“All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.” Acts 2:43-44.
The early believers in Jesus spent much time together, growing in their knowledge of Jesus at the feet of their leaders, eating together and sharing life together, as well as their possessions. From this verse, we learn that they “had everything in common.”
We get these mystical and spiritual sensations when we read a verse like this, thinking that all followers of Jesus should live this way. But did we ever consider that these early believers lived like this in order to survive? Try to imagine the sacrifices and demands that this lifestyle would place on individuals and on families. It is difficult enough for families to get along just within their own households. It becomes much more complicated when you add new personalities into the mix. And when you add the potential of these people being from different cultures, it becomes even more ‘interesting.’
For me, the more people that are added to the mix, the more difficult I become to live with. It is usually fine for a short period of time; let’s say, three days, but when, as in this verse, it seems like this is going to go on indefinitely, it would break me! Maybe that is what this verse is getting at. They were able to break through to a new place of community with each other.
The point that I would like us to think about today is to take off our rose-tinted, religious glasses through which we see this perfect community living together. I do not think that they were gathered around, holding hands, and singing Kumbaya. Please realize that it was a struggle for them, just like it is for us, to live in community. That does not mean that we do not work towards functioning in community. It does mean that it is worth it to struggle along together and to seek to learn how to ‘do life’ together.
Prayer: Father, thank You for this picture of community. Help us wrestle with learning how to live in community with one another, looking to Your Spirit for guidance and strength, while laying down our independence and individualism for the greater good of the community. Amen.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
October 25, 2007 - Acts 2:42
"They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Acts 2:42.
Early believers in Jesus lived lives of devotion, fully focused on growing closer to God and to each other. They learned at the feet of the apostles and spent time together, sharing meals, and praying together. It is quite possible that many of the new followers of Jesus (remember the 3,000 who responded to Peter’s message?) were from out of town, dependent on local believers to assist them with everyday needs, as well as needing instruction in the life and teaching of Jesus. The point is that they were doing what was necessary to ‘do life’ together, and they were committed to it.
In today's culture, we tend to live in our own ‘worlds.’ We do not ‘do life’ together. It is easy for me to just crawl into my ‘cave’ and ignore the world, and the people, around me. I must intentionally fight this urge to isolate and relate to my wife, my family, and the many relationships in which I am involved. I must intentionally choose to stay connected, seeking to do this in a genuine, authentic manner. In this way, I “devote" myself to these things. In this way, I grow as a follower of Jesus.
I know that most men, if left on their own, will retreat to their own ‘caves’- and in today's culture, women are beginning to do the same. We tend to have a protective covering over us keeping us ‘safe’ and insulated from that cruel world out there. It can also insulate us from true and authentic connection with others and with God.
Here are some questions for you to consider. Are you willing to being a "devoted" follower of Jesus today? How willing are you to do what it takes? What action step/s will that require of you today and tomorrow?
Prayer: Father, help me to intentionally choose to do these disciplines: to learn, fellowship, share genuine meals with others, and pray, in my effort to stay connected with You and with others. Help me to be intentional. Amen.
Early believers in Jesus lived lives of devotion, fully focused on growing closer to God and to each other. They learned at the feet of the apostles and spent time together, sharing meals, and praying together. It is quite possible that many of the new followers of Jesus (remember the 3,000 who responded to Peter’s message?) were from out of town, dependent on local believers to assist them with everyday needs, as well as needing instruction in the life and teaching of Jesus. The point is that they were doing what was necessary to ‘do life’ together, and they were committed to it.
In today's culture, we tend to live in our own ‘worlds.’ We do not ‘do life’ together. It is easy for me to just crawl into my ‘cave’ and ignore the world, and the people, around me. I must intentionally fight this urge to isolate and relate to my wife, my family, and the many relationships in which I am involved. I must intentionally choose to stay connected, seeking to do this in a genuine, authentic manner. In this way, I “devote" myself to these things. In this way, I grow as a follower of Jesus.
I know that most men, if left on their own, will retreat to their own ‘caves’- and in today's culture, women are beginning to do the same. We tend to have a protective covering over us keeping us ‘safe’ and insulated from that cruel world out there. It can also insulate us from true and authentic connection with others and with God.
Here are some questions for you to consider. Are you willing to being a "devoted" follower of Jesus today? How willing are you to do what it takes? What action step/s will that require of you today and tomorrow?
Prayer: Father, help me to intentionally choose to do these disciplines: to learn, fellowship, share genuine meals with others, and pray, in my effort to stay connected with You and with others. Help me to be intentional. Amen.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
October 18, 2007 - Acts 2:41
“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” Acts 2:41.
After Peter preached to the large crowd during the Festival of Pentecost, thousands in the crowd were pierced to their hearts with the message concerning Jesus. They asked Peter what they should do in response to the conviction within their own hearts, and Peter instructed them to turn from their sin and believe in and follow the Lord Jesus Christ. Amazingly, 3,000 people became followers of Jesus in that one moment. In response to the message, they all believed and were baptized that same day! Remember, there were only 120 or so of the original followers of Jesus who were present that morning, and now there was added another 3,000 to that number. That is about 2,500% growth in one day!
Can you imagine what it would be like to be one of the twelve or to be part of a body of 120 people who now were to baptize 3000 people? You talk about faith and works!! I would imagine that there were some tired, but satisfied, people that night when they laid their heads down to sleep! This little band of Jesus’ followers had just exploded, and now they had to figure out how to do this Jesus-life together. Ready or not, here we go!!
I don’t know about you, but this verse stretches and challenges me. In reflecting on this verse, I realized something about myself. It is this: that I have been choosing to not have the faith for growth because of all the work that it would require of me. How willing am I to do all that God asks of me? I realized that there is a “turn-off switch” inside my head, and when I think that I have done enough, I stop. Now that I realize this, I choose to say “YES” to whatever God has for me. I am willing to not try to limit God and to not try to turn that switch off any more. How about you? How are you challenged by this verse?
Are you willing to do the work necessary, whatever that may be, in order to see God’s kingdom here, on earth? What do you envision to be your part? Take some time today to think about how we can partner with God.
After Peter preached to the large crowd during the Festival of Pentecost, thousands in the crowd were pierced to their hearts with the message concerning Jesus. They asked Peter what they should do in response to the conviction within their own hearts, and Peter instructed them to turn from their sin and believe in and follow the Lord Jesus Christ. Amazingly, 3,000 people became followers of Jesus in that one moment. In response to the message, they all believed and were baptized that same day! Remember, there were only 120 or so of the original followers of Jesus who were present that morning, and now there was added another 3,000 to that number. That is about 2,500% growth in one day!
Can you imagine what it would be like to be one of the twelve or to be part of a body of 120 people who now were to baptize 3000 people? You talk about faith and works!! I would imagine that there were some tired, but satisfied, people that night when they laid their heads down to sleep! This little band of Jesus’ followers had just exploded, and now they had to figure out how to do this Jesus-life together. Ready or not, here we go!!
I don’t know about you, but this verse stretches and challenges me. In reflecting on this verse, I realized something about myself. It is this: that I have been choosing to not have the faith for growth because of all the work that it would require of me. How willing am I to do all that God asks of me? I realized that there is a “turn-off switch” inside my head, and when I think that I have done enough, I stop. Now that I realize this, I choose to say “YES” to whatever God has for me. I am willing to not try to limit God and to not try to turn that switch off any more. How about you? How are you challenged by this verse?
Are you willing to do the work necessary, whatever that may be, in order to see God’s kingdom here, on earth? What do you envision to be your part? Take some time today to think about how we can partner with God.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
October 11, 2007 - Acts 2:38a.
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.’” Acts 2:38a.
The forth word or phrase that will be discussed from this verse is “the forgiveness of your sins.” It was easy for Peter to help his audience understand that they had a need to have their sins forgiven. The culture that he was speaking to was deeply entrenched in an understanding of the concept of sin and the need for cleansing and forgiveness from them. And, besides, Peter had, just before this, pointed out how everyone in his audience that day had been guilty of killing Jesus. However, in our current culture, forgiveness of sins doesn’t carry quite the same power. In fact, most non-church-goers or non-religious people find that there are stigmas associated with the concept.
I recently read something that helped give me another handle on the concept of sin and our need for forgiveness from sin. The author talked about how people treat each other in “anti-human” ways or in ways that de-humanize others. To me, this is a consequence of our “sinful” actions towards one another, and it separates us from one another and from ourselves. When I act in an “anti-human” manner towards someone else, I am actually treating myself in an “anti-human” manner. I am separating myself from others in a destructive way. When I say that I am sorry to the appropriate person and/or to God, I am seeking to restore our humanity and our relationship. Life, it seems to me, is about relationships, connected-ness, restoration, and learning how to be fully human with others, with God, and with ourselves.
How do you view “the forgiveness of your sins”? Is this a concept that just shows up on a Sunday morning in your church service, or is it something that you experience more often, perhaps even daily or more, as needed? I also would like for us to consider that forgiveness is something that we can feel really good about. I do not need to have a sad and sullen look on my face. Instead, I have the opportunity and privilege to turn away from my “anti-human” behavior.
It is my hope that we take a hard look at this concept. Take some time today to reflect on the affects of sin in our lives and the opportunity to seek and receive forgiveness from God and others, as well as from ourselves.
The forth word or phrase that will be discussed from this verse is “the forgiveness of your sins.” It was easy for Peter to help his audience understand that they had a need to have their sins forgiven. The culture that he was speaking to was deeply entrenched in an understanding of the concept of sin and the need for cleansing and forgiveness from them. And, besides, Peter had, just before this, pointed out how everyone in his audience that day had been guilty of killing Jesus. However, in our current culture, forgiveness of sins doesn’t carry quite the same power. In fact, most non-church-goers or non-religious people find that there are stigmas associated with the concept.
I recently read something that helped give me another handle on the concept of sin and our need for forgiveness from sin. The author talked about how people treat each other in “anti-human” ways or in ways that de-humanize others. To me, this is a consequence of our “sinful” actions towards one another, and it separates us from one another and from ourselves. When I act in an “anti-human” manner towards someone else, I am actually treating myself in an “anti-human” manner. I am separating myself from others in a destructive way. When I say that I am sorry to the appropriate person and/or to God, I am seeking to restore our humanity and our relationship. Life, it seems to me, is about relationships, connected-ness, restoration, and learning how to be fully human with others, with God, and with ourselves.
How do you view “the forgiveness of your sins”? Is this a concept that just shows up on a Sunday morning in your church service, or is it something that you experience more often, perhaps even daily or more, as needed? I also would like for us to consider that forgiveness is something that we can feel really good about. I do not need to have a sad and sullen look on my face. Instead, I have the opportunity and privilege to turn away from my “anti-human” behavior.
It is my hope that we take a hard look at this concept. Take some time today to reflect on the affects of sin in our lives and the opportunity to seek and receive forgiveness from God and others, as well as from ourselves.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
October 4, 2007 - Acts 2:38a
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.’” Acts 2:38a.
The third word or phrase that I would like for us to consider is “In the name of Jesus Christ”. Peter, in his message just before this command, had spoken very clearly about what had happened to Jesus of Nazareth. He told his audience that they had agreed to have him killed by crucifixion, but that God had raised Him from the dead. It was a scandalous statement for Peter to make, and yet, his audience was cut to their heart and now wanted to know how they should respond. Peter was now giving them instructions of what to do, saying that they should do these things in the name of the one that they had crucified. Peter had now used the phrase, “Christ”, in connection with Jesus’ name. This signified to this Jewish audience that Jesus was, indeed, the long-awaited Messiah. This Jesus had now become the risen, ascended, and glorified Christ. And to now do anything “in the name of Jesus Christ” identified the activity and focus of their lives under His relational authority.
I must admit that there are times that I pray “in the name of Jesus”, as if these words hold some magical, mystical meaning. In other words, if I ask for anything “in the name of Jesus”, I would get what I prayed for. Isn’t that weird? I bet that I am the only person to think that! I don’t think so! Actually, I have heard people praying in Jesus’ name, as if it were some special, secret code that unlocks the gates to God’s treasury. I have also heard many pray in Jesus’ name, who really understood what they were doing. Asking, seeking, and knocking, from Matthew, chapter 6, is in a very relational context, and Jesus is encouraging His listeners to do these things out of the relationship with Him and His Father. He is not just teaching about a truth; He is the Truth. When this second group of people prays, they are seeking Him and all that He has for them. And it is out of this relationship that they seek Him in prayer.
Today, I would like us to think of this phrase, “in the name of Jesus”. Reflect on what that means to you. Do you use it as a magic formula or are you seeking Him out of a relationship with Him? Take an honest look at how you may use this phrase, and consider if it lines up with how the Father would have you use it.
The third word or phrase that I would like for us to consider is “In the name of Jesus Christ”. Peter, in his message just before this command, had spoken very clearly about what had happened to Jesus of Nazareth. He told his audience that they had agreed to have him killed by crucifixion, but that God had raised Him from the dead. It was a scandalous statement for Peter to make, and yet, his audience was cut to their heart and now wanted to know how they should respond. Peter was now giving them instructions of what to do, saying that they should do these things in the name of the one that they had crucified. Peter had now used the phrase, “Christ”, in connection with Jesus’ name. This signified to this Jewish audience that Jesus was, indeed, the long-awaited Messiah. This Jesus had now become the risen, ascended, and glorified Christ. And to now do anything “in the name of Jesus Christ” identified the activity and focus of their lives under His relational authority.
I must admit that there are times that I pray “in the name of Jesus”, as if these words hold some magical, mystical meaning. In other words, if I ask for anything “in the name of Jesus”, I would get what I prayed for. Isn’t that weird? I bet that I am the only person to think that! I don’t think so! Actually, I have heard people praying in Jesus’ name, as if it were some special, secret code that unlocks the gates to God’s treasury. I have also heard many pray in Jesus’ name, who really understood what they were doing. Asking, seeking, and knocking, from Matthew, chapter 6, is in a very relational context, and Jesus is encouraging His listeners to do these things out of the relationship with Him and His Father. He is not just teaching about a truth; He is the Truth. When this second group of people prays, they are seeking Him and all that He has for them. And it is out of this relationship that they seek Him in prayer.
Today, I would like us to think of this phrase, “in the name of Jesus”. Reflect on what that means to you. Do you use it as a magic formula or are you seeking Him out of a relationship with Him? Take an honest look at how you may use this phrase, and consider if it lines up with how the Father would have you use it.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
September 27, 2007
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.’” Acts 2:38a.
Last time, I discussed how Peter gave a simple, yet profound, answer to the crowd’s request, “What must we do?” I, briefly, asked us to consider looking at several words in, possibly, a more real-to-life manner. The first word that we looked at was “repent”, and the second word that we will think about today is “baptized”.
When you think of the word, “baptized”, what do you think of? Water? Sprinkled or submersed? Holy Spirit? These may be a few terms that we think of, and here are a couple of thoughts that I have when I think of this term. First, when I think of baptized, I think of the outward act or action that signifies a dramatic inner change within my life. Did you know that Jewish people are baptized? They do this to signify the change that has happened within them and to “wash them into” this new community. It is an outward act of renouncing the past and embracing their present and future. Within the community of Jesus’ followers, baptism was to signify a person’s renouncing, or death, of their old life, as they went down into the water, and an embracing of their new life in Jesus and His community, as they came up, out of the water. This certainly could happen whether you believe in sprinkling, splashing, or what ever manner that you choose to do it. The important thing is that it is done.
The second thought that I have is related to the first, in that it is a step of obedience. It seems to have been important enough for Jesus that He, Himself, submitted to being baptized. And again, among the early followers, it was always associated with someone – anyone – who embraced Jesus as their Messiah. It was an important step of obedience that signified what Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, had done in an individual’s life.
I have had the privilege to not only witness but participate in several baptisms, including those of my children, and I must say that, for me, they are moving occasions. The challenge for me is to try to think of these occasions as not-just-religious occasions; to consider the life-message and significance in this event. Take some time today to reflect on the meaning of baptism. What does it mean to you, and how does it impact your life today?
Last time, I discussed how Peter gave a simple, yet profound, answer to the crowd’s request, “What must we do?” I, briefly, asked us to consider looking at several words in, possibly, a more real-to-life manner. The first word that we looked at was “repent”, and the second word that we will think about today is “baptized”.
When you think of the word, “baptized”, what do you think of? Water? Sprinkled or submersed? Holy Spirit? These may be a few terms that we think of, and here are a couple of thoughts that I have when I think of this term. First, when I think of baptized, I think of the outward act or action that signifies a dramatic inner change within my life. Did you know that Jewish people are baptized? They do this to signify the change that has happened within them and to “wash them into” this new community. It is an outward act of renouncing the past and embracing their present and future. Within the community of Jesus’ followers, baptism was to signify a person’s renouncing, or death, of their old life, as they went down into the water, and an embracing of their new life in Jesus and His community, as they came up, out of the water. This certainly could happen whether you believe in sprinkling, splashing, or what ever manner that you choose to do it. The important thing is that it is done.
The second thought that I have is related to the first, in that it is a step of obedience. It seems to have been important enough for Jesus that He, Himself, submitted to being baptized. And again, among the early followers, it was always associated with someone – anyone – who embraced Jesus as their Messiah. It was an important step of obedience that signified what Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, had done in an individual’s life.
I have had the privilege to not only witness but participate in several baptisms, including those of my children, and I must say that, for me, they are moving occasions. The challenge for me is to try to think of these occasions as not-just-religious occasions; to consider the life-message and significance in this event. Take some time today to reflect on the meaning of baptism. What does it mean to you, and how does it impact your life today?
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