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The visit of the wise men holds significant importance in the biblical narrative for several reasons: Recognition of Jesus' Kingship: The arrival of the wise men from the East to worship Jesus as the newborn King of the Jews emphasizes Jesus' royal identity and universal sovereignty. Fulfillment of Prophecy: Their journey to Bethlehem fulfills Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's birthplace, such as Micah 5:2, demonstrating Jesus' fulfillment of Messianic expectations. Inclusion of Gentiles in Salvation: The wise men, being Gentiles, represent the inclusion of all nations in the salvation brought by Jesus, foreshadowing the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles after Jesus' resurrection. Worship and Adoration: Their act of worship and presentation of gifts symbolize Jesus' worthiness of honor and adoration, recognizing him not only as a King but as divine. Divine Guidance and Protection: The guidance of the star and divine warning in dreams highlight God's providential care and intervention in the lives of those who seek and serve Him. Overall, the visit of the wise men underscores Jesus' identity as the long-awaited Messiah, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and the universal scope of salvation available to all who worship and follow Him.

Reflecting on Matthew's journey from being a tax collector to becoming a disciple of Jesus offers profound insights and life lessons that resonate across generations: The Power of Transformation: Matthew's story highlights the transformative power of encountering Jesus. Despite his past as a tax collector, Matthew's encounter with Jesus led to a radical transformation in his life. This reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace, and no past mistakes or failures can disqualify us from experiencing redemption and new life in Christ. The Call to Follow: Matthew's immediate response to Jesus' call to "Follow me" teaches us about the importance of obedience and willingness to respond to God's call. His willingness to leave behind his old life and embark on a new journey of discipleship demonstrates the radical commitment required to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Inclusivity and Compassion: Through his association with sinners and outcasts, Matthew exemplifies Jesus' message of inclusivity and compassion. His willingness to dine with sinners and tax collectors challenges us to extend love and acceptance to all people, regardless of their background or social status. The Importance of Community: As one of the twelve apostles, Matthew experienced the power of community and fellowship in his journey of discipleship. His inclusion among the disciples reminds us of the importance of surrounding ourselves with fellow believers who can support, encourage, and challenge us in our walk with Christ. The Depth of God's Mercy: Matthew's story is a testament to the depth of God's mercy and forgiveness. Despite his past as a tax collector, Jesus welcomed Matthew with open arms and invited him into a relationship of grace and redemption. This teaches us that no matter how far we may have strayed or how unworthy we may feel, God's mercy is always available to us. The Mission of Discipleship: Matthew's journey culminated in his commission to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). His life serves as a reminder of the mission entrusted to all believers to share the good news of Jesus Christ and to make disciples who will in turn make disciples. Reflecting on Matthew's journey challenges us to examine our own lives and consider how we are responding to Jesus' call to discipleship. It inspires us to seek transformation, embrace inclusivity and compassion, cultivate community, and faithfully fulfill the mission of making disciples in our own spheres of influence.

The Transformation of Matthew: From Tax Collector to Disciple In the bustling streets of Capernaum, Matthew, a tax collector, sat at his booth, counting coins and collecting tolls from passersby (Matthew 9:9; Mark 2:13-14; Luke 5:27). His occupation made him a social outcast, despised by his fellow Jews for collaborating with the Roman oppressors. One day, as Jesus walked by, he saw Matthew and uttered the transformative words, "Follow me" (Matthew 9:9; Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27). In an instant, Matthew's life took a dramatic turn. Leaving behind his lucrative but morally questionable profession, he responded to Jesus' call without hesitation (Matthew 9:9). Matthew's encounter with Jesus marked the beginning of a profound journey of discipleship. Alongside eleven others, he became one of the chosen twelve apostles, listed among them in the Gospel accounts (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13). Despite his past as a tax collector, Matthew found acceptance and purpose in the company of Jesus and his followers. As he traveled with Jesus, Matthew witnessed miracles, heard profound teachings, and experienced the transformative power of grace. He dined with sinners and tax collectors, reflecting Jesus' inclusive approach to ministry (Matthew 9:10-13; Mark 2:16; Luke 7:34; Luke 15:1). Through these encounters, Matthew learned the depth of God's love and mercy, which extended to all, regardless of their past or social standing. Matthew's journey from tax collector to disciple exemplifies the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Through his willingness to follow and his openness to transformation, Matthew became not only a devoted follower but also a witness to the life-changing power of encountering Jesus. His Gospel account stands as a testament to the transformative journey of faith and the boundless grace offered to all who respond to the call of discipleship.

Yes, there are certainly deeper reflections that can be drawn from the interactions between circles, patterns, and orderly patterns in the Bible, especially when considering how they intersect and complement each other. 1. Circles and Patterns: • Circles often represent completeness and wholeness, while patterns signify structure and order. When these concepts intersect, it can suggest that God's sovereignty and orderliness are all-encompassing and intricately woven into the fabric of creation. • For example, the circular shape of the molten sea in Solomon's temple (1 Kings 7:23) reflects both completeness and divine design. Its construction according to a specific pattern (Exodus 25:9) emphasizes the meticulous attention to detail and adherence to God's instructions. 2. Patterns and Orderly Patterns: • Patterns in the Bible, such as the design of the tabernacle or the instructions for Christian living in Romans 12:2, are often intended to establish order and structure within the community of believers. • The call for orderly worship and conduct in 1 Corinthians 14:40 is an extension of this principle, emphasizing the importance of maintaining harmony and coherence within the church. • When considering orderly patterns alongside patterns, it highlights the importance of not only following divine instructions but also doing so in a systematic and organized manner, reflecting the character of God who is not a God of disorder but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). 3. Circles and Orderly Patterns: • The cyclical nature of events in the Bible, such as the rise and fall of nations or the recurring themes of redemption and restoration, can be seen as part of God's orderly plan unfolding within the circular framework of time. • The orderly patterns established by God, as described in Jeremiah 31:35-36 and Jeremiah 33:25, provide a sense of stability and predictability amidst the changing seasons of life, reinforcing the idea of God's faithfulness and constancy. In essence, the interactions between circles, patterns, and orderly patterns in the Bible reflect a harmonious relationship between completeness, structure, and divine order. They convey a deeper understanding of God's overarching plan for creation, his guidance for his people, and the principles by which they are called to live in alignment with his will.

The response to Peter's sermon in Acts 2:37-41 serves as a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact of the Gospel message. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, hearts are convicted, lives are transformed, and a vibrant community of believers is born. The immediate and widespread response underscores the universality of God's love and the inclusivity of His invitation to salvation.

Jesus: The Son Who Is Consecrated For Evermore For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. Hebrews 7:28 As an Intercessor, Jesus doesn’t need to be consecrated every day, as the Old Testament priests had to sacrifice daily for their sins. They had to be consecrated time and again because they sinned. It was impossible for them to enter God’s presence unless they were cleansed each time they approached God. Jesus is the Son Who Is Consecrated For Evermore. He was eternally consecrated—prepared—to continually enter God’s presence for you. Jesus was perfect—without sin—so He could be our Sin Bearer. So now Jesus is the constant Intercessor for our sins. All day and every day, He stands ready to intercede to the Father for us. Jesus, I constantly need You to intercede for me, because I constantly fail. I sin innocently; intercede to the Father for me. I give in to temptation; pray to strengthen me. Jesus has an “unchangeable priesthood” (Hebrews 7:24). No matter what sin you commit and no matter why you sin, He will intercede to the Father for you. Remember, “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Did you see that word “all”? He cleanses you totally from sin; so confess it, repent and ask Jesus to forgive it. Then seek His power to overcome it. Jesus wants to give you victory. He stands in the Father’s presence for you. Jesus, I am amazed at Your grace and forgiveness. Thank You for cleansing my sin. Now make continued intercession for me. Amen. Go Deeper: Mark 14:32-42 Jesus makes constant intercession for your sin.

Pastor Myrtis Rander-Walker, Connection Meal Church is launching “Pop-Up Church” When: June 8th, 2024 Where: Manry Park, located at 30100 Arnold Rd, Willowick, OH 44095, beginning 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Come grab a hot dog, enjoy the music, and hear the Gospel. All Are Welcome!! You can help, by volunteering your time and/or financial support. Contact Pastor Myrtis @ (216) 282-6446 for details.

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Dear Friends, I am delighted to invite you to embark on a profound journey through the Gospel of Luke with our online Wednesday Bible Study sessions. Beginning on April 24, 2024, we will delve into the rich teachings of Jesus as He imparts wisdom, love, and guidance to His disciples. About the Study: In this series, we will focus on the Book of Luke, one of the four canonical Gospels, which offers a detailed and compelling account of Jesus' life, teachings, miracles, and parables. Luke, often described as the Gospel of compassion and inclusivity, presents Jesus as the Savior who reaches out to all people, irrespective of their background or social status. Purpose: Our aim is to deepen our understanding of Jesus' ministry and its relevance to our lives today. By studying His interactions with His disciples, we will gain insights into His teachings on faith, love, forgiveness, and the Kingdom of God. Through reflection and discussion, we will seek to apply these timeless truths to our daily walk with Christ. Format: Each Wednesday, we will gather online with the option of leaving comments for further discussion. This format encourages participation from all attendees and allows for ongoing dialogue beyond the live session. Together, we will explore the preachings of Jesus to His disciples and engage in meaningful conversations about their significance for our lives. Schedule: • Date: Starting April 24, 2024 • Time: 11:00 am Eastern Standard Time • Duration: Approximately 10 minutes • Locations: How to Join: If you're interested in participating, simply follow the above contact information. Preparation: For our sessions, the following weeks bible verse(s) will be included in the online video, familiarizing yourself with the context and themes. Reflect on any questions or insights that arise as you engage with the text. Closing Thoughts: As we anticipate this enriching journey through the Gospel of Luke, let us approach it with open hearts and minds, ready to encounter the living Word of God. Together, may we grow in our love for Jesus and our commitment to following Him faithfully. I look forward to studying God's Word with you all and experiencing the transformative power of His teachings in our lives. Blessings, Elder Ward

The Phenomenon of Pentecost The account of Pentecost in Acts 2:1-13 is a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, marking the fulfillment of Jesus Christ's promise to send the Holy Spirit to empower his disciples. This event, which occurred fifty days after Jesus' resurrection, brought about a dramatic outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the gathered believers. Through a five-point outline, we will explore the key aspects of this transformative event: The Day of Pentecost, Amazement and Astonishment, Questions and Skepticism, Unity in Diversity, and Perplexity and Inquiry. Each point is accompanied by relevant Bible verses, summaries, and image suggestions, offering a comprehensive understanding of the profound significance of Pentecost and its enduring impact on the early Christian community.

Acts 1:15-26 captures a crucial moment in the early Christian community, marked by unity, discernment, and divine guidance. Through the gathering of believers, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the deliberate process of apostolic succession, the disciples demonstrate their commitment to preserving the integrity of their witness and leadership. The passage underscores the importance of community, prayer, and reliance on God's sovereignty in navigating significant decisions and transitions within the Church. Ultimately, the selection of Matthias as the twelfth apostle highlights God's active involvement in establishing leadership and fulfilling His purposes through His chosen servants. As modern-day believers, we are reminded of the significance of unity, discernment, and trust in God's guidance as we seek to fulfill our own roles within the body of Christ.

Jesus: The Prince of the Kings of the Earth And from Jesus Christ, . . . the prince of the kings of the earth. Revelation 1:5 Jesus is the Prince of the Kings of the Earth. A prince is one who is waiting for the throne that he will formally assume in the future. Jesus is the Prince who will assume His throne at His second return. Then He’ll be the King of kings and the Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16). However, His future reign doesn’t deny His present rulership in the hearts of His followers or His sovereignty in Heaven. He wants to sit on the throne of your heart. Jesus, I pray, “Your kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10), for the future millennium. But for today, I want You to rule my heart. Jesus is the Prince of the Kings of the Earth; but now, in His sovereign plan, He allows each earthly ruler to rule. Whereas many earthly leaders ignore Christ and violate His laws, still “the powers [rulers] that be are ordained of God” (Romans 13:1). Those who rebel at His authority will be punished when they stand before the judgment throne. Even when rulers rebel against God, He works His plans through them. Many rulers think that they’re doing whatever they want, but the Bible teaches, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; . . . He turns it wherever He wishes” (Proverbs 21:1). Jesus, You have all power in Heaven and Earth. I marvel at Your patience and I praise You for working all things together for good to us who love You (Romans 8:28). Amen.

Jesus: The Righteous Judge Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that Day. 2 Timothy 4:8 Jesus is the Righteous Judge. When you come into future judgment, He will not punish you for your sins, because He died for your sins. Your sins were judged on the cross (John 12:31-32; 16:11), and all your iniquities were covered by the blood. When you appear before the Righteous Judge, He will reward you for your faithfulness and service. Every good thing you’ve ever done will be evaluated by Him (1 Corinthians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Then He’ll give you your rewards, also called crowns (James 1:12). Lord, You are the Righteous Judge. Thank You for forgiveness of sins. Thank You for mercy and grace. I don’t deserve it, but I accept it. The Righteous Judge will not make mistakes when He judges people at the end of this age. Because He is omnipotent, with all power, He can bring every person and all facts into His presence. Because He is omnipresent and omniscient, He knows all things; He understands everyone’s actions and motivations. Because He is God, you can count on Him to be a Righteous Judge. Whereas some corrupt judges can be bribed on this earth, Jesus will give the right judgment in the right way. He will look at all the merits of your case when you appear before Him. You will get the appropriate rewards from the Righteous Judge. Lord, I know You are righteous, so I rest securely in Your presence. I know You will judge me rightly. Amen.

In Acts 1:12-14, we witness the profound unity and fervent prayer of the early disciples as they awaited the promised outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This passage serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of communal fellowship, spiritual preparation, and steadfast faith in the life of every believer. Just as the disciples gathered in anticipation, we too are called to unite in prayer, trusting in God's faithfulness and eagerly awaiting His guidance and empowerment in our lives. As we reflect on this pivotal moment in the history of the early Church, may we be inspired to cultivate a similar spirit of expectant waiting and unwavering faith in our journey of discipleship today.

Jesus: The Only Begotten of the Father And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 Jesus is the Only Begotten of the Father, which means He comes from the Father and is the unique personification of the Father. Jesus’ being begotten of the Father means that He is the expression of the Father. John 1:14 emphasizes Jesus’ characteristic of being “the Word,” which means that the message and meaning of the Word reflects the Father. When the Father wants to make an utterance to the world, He does it through Jesus, the Word. Lord Jesus, I come asking You to teach me what the Father in Heaven is like. I want to love the Father more than ever, but I must know Him better to love Him better. Jesus is the Only Begotten of the Father, which means that He is just like the Father. If you want to see what the Father is like, look at Jesus in the Scriptures. If you want to know how the Father relates to you, look at how Jesus related to people. If you want to approach the Father, go to Him through His Son. To know the Father better, know Jesus. Lord Jesus, I look to You to see the Father. I know that the Father is loving, because I see how You loved people. I know the Father is powerful, because I see Your awesome power in creating the universe and in transforming individuals. I know the Father is kind and gentle, because You are patient with me and forgiving toward me. Amen. Go Deeper: John 1:14-28 To better know the Father, learn about Jesus. Tomorrow...The Trinity: Almighty God (El Shaddai)

The Holy Spirit: The Finger of God Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, "This is the finger of God." But Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not heed them. Exodus 8:19 The Holy Spirit is the Finger of God. He is the One used by the Father and Son to carry out divine work in the world. The Holy Spirit was the Finger of God that wrote the Ten Commandments on tablets of stone. He was the judgmental Finger that brought 10 plagues upon Egypt (Exodus 8:16-19). He is the weather Finger that controls storms and drought. He can be the Finger of God to touch your life today. The Holy Spirit wants to direct your actions and control your destiny. With God’s Finger, you can touch your world. Will you yield to the control of the Holy Spirit today? Holy Spirit, touch me. Just as I touch things in this world, I want You to touch me today. Use me. Give me new purpose and new energy. The Finger of God can touch you with power so you can do the will of the Father. The Holy Spirit is the Finger of God who can touch your circumstances to solve problems and put things in order. The Finger of God can point you in the direction you should go. Look to the Holy Spirit for direction; trust Him for spiritual power; and yield to His control. Holy Spirit, I need Your presence today. Come live in my body. I want to touch You with my prayers, but most important, I want to touch You with my heart. Amen. Go Deeper: Exodus 8:16-19; Luke 11:14-23 God uses the Holy Spirit to get things done. Tomorrow...Jesus: The Light of the Glorious Gospel

Jesus: The Lion of the Tribe of Judah One of the elders said to me, "Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals." Revelation 5:5 Jesus is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. He fulfilled the Old Testament prediction that the King-Messiah would come from the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:8-9). Just as the lion is called the ruler of the jungle, so the lion symbol is used to describe earthly rulers. Jesus is pictured as a lion because He will rule all mankind. Let Him rule your heart and lead you to a better life. Lord, come rule my heart, because I cannot rule it. Sometimes I don’t do the things I want to do, and sometimes I do the things I don’t want to do (Romans 7:15). Jesus is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah who will prevail in the future to open the book and loose the seals (Revelation 5:5), so He can prevail against your unruly heart. He can rule your life and help you control your desires. He can keep you from excesses and lawlessness. But you must yield to Him so that He can control your life. Just as John was counseled not to weep because he couldn’t open the book, so you shouldn’t despair because of your weaknesses. Jesus is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah; He has strength to help control your life today. Lord, I surrender my rebellious spirit to You, but I also want You to give me the power to do the will of God. When I lack inner strength and fortitude, I look to Your great strength. I yield to Your rule for this day. Amen. Go Deeper: Revelation 5:1-5 Jesus can give you strength to control your weaknesses. Tomorrow...Jesus: The Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God

The Father: Our Father in Heaven When you pray, say: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Luke 11:2 You should pray, “Our Father in Heaven.” This is the phrase Jesus used to teach you how to pray. Notice that He didn’t use the singular possessive pronoun “my.” The plural possessive “our” includes Jesus and you. So when you pray, “Our Father,” you are coming to the Father with Jesus. That means the Father will hear and answer your prayers because Jesus is your Intercessor (Hebrews 7:24-25). It also means you are coming through the blood of Jesus’ cross (Hebrews 4:14-16). Jesus is near to the Father’s heart, so when you pray “Our Father” with Jesus, you get immediate intimacy with the Father. By coming to the Father with Jesus, you can be as close to the Father as Jesus is. Our Father, I come to You with Jesus, so I pray, “Our Father, may Your name be holy in my life today as Your name is revered in Heaven.” Because you were identified with Jesus in His death, burial and resurrection, you can pray “Our Father.” Because you’ve invited Christ to live in your heart, you can pray “Our Father” (Ephesians 3:17). You can have confidence when you come to the Father with Jesus. Our Father in Heaven, rule Your kingdom from the throne of my heart. May I obey Your will in my life today on Earth, as Your will is obeyed in Heaven. Amen.