Reading for today: Acts 10:23-48
Peter has been impacted by the "vision" he received from God in which it was declared to him in no uncertain terms how wrong it was to call unclean that which God called clean---even when it came to people! For a Jew raised in the prejudiced environment of Jewish tradition and customs, God was viewed as partial since He demonstrated "favoritism" toward Israel. But Peter discovered in this amazing story that God is not partial, that grace cannot coexist with prejudice.
This was a major breakthrough. The Jews traditionally looked upon the Gentiles with scorn because, among other things, they ate food the Jews viewed as unclean. In fact, the Jews looked upon Gentiles as dogs. Hatred ran deep. But when God captured Peter's attention. Peter responded in a very un-Jewish manner. He was willing to set aside his prejudices, and do his best to view these people as God viewed them.
To bring about this change in the thinking of this new church, God simultaneously worked in Peter's heart in Joppa, while at the same time He sent an angel to speak to Cornelius in Caesarea. Peter took some steps that were way out of his normal comfort zone. First, he took in for the night the 3 men whom Cornelius had sent to fetch Peter. Secondly, he became the guest of a non-Jew, when he entered Cornelius' house.
What a surprise to see the house full of interested people! As Peter begins to speak to them about Jesus, it truly dawns on him: God in no respector of persons, He is not partial, He shows no favoritism. Everyone has an equal opportunity with God.
In the middle of Peter's talk, an incredible thing happened! The Holy Spirit fell on that Gentile crowd, and they were heard speaking in tongues and praising God. Imagine that! They had the identical experience as that of the Jewish Christian community. This was precisely what the prophet Joel, hundreds of years earlier, had prophesied would happen.
And thus began a whole new chapter for this new church. Acts 1:8 was becoming more and more clear.
Next: The blog will be on hold next week, and will resume on July 7th.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Acts - Week 5 / Thursday
Reading for today: Acts 10:1-23
When God chose the Jews in the person of Abraham, He wanted a people through whom He could work, in order to demonstrate to the world that what He did with the Jews He could do with any nation that walked with Him. The Jews, therefore, became the chosen race. But as time passed, they began to see themselves as superior to all other nations, and tradition and prejudice caused the Jews to see the Gentiles as inferior.
Peter had made some progress in this matter. He accepted the Lord's work in saving the Samaritans. But they were circumcised and kept the Law about as well as many of the Jews did. Peter was also willing to stay in the home of an "unclean" tanner who was a believer. (Acts 9:43)
But he had not faced the biggest barrier yet, and that was the chasm between the Jew and the Gentile. So God gives him an opportunity to change his heart and his attitude. God works through Cornelius, a God-fearing Gentile, to bring this change about. While God spoke to Cornelius through an angel, He was also speaking to Peter through a "vision," in which He shows him all these animals that Peter had never eaten. But God said to "kill and eat."
Peter's response is interesting. He said, in essence, "No way, Lord." On the one hand, Peter calls him "Lord," but on the other hand, he says, "No way!" I sometimes wonder if that is how I sound to God. "Lord (master)---forget it!"
Even as Peter is trying to understand this vision, the men sent from Cornelius came for him. Peter was faced with a decision and he didn't have time to think much about it. Would he respond to the vision he had, or would he ignore it and bow to tradition and prejudice? Luke gives us Peter's response in 12 words: "Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests."
Tomorrow: The proof is in the pudding!
When God chose the Jews in the person of Abraham, He wanted a people through whom He could work, in order to demonstrate to the world that what He did with the Jews He could do with any nation that walked with Him. The Jews, therefore, became the chosen race. But as time passed, they began to see themselves as superior to all other nations, and tradition and prejudice caused the Jews to see the Gentiles as inferior.
Peter had made some progress in this matter. He accepted the Lord's work in saving the Samaritans. But they were circumcised and kept the Law about as well as many of the Jews did. Peter was also willing to stay in the home of an "unclean" tanner who was a believer. (Acts 9:43)
But he had not faced the biggest barrier yet, and that was the chasm between the Jew and the Gentile. So God gives him an opportunity to change his heart and his attitude. God works through Cornelius, a God-fearing Gentile, to bring this change about. While God spoke to Cornelius through an angel, He was also speaking to Peter through a "vision," in which He shows him all these animals that Peter had never eaten. But God said to "kill and eat."
Peter's response is interesting. He said, in essence, "No way, Lord." On the one hand, Peter calls him "Lord," but on the other hand, he says, "No way!" I sometimes wonder if that is how I sound to God. "Lord (master)---forget it!"
Even as Peter is trying to understand this vision, the men sent from Cornelius came for him. Peter was faced with a decision and he didn't have time to think much about it. Would he respond to the vision he had, or would he ignore it and bow to tradition and prejudice? Luke gives us Peter's response in 12 words: "Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests."
Tomorrow: The proof is in the pudding!
Acts - Week 5 / Wednesday
Reading for today: Acts 9:32-43
The Acts story now shifts from Saul, and reverts back to Peter, who has traveled to Lydda to visit the believers there. While there, he finds Aeneas, who for 8 years has needed someone to dress him, move him about, take him from bed and put him back at the end of the day, and help him with all his needs of personal hygiene. His was a very difficult situation.
Peter spoke these words, "Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and take care of your mat." Miraculously, Aeneas is instantly healed. Many people who saw this miracle turned to the Lord, not to Peter. That is a mark of genuine healing: when the Lord gets the glory, and not any man.
Then Peter found himself being dispastched 10 miles further toward the Mediterranean coast to the city of Joppa, where a woman named Tabitha had died. This was a special lady who had given of herself to meet the needs of the poor around her. Peter dismissed all the mourning widows who surrounded her dead body, and went to his knees in prayer, and then turned to the body in faith and said, "Tabitha, arise!"
Another miracle took place as Tabitha opened her eyes and sat up. Imagine the joy Peter had in presenting her alive to all the mourners. Again, this miracle resulted in many people coming to faith in Jesus Christ.
You can't help but notice that Peter refuses to take any credit for these miracles. The spotlight was kept on Jesus Christ as the healer. God has a wonderful way of using miraculous events to draw people into a relationship with Jesus Christ. God can use a miracle as the entering wedge for evangelism.
That's precisely why we pray for miracles to take place around here. The purpose of a miracle is not to draw attention to a person, or a church. The purpose of miracles is to draw peoples' attention towards Jesus Christ. We pray for miracles so that the door of evangelism is opened wider and wider.
What miracles do you find yourself praying for? Why do you want to see that miracle take place?
Tomorrow: Prejudice rears its ugly head!
The Acts story now shifts from Saul, and reverts back to Peter, who has traveled to Lydda to visit the believers there. While there, he finds Aeneas, who for 8 years has needed someone to dress him, move him about, take him from bed and put him back at the end of the day, and help him with all his needs of personal hygiene. His was a very difficult situation.
Peter spoke these words, "Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and take care of your mat." Miraculously, Aeneas is instantly healed. Many people who saw this miracle turned to the Lord, not to Peter. That is a mark of genuine healing: when the Lord gets the glory, and not any man.
Then Peter found himself being dispastched 10 miles further toward the Mediterranean coast to the city of Joppa, where a woman named Tabitha had died. This was a special lady who had given of herself to meet the needs of the poor around her. Peter dismissed all the mourning widows who surrounded her dead body, and went to his knees in prayer, and then turned to the body in faith and said, "Tabitha, arise!"
Another miracle took place as Tabitha opened her eyes and sat up. Imagine the joy Peter had in presenting her alive to all the mourners. Again, this miracle resulted in many people coming to faith in Jesus Christ.
You can't help but notice that Peter refuses to take any credit for these miracles. The spotlight was kept on Jesus Christ as the healer. God has a wonderful way of using miraculous events to draw people into a relationship with Jesus Christ. God can use a miracle as the entering wedge for evangelism.
That's precisely why we pray for miracles to take place around here. The purpose of a miracle is not to draw attention to a person, or a church. The purpose of miracles is to draw peoples' attention towards Jesus Christ. We pray for miracles so that the door of evangelism is opened wider and wider.
What miracles do you find yourself praying for? Why do you want to see that miracle take place?
Tomorrow: Prejudice rears its ugly head!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Acts - Week 5 / Tuesday
Reading for today: Acts 9 19-31
Saul finds himself in a real dilemma. This most notorious Christian-hater has done an about-face, and is now one of the followers of Christ. But understandably, he is feared and distrusted by fellow believers because they knew his past reputation. On the other hand, he was resented and rejected by former associates of his past life. Right away he began to experience the fulfillment of a prediction the Lord had revealed to Ananias, "I will show him (Saul) how much he must suffer for My name's sake." (Acts 9:16)
The Holy Spirit has empowered Saul, and he is ready to hit the ground running! He doesn't sit around waiting for some sign from heaven to do something. Immediately, he goes to the synagogue and begins preaching that Jesus is the Son of God---the Messiah. And he is convincing! He was a master of logic, trained under Gamaliel, and a brilliant theologian of Judaism, and now he is proclaiming Christ in a most convincing fashion.
Vs.23 says, "After many days had gone by..." We don't know a lot about this time period. However, something mysterious happened during this time. In Galatians 1:17 Saul (Paul) indicates that he went off to Arabia and then returned again to Damascus. How long was he gone? And what took place there? Some say he was there for 3 years, but we do not know this for certain. While there we can safely assume that God was at work with him while he lived in solitude away from the masses.
The next verses relate the difficulties Saul faced. It seemed that everyone had their sights aimed on him. The unbelieving Jews tried to kill him in Damascus, but the Christ followers helped him escape. Then when he went to Jerusalem, the church there was dubious about him. Finally Barnabas comes to the rescue, and convinces the church to take this guy in. He's OK!
But it isn't long before the Grecian Jews tried to kill him. So, again, Saul's Christian brothers help him escape to Tarsus, which is Saul's birthplace. And so, with Saul out of the picture for a while, things settle down, the church enjoys a time of peace, and the Holy Spirit helps the church to continue to grow.
The rejection of Paul by his former associates in hating the Christians would have been understood by Saul. However, the distrust and slowness in acceptance by his fellow believers must have been difficult for Saul to deal with. I wonder how I would have responded to Saul coming into my circle of believers? Would I have been willing to embrace him as a fellow believer, or would I have forced him to prove himself before I extended a hand of friendship?
Tomorrow: Even the dead come back to life!
Saul finds himself in a real dilemma. This most notorious Christian-hater has done an about-face, and is now one of the followers of Christ. But understandably, he is feared and distrusted by fellow believers because they knew his past reputation. On the other hand, he was resented and rejected by former associates of his past life. Right away he began to experience the fulfillment of a prediction the Lord had revealed to Ananias, "I will show him (Saul) how much he must suffer for My name's sake." (Acts 9:16)
The Holy Spirit has empowered Saul, and he is ready to hit the ground running! He doesn't sit around waiting for some sign from heaven to do something. Immediately, he goes to the synagogue and begins preaching that Jesus is the Son of God---the Messiah. And he is convincing! He was a master of logic, trained under Gamaliel, and a brilliant theologian of Judaism, and now he is proclaiming Christ in a most convincing fashion.
Vs.23 says, "After many days had gone by..." We don't know a lot about this time period. However, something mysterious happened during this time. In Galatians 1:17 Saul (Paul) indicates that he went off to Arabia and then returned again to Damascus. How long was he gone? And what took place there? Some say he was there for 3 years, but we do not know this for certain. While there we can safely assume that God was at work with him while he lived in solitude away from the masses.
The next verses relate the difficulties Saul faced. It seemed that everyone had their sights aimed on him. The unbelieving Jews tried to kill him in Damascus, but the Christ followers helped him escape. Then when he went to Jerusalem, the church there was dubious about him. Finally Barnabas comes to the rescue, and convinces the church to take this guy in. He's OK!
But it isn't long before the Grecian Jews tried to kill him. So, again, Saul's Christian brothers help him escape to Tarsus, which is Saul's birthplace. And so, with Saul out of the picture for a while, things settle down, the church enjoys a time of peace, and the Holy Spirit helps the church to continue to grow.
The rejection of Paul by his former associates in hating the Christians would have been understood by Saul. However, the distrust and slowness in acceptance by his fellow believers must have been difficult for Saul to deal with. I wonder how I would have responded to Saul coming into my circle of believers? Would I have been willing to embrace him as a fellow believer, or would I have forced him to prove himself before I extended a hand of friendship?
Tomorrow: Even the dead come back to life!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Acts - Week 5 / Monday
Reading for today: Acts 9:1-19
These verses tell one of the greatest stories of transformation in all of Scripture. In fact, this story of a dramatically changed life is told three times in the book of Acts.
There are a couple of things that just stick out in this story. First, there is the ability of God to radically transform a life. Saul was about as antagonistic to the story of Jesus and His followers as you can get. And yet, one face-to-face encounter with Jesus, and Saul's life would never be the same again.
Granted, not everyone has this kind of personal appearance from Jesus, but the truth is that God's love for each one of us is a persistent love. The last thing Saul ever wanted was to know Christ in a personal way, but in one brief encounter that suddenly changed.
People today still try their best to run from God, and though he may not blind with lights or speak from the sky, He still pursues every man and every woman. And if He is given any chance at all, He will transform that life completely. Many of you who read this know exactly what I am talking about, because it has happened to you.
The second thing that impresses me in this story is the willingness of Ananias to obey God's directive to go to Saul, and pray for his sight to be restored. Saul had a well-known reputation as being a ruthless hunter and persecutor of those who were followers of Christ. So, Ananias was simply showing his humanness in questioning the wisdom of what God asked Him to do.
Nevertheless, God convinced Ananias that going to Saul was the right thing to do, and so he did it. The result was that Saul's sight was restored and he was filled with the Holy Spirit. Interestingly, nothing more is said of Ananias. But Saul would never forget this godly man who was the first believer to call him "brother."
Who do you know that seems to be an "impossible" candidate for God's transformation? Let this story of Saul encourage you to continue praying for that person. You never know when their divine encounter is going to take place!
Tomorrow: The persecutor becomes the preacher!
These verses tell one of the greatest stories of transformation in all of Scripture. In fact, this story of a dramatically changed life is told three times in the book of Acts.
There are a couple of things that just stick out in this story. First, there is the ability of God to radically transform a life. Saul was about as antagonistic to the story of Jesus and His followers as you can get. And yet, one face-to-face encounter with Jesus, and Saul's life would never be the same again.
Granted, not everyone has this kind of personal appearance from Jesus, but the truth is that God's love for each one of us is a persistent love. The last thing Saul ever wanted was to know Christ in a personal way, but in one brief encounter that suddenly changed.
People today still try their best to run from God, and though he may not blind with lights or speak from the sky, He still pursues every man and every woman. And if He is given any chance at all, He will transform that life completely. Many of you who read this know exactly what I am talking about, because it has happened to you.
The second thing that impresses me in this story is the willingness of Ananias to obey God's directive to go to Saul, and pray for his sight to be restored. Saul had a well-known reputation as being a ruthless hunter and persecutor of those who were followers of Christ. So, Ananias was simply showing his humanness in questioning the wisdom of what God asked Him to do.
Nevertheless, God convinced Ananias that going to Saul was the right thing to do, and so he did it. The result was that Saul's sight was restored and he was filled with the Holy Spirit. Interestingly, nothing more is said of Ananias. But Saul would never forget this godly man who was the first believer to call him "brother."
Who do you know that seems to be an "impossible" candidate for God's transformation? Let this story of Saul encourage you to continue praying for that person. You never know when their divine encounter is going to take place!
Tomorrow: The persecutor becomes the preacher!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Acts - Week 4 / Friday
Reading for today: Acts 8:26-40
An angel appears to Philip and tells him to travel the relatively desolate and deserted road to Gaza, some 60 miles southwest of Jerusalem. Why did God need to send an angel in this situation? It may be that Philip needed a strong sign from God to leave the great revival that was taking place in Samaria. In any case, Philip obeyed.
As divine appointments happen, at the very time he reached the Gaza road, the chariot of an Ethiopian eunuch was approaching. This man was a God-fearing Gentile who had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and perhaps to purchase a set of scrolls. These were hand-copied and extremely expensive in those days.
When Philip is directed by the Holy Spirit to go to the chariot, he hears the man reading from Isaiah 53, so he asks the man if he understands what he is reading. When the man says, "No," Philip jumps aboard and explains the Scriptures and the way of salvation. The eunuch believes, and when they pass a body of water, he asks to be baptized. So, Philip baptizes the eunuch.
The really interesting thing that happens is when they come up out of the water, the Spirit took Philip away. Luke doesn't explain how that happened, but the verb used usually means "to snatch away." It is the same verb used for the Rapture of the Church. Apparently, the Spirit gave Philip a supersonic ride to Azotus, which was 20 miles away.
The real importance of the meeting of these two men is that the gospel now travels far to the south to Egypt and points south of that, because that is where the eunuch is headed, and surely he took the "good news" he had received and shared it. Again we see Acts 1:8 being fulfilled once more, and the ripple effect is spreading farther and farther with each new convert.
I can't help being impressed with the sensitivity to the Holy Spirit of so many of the believers in the book of Acts. They were continually seeing wonderful and miraculous things take place when they would be responsive to the direction of the Holy Spirit. I surely desire that same sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in my life. How about you?
Next week: A terrorist is transformed!
An angel appears to Philip and tells him to travel the relatively desolate and deserted road to Gaza, some 60 miles southwest of Jerusalem. Why did God need to send an angel in this situation? It may be that Philip needed a strong sign from God to leave the great revival that was taking place in Samaria. In any case, Philip obeyed.
As divine appointments happen, at the very time he reached the Gaza road, the chariot of an Ethiopian eunuch was approaching. This man was a God-fearing Gentile who had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and perhaps to purchase a set of scrolls. These were hand-copied and extremely expensive in those days.
When Philip is directed by the Holy Spirit to go to the chariot, he hears the man reading from Isaiah 53, so he asks the man if he understands what he is reading. When the man says, "No," Philip jumps aboard and explains the Scriptures and the way of salvation. The eunuch believes, and when they pass a body of water, he asks to be baptized. So, Philip baptizes the eunuch.
The really interesting thing that happens is when they come up out of the water, the Spirit took Philip away. Luke doesn't explain how that happened, but the verb used usually means "to snatch away." It is the same verb used for the Rapture of the Church. Apparently, the Spirit gave Philip a supersonic ride to Azotus, which was 20 miles away.
The real importance of the meeting of these two men is that the gospel now travels far to the south to Egypt and points south of that, because that is where the eunuch is headed, and surely he took the "good news" he had received and shared it. Again we see Acts 1:8 being fulfilled once more, and the ripple effect is spreading farther and farther with each new convert.
I can't help being impressed with the sensitivity to the Holy Spirit of so many of the believers in the book of Acts. They were continually seeing wonderful and miraculous things take place when they would be responsive to the direction of the Holy Spirit. I surely desire that same sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in my life. How about you?
Next week: A terrorist is transformed!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Acts - Week 4 / Thursday
Reading for today: Acts 8:4-25
Philip was one of the 7 chosen to help administrate the Church back in chap. 6. Persecution caused the believers to be scattered, which was great, because everywhere these believers went, they took the gospel with them and shared it.
It is interesting, and a bit gutsy on Philip's part, that he went to Samaria. The Jewish people avoided travel in Samaria and viewed Samaritans with contempt. But the gospel of Jesus Christ helped to break through the prejudices. And so it was, that Philip took the gospel to Samaria, and great miracles took place through his ministry there.
These miracles caught the attention of a man named Simon, who was a sorcerer, or magician. Simon's magic was so well known that a statue of him was erected in Rome. Simon had watched Philip with the professional eye of a magician and had to come to the conclusion that these miracles were real. Simon also came to believe Philip's message, and is baptized.
When Peter and John came to Samaria to help, they prayed for the Samaritan believers to receive the Holy Spirit. Clearly the apostles believed the baptism in the Holy Spirit was important for everyone. Something about this experience caught Simon's eye. The thing that makes the most sense is that he witnessed these believers speaking in an unknown tongue, and he wanted the power to make that happen.
Simon gets a blistering rebuke from Peter, and Simon repents. We don't know exactly what happened to Simon, whether or not his repentance was genuine, or just an attempt to appease God's wrath against him.
In any case, due to his actions, we now have the word "simony" in our vocabulary, which means buying a place of authority or an office in the church. That's not exactly the kind of epitaph you would want on your tombstone, is it?
Tomorrow: Philip races a chariot
Philip was one of the 7 chosen to help administrate the Church back in chap. 6. Persecution caused the believers to be scattered, which was great, because everywhere these believers went, they took the gospel with them and shared it.
It is interesting, and a bit gutsy on Philip's part, that he went to Samaria. The Jewish people avoided travel in Samaria and viewed Samaritans with contempt. But the gospel of Jesus Christ helped to break through the prejudices. And so it was, that Philip took the gospel to Samaria, and great miracles took place through his ministry there.
These miracles caught the attention of a man named Simon, who was a sorcerer, or magician. Simon's magic was so well known that a statue of him was erected in Rome. Simon had watched Philip with the professional eye of a magician and had to come to the conclusion that these miracles were real. Simon also came to believe Philip's message, and is baptized.
When Peter and John came to Samaria to help, they prayed for the Samaritan believers to receive the Holy Spirit. Clearly the apostles believed the baptism in the Holy Spirit was important for everyone. Something about this experience caught Simon's eye. The thing that makes the most sense is that he witnessed these believers speaking in an unknown tongue, and he wanted the power to make that happen.
Simon gets a blistering rebuke from Peter, and Simon repents. We don't know exactly what happened to Simon, whether or not his repentance was genuine, or just an attempt to appease God's wrath against him.
In any case, due to his actions, we now have the word "simony" in our vocabulary, which means buying a place of authority or an office in the church. That's not exactly the kind of epitaph you would want on your tombstone, is it?
Tomorrow: Philip races a chariot
Acts - Week 4 / Wednesday
Reading for today: Acts 7:54-8:3
Three significant events happen in these few verses. First, Stephen ends up becoming the first martyr in this young church. He lays down his life for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In so doing, he became the first in a long, long line of those who have refused to back down in their commitment to Christ, and in so doing, have had their lives taken from them.
Because we live in a country where there is a great deal of religious freedom it is hard to imagine that this still happens today, but it does with great frequency. I recently read an estimated statistic that 70 million people have been martyred for their Christian faith since the Church was initiated on the Day of Pentecost. That is a staggering statistic! Stephen led the way, and many have followed his stellar example.
The second event in these verses is our introduction to this man called Saul. While Stephen was being stoned, the furious crowd laid their clothes at the feet of this young man who was very much in agreement with the sentiment of the crowd. Following Stephen's death, Saul began a crusade of persecution against the Church. His goal was to destroy this fledgling organism, but he was to discover that it couldn't be done!
The third event is the advent of persecution which caused the believers in Jerusalem to scatter to the surrounding countries. Interestingly, what was designed to destroy the Church actually helped the Church grow and become a stronger force than ever, because wherever these young Christians went they took the gospel with them.
Jesus said, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Persecution cannot kill the Church of Jesus Christ. The fact is, persecution only serves to strengthen the Church. The significant enemy of the Church is not persecution, but rather apathy and passionless relationships with God. Persecution forces people to determine where their allegiance lies, and whether they are willing to lay down their life for the sake of this relationship.
Is it possible that the anemic state of the Church in our country is due, in large part, to how good we have had it, and how easy it has been? I can't help wondering what would happen if we did start facing real persecution in America. Who would be left standing up for Christ?
Tomorrow: Persecution begins building the Church
Three significant events happen in these few verses. First, Stephen ends up becoming the first martyr in this young church. He lays down his life for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In so doing, he became the first in a long, long line of those who have refused to back down in their commitment to Christ, and in so doing, have had their lives taken from them.
Because we live in a country where there is a great deal of religious freedom it is hard to imagine that this still happens today, but it does with great frequency. I recently read an estimated statistic that 70 million people have been martyred for their Christian faith since the Church was initiated on the Day of Pentecost. That is a staggering statistic! Stephen led the way, and many have followed his stellar example.
The second event in these verses is our introduction to this man called Saul. While Stephen was being stoned, the furious crowd laid their clothes at the feet of this young man who was very much in agreement with the sentiment of the crowd. Following Stephen's death, Saul began a crusade of persecution against the Church. His goal was to destroy this fledgling organism, but he was to discover that it couldn't be done!
The third event is the advent of persecution which caused the believers in Jerusalem to scatter to the surrounding countries. Interestingly, what was designed to destroy the Church actually helped the Church grow and become a stronger force than ever, because wherever these young Christians went they took the gospel with them.
Jesus said, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Persecution cannot kill the Church of Jesus Christ. The fact is, persecution only serves to strengthen the Church. The significant enemy of the Church is not persecution, but rather apathy and passionless relationships with God. Persecution forces people to determine where their allegiance lies, and whether they are willing to lay down their life for the sake of this relationship.
Is it possible that the anemic state of the Church in our country is due, in large part, to how good we have had it, and how easy it has been? I can't help wondering what would happen if we did start facing real persecution in America. Who would be left standing up for Christ?
Tomorrow: Persecution begins building the Church
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Acts - Week 4 / Tuesday
Reading for today: Acts 7:30-53
Stephen continues his defense against the accusations brought against him. He speaks at length about Moses, because Moses was the hero of the Sanhedrin. He reminds them of the covenant that God gave Moses, which is called the Law. But the people rejected this covenant, and in doing so, rejected God.
One of the idols mentioned in vs.43 is Moloch, which was a Venus god worshiped by the Ammonites. Moloch worshipers practiced infant human sacrifice. The other idol mentioned is Rephan, which was an Assyrian name for the planet Saturn. Not only did they reject God, but they turned their affections toward idols.
Stephen's main point in all this is that it was their fathers who rejected Moses and the Law, thereby rebelling against God. The fathers of Israel were the ones guilty of wanting to change the laws, customs, and teachings of Moses, not Stephen or Jesus. This was a direct answer to their accusations against him.
But Stephen obviously saw that his message was not being accepted. So, he calls them "stiff-necked" and "uncircumcised in heart and ears." This was a real slam to the Sanhedrin, which they were not about to let slide.
The truth was that these men who represented the Sanhedrin had already heard from Peter and John and others concerning the truth of the gospel, but they were actively resisting the Holy Spirit, just as their fathers had.
Was Stephen saying, "Like father, like son?" There is always a measure of truth in the old adage that "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." Fortunately for us, God is not limited by such adages. He can bring about a new creation that little resembles where it came from. Aren't we all glad for that?
Tomorrow: The first martyr is welcomed home
Stephen continues his defense against the accusations brought against him. He speaks at length about Moses, because Moses was the hero of the Sanhedrin. He reminds them of the covenant that God gave Moses, which is called the Law. But the people rejected this covenant, and in doing so, rejected God.
One of the idols mentioned in vs.43 is Moloch, which was a Venus god worshiped by the Ammonites. Moloch worshipers practiced infant human sacrifice. The other idol mentioned is Rephan, which was an Assyrian name for the planet Saturn. Not only did they reject God, but they turned their affections toward idols.
Stephen's main point in all this is that it was their fathers who rejected Moses and the Law, thereby rebelling against God. The fathers of Israel were the ones guilty of wanting to change the laws, customs, and teachings of Moses, not Stephen or Jesus. This was a direct answer to their accusations against him.
But Stephen obviously saw that his message was not being accepted. So, he calls them "stiff-necked" and "uncircumcised in heart and ears." This was a real slam to the Sanhedrin, which they were not about to let slide.
The truth was that these men who represented the Sanhedrin had already heard from Peter and John and others concerning the truth of the gospel, but they were actively resisting the Holy Spirit, just as their fathers had.
Was Stephen saying, "Like father, like son?" There is always a measure of truth in the old adage that "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." Fortunately for us, God is not limited by such adages. He can bring about a new creation that little resembles where it came from. Aren't we all glad for that?
Tomorrow: The first martyr is welcomed home
Monday, June 16, 2008
Acts - Week 4 / Monday
Reading for today: Acts 7:1-29
Stephen, one of the 7 men chosen to oversee the ministry of taking care of the widows, has found himself being used by God in some pretty marvelous ways. The miraculous power of God has been at work in and through his life, much to the consternation of the Sanhedrin. They ultimately have him arrested and false charges are brought against him. When we get to this 7th chapter, Stephen is allowed to defend himself against these charges.
His defense consisted of two points: 1) He describes the history of Israel, which the Sanhedrin would have known very well already, but he focuses on how Israel rejected God's plan on various occasions; 2) He reminds them of the past covenants between God and his people.
In the first verses, Stephen emphasizes the faith of Abraham, who believed God's promises even when he saw absolutely no evidence that it would be fulfilled. He also emphasized the way Joseph was sold by his brothers, yet was used by God to save their lives. The treatment of Joseph by his brothers parallels how the Jewish leaders (some who were undoubtedly part of the Sanhedrin) treated Jesus.
Stephen goes on to describe how Moses, being called by God to lead His people, was at first rejected by his own people when he came to their defense. The parallel is once again drawn here to the way the Jewish leaders failed to understand what God had done through Jesus in providing salvation.
This description of Stephen's words is a good reminder to all of us why it is so important to know God's Word. By simply relating the stories that were so well known to his hearers, Stephen is able to draw these men into these stories, and force them to see themselves.
When you and I are confronted by God's truth, we have the choice as to whether we are going to allow that truth to change us, or to react to the truth in destructive ways. We will see later in the week how the men of the Sanhedrin responded to the truth.
How about us? How are we responding to God's truth? Are we allowing it to make us better persons, or do we become defensive, and take a destructive posture, either to ourselves, or to the messenger of the truth?
Tomorrow: Stephen brings the hammer down!
Stephen, one of the 7 men chosen to oversee the ministry of taking care of the widows, has found himself being used by God in some pretty marvelous ways. The miraculous power of God has been at work in and through his life, much to the consternation of the Sanhedrin. They ultimately have him arrested and false charges are brought against him. When we get to this 7th chapter, Stephen is allowed to defend himself against these charges.
His defense consisted of two points: 1) He describes the history of Israel, which the Sanhedrin would have known very well already, but he focuses on how Israel rejected God's plan on various occasions; 2) He reminds them of the past covenants between God and his people.
In the first verses, Stephen emphasizes the faith of Abraham, who believed God's promises even when he saw absolutely no evidence that it would be fulfilled. He also emphasized the way Joseph was sold by his brothers, yet was used by God to save their lives. The treatment of Joseph by his brothers parallels how the Jewish leaders (some who were undoubtedly part of the Sanhedrin) treated Jesus.
Stephen goes on to describe how Moses, being called by God to lead His people, was at first rejected by his own people when he came to their defense. The parallel is once again drawn here to the way the Jewish leaders failed to understand what God had done through Jesus in providing salvation.
This description of Stephen's words is a good reminder to all of us why it is so important to know God's Word. By simply relating the stories that were so well known to his hearers, Stephen is able to draw these men into these stories, and force them to see themselves.
When you and I are confronted by God's truth, we have the choice as to whether we are going to allow that truth to change us, or to react to the truth in destructive ways. We will see later in the week how the men of the Sanhedrin responded to the truth.
How about us? How are we responding to God's truth? Are we allowing it to make us better persons, or do we become defensive, and take a destructive posture, either to ourselves, or to the messenger of the truth?
Tomorrow: Stephen brings the hammer down!
Friday, June 6, 2008
Acts - Week 3 / Friday
Reading for today: Acts 6:8-15
We are introduced here to something new that was happening. This is the first time we read of miracles being done by those who were not apostles. This was opening up a whole new avenue and opportunity for ministry. No longer would the power of the Holy Spirit work only through the apostles. Now the Spirit was working through others.
These 7 men were given "serving" responsibilities, but Stephen was not limited to that type of ministry. He saw some great miracles happen as he ministered. But, as usual, opposition soon arose. However, there was a problem for those opposing Stephen. They couldn't successfully oppose the wisdom and the Spirit by which Stephen spoke. Their arguments fell flat when confronted by the power of the Spirit working through Stephen.
Finally they had to resort to sheer lying about him. They made up charges, so as to be able to detain him and punish him. Isn't it great when people can find no wrong in us or our behavior, so they have to resort to making up things?
At this point all those who were seated in the Sanhedrin saw the face of Stephen, and it looked like the face of an angel. This probably means there was a glow or brightness that was more than human and came from heaven.
It may have been similar to what Moses experienced when he came down from the presence of God in the mountain. So, this anointed man is ready to speak, to defend the charges against him.
Do you even think about how you would respond if you were put before a tribunal of some kind and forced to defend yourself because of your faith in Jesus Christ? I would like to believe that I would stand strong, and that my testimony would be loud and clear. But, if I am frightened to say anything to anybody in my present state of freedom and openness, what makes me think that I would suddenly be bold in an oppressed situation? I know this for sure. I would really need the power of the Holy Spirit in that setting, or I would be dead in the water!
Next week: A speech that leaves the listeners furious!
We are introduced here to something new that was happening. This is the first time we read of miracles being done by those who were not apostles. This was opening up a whole new avenue and opportunity for ministry. No longer would the power of the Holy Spirit work only through the apostles. Now the Spirit was working through others.
These 7 men were given "serving" responsibilities, but Stephen was not limited to that type of ministry. He saw some great miracles happen as he ministered. But, as usual, opposition soon arose. However, there was a problem for those opposing Stephen. They couldn't successfully oppose the wisdom and the Spirit by which Stephen spoke. Their arguments fell flat when confronted by the power of the Spirit working through Stephen.
Finally they had to resort to sheer lying about him. They made up charges, so as to be able to detain him and punish him. Isn't it great when people can find no wrong in us or our behavior, so they have to resort to making up things?
At this point all those who were seated in the Sanhedrin saw the face of Stephen, and it looked like the face of an angel. This probably means there was a glow or brightness that was more than human and came from heaven.
It may have been similar to what Moses experienced when he came down from the presence of God in the mountain. So, this anointed man is ready to speak, to defend the charges against him.
Do you even think about how you would respond if you were put before a tribunal of some kind and forced to defend yourself because of your faith in Jesus Christ? I would like to believe that I would stand strong, and that my testimony would be loud and clear. But, if I am frightened to say anything to anybody in my present state of freedom and openness, what makes me think that I would suddenly be bold in an oppressed situation? I know this for sure. I would really need the power of the Holy Spirit in that setting, or I would be dead in the water!
Next week: A speech that leaves the listeners furious!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Acts - Week 3 / Thursday
Reading for today: Acts 6:1-7
What happens when a community of believers grows rapidly? All those newcomers crowding in causes some bumps in the road. In this case, the growing church was a cross section of society as it was in Jerusalem and Judea. Some of them were born there and spoke Aramaic. However, the Jews born outside of Palestine did not know Aramaic well and normally spoke in Greek, which was a common language of trade and commerce and government.
When this murmuring arose among the Greek-speaking believers because they felt their widows were being neglected in their need, the disciples decided that the best solution would be to increase the "ministry team." So, they select 7 men to oversee this ministry to the widows. The qualifications for these men were: they must be known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.
The maturity of this fledgling church is found in the fact that the 7 men all had Greek names, which meant that they were undoubtedly from among the Greek-speaking believers. This truly shows the grace of God and the work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of the Hebrew-speaking believers. They were in the majority, but they chose all the "deacons" out of the minority group. That meant that there was no possible complaint that could be lodged by the Greek-speaking believers any more.
That was wisdom. It also shows how the Holy Spirit broke down this first barrier that rose up in the church. And the result of all this? The Word of God spread, and the number of believers continued to grow, including a large number of priests. This was a major breakthrough, since most of the priests were Sadducees who did not believe in the resurrection. So, the influence of this young church just keeps spreading and spreading.
I wonder if the same could be said of CLF? Is our influence spreading throughout our community? And if so, what are the effects of that influence? Is the Word of God being spread in an ever-increasing manner?
Tomorrow: A new paradigm for ministry emerges
What happens when a community of believers grows rapidly? All those newcomers crowding in causes some bumps in the road. In this case, the growing church was a cross section of society as it was in Jerusalem and Judea. Some of them were born there and spoke Aramaic. However, the Jews born outside of Palestine did not know Aramaic well and normally spoke in Greek, which was a common language of trade and commerce and government.
When this murmuring arose among the Greek-speaking believers because they felt their widows were being neglected in their need, the disciples decided that the best solution would be to increase the "ministry team." So, they select 7 men to oversee this ministry to the widows. The qualifications for these men were: they must be known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.
The maturity of this fledgling church is found in the fact that the 7 men all had Greek names, which meant that they were undoubtedly from among the Greek-speaking believers. This truly shows the grace of God and the work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of the Hebrew-speaking believers. They were in the majority, but they chose all the "deacons" out of the minority group. That meant that there was no possible complaint that could be lodged by the Greek-speaking believers any more.
That was wisdom. It also shows how the Holy Spirit broke down this first barrier that rose up in the church. And the result of all this? The Word of God spread, and the number of believers continued to grow, including a large number of priests. This was a major breakthrough, since most of the priests were Sadducees who did not believe in the resurrection. So, the influence of this young church just keeps spreading and spreading.
I wonder if the same could be said of CLF? Is our influence spreading throughout our community? And if so, what are the effects of that influence? Is the Word of God being spread in an ever-increasing manner?
Tomorrow: A new paradigm for ministry emerges
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Acts - Week 3 / Wednesday
Reading for today: Acts 5:17-42
Things are happening so fast and furious for the apostles and the newly-founded church that you can't help getting excited as you read this account. Nothing can stop them from spreading the good news about Jesus Christ, much to the consternation of the Sadducees and the other "religious" leaders. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the apostles are unafraid of whatever threats come their way because of the gospel.
When their preaching lands them in jail, a supernatural event takes place. An angel appeared and opened the doors of the jail and led them to freedom. Can you imagine what was going through their minds as that angel set them free?
When the apostles are finally re-arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin, they are given one of the best compliments they could have been given, and it came from the Sanhedrin! "You have filled Jerusalem with your teaching," the apostles are told. This group of disciples, who are now part of this fledgling church, have filled the whole city with the truth about Jesus Christ. Wow! I wish that could be said of us! To what extent have we filled our community with the message of Jesus Christ?
As to the allegiance of the apostles, there is no question. Their declaration was, "We must obey God rather than men!" That stance got them a good beating (flogging) by the Sanhedrin, and an order not to speak in the name of Jesus any more. Of course, that order fell on deaf ears, since it did not come from God, but from men.
I would remind all of us that they have just come through a painful flogging, and a "court order" not to say anything more about this Jesus. If they were going to be intimidated, this was the occasion. This hurt! And they were told to keep silent by the top officials of the city. So, how do these disciples respond to this harassment and persecution? They rejoiced because they had been counted worthy of suffering for the name of Jesus.
And they continued doing what they had been doing all along. "They never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ." That kind of boldness can come to our lives, too, when we are filled with the Holy Spirit. Remember Acts 1:8, "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."
Tomorrow: All is not well in the new church!
Things are happening so fast and furious for the apostles and the newly-founded church that you can't help getting excited as you read this account. Nothing can stop them from spreading the good news about Jesus Christ, much to the consternation of the Sadducees and the other "religious" leaders. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the apostles are unafraid of whatever threats come their way because of the gospel.
When their preaching lands them in jail, a supernatural event takes place. An angel appeared and opened the doors of the jail and led them to freedom. Can you imagine what was going through their minds as that angel set them free?
When the apostles are finally re-arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin, they are given one of the best compliments they could have been given, and it came from the Sanhedrin! "You have filled Jerusalem with your teaching," the apostles are told. This group of disciples, who are now part of this fledgling church, have filled the whole city with the truth about Jesus Christ. Wow! I wish that could be said of us! To what extent have we filled our community with the message of Jesus Christ?
As to the allegiance of the apostles, there is no question. Their declaration was, "We must obey God rather than men!" That stance got them a good beating (flogging) by the Sanhedrin, and an order not to speak in the name of Jesus any more. Of course, that order fell on deaf ears, since it did not come from God, but from men.
I would remind all of us that they have just come through a painful flogging, and a "court order" not to say anything more about this Jesus. If they were going to be intimidated, this was the occasion. This hurt! And they were told to keep silent by the top officials of the city. So, how do these disciples respond to this harassment and persecution? They rejoiced because they had been counted worthy of suffering for the name of Jesus.
And they continued doing what they had been doing all along. "They never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ." That kind of boldness can come to our lives, too, when we are filled with the Holy Spirit. Remember Acts 1:8, "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."
Tomorrow: All is not well in the new church!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Acts - Week 3 / Tuesday
Reading for today: Acts 5:12-16
The previous verse (11) refers to this group of new believers as the “church” for the first time. This church is experiencing some pretty exciting times. Many miraculous signs and wonders are taking place. The purpose of the miracles was to point people to Jesus, not simply for some “power display.”
The fear that resulted from the death of Ananias and Sapphira also affected the unbelievers, so that no one dated to join them. That is, no unbelievers dared to mix in with the crowd of believers pretending to be one of them. That was too dangerous!
This did not mean, however, that the Church’s growth was slowed down. It continued to grow, until the suggestion is that the number of believers was over 10,000 at this time.
These believers have great confidence in the Lord, so they bring the sick to be healed. They even lay them out on cots along the road, hoping that the shadow of Peter walking by might be enough of God’s presence to heal them.
Now, honestly, I don’t understand this kind of thing. I believe in divine healing. I have witnessed it in the lives of people around me. I know God can, and does heal. But I have to admit that I don’t always understand the way God works in the lives of people. Sometimes the way God works freaks me out! And some of the people through whom God chooses to work really freaks me out!
But over the years I have learned that God’s ways are a lot higher than my ways, and His thoughts are higher than my thoughts. So, even when I don’t particularly like the methods of the messenger, or I am uncomfortable with the strange way in which God may choose to work in someone’s life, I can still rejoice in the work that God accomplishes in a person’s life. His work is real, and it deserves to be praised.
Tomorrow: A jailbreak that defies the odds!
The previous verse (11) refers to this group of new believers as the “church” for the first time. This church is experiencing some pretty exciting times. Many miraculous signs and wonders are taking place. The purpose of the miracles was to point people to Jesus, not simply for some “power display.”
The fear that resulted from the death of Ananias and Sapphira also affected the unbelievers, so that no one dated to join them. That is, no unbelievers dared to mix in with the crowd of believers pretending to be one of them. That was too dangerous!
This did not mean, however, that the Church’s growth was slowed down. It continued to grow, until the suggestion is that the number of believers was over 10,000 at this time.
These believers have great confidence in the Lord, so they bring the sick to be healed. They even lay them out on cots along the road, hoping that the shadow of Peter walking by might be enough of God’s presence to heal them.
Now, honestly, I don’t understand this kind of thing. I believe in divine healing. I have witnessed it in the lives of people around me. I know God can, and does heal. But I have to admit that I don’t always understand the way God works in the lives of people. Sometimes the way God works freaks me out! And some of the people through whom God chooses to work really freaks me out!
But over the years I have learned that God’s ways are a lot higher than my ways, and His thoughts are higher than my thoughts. So, even when I don’t particularly like the methods of the messenger, or I am uncomfortable with the strange way in which God may choose to work in someone’s life, I can still rejoice in the work that God accomplishes in a person’s life. His work is real, and it deserves to be praised.
Tomorrow: A jailbreak that defies the odds!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Acts - Week 3 / Monday
Reading for today: Acts 5:1-11
This is one of those tough stories in the Scripture that doesn’t necessarily fit into our picture of grace. Here is a story of a man and a wife who conspire together to appear to give the proceeds of the sale of their property to the disciples, when in reality they hold back a portion of the sale for themselves. It was a premeditated action.
The interesting thing is that this appears to have been an unnecessary decision on their part. There was nothing compelling them to give all the proceeds. What they conceived in their heart was a lie, not to men, but to God. Satan was obviously behind what they had done. They certainly could have resisted Satan. But they let pride, self, and the love of money possess them, and that’s a bad combination.
So, when Ananias is confronted by Peter, obviously through a supernatural manifestation of knowledge given by the Holy Spirit, Ananias falls down dead. Now, why such a severe punishment? There are a couple of good answers to that. First, God wanted this new church to know what He thinks about unbelief, greed, and self-seeking hypocrisy that lies to God. Secondly, it is apparent throughout Scripture that in the time of beginnings, God tends to be more severe, perhaps to set the standard for what He expects. A couple of other examples of this are Leviticus 10, where the sons of Aaron are struck dead for offering strange fire on the altar, and in Joshua 7, where Achan and his entire family are struck down because of his stealing items that God had given definitive directions not to take.
Three hours later, Sapphira comes in, perpetuates the lie, and she, too, falls dead. The result of all this was that great fear came upon everyone. Can you imagine what went on in the minds of those new believers when they heard about what had happened? It was obvious that you didn’t mess around with the Holy Spirit, unless you cared little about your life. It’s a good reminder to all of us that our sin does not remain hidden. We may fool people for a time, but we never fool the Holy Spirit. The safest road is to be honest and upright---pure in heart, the Bible calls it.
Tomorrow: Why does God allow “freaky” stuff to happen?
This is one of those tough stories in the Scripture that doesn’t necessarily fit into our picture of grace. Here is a story of a man and a wife who conspire together to appear to give the proceeds of the sale of their property to the disciples, when in reality they hold back a portion of the sale for themselves. It was a premeditated action.
The interesting thing is that this appears to have been an unnecessary decision on their part. There was nothing compelling them to give all the proceeds. What they conceived in their heart was a lie, not to men, but to God. Satan was obviously behind what they had done. They certainly could have resisted Satan. But they let pride, self, and the love of money possess them, and that’s a bad combination.
So, when Ananias is confronted by Peter, obviously through a supernatural manifestation of knowledge given by the Holy Spirit, Ananias falls down dead. Now, why such a severe punishment? There are a couple of good answers to that. First, God wanted this new church to know what He thinks about unbelief, greed, and self-seeking hypocrisy that lies to God. Secondly, it is apparent throughout Scripture that in the time of beginnings, God tends to be more severe, perhaps to set the standard for what He expects. A couple of other examples of this are Leviticus 10, where the sons of Aaron are struck dead for offering strange fire on the altar, and in Joshua 7, where Achan and his entire family are struck down because of his stealing items that God had given definitive directions not to take.
Three hours later, Sapphira comes in, perpetuates the lie, and she, too, falls dead. The result of all this was that great fear came upon everyone. Can you imagine what went on in the minds of those new believers when they heard about what had happened? It was obvious that you didn’t mess around with the Holy Spirit, unless you cared little about your life. It’s a good reminder to all of us that our sin does not remain hidden. We may fool people for a time, but we never fool the Holy Spirit. The safest road is to be honest and upright---pure in heart, the Bible calls it.
Tomorrow: Why does God allow “freaky” stuff to happen?
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