Jesus Prays for His Disciples ACTS 20:28-38; PSALM 68; JOHN 17:11-19 Both readings today present us with farewell speeches of Paul and Jesus Christ respectively. Paul admonished the elders of Ephesians to remain steadfast even as he asked for God’s protection on them. He says; “Be on your guard for yourselves and for all […]
Monthly Archives: May 2023
22
May
May
The Prayer of Jesus Christ. ACTS 20:17-27; PSALM 68; JOHN 17:1-11 The gospel reading presents us with the prayer of Jesus Christ. Although the sentences are brief, the thoughts are profound, compelling, and significant. The Bible is filled with great prayers. We are impressed with Solomon’s prayer (1 Kings 8), Abraham’s prayer (Genesis 18), and […]
22
May
May
BE CONFIDENT ACTS 19:1-8; PSALM 67; JOHN 16:29-33 “Take courage: I have conquered the world!” with these words Jesus prepared our minds for the persecutions we might experience on account of his name. Beyond courage; the Amplified version reads “be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy”. Jesus want us to be happy amidst persecution […]
21
May
May
THE PRAYERS OF JESUS CHRIST ACTS1:12-14/ PS.27/ 1PET.4:13-16/ JOHN 17:1-11 Rev. Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai John chapter 17 contains the prayer of Jesus Christ. In the fifth century, Clement of Alexandria remarked that in this prayer, Jesus was acting as a high priest on behalf of His people. This prayer is popularly called the “high priestly […]
20
May
May
WHY DO WE ASK AND NOT RECEIVE? Jesus says; “Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.” (John 16:23-24). […]
19
May
May
JOY OVER ALL Acts 18:9-18; Psalm 47; John 16:20-23 At Corinth Christ assured Paul in a vision one night saying “Do not be afraid to speak out, nor allow yourself to be silenced: I am with you. I have so many people on my side in this city that no one will even attempt to […]
18
May
May
*Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1: 17-23 and Matt. 28:16-20)* The Ascension of Jesus is the physical departure of Christ from Earth into Heaven. According to the New Testament the Ascension occurred forty days after the resurrection. In Christian theology, the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus are the most important events and foundations […]
17
May
May
JESUS COMFORTS HIS DISCIPLES The gospel for today is based on John 14, which is separated into two sections: John 14:1–14: Preparation for Christ’s Departure and John 14:15–31: Preparation for the Spirit. But our focus is on the first section (John 14:1–12) in which Jesus comforts his disciples before departing from them. Let’s examine the […]
17
May
May
The Spirit of truth ACTS 17:15, 22-18:1; PSALM 149; JOHN 16:12-15 Jesus says in John 16:12-13 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” In John 15:15 Jesus says; “I have made known to […]
16
May
May
PRAISE AND WORSHIP “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose” (Acts 16:25-26). Beloved, never […]