Oh those poor religious leaders. They thought they had gotten rid of their problem when they got rid of Jesus, but those pesky apostles just keep preaching and healing! The number of followers just keeps growing! So they arrest the men and question them.
But never fear, Peter has the Holy Spirit working in him. He courageously answers the religious leaders questions with truth. There's a Scripture that comes to mind here, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12). God's word, given through the prompting of the Holy Spirit, lays open the motives of man. The religious leaders are taken aback. Who are these uneducated men? Why do they speak with such power and authority? How are they going to fix this new problem?
In their pride and arrogance, they order Peter and John to cease and desist. Yeah, that's not going to happen. Notice that Peter answers respectfully, but honestly. Respect is a BIG DEAL. You may not agree with someone but you need to treat them with love and respect. That doesn't mean you are to obey man over God. It simply means you decline with respect. Oh, how disrespectful our nation has become. We have taken our freedom of speech to new levels of whining, complaining, and just plain blasting of others. Look, you have two choices - act like the world or act like Jesus. Speak your opinions or speak the truth. Show the world your actions or show the world God's love.
Peter and John chose to show God's love, to speak the truth, to imitate Jesus. Where did it get them? Not too far in man's world, that's the truth. But they weren't concerned with man's world. They were concerned with the kingdom of Heaven. And that is where they excelled. Their honesty, faith, and love helped to build the kingdom of Heaven. I would call that pretty successful.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Acts 3:1-26
Jesus has returned to heaven, but His power is still at work - even today. Peter's eyes have been fully open. He is walking in full confidence that Jesus' power is alive and well. He has finally understood Jesus' words, "if you have the faith of a mustard seed." And so, in Jesus' name, he heals the beggar.
But he doesn't stop there. Peter is fully living out his calling - to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." This is the second impromptu sermon Peter has given. Notice that he simply speaks the truth. He isn't pulling notecards from his pocket, he doesn't have a rehearsed speech - he simply speaks truth from the heart. How is Peter, a man who just over a month ago denied Jesus and ran away, able to boldly speak in confidence? He believes what his friend and teacher has taught him. It's as simple as that - he is all in.
He also knows the word. He listened to Jesus' teaching and understood. We can have the same confidence. We can speak the same truth. All it takes is believe and understanding. Read the word, study what it says, but most importantly cultivate your relationship with the Lord. Only then will you walk in true confidence.
But he doesn't stop there. Peter is fully living out his calling - to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." This is the second impromptu sermon Peter has given. Notice that he simply speaks the truth. He isn't pulling notecards from his pocket, he doesn't have a rehearsed speech - he simply speaks truth from the heart. How is Peter, a man who just over a month ago denied Jesus and ran away, able to boldly speak in confidence? He believes what his friend and teacher has taught him. It's as simple as that - he is all in.
He also knows the word. He listened to Jesus' teaching and understood. We can have the same confidence. We can speak the same truth. All it takes is believe and understanding. Read the word, study what it says, but most importantly cultivate your relationship with the Lord. Only then will you walk in true confidence.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Acts 2:38-47
What should the church look like? Acts 2:38-47 gives us a good idea - it's a family. A family that helps each other, eats together, praises God together, learns together. A family that goes out and lets their light shine.
Now, "let their light shine" is a good old Christian term. What exactly does it mean? To "let your light shine" is to simply live your life in obedience to God. To let others see your devotion, commitment, peace, and joy. People will judge your words according to your actions. If you tell them about the goodness of God, His love, His help, His peace, but you yourself don't live a life of love, joy, goodness, and peace - then what will they think? I'll tell you what they'll think - they will think you are a hypocritical salesman pushing an outdated fairytale down their throats. Why should they believe when you obviously don't?
So, does this mean I need to simply put on a good face and fake happiness, joy, love, and peace? Nope - that's where your relationship with God comes in. You can't preach a relationship unless you have one. Life will sometimes get you down. Jesus told us this life will be hard, there will be obstacles, hurts, and hurdles. But others will see when you put your faith in God. They will also see when you whine, complain, and get plain old nasty and bitter.
That's why you have a family in Christ. A family that prays with you, encourages you, helps keep you accountable. A family with which to share your hurts and sorrows. A family that will help build you up, not tear you down. A family that will be open and honest with you. A family that will remind you that God has your back. He's waiting to help you through the hard times. And when He does, you can go back out into that hard, cold world and share how God helped you through the trials with His great love.
Now, "let their light shine" is a good old Christian term. What exactly does it mean? To "let your light shine" is to simply live your life in obedience to God. To let others see your devotion, commitment, peace, and joy. People will judge your words according to your actions. If you tell them about the goodness of God, His love, His help, His peace, but you yourself don't live a life of love, joy, goodness, and peace - then what will they think? I'll tell you what they'll think - they will think you are a hypocritical salesman pushing an outdated fairytale down their throats. Why should they believe when you obviously don't?
So, does this mean I need to simply put on a good face and fake happiness, joy, love, and peace? Nope - that's where your relationship with God comes in. You can't preach a relationship unless you have one. Life will sometimes get you down. Jesus told us this life will be hard, there will be obstacles, hurts, and hurdles. But others will see when you put your faith in God. They will also see when you whine, complain, and get plain old nasty and bitter.
That's why you have a family in Christ. A family that prays with you, encourages you, helps keep you accountable. A family with which to share your hurts and sorrows. A family that will help build you up, not tear you down. A family that will be open and honest with you. A family that will remind you that God has your back. He's waiting to help you through the hard times. And when He does, you can go back out into that hard, cold world and share how God helped you through the trials with His great love.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Acts 2:14-41
On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit fell on the disciples, causing them to speak in other tongues. This caused some people to state that the disciples were drunk. How alcohol can cause someone to instaneously speak in another language is beyond me, but people will come up with any excuse to deny God. Peter stands up (along with the other apostles) and gives a fantastic sermon. Let's have a look at what he has to say:
1) This fulfills prophecy - Joel 2:28-32. This is the beginning of the prophecy, the first stage. The remainder of the prophecy will be fulfilled at the Second Coming.
2) Jesus is accredited by His words, His works, & prophecy. King David himself prophesied about the coming Messiah in Psalm 16:8-11
Notice that Peter's sermon opened some eyes & softened some hearts, but it was the people who had to make the choice to repent & be baptized. Peter spoke the truth, whether the people heard or not was up to them. Those that heard, those that believed & accepted, repented, were baptized, & received the Holy Spirit.
What does it mean to repent? My concordance states, "to change one's mind or disposition toward God. More specifically, to repent is to undergo a moral reorientation of the soul in which one acknowledges the error of his ways and turns toward the divinely prescribed way of truth and righteousness." It means not only giving up your way to follow God's way, but acknowledging that your way is flawed and God's way is perfect and true. Repentance is between the individual & God. It doesn't involve anyone else.
What does it mean to be baptized? Baptism is an external acknowledgement of the decision to follow God. It is a testimony to others that you believe that God is the truth and the way.
What is the gift of the Holy Spirit? In the Old Testament, the presence of God dwelled in the Most Holy of Holies, a sectioned-off portion of the temple. No one entered, except for once a year. However, when Jesus died on the cross, the separation between the presence of God and man was torn asunder. There is no longer a separation. When we believe, God dwells directly in our heart. This is the Holy Spirit, our teacher, guide, mentor.
So, what does it mean to be a believer? It means you know that you can't live this life successfully on your own. It means that you trust God, you follow His Word, you live the life He has for you. It means you tell others about your choice to follow God.
3,000 people listened to God on the day of Pentecost. They recognized their need. Have you recognized yours?
1) This fulfills prophecy - Joel 2:28-32. This is the beginning of the prophecy, the first stage. The remainder of the prophecy will be fulfilled at the Second Coming.
2) Jesus is accredited by His words, His works, & prophecy. King David himself prophesied about the coming Messiah in Psalm 16:8-11
Notice that Peter's sermon opened some eyes & softened some hearts, but it was the people who had to make the choice to repent & be baptized. Peter spoke the truth, whether the people heard or not was up to them. Those that heard, those that believed & accepted, repented, were baptized, & received the Holy Spirit.
What does it mean to repent? My concordance states, "to change one's mind or disposition toward God. More specifically, to repent is to undergo a moral reorientation of the soul in which one acknowledges the error of his ways and turns toward the divinely prescribed way of truth and righteousness." It means not only giving up your way to follow God's way, but acknowledging that your way is flawed and God's way is perfect and true. Repentance is between the individual & God. It doesn't involve anyone else.
What does it mean to be baptized? Baptism is an external acknowledgement of the decision to follow God. It is a testimony to others that you believe that God is the truth and the way.
What is the gift of the Holy Spirit? In the Old Testament, the presence of God dwelled in the Most Holy of Holies, a sectioned-off portion of the temple. No one entered, except for once a year. However, when Jesus died on the cross, the separation between the presence of God and man was torn asunder. There is no longer a separation. When we believe, God dwells directly in our heart. This is the Holy Spirit, our teacher, guide, mentor.
So, what does it mean to be a believer? It means you know that you can't live this life successfully on your own. It means that you trust God, you follow His Word, you live the life He has for you. It means you tell others about your choice to follow God.
3,000 people listened to God on the day of Pentecost. They recognized their need. Have you recognized yours?
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Acts 2:1-13
The Holy Spirit Comes ~
Jesus promised a helper & the day has arrived. It is no coincident that this day happens on Pentecost. Pentecost is one of the seven festivals commanded by God. It is also a pilgrim festival - it must be celebrated in Jerusalem. Pentecost signifies the giving of the law. Fire, thunder, and a voice from heaven preceded the giving of the Ten Commandments to the newly formed nation of Israel at Mt. Sinai. God literally spoke the law to the people. Now, what was once corporate, becomes personal. Rather than a law written on stone tablets, the Holy Spirit writes the law on our heart. It just goes to show how great and intricate are God's plans. Our human minds cannot even fathom what God will do until it is already done. Then we are left in awe of His wondrous works.
Pentecost (fifty days) comes fifty days after Passover. Jesus was buried on Passover, rose two days later, and then spent 40 days among the disciples before ascending to heaven, so the disciples only stayed a few days by themselves. Jesus doesn't leave us without help or guidance. He is always looking out for us.
Since this was a pilgrim festival, all of Israel was gathered in Jerusalem. This meant that many people witnessed this happening. They were amazed that they heard the disciples speaking in their own language! Some opened their eyes to the miracle, others closed their hearts to the things they were seeing. How often do you do that? Close yourself off? Do you look for excuses, do you reason away God? Hmmmm . . . what are you missing because of your willful blindness? Spend time in prayer this week asking God to open your eyes to His workings, His miracles, His communication. Then accept it, learn from it, let it change you! You won't regret it.
Jesus promised a helper & the day has arrived. It is no coincident that this day happens on Pentecost. Pentecost is one of the seven festivals commanded by God. It is also a pilgrim festival - it must be celebrated in Jerusalem. Pentecost signifies the giving of the law. Fire, thunder, and a voice from heaven preceded the giving of the Ten Commandments to the newly formed nation of Israel at Mt. Sinai. God literally spoke the law to the people. Now, what was once corporate, becomes personal. Rather than a law written on stone tablets, the Holy Spirit writes the law on our heart. It just goes to show how great and intricate are God's plans. Our human minds cannot even fathom what God will do until it is already done. Then we are left in awe of His wondrous works.
Pentecost (fifty days) comes fifty days after Passover. Jesus was buried on Passover, rose two days later, and then spent 40 days among the disciples before ascending to heaven, so the disciples only stayed a few days by themselves. Jesus doesn't leave us without help or guidance. He is always looking out for us.
Since this was a pilgrim festival, all of Israel was gathered in Jerusalem. This meant that many people witnessed this happening. They were amazed that they heard the disciples speaking in their own language! Some opened their eyes to the miracle, others closed their hearts to the things they were seeing. How often do you do that? Close yourself off? Do you look for excuses, do you reason away God? Hmmmm . . . what are you missing because of your willful blindness? Spend time in prayer this week asking God to open your eyes to His workings, His miracles, His communication. Then accept it, learn from it, let it change you! You won't regret it.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Acts 1:12-26
After Jesus ascended, the disciples obeyed His instruction to stay in Jerusalem by returning to Olivet, an acceptable Sabbath distance from Jerusalem. What is a Sabbath distance? The Law states man is not suppose to travel on the Sabbath (Exodus 16:29). However, sometimes travel was necessary, so the religious leaders set an acceptable distance in which one could travel on the Sabbath. By Jesus' time, this distance was 4,000 cubits, a little under a mile. So, basically, the disciples are staying in a suburb of Jerusalem.
Gathered together are the eleven remaining apostles along with Mary - Jesus' mother, His brothers, and other women. Note that women were always welcome in the fellowship. They weren't considered second class citizens either! As we continue to read Acts, we will see the important positions women had within the ministry. Peter stands up and gives a lengthy speech that basically states they need to replace Judas Iscariot. Two men are selected and after prayer, they voted on Matthias as the replacement.
What happened to Judas Iscariot? Some think that the Bible gives us two stories. In fact, we have parts and pieces of the full story spread through the gospels. So, let's look at a quick unfolding of the events found in Matthew 27:3-8 & Acts 1:16-19.
Judas returns to the Jewish council and throws the money at their feet. The chief priests took the money and purchased a field in Judas' name because they didn't want tainted blood money. The field became a potter's field, a place of burial for unknown or indigent people. Meanwhile, Judas hangs himself. When his body is cut down, it falls onto the ground and bursts open. Pretty harsh, but not uncommon due to the decomposition of a body. Why does Luke include such a graphic image in his writing? I think there are three reasons: 1) Luke was a doctor, so he would have been interested in the clinical details of Judas' death. 2) To show people that Judas not only suffered a horrible death, but his body continued to be disregarded after death. 3) To show that there are always consequences to poor choices.
Gathered together are the eleven remaining apostles along with Mary - Jesus' mother, His brothers, and other women. Note that women were always welcome in the fellowship. They weren't considered second class citizens either! As we continue to read Acts, we will see the important positions women had within the ministry. Peter stands up and gives a lengthy speech that basically states they need to replace Judas Iscariot. Two men are selected and after prayer, they voted on Matthias as the replacement.
What happened to Judas Iscariot? Some think that the Bible gives us two stories. In fact, we have parts and pieces of the full story spread through the gospels. So, let's look at a quick unfolding of the events found in Matthew 27:3-8 & Acts 1:16-19.
Judas returns to the Jewish council and throws the money at their feet. The chief priests took the money and purchased a field in Judas' name because they didn't want tainted blood money. The field became a potter's field, a place of burial for unknown or indigent people. Meanwhile, Judas hangs himself. When his body is cut down, it falls onto the ground and bursts open. Pretty harsh, but not uncommon due to the decomposition of a body. Why does Luke include such a graphic image in his writing? I think there are three reasons: 1) Luke was a doctor, so he would have been interested in the clinical details of Judas' death. 2) To show people that Judas not only suffered a horrible death, but his body continued to be disregarded after death. 3) To show that there are always consequences to poor choices.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Acts 1:1-11
I'm back from a nice vacation with my family. We went on a cruise to celebrate our son's graduation from High School and acceptance into the Navy's Nuclear Program. It was a bittersweet vacation. Sweet - because we spent time as a family. Bitter - because at the back of our minds, we know that Mason will soon be leaving home to begin a new journey in his life. Sweet - because we are so excited for him. Bitter - because we know how much we will miss him.
I wonder if the disciples felt this way? Excited for the challenges ahead, but sorrowful for the earthly loss of their teacher and friend. Change, while exciting and necessary, is hard & sometimes scary. Today we will begin the book of Acts. Acts was written by the physician Luke as a sequel to his gospel. It traces the establishment and spread of the Christian church.
In today's reading, Luke sums up Jesus' earthly ministry after His death and resurrection. Jesus appeared to the disciples over a forty day period. During this time, He continued to teach them. He also instructed them to stay in Jerusalem. The disciples wonder if now is the time that Jesus will restore the kingdom of Israel. Remember, many believed that the messiah would be a political leader who would restore the statehood of Israel. Jesus tells them that the Father will accomplish all things in His time, the disciples need to focus on another kingdom, the kingdom of heaven. With the help of the Holy Spirit, they are to continue to preach and witness concerning the kingdom of heaven and Jesus.
After 40 days, Jesus is taken up to heaven. It is important that the disciples witness this for it let them know without a doubt that Jesus was God and His home is heaven. Two angels appear as Jesus ascends to remind the disciples that one day, Jesus will return in the same way He left.
So, what should I take from all this?
1) Jesus is God.
2) As His disciples, we are to witness to everyone. All are equal & no one gets ignored.
3) The Holy Spirit is a powerful helper - listen to Him, rely on Him.
4) Jesus will return one day.
5) Don't fall into the trap of believing what you think you know. Form a relationship with Jesus. Get into His Word. Read, study, pray, seek & then rely on what He tells you.
I wonder if the disciples felt this way? Excited for the challenges ahead, but sorrowful for the earthly loss of their teacher and friend. Change, while exciting and necessary, is hard & sometimes scary. Today we will begin the book of Acts. Acts was written by the physician Luke as a sequel to his gospel. It traces the establishment and spread of the Christian church.
In today's reading, Luke sums up Jesus' earthly ministry after His death and resurrection. Jesus appeared to the disciples over a forty day period. During this time, He continued to teach them. He also instructed them to stay in Jerusalem. The disciples wonder if now is the time that Jesus will restore the kingdom of Israel. Remember, many believed that the messiah would be a political leader who would restore the statehood of Israel. Jesus tells them that the Father will accomplish all things in His time, the disciples need to focus on another kingdom, the kingdom of heaven. With the help of the Holy Spirit, they are to continue to preach and witness concerning the kingdom of heaven and Jesus.
After 40 days, Jesus is taken up to heaven. It is important that the disciples witness this for it let them know without a doubt that Jesus was God and His home is heaven. Two angels appear as Jesus ascends to remind the disciples that one day, Jesus will return in the same way He left.
So, what should I take from all this?
1) Jesus is God.
2) As His disciples, we are to witness to everyone. All are equal & no one gets ignored.
3) The Holy Spirit is a powerful helper - listen to Him, rely on Him.
4) Jesus will return one day.
5) Don't fall into the trap of believing what you think you know. Form a relationship with Jesus. Get into His Word. Read, study, pray, seek & then rely on what He tells you.
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