Co-Laborers / Acts 10:24-48

Ruth Bell Graham went home this week. Think of the multitudes, from every nation and tribe and cutting across all socio-economic strata, whose lives have been changed through her family’s ministry. In advance of every scheduled Billy Graham event, the Holy Spirit was at work, preparing ears to hear, eyes to be opened and hearts to be changed.

And we see in this morning’s passage that it has been ever thus—the Spirit drawing souls to salvation, showing no favoritism, today and back through the ages, back to that day at Cornelius’s house.

Cornelius, prompted by the Holy Spirit, organized the event. Peter followed the Spirit’s instruction to go and share the Good News.

As it was for Cornelius, his family and friends, so it has been for millions through history. The Holy Spirit is at work, drawing us toward truth, healing, reconciliation and freedom.

You never know what the Holy Spirit has been up to in your circle of family and friends, and we are all, like Ruth Graham and like Cornelius, called to be His co-laborers.

Who is waiting to be changed—“waiting before God to hear the message the Lord has given you”?

Who is waiting, Lord…waiting for me to pray, to go, to tell...?

Outside the Box

Acts 10:1-23

In today’s reading, we see Peter wrestling with breaking tradition. It’s maybe a bit more serious than that, since he’s being challenged to break more than a custom. Visiting a non-Jew in his home, let alone eating with him, goes against the way Peter was trained to respect and worship God. These laws and traditions were important and valuable, because they set God’s people apart from the rest of the world. That separation was a picture of the holiness of God, of the problem of sin, and a reminder that God chose the Hebrews as His people. Suddenly, Peter should give all that up, because he fell into a trance and heard God say those unclean foods were now clean?!?

It was risky, and it was difficult. Peter had to have known there would be consequences, that he would be accused of breaking the laws of God. He had to have wondered if he could really trust this vision. How did he know this vision was really God speaking to him and not just a crazy dream?

It’s challenging for us, too. We want so much to do the right thing, and we know that usually means separating ourselves from bad things. However, it seems that God values building bridges of grace between his people and the world as much as He values building hedges of protection around his people.

So what is God saying to us? Here are some questions this passage causes me to wrestle with; perhaps you’ll wrestle with me.

• Am I hiding God behind traditions that make him harder for others to find or understand?
• Do my traditions represent the values of God or my personal preferences?
• Am I hiding the Gospel in a religious system by holding unbelievers to the same standard as believers? (1 Corinthians 5:9-10)
• Is God calling me to reach out to someone that is difficult for me to relate to?
• Is God calling me to reach out to someone I wouldn’t expect?
• Are there means for helping people hear and receive the Gospel I wouldn’t normally consider?

May God grant us wisdom and discernment, as we seek serve Him faithfully, honor Him, and reach out to those around us, who have yet to experience His love and grace.

The Cost of Discipleship

Acts 9:26-43

Today we see some of Saul’s first experiences after his conversion. As I go back and read again the first part of this chapter, I am especially struck by these words, spoken by the Lord to Ananias concerning Saul -- “And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.” Does God usually tell us the difficult things we will encounter up ahead? I think not. Still, He does want our total commitment. He tells us to take up our cross (e.g. Matthew 10:38). This, I think, implies a willingness to suffer. Jesus says in Matthew 10:39, “Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” He wants our full devotion.

Near the end of his life, Saul - now known by his Roman/Greek name, Paul - is brought before King Agrippa. In Acts 26, as Paul gives his defense - really, his testimony - it becomes clear that Jesus had told him ahead of time what “obeying the heavenly vision” would require. “I will rescue you from both your own people and the Gentiles.” This sounds like a warning with a promise. Would I trust Jesus that much?

Back to Acts 9. When we last left Saul (9:23-25) he was the target of a murder plot by some Jews. Believers are helping him escape from Damascus. Now he arrives in Jerusalem. He boldly preaches the gospel. Again, a murder attempt. Did Saul sign up for this?

Jesus once told two parables about the cost of being his disciple (see Luke 14:28-33). The illustrations remind me that I can’t rely upon my own resources if I want to follow Jesus. Furthermore, I must be willing to discard my own plans, to “give up everything.” But we aren’t usually told what we will encounter in this born-again life. “We offer the Lord a blank check; He fills in the amount.” (That’s a quote from my dear husband, Clarence.)

Consider, as an illustration, marriage vows. “For better, for worse. For richer, for poorer. In sickness, and in health. As long as we both shall live.” I knew a man whose wife left him when she realized the burden his illness would become, not for him but for her.

I know another man. His name is Clarence. We didn’t know, when we took those vows over 47 years ago, what the future held. God knew, and He has been faithful through all the ups and downs of child rearing, through learning the give and take of married life (even to this day), through financial blessings and woes. He was there as friends encouraged us. He’s been the stronghold we’ve run to in threatening times. Through the years, there’s been the part about us helping to support the medical profession. It’s surely best that we didn’t know what we were signing up for.

And did I say God has been faithful? “Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.” Like the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, we are becoming stronger in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.

Afterword --
I offer you three suggestions for further study.
+ As we continue in Acts, track the role of Barnabas. His nickname means “son of encouragement.” He was first introduced to us in Acts 4:36,37. He is indeed known for his ministry as an encourager, so much so that we forget his name is Joseph.
+ Looking ahead -- What is the significance of Simon (9:43) being a tanner? (Hint: Peter is a Jew.)
+ Consider Acts 9:31. What does it mean to live in the fear of the Lord? What are some of the benefits of living in this way? Use a concordance or other word-study tools to see what you can discover from Scripture. This could turn into a long project, but a rewarding one.

Deetje Wildes

Acts 8:14-40

Good Day!

 

Our verses today seem to have some pretty unique things in them.  Some of these things are confusing.  We must always remember that Acts tends to be descriptive and not prescriptive.  What this means is that the book of Acts records and describes the events as they took place as the church grew in its early stages, but it is not a formula or prescription for us to replicate because some of these events and happenings are specific to the great times and events of that day.

 

In these verses we see the gospel spread out into both Samaria and also to the Gentiles with Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch.  The main thing happening in these verses is very significant because it is the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12 when He says that all the families of the earth will be blessed through Abraham.  Of course we know that Jesus came through Abraham and the nation of Israel and we see this gift of Jesus and the forgiveness of sins being given to all.  

 

Let’s focus on Simon the Sorcerer for a bit.  We just read about him believing and being baptized.  But in today’s reading when Simon sees the manifestation of the Spirit he asks to pay money so that he might have this same power.  Peter rebukes him sharply for such an evil thought and instructs him to repent.  Did Simon fall away from the faith so soon?  Was Simon ever really a Christian?  Or is this not really a big deal and Peter overreacts?  We must believe the text when it plainly says that Simon believed.  Because of his past in sorcery Simon seems to be predisposed to these types of things and also has a false understanding about how God really works.  This is very serious, we cannot gain anything from God through our own money or merit – all is a gift and all has been given!  

 

I think there is a tendency to come down too hard on Simon the sorcerer as if we never have our own serious problems with how God works.  Peter comes down very hard on him, but it is in the context of a relationship and a loving rebuke hoping that Simon repents and turns from his sin.  There seems to be evidence of Simon’s repentance as he fearfully asks Peter to pray for him.  Simon is along on the journey and is being corrected for a great sin and misunderstanding of God.  We too should expect people, especially those who are new to the faith, to stumble and need to hear God’s rebuke and also His words of forgiveness.  We need this daily ourselves, even as we daily sin.

 

May we not be too offended by people’s sin to speak to them God’s Word.  May we be bold enough to speak God’s truth boldly and clearly.  May the Holy Spirit convict of sin and lead us to confession and repentance.  

 

Pastor Adam

 

False Doctrine

Based on  Acts 7:54-8:13

 

I am always a bit shocked to learn that there are whole religions across the globe that continue to worship idols or ancestors. I am even more concerned when I hear eastern religious thinking seeping into our American culture, not because there are millions practicing this or believers living amongst us, but because bits and pieces of these religions have entered a common ground in our culture. People talk about karma and hang the ying-yang symbol around their necks.

A few years ago we were hearing about "Good Chi."  The Today Show had a bit about ordinary people who were hiring a person who was a master at "Chi" to come into their home  and tell them why the energy of their house was not working correctly (and I do not mean their electrical energy). The "Chi" master would show them how their doors or windows were improperly lined up so that they were unable to achieve "good Chi." Many door chimes were sold because supposedly a chime hung by your door kept evil spirits out.

These ideas are offered with little or no explanation as to who came up with them. They appear to be totally 'man-made' thinking-- a false doctrine, based not in God's word or authority but in some ancient oriental civilization's perceptions of how to deal with the world.

As I read the passages for today, I could not help but think of all the things our culture seems to continually tune in on that are false doctrines. Spiritually, in this country, we are sometimes so foolish. We embrace things that are just goofy and have nothing to support the claims they make. Yet, at the same time we  ignore the word of God as if it had nothing relevant to offer us.

How does this fit in with what we are reading today? I was especially drawn to the story of Simon the Sorcerer. Apparently, he had a loyal following and performed some magical or wondrous acts that impressed people. It does not tell us what he actually did but it does say that he was acclaimed for having some sort of divine power. But what happened when he meets up with Philip, a disciple of Christ, filled with the Holy Spirit? Suddenly, the Holy Spirit and Philip are doing much  more then Simon ever dreamed. His following of people turn to Philip and become believers in Jesus. Simon, himself, must have been greatly  moved by what he witnessed because he decides to give up his shtick and become a believer, himself. It tells us that he was amazed at what he was witnessing with Philip. 

That might be like Donald Trump suddenly surrendering to Christ and realizing that there was someone more powerful then himself. It might be like Madonna repenting for all the insults she has hurled at the church and at Jesus Christ. It might be like all the people opening their Bibles and recognizing that it is not chimes by your door that keeps out the evil spirits, it is Christ in your heart. It might be like all the people living with God in their  heart, knowing who he is and realizing everyday that the answers are right there in the words and works of Jesus. But what it really points to is that when people confront the truth; when it is laid out for them in clear terms; when they recognize that trendy ideas or alternative religions do not hold the truth; when they  come to the embodiment of what Christ has done for every persons salvation, they cannot remain in denial. They will become hungry to be fed by the one Truth.

Imagine, if you can, all the people not spending a moment on false idols or doctrines but leaning on the Truth, seeking the light, and following the way that Jesus laid before us. How marvelous, how beautiful, how breathtaking the world would be. 

Laurie Erdman

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Step into the Spotlight

Acts 7:30-53

In today's reading, Stephen continues his discourse before the high council. Though I've read this part of Acts before, this is the first time I realized that Stephen was just this guy who ran the disciples' "Meals on Wheels" program -- a serving role, and one that may not have gotten much recognition. Given the complaining that led to Stephen getting the job, it was probably the sort of position that caused a lot of headaches.

In Friday's reading, we're told that the apostles felt it was more important for them to be preaching the gospel message, and they handed over the food distribution job to Stephen and some other guys.

I've always wanted this sort of job. Something important, but not obvious. A vital behind-the-scenes position; quietly and unobtrusively doing good deeds and not having to step into the spotlight.

Of course, Stephen wasn't like that. The guy handing out the food baskets was also performing amazing miracles and signs -- and also raising the ire of people for speaking God's word. He didn't just step into the spotlight; according to Acts 6:15, he was the spotlight.

And now Stephen answers their charges that he was speaking against the Temple and the law of Moses.

This is the sort of fiery sermon we would have expected to hear from one of the apostles -- not from the guy running the food pantry. But I'm reminded of the admonition to always be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope we have. (1 Peter 3:15)

Even if we're just behind-the-scenes people doing those behind-the-scenes jobs, there may -- there will -- come a time when we will be called upon to bear witness to our faith.


-- Drew Clausen