day, the hour for prayer. 2 Sitting on the road to the gate called Beautiful, was a man who had been lame from birth. He would be carried to this spot every day. 3 He started begging for help when he saw Peter and John going into the temple. 4 They stopped and stood looking at the man, and then said, "Look at us!" 5 Thinking he might receive something from them he turned his attention fully on them. 6 Peter spoke, "I do not have gold and silver for you, but I would be happy to give you what I have; In the name of Jesus, the Christ, the Nazarene -- walk!" 7 Then Peter reached out grabbing the man's right hand and lifted him to his feet; and he stood there full of strength in his feet and ankles. 8 Then he started to jump around and walk; as they went into the temple he followed, jumping, and skipping and giving all the praise to God. 9 When people saw him moving around like this,...

  Repent and be baptized.     Although this might just seem like a lesson in theology or a remembering of what we believe, it has the potential of a life changing opportunity for each one of us. As we think about the meaning of repenting and being baptized, we have the opportunity of reliving our original step of faith in Jesus. As we remember what He has done for us, we can once again embrace the whole truth of our sin and our forgiveness in the work of our Lord. We should not read about repentance without remembering that we need to repent everyday of our lives. And we should not read about baptism or watch a person being baptized without again making the commitment we experienced the day we were baptized; I desire to lay myself completely at the feet of Jesus and vow to honor and follow Him the remainder of my life. This moment becomes a commitment to change from my selfish ways to His selfless ways. It only takes a few seconds; it does not require a long time. A nod o...

Acts 2:37 This message spoke clearly to the crowd and their hearts were convicted. They asked Peter and the other disciples, "What do we do now?" 38 Peter spoke up, "Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus the Messiah, your sins will be forgiven, and you will be filled with the gift of God's Holy Spirit. 39 “This promise is not just for you but your children and any others in the future whom the LORD our God shall call to follow.” 40 He continued to testify and encourage the people, saying, "Turn away from this crooked generation!" 41 Many that day, about three thousand people, accepted what Peter had to say and chose to be baptized. 42 The disciples, including the newly gathered believers devoted themselves to what the apostles had to say, to being together with these likeminded people, eating together, and praying together.     Repent, the inward confession that changes our outward life.   After the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the disciples waitin...

  Peter’s Sermon   22 Listen to me you devout men of Israel. Jesus, the Nazarene, lived amongst us and demonstrated many signs and miracles by the hand of God. You all saw what I am talking about. 23 You nailed this man to a cross and put Him to death. But I want you to know this was part of God’s plan all along. 24 But that is not the end of the story, God also raised Him up and has now put an end to the agony of death itself because death could not keep Jesus down. 25 Do you remember how David said of the Messiah, “I saw Yahweh in my presence, standing at my right hand, I have great confidence and strength. 26 My heart was filled with gladness and my tongue let loose in praise; my flesh will maintain hope; 27 “because I know that You will not forget Me and leave Me in Hades nor will You allow Your Holy One to rot in the grave. 28 “You have given Me the ways of life, and You will fill Me with the joy of Your presence.”   29 I can speak with confidence and say to you that...