My Very Dear Friends in i3 Investor Forum,

My heart is glowing with a fresh warm mesage for you today.

I want to share 3 Persons' lives of how they are changed for forever BECAUSE THEY MET THE LIVING LORD JESUS CHRIST

 

1) PETER WHO DENIED JESUS 3 TIMES

This Peter is the Apostle Jesus chose. But Jesus told him He will be crucified & died by wicked men's hands and all men would forsook Him

At that Peter said he will never ever deny Jesus but be will to go to prison & to death in the defense of Jesus.

Jesus said Peter will deny Him 3 times before the cock crow twice.

And just as Jesus predicted all these happened to Peter

 

King James Bible
But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.

69 Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.

70 But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.

71 And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.

72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.

73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.

74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.

75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

Read again

But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.

Peter  saw that Jesus was arrested by the Jewish authority for claiming Himself to be the Messiah. So Peter thought this will be the end or game over

Peter's faith was COMPLETELY SHATTERED!!

BUT JUST AS JESUS SAID 3 DAYS LATER JESUS IS RESURRECTED BACK TO LIFE

7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.

All the disciples' faith were shattered to pieces on Good friday when Jesus died on the Cross. All were injured deeply but Peter was in ICU so to speak.

So when Jesus came back alive the angel gave the good news to the disciples to see Jesus "and Peter" was mentioned in particular because Peter needed that special extra tender touch of Jesus

To see the end? no no no!

God's Word says in Isaiah 9: 6 & 7

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Read again

 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end

And again

there shall be no end

YES! LISTEN

The great empire of Alexander the Great ended. Hitler conquest of 2WW ended. The Japanese invasion of South -east Asia during 2nd World War ended

BUT JESUS' KINGDOM HAS NO END & JESUS WILL REIGN AS KING OF KINGS & LORD OF LORDS FOR "FOR EVER AND EVER"

PETER'S LIFE WAS TOTALLY TRANSFORMED WHEN HE MET JESUS THE RISEN LORD

 

2) THOMAS THE DOUBTER

When Jesus appeared to the disciples one night in closed doors Thomas was absent

 

The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except(unless)  I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

Thomas does not accept 2nd hand testimonies. He wanted to "SEE" with his own eyes and "TOUCH"  with his own hands the Living Resurrected Jesus, only then will he be convinced and believe

Christianity is not just a mental accent. REAL CHRISTIANITY IS TO KNOW JESUS AS A LIVING REALITY IN DAY BY DAY EXPERIENCE

24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.

27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:

31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

 

Having met Jesus Thomas exclaimed 

My Lord and my God.

Thomas the one who doubted the most is the only one who also gave the strongest affirmation about Jesus

He said, "MY LORD! AND MY GOD!!

History told us Thomas became Christianity's 1st Missionary to India & started the Mar Thoma Syrian Church. And today there are millions of Indians by the surname called "Thomas"

 

3) SAUL THE PERSECUTOR TURNED PAUL THE APOSTLE

At the matyrdom of Stephen young Saul thought he had done the Jewish religion justice by persecuting the Christians in his time

 

Stephen in Acts chapter gave a thorough message in the defense of Christ but Saul and the Jews responded very negatively

54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,

58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.

59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Who is Saul?

Saul was a pharisee, a devout Jew who thought that Jesus was an imposter & Christianity was a fake religion. So he vehemently wanted to wipe out Christianity by sending Christians to jail and killing those who opposed him

See further

8 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.

3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

SO BENT WAS SAUL AGAINST THE CHRISTIANS THAT MANY CHRISTIANS FLED FROM JERUSALEM AND LEFT FOR OTHER SAFER PLACES

See

And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

Saul did not stop there

What did Saul do further?

See

9 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

Saul lived and breathed vehement desire to destroy Christians and the Christian faith

He even asked for letters of authority to go to distant cities to arrest Christians & bring them back to Jerusalem

The Christians Religion were first called THIS WAY

that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

So Saul got his authority & warrant to persecute Christians & proceeded to Damascus

But what happened to Saul?

See

3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

SAUL GOT THE TOTAL AND COMPLETE SHOCK OF HIS LIFE WHEN HE SAW JESUS

Saul thought Jesus was an imposter but now all his false notions evaporated & he was totally shattered

For the next 3 days he was in total darkness as he came to the realisation that JESUS IS INDEED THE TRUE AND LIVING RESURRECTED MESSIAH

And then the CALL AND COMMISSIONING OF SAUL BY JESUS HIMSELF

10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

Saul of Tarsus met the Living Risen Lord Jesus on Damascus Road and changed to Paul the Apostle

Paul went into 3 Missionary Journies and the final one was to Rome (not Peter)

Out of 27 New Testament Books 14 were authored by Paul

So today more than half of the New Testament  came as a result of Paul's Transformed Life after meeting Jesus as a Real Living Saviour

Amen & Amen!

 

Now today is Easter

We remember the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave

All founders of religion are still in their graves but not Jesus

Jesus is a living Saviour

Have you received Him into your heart?

This is Jesus last commandment

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

ONE DAY JESUS SHALL RETURN TO THIS PLANET EARTH AND REIGN AS KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS FOR EVER AND EVER!

 

 

Further thoughts on Peter, Thomas & Paul

Peter was the greaest d\Denier

Thomas the greatest Doubter

Paul the greatest Perecutor

Peter : see how his denying was getting from bad to worse

 

1st Denial

70 But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.

 

2nd denial

72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.

3rd Denial

74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.

 

Thomas

He doubted at the resurrection of dead Lazarus

11 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.

12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.

13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.

14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.

15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.

16 Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.

See how Doubting Thomas mocked in disbelief. 

But JESUS did raise Lazarus from the dead.

 

14 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

Thomas doubted because he wants all truth to be verified. 

 

3) Saul the Persecutor

He witnessed the stoning of Stephen

He sent many Christians to jail

He breathed out vengeance

He asked for letter of authority to persecute Christians even to other Cities

ALL THREE

Peter the greater denier turned into the greatest witness & defender

32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool.

36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

Thomas the greatest doubter transformed into the greatest believer

He cried, "MY LORD! AND MY GOD!!"

Paul the grestest persecutor transformed into Christianity's Greatest Missionary & Preacher!

Why?

BECAUSE HE LIVES!