Pray This Prayer Today and
Apply It to the Circumstances of Your Life
Acts 4:23-31
23 As soon as they were freed, they prayed,
“O Sovereign Lord, Creator of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— 25 you spoke long ago by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant, saying, ‘Why were the nations so angry? Why did they waste their time with futile plans? 26 The kings of the earth prepared for battle; the rulers gathered together against the LORD and against his Messiah.’ 27 In fact, this has happened here in this very city! For Herod Antipas, Pontius Pilate the governor, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel were all united against Jesus, your holy servant, whom you anointed. 28 But everything they did was determined beforehand according to your will. 29 And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. 30 Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:23-31
Pastor's Blog:
My Advice? Do this! Actually pray this prayer today word for word and see if any part of it awakens something in you? Praying scripture is not a bad way to learn to pray!!!!!!
To post a comment click below.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
October 28, 2010
You Must Not Keep Quiet About God’s Love in Jesus Christ
(But don’t be obnoxious or annoying 1 Peter 3:15, 16)
Acts 4:19-22
“The religious leaders commanded the apostles never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, 'Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? 20 We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.'
The council . . they finally let them go because they didn’t know how to punish them without starting a riot. For everyone was praising God 22 for this miraculous sign—the healing of a man who had been lame for more than forty years. Acts 4:19-22
Pastor's Blog:
Here’s what I think. Ready? God Grace and His miracles are happening every day, all around us. We have innumerable gifts coming our way constantly for which we ought to be grateful. Our job is to “see”, to “open our physical eyes and the “eyes of our hearts”, and then spend much time every day saying “thank you, thank you, thank you” to Giver of it all. And then we should tell everyone we know about it (but don’t be obnoxious or annoying)
To post a comment click below.
(But don’t be obnoxious or annoying 1 Peter 3:15, 16)
Acts 4:19-22
“The religious leaders commanded the apostles never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, 'Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? 20 We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.'
The council . . they finally let them go because they didn’t know how to punish them without starting a riot. For everyone was praising God 22 for this miraculous sign—the healing of a man who had been lame for more than forty years. Acts 4:19-22
Pastor's Blog:
Here’s what I think. Ready? God Grace and His miracles are happening every day, all around us. We have innumerable gifts coming our way constantly for which we ought to be grateful. Our job is to “see”, to “open our physical eyes and the “eyes of our hearts”, and then spend much time every day saying “thank you, thank you, thank you” to Giver of it all. And then we should tell everyone we know about it (but don’t be obnoxious or annoying)
To post a comment click below.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
October 27, 2010
Find a Reading Plan to Take You Through the Bible
and Then Stick to It
Acts 4:11-15
11 For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ 12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. 13 The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures.
They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. Acts 4:11-15
Pastor's Blog:
You do not need special training to learn the Bible! Only two things are needed: to stay connected to Jesus in prayer and to take the time and trouble to read your Bible. You can do this!!! There are many tools available and many ways to go about this. Here’s the best advice I know: Find your own way. Take ownership and set yourself to doing it.
To post a comment click below.
and Then Stick to It
Acts 4:11-15
11 For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ 12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. 13 The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures.
They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. Acts 4:11-15
Pastor's Blog:
You do not need special training to learn the Bible! Only two things are needed: to stay connected to Jesus in prayer and to take the time and trouble to read your Bible. You can do this!!! There are many tools available and many ways to go about this. Here’s the best advice I know: Find your own way. Take ownership and set yourself to doing it.
To post a comment click below.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
October 26, 2010
Be Clear, not Coercive, About What You Believe
Acts 4:1-10
“The next day the council of all the rulers and elders and teachers of religious . . . brought in the two disciples and demanded, “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, 9 are we being questioned today because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? 10 Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead” Acts 4:1-10
Pastor's Blog
44% of all “un-churched” people think Christians “get on their nerves”. But we can be clear without being obnoxious. I think most people like directness without pushiness. In fact 78% of “un-churched (89% of twenty-somethings) want to hear more about the Christian faith!
(To post a comment click below)
Acts 4:1-10
“The next day the council of all the rulers and elders and teachers of religious . . . brought in the two disciples and demanded, “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, 9 are we being questioned today because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? 10 Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead” Acts 4:1-10
Pastor's Blog
44% of all “un-churched” people think Christians “get on their nerves”. But we can be clear without being obnoxious. I think most people like directness without pushiness. In fact 78% of “un-churched (89% of twenty-somethings) want to hear more about the Christian faith!
(To post a comment click below)
Monday, October 25, 2010
October 25, 2010
Opponents to Christianity Exist,
but They are Far Outnumbered by Those Who Would Like to Hear More
Acts 4:1-6
“While Peter and John were speaking to the people, they were confronted . . . . These leaders were very disturbed that Peter and John were teaching the people that through Jesus there is a resurrection of the dead. 3 They arrested them and, since it was already evening, put them in jail until morning.
Nevertheless many of the people who heard their message believed it, so the number of believers now totaled about 5,000 men, not counting women and children. Acts 4:1-6
Pastor's Blog
How Do Unchurched Americans View Christianity?By Audrey Barrick|Christian Post Reporter
In a portrait of the "unchurched" in America, a new study found that most are willing to hear what people have to say about Christianity but a majority also sees the church as a place full of hypocrites.
"A full 72 percent of the people interviewed said they think the church ‘is full of hypocrites,’" said LifeWay Research director Ed Stetzer. "At the same time, however, 71 percent of the respondents said they believe Jesus ‘makes a positive difference in a person’s life’ and 78 percent said they would ‘be willing to listen’ to someone who wanted to share what they believed about Christianity."
LifeWay Research studied 1,402 adults who were unchurched - those who had not attended a religious service at a church, synagogue or mosque in the previous six months - last spring and summer.
Many unchurched adults don't have a biblical understanding about God and Jesus, according to the survey.
Study results, released this week, showed that while 64 percent of the respondents think "the Christian religion is a relevant and viable religion for today," 72 percent of unchurched adults said they believe God, a higher or supreme being actually exists. Only 48 percent agree there is only one God as described in the Bible and 61 percent believe the God of the Bible is no different from the gods or spiritual being depicted.
"If you went back 100 years in North America, there would have been a consensus that God is the God in the Bible. We can't assume this any longer," said Stetzer. "We no longer have a home-field advantage as Christians in this culture."
LifeWay Research Associate Director Scott McConnell isn't surprised that the unchurched population doesn't understand Bible basics.
"If you aren't going to church, you don’t have an opportunity to be informed about what the Bible teaches or what other faiths teach," he said. "It’s not surprising then that unchurched people lump world religions all together and consider the gods described in them as being the same."
Up from 17 percent in 2004, 22 percent of Americans say they never go to church - the highest ever recorded by the General Social Survey.
But the problem is compounded by a widespread notion of religious tolerance that says religious and spiritual truth is a matter of personal opinion, Stetzer said, according to the report.
"We found a real openness to hearing about matters of faith, but the study also clearly documents what I call the Oprah-ization of American Christianity," he said. "It’s very much a generic ‘big guy in the sky’ view of God and a ‘you believe what you believe, I believe what I believe’ viewpoint on theology. People say, ‘Who am I to judge?’
"We have seen this in the current political campaigns, in regard to Mormonism," Stetzer added. "Recently a Christian leader was asked whether Mormons are Christians, and he replied that no, Mormons are outside the standard definition of what an orthodox Christian is. The host was shocked somebody would say that. How dare we say someone else is or is not a Christian?"
The American public seems to hold a similar opinion, Stetzer indicated.
"Christians begin with a faith system that teaches who God is, but the people in our culture not only don’t believe that, but often consider us intolerant because we dare to believe it," he said.
Many unchurched Americans have a negative perception of the church.
"There will always be the stumbling block of the cross. Yet our study shows that many are tripping over the church before they hear the message of the cross," said Stetzer.
A majority of unchurched Americans (79 percent) think that Christianity today is more about organized religion than about loving God and loving people; 86 percent believe they can have a good relationship with God without being involved in church.
"These outsiders are making a clear comment that churches are not getting through on the two greatest commandments," to love God and love your neighbor, said McConnell.
What they see the church as is "candles, pews and flowers, rather than people living out their love for God by loving others," he noted. "Such skepticism can only be overcome by churches and believers who demonstrate the unity and love for which Jesus prayed."
Other findings showed that 44 percent said Christians "get on my nerves."
Still, a majority (89 percent) of the unchurched have at least one close friend who is Christian, Stetzer noted. And while turned off by church, 78 percent are willing to listen to someone who wanted to talk about their Christian beliefs. The number rose to 89 percent among adults 18-29 years of age.
Additionally, 78 percent of adults 30 years and older said they would enjoy an honest conversation with a friend about religious and spiritual beliefs, even if they disagreed with the friend.
Only 28 percent of adults 30 years and older said they think Christians they know talk to them too much about their beliefs.
"We think religion is a topic that is off-limits in polite conversation, but unchurched people say they would enjoy conversations about spiritual matters," Stetzer noted.
but They are Far Outnumbered by Those Who Would Like to Hear More
Acts 4:1-6
“While Peter and John were speaking to the people, they were confronted . . . . These leaders were very disturbed that Peter and John were teaching the people that through Jesus there is a resurrection of the dead. 3 They arrested them and, since it was already evening, put them in jail until morning.
Nevertheless many of the people who heard their message believed it, so the number of believers now totaled about 5,000 men, not counting women and children. Acts 4:1-6
Pastor's Blog
How Do Unchurched Americans View Christianity?By Audrey Barrick|Christian Post Reporter
In a portrait of the "unchurched" in America, a new study found that most are willing to hear what people have to say about Christianity but a majority also sees the church as a place full of hypocrites.
"A full 72 percent of the people interviewed said they think the church ‘is full of hypocrites,’" said LifeWay Research director Ed Stetzer. "At the same time, however, 71 percent of the respondents said they believe Jesus ‘makes a positive difference in a person’s life’ and 78 percent said they would ‘be willing to listen’ to someone who wanted to share what they believed about Christianity."
LifeWay Research studied 1,402 adults who were unchurched - those who had not attended a religious service at a church, synagogue or mosque in the previous six months - last spring and summer.
Many unchurched adults don't have a biblical understanding about God and Jesus, according to the survey.
Study results, released this week, showed that while 64 percent of the respondents think "the Christian religion is a relevant and viable religion for today," 72 percent of unchurched adults said they believe God, a higher or supreme being actually exists. Only 48 percent agree there is only one God as described in the Bible and 61 percent believe the God of the Bible is no different from the gods or spiritual being depicted.
"If you went back 100 years in North America, there would have been a consensus that God is the God in the Bible. We can't assume this any longer," said Stetzer. "We no longer have a home-field advantage as Christians in this culture."
LifeWay Research Associate Director Scott McConnell isn't surprised that the unchurched population doesn't understand Bible basics.
"If you aren't going to church, you don’t have an opportunity to be informed about what the Bible teaches or what other faiths teach," he said. "It’s not surprising then that unchurched people lump world religions all together and consider the gods described in them as being the same."
Up from 17 percent in 2004, 22 percent of Americans say they never go to church - the highest ever recorded by the General Social Survey.
But the problem is compounded by a widespread notion of religious tolerance that says religious and spiritual truth is a matter of personal opinion, Stetzer said, according to the report.
"We found a real openness to hearing about matters of faith, but the study also clearly documents what I call the Oprah-ization of American Christianity," he said. "It’s very much a generic ‘big guy in the sky’ view of God and a ‘you believe what you believe, I believe what I believe’ viewpoint on theology. People say, ‘Who am I to judge?’
"We have seen this in the current political campaigns, in regard to Mormonism," Stetzer added. "Recently a Christian leader was asked whether Mormons are Christians, and he replied that no, Mormons are outside the standard definition of what an orthodox Christian is. The host was shocked somebody would say that. How dare we say someone else is or is not a Christian?"
The American public seems to hold a similar opinion, Stetzer indicated.
"Christians begin with a faith system that teaches who God is, but the people in our culture not only don’t believe that, but often consider us intolerant because we dare to believe it," he said.
Many unchurched Americans have a negative perception of the church.
"There will always be the stumbling block of the cross. Yet our study shows that many are tripping over the church before they hear the message of the cross," said Stetzer.
A majority of unchurched Americans (79 percent) think that Christianity today is more about organized religion than about loving God and loving people; 86 percent believe they can have a good relationship with God without being involved in church.
"These outsiders are making a clear comment that churches are not getting through on the two greatest commandments," to love God and love your neighbor, said McConnell.
What they see the church as is "candles, pews and flowers, rather than people living out their love for God by loving others," he noted. "Such skepticism can only be overcome by churches and believers who demonstrate the unity and love for which Jesus prayed."
Other findings showed that 44 percent said Christians "get on my nerves."
Still, a majority (89 percent) of the unchurched have at least one close friend who is Christian, Stetzer noted. And while turned off by church, 78 percent are willing to listen to someone who wanted to talk about their Christian beliefs. The number rose to 89 percent among adults 18-29 years of age.
Additionally, 78 percent of adults 30 years and older said they would enjoy an honest conversation with a friend about religious and spiritual beliefs, even if they disagreed with the friend.
Only 28 percent of adults 30 years and older said they think Christians they know talk to them too much about their beliefs.
"We think religion is a topic that is off-limits in polite conversation, but unchurched people say they would enjoy conversations about spiritual matters," Stetzer noted.
Friday, October 22, 2010
October 22, 2010
Have you ever tried to be someone you’re not?
How’s that been working for you?
Acts 2:47 (NLT)
“For God said to Abraham, ‘Through your descendants all the families on earth will be blessed.’" Acts 3:26 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
If you take a cue tip and then take a swab of your saliva and then send it in to the National Geographic Magazine, they will analyze it and trace your biological ancestry back to its origination somewhere on the planet. I really wanted to do this but Kathy wouldn’t let me.
But I do know my spiritual DNA. I got this DNA when I cast my lot with Jesus. At that point the Holy Spirit that was given to/awakened in me made me a spiritual descendent of Jesus, who was a biological descendent of Abraham. I am not just an “honorary Jew,” I’m actually the real deal. I’ve been birthed into the blood line of Jesus, and therefore Abraham, themselves!!!!!! I like knowing this very, very much.
This means that I have the spiritual DNA that was given to Abraham by God way back in Genesis 12:2 which Peter cites in today’s passage.
In short, I, and you, if you have become a believer, are built to be a blessing to other people. That’s your fundamental genetic code!!!
Have you ever tried to be someone you’re not? How’s that been working for you? Not to well? Here’s a suggestion. Find some way each day to bless someone, somehow, in some way. See how that works for you. It’s your spiritual bloodline, it’s what you were built for, it’s being true to yourself, it’s the destiny of your spiritually altered genes!
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
How’s that been working for you?
Acts 2:47 (NLT)
“For God said to Abraham, ‘Through your descendants all the families on earth will be blessed.’" Acts 3:26 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
If you take a cue tip and then take a swab of your saliva and then send it in to the National Geographic Magazine, they will analyze it and trace your biological ancestry back to its origination somewhere on the planet. I really wanted to do this but Kathy wouldn’t let me.
But I do know my spiritual DNA. I got this DNA when I cast my lot with Jesus. At that point the Holy Spirit that was given to/awakened in me made me a spiritual descendent of Jesus, who was a biological descendent of Abraham. I am not just an “honorary Jew,” I’m actually the real deal. I’ve been birthed into the blood line of Jesus, and therefore Abraham, themselves!!!!!! I like knowing this very, very much.
This means that I have the spiritual DNA that was given to Abraham by God way back in Genesis 12:2 which Peter cites in today’s passage.
In short, I, and you, if you have become a believer, are built to be a blessing to other people. That’s your fundamental genetic code!!!
Have you ever tried to be someone you’re not? How’s that been working for you? Not to well? Here’s a suggestion. Find some way each day to bless someone, somehow, in some way. See how that works for you. It’s your spiritual bloodline, it’s what you were built for, it’s being true to yourself, it’s the destiny of your spiritually altered genes!
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Thursday, October 21, 2010
October 21, 2010
Peter Predicts the Beginning of the World
Acts 3:21 (NLT)
“For he must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things, as God promised long ago through his holy prophets” Acts 3:21 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
If you were to predict the future of the planet what would you predict?
When I first thought about things like this, I thought about the sun burning out. Later on I concluded that the future of man was on another planet. More recently I find it hard to imagine that we humans won’t blow ourselves up with nuclear weapons. In short, most end times scenarios are not peaceful, but violent and catastrophic. Because of this, most Christians tend to believe that the Gospel message is that when we die or when the planet is destroyed (as in 2nd Peter 3, for example) believers will be transported to heaven where will live forever.
Actually that’s not real story, although it may be part of it. The real story is not that we go to heaven when we die (although we do go there first as a kind resting place, like a vacation) rather it is that our ultimate destination is on a new/renewed earth after God brings heaven down to earth and rejoins the two.
“Thy Kingdom come”, Jesus told us to pray. And his prayer will be answered, just as Peter says in today’s passage. All things broken will be repaired. No matter how cataclysmic the future of civilization on earth may become, that won’t be the final chapter of the story. God writes the final chapter not we.
Peter is very clear about wanting us to know that.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Acts 3:21 (NLT)
“For he must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things, as God promised long ago through his holy prophets” Acts 3:21 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
If you were to predict the future of the planet what would you predict?
When I first thought about things like this, I thought about the sun burning out. Later on I concluded that the future of man was on another planet. More recently I find it hard to imagine that we humans won’t blow ourselves up with nuclear weapons. In short, most end times scenarios are not peaceful, but violent and catastrophic. Because of this, most Christians tend to believe that the Gospel message is that when we die or when the planet is destroyed (as in 2nd Peter 3, for example) believers will be transported to heaven where will live forever.
Actually that’s not real story, although it may be part of it. The real story is not that we go to heaven when we die (although we do go there first as a kind resting place, like a vacation) rather it is that our ultimate destination is on a new/renewed earth after God brings heaven down to earth and rejoins the two.
“Thy Kingdom come”, Jesus told us to pray. And his prayer will be answered, just as Peter says in today’s passage. All things broken will be repaired. No matter how cataclysmic the future of civilization on earth may become, that won’t be the final chapter of the story. God writes the final chapter not we.
Peter is very clear about wanting us to know that.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
October 20, 2010
How to Get Refreshed
Acts 3:19-20 (NLT)
“Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord. . ."
Acts 3:19-20(NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Are you just plain weary and worn out?
“Life is difficult.” With these three words, M. Scott Peck began the first paragraph of the top selling book of the 20th century, The Road Less Traveled. It was the most brilliant and learned of all self help books I have ever read. However, the really interesting thing about it for me is the fact that Peck became a Christian (if unorthodox one) during his writing of the book. His final section on Grace is something I’ll never forget.
After all his massive learning in psychoanalysis from Harvard and private practice, he then learned from the Lord.
Meds and psychological counseling do have their place, but there is one fundamental without which no lasting times of refreshment will ever come; coming clean before God (really coming clean in a remorseful way), asking God to forgive you for your sins (no, you can’t forgive yourself, only God can do that), deciding to entrust your life to this God who, in Jesus Christ offers forgiveness, and finally accepting the reality that because of the cross, there is no longer a black, low lying cloud of condemnation hanging over you.
Are you weary? Whatever you do about it ultimately succeeds only insofar as it builds on this “prescription”.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Acts 3:19-20 (NLT)
“Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord. . ."
Acts 3:19-20(NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Are you just plain weary and worn out?
“Life is difficult.” With these three words, M. Scott Peck began the first paragraph of the top selling book of the 20th century, The Road Less Traveled. It was the most brilliant and learned of all self help books I have ever read. However, the really interesting thing about it for me is the fact that Peck became a Christian (if unorthodox one) during his writing of the book. His final section on Grace is something I’ll never forget.
After all his massive learning in psychoanalysis from Harvard and private practice, he then learned from the Lord.
Meds and psychological counseling do have their place, but there is one fundamental without which no lasting times of refreshment will ever come; coming clean before God (really coming clean in a remorseful way), asking God to forgive you for your sins (no, you can’t forgive yourself, only God can do that), deciding to entrust your life to this God who, in Jesus Christ offers forgiveness, and finally accepting the reality that because of the cross, there is no longer a black, low lying cloud of condemnation hanging over you.
Are you weary? Whatever you do about it ultimately succeeds only insofar as it builds on this “prescription”.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
October 19, 2010
Christianity Should Look Pretty Amazing
Acts 3:7-11 (NLT)
“then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.
All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often . . . they were absolutely astounded! Acts 3:7-11 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
What is there about Christianity that astounds the people you know?
I think this is a really humbling question to consider. Frankly, there are times when I can’t think of anyone on the outside who is particularly impressed with what they see of God in me or in the Christian church.
The instantaneous healing of the lame man was really impressive. Anyone would be impressed seeing a cripple suddenly begin to dance around. Because of this, the now healed man was really, really happy. He joined Peter and John for church! Everyone who knew him now knew both the before and after. He was lame and now he could walk.
Somehow each of us and all of us together should keep in the front of our minds what our “before God’s salvation” looked like and what our “after salvation” now looks like. We ourselves should be able to see some difference, be really, really happy about it, and then let it show. The overflow of the lame man’s healing touched many others.
Does your life have an “overflow” aspect to it? If not, do not fall into self criticism, rather take this observation to the Lord, believing there is something more he wants to do in you.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Acts 3:7-11 (NLT)
“then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.
All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often . . . they were absolutely astounded! Acts 3:7-11 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
What is there about Christianity that astounds the people you know?
I think this is a really humbling question to consider. Frankly, there are times when I can’t think of anyone on the outside who is particularly impressed with what they see of God in me or in the Christian church.
The instantaneous healing of the lame man was really impressive. Anyone would be impressed seeing a cripple suddenly begin to dance around. Because of this, the now healed man was really, really happy. He joined Peter and John for church! Everyone who knew him now knew both the before and after. He was lame and now he could walk.
Somehow each of us and all of us together should keep in the front of our minds what our “before God’s salvation” looked like and what our “after salvation” now looks like. We ourselves should be able to see some difference, be really, really happy about it, and then let it show. The overflow of the lame man’s healing touched many others.
Does your life have an “overflow” aspect to it? If not, do not fall into self criticism, rather take this observation to the Lord, believing there is something more he wants to do in you.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Monday, October 18, 2010
October 18, 2010
A New Kind of Giving
Acts 3:6
Peter said, “look at us” . . .“Silver and Gold have I none. But such as I have give I thee. In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, get up and walk”. Then Peter reached out his arm and helped him up. Acts 3:4-6
Pastor’s Blog
If you feel like you don’t have much to give, then reading this passage should be helpful.
Peter and John were on their way to worship in the temple when they met a lame beggar who wanted money. Peter and John didn’t have any. Moreover, they were on their way to worship which meant the beggar was interrupting them.
Yet Peter and John gave to the lame man from a vast store of riches that they did have. First, they noticed and stopped. Do you know how many people are yearning for someone to stop and notice them? Next, they diverted the man’s attention from money to themselves. They had him look at them. He then could see that what they had to give was what was in them. Next, they revealed the foundation of generosity that the Holy Spirit which they now had as a result of Pentecost. Next, they acted. They reached out and touched the man.
You and I may lack their faith, the faith that God can use us to be an agent of instantaneous physical healing. Nevertheless we can notice, be interrupted, engage other people and speak to them, desiring to offer what we have, in particular the desire to see the full power of God at work in them. And then we can act in whatever concrete way the Holy Spirit leads us to reach out and touch. And, who knows, the miracle may be bigger than instantaneous physical healing. It may be the gift of salvation and eternal life.
You and I have a lot to offer. Much more than we know. But we must be interruptible.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Acts 3:6
Peter said, “look at us” . . .“Silver and Gold have I none. But such as I have give I thee. In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, get up and walk”. Then Peter reached out his arm and helped him up. Acts 3:4-6
Pastor’s Blog
If you feel like you don’t have much to give, then reading this passage should be helpful.
Peter and John were on their way to worship in the temple when they met a lame beggar who wanted money. Peter and John didn’t have any. Moreover, they were on their way to worship which meant the beggar was interrupting them.
Yet Peter and John gave to the lame man from a vast store of riches that they did have. First, they noticed and stopped. Do you know how many people are yearning for someone to stop and notice them? Next, they diverted the man’s attention from money to themselves. They had him look at them. He then could see that what they had to give was what was in them. Next, they revealed the foundation of generosity that the Holy Spirit which they now had as a result of Pentecost. Next, they acted. They reached out and touched the man.
You and I may lack their faith, the faith that God can use us to be an agent of instantaneous physical healing. Nevertheless we can notice, be interrupted, engage other people and speak to them, desiring to offer what we have, in particular the desire to see the full power of God at work in them. And then we can act in whatever concrete way the Holy Spirit leads us to reach out and touch. And, who knows, the miracle may be bigger than instantaneous physical healing. It may be the gift of salvation and eternal life.
You and I have a lot to offer. Much more than we know. But we must be interruptible.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Friday, October 15, 2010
October 15, 2010
When Others Notice
Acts 2:47 (NLT)
“All the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved” Acts 2:47 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
I once heard someone say, “My job is to make God look good”. Part of me thought, “I don’t have to make God look anything. God is God”. Another part of me thought, “Who I am can never make God look good”. But another part of me, the better part of me, thought, “yes, if anyone is ever going to believe in God, there really should be something about me that makes God attractive”.
The result of this first Pentecost after that first Easter was that the early church gatherings looked good to outsiders. People wanted in. Thousands became believers very quickly. What outsiders saw was happy people who were giving credit to God for their joy and these people were good-willed. Who isn’t attracted to a good willed person.
Each day “those who were being saved” were added to these house churches. Luke puts this very nicely. He gives no profound well argued theological pronouncement like, “once saved always saved”. He just says that a lot of messy people still in process were unconditionally accepted into these Christian gatherings and that it was a really compelling and attractive thing that was happening.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Acts 2:47 (NLT)
“All the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved” Acts 2:47 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
I once heard someone say, “My job is to make God look good”. Part of me thought, “I don’t have to make God look anything. God is God”. Another part of me thought, “Who I am can never make God look good”. But another part of me, the better part of me, thought, “yes, if anyone is ever going to believe in God, there really should be something about me that makes God attractive”.
The result of this first Pentecost after that first Easter was that the early church gatherings looked good to outsiders. People wanted in. Thousands became believers very quickly. What outsiders saw was happy people who were giving credit to God for their joy and these people were good-willed. Who isn’t attracted to a good willed person.
Each day “those who were being saved” were added to these house churches. Luke puts this very nicely. He gives no profound well argued theological pronouncement like, “once saved always saved”. He just says that a lot of messy people still in process were unconditionally accepted into these Christian gatherings and that it was a really compelling and attractive thing that was happening.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Thursday, October 14, 2010
October 14, 2010
20 20 Vision
Acts 2:46 (NLT) & Acts 20:20 (NIV)
“They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity” Acts 2:46 (NLT)
“I have . .taught you publicly and from house to house” Acts 20:20 (NIV)
Pastor’s Blog
God’s “20 20 Vision” is a vision of meeting us both in very large gatherings and also in very small ones.
God’s plan to heal the world began with Abraham, Sarah and Isaac, a family, a dysfunctional family like so many of ours, but a family nonetheless . This family grew into a nation and a thoroughly pagan one at that. God intervened through Moses to create out of this family a nation with laws and with a place where they could meet with God, first in the big tent (tabernacle) then the temple. All Israel worshipping together at the one central place was crucial to their being reminded who they were and to be reminded how to live and how to meet Yahweh, the one who created them in the first place.
The New Testament continues to emphasize the “big tent meeting” where all eyes are directed to God. However, it introduces something new; fellowship. Small house gatherings where individuals are noticed, cared for, share their lives and resources, and go out to share with others. It is these local gathering from which the local church emerged.
We seek to maintain this “both-and”; Sunday mornings where all eyes are on God and smaller gatherings where Jesus is present as we “see” and connect to each other in Jesus’ name.
I hope you have found or are seeking to find some form of the latter for yourself.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Acts 2:46 (NLT) & Acts 20:20 (NIV)
“They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity” Acts 2:46 (NLT)
“I have . .taught you publicly and from house to house” Acts 20:20 (NIV)
Pastor’s Blog
God’s “20 20 Vision” is a vision of meeting us both in very large gatherings and also in very small ones.
God’s plan to heal the world began with Abraham, Sarah and Isaac, a family, a dysfunctional family like so many of ours, but a family nonetheless . This family grew into a nation and a thoroughly pagan one at that. God intervened through Moses to create out of this family a nation with laws and with a place where they could meet with God, first in the big tent (tabernacle) then the temple. All Israel worshipping together at the one central place was crucial to their being reminded who they were and to be reminded how to live and how to meet Yahweh, the one who created them in the first place.
The New Testament continues to emphasize the “big tent meeting” where all eyes are directed to God. However, it introduces something new; fellowship. Small house gatherings where individuals are noticed, cared for, share their lives and resources, and go out to share with others. It is these local gathering from which the local church emerged.
We seek to maintain this “both-and”; Sunday mornings where all eyes are on God and smaller gatherings where Jesus is present as we “see” and connect to each other in Jesus’ name.
I hope you have found or are seeking to find some form of the latter for yourself.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
October 13, 2010
They Became Generous
Acts 2:14-21 (MSG)
“All the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need”
Acts 2:44-45 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
When God makes you generous, you know that something significant has happened. Somehow the needs of others became more important to the first believers than their own wants. They sacrificed monetarily and materially. They did with less. Nothing was off limits. They actually went so far as to divest themselves of things we would call essential in favor of choosing to invest in others.
Divestment in favor of investment. Doing with less in “my kingdom” so that God’s Kingdom could expand. And I suspect that in their world the economy was no more conducive to sacrificial generosity than is ours today in the Fall of 2010.
Ever since I first learned of God’s desire to make us generous I have thought that the most important “benchmark” of my faith is how much money I give away relative to how much I earn or am given. I suspect that if you want to judge how much you trust God one of the most central places for you to look is in your checkbook and Visa statement.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Acts 2:14-21 (MSG)
“All the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need”
Acts 2:44-45 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
When God makes you generous, you know that something significant has happened. Somehow the needs of others became more important to the first believers than their own wants. They sacrificed monetarily and materially. They did with less. Nothing was off limits. They actually went so far as to divest themselves of things we would call essential in favor of choosing to invest in others.
Divestment in favor of investment. Doing with less in “my kingdom” so that God’s Kingdom could expand. And I suspect that in their world the economy was no more conducive to sacrificial generosity than is ours today in the Fall of 2010.
Ever since I first learned of God’s desire to make us generous I have thought that the most important “benchmark” of my faith is how much money I give away relative to how much I earn or am given. I suspect that if you want to judge how much you trust God one of the most central places for you to look is in your checkbook and Visa statement.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
October 12, 2010
Miracles Seen and Unseen
Acts 2:43 (NLT)
“A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.” Acts 2:43 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
The 4 Gospels and Acts are full of miracles. The big miracles are God’s coming to earth (incarnation), Jesus’ resurrection, and the creation of the church as God’s healing agent on earth by means of God’s Spirit (Pentecost).
There are lots of other miracles too, which we should expect. Next week’s reading has a beautifully described one.
Many yearn to see concrete, irrefutable demonstrations of God’s miracle working power. There are many things to say about this. Here are two of them.
1. Signs and wonders happened in the Bible and they still happen today. They are wonders of God an are inexplicable apart from God.
However, we might call these “God’s Power plays” and God restrains from using them as a norm because God doesn’t seek followers based on “coerciveness”. God invites, He rarely overwhelms. He wants freely chosen trust, faith, and belief, not a “bowled over” followership.
2. Signs and wonders happen every day, every moment of every day. I have had the thought that my “demand” to see the power of God is something like the demand of a needy child to parents who provide everything he needs day in and day out. What that parent wants the child to grow into is a child who recognizes and trust the parents’ love, provision, and loyalty.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Acts 2:43 (NLT)
“A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.” Acts 2:43 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
The 4 Gospels and Acts are full of miracles. The big miracles are God’s coming to earth (incarnation), Jesus’ resurrection, and the creation of the church as God’s healing agent on earth by means of God’s Spirit (Pentecost).
There are lots of other miracles too, which we should expect. Next week’s reading has a beautifully described one.
Many yearn to see concrete, irrefutable demonstrations of God’s miracle working power. There are many things to say about this. Here are two of them.
1. Signs and wonders happened in the Bible and they still happen today. They are wonders of God an are inexplicable apart from God.
However, we might call these “God’s Power plays” and God restrains from using them as a norm because God doesn’t seek followers based on “coerciveness”. God invites, He rarely overwhelms. He wants freely chosen trust, faith, and belief, not a “bowled over” followership.
2. Signs and wonders happen every day, every moment of every day. I have had the thought that my “demand” to see the power of God is something like the demand of a needy child to parents who provide everything he needs day in and day out. What that parent wants the child to grow into is a child who recognizes and trust the parents’ love, provision, and loyalty.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Monday, October 11, 2010
October 11, 2010
The New Kind of Family
Acts 2:42 (NLT)
“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer” Acts 2:42(NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
All the fire, thunder and “tongues” of Pentecost resulted in this, a new kind of family which has some aspect of 4 things: Teaching the things of God which shape the mind and heart over and against the shaping of other social influences; fellowship which is more, but not less than friendship which is necessary to sustain a living faith; communion “which raises the flag” that says Jesus’ death and resurrection are the center of everything; prayer, which says that Christians are “heaven and earth” people living simultaneously in our space and God’s space.
Perhaps these aspects of the early church can guide you as you seek to make your family one which is a “heaven and earth” family, one which is increasingly able to live effectively in both worlds.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Acts 2:42 (NLT)
“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer” Acts 2:42(NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
All the fire, thunder and “tongues” of Pentecost resulted in this, a new kind of family which has some aspect of 4 things: Teaching the things of God which shape the mind and heart over and against the shaping of other social influences; fellowship which is more, but not less than friendship which is necessary to sustain a living faith; communion “which raises the flag” that says Jesus’ death and resurrection are the center of everything; prayer, which says that Christians are “heaven and earth” people living simultaneously in our space and God’s space.
Perhaps these aspects of the early church can guide you as you seek to make your family one which is a “heaven and earth” family, one which is increasingly able to live effectively in both worlds.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Friday, October 8, 2010
October 8, 2010
How to Become a Christian
Acts 2:36-39 (MSG)
“Know this: There's no longer room for doubt—God made him Master and Messiah, this Jesus whom you killed on a cross."
Cut to the quick, those who were there listening asked Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers! Brothers! So now what do we do?"
“Peter said, "Change your life. Turn to God and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, so your sins are forgiven. Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is targeted to you and your children, but also to all who are far away—whomever, in fact, our Master God invites." Acts 2:36-39 (MSG)
Pastor’s Blog
There is one pathway into the Christian life. It is repentance.
Have you recognized how you have helped to “kill” Jesus? How you have spent much or most of your life living, thinking, believing in a way that “kills off” the work of God in you and the work that God wants to do through you for others?
I have now been a Christian for over 30 years and I have come to see clearly that, yes, I was there when they crucified our Lord. I am culpable. I am guilty. In fact, if I want to see all the evil in the world, all I have to do is look in the mirror. I suspect that the difference between me (a “good” person) and a “bad” person is almost indistinquishable in God’s eyes. I encourage you to go to the Holocaust museum and view one of the most horrible atrocities in the history of the planet and then recognize that you have in you the very same thing that every perpetrator had in them. You are not better than they.
Yet, it is in this recognition that we have the hope to be set free. In our confession of sin and evil within, in our remorse because of it, and in our plea for God’s forgiveness offered because of the cross freely to all, to all, none excluded . . . . . . in this repentance we have access to the salvation of God.
The path to God is closed to those who think they’re okay without Him. It’s wide open to those who are painfully aware of their utter need for Him. For the latter there is not only forgiveness, but also the empowered Spirit filled life.
Acts 2:36-39 (MSG)
“Know this: There's no longer room for doubt—God made him Master and Messiah, this Jesus whom you killed on a cross."
Cut to the quick, those who were there listening asked Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers! Brothers! So now what do we do?"
“Peter said, "Change your life. Turn to God and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, so your sins are forgiven. Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is targeted to you and your children, but also to all who are far away—whomever, in fact, our Master God invites." Acts 2:36-39 (MSG)
Pastor’s Blog
There is one pathway into the Christian life. It is repentance.
Have you recognized how you have helped to “kill” Jesus? How you have spent much or most of your life living, thinking, believing in a way that “kills off” the work of God in you and the work that God wants to do through you for others?
I have now been a Christian for over 30 years and I have come to see clearly that, yes, I was there when they crucified our Lord. I am culpable. I am guilty. In fact, if I want to see all the evil in the world, all I have to do is look in the mirror. I suspect that the difference between me (a “good” person) and a “bad” person is almost indistinquishable in God’s eyes. I encourage you to go to the Holocaust museum and view one of the most horrible atrocities in the history of the planet and then recognize that you have in you the very same thing that every perpetrator had in them. You are not better than they.
Yet, it is in this recognition that we have the hope to be set free. In our confession of sin and evil within, in our remorse because of it, and in our plea for God’s forgiveness offered because of the cross freely to all, to all, none excluded . . . . . . in this repentance we have access to the salvation of God.
The path to God is closed to those who think they’re okay without Him. It’s wide open to those who are painfully aware of their utter need for Him. For the latter there is not only forgiveness, but also the empowered Spirit filled life.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
October 7, 2010
This is the Story You Must Know and Be Able to Tell
Acts 2:22-33 (MSG)
"listen carefully to these words. . . .
This Jesus, following the deliberate and well-thought-out plan of God, was betrayed by men who took the law into their own hands, and was handed over to you. And you pinned him to a cross and killed him. 24 But God untied the death ropes and raised him up. Death was no match for him.
“This Jesus, God raised up. And every one of us here is a witness to it. 33 Then, raised to the heights at the right hand of God and receiving the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, he poured out the Spirit he had just received. That is what you see and hear. Acts 2: 22-24, 32-33 (MSG)
Pastor’s Blog
Are you able in your own words to tell someone why the Gospel story is good news?
Today’s passage is worth learning to the point where you can explain it to someone else.
God loves the world and everything and everyone in it. So much so that He planned from the beginning to send his Son to confront and defeat all sin, evil and even death itself on the cross. He took evil’s best shot, died, but then just got up again. He just got up again.
And now he rules the world and gives His Spirit to all believers, all believers, none left out. It is this Spirit of God in you which works within to grow you into Christlikeness.
These are the facts. Tomorrow’s scripture and reflection explains how to get in on it.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Acts 2:22-33 (MSG)
"listen carefully to these words. . . .
This Jesus, following the deliberate and well-thought-out plan of God, was betrayed by men who took the law into their own hands, and was handed over to you. And you pinned him to a cross and killed him. 24 But God untied the death ropes and raised him up. Death was no match for him.
“This Jesus, God raised up. And every one of us here is a witness to it. 33 Then, raised to the heights at the right hand of God and receiving the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, he poured out the Spirit he had just received. That is what you see and hear. Acts 2: 22-24, 32-33 (MSG)
Pastor’s Blog
Are you able in your own words to tell someone why the Gospel story is good news?
Today’s passage is worth learning to the point where you can explain it to someone else.
God loves the world and everything and everyone in it. So much so that He planned from the beginning to send his Son to confront and defeat all sin, evil and even death itself on the cross. He took evil’s best shot, died, but then just got up again. He just got up again.
And now he rules the world and gives His Spirit to all believers, all believers, none left out. It is this Spirit of God in you which works within to grow you into Christlikeness.
These are the facts. Tomorrow’s scripture and reflection explains how to get in on it.
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
October 6, 2010
A Dream Come True
Acts 2:14-21(MSG)
Peter stood up and, backed by the other eleven, spoke out with bold urgency:. . .“This is what the prophet Joel announced would happen:
"In the Last Days," God says, "I will pour out my Spirit on every kind of people:
Your sons will prophesy, also your daughters;
Your young men will see visions, your old men dream dreams.
When the time comes, I'll pour out my Spirit On those who serve me, men and
women both, and they'll prophesy.
I'll set wonders in the sky above and signs on the earth below, Blood and fire
and billowing smoke, 20 the sun turning black and the moon blood-red, Before the
Day of the Lord arrives, the Day tremendous and marvelous;
And whoever calls out for help to me, God, will be saved." Acts 2:14-21(MSG)
Pastor’s Blog
Imagine the journey you have dreamed of all your life having finally begun. All that you’ve longed for, agonized over has finally begun. Hopes have been realized. Now at last the life you’ve yearned for can finally begin.
First century Jews knew that Daniel had predicted a 490 year exile. It had been about that long since Israel had been taken captive by Babylon. They were ready for deliverance. Daniel was the travel brochure that helped them keep going toward their destination of freedom
And now Peter says, “it’s here” The last days, during which God will set his people free have arrived. Peter, knowing his Bible, recognizes immediately that Joel had predicted this day. God’s redeeming power would not come through Jewish leaders, military power, or insurrection, but through ordinary people, young, old, women, children . . . all who receive and are energized by God’s Spirit
Luke is making a very big point. He is explaining how it was predicted from centuries earlier that a small group of frightened, puzzled, largely uneducated men and women could so quickly become a force to be reckoned with all across the known world.
The Holy Spirit in and through ordinary people swept across the Western World to the point where we can legitimately conclude the world today is simply unimaginable without that which God started on the day of Pentecost 2000 years ago.
Here’s the take away, I think. You as a believing member of a local body of Christ are right in the middle of the real action on planet earth. You are part of the most powerful force for good on the planet. Nothing else comes close. You, the local Body of Jesus Christ, are the hope of the world.
Acts 2:14-21(MSG)
Peter stood up and, backed by the other eleven, spoke out with bold urgency:. . .“This is what the prophet Joel announced would happen:
"In the Last Days," God says, "I will pour out my Spirit on every kind of people:
Your sons will prophesy, also your daughters;
Your young men will see visions, your old men dream dreams.
When the time comes, I'll pour out my Spirit On those who serve me, men and
women both, and they'll prophesy.
I'll set wonders in the sky above and signs on the earth below, Blood and fire
and billowing smoke, 20 the sun turning black and the moon blood-red, Before the
Day of the Lord arrives, the Day tremendous and marvelous;
And whoever calls out for help to me, God, will be saved." Acts 2:14-21(MSG)
Pastor’s Blog
Imagine the journey you have dreamed of all your life having finally begun. All that you’ve longed for, agonized over has finally begun. Hopes have been realized. Now at last the life you’ve yearned for can finally begin.
First century Jews knew that Daniel had predicted a 490 year exile. It had been about that long since Israel had been taken captive by Babylon. They were ready for deliverance. Daniel was the travel brochure that helped them keep going toward their destination of freedom
And now Peter says, “it’s here” The last days, during which God will set his people free have arrived. Peter, knowing his Bible, recognizes immediately that Joel had predicted this day. God’s redeeming power would not come through Jewish leaders, military power, or insurrection, but through ordinary people, young, old, women, children . . . all who receive and are energized by God’s Spirit
Luke is making a very big point. He is explaining how it was predicted from centuries earlier that a small group of frightened, puzzled, largely uneducated men and women could so quickly become a force to be reckoned with all across the known world.
The Holy Spirit in and through ordinary people swept across the Western World to the point where we can legitimately conclude the world today is simply unimaginable without that which God started on the day of Pentecost 2000 years ago.
Here’s the take away, I think. You as a believing member of a local body of Christ are right in the middle of the real action on planet earth. You are part of the most powerful force for good on the planet. Nothing else comes close. You, the local Body of Jesus Christ, are the hope of the world.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
October 5, 2010
9:00 in the Morning
Acts 2:5-15
“There were people from all over the world in Jerusalem just then. 6 When they heard the sound, they came on the run. Then when they heard, one after another, their own mother tongues being spoken, they were thunderstruck. . " How come we're hearing them talk in our various mother tongues?
9 Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; Visitors from Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene; Immigrants from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes; Even Cretans and Arabs!
Some said, 'They're speaking our languages, describing God's mighty works!' . . Others joked, 'They're drunk on cheap wine.'
That's when Peter . . . spoke . . . . 'These people aren't drunk as some of you suspect. They haven't had time to get drunk—it's only nine o'clock in the morning.' Acts 2:5-15
Pastor’s Blog
Most people don’t get drunk at 9:00 in the morning.
Something happened that resulted in at least some people questioning how people from all over the world could actually understand a hundred or so Jewish people talking about God in their own languages. This is not the “gift of tongues, the ability to speak in one’s own special prayer language. Rather this is God making Himself known to tons of people in a way they could understand.
I love this. I think one of the worst aspects of today’s society is our inability to listen to and hear others and as a consequence, God. God broke through and gave people the ability to hear and listen. It is God’s spoken Word, when expressed and received that brings us together.
Some didn’t hear God’s Word spoken. All they heard was “gibberish from drunks”. Other did hear. I’m guessing this difference had something to do with attitude, cynicism, closed mindedness, heart hardness, myopia.
Are you a listener? Can you “hear” God at work behind “noise” that you don’t understand. Are you open? Or are you closed minded, with your own opinion, always ready to someone straight with “the truth” when you see that they are wrong.
Those who believe that God is at work communicating his redemption world-wide , these people are the believers, who aren’t dismissive or jaded, but see and hear God speaking in their own language and trust that God will break through all barriers.
Acts 2:5-15
“There were people from all over the world in Jerusalem just then. 6 When they heard the sound, they came on the run. Then when they heard, one after another, their own mother tongues being spoken, they were thunderstruck. . " How come we're hearing them talk in our various mother tongues?
9 Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; Visitors from Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene; Immigrants from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes; Even Cretans and Arabs!
Some said, 'They're speaking our languages, describing God's mighty works!' . . Others joked, 'They're drunk on cheap wine.'
That's when Peter . . . spoke . . . . 'These people aren't drunk as some of you suspect. They haven't had time to get drunk—it's only nine o'clock in the morning.' Acts 2:5-15
Pastor’s Blog
Most people don’t get drunk at 9:00 in the morning.
Something happened that resulted in at least some people questioning how people from all over the world could actually understand a hundred or so Jewish people talking about God in their own languages. This is not the “gift of tongues, the ability to speak in one’s own special prayer language. Rather this is God making Himself known to tons of people in a way they could understand.
I love this. I think one of the worst aspects of today’s society is our inability to listen to and hear others and as a consequence, God. God broke through and gave people the ability to hear and listen. It is God’s spoken Word, when expressed and received that brings us together.
Some didn’t hear God’s Word spoken. All they heard was “gibberish from drunks”. Other did hear. I’m guessing this difference had something to do with attitude, cynicism, closed mindedness, heart hardness, myopia.
Are you a listener? Can you “hear” God at work behind “noise” that you don’t understand. Are you open? Or are you closed minded, with your own opinion, always ready to someone straight with “the truth” when you see that they are wrong.
Those who believe that God is at work communicating his redemption world-wide , these people are the believers, who aren’t dismissive or jaded, but see and hear God speaking in their own language and trust that God will break through all barriers.
Monday, October 4, 2010
October 4, 2010
Pentecost
Acts 2:1-4 (MSG)
“When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. 3 Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, 4 and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them." Acts 2:1-4 (MSG)
Pastor’s Blog
Some people get supernaturally “rocked” by God. Others never seem to experience anything. So, are the others “unspiritual”?
Actually in checking out Luke 1:41, 67: 3:21,22: 4:1, and Acts 4:31, 7:55 and 13:9 along with today’s scripture (why not look them all up as your Bible reading for today!) one discovers that speaking in foreign languages, or in “tongues” or “tongues of fire” or a “mighty wind” were not the repeatable signs of the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Instead there are 4 things all these references to the presence of the Holy Spirit have in common.
1. The “fullness of the Spirit” appears to episodic not continuous. This means that although the Holy Spirit is always within and present, the experience of His “fullness” is not continuous.
2. This experience of his fullness (unique to each of us according to how we are wired) is repeatable. It may be experienced frequently or infrequently.
3. This “fullness” always consists of the assurance of God’s love for us and His presences with us and also an ability to make known to others the reality of God, a desire to “witness”, to tell others about God.
4. This “fullness” is often connected to prevailing prayer and also persecution or temptation seems to be encountered as well (how else could it be when thepowers of God come in direct contact with the powers which oppose God).
What have you learned today? How does what you learned lead you to new behaviors?
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Acts 2:1-4 (MSG)
“When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. 3 Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, 4 and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them." Acts 2:1-4 (MSG)
Pastor’s Blog
Some people get supernaturally “rocked” by God. Others never seem to experience anything. So, are the others “unspiritual”?
Actually in checking out Luke 1:41, 67: 3:21,22: 4:1, and Acts 4:31, 7:55 and 13:9 along with today’s scripture (why not look them all up as your Bible reading for today!) one discovers that speaking in foreign languages, or in “tongues” or “tongues of fire” or a “mighty wind” were not the repeatable signs of the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Instead there are 4 things all these references to the presence of the Holy Spirit have in common.
1. The “fullness of the Spirit” appears to episodic not continuous. This means that although the Holy Spirit is always within and present, the experience of His “fullness” is not continuous.
2. This experience of his fullness (unique to each of us according to how we are wired) is repeatable. It may be experienced frequently or infrequently.
3. This “fullness” always consists of the assurance of God’s love for us and His presences with us and also an ability to make known to others the reality of God, a desire to “witness”, to tell others about God.
4. This “fullness” is often connected to prevailing prayer and also persecution or temptation seems to be encountered as well (how else could it be when thepowers of God come in direct contact with the powers which oppose God).
What have you learned today? How does what you learned lead you to new behaviors?
(to post your thoughts, anonymously if you wish, simply click on “comments” below)
Friday, October 1, 2010
October 1, 2010
How to Use the Bible
Acts 1:16-26 (NLT)
Peter stood up and addressed them. 16 “Brothers,” he said, “the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas,. . . . . So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus . . . . ." 26 Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven. Acts 1:16-26 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Does using the Bible as my guide mean making decisions by casting lots?
I don’t think so. Instead we need to get to know the Bible. We need to read it a lot, go to classes, read the notes in our study Bibles, listen to sermons, study it with others, and get the wisdom of scholars who understand the culture, idioms, customs, thought patterns of those who lived when the various parts of the bible were written. In short it takes time and trouble to keep spiritually fit.
(1 Timothy 4:7)
No, this passage does not teach that we should cast lots for whatever. What it does teach us is that these men and women knew their Bible and looked to it for guidance and having read the Psalms over and over they discovered hints and clues for how to move ahead in their current dilemma. The Psalms made it quite clear that it was not only right but also the proper thing to do when one is gone to replace him. (Psalm 109 for example).
Often scriptural guidance is not like an instruction book, rather it requires getting a “feel” for it by “Knowing it” buy becoming so familiar with it that you can learn to think along the lines of its authors.
Lots may have been the right way to proceed or the wrong way. The point is that a desire to know scripture, to get it into you, to consult it and be led by it will give you guidance, will be honored by God and you will be blessed too.
Acts 1:16-26 (NLT)
Peter stood up and addressed them. 16 “Brothers,” he said, “the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas,. . . . . So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus . . . . ." 26 Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven. Acts 1:16-26 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
Does using the Bible as my guide mean making decisions by casting lots?
I don’t think so. Instead we need to get to know the Bible. We need to read it a lot, go to classes, read the notes in our study Bibles, listen to sermons, study it with others, and get the wisdom of scholars who understand the culture, idioms, customs, thought patterns of those who lived when the various parts of the bible were written. In short it takes time and trouble to keep spiritually fit.
(1 Timothy 4:7)
No, this passage does not teach that we should cast lots for whatever. What it does teach us is that these men and women knew their Bible and looked to it for guidance and having read the Psalms over and over they discovered hints and clues for how to move ahead in their current dilemma. The Psalms made it quite clear that it was not only right but also the proper thing to do when one is gone to replace him. (Psalm 109 for example).
Often scriptural guidance is not like an instruction book, rather it requires getting a “feel” for it by “Knowing it” buy becoming so familiar with it that you can learn to think along the lines of its authors.
Lots may have been the right way to proceed or the wrong way. The point is that a desire to know scripture, to get it into you, to consult it and be led by it will give you guidance, will be honored by God and you will be blessed too.
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