Hey guys it is Zack (notice the KJ) here talking about the final chapter in our “Of one Accord” Bible study which is Acts chapter 28. Isn’t it cool how Paul can have a viper latched on to his arm and he just throws it back into the fire? That’s just impressive to me because I’m so terrified of snakes. That’s totally not relevant to anything I wanted to talk about in this blog, I just thought it was like the coolest thing since sliced bread. Before I go on to the actual blog keep in mind the Flood band played in Ritchie County and found it necessary to keep me up until about 2 or 3 in the morning the past couple nights, AND I had to get up early…so I’m tired, but nonetheless here we go.
In verse 26 of this chapter Paul quotes to the Jews what Isaiah the prophet said which was, “Go to this people and say, ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.’” Verse 27 goes on to say, “For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them” I typically wouldn’t quote a whole paragraph of scripture, but there is no better way to put it than what was said here. So many people have hardened their hearts to the Holy Spirit, it’s unbelievable. People are so selfish and content in their lifestyle they refuse to change even if it might change someone else’s eternity.
Out of this entire chapter the verse that really got my attention is verse 28, which is what I say to you as we end this month long Bible study. It says, “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” Joel Houston from Hillsong said it pretty well when he sang the lyric, “Salvation is here.” This is a salvation that doesn’t care who you are, where you’re from, what you’ve done, or where you’ll go. A salvation is here that “Died just to set you free.” If you’ve already received this salvation then share it with someone else. Do like Paul did in verse 31 when, “He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ-with all boldness and without hindrance!”
Again, sorry for all the quotes and the rambling because of the exhaustion, but it was all so that six lives in Ritchie County would come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. That’s what my life is about and I encourage you to make that decision. Maybe you’re reading this and don’t know Jesus as your personal savior, or that He loves you, but you can. It’s as simple as confessing your sins, believing He died on the cross for you and rose from the grave, and giving your life to Him. It would be the best decision you have ever made. Maybe all of the people reading this are saved, and if that’s the case I hope this has encouraged you to share the simple, but powerful, gospel message with whoever is on your mind right now. Salvation is here!
Love you guys,
Zack
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Acts 27: Pushing Through The Storm
Is it just me or does it seem like trouble always finds Paul? He regularly ran into sorcerers and other demon possessed individuals, was persecuted almost everywhere he went, had his own words turned against him, had to escape jail as well as various cities, was charged for a crime that had no proof behind it, had several individuals plotting his murder, and after all that he gets caught in a hurricane. But even though there was trouble, God was always right there beside him, turning those bad moments into blessings. Paul was a man of God who knew that as long as he followed God’s plan, everything would be ok.
If I lived around A.D. 70 I would have wanted to be wherever Paul was. He was truly a man who had God with him wherever he went. Paul was placed on a ship sailing to Italy so that he could stand trail in front of Caesar. While he was on the ship, a huge hurricane came by and for two weeks they were battling the wind and rain. Because an angel came and spoke to Paul while he was sleeping, he knew they would be able to keep all the passengers alive and make it to land safely. Had he not been on that boat, every person on it may have died.
It is interesting to see how Paul earned the respect of Julius and got all the passengers to follow is directions. He wasn’t a sailor, a soldier, or even a paying passenger, he was a prisoner on his way to stand trial. They were not obligated to listen to him. However, they knew Paul had predicted the very situation they were in (27:10) and knew that with God on his side he could lead them to safety.
We should all be like Paul, having faith that God is going to see us through to the end. When things seem like they can’t get any worst, lean to God and he will bring you out of those times, making you stronger in your faith as you go. Use every chance you get to win over new believers to Christ. Even when things seemed to get worst, Paul was right there witnessing to everyone around him. Use the moments when you are down to bring someone else up.
With all my love,
Beth
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Acts 26- “If God is for us who can be against us” when we aren’t ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ?
We all know that Saul was one of the most horrible people in the Bible, and that he made a living hunting down and killing Christians for their beliefs and in this chapter Paul goes to plead his case before King Agrippa. He admits himself that what he did was heinous, but that didn’t mean anything to God. God knew how influential Paul was on the world that he came in contact with and that if he was for God rather than against him, that he would be the greatest apostle. God has called everyone to be an apostle and to spread the word to the point of persecution. Even though Paul stood and stared in the face of death he knew that God would never leave him nor forsake him, and that God would be his strength when Paul felt weak. Because Paul did what was right in the eyes of God, God delivered him out of certain death from King Agrippa. So “If God is for us who can be against us” when we aren’t ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Friday, February 25, 2011
Acts 25 : a dead man named Jesus
So here we go: Paul is being held on trumped up charges. The Jews can't stand him. They can't tolerate his insistence that the law was fulfilled in Jesus. Not in the sense that the law is no longer important but that He came to be their sanctification. That His one act, the blood of Jesus spread became sanctification for them. Further more - those filthy Gentiles - well Paul was all about them. He insists that Jesus' blood cleansed them as well, but how could that be? Here's the truth in this message. We can't ever be good enough (clean enough) for God. No matter what you do, in and of yourself, you can't become "right" in Gods eyes. The beauty is that you don't have to, Jesus did it for you. What the Jews didn't get, is the same thing that the church today struggles with. The bible in light of the blood of Jesus becomes more than a guideline to rights and wrongs in life. It becomes a lifeline into the heart of who God is, and a catalyst to allow us to respond to our King with our life.
The phrase I found interesting in this passage was found in verse 19 "Instead, it was something about their religion and a dead man named Jesus, who Paul insists is alive." ( NLT) Understand this: as you pursue Christ with your life, you will confound those who don't have a revelation of who Jesus is. When your life centers around worshiping him, EVERYTHING changes. You lay things down. Your heart changes. You pray, I mean really pray. You love. You care. We are called image bearers of God. The heart of who God is, is so dramatically different from the world around us you can't help but notice. Your life makes no sense to the world around you. To them Jesus is just some dead man --- but yet there you are proclaiming with your life that He is alive. You are proclaiming right? Your life is different right? You understand the cost of the cross don't you? Or at the end of the day do you just look like everyone else. Is Jesus really alive and king in your life, or is He just a dead man?
Grace & Peace
Dennis
The phrase I found interesting in this passage was found in verse 19 "Instead, it was something about their religion and a dead man named Jesus, who Paul insists is alive." ( NLT) Understand this: as you pursue Christ with your life, you will confound those who don't have a revelation of who Jesus is. When your life centers around worshiping him, EVERYTHING changes. You lay things down. Your heart changes. You pray, I mean really pray. You love. You care. We are called image bearers of God. The heart of who God is, is so dramatically different from the world around us you can't help but notice. Your life makes no sense to the world around you. To them Jesus is just some dead man --- but yet there you are proclaiming with your life that He is alive. You are proclaiming right? Your life is different right? You understand the cost of the cross don't you? Or at the end of the day do you just look like everyone else. Is Jesus really alive and king in your life, or is He just a dead man?
Grace & Peace
Dennis
Acts 24: God’s not a Quickie Mart!
Acts 24 starts off with the high priest and some elders bringing in a high class lawyer named Tertullus, to present their case against Paul. Tertullus comes before Felix (the governor, not the cat) and begins his case by telling him how great he is and that he has brought prosperity to the nation. Basically Tertullus is just flattering Felix so that he will listen to what he has to say. Felix was not known as a great governor, he was known as a master of cruelty and lust, who exercised his powers of a king with the spirit of a slave. It says in Romans that “who do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.” I think that flattery is just insincere gestures to try and gain advantage in a situation. God wants us to praise him out of choice not out of obligation. When we give God insincere praise all we are doing is flattering him, and God doesn’t want that. Why are we trying to gain an advantage with God? Why can’t we go to God and just tell him the truth? God doesn’t want us to sugarcoat everything thing that we bring to him.
So eventually Felix makes a decision on what he wants to do with Paul. Even though he knows he is innocent he stops the trial and said “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will make a decision on your case.” So he commanded the centurion to keep Paul but to let him have some liberty. Felix tried to make both sides happy here. He knew that Paul was innocent, but yet he didn’t want to identify himself with Paul’s gospel and the Christians. So he just decided not to make any decisions and just keep Paul in custody. So after a couple days Felix brought his wife to hear Paul’s testimony. But when Felix heard Paul talking about the righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come Felix becomes afraid. Hearing the gospel and what Paul had to say made him scared of how life is was, and for those who are intending on rejecting Jesus it should make them afraid. Felix then says something that caught my attention right off. “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” How many of us are this way toward God. We want to live our own lives and do whatever we want but when it is convenient for us, and then we want God to listen. Why do we think that God is just a late night convenience store? When we get that small craving for something sweet in the middle of the night we can just go to the quickie mart and pick it up. You should consult God on every situation that you come to even if it is just something minor. Why is it that when something goes bad, thats when we start to pray for God to intervene. Why do we only pray when it rains and not when the sun shines? I think that most of the time when things are going well we think that it’s because of the choices WE made. And then when things go bad we run to God and want him to fix the situation immediately. We must trust God in all things.
God should never be put on a shelf nor can we ask Him to be “on-call.”
Peace Out, Cub Scout
Temp
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Acts 22
In Acts 22, Paul begins the chapter by giving his testimony of his transformation. He acknowledges that he is speaking to jews, and begins to speak in the Hebrew language. He finds this common ground and gains this opportunity to speak to the people about the Gospel.
At this time, the Jews were not easily obedient to accepting the Gentiles. They refused to share the word with them, almost as if they were not worthy of knowing the same Lord they they knew (sound familiar to christians now?). When Paul began to speak their language, they hushed down, and decided at that point that they wanted to tune in to see what this man had to say.
Paul's testimony is a powerful one (isn't it always?!). Have you ever given a testimony that might have frightened you for years until spoken? God puts on our hearts the words and hope for others to receive our stories, and learn from them. This is also what He had done for Paul.
Paul told the jews about his life as a "pre-christian". He didn't excuse or take pride in his faults, but he wanted the people to really understand that second chance. The chance that says, this is where Paul came from, and this is where he is going. Christians can make wonderful impacts in the world when they don't take themselves as a perfect creation. Testimonies of journeys from deep dark places to brighter, worship-filled days is something to be spoken of.
In addition, Paul told his listeners about the Lord speaking to him. Paul didn't stop the story with only discussing his flaws and dangerous ways. He didn't leap from being the bad guy to the good. He told the most important part of the testimony; the place he was at with the Lord, and most importantly, what was said. He used God's words, and told them what God has called him to do. This is the real substance that will bring people closer to our God. We need to talk about our relationship with him. The beginning, present and what we are striving for with his hand in ours.
Although we would like to believe that we can simply deliver our testimony and it will be received with hugs and tears and a newly saved person, that isn't the case. In Acts 22:21, Paul mentions God's command to go to the Gentiles. The Jews were furious of this! They wanted only their traditions and were not going to listen to another word that this Paul guy had to say. In fact, they were already planning on taking him away. Talk about backfire!
They convicted him of blasphemy; the very same conviction that was given to Jesus. Obviously, God has a much larger plan than to keep Paul in prison. They take him to court and he tells them that he is a Roman citizen, and appeals for justice. I have a feeling that this will now allow him to continue sharing the gospel of Jesus. Stay tuned in to Acts 23, but most of all, stay focused.
Sharing Dad's book,
Ashley
At this time, the Jews were not easily obedient to accepting the Gentiles. They refused to share the word with them, almost as if they were not worthy of knowing the same Lord they they knew (sound familiar to christians now?). When Paul began to speak their language, they hushed down, and decided at that point that they wanted to tune in to see what this man had to say.
Paul's testimony is a powerful one (isn't it always?!). Have you ever given a testimony that might have frightened you for years until spoken? God puts on our hearts the words and hope for others to receive our stories, and learn from them. This is also what He had done for Paul.
Paul told the jews about his life as a "pre-christian". He didn't excuse or take pride in his faults, but he wanted the people to really understand that second chance. The chance that says, this is where Paul came from, and this is where he is going. Christians can make wonderful impacts in the world when they don't take themselves as a perfect creation. Testimonies of journeys from deep dark places to brighter, worship-filled days is something to be spoken of.
In addition, Paul told his listeners about the Lord speaking to him. Paul didn't stop the story with only discussing his flaws and dangerous ways. He didn't leap from being the bad guy to the good. He told the most important part of the testimony; the place he was at with the Lord, and most importantly, what was said. He used God's words, and told them what God has called him to do. This is the real substance that will bring people closer to our God. We need to talk about our relationship with him. The beginning, present and what we are striving for with his hand in ours.
Although we would like to believe that we can simply deliver our testimony and it will be received with hugs and tears and a newly saved person, that isn't the case. In Acts 22:21, Paul mentions God's command to go to the Gentiles. The Jews were furious of this! They wanted only their traditions and were not going to listen to another word that this Paul guy had to say. In fact, they were already planning on taking him away. Talk about backfire!
They convicted him of blasphemy; the very same conviction that was given to Jesus. Obviously, God has a much larger plan than to keep Paul in prison. They take him to court and he tells them that he is a Roman citizen, and appeals for justice. I have a feeling that this will now allow him to continue sharing the gospel of Jesus. Stay tuned in to Acts 23, but most of all, stay focused.
Sharing Dad's book,
Ashley
Monday, February 21, 2011
Acts 21: Not My Will
While Paul and his companions were on their way to Jerusalem, a prophet named Agabus approached and prophesied that Paul would be arrested by the Jews when he reached Jerusalem. Upon hearing this frightening word, Paul's friends begged him not to go on to Jerusalem. I know if I was with them and I heard that prophesy, I wouldn't doubt that I would be pleading with them. But listen to what Paul says.
"'Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.' When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, 'The Lord's will be done.'"
Acts 21:13-14 [NIV]
Paul's unshakable willingness here is certainly convicting. I can imagine the temptation to just turn around and head the other way would be MORE than a strong one. Self-preservation was the last thing on Paul's mind. This is because Paul's calling was to unceasingly preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. You see, self-preservation in the sense I am talking about is not only a life-and-death idea. We act out self-preservation on a constant basis. We grasp at everything that we believe is rightfully ours. Here's the problem: nothing is rightfully ours. Rather, everything is given to us by God. Beware of the view that if we pray hard enough, or act good enough, then we are entitled to some sort of material blessing. When we subscribe to this thought, pray hard, are faithful, and the blessings DON'T come, then that whole idea has no leg to stand on. Hebrews 11 mentions plenty of the most faithful people in the Bible, and many of them were poor, and some of them were killed. If there was anything that the great faithful men of God in the Bible had in common, it was NOT wealth. Accumulating material wealth does nothing for the gospel of Jesus Christ unless you are willing to give it away. So if God does bless us (and He does), Great! But it is certainly not because we did something to deserve it.
But wait, doesn't the Bible talk about Jesus coming so that we may live abundantly? Absolutely. But our idea of abundance is the 'grasping' for materials that I spoke of earlier. This is reaaalllyy misguided. True abundant living is not about self-preservation, being wealthy, or doing exactly what we want. It is about living in the peace and love of God DESPITE the trials and unfortunate things of this corrupt world. So we need to be careful about the mindset of "getting what we want", and adopt Paul's mindset (the true mindset of the gospel): the "giving of ourselves." Loving God is the greatest privilege or blessing we can ever gain. That is why Paul was willing to give away his very life in order to preach the gospel. No money, no job promotion, no new car, not even earthly life itself is worth forsaking the true blessing of loving God and spreading His message. Not my will but Yours, O God. Not my will.
~ Ben
"'Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.' When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, 'The Lord's will be done.'"
Acts 21:13-14 [NIV]
Paul's unshakable willingness here is certainly convicting. I can imagine the temptation to just turn around and head the other way would be MORE than a strong one. Self-preservation was the last thing on Paul's mind. This is because Paul's calling was to unceasingly preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. You see, self-preservation in the sense I am talking about is not only a life-and-death idea. We act out self-preservation on a constant basis. We grasp at everything that we believe is rightfully ours. Here's the problem: nothing is rightfully ours. Rather, everything is given to us by God. Beware of the view that if we pray hard enough, or act good enough, then we are entitled to some sort of material blessing. When we subscribe to this thought, pray hard, are faithful, and the blessings DON'T come, then that whole idea has no leg to stand on. Hebrews 11 mentions plenty of the most faithful people in the Bible, and many of them were poor, and some of them were killed. If there was anything that the great faithful men of God in the Bible had in common, it was NOT wealth. Accumulating material wealth does nothing for the gospel of Jesus Christ unless you are willing to give it away. So if God does bless us (and He does), Great! But it is certainly not because we did something to deserve it.
But wait, doesn't the Bible talk about Jesus coming so that we may live abundantly? Absolutely. But our idea of abundance is the 'grasping' for materials that I spoke of earlier. This is reaaalllyy misguided. True abundant living is not about self-preservation, being wealthy, or doing exactly what we want. It is about living in the peace and love of God DESPITE the trials and unfortunate things of this corrupt world. So we need to be careful about the mindset of "getting what we want", and adopt Paul's mindset (the true mindset of the gospel): the "giving of ourselves." Loving God is the greatest privilege or blessing we can ever gain. That is why Paul was willing to give away his very life in order to preach the gospel. No money, no job promotion, no new car, not even earthly life itself is worth forsaking the true blessing of loving God and spreading His message. Not my will but Yours, O God. Not my will.
~ Ben
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Acts 20
Pressing on through Greece and Ephesus, Paul and his companions encountered much opposition. Today we struggle with smallest hint of conflict, but Paul was going onto large communities and declaring the name of Jesus. He was telling people that they were wrong to believe in all of their false gods and idols. He was preaching a change in culture and ideas where Jesus and repentance were in the focal point. Whats amazing about the God we serve is that Paul's preaching worked, and the whole region began to notice from conversions to raising a young man from the dead, God was clearly present with Paul on his journey. People will get hostile, there will be bumps in the road, but God's word will prevail no matter what. The most angry at the time were the craftsman and metal workers who made the small idol replicas and sold them for profit. The craftsmen were losing business from the many that were being influenced by the radical message of Christ. An uproar as well as rioting followed. Can you imagine if we as Christians took such a stance against sinful things that whole businesses collapsed and lost their influence. This in fact is what was happening, and believers were worried for Paul's safety, but he states that,
22 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
-Acts 20:22-24(NIV)
The believers were saddened about the fact that they would never see him again, but he knew had to go, he was driven. I once heard a songs lyrics..."I am driven, by a force within my soul. I am branded, by a fire out of control. I am called to change my world, this is passion..." (This is Passion, Chet Caudill). Paul had this passion, and the Lord watched over him and directed him through Europe and Asia to preach the gospel and encourage believers. We too should reflect this same passion in our own lives.
Sincerely,
Gabe Lawrence
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Acts 19: Break My Heart for What Breaks Yours
Have you ever had a conversation with someone who mocks or adamantly denies God? How did that make you feel? Did it break your heart? Did it give you that punch in the gut feeling? Imagine how Paul felt when he spoke boldly in the synagogue in Ephesus for three months. For three months those people denied God the entire time. Paul must have gotten frustrated and been heartbroken, but he kept pursuing. He had such a desire in his heart to see those people saved.
Take a look around this campus and town. Every time I turn on the news I see someone getting in trouble for drugs or alcohol, you see nineteen year olds robbing and murdering people. There is darkness all around us and there is nothing that separates us from them except the love and grace of Jesus. It breaks God’s heart to see these people unsaved, it should also break our hearts. We need to have that exact same desire that Paul had when he pursued the unsaved. So many times when we witness to the lost we get so easily defeated. It’s like we accept that its okay, how about we sit down and try to have a conversation with that person, answer their questions. Don’t give up on them, in verses nine and ten Paul gave daily lectures and spoke to the Jews and Greeks so they would learn about the word of God. Regardless, if it’s the person sitting next to you in class, a friend, or even a family member that is lost, they have as much of a right to have a relationship with Christ as we do.
Even if it takes us awhile to break through to those people, we have to remember that God’s love is timeless.
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to ALL creation.” – Mark 16:15
Take a look around this campus and town. Every time I turn on the news I see someone getting in trouble for drugs or alcohol, you see nineteen year olds robbing and murdering people. There is darkness all around us and there is nothing that separates us from them except the love and grace of Jesus. It breaks God’s heart to see these people unsaved, it should also break our hearts. We need to have that exact same desire that Paul had when he pursued the unsaved. So many times when we witness to the lost we get so easily defeated. It’s like we accept that its okay, how about we sit down and try to have a conversation with that person, answer their questions. Don’t give up on them, in verses nine and ten Paul gave daily lectures and spoke to the Jews and Greeks so they would learn about the word of God. Regardless, if it’s the person sitting next to you in class, a friend, or even a family member that is lost, they have as much of a right to have a relationship with Christ as we do.
Even if it takes us awhile to break through to those people, we have to remember that God’s love is timeless.
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to ALL creation.” – Mark 16:15
Friday, February 18, 2011
Acts 18 - Time to get after it
Here in 18 we have Paul continuing in his evangelic ministry. He has been traveled seemingly anywhere and everywhere. I can't help but think his iPod soundtrack would most definitely be playing "Until the whole world hears" by Casting Crowns. (You're welcome for getting the song stuck in your head.) I mean seriously, if you are reading this and struggling to believe that God has called you to minister, yes I said you minister, to everyone you meet; well you just aren't reading the same book I am. Paul is flat out determined. Go. Teach. Debate. Clarify. Pray for. Baptize - Water & Holy Spirit. Then get up tomorrow and do it again. Remember this is the same Paul that was Saul. Bathed in religion. Strictly following the rules. Killing all who opposed his faith. Now- He will not quit for Christ. Period.
Two things. First off- you are not as bad as Paul. Chances are you haven't killed anyone. If you have, chances are it wasn't because they declared Jesus as Lord. Absolute Truth -- Lies needs not be true to hurt you- they just require you act like they are true. The devil IS a LIAR. He is the father of deception. So many people who get saved fall victim to this lie-- "I am to bad to be used by God." That is a lie straight from the gates of hell. Why is this damaging? James 2:20 tells us that "faith without works is dead." Jesus came not to be served but in the form of a servant. When you are used by God - your faith is stirred - it grows - something happens in your heart - it's like your heart gets bigger and God takes up more space in you. But when you cash in on the lie and instead do nothing. Your heart seemingly shrinks, God becomes distant, growth halts, you become disconnected, your faith dies. The enemy wants to keep you idle. He wants to keep your hands still and your words empty. He wants your faith to die. The truth is that none of us are good enough - but the grace of God covers us and that more than qualifies us to be used by Him.
Second - don't worship the man -- follow the man - worship Christ. At the end of 18 we are introduced to a man named Apollos. Apollos is a great teacher. He is full of passion. He is enthusiastic. He is determined for Jesus. Sound familiar? Paul vs. Apollos becomes the theme of many Christian debates. In I Corinthians 3 we see this addressed. Some Christians became so emphatic over their leader they began to fight with the opposition. Unfortunately what they saw as opposition was really the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:4-6 When one of you says, “I am a follower of Paul,” and another says, “I follow Apollos,” aren’t you acting just like people of the world? After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.
Don't hate on your brothers in Christ. There are other Christians beside you. There are other churches. There are other campus ministries. (Thank God) They aren't the opposition. They aren't the competition. They are servants for Christ. Our only opposition is the devil ( not even unbelievers, they are just victims of the enemy). Don't get caught up in who's who, who's the best, the competition and all that mess. Don't tear
down the body of Christ. Put your efforts into tearing down the strongholds of the enemy.
As long as we do nothing, we lose. As long as we fight each other, we lose. But when we get to work doing His work, working with the whole body for His Glory. He wins. I'm not content with the measure of success the church has accepted. I want more. More salvations. More lives changed. More people set free. More of His Kingdom operating in my world. I want success as Gods see's it. My heart cries out for it. My soul is stirring. And I know I can't be the only one. Can I?
Grace & Peace
Dennis
Two things. First off- you are not as bad as Paul. Chances are you haven't killed anyone. If you have, chances are it wasn't because they declared Jesus as Lord. Absolute Truth -- Lies needs not be true to hurt you- they just require you act like they are true. The devil IS a LIAR. He is the father of deception. So many people who get saved fall victim to this lie-- "I am to bad to be used by God." That is a lie straight from the gates of hell. Why is this damaging? James 2:20 tells us that "faith without works is dead." Jesus came not to be served but in the form of a servant. When you are used by God - your faith is stirred - it grows - something happens in your heart - it's like your heart gets bigger and God takes up more space in you. But when you cash in on the lie and instead do nothing. Your heart seemingly shrinks, God becomes distant, growth halts, you become disconnected, your faith dies. The enemy wants to keep you idle. He wants to keep your hands still and your words empty. He wants your faith to die. The truth is that none of us are good enough - but the grace of God covers us and that more than qualifies us to be used by Him.
Second - don't worship the man -- follow the man - worship Christ. At the end of 18 we are introduced to a man named Apollos. Apollos is a great teacher. He is full of passion. He is enthusiastic. He is determined for Jesus. Sound familiar? Paul vs. Apollos becomes the theme of many Christian debates. In I Corinthians 3 we see this addressed. Some Christians became so emphatic over their leader they began to fight with the opposition. Unfortunately what they saw as opposition was really the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:4-6 When one of you says, “I am a follower of Paul,” and another says, “I follow Apollos,” aren’t you acting just like people of the world? After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.
Don't hate on your brothers in Christ. There are other Christians beside you. There are other churches. There are other campus ministries. (Thank God) They aren't the opposition. They aren't the competition. They are servants for Christ. Our only opposition is the devil ( not even unbelievers, they are just victims of the enemy). Don't get caught up in who's who, who's the best, the competition and all that mess. Don't tear
down the body of Christ. Put your efforts into tearing down the strongholds of the enemy.
As long as we do nothing, we lose. As long as we fight each other, we lose. But when we get to work doing His work, working with the whole body for His Glory. He wins. I'm not content with the measure of success the church has accepted. I want more. More salvations. More lives changed. More people set free. More of His Kingdom operating in my world. I want success as Gods see's it. My heart cries out for it. My soul is stirring. And I know I can't be the only one. Can I?
Grace & Peace
Dennis
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Acts 17: We won’t stop till the whole world knows!
After Paul and Silas left the city they decided to go south and start some trouble. They entered Thessalonica where they met with a Jewish community and started preaching the word of the Messiah. After three Sabbaths of preaching he had won over some of the God-fearing Greeks and a large number of women from the aristocracy (the Rich and Famous). But in doing this he angered the hard-line Jews and they became jealous. They rounded up the bullies in town and went in search of Paul and Silas. When they entered Jason’s house and couldn’t find them so they took Jason and his friends into town instead to tell the people that they were hiding the men who had come to destroy the world and say Jesus is King and Caesar is nothing. That same night under the cover of darkness Paul and Silas escaped from the mob and went to the city of Berea. Once again meeting with the Jewish community, Paul’s message was received with enthusiasm and he was treated much better than before. The Jewish people met with him daily and a lot of them became believers along with Greeks and women and men of influence in the community. But once again it didn’t take long for the word to get out that Paul was preaching the Word of God. Another mob had formed to try and capture Paul but he slipped away once again with the help of his friends. Paul made it to the city of Athens where he would wait on Timothy and Silas. While Paul waited he noticed all of the idols that the people were worshiping in the city and this made Paul angry. Paul went out into the streets to tell them about the only God. Most of the people mocked him but some listened. Paul noticed a shrine in town that was inscribed, to the god nobody knows. Paul told the people that he was there to introduce them to the God who made the world and everything in it. The God that doesn’t live in custom made shrines. Paul told the people that God will overlook it if you don’t know any better, but now that you know it’s time to change. God has set a day when he will judge the human race and he has already appointed his judge, Jesus.
I think that Paul was sent to tell the world about the Messiah. Everyone who didn’t know about the messiah now had whether they believed in it or not. Jesus said that you will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. Many people will start to turn away and hate each other just as they were doing in the cities that Paul had been in. Jesus says that the one who endures to the end will be saved. And that the good news about the kingdom will be preached to the whole world, so that all the nations will know my name, then the end will come.
I think we need to be like Paul, and go out and preach the word even though people might be angered. If we only save 1 out of 100 then that’s one more that will inherit the Kingdom of God.
No regrets, No Shame!
Peace out, Cub Scout,
Temp
I think that Paul was sent to tell the world about the Messiah. Everyone who didn’t know about the messiah now had whether they believed in it or not. Jesus said that you will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. Many people will start to turn away and hate each other just as they were doing in the cities that Paul had been in. Jesus says that the one who endures to the end will be saved. And that the good news about the kingdom will be preached to the whole world, so that all the nations will know my name, then the end will come.
I think we need to be like Paul, and go out and preach the word even though people might be angered. If we only save 1 out of 100 then that’s one more that will inherit the Kingdom of God.
No regrets, No Shame!
Peace out, Cub Scout,
Temp
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Acts 16
Hey guys it’s Zack (with a K please and thanks) talking about Acts chapter 16. So I’m hoping all of you actually read the chapter before you read this blog because that would be pretty dumb if you didn’t. To recap though, Paul and Silus got thrown in prison and this is where they praise and worship like wild people and an earthquake came and the doors flew open and the shackles broke loose. That’s pretty much the chapter in a nutshell, but as cool as this is, how does it apply to us today?
I don’t think I’m the only one who reads Acts who wonders why the crap this stuff isn’t happening today. I mean seriously doesn’t the Bible say “In the latter days I will pour out my spirit on all flesh?” Why isn’t it happening? I think it all boils down to our daily pity parties and feeling sorry for ourselves.
Look at what the disciples went through. In this chapter alone Paul and Silus got beaten and thrown into prison. Yet still in this circumstance they decided to praise God with all they had. Something happens when you praise God out of utter brokenness. There is something about that “breaking point” (thanks dennis for an awesome message last night) that makes God listen. If we can learn to praise God wholeheartedly despite our good or bad circumstances then I believe we will start to see things happen on our campus and in our lives. It was when Paul and Silus had nothing else that they praised, and even when they had everything, they still praised. When we come to the realization of God and His holiness, we start to realize that we can’t worship God for only what He has done in our lives, and the blessings He has given us. When we realize that we must worship Him for nothing other than the fact that He exists and He deserves it, then we will see a breakthrough.
I wonder what was going through the mind of the other inmates when Paul and Silus, who seemingly had no reason to live, decided to start going crazy at midnight. I think it’s the same thing our peers will think when we grasp this concept. I think the awakening that is about to take place is going to have a lot of similarities to this chapter. When we start praising out of a sincere heart we will start seeing some breakthroughs.
I pray that we will worship Jesus so that others will be baffled by our passion, and that in our darkest prison He will break everything and bring everyone to their knees. I desire with everything in me to see a move of God across this nation that brings us back to our knees…back to the cross.
Much love and peace out,
Zack
(Oh and check out “We Win” by David Crowder…it’s a pretty good song for today’s chapter…)
I don’t think I’m the only one who reads Acts who wonders why the crap this stuff isn’t happening today. I mean seriously doesn’t the Bible say “In the latter days I will pour out my spirit on all flesh?” Why isn’t it happening? I think it all boils down to our daily pity parties and feeling sorry for ourselves.
Look at what the disciples went through. In this chapter alone Paul and Silus got beaten and thrown into prison. Yet still in this circumstance they decided to praise God with all they had. Something happens when you praise God out of utter brokenness. There is something about that “breaking point” (thanks dennis for an awesome message last night) that makes God listen. If we can learn to praise God wholeheartedly despite our good or bad circumstances then I believe we will start to see things happen on our campus and in our lives. It was when Paul and Silus had nothing else that they praised, and even when they had everything, they still praised. When we come to the realization of God and His holiness, we start to realize that we can’t worship God for only what He has done in our lives, and the blessings He has given us. When we realize that we must worship Him for nothing other than the fact that He exists and He deserves it, then we will see a breakthrough.
I wonder what was going through the mind of the other inmates when Paul and Silus, who seemingly had no reason to live, decided to start going crazy at midnight. I think it’s the same thing our peers will think when we grasp this concept. I think the awakening that is about to take place is going to have a lot of similarities to this chapter. When we start praising out of a sincere heart we will start seeing some breakthroughs.
I pray that we will worship Jesus so that others will be baffled by our passion, and that in our darkest prison He will break everything and bring everyone to their knees. I desire with everything in me to see a move of God across this nation that brings us back to our knees…back to the cross.
Much love and peace out,
Zack
(Oh and check out “We Win” by David Crowder…it’s a pretty good song for today’s chapter…)
Acts 15
Firstly, I loved that Paul and Barnabas showed so much faith in going to talk with the apostles and elders about the issue of whether Gentiles should be circumcised or not. If you don’t know the story, Paul and Barnabas disagreed with what some men traveling from Judea who were teaching. Those men taught that, “unless you are circumcised as required by the law of Moses, you cannot be saved (Acts 15:1, NLT).” The next verse says that Paul and Barnabas and these men were disagreeing with each other and arguing vehemently. Well, because they were not able to agree Paul and Barnabas were sent by the church to speak with the apostles and elders. But what struck me as different was that on the way they stopped to encourage some other believers by telling them about the Gentiles that they had seen converted. But not only did they just do that, but when they reached the apostles they told of what God was doing in the Gentiles to the apostles and they quietly listened to either others points. This really showed Paul and Barnabas’s hearts’ for the Gentiles. They were discipling them in their walk with God and they couldn’t help but tell of the miraculous signs and wonder they had seen God preform through the Gentiles.
After they finished describing all they had seen James stood up and spoke. He said that they shouldn’t make it more difficult on the new believers. However, He did say that the Gentiles should follow the laws of Moses on abstaining eating food offered to idols, from consuming blood or the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. With this new word, Paul and Barnabas along with Judas and Silas took a letter to the Gentiles saying what all they had determined on the matter. It says, “there was great joy throughout the church that day as they read this encouraging message (Acts 15:31).”
I think this chapter shows God love for us. In Acts 15:8-9 it says, “God knows people’s hearts, and he confirmed that he accepts Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he cleansed their hearts through faith.“ If you think about it we are the Gentiles. We are unclean and unworthy and we put Jesus on that cross. But the great thing is that God chooses to love us apart from all that and He forgives us for our sins. Peter was so right in saying that “we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus (Act 15:11).” And He will fill us with the Holy Spirit just as He did for the Jews and the Gentiles. God makes no distinction between us, he loves us all equally, sinners and Christians alike. God calls us to draw near him. That is one of the great things about God in Acts 15, in that, He didn’t want to put any extra burdens on His people. He just wants us to press into Him. He wants us to be baptised in His word and His heart. And He wants to take away any burdens or extra things that might be keeping us from His word. Also, God has put disciples in our lives who will encourage and lead us in our walk with God but maybe you should try being that for other people.
Sincerely,
Catrese
After they finished describing all they had seen James stood up and spoke. He said that they shouldn’t make it more difficult on the new believers. However, He did say that the Gentiles should follow the laws of Moses on abstaining eating food offered to idols, from consuming blood or the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. With this new word, Paul and Barnabas along with Judas and Silas took a letter to the Gentiles saying what all they had determined on the matter. It says, “there was great joy throughout the church that day as they read this encouraging message (Acts 15:31).”
I think this chapter shows God love for us. In Acts 15:8-9 it says, “God knows people’s hearts, and he confirmed that he accepts Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he cleansed their hearts through faith.“ If you think about it we are the Gentiles. We are unclean and unworthy and we put Jesus on that cross. But the great thing is that God chooses to love us apart from all that and He forgives us for our sins. Peter was so right in saying that “we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus (Act 15:11).” And He will fill us with the Holy Spirit just as He did for the Jews and the Gentiles. God makes no distinction between us, he loves us all equally, sinners and Christians alike. God calls us to draw near him. That is one of the great things about God in Acts 15, in that, He didn’t want to put any extra burdens on His people. He just wants us to press into Him. He wants us to be baptised in His word and His heart. And He wants to take away any burdens or extra things that might be keeping us from His word. Also, God has put disciples in our lives who will encourage and lead us in our walk with God but maybe you should try being that for other people.
Sincerely,
Catrese
Monday, February 14, 2011
Acts 14: Love Beats Rock
Hey flooders, Seth here to give you your daily dose of God’s word from the book of Acts!
The 14th chapter of Acts follows the travels of Paul and Barnabas as they speak in Iconium, successfully turning many Jews and Greeks into believers. As with all things, there are those who refused to accept this way (THE way) out of fear, doubt, or whatever the case may have been and instead sought to destroy it. While turning many of the people of Iconium into believers, the Jews who refused to accept the word plotted to stone the apostles. Upon discovering this, Paul and Barnadas fled to Lystra.
There the two met a lame man who had not walked since birth. Paul sensed the man’s faith, however, and called to him to walk. The man then jumped up and walked. After witnessing this miracle, the crowd thought the two to be gods from above, even calling them Zeus and Hermes. They began to bring bulls to sacrifice and wreaths to offer. The apostles quickly explained that they were not gods, but merely humans like everyone else. They were only sent to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and told them that it was God who created all they see and all they need to survive.
Then, Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrived and turned the crowd against the two apostles. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of town, presumably dead. Paul, however, rose to his feet and the apostles left the next day for Derbe. There they preached the gospel and won over a large number of disciples. In strengthened numbers, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch. They told them “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”
The apostles continued to spread the gospel across more areas. Finally, they sailed back to Antioch and gathered the church together and reported everything that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.
Paul and Barnabas faced great opposition in their travels to spread the gospel. In all of the plotting, stoning, and oppression, they still proceeded to carry out God’s plan for them. As believers, we know that the world is divided, and that division is not a clean cut. The break is a rough and rigid one.
Paul tells us that we will face hardships to enter the kingdom. God has called ALL of us to disciple, to witness, and to lead others. Paul and Barnabas both faced these hardships, but never doubted God. They continue to do what He has directed them to do even after persecution and stoning. After their hardships, all of the areas where the crowds were turned against them, become places of discipleship. God’s victory shines through in the end.
What would have happened if the apostles instead said, “Forget that! I don’t want to be stoned!” and did nothing? We should pray to be as diligent and as bold as Paul and Barnabas in our witnessing and spreading of God’s word. Where there seems to be a lack of hope, God is still working in that situation, and we should feel privileged that He wants to use us in it!
--2 Corinthians 1:7 And our hope for you is steadfast because we know that as you share in our sufferings, so also you will share in our comfort.
The 14th chapter of Acts follows the travels of Paul and Barnabas as they speak in Iconium, successfully turning many Jews and Greeks into believers. As with all things, there are those who refused to accept this way (THE way) out of fear, doubt, or whatever the case may have been and instead sought to destroy it. While turning many of the people of Iconium into believers, the Jews who refused to accept the word plotted to stone the apostles. Upon discovering this, Paul and Barnadas fled to Lystra.
There the two met a lame man who had not walked since birth. Paul sensed the man’s faith, however, and called to him to walk. The man then jumped up and walked. After witnessing this miracle, the crowd thought the two to be gods from above, even calling them Zeus and Hermes. They began to bring bulls to sacrifice and wreaths to offer. The apostles quickly explained that they were not gods, but merely humans like everyone else. They were only sent to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and told them that it was God who created all they see and all they need to survive.
Then, Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrived and turned the crowd against the two apostles. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of town, presumably dead. Paul, however, rose to his feet and the apostles left the next day for Derbe. There they preached the gospel and won over a large number of disciples. In strengthened numbers, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch. They told them “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”
The apostles continued to spread the gospel across more areas. Finally, they sailed back to Antioch and gathered the church together and reported everything that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.
Paul and Barnabas faced great opposition in their travels to spread the gospel. In all of the plotting, stoning, and oppression, they still proceeded to carry out God’s plan for them. As believers, we know that the world is divided, and that division is not a clean cut. The break is a rough and rigid one.
Paul tells us that we will face hardships to enter the kingdom. God has called ALL of us to disciple, to witness, and to lead others. Paul and Barnabas both faced these hardships, but never doubted God. They continue to do what He has directed them to do even after persecution and stoning. After their hardships, all of the areas where the crowds were turned against them, become places of discipleship. God’s victory shines through in the end.
What would have happened if the apostles instead said, “Forget that! I don’t want to be stoned!” and did nothing? We should pray to be as diligent and as bold as Paul and Barnabas in our witnessing and spreading of God’s word. Where there seems to be a lack of hope, God is still working in that situation, and we should feel privileged that He wants to use us in it!
--2 Corinthians 1:7 And our hope for you is steadfast because we know that as you share in our sufferings, so also you will share in our comfort.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Acts 13 : The Clock is Ticking
What Are YOU going to do about It? About half way through the chapter, Paul is giving a word of encouragement to the people on the Sabbath day and this is what really caught my attention. In verses 27-29 It talks about how the people of Jerusalem did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah and condemned him to death. They were unaware that they were fulfilling the prophecies even though most had heard these prophecies read aloud on the Sabbath. Right now in 2011, the world is witnessing a phenomenon that is definitely being written about as we speak for future history books. The Middle East is in complete and utter chaos. Jordan’s government has been completely dissolved. Egypt and many other countries are filled with rioters. People are losing their lives everyday in this chaos. Our government is trying to step in and give advice to help this work out as peacefully as it can. However, there has been talk of possibly a WW3 in our near future. Could this be the start of the end times? Are our leaders and the citizens and governments of these countries fulfilling the prophecies laid out in Revelations? I always believed that it would be a slow progression into the end times. However, this seemed to happen almost overnight. In verses 40-41 it says “Don’t take this lightly. You don’t want the prophet’s sermon to describe you: Watch out, cynics; Look hard – watch your world fall to pieces. I’m doing something right before your eyes that you won’t believe, though it’s staring you in the face.”
With all that is going on in the world today, this needs to be a wake up call for us. It’s not a slow progression. The time is here. It is now. People are dying daily. The world, our world, our campus, is living in sin and time is short. Oh if we could only grasp the essence of time. Just like the fall of these Middle Eastern countries seemed to happen overnight, the second coming of our Lord and Savior is closer and closer with each passing hour. We do not have time to care about fitting in, we do not have time to worry about what is politically correct, and we certainly do not have time to wonder which person we should tell. Tell everyone! We need to start caring about the condition of the souls we encounter on a daily basis for time is short.
The world is in destruction right now and time is running out. However, we have something that the world does not. We have a message of hope and peace and love that is everlasting and NEVER failing. We have the message, not of death, despair, and destruction, but of a LIVING Savior. In verse 34 it says “When he raised him from the dead, he did it for good – no going back to that rot and decay.” In 37 it says “But the One God raised up- no dust and ashes for him! I want you to know my very dear friends, that it is on account of this resurrected Jesus that the forgiveness of our sins can be promised.” That is the message we need to take to our world. In verse 47 Paul is saying he is obeying what God said to do when He said “I’ve set you up as a light to all nations.” Dennis talked last Tuesday night about not withholding the message of salvation from any but instead telling it to all. It is time for us to start living like the apostles and get out there and spread the Word of God. Start adding to the kingdom daily. Time is short and as Matthew 28:19 says “Therefore, GO!”
With His love,
Bri
With all that is going on in the world today, this needs to be a wake up call for us. It’s not a slow progression. The time is here. It is now. People are dying daily. The world, our world, our campus, is living in sin and time is short. Oh if we could only grasp the essence of time. Just like the fall of these Middle Eastern countries seemed to happen overnight, the second coming of our Lord and Savior is closer and closer with each passing hour. We do not have time to care about fitting in, we do not have time to worry about what is politically correct, and we certainly do not have time to wonder which person we should tell. Tell everyone! We need to start caring about the condition of the souls we encounter on a daily basis for time is short.
The world is in destruction right now and time is running out. However, we have something that the world does not. We have a message of hope and peace and love that is everlasting and NEVER failing. We have the message, not of death, despair, and destruction, but of a LIVING Savior. In verse 34 it says “When he raised him from the dead, he did it for good – no going back to that rot and decay.” In 37 it says “But the One God raised up- no dust and ashes for him! I want you to know my very dear friends, that it is on account of this resurrected Jesus that the forgiveness of our sins can be promised.” That is the message we need to take to our world. In verse 47 Paul is saying he is obeying what God said to do when He said “I’ve set you up as a light to all nations.” Dennis talked last Tuesday night about not withholding the message of salvation from any but instead telling it to all. It is time for us to start living like the apostles and get out there and spread the Word of God. Start adding to the kingdom daily. Time is short and as Matthew 28:19 says “Therefore, GO!”
With His love,
Bri
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Acts 12 : Power of Prayer
Acts 12 takes place as Peter is being put into jail by Herod for belonging to the Church. The Bible says during this time the Church earnestly prayed for him. God then sent one of His angels and -- despite four squads of soldiers, restraints, and an iron gate -- Peter was delivered from the prison. Peter then returned to a house full of believers still in prayer for him. After this took place Herod was eventually killed and eaten by worms because he did not give God His rightful glory.
The Church’s constant prayer for Peter during his incarceration displayed the power we have in prayer. Many times we as Christians undermine prayer or go about it completely the wrong way. Prayer is the awesome privilege to have a direct link to God with our problems and requests and more importantly, His guidance for us. We should never take it for granted, and we should take part of it every chance we get. We should never pray because we feel like it’s something we just have to do or that it’s just another Christian “obligation,” but as Christians we should do it out of simple necessity. We should always desire that intimate alone time with God and be so thankful that we have it. No other religion or belief system in the world can say that they can talk directly to their god(s) and he or she (it?) will respond, but we have the chance to have whole conversations with the Creator of everything! God is always desperately seeking to have those conversations with us so that He can council us, love on us, and reveal His will for our lives, and who are we to keep Him waiting? Better question-- why would we keep him waiting? Many miracles in the Bible took place because someone simply had faith and prayers and God took it from there.
The same power of prayer that the early Church had in the Bible we still have today, it never stopped working. So let’s never undermine what we have in our prayer. The Bible has verse after verse telling us to pray to God with our needs and to pray without ceasing. So let’s pray for the big and small things in our life, for healing, for each other, and for everything else in between every chance we get. “ Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” --Philippians 4:6
Love you guys,
Tyler
The Church’s constant prayer for Peter during his incarceration displayed the power we have in prayer. Many times we as Christians undermine prayer or go about it completely the wrong way. Prayer is the awesome privilege to have a direct link to God with our problems and requests and more importantly, His guidance for us. We should never take it for granted, and we should take part of it every chance we get. We should never pray because we feel like it’s something we just have to do or that it’s just another Christian “obligation,” but as Christians we should do it out of simple necessity. We should always desire that intimate alone time with God and be so thankful that we have it. No other religion or belief system in the world can say that they can talk directly to their god(s) and he or she (it?) will respond, but we have the chance to have whole conversations with the Creator of everything! God is always desperately seeking to have those conversations with us so that He can council us, love on us, and reveal His will for our lives, and who are we to keep Him waiting? Better question-- why would we keep him waiting? Many miracles in the Bible took place because someone simply had faith and prayers and God took it from there.
The same power of prayer that the early Church had in the Bible we still have today, it never stopped working. So let’s never undermine what we have in our prayer. The Bible has verse after verse telling us to pray to God with our needs and to pray without ceasing. So let’s pray for the big and small things in our life, for healing, for each other, and for everything else in between every chance we get. “ Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” --Philippians 4:6
Love you guys,
Tyler
Friday, February 11, 2011
Acts 11
For such a small chapter, so much goes on in Acts 11. Peter explains the dream he had about the sheet coming down from heaven. He spoke of how God had told him that nothing he had made clean could be called impure. He told the others that God had sent three men to take him to Cornelius’s house, the house of a Gentile. The Jewish believers could not comprehend why Peter had spent time eating and fellowshipping, telling those in the household about Jesus. Most Jews at that time believed that since God had called the them to be his chosen people that salvation must only be for them. So why would Peter dare to waste his time with a house full of Gentiles? God chose to teach the Jews his laws so that they could go forth and bring salvation to the rest of the people. Like Peter said in verse 17, “So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?”
This was a major turning point for the church. The Jews accepted that God’s love was for everyone, not just them. From then on, they would preach the gospel, not only to other Jews but to everyone. This is where the believers were first called Christians. No longer were they called Jews and Gentiles, but Christians! How amazing it is that this term could bring so much unity among two separate groups! The love of God poured over them and the walls that kept them apart were knocked down. This relationship would cause the church to grow in ways never seen before.
Do we sometimes look at others and believe that God would never choose them as his disciples? Do we catch ourselves looking down upon others, thinking that because we know Jesus we are better than them? Do we avoid talking to someone else, just because they come from a different background than us? Like Acts 10:45-46 says, “... the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God”. God’s love is a gift that should not be kept a secret. We should go forth and share his love and mercy with everyone we meet! God used Peter to spread the word to the Gentiles. God used Peter so that His word would extend to those who had not yet heard it. God used Peter to reach out to the ones the others had forgotten about. God wants to use you to spread the word to those people no one else will talk to. Be Peter. Be the first to step out of your box, do God’s will, and reach the people who need His love the most.
Reaching Out With Love,
Beth
This was a major turning point for the church. The Jews accepted that God’s love was for everyone, not just them. From then on, they would preach the gospel, not only to other Jews but to everyone. This is where the believers were first called Christians. No longer were they called Jews and Gentiles, but Christians! How amazing it is that this term could bring so much unity among two separate groups! The love of God poured over them and the walls that kept them apart were knocked down. This relationship would cause the church to grow in ways never seen before.
Do we sometimes look at others and believe that God would never choose them as his disciples? Do we catch ourselves looking down upon others, thinking that because we know Jesus we are better than them? Do we avoid talking to someone else, just because they come from a different background than us? Like Acts 10:45-46 says, “... the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God”. God’s love is a gift that should not be kept a secret. We should go forth and share his love and mercy with everyone we meet! God used Peter to spread the word to the Gentiles. God used Peter so that His word would extend to those who had not yet heard it. God used Peter to reach out to the ones the others had forgotten about. God wants to use you to spread the word to those people no one else will talk to. Be Peter. Be the first to step out of your box, do God’s will, and reach the people who need His love the most.
Reaching Out With Love,
Beth
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Acts 10 - God wants you
Ok, at the beginning of this passage it starts off talking about how Carnelius, a Gentile, was visited by an angel. The angel told him that his good works have not gone unnoticed and that God wanted him to send for Peter to come and tell him his stories. After Carnelius had sent three men to get Peter, Peter started praying and was visited by God in a dream. In the dream there was a white sheet that came down, I think it was supposed to show whatever was coming down with it was pure. What had come down with it was mammals, birds, and reptiles, showing that all of these animals were now ok for the Jewish people to eat, since everything that they ate was supposed to be kosher. When he reached Carnelius’ house he knew that Jews and Gentiles were not allowed to converse together, but the dream that Peter had about being able to eat the animals was also representing that the Jews and Gentiles were allowed to hang out, because just like God said in verse 15 “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”
Through Jesus we're all made clean and perfect and we're all made to live and communicate together because God does not play favoritism. So Peter started to tell them the stories of Jesus being sent of God to save the world. As the people were being told these storied and heard about others being filled with the Holy Spirit; they too accepted and were filled and spoke in other tongues. Even as Gentiles, God still moved through them and changed them.
God wants us all to have that moment with him where we are changed. It doesn’t matter when or where we are in our lives, He isn’t a respecter of persons, but loves all of us the same.
Peace and hair grease,
Pate
Through Jesus we're all made clean and perfect and we're all made to live and communicate together because God does not play favoritism. So Peter started to tell them the stories of Jesus being sent of God to save the world. As the people were being told these storied and heard about others being filled with the Holy Spirit; they too accepted and were filled and spoke in other tongues. Even as Gentiles, God still moved through them and changed them.
God wants us all to have that moment with him where we are changed. It doesn’t matter when or where we are in our lives, He isn’t a respecter of persons, but loves all of us the same.
Peace and hair grease,
Pate
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Acts9 : Saul’s Conversion
Chapter nine starts out talking about Saul and how he was threatening Jesus’ disciples. Saul was a horrible man- a man who persecuted and murdered Christians. But he was about to be changed. As he was on his way to Damascus to take Christians prisoners, a light from heaven flashed and he fell to the ground. Then he heard the Lord speak to him. He told him to go into the city and wait to be told what he must do. This part astonishes me…Saul a man who was on his way to take Christians as prisoners not only heard God but knew it was him. Saul…the same man who killed Christians knew the voice of the Lord. When he heard the voice he said “Who are you, Lord”. He knew it was God speaking to him and he followed what God told him to do.
God told him to go into the city and wait. Then God spoke to a man named Ananias. He told Ananias to go to the house of Judas and ask for the man from Tarsus named Saul. Ananias had heard of this terrible man before. He knew what Saul was like and I am sure the last thing he wanted to do was go and find him. But God told him that Saul was his chosen instrument. Saul was going to be used mightily to carry His name before the Gentiles and before the people of Israel. Ananias obeyed God. He went and found Saul. Let’s thinks about Ananias for a moment. What if he would had been too scared of Saul and not obeyed what God had told him to do? What if he decided he was not the person to do it? What if he had left it up to someone else to go and find Saul? Little did Ananias know; this man was going to be a warrior for God. He was going to preach the word like had never been done before. He was going to rise up and risk his entire life to tell people about Jesus!! What if someone we have contact with could be the next Saul? Everyone else could see them as horrible and terrible but you could see them as a child of God . You could witness and disciple them. You could help them become everything that God has called them to be. We need to be more like Ananias!! We need to obey God. We need to go and share the gospel no matter the cost.
When Ananias went to the house where Saul was he healed him, filled him with the Holy Spirit, and baptized him. Saul immediately spent several days with the disciples. The Bible says “at once” he began to preach in the synagogues telling everyone that Jesus Christ was the Son of God. Everyone was astonished, for they knew of Saul’s past. They knew that he was the one who took prisoners and persecuted anyone who was a Christian. I love this part of Acts. Too many times we think that we cannot be used by God because we don’t know enough about him. Maybe we were just saved and do not know his word well enough. Maybe you think that you will never be good enough for God to use you because of things in your past. But Saul shows us that immediately God forgets your past. Immediately, as soon as you are saved, you can start doing great things for God!! God forgives you, forgets your past and expects you to begin living your life for him. If God did it for Saul he will do it for you too!!!
In His Love ~ Karissa
God told him to go into the city and wait. Then God spoke to a man named Ananias. He told Ananias to go to the house of Judas and ask for the man from Tarsus named Saul. Ananias had heard of this terrible man before. He knew what Saul was like and I am sure the last thing he wanted to do was go and find him. But God told him that Saul was his chosen instrument. Saul was going to be used mightily to carry His name before the Gentiles and before the people of Israel. Ananias obeyed God. He went and found Saul. Let’s thinks about Ananias for a moment. What if he would had been too scared of Saul and not obeyed what God had told him to do? What if he decided he was not the person to do it? What if he had left it up to someone else to go and find Saul? Little did Ananias know; this man was going to be a warrior for God. He was going to preach the word like had never been done before. He was going to rise up and risk his entire life to tell people about Jesus!! What if someone we have contact with could be the next Saul? Everyone else could see them as horrible and terrible but you could see them as a child of God . You could witness and disciple them. You could help them become everything that God has called them to be. We need to be more like Ananias!! We need to obey God. We need to go and share the gospel no matter the cost.
When Ananias went to the house where Saul was he healed him, filled him with the Holy Spirit, and baptized him. Saul immediately spent several days with the disciples. The Bible says “at once” he began to preach in the synagogues telling everyone that Jesus Christ was the Son of God. Everyone was astonished, for they knew of Saul’s past. They knew that he was the one who took prisoners and persecuted anyone who was a Christian. I love this part of Acts. Too many times we think that we cannot be used by God because we don’t know enough about him. Maybe we were just saved and do not know his word well enough. Maybe you think that you will never be good enough for God to use you because of things in your past. But Saul shows us that immediately God forgets your past. Immediately, as soon as you are saved, you can start doing great things for God!! God forgives you, forgets your past and expects you to begin living your life for him. If God did it for Saul he will do it for you too!!!
In His Love ~ Karissa
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Acts 8 : Just Do It
At the end of the previous chapter (Acts 7 if you weren’t following along), Stephen had just been stoned to death for declaring to the people that they had rejected the prophets and essentially murdered Jesus. So in Acts chapter 8, the church and all of the followers of Christ have pretty much backed off and stopped talking about Jesus because of the threats and the stoning of Stephen. The early church was in so much fear of having the same ridicule and persecution done to them as Stephen that they all but whimpered away and never mentioned to anyone anything about Christ ever again.
Obviously, this is not the way that the early church behaved. However, it does seem eerily similar to how the church thinks today. We do not face nearly the same level of persecution as they did, but yet we find ourselves backing down from any sort of conversations about Jesus. We so desperately want to be liked and to fit in with everyone around us that we compromise our testimony and our witness by not living the Gospel and not proclaiming the Truth.
Praise the Lord that we have a perfect example of how to live a victorious Christian life in Acts 8. Let’s recap, Stephen has just been murdered. A great time of persecution rocks Jerusalem. Believers scatter out all over Judea and Samaria. Saul is on the loose hunting down any Believers he can find and throwing them into prison. Chaos is reigning. But guess what? What you ask. Those that have been scattered were not just running for their lives -- they proclaimed the Gospel everywhere that they went. Here in Acts 8, one man named Philip traveled to Samaria preaching the Gospel of Christ.
The crowds flocked to Philip as he preached -- miraculous signs followed him that made the crowds pay close attention to what he said. For a long time, a certain sorcerer named Simon had been amazing all of the people in Samaria as he practiced his wizardry. But after hearing Philip proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God, Simon himself believed and was baptized.
After sending word to Peter and John that Samaria had believed the Gospel, they came to Samaria and prayed for everyone to receive the Holy Spirit because they had only been baptized in the name of Jesus. Peter and John laid hands on them, and they immediately received the Holy Spirit. (As a side note here, it is completely obvious now that the receiving of the gift of the Holy Spirit is a separate occurrence altogether than from salvation and being baptized in the name of Jesus).
Remember that Simon guy I was telling you about -- the one who was a wizard but now was saved and baptized. Ya! that guy. Well he is the shining example of how we can be saved but still have that old flesh still attacking. Right after Peter and John laid hands on the people, Simon was amazed and wanted the ability himself -- so he tried to bribe Peter and John with money so that he too might have the power. Peter made a very striking comment, (MSG Bible) “... I can see this is an old habit still with you; you reek with money-lust.” Oh my, oh my! Just three paragraphs earlier we read that Simon had been following Philip around everywhere he went because he was so intrigued and amazed at the Gospel of Jesus Christ and at all the Philip had said and done. Now, he is already back to old ways! How we need to renew our minds from the flesh and die to our self everyday!
So now Philip and the apostles went on their own ways preaching the Gospel. An angel told Philip to take the desert road towards Gaza (WAIT! How cool is that that an angel tells you where to go??!!). Anyway, he met an Ethiopian eunuch who was “chief treasurer” for the queen of the Ethiopians. He was on his way home from Jerusalem where he was worshipping and was stopped in his chariot on the road reading the book of Isaiah. Philip was prompted to go near the chariot and heard the eunuch reading from Isaiah. The eunuch needed help understanding what was going on and Philip began a conversation starting with that passage of Scripture in Isaiah and gradually worked in the good news of Jesus. They came upon a stream and the eunuch wanted to be baptized and so Philip baptized him and then the Spirit of God took Philip away but the eunuch still rejoiced because he got what he had been desiring.
What if Philip did not obey the voice of the Lord? What if Philip had said that the road was too long and he did not want to walk out in the desert? What if Philip said that he didn’t really like the Ethiopians and didn’t want to strike up a conversation with him. Philip would have been just like us -- coming up with any excuse possible to avoid confrontation and potential ridicule. But guess what? The eunuch was so desperate and hungry for God that all Philip had to do was obey God. All Philip had to do was go talk to the eunuch. Philip simply was doing what he was designed to do. Every chance that Philip received to tell someone about the love of Jesus -- he took.
In our everyday lives, we hear the still small voice of God urging us to talk to this person at the lunch table or that person in our class. If we just obey as Philip did, the Holy Spirit will go before us and be our guide giving us the right words to say. We are all called to be proclaimers of the good news of Jesus Christ. Just as Philip did, everywhere we go, whatever we do, may it promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:31 sums up exactly what Philip was all about:
“Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
- Ryan F.
Obviously, this is not the way that the early church behaved. However, it does seem eerily similar to how the church thinks today. We do not face nearly the same level of persecution as they did, but yet we find ourselves backing down from any sort of conversations about Jesus. We so desperately want to be liked and to fit in with everyone around us that we compromise our testimony and our witness by not living the Gospel and not proclaiming the Truth.
Praise the Lord that we have a perfect example of how to live a victorious Christian life in Acts 8. Let’s recap, Stephen has just been murdered. A great time of persecution rocks Jerusalem. Believers scatter out all over Judea and Samaria. Saul is on the loose hunting down any Believers he can find and throwing them into prison. Chaos is reigning. But guess what? What you ask. Those that have been scattered were not just running for their lives -- they proclaimed the Gospel everywhere that they went. Here in Acts 8, one man named Philip traveled to Samaria preaching the Gospel of Christ.
The crowds flocked to Philip as he preached -- miraculous signs followed him that made the crowds pay close attention to what he said. For a long time, a certain sorcerer named Simon had been amazing all of the people in Samaria as he practiced his wizardry. But after hearing Philip proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God, Simon himself believed and was baptized.
After sending word to Peter and John that Samaria had believed the Gospel, they came to Samaria and prayed for everyone to receive the Holy Spirit because they had only been baptized in the name of Jesus. Peter and John laid hands on them, and they immediately received the Holy Spirit. (As a side note here, it is completely obvious now that the receiving of the gift of the Holy Spirit is a separate occurrence altogether than from salvation and being baptized in the name of Jesus).
Remember that Simon guy I was telling you about -- the one who was a wizard but now was saved and baptized. Ya! that guy. Well he is the shining example of how we can be saved but still have that old flesh still attacking. Right after Peter and John laid hands on the people, Simon was amazed and wanted the ability himself -- so he tried to bribe Peter and John with money so that he too might have the power. Peter made a very striking comment, (MSG Bible) “... I can see this is an old habit still with you; you reek with money-lust.” Oh my, oh my! Just three paragraphs earlier we read that Simon had been following Philip around everywhere he went because he was so intrigued and amazed at the Gospel of Jesus Christ and at all the Philip had said and done. Now, he is already back to old ways! How we need to renew our minds from the flesh and die to our self everyday!
So now Philip and the apostles went on their own ways preaching the Gospel. An angel told Philip to take the desert road towards Gaza (WAIT! How cool is that that an angel tells you where to go??!!). Anyway, he met an Ethiopian eunuch who was “chief treasurer” for the queen of the Ethiopians. He was on his way home from Jerusalem where he was worshipping and was stopped in his chariot on the road reading the book of Isaiah. Philip was prompted to go near the chariot and heard the eunuch reading from Isaiah. The eunuch needed help understanding what was going on and Philip began a conversation starting with that passage of Scripture in Isaiah and gradually worked in the good news of Jesus. They came upon a stream and the eunuch wanted to be baptized and so Philip baptized him and then the Spirit of God took Philip away but the eunuch still rejoiced because he got what he had been desiring.
What if Philip did not obey the voice of the Lord? What if Philip had said that the road was too long and he did not want to walk out in the desert? What if Philip said that he didn’t really like the Ethiopians and didn’t want to strike up a conversation with him. Philip would have been just like us -- coming up with any excuse possible to avoid confrontation and potential ridicule. But guess what? The eunuch was so desperate and hungry for God that all Philip had to do was obey God. All Philip had to do was go talk to the eunuch. Philip simply was doing what he was designed to do. Every chance that Philip received to tell someone about the love of Jesus -- he took.
In our everyday lives, we hear the still small voice of God urging us to talk to this person at the lunch table or that person in our class. If we just obey as Philip did, the Holy Spirit will go before us and be our guide giving us the right words to say. We are all called to be proclaimers of the good news of Jesus Christ. Just as Philip did, everywhere we go, whatever we do, may it promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:31 sums up exactly what Philip was all about:
“Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
- Ryan F.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Acts 7: A look within
After Stephen was brought to the council in chapter 6, he found himself being questioned in chapter 7 as to the things he was saying. He was asked if the accusations of blasphemy were true. Stephen gave a clear summary of his God, and his preaching. He stood for his God in the face of whatever punishments would come. When he finished his history of his forefathers and of God, he stated this in verses 51-58:
"You stubborn and stiff-necked people, still heathen and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are always actively resisting the Holy Spirit… Which of the prophets did your forefathers not persecute? And they slew those who proclaimed beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, Whom you now have betrayed and murdered-- You who received the Law… and [yet] you did not obey it!"
When the Jews heard him say these truths, they were angry at Stephen. Stephen knew the punishment to come was death, and he looked to Heaven to see Jesus at the right hang of the Father. The people stoned Stephen to death for his preaching.
People often do not like to hear the things they are doing wrong, and it is not our place to judge them. We should, however, show people the things they are doing wrong (in a loving and kind way certainly) so they know to work on those things. These Jews obviously did not take kindly to Stephen's word concerning them, and so they perpetrated against him. Stephen did nothing wrong and was punished for it. Speaking God's Word is a dangerous thing, and it is not to be taken lightly. Taking action on the Gospel is a responsibility to be held sacred and we should teach and inform others as well as acting on it ourselves. We cannot point out the splinter in another's eye while we have a plank in our own. We should honestly and continually apply God's commands in our lives and find ourselves accountable with others who care for us. We should have others in our lives who we trust to lovingly tell us the things we are doing wrong so that we can correct those things and grow closer to God each day.
Honestly,
Lance P.
"You stubborn and stiff-necked people, still heathen and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are always actively resisting the Holy Spirit… Which of the prophets did your forefathers not persecute? And they slew those who proclaimed beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, Whom you now have betrayed and murdered-- You who received the Law… and [yet] you did not obey it!"
When the Jews heard him say these truths, they were angry at Stephen. Stephen knew the punishment to come was death, and he looked to Heaven to see Jesus at the right hang of the Father. The people stoned Stephen to death for his preaching.
People often do not like to hear the things they are doing wrong, and it is not our place to judge them. We should, however, show people the things they are doing wrong (in a loving and kind way certainly) so they know to work on those things. These Jews obviously did not take kindly to Stephen's word concerning them, and so they perpetrated against him. Stephen did nothing wrong and was punished for it. Speaking God's Word is a dangerous thing, and it is not to be taken lightly. Taking action on the Gospel is a responsibility to be held sacred and we should teach and inform others as well as acting on it ourselves. We cannot point out the splinter in another's eye while we have a plank in our own. We should honestly and continually apply God's commands in our lives and find ourselves accountable with others who care for us. We should have others in our lives who we trust to lovingly tell us the things we are doing wrong so that we can correct those things and grow closer to God each day.
Honestly,
Lance P.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Acts 6 : Speaking with Love
he first verse of Acts 6 mentions the increasing of disciples. The church was growing, and the Hebraic Jews were upset because of the ignoring of the poor; the widows who needed food that they relied on daily. Remember what a true disciple is? They're basically a student of Jesus. They do everything to follow and learn from what he does so they can go out into the world and do as he does.
So, in verse 2, the 12 disciples, or followers in Christ, realized that their time cannot be consumed by only serving/feeding them food. They didn't want to neglect the real nutrients for the people; feeding them the word of God. They collaborated and put their heads together to choose seven men among them . This allowed them to conquer both missions. This also retained their focus on prayer and ministry, something that cannot/should not be eliminated regardless of any other barrier.
The group was satisfied; how difficult is it for us to ever be satisfied? A man full of faith, Stephen was chosen. Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas joined him as hands were laid on all seven of them.
They laid hands on them. Throughout Acts, you will see tons of references to laying hands on one another as the Holy Spirit approached. They laid hands, spoke in tongues and prophesied. They did it all.
So, in Acts 6:7, God's word was spreading like a wildfire (Okay, maybe it doesn't get that detailed, but I'd like to think it was just like that), disciples were increasing and obedience was radiating out of the priests.
From the issue faced in the beginning of the chapter, it seemed as if it was a sad opportunity for the church to become divided. People were being looked over, ignored. The disciples immediately united by keeping their focus on God and his word, and accommodating the people. See here? The church only grew because of the team-effort that occurred. No one walked out, and more importantly, the church shared their concerns and didn't sit back in silence, growing in anger. They discussed it, changed some things, and GREW. Do you see some changes that need to be made? In your life? In your church? The disciples stopped ignoring the problem and in return, people became more obedient and filled with faith.
The second bit of Acts (Acts 6:8) talks about Stephen being such a man filled with God, that God's power worked through him to perform "wonders and sign among the people." Notice it says "among" and not "for" the people. It wasn't for the entertainment or amusement for others. He didn't perform miracles to tickle their fancy. He wanted to show the true power of God. The power that is unavoidable when someone is obedient.
But of course, there began opposition , and members from the Synagogue of the Freedmen tried their hardest to stand up against the knowledge and wisdom that was given to Stephen by the Holy Spirit. Did they actually think they had a fighting chance against this guy? They convinced others to claim that Stephen was blasphemous! They lied and said he was speaking words against Moses AND against God. Goodness, gracious. It caused a stirring within everyone, including the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen, as false witnesses stood there with a mouth full of false testimonies. Throughout the accusations, the people looked onto Stephen who had "the face of an angel". What a fun way to end this. Throughout all of the trial and turmoil, and the pointed fingers claiming the Stephen was not the man of God he was appointed to be, his face was that of an angels. Beautiful.
From Acts 6, we can learn to speak out when there are concerns as the members did. We can learn to work TOGETHER, by using God's Word to correct future mistakes that the church and ourselves will make. We can draw from the pointed fingers at Stephen, and realize that Stephen gave them a reason to dislike him. He was obedient in God's Word, faithful, and performing miracles. If Stephen sat lazily with the members of the church, not allowing what God called him to do, no one would have seized him, and accused him of blasphemy. He would have been safe. But boy, he would have been in his own kind of trouble. Let's speak up.
Speaking up with love,
Ashley
So, in verse 2, the 12 disciples, or followers in Christ, realized that their time cannot be consumed by only serving/feeding them food. They didn't want to neglect the real nutrients for the people; feeding them the word of God. They collaborated and put their heads together to choose seven men among them . This allowed them to conquer both missions. This also retained their focus on prayer and ministry, something that cannot/should not be eliminated regardless of any other barrier.
The group was satisfied; how difficult is it for us to ever be satisfied? A man full of faith, Stephen was chosen. Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas joined him as hands were laid on all seven of them.
They laid hands on them. Throughout Acts, you will see tons of references to laying hands on one another as the Holy Spirit approached. They laid hands, spoke in tongues and prophesied. They did it all.
So, in Acts 6:7, God's word was spreading like a wildfire (Okay, maybe it doesn't get that detailed, but I'd like to think it was just like that), disciples were increasing and obedience was radiating out of the priests.
From the issue faced in the beginning of the chapter, it seemed as if it was a sad opportunity for the church to become divided. People were being looked over, ignored. The disciples immediately united by keeping their focus on God and his word, and accommodating the people. See here? The church only grew because of the team-effort that occurred. No one walked out, and more importantly, the church shared their concerns and didn't sit back in silence, growing in anger. They discussed it, changed some things, and GREW. Do you see some changes that need to be made? In your life? In your church? The disciples stopped ignoring the problem and in return, people became more obedient and filled with faith.
The second bit of Acts (Acts 6:8) talks about Stephen being such a man filled with God, that God's power worked through him to perform "wonders and sign among the people." Notice it says "among" and not "for" the people. It wasn't for the entertainment or amusement for others. He didn't perform miracles to tickle their fancy. He wanted to show the true power of God. The power that is unavoidable when someone is obedient.
But of course, there began opposition , and members from the Synagogue of the Freedmen tried their hardest to stand up against the knowledge and wisdom that was given to Stephen by the Holy Spirit. Did they actually think they had a fighting chance against this guy? They convinced others to claim that Stephen was blasphemous! They lied and said he was speaking words against Moses AND against God. Goodness, gracious. It caused a stirring within everyone, including the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen, as false witnesses stood there with a mouth full of false testimonies. Throughout the accusations, the people looked onto Stephen who had "the face of an angel". What a fun way to end this. Throughout all of the trial and turmoil, and the pointed fingers claiming the Stephen was not the man of God he was appointed to be, his face was that of an angels. Beautiful.
From Acts 6, we can learn to speak out when there are concerns as the members did. We can learn to work TOGETHER, by using God's Word to correct future mistakes that the church and ourselves will make. We can draw from the pointed fingers at Stephen, and realize that Stephen gave them a reason to dislike him. He was obedient in God's Word, faithful, and performing miracles. If Stephen sat lazily with the members of the church, not allowing what God called him to do, no one would have seized him, and accused him of blasphemy. He would have been safe. But boy, he would have been in his own kind of trouble. Let's speak up.
Speaking up with love,
Ashley
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Acts 5 - Where is Your Loyalty?
In verse 17, the apostles are thrown in the local jail by the Sadducees for preaching the gospel and healing the sick. That very night, God opens the doors of the jail and brings them out, urging them to continue spreading the good news in the temple courts. Once the apostles' escape is discovered, and they are located, they are brought in to face the Sanhedrin.
The high priest questions the apostles, and says "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name!"
Then here comes the apostles' all-important reply: "We must obey God rather than men!"
Wow, that response was bold, right? Well for the apostles, this was a no-brainer. Their loyalty was already set in stone. They had seen Jesus, witnessed God's power first-hand, and were commissioned at the Mount of Olives to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey everything that God commands. The commission didn't go like this: "Make disciples of all nations, baptize them, and teach them only...if it's OK with the authorities, guys." God's commission is without conditions.
The moment we accept Jesus as our Savior, we also receive this very commission. Too many times, we acquiesce, close our mouth, and follow the path of conformity whenever our faith is challenged by the world. When the challenge comes, there is no such thing as neutrality. Based on our reaction, our loyalty will either side with man, or it will side with God.
Sometimes, God's laws and man's laws are in harmony. In fact, Jesus tells the disciples at one point to "render unto Caesar's what is Caesar's". In other words, "pay your taxes, peeps!" Complete anarchical behavior is not of God. BUT when man's law and God's law collide as in the story, our loyalty, like the disciples', should be set in stone already. Romans 8:38-39 says "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present, nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God..." God's love for us is inseparable. God, may our love and loyalty for You also be inseparable, and unable to be swayed by the laws and pressure of men.
~Ben
The high priest questions the apostles, and says "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name!"
Then here comes the apostles' all-important reply: "We must obey God rather than men!"
Wow, that response was bold, right? Well for the apostles, this was a no-brainer. Their loyalty was already set in stone. They had seen Jesus, witnessed God's power first-hand, and were commissioned at the Mount of Olives to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey everything that God commands. The commission didn't go like this: "Make disciples of all nations, baptize them, and teach them only...if it's OK with the authorities, guys." God's commission is without conditions.
The moment we accept Jesus as our Savior, we also receive this very commission. Too many times, we acquiesce, close our mouth, and follow the path of conformity whenever our faith is challenged by the world. When the challenge comes, there is no such thing as neutrality. Based on our reaction, our loyalty will either side with man, or it will side with God.
Sometimes, God's laws and man's laws are in harmony. In fact, Jesus tells the disciples at one point to "render unto Caesar's what is Caesar's". In other words, "pay your taxes, peeps!" Complete anarchical behavior is not of God. BUT when man's law and God's law collide as in the story, our loyalty, like the disciples', should be set in stone already. Romans 8:38-39 says "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present, nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God..." God's love for us is inseparable. God, may our love and loyalty for You also be inseparable, and unable to be swayed by the laws and pressure of men.
~Ben
Friday, February 4, 2011
Acts 4: Without A Doubt
Can you imagine standing in front of a high court waiting for a reason for what you did “wrong”, you know... the “laws” you broke. Where all the officials want to hear anything but the truth. The pressure is tremendous, but you can’t possibly tell anything other than what’s unmistakable and completely and totally undeniable. Peter and John were in a similar situation in front of the Sanhedrin( The rulers, elders, and teachers of the law). They were being tried for preaching the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, they had growing concerns because many were hearing, and many were believing. They tried to find a reason to put them away, but the miracle with the crippled man proved an amazing act of kindness that no one could deny the man was healed in the name of Jesus. The community was astonished at this act, they were simply in awe of what had occurred especially since the man was older. When they were brought before the court, Peter and John were being accused of breaking the law, but what they had done was amazing. The religious leaders had no other choice but to believe what had happened, the proof was there, everyone knew the man could walk. The court commanded them to stop using the name of Jesus and they responded not by they’re own, but being led by the holy spirit. They spoke of how it would not be possible to hold in their knowledge of a risen savior and the power in his name. They even used references of what had occurred with Jesus’ life and earlier prophecy proving even more the validity of their case. One of the most profound references was of,
Psalms 118:22
“the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the cornerstone”
Seeing they were normal uneducated men, the Sanhedrin had to release them because of the knowledge that was expressed through the holy spirit. After this trial Peter and John went back to their people and told them all that had occurred. They began to pray that God would enable his servants to speak his word with great BOLDNESS, and for God to perform signs and wonders in the name of Jesus. The whole place was shaken(can you imagine) and they were filled with the holy spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Peter and John had such a hold on God, that nothing could trip them. They were living a life with no regrets. They had an undeniable faith in Jesus that could not be snuffed out. The only way we can possible live a life with this kind of power is to be filled with the holy spirit. It’s this same infilling that brings us together to be in one mind and one accord living lives with no regrets and certainly no doubts in the word of God. The word says they asked God for boldness, and he certainly empowered them. In that same way, we should constantly be seeking God to empower us with the holy spirt to preach, testify, and speak his word boldly.
Peace out,
-Gabe
Psalms 118:22
“the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the cornerstone”
Seeing they were normal uneducated men, the Sanhedrin had to release them because of the knowledge that was expressed through the holy spirit. After this trial Peter and John went back to their people and told them all that had occurred. They began to pray that God would enable his servants to speak his word with great BOLDNESS, and for God to perform signs and wonders in the name of Jesus. The whole place was shaken(can you imagine) and they were filled with the holy spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Peter and John had such a hold on God, that nothing could trip them. They were living a life with no regrets. They had an undeniable faith in Jesus that could not be snuffed out. The only way we can possible live a life with this kind of power is to be filled with the holy spirit. It’s this same infilling that brings us together to be in one mind and one accord living lives with no regrets and certainly no doubts in the word of God. The word says they asked God for boldness, and he certainly empowered them. In that same way, we should constantly be seeking God to empower us with the holy spirt to preach, testify, and speak his word boldly.
Peace out,
-Gabe
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Acts3 : In the Name of Jesus
Acts 3 takes place when Peter and John are going up to the temple for 3 p.m. prayer. As they approached the temple they fixed their eyes upon a lame man from birth being placed outside the temple to beg for money. Peter and John approach the man and Peter instructs him to pay close attention to him. At this point the man is thinking he is getting silver or gold. In verse 6 Peter instructs the man to rise and get up in the name of Jesus. The man’s ankle and heels were immediately healed. He rejoiced in his healing thanking God for what had taken place. He walked into the temple with Peter and John. The people in the temple were astounded that the man could walk. Peter took that opportunity to preach to the people in the temple. He asked them why they were so astounded that this healing could take place. In verse 16 Peter says, “By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.”
You see God is the same today as He was yesterday. We act like those people in the temple. We seem astounded when miracles take place. Our God never changes, it is our faith in those things taking place that changes. We should never be skeptical of our God, He makes the impossible; possible and we shouldn’t be surprised when that happens. It is our duty to strive to have the same faith that Peter and John had, because as Christians that is the opportunity we are given that should not be wasted. Let us never be complacent in our walk and in our faith with God, we need to grab hold of the anointing that He has intended for us.
-Love and Peace
Laura
You see God is the same today as He was yesterday. We act like those people in the temple. We seem astounded when miracles take place. Our God never changes, it is our faith in those things taking place that changes. We should never be skeptical of our God, He makes the impossible; possible and we shouldn’t be surprised when that happens. It is our duty to strive to have the same faith that Peter and John had, because as Christians that is the opportunity we are given that should not be wasted. Let us never be complacent in our walk and in our faith with God, we need to grab hold of the anointing that He has intended for us.
-Love and Peace
Laura
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Acts 2 - Say What?!
So here it is – Perhaps the most confused, debated and avoided chapters in the bible. Acts 2. Some of you just shivered reading that. So let’s just get right to it. What do you believe? Acts 2 is a question of faith. Do you believe the bible and I mean really believe it? Lets take a second and recap. God created the heavens and the earth, from NOTHING. Jonah: Big fish. David: Goliath. Samson: Foxes. Elisha: Chariots of Fire. Moses: Red Sea. Jesus: Virgin Birth. Jesus: Sinless. Jesus: Redeemer. Jesus: Death Jesus: Resurrected. Jesus: Messiah. Jesus: Everlasting Life. Holy Spirit: Tongu…… Wait.
2 Things. 1. – It is absolutely devastating to me the number of “Christians” who can “believe” all those things we just read but balk at the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, we will spend hours debating over Revelation and all that it means, how it’s going to happen, what God was saying – Gods power. I mean seriously, read revelation there is some really crazy stuff that is going to happen, and we believe it. But the Holy Spirit & tongues, no way. Really? Just how big is the God that you serve? It appears to me that the God of the bible is more than capable of performing exactly what we see in Acts 2.
2. – Don’t miss the point. Remember in Acts 1:8, why did Jesus say to wait? To receive POWER. The Holy Spirit wasn’t given for the tongue. Just like it wasn’t given for the fire or the wind. Those are part of it. But the point, the reason it was given was to equip the believer with power. Notice what happens immediately. People see and hear an immediate change in the believers. They come asking questions. Peter filled with boldness and power, gives a sermon and 3,000+ came to repentance. From 11, to 120 and now 3000+. Then Acts 2:47 “… And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Did you catch that? Daily.
Here we see the formation of the church. Elders, Deacons, Pastors, Teachers, Evangelists. The blueprint to the modern church is being laid out before us. Yet we miss this. They received power, they were changed and through that power they affected the lives of those they came in contact with daily. I believe that we are called to an everyday Christianity. That as a result of the power of God poured into and working through me, I am called to affect everyone that I come in contact with to the glory of God. How can I do that without power? I believe the bible- ALL OF IT. Including Holy Spirit: Tongues AND Holy Spirit: Power. Don’t be powerless. Don’t be content. Always want more of God.
2 Things. 1. – It is absolutely devastating to me the number of “Christians” who can “believe” all those things we just read but balk at the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, we will spend hours debating over Revelation and all that it means, how it’s going to happen, what God was saying – Gods power. I mean seriously, read revelation there is some really crazy stuff that is going to happen, and we believe it. But the Holy Spirit & tongues, no way. Really? Just how big is the God that you serve? It appears to me that the God of the bible is more than capable of performing exactly what we see in Acts 2.
2. – Don’t miss the point. Remember in Acts 1:8, why did Jesus say to wait? To receive POWER. The Holy Spirit wasn’t given for the tongue. Just like it wasn’t given for the fire or the wind. Those are part of it. But the point, the reason it was given was to equip the believer with power. Notice what happens immediately. People see and hear an immediate change in the believers. They come asking questions. Peter filled with boldness and power, gives a sermon and 3,000+ came to repentance. From 11, to 120 and now 3000+. Then Acts 2:47 “… And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Did you catch that? Daily.
Here we see the formation of the church. Elders, Deacons, Pastors, Teachers, Evangelists. The blueprint to the modern church is being laid out before us. Yet we miss this. They received power, they were changed and through that power they affected the lives of those they came in contact with daily. I believe that we are called to an everyday Christianity. That as a result of the power of God poured into and working through me, I am called to affect everyone that I come in contact with to the glory of God. How can I do that without power? I believe the bible- ALL OF IT. Including Holy Spirit: Tongues AND Holy Spirit: Power. Don’t be powerless. Don’t be content. Always want more of God.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Acts 1 -- Pivot Point
So as we kick off this adventure together, the reading of Acts as one body, I want to encourage you with a few things.
First - Read with expectation. Expect that the word of God will be made real to you, in a way like never before. Expect the word to come alive.
Second - Read for change. Don't make this about checking something off the list, that's what religion does. Make this a choice to find truth in the scripture that you hadn't seen before and then let that truth change you.
Remember growing pains are just that, painful at times, but where would we be without growth.
Acts 1 - I call this the pivot point. The life of Jesus was about so much more than getting us to heaven. God had a process established for that. There was an altar, a sacrifice, atonement. The life, death and resurrection wasn't about that at all. It was about removing the veil. It was about God getting out of the temple. It was about God getting into us.
So here we have the moment. 11 men had scattered, scared, ashamed, confused, then Jesus reveals himself to them. Have you ever wondered why if it was all fake, those 11 men would go to death proclaiming it was true? It is . Jesus is who he said he was and now they have experienced that. So he tells
them to wait for power from the Holy Spirit. Jesus tells 11 men that have walked with him, seen miracles, seen Him- Resurrected - to wait for power. Jesus is saying- yes I came to save you, yes I came to heal, yes I came to deliver you, but there is more. There is power. Wait for the power.
God wants to equip you to live a powerful life. He wants it so badly He Sent His Son. Don't miss that. Don't neglect that. Wait- believe - recieve.
First - Read with expectation. Expect that the word of God will be made real to you, in a way like never before. Expect the word to come alive.
Second - Read for change. Don't make this about checking something off the list, that's what religion does. Make this a choice to find truth in the scripture that you hadn't seen before and then let that truth change you.
Remember growing pains are just that, painful at times, but where would we be without growth.
Acts 1 - I call this the pivot point. The life of Jesus was about so much more than getting us to heaven. God had a process established for that. There was an altar, a sacrifice, atonement. The life, death and resurrection wasn't about that at all. It was about removing the veil. It was about God getting out of the temple. It was about God getting into us.
So here we have the moment. 11 men had scattered, scared, ashamed, confused, then Jesus reveals himself to them. Have you ever wondered why if it was all fake, those 11 men would go to death proclaiming it was true? It is . Jesus is who he said he was and now they have experienced that. So he tells
them to wait for power from the Holy Spirit. Jesus tells 11 men that have walked with him, seen miracles, seen Him- Resurrected - to wait for power. Jesus is saying- yes I came to save you, yes I came to heal, yes I came to deliver you, but there is more. There is power. Wait for the power.
God wants to equip you to live a powerful life. He wants it so badly He Sent His Son. Don't miss that. Don't neglect that. Wait- believe - recieve.
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