Our daily reading takes us to the book of Acts and includes some very interesting information. Take a moment and read Acts 8:1-25. Now, take a marker and highlight the things that you were surprised by and the things you had confirmed for you. (if you are a believer in marking in your Bible, otherwise don't do this)
The chapter begins with the fulfillment of the command given in Acts 1:8. (Jump back there and read) Jesus had told his disciples that they were to go and teach the good news, yet we find them hanging around Jerusalem until the 8th chapter. What changed? Well, it got pretty uncomfortable to be a Christian in Jerusalem about this time. Did God bring about the persecution to scatter the disciples? I don't know, but it got the job done! From this point forward the message of Jesus begins to be preached everywhere. So, for you and me this is a pretty important day in the history of the church.
Next we read about a man named Simon, Simon the Sorcerer. (sounds like a Disney movie) Philip makes his way to a little town called Samaria and begins to preach the great news of our Savior. He performs miracles to prove his authority and people respond to his message. Just as all the others we have read about that become Christians, they believe and are baptized. Let's take a read...But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done. (v 12-13) Clearly, the teaching that is described as "things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ" included the command to be baptized and the people obeyed. (Matthew 28:18ff, Acts 2:38ff)
The next tidbit of information is very interesting. Simon witnesses Phillip (the Apostle) laying his hands on people so that they could receive the gifts of the Spirit (ie. the ability to perform miracles) and he wants that power. He had been used to getting the attention, after all he was a "sorcerer". But now he saw the real thing, no magic tricks... the real deal! And he wanted this ability. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” (17-19) Want to know why miracles are not around today... there is your answer. Only the apostles had the ability to pass on the miraculous gifts. When they died, so did the ability to give these gifts. And... when those that they gave gifts to died, then miraculous gifts ceased to exist.
What occurs next is very important, so pay close attention. Simon seeks to purchase this ability from the apostles. Remember Simon had been saved back in verse 13. He makes his request to purchase this ability and the response from Peter is swift and to the point. But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” (20-23) Do you understand what just happened? Peter tells Simon that because of the intent of his heart, he was going to perish. He was lost! He was saved and then he was lost.
Peter's response to Simon's problem... Repent of your wickedness and pray for forgiveness. What does a Christian do when they fall, when they find themselves in sin... repent (change direction, stop the sin) and pray for forgiveness. Simon responds by asking Peter to pray for him also. Peter's rebuke cut to his heart and Simon didn't want to stay in that condition. What a great example for us. When we find ourselves caught in a sin, repent of it, pray and ask others to pray for us also and God will forgive our transgression.
The story of Simon, his sin and his recovery is important for us. Obviously it is, God included it for a reason! It gives us assurance that when we fall, we have a way back to a right relationship with the Father. I am thankful for His love and the security that we find in Him. Amen? Amen!
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Of Lions and Grass
Let me set the stage for you... Last night I am sitting in an excellent Men's Bible Study (doing a fairly critical review of "Wild At Heart") and we dive into a discussion of the world, pre and post-fall. What was this world like before man sinned and what was it like after? I know, right, you are sitting on the edge of your seat about now! First let me say this, the Bible is not filled with lots of information about this, so there was a lot of "I think" going on.
Finally, one guy says that every creature on earth ate veggies before the fall. Well, I quickly corrected him and said something to the effect of, "you mean to tell me that lions ate grass and not sheep?". I did so with great joy and a little laughter at his ignorance. I mean come on, lions and tigers munching on green beans and squash. LOL! Now here's where things get a little fuzzy for me... somewhere between the giggles, another guy says, "yep, just read the last few verses in Genesis 1". Ok, I 'll humor him, I mean I have read Genesis many times and 5 times in the last years, so there is no way something so silly is in there. I know what it says!
( I know, each of you is busy turning in your trusty little pocket Bibles to see what it says) Let me save your fingers the exercise... Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground —everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so.
Imagine my surprise as I was confronted with the truth. My mantra has always been if you can show me something in the Bible, in context... I will believe it. Lions eat grass. Before the fall of man, all creatures ate green plants. That my friends is the truth as God's word reveals it and so I believe it. I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 10:12... Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. I knew that lions didn't eat grass! I was certain of it and I was standing on my belief. Timber!
Sometimes, that is the way it is. We believe something, we are sure of it and yet we are wrong. Our parents, our grandparents, our friends and our preachers have told us things. They are trustworthy and so we file it away as truth in our beliefs. Here's the rub... sometimes they are wrong! They have been told things by people that they trust who were told by someone they trust and on and on. For many years, the world was flat. That was the "truth" and everyone believed it... until someone sailed out there and didn't fall off the edge. You get the idea.
What's my point in all this? Peter put it this way, Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. (2 Peter 1: 10-12) He tells us that even though we know the truth, he will continually remind us of it. Our responsibility is to be diligent in making our "election" sure. Spend time with other Christians in discussion. Listen to your preacher. Read commentaries. Read Christian authors. But in the end... remember that His word is truth. Our beliefs must be Biblical to please Him.
Listen to what Francis Chan has to say about all this... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Is8QnxviOI
Are your beliefs Biblical? Mine were not! I was sure that lions ate sheep. I was wrong. You know, the big question is "what do you do when you realize your beliefs are not Biblical?". You can hold onto what is wrong or you can let His word reign in your life. Many will hold onto a lie to save face. Pride prevents them from allowing truth to correct a wrong belief. I know people like that. (I have been like that)
Paul gives us a strong warning in 2 Corinthians 13:4-6 - For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you. Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.
Do you believe that lions eat grass?
Finally, one guy says that every creature on earth ate veggies before the fall. Well, I quickly corrected him and said something to the effect of, "you mean to tell me that lions ate grass and not sheep?". I did so with great joy and a little laughter at his ignorance. I mean come on, lions and tigers munching on green beans and squash. LOL! Now here's where things get a little fuzzy for me... somewhere between the giggles, another guy says, "yep, just read the last few verses in Genesis 1". Ok, I 'll humor him, I mean I have read Genesis many times and 5 times in the last years, so there is no way something so silly is in there. I know what it says!
( I know, each of you is busy turning in your trusty little pocket Bibles to see what it says) Let me save your fingers the exercise... Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground —everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so.
Imagine my surprise as I was confronted with the truth. My mantra has always been if you can show me something in the Bible, in context... I will believe it. Lions eat grass. Before the fall of man, all creatures ate green plants. That my friends is the truth as God's word reveals it and so I believe it. I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 10:12... Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. I knew that lions didn't eat grass! I was certain of it and I was standing on my belief. Timber!
Sometimes, that is the way it is. We believe something, we are sure of it and yet we are wrong. Our parents, our grandparents, our friends and our preachers have told us things. They are trustworthy and so we file it away as truth in our beliefs. Here's the rub... sometimes they are wrong! They have been told things by people that they trust who were told by someone they trust and on and on. For many years, the world was flat. That was the "truth" and everyone believed it... until someone sailed out there and didn't fall off the edge. You get the idea.
What's my point in all this? Peter put it this way, Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. (2 Peter 1: 10-12) He tells us that even though we know the truth, he will continually remind us of it. Our responsibility is to be diligent in making our "election" sure. Spend time with other Christians in discussion. Listen to your preacher. Read commentaries. Read Christian authors. But in the end... remember that His word is truth. Our beliefs must be Biblical to please Him.
Listen to what Francis Chan has to say about all this... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Is8QnxviOI
Are your beliefs Biblical? Mine were not! I was sure that lions ate sheep. I was wrong. You know, the big question is "what do you do when you realize your beliefs are not Biblical?". You can hold onto what is wrong or you can let His word reign in your life. Many will hold onto a lie to save face. Pride prevents them from allowing truth to correct a wrong belief. I know people like that. (I have been like that)
Paul gives us a strong warning in 2 Corinthians 13:4-6 - For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you. Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.
Do you believe that lions eat grass?
Monday, June 24, 2013
Ah, What Trouble?
(Today's reading Job 1-3, Acts 7:1-19)
I have read the story of Job several times in my life. I still struggle with it. Why would God turn a good man over to Satan for testing? Why would he allow the devastation of Job's life? I am encouraged every time I read of Job's devotion to God and I wonder if I have what it takes to be like him. I pray that I never have to find out.
The story goes like this. Satan comes before God and asks permission to strike Job so that his faith would be tested. Satan is sure that it is because of the blessings in Job's life that he has faith in God. God allows the testing. Job looses everything... almost. His wealth is gone. His children are gone. His servants are gone. His wife remains. (I am not convinced that she is not part of the testing) He holds up well until God allows Satan to attack his person. Job is covered with sores from the bottom of his feet to the top of his head. He takes pot shards and scraps his body. Sounds like a party to me. His wife tells him to "curse God and die". (My earlier point reinforced) His response to her is amazing... He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (2:10)
Next Job is visited by three friends. When trouble comes, true friends show up. Some folks talk about you and your troubles, but true friends show up. I am thankful to have so many true friends! Take a moment to read the account of their visit... When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him. When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads. Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was. (2:11-13) That my friends is friendship. Sometimes just showing up is enough. Sometimes words just get in the way (and they do in the next few chapters). His friends come and sit with him, hurt with him and cry with him.
After a while, Job speaks and what he says makes sense to me. He questions why he was born and why he lived. When tragedy strikes, isn't that always the question... why. Why me? Why did this happen to me? I wish I had never been born! I wish I was dead! Job goes through all of those thoughts. He is human and humans ask those questions (and that is ok). He closes his thoughts in Chapter 3 with these words...
"Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in? For sighing has become my daily food; my groans pour out like water. What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil." (3:23-26)
I am thankful that our Bibles are filled with stories of real people, who have real problems and make real mistakes and suffer real consequences. For Job to react the way he did helps me to understand the human condition. Each of us will have days filled with joy and each of us will have days filled with pain. When wonderful days come, may we praise God and remember that He gives us just such days. When painful days come, may we remember that our lives are a gift from Him and that even in difficult situations His love is present and we can be enriched by our suffering. What kind of person would you be if you only experienced good days? Would you be of any value to those around you if you could not sympathize because of your experiences?
I am reminded of a scene in the movie Jeremiah Johnson. He has become a true mountain man. He has lost his wife and son. His home has been burned to the ground. Just watch...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95ND_fwX2fM
Trouble, what trouble? May each of us determine to have just that attitude in our lives. "You've come far pilgrim... Feels like far... Were it worth the trouble?... Ah, what trouble?"
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Jesus told his disciples that trouble would come. Life isn't lived without it! But He tells us, you and me, that in Him we may have peace. In Him we can say... "ah, what trouble". Job takes us there if we will let him. In all his trouble, his love for God and God's love for him is never in question. Let us learn from him. Amen.
I have read the story of Job several times in my life. I still struggle with it. Why would God turn a good man over to Satan for testing? Why would he allow the devastation of Job's life? I am encouraged every time I read of Job's devotion to God and I wonder if I have what it takes to be like him. I pray that I never have to find out.
The story goes like this. Satan comes before God and asks permission to strike Job so that his faith would be tested. Satan is sure that it is because of the blessings in Job's life that he has faith in God. God allows the testing. Job looses everything... almost. His wealth is gone. His children are gone. His servants are gone. His wife remains. (I am not convinced that she is not part of the testing) He holds up well until God allows Satan to attack his person. Job is covered with sores from the bottom of his feet to the top of his head. He takes pot shards and scraps his body. Sounds like a party to me. His wife tells him to "curse God and die". (My earlier point reinforced) His response to her is amazing... He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (2:10)
Next Job is visited by three friends. When trouble comes, true friends show up. Some folks talk about you and your troubles, but true friends show up. I am thankful to have so many true friends! Take a moment to read the account of their visit... When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him. When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads. Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was. (2:11-13) That my friends is friendship. Sometimes just showing up is enough. Sometimes words just get in the way (and they do in the next few chapters). His friends come and sit with him, hurt with him and cry with him.
After a while, Job speaks and what he says makes sense to me. He questions why he was born and why he lived. When tragedy strikes, isn't that always the question... why. Why me? Why did this happen to me? I wish I had never been born! I wish I was dead! Job goes through all of those thoughts. He is human and humans ask those questions (and that is ok). He closes his thoughts in Chapter 3 with these words...
"Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in? For sighing has become my daily food; my groans pour out like water. What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil." (3:23-26)
I am thankful that our Bibles are filled with stories of real people, who have real problems and make real mistakes and suffer real consequences. For Job to react the way he did helps me to understand the human condition. Each of us will have days filled with joy and each of us will have days filled with pain. When wonderful days come, may we praise God and remember that He gives us just such days. When painful days come, may we remember that our lives are a gift from Him and that even in difficult situations His love is present and we can be enriched by our suffering. What kind of person would you be if you only experienced good days? Would you be of any value to those around you if you could not sympathize because of your experiences?
I am reminded of a scene in the movie Jeremiah Johnson. He has become a true mountain man. He has lost his wife and son. His home has been burned to the ground. Just watch...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95ND_fwX2fM
Trouble, what trouble? May each of us determine to have just that attitude in our lives. "You've come far pilgrim... Feels like far... Were it worth the trouble?... Ah, what trouble?"
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Jesus told his disciples that trouble would come. Life isn't lived without it! But He tells us, you and me, that in Him we may have peace. In Him we can say... "ah, what trouble". Job takes us there if we will let him. In all his trouble, his love for God and God's love for him is never in question. Let us learn from him. Amen.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Can I Get a Witness
(Today's Reading - Acts 3, Neh 7-8)
When someone changes in a big way, people notice... and they want to know why. If a man who constantly drank and beat his wife suddenly quits drinking and begins to treat his wife with respect, people notice. If a woman is addicted to drugs and ignores her children becomes a loving mother who would never touch a drug, people notice. And so it is with our reading today. A man lame from his mother's womb, that is born that way is healed through a miracle... Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. (Acts 3:6-7) (on a side note, the miracles in the Bible are always complete and total healing... the lame walk, the sick are cured, the dead rise, the blind see and so on)
Obviously, when a man that has been unable to walk his entire life is suddenly standing, walking, leaping and dancing people take note. This was not a daily occurrence and the people were amazed. Put yourself in their place. How would you react to something like that? How do you react when you read about the miracles that were done by Jesus, His apostles and those that they placed their hands on? (Acts 8:18)
The purpose of the event is clearly seen. Peter uses the attention that the miracle produced to preach Jesus. He tells the people that gather to see the man that it is not through his power that this is done, rather he tells them about Jesus. He uses the obvious change in the man to tell the people that it is Jesus that produces the change. Peter uses the miracle as the jumping off point to lead those that will listen to Him.
“And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’ And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’ God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.” (3:17-26)
When change comes through faith in Jesus, we must use that as a witness for Him. I must tell people why I quit drinking. You must tell your friends why you no longer frequent bars. We must tell them why we have stepped us as parents. We must tell our coworkers why we no longer cheat our employers. Clearly, God's plan is for us to remain in the world for a purpose! Otherwise, when we become Christians he could go ahead and take us home to be with Him. Instead, He wants us to show the world what it looks like to be His child. As Mahatma Gandhi said... "We must be the change that we wish to see in the world". Use the change that Jesus brings to your life to tell others about Him. Can I get a witness?
When someone changes in a big way, people notice... and they want to know why. If a man who constantly drank and beat his wife suddenly quits drinking and begins to treat his wife with respect, people notice. If a woman is addicted to drugs and ignores her children becomes a loving mother who would never touch a drug, people notice. And so it is with our reading today. A man lame from his mother's womb, that is born that way is healed through a miracle... Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. (Acts 3:6-7) (on a side note, the miracles in the Bible are always complete and total healing... the lame walk, the sick are cured, the dead rise, the blind see and so on)
Obviously, when a man that has been unable to walk his entire life is suddenly standing, walking, leaping and dancing people take note. This was not a daily occurrence and the people were amazed. Put yourself in their place. How would you react to something like that? How do you react when you read about the miracles that were done by Jesus, His apostles and those that they placed their hands on? (Acts 8:18)
The purpose of the event is clearly seen. Peter uses the attention that the miracle produced to preach Jesus. He tells the people that gather to see the man that it is not through his power that this is done, rather he tells them about Jesus. He uses the obvious change in the man to tell the people that it is Jesus that produces the change. Peter uses the miracle as the jumping off point to lead those that will listen to Him.
“And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’ And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’ God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.” (3:17-26)
When change comes through faith in Jesus, we must use that as a witness for Him. I must tell people why I quit drinking. You must tell your friends why you no longer frequent bars. We must tell them why we have stepped us as parents. We must tell our coworkers why we no longer cheat our employers. Clearly, God's plan is for us to remain in the world for a purpose! Otherwise, when we become Christians he could go ahead and take us home to be with Him. Instead, He wants us to show the world what it looks like to be His child. As Mahatma Gandhi said... "We must be the change that we wish to see in the world". Use the change that Jesus brings to your life to tell others about Him. Can I get a witness?
Monday, June 17, 2013
The Day That Changed Everything
There have been many such days in human history... from Creation to Revelation, the LORD has given many days that have changed our world. But in our reading today, Acts 2:1-13, a day came to pass that ushered in the kingdom of God, the church of Jesus Christ and opened the door for you and me to enter in.
Jesus had returned to the Father after His resurrection and the disciples were waiting in Jerusalem for what would happen next. I imagine the ten days between the ascension and Pentecost were filled with anticipation and lots of prayer. Jesus left and they were told to wait... "he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." (Acts 1:4,5)
Ten days later, on the day of Pentecost, (fifty days after Passover and in this case fifty days after Jesus' resurrection) something occurred that changed history for you, me and millions of others. When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. (2:1-4) Ten days of waiting and then... the Holy Spirit fills them and they begin to speak in languages that they had never spoken before. This happened twice in all of scripture... never before and never since. This time the Spirit is poured out on the Jew (Acts 2) and on the Gentiles in Acts 10:44.
Peter tells us that this is to fulfill a prophecy that is given by the prophet Joel (Joel 2:28-32). In the last days, God would pour out His Spirit on all flesh, i.e. both Jew and Gentile and He does. The disciples are waiting in Jerusalem and on the day of Pentecost, when people from all around the world would be gathered there, God sends His Spirit and the church began. The doors flew open and people began to enter in to it. On that day alone, we are told that over 3000 people made the decision to be part of the kingdom and millions have done the same since then.
God doesn't do things by accident... His plans are sure! Pentecost was the day that the Jew celebrated the giving of the Law on Mt. Sinai and on this day nearly 2000 years ago the new law would be given and Gods' new covenant would be established. No longer was the kingdom the nation of Israel. No longer would people have to offer animal sacrifices to deal with their sins. No longer was a relationship with God determined by the physical family you were born into. Now, the "once and for all" sacrifice of His Son would forever provide the payment for the penalty of sin. Now, anyone, anywhere, anytime can respond to the gospel message of His Son and be added to the family of God and receive the eternal-life giving citizenship that is only available through Jesus.
For you and me (if you are Gentile), this day marked the beginning of our opportunity to be a part of His kingdom. This day, the day of Pentecost is a day that we should view as the start of something that changed our world... forever! John the baptizer said the kingdom was at hand (Matthew 3:2) and John the apostle said that we are his partners in the kingdom (Revelation 1:9). Somewhere in between, on the day of Pentecost the kingdom, the church arrived in all its' glory and the world has never been the same. Praise God!
Jesus had returned to the Father after His resurrection and the disciples were waiting in Jerusalem for what would happen next. I imagine the ten days between the ascension and Pentecost were filled with anticipation and lots of prayer. Jesus left and they were told to wait... "he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." (Acts 1:4,5)
Ten days later, on the day of Pentecost, (fifty days after Passover and in this case fifty days after Jesus' resurrection) something occurred that changed history for you, me and millions of others. When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. (2:1-4) Ten days of waiting and then... the Holy Spirit fills them and they begin to speak in languages that they had never spoken before. This happened twice in all of scripture... never before and never since. This time the Spirit is poured out on the Jew (Acts 2) and on the Gentiles in Acts 10:44.
Peter tells us that this is to fulfill a prophecy that is given by the prophet Joel (Joel 2:28-32). In the last days, God would pour out His Spirit on all flesh, i.e. both Jew and Gentile and He does. The disciples are waiting in Jerusalem and on the day of Pentecost, when people from all around the world would be gathered there, God sends His Spirit and the church began. The doors flew open and people began to enter in to it. On that day alone, we are told that over 3000 people made the decision to be part of the kingdom and millions have done the same since then.
God doesn't do things by accident... His plans are sure! Pentecost was the day that the Jew celebrated the giving of the Law on Mt. Sinai and on this day nearly 2000 years ago the new law would be given and Gods' new covenant would be established. No longer was the kingdom the nation of Israel. No longer would people have to offer animal sacrifices to deal with their sins. No longer was a relationship with God determined by the physical family you were born into. Now, the "once and for all" sacrifice of His Son would forever provide the payment for the penalty of sin. Now, anyone, anywhere, anytime can respond to the gospel message of His Son and be added to the family of God and receive the eternal-life giving citizenship that is only available through Jesus.
For you and me (if you are Gentile), this day marked the beginning of our opportunity to be a part of His kingdom. This day, the day of Pentecost is a day that we should view as the start of something that changed our world... forever! John the baptizer said the kingdom was at hand (Matthew 3:2) and John the apostle said that we are his partners in the kingdom (Revelation 1:9). Somewhere in between, on the day of Pentecost the kingdom, the church arrived in all its' glory and the world has never been the same. Praise God!
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
God's Plan For Making Disciples
When we take the time to read and consider the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18ff), we understand that we are part of His plan. His plan is to change the world; redeem it. He worked through people in the Old Testament and His plan remains the same in the New. He had His "chosen" in the Old and He has His "chosen" in the New; Physical Israel in the Old and Spiritual Israel in the New.
His people were to be His presence, His representatives on the earth. His people are to be His presence on the earth. His people are to be His representatives on earth. God could have chosen any number of ways to accomplish His will here, but the way He chose was to change people, give them the responsibility to tell others and then change them and they are tell others and on and on.
Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade others; but we ourselves are well known to God, and I hope that we are also well known to your consciences. We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an opportunity to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast in outward appearance and not in the heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them.
From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:11-21)
Paul reminds the church in Corinth that once they accept Jesus, once they commit to being His disciples, they were to no longer regard others from a human point of view; now they were to have His point of view. We are no longer our old selves... now we are a "new creation". The old has passed away and everything (everything) has become new. I like that! And this new self, this new life is to be a life of ministry. We are to be busy telling others about Him. That is His plan. If we don't tell it, it won't be told. Paul puts it this way...entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. God chose and chooses to reach the world through those that have been reached with His message.
What an honor. We get to participate in God's plan of redemption. No, that's not right, we are God's plan. Sure He sent His Son. Sure His Son died on the cross to pay the penalty of my sin. Sure all that is true... but His plan is now in our hands. Paul puts it this was... we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. God has selected us to be His representatives here. Our citizenship is in Heaven and we are His emissaries to planet earth. (Eph 2:18-20) We speak for Him. What an amazing privilege God has bestowed upon us.
Is that how we see it? Do I get up each day and say... "I am His ambassador, today I speak for Him"? Do we see it as an honor to be able to speak on His behalf? Am I willing to tell my neighbor that God has dealt with his sin problem? Am I will to say to him, without Jesus, he is without hope? Am I willing to teach him about the Savior? Will I tell him how to accept God's precious gift of His Son? Peter told it this way... "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38ff) If you are His ambassador, get busy telling the great news of eternal life that is available to everyone (John 3:16).
His people were to be His presence, His representatives on the earth. His people are to be His presence on the earth. His people are to be His representatives on earth. God could have chosen any number of ways to accomplish His will here, but the way He chose was to change people, give them the responsibility to tell others and then change them and they are tell others and on and on.
Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade others; but we ourselves are well known to God, and I hope that we are also well known to your consciences. We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an opportunity to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast in outward appearance and not in the heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them.
From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:11-21)
Paul reminds the church in Corinth that once they accept Jesus, once they commit to being His disciples, they were to no longer regard others from a human point of view; now they were to have His point of view. We are no longer our old selves... now we are a "new creation". The old has passed away and everything (everything) has become new. I like that! And this new self, this new life is to be a life of ministry. We are to be busy telling others about Him. That is His plan. If we don't tell it, it won't be told. Paul puts it this way...entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. God chose and chooses to reach the world through those that have been reached with His message.
What an honor. We get to participate in God's plan of redemption. No, that's not right, we are God's plan. Sure He sent His Son. Sure His Son died on the cross to pay the penalty of my sin. Sure all that is true... but His plan is now in our hands. Paul puts it this was... we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. God has selected us to be His representatives here. Our citizenship is in Heaven and we are His emissaries to planet earth. (Eph 2:18-20) We speak for Him. What an amazing privilege God has bestowed upon us.
Is that how we see it? Do I get up each day and say... "I am His ambassador, today I speak for Him"? Do we see it as an honor to be able to speak on His behalf? Am I willing to tell my neighbor that God has dealt with his sin problem? Am I will to say to him, without Jesus, he is without hope? Am I willing to teach him about the Savior? Will I tell him how to accept God's precious gift of His Son? Peter told it this way... "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38ff) If you are His ambassador, get busy telling the great news of eternal life that is available to everyone (John 3:16).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)