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Inquisitive people win the day and show the way. Inventions happen when someone questions what others perceive as certain. Jesus and Questions Jesus asked 307 questions and was asked over 180 questions. Interesting the one who knew the most asked...

Depression and the Need for a Light at the End of the Tunnel

https://carltoncoon.com/blogs/news/depression-and-the-need-for-a-light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel

Depression has been called the mental and emotional common cold. Depression is common. However, many people remain unaware. They also remain unaware that depression affects people from the most successful – to the unknown.

In the days after Jesus ascension and here in deciding on someone to take Judas’ place, they instinctively turned to God in prayer 

Somewhere along the way, Satan began to work on Judas, as he had tempted Jesus and desired Peter “that he might sift you as wheat.” (Luke 22:31b). Judas allowed himself to be enticed away. He “fell.”

Peter and apparently his peers felt it was important to have twelve ordained workers. This was about staffing the mission.

The eleven had received direct instruction. They were to “wait and then go.” In obedience they came to this place to “wait.” Their waiting was not sitting quietly and folding their hands. Instead they took spiritual action. They prayed.

He departed visibly. He shall return visibly. He went to heaven; He will return from heaven. He went away bodily; He shall return bodily.

The disciples already had His promise of a SPIRITUAL return to be IN them, but this was different.  The angels speak of another PHYSICAL return of the Lord.

Ordinary people were able to do extraordinary things because the Spirit of God was at work in their lives.  The ministry of the Holy Spirit is not a luxury; it is an absolute necessity 

That the residents of Samaria hear the gospel was more important to Jesus than the restoration of the kingdom to Israel would have been beyond the disciples’ imagination. 

The light that shines the farthest shines the brightest at home.

Where else does Acts or the gospels speak of the promise of the Father?

With Jesus there was action and doctrine. A bird must have two wings in order to fly. The church must also have the two wings of “action” and “instruction.” Seek balance – “to do and teach.”  Both are necessary. To be over-balanced toward one or the other leaves the church weak.

Jesus was both a “doer” and a “teacher.”  Teaching without action is philosophy. Those who “do” without having instruction usually end up taking that is unfocused or do things the hardest way possible. As leaders we must “do” and “teach.”

The four gospels funnel into Acts. Acts is then a too oft ignored bridge from the life of Christ into practiced and practical Christianity.

A tidbit of some of the necessary concepts on providing pastoral care for the 21st century.