Telling Your Story

Acts 21:37-22:16

The drama of Paul's arrest continues in today's reading, and I find myself a bit amused by the question of the Roman commander: "Aren't you the Egyptian who led a rebellion some time ago?" This man who had arrested Paul didn't even know who he was or why he was being beaten by the mob. So Paul takes this opportunity to address the mob and speak in his own defense.

Two things leap out at me from this section of reading. The first thing is that the Roman commander is surprised that Paul would know Greek. And then when Paul addresses the mob, he speaks in Aramaic. Paul seems very aware of how the language he chooses to use affects the people with whom he is speaking. By speaking to the mob in their own language, he is able to silence the crowd and get them to pay attention to him. The commander, too, seems more willing to assist Paul because Paul spoke to him in Greek.

While we may not have much opportunity to use different languages in our daily lives, it's clear that how we speak has an effect on those with whom we are speaking. You may have discovered that words we commonly use in the church, like "justification" or "salvation" or even "grace," don't often have the same (or any) meaning to those outside the church. I sometimes make it a point to leave out "churchy" words when talking about Christianity to non-Christians. Or, if I must use particularly churchy words, making sure they understand what I mean by them. The point is to try to make a connection, and if we speak in "Christianese," we may end up putting up a wall instead of building a bridge.

The other thing I notice in today's reading is how Paul speaks in his defense. He simply tells his story.

We all have our own stories of how we came to faith in Jesus. For some people the stories are about dramatic shifts in lifestyle; for some of us it's a seamless process of being raised in the faith and then claiming it as our own. But everyone has a story. Sometimes -- maybe all the time -- your own personal story of how you came to faith is best witnessing tool you have.

These are things to keep in mind when you have the opportunity to speak to others about Jesus. Talk in such a way that you can build a connection to your listeners, and then just tell your story.

--Drew Clausen

Try As You May

Acts 21:15-36

Today's reading reminds me that there are some days and situations that despite all one's good intentions, right heart, even noble actions -- you'll be misunderstood! The leaders of the church in Jerusalem and Paul are much aware of the tainted perceptions people in the church and people in that culture had of Paul and his message. And, they very deliberately planned their actions to give evidence to the truth. But when people are stuck in sin, when they refuse to be reconciled to God and each other, sometimes our best words and actions will be misread.

The church leaders' plan for Paul to appear in the temple, and participate in the Jewish purification vow seems completely to backfire. Rather than validating Paul, it becomes a venue for crowds to riot, to revile him, and further reject his message.

There will be days like that.

It strikes me significant that the 'issue' at the center of the firestorm was one that still today draws together or vastly separates crowds of people. In verse 21 the leaders of the Jerusalem church inform Paul of a misinformed perception out there affecting both believers and the larger community:

the Jewish believers here in Jerusalem have been told that you are teaching all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn their backs on the laws of Moses. They've heard that you teach them not to circumcise their children or follow other Jewish customs.

One of the most simple yet profound-to-comprehend 'watershed continental dividers' of spiritual life has to do with understanding how and why people do good and follow God's Law. The tension rests between that absolute human instinct and urge that believes God's Law is followed because of obligation, because one has to, in order to make God pleased with me. And, on the other side, the place our impossible helplessness before the Law brings us to, when we see that Jesus' death is God's sole answer and my only hope to ever fulfill God's Law and to have Him be pleased with me! When I am brought to this grace place, then, resting and trusting completely in this grace, I am renewed and enabled (albeit imperfectly) to gratefully respond by living according to God's Law. No longer is it have to, but I want to, I get to follow God!

This simple difference on why and how one follows God's will, will always in this life separate crowds of people. It taints how people understand each other, their traditions and motivations. It touches all kinds of sensitive areas of life: beliefs, personal histories, fears, hurts, prejudices, self-righteous self-perceptions, unyielded places in our lives. It presents for humanity a spiritual Scylla & Charybdis, where many wreck their lives on the rocks of rigid and heartless legalism on one side, or unloving and permissive excess on the other.

The ONLY thing that steers me straight is daily the good news of Jesus living, dying, rising for me.

Pastor Paul

Gods Counsel or Gods Call

Acts. 21:1-14

 

Who is right?  Counselors said very specifically to Paul that there would be trouble for him if he went to Jerusalem.  Yet that was the call of his heart.  His counselors were very specific about what was waiting for him there.  He went anyway.

 

Now if I was one of these counselors, I might have referred to Paul as foolish, strong willed, or just a plain idiot.  I mean what is wrong with his head?  Everyone is saying the same thing. Who does he think he is?  Is Paul behaving foolishly or courageously?  You know which I think!

 

These men have a different spin.  You can tell they love him dearly—their entire families love him. They hold him with an open hand.  They trust him.  They want him to respond to God’s call in his heart.  They trust God.

 

How have I responded to my children when they approach me with plans and directions for their lives?  “You want to do what?!?”  Okay, children are not a fair example—or are they?

 

“The Lord’s will be done.”

 

Steve Louden

FAITHFUL TODAY

Acts 20:1-38

Such boldness! Paul declares, “I have been faithful”! Paul went where God sent him. Paul said what God gave him to say. The message was simple: repent from sin, turn to God, have faith in Jesus.

Paul did what God gave him to do. And then in verse 32 he says, “I entrust you to God.” Paul did his part and trusted God to do the rest.

Where have you been called? Called to preach, to teach, to write, to speak. Called to be a parent, a child, a friend. Called to the mission field, to the office, to the suburbs. Called to scrub floors, cook meals, change diapers.

Wherever, whatever, we are called to be a blessing to others.

We are called to speak His message—with our words and with our actions. Called to encourage, to comfort, to pray. Called to love, to forgive, to serve. To hold a hand. Wipe a tear. Offer a hug.

Can we, like Paul, declare boldly, “I have been faithful”?

Where have you been called? What have you to say? What has God given you to do?

Go today. Say it today. Do it today. Be faithful today and entrust the rest to God.

Lord Jesus, show me today...

Who Are You?

Acts 19:13-41

Yesterday, we ended our reading learning that Paul was given special power to heal people. Today, we learn of seven Jewish brothers who seem to be experimenting to find out if they must actually believe and follow Jesus, or if they can do what they want but invoke Jesus’ name when it’s convenient. They’ve been casting out evil spirits, using spells that incorporated the names of Jesus and Paul. Surprisingly it worked, until one day, when an apparently stubborn and more powerful spirit replied through a man, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?”

The question this spirit asked (and the fact that all seven brothers were pummeled by the man) seems to have spread throughout Ephesus, as many people asked themselves, “Whose am I?” Somehow, the strength and testimony of this spirit compelled others to honor God, exalt the name of Jesus, and follow him. We’re told some became believers and confessed sin. Believers burned, in public, expensive books they should not have had.

So the question comes to us today, “Whose am I?” Are there things in our lives, perhaps secret and hidden, that should be confessed or purged, things that betray the faith we proclaim? Let us then confess and purge to the glory of God, as he convicts us by his Spirit, washes over us with his mercy, and restores us by his grace.

Perhaps you find yourself – whether through personal struggles, life’s trials, or whatever – in a situation where it feels like something is asking you, “But who are you?” If you’re a follower of Jesus, you need not fear the question; you are a child of God. Stand strong, knowing that your Father is able to deal with anything that comes your way; your Dad is bigger than all the enemies, all the threats. If you’re unsure what the answer is, know that Jesus invites you to trust him as your Savior, to let his death be the righteous payment for all your sins, and for you to be a member of his family. You are precious to him, and he wants to answer the question for you, “Like Paul, this is one of Mine.”

Holy Spirit Baptism

Acts 18:23 - 19:12

In today's reading, Paul begins what is known as his third missionary
journey. Luke, the narrator of this account, has been giving us some
details about the early Christian church. Since the events leading up
to Paul's conversion, Luke seems to primarily focus on Paul. For
example, when Paul and Barnabas part, with each choosing a new
traveling companion, our narrator follows the ministry of Paul.

However, there are some exceptions. One is the account of Peter
visiting Cornelius (chapter 10). This is a turning point in the spread
of the Gospel, as the church leaders realize that Jesus is for Gentiles
as well as for Jews. "The Jewish believers who came with Peter were
amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the
Gentiles, too. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising
God" (Acts 10:45,46).

Back in Jerusalem, Peter is criticized for fraternizing with Gentiles
(Acts 11:2). Peter responds, "... The Holy Spirit fell on them, just as
he fell on us at the beginning [on the day of Pentecost]. Then I
thought of the Lord's words when he said, 'John baptized with water,
but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' And since God gave
these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord
Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God's way?"

Now, here we are in chapter 18, and again Luke interrupts his narration
of Paul's journeys. This time, he introduces us to a man in Ephesus
named Apollos. And the scene is set for Paul's later return to Ephesus
where he finds a group of about twelve men. These believers have
something in common with Apollos. In both cases, they had experienced
the baptism of John. John's baptism was one of repentance. Jesus
himself preached the necessity of repentance (e.g. Luke 15:10). But
here something was missing.

Let's look at Apollos. He knew the Scriptures well. He taught others
about Jesus "with an enthusiastic spirit and with accuracy."
Nevertheless, Priscilla and Aquila, who had spent much time with Paul,
took Apollos aside and "explained the way of God even more accurately."
Did he need to be baptized with the Holy Spirit? Perhaps that was just
what he needed in preparation for his new place of ministry.

Apollos moves from Ephesus to Corinth (capital of the provence of
Achaia). With Holy Spirit power he strengthens the believers there, and
speaks boldly in public debate. He uses the Scriptures to argue
persuasively that Jesus is the Messiah. Oh, that we all might have such
precious knowledge and be able to convince others of the Truth.

Meanwhile, Paul arrives in Ephesus. He finds some believers who have
never heard that there is a Holy Spirit. (I wonder -- What prompted
Paul to ask if they had received the Holy Spirit?) They are baptized in
the name of the Lord Jesus. The Holy Spirit comes upon them and they
speak in other tongues and prophesy. Are you puzzled, as I am?

The last time we saw such signs, it was at a turning point in the
spread of the Gospel. Not just for Jews anymore, but for Gentiles also.
And we see (19:10) how this very inclusiveness spread throughout the
province of Asia. So now I wonder why these extraordinary signs at this
time and this place are especially mentioned by Luke. It seems to be in
the midst of more preaching, more repentance and turning to the Lord,
more encouraging of believers. Yes, and more riots.

Maybe Luke doesn't intend for the experience of these Ephesian
believers to be seen as extraordinary. Maybe prophecy and other
spiritual gifts were the norm. Yes, we should keep in mind the
guideline offered by Pastor Adam in his June 12 blog -- "We must always
remember that Acts tends to be descriptive and not prescriptive." On
the other hand, I don't agree with those who believe the gifts of the
Spirit are not needed today.

These questions touch a tender spot in my own spiritual growth. I was
once approached by a friend who, in her enthusiasm for sharing how real
Jesus had become to her, insisted that the gift of speaking in tongues
is the necessary sign of baptism in the Holy Spirit. For a period of
time, I lost the assurance of my own salvation.

But let us not in any way diminish the importance of the Holy Spirit in
the life of a believer. Nor should we try to keep Him in a box of our
own making. Jesus compared the work of the Spirit to the wind -- He
blows where He pleases.

Let's together watch for further teaching on the work of the Holy
Spirit as we continue in our daily readings. Romans. First Corinthians.
Ephesians. I'm excited as I anticipate what God will do.

Deetje Wildes

Unshackled By God

Acts 16: 16-40 

 

The book of Acts seems to have many events that are so extraordinary that we keep coming away with how incredible these times were as God worked one miracle after another that enabled the Christian faith to grow. Here is another impossible situation where Paul and Silas are locked away in a prison  that would put anyone in complete despair. But God  triumphs, and in a most wonderful fashion. Paul and Silas are freed. The jailer comes to faith along with his household who are all baptized. Eventually the Romans come to apologize to Paul. A Miracle indeed!

But is this just for Paul that such extraordinary things should happen-the seemingly impossible? Can this relate to our lives? Have you ever been in a place where there seemed to be no hope? When we look at what happened to Paul, we see a physical force being applied to him and Silas and the miracle is the earthquake and the shackles falling off as well as the spiritual conversion of the jailer. So often we are burdened with situations that seem as impenetrable as a jail cell and we are shackled to these situations  where we are sure there is no hope. These are the things such as family problems that never appear to get better, children who are troubled, parents who are dysfunctional, family members who are continuously a problem with no clear change on the horizon or even are own personal dilemmas with weight, substance abuse health issues or personal quirks that need to be altered.

It can also be situations with relationships, work and career, a future that does not look so bright or worries over our family members that never become smoothed out  or solved. Sometimes it is like we can see visually these problems locked in a cell surrounded by bullet proof glass, steel and concrete-an impenetrable fortress that nothing is going to shake.  It would be well for us to remember what happened in Pauls situation. Paul and Silas prayed and sang and petitioned God. The shackles were broken and they were freed. God did not leave them in the prison which could have ended there lives.

Is it impossible for us and only possible for Paul? Paul told us to pray incessantly. Thus, our prayers should be focused on the 'jail cells in our life' that appear to be impenetrable fortresses that we are sure nothing can enter or change. Jesus told us that with God nothing is impossible. But we are always forgetting this, as if it could not be true. Yet, this is a most important lesson for our hearts. God already knows what troubles us. Our prayers need to be sent to a waiting and willing God who can do the impossible just as he did with Paul and Silas. What a great promise that is!

If we need evidence of this, we need only to listen to the many testimonies that happen everyday of how people are led out of terrible situations through prayer and petition. The  TV news may not report it or may brush off the man standing there trying to tell the media how God interceded and how prayer changed everything. Nevertheless, it happens. God has not left this world, He is active in it and in our lives.

Last week, a tiny miracle took place for a man in England who had many health problems and bills to prove it. He did something that he felt he was born to do. He sang on a talent show and won it with a beautiful and triumphant version of  Puccinis's Nessun Dorma, an aria from  Turnadot. The judges and the audience were stunned and visably moved by this incredibly ordinary man who could sing opera like an angel. I am sure that Paul Potts, who won the contest, never would have believed that he would get out of the financial problems (concrete cell) that he was buried under or that he would ever sing what his heart had long desired to do, let alone that the world would take note.

It is interesting to note that in Nessun Dorma, the words of the aria end with this: "With the dawn I will win! I'll win! I'll win!" This is the hope that Christ has brought us, through our belief in him. Indeed, there is a dawn and one where we will win because of what Jesus has done for us. We can break the shackles and stand triumphant as God answers our prayers. The walls are not impenetrable. The impossible is what God does best. Pray for it. Never lose site of the God who loves you and knows the burdens that you carry. In the end he promises, "We will win! We will win!"

Laurie Erdman

 

 

 

 

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