New Beginnings part 3

Mary the mother of Jesus

New Beginnings

We are in the middle of a series, New Beginnings.

2022 is a year of New beginnings, 2020 and 2021 were years of shutdowns and many deaths, questions and confusion for many people, some lost family members, friends, some lost their business their live hood, others lost their dreams and hopes.

During this series let’s observe what happened right after Jesus Resurrection. A new beginning for all who followed Jesus.

We are in the book of Acts of the Apostles. Chapt 1

Today is Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Day!

I would like to say thank you to all the mothers here and out there, if you were a mother to your own child, or someone else’s child, thank you! Motherhood is the oldest occupation in the world There would be no world without mothers The idea for a “Mother’s Day” is credited by some to Julia Ward Howe (1872) and by others to Anna Jarvis (1907), who both suggested a holiday dedicated to a day of peace. Many individual states celebrated Mother’s Day by 1911, but it was not until President Woodrow Wilson lobbied Congress in 1914 that Mother’s Day was officially set on the second Sunday of every May. In his first Mother’s Day proclamation, Wilson stated that the holiday offered a chance to “[publicly express] our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.”

I’m here today because of the love and prayers of my mother. The first celebration of Mother’s Day happened in a church. We all relate to our mothers in different ways, depending of our age groups

By the age of 4 we believe that Mom My mother knows everything

12 She doesn’t know everything

14 Mom doesn’t know anything

18 She is out of step with what is happening she is way back in times

25 Mom knows a few things 35 Before we decide last hear mom’s opinion

45 I wonder what my mom would say about this

65 I wish I could talk to mom one more time.

To be parents is not easy, the good thing is By the time you become a grandparent is all worthwhile.

Here in the first chapter of Acts Mary is together with the disciples following Jesus instructions.

Mary and the disciples were experiencing a new beginning.

Let’s pray

The Promise of the Holy Spirit

Act 1:1 The first account I made, Theophilus, was [a continuous report] about all the things that Jesus began to do and to teach [Luk_1:1-4]

Theophilus means Lover of God, Most likely a Roman soldier, but some believe it was written to the Lovers of God, others believe it was Luke’s master, Luke was a doctor in those days they work for someone, not like today. some scholars believe Theophilus sent Luke to record what was happening during the days of Jesus and after.

Acts it was written by Luke who wrote the gospel of Luke, Acts is the 2part of Luke.

Some scholars believe it was written anywhere from 63 Ad to 90Ad

Act 1:2 until the day when He ascended to heaven, after He had by the Holy Spirit given instruction to the apostles (special messengers) whom He had chosen.

Act 1:3 To these [men] He also showed Himself alive after His suffering [in Gethsemane and on the cross], by [a series of] many infallible proofs and unquestionable demonstrations, appearing to them over a period of forty days and talking to them about the things concerning the kingdom of God.

Act 1:4 While being together and eating with them, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, "Of which," He said, "you have heard Me speak. [Joh_14:16, Joh_14:26; Joh_15:26]

Act 1:5 For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized and empowered and united with the Holy Spirit, not long from now."

The Ascension

Act 1:6 So when they had come together, they asked Him repeatedly,"Lord, are You at this time reestablishing the kingdom and restoring it to Israel?"

Act 1:7 He said to them, "It is not for you to know the times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority.

Act 1:8 But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses[to tell people about Me] both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth."

Act 1:9 And after He said these things, He was caught up as they looked on, and a cloud took Him up out of their sight.

Act 1:10 While they were looking intently into the sky as He was going, two men in white clothing suddenly stood beside them,

Act 1:11 who said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This [same] Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will return in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven."

The angels were talking about The second coming of Jesus.

Act 1:12 Then the disciples returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet (Olive Grove), which is near Jerusalem, [only] a Sabbath day's journey (less than one mile) away.

Act 1:13 When they had entered the city, they went upstairs to the upper room where they were staying [indefinitely]; that is, Peter, and John and [his brother] James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew (Nathanael) and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas (Thaddaeus) the son of James.

Act 1:14 All these with one mind and one purpose were continually devoting themselves to prayer, [waiting together] along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

Because is Mother’s Day let me share a few things about Mary the mother of Jesus.

Mary is a very controversial figure, Catholics exult Mary, pray to Mary elevated Mary, protestants avoid Mary, I watch this for years growing up in a catholic country. Catholics use the words Co redemptrix, co mediatrix of the human race. Meaning that Mary had a redemptive part and a mediator’s place in the salvation of the world, not only that but many other believes about Mary, but none of it is supported by the scriptures.

Protestants in the other hand go to the other extreme and dismiss her all together, Mary is the mother of our Lord and savior, she was a magnificent woman or a teenager, God chose her from the entire world and from all generations, to be the mother of Jesus, she deserves our gratitude and appreciation.

3 great qualities of Mary, as a mother

1 She was faithful

When Gabriel the Archangel came to Mary, she had some idea about what he was saying, she would conceive a son, miraculously by the Holy Spirit, but what did she know about motherhood as a teenager?, probably 13, 14 years old.

She made a blind commitment to the Lord, yes Lord I will do whatever you want.

Mary questioned how can this be, I’m a virgin.

Luk 1:35 Then the angel replied to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you [like a cloud]; for that reason the holy (pure, sinless) Child shall be called the Son of God.

Luk 1:36 And listen, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month.

Luk 1:37 For with God nothing [is or ever] shall be impossible."

Luk 1:38 Then Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word." And the angel left her.

Mothers make a similar commitment to us, and I would like to thank you for your brave and unselfish commitment of welcoming us into your lives.

Not knowing how we are going to behave or what kinds of troubles we will bring, they just love us.

Mary understood the scriptures, very well for a teenager.

Elizabeth called her blessed and she responded

Mary's Song of Praise: The Magnificat

Luk 1:46 And Mary said, "My soul magnifies and exalts the Lord,( Psalm 34:3)

Luk 1:47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. Isaiah 45

Luk 1:48 "For He has looked [with loving care] on the humble state of His maidservant; For behold, from now on all generations will count me blessed and happy and favored by God! 1 Samuel 1:11

Luk 1:49 "For He who is mighty has done great things for me; And holy is His name [to be worshiped in His purity, majesty, and glory]. Psal 111:9

Luk 1:50 "AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION TOWARD THOSE WHO [stand in great awe of God and] FEAR HIM. FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION. [Psa_103:17]

Luk 1:51 "He has done mighty deeds with His [powerful] arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.

Luk 1:52 "He has brought down rulers from their thrones, And exalted those who were humble.

Luk 1:53 "HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS; And sent the rich away empty-handed.

Luk 1:54 "He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy,

Luk 1:55 Just as He promised to our fathers, To Abraham and to his descendants forever." [Gen_17:7; Gen_18:18; Gen_22:17; 1Sa_2:1-10; Mic_7:20]

Luk 1:56 And Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months, and then returned to her home.

Her song of praise was all scriptures.

Thank you for your faithfulness and knowledge of scriptures.

2 Mary fellowship in suffering.

Mary was the only human person who was there at the birth of Jesus, a wonderful event, and at His death a horrible event, a sword will pierce her own soul.

Simeon’s words to Mary and Joseph

Luk 2:28 Simeon took Him into his arms, and blessed and praised and thanked God, and said,

Luk 2:29 "Now, Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to leave [this world] in peace, According to Your word;

Luk 2:30 For my eyes have seen Your Salvation, [Isa_52:10]

Luk 2:31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

Luk 2:32 A LIGHT FOR REVELATION TO THE GENTILES [to disclose what was previously unknown], And [to bring] the praise and honor and glory of Your people Israel." [Isa_42:6; Isa_49:6]

Luk 2:33 And His [legal] father and His mother were amazed at what was said about Him.

Luk 2:34 Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, "Listen carefully: this Child is appointed and destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign that is to be opposed-- [Isa_8:14-15]

Luk 2:35 and a sword [of deep sorrow] will pierce through your own soul--so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."

The Jewish nation had to deal with Mary’s virgin birth, so they came out with a story.

The Talmud created a story about Mary, that she was a hairdresser, I have no idea how they came out with that, nothing substantiates that, totally out of the left field, who had an affair with a Roman soldier named Panthera and they had a illegitimate child and that was Jesus.

Marry suffered for being the mother of Jesus, and later with His suffering.

Jesus was close to his mother, We believe Joseph died sometime after Jesus was 12 years of age, is the last passage referring to Joseph in the gospels. Just imagine the suffering and pain of a mother losing her son, recently talking to my friend Olivier’s mother she was telling me how she pleaded with the Lord to take her instead of her son. I believe Mary would have some of the same thoughts.

In the Vatican there is a picture of Jesus on the cross God the Father right behind Him and Mary right in front of Him, they were right there with Him at that moment.

I don’t believe in Mary’s redemptive part or as a mediator. Mary as mother, suffer the excruciating pain of seeing the injustice and suffering of her child, and was not able to do anything, she was right there with Jesus.

Thank you, mothers, for the many times you suffered with us

Kim and I will be married 36 years this week but For the past 33 years, I have watch how my wife have cared for, but also suffer when our children got sick or hurt. Yes sometimes we wish we could take their place, all we can do besides praying is to suffer with them.

Thank you Kim for the wonderful mother you are to our children

Mary should be honor but not worshiped

3 Mary followed Jesus

Marry followed Jesus, she received Him as her Lord and savior,

Act 1:8 But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses[to tell people about Me] both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth."

Mary was part of the disciples waiting for the baptism of the Holy Spirit as Jesus promised.

Thank you to all the mothers who give us the example of following Jesus,

I talk to many mothers who feel like they have failed their children, because they are not walking with Jesus, every child is responsible for their choice before God, there are no perfect mothers, if you are following Jesus, is the best example you can give your child.

I remember my mom praying for our family everyday 3 times a day, reading her bible, God begin to work in our hearts, we are 6 and we all began to walk with God.

For A new beginning we need to learn from Mary the mother of Jesus

1 Mary was faithful.

2 Mary fellowship in suffering.

3 Mary followed Jesus.

To start a new we need to make Jesus the Lord of our lives

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Joh 3:16

To receive Jesus we need to accept Him as God’s son, repent from our sins and a life of selfishness, and ask Him to be your Lord and savior, not that you deserve it, but is a gift from God.

If this is your desire today, please repeat this prayer after me?

Heavenly Father I’m sinner,

I’m sorry for my sins,

I’m willing to turn away from my sins.

I receive Christ as my savior,

I confess him as Lord

from this moment on I want to follow and serve him,

in the fellowship of his church,

In Jesus name. Amen!