2 Peter 3: Unstable Twist vs. Stability

Unstable Twist vs. Stability

When reading through 2 Peter 3, I saw verses 16-17 and shook my head and gave an affirmative "mmmhmm" which signified my solidarity with what was written. Here was have Peter (yes that Peter) writing about the letters that Paul had written. Peter says that some things Paul wrote/writes are hard to understand and those that do not understand them and those that are unstable (not solid in their faith) will use them and twist the meanings to mean what they want them to say. He continues on and warns them to not get carried away (figuratively) with the lawlessness of the ignorant and unstable who twist the words of Paul as they have done with other scriptures. When I communicate with other be they believers or not, I see the same issue. People will use scripture to fuel their own sin and validate its existence in their life. We need to be careful not to fall prey as those people do and not let them whisk us away with them into those lifestyles and areas of thinking.

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1 Peter 2: Servants and Masters

Servants and Masters

With reading 1 Peter 2:18-22, I didn't want to address the servants and masters issue that some Bible detractors will try to bring up to discredit scripture and say how it encourages slavery. When if read properly the reader (detractor will see) that the Bible was not seeking to institute slavery, it was trying to show people how to respond in various situations and circumstances. Even doing this ministry over the last few years, God has told me some things that I was not ready for and didn't want to do, including starting the ministry itself. But in this regard, we have Peter speaking to servants who, of course, would want to fight back for being beaten/whipped for sinning against the master. The first part is the sin of the servant against the master. Compare that to the way we as God's children sin against God and we are punished for it. Are we supposed to fight God, our master? No. The same "rule" applies here as servant hood was not the same during this time or in this example as the slavery we understand from American slavery. This was servanthood to pay off debts. So Peter's words here are about enduring when being punished for wrongdoing against the person you went into an agreement with. Even when you are innocent, Peter's words are to "endure" the punishment as Christ was also innocent and that endurance will be a testimony to you in honor of God through Christ and his endurance.
 

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1 Peter 1: Brotherly Love

Brotherly Love

1 Peter 1:22 reminds us that we "love one another earnestly from a pure heart" after being obedient to Christ. No one else has loved others the way Jesus did. When you follow Christ and use him as your example as how to live you will see how to love others selflessly. 

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Acts 15: The Two Splits and Fusion Attempt

The Two Splits and Fusion Attempt 

There were men telling the brothers of the church that only those who are circumcised can be saved. That completely overwrites what Christ did on the cross and what Paul and Barnabas had been teaching. Paul and Barnabas tried to persuade them through debate. That didn't work so they went to go speak with the elders and other apostles about the matter but they could not come to an agreement. There were those who were circumcised as the Pharisees were, but were also Christians and still believed that circumcision led to salvation. They were split (Acts 15:1-5).

During these debates, Peter spoke on the issues setting the focus on faith and not the acts of keeping the laws of Moses. Then Paul and Barnabas spoke up on the miracles they have seen and had done through God's will. The assembly fell silent and eventually James spoke and suggested to write to the Gentiles who had turned to God. The letters were to encourage them to flee sexual immorality and to abstain from anything polluted by false idols. The letters were also to create unity in that which was divided; the church (Acts 15:6-35).

Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement. They both wanted to visit the places where they preached the word of God and check up on the people. Barnabas wanted to take Mark, but Paul did not want to because Mark had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia. This is where the disagreement ensued and they both went their separate ways with Paul taking Silas with him and Barnabas taking Mark (Acts 15:36-41).

It is okay when we disagree with one another. It is the manner in which we disagree. In other words, what did you say and how did you say it? Where was your heart? Did you listen to what they had to say? Did you ask for clarification when you were not sure of something? We don't always have to be right and in this disagreement between Paul and Barnabas those types of questions would need to be asked in hopes that the relationship remain in tact rather than split for good.

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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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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 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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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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John 20: The Resurrection

The Resurrection

The Resurrection of Christ (to me) is symbolic of how our former lives were and our current lives are after we accept God's will fully into our lives and submit to His will (James 4:7).

Mary Magdalene, John, Peter and Simon Peter went to the tomb to check on Jesus but he was no longer there (John 20:1-4).

The pieces of clothing that he was buried in were left in the tomb and folded neatly and left behind by Jesus (John 20:6-7).

When we set our hearts and minds and souls on being fully sacrificial to God's will, we too can leave the old ways behind us like Jesus left behind the linen cloths from his burial. Those burial cloths represent what was, not what is. People we knew before full obedience to God come to see us, metaphorically speaking, it seems like we are not there. We are not the same. We are different. Our submission is to God's will, not the way things used to be. They can only see pieces (similar to memories) of what used to be us, just like the burial clothes of Jesus. We are made new through the power of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

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John 18: Peter is Like Us, Jesus is Our Example

Peter is Like Us, Jesus is Our Example

We know Jesus knew that Peter would deny that he knew him three times (Matthew 26:30-34).

Then we know that Peter said he would not deny Jesus (Matthew 26:35). 

When Jesus was captured, he did not cure Peter's name or talk about him as if he was the worst person ever (John 18).

What does this say about Jesus? He knew he would be denied and essentially left alone in a time of crisis, yet he still loved Peter anyway. He was still compassionate to Peter any way. He forgave Peter in advance.

God's love is not finite. It is infinite. It is not conditional like human love. Jesus knew what Peter would do and did not condemn him. Since Christ is our example we must see and apply the knowing that we must forgive others and forgive our selves. We mess up. Others mess up. We need forgiveness as others do. No one deserves forgiveness, it is a gift. That gift comes from the power from God's gift of redemption to us through Christ.

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John 13: Jesus is the Portrait of Humility

Jesus is the Portrait of Humility

Are there certain jobs or careers or tasks that seem "beneath" you? Would you ever clean a toilet? Pick up trash? Cutting grass? Maybe you see jobs like that or other ones as beneath you. You can try to qualify your pride by saying you are over qualified, but what about when we are serving others. Are we "too qualified" to be humble and serve? If so, then you are also too prideful.

Jesus wasn't prideful at all. He didn't go on and on about all of the works he has done and bragged about being the son of God. He didn't get all the fancy robes and attire fit for a king. Jesus was humble and sought to serve the will of God above all else. We see in John 13:15-17, after Jesus washes the disciples feet that he tells them that he has set an example for them that they are to follow. We are to do for others what Jesus has done for us. This is not to gain something from God or people, but to serve God by serving people.

In John 13:21, Jesus reveals that he knew one of the disciples would betray him. I love that he didn't call out the guy's name and put his name all out there. Jesus was still serving and did not ostracize him. In this day and age, if we feel wronged by someone we ignore them, hate them and maybe even talk about them on social media. Or we may gossip to people about them. What good does that do? How does that glorify God or reflect our walk with Christ. Yes, we are all imperfect, but we need to check our decisions too.

If you are looking for a way to stretch yourself to serve this coming week, Subway has a deal on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. If you buy one sub you get one free. That doesn't mean you eat both, but give one away. Maybe to a homeless person or someone you work with. Anyone!! Click here for to read more on the offer.

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Friday Focus #11

When The Storm Hits

Life isn't easy. There can be very, very tough times with no money, broken relationships, no where to live, no method of transportation to work, or even a death of a family member of friend. Each of those are storms....but what about when they all hit at once. Now what?

We can blame God and say that He did this to us. We can overlook how much we are in control of our own decisions that can lead to our storms. Some things do "just happen" but others are a result of decisions we have made that lead to the storm. Remember when Jesus walked on water and invited Peter out into the water, but as Peter started walked, he started sinking (Matthew 14:22-33)? Peter lacked faith that Jesus was able to walk on the water and even when he called out to Jesus, Jesus said "come." But, when Peter saw the wind he got scared and lost sight of Jesus and lost faith and started to sink. Peter was going to do something amazing through God's will and lost his focus and his faith and saw the problem as bigger than his Lord.

But what about those things that just happen not due to bad decisions (a lack of obedience) but just something bad happened? Your house burned down. Car accidents and injuries. Being assaulted. What do we do then? We don't blame God, we use our faith in God to stay on track and know that God will use that situation to be glorified. It can serve as a test, not a punishment (1 Peter 1:7). When God tests us we grow stronger to glorify Him. If everything is easy, how will we grow? We won't!! God doesn't want us to stay in our comfort zones. I used to "worship" the cars I owned or the women I have dated. God had every single one of them removed so that I could see Him better. Whether the car broke down, or was wrecked, or the girl was put on a pedestal, they all served as a set of blinders to keep me from seeing God's will.

From Kerry Shook on "Tracking a Miracle in the Storm"

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Friday Focus #7

Give it UP!

We have all heard all types of saying that can classify as Christian rhetoric such as "Give It To God" and "Let Go and Let God." But, if you really look at what is deep in the meaning of what those phrases are, is it really rhetoric?

We try to control so much in our lives, but there is so much that we are not in control of. Have you ever tried to control someone? What about trying to control other aspects of life? What about worry? Isn't that what leads us to try to control things and people? We think that something bad will happen and we worry and try to fix it so it doesn't happen. Why are we so worried?

Worry is just a symptom, in my opinion, of not having any faith that God will take care of things. Our worry leads us to actions that we think are fixing things, but really our worries and actions from being worried are not God centered. We aren't taking things to God, we are taking matters into our own hands because we lack faith in God and patience in the process.

God wants us to cast our anxieties on Him (1 Peter 5:7). He doesn't want us walking around being balls of anxiety with two legs. No! He wants us to be at ease and to release those anxieties, stresses, pressures and worries to Him. 

He has a plan for us and we are to not lean on how our own understanding, but trust in Him, acknowledge Him and He will make our paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).

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Mark 14:6- Anointing of Jesus

Anointing of Jesus

In Mark 14:6, we get to see Jesus stand up for a woman who, in a sense, was being bullied by people. A woman used expensive oil and poured it over Jesus's head. It was used to anoint him, which symbolizes empowering, blessing and protection in religious ceremonies. Many were upset that she "wasted" the oil on Jesus when it could have been sold for 300 denarii (which would be worth today $30,000 USD).

What these men overlooked was their own selfishness. They overlooked what was being done for Jesus and thought of what they could have done with the money. I equate that to skipping on tithing because you would rather use the money for your own personal gain.

Jesus stood up for her and asked the men why they troubled/bothered her understanding that she did a beautiful thing for him. She did what she could to anoint his body for burial. Jesus is saying that he is going to die.

 Jesus knew he was fulfilling prophecies. He knew the role Judas would have and what part Peter would play. He knew that they would "not always have" him. He foretells his betrayal and his death on the cross.

Jesus knew what his purpose was and went through with it anyway. The more I read about Jesus the more my heart breaks for what our sin did to him. The more my heart breaks for how he was treated when he dedicated his life for us.

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Mark 8:34-38- Deny Yourself

Deny Yourself

In reading through Mark 8, a few verses jumped out to me. But, there is one section that really strikes a chord with me. Jesus said many things through his time on earth, but we misconstrue, twist and manipulate what he said. Maybe we do it for personal gain or we do it because we are just confused.

In verses 31-32, Jesus foretells his death and resurrection, and then in verse 34, Jesus goes on to tell people that they must "deny themselves" and "take up their cross and follow" him. If you are to deny yourself, as Christ meant it, it means you are concerned with what God wants from you, not what man wants from you. Man's ways are flawed as they seek personal gain and self promotion (take a look at selfies and social media). If you are to deny yourself, you are not looking to fulfill your motives, you are looking to fulfill God's desires.

Taking up the cross was not an act that was applauded, it was a death sentence. You had to carry the very thing that was going to be used to kill you for your crimes. Jesus carried his cross but was not guilty of any crime. Are you willing to be mocked and ridiculed and falsely accused and persecuted and bullied for following Christ?

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Friday Focus #2

The Importance of Accountability

If we aren't wanting to be held accountable then we are leaving ourselves open to falling for the temptation Satan throws at us. Satan knows what makes you stumble. Satan knows what will make you fall. Satan knows what will draw you further away from God and the rest of the flock. That is when Satan can attack (see 1 Peter 5:8).

When we are being held accountable we are able to help strengthen the body of Christ. If I am stumbling and do not care then I can cause another brother or sister to stumble. We see in Hebrews 10:24-25 that we need to "spur one another toward love and good deeds." We need to meet together and "encourage one another." The stronger we are as units the stronger the body of Christ is.

When I am going through a tough time it is amazing to be able to get a phone call or a text from a brother in Christ who can listen to my bad days. It is amazing to have brothers in Christ who will pray for me and with me. They will also keep me in check when I fall to sin (James 5:16), be it intentional or unintentional. Accountability is a big part of the Christian walk.

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