Acts 21-22
When Paul came back to Jerusalem to meet with the traditional believers at First Church of Jerusalem, he met some resistance. He had just given his report on the number of Gentiles being saved, when the leaders of the church at Jerusalem reminded Paul that many Jews had come to believe in Jesus, but they also followed the laws of Moses and would be offended by Paul's teachings. They weren't so much concerned whether Paul was preaching the truth, but rather that he was not preaching the old ways. Thus began the ending of Paul's ministry. However right Paul was... he was too radical for the old church. The establishment church doesn't beat radical preachers anymore, mostly it just hopes they will go away. I wonder how today's radical preachers will fare?
Showing posts with label Acts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Acts. Show all posts
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Is That Good?
Acts 19-20
A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits in the name of the Jesus that Paul preached. The spirits were not impressed. They responded that they knew Jesus and that they knew Paul, but they didn't know these Jews. So my questions is... Is it good or bad if the evil spirits don't know you? It would seem that they know and fear their enemies, so if they don't know you, they don't fear you and thus don't worry about you... they can attack and destroy at will, but don't care to expend the energy unless you bother them.
A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits in the name of the Jesus that Paul preached. The spirits were not impressed. They responded that they knew Jesus and that they knew Paul, but they didn't know these Jews. So my questions is... Is it good or bad if the evil spirits don't know you? It would seem that they know and fear their enemies, so if they don't know you, they don't fear you and thus don't worry about you... they can attack and destroy at will, but don't care to expend the energy unless you bother them.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Live, Move, Be
Acts 17-18
The Greeks in Athens had a long history of philosophical debate and thought in the centuries leading up to Jesus' birth. About the time the Israelites were coming out of exile, Socrates came on the scene as the greatest philosopher... his best student was Plato... and his best student was Aristotle... and his best student was Alexander the Great. It was into this environment that Paul stumbled upon a monument to An Unknown God... a God that Paul describes as one in whom we live and move and have our being.
The Greeks in Athens had a long history of philosophical debate and thought in the centuries leading up to Jesus' birth. About the time the Israelites were coming out of exile, Socrates came on the scene as the greatest philosopher... his best student was Plato... and his best student was Aristotle... and his best student was Alexander the Great. It was into this environment that Paul stumbled upon a monument to An Unknown God... a God that Paul describes as one in whom we live and move and have our being.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Just Curious
Acts 15-16
So Paul and Silas head to Philippi where they meet Lydia and her "church" down by the river. They preached the gospel and her heart was opened and she was baptized. Since they were down by the river already, it is easy to presume that the baptism occurred in the river. When Paul and Silas were later jailed and subsequently miraculously released, the jailer came to Christ. He and his whole household were baptized. Just curious if there is any reason to believe that they went down to the river versus sprinkling or pouring, and how old were his children? Hmmm.
So Paul and Silas head to Philippi where they meet Lydia and her "church" down by the river. They preached the gospel and her heart was opened and she was baptized. Since they were down by the river already, it is easy to presume that the baptism occurred in the river. When Paul and Silas were later jailed and subsequently miraculously released, the jailer came to Christ. He and his whole household were baptized. Just curious if there is any reason to believe that they went down to the river versus sprinkling or pouring, and how old were his children? Hmmm.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Marks of Belief
Acts 13-14
I am struck by some of the marks of the believers in the New Testament church... the believers were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. You'd think that our churches would similarly be filled with people who were full of joy and the Holy Spirit, but that really seems to be more the exception than the rule in the modern church. I wonder if somewhere along the way we traded the glory of God for some paltry worldly substitute and it can never fill us with the joy that Christ gives because it is a sham. Seems to me that if this is so, we need to throw out the substitute and get the real thing and we'll know when we succeeded by the marks of joy.
I am struck by some of the marks of the believers in the New Testament church... the believers were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. You'd think that our churches would similarly be filled with people who were full of joy and the Holy Spirit, but that really seems to be more the exception than the rule in the modern church. I wonder if somewhere along the way we traded the glory of God for some paltry worldly substitute and it can never fill us with the joy that Christ gives because it is a sham. Seems to me that if this is so, we need to throw out the substitute and get the real thing and we'll know when we succeeded by the marks of joy.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
The Great Escape
Acts 11-12
One of my favorite movies growing up was The Great Escape where Steve McQueen "escapes" from a German prison camp many times but is recaptured each time. Likewise I have always liked Peter's escape from jail when the angel leads him out of locked chains and doors to freedom. The irony of poor Rhoda answering the door at prayer meeting being held at Mary's house is so excited that she slams the door of Peter to run in to tell everyone that Peter is at the door.
We too have been set free... maybe not from a jail with armed guards, but from a prison with chains just as surely. Sin holds us in bondage as long as we will let it, but Jesus will set us free. He paid the ransom and we are free to leave... free to live, but here's the kicker, we have to decide to accept the freedom that he bought us.
One of my favorite movies growing up was The Great Escape where Steve McQueen "escapes" from a German prison camp many times but is recaptured each time. Likewise I have always liked Peter's escape from jail when the angel leads him out of locked chains and doors to freedom. The irony of poor Rhoda answering the door at prayer meeting being held at Mary's house is so excited that she slams the door of Peter to run in to tell everyone that Peter is at the door.
We too have been set free... maybe not from a jail with armed guards, but from a prison with chains just as surely. Sin holds us in bondage as long as we will let it, but Jesus will set us free. He paid the ransom and we are free to leave... free to live, but here's the kicker, we have to decide to accept the freedom that he bought us.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Just Rewards
Acts 9-10
During our lesson at church this evening, we discussed an Andy Stanley video about personal spiritual disciplines using the text from Matthew 6:1-6...
Even though we may not know how or why God works in a particular manner, we can place our full faith and trust in him... and that is just rewards.
During our lesson at church this evening, we discussed an Andy Stanley video about personal spiritual disciplines using the text from Matthew 6:1-6...
Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. [...] Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. [...] But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.One of the focuses, was on the reward part. Not that we do these things so that we receive a reward, but rather that when we do these things God does reward us. Today's reading from Acts shows the practical outworking of Jesus' words. There was a Roman Centurion named Cornelius who feared God, gave to the needy and prayed. An angel of the Lord appeared to Cornelius with this message... “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering!”
Even though we may not know how or why God works in a particular manner, we can place our full faith and trust in him... and that is just rewards.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Spiritual Wannabes
Acts 5-6
The Acts Church must have been an exciting time of spiritual renewal... people were added to their number every day... the sick were healed by Peter's shadow... jail doors were opened... and people shared all that they had. Not surprisingly, some people wanted to be a part of the spiritual awakening without the commitment. Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of land and conspired to pretend to give all of the proceeds to the early church so that others would think highly of them. Instead they instantly fell dead. What appeared to them to be a sure-fired scheme to success was their ultimate downfall. How often do we scheme in analogous ways... hoping that others will think highly of us?
The Acts Church must have been an exciting time of spiritual renewal... people were added to their number every day... the sick were healed by Peter's shadow... jail doors were opened... and people shared all that they had. Not surprisingly, some people wanted to be a part of the spiritual awakening without the commitment. Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of land and conspired to pretend to give all of the proceeds to the early church so that others would think highly of them. Instead they instantly fell dead. What appeared to them to be a sure-fired scheme to success was their ultimate downfall. How often do we scheme in analogous ways... hoping that others will think highly of us?
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Scary Prayer
Acts 3-4
After Peter and John were released by the Temple Guard for healing the lame man at the Beautiful Gate in the name of Jesus, they gather with the other disciples and prayed that God would give them boldness in proclaiming the name of Jesus. But they also prayed something else... they prayed that God would "Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
Too often when we pray we stay away from the scary prayers... those that our faith isn't big enough to allow us to proclaim with boldness. Notice that the disciples did not qualify their request with "if it be in your will" or "in your time." They simply brought their request before the Lord. The thought that God might not answer their request didn't seem to be a part of their belief. It was the same way with Peter and John at the gate. The lame man asked for alms and they instead boldly told him to get up and walk, and then leaned over to help him up. It didn't seem to occur to them that the lame man's legs wouldn't support him, they fully expected God to work right then to heal the man.
Why is it that we don't pray with that level of belief? Many Christians today don't even believe that miracles are still a part of God's plan... entire denominations refuse to accept that God is still in the miracle business. Perhaps we should not be too surprised that the atheists around us think of us as pitiful... an ignorant group clinging to myths from long ago. As a whole, we don't really seem to believe what we claim. True faith ought to step out with scary prayers... not to test God, but rather to be the voice of God manifested in a life in tune with God's perfect will.
After Peter and John were released by the Temple Guard for healing the lame man at the Beautiful Gate in the name of Jesus, they gather with the other disciples and prayed that God would give them boldness in proclaiming the name of Jesus. But they also prayed something else... they prayed that God would "Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
Too often when we pray we stay away from the scary prayers... those that our faith isn't big enough to allow us to proclaim with boldness. Notice that the disciples did not qualify their request with "if it be in your will" or "in your time." They simply brought their request before the Lord. The thought that God might not answer their request didn't seem to be a part of their belief. It was the same way with Peter and John at the gate. The lame man asked for alms and they instead boldly told him to get up and walk, and then leaned over to help him up. It didn't seem to occur to them that the lame man's legs wouldn't support him, they fully expected God to work right then to heal the man.
Why is it that we don't pray with that level of belief? Many Christians today don't even believe that miracles are still a part of God's plan... entire denominations refuse to accept that God is still in the miracle business. Perhaps we should not be too surprised that the atheists around us think of us as pitiful... an ignorant group clinging to myths from long ago. As a whole, we don't really seem to believe what we claim. True faith ought to step out with scary prayers... not to test God, but rather to be the voice of God manifested in a life in tune with God's perfect will.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Cult Heroes
Acts 1-2
Normally, when I've heard pastors preach on the characteristics of the early church, they seem to skip over the cult-like qualities in favor of other characteristics that fall more into line with our modern church. What if we had a church that mirrored the Acts 2 description...
Normally, when I've heard pastors preach on the characteristics of the early church, they seem to skip over the cult-like qualities in favor of other characteristics that fall more into line with our modern church. What if we had a church that mirrored the Acts 2 description...
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.So what about it? If "all the believers devoted themselves" there would be only participants, no spectators. If we truly "shared everything we had" then none would be in need, and none would take advantage of the others. If we "worshiped at the Temple each day" instead of only one or two days a week, God would have a more significant place in our lives. My guess is that we'd also see "many miraculous signs and wonders" accompanying this total commitment and that the Lord would add to our numbers daily... and the rest of the world would call us a cult.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
In the End
Bible Readings... Acts 22-28
Highlighted Verse... Acts 28:26-27 - Go to this people and say, "You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving." For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.
Thoughts... Though Paul tried to the end to reach the people of his birth, he was generally ineffective. He was ineffective because his primary calling by the Lord was to the Gentiles. In Acts 9, the Lord instructs Ananias to go to Paul by saying... "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." Paul gave his life to spread the gospel to the Gentiles, their king Caesar, and the people of Israel. To the end, many of the people closed their ears and eyes and hearts... and yet he kept preaching.
How it impressed me... The whole of Paul's life as a bond servant of Christ as recorded in Acts serves as a example for those who would follow after God's will... from the listeners to the preachers.
My response to God... Lord, help me to set aside my desires and instead support your plan, your purpose for my life and seek you regardless of the cost.
Highlighted Verse... Acts 28:26-27 - Go to this people and say, "You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving." For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.
Thoughts... Though Paul tried to the end to reach the people of his birth, he was generally ineffective. He was ineffective because his primary calling by the Lord was to the Gentiles. In Acts 9, the Lord instructs Ananias to go to Paul by saying... "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." Paul gave his life to spread the gospel to the Gentiles, their king Caesar, and the people of Israel. To the end, many of the people closed their ears and eyes and hearts... and yet he kept preaching.
How it impressed me... The whole of Paul's life as a bond servant of Christ as recorded in Acts serves as a example for those who would follow after God's will... from the listeners to the preachers.
My response to God... Lord, help me to set aside my desires and instead support your plan, your purpose for my life and seek you regardless of the cost.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Last Resort
Bible Readings... Acts 21
Highlighted Verse... Acts 21:12-14 - When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, "The Lord's will be done."
Thoughts... Curiously, I don't think I ever really considered that Luke accompanied Paul on any of his missionary journeys, but the language here clearly indicates that Luke was there in his usage of first person language. But the part of this reading that caught my attention more was the believers response when they could not convince Paul to stay away from Jerusalem after a local prophet foresaw his capture. Verse 14 says it all "When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, 'The Lord's will be done.' "
How it impressed me... How often have we found ourselves in similar situations... when all else fails, I guess we should just trust the Lord. This is clearly not God's plan for our lives. His plan would be that we would trust him from the start and follow after his will all the days of our lives.
My response to God... Dear Lord, help me to look to you first, rather than trying to do it all myself and then leaning on you when all else fails. Instead, instill in me the habit of trusting you completely with everything all the time.
Highlighted Verse... Acts 21:12-14 - When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, "The Lord's will be done."
Thoughts... Curiously, I don't think I ever really considered that Luke accompanied Paul on any of his missionary journeys, but the language here clearly indicates that Luke was there in his usage of first person language. But the part of this reading that caught my attention more was the believers response when they could not convince Paul to stay away from Jerusalem after a local prophet foresaw his capture. Verse 14 says it all "When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, 'The Lord's will be done.' "
How it impressed me... How often have we found ourselves in similar situations... when all else fails, I guess we should just trust the Lord. This is clearly not God's plan for our lives. His plan would be that we would trust him from the start and follow after his will all the days of our lives.
My response to God... Dear Lord, help me to look to you first, rather than trying to do it all myself and then leaning on you when all else fails. Instead, instill in me the habit of trusting you completely with everything all the time.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Separation of Church and State
Bible Readings... Acts 18
Highlighted Verse... Acts 18:13 - "This man," they charged, "is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law."
Thoughts... After Paul left Athens, he went to Corinth where he spent a year and a half teaching and preaching the gospel of Christ. Many Jews from the synagogue opposed Paul and his teaching, so he left the synagogue to witness to the Gentiles, but that wasn't enough to satisfy some of the people. Even though the synagogue leader heard and believed, but others brought Paul before the Roman proconsul Gallio for punishment. Gallio would have none of it, but that didn't stop the mob from attacking the synagogue ruler.
How it impressed me... Even though it sometimes seems like a good idea to have civil laws which uphold religious precepts, in almost all cases, adherence to the letter of the law eventually eclipses true worship of God. The fallen nature of man almost always assures that good intentions will degenerate into an ungodly desire to follow man's ways over God's ways.
My response to God... Father God, Author of the true Law, Essence of Love, help me to follow your law in obedience, but more than anything help me to long for and strive to love you more than life itself. Purge all selfishness from me, and help me to withhold judgement from everyone.
Highlighted Verse... Acts 18:13 - "This man," they charged, "is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law."
Thoughts... After Paul left Athens, he went to Corinth where he spent a year and a half teaching and preaching the gospel of Christ. Many Jews from the synagogue opposed Paul and his teaching, so he left the synagogue to witness to the Gentiles, but that wasn't enough to satisfy some of the people. Even though the synagogue leader heard and believed, but others brought Paul before the Roman proconsul Gallio for punishment. Gallio would have none of it, but that didn't stop the mob from attacking the synagogue ruler.
How it impressed me... Even though it sometimes seems like a good idea to have civil laws which uphold religious precepts, in almost all cases, adherence to the letter of the law eventually eclipses true worship of God. The fallen nature of man almost always assures that good intentions will degenerate into an ungodly desire to follow man's ways over God's ways.
My response to God... Father God, Author of the true Law, Essence of Love, help me to follow your law in obedience, but more than anything help me to long for and strive to love you more than life itself. Purge all selfishness from me, and help me to withhold judgement from everyone.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Hide and Seek
Bible Readings... Acts 17
Highlighted Verse... Acts 17:24-28 - The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 'For in him we live and move and have our being.'
Thoughts... Paul is preaching the gospel to Greeks at the Areopagus. As such, he takes a different tack than normal, but never wavers from the truth. Some of the points he makes to the Greeks ring especially true... God is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything... God gives us life and breath and everything else... God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him... For in him we live and move and have our being
How it impressed me... Paul wants the Greek listeners to come to a saving knowledge of Christ, because it is the truth and the logical outworking of the truth. His summary is the God doesn't need us, we need him. We can't give him anything because he has already given us everything. God wants us to seek after him and find him so much that he doesn't hide from us and he stays close by. This image brings to mind my oldest child's actions playing hide and seek as a young girl. Lauren would go into a corner and hide her eyes, then bid me come find her. God desires that we find him, so that we might be saved because our very being depends on it.
My response to God... Lord God, maker of heaven and earth and everything in it. Bid me come find you, draw me closer to you, that you can catch me, and that I will be yours.
Highlighted Verse... Acts 17:24-28 - The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 'For in him we live and move and have our being.'
Thoughts... Paul is preaching the gospel to Greeks at the Areopagus. As such, he takes a different tack than normal, but never wavers from the truth. Some of the points he makes to the Greeks ring especially true... God is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything... God gives us life and breath and everything else... God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him... For in him we live and move and have our being
How it impressed me... Paul wants the Greek listeners to come to a saving knowledge of Christ, because it is the truth and the logical outworking of the truth. His summary is the God doesn't need us, we need him. We can't give him anything because he has already given us everything. God wants us to seek after him and find him so much that he doesn't hide from us and he stays close by. This image brings to mind my oldest child's actions playing hide and seek as a young girl. Lauren would go into a corner and hide her eyes, then bid me come find her. God desires that we find him, so that we might be saved because our very being depends on it.
My response to God... Lord God, maker of heaven and earth and everything in it. Bid me come find you, draw me closer to you, that you can catch me, and that I will be yours.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Dedication and Determination
Bible Readings... Acts 14
Highlighted Verse... Acts 14:19-20 - Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city.
Thoughts... As Paul and Barnabas travel on the first missionary journey they experience many successes. With each success, however, some non-believers rise up in jealousy. In Lystra, the local population wants to worship them as gods, but troublemakers from Antioch and Iconium arrive and whip the crowd into a frenzy. They take Paul off, stone him, and leave him for dead. So what does Paul do next? He gets up, dusts himself off, and goes back into town.
How it impressed me... Paul was completely sold out to Christ. Nothing was going to stop him from fulfilling the mission that Christ had set before him. He wasn't going to let the people worship him instead of the living God and he wasn't going to let the threat of death keep him from his appointed rounds.
My response to God... Lord God, you reign throughout the earth, and yet I fail to acknowledge you sovereignty. I put my goals ahead of yours... I quit when I get tired or bored or defeated... help me to take on the dedication and determination of Paul... to strive onward in the face of difficulty and temptation without looking back or veering off course.
Highlighted Verse... Acts 14:19-20 - Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city.
Thoughts... As Paul and Barnabas travel on the first missionary journey they experience many successes. With each success, however, some non-believers rise up in jealousy. In Lystra, the local population wants to worship them as gods, but troublemakers from Antioch and Iconium arrive and whip the crowd into a frenzy. They take Paul off, stone him, and leave him for dead. So what does Paul do next? He gets up, dusts himself off, and goes back into town.
How it impressed me... Paul was completely sold out to Christ. Nothing was going to stop him from fulfilling the mission that Christ had set before him. He wasn't going to let the people worship him instead of the living God and he wasn't going to let the threat of death keep him from his appointed rounds.
My response to God... Lord God, you reign throughout the earth, and yet I fail to acknowledge you sovereignty. I put my goals ahead of yours... I quit when I get tired or bored or defeated... help me to take on the dedication and determination of Paul... to strive onward in the face of difficulty and temptation without looking back or veering off course.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
God's Timing
Bible Readings... Acts 12
Highlighted Verse... Acts 12:1-3 - It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
Thoughts... During Jesus' ministry on earth, he spent extra time with three of the apostles -- Peter, James, and John. Now, a little less than one year after the Crucifixion, James has been put to death by Herod and Peter is imprisoned by Herod with similar intent. How could Jesus' special time with these three men have been for one year of ministry after his death? Oddly enough, in One of Jesus' last earthly talks with Peter, he tells Peter how he will die, and tells Peter not to worry about John, but no word is said of James.
How it impressed me... It is clear that we will never know God's full plan this side of Heaven. Why he takes this one home and leaves another... cutting short one life and extending another... has confused man for ages. However, the fact that he has a plan, should not confuse any believers. We tend to overly focus on what we can see instead of what God sees... what we think is important, rather than what God knows is important. Peter lived for another day through the miraculous intervention of an angel of the Lord, James went home to his master.
My response to God... Mighty God, your ways remain a mystery to me. I know your grand plan from your Word, but fail to see how all the pieces fit together. Help me to have faith in your omniscience, even when I don't understand. Use me as you will to achieve your goals.
Highlighted Verse... Acts 12:1-3 - It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
Thoughts... During Jesus' ministry on earth, he spent extra time with three of the apostles -- Peter, James, and John. Now, a little less than one year after the Crucifixion, James has been put to death by Herod and Peter is imprisoned by Herod with similar intent. How could Jesus' special time with these three men have been for one year of ministry after his death? Oddly enough, in One of Jesus' last earthly talks with Peter, he tells Peter how he will die, and tells Peter not to worry about John, but no word is said of James.
How it impressed me... It is clear that we will never know God's full plan this side of Heaven. Why he takes this one home and leaves another... cutting short one life and extending another... has confused man for ages. However, the fact that he has a plan, should not confuse any believers. We tend to overly focus on what we can see instead of what God sees... what we think is important, rather than what God knows is important. Peter lived for another day through the miraculous intervention of an angel of the Lord, James went home to his master.
My response to God... Mighty God, your ways remain a mystery to me. I know your grand plan from your Word, but fail to see how all the pieces fit together. Help me to have faith in your omniscience, even when I don't understand. Use me as you will to achieve your goals.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
No Fear Not
Bible Readings... Acts 10
Highlighted Verse... Acts 10:3-4 - One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, "Cornelius!" Cornelius stared at him in fear. "What is it, Lord?" he asked.
Thoughts... Cornelius was a Roman Centurion. As such, he was undoubtedly a brave soldier, a commander of fearless troops, and proven warrior himself. Normally when an angel of the Lord appears to someone in the New Testament, the first thing the angel of the Lord says is "Fear Not." But here, the angel said "Cornelius!" and though he was afraid, he responded "What is it, Lord?"
How it impressed me... Everything about the story of Cornelius surprises us. We see a Roman who is devout and loves the Lord, an angel then calls that Centurion by name, the Centurion recognizes the call of God, the apostle Peter goes to visit the Roman and eventually the Gentiles are baptized. At any step along the way, any number of individuals could have followed societal norms and a much different outcome would have resulted. But, because each listened to God's call on their life, history was changed forever.
My response to God... Mighty God, you have a plan for my life, a calling that you have made, and I know that I have thwarted your attempts at times. Help me to never say "No" again... to always answer your call with a "Here I am Lord", that your will would be made complete in me.
Highlighted Verse... Acts 10:3-4 - One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, "Cornelius!" Cornelius stared at him in fear. "What is it, Lord?" he asked.
Thoughts... Cornelius was a Roman Centurion. As such, he was undoubtedly a brave soldier, a commander of fearless troops, and proven warrior himself. Normally when an angel of the Lord appears to someone in the New Testament, the first thing the angel of the Lord says is "Fear Not." But here, the angel said "Cornelius!" and though he was afraid, he responded "What is it, Lord?"
How it impressed me... Everything about the story of Cornelius surprises us. We see a Roman who is devout and loves the Lord, an angel then calls that Centurion by name, the Centurion recognizes the call of God, the apostle Peter goes to visit the Roman and eventually the Gentiles are baptized. At any step along the way, any number of individuals could have followed societal norms and a much different outcome would have resulted. But, because each listened to God's call on their life, history was changed forever.
My response to God... Mighty God, you have a plan for my life, a calling that you have made, and I know that I have thwarted your attempts at times. Help me to never say "No" again... to always answer your call with a "Here I am Lord", that your will would be made complete in me.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
History repeats
Bible Readings... Acts 9
Highlighted Verse... Acts 9:4,25,34,40 - He heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"... But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall... Get up and take care of your mat."... "Tabitha, get up."
Thoughts... Jesus' original call to Peter was "Come, Follow Me." Now with Jesus having ascended into heaven, Peter need not wonder what to do next, he just follows what he saw Jesus do. In chapter 9 we see many events unfold that are reminiscent of earlier events. Saul's call to save the Gentiles reminds us of when God called Moses from the burning bush to save the Jews by saying "Moses, Moses." Then Saul is helped to escape from Damascus when they were trying to kill him in the same way that Rahab saved the Jewish spies in the promised land. Peter repeats Jesus' miracles of healing the lame man and raising Lazarus from the tomb.
How it impressed me... God is not looking for us to dream up new approaches to saving his people, he simply calls us to follow him... follow his example... follow his actions... follow his way. He has laid out the task before us and equipped us with the power we need, the only response needed is our obedience.
My response to God... Father God, you have supplied all my needs, help me to respond in obedience to your call and follow after you, to bring your saving grace to those I meet daily.
Highlighted Verse... Acts 9:4,25,34,40 - He heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"... But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall... Get up and take care of your mat."... "Tabitha, get up."
Thoughts... Jesus' original call to Peter was "Come, Follow Me." Now with Jesus having ascended into heaven, Peter need not wonder what to do next, he just follows what he saw Jesus do. In chapter 9 we see many events unfold that are reminiscent of earlier events. Saul's call to save the Gentiles reminds us of when God called Moses from the burning bush to save the Jews by saying "Moses, Moses." Then Saul is helped to escape from Damascus when they were trying to kill him in the same way that Rahab saved the Jewish spies in the promised land. Peter repeats Jesus' miracles of healing the lame man and raising Lazarus from the tomb.
How it impressed me... God is not looking for us to dream up new approaches to saving his people, he simply calls us to follow him... follow his example... follow his actions... follow his way. He has laid out the task before us and equipped us with the power we need, the only response needed is our obedience.
My response to God... Father God, you have supplied all my needs, help me to respond in obedience to your call and follow after you, to bring your saving grace to those I meet daily.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The Unspoken Lesson
Bible Readings... Acts 8
Highlighted Verse... Acts 8:5,14 - Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there... When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them.
Thoughts... After the stoning of Stephen, Saul ratcheted up the pressure on the followers of the Way in Jerusalem so that all of the followers, except the apostles, were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. For generations, faithful Jews had avoided anything to do with the Samaritans... saving their deepest contempt for the Samaritans (cousins who, although descended from Joseph's children Ephraim and Manasseh, had not maintained Jewish religious traditions). But now, the disciples of Jesus are actively seeking to spread the gospel to the Samaritans... following the lessons that Jesus had shown them many times.
How it impressed me... Jesus never told his disciples to explicitly spread the gospel to the Samaritans, but it was clear by his example that he did not hold them in contempt like the Jewish leaders. There are five instances in the Gospels where Jesus mentions or deals with the Samaritans and four lift up the Samaritan as someone who needed help and was worthy of giving his help to. Sinners, yes, but still children of God. His example was not lost on his followers, who when pushed out of Jerusalem went to the Samaritans to offer them the Good News.
My response to God... Loving Father you continually open your arms to those considered unworthy by society... offering them eternal life. I thank you for the same offer and ask that you continue to open my heart to the cries of the needy... to those who, like the Samaritans "worship what they do not know."
Highlighted Verse... Acts 8:5,14 - Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there... When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them.
Thoughts... After the stoning of Stephen, Saul ratcheted up the pressure on the followers of the Way in Jerusalem so that all of the followers, except the apostles, were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. For generations, faithful Jews had avoided anything to do with the Samaritans... saving their deepest contempt for the Samaritans (cousins who, although descended from Joseph's children Ephraim and Manasseh, had not maintained Jewish religious traditions). But now, the disciples of Jesus are actively seeking to spread the gospel to the Samaritans... following the lessons that Jesus had shown them many times.
How it impressed me... Jesus never told his disciples to explicitly spread the gospel to the Samaritans, but it was clear by his example that he did not hold them in contempt like the Jewish leaders. There are five instances in the Gospels where Jesus mentions or deals with the Samaritans and four lift up the Samaritan as someone who needed help and was worthy of giving his help to. Sinners, yes, but still children of God. His example was not lost on his followers, who when pushed out of Jerusalem went to the Samaritans to offer them the Good News.
My response to God... Loving Father you continually open your arms to those considered unworthy by society... offering them eternal life. I thank you for the same offer and ask that you continue to open my heart to the cries of the needy... to those who, like the Samaritans "worship what they do not know."
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
What is Truth?
Bible Readings... Acts 7
Highlighted Verse... Acts 7:1 - Then the high priest asked him, "Are these charges true?"
Thoughts... Stephen was seized by members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen and brought before the Sanhedrin where they induced false witnesses to accuse him of speaking against the law. Then the high priest asked him, "Are these charges true?"
How it impressed me... Stephen's trial seems remarkably similar to Jesus' trial in many respect. Both were seized by a mob, turned over to the ruling Jews, confronted by false witnesses (ironically, breaking one of the 10 commandments to convict someone of breaking one of the 10 commandments), then brought before a leader who would ask about truth, while not being interested in real truth, only to find them guilty and put to death. To those who seek their own interests, the truth is a threat that must be dealt with severely, while to those who seek truth no worldly price is too high for the freedom gained.
My response to God... Father of Truth, Giver of Light, convict me when I seek after my own interests rather than the truth. Open my eyes and heart to the truth.
Highlighted Verse... Acts 7:1 - Then the high priest asked him, "Are these charges true?"
Thoughts... Stephen was seized by members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen and brought before the Sanhedrin where they induced false witnesses to accuse him of speaking against the law. Then the high priest asked him, "Are these charges true?"
How it impressed me... Stephen's trial seems remarkably similar to Jesus' trial in many respect. Both were seized by a mob, turned over to the ruling Jews, confronted by false witnesses (ironically, breaking one of the 10 commandments to convict someone of breaking one of the 10 commandments), then brought before a leader who would ask about truth, while not being interested in real truth, only to find them guilty and put to death. To those who seek their own interests, the truth is a threat that must be dealt with severely, while to those who seek truth no worldly price is too high for the freedom gained.
My response to God... Father of Truth, Giver of Light, convict me when I seek after my own interests rather than the truth. Open my eyes and heart to the truth.
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