Acts 13: Paul, Barnabas and The Message

Paul, Barnabas and The Message

Exit Saul and enter Paul (Acts 13:9). Saul was his real name but in another language names are used sound similar and maybe even have a different meaning. We know that Paul had been one to commit evil acts against Christians, but in verse 4 Paul, Barnabas and John (who was assisting) were led by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Word of God in the synagogues. They encountered a false prophet named Bar-Jesus who was cursed by Paul via the Holy Spirit and stricken with blindness (Acts 13:6-11). 

Paul and Barnabas (now without John who had gone back to Jerusalem) were sent a message in a synagogue on Sabbath day. The synagogue needed a word of encouragement. Paul stood up and gave a very quick yet detailed account of how Christ came to be but also not forgetting Moses and prophecies from the Old Testament about the life of Christ (Acts 13:13-47). Paul also informed people that through Christ we are forgiven from our sins and that the law of Moses could not forgive us of all of our sins (Acts 13:38-39). When the gentiles heard all of this they began rejoicing, but the religious leaders drove Paul and Barnabas out of their district once the leaders caught wind of the word of God spreading through out the region. But, the disciples "shook the dust off their feet" and were filled with the Holy Spirit and joy (Acts 13:48-52).

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Acts 12: Two Deaths and a Rescue

Two Deaths and a Rescue

King Herod was committing violent acts against members of the church including killing James (brother of John) with a sword. He saw that the Jews were happy about this and then went and arrested Peter as well. Herod is obviously not a man that was seeking God's will. (Acts 12:1-5).

The night before Herod was to have Peter killed, Peter was rescued by an angel of the Lord. The angel tapped him on the side, told him to get up and the chains came off. Peter got dressed and was led out by the angel. The gates to the city opened and the angel disappeared. Peter knew at that point that he was rescued by an angel of the Lord. Peter appeared to others and told them to be quiet about his rescue so that he would not be found. Then he went off to another place. When Herod found out that Peter was no longer in prison, he had the sentries (guards) killed (Acts 12:6-19).

Herod was upset with the people of Tyre and Sidon and they sought for peace with Herod because they got their food from Herod's country. They needed him. The day that he gave an oration (speech) them, the people shouted "The voice of God and not of a man." Herod took pride in that. They were saying that Herod was like a god and was not like a man. Herod took all the credit and God struck him down. The word of God continued to spread and Barnabas and Saul came back from serving and brought back Mark (Acts 12:20-25). 

What I learned in this chapter is that a person seeking to do God's will (like Peter) can be rescued. Also, just because you are doing God's will does not mean evil people won't hate you and come after (like James). Lastly, I learned that evil men will be struck down by God as Herod was. 
 
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Acts 11- Further Development of the Church

Further Development of the Church

Peter met with the members of the church and told them about the Gentiles (non Jewish people) who had received the word of God. The brothers and sisters accused Peter of not being a faithful Christian Jew because he ate with Gentiles and they were uncircumcised at that. Peter tells them of the vision he had that allowed him to see that God had no distinction or partiality when it came to who could receive the word of God. Through this the church members were able to understand that everyone, including Gentiles, could receive the word of God. No partiality (Acts 11:1-18).

The Church in Antioch (which was far away) was growing. While there Barnabus and Saul met with other believers and taught for a year and it was also there at Antioch where the disciples were first called Christians. A prophet named Agaubus warned of a great famine that was coming to all the earth. he disciples determined to send relief to the brothers in Judea and they sent that relief by Barnabus and Saul., Everyone pitched in according to their ability (Acts 11:19-30). 

From this chapter I have pulled out that when it comes to the word of God and the life and resurrection of Christ, there is no partiality. It does not matter what you look like. You can receive the word of God regardless of the outside. The word will stick based on the inside. I also learned that this was the the first recorded relief effort from one group of people helping another group of people. That takes love and concern and selfless care for others. We need that when there is a national or worldwide disaster. We need that kind of selfless giving on weekdays, weekends and holidays. We need that more often. Love takes no days off.

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Friday Focus #15

Today or Tomorrow?

Hopefully we all had a good time with friends/family yesterday for Thanksgiving. But, what do we do the day after? I know there are stores with Black Friday sales (and chaos...and fights too). I know there is Cyber Monday that serves as the online version with no lines but still getting the best deals for stuff. I am not saying shopping is wrong, but I am once again going to bring up this question, what about service? When will we start serving? Today? Tomorrow? When??

I know we do many things as a family like meeting together and eating together and just spending time with one another. Those are all great and wonderful things. Continue to do them with love and unity for the family. But, I think about those that do not have any food. I think about those that do not have any friends. What about those that do not have any family?

As Christ followers we tend to forget to give to the needy. Where I live, I see plenty of homeless and downtrodden people. I can't feed every single one, but I can make an effort to feed the ones I encounter. You know when you go out to eat and you take food home, couldn't that food be given to someone who is homeless that struggles to eat daily? In Matthew 6:1-4 we see that we are to give to the poor (food or money or sit down and have lunch WITH them). We are not bringing attention to ourselves but seeking to show love to God by loving others as He loved us. I know we cannot serve every moment of every day, but can today be the first day where you just make an effort to look past your wants and start serving people in need; dire need? It actually pains me to write this knowing that there are so many of us who can make a difference, but chose not to. It doesn't have to be big, just let it be from the heart. Parents lead your children in this. Kids, get your teams and friends together in this. Adults, get your friends and small groups involved in this. It's about time...isn't it?

Please read more on giving alms on http://www.gotquestions.org/alms-almsgiving.html
 
This is not the way to talk about serving.

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Act 10: Cornelius, Peter and Partiality

Cornelius, Peter and Partiality

In Acts 10:1-8 we meet Cornelius who was a devout man who was a soldier in the Italian Army who gave alms to the poor, prayed to God continually and had a God fearing household. An angel of God appeared in a vision and told him that his prayers and alms have ascended and were seen as a memorial before God. The angel then instructed Cornelius to send men to Joppa and bring Simon Peter. After the angel departed, Cornelius followed through and sent three men to Joppa and even told them all what he had just encountered.

Cornelius was finally able to meet Peter,  who had a vision as well, but his vision was related to snakes, birds and reptiles and God saying "What God has made clean, do not call common" which was in relation to how Peter (a Jew) was interacting with Cornelius (a man from another nation) which was unlawful at the time. Cornelius knelt to worship Peter when he met him but Peter's humility reminded Cornelius that he too was a human and not God. Peter and
Cornelius being together was a part of God's plan and it tore down a human law that was not in God's will. It did not matter what their nationality was, it was only about God's will (Acts 10:34-35).

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Wednesday Wake Up #15

Giving Thanks to God and Loving Family

As we get ready for Thanksgiving tomorrow let us not forget what is really important. It isn't about the food and the fixin's. It isn't about the football games (hard for me to say that one haha). But our focus should be on God first and then the family unity.

As we look at Psalm 100, the title of this chapter is A Psalm for Giving Thanks. The focus is giving thanks to God. The opening 2 verses tell us to make a joyful noise to the Lord and serve Him with gladness. We are to come in God's presence with singing. We are to be singing the Lord's praises. Yes, there are times were God needs to hear from us that we are upset, but are we complaining more to God than we are giving thanks to Him. We overlook what we are thankful about many other days of the year. Can't this be the year the beginning of a time where we let God know that we are thankful to Him for all He has done. Personally, God has done so much in my life from the jobs I have had, the people I have met, the schools I have attended. But, even more so the things I overlook every day. I don't always thank God for the fact that my car works (a huge blessing if you have known me since my first car in 1997). I have forgotten to thank God for where I live. I could have lived in a horrible neighborhood with horrible neighbors and crime, but I don't. When was the last time I thanked God for those simple things? Now is a very good time. And tomorrow. And for years to come.

And when it comes to family, how often do we tell them not just that we love them, but how we appreciate them? Do we come home and complain about work and life problems? Can't we start greeting each other with love and a "holy kiss? (Romans 16:16 and GotQuestions.org)" Let us pray with the family as we should. If we are not praying with the kids and our spouses and significant others, how then are our relationships based in God's word? We need to honor our parents, not just during holidays, but at all times (Exodus 20:12). Fathers need to not provoke their children to anger (Colossians 3:21). Mothers can wisdom and kindness to their children (Proverbs 31:26).

No matter which holiday has arrived let us remember to give thanks to God and let Him lead us as we connect with our families and friends whether it is a holiday or just any old day. Let us love regardless of the day (John 15:12).

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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 8: Persecution and Simon's Repentance

Persecution and Simon's Repentance

Saul was a man who was the supervisor of Stephen's execution in Acts 7:54-60. In Acts 8:1-3, Saul continued making life hell for church members in Jerusalem. Saul was going into people's homes and committing men and women to prison. They were imprisoned simply for being members of the church. That is called being persecuted.

Now, we have seen that there are people who when they heard the word of God and they hear about Jesus they either chose to believe or not believe. It is their choice. In Acts 8:9-25 we have Simon the magician who had gained prominence by practicing magic and making people believe he was somebody great. As other Samaritans came to believe the gospel of Christ, Simon believed as well, but he did slip up. He saw that Peter and John were empowered by the Holy Spirit and lay hands on the people of Samaria that received the word of God. Simon saw this power and thought he could buy the ability from Peter and John. Peter said to Simon, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God." Simon repented and said "Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me." Repentance is part of our reconnection with God.

We can give up when things seem hopeless. or we can stick to our old ways and pretend to be changed people, but when you have the Holy Spirit with you it can keep you grounded in order to do God's will.

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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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Friday Focus #14

The Open Doors of Freedom

Now that I am taking steps to live outside of my "box", I recognize my freedom. This is not just freedom in the choices I make, but the freedom from that which I fear. I feared heartbreak, broken relationships, and not getting what I wanted in life. I even feared being humbled from being wrong. But the perfect life where everything goes my way is not realistic, and it is not what scripture teaches us either. We are taught to follow Christ and submit to God's will in our lives.

I wanted freedom from fear, yet I did not ask. I didn't ask God for His strength in my daily life. I just adjusted my life based on what I thought the right decisions would be, yet it was not based in Biblical principles. We know about "Ask, Seek Knock" from Matthew 7:7-12. If it is in God's will and I ask Him for it and seek it and knock on the door it will be provided to me. If it is not in God's will then there may be a problem with my motives.

I wanted to be free from condemnation. If anyone person or group of people condemned me for a dream, goal or a sin I committed or if I felt they did not support me, into the "box" I would go. Jesus wouldn't condemn me or want me to go inside my "box." Not once have I ever read about Jesus condemning people for their sins, only calling out hypocrites who used God's word to undercut others for personal/political gain (like the Pharisees did). We read in Romans 8:1 (one of my favorites) that there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus. I am free from the condemnation and judgment from others (we are not called to condemn Luke 6:37) and I am free from the condemnation of sin. Others look at the outside and do not see the heart as God does (John 7:24).

But with my freedom, I need to also be responsible. Just because I am coming out of my box it does not mean that I should run around and do all the things I want to do either. Yes God will forgive me when I repent, but what about my influence on others? What I do in my life can definitely affect others. I read in 1 Corinthians 8:9 about being careful that just because I can do something, I need to be careful not make another brother or sister in Christ stumble. While learning myself in God's will, I need to check my influence on others and make sure that I am in His will and not my own.

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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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Wednesday Wake Up #14

Living in a Box

I was driving home the other night and was thinking to myself about some of the patterns I have in my life. One of these patterns is living in a box. Not a literal box, but a figurative one. There are fears that I have that have been in control of decisions I made. I rationalized these decisions and utilized the boundaries I created in order to keep the "worst" from happening. There is nothing wrong with boundaries, but when the boundaries are outside of God's will, that's where the problem lies.

When we read 2 Timothy 1:7 we know that God did not give us a spirit of fear. God does not want us to live in fear, especially when we are doing things that glorify Him. There would be no need to be fearful when God tells you to do something to glorify the Kingdom. That fear can come from not thinking you are good enough to do it. Or that fear could come from thinking people won't like what you are doing. But, God can use imperfect people to get His message across (2 Samuel 11 and Matthew 1:6). And what we do for God isn't about how everyone will take it (Matthew 10:28). We are not people pleasers. We are servants to the will of God, our King.

Now, as I move forward in live I see that the box was supposed to be keeping me safe, but it was also keeping me from living life and living it abundantly in God's will (John 10:10). It kept me from doing what God wanted me to because I was not thinking how God wanted me to think. When I am in tune with Christ like thinking on God sized goals, I have no reason to fear. Maybe that fear was from Satan to keep me from being one with God, but we need not fear as we walk with God (Isaiah 41:10).

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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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Acts 3- The Power in the Name of Jesus

The Power in the Name of Jesus

There is power in the robe of Jesus (Luke 8:43-48). There is power in the words of Jesus (John 5:8). There is power in the name of Jesus.

In Acts 3:1-10, we read about a man, lame from birth, asking for alms (begging) at a place called the Beautiful Gate. He was looking for some kind of financial support since he was lame and did not not have the ability to walk (his friends carried him). Peter and John were walking into the temple through the gate and the man asked for alms. Peter turned to him and said "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!"

Acts 3:11-16, we read that people were amazed at the miracle that they just witnessed of this man. Peter had to speak to the people again as he did in Acts 2, and calls out their wonder and amazement and tells them that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is the same God of Jesus that was turned over to Pilate. He continues to tell them that it is through faith in the name of Jesus that the man was healed, not by the strength of the disciples themselves.

Peter and John had an opportunity to obtain glory that was not theirs even though people thought it was. Peter turned the focus from him to the power in the name of Jesus as God's will is done. When life hits you hard and breaks you down and has you desperate that you are willing to beg, just know that there is power in the name of Jesus. And when you are surrounded by those who follow Christ, they can assist in bringing that power forth in the name of Jesus.

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Acts 2: Peter's Sermon at Pentecost

Peter's Sermon at Pentecost

We read in Acts 1 that about 120 people were gathered, praying together to find a replacement for Judas. They were led by God to select Matthias. On the day of Pentecost (a feast celebrating Moses being given the Law) they were gathered (same theme as Acts 1) and were able to speak in tongues and interpret (tongues is the ability to speak in another language given via the holy spirit for the purpose of spreading the gospel to other's who do not speak your language).

In verses 12-13, people were amazed and others who saw this were thinking that those speaking in tongues were drunk. The disciple Peter gave a sermon as as response to the naysayers. He addressed their gossip and gave them truth and perspective saying that it was only the 3rd hour of the day (too early to be drunk and approx 9am). And then Peter gave them scripture. He gave them truth in Acts 2:17-21 from Joel 2:28-32 quoting why people should not be naysayers and gossipers when it was the Lord at work.

Once again we see that when people will gossip and cut you down and denigrate you when they do not understand the Lord's work in your life. They will chalk up your being infused with the Holy Spirit to you just being naturally outgoing or to you trying to gain something from others. We must be prepared for that when we are doing God's work and people tell us that we are not and try to cut us down. Be ready with a defense of truth and not defensiveness and emotion.

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Acts 1:14- Joined in Prayer

Joined in Prayer

Jesus has already ascended in to Heaven after his resurrection. We already know that he is down one disciple (Judas hanged himself for betraying Jesus). All of the remaining disciples, Mary mother of Jesus, and other followers of Jesus (including his brothers who were not supportive of his ministry until after his resurrection) met totaling about 120 people. The purpose of this meeting was to find a replacement for the deceased Judas.

In verse 14, we see that they all had one accord. That means that they were all joined together and had unity in their purpose. There were not multiple perspectives on what needed to happen and of what was of the utmost importance. We read "All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers." They were all praying together for the same purpose. Not selfish motives, but for wisdom in selection a replacement.
 

They selected Matthias who had been a part of their group. They prayed that God would know their hearts and help them select who would be the replacement. I showcase this verse to show unity within the group to God's will and the group's purpose was for solidifying a unit and spreading the word of Christ. I ask this simple question, is your group of friends, loved ones, and/or family united to spread the word of Christ?

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Friday Focus #13

God's Direction is Best for Our Lives

As mush as we think that God's way for our lives is best for us, do we act accordingly? In other words, are you following God's direction in all parts of life, or just certain areas? Maybe you don't steal money, but you don't tithe for the church. Maybe you don't fight people, but you hang on to bitterness with a strong grip. Maybe you go to church all the time, but once you leave your life does not bear any fruit.

The path we walk in life can be directed by our own ways. Our Own ways of thinking direct what we do, but it should be God's. We know Jesus served many and did not only do it on or around holidays, yet we often only serve people on Thanksgiving and Christmas. We are so often focused on ourselves and what we need to do and what are priorities to us than what is a priority to God. In Proverbs 16:25 we read "there is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." The way we choose can be disconnected from God which is a spiritual death. Self medicating (drugs and alcohol) for personal problems can lead to physical death.

When we need that direction, where do we go? Where do we turn? We turn to God. We turn to God's word. We don't justify our ways became they are natural or normal for us. That is an excuse to simply say "I want to do it my way." Look at James 1:5 and see that when we lack wisdom we should seek God's wisdom. We don't turn to tarot cards, we turn to God. The Bible is for use for us with no charge. We don't turn to the random person who is not Christ led. We don't turn to new age spirituality. We turn to Jesus and seek his will for us.

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