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

We All Like to be Chosen

 

Probably one of the more stressful parts of being a kid is during playground or team sports when everyone lines up to pick teams. There are always the kids you know everyone wants on their team. And then there is -you. "Will I be picked in the middle, or will I be last? And will I prove to everyone that I am as bad at the sport we are about to play, as they think I am? Please God, if the ball comes my direction,  just let me catch the ball and don't let me shut my eyes."  The thing is – we all want to be chosen.

In the passages for today, we hear Stephan give an eloquent testimony about the way God has planned and chosen certain people through out Biblical history to 'man the oars' of faith. Each one that he picked had a mission that they were led into by God. It was rarely one of their own choosing. Here is possibly the one instance when men were not anxious to be chosen. Being chosen by God means you will  have some really rough waters to sail on. It means that the challenges will be noticed not only by God but are meant to be noticed by all mankind. It is a very exclusive and hugely important job.

Thus in this passage Stephan speaks about Abraham, Jacob, Isaac, Joseph and finally Moses. He lists concisely all that they went through once they were chosen. He details that it was not a straight road to their mission, but often there was a falling away with troubles and probably doubt. Each were given enormous tasks (get all the Israelites out of Egypt and perform miracles to scare the Pharaoh along the way).

However, each of these great fathers of the faith provided a milestone in the faith of the one true God. Each brought human beings closer to a real understanding of who this living God was to them. The voice of the powerful, omniscient God who was the great creator and the great "I am" was also becoming the personal God who reached his hand down to stop Abraham from killing his own son. He was the same God who saved a wayward boy named Joseph from being deserted from his family forever and helped us understand a fathers love for his child. He was the same God who prompted the most unlikely man on earth (at that time) to become the leader of a Jewish nation trapped in Egypt as slaves. This was no accident!

As  people who have attended church all throughout their lives, we sometimes need to press the "re-fresh" button on our faith and the stories we are so familiar with. We need to remember how ordinary these people were and yet they were chosen to be on a unique team—God's team. Plucked from all the good guys out there, they were the ones chosen to have their names laid down forever in the Word of God.

Critics of faithful people often like to chastise believers by asking, "where are the great icons of faith now? How come God is not planting an Abraham, a Moses or a David in the world?" What they do not understand because they lack belief or knowledge of God and His Word, is that He is still planting these people. A very important point that they do not understand is that when Christ came into the world, lived and died and was raised from the dead, ALL THINGS WERE CHANGED. It is too bad, I suppose that God did not decide to make that point really clear to the non-believer by showing some great symbol such as re-coloring the sky from gorgeous blue to shiny red ( I am glad He didn't).  He hoped that we would all catch on, because raising His beloved Son from the dead should be a fairly spectacular event, enough for us to grasp that something had changed.

Jesus was the final and ultimate VIP of those who would lead men in faith. There was no greater thing that could be done  then what Jesus had done for us!. The mission was turned over to the disciples and eventually to Apostle Paul. With the entry of the Holy Spirit, Christ's commandment was to spread the word, develop the kingdom of God on earth so that all would be prepared for the time when Christ arrives again.

God has continued to chose individuals that rock the world of faith (Martin Luther all the way down to C.S. Lewis). He continues to pick leaders and whole nations who are in line with the Christian faith. The best example is our own nation. We must remember that most of  our founding fathers of this great nation were strong Christians. Faith has played an enormous role in our countries history from those who led it (Abe Lincoln) to those who have led the faithful in it (Billy Graham). 

            However, being a famous "faith filled" person is not what qualifies you to be chosen by God. There will be millions of people who are not in the news, but are leaders in faith in our churches, our communities, our state, and our nation. Every one of us, who has a personal and eternal relationship with Jesus Christ, has been chosen to spread the Good News of the savior for all humankind. We don't have to fret if we are good enough anymore, because we have been the first ones to be chosen  for God's team.

Laurie Erdman

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