And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” When they had threatened them further, they let them go (finding no basis on which to punish them) on account of the people, because they were all glorifying God for what had happened; for the man was more than forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.
When they had been released, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, “O Lord, it is You who MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM, who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said,
‘WHY DID THE GENTILES RAGE,
AND THE PEOPLES DEVISE FUTILE THINGS?
‘THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND,
AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER
AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST.’
For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur. And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.
Acts 4:18-31
Persecution was a way of life for the early New Testament church. While the church in America has yet to suffer such persecution, we do live, as the late Francis Schaeffer said, in an increasingly post-Christian world.
Talk about Jesus at the office, mention the church to other parents at an athletic event, or allude to what the Bible says at PTA meetings and you realize the negative stigma that has been attached to the gospel message by our culture. What should be our response? Do we withhold our scriptural beliefs so we won’t offend anyone? Do we just let our lives do the talking instead of our lips?
A consistent Christian lifestyle is a solid witness. We must be wise in our conversations and dealings with others. Nonetheless, we should never be afraid to share our faith in Christ for fear of rejection or stereotyping. Be ready to share man’s only hope for eternal life, but don’t be surprised at negative responses. Thank God for the opportunity, pray for the individual, and continue to let your light shine.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Christ-centered Giving
“Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality. For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God. So we urged Titus that as he had previously made a beginning, so he would also complete in you this gracious work as well.” 2 Corinthians 8:1-6
How does Christ want us to view giving? First of all, He never intended it to be a burden. True giving comes from the overflow of a heart filled with His love. It is an expression of faith. We give because He first gave to us.
In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul uses the church in Macedonia as an example of Christ-centered giving. These believers were in deep poverty. The word Paul used to describe their situation is affliction. The Greek expression depicts a beggar or destitute with no hope.
Knowing the persecution that early believers suffered, we can only imagine what had determined their financial state. Yet they gave generously. In fact, Paul’s expression concerning their giving illustrates a church willingly and joyfully sharing from what God had given to them.
On the other hand, the Corinthian believers failed to keep their promise to give. They had become restrained financially. Paul wanted them to visualize the truth about giving - it is based on God’s grace and not human effort.
Giving is never to be steeped in legalism. The minimum should never be enough. What God gave to us through His Son was His maximum. We have eternal life because He gave all He had. What would you withhold from that type of love?
“...they gave of their own accord.” 2 Corinthians 8:3
How does Christ want us to view giving? First of all, He never intended it to be a burden. True giving comes from the overflow of a heart filled with His love. It is an expression of faith. We give because He first gave to us.
In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul uses the church in Macedonia as an example of Christ-centered giving. These believers were in deep poverty. The word Paul used to describe their situation is affliction. The Greek expression depicts a beggar or destitute with no hope.
Knowing the persecution that early believers suffered, we can only imagine what had determined their financial state. Yet they gave generously. In fact, Paul’s expression concerning their giving illustrates a church willingly and joyfully sharing from what God had given to them.
On the other hand, the Corinthian believers failed to keep their promise to give. They had become restrained financially. Paul wanted them to visualize the truth about giving - it is based on God’s grace and not human effort.
Giving is never to be steeped in legalism. The minimum should never be enough. What God gave to us through His Son was His maximum. We have eternal life because He gave all He had. What would you withhold from that type of love?
“...they gave of their own accord.” 2 Corinthians 8:3
Monday, February 27, 2012
The Lord’s Supper
“For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.
Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly. For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep. But if we judged ourselves rightly, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world.
So then, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. If anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, so that you will not come together for judgment. The remaining matters I will arrange when I come.” 1 Corinthians 11:23-34
During the last meal with His disciples, Jesus did something quite different. He took the bread that was placed on the table, gave thanks for its provision, and tore it apart. While passing it to those He loved, He said: “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19).
In passing the cup of wine, Christ said, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood” (Luke 22:20). There was a different feel to the dinner that evening. The disciples did not fully understand what was about to take place. Once again, Jesus spoke of His death. Only this time it seemed to be an impending death.
Jesus wanted His followers to remember Him long after He was gone. The remembrance He called them into was not one of fondness or fearfulness. It was a remembrance of His life and death and what He had done for each of them personally.
The broken bread and cup of wine remind us that Christ gave all of Himself for us. This is the heart of the gospel message. Christ died for our sins. He was our substitute by paying a debt we could not pay. Not only do we observe the Lord’s Supper to recall His death; but in our remembrance, we celebrate the hope of His return.
“...do this in remembrance of Me.” Luke 22:19
Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly. For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep. But if we judged ourselves rightly, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world.
So then, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. If anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, so that you will not come together for judgment. The remaining matters I will arrange when I come.” 1 Corinthians 11:23-34
During the last meal with His disciples, Jesus did something quite different. He took the bread that was placed on the table, gave thanks for its provision, and tore it apart. While passing it to those He loved, He said: “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19).
In passing the cup of wine, Christ said, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood” (Luke 22:20). There was a different feel to the dinner that evening. The disciples did not fully understand what was about to take place. Once again, Jesus spoke of His death. Only this time it seemed to be an impending death.
Jesus wanted His followers to remember Him long after He was gone. The remembrance He called them into was not one of fondness or fearfulness. It was a remembrance of His life and death and what He had done for each of them personally.
The broken bread and cup of wine remind us that Christ gave all of Himself for us. This is the heart of the gospel message. Christ died for our sins. He was our substitute by paying a debt we could not pay. Not only do we observe the Lord’s Supper to recall His death; but in our remembrance, we celebrate the hope of His return.
“...do this in remembrance of Me.” Luke 22:19
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Baptism - A Reason Why
So, when they had solemnly testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they started back to Jerusalem, and were preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans. But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying, “Get up and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a desert road.) So he got up and went; and there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure; and he had come to Jerusalem to worship, and he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah. Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go up and join this chariot.” Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Now the passage of Scripture which he was reading was this:
“HE WAS LED AS A SHEEP TO SLAUGHTER;
AND AS A LAMB BEFORE ITS SHEARER IS SILENT,
SO HE DOES NOT OPEN HIS MOUTH.
IN HUMILIATION HIS JUDGMENT WAS TAKEN AWAY;
WHO WILL RELATE HIS GENERATION?
FOR HIS LIFE IS REMOVED FROM THE EARTH.”
The eunuch answered Philip and said, “Please tell me, of whom does the prophet say this? Of himself or of someone else?” Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him. As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?” [And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”] And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he kept preaching the gospel to all the cities until he came to Caesarea. Acts 8:25-40
The exciting truth of baptism is the opportunity it gives us to identify personally with Jesus Christ. This truth comes to life as we read the account of Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch.
Out of a deep desire to worship God, this man had traveled over two hundred miles to Jerusalem. Despite all his efforts, there was still a gnawing emptiness within his soul. He had never accepted Jesus as his Savior. Led by the Holy Spirit, Philip approached the eunuch’s chariot and heard him reading from Isaiah 53, which tells of God’s suffering servant.
As he began to share God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ, the eunuch’s eyes were opened and he was saved. Philip was surprised when the eunuch asked: “What prevents me from being baptized?” Once saved, early believers eagerly testified to their new identity. It was a privilege to be a baptized as Jesus was by John the Baptist.
It was also, and still is, a matter of the heart. When we truly know Jesus, we long to bear the marks of His love and grace. Baptism is not a way to salvation. It is a way to say: “I love You, Jesus, and I want to identify personally with You.”
“Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit...” Acts 10:47
“HE WAS LED AS A SHEEP TO SLAUGHTER;
AND AS A LAMB BEFORE ITS SHEARER IS SILENT,
SO HE DOES NOT OPEN HIS MOUTH.
IN HUMILIATION HIS JUDGMENT WAS TAKEN AWAY;
WHO WILL RELATE HIS GENERATION?
FOR HIS LIFE IS REMOVED FROM THE EARTH.”
The eunuch answered Philip and said, “Please tell me, of whom does the prophet say this? Of himself or of someone else?” Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him. As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?” [And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”] And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he kept preaching the gospel to all the cities until he came to Caesarea. Acts 8:25-40
The exciting truth of baptism is the opportunity it gives us to identify personally with Jesus Christ. This truth comes to life as we read the account of Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch.
Out of a deep desire to worship God, this man had traveled over two hundred miles to Jerusalem. Despite all his efforts, there was still a gnawing emptiness within his soul. He had never accepted Jesus as his Savior. Led by the Holy Spirit, Philip approached the eunuch’s chariot and heard him reading from Isaiah 53, which tells of God’s suffering servant.
As he began to share God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ, the eunuch’s eyes were opened and he was saved. Philip was surprised when the eunuch asked: “What prevents me from being baptized?” Once saved, early believers eagerly testified to their new identity. It was a privilege to be a baptized as Jesus was by John the Baptist.
It was also, and still is, a matter of the heart. When we truly know Jesus, we long to bear the marks of His love and grace. Baptism is not a way to salvation. It is a way to say: “I love You, Jesus, and I want to identify personally with You.”
“Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit...” Acts 10:47
Friday, February 24, 2012
The Church
“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.’” Matthew 16:13-18
The New Testament word of church means “those who have been called out of something.” Church history quickly reveals vivid examples of what these early believers walked away from when they became followers of Christ.
The church was a composite of people from various backgrounds - Judaism, paganism, and various religious cults. The common thread that held them together was their faith in Jesus Christ. Society saw early believers as being peculiar. Paul underscored their differences by reminding them that they were aliens much like Abraham, who obediently left his pagan culture to follow God.
Early believers who denied paganism were refused certain social privileges. Jewish believers were later forbidden access to the temple and were scorned by family members. Through all the external pressures, the church of Christ remained faithful to its calling.
Peter, James, and Paul admonished believers to take heart; the body of Christ was not an outcast without a place of worship. Jesus Christ lived within their hearts, and they were the temples of His holiness.
We are His church. And wherever two or more of us are gathered in His name, He is within our midst (Matt. 18:20).
“...you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household.” Ephesians 2:19
The New Testament word of church means “those who have been called out of something.” Church history quickly reveals vivid examples of what these early believers walked away from when they became followers of Christ.
The church was a composite of people from various backgrounds - Judaism, paganism, and various religious cults. The common thread that held them together was their faith in Jesus Christ. Society saw early believers as being peculiar. Paul underscored their differences by reminding them that they were aliens much like Abraham, who obediently left his pagan culture to follow God.
Early believers who denied paganism were refused certain social privileges. Jewish believers were later forbidden access to the temple and were scorned by family members. Through all the external pressures, the church of Christ remained faithful to its calling.
Peter, James, and Paul admonished believers to take heart; the body of Christ was not an outcast without a place of worship. Jesus Christ lived within their hearts, and they were the temples of His holiness.
We are His church. And wherever two or more of us are gathered in His name, He is within our midst (Matt. 18:20).
“...you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household.” Ephesians 2:19
Thursday, February 23, 2012
The Need for Corporate Worship
“Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46-47
Personal worship of Christ is a vital part of knowing God. Likewise, corporate worship is an instrumental facet of healthy Christianity. Corporate worship, the body of believers worshiping together, was common in the Old Testament. It was associated with the gathering of Israel for special feasts and ceremonies. It does not vanish in the New Testament but rather is the prominent feature of the body of Christ following Pentecost.
The Holy Spirit who indwells each believer desires to honor Christ through public expressions of reverence. It fosters unity and harmony, supernaturally removing barriers of division and discord. It is a powerful weapon against Satan’s disruptive schemes.
Corporate worship underscores our uniqueness as God’s people, placed in Christ and adopted in His family. We are not alone in this world. We have brothers and sisters who share similar experiences. Worshiping together is a catalyst for the exercising of spiritual gifts that build up one another for fruitful Christian service.
If you are not worshiping together with a body of believers, ask God to direct you to a church. You will be encouraged, strengthened, and renewed for the daily battles awaiting you. Don’t be a lone sheep.
“Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to His name; worship the Lord in holy array.” Psalm 29:2
Personal worship of Christ is a vital part of knowing God. Likewise, corporate worship is an instrumental facet of healthy Christianity. Corporate worship, the body of believers worshiping together, was common in the Old Testament. It was associated with the gathering of Israel for special feasts and ceremonies. It does not vanish in the New Testament but rather is the prominent feature of the body of Christ following Pentecost.
The Holy Spirit who indwells each believer desires to honor Christ through public expressions of reverence. It fosters unity and harmony, supernaturally removing barriers of division and discord. It is a powerful weapon against Satan’s disruptive schemes.
Corporate worship underscores our uniqueness as God’s people, placed in Christ and adopted in His family. We are not alone in this world. We have brothers and sisters who share similar experiences. Worshiping together is a catalyst for the exercising of spiritual gifts that build up one another for fruitful Christian service.
If you are not worshiping together with a body of believers, ask God to direct you to a church. You will be encouraged, strengthened, and renewed for the daily battles awaiting you. Don’t be a lone sheep.
“Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to His name; worship the Lord in holy array.” Psalm 29:2
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Loving God
But when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered themselves together. One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:34-40
The good news of the gospel is not only that God loves us but we can love Him too. He told us to love Him like no other. He knew we would serve, obey, and follow the One we love.
Loving God involves affections, that is the engagement of emotions. Are you stirred in your heart to worship Him as you consider His greatness? Are you occasionally moved to tears by an awareness of His sacrifice for your sin? Is there a sense of awe and wonder deep within as you read His Word and quiet yourself in prayer?
Loving God involves the stimulation of mind. Study, read, and search the Scriptures where He is revealed. You are a disciple, a learner, of who Christ is and what He seeks to do in your life.
Loving God involves the will. You do what He says, whether or not you feel like it and whether or not you understand all the implications. The disciples put down their belongings and followed Christ long before they came to full love or knowledge of Him. That is the same lifestyle we are called to imitate today.
God wants you to love Him - He commands you so. You can do this because even when you stumble and fail, He loves you. That should arouse you to renewed devotion to a Savior who takes great delight in His children.
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” John 14:15
The good news of the gospel is not only that God loves us but we can love Him too. He told us to love Him like no other. He knew we would serve, obey, and follow the One we love.
Loving God involves affections, that is the engagement of emotions. Are you stirred in your heart to worship Him as you consider His greatness? Are you occasionally moved to tears by an awareness of His sacrifice for your sin? Is there a sense of awe and wonder deep within as you read His Word and quiet yourself in prayer?
Loving God involves the stimulation of mind. Study, read, and search the Scriptures where He is revealed. You are a disciple, a learner, of who Christ is and what He seeks to do in your life.
Loving God involves the will. You do what He says, whether or not you feel like it and whether or not you understand all the implications. The disciples put down their belongings and followed Christ long before they came to full love or knowledge of Him. That is the same lifestyle we are called to imitate today.
God wants you to love Him - He commands you so. You can do this because even when you stumble and fail, He loves you. That should arouse you to renewed devotion to a Savior who takes great delight in His children.
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” John 14:15
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