One Of The First New Testament Church Services
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | November 26, 2023
Open your Bibles to Luke 24:36-53. Today’s message, “One Of The First New Testament Church Services,” concludes our journey through Luke. The text says: “Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you… He shewed them his hands and his feet… He did eat before them…” Let’s pray: Father, thank You for this Lord’s Day, saved souls, and Darby’s baptism. Touch hearts, help me preach as we close Luke, and save the lost, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
After Cleopas and his wife met the risen Jesus and rushed back to Jerusalem, they joined the eleven apostles and others in an early church service. As they testified, Jesus appeared, sparking awe and fear. From this, we learn four truths.
The Appearance of Jesus
As they spoke, “Jesus himself stood in the midst of them.” He didn’t walk in—He just appeared, fresh from Heaven after ascending post-resurrection. Jesus goes to church! Luke 4:16 says it was His custom, and Matthew 18:20 promises His presence where two or three gather. He traveled from Heaven, not a 20-minute drive, to be with them. All eyes and ears turned to Him—He must be the focal point of worship. Like Peter walking on water, keep your eyes on Jesus, or life’s storms will sink you.
People Affected in Different Ways
When Jesus said, “Peace be unto you,” they were “terrified and affrighted,” thinking He was a ghost. He quickly clarified, offering peace—top of His list (Romans 5:1). Some get mad, like Stephen’s stoners, but his death touched Saul. Others, like Roger, resisted until God flattened him in a hospital bed, where he finally said, “Yes.” Making much of Jesus affects people—some get saved, some get mad, but God’s Word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11). Keep making much of Jesus!
No Apparitions in Heaven
Jesus proved He wasn’t a ghost: “Handle me… a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.” He ate fish and honeycomb—Heaven’s no ethereal cloud with Casper! Glorified bodies have flesh and bones (not blood, 1 Corinthians 15:50), hands, feet, eyes, and tongues. They eat, drink (Matthew 26:29), wear clothes (Revelation 6:11, 19:8), and pass through objects (John 20:19). Jesus kept nail marks; I’ll keep my preacher voice! We’ll know each other—me, my son, my grandmas—no pain, just glory.
The Great Activity of the Church
Jesus commissioned them: “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations.” The church’s agenda is Jesus—getting people saved. He promised power from on high, then ascended from Bethany, blessing them. They returned joyful, praising God. I’ll never stop trying to save souls—like that doctor who prayed boldly beside me. If your agenda isn’t Jesus, it’s wrong. Preach, sing, talk Jesus—everywhere, always.
