Saul wasn't satisfied with the persecution of the Christians in Jerusalem. He wanted to chase them to the ends of the earth. After receiving permission from the high priest, he set out to Damascus. On the way, he encountered Jesus. The encounter left him blind for three days. In the meantime, a disciples named Ananias received a message from the Lord to help Saul. Ananias was faithful, Saul was converted. In fact, he so quickly changed his ways & became such an strong speaker that the Jews plotted to kill him.
So, what can we learn?
1) Jesus will change your life if you let him. You may be the worst of sinners, but God has a plan for you. He doesn't care who you are now, He focuses on who you can be. Isn't it amazing that God knows everything about you - your heart, your mind, your abilities. He has your best interest at heart!
2) Once God has changed your heart - treat others the same way. Don't let their reputation dissuade you from sharing the gospel with them. God didn't cast you aside, so don't cast others aside. Ananias was faithful & trusted God. He reached out to Saul and the world was changed. What will happen when you reach out?
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Monday, June 17, 2013
Acts 8
The stoning of Stephen sparked a great persecution of the new Christian church. Many fled to surrounding areas. Leading this persecution was Saul. It seems he was given the authority to hunt down and imprison Christians. Sadly, there will always be persecution. But look at what happened even in times of persecution:
the apostles and many others continued to preach the word where ever they went. Persecution forced many Christians to leave Jerusalem, but that just helped to spread the gospel to the four corners of the earth.
The remainder of chapter 8 tells of us some of Phillip's adventures. Phillip ended up in Samaria. Samaritans were half-brothers to the Jews. They were considered outcasts by the Jews, but they still knew of the One True God. They welcomed Phillip and his message. Many believed, were baptized, and received the Holy Spirit. One such man was Simon the magician. Simon makes a simple mistake - he likes what he hears & he prays to receive, but he hasn't entered into a relationship. This lack of relationship causes him to respond to God in a worldly way. We buy what we want. In the world it's all about an exchange of goods. I give you something & you in turn give me something. So, Simon tries to buy power. Notice that the apostles correct him - Peter gives him a little tough love. A lot of times we worry about someones feelings to the detriment of that person. We don't want to offend, so we say nothing & simply watch that person suffer with poor choices. Look - true love is being honest with someone. It doesn't mean you cut them down & purposely try to shame him/her. It simply means, you tell it to them straight. Peter did which offered Simon the opportunity to correct his behavior. Notice, Peter didn't force a response. He simply offered correction. The ball is now in Simon's court - he can pick it up and run with it or he can ignore it and continue on in the error of his ways. It's the same for you and me.
Phillip continues to obey the Lord and he encounters a Eunuch from Ethiopia. A eunuch is a trusted royal servant. This man was probably a Gentile who worshiped Israel's God, but was not a full convert. Phillip starts up a conversation with the man & that conversation leads him to share the gospel. Once again, the truth is shared & the hearer makes his own choice. The eunuch chooses to believe and he is baptized right there in the river. As Christians it is our job, our calling, to tell others about Jesus. We are to tell people the truth. Then it is up to them to believe or not. So, we need to take two things from today's reading:
1) You need to know the truth before you can tell it to others. This means you need your own relationship with God that you have built through prayer, Scripture reading, and trust.
2) You need to seek opportunities to talk to others. Stand up for the truth, not in a confrontational way, but in an open, honest, & caring way. I don't share truth to show my superiority, to put others down, or to get my own way. I share truth because it has changed my life for the better and it would be selfish of me to keep it to myself. I share truth because I love others and have their best interest at heart. I share truth because God loves them just as much as He loves me.
the apostles and many others continued to preach the word where ever they went. Persecution forced many Christians to leave Jerusalem, but that just helped to spread the gospel to the four corners of the earth.
The remainder of chapter 8 tells of us some of Phillip's adventures. Phillip ended up in Samaria. Samaritans were half-brothers to the Jews. They were considered outcasts by the Jews, but they still knew of the One True God. They welcomed Phillip and his message. Many believed, were baptized, and received the Holy Spirit. One such man was Simon the magician. Simon makes a simple mistake - he likes what he hears & he prays to receive, but he hasn't entered into a relationship. This lack of relationship causes him to respond to God in a worldly way. We buy what we want. In the world it's all about an exchange of goods. I give you something & you in turn give me something. So, Simon tries to buy power. Notice that the apostles correct him - Peter gives him a little tough love. A lot of times we worry about someones feelings to the detriment of that person. We don't want to offend, so we say nothing & simply watch that person suffer with poor choices. Look - true love is being honest with someone. It doesn't mean you cut them down & purposely try to shame him/her. It simply means, you tell it to them straight. Peter did which offered Simon the opportunity to correct his behavior. Notice, Peter didn't force a response. He simply offered correction. The ball is now in Simon's court - he can pick it up and run with it or he can ignore it and continue on in the error of his ways. It's the same for you and me.
Phillip continues to obey the Lord and he encounters a Eunuch from Ethiopia. A eunuch is a trusted royal servant. This man was probably a Gentile who worshiped Israel's God, but was not a full convert. Phillip starts up a conversation with the man & that conversation leads him to share the gospel. Once again, the truth is shared & the hearer makes his own choice. The eunuch chooses to believe and he is baptized right there in the river. As Christians it is our job, our calling, to tell others about Jesus. We are to tell people the truth. Then it is up to them to believe or not. So, we need to take two things from today's reading:
1) You need to know the truth before you can tell it to others. This means you need your own relationship with God that you have built through prayer, Scripture reading, and trust.
2) You need to seek opportunities to talk to others. Stand up for the truth, not in a confrontational way, but in an open, honest, & caring way. I don't share truth to show my superiority, to put others down, or to get my own way. I share truth because it has changed my life for the better and it would be selfish of me to keep it to myself. I share truth because I love others and have their best interest at heart. I share truth because God loves them just as much as He loves me.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Acts 6:8-8:1
Let's catch up & do two reading since I missed yesterday.
Stephen was one of the appointed seven administrators. It seems he was also a gifted speaker. However, his testimony caused opposition from the Jews. So, they brought false charges against him. Hmmm . . . seems like we have another conspiracy. Do you ever read the Bible and think, "When will they ever learn?" Every time I think this, I hear a quiet little voice in the back of my mind reminding me that I'm pretty thick-headed too. It's easy to judge others after the fact. It's much better to slow down & start judging your own actions & thoughts. That's why these things are recorded in the Bible. Not only to teach us how things should be done, but also to warn us how things shouldn't be done. Every time you shake your head & think, "how could they be so blind, ignorant, willfully disobedient?" you need to make a mental note to NOT do the same things.
Back to Stephen. So, Stephen is brought before the council with trumped up charges. What is his response? Perhaps one of my favorite sermons of all time . . . not only does he sum up the history of the Jewish people, he emphasizes that God has a plan & keeps His Word. God spoke to Abraham, Joseph, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, David, Solomon, these men listened & God blessed them. He also points out that the people (as a whole) repeatedly rejected God & went their own way. Then he brings it on home. The council has done the same thing. They have heard God and refused to listen. They have seen God and they killed him. They have learned nothing from the past, they have no relationship with God, their worship is empty.
Now, a sermon is meant to teach us. To open our eyes to the truth of God, to encourage us in our daily life, to strengthen our relationship with God. Unfortunately, the council has been closing their ears and hardening their hearts to the Word of God for so long that when it is laid before them, they don't even recognize it. Just like you & me, when our faults are presented to us we tend to react with anger and offense. Instead of listening to the critique and allowing it to make us better people, we throw out the one who brought us the truth. The council took it one step further, they stoned Stephen.
Notice two things in this last paragraph:
1) Stephen is focused on God. He prays, he asks forgiveness for those who are stoning him. He doesn't fight back, he doesn't hurl harsh words on his murderers. He looks to God. Where is your focus? On the men and women around you or on God?
2) Saul is introduced. Saul is his Hebrew name, Paul his Greek name. He is a young man, but he is already growing a healthy hatred of Christians at this point. We will learn more about him later.
Stephen was one of the appointed seven administrators. It seems he was also a gifted speaker. However, his testimony caused opposition from the Jews. So, they brought false charges against him. Hmmm . . . seems like we have another conspiracy. Do you ever read the Bible and think, "When will they ever learn?" Every time I think this, I hear a quiet little voice in the back of my mind reminding me that I'm pretty thick-headed too. It's easy to judge others after the fact. It's much better to slow down & start judging your own actions & thoughts. That's why these things are recorded in the Bible. Not only to teach us how things should be done, but also to warn us how things shouldn't be done. Every time you shake your head & think, "how could they be so blind, ignorant, willfully disobedient?" you need to make a mental note to NOT do the same things.
Back to Stephen. So, Stephen is brought before the council with trumped up charges. What is his response? Perhaps one of my favorite sermons of all time . . . not only does he sum up the history of the Jewish people, he emphasizes that God has a plan & keeps His Word. God spoke to Abraham, Joseph, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, David, Solomon, these men listened & God blessed them. He also points out that the people (as a whole) repeatedly rejected God & went their own way. Then he brings it on home. The council has done the same thing. They have heard God and refused to listen. They have seen God and they killed him. They have learned nothing from the past, they have no relationship with God, their worship is empty.
Now, a sermon is meant to teach us. To open our eyes to the truth of God, to encourage us in our daily life, to strengthen our relationship with God. Unfortunately, the council has been closing their ears and hardening their hearts to the Word of God for so long that when it is laid before them, they don't even recognize it. Just like you & me, when our faults are presented to us we tend to react with anger and offense. Instead of listening to the critique and allowing it to make us better people, we throw out the one who brought us the truth. The council took it one step further, they stoned Stephen.
Notice two things in this last paragraph:
1) Stephen is focused on God. He prays, he asks forgiveness for those who are stoning him. He doesn't fight back, he doesn't hurl harsh words on his murderers. He looks to God. Where is your focus? On the men and women around you or on God?
2) Saul is introduced. Saul is his Hebrew name, Paul his Greek name. He is a young man, but he is already growing a healthy hatred of Christians at this point. We will learn more about him later.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Acts 6:1-7
So, the church is growing rapidly and some personality issues are starting to arise. The Hellenists were Greek-speaking Jews from outside of Palestine. The Hebrews were Aramaic Jews from Palestine. The language barrier led to the unintentional neglect of some needy widows. The twelve apostles certainly couldn't resolve every issue while still preaching and spreading the gospel. Quite frankly, they needed to focus on the spiritual aspects of the church. But, as with any organization, there are administration aspects that also must be dealt with.
The twelve didn't set themselves above the others. They recognized that they were called to a specific job & they couldn't handle everything by themselves. So, the twelve called the entire group together to choose seven administrators. Look at that - it's a democracy. Everyone is considered valuable, and everyone gets a vote & a voice. This is how we are to operate. If there is an issue, we don't just whine, complain, and leave. We seek intervention and we listen to wise council. It should never be "our way or the highway." It should be about what is best for the group.
So, the group elects seven men of good reputation. Those who are trusted to fairly administer to the needs of the church. These men are presented to the twelve, who pray over them. And look - things continue to run smoothly.
How can you apply this to your life?
You can't do it all by yourself. We were created with gifts and talents. We were also created for fellowship. So, use your talents to the best of your ability and let others do the same. In this way, we can work together to accomplish more than we can do on our own. Oh, and we end up with support and friendship along the way. Nice.
The twelve didn't set themselves above the others. They recognized that they were called to a specific job & they couldn't handle everything by themselves. So, the twelve called the entire group together to choose seven administrators. Look at that - it's a democracy. Everyone is considered valuable, and everyone gets a vote & a voice. This is how we are to operate. If there is an issue, we don't just whine, complain, and leave. We seek intervention and we listen to wise council. It should never be "our way or the highway." It should be about what is best for the group.
So, the group elects seven men of good reputation. Those who are trusted to fairly administer to the needs of the church. These men are presented to the twelve, who pray over them. And look - things continue to run smoothly.
How can you apply this to your life?
You can't do it all by yourself. We were created with gifts and talents. We were also created for fellowship. So, use your talents to the best of your ability and let others do the same. In this way, we can work together to accomplish more than we can do on our own. Oh, and we end up with support and friendship along the way. Nice.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Acts 5:12-42
The apostles are continuing to preach and to heal, which continues to irritate the High priest and his associates. My Bible states they were jealous. Just yesterday we spoke about outward verses inward. The Sadducees ands Sanhedrin were all about the outward - money & power. Instead of welcoming in the Messiah and His Kingdom, they perceived Him as a threat and killed Him.
So they do the same to the apostles. All 12 are thrown into jail. But the Lord didn't keep them there for long. He opened the doors & told them to preach in the temple courts. So they did. Once again, it wasn't about them - it was about God. They knew that following God was the highest calling.
Look, there's the here & now - just a short blink of time in which we have these earthly bodies. Then there's eternity. Have you ever thought about eternity? A time that NEVER ends. Which is more important? 70-90 or so years here or eternity? Where should you be focused on? The apostles were focused on eternity. They knew that what happened here on earth would only encompass a short amount of their time & then it's gone. All that power, money, adoration - it's fleeting. You can't take it with you. What you can take with you is your relationship with God - that's it. So, be like the apostles and cultivate that relationship.
One Sadducee, Gamaliel, saw the wisdom in this. He knows that men have attempted to rise up for the wrong reasons. They have popularity for a time, but their legacy soon burns out and dies. However, if a movement is from God - it will not fail. Once again, earthly vs. eternity.
So, the Jewish council had the apostles flogged. The apostles left rejoicing and continued to preach. Did you get that? They were flogged, yet they rejoiced. Why would they rejoice? Because they are all about eternity. They know that God has a plan and a purpose and they trust it. They will continue to preach His name everywhere they go. Would you have the same faith? Could you be jailed and flogged and still rejoice in the Lord? Is your relationship with Him strong enough? Do you trust Him? You can. Start talking to Him today. Even better, start listening to His words. With God you will find joy.
So they do the same to the apostles. All 12 are thrown into jail. But the Lord didn't keep them there for long. He opened the doors & told them to preach in the temple courts. So they did. Once again, it wasn't about them - it was about God. They knew that following God was the highest calling.
Look, there's the here & now - just a short blink of time in which we have these earthly bodies. Then there's eternity. Have you ever thought about eternity? A time that NEVER ends. Which is more important? 70-90 or so years here or eternity? Where should you be focused on? The apostles were focused on eternity. They knew that what happened here on earth would only encompass a short amount of their time & then it's gone. All that power, money, adoration - it's fleeting. You can't take it with you. What you can take with you is your relationship with God - that's it. So, be like the apostles and cultivate that relationship.
One Sadducee, Gamaliel, saw the wisdom in this. He knows that men have attempted to rise up for the wrong reasons. They have popularity for a time, but their legacy soon burns out and dies. However, if a movement is from God - it will not fail. Once again, earthly vs. eternity.
So, the Jewish council had the apostles flogged. The apostles left rejoicing and continued to preach. Did you get that? They were flogged, yet they rejoiced. Why would they rejoice? Because they are all about eternity. They know that God has a plan and a purpose and they trust it. They will continue to preach His name everywhere they go. Would you have the same faith? Could you be jailed and flogged and still rejoice in the Lord? Is your relationship with Him strong enough? Do you trust Him? You can. Start talking to Him today. Even better, start listening to His words. With God you will find joy.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Acts 5:1-11
Ananias and Sapphira ~ What was their crime? Lying, hypocrisy, and coveteousness. Some read this section & think it tells them that material wealth is sinful. Others may think they are required to give all they have to the church. But that's not what this portion of Scripture is telling us.
Let's think back to Jesus and the pharisees. He lambasted them because of their lying, hypocrisy, and coveteousness. They were all about looking holy and spiritual without actually being holy and spiritual. They were focused on their outerward appearance to the point that they neglected their inward appearance. It doesn't matter what others think about you. What matters is your relationship with God.
We don't go to church, give to the needy, or volunteer our time and resources to charity so that others will see how wonderfully spiritual we are. We do these things because we choose to be part of a family. We don't do these things to please God. We do these things because of our relationship with God. He healed us, saved us, cleaned us up. He is our cheerleader, coach, and referee. He took us from the dark place we were in, bringing us into the light. He loved us. It is only natural for us to treat others in the same way.
Ananias and Sapphira either forgot that or they never had the relationship in the first place. Instead of cultivating a relationship, they sought to lie, cheat, and buy their way in. That is were the sin lies. So, what can we learn from this? Work on your relationship with God and everything else will fall into place.
Let's think back to Jesus and the pharisees. He lambasted them because of their lying, hypocrisy, and coveteousness. They were all about looking holy and spiritual without actually being holy and spiritual. They were focused on their outerward appearance to the point that they neglected their inward appearance. It doesn't matter what others think about you. What matters is your relationship with God.
We don't go to church, give to the needy, or volunteer our time and resources to charity so that others will see how wonderfully spiritual we are. We do these things because we choose to be part of a family. We don't do these things to please God. We do these things because of our relationship with God. He healed us, saved us, cleaned us up. He is our cheerleader, coach, and referee. He took us from the dark place we were in, bringing us into the light. He loved us. It is only natural for us to treat others in the same way.
Ananias and Sapphira either forgot that or they never had the relationship in the first place. Instead of cultivating a relationship, they sought to lie, cheat, and buy their way in. That is were the sin lies. So, what can we learn from this? Work on your relationship with God and everything else will fall into place.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Acts 4:23-37
How did the church react to the imprisonment of Peter and John? They prayed. Hmmm . . . interesting. They didn't start a protest, they didn't complain or whine about injustice, they didn't hide out in fear. They simply took their troubles to the Lord. Simple yet incredible. So often we attempt to deal with things on our own and we forgot that we have GOD in our corner. Notice after the prayer the Holy Spirit filled them.
The second part of the reading continues to describe the early church to us. People continued to focus on the needs of others. It wasn't "what's mine is mine" it was "what's mine is yours." Material wealth has nothing on spiritual wealth. Chasing after things will only leave you depressed and wanting, so give them up. Focus on people - not technology, toys, property, clothes, and gadgets. That is were you will find true joy and satisfaction.
The second part of the reading continues to describe the early church to us. People continued to focus on the needs of others. It wasn't "what's mine is mine" it was "what's mine is yours." Material wealth has nothing on spiritual wealth. Chasing after things will only leave you depressed and wanting, so give them up. Focus on people - not technology, toys, property, clothes, and gadgets. That is were you will find true joy and satisfaction.
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