Reading for today: Acts 4:32-37
The great goal of the early Christians was to glorify God. And their faith was more than intellectual. It extended to their hearts and their motives, and it reached into their pocketbooks. They didn't lose sight of the fact that since God had redeemed them, they and all they had belonged to Him.
It's not hard to say, "Lord, I am Yours! What do You want me to do?" It's much harder to live this way, using what you are and have to the glory of God. We would be well-served to remember that God is not nearly as much concerned with how we would use the $1 million we don't have as with what we do with the $20 in our pocket.
Because the early Christians were so generous, there was not a needy person among them. That's a pretty amazing statement. This redistribution of resources was not some form of communism. For one thing, it was optional. Their sharing was an expression of their love for each other, not some political or social system.
There is no indication that everybody sold all their land at once. Rather, from time to time this was done as needs arose. Luke, being the very careful writer, moves from the general to the specific here, and gives us an example of Barnabas, who sold his land and brought the money to the apostles for distribution to those in need.
Their faith touched every part of their lives---including their resources. Is my faith that real?
Next week: Be sure your sin will find you out!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Acts - Week 2 / Thursday
Reading for today: Acts 4:23-31
When Peter and John went back to their brothers and sisters, they reported on everything that had happened, including the threats made against them. And then they had a prayer meeting.
Their prayer is interesting in its content, but their petition is particularly amazing. In light of what had happened to them, one would expect them to pray for protection against those who were persecuting them. But instead they pray for continued boldness to speak the truth and for miracles and signs to follow that truth.
They didn't want miracles for miracles' sake, but as opportunities to preach the gospel, and as signs so that the people would recognize that Jesus was indeed risen from the dead.
God responded to their prayer by shaking the place where they were meeting and filling them with the Holy Spirit (again!). New, fresh fillings of the Holy Spirit are part of God's wonderful provision for all believers.
That's why God's Word admonishes us (in the literal translation of Ephesians 5:18) to "keep on being filled with the Spirit." Our encounter with the Holy Spirit is not to be an experience, but rather an ongoing lifestyle of walking in the Spirit day by day.
I really want to be freshly filled with the Holy Spirit so that I am ready for whatever opportunities God may send my way.
Tomorrow: When your faith impacts your wallet
When Peter and John went back to their brothers and sisters, they reported on everything that had happened, including the threats made against them. And then they had a prayer meeting.
Their prayer is interesting in its content, but their petition is particularly amazing. In light of what had happened to them, one would expect them to pray for protection against those who were persecuting them. But instead they pray for continued boldness to speak the truth and for miracles and signs to follow that truth.
They didn't want miracles for miracles' sake, but as opportunities to preach the gospel, and as signs so that the people would recognize that Jesus was indeed risen from the dead.
God responded to their prayer by shaking the place where they were meeting and filling them with the Holy Spirit (again!). New, fresh fillings of the Holy Spirit are part of God's wonderful provision for all believers.
That's why God's Word admonishes us (in the literal translation of Ephesians 5:18) to "keep on being filled with the Spirit." Our encounter with the Holy Spirit is not to be an experience, but rather an ongoing lifestyle of walking in the Spirit day by day.
I really want to be freshly filled with the Holy Spirit so that I am ready for whatever opportunities God may send my way.
Tomorrow: When your faith impacts your wallet
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Acts - Week 2 / Wednesday
Reading for today: Acts 4:1-22
The time frame to keep in focus here is that these events are happening no more than two months after the death and resurrection of Jesus. Some of the same characters that were involved in the trial of Jesus are now attempting to harass the apostles.
The Sadducees believed in only the first 5 books of the Old Testament, and denied the whole idea of a resurrection. They considered teaching to be a priestly right alone, so they weren’t at all happy with these 2 guys up there “teaching.” But to further upset things, the disciples were preaching the resurrection of Jesus.
And to further complicate matters, the guy who has been healed of his crippled state is standing right beside these disciples. That makes it impossible for them to refute their teachings.
Imagine their frustration when they realize that these disciples had been with Jesus. They had been part of his “team.” Here they thought they had rid themselves of this whole problem by getting rid of Jesus, but now it is coming back to haunt them, and in increasing numbers!
It’s gone from 12 disciples to 120 in the Upper Room to 3,000 on the Day of Pentecost to 5,000 men alone, not counting women and children, on this very day. Where is this thing going to end?
Truth always seems to have a way of winning out. That’s why the truth is so important. Remember Jesus’ words in John 8:32, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.”
Tomorrow: “Fill ‘er up again!”
Monday, May 26, 2008
Acts - Week 2 / Tuesday
Reading for today: Acts 3:11-26
I can't help but notice Peter's boldness as he has another opportunity to speak to an onlooking crowd. The healing of the crippled man has attracted attention. It is another manifestation of the Holy Spirit's power, and the people are amazed. They knew this guy. They knew he had never walked, so this healing was a big deal!
Peter does not mince words. Nor does he waste words. In this short passage he lays out a whole bunch of truth for these onlookers. First, he says they were guilty of killing Jesus. They disowned Jesus. Secondly, he says that God raised Jesus from the dead, and the disciples were witnesses of this fact.
Thirdly, he says that the name of Jesus is responsible for this man's healing. It was not the work of any man. Fourthly, he says that these people (the crowd gathered that day) acted out of ignorance in killing Jesus.
Fifthly, he says that God used their ignorant actions to fulfill what was foretold many years ago by the prophets that Jesus would suffer.
Now, if you are keeping tab, Peter has called them killers, disowners, and ignorant. Not exactly flattering words! But he doesn't just call them names. He invites them to repent, and turn to God, so that their sins can be wiped out.
What you can't help admiring about Peter is that he doesn't say things that will tickle the ears of those listening. He lays out the truth, ugly as it may be. He tells them what they need to hear. And he also gives them opportunity for change.
It reminds me of the New Testament directive that we "speak the truth in love." Truth and love should always be a team. It was effective for Peter, as we will see tomorrow, and it can also be effective for us.
Tomorrow: Not everyone appreciates the "truth in love"
I can't help but notice Peter's boldness as he has another opportunity to speak to an onlooking crowd. The healing of the crippled man has attracted attention. It is another manifestation of the Holy Spirit's power, and the people are amazed. They knew this guy. They knew he had never walked, so this healing was a big deal!
Peter does not mince words. Nor does he waste words. In this short passage he lays out a whole bunch of truth for these onlookers. First, he says they were guilty of killing Jesus. They disowned Jesus. Secondly, he says that God raised Jesus from the dead, and the disciples were witnesses of this fact.
Thirdly, he says that the name of Jesus is responsible for this man's healing. It was not the work of any man. Fourthly, he says that these people (the crowd gathered that day) acted out of ignorance in killing Jesus.
Fifthly, he says that God used their ignorant actions to fulfill what was foretold many years ago by the prophets that Jesus would suffer.
Now, if you are keeping tab, Peter has called them killers, disowners, and ignorant. Not exactly flattering words! But he doesn't just call them names. He invites them to repent, and turn to God, so that their sins can be wiped out.
What you can't help admiring about Peter is that he doesn't say things that will tickle the ears of those listening. He lays out the truth, ugly as it may be. He tells them what they need to hear. And he also gives them opportunity for change.
It reminds me of the New Testament directive that we "speak the truth in love." Truth and love should always be a team. It was effective for Peter, as we will see tomorrow, and it can also be effective for us.
Tomorrow: Not everyone appreciates the "truth in love"
Acts - Week 2 / Monday
Reading for today: Acts 3:1-10
Have you ever been on your way to accomplish some task and then run into an interruption? Peter and John had just such an experience. They were on their way to the 3:00 pm prayer meeting in the Temple. They would have made it, too, if they hadn’t encountered this guy begging by the side of the walkway.
He thinks that Peter and John may have some coins on them, so he asks for some help. Peter informs the guy that they don’t have any money, but what they do have, they will give to him. At that point, the guy had no idea what they were going to give him.
Boy, was he surprised when Peter said, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!” And then he reached down and took the guy by the hand and lifted him to his feet. Now remember, this guy was crippled from birth. He had never walked! But all of a sudden his feet and ankles are strengthened and he jumps to his feet and begins jumping and praising God. Wouldn’t you have done the same?
The part of this story that really gets me is this: what if Peter and John had been too intent on getting where they wanted to go that day, and had blown this man off, instead of stopping? What if they had disobeyed the prompting of the Holy Spirit?
I can’t help wondering what exciting happenings I might have missed because I didn’t want to get off task at the moment? Have I missed some promptings from the Holy Spirit because I didn’t want to be interrupted from what seemed so important?
My prayer is, “Lord, help me to be aware of the voice of your Holy Spirit. May I never be too busy to obey the Spirit’s nudging in my life.”
Tomorrow: Truth-telling or ear-tickling?
Have you ever been on your way to accomplish some task and then run into an interruption? Peter and John had just such an experience. They were on their way to the 3:00 pm prayer meeting in the Temple. They would have made it, too, if they hadn’t encountered this guy begging by the side of the walkway.
He thinks that Peter and John may have some coins on them, so he asks for some help. Peter informs the guy that they don’t have any money, but what they do have, they will give to him. At that point, the guy had no idea what they were going to give him.
Boy, was he surprised when Peter said, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!” And then he reached down and took the guy by the hand and lifted him to his feet. Now remember, this guy was crippled from birth. He had never walked! But all of a sudden his feet and ankles are strengthened and he jumps to his feet and begins jumping and praising God. Wouldn’t you have done the same?
The part of this story that really gets me is this: what if Peter and John had been too intent on getting where they wanted to go that day, and had blown this man off, instead of stopping? What if they had disobeyed the prompting of the Holy Spirit?
I can’t help wondering what exciting happenings I might have missed because I didn’t want to get off task at the moment? Have I missed some promptings from the Holy Spirit because I didn’t want to be interrupted from what seemed so important?
My prayer is, “Lord, help me to be aware of the voice of your Holy Spirit. May I never be too busy to obey the Spirit’s nudging in my life.”
Tomorrow: Truth-telling or ear-tickling?
Friday, May 23, 2008
Acts - Week 1 / Friday
Reading for today: Acts 2:42-47
The newly-founded church in the book of Acts has just added 3,000 new people. How would you like to be the director of discipleship for that church?
The first thing this new church did was to develop a healthy pattern of spiritual disciplines for these new believers. Interestingly, what they did then is still very much applicable today. Four things are emphasized: teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread (worship), and prayer.
As a follower of Christ, how much of a priority do these disciplines have in your life?
As these new believers did these important things, there was a sense of awe that developed among them of the power of God, and the apostles became agents through which miracles took place. These miracles were not for display, but rather to confirm the Word that was being taught.
Is it possible that we do not see more miracles take place because we are so casual about, and lack commitment to the spiritual disciplines that put us in more intimate relationship with God? Just a thought to ponder.
Ultimately, the more these new believers grew in their relationship to God, the more concerned they became about taking care of one another. As needs arose, they were willing to sacrifice in order to help out another needy person. Learning to really love God is a good cure for selfishness in our lives. If we love Him, how can we help but love and care for those He created?
Next week: A detour on the way to the prayer meeting
The newly-founded church in the book of Acts has just added 3,000 new people. How would you like to be the director of discipleship for that church?
The first thing this new church did was to develop a healthy pattern of spiritual disciplines for these new believers. Interestingly, what they did then is still very much applicable today. Four things are emphasized: teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread (worship), and prayer.
As a follower of Christ, how much of a priority do these disciplines have in your life?
As these new believers did these important things, there was a sense of awe that developed among them of the power of God, and the apostles became agents through which miracles took place. These miracles were not for display, but rather to confirm the Word that was being taught.
Is it possible that we do not see more miracles take place because we are so casual about, and lack commitment to the spiritual disciplines that put us in more intimate relationship with God? Just a thought to ponder.
Ultimately, the more these new believers grew in their relationship to God, the more concerned they became about taking care of one another. As needs arose, they were willing to sacrifice in order to help out another needy person. Learning to really love God is a good cure for selfishness in our lives. If we love Him, how can we help but love and care for those He created?
Next week: A detour on the way to the prayer meeting
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Acts - Week 1 / Thursday
Reading for today: Acts 2:14-41
Who would have ever guessed that it would be Peter who would stand up and speak to the crowd that gathered on the Day of Pentecost. This was the same guy who profanely denied that he even knew Jesus just 7 weeks earlier. What has brought about the change in this man?
For sure, he had been forgiven by Christ himself, which we read about in John 21. But something else had happened for Peter. He had been filled with the Holy Spirit. And just as Jesus had promised, when the Holy Spirit came on them, they were empowered to be witnesses for Jesus Christ.
That’s why Peter could stand and boldly declare to the gathered crowd just what this was that they were witnessing. For sure, these people were not drunk, as some of the crowd was proposing. Rather, they were witnessing what the prophet Joel hundreds of years earlier had promised would take place: God would pour out His spirit on all people, men and women, young and old.
As Peter courageously delivered his message to this crowd, he focused on the person of Jesus Christ. He didn’t focus on the Holy Spirit, because that is never the intent of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit will always focus the attention on Christ. Peter makes a great case for Jesus being the Messiah. He quotes from Psalm 16, which is interesting, since Jewish tradition of the time applied those verses to the Messiah. He bases his declaration of Jesus as the Messiah on the following: God raised Him up; He was not left (abandoned) in the grave; His flesh did not see corruption (decay); and the 120 were witnesses to His resurrection.
Peter brings his thoughts to a conclusion by declaring that God has made this Jesus, whom they had crucified, both Lord and Christ. The crowd was really moved by these words, and they asked, “What shall we do?” Peter’s response was simple: Repent and be baptized (in water), and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Why? Because the promise is for you, and your children, and following generations.
The best part of all this is that this still pertains to us! We are part of the “all” that Joel prophesied about, and Peter declared. I don’t know about you, but I could sure use power and boldness in my witness for Christ. It seems so often that I am so timid about speaking up about Christ, and then kicking myself later for missing a great opportunity. The good news is that this power and boldness and courage and discernment is available to anyone of us who will open our hearts to the filling of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Tomorrow: What do you do with 3,000 new converts?
Who would have ever guessed that it would be Peter who would stand up and speak to the crowd that gathered on the Day of Pentecost. This was the same guy who profanely denied that he even knew Jesus just 7 weeks earlier. What has brought about the change in this man?
For sure, he had been forgiven by Christ himself, which we read about in John 21. But something else had happened for Peter. He had been filled with the Holy Spirit. And just as Jesus had promised, when the Holy Spirit came on them, they were empowered to be witnesses for Jesus Christ.
That’s why Peter could stand and boldly declare to the gathered crowd just what this was that they were witnessing. For sure, these people were not drunk, as some of the crowd was proposing. Rather, they were witnessing what the prophet Joel hundreds of years earlier had promised would take place: God would pour out His spirit on all people, men and women, young and old.
As Peter courageously delivered his message to this crowd, he focused on the person of Jesus Christ. He didn’t focus on the Holy Spirit, because that is never the intent of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit will always focus the attention on Christ. Peter makes a great case for Jesus being the Messiah. He quotes from Psalm 16, which is interesting, since Jewish tradition of the time applied those verses to the Messiah. He bases his declaration of Jesus as the Messiah on the following: God raised Him up; He was not left (abandoned) in the grave; His flesh did not see corruption (decay); and the 120 were witnesses to His resurrection.
Peter brings his thoughts to a conclusion by declaring that God has made this Jesus, whom they had crucified, both Lord and Christ. The crowd was really moved by these words, and they asked, “What shall we do?” Peter’s response was simple: Repent and be baptized (in water), and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Why? Because the promise is for you, and your children, and following generations.
The best part of all this is that this still pertains to us! We are part of the “all” that Joel prophesied about, and Peter declared. I don’t know about you, but I could sure use power and boldness in my witness for Christ. It seems so often that I am so timid about speaking up about Christ, and then kicking myself later for missing a great opportunity. The good news is that this power and boldness and courage and discernment is available to anyone of us who will open our hearts to the filling of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Tomorrow: What do you do with 3,000 new converts?
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Acts - Week 1 / Wednesday
Reading for today: Acts 2:1-13
Pentecost was a harvest festival among the Jews. In the Old
Testament it was referred to as the Feast of Weeks because there was
a week of weeks (7 weeks) between this festival and Passover. That's
where the name comes from, "Pentecost" meaning 50.
Ten days have now passed since the ascension of Jesus, and the 120
disciples (both men and women) are still together in that upper
room, waiting and praying. That in itself is pretty remarkable
obedience! But that obedience is about to be rewarded.
First of all, a sound like a violently blowing wind filled the room.
And then they saw what appeared to be tongues of fire that separated
and came to rest on each of them. Now, it is interesting that these
2 physical phenomena appear in conjunction with the Holy Spirit only
this one time. From here on, throughout the rest of the book of
Acts, when the Holy Spirit was poured out on people, these 2
phenomena do not take place.
And then all of the 120 were filled with the Holy Spirit, and as a
result they began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled
them. Now, this particular phenomenon is repeated throughout the
book of Acts whenever people were filled with the Holy Spirit. In
fact, it still is to be the expected happening today when believers
are filled with the Holy Spirit.
In this particular outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the 120 disciples
who spoke in other tongues were heard by the crowd that had gathered
to be speaking in languages that they understood! Many had come from
other nations to celebrate this festival, and now they hear the
"locals" speaking in languages that they recognize as their own. But
how did these people know those languages? Obviously, they didn't!
They were simply speaking what the Holy Spirit enabled them to speak.
This amazed the crowd. They started questioning how this could
happen. But some in the crowd thought they had the answer: these
people were speaking this "nonsense" because they were drunk!
Somebody needed to explain what was going on. But who will dare to
speak to such a throng as this?
Tomorrow: The "wimp" of yesterday becomes the "powerhouse" of today
Pentecost was a harvest festival among the Jews. In the Old
Testament it was referred to as the Feast of Weeks because there was
a week of weeks (7 weeks) between this festival and Passover. That's
where the name comes from, "Pentecost" meaning 50.
Ten days have now passed since the ascension of Jesus, and the 120
disciples (both men and women) are still together in that upper
room, waiting and praying. That in itself is pretty remarkable
obedience! But that obedience is about to be rewarded.
First of all, a sound like a violently blowing wind filled the room.
And then they saw what appeared to be tongues of fire that separated
and came to rest on each of them. Now, it is interesting that these
2 physical phenomena appear in conjunction with the Holy Spirit only
this one time. From here on, throughout the rest of the book of
Acts, when the Holy Spirit was poured out on people, these 2
phenomena do not take place.
And then all of the 120 were filled with the Holy Spirit, and as a
result they began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled
them. Now, this particular phenomenon is repeated throughout the
book of Acts whenever people were filled with the Holy Spirit. In
fact, it still is to be the expected happening today when believers
are filled with the Holy Spirit.
In this particular outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the 120 disciples
who spoke in other tongues were heard by the crowd that had gathered
to be speaking in languages that they understood! Many had come from
other nations to celebrate this festival, and now they hear the
"locals" speaking in languages that they recognize as their own. But
how did these people know those languages? Obviously, they didn't!
They were simply speaking what the Holy Spirit enabled them to speak.
This amazed the crowd. They started questioning how this could
happen. But some in the crowd thought they had the answer: these
people were speaking this "nonsense" because they were drunk!
Somebody needed to explain what was going on. But who will dare to
speak to such a throng as this?
Tomorrow: The "wimp" of yesterday becomes the "powerhouse" of today
Acts - Week 1 / Tuesday
Reading for today: Acts 1:12-26
Following the ascension of Jesus back into heaven, the followers of Christ returned to Jerusalem, and went to an upstairs room where they prayed and waited obediently for the promise of the Father, which was the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Sometime during these 10 days in which they waited, Peter declared that there was a need to replace Judas, the disgraced disciple who had betrayed Jesus. But the man who was to replace him had to fulfill some essential qualifications. He must be someone who had been with the disciples the whole time from Jesus’ baptism to His ascension. In particular, he must have been an eyewitness of the resurrection of Jesus, just as the rest of the disciples were.
Two men best met these conditions, Joseph called Barsabas, and Matthias. To make the choice between these two men, the disciples first prayed, in recognition that God knew which one He wanted as the twelfth apostle. Then they used the Old Testament method of casting lots.
It should be noted here that they did not cast lots haphazardly. They first selected the two men whom they judged the most worthy to fill the vacancy. Then they prayed about the matter. It may well be that there was nothing to choose between these two men---they were both qualified to fill the position.
In that case the casting of lots, which had very respectable precedent in Hebrew sacred history, was a very reasonable way of deciding on one of the two. Proverbs 16:33 says, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” They believed that God would overrule the laws of chance and show His choice by this means. So, they cast lots, and Matthias was chosen to fill the vacancy left by Judas’ defection.
It is interesting to note that this method is never mentioned again in Scripture. After Pentecost the followers of Christ would rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance in these kinds of decisions. The Holy Spirit’s arrival was about to change a lot of things!
Tomorrow: The Holy Ghost blows into town!
Following the ascension of Jesus back into heaven, the followers of Christ returned to Jerusalem, and went to an upstairs room where they prayed and waited obediently for the promise of the Father, which was the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Sometime during these 10 days in which they waited, Peter declared that there was a need to replace Judas, the disgraced disciple who had betrayed Jesus. But the man who was to replace him had to fulfill some essential qualifications. He must be someone who had been with the disciples the whole time from Jesus’ baptism to His ascension. In particular, he must have been an eyewitness of the resurrection of Jesus, just as the rest of the disciples were.
Two men best met these conditions, Joseph called Barsabas, and Matthias. To make the choice between these two men, the disciples first prayed, in recognition that God knew which one He wanted as the twelfth apostle. Then they used the Old Testament method of casting lots.
It should be noted here that they did not cast lots haphazardly. They first selected the two men whom they judged the most worthy to fill the vacancy. Then they prayed about the matter. It may well be that there was nothing to choose between these two men---they were both qualified to fill the position.
In that case the casting of lots, which had very respectable precedent in Hebrew sacred history, was a very reasonable way of deciding on one of the two. Proverbs 16:33 says, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” They believed that God would overrule the laws of chance and show His choice by this means. So, they cast lots, and Matthias was chosen to fill the vacancy left by Judas’ defection.
It is interesting to note that this method is never mentioned again in Scripture. After Pentecost the followers of Christ would rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance in these kinds of decisions. The Holy Spirit’s arrival was about to change a lot of things!
Tomorrow: The Holy Ghost blows into town!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Acts - Week 1 / Monday
Monday, May 19, 2008
Today we embark on our study of the New Testament book of Acts. This is such a vitally important book for every believer because it serves as a connecting point between the Gospels and the Epistles (or Letters) and Revelation. If we did not have the book of Acts we would know very little about how the church began, or how the gospel got from Jerusalem to Rome. In fact, we would know very little about who the Apostle Paul was if we were not introduced to him in the book of Acts. Acts is also very important because it gives us some of our greatest insight into the work of the Holy Spirit in our everyday lives. So, let’s jump into this exciting story of the church.
Grab your Bible and begin today by reading Acts 1:1-11
The very beginning verses introduce us to the baptism in the Holy Spirit. After Jesus was resurrected from the grave, he spent 40 days appearing to his followers and giving them many convincing proofs that he was indeed alive. On one of these occasions he gave a directive to this disciples not to leave Jerusalem until they had received the gift that the Father had promised, and that gift was the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
Jesus declared to his disciples that he was not about to set up an earthly kingdom at this time. That time would come, but that was information that could not be given to the disciples. And then Jesus gives them the wonderful promise in vs.8 that lays out what he wants them to be occupied in doing when he leaves this earth to go back to the Father. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
The purpose of the baptism in the Holy Spirit was to give them power to be witnesses of Christ. The same is true today. Christ is still baptizing his followers in the Holy Spirit for the purpose of empowering them to be effective witnesses in their world. Why? Because the task that Jesus gave to his disciples is not yet completed. Jesus told them to take the good news of the gospel to every creature. And until that is completed, Jesus’ followers will need the power of the Holy Spirit to help accomplish that daunting task.
Would you like to be more powerful in your witness? Would you enjoy having more boldness when an opportunity to speak for Christ comes your way? That’s precisely what God would love to do in all our lives, if we will allow him to fill us with his Holy Spirit.
After Christ gave his followers this promise of a personal Pentecost, he left them and ascended back to heaven. Jesus would no longer be with them in person, but he promised that he would send the Holy Spirit to be their constant companion in life.
The final thought in these verses has to do with the return of Jesus to this earth. The angels told the watching disciples that Jesus would return just as they had seen him go. It was not a snatching away, but rather a gradual movement. And the promise is that he will return to this earth in a similar fashion.
This all meant that Jesus’ first coming was now fulfilled. What he had come to this earth to do had been accomplished. His work of redemption was complete. It would be a long time before his return, but the disciples had their work laid out for them. And they would not be alone in their endeavors. The Holy Spirit would accompany them. The disciples were to obey with the assurance that he would come again. The promise of his return is as emphatic as it could possibly be. And that reality ought to motivate each of us to live our lives in such a way that we are ready for his return.
Tomorrow: How do you replace a disgraced disciple?
Today we embark on our study of the New Testament book of Acts. This is such a vitally important book for every believer because it serves as a connecting point between the Gospels and the Epistles (or Letters) and Revelation. If we did not have the book of Acts we would know very little about how the church began, or how the gospel got from Jerusalem to Rome. In fact, we would know very little about who the Apostle Paul was if we were not introduced to him in the book of Acts. Acts is also very important because it gives us some of our greatest insight into the work of the Holy Spirit in our everyday lives. So, let’s jump into this exciting story of the church.
Grab your Bible and begin today by reading Acts 1:1-11
The very beginning verses introduce us to the baptism in the Holy Spirit. After Jesus was resurrected from the grave, he spent 40 days appearing to his followers and giving them many convincing proofs that he was indeed alive. On one of these occasions he gave a directive to this disciples not to leave Jerusalem until they had received the gift that the Father had promised, and that gift was the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
Jesus declared to his disciples that he was not about to set up an earthly kingdom at this time. That time would come, but that was information that could not be given to the disciples. And then Jesus gives them the wonderful promise in vs.8 that lays out what he wants them to be occupied in doing when he leaves this earth to go back to the Father. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
The purpose of the baptism in the Holy Spirit was to give them power to be witnesses of Christ. The same is true today. Christ is still baptizing his followers in the Holy Spirit for the purpose of empowering them to be effective witnesses in their world. Why? Because the task that Jesus gave to his disciples is not yet completed. Jesus told them to take the good news of the gospel to every creature. And until that is completed, Jesus’ followers will need the power of the Holy Spirit to help accomplish that daunting task.
Would you like to be more powerful in your witness? Would you enjoy having more boldness when an opportunity to speak for Christ comes your way? That’s precisely what God would love to do in all our lives, if we will allow him to fill us with his Holy Spirit.
After Christ gave his followers this promise of a personal Pentecost, he left them and ascended back to heaven. Jesus would no longer be with them in person, but he promised that he would send the Holy Spirit to be their constant companion in life.
The final thought in these verses has to do with the return of Jesus to this earth. The angels told the watching disciples that Jesus would return just as they had seen him go. It was not a snatching away, but rather a gradual movement. And the promise is that he will return to this earth in a similar fashion.
This all meant that Jesus’ first coming was now fulfilled. What he had come to this earth to do had been accomplished. His work of redemption was complete. It would be a long time before his return, but the disciples had their work laid out for them. And they would not be alone in their endeavors. The Holy Spirit would accompany them. The disciples were to obey with the assurance that he would come again. The promise of his return is as emphatic as it could possibly be. And that reality ought to motivate each of us to live our lives in such a way that we are ready for his return.
Tomorrow: How do you replace a disgraced disciple?
Friday, May 9, 2008
Acts - Summer 2008 Sermon Series
Starting on May 18th Pastor Dean will kick off a sermon series that will continue through this summer. Fourteen messages from the book of Acts. Each week we'll tackle two chapters. Whichever pastor preaches that weekend will start a blog about those chapters. Then each day of the week following, they will blog on other portions of those chapters that were not included in the weekend's message. We hope you will enjoy this summer's study and the conversations on the blog.
Bone Marrow Drive
THANKS for helping make our drive a success!
We had a great day on Thursday. We registered 68 individuals and collected $1700 so far for testing fees. Praise God!! We can cover the testing costs for all those who registered. Just on the day of the drive we received a corporate donation for $200 and collected $580 from those who came to the drive. God's been good to us throughout this drive.
We had a great day on Thursday. We registered 68 individuals and collected $1700 so far for testing fees. Praise God!! We can cover the testing costs for all those who registered. Just on the day of the drive we received a corporate donation for $200 and collected $580 from those who came to the drive. God's been good to us throughout this drive.
If you missed our drive you can still join during the "Thanks Mom" campaign. You can call or request a registration packet online from the National Marrow Donor Program. The registration fees are being waived till May 19. Use this link to join:
http://www.marrow.org/HELP/Join_the_Donor_Registry/Join_Now_Special/TM/tm08_join_now.html
Our drive website:
http://www.bonemarrowbuddiesforbillman.org
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