Acts 9:36-43 (NKJV): “At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. 37 But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, ‘Tabitha, arise.’ And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. 43 So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.” 

                              This Is A Picture Of The Typical American Church! 

“A Disciple Named Tabitha” was a Student of the Word, and a Follower of the Way. 

“They Washed Her” and Watched Her. Too Many Press In and Then Check Out

She Was Dead in the Upper Room, and was Full of Good Works and Charitable Deeds

People Were Weeping Instead of Working, Wailing Instead of Worshiping

They Were Celebrating the Past Instead of Forcefully Advancing the Kingdom

“Peter Put Them Out.” Jesus Said, “Many on that day will say, ‘Lord, Lord,’” Matt. 7:22

“Peter Knelt Down and Prayed.” We have Tuesday Night Prayer and Wednesday Communion

“Turning To The Body He Said, ‘Tabitha, Arise,’ and She Opened Up Her Eyes,” She Looked Up.

Psalm 119:18 (NKJV): “Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law.” 

Ephesians 1:18-19 (NIV): “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe…” 

“When She Saw Peter She Sat Up.” Where You Sit Matters. Ephesians 2:6-7 (NIV): “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”

“Then He Gave Her His Hand and Lifted Her Up,” She was lifted up. Psalm 40:2-3 (NKJV): “He lifted me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God; Many will it and fear, And will trust in the LORD.” 

In Closing, “When He Had Called the Saints and Widows, He Presented Her Alive.”

Isaiah 60:1-7 (NKJV): “Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.
For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. 3 The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising. ‘Lift up your eyes all around, and see: They all gather together, they come to you; Your sons shall come from afar, And your daughters shall be nursed at your side. 5 Then you shall see and become radiant, And your heart shall swell with joy; Because the abundance of the sea shall 

(Isaiah 60:1-7, NKJV Continued)     

be turned to you, The wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you. The multitude of camels shall cover your land, The dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; All those from Sheba shall come; They shall bring gold and incense, And they shall proclaim the praises of the Lord. 7 All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together to you, The rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you; They shall ascend with acceptance on My altar, And I will glorify the house of My glory.” 

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