Reading for March 28-April 1
Acts 22:30-23:1-11
Thursday
Turning Points
“The night Paul was incarcerated the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well.” Acts 23:11
Pastor’s Reflection
All of Paul’s plans, dreams, hopes, yearnings, had, from a human point of view, been crushed. In jail, a prisoner both of Rome and, for all intents and purposes, of the Sanhedrin as well, it looked like he would never get to Rome (Acts 19), nor would he ever get to Spain (mentioned in his letter to the Romans)
It was then, in his “dark night of the soul”, that the Lord spoke to him. We have no idea how the Lord spoke. For most of us the Lord speaks through a thought or impression or a leading or in reading scripture or through a friend. The thought or words are then sensed to be as possibly from God.
Paul got the message. God was in charge. He could trust Him. God would get him to Rome. Paul still had work to do, a purpose to live, places to go, people to see for God. It was a turning point. From now on God would orchestrate Paul’s itinerary without Paul’s input. Paul had to and could trust.
Sometimes I worry about not being able to complete the task God has given me on earth. But to worry about that isn’t my job. God is competent to accomplish what he wants. I can rest in that.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
March 30, 2011
Reading for March 28-April 1
Acts 22:30-23:1-11
Wednesday
“Paul realized that some members of the high council were Sadducees and some were Pharisees, so he shouted, 'Brothers, I am a Pharisee, as were my ancestors! And I am on trial because my hope is in the resurrection of the dead!' 7 This divided the council—the Pharisees against the Sadducees— 8 for the Sadducees say there is no resurrection or angels or spirits, but the Pharisees believe in all of these."
Acts 23: 6-8
Believing in the Resurrection is EVERYTHING
Pastor’s Reflection
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the central event of all of world history. The Pharisees believed in it – sort of (a corporate resurrection of all of Israel at some distant point in the future), the Sadducees didn’t, that’s why they were sad-you-see (really, really bad joke I heard in 1983).
What God did for Jesus he will do for the world. Romans 8:28 is not by accident the most popular verse in the Bible. It is not a nice sentiment or just a wish, rather it is true.
Easter is a true Story. If your “believer” deep down within you “gets” this then it changes EVERYTHING.
I believe it 100% in my mind. Yet, after all these years it is still in the slow process of permeating my “believer”. “ I believe, Lord help my unbelief” said Thomas, my favorite disciple.
Here’s how to believe. When it comes to a situation where believing Ro 8:28/Easter would require one action and not truly believing would prompt a different action, choose to act on the believing action. Jesus had said, when you act, then you will believe. (John 7:17)
Acts 22:30-23:1-11
Wednesday
“Paul realized that some members of the high council were Sadducees and some were Pharisees, so he shouted, 'Brothers, I am a Pharisee, as were my ancestors! And I am on trial because my hope is in the resurrection of the dead!' 7 This divided the council—the Pharisees against the Sadducees— 8 for the Sadducees say there is no resurrection or angels or spirits, but the Pharisees believe in all of these."
Acts 23: 6-8
Believing in the Resurrection is EVERYTHING
Pastor’s Reflection
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the central event of all of world history. The Pharisees believed in it – sort of (a corporate resurrection of all of Israel at some distant point in the future), the Sadducees didn’t, that’s why they were sad-you-see (really, really bad joke I heard in 1983).
What God did for Jesus he will do for the world. Romans 8:28 is not by accident the most popular verse in the Bible. It is not a nice sentiment or just a wish, rather it is true.
Easter is a true Story. If your “believer” deep down within you “gets” this then it changes EVERYTHING.
I believe it 100% in my mind. Yet, after all these years it is still in the slow process of permeating my “believer”. “ I believe, Lord help my unbelief” said Thomas, my favorite disciple.
Here’s how to believe. When it comes to a situation where believing Ro 8:28/Easter would require one action and not truly believing would prompt a different action, choose to act on the believing action. Jesus had said, when you act, then you will believe. (John 7:17)
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
March 29, 2011
Reading for March 28-April 1
Acts 22:30-23:1-11
Tuesday
“Ananias the high priest commanded those close to Paul to slap him on the mouth. 3 But Paul said to him, 'God will slap you, you corrupt hypocrite! . . .' 4 Those standing near Paul said to him, 'Do you dare to insult God’s high priest?'
5 'I’m sorry, brothers. I didn’t realize he was the high priest,' Paul replied, “for the Scriptures say, "You must not speak evil of any of your rulers.” Acts 22:3-5
Pastor’s Reflection
Like Jesus, Paul didn’t shrink from using strong language against the religious authorities. Personally I don’t like reading what sounds like harshness to me, but it’s there and I’m in no position to judge either Paul or Jesus.
However, when challenged, Paul “took back” what he said, not because he was afraid or backed down, rather it was pointed out to him that he was speaking to the high Priest, the “boss”. Scripture prohibits this because he represents God. Paul submitted to the authority of the Bible and of the office of high priest.
It strikes me that the honoring of and submission to authority out of respect is almost a lost virtue in today’s world. Our idioms betray our values. “He’s got to earn my respect” we say about a new boss or colleague. In the Bible we learn we must first give respect.
How easily do you give respect to others? Do you demonstrate respect for others before they earn it? How about superiors? Doing so is a very good spiritual discipline. It leads to humility.
Withholding respect, I suspect, is an act of pride which keeps us in judgment of and above others.
Acts 22:30-23:1-11
Tuesday
“Ananias the high priest commanded those close to Paul to slap him on the mouth. 3 But Paul said to him, 'God will slap you, you corrupt hypocrite! . . .' 4 Those standing near Paul said to him, 'Do you dare to insult God’s high priest?'
5 'I’m sorry, brothers. I didn’t realize he was the high priest,' Paul replied, “for the Scriptures say, "You must not speak evil of any of your rulers.” Acts 22:3-5
Pastor’s Reflection
Like Jesus, Paul didn’t shrink from using strong language against the religious authorities. Personally I don’t like reading what sounds like harshness to me, but it’s there and I’m in no position to judge either Paul or Jesus.
However, when challenged, Paul “took back” what he said, not because he was afraid or backed down, rather it was pointed out to him that he was speaking to the high Priest, the “boss”. Scripture prohibits this because he represents God. Paul submitted to the authority of the Bible and of the office of high priest.
It strikes me that the honoring of and submission to authority out of respect is almost a lost virtue in today’s world. Our idioms betray our values. “He’s got to earn my respect” we say about a new boss or colleague. In the Bible we learn we must first give respect.
How easily do you give respect to others? Do you demonstrate respect for others before they earn it? How about superiors? Doing so is a very good spiritual discipline. It leads to humility.
Withholding respect, I suspect, is an act of pride which keeps us in judgment of and above others.
Monday, March 28, 2011
March 28, 2011
Reading for March 28-April 1
Acts 22:30-23:1-11
Monday
No Condemnation + Confession = Clear Conscience
Gazing intently at the high council, Paul began: “Brothers, I have always lived before God with a clear conscience!” Acts 23:1
Ro 8:1 + 1 John 1:9 = Acts 23:1
Pastor’s Reflection
“There is no condemnation in Christ Jesus” Romans8:1
"If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts."
1 John 1:8-10 (NLT)
Notice the order of the above scriptures. First, you have been forgiven on the cross 2,000 years ago. D-O-N-E.
This is Christianity, what Christ has D-O-N-E for you. Every other religion in the world is what you must do for God D-O.
However you must ACCEPT what God has DONE for you. How? ADMIT you need forgiveness to God. Ask for forgiveness and if you do and believe (not easy I know, but believe anyway) cleansing comes. God provides the forgiveness in advance. I must appropriate it.
If you just can’t forgive yourself, well no wonder. You can’t! Only God can. Go to Him!
Acts 22:30-23:1-11
Monday
No Condemnation + Confession = Clear Conscience
Gazing intently at the high council, Paul began: “Brothers, I have always lived before God with a clear conscience!” Acts 23:1
Ro 8:1 + 1 John 1:9 = Acts 23:1
Pastor’s Reflection
“There is no condemnation in Christ Jesus” Romans8:1
"If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts."
1 John 1:8-10 (NLT)
Notice the order of the above scriptures. First, you have been forgiven on the cross 2,000 years ago. D-O-N-E.
This is Christianity, what Christ has D-O-N-E for you. Every other religion in the world is what you must do for God D-O.
However you must ACCEPT what God has DONE for you. How? ADMIT you need forgiveness to God. Ask for forgiveness and if you do and believe (not easy I know, but believe anyway) cleansing comes. God provides the forgiveness in advance. I must appropriate it.
If you just can’t forgive yourself, well no wonder. You can’t! Only God can. Go to Him!
Friday, March 25, 2011
March 25, 2011
Reading for March 21-25
Acts 21:23-40
Friday
Paul Gives His Testimony
1 “Brothers and esteemed fathers,” Paul said, “listen to me as I offer my defense.” 2When they heard him speaking in their own language, the silence was even greater. 3 Then Paul said, “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, and I was brought up and educated here in Jerusalem under Gamaliel. As his student, I was carefully trained in our Jewish laws and customs. I became very zealous to honor God in everything I did, just like all of you today. 4 And I persecuted the followers of the Way, hounding some to death, arresting both men and women and throwing them in prison. 5 The high priest and the whole council of elders can testify that this is so. For I received letters from them to our Jewish brothers in Damascus, authorizing me to bring the Christians from there to Jerusalem, in chains, to be punished. 6 “As I was on the road, approaching Damascus about noon, a very bright light from heaven suddenly shone down around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ 8 ‘Who are you, lord?’ I asked. “And the voice replied, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, the one you are persecuting.’
9 The people with me saw the light but didn’t understand the voice speaking to me. 10 “I asked, ‘What should I do, Lord?’ “And the Lord told me, ‘Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told everything you are to do.’ 11 “I was blinded by the intense light and had to be led by the hand to Damascus by my companions. 12 A man named Ananias lived there. He was a godly man, deeply devoted to the law, and well regarded by all the Jews of Damascus. 13 He came and stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, regain your sight.’ And that very moment I could see him! 14“Then he told me, ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and hear him speak. 15 For you are to be his witness, telling everyone what you have seen and heard. 16 What are you waiting for? Get up and be baptized. Have your sins washed away by calling on the name of the Lord.’
17 “After I returned to Jerusalem, I was praying in the Temple and fell into a trance. 18 I saw a vision of Jesus saying to me, ‘Hurry! Leave Jerusalem, for the people here won’t accept your testimony about me.’ 19 “‘But Lord,’ I argued, ‘they certainly know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 And I was in complete agreement when your witness Stephen was killed. I stood by and kept the coats they took off when they stoned him.’ 21 “But the Lord said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles!’” Acts 22:1-21 (NLT)
22 The crowd listened until Paul said that word. Then they all began to shout, “Away with such a fellow! He isn’t fit to live!” 23 They yelled, threw off their coats, and tossed handfuls of dust into the air. 24 The commander brought Paul inside and ordered him lashed with whips to make him confess his crime. He wanted to find out why the crowd had become so furious. Acts 22:1-24 (NLT)
Pastor’s Reflection
What strikes me is very simple. Paul’s encounter with Jesus changed EVERYTHING in his life. One time on the drive home from visiting Urban Promise Wilmington, a ministry to inner city kids requiring great sacrifice, I had the thought, “I wonder if I’m really a Christian”.
Acts 21:23-40
Friday
Paul Gives His Testimony
1 “Brothers and esteemed fathers,” Paul said, “listen to me as I offer my defense.” 2When they heard him speaking in their own language, the silence was even greater. 3 Then Paul said, “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, and I was brought up and educated here in Jerusalem under Gamaliel. As his student, I was carefully trained in our Jewish laws and customs. I became very zealous to honor God in everything I did, just like all of you today. 4 And I persecuted the followers of the Way, hounding some to death, arresting both men and women and throwing them in prison. 5 The high priest and the whole council of elders can testify that this is so. For I received letters from them to our Jewish brothers in Damascus, authorizing me to bring the Christians from there to Jerusalem, in chains, to be punished. 6 “As I was on the road, approaching Damascus about noon, a very bright light from heaven suddenly shone down around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ 8 ‘Who are you, lord?’ I asked. “And the voice replied, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, the one you are persecuting.’
9 The people with me saw the light but didn’t understand the voice speaking to me. 10 “I asked, ‘What should I do, Lord?’ “And the Lord told me, ‘Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told everything you are to do.’ 11 “I was blinded by the intense light and had to be led by the hand to Damascus by my companions. 12 A man named Ananias lived there. He was a godly man, deeply devoted to the law, and well regarded by all the Jews of Damascus. 13 He came and stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, regain your sight.’ And that very moment I could see him! 14“Then he told me, ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and hear him speak. 15 For you are to be his witness, telling everyone what you have seen and heard. 16 What are you waiting for? Get up and be baptized. Have your sins washed away by calling on the name of the Lord.’
17 “After I returned to Jerusalem, I was praying in the Temple and fell into a trance. 18 I saw a vision of Jesus saying to me, ‘Hurry! Leave Jerusalem, for the people here won’t accept your testimony about me.’ 19 “‘But Lord,’ I argued, ‘they certainly know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 And I was in complete agreement when your witness Stephen was killed. I stood by and kept the coats they took off when they stoned him.’ 21 “But the Lord said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles!’” Acts 22:1-21 (NLT)
22 The crowd listened until Paul said that word. Then they all began to shout, “Away with such a fellow! He isn’t fit to live!” 23 They yelled, threw off their coats, and tossed handfuls of dust into the air. 24 The commander brought Paul inside and ordered him lashed with whips to make him confess his crime. He wanted to find out why the crowd had become so furious. Acts 22:1-24 (NLT)
Pastor’s Reflection
What strikes me is very simple. Paul’s encounter with Jesus changed EVERYTHING in his life. One time on the drive home from visiting Urban Promise Wilmington, a ministry to inner city kids requiring great sacrifice, I had the thought, “I wonder if I’m really a Christian”.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
March 24, 2011
Reading for March 21-25
Acts 21:23-40
Thursday
Be Ready to Seize the Moment
33 Then “the commander arrested Paul and ordered him bound . . . . . And the crowd followed behind, shouting, “Kill him, kill him!” 37 As Paul was about to be taken inside, he said . . . ‘Please, let me talk to these people.'” Acts 21:33-37 (NLT)
Pastor’s Reflection
I hope the following letter motivates you as much as it did me. (Thank you, Frank, for passing it on to me!)
Dear Friend
by Max Lucado
Dear Friend,
I'm writing to say thanks. I wish I could thank you personally, but I don't know where you are. I wish I could call you, but I don't know your name. If I knew your appearance, I'd look for you, but your face is fuzzy in my memory. But I'll never forget what you did.
There you were, leaning against your pickup in the West Texas oil field. An engineer of some sort. A supervisor on the job. Your khakis and clean shirt set you apart from us roustabouts. In the oil field pecking order, we were at the bottom. You were the boss. We were the workers. You read the blueprints. We dug the ditches. You inspected the pipe. We laid it. You ate with the bosses in the shed. We ate with each other in the shade.
Except that day.
I remember wondering why you did it.
We weren't much to look at. What wasn't sweaty was oily. Faces burnt from the sun; skin black from the grease. Didn't bother me, though. I was there only for the summer. A high-school boy earning good money laying pipe.
We weren't much to listen to, either. Our language was sandpaper coarse. After lunch, we'd light the cigarettes and begin the jokes. Someone always had a deck of cards with lacy-clad girls on the back. For thirty minutes in the heat of the day, the oil patch became Las Vegas—replete with foul language, dirty stories, blackjack, and barstools that doubled as lunch pails.
In the middle of such a game, you approached us. I thought you had a job for us that couldn't wait another few minutes. Like the others, I groaned when I saw you coming.
You were nervous. You shifted your weight from one leg to the other as you began to speak.
"Uh, fellows," you started.
We turned and looked up at you.
"I, uh, I just wanted, uh, to invite … "
You were way out of your comfort zone. I had no idea what you might be about to say, but I knew that it had nothing to do with work.
"I just wanted to tell you that, uh, our church is having a service tonight and, uh … "
"What?" I couldn't believe it. "He's talking church? Out here? With us?"
"I wanted to invite any of you to come along."
Silence. Screaming silence.
Several guys stared at the dirt. A few shot glances at the others. Snickers rose just inches from the surface.
"Well, that's it. Uh, if any of you want to go … uh, let me know."
After you turned and left, we turned and laughed. We called you "reverend," "preacher," and "the pope." We poked fun at each other, daring one another to go. You became the butt of the day's jokes.
I'm sure you knew that. I'm sure you went back to your truck knowing the only good you'd done was to make a good fool out of yourself. If that's what you thought, then you were wrong.
That's the reason for this letter.
Some five years later, a college sophomore was struggling with a decision. He had drifted from the faith given to him by his parents. He wanted to come back. He wanted to come home. But the price was high. His friends might laugh. His habits would have to change. His reputation would have to be overcome.
Could he do it? Did he have the courage?
That's when I thought of you. As I sat in my dorm room late one night, looking for the guts to do what I knew was right, I thought of you.
I thought of how your love for God had been greater than your love for your reputation.
I thought of how your obedience had been greater than your common sense.
I remembered how you had cared more about making disciples than about making a good first impression. And when I thought of you, your memory became my motivation.
So I came home.
I've told your story dozens of times to thousands of people. Each time the reaction is the same: The audience becomes a sea of smiles, and heads bob in understanding. Some smile because they think of the "clean-shirted engineers" in their lives. They remember the neighbor who brought the cake, the aunt who wrote the letter, the teacher who listened. . . .
Others smile because they have done what you did. And they, too, wonder if their "lunchtime loyalty" was worth the effort.
You wondered that. What you did that day wasn't much. And I'm sure you walked away that day thinking that your efforts had been wasted.
They weren't.
So I'm writing to say thanks. Thanks for the example. Thanks for the courage. Thanks for giving your lunch to God. He did something with it; it became the Bread of Life for me.
Gratefully,
Max
P.S. If by some remarkable coincidence you read this and remember that day, please give me a call. I owe you lunch.
From In the Eye of the Storm
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 1997) Max Lucado
Acts 21:23-40
Thursday
Be Ready to Seize the Moment
33 Then “the commander arrested Paul and ordered him bound . . . . . And the crowd followed behind, shouting, “Kill him, kill him!” 37 As Paul was about to be taken inside, he said . . . ‘Please, let me talk to these people.'” Acts 21:33-37 (NLT)
Pastor’s Reflection
I hope the following letter motivates you as much as it did me. (Thank you, Frank, for passing it on to me!)
Dear Friend
by Max Lucado
Dear Friend,
I'm writing to say thanks. I wish I could thank you personally, but I don't know where you are. I wish I could call you, but I don't know your name. If I knew your appearance, I'd look for you, but your face is fuzzy in my memory. But I'll never forget what you did.
There you were, leaning against your pickup in the West Texas oil field. An engineer of some sort. A supervisor on the job. Your khakis and clean shirt set you apart from us roustabouts. In the oil field pecking order, we were at the bottom. You were the boss. We were the workers. You read the blueprints. We dug the ditches. You inspected the pipe. We laid it. You ate with the bosses in the shed. We ate with each other in the shade.
Except that day.
I remember wondering why you did it.
We weren't much to look at. What wasn't sweaty was oily. Faces burnt from the sun; skin black from the grease. Didn't bother me, though. I was there only for the summer. A high-school boy earning good money laying pipe.
We weren't much to listen to, either. Our language was sandpaper coarse. After lunch, we'd light the cigarettes and begin the jokes. Someone always had a deck of cards with lacy-clad girls on the back. For thirty minutes in the heat of the day, the oil patch became Las Vegas—replete with foul language, dirty stories, blackjack, and barstools that doubled as lunch pails.
In the middle of such a game, you approached us. I thought you had a job for us that couldn't wait another few minutes. Like the others, I groaned when I saw you coming.
You were nervous. You shifted your weight from one leg to the other as you began to speak.
"Uh, fellows," you started.
We turned and looked up at you.
"I, uh, I just wanted, uh, to invite … "
You were way out of your comfort zone. I had no idea what you might be about to say, but I knew that it had nothing to do with work.
"I just wanted to tell you that, uh, our church is having a service tonight and, uh … "
"What?" I couldn't believe it. "He's talking church? Out here? With us?"
"I wanted to invite any of you to come along."
Silence. Screaming silence.
Several guys stared at the dirt. A few shot glances at the others. Snickers rose just inches from the surface.
"Well, that's it. Uh, if any of you want to go … uh, let me know."
After you turned and left, we turned and laughed. We called you "reverend," "preacher," and "the pope." We poked fun at each other, daring one another to go. You became the butt of the day's jokes.
I'm sure you knew that. I'm sure you went back to your truck knowing the only good you'd done was to make a good fool out of yourself. If that's what you thought, then you were wrong.
That's the reason for this letter.
Some five years later, a college sophomore was struggling with a decision. He had drifted from the faith given to him by his parents. He wanted to come back. He wanted to come home. But the price was high. His friends might laugh. His habits would have to change. His reputation would have to be overcome.
Could he do it? Did he have the courage?
That's when I thought of you. As I sat in my dorm room late one night, looking for the guts to do what I knew was right, I thought of you.
I thought of how your love for God had been greater than your love for your reputation.
I thought of how your obedience had been greater than your common sense.
I remembered how you had cared more about making disciples than about making a good first impression. And when I thought of you, your memory became my motivation.
So I came home.
I've told your story dozens of times to thousands of people. Each time the reaction is the same: The audience becomes a sea of smiles, and heads bob in understanding. Some smile because they think of the "clean-shirted engineers" in their lives. They remember the neighbor who brought the cake, the aunt who wrote the letter, the teacher who listened. . . .
Others smile because they have done what you did. And they, too, wonder if their "lunchtime loyalty" was worth the effort.
You wondered that. What you did that day wasn't much. And I'm sure you walked away that day thinking that your efforts had been wasted.
They weren't.
So I'm writing to say thanks. Thanks for the example. Thanks for the courage. Thanks for giving your lunch to God. He did something with it; it became the Bread of Life for me.
Gratefully,
Max
P.S. If by some remarkable coincidence you read this and remember that day, please give me a call. I owe you lunch.
From In the Eye of the Storm
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 1997) Max Lucado
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
March 23, 2011
Reading for March 21-25
Acts 21:23-40
Wednesday
Mob Scene Part 2
”As they were trying to kill him, word reached the commander of the Roman regiment that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. 32 He immediately called out his soldiers and officers and ran down among the crowd. When the mob saw the commander and the troops coming, they stopped beating Paul." Acts 21:32-33 (NLT)
Help Comes From Places We Would Least Expect
Pastor’s Reflection
Have you ever been rescued from life threatening situation? In this case Paul was about to be killed by his own people, people whom he loved and never repudiated (see Romans 9-11)
Not only did he experience an 11th hour rescue, the rescue came not from God’s people, rather from those the Jews considered their enemies. A Roman commander came to his rescue.
Lesson: God can use anything and anyone to accomplish his purposes. Sometimes God uses God’s enemies to bring about His salvation. At Jesus Birth, Caesar called a census which resulted in Jesus’ having been born in Bethlehem, the town predicted for the Messiah’s birth back in Micah 5:2. Had not God used the most powerful man in the world at the time as a pawn in His plan, Jesus would have been born in Nazareth.
God will accomplish his plan no matter what. This is why the safest place on earth, maybe not from an earthly perspective, but certainly from an eternal one, is in the hands of God.
Acts 21:23-40
Wednesday
Mob Scene Part 2
”As they were trying to kill him, word reached the commander of the Roman regiment that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. 32 He immediately called out his soldiers and officers and ran down among the crowd. When the mob saw the commander and the troops coming, they stopped beating Paul." Acts 21:32-33 (NLT)
Help Comes From Places We Would Least Expect
Pastor’s Reflection
Have you ever been rescued from life threatening situation? In this case Paul was about to be killed by his own people, people whom he loved and never repudiated (see Romans 9-11)
Not only did he experience an 11th hour rescue, the rescue came not from God’s people, rather from those the Jews considered their enemies. A Roman commander came to his rescue.
Lesson: God can use anything and anyone to accomplish his purposes. Sometimes God uses God’s enemies to bring about His salvation. At Jesus Birth, Caesar called a census which resulted in Jesus’ having been born in Bethlehem, the town predicted for the Messiah’s birth back in Micah 5:2. Had not God used the most powerful man in the world at the time as a pawn in His plan, Jesus would have been born in Nazareth.
God will accomplish his plan no matter what. This is why the safest place on earth, maybe not from an earthly perspective, but certainly from an eternal one, is in the hands of God.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
March 22, 2011
Reading for March 21-25
Acts 21:23-40
Tuesday
Mob Scene
"26 So Paul completed the purification ceremony. 27 but some Jews . . . roused a mob against him. They grabbed him, 28 yelling, '. . This is the man who preaches against our people everywhere and tells everybody to disobey the Jewish laws. He speaks against the Temple—'. . .. 30 The whole city was rocked. . Paul was grabbed and dragged out of the Temple, and immediately the gates were closed behind him." Acts 21:26-30
Maturity Defers. But Don’t Expect it to Appease
Pastor’s Reflection
Paul did what the Christian Leaders in Jerusalem under the leadership of Jesus’ brother James had told him to do. He participated in the required temple ritual.
This was the right thing to do. Mature believers do not antagonistically “stick to their guns” in the non essentials. Mature believers remove as many “stumbling blocks” as they can without eviscerating the faith.
But don’t expect your accommodations to “work”. What you do and believe will always find a critic. If he is vocal enough, you’ll be attacked unfairly and with many false accusations. Paul honored his heritage. He loved the temple and his people. He made the point over and over again that gentiles “get in” only by being “grafted into” Judaism.
But to no avail. Paul had switched teams. The coach had quit the home team, left for another team and was now back home in the biggest game of his life. And the home team was not going to go down in defeat, no matter how much “coach” told them he loved them.
Don’t expect obedience to “work” as if obeying is a utility to getting what you want. Obeying will quite often result in what you don’t want.
Notice the last words of the passage, “the gates were closed behind him”. Yes it would be his last time in God’s Temple. The die is cast.
Switching teams often costs.
Acts 21:23-40
Tuesday
Mob Scene
"26 So Paul completed the purification ceremony. 27 but some Jews . . . roused a mob against him. They grabbed him, 28 yelling, '. . This is the man who preaches against our people everywhere and tells everybody to disobey the Jewish laws. He speaks against the Temple—'. . .. 30 The whole city was rocked. . Paul was grabbed and dragged out of the Temple, and immediately the gates were closed behind him." Acts 21:26-30
Maturity Defers. But Don’t Expect it to Appease
Pastor’s Reflection
Paul did what the Christian Leaders in Jerusalem under the leadership of Jesus’ brother James had told him to do. He participated in the required temple ritual.
This was the right thing to do. Mature believers do not antagonistically “stick to their guns” in the non essentials. Mature believers remove as many “stumbling blocks” as they can without eviscerating the faith.
But don’t expect your accommodations to “work”. What you do and believe will always find a critic. If he is vocal enough, you’ll be attacked unfairly and with many false accusations. Paul honored his heritage. He loved the temple and his people. He made the point over and over again that gentiles “get in” only by being “grafted into” Judaism.
But to no avail. Paul had switched teams. The coach had quit the home team, left for another team and was now back home in the biggest game of his life. And the home team was not going to go down in defeat, no matter how much “coach” told them he loved them.
Don’t expect obedience to “work” as if obeying is a utility to getting what you want. Obeying will quite often result in what you don’t want.
Notice the last words of the passage, “the gates were closed behind him”. Yes it would be his last time in God’s Temple. The die is cast.
Switching teams often costs.
Monday, March 21, 2011
March 21, 2011
Reading for March 21-25
Acts 21:23-40
Monday
“James, the leader of the Jerusalem church, told Paul . . . 'Here’s what we want you to do. . . . . Go to the Temple and join in the purification ceremony and pay . . to have your heads ritually shaved. Then everyone will know . . . you yourself observe the Jewish laws.' So Paul did it . . ." Acts 21:23-26
A Truly Emancipated Believer is not in Bondage to His Emancipation
Pastor’s Reflection
One of my favorite scriptures of all time is this one.
"19 Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. 20 When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. 21 When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. 22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings."
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (NLT)
In the NIV it reads “I will be all things to all people so that by all possible means I can save some.”
This is not compromise. It is putting first things first. In today’s passage Paul, the man who taught that faith alone was enough for salvation, submitted to an unnecessary ritual so as to not be a stumbling block to others. Elsewhere he wrote that if it offended someone that he ate or drank something that legalists didn’t like, then he wouldn’t eat or drink those things.
Paul was so set free by the Gospel that he was not bound by any need to “prove his liberation” from the imposition of what others thought he should do”. To abstain from somethings for the sake of others? Why not?
Years ago a worshiper suggested I not wear light colored shoes when I preached. I was young and brash and immediately felt defensive. Thank God for the Bible. Recalling Paul, I didn’t let my defensiveness show and instead said thank you. I have never worn those shoes since. What’s the big deal? The big deal is not to be a stumbling block over non essentials. The shoes were out of style anyway.
Acts 21:23-40
Monday
“James, the leader of the Jerusalem church, told Paul . . . 'Here’s what we want you to do. . . . . Go to the Temple and join in the purification ceremony and pay . . to have your heads ritually shaved. Then everyone will know . . . you yourself observe the Jewish laws.' So Paul did it . . ." Acts 21:23-26
A Truly Emancipated Believer is not in Bondage to His Emancipation
Pastor’s Reflection
One of my favorite scriptures of all time is this one.
"19 Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. 20 When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. 21 When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. 22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings."
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (NLT)
In the NIV it reads “I will be all things to all people so that by all possible means I can save some.”
This is not compromise. It is putting first things first. In today’s passage Paul, the man who taught that faith alone was enough for salvation, submitted to an unnecessary ritual so as to not be a stumbling block to others. Elsewhere he wrote that if it offended someone that he ate or drank something that legalists didn’t like, then he wouldn’t eat or drink those things.
Paul was so set free by the Gospel that he was not bound by any need to “prove his liberation” from the imposition of what others thought he should do”. To abstain from somethings for the sake of others? Why not?
Years ago a worshiper suggested I not wear light colored shoes when I preached. I was young and brash and immediately felt defensive. Thank God for the Bible. Recalling Paul, I didn’t let my defensiveness show and instead said thank you. I have never worn those shoes since. What’s the big deal? The big deal is not to be a stumbling block over non essentials. The shoes were out of style anyway.
Friday, March 18, 2011
March 18, 2011
Reading for March 14-18
Acts 21:1-26
Friday
“Paul met with James, and all the elders of the Jerusalem church . . . . James said, “the Jewish believers here in Jerusalem have been told that you are teaching all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn their backs on the laws of Moses”
Acts 21:18-21
Paul Taught Faith. James Taught Law. Which is It?
Pastor’s Reflection
Paul arrived in Jerusalem only to be called before the church Tribunal led by Jesus’ brother James. James and the other leaders were very gracious and celebrated all the gentiles having come to believe in Jesus.
However the Jerusalem church had become a Jewish Christian megachurch and as such it was not inclined to throw out the necessity of works of the law. Were they wrong? Was Paul wrong?
Neither was wrong. They both taught salvation by grace through faith (Eph 2:8,9). And both taught the importance of the law (Jesus had taught that he had come to fulfill every word of the law). Each had a slightly different perspective or emplhasis perhaps, but it was the same Gospel and the same doctrine.
Here’s how I explained it recently to a friend;
The faith works question is a good one and I have come to understand its resolution this way. If I understand the Hebrew scholars correctly believing and doing are inseparable in the Hebrew mind. As a sociologist from another planet would evaluate human beliefs by monitoring what we actually do, the Hebrew mind would not be able to separate “I believe” from the expectation that a corresponding action would follow. In short I think “believe”, “belief”, “trust”, “faith”, “doing”, “works” are all the same thing, maybe like the facets of a diamond. It’s all one diamond and can’t be separated. The question then becomes not how can we put faith and works together, but how can we not dichotomize the “un-dichotomizeable”
Acts 21:1-26
Friday
“Paul met with James, and all the elders of the Jerusalem church . . . . James said, “the Jewish believers here in Jerusalem have been told that you are teaching all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn their backs on the laws of Moses”
Acts 21:18-21
Paul Taught Faith. James Taught Law. Which is It?
Pastor’s Reflection
Paul arrived in Jerusalem only to be called before the church Tribunal led by Jesus’ brother James. James and the other leaders were very gracious and celebrated all the gentiles having come to believe in Jesus.
However the Jerusalem church had become a Jewish Christian megachurch and as such it was not inclined to throw out the necessity of works of the law. Were they wrong? Was Paul wrong?
Neither was wrong. They both taught salvation by grace through faith (Eph 2:8,9). And both taught the importance of the law (Jesus had taught that he had come to fulfill every word of the law). Each had a slightly different perspective or emplhasis perhaps, but it was the same Gospel and the same doctrine.
Here’s how I explained it recently to a friend;
The faith works question is a good one and I have come to understand its resolution this way. If I understand the Hebrew scholars correctly believing and doing are inseparable in the Hebrew mind. As a sociologist from another planet would evaluate human beliefs by monitoring what we actually do, the Hebrew mind would not be able to separate “I believe” from the expectation that a corresponding action would follow. In short I think “believe”, “belief”, “trust”, “faith”, “doing”, “works” are all the same thing, maybe like the facets of a diamond. It’s all one diamond and can’t be separated. The question then becomes not how can we put faith and works together, but how can we not dichotomize the “un-dichotomizeable”
Thursday, March 17, 2011
March 17, 2011
Reading for March 14-18
Acts 21:1-26
Thursday
Watch Out for “God Told Me”
“Agabus, who had the gift of prophecy, . . took Paul’s belt, and bound his own feet and hands with it. Then he said, “The Holy Spirit declares, ‘So shall the owner of this belt be bound by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and turned over to the Gentiles.’” 12 When we heard this, we and the local believers all begged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 13 But he said, “Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.” 14 When it was clear that we couldn’t persuade him, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.” Acts 21:10-14
Never give advice with Divine Authority unless it is the plain teaching of Scripture
Pastor’s Reflection
Agabus and others (see verse 21:4) had prophesied that Paul would find trouble in Jerusalem and therefore should not go. Paul went anyway. Did he disobey the Holy Spirit? Or did the prophets communicate more than was revealed to them. In other words may it have been that the Holy Spirit revealed to them that Paul would meet trouble and then they added the “do not go”. The latter must certainly have been the case, since it just doesn’t fit that Paul hear God’s word and then ignored it.
Beware of prophecies that begin with “God told me”. In areas where the direct teaching of the Bible is not perfectly clear, any direction we give to another person must be offered with humility and be open to contradiction and discussion. We can never say for example, “God told me you should ____________ and instead __________, there’s no doubt about it”. However, we could say, “I’ve felt a burden to speak to you about this and I could be wrong. Nevertheless here what I’ve been sensing.”
Verse 21:4 tells us we can have real spiritual insight from God at times about another person’s situation and still misunderstand how to apply it.
Acts 21:1-26
Thursday
Watch Out for “God Told Me”
“Agabus, who had the gift of prophecy, . . took Paul’s belt, and bound his own feet and hands with it. Then he said, “The Holy Spirit declares, ‘So shall the owner of this belt be bound by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and turned over to the Gentiles.’” 12 When we heard this, we and the local believers all begged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 13 But he said, “Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.” 14 When it was clear that we couldn’t persuade him, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.” Acts 21:10-14
Never give advice with Divine Authority unless it is the plain teaching of Scripture
Pastor’s Reflection
Agabus and others (see verse 21:4) had prophesied that Paul would find trouble in Jerusalem and therefore should not go. Paul went anyway. Did he disobey the Holy Spirit? Or did the prophets communicate more than was revealed to them. In other words may it have been that the Holy Spirit revealed to them that Paul would meet trouble and then they added the “do not go”. The latter must certainly have been the case, since it just doesn’t fit that Paul hear God’s word and then ignored it.
Beware of prophecies that begin with “God told me”. In areas where the direct teaching of the Bible is not perfectly clear, any direction we give to another person must be offered with humility and be open to contradiction and discussion. We can never say for example, “God told me you should ____________ and instead __________, there’s no doubt about it”. However, we could say, “I’ve felt a burden to speak to you about this and I could be wrong. Nevertheless here what I’ve been sensing.”
Verse 21:4 tells us we can have real spiritual insight from God at times about another person’s situation and still misunderstand how to apply it.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
March 16, 2011
Reading for March 14-18
Acts 21:1-26
Wednesday
You Have a HUGE Family
“the entire congregation, including wives and children, left the city and came down to the shore with us. There we knelt, prayed, 6 and said our farewells . . . The next stop. . . was Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and sisters . . ."
Acts 21:5-7
Pastor’s Reflection
If you are a Christian you have the same Savior, the same Spirit, the same Father, the same baptism, the same faith, and the same family. In the Apostles’ Creed we recite, “I believe in the Holy catholic Church”. Catholic here does not refer to the Roman Catholic Church which is exclusive for those who practice “Roman Christianity”, rather catholic here means “universal”, meaning that the Family of God is comprised of anyone who trusts in Jesus as Savior from in and believes that the resurrection is the foretaste of the New Creation to come.
My point is not doctrinal. My point is that you have brothers and sisters in the faith all over the planet.
Two things then:
First, it is at least theoretically true that each of us can find a home with “family” anywhere the Christian church exists. And I do believe that this is true more ways than we are aware of.
Second, it is not true enough. It is worth my asking myself to what degree I act like a loving brother or sister to Iraqi Christians who are being killed or are emigrating because of persecution. Of course they are just one example of brothers and sisters worldwide who need their worldwide family.
Go to www.persecution.com simply to raise your awareness of what’s going on in the family.
Acts 21:1-26
Wednesday
You Have a HUGE Family
“the entire congregation, including wives and children, left the city and came down to the shore with us. There we knelt, prayed, 6 and said our farewells . . . The next stop. . . was Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and sisters . . ."
Acts 21:5-7
Pastor’s Reflection
If you are a Christian you have the same Savior, the same Spirit, the same Father, the same baptism, the same faith, and the same family. In the Apostles’ Creed we recite, “I believe in the Holy catholic Church”. Catholic here does not refer to the Roman Catholic Church which is exclusive for those who practice “Roman Christianity”, rather catholic here means “universal”, meaning that the Family of God is comprised of anyone who trusts in Jesus as Savior from in and believes that the resurrection is the foretaste of the New Creation to come.
My point is not doctrinal. My point is that you have brothers and sisters in the faith all over the planet.
Two things then:
First, it is at least theoretically true that each of us can find a home with “family” anywhere the Christian church exists. And I do believe that this is true more ways than we are aware of.
Second, it is not true enough. It is worth my asking myself to what degree I act like a loving brother or sister to Iraqi Christians who are being killed or are emigrating because of persecution. Of course they are just one example of brothers and sisters worldwide who need their worldwide family.
Go to www.persecution.com simply to raise your awareness of what’s going on in the family.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
March 15, 2011
Reading for March 14-18
Acts 21:1-26
Tuesday
Do You have “Openness of Heart?”
"1 After tearing ourselves away from the Ephesians we sailed . . . and landed at . . . . Tyre . . . .4 We went ashore, found the local believers, and stayed with them . . .” Acts 21:1-4
“Remember to welcome strangers, because some who have done this have welcomed angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:2
Pastor’s Reflection
“After tearing ourselves away”
Many of use this phrase negatively, “we had to tear ourselves away” usually from people who were intruding on our time and plans. No so here. The Ephesians and Paul loved each other and it was hard to say good bye.
In the remainder of this week’s reading we notice that Paul was received by believers in Tyre, Ptolemais, Caesarea, and Jerusalem. Many of those who “received” him had never met him before. Believers took him in, fed him, opened their hearts and lives to him. The practiced “hospitality”, the root meaning of which is “love for strangers”.
Let’s you and I, this week in our “during the week” worlds, practice a “love for strangers”. Let’s be persons of “welcome” and “openness of heart”.
Let’s practice this every Sunday morning. Remember that love of others begins with our love for other believers. Grow you “people eyes”. Approach those who are standing alone and say, “hi”. Be the open door through which another can find access to the Kingdom of God.
And here’s an invitation. We seek more and more ushers and greeters! We can never have too many gracious, warm inviters and includers intentionally serving others!
Acts 21:1-26
Tuesday
Do You have “Openness of Heart?”
"1 After tearing ourselves away from the Ephesians we sailed . . . and landed at . . . . Tyre . . . .4 We went ashore, found the local believers, and stayed with them . . .” Acts 21:1-4
“Remember to welcome strangers, because some who have done this have welcomed angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:2
Pastor’s Reflection
“After tearing ourselves away”
Many of use this phrase negatively, “we had to tear ourselves away” usually from people who were intruding on our time and plans. No so here. The Ephesians and Paul loved each other and it was hard to say good bye.
In the remainder of this week’s reading we notice that Paul was received by believers in Tyre, Ptolemais, Caesarea, and Jerusalem. Many of those who “received” him had never met him before. Believers took him in, fed him, opened their hearts and lives to him. The practiced “hospitality”, the root meaning of which is “love for strangers”.
Let’s you and I, this week in our “during the week” worlds, practice a “love for strangers”. Let’s be persons of “welcome” and “openness of heart”.
Let’s practice this every Sunday morning. Remember that love of others begins with our love for other believers. Grow you “people eyes”. Approach those who are standing alone and say, “hi”. Be the open door through which another can find access to the Kingdom of God.
And here’s an invitation. We seek more and more ushers and greeters! We can never have too many gracious, warm inviters and includers intentionally serving others!
Monday, March 14, 2011
March 14, 2011
Reading for March 14-18
Acts 21:1-26
Monday
“The disciples warned Paul — the Holy Spirit prophesying through them — not to go on to Jerusalem” Acts 21:4
There Comes a Time When Each of Us Must Lose Control
Pastor’s Reflection
It will happen either voluntarily or involuntarily, but it will happen. At some point in each of our lives we will lose control of our future.
Scholar Tim Keller comments, “Until now Luke has recorded a “very much in control” apostle Paul. He makes plans, set goals and reaches them. He determines to go to certain places and plant churches and for the most part he accomplishes his goals. But from the moment of his arrival in Jerusalem Paul’s life changes very radically. He is arrested and imprisoned and the rest of his life is a set reactions to the opposition of his enemies. Before he was on the offensive. Now he is on the defensive. Acts 13-20 records three successful missionary journeys. The rest of Acts is a series of five trials and what happens between them.
I wonder if God has not set it up this way. When we are young we go where we want to go. As we age we grow more and more dependent like or not. Our choices are increasingly contingent. In the most basic things such as heath I will at some point concede control to God.
It seems to me that a terrific goal in life would be to cede control in increasing ways to God before I have no choice.
In what ways have you succeeded in doing so?
Acts 21:1-26
Monday
“The disciples warned Paul — the Holy Spirit prophesying through them — not to go on to Jerusalem” Acts 21:4
There Comes a Time When Each of Us Must Lose Control
Pastor’s Reflection
It will happen either voluntarily or involuntarily, but it will happen. At some point in each of our lives we will lose control of our future.
Scholar Tim Keller comments, “Until now Luke has recorded a “very much in control” apostle Paul. He makes plans, set goals and reaches them. He determines to go to certain places and plant churches and for the most part he accomplishes his goals. But from the moment of his arrival in Jerusalem Paul’s life changes very radically. He is arrested and imprisoned and the rest of his life is a set reactions to the opposition of his enemies. Before he was on the offensive. Now he is on the defensive. Acts 13-20 records three successful missionary journeys. The rest of Acts is a series of five trials and what happens between them.
I wonder if God has not set it up this way. When we are young we go where we want to go. As we age we grow more and more dependent like or not. Our choices are increasingly contingent. In the most basic things such as heath I will at some point concede control to God.
It seems to me that a terrific goal in life would be to cede control in increasing ways to God before I have no choice.
In what ways have you succeeded in doing so?
Friday, March 11, 2011
March 11, 2011
Reading for March 7-11
Acts 20
Friday, March 11, 2011
Last Words
“So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders. 29 I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. 30 Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following. 31 Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you—my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you. 32
“And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself . .. ”
36 When he had finished speaking, he knelt and prayed with them. 37 They all cried as they embraced and kissed him good-bye." Acts 20:28-36 (NLT)
Pastor’s Reflection
Paul will never see his Ephesian friends again. Have you ever said farewell to friends with the assumption that you will never see them again?
Paul takes care to tell them to be careful. It’s what every parent tells a teenager when getting into a car or taking a trip. In this case Paul says don’t let yourselves be deceived, even by those closest to you. Don’t distrust, but do be aware. Those who become deceived don’t know it. That’s the nature of deception. We’re all vulnerable, so stay in the Word, don’t neglect praying and stay connected to a good church.
But the biggest thing here for me is Paul’s entrusting his friends to the Lord. At some point every parent must do this with children. They go out on their own and we must entrust them to the Lord. A pastor must do this with his flock and friends must do this with friends who move away. In the end we must trust that each and every person on the planet is known, loved, cared for by God in a way more powerful and loving than we are able to imagine.
Is there someone in your life, whose welfare and salvation you ache for, whom you must learn to entrust to the Lord in a deeper way?
Acts 20
Friday, March 11, 2011
Last Words
“So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders. 29 I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. 30 Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following. 31 Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you—my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you. 32
“And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself . .. ”
36 When he had finished speaking, he knelt and prayed with them. 37 They all cried as they embraced and kissed him good-bye." Acts 20:28-36 (NLT)
Pastor’s Reflection
Paul will never see his Ephesian friends again. Have you ever said farewell to friends with the assumption that you will never see them again?
Paul takes care to tell them to be careful. It’s what every parent tells a teenager when getting into a car or taking a trip. In this case Paul says don’t let yourselves be deceived, even by those closest to you. Don’t distrust, but do be aware. Those who become deceived don’t know it. That’s the nature of deception. We’re all vulnerable, so stay in the Word, don’t neglect praying and stay connected to a good church.
But the biggest thing here for me is Paul’s entrusting his friends to the Lord. At some point every parent must do this with children. They go out on their own and we must entrust them to the Lord. A pastor must do this with his flock and friends must do this with friends who move away. In the end we must trust that each and every person on the planet is known, loved, cared for by God in a way more powerful and loving than we are able to imagine.
Is there someone in your life, whose welfare and salvation you ache for, whom you must learn to entrust to the Lord in a deeper way?
Thursday, March 10, 2011
March 10, 2011
Reading for March 7-11
Acts 20
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Paul’s Farewell to His Friends
“You know how I spent all my time with you . . .20 I didn't avoid telling you anything that would help you, and I didn't avoid teaching you publicly and from house to house. 21 I encouraged you to turn to God and to believe in our Lord Jesus.
22 “I am determined to go to Jerusalem now. I don't know what will happen to me there. 23 However, the Holy Spirit warns me in every city that imprisonment and suffering are waiting for me. 24 But I don't place any value on my own life. I want to finish the race I'm running. I want to carry out the mission I received from the Lord Jesus—the mission of testifying to the Good News of God's kindness. 25 Now I know that none of you whom I told about the kingdom {of God} will see me again."
Acts 20:18-25
Do these words move you in any way? If so, how?
Pastor’s Reflection
Paul had spent three years in Ephesus. It is time for him to depart. His goal is to get back to Jerusalem for Pentecost and then travel to Rome and eventually to Spain to spread the Good News to the ends of the earth, but first he gives his farewell address to his friends knowing he will never see them again.
This August I will for the fifth time send a child off to college or the military. This time it will be my daughter. Ouch! Of course I fully expect to see her again, yet I want to say all the things that will a. show her how much I love her and b. be last minute words that will help her. I want my words to encourage her.
In Paul’s farewell address, the following things encourage me. I am impressed that he spent three years with them, “with” being the operative word. I am encouraged that he didn’t avoid tough subjects. I am encouraged that he was in their homes. And I am especially encouraged to listen to him stick by his passion to follow Jesus no matter what.
Especially I am impressed with the challenge of connecting personal encouragement to God, the ultimate source of all encouragement.
How can you and I encourage those around us in such a way that others feel like you are in their corner yet they also feel like they actually can and want to go to the Lord and trust Him? I would love to hear how you do this?
Acts 20
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Paul’s Farewell to His Friends
“You know how I spent all my time with you . . .20 I didn't avoid telling you anything that would help you, and I didn't avoid teaching you publicly and from house to house. 21 I encouraged you to turn to God and to believe in our Lord Jesus.
22 “I am determined to go to Jerusalem now. I don't know what will happen to me there. 23 However, the Holy Spirit warns me in every city that imprisonment and suffering are waiting for me. 24 But I don't place any value on my own life. I want to finish the race I'm running. I want to carry out the mission I received from the Lord Jesus—the mission of testifying to the Good News of God's kindness. 25 Now I know that none of you whom I told about the kingdom {of God} will see me again."
Acts 20:18-25
Do these words move you in any way? If so, how?
Pastor’s Reflection
Paul had spent three years in Ephesus. It is time for him to depart. His goal is to get back to Jerusalem for Pentecost and then travel to Rome and eventually to Spain to spread the Good News to the ends of the earth, but first he gives his farewell address to his friends knowing he will never see them again.
This August I will for the fifth time send a child off to college or the military. This time it will be my daughter. Ouch! Of course I fully expect to see her again, yet I want to say all the things that will a. show her how much I love her and b. be last minute words that will help her. I want my words to encourage her.
In Paul’s farewell address, the following things encourage me. I am impressed that he spent three years with them, “with” being the operative word. I am encouraged that he didn’t avoid tough subjects. I am encouraged that he was in their homes. And I am especially encouraged to listen to him stick by his passion to follow Jesus no matter what.
Especially I am impressed with the challenge of connecting personal encouragement to God, the ultimate source of all encouragement.
How can you and I encourage those around us in such a way that others feel like you are in their corner yet they also feel like they actually can and want to go to the Lord and trust Him? I would love to hear how you do this?
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
March 9, 2011
Reading for March 7-11
Acts 20
Wednesday
Killed by a Sermon
“On Sunday we met to break bread. Paul was discussing {Scripture} with the people. Since he intended to leave the next day, he kept talking until midnight. . . . .
A young man named Eutychus was sitting in a window. As Paul was talking on and on, Eutychus was gradually falling asleep. Finally, overcome by sleep, he fell from the third story and was dead when they picked him up.
10 Paul went to him, took him into his arms, and said, 'Don't worry! He's alive!' 11 Then Eutychus went upstairs again, broke the bread, and ate. Paul talked with the people for a long time, until sunrise, and then left." Acts 20:8-11 (GW)
Pastor’s Reflection
Great story!!! Paul bores Eutycus to death, prays for him, he’s revived, and Paul just goes back to teaching! In one way Eutychus’death was just a brief interruption! In another way it’s a demonstration of the of power of God that appears to have accompanied Paul.
We also learn more of how church worked. It was evening because people worked during the day. Sunday was a regular work day. Actually this is the earliest reference we have to Christians worshiping on the first day of the week. Also Paul didn’t just preach. It was more like a small group bible study. They had back and forth discussions. And they had communion together. Fellowship, gathering on Sunday, the Word preached, and communion; all aspects of worship in the early church.
It’s kind of cool. We see the grand sweep of God’s salvation history being worked out in the person of Jesus and now we see it being worked out locally in the churches (small groups of believers). Then Luke zooms in even further to a slave boy who couldn’t keep his eyes open.
God’s grand salvation story of the world of history never misses the individual. That includes you.
Acts 20
Wednesday
Killed by a Sermon
“On Sunday we met to break bread. Paul was discussing {Scripture} with the people. Since he intended to leave the next day, he kept talking until midnight. . . . .
A young man named Eutychus was sitting in a window. As Paul was talking on and on, Eutychus was gradually falling asleep. Finally, overcome by sleep, he fell from the third story and was dead when they picked him up.
10 Paul went to him, took him into his arms, and said, 'Don't worry! He's alive!' 11 Then Eutychus went upstairs again, broke the bread, and ate. Paul talked with the people for a long time, until sunrise, and then left." Acts 20:8-11 (GW)
Pastor’s Reflection
Great story!!! Paul bores Eutycus to death, prays for him, he’s revived, and Paul just goes back to teaching! In one way Eutychus’death was just a brief interruption! In another way it’s a demonstration of the of power of God that appears to have accompanied Paul.
We also learn more of how church worked. It was evening because people worked during the day. Sunday was a regular work day. Actually this is the earliest reference we have to Christians worshiping on the first day of the week. Also Paul didn’t just preach. It was more like a small group bible study. They had back and forth discussions. And they had communion together. Fellowship, gathering on Sunday, the Word preached, and communion; all aspects of worship in the early church.
It’s kind of cool. We see the grand sweep of God’s salvation history being worked out in the person of Jesus and now we see it being worked out locally in the churches (small groups of believers). Then Luke zooms in even further to a slave boy who couldn’t keep his eyes open.
God’s grand salvation story of the world of history never misses the individual. That includes you.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
March 8, 2011
Reading for March 7-11
Acts 20
Tuesday
The Advantages of Difficulty
"When Paul was going to board a ship for Syria, he found out that the Jews were plotting to kill him. So he decided to go back through Macedonia." Acts 20:3 (GW)
Pastor’s Reflection
Although Paul loved, was committed to, and went out of his way to encourage the new believers in the churches he started, part of his inconvenience was having to avoid a plot to take his life.
The Christian Life is good, the best of all lives available, yet among the hardest when lived out fully.
Yet, what were the results of Paul’s delay in getting to Jerusalem and eventually Rome?
1. The churches got more time with Paul than he had perhaps intended.
2. When you read the rest of this chapter you will read one of the most beautiful farewell addresses you will have the opportunity to read.
3. During the travels detailed in this chapter it is thought by most scholars that Second Corinthians and Romans were written, Romans being the most profound theological treatise in all of Christianity.
4. And, yes, we have the story of Paul boring someone to death. (more on this tomorrow)
This is one of the most basic principles that Christianity teaches. What one person or one group intends for harm or evil, God turns around and intends it for good (Genesis 50:20 and Romans 8:28). This is the Gospel. What God did for Jesus (resurrection) God is doing for the world.
Acts 20
Tuesday
The Advantages of Difficulty
"When Paul was going to board a ship for Syria, he found out that the Jews were plotting to kill him. So he decided to go back through Macedonia." Acts 20:3 (GW)
Pastor’s Reflection
Although Paul loved, was committed to, and went out of his way to encourage the new believers in the churches he started, part of his inconvenience was having to avoid a plot to take his life.
The Christian Life is good, the best of all lives available, yet among the hardest when lived out fully.
Yet, what were the results of Paul’s delay in getting to Jerusalem and eventually Rome?
1. The churches got more time with Paul than he had perhaps intended.
2. When you read the rest of this chapter you will read one of the most beautiful farewell addresses you will have the opportunity to read.
3. During the travels detailed in this chapter it is thought by most scholars that Second Corinthians and Romans were written, Romans being the most profound theological treatise in all of Christianity.
4. And, yes, we have the story of Paul boring someone to death. (more on this tomorrow)
This is one of the most basic principles that Christianity teaches. What one person or one group intends for harm or evil, God turns around and intends it for good (Genesis 50:20 and Romans 8:28). This is the Gospel. What God did for Jesus (resurrection) God is doing for the world.
Monday, March 7, 2011
March 7, 2011
Reading for March 7-11
Acts 20
Monday
Encouraging is Inconvenient
“Paul decided to go to (and then) Rome.” . . . . . . “After the riot in Ephesus, Paul sent for the disciples, encouraged them, said goodbye, and left for Macedonia. He went through that region and spoke many words of encouragement to the people. Then he went to Greece and stayed there for three months” Acts 19:21, 20:1-3
Pastor’s Reflection
In 19:21 we read that Paul wanted to get back to Jerusalem and then on to Rome. Yet in 20:1-3 we read that he travelled in exactly the opposite direction. Why?
Luke tells us that at least part of the the reason was that Paul wanted to encourage the new believers in Macedonia and Greece. That’s inconvenient! It cost him time, effort, and postponement of his trips to Jerusalem and Rome.
This morning I was driving to church with a lot on my mind and to do. I pulled out of my development, turned right, but out of the corner of my eye I saw a woman trying to lower a spare tire from under her SUV. I could see she was in trouble. I did not want to help her. It was cold, I was busy, I didn’t have time and I just plain didn’t feel like it. It was worse than inconvenient, it messed up my plans. After turning around and getting out I was of minimal help because it took me so long to find the jack and winch. A policeman came and took it from there.
I was an unwilling helper whose space was invaded and who became a temporary encourager only reluctantly. I didn’t stop because my heart went out to her (well maybe a little) or because I knew she needed the encouragement of someone coming along side her. I was and am no Paul.
As you read the rest of this chapter I suspect you will find that Paul didn’t view the ministry of encouragement as an inconvenience, rather a privilege. May God give to me and to you a little bit of that heart that is willing to go our of our way to encourage another. Write a note, make a call, stop to compliment someone, all inconveniences, all crucial in another’s life.
Acts 20
Monday
Encouraging is Inconvenient
“Paul decided to go to (and then) Rome.” . . . . . . “After the riot in Ephesus, Paul sent for the disciples, encouraged them, said goodbye, and left for Macedonia. He went through that region and spoke many words of encouragement to the people. Then he went to Greece and stayed there for three months” Acts 19:21, 20:1-3
Pastor’s Reflection
In 19:21 we read that Paul wanted to get back to Jerusalem and then on to Rome. Yet in 20:1-3 we read that he travelled in exactly the opposite direction. Why?
Luke tells us that at least part of the the reason was that Paul wanted to encourage the new believers in Macedonia and Greece. That’s inconvenient! It cost him time, effort, and postponement of his trips to Jerusalem and Rome.
This morning I was driving to church with a lot on my mind and to do. I pulled out of my development, turned right, but out of the corner of my eye I saw a woman trying to lower a spare tire from under her SUV. I could see she was in trouble. I did not want to help her. It was cold, I was busy, I didn’t have time and I just plain didn’t feel like it. It was worse than inconvenient, it messed up my plans. After turning around and getting out I was of minimal help because it took me so long to find the jack and winch. A policeman came and took it from there.
I was an unwilling helper whose space was invaded and who became a temporary encourager only reluctantly. I didn’t stop because my heart went out to her (well maybe a little) or because I knew she needed the encouragement of someone coming along side her. I was and am no Paul.
As you read the rest of this chapter I suspect you will find that Paul didn’t view the ministry of encouragement as an inconvenience, rather a privilege. May God give to me and to you a little bit of that heart that is willing to go our of our way to encourage another. Write a note, make a call, stop to compliment someone, all inconveniences, all crucial in another’s life.
Friday, March 4, 2011
March 4, 2011
Friday
March 4, 2011
What is the Good News?
Did God Have To use a Cross to Save us?
“People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip." Acts 2:22-24 (NLT)
Pastor’s Reflections
Did God “have to” kill His son on the cross in order to save us?
I think there are several important things to understand about this question, a question that must lurk in the back of the minds of millions of people.
1. God does not “have to” do anything, as if there is some sort of standard of justice or necessity outside of God’s self to which God must adhere. To believe that such a standard exists means that there exists something outside of and greater than God. That cannot be....One good definition of God is that God is “that than which nothing greater can be thought”
2. The idea that God would kill His son sets God up in many people’s minds as an ogre and Jesus as the good guy. This cannot be allowed. They are two persons in one. God is Jesus and Jesus is God yet distinct. Impossible as that is to understand, it is crucial that they not be dichotomized as shown. John 3:16 is another way of saying that God gave Himself up for us.
3. There are many ways Christians have tried to explain the atonement and crucifixion. Some have said that God had to satisfy justice (watch out for “had to” and watch out for “satisfy” as if God is in the same league as pagan god’s who demanded human sacrifice). Some have said that God demands a human substitute for the death penalty of sin. (this is very popular but I’m not certain that it has the best biblical support). Others have said that God went to the cross to demonstrate his love rather than out of necessity. (this view falls short in that the cross accomplished something more than just a demonstration). Another view is that the cross is simply the end result of our rebellion against God. We rebelled in Eden. We rebel today. The best way to get rid of God is find some way to kill him. We humans conspired and got His death done. But God brought Hinm back to life. God brings the greatest things out of the worst things. Someone once told me that “redemption is better than creation”. I love that.
So , what did Peter say in Acts 2? What was Peter’s “atonement theory” at Pentecost? He only says that God knew the crucifixion would happen and then it did. Instead of majoring on why, he centered in on what matters most, God raised him from the dead.
This, then, is the Good News. “God brings life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist” (Romans 4:17)
March 4, 2011
What is the Good News?
Did God Have To use a Cross to Save us?
“People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip." Acts 2:22-24 (NLT)
Pastor’s Reflections
Did God “have to” kill His son on the cross in order to save us?
I think there are several important things to understand about this question, a question that must lurk in the back of the minds of millions of people.
1. God does not “have to” do anything, as if there is some sort of standard of justice or necessity outside of God’s self to which God must adhere. To believe that such a standard exists means that there exists something outside of and greater than God. That cannot be....One good definition of God is that God is “that than which nothing greater can be thought”
2. The idea that God would kill His son sets God up in many people’s minds as an ogre and Jesus as the good guy. This cannot be allowed. They are two persons in one. God is Jesus and Jesus is God yet distinct. Impossible as that is to understand, it is crucial that they not be dichotomized as shown. John 3:16 is another way of saying that God gave Himself up for us.
3. There are many ways Christians have tried to explain the atonement and crucifixion. Some have said that God had to satisfy justice (watch out for “had to” and watch out for “satisfy” as if God is in the same league as pagan god’s who demanded human sacrifice). Some have said that God demands a human substitute for the death penalty of sin. (this is very popular but I’m not certain that it has the best biblical support). Others have said that God went to the cross to demonstrate his love rather than out of necessity. (this view falls short in that the cross accomplished something more than just a demonstration). Another view is that the cross is simply the end result of our rebellion against God. We rebelled in Eden. We rebel today. The best way to get rid of God is find some way to kill him. We humans conspired and got His death done. But God brought Hinm back to life. God brings the greatest things out of the worst things. Someone once told me that “redemption is better than creation”. I love that.
So , what did Peter say in Acts 2? What was Peter’s “atonement theory” at Pentecost? He only says that God knew the crucifixion would happen and then it did. Instead of majoring on why, he centered in on what matters most, God raised him from the dead.
This, then, is the Good News. “God brings life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist” (Romans 4:17)
Thursday, March 3, 2011
March 3, 2011
Thursday
March 3, 2011
What is the Good News that The Bible claims to offer?
“I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve” 1 Corinthians 15:3-5 (NLT)
“If Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless. . . . . if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins . . . . . And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.
But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died." 1 Corinthians 15:14-17-20 (NLT)
Pastor’s Reflections
Verses 3 and 4 may be the most significant in the entire Bible for assessing the reliability of what the Bible teaches.
Almost all scholars, left and right, agree that this “creed” was received by the Apostle Paul at latest when he traveled to Jerusalem shortly after his conversion or as early as his stay in Damascus right after his “Damascus road experience”. This places this “creed” in the the 30’s. Furthermore, it is written in the style of a creed to have been memorized and passed on. This means that it was circulated as a fact to be remembered and repeated beginning right after the resurrection. Those who find the dating of the biblical teachings way too late, too many years after the fact to be reliable historical accounts, will have to deal with this passage.
The rest of the passage simply states in Paul’s own words the bottom line of Christianity. Its center is the historical bodily resurrection of Jesus. The crucifixion shows God’s passion for world and accomplishes the defeat of evil and the removal of sin, but the resurrection is a demonstration in real time of what God is doing in the world right now and will have done one day. What God did for Jesus he will do for all of creation including you and me.
This is the Good News!!!!!!
Unless Jesus was bodily raised from the dead we have no Gospel. If Jesus was bodily raised from the dead, then what could possibly be beyond hope?
How, in a nutshell, if someone asks, would you define the Good News the Bible teaches?
March 3, 2011
What is the Good News that The Bible claims to offer?
“I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve” 1 Corinthians 15:3-5 (NLT)
“If Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless. . . . . if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins . . . . . And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.
But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died." 1 Corinthians 15:14-17-20 (NLT)
Pastor’s Reflections
Verses 3 and 4 may be the most significant in the entire Bible for assessing the reliability of what the Bible teaches.
Almost all scholars, left and right, agree that this “creed” was received by the Apostle Paul at latest when he traveled to Jerusalem shortly after his conversion or as early as his stay in Damascus right after his “Damascus road experience”. This places this “creed” in the the 30’s. Furthermore, it is written in the style of a creed to have been memorized and passed on. This means that it was circulated as a fact to be remembered and repeated beginning right after the resurrection. Those who find the dating of the biblical teachings way too late, too many years after the fact to be reliable historical accounts, will have to deal with this passage.
The rest of the passage simply states in Paul’s own words the bottom line of Christianity. Its center is the historical bodily resurrection of Jesus. The crucifixion shows God’s passion for world and accomplishes the defeat of evil and the removal of sin, but the resurrection is a demonstration in real time of what God is doing in the world right now and will have done one day. What God did for Jesus he will do for all of creation including you and me.
This is the Good News!!!!!!
Unless Jesus was bodily raised from the dead we have no Gospel. If Jesus was bodily raised from the dead, then what could possibly be beyond hope?
How, in a nutshell, if someone asks, would you define the Good News the Bible teaches?
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
March 2, 2011
Wednesday,
March 2, 2011
“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, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah. For he must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things” Acts 3:19-21 (NLT)
In Your Own Words, What is the Gospel????
“If someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way." 1 Peter 3: 15, 16 (NLT)
Pastor’s Reflection
My definition of the Good News is very simple. It is this;
“God is setting the world to rights and will finish the task”.
Or “God is healing the world and will finish the job”.
Or “God is putting and will have put Humpty Dumpty back together again”.
Or, “God is working all things together for good, and those who trust him get in on it”.
Peter said in verse 21, “until the restoration of all things”. The destiny for all of creation and all people who allow it for themselves is a new, renewed, restored, recreated, creation.
Between now and then Jesus provides forgiveness of sin and times of refreshment for all who trust Him.
If someone asks you what the Good News is, what would you say?
March 2, 2011
“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, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah. For he must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things” Acts 3:19-21 (NLT)
In Your Own Words, What is the Gospel????
“If someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way." 1 Peter 3: 15, 16 (NLT)
Pastor’s Reflection
My definition of the Good News is very simple. It is this;
“God is setting the world to rights and will finish the task”.
Or “God is healing the world and will finish the job”.
Or “God is putting and will have put Humpty Dumpty back together again”.
Or, “God is working all things together for good, and those who trust him get in on it”.
Peter said in verse 21, “until the restoration of all things”. The destiny for all of creation and all people who allow it for themselves is a new, renewed, restored, recreated, creation.
Between now and then Jesus provides forgiveness of sin and times of refreshment for all who trust Him.
If someone asks you what the Good News is, what would you say?
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