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Sunday, September 28, 2008
Acts 28--Without Hindrance
Question: Why does Acts end the way it does? Is the conclusion open-ended? There is no mention of Paul’s fate nor has the gospel reached the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
Luke gives us many indications that Acts does in fact end with a measure of completeness and not left open-ended. The purpose is found in the movement of the proclamation of the kingdom of God from the Jews to the Gentiles.[1] This pattern can be traced back through Acts beginning in Acts 1:8; that they will be witness is Jerusalem and Judea, Samaria, and to the end of the earth. These places represent the Jews, the half Jews, and the Gentiles. The story of Cornelius in Chapter 10 begins a shocking change for many in the church. Paul’s missionary journeys (such as Acts 14) reflect the rejection by the Jews and acceptance among the Gentiles.
In Acts 28, Paul ministry in Malta echoes back to Christ’s ministry among the Jews. Here Gentiles were coming to see Paul to be cured of their sickness (v. 9).[2] The kingdom of God has come to the Gentiles. This movement away from the Jews is also reflected with the visit from local Jewish leaders (vv. 17-25). Some believe and some do not but Paul’s response is poignant, “This salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.” Acts concludes on a positive and exciting note: “proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.”
The giving of the Gospel to the Gentiles makes salvation available to all men. Access to God is no longer restricted to one ethnicity but is perfectly multi-cultural. However, we must not forget the foundation of this openness—our adoption as children of God in Christ. So the question for us is: how can we welcome all who come as brothers and sisters in Christ?
I urge you to respond with thoughts, comments and ideas to begin to think through how we can further proclaim the Gospel and love all.
[1] The accounts of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit also indicate this movement. Numbers 11:25-29, Joel 2:28-29, Acts 2, and Acts 10:44-45 all line up the trajectory of this pattern.
[2] For comparison read the healing accounts of Jesus such as Luke 5:12-26. Though there are dissimilarities the parallels are undeniable.
Luke gives us many indications that Acts does in fact end with a measure of completeness and not left open-ended. The purpose is found in the movement of the proclamation of the kingdom of God from the Jews to the Gentiles.[1] This pattern can be traced back through Acts beginning in Acts 1:8; that they will be witness is Jerusalem and Judea, Samaria, and to the end of the earth. These places represent the Jews, the half Jews, and the Gentiles. The story of Cornelius in Chapter 10 begins a shocking change for many in the church. Paul’s missionary journeys (such as Acts 14) reflect the rejection by the Jews and acceptance among the Gentiles.
In Acts 28, Paul ministry in Malta echoes back to Christ’s ministry among the Jews. Here Gentiles were coming to see Paul to be cured of their sickness (v. 9).[2] The kingdom of God has come to the Gentiles. This movement away from the Jews is also reflected with the visit from local Jewish leaders (vv. 17-25). Some believe and some do not but Paul’s response is poignant, “This salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.” Acts concludes on a positive and exciting note: “proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.”
The giving of the Gospel to the Gentiles makes salvation available to all men. Access to God is no longer restricted to one ethnicity but is perfectly multi-cultural. However, we must not forget the foundation of this openness—our adoption as children of God in Christ. So the question for us is: how can we welcome all who come as brothers and sisters in Christ?
I urge you to respond with thoughts, comments and ideas to begin to think through how we can further proclaim the Gospel and love all.
[1] The accounts of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit also indicate this movement. Numbers 11:25-29, Joel 2:28-29, Acts 2, and Acts 10:44-45 all line up the trajectory of this pattern.
[2] For comparison read the healing accounts of Jesus such as Luke 5:12-26. Though there are dissimilarities the parallels are undeniable.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Acts 27
What history and Biblical imagery! It is clear that this trip with Paul was probably the most powerful experience of Luke’s life. His eyewitness depiction of the events is breathtaking, particularly for ancient history. Yet, even as he tells the details of the story, it is hard to not see Biblical imagery through the events.
Only those who would remain on the ship would survive—kind of like Noah and the ark. The angel appears to Paul and promises safety to the entire ship on account of Paul’s presence with them—kind of like those who bless Abraham would be blessed and those who curse him will be cursed. Paul the prisoner, miraculously becomes the leader who through providence and dreams delivers the entire ship to safety—kind of like Joseph the dreamer, who through providence became the leader and deliver for Egypt and Israel. Paul, on the night before impending doom gives thanks, breaks bread and encourages the hearts of all on board—kind of like Jesus in the upper room before his impending doom.
The sailors were charged to stay with the ship and not to trust their own plans by getting in the life boat. They would be saved only if they trusted the words that Paul had given them by which they would be saved. Salvation in Christ comes to all who will trust his way and will not pursue their own ends for justification, peace or hope.
Yet Jesus salvation is fundamentally different from that of the ship. If we would use Paul and Luke’s experience on the ship as an analogy, the only way we can understand Jesus in it is to see Him as the ship itself. Jesus is the ship that is destroyed while bringing them to safety. All those who stayed with the ship had encouragement in the storm and were brought to safety at the expense of the ship. Jesus’ story is still better because he is not just a ship that is crushed to bring us to safety, but He is a ship that rises again to lead us to a new life.
Salvation expresses itself in every aspect of our life. Trust is a day by day, hour by hour reality. A lack of trust in Paul’s words got the ship in danger once it left Crete. However, trust is ultimately what saved the day.
Only those who would remain on the ship would survive—kind of like Noah and the ark. The angel appears to Paul and promises safety to the entire ship on account of Paul’s presence with them—kind of like those who bless Abraham would be blessed and those who curse him will be cursed. Paul the prisoner, miraculously becomes the leader who through providence and dreams delivers the entire ship to safety—kind of like Joseph the dreamer, who through providence became the leader and deliver for Egypt and Israel. Paul, on the night before impending doom gives thanks, breaks bread and encourages the hearts of all on board—kind of like Jesus in the upper room before his impending doom.
The sailors were charged to stay with the ship and not to trust their own plans by getting in the life boat. They would be saved only if they trusted the words that Paul had given them by which they would be saved. Salvation in Christ comes to all who will trust his way and will not pursue their own ends for justification, peace or hope.
Yet Jesus salvation is fundamentally different from that of the ship. If we would use Paul and Luke’s experience on the ship as an analogy, the only way we can understand Jesus in it is to see Him as the ship itself. Jesus is the ship that is destroyed while bringing them to safety. All those who stayed with the ship had encouragement in the storm and were brought to safety at the expense of the ship. Jesus’ story is still better because he is not just a ship that is crushed to bring us to safety, but He is a ship that rises again to lead us to a new life.
Salvation expresses itself in every aspect of our life. Trust is a day by day, hour by hour reality. A lack of trust in Paul’s words got the ship in danger once it left Crete. However, trust is ultimately what saved the day.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Acts 26--A Model Witness
Sometimes applying a passage of the Bible to our lives is easy. Sometimes it is not as easy. Sometimes the point of the passage isn’t as easy to find. That is true of our particular passage. It is difficult to draw application partly because we are breaking up the story.
Here is the first key question we want to ask: “how does this chapter advance the purposes of the Biblical writer.” We say that because the writer could have written about anything. Why did he deem these details to warrant a place in his letter or story. This advances Luke’s plot in Acts by showing how the gospel is being witnessed to all the way to the ends of the earth (1:8). Also, it shows a model example of how to witness in response to accusation. Paul is not defensive. He simply tells his story with confidence. The confidence that is drawn from his faith is compelling to the point where Festus to the defensive.
The second question is this: “How does the purpose which was originally intended for an ancient audience transcend to today?” Just like Paul was grateful to have the opportunity to present the gospel to all corners of the Roman Empire, we should joyfully look for any and every opportunity to give witness to Jesus Christ in every corner of our lives. Then, when attacked, we need not get defensive but tell our story with the kind of confidence that expects God to be drawing our hearers just as he had drawn us.
Many tell their story with apology and the response is as you would expect. Let’s remind ourselves that we witness not with our own persuasive words but in the power of the Holy Spirit 1 Cor 1-2). We should not just expect God to empower our words but to lead them to hearts the people He is drawing to Christ.
There is a classic story about Charles Spurgeon and a conversation he had with a young pastor. The young man asked Dr Spurgeon how to preach so that people will come to Christ in response. Dr. Spurgeon asked the young man, “do you believe that every time you preach someone will come to Christ?” The young preacher sheepishly said, “no.” Spurgeon responded, “Well that is your first problem.”
“Expect great things from God, Attempt great things for God.” William Carey
Here is the first key question we want to ask: “how does this chapter advance the purposes of the Biblical writer.” We say that because the writer could have written about anything. Why did he deem these details to warrant a place in his letter or story. This advances Luke’s plot in Acts by showing how the gospel is being witnessed to all the way to the ends of the earth (1:8). Also, it shows a model example of how to witness in response to accusation. Paul is not defensive. He simply tells his story with confidence. The confidence that is drawn from his faith is compelling to the point where Festus to the defensive.
The second question is this: “How does the purpose which was originally intended for an ancient audience transcend to today?” Just like Paul was grateful to have the opportunity to present the gospel to all corners of the Roman Empire, we should joyfully look for any and every opportunity to give witness to Jesus Christ in every corner of our lives. Then, when attacked, we need not get defensive but tell our story with the kind of confidence that expects God to be drawing our hearers just as he had drawn us.
Many tell their story with apology and the response is as you would expect. Let’s remind ourselves that we witness not with our own persuasive words but in the power of the Holy Spirit 1 Cor 1-2). We should not just expect God to empower our words but to lead them to hearts the people He is drawing to Christ.
There is a classic story about Charles Spurgeon and a conversation he had with a young pastor. The young man asked Dr Spurgeon how to preach so that people will come to Christ in response. Dr. Spurgeon asked the young man, “do you believe that every time you preach someone will come to Christ?” The young preacher sheepishly said, “no.” Spurgeon responded, “Well that is your first problem.”
“Expect great things from God, Attempt great things for God.” William Carey
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Acts 25--bonus blog
Maybe Acts 25 is instructive for us because it seems so inconsequential. Just several days of waiting interspersed with a few brief court proceedings. Not the high drama we’re used to in the Bible, particularly in the book of Acts.
So why does Luke take such pains to relate all this information? He’s showing the invisible hand of God’s providence arranging circumstances so that Paul will testify about Christ before Caesar. Caesar is, after all, the antichrist. Oh, maybe not the ultimate antichrist who will appear at the end of the age, but he is the prototype. He was called the son of God, the savior of the people, the prince of peace—all these were titles ascribed to Caesar—but to date he had no idea about the Truth. No idea about the Christ who rightly bore these titles.
So God arranged for Festus to hear Paul’s case, a man who was not manipulated by the Jews who wanted Paul transferred to Jerusalem where he could be ambushed and killed. But then Festus suggests that they move the trial to Jerusalem after all, a surprising turn that disconcerts Paul. In Jerusalem the deck would be stacked. What happened in Jesus’ trial would likely happen again. Although the charges should have been dropped—the Jews had no proof—Festus threatened to try Paul right in the backyard of those who wanted him dead. Paul has no choice. He appeals to Caesar.
Normal proceedings; normal twists and turns; but God presides over it all. Events unfold according to divine plan, for God wants his man representing Christ to Caesar.
Whether you perceive it or not, God might be orchestrating your circumstances to similar ends. Maybe there is someone that only you can reach; maybe there is a situation requiring your unique witness for Christ. And the way you’re going to get into that circumstance might not be via the perfect job promotion or the ideal relocation. Maybe yours will be the path of suffering and persecution. Maybe events will seem to conspire against you. But maybe that’s the very way God will get you where he most needs you to be. Entrust yourself to divine providence and represent Christ in every circumstance.
So why does Luke take such pains to relate all this information? He’s showing the invisible hand of God’s providence arranging circumstances so that Paul will testify about Christ before Caesar. Caesar is, after all, the antichrist. Oh, maybe not the ultimate antichrist who will appear at the end of the age, but he is the prototype. He was called the son of God, the savior of the people, the prince of peace—all these were titles ascribed to Caesar—but to date he had no idea about the Truth. No idea about the Christ who rightly bore these titles.
So God arranged for Festus to hear Paul’s case, a man who was not manipulated by the Jews who wanted Paul transferred to Jerusalem where he could be ambushed and killed. But then Festus suggests that they move the trial to Jerusalem after all, a surprising turn that disconcerts Paul. In Jerusalem the deck would be stacked. What happened in Jesus’ trial would likely happen again. Although the charges should have been dropped—the Jews had no proof—Festus threatened to try Paul right in the backyard of those who wanted him dead. Paul has no choice. He appeals to Caesar.
Normal proceedings; normal twists and turns; but God presides over it all. Events unfold according to divine plan, for God wants his man representing Christ to Caesar.
Whether you perceive it or not, God might be orchestrating your circumstances to similar ends. Maybe there is someone that only you can reach; maybe there is a situation requiring your unique witness for Christ. And the way you’re going to get into that circumstance might not be via the perfect job promotion or the ideal relocation. Maybe yours will be the path of suffering and persecution. Maybe events will seem to conspire against you. But maybe that’s the very way God will get you where he most needs you to be. Entrust yourself to divine providence and represent Christ in every circumstance.
Act 25--Paul, the Witness
Paul’s effectiveness as a witness is on display here. Felix and Festus cannot come up with any actual charge against Paul. His life is proven innocent of any formal charge. Yet his message is clear. They cannot bring any charge against him, but they know exactly what he stands for.
The issue over why Paul was imprisoned was in Festus’s impression, “the dead person-Jesus whom Paul claimed was alive” (v.19). It is safe to say that our failure to witness is a failure that is driven more by fear than anything else. We fear the rejection in the court of others opinion. Some of this is legitimate because many of our friends have suffered greatly at the hands of insensitive evangelists. We learn our lesson well to follow Paul’s example of not allowing any offense to cloud the true issue of the person of Christ.
However, the offense of the cross and resurrection is something we cannot avoid. It is unavoidable that people will be disappointed with us and will reject or create distance from us because of our faith. However, if they are going to reject our message, let’s be clear about what they are rejecting. We don’t want them to reject a caricature of Jesus or reject Jesus because his followers misrepresent him.
Try these questions with those whom you are praying for. “Who do you think Jesus is?” “Do you think that Jesus rose from the dead?” “What difference does the resurrection make?”
What kind of questions have worked well for you?
The issue over why Paul was imprisoned was in Festus’s impression, “the dead person-Jesus whom Paul claimed was alive” (v.19). It is safe to say that our failure to witness is a failure that is driven more by fear than anything else. We fear the rejection in the court of others opinion. Some of this is legitimate because many of our friends have suffered greatly at the hands of insensitive evangelists. We learn our lesson well to follow Paul’s example of not allowing any offense to cloud the true issue of the person of Christ.
However, the offense of the cross and resurrection is something we cannot avoid. It is unavoidable that people will be disappointed with us and will reject or create distance from us because of our faith. However, if they are going to reject our message, let’s be clear about what they are rejecting. We don’t want them to reject a caricature of Jesus or reject Jesus because his followers misrepresent him.
Try these questions with those whom you are praying for. “Who do you think Jesus is?” “Do you think that Jesus rose from the dead?” “What difference does the resurrection make?”
What kind of questions have worked well for you?
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Acts 24--Trials that last a long time
You thought O.J. Simpson’s trial took a long time? Paul's trial before Felix lasted for two years. There is no explanation of why he was there for so long. Our trials can often last a long time. God, if we truly believe him to be both good and holy, does not owe us an explanation for why they last so long. Can we stitch together an explanation tied his providence, the growth o f the church, along with providing time for Paul to theologically reflect and write letters, etc? Sure, but Paul never got an explanation. Are you holding God hostage waiting for an explanation for your pain?
Now there is instruction in this for us when we face conflict. Paul was careful to clarify the facts and defend himself based upon the truth of the facts. Yet as he defended himself, he didn’t become defensive.
This required courage. It takes courage to move into conflict and control our fears to the level where we can clarify the truth and not be bound in defensiveness.
Now there is instruction in this for us when we face conflict. Paul was careful to clarify the facts and defend himself based upon the truth of the facts. Yet as he defended himself, he didn’t become defensive.
This required courage. It takes courage to move into conflict and control our fears to the level where we can clarify the truth and not be bound in defensiveness.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Acts 23--A dark night for Paul
After reading through the missionary travels of Paul in the book of Acts, we might begin to think that he was used to these moments. He is used to standing in vulnerable places and testifying to the person of Jesus Christ and his resurrection. Had he not become familiar with people plotting to take his life? Yet, Paul still has to try and go to sleep at night and wonder about his fate like any of us would. You could only imagine what his evenings were like.
It is at this time that Jesus himself comes and stands by him. This is the way God works. It is not enough that he works on our behalf and teaches us his ways. He wants us to know that he stands by us and is with us no matter what we face.
What would you like The Lord to say to you when he stands next to you in your moments of greatest vulnerability? In our vulnerable moments we are most often tempted to fear and despair. But, are we aware of God’s presence with us by His Spirit? To Paul, Jesus word s were simply, “take courage.” Paul finds a special kind of communion with the Lord in needing to take courage. Jesus himself had a dark night before a trial amidst people plotting his death. Yet, in Gethsemane, when Jesus had his dark night, and needed someone to stand by Him, he was alone. His friends didn’t stand by him—they fell asleep. Even when he came before the father, it wasn’t the same.
Jesus went through the dark night alone so that he himself could stand by us in our dark nights.
Now, Jesus didn’t promise comfort or even safety to Paul. He called him to courage. Often we do not experience his presence with us because we have limited what we are willing to hear from him. Gary Haugen has said it this way, “Jesus did not come to make us safe, but to make us brave.”
What would it look like to find courage from Christ? What situation has he called you to that requires courage? What task do you feel alone in? What awkward conversation is awaiting you? Are there habits of courage that you need to build into your life?
It is at this time that Jesus himself comes and stands by him. This is the way God works. It is not enough that he works on our behalf and teaches us his ways. He wants us to know that he stands by us and is with us no matter what we face.
What would you like The Lord to say to you when he stands next to you in your moments of greatest vulnerability? In our vulnerable moments we are most often tempted to fear and despair. But, are we aware of God’s presence with us by His Spirit? To Paul, Jesus word s were simply, “take courage.” Paul finds a special kind of communion with the Lord in needing to take courage. Jesus himself had a dark night before a trial amidst people plotting his death. Yet, in Gethsemane, when Jesus had his dark night, and needed someone to stand by Him, he was alone. His friends didn’t stand by him—they fell asleep. Even when he came before the father, it wasn’t the same.
Jesus went through the dark night alone so that he himself could stand by us in our dark nights.
Now, Jesus didn’t promise comfort or even safety to Paul. He called him to courage. Often we do not experience his presence with us because we have limited what we are willing to hear from him. Gary Haugen has said it this way, “Jesus did not come to make us safe, but to make us brave.”
What would it look like to find courage from Christ? What situation has he called you to that requires courage? What task do you feel alone in? What awkward conversation is awaiting you? Are there habits of courage that you need to build into your life?
Monday, September 22, 2008
Acts 22--On the defense
Paul is put on the defense. The beauty of our faith is that it has the perfect defense—our story. No one can dispute the facts of our story. Philosophy can be discussed. Theology can be discussed. History and its meaning can be discussed. But when God changes the direction of our lives (a la black swan sometimes?), there is no offensive argument that can thwart it.
There are a lot of details that Paul could have used in his story. He chose them well and told his story well. Here are a few things that we can see in Paul’s story that will help us when we tell our story.
1. Paul begins by building a bridge of empathy between himself and his hearers. Paul does this by describing that he was once very much like his opponents and describing his Jewish zealousness and training. This bridge shapes the rest of the story.
2. He roots his story in actual history—not his feelings or how he felt about this past. He essentially said, ‘I was going to do this, but God changed my direction, and I did something different.’
3. He described and witnessed to what God taught him.
4. He was clear in pointing to God as the author and main character of his own story. This puts people in a place where there opposition isn’t just to him but to God as well.
5. Paul is rejected for his story. Occasionally, the heart that is hard to God will resist hearing the work of God in the lives of other people. The resistance of the Jews accelerates and they ask for his life.
6. Though we do not see it here, we know it from experience and from the rest of Paul’s life. Though, he was initially resisted, Paul did not stop telling his story to whoever would listen.
There are a lot of details that Paul could have used in his story. He chose them well and told his story well. Here are a few things that we can see in Paul’s story that will help us when we tell our story.
1. Paul begins by building a bridge of empathy between himself and his hearers. Paul does this by describing that he was once very much like his opponents and describing his Jewish zealousness and training. This bridge shapes the rest of the story.
2. He roots his story in actual history—not his feelings or how he felt about this past. He essentially said, ‘I was going to do this, but God changed my direction, and I did something different.’
3. He described and witnessed to what God taught him.
4. He was clear in pointing to God as the author and main character of his own story. This puts people in a place where there opposition isn’t just to him but to God as well.
5. Paul is rejected for his story. Occasionally, the heart that is hard to God will resist hearing the work of God in the lives of other people. The resistance of the Jews accelerates and they ask for his life.
6. Though we do not see it here, we know it from experience and from the rest of Paul’s life. Though, he was initially resisted, Paul did not stop telling his story to whoever would listen.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Acts 21--What do you hold most dear?
Blogger: Aaron Miner
Question: What do you hold most dear?
After Paul meets with the Ephesian elders he starts off on his journey to Jerusalem. Interestingly, Luke parallels Paul’s journey with Jesus’ last journey to Jerusalem. Richard Longenecker in his commentary on Acts points out that the parallels consist of plots by the Jews, a handing over to the Gentiles, a triple prediction of impending suffering, steadfast resolution, and resignation to God’s will.
As it was for Jesus, Paul’s companions and friends entreat him to not go to Jerusalem. Paul’s responds simply, I am not afraid to die. Paul has known from the beginning that he must suffer greatly for the name of his Lord (Acts 9:16). For Paul there is no other choice.
Paul does not die in Jerusalem. However, he does immediately face great and unjust persecution. While Paul purifies himself in the Temple the Jews rise up and seize him. Only because the Roman cohort watches the Temple for any disturbances are they able to rescue Paul from this angry mob. Their concern is not for Paul’s safety or justice but solely to quell the civil unrest that is forming.[1]
What does Paul hold dear? The answer is clearly not his personal safety but rather the name of the Lord Jesus. For Paul, Christ is truly the rock that he stands on, nothing else matters. To some degree you can say that Paul has no other idol controlling his life. Christ’s death on the cross has replaced everything else. This is true life, (Romans 8:10-12) because of what Christ has done. Let us then live and live to none other.
So what do we hold most dear? Is it the name of Christ, so that we may live according to the Spirit? For most of us, we may never have to suffer as Paul did, but what we must give up is far more subtle and thus far more ensnaring. Let us then hold on tightly to Jesus but loosely to everything else.
[1] One Syriac text includes the instructions, “See, therefore, that they do not make an uprising,” as the reason they allow Paul to address the crowd.
Question: What do you hold most dear?
After Paul meets with the Ephesian elders he starts off on his journey to Jerusalem. Interestingly, Luke parallels Paul’s journey with Jesus’ last journey to Jerusalem. Richard Longenecker in his commentary on Acts points out that the parallels consist of plots by the Jews, a handing over to the Gentiles, a triple prediction of impending suffering, steadfast resolution, and resignation to God’s will.
As it was for Jesus, Paul’s companions and friends entreat him to not go to Jerusalem. Paul’s responds simply, I am not afraid to die. Paul has known from the beginning that he must suffer greatly for the name of his Lord (Acts 9:16). For Paul there is no other choice.
Paul does not die in Jerusalem. However, he does immediately face great and unjust persecution. While Paul purifies himself in the Temple the Jews rise up and seize him. Only because the Roman cohort watches the Temple for any disturbances are they able to rescue Paul from this angry mob. Their concern is not for Paul’s safety or justice but solely to quell the civil unrest that is forming.[1]
What does Paul hold dear? The answer is clearly not his personal safety but rather the name of the Lord Jesus. For Paul, Christ is truly the rock that he stands on, nothing else matters. To some degree you can say that Paul has no other idol controlling his life. Christ’s death on the cross has replaced everything else. This is true life, (Romans 8:10-12) because of what Christ has done. Let us then live and live to none other.
So what do we hold most dear? Is it the name of Christ, so that we may live according to the Spirit? For most of us, we may never have to suffer as Paul did, but what we must give up is far more subtle and thus far more ensnaring. Let us then hold on tightly to Jesus but loosely to everything else.
[1] One Syriac text includes the instructions, “See, therefore, that they do not make an uprising,” as the reason they allow Paul to address the crowd.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Acts 20--A Manifesto for Ministry
This chapter offers foundational teaching on ministry. All who minister should commit verses 17-38 to memory. It gives us timeless truths around the call to minister (which is everybody).
- Never teach so long that people fall asleep and fall out windows--unless you are confident that you have enough spiritual power to raise them from the dead.
- Paul is clearly following the lead of the Spirit. All who minister must have an awareness of the movement and call of the Spirit in their life and be aware of His activity for their ministry.
- There is no disconnect in Paul's mind over the fact that following the Spirit means great hardship and suffering.
- Suffering is not an obstacle to what God has called Paul to. Suffering is a part of what God has called him to. Paul is called to testify to the gospel of God's grace. His suffering opens the door to that goal. He is not discouraged as long as he is able to fulfill his goal.
- Paul ministers with a clear conscience. He has taught the entire word of God and he has modeled a Spirit-filled life through humility, tears and hard work.
- As we minister, we should not be surprised but prepared that our greatest obstacles to the work of the ministry will not come from outside of the body but from within the body.
- Our goal in ministry is not to constantly feed people but train them and release them to feed themselves and others. Paul doesn't stay but releases the elders in Ephesus and commits them to Word of God's grace. He commits them to scripture and a vision of scripture that teaches the grace of God.
- There was clear evidence of the affection that Paul shared with the elders of Ephesus. All ministry is motivated out of love with love as its greatest fruit.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Acts 19--New Opposition
Tongues, counterfeit and riots. This is good stuff. As the gospel reaches new corners of the world, we learn more about the power of the Spirit and the kind of impact it can make.
Consider this. There are people in this chapter who are healing people in Jesus name but do not even know him themselves. They are bearing fruit too! It works until a point. This is unique aspect of the work of the Spirit. God, the Holy Spirit is not confined to our faith and its particular strengths and weaknesses. God holds our world together in His providence and regularly is at work through unbelievers to bring greater order to this world. And moreso, there are times when he uses those who do not believe catalyze faith in others.
That means that there are those today who zealously work in the name of Christ but don’t ultimately put their own faith in Christ. Like the seven sons of Sceva, they can be quite fruitful. The key here is to see that the Spirit isn’t fruitful because it is at work in a particular person, though he does work that way. The key lesson is this. The Spirit is at work in a person who does their ministry in the powerful name of Christ.
Then there is the riot. What a mess? 25,000 people rioting over who knows what. This is a key lesson in the works of the flesh and the world. The truth had come to that town and had threatened its core industries. When the Kingdom of Darkness (be it in our lives, or in this world), one of its classic strategic responses is to create confusion. Here, emotion, industry and confusion spiraled upward until people were chanting angrily in support of their god against …well they didn’t know what. It was so wise for others to protect Paul from going to the riot—for if he did he would have placed himself as the clear target for their confusion.
When our enemy wants to get a foothold in our lives, he will seek to use confusion and emotion. Sometimes it is a plain attack, but often it is a counter-attack to what God is already doing. See the idols of the city were threatened. Our hearts and our flesh also hold onto idols that they hold as precious. In fact, John Calvin described our hearts as idol factories. Just as the heart of the city was thrown into confusion and anger, we should expect that when our idols are threatened, our hearts will experience confusion or anger. It is our flesh rebelling against the advance of God in our lives.
Consider this. There are people in this chapter who are healing people in Jesus name but do not even know him themselves. They are bearing fruit too! It works until a point. This is unique aspect of the work of the Spirit. God, the Holy Spirit is not confined to our faith and its particular strengths and weaknesses. God holds our world together in His providence and regularly is at work through unbelievers to bring greater order to this world. And moreso, there are times when he uses those who do not believe catalyze faith in others.
That means that there are those today who zealously work in the name of Christ but don’t ultimately put their own faith in Christ. Like the seven sons of Sceva, they can be quite fruitful. The key here is to see that the Spirit isn’t fruitful because it is at work in a particular person, though he does work that way. The key lesson is this. The Spirit is at work in a person who does their ministry in the powerful name of Christ.
Then there is the riot. What a mess? 25,000 people rioting over who knows what. This is a key lesson in the works of the flesh and the world. The truth had come to that town and had threatened its core industries. When the Kingdom of Darkness (be it in our lives, or in this world), one of its classic strategic responses is to create confusion. Here, emotion, industry and confusion spiraled upward until people were chanting angrily in support of their god against …well they didn’t know what. It was so wise for others to protect Paul from going to the riot—for if he did he would have placed himself as the clear target for their confusion.
When our enemy wants to get a foothold in our lives, he will seek to use confusion and emotion. Sometimes it is a plain attack, but often it is a counter-attack to what God is already doing. See the idols of the city were threatened. Our hearts and our flesh also hold onto idols that they hold as precious. In fact, John Calvin described our hearts as idol factories. Just as the heart of the city was thrown into confusion and anger, we should expect that when our idols are threatened, our hearts will experience confusion or anger. It is our flesh rebelling against the advance of God in our lives.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Acts 18--New Confidence
Blogger: Greg Lafferty
In today’s reading we witness Paul coming to the infamous city of Corinth. It had everything a missionary wouldn’t want to deal with, most notably ungodly wealth, rampant arrogance and shameless immorality. Ever try to share your faith with someone who was a rich, successful partier and proud of it? That heart can be a tough nut to crack.
And from the opening verses of Acts 18 we see this spirit had infected even the Jewish community, the people who should have known better. When Paul uses his typical reason and persuasion to show them Christ, they become abusive. Next thing you know Paul is out of the synagogue, away from the crowds, and talking to a lone Gentile named Titius Justus. Thankfully he and his family responded to the Gospel, but don’t miss the tension of the transition from a Jewish to a Gentile mission. It would have been so tempting for Paul to become intimidated and discouraged. He easily could have left the city for greener pastures.
What kept him going? What keeps you going when you’re rebuffed for sharing your faith? At bottom, it has to be confidence in God and the Gospel.
Consider Paul’s confidence. Before he even came to Corinth he decided not to compete with them in the areas of eloquence and worldly wisdom—two of their strong suits. Rather, he said, “I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). Paul knew the Gospel was the power of God for the salvation of all who believed. So he didn’t lose heart just because a few people didn’t believe.
Second, God gave Paul assurance that other people would believe—many other people. In Acts 18:9 God says, “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you…and I have many people in this city.” Point of fact: When God said this he didn’t have many people in Corinth. That is, he didn’t have many converts to Christ. But God had earmarked many people for salvation and knew how many would come to Christ through Paul’s ministry. And since the power of God is greater than human unbelief, these yet-to-become-believers were as good as His.
What confidence this gives, because we believe that everywhere, even in the hardest spiritual places, “God has many people in this city.” HE WILL OPEN HEARTS. Bank on it.
In today’s reading we witness Paul coming to the infamous city of Corinth. It had everything a missionary wouldn’t want to deal with, most notably ungodly wealth, rampant arrogance and shameless immorality. Ever try to share your faith with someone who was a rich, successful partier and proud of it? That heart can be a tough nut to crack.
And from the opening verses of Acts 18 we see this spirit had infected even the Jewish community, the people who should have known better. When Paul uses his typical reason and persuasion to show them Christ, they become abusive. Next thing you know Paul is out of the synagogue, away from the crowds, and talking to a lone Gentile named Titius Justus. Thankfully he and his family responded to the Gospel, but don’t miss the tension of the transition from a Jewish to a Gentile mission. It would have been so tempting for Paul to become intimidated and discouraged. He easily could have left the city for greener pastures.
What kept him going? What keeps you going when you’re rebuffed for sharing your faith? At bottom, it has to be confidence in God and the Gospel.
Consider Paul’s confidence. Before he even came to Corinth he decided not to compete with them in the areas of eloquence and worldly wisdom—two of their strong suits. Rather, he said, “I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). Paul knew the Gospel was the power of God for the salvation of all who believed. So he didn’t lose heart just because a few people didn’t believe.
Second, God gave Paul assurance that other people would believe—many other people. In Acts 18:9 God says, “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you…and I have many people in this city.” Point of fact: When God said this he didn’t have many people in Corinth. That is, he didn’t have many converts to Christ. But God had earmarked many people for salvation and knew how many would come to Christ through Paul’s ministry. And since the power of God is greater than human unbelief, these yet-to-become-believers were as good as His.
What confidence this gives, because we believe that everywhere, even in the hardest spiritual places, “God has many people in this city.” HE WILL OPEN HEARTS. Bank on it.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Acts 17--A new platform
Guest Blogger: Aaron Miner
What is religion? Is it simply belief in a God who is all powerful and all knowing? Or is it simply a set of beliefs on supernatural and moral claims? Can you be religious and misguided?
Luke in the Acts 17 continues to reflect the movement of the gospel reaching the gentiles. In Thessalonica, a large number of Greeks and a few Jews believed (v. 4), in Berea a number of both gentiles and Jews believed. In Athens however, Paul experienced a different crowd. After preaching in the synagogue he receives an invitation to speak in the Areopagus.
Paul’s sermon sparked some controversy but he directly confronted the idolatry of the Greeks. Many of us may be familiar with the Greek gods such of Zeus, Hermes, Apollo, Hades, and many others. Though they ‘knew’ all these gods they did not know the only one that matters. Paul teaches that this God is more than just all powerful and all knowing but that he created and sustains life and desires that men seek and know him. Paul declares that ignorance is no longer an option (v. 30). We cannot worship an unknown god.
What does this mean for us? Initially that being deeply religious is not enough; we must repent from our ignorance and seek him. True religion is active and therefore not just a set of beliefs. I can even have good theology but if I never let it touch my heart then it is worthless. Lest we feel that our actions are all that we need, the resurrection completes and proves the validity of the work of Christ. It is because of the Cross and resurrection that we are to live actively for Christ this is our spiritual act of worship (Romans 12:1).
So how do we still live in ignorance? What areas of our life do we still prohibit the grace of God to reign? Is it money, pride, material goods, relationships, control, or another?
So let us worship God and live our lives repenting from our continued ignorance.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Acts 16, New Frontiers
Pardon the tardiness of this posting. The author got a little caught up in the MNF Eagles game the night before as well as the greatest burger he has ever eaten in his life.
The gospel meets people from all places and meets them where they are. In Philippi, the gospel touched people from each strata of society in a way that was meaningful to them. Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, was akin to a fashion designer today. She was a wealthy, educated, independent business woman. The slave girl was not just enslaved physically, but enslaved spiritually to a spirit that was both evil and profitable. So, she was used physically and spiritually by the businessmen of the city. The jailer was a clear middle class government worker.
God met each person through a unique demonstration of the power of the Spirit through the gospel. For Lydia, she needed a compelling rational argument. For the slave girl, she needed the good news as demonstrated through Jesus Lordship over all spiritual powers—particularly the ones controlling her. For the jailer, he needed the compelling evidence of joy as demonstrated by Paul and Silas.
The fact that Paul and Barnabas could sing in the midst of not just their jailing, but their torture (stocks at that time would be done spread eagle and was a form of torture), was evidence that God had transformed their lives. Not only that, but they could have tried to escape after the earthquake and led all the prisoners out. The jailer assumed that they had escaped and therefore tried to take his life (knowing that the loss of prisoners would have cost his life eventually before his Roman employer). It would have seemed from the earthquake that this was God breaking Paul and Silas out of jail just as he had broken Peter out of jail. But Paul saw a bigger picture. They weren’t imprisoned alone, but were with genuine criminals who would have left and damaged society more. Also, Paul didn’t need to be released to proclaim the gospel. He had a wonderfully captive audience already. This gave him the perspective to not only stay in the face of the earthquake but make sure no other prisoners left either. Paul and Silas’s transformed lives were evidence that transformed the small culture of that prison cell. This is just as miraculous as the previous exorcism.
The gospel is the power of salvation for all who believe. Your changed life and your genuine Spiritual growth is the greatest gift to those around you. For many, who aren’t interested in rational arguments like Lydia or are directly oppressed spiritually, your changed life will be one of the greatest compelling arguments for the gospel that they will see.
Some of the thoughts of this posting are borrowed from Dr Tim Keller’s message on this passage. If you would like to listen to a free download of this sermon, you may click: http://www.redeemer.com/about_us/vision_and_values/core_values.html and look for the message entitled messengers under value #5.
The gospel meets people from all places and meets them where they are. In Philippi, the gospel touched people from each strata of society in a way that was meaningful to them. Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, was akin to a fashion designer today. She was a wealthy, educated, independent business woman. The slave girl was not just enslaved physically, but enslaved spiritually to a spirit that was both evil and profitable. So, she was used physically and spiritually by the businessmen of the city. The jailer was a clear middle class government worker.
God met each person through a unique demonstration of the power of the Spirit through the gospel. For Lydia, she needed a compelling rational argument. For the slave girl, she needed the good news as demonstrated through Jesus Lordship over all spiritual powers—particularly the ones controlling her. For the jailer, he needed the compelling evidence of joy as demonstrated by Paul and Silas.
The fact that Paul and Barnabas could sing in the midst of not just their jailing, but their torture (stocks at that time would be done spread eagle and was a form of torture), was evidence that God had transformed their lives. Not only that, but they could have tried to escape after the earthquake and led all the prisoners out. The jailer assumed that they had escaped and therefore tried to take his life (knowing that the loss of prisoners would have cost his life eventually before his Roman employer). It would have seemed from the earthquake that this was God breaking Paul and Silas out of jail just as he had broken Peter out of jail. But Paul saw a bigger picture. They weren’t imprisoned alone, but were with genuine criminals who would have left and damaged society more. Also, Paul didn’t need to be released to proclaim the gospel. He had a wonderfully captive audience already. This gave him the perspective to not only stay in the face of the earthquake but make sure no other prisoners left either. Paul and Silas’s transformed lives were evidence that transformed the small culture of that prison cell. This is just as miraculous as the previous exorcism.
The gospel is the power of salvation for all who believe. Your changed life and your genuine Spiritual growth is the greatest gift to those around you. For many, who aren’t interested in rational arguments like Lydia or are directly oppressed spiritually, your changed life will be one of the greatest compelling arguments for the gospel that they will see.
Some of the thoughts of this posting are borrowed from Dr Tim Keller’s message on this passage. If you would like to listen to a free download of this sermon, you may click: http://www.redeemer.com/about_us/vision_and_values/core_values.html and look for the message entitled messengers under value #5.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Acts 15--New Challenges
It has been said that there are doctrines and practices of the faith that we write in pencil because we think we understand what scripture teaches on the subject, but we are open to being wrong. There are some things we write in ink because we see clear and compelling scriptural evidence for that teaching. Then there are some things that we write in blood, because not only is scripture clear on it, but the very future of the faith depends upon it.
Acts 15 is a blood moment for the church. The church was pressed with the challenge of having new gentile believers take upon Jewish practices as evidence of their faith. This was an important crossroads for the church. To choose circumcision would have bound the faith up into a particular culture forever. It would have enslaved the gospel to a culture. The gospel is different. It bears fruit and crosses cultures (Col 1:4-6).
It is easy to be hard on the Pharisees over this matter. Rather it is probably a good time for some self-reflection of our own. Are there signs that we look to in order to confirm to us a sense of peace, well-being and rightness with God. Ask this of yourself. What causes you anxiety? What has your attention? Are there things that give you a sense of superiority over another person? Maybe you are trusting in these things and not in Jesus Christ for your identity, your sense of approval or to use the Biblical term—your righteousness.
Later in the chapter, there is another dispute, but this is a pencil thing. Paul doesn’t want to give Mark a second chance. Barnabas does. Barnabas was right on this one. John Mark proved himself faithful the second time. Even Paul recognized it himself (2 Tim 4:11). That is how grace works. You don’t have to be right, to be right with God. Even if you are wrong or you fail, God can still make it right.
The title above is a link from the blog to this passage on http://www.biblegateway.com/. If you are reading this in an email, click the title to get to the blog and then click it again to get to the passage.
Acts 15 is a blood moment for the church. The church was pressed with the challenge of having new gentile believers take upon Jewish practices as evidence of their faith. This was an important crossroads for the church. To choose circumcision would have bound the faith up into a particular culture forever. It would have enslaved the gospel to a culture. The gospel is different. It bears fruit and crosses cultures (Col 1:4-6).
It is easy to be hard on the Pharisees over this matter. Rather it is probably a good time for some self-reflection of our own. Are there signs that we look to in order to confirm to us a sense of peace, well-being and rightness with God. Ask this of yourself. What causes you anxiety? What has your attention? Are there things that give you a sense of superiority over another person? Maybe you are trusting in these things and not in Jesus Christ for your identity, your sense of approval or to use the Biblical term—your righteousness.
Later in the chapter, there is another dispute, but this is a pencil thing. Paul doesn’t want to give Mark a second chance. Barnabas does. Barnabas was right on this one. John Mark proved himself faithful the second time. Even Paul recognized it himself (2 Tim 4:11). That is how grace works. You don’t have to be right, to be right with God. Even if you are wrong or you fail, God can still make it right.
The title above is a link from the blog to this passage on http://www.biblegateway.com/. If you are reading this in an email, click the title to get to the blog and then click it again to get to the passage.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Acts 14, new surprises
Guest Blogger: Aaron Miner
Question: What does Luke focus on in Paul’s first missionary journey and why does he focus on it?
This question of Luke’s focus helps us pinpoint the challenges of the gospel reaching a hostile world. Luke presents a specific pattern to Paul’s ministry but the main thrust is not a practical method. Rather the main thrust is the victory of the gospel in the midst of opposition.
At Lystra, Paul heals a man crippled from Birth, a truly great sign, but the response however, is unlike anything seen previously. The people stand up and shout in their native language—Lycaonian—and claim that gods have come down to them. The background here is that there was a local legend (a form of which was recorded in the story of Baucis and Philemon by Ovid in his work “Metamorphosis”) that had Zeus and Hermes visiting Lystra in human form. During their visit they were rejected by everyone except a pious old couple who entertained them and the couple was rewarded for their hospitality. To Paul’s horror, the audience at Lystra, believing that Zeus and Hermes have returned, began to sacrifice to them.
The amazement quickly wore off as the Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrived and persuaded them to stone Paul. Ironically, in the story of Baucis and Philemon what incited Zeus and Hermes to visit the people was one individual’s unbelief:
Who laugh'd at all the Gods, believ'd in none,
He shook his impious head, and thus replies.
These legends are no more than pious lies,
You attribute too much to heav'nly sway,
To think they give us forms, and take away.
Here the people of Lystra reject the truth to follow an idle legend whose moral was against unbelief itself. However, those who rejected the truth did not have the last say.
Luke through his emphasis teaches the church that persecutions and opposition will arise. If they did for Christ, they will for his messengers as well (Matt 24:9). Though the work may be dangerous, the gospel will break into a dark world. Paul even returns to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch to strengthen and encourage the disciples there (vs. 21-22), proving that his work was not in vain.
There are then three things that can give us hope and courage when we evangelize. The first is that God is gracious not only to us but also to the dark world (vs. 16-17). Secondly, that God is powerful and you never know how he might work his wonders. Even in the midst of great opposition, churches were planted in these cities. Thirdly, there is work to be done and it will be completed. The book of Acts reflects the movement of the Gospel breaking into the Gentile world (Acts 1:8, 14:27, and 28:28) and Acts ends with the Gentiles receiving it. The successful completion of Paul’s first missionary journey reflects the opening of the door to the Gentiles (v. 27).
Let us then not lose heart or cower in fear about sharing Christ for there is work to be done and lives to be changed.
Question: What does Luke focus on in Paul’s first missionary journey and why does he focus on it?
This question of Luke’s focus helps us pinpoint the challenges of the gospel reaching a hostile world. Luke presents a specific pattern to Paul’s ministry but the main thrust is not a practical method. Rather the main thrust is the victory of the gospel in the midst of opposition.
At Lystra, Paul heals a man crippled from Birth, a truly great sign, but the response however, is unlike anything seen previously. The people stand up and shout in their native language—Lycaonian—and claim that gods have come down to them. The background here is that there was a local legend (a form of which was recorded in the story of Baucis and Philemon by Ovid in his work “Metamorphosis”) that had Zeus and Hermes visiting Lystra in human form. During their visit they were rejected by everyone except a pious old couple who entertained them and the couple was rewarded for their hospitality. To Paul’s horror, the audience at Lystra, believing that Zeus and Hermes have returned, began to sacrifice to them.
The amazement quickly wore off as the Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrived and persuaded them to stone Paul. Ironically, in the story of Baucis and Philemon what incited Zeus and Hermes to visit the people was one individual’s unbelief:
Who laugh'd at all the Gods, believ'd in none,
He shook his impious head, and thus replies.
These legends are no more than pious lies,
You attribute too much to heav'nly sway,
To think they give us forms, and take away.
Here the people of Lystra reject the truth to follow an idle legend whose moral was against unbelief itself. However, those who rejected the truth did not have the last say.
Luke through his emphasis teaches the church that persecutions and opposition will arise. If they did for Christ, they will for his messengers as well (Matt 24:9). Though the work may be dangerous, the gospel will break into a dark world. Paul even returns to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch to strengthen and encourage the disciples there (vs. 21-22), proving that his work was not in vain.
There are then three things that can give us hope and courage when we evangelize. The first is that God is gracious not only to us but also to the dark world (vs. 16-17). Secondly, that God is powerful and you never know how he might work his wonders. Even in the midst of great opposition, churches were planted in these cities. Thirdly, there is work to be done and it will be completed. The book of Acts reflects the movement of the Gospel breaking into the Gentile world (Acts 1:8, 14:27, and 28:28) and Acts ends with the Gentiles receiving it. The successful completion of Paul’s first missionary journey reflects the opening of the door to the Gentiles (v. 27).
Let us then not lose heart or cower in fear about sharing Christ for there is work to be done and lives to be changed.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Acts 13--New Ventures
The title above is a link from the blog to this passage on http://www.biblegateway.com/. If you are reading this in an email, click the title to get to the blog and then click it again to get to the passage.
It is tempting for us to allow faith to become sentimental. The sermons by Paul and Peter in the book of Acts cut through that. The message in these sermons does not set aside true affections and passion, but it establishes them on the historical events of Jesus’ death and resurrection. In the days of Paul’s teaching, the eyewitnesses were alive and could have (and did) personal verify the truth claims of Jesus resurrection.
As we read the messages of Paul we need to remind ourselves that Luke is giving us the most important aspects of the message. When we see these messages, we see what is at the center of our faith. We see our Savior who truly died on the cross and rose again. In him is forgiveness and the justification that no one could ever attain through the law of Moses (or any other law for that matter). When we bear witness to Jesus, we need to stay with the center of the message. When we are challenged regarding the church, faith, injustice, and we are put on our heals regarding our faith, we have a counter-challenge. We need to ask people who they think Jesus is. We cannot allow them to get away with setting him aside based upon fables they have been told or the lies modern scholarship has set up. Challenge people to take a real look at Jesus and respond to Him for he is, not what they have been told about him.
Paul and Barnabas received a lot of push-back. John Mark bailed out. We will also receive push back. Don’t take it personally—it is Jesus who is offensive to them. As long as Jesus is the offense, you can still love them however they respond to your witness.
Notes: Two key moments happen in this chapter. First, the church begins expressing itself in a new form—the missionary team. It is sent by the church and reports to the church and at the same time, still is a part of the church, functioning independently to fulfill the task of the church. This will be the dominant expression of the church we will observe for the rest of the book of Acts. Secondly, the Jews reject the gospel and so Paul and his team turns their attention to the Gentiles.
It is tempting for us to allow faith to become sentimental. The sermons by Paul and Peter in the book of Acts cut through that. The message in these sermons does not set aside true affections and passion, but it establishes them on the historical events of Jesus’ death and resurrection. In the days of Paul’s teaching, the eyewitnesses were alive and could have (and did) personal verify the truth claims of Jesus resurrection.
As we read the messages of Paul we need to remind ourselves that Luke is giving us the most important aspects of the message. When we see these messages, we see what is at the center of our faith. We see our Savior who truly died on the cross and rose again. In him is forgiveness and the justification that no one could ever attain through the law of Moses (or any other law for that matter). When we bear witness to Jesus, we need to stay with the center of the message. When we are challenged regarding the church, faith, injustice, and we are put on our heals regarding our faith, we have a counter-challenge. We need to ask people who they think Jesus is. We cannot allow them to get away with setting him aside based upon fables they have been told or the lies modern scholarship has set up. Challenge people to take a real look at Jesus and respond to Him for he is, not what they have been told about him.
Paul and Barnabas received a lot of push-back. John Mark bailed out. We will also receive push back. Don’t take it personally—it is Jesus who is offensive to them. As long as Jesus is the offense, you can still love them however they respond to your witness.
Notes: Two key moments happen in this chapter. First, the church begins expressing itself in a new form—the missionary team. It is sent by the church and reports to the church and at the same time, still is a part of the church, functioning independently to fulfill the task of the church. This will be the dominant expression of the church we will observe for the rest of the book of Acts. Secondly, the Jews reject the gospel and so Paul and his team turns their attention to the Gentiles.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Acts 12
The title above is a link from the blog to this passage on http://www.biblegateway.com/. If you are reading this in an email, click the title to get to the blog and then click it again to get to the passage.
Consider the irony. The disciples are in the home of John Mark (author of the gospel of Mark) and they are praying, “Lord, deliver Peter. Don’t let Herod execute him. Would you get him out of that jail?”
Then Rhoda goes to the door and comes back, “Peter is at the door!”
“Rhoda, calm down. Come back and pray with us. We need to trust God to deliver Peter.”
“Then who is the guy who looks like Peter, says he is Peter, and is waiting outside the door?”
“Hmm, I wonder who it could be? Peter is in prison. It must be his angel”
Knock, knock, knock
This must be one of the greatest memories of those early believers. You could only imagine the horror of losing James, the brother of John. He was the first one of the twelve to be martyred. He was one of the three who went with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. Losing Steven was surely difficult, but James was at the center of the leadership of that early church.
I am sure that the irony was not lost on them. The very thing that they were praying for had been answered by God, but their faith did not have the capacity to believe it. Do you believe God well enough to have the kind of vision to see the answers to your prayers? Sometime we mouth our prayers and congratulate ourselves for the result, OR we complain about the unwanted side effects of God’s answer.
Our hearts just simply do not have the capacity to appreciate the power, generosity and goodness of God. Our attention to the way he responds to our prayers has the potential to expand that capacity. Have you tried tracking your prayer life? Write down specific prayers and then look back on what you prayed for. Write your prayer on a post-it note and put it on your calendar. Look for the answer. Do you keep a list? Do you check off answers to your prayers as you go?
Notes: Observe the abundance of details that bring credibility to this history. You get to hear the details that Peter experienced like getting slapped in the face by the angel, having to put his clothes on, etc. You can imagine Luke sitting with Peter and writing the details of this story down word for word. More than that, this chapter is a “who’s who” of the New Testament. Eleven specific names are included in this chapter. These would have been people who were well known in the church of these days. These would have been people that the original readers of the gospel would have known about and could have been asked regarding the validity of this miracle
Consider the irony. The disciples are in the home of John Mark (author of the gospel of Mark) and they are praying, “Lord, deliver Peter. Don’t let Herod execute him. Would you get him out of that jail?”
Then Rhoda goes to the door and comes back, “Peter is at the door!”
“Rhoda, calm down. Come back and pray with us. We need to trust God to deliver Peter.”
“Then who is the guy who looks like Peter, says he is Peter, and is waiting outside the door?”
“Hmm, I wonder who it could be? Peter is in prison. It must be his angel”
Knock, knock, knock
This must be one of the greatest memories of those early believers. You could only imagine the horror of losing James, the brother of John. He was the first one of the twelve to be martyred. He was one of the three who went with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. Losing Steven was surely difficult, but James was at the center of the leadership of that early church.
I am sure that the irony was not lost on them. The very thing that they were praying for had been answered by God, but their faith did not have the capacity to believe it. Do you believe God well enough to have the kind of vision to see the answers to your prayers? Sometime we mouth our prayers and congratulate ourselves for the result, OR we complain about the unwanted side effects of God’s answer.
Our hearts just simply do not have the capacity to appreciate the power, generosity and goodness of God. Our attention to the way he responds to our prayers has the potential to expand that capacity. Have you tried tracking your prayer life? Write down specific prayers and then look back on what you prayed for. Write your prayer on a post-it note and put it on your calendar. Look for the answer. Do you keep a list? Do you check off answers to your prayers as you go?
Notes: Observe the abundance of details that bring credibility to this history. You get to hear the details that Peter experienced like getting slapped in the face by the angel, having to put his clothes on, etc. You can imagine Luke sitting with Peter and writing the details of this story down word for word. More than that, this chapter is a “who’s who” of the New Testament. Eleven specific names are included in this chapter. These would have been people who were well known in the church of these days. These would have been people that the original readers of the gospel would have known about and could have been asked regarding the validity of this miracle
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Acts 11
The title above is a link from the blog to this passage on http://www.biblegateway.com/. If you are reading this in an email, click the title to get to the blog and then click it again to get to the passage.
Acts 11 divides neatly into two halves. The story of Peter and Cornelius ends; the story of the church at Antioch begins. But these two halves provide a nice little study in contrasts, which can be quite instructive for our lives.
The Jewish believers criticize Peter for befriending the Gentiles, which is really a criticism of God who sent his Word and Spirit to them. Although the Jerusalem church ultimately accepted Peter’s explanation of God’s activity, one wonders how wholeheartedly they embraced their non-Jewish brothers and sisters. After all, as soon as the Spirit began to move in Antioch, where more Gentiles came to know Christ, the Jerusalem church sent an elder to investigate. Is it merely ironic that by the end of the chapter Agabus prophesies a famine in Jerusalem? Or is this possibly a consequence of their hard-heartedness? We can’t say for sure, but it certainly wouldn’t be the first time God disciplined faithless, unloving people in such a way. Just read the Old Testament.
So it’s at least possible that we see this downward spiral, this “doom loop,” at work in Jerusalem: criticism of the work of God, which begins to quench the Spirit’s vitality, which leads to further fear and suspicion toward Antioch, which squelches the blessing of God on Jerusalem resulting in famine.
But look at Antioch where the “fly wheel” begins moving (thanks, Jim Collins, for the metaphors!): Faithful disciples reach out with bold love to the Gentiles; God’s hand is with them and many people believe; new opportunities to serve bring dynamic new leaders (Barnabas and Saul); people continue to yield to God’s Spirit, growing rapidly and garnering the nickname “Christians;” when the needs of Jerusalem are presented, people spontaneously give to the further glory of God.
When you net it all out, Jerusalem stagnates, Antioch flourishes. And it all hinges on attitudes toward the Gospel: Are you skeptical, resentful, or critical of it? Or are you open, embracing, and enthusiastic about it?
Acts 11 divides neatly into two halves. The story of Peter and Cornelius ends; the story of the church at Antioch begins. But these two halves provide a nice little study in contrasts, which can be quite instructive for our lives.
The Jewish believers criticize Peter for befriending the Gentiles, which is really a criticism of God who sent his Word and Spirit to them. Although the Jerusalem church ultimately accepted Peter’s explanation of God’s activity, one wonders how wholeheartedly they embraced their non-Jewish brothers and sisters. After all, as soon as the Spirit began to move in Antioch, where more Gentiles came to know Christ, the Jerusalem church sent an elder to investigate. Is it merely ironic that by the end of the chapter Agabus prophesies a famine in Jerusalem? Or is this possibly a consequence of their hard-heartedness? We can’t say for sure, but it certainly wouldn’t be the first time God disciplined faithless, unloving people in such a way. Just read the Old Testament.
So it’s at least possible that we see this downward spiral, this “doom loop,” at work in Jerusalem: criticism of the work of God, which begins to quench the Spirit’s vitality, which leads to further fear and suspicion toward Antioch, which squelches the blessing of God on Jerusalem resulting in famine.
But look at Antioch where the “fly wheel” begins moving (thanks, Jim Collins, for the metaphors!): Faithful disciples reach out with bold love to the Gentiles; God’s hand is with them and many people believe; new opportunities to serve bring dynamic new leaders (Barnabas and Saul); people continue to yield to God’s Spirit, growing rapidly and garnering the nickname “Christians;” when the needs of Jerusalem are presented, people spontaneously give to the further glory of God.
When you net it all out, Jerusalem stagnates, Antioch flourishes. And it all hinges on attitudes toward the Gospel: Are you skeptical, resentful, or critical of it? Or are you open, embracing, and enthusiastic about it?
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Acts 10
The title above is a link from the blog to this passage on www.BibleGateway.com. If you are reading this in an email, click the title to get to the blog and then click it again to get to the passage.
How true it is.
Peter realized how true it is. This is a very interesting aspect of our spiritual life. Peter knew the truth, but then he needed to not just know it, but realize “how true it is.” It has always been a part of the Jewish vision that the Gentiles would be blessed. Jesus spoke of the gospel going forward to all nations on many occasions (Luke 24:46-49, Mt 28:18-20, Acts 1:8). Surely those are facts that Peter knew. Yet, Peter was hindered by the views of God that had been stamped in him and his culture.
It took a shocking experience for God to break Peter from his misperceptions of who God is. After the dream, the visitors, the journey to Caesarea, and Cornelius’s corresponding story, Peter “realized” the truth that he had already knew. “Realization” is much of what our spiritual growth is all about. After a while, we will obtain the facts of our faith. Yet, to realize it means that it becomes “real” to us in such a way that it affects how we live.
Paul used the same word in Ephesians 3 when he speaks about realizing God’s love for us:
“I pray that you may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,” Ephesians 3:19
The NIV translates the word “Grasp” this time. The context helps us understand the original Greek word. Paul sees the truths of God, particularly his love as something that we need power in order to grasp. It is a real struggle to understand the truths of God. We need a Spiritual power and we need the community of the other saints to enable us to get our hands around that which is true and make it our own.
And when it becomes our own what a difference it makes. Luke gives so much detail to Peter’s experience because Peter’s experience was the crack in the door. For the most part, the light of God had been blocked from the Gentiles. Now, in Peter’s realization, the door cracks and a light beams through. In a few short chapters, that door will get blown off of its hinges as God’s vision to see his Jesus praised in every nation explodes through the Roman Empire in the first century.
So much was at stake with Peter realizing how true the gospel is. So much is at stake for us in realizing how true the gospel is for ourselves. Do you struggle to grasp the love of God for yourself? Do you seek the power of the Spirit to grow? Is God provoking you to struggle so you may have the kind of shocking experience that will open up new doors in your life? What would God have YOU realize about who he is?
How true it is.
Peter realized how true it is. This is a very interesting aspect of our spiritual life. Peter knew the truth, but then he needed to not just know it, but realize “how true it is.” It has always been a part of the Jewish vision that the Gentiles would be blessed. Jesus spoke of the gospel going forward to all nations on many occasions (Luke 24:46-49, Mt 28:18-20, Acts 1:8). Surely those are facts that Peter knew. Yet, Peter was hindered by the views of God that had been stamped in him and his culture.
It took a shocking experience for God to break Peter from his misperceptions of who God is. After the dream, the visitors, the journey to Caesarea, and Cornelius’s corresponding story, Peter “realized” the truth that he had already knew. “Realization” is much of what our spiritual growth is all about. After a while, we will obtain the facts of our faith. Yet, to realize it means that it becomes “real” to us in such a way that it affects how we live.
Paul used the same word in Ephesians 3 when he speaks about realizing God’s love for us:
“I pray that you may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,” Ephesians 3:19
The NIV translates the word “Grasp” this time. The context helps us understand the original Greek word. Paul sees the truths of God, particularly his love as something that we need power in order to grasp. It is a real struggle to understand the truths of God. We need a Spiritual power and we need the community of the other saints to enable us to get our hands around that which is true and make it our own.
And when it becomes our own what a difference it makes. Luke gives so much detail to Peter’s experience because Peter’s experience was the crack in the door. For the most part, the light of God had been blocked from the Gentiles. Now, in Peter’s realization, the door cracks and a light beams through. In a few short chapters, that door will get blown off of its hinges as God’s vision to see his Jesus praised in every nation explodes through the Roman Empire in the first century.
So much was at stake with Peter realizing how true the gospel is. So much is at stake for us in realizing how true the gospel is for ourselves. Do you struggle to grasp the love of God for yourself? Do you seek the power of the Spirit to grow? Is God provoking you to struggle so you may have the kind of shocking experience that will open up new doors in your life? What would God have YOU realize about who he is?
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Acts 9
There is a wideness in God’s mercy.
It is easy to get why God would be gracious to Dorcas. She was the kind of person we all should be, “always doing good and helping the poor.” But Saul—he “breathed murderous threats.” It is difficult for us to understand how radical the grace is to Saul. If you are a disciple, the name of Saul could have well produced an immediate response of anxiety because of his track record of persecution, violence and threats. His persecution of Christians had become famous throughout the region. We see in the passage that Ananias was quite familiar with Saul’s opposition to God’s people.
Or, let’s consider it from this angle. How many people had to suffer before Jesus would make his blinding appearance to Saul? Why doesn’t God heal the other Dorcas’s (the humor in her name is not lost on this author) who die while doing good and helping the poor. Why doesn’t God ________?
A clue might be found in the conversation between Saul and Jesus. In response to the flash of light and the call of his name, Saul ignorantly asks, “Who are you Lord? The flash of light convinced him that he was in the presence of deity. He was just less sure of that deity exactly was. Jesus introduces himself and replies to Saul with a repeated statement emphasizing to Saul that his persecutions are not falling upon aberrant Jews, but rather upon The Lord himself.
Jesus’ reality was that the persecutions fell upon him over and above his people. This should give us a greater glimpse into his love. Jesus so identifies with his church that his church’s experience of persecution is His experience of persecution. That is the beauty of our union with Him. He knows and has infinite capacity to suffer with us, to enter into our pain, our shame and our regrets. He knows them and feels them as if they are His. Knowing this kind of compassion enables you to trust Him doesn’t it?
It did for Paul. He tells this story again in the book of Acts and it is never far from his conscience. Hearing about how Jesus himself felt his actions against God’s people must have been unending reminder of the grace of through his own sufferings. Jesus tells Ananias that Saul would suffer much for the name of Christ. But Saul learned something through his transformation—that his sufferings are never alone—they are always shared by the man of sorrows, the Lord of grace, Jesus himself. In Philippians 3, Paul would later declare, “I want to know the fellowship of sharing in your sufferings,” because that, in some way, is the path to truly knowing Christ.
When things are hard and difficult, it is tempting to not pray, thinking we need to get ourselves together first. That is a trust in a narrow mercy. God’s mercy is wide. Jesus shares in your sufferings. In your strongest moments and your weakest moments, he shares in your victory and your brokenness. Jesus shares in your sufferings—are you willing to share in His?
It is easy to get why God would be gracious to Dorcas. She was the kind of person we all should be, “always doing good and helping the poor.” But Saul—he “breathed murderous threats.” It is difficult for us to understand how radical the grace is to Saul. If you are a disciple, the name of Saul could have well produced an immediate response of anxiety because of his track record of persecution, violence and threats. His persecution of Christians had become famous throughout the region. We see in the passage that Ananias was quite familiar with Saul’s opposition to God’s people.
Or, let’s consider it from this angle. How many people had to suffer before Jesus would make his blinding appearance to Saul? Why doesn’t God heal the other Dorcas’s (the humor in her name is not lost on this author) who die while doing good and helping the poor. Why doesn’t God ________?
A clue might be found in the conversation between Saul and Jesus. In response to the flash of light and the call of his name, Saul ignorantly asks, “Who are you Lord? The flash of light convinced him that he was in the presence of deity. He was just less sure of that deity exactly was. Jesus introduces himself and replies to Saul with a repeated statement emphasizing to Saul that his persecutions are not falling upon aberrant Jews, but rather upon The Lord himself.
Jesus’ reality was that the persecutions fell upon him over and above his people. This should give us a greater glimpse into his love. Jesus so identifies with his church that his church’s experience of persecution is His experience of persecution. That is the beauty of our union with Him. He knows and has infinite capacity to suffer with us, to enter into our pain, our shame and our regrets. He knows them and feels them as if they are His. Knowing this kind of compassion enables you to trust Him doesn’t it?
It did for Paul. He tells this story again in the book of Acts and it is never far from his conscience. Hearing about how Jesus himself felt his actions against God’s people must have been unending reminder of the grace of through his own sufferings. Jesus tells Ananias that Saul would suffer much for the name of Christ. But Saul learned something through his transformation—that his sufferings are never alone—they are always shared by the man of sorrows, the Lord of grace, Jesus himself. In Philippians 3, Paul would later declare, “I want to know the fellowship of sharing in your sufferings,” because that, in some way, is the path to truly knowing Christ.
When things are hard and difficult, it is tempting to not pray, thinking we need to get ourselves together first. That is a trust in a narrow mercy. God’s mercy is wide. Jesus shares in your sufferings. In your strongest moments and your weakest moments, he shares in your victory and your brokenness. Jesus shares in your sufferings—are you willing to share in His?
Monday, September 8, 2008
Acts 8
The title above is a link from the blog to this passage on www.BibleGateway.com. If you are reading this in an email, click the title to get to the blog and then click it again to get to the passage.
Jesus told his newly appointed apostles that they would be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria (1:8). I am sure they didn’t expect it be this way. Most of us would think that a church should establish itself in strength and then extend itself geographically. Before that group has even gathered its breath, this persecution breaks out. In doing so, it scattered the church and its witness beyond the borders of Jerusalem and Judea.
Consider the ways of God in this. This is not how the disciples envisioned being used to take the gospel further. Many disciples and families suffered in order to move people to a place where they could witness to the risen Christ. Though there was certainly suffering, we do not read about suffering. We read about joy. The summary statement of Phillip’s ministry in Samaria was that “there was great joy in that city” (v.7). The witness of the gospel and the power it brings to change lives was changing the fabric of that city and bringing it joy.
Do you see any patterns in your life where God has, in his sovereignty, used circumstances to move you to a place where (A) you would hear the gospel or (B) you would be an agent of the gospel?
The rest of the chapter gives two examples in discerning the ways of the Spirit. Both Philip and Simon the Sorcerer were sensitive to the movement of the Spirit. Simon was sensitive to the Spirit but needed to be taught the scriptures or he would have become spiritually dangerous to himself and to others. Philip was sensitive to the Spirit (receiving guidance from the Spirit to move towards the Ethiopian) and his understanding of the scriptures made him a useful tool to God in introducing the gospel to Ethiopia.
Ask God to help you understand the moments of your life and past from the perspective of his sovereign authorship. Ask him to give you spiritual discernment to understand the movements of the Holy Spirit in your life today.
Jesus told his newly appointed apostles that they would be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria (1:8). I am sure they didn’t expect it be this way. Most of us would think that a church should establish itself in strength and then extend itself geographically. Before that group has even gathered its breath, this persecution breaks out. In doing so, it scattered the church and its witness beyond the borders of Jerusalem and Judea.
Consider the ways of God in this. This is not how the disciples envisioned being used to take the gospel further. Many disciples and families suffered in order to move people to a place where they could witness to the risen Christ. Though there was certainly suffering, we do not read about suffering. We read about joy. The summary statement of Phillip’s ministry in Samaria was that “there was great joy in that city” (v.7). The witness of the gospel and the power it brings to change lives was changing the fabric of that city and bringing it joy.
Do you see any patterns in your life where God has, in his sovereignty, used circumstances to move you to a place where (A) you would hear the gospel or (B) you would be an agent of the gospel?
The rest of the chapter gives two examples in discerning the ways of the Spirit. Both Philip and Simon the Sorcerer were sensitive to the movement of the Spirit. Simon was sensitive to the Spirit but needed to be taught the scriptures or he would have become spiritually dangerous to himself and to others. Philip was sensitive to the Spirit (receiving guidance from the Spirit to move towards the Ethiopian) and his understanding of the scriptures made him a useful tool to God in introducing the gospel to Ethiopia.
Ask God to help you understand the moments of your life and past from the perspective of his sovereign authorship. Ask him to give you spiritual discernment to understand the movements of the Holy Spirit in your life today.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Acts 7
Guest Blogger: Aaron Miner
Question: How will we respond to God when we don’t like what he has to say?
Stephen, full of grace and power, confronted the ruling religious power at the time with an amazing speech about God working through Israel’s history. Stephen repeatedly emphasizes God’s active role in the history as appearing, removing, speaking, judging, promising, delivering, forsaking, and dwelling with them. The majority of the speech is pretty innocuous but the “yet” in verse 48 directly confronts the Jews and their beliefs.
For 1st Century Jews, the law and the Temple was central to their cultural. To be accused of speaking against either the law or the Temple as Stephen was in Acts 6:13 was a serious charge. Stephen explains that it is not the law or the Temple that he is confronting but rather the idolatry of the Jews. The Temple was not intended to confine God but to center Jewish worship on Yahweh alone. Stephen essentially attacks them as failing to worship God and murdering the Righteous One who would deliver them (v. 52). The Jews’ response to this charge reflected their spiritual condition—hard heartedness. Stephen called the Jews to repent from their heartlessness toward God and to believe in Christ. Instead of repentance the Jews killed the messenger.
Just as God worked in Israel’s history he works in our lives. Sometimes he leads us to situations where we are confronted by our sin. The question for us is: When we are confronted with our own sin how do we respond? Do we shoot the messenger or do we humbly repent from it? Will we allow the grace of Christ fill us as we give up the sinful desire?
Question: How will we respond to God when we don’t like what he has to say?
Stephen, full of grace and power, confronted the ruling religious power at the time with an amazing speech about God working through Israel’s history. Stephen repeatedly emphasizes God’s active role in the history as appearing, removing, speaking, judging, promising, delivering, forsaking, and dwelling with them. The majority of the speech is pretty innocuous but the “yet” in verse 48 directly confronts the Jews and their beliefs.
For 1st Century Jews, the law and the Temple was central to their cultural. To be accused of speaking against either the law or the Temple as Stephen was in Acts 6:13 was a serious charge. Stephen explains that it is not the law or the Temple that he is confronting but rather the idolatry of the Jews. The Temple was not intended to confine God but to center Jewish worship on Yahweh alone. Stephen essentially attacks them as failing to worship God and murdering the Righteous One who would deliver them (v. 52). The Jews’ response to this charge reflected their spiritual condition—hard heartedness. Stephen called the Jews to repent from their heartlessness toward God and to believe in Christ. Instead of repentance the Jews killed the messenger.
Just as God worked in Israel’s history he works in our lives. Sometimes he leads us to situations where we are confronted by our sin. The question for us is: When we are confronted with our own sin how do we respond? Do we shoot the messenger or do we humbly repent from it? Will we allow the grace of Christ fill us as we give up the sinful desire?
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Acts 6
The title above is a link from the blog to this passage on www.BibleGateway.com. If you are reading this in an email, click the title to get to the blog and then click it again to get to the passage.
We see a connection between the leadership of man, the work of the Holy Spirit and the expansion of the church. Difficulty had obviously arisen in Jerusalem as the apostles needed to spend more and more of their time negotiating the challenges of an ever-increasing and diversifying body. They could either clamp down and bring control by their own means, OR they could enlist some of the other gifted people in their community who walk with God.
They choose to release and empower other godly men to serve in the community. This decision releases the resources of God’s people, the word of God spreads and the number of disciples increases rapidly. Some would hear this logic and think that this is simple secular logic or business thinking and it shouldn’t belong in the church.
Actually, this is a clearly Spiritual approach to church life. Consider the key description of the men chosen to offer leadership among the disciples. Verse 3 asks the people to choose men who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. Wisdom is a natural quality that you would look for in leadership. Being full of the Spirit, on the other hand, is essential. Here is why.
When people serve out of a fullness of the Spirit, they are functioning as vessels for Christ. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ and when we serve out of that Spirit, it is as if Jesus Christ himself, through his Spirit is serving and shepherding his body. So when a church releases more Spirit filled servants to minister, it increases its capacity to be agents of Jesus’ shepherding care. In that way (look at Ezekiel 34), God entrusts more people to the care of that Spirit-filled and Spirit-led community.
That is why we must continue that Christians find ways to serve the Body of Christ. To be filled with the Spirit of Christ is to be filled with a Servant-Spirit. Communion with Christ requires alignment with this Servant-Spirit (Isaiah 11:2-4, 42:1, John 13:15-16).
Do you desire more from your relationship with Christ? Seek communion with Him in serving others. Are you weary in your service to others? Ask for Christ to fill you with His Spirit. Don’t know where to start? Ask God and the Holy Spirit will lead you.
We see a connection between the leadership of man, the work of the Holy Spirit and the expansion of the church. Difficulty had obviously arisen in Jerusalem as the apostles needed to spend more and more of their time negotiating the challenges of an ever-increasing and diversifying body. They could either clamp down and bring control by their own means, OR they could enlist some of the other gifted people in their community who walk with God.
They choose to release and empower other godly men to serve in the community. This decision releases the resources of God’s people, the word of God spreads and the number of disciples increases rapidly. Some would hear this logic and think that this is simple secular logic or business thinking and it shouldn’t belong in the church.
Actually, this is a clearly Spiritual approach to church life. Consider the key description of the men chosen to offer leadership among the disciples. Verse 3 asks the people to choose men who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. Wisdom is a natural quality that you would look for in leadership. Being full of the Spirit, on the other hand, is essential. Here is why.
When people serve out of a fullness of the Spirit, they are functioning as vessels for Christ. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ and when we serve out of that Spirit, it is as if Jesus Christ himself, through his Spirit is serving and shepherding his body. So when a church releases more Spirit filled servants to minister, it increases its capacity to be agents of Jesus’ shepherding care. In that way (look at Ezekiel 34), God entrusts more people to the care of that Spirit-filled and Spirit-led community.
That is why we must continue that Christians find ways to serve the Body of Christ. To be filled with the Spirit of Christ is to be filled with a Servant-Spirit. Communion with Christ requires alignment with this Servant-Spirit (Isaiah 11:2-4, 42:1, John 13:15-16).
Do you desire more from your relationship with Christ? Seek communion with Him in serving others. Are you weary in your service to others? Ask for Christ to fill you with His Spirit. Don’t know where to start? Ask God and the Holy Spirit will lead you.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Acts 5
The title above is a link from the blog to this passage on www.BibleGateway.com. If you are reading this in an email, click the title to get to the blog and then click it again to get to the passage.
He is not a safe God! But he is good.
Verses 13-14 draw out the irony of this chapter:
"No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number."
The irony is this. The reality of the God these people worship is becoming more and more clear. He will not allow his church to be polluted from the beginning with false pretense. He will not allow any religious authority to stop the proclamation of the gospel from occurring. He will strike the pretensious down before the community of God. He will break his leaders from prison. The people longed for the Holy God to come to them. Now that he was there, it was a frightening reality.
So no one dared to join them
And at the same time:
More and more believed and were added to the number.
The truth about God is both a repellant and a magnet. Consider the holiness of God in your life. Are there areas that you would like to hide? Do you hide areas of your life from others, fearful that you wouldn't be accepted if they were known. Do you think you are hiding them from God. If you do, you are probably repelled from the notions of the holiness of God and have to manage around that area that is unsubmitted to Christ.
Yet, for those who honestly submit themselves to the truth of God--his holiness and grace is beautiful, attractive and genuine good news for life.
He is not a safe God! But he is good.
Verses 13-14 draw out the irony of this chapter:
"No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number."
The irony is this. The reality of the God these people worship is becoming more and more clear. He will not allow his church to be polluted from the beginning with false pretense. He will not allow any religious authority to stop the proclamation of the gospel from occurring. He will strike the pretensious down before the community of God. He will break his leaders from prison. The people longed for the Holy God to come to them. Now that he was there, it was a frightening reality.
So no one dared to join them
And at the same time:
More and more believed and were added to the number.
The truth about God is both a repellant and a magnet. Consider the holiness of God in your life. Are there areas that you would like to hide? Do you hide areas of your life from others, fearful that you wouldn't be accepted if they were known. Do you think you are hiding them from God. If you do, you are probably repelled from the notions of the holiness of God and have to manage around that area that is unsubmitted to Christ.
Yet, for those who honestly submit themselves to the truth of God--his holiness and grace is beautiful, attractive and genuine good news for life.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Acts 4
The title above is a link from the blog to this passage on www.BibleGateway.com. If you are reading this in an email, click the title to get to the blog and then click it again to get to the passage.
Boldness is a very tricky thing, especially when it comes to representing Jesus.
We’ve all seen examples of the over-the-top boldness that does more harm than good: overly aggressive evangelists, overly strident pundits, overly blunt signs, billboards, and placards. We all know that love and grace better represent who Jesus is, so most of us opt for a kinder, gentler way of being Christian in the world. And that’s good—generally speaking.
But don’t you sometimes sense that in the name of gentleness we’ve made the faith way too genteel? We’ve taken so many shots from the world, and shot ourselves in the foot too many times, that we’re never bold for Christ anymore. But Acts 4 brings us back to center.
Peter and John made bold statements about who Jesus was. Bold statements about what unbelievers had done to him. Bold statements about the nature of salvation. Bold statements about who they took their marching orders from. In the most intimidating of circumstances—when arrested by the same people who crucified Jesus—two unschooled disciples were remarkably bold.
And when they gained their release, what did they do? They prayed for more boldness! And God answered their request. The ancient commentator, John Chysostom, said, “God shook the place, making his followers unshakable.”
Now it’s left to us to apply this passage wisely. Without becoming harsh, rude, or obnoxious, I think God wants us to become more bold. What will that look like in your life? Is God nudging you to speak or act more overtly for him? Pray for wisdom and move forward with courage!
Boldness is a very tricky thing, especially when it comes to representing Jesus.
We’ve all seen examples of the over-the-top boldness that does more harm than good: overly aggressive evangelists, overly strident pundits, overly blunt signs, billboards, and placards. We all know that love and grace better represent who Jesus is, so most of us opt for a kinder, gentler way of being Christian in the world. And that’s good—generally speaking.
But don’t you sometimes sense that in the name of gentleness we’ve made the faith way too genteel? We’ve taken so many shots from the world, and shot ourselves in the foot too many times, that we’re never bold for Christ anymore. But Acts 4 brings us back to center.
Peter and John made bold statements about who Jesus was. Bold statements about what unbelievers had done to him. Bold statements about the nature of salvation. Bold statements about who they took their marching orders from. In the most intimidating of circumstances—when arrested by the same people who crucified Jesus—two unschooled disciples were remarkably bold.
And when they gained their release, what did they do? They prayed for more boldness! And God answered their request. The ancient commentator, John Chysostom, said, “God shook the place, making his followers unshakable.”
Now it’s left to us to apply this passage wisely. Without becoming harsh, rude, or obnoxious, I think God wants us to become more bold. What will that look like in your life? Is God nudging you to speak or act more overtly for him? Pray for wisdom and move forward with courage!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Acts 3--The Story of a Changed Life
The title above is a link from the blog to this passage on www.BibleGateway.com. If you are reading this in an email, click the title to get to the blog and then click it again to get to the passage.
The people were filled with wonder and amazement. They were astonished and came running to see what had happened. The word on the street was that a man’s life had been changed. There was man who had carried a handicap from birth. But in the name of Jesus Christ, this man was healed. The crowds came running because to witness this miracle. This should do two things for us.
First, we should never underestimate the power of God. He still changes lives. We pray for healing because we believe that he still does that and we have heard authentic stories where doctors are baffled and fervent prayers are answered. This man who kneeled before Peter and John hoped for very little. He was hoping that he could get some money for food. God steps in and the next thing he knew, he could walk. We should never sell God short and trust in whatever our silver and gold can accomplish. God can change the hardest heart and can turn the bleakest situation into a demonstration of his power and grace.
Secondly, the many large and small stories of God’s work in our life are the platform from which people will hear the gospel. Have you trusted him as a parent and found peace? That peace is a platform for you to explain who Christ is to another parent who would like to have that. Has your faith given your courage to stand up to injustice at work? That faith gives you a platform to explain where your courage comes from. Has the love of God enabled you to look at your failure and sin and trust his grace so you can own it and repent? That is the work of the gospel in your life. That is your story. It is evidence of the living Christ that nobody can refute.
Tell your story! Witness to the goodness and grace of God in your life! Your story is unstoppable evidence that there is a real God in this world.
The people were filled with wonder and amazement. They were astonished and came running to see what had happened. The word on the street was that a man’s life had been changed. There was man who had carried a handicap from birth. But in the name of Jesus Christ, this man was healed. The crowds came running because to witness this miracle. This should do two things for us.
First, we should never underestimate the power of God. He still changes lives. We pray for healing because we believe that he still does that and we have heard authentic stories where doctors are baffled and fervent prayers are answered. This man who kneeled before Peter and John hoped for very little. He was hoping that he could get some money for food. God steps in and the next thing he knew, he could walk. We should never sell God short and trust in whatever our silver and gold can accomplish. God can change the hardest heart and can turn the bleakest situation into a demonstration of his power and grace.
Secondly, the many large and small stories of God’s work in our life are the platform from which people will hear the gospel. Have you trusted him as a parent and found peace? That peace is a platform for you to explain who Christ is to another parent who would like to have that. Has your faith given your courage to stand up to injustice at work? That faith gives you a platform to explain where your courage comes from. Has the love of God enabled you to look at your failure and sin and trust his grace so you can own it and repent? That is the work of the gospel in your life. That is your story. It is evidence of the living Christ that nobody can refute.
Tell your story! Witness to the goodness and grace of God in your life! Your story is unstoppable evidence that there is a real God in this world.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Acts 2
The title above is a link to this passage on www.BibleGateway.com
What happened to Peter? 50 days ago (and a couple of Bible pages back in the gospel of John) Peter was denying that he even knew Jesus—to a servant girl. Now he is standing up in the midst of the Feast of Weeks and he is declaring to the same people who rigged Jesus death that they are guilty of killing the Messiah. Boldness is a weak word to describe what Peter is expressing at this point. What happened to Peter?
It probably has a lot to do with the spectacular event that preceded it. The day of the Lord, where his Spirit is poured out has finally come. We see tongues of fire and the followers of Christ proclaiming the gospel in every language represented in Jerusalem for the feast. People heard the truth about Jesus and they were cut to the heart--changed. In one day, the insiders were transformed, the outsiders were transformed (becoming insiders) and a new community was established (42-47). This all came from God through His Spirit. His Spirit empowered His people to witness to Him.
Based upon the Book of Acts, I would suggest to you that witnessing to the person and work of Jesus Christ is the chief purpose of the Holy Spirit in your life. I am not saying evangelism. I am saying that telling others what God has done for you is what it means to be a witness. The Holy Spirit is sent by God to make you a witness (1:8).
“In Acts there are ten occasions, at Pentecost and afterward, when an individual or group of individuals is said to have been filled with the Holy Spirit. In each case the common factor is that the persons involved immediately bore testimony to Jesus.”
Study Notes: This chapter is the hinge of all redemptive history. There are few more significant chapters in the entire Bible. It completes the redemptive historical moment of the Messiah’s arrival, ministry, death, resurrection and pouring out of the Holy Spirit. Now that Jesus has ascended, His Church is the incarnate expression of God on earth. Also, Pentecost is the fiftieth day after the Passover, marking this day as fifty days after the night of Jesus' betrayal.
What happened to Peter? 50 days ago (and a couple of Bible pages back in the gospel of John) Peter was denying that he even knew Jesus—to a servant girl. Now he is standing up in the midst of the Feast of Weeks and he is declaring to the same people who rigged Jesus death that they are guilty of killing the Messiah. Boldness is a weak word to describe what Peter is expressing at this point. What happened to Peter?
It probably has a lot to do with the spectacular event that preceded it. The day of the Lord, where his Spirit is poured out has finally come. We see tongues of fire and the followers of Christ proclaiming the gospel in every language represented in Jerusalem for the feast. People heard the truth about Jesus and they were cut to the heart--changed. In one day, the insiders were transformed, the outsiders were transformed (becoming insiders) and a new community was established (42-47). This all came from God through His Spirit. His Spirit empowered His people to witness to Him.
Based upon the Book of Acts, I would suggest to you that witnessing to the person and work of Jesus Christ is the chief purpose of the Holy Spirit in your life. I am not saying evangelism. I am saying that telling others what God has done for you is what it means to be a witness. The Holy Spirit is sent by God to make you a witness (1:8).
“In Acts there are ten occasions, at Pentecost and afterward, when an individual or group of individuals is said to have been filled with the Holy Spirit. In each case the common factor is that the persons involved immediately bore testimony to Jesus.”
James Boice, Commentary on Ephesians. P.164
Try this—Begin reading the book of Acts through the lens of the Holy Spirit making the followers of Christ to be witnesses. At the same time, begin reading your life through the lens of the Holy Spirit seeking to make you a witness. Speak to Him, listen to Him and ask him to show you where you can bear witness to the difference that Christ has made in your life.
Try this—Begin reading the book of Acts through the lens of the Holy Spirit making the followers of Christ to be witnesses. At the same time, begin reading your life through the lens of the Holy Spirit seeking to make you a witness. Speak to Him, listen to Him and ask him to show you where you can bear witness to the difference that Christ has made in your life.
Study Notes: This chapter is the hinge of all redemptive history. There are few more significant chapters in the entire Bible. It completes the redemptive historical moment of the Messiah’s arrival, ministry, death, resurrection and pouring out of the Holy Spirit. Now that Jesus has ascended, His Church is the incarnate expression of God on earth. Also, Pentecost is the fiftieth day after the Passover, marking this day as fifty days after the night of Jesus' betrayal.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Acts 1
The title to this posting links to this passage on www.BibleGateway.com
"You will receive power."
That is what the disciples wanted. They wanted the power to return to Israel with Jesus as the King. Before Jesus ascended, they asked, "Is now the time for the Kingdom to return to Israel?" Jesus, in his familiar way, sets the question aside (it's not for you to know the times...) and addresses the real issue. Power.
Jesus knew them so well and wanted to assure them that they would receive power. However, this power would be much greater and a lot less lofty than they expected. Rather than the power of the sword, they would receive the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit would enable them to be 'witnesses' (from the Greek word Marturia, where we get the word martyr). That is power greater than the sword. Rather, than lofty positions as cabinet members, they would suffer as witnesses just as Jesus suffered. Not very lofty.
We need to give these guys a break. Jesus had spoken about them having the Holy Spirit in them but they had never experienced it for themselves. They had only seen Jesus function in the power of the Spirit. So, when Jesus spoke of the power of the Spirit, their natural minds could only translate that into something more tangible.
That is why Jesus said, "wait." Rebuild your team and just wait. Once they understood the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives, then they would get it. In the meantime, waiting and praying and building a community that trusts God by waiting would be work enough until Pentecost arrives.
What are the real issues behind your requests to God? Is there something that you continue to ask God for but do not see an answer? Sure enough, God does not owe you an explanation for his logic. Yet, is there a deeper issue that he wants to address in you through the process of waiting?
Study notes: Acts 1:8 structures the course of the book of Acts. The story of Acts will follow the disciples as they witness in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth.
"You will receive power."
That is what the disciples wanted. They wanted the power to return to Israel with Jesus as the King. Before Jesus ascended, they asked, "Is now the time for the Kingdom to return to Israel?" Jesus, in his familiar way, sets the question aside (it's not for you to know the times...) and addresses the real issue. Power.
Jesus knew them so well and wanted to assure them that they would receive power. However, this power would be much greater and a lot less lofty than they expected. Rather than the power of the sword, they would receive the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit would enable them to be 'witnesses' (from the Greek word Marturia, where we get the word martyr). That is power greater than the sword. Rather, than lofty positions as cabinet members, they would suffer as witnesses just as Jesus suffered. Not very lofty.
We need to give these guys a break. Jesus had spoken about them having the Holy Spirit in them but they had never experienced it for themselves. They had only seen Jesus function in the power of the Spirit. So, when Jesus spoke of the power of the Spirit, their natural minds could only translate that into something more tangible.
That is why Jesus said, "wait." Rebuild your team and just wait. Once they understood the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives, then they would get it. In the meantime, waiting and praying and building a community that trusts God by waiting would be work enough until Pentecost arrives.
What are the real issues behind your requests to God? Is there something that you continue to ask God for but do not see an answer? Sure enough, God does not owe you an explanation for his logic. Yet, is there a deeper issue that he wants to address in you through the process of waiting?
Study notes: Acts 1:8 structures the course of the book of Acts. The story of Acts will follow the disciples as they witness in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth.
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