1 Thessalonians: Be Consistent

Be Consistent

If you have been reading along or have already read through the New Testament you may have noticed something that I think is remarkable. Some may say it is  not, but to me it shows character. When Paul begins his letters to the churches (1 Corinthians 1:3, 2 Corinthians 1:2, Romans 1:7, Galatians 1:3), he consistently opens up with "peace" and "grace" and shows what he represents in God and in Christ. To some, that is no big deal as he is just writing letters. You will see though that these letters are also letters of direction or correction. I know when some of us are correcting or directing others that we are in charge of, we can become tyrannical. Paul consistently sends grace and love. He does not stray off the path of being loving even when correcting or directing. Why? Because he represents Jesus. We could learn from Paul's example.
 

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2 Corinthians 12: Suffieceint Grace

Sufficient Grace

Paul continues discussing his short coming and his imperfections. He tells the Corinthian Christians about his experience in coming to Christ (but does not tell them it was him). In doing this he tells of this man's story and how it has inspired him, so to speak. Paul continues and says that he wanted his tormenting to be ceased and He asked God to take them away. Paul said God's response was that His grace was sufficient enough (2 Corinthians 12:9). We need to know that. We need to not focus on how "great" we think we are and give glory to God. I hear too much too often about who deserves what praise and who deserves what ridicule. If anything, we "deserve" ridicule for knowing the Lord and focusing back on ourselves and our greatness. Glory Be To God!

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2 Corinthians 11: False Teachers and Humility

False Teachers and Humility

In verses 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, Paul separates himself from teachers who claim to be the same as he is. He calls them false apostles, deceitful and they are disguising themselves. Paul is telling the church at Corinth to beware of these people and not assume that they are the same as Paul who may not be as good of a speaker, but possesses the knowledge. Paul is trying to save them from being led astray. He says that even Satan disguises himself so it would be obvious that his servants would disguise themselves too. 

Lastly, Paul does not like to boast. He has been known to tell his stories of his experiences and he has been told that he is bragging and boasting. Paul says in verse 30 that if he were to boast it would be in his weaknesses. In those weaknesses it can be seen that God is the King of all and turn those weaknesses into strengths to honor his Kingdom. Amen.

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2 Corinthians 3: Ministers of the New Covenant

Ministers of the New Covenant

Paul tells the church that they are the apostles letters of recommendation. If the apostles wanted to spread the word and teach and build churches, then their previous work would be their portfolio (2 Corinthians 3:2). So, if the church in Corinth was getting it wrong, then it makes Paul look bad. The church needed to know that basically your actions are a reflection of me. It reminds me of a work environment like a boss to an employee or like a family with  a parent to a child.

Paul compared the 10 commandments to a ministry of condemnation as it was the law that was being used to condemn people as sinners. Then he referred to the new covenant (the Gospel of Christ) as the ministry of the Spirit, meaning the spirit of God or Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:9). The new covenant removes the "sinner" tag and replaces it with a "saved by grace" tag if you choose to accept Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Paul closes out the chapter by informing the church that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17). I just googled an image for this blog and verse and I saw an image with the American flag embedded in it. The freedom that Paul is talking about is freedom from sin, freedom from condemnation. An American flag cannot give you that freedom. It cannot save you from the death of your sins. Only accepting God's grace can give you that freedom.You can be aligned to your country and the freedoms allotted by the government, but freedom from sin is far more important and crucial to your walk as a Christ follower.
 

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Acts 25: Paul Before King Agrippa

Paul Before King Agrippa

The plot to kill Paul had not ceased. Festus knew that the Jews were still after Paul and told them to come with him and they could accuse Paul of whatever charges they had against him. Paul defended himself once again in verse 8 stating "Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense." Still not being defensive nor accusing them of anything, Paul stands his ground again, not giving up.

 

 

Festus wanted to do the Jews a favor and have Paul tried in front of Caesar (since Festus himself was new at his job and didn't free Paul who could not be charged with any wrong doing). Paul had the right to appeal to Caesar, which he did exercise since Festus would not free him. Paul has stayed strong while fighting for his good name in the Holy Spirit. Festus stood before King Agrippa and told why they were there in regard to Paul's charges. Agrippa agreed to hear Paul out himself the next day. If you read through the chapter there is no mention of complaining or whining or verbally attacking others who were in the wrong. This man's soul has been in tune with God. 

Saturday we will continue with Acts 26.

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Acts 18: Paul's Journey with the Holy Spirit

Paul's Journey with the Holy Spirit

We have seen all that Paul has gone through from being imprisoned and chased from one town to another avoiding death. As we see here in Acts 18:4 he was still preaching the word. I love that even though he would have every human reason to give up, he didn't. He feared for his life. It was not a made up "people are after me" though as people were truly after him Paul has been a man of perseverance and persistence in the Holy Spirit. he wasn't always there, but once he started following Christ you saw a big change in his behaviors and his life. 

In verses 5-6, he was testifying that Jesus was the messiah but when the Jews opposed and reviled him, he did not sit there and keep arguing and get madder and madder. He did what he was supposed to do. He let them know that they are responsible for themselves now and he left and went to the Gentiles. God told Paul in verses 9-10 (in a vision) to go on speaking and to not be afraid because God was with him. Paul did just that for a year and 6 months. 

In Acts 18:18-23, we see that Paul worked hard at strengthening the disciples that he came in contact with and still preaching the word of Jesus from land to land as he traveled whether it be Ephesus, Caesarea, Antioch, Galatia and Phrygia. Paul had left Ephesus and left 2 that he traveled with there in Ephesus, Priscilla and Aquila. While they stayed behind, they met Apollos who also preached the word accurately. Priscilla and Aquila (husband and wife), took Apollos aside and taught him how to preach the word more accurately. And with that he continued to spread the word that Jesus was the Christ, even in public against the Jews (Pharisees).

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Acts 9: Saul's Turn of Faith

Saul's Turn of Faith

Saul is the same man who was imprisoning Christians and he is the same man who had an apostle stoned to death. You would not say that Saul was a man after God's heart. You would not say that Saul was a "good person." But, you also can't say Saul's story is over and he has no chance for redemption.

While he was still searching for more Christians to imprison, a light from Heaven shone down on him. A voice started speaking and asked why Saul was persecuting him. Saul did not know who it was and the voice revealed itself to be that of Jesus. The men Saul was with heard the voice too but did not see anyone just as Saul did not. Saul was blinded and could not eat or drink for three days (Acts 9:1-9).

A man named Ananias was told by God to go to Damascus (where Jesus sent Saul). Ananias was told to go there because Saul (whom Ananias knew of) was there praying and had a vision of a man named Ananias who was to lay hands on him and heal his sight. God said in verse 15, "he is a chosen instrument of mine." God also said that Saul would have to suffer in God's name. Ananias did as he was told and Saul's sight was restored, he was baptized and finally was able to eat and drink.

Saul began proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God to people in Damascus and the people plotted to kill him. He escaped out of Damascus and tried to join the disciple who of course did not believe him. Barnabas spoke up for Saul and told of the light being shone on him and of Saul spreading the word of Christ in Damascus (Acts 9:19-31). When God wants to use someone, he will not pick someone who is perfect, but He will choose those whom He sees as able, even one who had persecuted and murdered Christ followers.


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Acts 7:60- Stephen's Last Words

Stephen's Last Words

Stephen's was arrested in Acts 6 for spreading the word of Christ. They brought false witnesses against him and claimed he was doing things that Jesus did when he was accused by Pilate.

Stephen retells the stories of Joseph and Moses and explains afterwards how they always resisted the Holy Spirit. At this time, full of the holy Spirit, Stephen was able to see into heaven and see Jesus seated at the right hand of God. They didn't want to hear what Stephen saw when he began to see them. Many people would crack under pressure in situations like this. Many would denounce Jesus on the spot, but Stephen continued to speak of God and speak through the Holy Spirit.


In verses 59-60, Stephen does something amazing to me. Now, he is being stoned to death for his "crimes" and his last words before he died were "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit...Lord, do not hold this sin against them." This is very similar to what Christ said as he was dying on the cross for our sins. Jesus said Luke 23:34 "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." I admire Stephen's obedience to God and will to not denounce Jesus in the face of adversity. He sought to be Christ like and spirit filled regardless of the circumstance.

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Acts 6- Obedience and Changing Customs

Obedience and Changing Customs

As the church was growing and the disciples were growing in number and the priests were growing, they were not just becoming members and being stagnant in their faith. They did not just claim to have a faith, but there is a key word that describes their commitment to the faith. The word is obedient. We see this in Acts 6:7 that the priests became obedient to the faith. That means not succumbing to culture and the ways of tradition, unless they were done in accordance with God's will. 

In Acts 6:1-6, being obedient also meant praying for one another. There were 7 chosen men who had good reputations, and were full of the Spirit and wisdom. These men's roles were to help the disciples (the 12) and help spread the gospel of Christ. It wasn't just anyone, there were specifications needed for new men to be selected to assist the 12. These men were selected and prayed for. It really looks like a team working together in unity for a common goal.

One of the seven chosen (Stephen) served as a martyr for the gospel of Christ. He was arrested. False witnesses were brought against Stephen in order to stop him and God's work. His charges were stirring up the people (just like Jesus in Luke 23:1-5). They were afraid to change customs (Acts 6:14) and so they tried to stop someone seeking to do God's will. It takes a strong person to do God's will in the face of adversity. Would you be able to do what Stephen did?

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Acts 5:16- What is Your Role?

What is Your Role?

It is very easy to just go to church and pray and consider that we are doing our part in the Kingdom of God. Yet, we never read our Bibles, we don't seek to understand the depth of God's word and we don't serve. I know I keep bringing up the message of selfless, God focused serving, but this topic keeps coming up in various ways in scripture. 

In Acts 5, we read about Ananias and his wife Sapphira. Ananias sold some land and while other's had given all of their sales of property to the apostles to divide among those in need, Ananias kept some of the sale of his land for himself. When he was called out for his sin, he died. He was convicted by being told "You have not lied to man but to God." His wife Sapphira was complicit in the cover up of the money as well and once she was called out, she died as well. Lesson: Hold true to your oaths. God knows what you do even when you hide it from man. Their heart was not focused on being selfless.

In Acts 5:12-16, we read that the apostles were regularly doing signs and wonders, more believers came to know Jesus and were added to the church. In Acts 5:15-16 we see, that members of the church did their part to help others who needed help. They carried the sick out into the streets in hopes that they could be healed by Peter's shadow (there is no text that states that his shadow did heal- could just be the thought of people). But, ultimately I see that others were helping those in need. We all have different abilities. What are you doing with your God given abilities to help others for the Kingdom of God? That is a question you can answer or ask someone who truly knows you. Don't be a lazy, selfish Christian.

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Acts 4:34-35- Give What You Have

Give What You Have

Early in the chapter, we see in verses 1-4, that the Pharisees and Sadducees (once again) were against the resurrection of Christ being taught. They had Peter and John arrested for spreading the gospel, the truth. But, before they were arrested (and let out the next morning), about 5000 people came to believe in Christ. That right there is amazing and says to me, can you do what needs to be done for the Kingdom selflessly even if it meant that you would be arrested and had to sit in a jail for a night?

Later in the verse we see more selflessness. In verses 32-37 we see that everyone was of one heart and one soul. No one claimed anything that had been theirs to still be their own. People were willfully sharing with others. Nobody was needy. People were taking care of one another. People sold homes and land and lay it before the apostles (Peter and John). This unity and selflessness was needed from people so that they could show their dedication to Christ and not let "things" get in the way of their faith and following Christ's example. Pure selflessness. Let this display serve as an example of how we can give up possessions in order to serve others. Are you willing to even buy a homeless person food? Or give them a drink of water?

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Mark 1- Fulfilling the Prophecy

Fulfilling the Prophecy 

Mark 1 gives us a condensed version of several chapters in the book of Matthew and other gospels as well. While the Book of Mark is known to not give any credit to a specific author, it is credited to be written by Mark the Evangelist who was a close associate of the Apostle (disciple) Peter. You remember Peter? Peter was one of Jesus' disciples and is the same one that denied he knew Jesus (three time before the rooster crows).

In reading through this chapter a couple of things jumped out to me that I wanted to point out.

First, for some this is silly and not needed to be pointed out, but for others this is their first time seeing and understanding this. The arrival of Jesus and details of his life were written before he was ever born...like YEARS before he was ever born. In verses 2-3 it is pointed out that the prophecy of Jesus is unfolding. The words in Mark are quoted from Isaiah 40 to point out that the prophecy is being fulfilled. This was not some random guy who did cool stuff, but God in the flesh sent to unite us with God by being sacrificed for our sins (even the ones we don't think are a big deal)

In Mark 1:40-45 Jesus shows his heart to a leper and heals him. I saw in the NIV the word used to describe how Jesus saw the leper was indignant- NIV. Indignant means showing anger for perceived unfair treatment. Also, the NLT describes his heart as being full of compassion- NLT. A third version (English Standard Version) is Jesus having pity- ESV on the leper. The point is, how is your heart when you see injustices in the world? The sick? The poor? The wrongfully imprisoned? The homeless? Jesus did not look at the leper and tell him what he did wrong in life that led to leprosy, but he healed him. He saw the need and he met it.

It is time for us to see the needs and meet them. Orphans. Battered women. Children's Hospitals. Homeless. Convalescent homes. Can you pick something to meet a need? Now is the time.

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Wednesday Wake Up #1

What's the Point?

How soon we forget how BIG God is. I mean this is God, with a capital G. Faith in capital G and all of His power has to be prominent in our prayer life. If you don't have capital F type of Faith in our capital G God, then why even pray? What's the point?


Matthew 21:22 reminds us that when we have faith in what we are praying for, it will happen. This does not mean, pray for what you want, but what God wants from you. It is the selfless prayer and thinking that can separate answered prayers from unanswered prayers. God could give you that job and all that money, but you don't save or tithe, so how does that benefit His will? God could give you that beautiful spouse, but you lie and are unfaithful. Why would He bless you if you are being disobedient?

We can talk about all of our problems to our friends and complain about life, but we often overlook our decisions that led to the spot in our life that we are complaining about. Is it the lack of money? That is a big one in America, but people don't save and they over spend. They go into debt for wants, not needs. Instead of complaining to your friends all the time, why not just take it to God? Why is that a forgotten method?

And in 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul is talking to the church and directing their steps (as any good church leader would do). He reminds them in verse 17 to never stop praying. It isn't specific on what, but can't we apply that to our pains and hurts and what we need to be emotionally and spiritually healed from? Why wouldn't you pray for healing? Why wouldn't you pray for restored relationships? Or the power to forgive? Never stop praying

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