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.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
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.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
28 Days in the Book of Acts begins September 1
Are you ready to launch into the Book of Acts?
We will all begin tomorrow, September 1st--one chapter a day.
But, you say, "hey, I finished John yesterday and we don't start Acts until tomorrow. What should I do today?"
Try this. If you want to be ready to for the Book of Acts on Monday, read the last chapter of Luke today. Luke wrote both the gospel of Luke as well as Acts. Acts in many ways is like a sequel to Luke. So, today is a good day to see where Luke left off before he wrote Acts.
See you tomorrow.
We will all begin tomorrow, September 1st--one chapter a day.
But, you say, "hey, I finished John yesterday and we don't start Acts until tomorrow. What should I do today?"
Try this. If you want to be ready to for the Book of Acts on Monday, read the last chapter of Luke today. Luke wrote both the gospel of Luke as well as Acts. Acts in many ways is like a sequel to Luke. So, today is a good day to see where Luke left off before he wrote Acts.
See you tomorrow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
