1Corinthians 15:13-14 -- "But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain."
This is the reality of Easter, the fact that Jesus rose again from the dead. How important is this? Well, without the resurrection Christianity never gets off the ground but it becomes nothing more than a man-made concocted religion that mythologizes a dead religious leader. Now, the truth is that Jesus rose again from the dead and the evidence is overwhelming. Paul gives a great list of eye witnesses in 1 Corinthians 15:5-8, starting with Jesus' Apostles and going on to over 500 witnesses who saw Him at one time. Now, a list is one thing, but a quality of a life that has seen the risen Christ and is living without a fear of dying for that truth is something else. These disciples who at one point fled the garden and even the cross to hide away in an upper room due to fear because of their association with Jesus of Nazareth are now preaching and proclaiming with boldness this Jesus as a resurrected Messiah who they had personally seen. People will die for a lie believing the whole time that it is truth but no sane person will die for a lie when they know it's a lie. Many of these disciples paid for their faith with their blood because the hope of the resurrection was so real once they had seen Jesus alive.
Let me add that the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the validation of God upon His life. The cross was the place where He offered His blood for a ransom for the world of sinners and the resurrection is the assurance that His offering was worthy and accepted by the Father. When Jesus arose, God was demonstrating that Jesus was His Son and that all that Jesus claimed must be taken as the truth of God revealed to humanity.
Paul wrote: "...Jesus Christ our Lord...was...declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead (Romans 1:3-4)." Easter holds such power significance for the world, because it offers the world hope through Jesus Christ...a hope that is eternal...a hope for forgiveness, restoration, healing and life everlasting, all through Him who told us that He alone is "the way, the truth and the life," and the fact that He rose again from the dead validates that His words are truth.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Building Bridges
John 4:13-14 Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
These two verses are from the great story of the God ordained encounter between Jesus of Nazareth and a woman of Samaria (to get the full detail, read John 4:1-42). The Lord in His journey this day, seems to take a course that is "out of the way." Yet, as we see, He knew exactly what He was doing. Left alone at a well in Samaria while the disciples go to purchase lunch, Jesus interacts with a lady who has come to draw her water at the time of the day when she is expecting that no one will be at the well. She is a lady who has felt pain, heartache, failure and rejection. Jesus knows this well and even points out that she has had five husbands before and even now she is "co-habitating" with a man. But He didn't come this way to condemn her (her life was already one of condemnation), but He came to set her free. Free from sin, free from guilt, free from a sordid past, free from the weight of meaninglessness. He tells her that what He can offer her will quench her deepest longings and thirsts for love, affection, acceptance and relationship. See, that's what all of humanity desires...love and acceptance and a clear conscience. God offers that through Christ, but like this lady, many times we throw up walls of resistance. She threw up walls of racial barriers (I'm a Samaritan and you're a Jew). She erected a wall of religion (I worship this way). In spite of this, Jesus is not deterred, for He builds bridges over her walls and at the end of this day, we behold a lady and a community who has found a true source of joy and meaning..."indeed, the Savior of the world (vs. 42)."
These two verses are from the great story of the God ordained encounter between Jesus of Nazareth and a woman of Samaria (to get the full detail, read John 4:1-42). The Lord in His journey this day, seems to take a course that is "out of the way." Yet, as we see, He knew exactly what He was doing. Left alone at a well in Samaria while the disciples go to purchase lunch, Jesus interacts with a lady who has come to draw her water at the time of the day when she is expecting that no one will be at the well. She is a lady who has felt pain, heartache, failure and rejection. Jesus knows this well and even points out that she has had five husbands before and even now she is "co-habitating" with a man. But He didn't come this way to condemn her (her life was already one of condemnation), but He came to set her free. Free from sin, free from guilt, free from a sordid past, free from the weight of meaninglessness. He tells her that what He can offer her will quench her deepest longings and thirsts for love, affection, acceptance and relationship. See, that's what all of humanity desires...love and acceptance and a clear conscience. God offers that through Christ, but like this lady, many times we throw up walls of resistance. She threw up walls of racial barriers (I'm a Samaritan and you're a Jew). She erected a wall of religion (I worship this way). In spite of this, Jesus is not deterred, for He builds bridges over her walls and at the end of this day, we behold a lady and a community who has found a true source of joy and meaning..."indeed, the Savior of the world (vs. 42)."
Friday, April 8, 2011
Life with Meaning
Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, 17 – “I said in my heart, "Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself." But behold, this also was vanity. I said of laughter, "It is mad," and of pleasure, "What use is it?" I searched with my heart how to cheer my body with wine--my heart still guiding me with wisdom--and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the children of man to do under heaven during the few days of their life. I made great works. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. I made myself gardens and parks, and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees. I made myself pools from which to water the forest of growing trees. I bought male and female slaves, and had slaves who were born in my house. I had also great possessions of herds and flocks, more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem. I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I got singers, both men and women, and many concubines, the delight of the children of man. So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun…So I hated life, because what is done under the sun was grievous to me, for all is vanity and a striving after wind.”
Here Solomon reveals to us that as King of Israel, there was nothing that he kept from his desires. Pleasure, popularity, fame, fortune, sex, possessions, and riches filled the life of this great king and yet his final analysis was that it was all “…vanity and a striving after wind.” Even Christ our Lord added, “for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions (Luke 12:15)." So many today live a meaningless life and pass this on even to their children and we see the despair that hangs over a generation as suicide is the number two killer of teens in America…why, there is nothing to live for, for even pleasure has left man empty. Ravi Zacharias stated: “Meaninglessness comes not from a weariness of pain, but from a weariness of pleasure.” As a follower of Christ, I realize that life finds meaning in relationships and that ultimate meaning is found in a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. From this truth comes the understanding that pleasure, pain, possessions and life’s necessities find their ultimate meaning. Solomon in the end found this to be the truth when he wrote: “Remember now thy Creator…and… Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:1, 13-14).”
Here Solomon reveals to us that as King of Israel, there was nothing that he kept from his desires. Pleasure, popularity, fame, fortune, sex, possessions, and riches filled the life of this great king and yet his final analysis was that it was all “…vanity and a striving after wind.” Even Christ our Lord added, “for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions (Luke 12:15)." So many today live a meaningless life and pass this on even to their children and we see the despair that hangs over a generation as suicide is the number two killer of teens in America…why, there is nothing to live for, for even pleasure has left man empty. Ravi Zacharias stated: “Meaninglessness comes not from a weariness of pain, but from a weariness of pleasure.” As a follower of Christ, I realize that life finds meaning in relationships and that ultimate meaning is found in a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. From this truth comes the understanding that pleasure, pain, possessions and life’s necessities find their ultimate meaning. Solomon in the end found this to be the truth when he wrote: “Remember now thy Creator…and… Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:1, 13-14).”
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
All Things New!!!
2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
A new house, a new car, a new boat; there is something exciting about owning something new. But after a while, it seems to loose its luster. It fades with time regardless of what the material possession may be and then we find ourselves ready to move on to something more exciting and new. Now when I placed my faith in Christ and what He did for me on the cross, I received a brand new life that never looses its luster or newness. My old lifestyle and the baggage of sin and death that I carried truly passed away and in Christ I became a brand new creation. Oh what a change He has wrought! I left darkness and entered light, I passed from death to life, I was alienated from God but now I am near to God, I was an enemy of God but now I am a child of God. I was once living under condemnation but now I am justified as innocent in His sight. I was polluted but now I am washed and sanctified. I was once devoid of His Spirit but now I am the temple of the Holy Ghost. It's not something new that we need to look for, it's just that we need to take another look and see what He has done in us, for us and through us and to see that God has made all things new.
A new house, a new car, a new boat; there is something exciting about owning something new. But after a while, it seems to loose its luster. It fades with time regardless of what the material possession may be and then we find ourselves ready to move on to something more exciting and new. Now when I placed my faith in Christ and what He did for me on the cross, I received a brand new life that never looses its luster or newness. My old lifestyle and the baggage of sin and death that I carried truly passed away and in Christ I became a brand new creation. Oh what a change He has wrought! I left darkness and entered light, I passed from death to life, I was alienated from God but now I am near to God, I was an enemy of God but now I am a child of God. I was once living under condemnation but now I am justified as innocent in His sight. I was polluted but now I am washed and sanctified. I was once devoid of His Spirit but now I am the temple of the Holy Ghost. It's not something new that we need to look for, it's just that we need to take another look and see what He has done in us, for us and through us and to see that God has made all things new.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Psalm 119:130 - "The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple."
Have you ever tried to assemble something while disregarding the instruction manual? Most of us have done this at least once in our lives and we found the results to be frustrating at best. Life would be easier if it came with an instruction manual at birth, but it doesn't. With that said, let me boldly declare that God, the Supreme Being who created man and woman in His image and likeness, has given to us in the Bible, simple instructions for living a life of wisdom, understanding, fulfillment and most importantly, how to know Him in a loving relationship. Through the bible, we find that God has addressed every area of life from pain and suffering, to marriage and child-rearing, as well as, a healthy work ethic and how to tend to our possessions (yes even God calls them our possessions, true capitalism), and how to treat our fellow man (just to name a few). He has given us wisdom in His words and as David has written in this verse, the unfolding of His words gives light (illumination) and it imparts understanding to the simple (foolish; silly). As a Christian, read this book daily, search out it's teachings, and apply its instruction and you will find light to guide you in every area of life.
Have you ever tried to assemble something while disregarding the instruction manual? Most of us have done this at least once in our lives and we found the results to be frustrating at best. Life would be easier if it came with an instruction manual at birth, but it doesn't. With that said, let me boldly declare that God, the Supreme Being who created man and woman in His image and likeness, has given to us in the Bible, simple instructions for living a life of wisdom, understanding, fulfillment and most importantly, how to know Him in a loving relationship. Through the bible, we find that God has addressed every area of life from pain and suffering, to marriage and child-rearing, as well as, a healthy work ethic and how to tend to our possessions (yes even God calls them our possessions, true capitalism), and how to treat our fellow man (just to name a few). He has given us wisdom in His words and as David has written in this verse, the unfolding of His words gives light (illumination) and it imparts understanding to the simple (foolish; silly). As a Christian, read this book daily, search out it's teachings, and apply its instruction and you will find light to guide you in every area of life.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Pure Conscience
Acts 23:1 - "And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day."
Wow, what a statement! To live before God and even our fellow man with a good conscience is something that all Christians should strive to do. Before a watching world, our greatest witness is not so much what we say (although that is very important), but it is the way we conduct our lives, business, manners, and all or our interactions with our fellowman. To live before men in a way that glorifies God is the greatest testimony you can give. Let our conscience always bear witness that, what we do towards our fellow man, we do with a pure motive, and God, who sees the heart, will guard us in all of our actions and workings for His kingdom.
Wow, what a statement! To live before God and even our fellow man with a good conscience is something that all Christians should strive to do. Before a watching world, our greatest witness is not so much what we say (although that is very important), but it is the way we conduct our lives, business, manners, and all or our interactions with our fellowman. To live before men in a way that glorifies God is the greatest testimony you can give. Let our conscience always bear witness that, what we do towards our fellow man, we do with a pure motive, and God, who sees the heart, will guard us in all of our actions and workings for His kingdom.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Practicing Apologetics
Acts 21:40-22:1 - "And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying, Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you."
Here we have the Apostle making a defense of what he believes and why he believes it. This should be what every Christian is prepared to do. Peter wrote : "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (3:15)":
In other words, know and understand what you believe as a follower of Christ so that when a watching world asks you of this hope, you are ready with an answer. In my experience, a good number of Christians love church, listening to good preaching and teaching as well as worshiping corporately, but Sundays are as far as their knowledge of God goes, and when pressed with the tough questions of life, they have no answer of the hope that is within them. Let me state that I am offering no diatribe against us today, but trying to make us aware of a reality that is prevalent in American Christianity. We must remedy this. The Christian worldview takes a back seat to nothing and no one. Whether to the rich or poor, educated or uneducated, in the market place or at the university level, the Christian worldview has the answer. Sadly though, the case of Christians living out their beliefs and being able to defend them is lacking greatly. George Barna Research found out a couple of years ago that only 6% of professed believers actually live out a Christian worldview and the Pew Forum discovered last year that Christians in America are at the bottom of the list when it comes to knowing what they believe; the atheists and agnostics know more about Christianity than Christians in this nation. We have to right this course, I encourage you to seek after God and to apply your heart and mind to know Him, His word and the reason you hold to your beliefs. In other words, let us study to show ourselves approved. By the way, you have the greatest helper in doing this, the Holy Spirit who leads us into all truth.
Here we have the Apostle making a defense of what he believes and why he believes it. This should be what every Christian is prepared to do. Peter wrote : "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (3:15)":
In other words, know and understand what you believe as a follower of Christ so that when a watching world asks you of this hope, you are ready with an answer. In my experience, a good number of Christians love church, listening to good preaching and teaching as well as worshiping corporately, but Sundays are as far as their knowledge of God goes, and when pressed with the tough questions of life, they have no answer of the hope that is within them. Let me state that I am offering no diatribe against us today, but trying to make us aware of a reality that is prevalent in American Christianity. We must remedy this. The Christian worldview takes a back seat to nothing and no one. Whether to the rich or poor, educated or uneducated, in the market place or at the university level, the Christian worldview has the answer. Sadly though, the case of Christians living out their beliefs and being able to defend them is lacking greatly. George Barna Research found out a couple of years ago that only 6% of professed believers actually live out a Christian worldview and the Pew Forum discovered last year that Christians in America are at the bottom of the list when it comes to knowing what they believe; the atheists and agnostics know more about Christianity than Christians in this nation. We have to right this course, I encourage you to seek after God and to apply your heart and mind to know Him, His word and the reason you hold to your beliefs. In other words, let us study to show ourselves approved. By the way, you have the greatest helper in doing this, the Holy Spirit who leads us into all truth.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Right mindset
Acts 20:22-24 - "And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God."
Talking about having the right mind set, Paul displays it here. He knows that he is heading to Jerusalem and that once he arrives there, it will be trouble for him. How did he know this? The Spirit of God had revealed this to him. How would we react? How would this affect our plans in life? As a child of God, you need no reminding that this life is filled with tests and trials, but we know that "all of these things work together in our lives for the good purposes of God (paraphrase of Romans 8:28)." We must be willing to keep moving forward in Christ in spite of the struggles and testing. If we will walk on, we will always find that we never walk alone, for Christ said that He was with us always (Matthew 28:20) and that is a promise that you can trust in. Charles Spurgeon once wrote: "Walk with God and you cannot mistake the road. You have infallible wisdom to direct you, permanent love to comfort you, and eternal power to defend you." Let your mind be established in this truth, that adversity is always a part of life, but I am made more than a conqueror through Christ who loves me (Romans 8:37). Victory is ours because it was first His. Go forward in Christ!
Talking about having the right mind set, Paul displays it here. He knows that he is heading to Jerusalem and that once he arrives there, it will be trouble for him. How did he know this? The Spirit of God had revealed this to him. How would we react? How would this affect our plans in life? As a child of God, you need no reminding that this life is filled with tests and trials, but we know that "all of these things work together in our lives for the good purposes of God (paraphrase of Romans 8:28)." We must be willing to keep moving forward in Christ in spite of the struggles and testing. If we will walk on, we will always find that we never walk alone, for Christ said that He was with us always (Matthew 28:20) and that is a promise that you can trust in. Charles Spurgeon once wrote: "Walk with God and you cannot mistake the road. You have infallible wisdom to direct you, permanent love to comfort you, and eternal power to defend you." Let your mind be established in this truth, that adversity is always a part of life, but I am made more than a conqueror through Christ who loves me (Romans 8:37). Victory is ours because it was first His. Go forward in Christ!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
The Way
Acts 19:23 - "And the same time there arose no small stir about that way."
No small stir about "that way" is true even of today's world. Throughout the Book of Acts you will see the phrase "they way" or "that way," which is what the teachings about Christ were called. Everywhere Christ was proclaimed and taught, there was always a stir, just as today, where we see Jesus is still the most controversial figure of human history. What makes Him so different from other religious leaders? He claimed to be God in the flesh, He claimed to be the only way to God, and as such, He is the only religious leader who dealt specifically with the human heart and the nature of man. His is not a teaching of good works but a call for us to renounce who we are and trust Him for our eternal hope and escape from destruction. It's faith in Christ that makes us citizens of heaven, for when we believe, we become part of "that way." This runs in direct opposition to the foundations of all other religions that stresses man's works as the "saving" power. Whether you hate Jesus or love Him, one thing we cannot do is ignore Him. He is more than a good religious man, He is the Savior of humanity. C.S. Lewis said it well: "I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: 'I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept His claim to be God.' That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic - on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg - or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to." I love the statement by Ravi Zacharias: "Jesus did not come to make bad men good, He came to make dead men live," that is what Christ does.
No small stir about "that way" is true even of today's world. Throughout the Book of Acts you will see the phrase "they way" or "that way," which is what the teachings about Christ were called. Everywhere Christ was proclaimed and taught, there was always a stir, just as today, where we see Jesus is still the most controversial figure of human history. What makes Him so different from other religious leaders? He claimed to be God in the flesh, He claimed to be the only way to God, and as such, He is the only religious leader who dealt specifically with the human heart and the nature of man. His is not a teaching of good works but a call for us to renounce who we are and trust Him for our eternal hope and escape from destruction. It's faith in Christ that makes us citizens of heaven, for when we believe, we become part of "that way." This runs in direct opposition to the foundations of all other religions that stresses man's works as the "saving" power. Whether you hate Jesus or love Him, one thing we cannot do is ignore Him. He is more than a good religious man, He is the Savior of humanity. C.S. Lewis said it well: "I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: 'I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept His claim to be God.' That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic - on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg - or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to." I love the statement by Ravi Zacharias: "Jesus did not come to make bad men good, He came to make dead men live," that is what Christ does.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Christ is the Answer
Acts 18:28 - "For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ."
This verse is somewhat a summation of all that takes place in this chapter as well as Paul's ministry as a whole, which is, that these disciples made much of Jesus Christ and by doing so, they turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6). The Lord Himself told us that when He is lifted up, men will be drawn to Him (John 12:32)and that the purpose of the Spirit was to testify to the world the person and work of Jesus Christ (John 14:26). Yet, what seems to be lacking today in Christian circles is the preaching and teaching about the person of Christ. We find more books, songs and even sermons that instruct us how to find happiness, get rich, overcome depression, etc; than we find on what Christ has accomplished and that our lives find true fulfillment only in Him. Is it possible that we see so few conversions to Christianity in America because we preach so little of Christ? Money, fame, popularity, possessions,pleasure or religion has never quenched the deepest thirst of humanity, only the Living Water (Jesus Christ) can do that. He is the source of true peace, forgiveness, joy, and fulfillment. Do you know Him today?
This verse is somewhat a summation of all that takes place in this chapter as well as Paul's ministry as a whole, which is, that these disciples made much of Jesus Christ and by doing so, they turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6). The Lord Himself told us that when He is lifted up, men will be drawn to Him (John 12:32)and that the purpose of the Spirit was to testify to the world the person and work of Jesus Christ (John 14:26). Yet, what seems to be lacking today in Christian circles is the preaching and teaching about the person of Christ. We find more books, songs and even sermons that instruct us how to find happiness, get rich, overcome depression, etc; than we find on what Christ has accomplished and that our lives find true fulfillment only in Him. Is it possible that we see so few conversions to Christianity in America because we preach so little of Christ? Money, fame, popularity, possessions,pleasure or religion has never quenched the deepest thirst of humanity, only the Living Water (Jesus Christ) can do that. He is the source of true peace, forgiveness, joy, and fulfillment. Do you know Him today?
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Engaging
Acts 17:28 - "For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring."
(Read the entire account of Paul on Mar's Hill (Areopagus) found from verse 16 to verse 34).
Here we have Paul, addressing the leading Greek philosophical classes of the day and doing it on their own turf. The Greeks were not far from truth in their search for it. But here Paul brings them to the God that on whose door they were knocking, so to speak. The apostle preached to these men the one true God and His coming in the person of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, revealing to them that He is the end of their searching for ultimate truth and reality. Some accepted and some rejected, which will always be the case in evangelism. Our job is to present the truth of the gospel and be ready to meet the challenges head on. We need to prepare our hearts with knowledge and reliance upon the Spirit of Truth who will guide us in our tasks. But He must have something to work with and that falls on us to study to prepare ourselves to engage the market place of ideas. You don't have to be afraid, we have the upper hand, for we have the Truth, or rather, He has us.
(Read the entire account of Paul on Mar's Hill (Areopagus) found from verse 16 to verse 34).
Here we have Paul, addressing the leading Greek philosophical classes of the day and doing it on their own turf. The Greeks were not far from truth in their search for it. But here Paul brings them to the God that on whose door they were knocking, so to speak. The apostle preached to these men the one true God and His coming in the person of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, revealing to them that He is the end of their searching for ultimate truth and reality. Some accepted and some rejected, which will always be the case in evangelism. Our job is to present the truth of the gospel and be ready to meet the challenges head on. We need to prepare our hearts with knowledge and reliance upon the Spirit of Truth who will guide us in our tasks. But He must have something to work with and that falls on us to study to prepare ourselves to engage the market place of ideas. You don't have to be afraid, we have the upper hand, for we have the Truth, or rather, He has us.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Stirred Hearts
Acts 17:16 - "Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry."
This is a sobering question but it is one that must be asked to all who name the name Christ, when was the last time that our hearts were stirred and grieved by what is going on around us? But not only stirred, but it caused us to get involved more in the market place of life in order to reach a world with the Gospel of Christ. Our orders are simple, Jesus said that we should be salt and light in this dark world. Salt preserves and creates thirst and light illuminates and expels darkness. This is what a life lived with Christ does to a world under the influence of the fall. So, whether a business owner, employee, politician, an athlete or a student, let your heart be stirred by the need around us and purpose in your mind to live the Christian life in the eyes of a cynical watching world. You and I are called to be the salt and light, and nothing else will take that place in God's plan for us.
This is a sobering question but it is one that must be asked to all who name the name Christ, when was the last time that our hearts were stirred and grieved by what is going on around us? But not only stirred, but it caused us to get involved more in the market place of life in order to reach a world with the Gospel of Christ. Our orders are simple, Jesus said that we should be salt and light in this dark world. Salt preserves and creates thirst and light illuminates and expels darkness. This is what a life lived with Christ does to a world under the influence of the fall. So, whether a business owner, employee, politician, an athlete or a student, let your heart be stirred by the need around us and purpose in your mind to live the Christian life in the eyes of a cynical watching world. You and I are called to be the salt and light, and nothing else will take that place in God's plan for us.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Be a Berean
Acts 17:10-11 -- "And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."
The Jews of Berea were men of nobility, which means that they lived according to a Jewish maxim of that day that "none was of a noble spirit who did not employ himself in the study of the law.” With an attentive mind, they listened to the gospel of Jesus Christ presented by Paul and found, in their search of the scriptures, that this doctrine was truth, therefore many of them believed as well as honorable Greeks. The lesson for us here is that we as Christians should be people who give ourselves to the study of scripture and of educating ourselves in ideas that we encounter in this world. With intellects and hearts devoted to God and His word, we can have a ready answer (1 Peter 3:15) to all who ask of, desire to learn from, or even challenge our beliefs and convictions as followers of Christ. Truth will always keep us from error, and my Lord, we see so much error in nominal Christianity today. I encourage you to know what you believe and study to show yourself a servant of Christ, for what you believe will affect your life here and in eternity.
The Jews of Berea were men of nobility, which means that they lived according to a Jewish maxim of that day that "none was of a noble spirit who did not employ himself in the study of the law.” With an attentive mind, they listened to the gospel of Jesus Christ presented by Paul and found, in their search of the scriptures, that this doctrine was truth, therefore many of them believed as well as honorable Greeks. The lesson for us here is that we as Christians should be people who give ourselves to the study of scripture and of educating ourselves in ideas that we encounter in this world. With intellects and hearts devoted to God and His word, we can have a ready answer (1 Peter 3:15) to all who ask of, desire to learn from, or even challenge our beliefs and convictions as followers of Christ. Truth will always keep us from error, and my Lord, we see so much error in nominal Christianity today. I encourage you to know what you believe and study to show yourself a servant of Christ, for what you believe will affect your life here and in eternity.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Elements for victory
Acts 16:25 - "And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them."
We should all know this story well. Paul and Silas are imprisoned for delivering a servant girl from a demonic spirit. They were beaten with many stripes as well. Now this would seem like a good occasion to fault God, to complain and grumble and become angry and bitter. That is not the case at all here. These two Spirit filled men did something that no doubt was a common part of their lives, they had a wonderful church service. Prayer here was there petitioning God and singing was not just them bellowing out the latest Christian songs, but rather was most likely some of the Psalms of the Old Testament. Maybe it was "Bless the Lord, O' my soul (Ps. 103) or even "God is my refuge and strength (Ps. 46) or even some of the early church hymns (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). The point is this, prayer and scriptural truths sustained these apostles in their dark hour and that is exactly what will sustain you and me in the storms of our lives. Cultivate a life of prayer and scripture reading and you will stand the tests of life, for in these you will know Christ in His nearness.
We should all know this story well. Paul and Silas are imprisoned for delivering a servant girl from a demonic spirit. They were beaten with many stripes as well. Now this would seem like a good occasion to fault God, to complain and grumble and become angry and bitter. That is not the case at all here. These two Spirit filled men did something that no doubt was a common part of their lives, they had a wonderful church service. Prayer here was there petitioning God and singing was not just them bellowing out the latest Christian songs, but rather was most likely some of the Psalms of the Old Testament. Maybe it was "Bless the Lord, O' my soul (Ps. 103) or even "God is my refuge and strength (Ps. 46) or even some of the early church hymns (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). The point is this, prayer and scriptural truths sustained these apostles in their dark hour and that is exactly what will sustain you and me in the storms of our lives. Cultivate a life of prayer and scripture reading and you will stand the tests of life, for in these you will know Christ in His nearness.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Act 15:1-2 - "And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them..."
Here we have the classic example of man trying to attain salvation through his own works and accomplishments. As we can clearly see, the early church had to contend with the mind set that salvation was something attainable by human efforts. Let me state very adamantly , you nor I can do anything that will justify us or even make us holy before God. Only faith in what Jesus Christ accomplished on the cross can produce such an experience. When we do or don't do something in an effort to earn God's love and acceptance, we at the same time leave our faith in Christ and try to establish our own righteousness by laws. The problem with this is that it produces a life of condemnation and despair. As born again believers, we must accept the reality that all I need comes through Christ and His love and now, I live a lifestyle by not trying to earn His acceptance, but rather because I love Him. Salvation is through faith alone, by grace alone, because of Christ alone. Peter said it so well in this same chapter of Acts:
"But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they (15:11)." So live a lifestyle becoming Christianity, but not because you're "earning" salvation, but rather because you have freely received. Anything else is religion at it's best and remember, the religious crowd were the greatest enemies of Christ.
Here we have the classic example of man trying to attain salvation through his own works and accomplishments. As we can clearly see, the early church had to contend with the mind set that salvation was something attainable by human efforts. Let me state very adamantly , you nor I can do anything that will justify us or even make us holy before God. Only faith in what Jesus Christ accomplished on the cross can produce such an experience. When we do or don't do something in an effort to earn God's love and acceptance, we at the same time leave our faith in Christ and try to establish our own righteousness by laws. The problem with this is that it produces a life of condemnation and despair. As born again believers, we must accept the reality that all I need comes through Christ and His love and now, I live a lifestyle by not trying to earn His acceptance, but rather because I love Him. Salvation is through faith alone, by grace alone, because of Christ alone. Peter said it so well in this same chapter of Acts:
"But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they (15:11)." So live a lifestyle becoming Christianity, but not because you're "earning" salvation, but rather because you have freely received. Anything else is religion at it's best and remember, the religious crowd were the greatest enemies of Christ.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Perseverance
Act 14:21-22 - "And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God."
Paul made it clear to the church in the cities mentioned above, "continue in the faith." The Amplified Version says that Paul was "urging and warning and encouraging them to stand firm in the faith." Basically, we as Christians have to learn and develop perseverance (patience). Trials and affliction are part of this life and just because we are born again does not exclude us from the reality of disappointment, struggles, heartaches and pain. We will enter eternity trough "much tribulation" in this life. Paul said it well in Romans 5:3-5: "...we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience (character); and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." There is a purpose in the pain, so don't despair traveling pilgrim, for Jesus made it clear when He spoke: "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33)." What a consolation, I will over come through Jesus Christ!
Paul made it clear to the church in the cities mentioned above, "continue in the faith." The Amplified Version says that Paul was "urging and warning and encouraging them to stand firm in the faith." Basically, we as Christians have to learn and develop perseverance (patience). Trials and affliction are part of this life and just because we are born again does not exclude us from the reality of disappointment, struggles, heartaches and pain. We will enter eternity trough "much tribulation" in this life. Paul said it well in Romans 5:3-5: "...we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience (character); and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." There is a purpose in the pain, so don't despair traveling pilgrim, for Jesus made it clear when He spoke: "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33)." What a consolation, I will over come through Jesus Christ!
Friday, March 11, 2011
In His Care...
Acts 12:1-2 - "Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword."
This is what satan tries to do best, vex and kill the church. Here we read the death account of the first apostle to be martyred and if you read on in this chapter, you will see Herod's attempt to do the same to Peter (who, by the way, has a miraculous escape). What we have here is the death of an apostle and the deliverance of another. This reveals to us something so true and applicable for our lives as Christians. That is, regardless of satan's schemes and plans, God is the one who calls the final shot over our lives. James finished his course, yet God wasn't through here with Peter and his martyrdom would come much later as an old man. Whatever you're doing for the kingdom of heaven, remember, God will guide and lead you and will perform in you His great plan until the day of Christ. Satan may try to ve and stop, but walk with God and you will overcome through Jesus, the one who was manifested to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8).
This is what satan tries to do best, vex and kill the church. Here we read the death account of the first apostle to be martyred and if you read on in this chapter, you will see Herod's attempt to do the same to Peter (who, by the way, has a miraculous escape). What we have here is the death of an apostle and the deliverance of another. This reveals to us something so true and applicable for our lives as Christians. That is, regardless of satan's schemes and plans, God is the one who calls the final shot over our lives. James finished his course, yet God wasn't through here with Peter and his martyrdom would come much later as an old man. Whatever you're doing for the kingdom of heaven, remember, God will guide and lead you and will perform in you His great plan until the day of Christ. Satan may try to ve and stop, but walk with God and you will overcome through Jesus, the one who was manifested to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8).
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Man of God
Acts 11:24 - "For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith:"
This is what our church (and secular) world needs desperately in this hour; a good man. The Marines motto for years was "A Few Good Men." This is exactly what Jesus desires to make us into...good men, full (lead and directed) of the Holy Ghost and faith. Albert Barnes in his commentary on Acts states concerning this verse: "It is not said that he was a man of distinguished talents or learning; that he was a splendid or an imposing preacher; but simply that he was a man of an amiable, kind, and benevolent disposition - a pious, humble man of God.... He was filled with the influences of the sacred Spirit, producing zeal, love, peace, joy, etc... He had confidence in the truth and promises of God. He confided in God. He depended, not on his own strength, but on the strength of the arm of God." This is what it will take to change our homes, neighborhoods,cities and nations...men and women who match this verse here. This is accomplished only as we walk with Christ and surrender to Him in love. Lord, make me that man!
This is what our church (and secular) world needs desperately in this hour; a good man. The Marines motto for years was "A Few Good Men." This is exactly what Jesus desires to make us into...good men, full (lead and directed) of the Holy Ghost and faith. Albert Barnes in his commentary on Acts states concerning this verse: "It is not said that he was a man of distinguished talents or learning; that he was a splendid or an imposing preacher; but simply that he was a man of an amiable, kind, and benevolent disposition - a pious, humble man of God.... He was filled with the influences of the sacred Spirit, producing zeal, love, peace, joy, etc... He had confidence in the truth and promises of God. He confided in God. He depended, not on his own strength, but on the strength of the arm of God." This is what it will take to change our homes, neighborhoods,cities and nations...men and women who match this verse here. This is accomplished only as we walk with Christ and surrender to Him in love. Lord, make me that man!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Jew nor Gentile
Acts 10:34-40 - "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;"
Here is the true Israelite Peter preaching the gospel message to the unclean Gentiles. Why, because earlier in this chapter Peter had received the vision from God that all who trust in Him are accepted and cleansed through Christ. Not only are these of Cornelius' house cleansed but they are Spirit filled, revealing to us that this gift of power was not just for the Apostles but for all who would receive. This is the hope of the gospel, not that it offers eternal life to the Jews alone, but also to the Gentiles as well. Paul, that great Jewish missionary to the Gentiles wrote that in God's kingdom: "...there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all (Colossians 3:11)." Aren't you so thankful that God's love is not bound by race, ethnicity, position or wealth? Praise God, He really does love the world!
Here is the true Israelite Peter preaching the gospel message to the unclean Gentiles. Why, because earlier in this chapter Peter had received the vision from God that all who trust in Him are accepted and cleansed through Christ. Not only are these of Cornelius' house cleansed but they are Spirit filled, revealing to us that this gift of power was not just for the Apostles but for all who would receive. This is the hope of the gospel, not that it offers eternal life to the Jews alone, but also to the Gentiles as well. Paul, that great Jewish missionary to the Gentiles wrote that in God's kingdom: "...there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all (Colossians 3:11)." Aren't you so thankful that God's love is not bound by race, ethnicity, position or wealth? Praise God, He really does love the world!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
True Conversion
Acts 9:20-21 - "And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name..."
Saul the persecuted has met Christ whom he was persecuting and now the tide has turned, now he is preaching the faith he once so vehemently attacked. The result, people are amazed. This is a powerful example of a true conversion to Christ (a born again experience). Paul (Saul) is not the same man, his life is now radically different and history (mostly New Testament) attests to this fact. How many today in Christianity have never truly been born again? How many are just religious, which is what Paul was (don't believe me, check out Philippians 3:4-6). There is a great dichotomy between being religious and being truly born again. In scripture, this bifurcation is clearly seen. We have left darkness and entered His light; we were dead, now we're alive; we were lost, now we're found; we were alienated from God, now we are His children; we stood in condemnation, now by faith in Christ we are justified. Wow, what a change! We should all examine our lives to see if there has really been a change from the person we once were before we were "saved." Paul said it so well, " Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature (creation): old things (previous moral and spiritual condition) are passed away; behold, all things are become new." Our transformed life will always amaze those who knew us before and this changed life is a powerful witness that can't be refuted.
Saul the persecuted has met Christ whom he was persecuting and now the tide has turned, now he is preaching the faith he once so vehemently attacked. The result, people are amazed. This is a powerful example of a true conversion to Christ (a born again experience). Paul (Saul) is not the same man, his life is now radically different and history (mostly New Testament) attests to this fact. How many today in Christianity have never truly been born again? How many are just religious, which is what Paul was (don't believe me, check out Philippians 3:4-6). There is a great dichotomy between being religious and being truly born again. In scripture, this bifurcation is clearly seen. We have left darkness and entered His light; we were dead, now we're alive; we were lost, now we're found; we were alienated from God, now we are His children; we stood in condemnation, now by faith in Christ we are justified. Wow, what a change! We should all examine our lives to see if there has really been a change from the person we once were before we were "saved." Paul said it so well, " Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature (creation): old things (previous moral and spiritual condition) are passed away; behold, all things are become new." Our transformed life will always amaze those who knew us before and this changed life is a powerful witness that can't be refuted.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Acts 9:4-5 - " And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest:"
Here we have the meeting between Saul of Tarsus (the persecutor of the church) and Jesus Christ (the risen Savior and the author of Christianity). And as you know, the rest is history as Saul became Paul and the world was turned upside down by the Christian message. Now, what catches me heart in this passage is the words of Christ when He states to Paul: "I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting." It's such an encouraging reality that Jesus takes my suffering and battles as His own. Saul was persecuting Christians, and yet Jesus made it clear that it was an affront and assault against Himself. That is the power of a covenant relationship. His victories are my victories, His peace is my peace, my struggles become His and my sufferings are His. What consolation this is! This is the message of the book of Hebrews, that the death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth instituted a New Covenant between God and men and all that He accomplished in those acts are for the transformation of the world...and in this world, all I face as a Christian, He has already endured and defeated on His cross, and demonstrated this truth in the resurrection.
Here we have the meeting between Saul of Tarsus (the persecutor of the church) and Jesus Christ (the risen Savior and the author of Christianity). And as you know, the rest is history as Saul became Paul and the world was turned upside down by the Christian message. Now, what catches me heart in this passage is the words of Christ when He states to Paul: "I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting." It's such an encouraging reality that Jesus takes my suffering and battles as His own. Saul was persecuting Christians, and yet Jesus made it clear that it was an affront and assault against Himself. That is the power of a covenant relationship. His victories are my victories, His peace is my peace, my struggles become His and my sufferings are His. What consolation this is! This is the message of the book of Hebrews, that the death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth instituted a New Covenant between God and men and all that He accomplished in those acts are for the transformation of the world...and in this world, all I face as a Christian, He has already endured and defeated on His cross, and demonstrated this truth in the resurrection.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
It's all about Christ
Acts 8:35 - "Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus."
This is where the scriptures will always lead us to, the person of Jesus Christ. Think about this: the bible is actually 66 different books and letters written over a 1500 year span and by more than 40 different authors. It was written in 3 languages (Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek) and on 3 continents. It was written in times of peace and war, famine and prosperity, freedom and slavery. The authors ranged from fishermen, kings, shepherds, priests, scribes, and historians, as well as a tax collector, a physician and a former Pharisee, just to name a few. It's books range from personal letters, to laws and commands, to songs and poetry and history and prophecy. But what is truly amazing is the fact that from Genesis to Revelation, Christ is it's grand subject. The one theme that runs throughout is redemption for mankind through the person of Jesus Christ. So, if you want to know Christ more intimately, you will find Him in the Holy Scriptures. He is all you need to answers the questions of life for as Paul stated, in Jesus are "hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3)."
This is where the scriptures will always lead us to, the person of Jesus Christ. Think about this: the bible is actually 66 different books and letters written over a 1500 year span and by more than 40 different authors. It was written in 3 languages (Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek) and on 3 continents. It was written in times of peace and war, famine and prosperity, freedom and slavery. The authors ranged from fishermen, kings, shepherds, priests, scribes, and historians, as well as a tax collector, a physician and a former Pharisee, just to name a few. It's books range from personal letters, to laws and commands, to songs and poetry and history and prophecy. But what is truly amazing is the fact that from Genesis to Revelation, Christ is it's grand subject. The one theme that runs throughout is redemption for mankind through the person of Jesus Christ. So, if you want to know Christ more intimately, you will find Him in the Holy Scriptures. He is all you need to answers the questions of life for as Paul stated, in Jesus are "hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3)."
Thursday, March 3, 2011
The Dark Night
Acts 7:34 - "I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them."
Here we read of Stephen giving a summary message before the Sanhedrin of God and His dealings with Israel in the Old Testament. For those of you who don't know, this sermon cost Stephen his life as he was stoned to death and became known as the first Christian martyr. But my focus today is to remind you, that God sees and hears and knows exactly where you and I are at today. As His child, our struggles, frustrations, heartaches and failures are not hid from Him. The Lord sees every tear, hears every groan and in His perfect time will conclude the matter in our lives. Christ is the high priest who is touched with our feelings and infirmities (Hebrews 4:14-16) and yet at the same time supplies us with grace that is sufficient and strength that is made perfect in our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9). So child of God, take courage and know that, you are not alone, the darkness won't last forever and God is performing a deeper work in you and me than what we can see as of now. But realize that there is a purpose for the "Dark night of the soul." It was St. John of the Cross who penned these words:
"God takes us into a dark night. He weans us from all pleasures by giving us dry times and inward darkness. In doing so He is able to take away all these vices and create virtues within us. Through the dark night pride becomes humility, greed becomes simplicity, wrath becomes contentment, luxury becomes peace, gluttony becomes moderation, envy becomes joy, and sloth becomes strength. No soul will ever grow deep in the spiritual life unless God works passively in that soul by means of the dark night."
Here we read of Stephen giving a summary message before the Sanhedrin of God and His dealings with Israel in the Old Testament. For those of you who don't know, this sermon cost Stephen his life as he was stoned to death and became known as the first Christian martyr. But my focus today is to remind you, that God sees and hears and knows exactly where you and I are at today. As His child, our struggles, frustrations, heartaches and failures are not hid from Him. The Lord sees every tear, hears every groan and in His perfect time will conclude the matter in our lives. Christ is the high priest who is touched with our feelings and infirmities (Hebrews 4:14-16) and yet at the same time supplies us with grace that is sufficient and strength that is made perfect in our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9). So child of God, take courage and know that, you are not alone, the darkness won't last forever and God is performing a deeper work in you and me than what we can see as of now. But realize that there is a purpose for the "Dark night of the soul." It was St. John of the Cross who penned these words:
"God takes us into a dark night. He weans us from all pleasures by giving us dry times and inward darkness. In doing so He is able to take away all these vices and create virtues within us. Through the dark night pride becomes humility, greed becomes simplicity, wrath becomes contentment, luxury becomes peace, gluttony becomes moderation, envy becomes joy, and sloth becomes strength. No soul will ever grow deep in the spiritual life unless God works passively in that soul by means of the dark night."
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Minister's Needed
Acts 6:4 - "But we will continue stedfastly in prayer, and in the ministry of the word."
This is the foundational responsibility of the minister of God. It's upon this that we as pastors, evangelist, teachers, etc, stand or fall. In order to reach and minister to a world that is empty and hurting, the servant of God must be filled with the power of God's Spirit, sensitive to God's hear and able to answer the challenges of life with the Holy scriptures. This is only possible as we study and pray. One of the greatest assessments given of the apostles was actually given by those who opposed their preaching and teaching, the Sadducees. They stated that it was obvious that these men had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). As we give ourselves to prayer and the reading and study of scripture, it will be obvious to a world around us that, we too have been with Jesus. This is what a hurting society needs, Christ and His glorious gospel.
This is the foundational responsibility of the minister of God. It's upon this that we as pastors, evangelist, teachers, etc, stand or fall. In order to reach and minister to a world that is empty and hurting, the servant of God must be filled with the power of God's Spirit, sensitive to God's hear and able to answer the challenges of life with the Holy scriptures. This is only possible as we study and pray. One of the greatest assessments given of the apostles was actually given by those who opposed their preaching and teaching, the Sadducees. They stated that it was obvious that these men had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). As we give ourselves to prayer and the reading and study of scripture, it will be obvious to a world around us that, we too have been with Jesus. This is what a hurting society needs, Christ and His glorious gospel.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Obedience
Acts 5:29 - "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men."
This is the fundamental principle to relationship with God, obedience. We see throughout scripture the blessings of God upon the lives of those who obeyed His commands. From Noah to Paul, God works through those who obey Him. "Obedience is better than sacrifice but rebellion is as witchcraft," said Samuel to Saul. This brings us to the text today. The Apostles had been arrested before for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and now they are being threatened once more. Their response to those who commanded them to refrain from preaching was, "we will obey God rather than man." Is that our heart's desire today, to obey God even when it seems to be costly? It may seem that the route of obedience goes against common sense or even what is the safe way, but you will find that it is the only path to the blessed life with God. I believe that if you will look, you will see that the list of those who would concur with this truth is long: Noah, Abraham, Joshua, Gideon, David, Daniel and his three companions, Peter, John and Paul just to name a few. I pray that today, our names can be added to this list, and it will be as we walk in obedience to God.
This is the fundamental principle to relationship with God, obedience. We see throughout scripture the blessings of God upon the lives of those who obeyed His commands. From Noah to Paul, God works through those who obey Him. "Obedience is better than sacrifice but rebellion is as witchcraft," said Samuel to Saul. This brings us to the text today. The Apostles had been arrested before for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and now they are being threatened once more. Their response to those who commanded them to refrain from preaching was, "we will obey God rather than man." Is that our heart's desire today, to obey God even when it seems to be costly? It may seem that the route of obedience goes against common sense or even what is the safe way, but you will find that it is the only path to the blessed life with God. I believe that if you will look, you will see that the list of those who would concur with this truth is long: Noah, Abraham, Joshua, Gideon, David, Daniel and his three companions, Peter, John and Paul just to name a few. I pray that today, our names can be added to this list, and it will be as we walk in obedience to God.
Monday, February 28, 2011
No Other Name
Acts 4:12 -- "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
This is the battle of our age within the church world and the world as a whole: Is Jesus Christ really the only way of salvation for humanity? We here that all religions are equally true and right for those who practice its teachings but truth by definition is exclusive in and of its self. As Ravi Zacharias has said, "it is more probable for all religions to be wrong than all to be right." Redemption of man as taught in Christianity has no equal in any other religion. All major religions at their core are decisively different. Any serious study of the world religions would demonstrate that all of them have a point of exclusion, not just Christianity. In comparison with all other religious leaders, only Jesus of Nazareth addressed the issues of the sinfulness of the heart and the truth of God being a loving heavenly Father who gives His Son for the sins of the world to deal with this condition. To substantiate this revelation, Jesus dies on a cross for the sins of man and God validates the claim of Christ by demonstrating that He is "the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: (Romans 1:4)." No other religious leader has ever done such as this. When Jesus stated that He was "the Way, Truth and Life," He did not qualify it with any other statements of exception. Jesus was not just a good man or a prophet or a great enlightened one, He was and is the Son of the one true God and He alone is qualified to be the Savior of humanity. C.S. Lewis, the brilliant 20th century Christian thinker and writer, stated this about Jesus: "A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic--on the level with a man who says he is a poached egg--or he would be the devil of hell. You must take your choice. Either this was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us (Mere Christianity)." Christ is man's only savior and there in no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. The world must hear this truth by those who hold it in devoted love.
This is the battle of our age within the church world and the world as a whole: Is Jesus Christ really the only way of salvation for humanity? We here that all religions are equally true and right for those who practice its teachings but truth by definition is exclusive in and of its self. As Ravi Zacharias has said, "it is more probable for all religions to be wrong than all to be right." Redemption of man as taught in Christianity has no equal in any other religion. All major religions at their core are decisively different. Any serious study of the world religions would demonstrate that all of them have a point of exclusion, not just Christianity. In comparison with all other religious leaders, only Jesus of Nazareth addressed the issues of the sinfulness of the heart and the truth of God being a loving heavenly Father who gives His Son for the sins of the world to deal with this condition. To substantiate this revelation, Jesus dies on a cross for the sins of man and God validates the claim of Christ by demonstrating that He is "the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: (Romans 1:4)." No other religious leader has ever done such as this. When Jesus stated that He was "the Way, Truth and Life," He did not qualify it with any other statements of exception. Jesus was not just a good man or a prophet or a great enlightened one, He was and is the Son of the one true God and He alone is qualified to be the Savior of humanity. C.S. Lewis, the brilliant 20th century Christian thinker and writer, stated this about Jesus: "A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic--on the level with a man who says he is a poached egg--or he would be the devil of hell. You must take your choice. Either this was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us (Mere Christianity)." Christ is man's only savior and there in no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. The world must hear this truth by those who hold it in devoted love.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Repentance
Acts 3:19 -- "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out..."
Here Peter speaks the word that John Baptizer and Jesus Christ both began their ministry with, "repent." These great promises that we have discussed the past few days of God dwelling with men can only become a reality for individuals once they have taken the first step of repentance. This glorious Christian life is not something that we think ourselves into, or work ourselves into,but it is something that is freely given to us when we believe what God has spoken to us in the gospel and we act upon that belief by first of all repenting for our sins against a Holy God. Through the Holy Spirit, I was convinced that I was a sinner, that I needed God's forgiveness, and that Jesus Christ had paid my debt of sin so I could receive it. As a result, I fell upon Christ with sorrow and found that He kept His word by forgiving me, cleansing my conscience of guilt, placing within me power to live a new lifestyle (turning from the old) and filling my heart and mind with joy, peace and love like nothing in this world could ever give. Repentance is required of God for entrance into His kingdom...it's the first step to being "born again." You and I cannot afford to do it our way, that leads to death and destruction but repentance leads to life everlasting. The question we need to answer is: "How is our heart with God?"
Here Peter speaks the word that John Baptizer and Jesus Christ both began their ministry with, "repent." These great promises that we have discussed the past few days of God dwelling with men can only become a reality for individuals once they have taken the first step of repentance. This glorious Christian life is not something that we think ourselves into, or work ourselves into,but it is something that is freely given to us when we believe what God has spoken to us in the gospel and we act upon that belief by first of all repenting for our sins against a Holy God. Through the Holy Spirit, I was convinced that I was a sinner, that I needed God's forgiveness, and that Jesus Christ had paid my debt of sin so I could receive it. As a result, I fell upon Christ with sorrow and found that He kept His word by forgiving me, cleansing my conscience of guilt, placing within me power to live a new lifestyle (turning from the old) and filling my heart and mind with joy, peace and love like nothing in this world could ever give. Repentance is required of God for entrance into His kingdom...it's the first step to being "born again." You and I cannot afford to do it our way, that leads to death and destruction but repentance leads to life everlasting. The question we need to answer is: "How is our heart with God?"
Friday, February 25, 2011
This is that!
Acts 2:16-18, 39 -- " But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:...For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."
This is that...the day that God fulfilled His promise of making His home within man (John 14:23). No more temple...nor more tents and buildings...now God will dwell in man. We are the habitation of God through the Spirit (Ephesians 2:22). What a hope, what a consolation, what a joy this is! God in me and with me. I am not only changed and made new by Christ, but now I face life with the eternal God dwelling within. Jesus told us that all power in heaven and earth was His and that He (all power) would be with us forever (Matthew 28:18-20). Now, that gives courage and comfort in such a world as this. Paul said it clearly: "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you (1 Corinthians 3:16)." Yes sir this is that and I rejoice that it is...the reality that God dwells within me.
This is that...the day that God fulfilled His promise of making His home within man (John 14:23). No more temple...nor more tents and buildings...now God will dwell in man. We are the habitation of God through the Spirit (Ephesians 2:22). What a hope, what a consolation, what a joy this is! God in me and with me. I am not only changed and made new by Christ, but now I face life with the eternal God dwelling within. Jesus told us that all power in heaven and earth was His and that He (all power) would be with us forever (Matthew 28:18-20). Now, that gives courage and comfort in such a world as this. Paul said it clearly: "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you (1 Corinthians 3:16)." Yes sir this is that and I rejoice that it is...the reality that God dwells within me.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Empowered
Acts 2:1-4 -- "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. "
What a dynamic day in history! The reality that the Comforter has come and God has taken His abode within man. For the child of God, the Father makes available through the infilling of His Spirit, the power to live and work the works of Christ. We must realize that everything that is accomplished for Christ's Kingdom will only be accomplished in the power of His Holy Spirit. What has God called you to? What direction is He leading you? What task do you feel you need to undertake for the kingdom of Heaven? Whatever the answer, the Holy Spirit is the means by which you will accomplish it. Go forward today in the Holy Spirit and allow Him to live Christ in you and through you.
What a dynamic day in history! The reality that the Comforter has come and God has taken His abode within man. For the child of God, the Father makes available through the infilling of His Spirit, the power to live and work the works of Christ. We must realize that everything that is accomplished for Christ's Kingdom will only be accomplished in the power of His Holy Spirit. What has God called you to? What direction is He leading you? What task do you feel you need to undertake for the kingdom of Heaven? Whatever the answer, the Holy Spirit is the means by which you will accomplish it. Go forward today in the Holy Spirit and allow Him to live Christ in you and through you.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Witnesses
Acts 1:8 - "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
This is what the world needs so desperately...witnesses unto Christ. We must see and understand that a witness and a testimony are not one and the same. A witness in a judicial trial can give a testimony of what he or she has heard or seen.... But to be a witness is to not only be able to testify with our mouth of God's great work through Christ, but to live a life that witnesses to a watching world through its actions of obedience, faith, holiness, righteousness and peacefulness that Jesus is indeed the Savior of mankind. The great part of this is that it's not left up to us to do it in our strength, but we receive "power" through the Holy Spirit to live this life and to testify to the truth of who Christ is. St. Francis of Assisi stated: "Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words." Is your life a witness today of the living Christ? My prayer is: Lord, make us witnesses unto you.
This is what the world needs so desperately...witnesses unto Christ. We must see and understand that a witness and a testimony are not one and the same. A witness in a judicial trial can give a testimony of what he or she has heard or seen.... But to be a witness is to not only be able to testify with our mouth of God's great work through Christ, but to live a life that witnesses to a watching world through its actions of obedience, faith, holiness, righteousness and peacefulness that Jesus is indeed the Savior of mankind. The great part of this is that it's not left up to us to do it in our strength, but we receive "power" through the Holy Spirit to live this life and to testify to the truth of who Christ is. St. Francis of Assisi stated: "Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words." Is your life a witness today of the living Christ? My prayer is: Lord, make us witnesses unto you.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Acts 1:1-3
Acts 1:1-3 -- "...Jesus...shewed himself alive after his passion by many proofs, appearing unto them (His disciples) by the space of forty days, and speaking the things concerning the kingdom of God:"
As a born-again believer and follower of Jesus Christ, I would like to stir up your memory to this powerful truth: We as Christians do not have a faith that is a mindless leap into the dark, but rather we believe the testimony of eyewitnesses who saw Jesus Christ alive after His death. These were many infallible proofs and these proofs, by the witness of men and the convincing power of God's Spirit, have led millions to a new life in God. To end the reality of Christianity, all that would be needed was for His body to be produced. But history has shown us that this has not happened (and will not happen). Only a living Savior could change lives from hopelessness, guilt and despair to the assurance of sins forgiven, a clear conscience, hope, joy and a purpose not found in selfish pursuits. See, I know Jesus is alive, because of the changed person I am today. The tomb is empty, my heart is full and the proofs are insurmountable. Jesus' own words ring powerfully 2000 years later..."because I live, you shall live also." Are you really living today?
As a born-again believer and follower of Jesus Christ, I would like to stir up your memory to this powerful truth: We as Christians do not have a faith that is a mindless leap into the dark, but rather we believe the testimony of eyewitnesses who saw Jesus Christ alive after His death. These were many infallible proofs and these proofs, by the witness of men and the convincing power of God's Spirit, have led millions to a new life in God. To end the reality of Christianity, all that would be needed was for His body to be produced. But history has shown us that this has not happened (and will not happen). Only a living Savior could change lives from hopelessness, guilt and despair to the assurance of sins forgiven, a clear conscience, hope, joy and a purpose not found in selfish pursuits. See, I know Jesus is alive, because of the changed person I am today. The tomb is empty, my heart is full and the proofs are insurmountable. Jesus' own words ring powerfully 2000 years later..."because I live, you shall live also." Are you really living today?
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