“Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, ‘The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the Law of Moses.’” Acts 15:5.
There was a group of Christians who held closely onto their belief in the Law of Moses. Yes, they believed in Jesus, yet they also believed that keeping the Law was still of vital importance. Their whole life pointed to the maintaining of the letter of the Law, and it was difficult for them to believe that anyone who came into relationship with Jesus didn’t have to submit to the same requirements of the Law, particularly for males to be circumcised.
When I was in my early years as a follower of Jesus, I connected with the use of contemporary music in times of worship. I could not understand how anyone could connect with God using the old, traditional hymns. It seemed that people didn’t sing these hymns with much enthusiasm, while those us who sang the contemporary music seemed to be alive and vibrant. The type or style of music was a dividing line in my judgment of who really believed in Jesus. It took me a while to become aware of my attitude and to let it go. In like manner, there are many issues that we hold to that add to the central importance of Jesus as Lord and Savior. It is “Jesus and….” Sometimes it is difficult for us to let go of things or issues that we believe are important but are just not as centrally important as we thought. And it is difficult for us not to project these issues on others.
Questions to consider: Are there issues that you hold dearly that you believe others should abide by? What is of central importance to you? How do you project on others those issues that are of central importance to you?
Prayer: Father, please help me to see what is of central importance to You, and give me the humility to recognize my own elevation of those things that are not as important to You. Amen.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
September 23, 2010 - Acts 15:2a
"This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them." Acts 15:2a.
Some men from the Jerusalem church came to Antioch when they heard that the good news of Jesus had been received by many Gentiles, who were not circumcised according to the Law of Moses. These men believed that to be a true follower of Jesus, the Jewish rabbi, each male who was not circumcised should submit to this outward sign of obedience. Paul and Barnabas were convinced that it was not necessary for those who had never been circumcised to do so. Because of this disagreement, the debate became very heated and caused a sharp dispute to arise.
While I am not one who enjoys debate or conflict with others, it is comforting for me to see this conflict in the Bible. There is no sugar-coating this problem. There was a “sharp dispute,” which evidently was more than just a little disagreement. It sounds as though there was a heated argument, most likely with raised voices, with some shouting their point of view at their adversary. I am glad that this interaction was included in the Bible. It relates to our world and our problems. And it shows these early followers working through their problems with one another without leaving community.
Questions to consider: How do you respond to a “sharp dispute and debate”? Do you know of anyone who has left your community because of a dispute? What does that do to community? How do you resolve disputes?
Prayer: Father, help me to hear the point of view of others when sharp disputes happen. Help me to be a peacemaker, not for the sake of peace, but for the sake of Your Kingdom. Amen.
Some men from the Jerusalem church came to Antioch when they heard that the good news of Jesus had been received by many Gentiles, who were not circumcised according to the Law of Moses. These men believed that to be a true follower of Jesus, the Jewish rabbi, each male who was not circumcised should submit to this outward sign of obedience. Paul and Barnabas were convinced that it was not necessary for those who had never been circumcised to do so. Because of this disagreement, the debate became very heated and caused a sharp dispute to arise.
While I am not one who enjoys debate or conflict with others, it is comforting for me to see this conflict in the Bible. There is no sugar-coating this problem. There was a “sharp dispute,” which evidently was more than just a little disagreement. It sounds as though there was a heated argument, most likely with raised voices, with some shouting their point of view at their adversary. I am glad that this interaction was included in the Bible. It relates to our world and our problems. And it shows these early followers working through their problems with one another without leaving community.
Questions to consider: How do you respond to a “sharp dispute and debate”? Do you know of anyone who has left your community because of a dispute? What does that do to community? How do you resolve disputes?
Prayer: Father, help me to hear the point of view of others when sharp disputes happen. Help me to be a peacemaker, not for the sake of peace, but for the sake of Your Kingdom. Amen.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
September 16, 2010 - Acts 14:27
“On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.” Acts 14:27.
Paul and Barnabas arrived at their home church in Antioch and told the many stories of God’s amazing movements in the lives of the people they worked with in the towns and cities visited on their trip. The door of faith in Jesus had been opened to many people and especially to the Gentiles, who were turning to Jesus in large numbers. As they were in the habit of doing, Paul and Barnabas were careful not to take the credit for themselves. They gave total glory to God for the amazing work He did through them.
I must admit that if I were part of Paul’s party, I would have liked receiving some recognition for what took place. Along with God (of course!), I wouldn’t mind people taking notice of me. I am not proud of that fact, but the truth is, it is there. Paul and Barnabas showed no such inclination. They gave total credit to God for all the lives touched and changed for Jesus’ sake and purposes. I am glad that I am aware of my bad attitude, for it aids me in purposely backing away from personal recognition and pointing to God in order to praise and thank Him for His work among us. I am learning to look to God for any recognition that I might need to receive. The important thing is that God “opened the door of faith” to those around Paul and Barnabas, and to us.
Questions to consider: How important is it for you to receive recognition? Who do you need to receive recognition from? How has God worked through you in order for His purposes to advance?
Prayer: Father, help me to be open to be used by You to advance Your kingdom. Help me to look solely, to You, and not others, for any recognition that I might need. Amen.
Paul and Barnabas arrived at their home church in Antioch and told the many stories of God’s amazing movements in the lives of the people they worked with in the towns and cities visited on their trip. The door of faith in Jesus had been opened to many people and especially to the Gentiles, who were turning to Jesus in large numbers. As they were in the habit of doing, Paul and Barnabas were careful not to take the credit for themselves. They gave total glory to God for the amazing work He did through them.
I must admit that if I were part of Paul’s party, I would have liked receiving some recognition for what took place. Along with God (of course!), I wouldn’t mind people taking notice of me. I am not proud of that fact, but the truth is, it is there. Paul and Barnabas showed no such inclination. They gave total credit to God for all the lives touched and changed for Jesus’ sake and purposes. I am glad that I am aware of my bad attitude, for it aids me in purposely backing away from personal recognition and pointing to God in order to praise and thank Him for His work among us. I am learning to look to God for any recognition that I might need to receive. The important thing is that God “opened the door of faith” to those around Paul and Barnabas, and to us.
Questions to consider: How important is it for you to receive recognition? Who do you need to receive recognition from? How has God worked through you in order for His purposes to advance?
Prayer: Father, help me to be open to be used by You to advance Your kingdom. Help me to look solely, to You, and not others, for any recognition that I might need. Amen.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
September 9, 2010 - Acts 14:22
"...strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. 'We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.'" Acts 14:22.
Paul and Barnabas traveled from town to town on their return trip to Antioch, visiting places where they had spent time. In each place, they gathered those who were committed to following Jesus in order to strengthen and encourage them in their walk of faith. It is interesting to note that the phrase used in the recounting of their encouragement was: "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God."
Paul did not promise them that they would experience the ‘good life’ or ‘prosperity’ in all areas of their lives, if they would do certain things. What he did promise, to all of us, was that in order to enter God's kingdom, we must go through many tough experiences. Growing up as a follower of Jesus in America, it is difficult for me to relate to the experiences of the early believers. A hardship for me might be when my wife and I have to use one car when our second car is getting worked on. Or perhaps it is not being able to buy that 46" flat screen TV and having to continue to use our outdated 27" TV. I can imagine hardships in an intellectual way, but it is very difficult for me to understand experientially what Paul is talking about.
Yet, Paul's audience had begun experiencing what life following Jesus truly meant. They were outcasts from their culture. They were being persecuted in ways similar to the things Paul had experienced. In today's world, believers from many nations can relate to Paul's words because of the severe persecution they have experienced.
Questions to consider: What hardships have you experienced? What do you think Paul means by this statement? How is going through hardships a clear indication that you are entering the kingdom of God?
Prayer: Father, give me eyes to see what Paul intends for me to see in this statement. Give me a heart that is willing to go through hardships for Your kingdom's sake and that is willing to serve You no matter what happens. Amen.
Paul and Barnabas traveled from town to town on their return trip to Antioch, visiting places where they had spent time. In each place, they gathered those who were committed to following Jesus in order to strengthen and encourage them in their walk of faith. It is interesting to note that the phrase used in the recounting of their encouragement was: "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God."
Paul did not promise them that they would experience the ‘good life’ or ‘prosperity’ in all areas of their lives, if they would do certain things. What he did promise, to all of us, was that in order to enter God's kingdom, we must go through many tough experiences. Growing up as a follower of Jesus in America, it is difficult for me to relate to the experiences of the early believers. A hardship for me might be when my wife and I have to use one car when our second car is getting worked on. Or perhaps it is not being able to buy that 46" flat screen TV and having to continue to use our outdated 27" TV. I can imagine hardships in an intellectual way, but it is very difficult for me to understand experientially what Paul is talking about.
Yet, Paul's audience had begun experiencing what life following Jesus truly meant. They were outcasts from their culture. They were being persecuted in ways similar to the things Paul had experienced. In today's world, believers from many nations can relate to Paul's words because of the severe persecution they have experienced.
Questions to consider: What hardships have you experienced? What do you think Paul means by this statement? How is going through hardships a clear indication that you are entering the kingdom of God?
Prayer: Father, give me eyes to see what Paul intends for me to see in this statement. Give me a heart that is willing to go through hardships for Your kingdom's sake and that is willing to serve You no matter what happens. Amen.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
September 2, 2010 - Acts 14:19-20a
“Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city.” Acts 14:19-20a.
In one moment, the crowd was worshipping Paul and Barnabas as gods come in the flesh, and in the next moment, the crowd was won over to being hostile toward them, so much so that they dragged Paul out of the city and stoned him to death. As Paul was lying motionless, some disciples gathered around him. Suddenly, he got up from the ground and went back into the city to tell of the good news concerning Jesus. Paul knew that his mission was not complete, and he was going to do all that he could to finish his work in that city.
Paul was so focused on his goal, which was to follow Jesus and spread the good news concerning Jesus to others, and he was not going to let anything get in the way. What was a stoning to Paul? A minor inconvenience! He got up, went back into the city, and proclaimed Jesus. Paul had a passion for Jesus that stopped at nothing.
As I ponder this, I wonder where the fire is within me. Do I have a burning passion to serve Jesus with all that I am? I sense that I come up woefully short, yet I desire to serve Jesus with passion. I desire to get rid of the distractions and those things that encumber me. I want to make this more than a desire; I want it to be my way of life – to serve Jesus wholeheartedly, even if I lose my life in the process.
Questions to consider: What are you passionate about? What distractions keep you away from Jesus? What are you willing to lose your life for?
Prayer: Father, give me a passion to serve You and the strength to stand up for You no matter what occurs. Amen.
In one moment, the crowd was worshipping Paul and Barnabas as gods come in the flesh, and in the next moment, the crowd was won over to being hostile toward them, so much so that they dragged Paul out of the city and stoned him to death. As Paul was lying motionless, some disciples gathered around him. Suddenly, he got up from the ground and went back into the city to tell of the good news concerning Jesus. Paul knew that his mission was not complete, and he was going to do all that he could to finish his work in that city.
Paul was so focused on his goal, which was to follow Jesus and spread the good news concerning Jesus to others, and he was not going to let anything get in the way. What was a stoning to Paul? A minor inconvenience! He got up, went back into the city, and proclaimed Jesus. Paul had a passion for Jesus that stopped at nothing.
As I ponder this, I wonder where the fire is within me. Do I have a burning passion to serve Jesus with all that I am? I sense that I come up woefully short, yet I desire to serve Jesus with passion. I desire to get rid of the distractions and those things that encumber me. I want to make this more than a desire; I want it to be my way of life – to serve Jesus wholeheartedly, even if I lose my life in the process.
Questions to consider: What are you passionate about? What distractions keep you away from Jesus? What are you willing to lose your life for?
Prayer: Father, give me a passion to serve You and the strength to stand up for You no matter what occurs. Amen.
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