Turmoil in Peace City Acts 15

                If it wasn’t for people church life would be simple. You know what I’m saying. Sometimes the hardest part of being involved in ministry is dealing with people. The truth is people are complicated, emotional, and tend to be a touch selfish. Conflict is bound to happen when more than two individuals spend much time in close proximity to one another.

            Come on, if we are brutally honest, there are parts of church life that are less desirable than others. While I look forward to preaching and teaching the word and spending time with individuals in counseling and visiting situations, I don’t look forward to the politics of church. Anytime you get a group of people together who think differently and start discussing things such as money or traditions you are in for a long night. These issues have split many a church throughout church history.

            This is nothing new. These issues plagued the early church as well. In fact one of their biggest obstacles was over the traditions of their forefathers. The debated the same things about whether salvation was a free gift of grace or dependent on human works. There was great debate in their time and that same debate carried on today. I have heard many people say, “We should not debate over Scripture” but salvation is no trivial matter. If we are to get salvation wrong we get the whole Christianity thing wrong. It’s that simple.  

In Acts that was what was on salvation and chopping block: “How do we introduce outsiders to the gospel?”

            One group wanted to require them to undergo a special ceremony to prove their loyalty, and required them to keep a list of man-made laws and traditions. These men were self-appointed guards of legalism. They were requiring more than God had asked. They were adding elements on to salvation. They made Salvation and inclusion into the church about works and not about grace. The Judaizers were saying that Gentiles must become Jews before they could become Christians.  

            How much are we like that in our groups and churches. Jesus made the gates to heaven narrow enough, too narrow for us to convert the way of Christ into a toll road. We are called to call people to repentance in Christ, they do not have to become Baptists, or Pentecostals, or ect. We call them to repentance in Christ, not admittance in our belief system

THE SOLUTION

            When it comes to a doctrinal issue, now that is something we can’t just vote on. That takes some serious prayer, study, fasting, and discussion. In every church differing opinions are abounding; however, peacemakers are few and far in between. So what do we do when we are faced with a dilemma in church life? Who is qualified to make spiritual decisions for the body? Who establishes the doctrine of the church? When we can’t agree what is the solution?

            Fortunately, God did not leave us in the dark when it comes to these issues. Sometimes it can be disconcerting and difficult to hear God’s voice through men because while God’s word is perfect man’s interpretation is subject to error. That is why God gives us a structure to resolve conflicts and keep unity.

            God’s solution to overcoming disagreements and disputes is accountable leadership and submission to an elder body. Like it or not God places “Elders” in every church who are to establish doctrine and lead through disputes and are held accountable to other leaders and to God. The Body is expected to submit to their teaching and lead. The answer to resolving a matter is not by voice vote or secret ballot but by submitting to an elder body that prayerfully and diligently walks through the scriptures and seeks God for an answer.

            This style of conflict resolution goes all the way back to Acts 15. Historically church leaders have met to discuss doctrine and settle issues and there has always been resistance to doing the work of the gospel. Yet, it is through these moments when people of differing views sit around the table and discus doctrine that we can come to see the error of our own ways. For truthfully we are all human and we could all be wrong on a great many things and only by engaging in challenging debates will we be confronted with that error. To error is human but are we willing to be vulnerable and to humble ourselves and listen to others viewpoints?

            We must humble ourselves, realize we are fallible, and accept God’s plan of salvation and sanctification of His church. God has set a pattern for his church to follow: submission to a plurality of elders who are accountable to each other and to God. We are called to submit one to another and come to a place where we accept that although I personally disagree I am able to lay down my pride and not feel the need to voice all my objections. The Kingdom of God is not a democracy sometimes we have to yield our will and do what His word says.

 Are we willing to lay our pride down before the king? Are we willing to stop trying to rule our own life, Are we guilty of trying manipulating others? Are we guilty of putting a heavier burden on outsiders than we ourselves could bear? At the foot of the cross we must lay it all down.

The Stoned Apostle and the problem with praise ~ Acts 14

I once heard it said, “You are never as good as people say you are, and your never as bad either.

As much as we all love a little praise and enjoy accolades; we would do wise to avoid those who have only good things to say about us. If the enemy cannot discourage us from our mission he will attempt to cause us to fall victim to our own success.  Showering a person in excessive praise is like handing a habitual poor person a million dollars or a drunkard a bottle of Jack Daniels. It does more harm than good. A little praise is a good thing, too much is damaging. A little hope can inspire people too much can become dangerous.

This was the scheme the enemy used to try and bring down Paul and Barnabas in Acts 14. The ministry they did in the Region of Iconium was so immensely successful that a great many of the Jews and Gentiles believed on Christ.  Wherever they traveled people desired to hear them speak. Paul delivered some of the most profound, convincing, and moving messages the people had ever heard. He was not only a skilled orator, he was also an accomplished philosopher, and a highly entertaining individual. Yet atop these traits, he was a man filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.  

Paul’s hope inspired the elect, those hungry for the world and whose hearts had been cultivated by the Holy Spirit and it enflamed the agents of the enemy.  The enemy tried to intimidate Saul, to drive him away. When Paul refused to stop he was faced with a new challenge his ego. The enemy appealed to Saul’s ego in a subtle way to get him to change sides. That after all has been his scheme from day one. He sought to turn Adam and Eve to become like him by claiming divinity. He Even attempted to turn Jesus when he tempted Christ in the wilderness. He wanted Christ to bow to him and he would give him all the kingdoms of the earth. If Satan can’t destroy us than he will become our biggest cheerleader; it would bring him pleasure to watch man destroy himself in pursuit of fame and power.

So what is the point I’m trying to make?

In this passage there are several things that standout to me about the character of Paul and the picture of a Spirit-Filled life. First is that those who are yielded to the Spirit lead effective and bold lives. Secondly, those who are yielded to the Spirit are faithful to the end. Finally, those who are yielded to the Spirit are humble and discerning.

In the course of a few days, Paul and Barnabas had been threatened with death, treated as Gods, and stoned nearly to death. Despite all of this they went right back to the same people who tried to kill them. They were resolved not to allow anything to get in the way of the message of the gospel. They would not treats, death, illness, or their own pride to get between the lost and Christ.

What about us. Do we have that same resolve? Not just to stand in the face of persecution but the faith to deny ourselves and to not be swayed by the flattery of others. Proverbs 29:5 reminds us that “A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.” Are we willing to be discerning enough to notice when we are being set up for a fall. Are we allowing our pride to get between us and the gospel?

Paul was not in it for fame or fortune. I can hardly imagine Paul as a televangelist. This account should serve as a warning to us of what this word will throw at us. Are you ready? 

Come To Jesus~ Acts 13:13-43

Have you ever been around a group of people who had seemingly no purpose, no direction, and no vision for the future? That is what the religious crowd had become in Paul’s day. They were like a pile of dead dry wood, a tinder pile awaiting a spark.  The embers of hope, purpose, and vision had long since burnt out. How could they last much longer Judaism was dying out as creation made room for the Savior of the world.

Luke provides for us the accounts of the first missionary team and their first journey. In Acts 13 Paul and Barnabas embark on a difficult mission. John Mcarthur describes their journey in his commentary as being arduous. He writes,

 “The road from Perga to Pisidian Antioch, some one hundred miles away, was difficult and dangerous. It wound its way through the rugged Taurus mountains, clinging to cliffs that ascended to dizzying heights. Travelers also had to cross the turbulent and flood-prone Cestrus and Eurymedon rivers. The Taurus mountains were notorious for the robber bands who infested them. Those bandits, who had plagued Alexander the Great and Augustus Caesar, were still unsubdued in Paul’s time. When Paul wrote, “I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers” (2 Cor. 11:26), he may well have had this journey in mind.”

Paul and his companion are taking the message of the Good News of Jesus Christ to the most remote parts of their world. They risked it all to carry Christ’s message to those in need of hope. Upon arriving at their destination they found a group of people hungry to hear of their message of hope.

Pisidian Antioch

In the Synagogue, After the reading of the Law and the Prophets the temple officias and the people were desperate for some real hope. The law was given so that we may see our need for the Grace and sacrifice of Christ. The stage of man’s heart had been set. For what the Law and the prophets could not do, Christ had indeed competed. The people grew hungry for hope.

The Holy Spirit sovereignly arranged the circumstances, opening wide the door for Paul to proclaim the gospel. He stood up, and motioning with his hand to get the audience’s attention. In like manner, the Holy Spirit sovereignly arranged the circumstances, opening wide the door for us to share of the hope locked inside our hearts. It is for this reason that Peter urges us all to “sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15)” We are to be ready in season and out of season, ready to walk through the doors of divine opportunity.

Men have long wrestled with the question of where (if anywhere) history is going. Is there a purpose, goal, or culmination to history? Or is it merely a succession of sunrises and sunsets, a meaningless series of swiftly flowing years leading nowhere?

Viewing history as purposeless appeals to sinful people, since it grants them freedom to do as they want with no fear of accountability to a divine moral judge; for if there is no God we are permitted to live any way we choose. However this is not reality, the Spirit draws the hearts of all mankind. We have been created without excuse. Even the heaven declare the greatness of God.  Our own laws and prophets are covered in the fingerprints of God. All of which lead to the overwhelming reality that we could never keep the letter of any law. The good news is that God has fulfilled the covenant of the law and it could no longer satisfy. Just as the wise King wrote: 

He [God} has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart.(Ecc 3:11).  

Therefore, we must view Jesus as the culmination of history, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the justifier of sinners. He is my source of hope, life, and of a future. Apart from the saving grace of Christ I have nothing. I have great hope in Him, I am truly satisfied with Jesus he is my hope and stay. What about you? Are you living an aimless, wander life void of purpose and security? Do you find yourself feeling as if your whole life is like the tossing waves? When you thin of your future does it frighten you? Do you have a peace a security about where you shall go after this life is through?

If you said no to any of the above: Come To Jesus! Come To Jesus and find hope, security, and purpose, Come to Jesus and find salvation. Most importantly, Come to Jesus so that you may live!

Superseding Superstition Acts 13;4-12

It is no secret that Kings and rulers throughout history have consulted astronomers, magicians, and sorcerers. Today it is not unheard-of that world leaders consult astrologers as they schedule key events. It is also no secret that there are demonic forces at foot in our world. How else could you explain some of the most wicked, heinous acts?

 What happens when the power of the gospel confronts the power of the occult? The contest on Cyprus in Acts chapter 13 and its outcome show us. The Missionary Thrust: Proclaiming the Word (13:4-5). God wins every conflict, the war is already won and our enemy is playing for keeps.

The Power of God is strong enough to convince and shut up politicians. Now that’s powerful. Paul and Barnabas were led by the Holy Spirit and because of the power of the testimony and the message they proclaimed even the Governor of the region, known as the proconsul desired to hear their message. 

The Governor was recorded as being an intelligent man, and desired to hear more about the message Paul and Barnabus preached. The lost are hungry for the gospel. 8 out of 10 people would at least listen to the message of the gospel, according the Billy Graham Evangelistic association. Church goers have bought the lie that the world is not interested. That is simply not true. People are desperate for hope, healing and purpose. 

Furthermore, Satan cannot by any means stop the conviction of the Holy Spirit; nor can he hinder sinners from hearing the call of God to repentance. However he can try to confuse the hearer with vain philosophy, discourage the messenger, and distract us from the faith. That is exactly what Bar-Jesus, the false prophet was seeking to do.

Bar-Jesus is probably a court astrologer with demonic powers (who calls him part of the world of "religious con-artists who practiced quackery and interpreted dreams"). He reminds me a great deal of flaky tela-evangelists like Peter Poppoff, or other who exploit “divine powers” to bring about fame and fortune. As a sorcerer he claims to know magic formulas by which he can break the bonds of fate and give the governor control over the future. When faced with the truth of the gospel, Bar-Jesus actively opposes the missionaries (compare Lk 21:15; Acts 6:10). He makes every effort to "completely turn aside" the governor from the faith (compare 13:10; 20:30). Bar-Jesus was full of the devil.I find his name interesting. Bar in the Greek means Son of Jesus or the son of the one who saves. He tried to set Himself up as someone great, he imitated the powers of God. He tried to convince the rulers and the people that he had real, unrivaled powers. 

Despite the convincing show put on by Bar-Jesus, we see a greater power at work. Satan has limited power, is not omnipresent, omniscient, nor omnipotent. He is a created being and though he has been around for many ions he is limited yet crafty. He can predict the ways of man. However he is by no means a rival to God. 

In contrast, The Holy Spirit is clearly at work in this confrontation and is the victor hands down. In the first half of this passage we see the sovereignty of God the Spirit to draw sinners to him and His followers to action, empowerment of his followers to deliver His message, and the overwhelming power over the enemy and the effect that has to bring sinners to repentance.

After the Holy Spirit defeated the powers of the enemy by striking the sorcerer with blindness the Governor believed. This story is a reminder of what the Apostle John reminds us of in his epistle:

“You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” ~ 1 John 4:4

No matter what difficulty we face in life our God is stronger. The question than for us: are we satisfied with Jesus? Are we trying to find something else outside of our relationship with Jesus Christ? Are we relying enough on the power and sufficiency of the Holy Spirit or on our own strength? At the end of the day I am not enough! I need Jesus and His Spirit every hour. Without him my attempts to show off are nothing. We can have the most convincing display of power and piety yet if we are fighting for any team but God we have already lost? 

Whose team are you on any way are you fighting for yourself, your family, your career? If you’re fighting to make yourself known than your fighting a losing battle. I urge you to stop fighting to lay it all down at the foot of the cross and let God fight your battles. It’s not yours to fight! Give it to God

Eaten Alive - Acts 12:20-25 - King Herod and the Picture of Sin and Depravity.

Be careful what you fill yourself with for it may become your undoing. The sin we all wrestle with is idolatry stemming from pride. The good news of the gospel is that we are nothing apart from Christ. On our own we are filthy, and if left to our own thoughts and ways we will be lead to destruction.  

James reminds Christians in his epistle to remember the source of our temptation, 

“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.”

Christians would do well to note that temptation occurs when we are “carried away by our own lusts.” Satan’s has no power, influence, or authority in the life of a believer. Sin is a conscience choice for a follower of Christ. We cannot continue to live in open unrepentant sin and claim Christ. When we sin we make the choice freely to do so. When we face the effects of that sin we do so as a direct result of our failings. Therefore we should not Blame God for the sorrow in our own life. Likewise we should not give Satan credit for creating the chaos in our life. We have created our own mess. Satan cannot oppress or possess a child of God by his own authority. Sin is a conscience choice.

God knows the wickedness of our hearts and sees us from the inside out, yet he loves us anyway.  He loves us enough to give us the freewill to choose to follow him or to walk away, to honor him or dishonor him. No better example of this can be found biblically than God’s encounter with Cain in Genesis 4. 

“Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it’.”

We must recognize our sinful tendencies and learn to master sin. For sin is crouching at the door of our hearts and family, our church, community and nation. If we choose to allow sin to have a foothold it will devour us. Peter warns Christians to “be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).  Don’t be fooled sin is destructive, and given the opportunity it will destroy you and no sin can go undiscovered.

We’ve all heard stories of lion tamers ferociously attacked by the lions they worked with. Almost every time one of these mentally challenged lion tamers (which is an oxymoron statement in and of itself) are attacked they seem to always respond “I don’t know why he did that.” I can tell you it’s because he is a lion. A lion is a lion, and will always be a lion.  You can’t tame a lion you have to kill it. You can’t teach a lion, who sole purpose is to kill and devour other living things to be a house cat! The only reason the Lion wouldn't attack it’s trainer is because it just ate.

Likewise you can’t tame sin. Sin must die, and through the power of the Holy Spirit we must kill it. If you wrestle with sin something is going to die the only question is who will act first. In Acts 12 King Herod was playing around with Sin and it was his undoing. God will not be mocked nor share his glory with another. Herod was a prideful arrogant, angry man. Herod’s pride produced an angry heart, which lead to setting himself up as God. Herod worshiped himself and gladly accepted the praise of the Jewish people, which ultimately lead to his destruction. 

Yet, despite our sin and depravity he chooses to love us. Just as Sin is a conscience so too is the decision to love.  Paul reminds us that while we were still living in Sin God loved us and gave his son as a ransom for our sin. God knows us yet He loves us anyway.

Whom Shall I Fear? Thought on Childbirth and Acts 12

This week as I am looking forward to meeting my daughter, who is expected to make her arrival any hour, Our series on

the book of Acts brings us to chapter 12 and the accounts of Peter’s arrest. As I reflect on the events of this week and those events yet to come I can’t help but remember one of my mom’s infamous saying:

“life is like childbirth, you just have to breathe through it”.

You see my mom had 6 kids and  I’ll never fully understand what she meant being a man; however from observing my wife going through the fire per say I’ve learned a few things.

Life is full of uncertainty. At times it is all we can do to hold onto the promise that this pain is only temporary. It is far too easy to become discouraged by our present circumstances, losing sight of our assurance and the big picture. There are situations which present themselves that are both intimidating and challenging.

The Apostle Paul writes, in Romans 8 to the believers facing trying times; reminding them:

“The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us… for we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.”

It is this type of hope and assurance that enables us to endure the injustice, pain, and heartbreak that are so frequently associated with this world. Sometimes life just is not fair. We want a break from the constant turmoil and stress of life. In the midst of our struggle we lose sight of the end result and thus lose our motivation and purpose for today.

I think of no better analogy then my wife preparing to give birth to our second child. This past week we took a late night hospital run eagerly expecting that we would have a baby by morning. The bags were packed, babysitter called and coffee was in queue. We were ready, none more so than my lovely wife. She was in a world of hurt, full of excitement, and anxiety awaiting the birth of our little girl.

Unfortunately after three hours in the room we were sent home with our baby yet to make her shinning debut. There was disappointment, my wife just wanted to be done already. We were both worn out. Her strength is inspiring to me. If the roles were reversed I question whether I would have that same resolve to carry a child with joy for 9 months. It is the goal at the end, the rewarding feeling of holding her child in her arms that gives her purpose for all the painful, unfair, disappointments that come.

The same is true of us and our eternal reward. Life may be difficult in the here and now but it’s going to get better. We have been sovereignly placed here in this place and time to accomplish God’s purpose. Like the woman carrying a precious child in her woman for 9 months we have been entrusted with a great treasure: the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Pain and adversity give birth to a greater glory. A little pain and suffering is a good thing. For it is through the fire that we find our purpose. We must not lose sight of the ever-present Christ in the midst of our pain. Just as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were joined in the fire by the Son of God so to shall we be comforted in our times of grief and pain if we stay near to the heart of God.

 “We have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death works in us, but life in you.But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed, therefore I spoke,” we also believe, therefore we also speak, knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God.

Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Our current struggles are temporary and bash in light of what is coming. We serve a Powerful God! There is no rebel no rival who could ever take his place. Who is there like the Lord God almighty! If God be for us, than who can be against us. Strong and mighty is the Lord and great are His ways. He is perfect and righteous! He God has put before me a task to accomplish than there is nothing that can stop me until God decides my time is done.

No weapon formed against me shall prosper because our God is greater than the God of this age. Though Satan may seek to destroy my life I know in whom my hope is found. My hope is found in nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness. In him alone I will place my trust. I will not fear man who can only harm my body. God alone shall I fear! He is my strength. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for He is with me.

Perfect love casts out all fear. God is perfect love and in him there is no darkness. The enemy shakes and trembles and the sound of his great name and the name of JHesus shall be my refuge in times of stress! In him alone shall I fear.

Let me leave you with this encouragement form Psalms 27:

The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?The Lord is the [a]defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamp against me, My heart will not fear; Though war arise against me, In spite of this I shall be confident.One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek:That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,To behold the beauty of the Lord And to meditate in His temple.For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle;In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock.

Unimaginable - My journey of repentance from Pride and Prejudice.

un·im·ag·i·na·ble

ˌənəˈmaj(ə)nəbəl/ 

adjective

1. 1.

   difficult or impossible to imagine or comprehend.

   
   

"Unimaginable, unthinkable, there is no way on God's green earth that I would every do that!"

Have you ever told yourself anything like that? Certainly, each one of us has a list of things, people groups, or places that we are prejudice against. If we are honest with ourselves, we all our prejudice to a degree.

 For you it may be against a certain people group. For others it may be against a certain person or family. Some people are prejudice against other skin tones, or nationalities. Others have prejudices based on religious or ethical differences. I know some people who would not as much speak to a homosexual man or woman, would not even acknowledge the presence of a prostitute. Many I've spoken to in this area are prejudice against Hispanics or those who are not from your neck of the woods or culture.

Whatever the hangup, we must let it go. we cannot claim to be a legitimate follower of Christ and hang on to such short-sided, idiotic, bigoted pride and prejudice. We are called to be counter-cultural. We should be on the front lines reaching out to our gay neighbors, serve as a place of refuge for the outcasts, seek to share the love of Christ with those who this society has rejected.

We are called to be on the front lines defending the freedom of all people! Although it is biblicaly wrong: people have a freedom to live a life contrary to Scripture. The standards of Christianity are not for the unbeliever but for those who are being saved. Therefore, we must uphold a persons choice to live outside of those standards that govern our lives. God deals with each one according to their own ways.

We are all in need of forgiveness and God's grace. Those outside of a covenant relationship with god are free to live in their bondage and sin. Homosexuals are free to live as if they were married. I would say that it is worse for a christian to live in sin than it is for the homosexual outside of the covenant of grace. The Christian refusing to show mercy and grace toward the outsider is far worse than someone living in ignorance.

We as Christians ought to be the loudest proponents of religious liberty.

We are called to call the world to repentance yet how will we do that if we isolate ourselves from the?

 You say, "Unimaginable, unthinkable, there is no way on God's green earth that I would ever accept a gay, a Muslim  (fill in the blank) into my home, to eat at my table, to sit with my family." 

Scripture say: "Unimaginable, unthinkable, there is no way on God's green earth that I you could every not do that!" 

We all have to face those things that we are prejudice about at some point in our lives. Peter in Acts 9-10 had to overcome some major prejudice. He had to overcome cultural, ethical, religious, and racial prejudice. God asked him to rethink everything he had grown up believing. 

"He was religious indeed ---------------- religiously wrong!"

Myself I have had to walk down a road of encountering my prejudices and discovering how wrong I have been. I grew up in a small country town in the bible belt. Nearly everyone went to church on Sundays, work on Mondays-Friday, partied all weekend (I opted out of that scene) then showed up in church to repeat the process.

It was as country as country gets. Like most country towns, faith, family, and hunting is what made the town tick. If you weren't from around there everyone knew it. Unless you were part a family you were treated as an outcast, but once you became one of the locals you were treated like family and they would give you the shirt of your back.

The churches in my town were predominantly Pentecostal and Baptist. On Sunday afternoon, it only mattered who got to the restaurant on-time. Believe me, there were plenty to choose from. We attended one of the main Pentecostal churches in town. I grew up going to Sunday School, attending bible studies and youth meetings. I enjoyed the enthusiasm. After visiting some of the local Baptist churches I determined to never join a Baptist Church.

I was fairly prejudice against Baptists. I thought baptist were dry, boring, and believed in fire insurance. As the years went on I discovered numerous doctrinal areas I disagreed with within the Pentecostal circle. I found hope in the Baptist church. I found that the very thing that I was prejudice of was the very thing I needed. I found the doctrinal things I thought I disagreed with that I agreed more strongly than I knew.

As I left the bible belt, I discovered that outside of the "churchy" culture of the Midwest people think differently. They have the freedom to do so. I can't expect people who do not believe as I do to live as I do. I must see all people as fallen and in need of a Savior! I remember a conversation I had with  my wife, when we were dating, over my unwillingness to allow a guy I thought was gay to cut my hair. I had allot of excuses but no real reasons. I had strong prejudice against such a lifestyle because of the way I was raised. I was wrong. He did not know Christ as his Savior and the only message I was sending was that I was too good to share the same room as him.

Although the sin is wrong and such a lifestyle is incompatible with being a christian, we are called to show love to them. We are called to be a safe place for the weak, the hurting and a source of love of grace for the outcasts. It may make you uncomfortable but I challenge you to befriend someone who lives a lifestyle far from what you are comfortable with.

Peter befriended a centurion. A Roman official who could have arrested him and a gentile on top of that. Jews were not to associate with such people. Jesus made friends of tax-collectors, prostitutes, scumbags, and the diseased. What about you? Who your friends are speak of who you are. if you only surround yourself with like minded people you will become narrow minded and short-sided. Hard to help those who have no need. Hard to save those who are already saved.

Jesus said his mission was not to save the righteous but the sinner. That same mission applies to us, His followers! So lets make friend s of people who are needing Jesus!

A New Name; A New Mission Acts 9:26-31; 10:22-24

Kids understand that you need friends. Don't get too busy for fellowship.

            Barnabas was born as Joseph. He was later given the name Barnabas as a nickname which in time became his identity and what he was known by. He was a leader in the early church, a good man, full of the Spirit, and full of faith (Acts 10:24). He received the name Barnabas because of the type of man he was. Barnabas means “son of encouragement"  it was because of his gift at being a leader maker, an instrument of God to equip the saints and to encourage others in their faith that he received this name.

            One of the most remarkable things about Barnabas is his willingness to come to the defense of Saul (Later known as Paul). The aspect of Barnabas’ life and ministry we will focus upon is his obedience to the call of Christ to make disciples and/or Christian leaders.

What Is a Christian Leader?

Let's begin with a definition. What is a Christian leader? Broadly speaking, a person is more or less a Christian leader as that person exerts more or less Christian influence in Christian ways. Or to put it another way, to the degree that you shape others toward the image of Christ you are a Christian leader.

That's a very broad definition of Christian leadership, and should include every obedient Christian, because we should all be influencing someone to be more like Christ. But if we get more specific, what we usually mean by a good Christian leader is someone who is really good at influencing others toward Christlikeness. They have personal strengths that draw others into the sway of their influence and lead them to the ways of Christ.

There are people who oppose leadership wherever it begins to emerge. But if we had time, I would love to test the following claim by the Scriptures: Opposition to Christian leadership (or an anti-leadership mentality) is not born out of great vision, but out of little resentments. A church without strong leaders is not a democracy of giants. What the church needs worldwide is Spirit-filled, Bible-saturated, Christ-exalting, self-abasing, determined, persevering leaders who exert deep, broad, life-changing influence for Jesus Christ.

The Need For Leader-Makers

            The only way we will see a church full of godly leaders. Young adults, youth and older adults alike leading society in every way is if we have solid leader makers. The church is called to be on the forefront politically, socially, economically, and in every area of our society and community. We need Godly leaders in those areas. We also need Barnabas types who are holding their feet to the fire and their heads up high.

            Listen to what Charles Spurgeon said concerning the housekeeper at the school he attended as a teenager in Newmarket:

She lived strongly as well as fed strongly. Many a time we have gone over the covenant of grace together, and talked of the personal election of the saints, their union to Christ, their final perseverance and what vital godliness meant; and I do believe that I learnt more from her than I should have learned from any six doctors of divinity of the sort we have nowadays.

The church is not called to be complacent! We are called to be proactive in our faith and in the work of encouragement. Last week I challenged the church to pray for and reach out to those lost people in our lives. This week I will give you the benefit of the doubt, trusting that you took that challenge. Now I want add another challenge to that.

I challenge each follower of Christ to be a leader maker. We are all called to discipleship! Therefore, when was the last time you identified another Christian who was in need of encouragement and took steps to build them up?

I challenge you this week to identify another Christian brother or sister and invite them to lunch. Begin to build a relationship with them, encourage them in their walk, and build a friendship with them.

Everyone needs a Paul figure (a mentor), a Barnabas figure (a friend/encourager), and a Timothy figure (someone you are training). Can you identify those people in your life?

Are you being directly mentored by someone? Who? Are you being encouraged consistently from someone other than your spouse? Are you being a Barnabas for someone else? Who? Are you actively training up anyone in the faith? Who?

The Urgency of the Gospel Acts 9:19-22

Oh Church where is your passion? 

Oh Christian where is your burden for the lost?

Has the gospel lost its wonder? 

Has the cross lost its offence?

Has your faith become vain? 

Does your heart still break for the lost? 

Oh Church where is your fire?

Oh Christian what shapes your life?

Has your love grown cold?

Does the Holy Spirit reside in your life?

Why do you come to this place?

Does your faith in God and love for God drive your week?

Heaven is real and hell is real. each are only a breath away!

“We see the storm clouds gathering and events taking place that herald the second coming of Jesus Christ.” “Events are moving rapidly toward some sort of climax.”      ~ Billy Graham

That fact should give us a new urgency. We should have an urgency for the lost. An urgency for our lost friends and family members. Does it? Does our faith motivate us to live any different? When was the last time you honestly shared your faith with anyone? When did you stop and ask someone about their faith and ask them about Jesus? How important is the gospel to you? Does it permeate every fabric of your being? If it truly did you would share it every day. You would devout your entire life to it. It would absorb your attention, time and heart.

May I say, that the number one thing lacking in church today is that urgency. I don't see a hunger for the gospel. I don't see a overwhelming burden for the lost. I don't see hearts ablaze in response to the love of God. I don't see an urgency to live differently.

Rather I see "Christians" file into static buildings week after week, singing the same songs their grandparents sang, listening to the same old messages. Its almost as if many come in and check out and refuse to hear anything from God. How often do you see people crowd the altars? How often do you see people make decisions during a service? How many times has the decision been made prior to ever coming. Has church indeed become a vain formality?

It does not have to be that way. I I pray that for you it isn't. But the more pastors and church leaders I speak to the stronger and darker this trend is becoming. It was not always this way. Take for instance the case of Saul, ruthless persecutor turned preacher. After receiving the truth, accepting the fact of his sinfulness, repenting of his former ways, and believing on Jesus, and baptism IMMEDIATELY began sharing the faith.  He was telling everyone of the hope he found. He shared the hope of Jesus, the hope of eternal life in heaven and freedom from sin, death, the law and hell to everyone. He did so without fear of rejection, abandonment, or loss of his life or reputations.

What about you? Do you have an urgency for the gospel? What stops you?
I challenge you today to declare your faith. Shout it out from the rooftops! Is God living in you? If so live that truth out! Live with an urgency! 

Alternate Visions

Then there was two. For centuries one religion had dominated the synagogues of Jerusalem.

Judaism was the way of the people. Other movements had risen up and fallen over the centuries. Nothing much came of these cultish groups. Christianity was different. It became evident that the Disciples of Christ, known as the people of the Way would not be silenced or die out on their own. Action would be required to suppress this new movement. Immediate action!

It became readily apparent that the Jewish leaders and the Apostles had radically alternate visions for the future. Conversely, they had great disagreements as to the interpretations of scripture. Keeping pace with their differences, Jewish leaders met and voted about what they ought to do, the Apostles met and prayed. The Jewish leadership had a meeting appointed Saul to “resolve” the issue of the Christians.

Saul latter know as Paul becomes the focal point of the remainder of the book of Acts. In chapter 9 we are shown a beautiful picture of God’s power to forgive, restore, and redeem fallen man. God works in marvelous ways and Saul is a shining example of that.  This chapter is a brief character study of Saul. In this chapter Luke accounts Saul’s conversion from being an outrageous persecutor of the gospel of Christ to be an illustrious professor and preacher of it.

Several themes emerge from this passage

I.                    Saul’s Depravity and self-deception

Saul was breathing threats and murder against the church. He was a blasphemer. Prior to experiencing God he was a man full of hatred, rage, and bitterness. Perhaps the worst thing of it all was he justified his outlandish behavior by claiming it was done in the name of God and religion. Later in life Paul writes to Timothy

Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. ~1 Timothy 1:13

                Saul acted as the one who controlled him. All those not in a relationship with Jesus Christ and have submitted themselves to Christ’s Lordship are under the oppression of Satan.  Satan our adversary has been given dominion over the earth and all those who choose to live separate from God. Satan possesses all those who are not part of the household of God. It is no surprise that the children of Satan imitate the ways of their father.

                Saul was acting like viscous cobra. Like the crafty serpent, Satan.   Matthew Henry compares Saul’s actions to that of a venous creature.

“ He(Saul) breathed death to the Christians, wherever he came; he puffed at them in his pride (Ps. 12:4, 5), spit his venom at them in his rage. Saul yet breathing thus intimates, (1.) That he still persisted in it; not satisfied with the blood of those he had slain, he still cries, Give, give. (2.) That he should shortly be of another mine; as yet he breathes out threatening and slaughter, but he has not long to live such a life as this, that breath will be stopped shortly.”

                He was cruel, ruthless, and arrogant. He pursued the church like a wild animal. Saul was a force to be reckoned with. He destroyed families. He had no regard for the like of those he persecuted. There is no doubt in my mind that he was controlled and used as a pawn of Satan, seeking to destroy the coming kingdom. He sought to devour the church and scare them out of following Christ. The reason for the persecution of Christians is that they posed the same threat as Christ: freedom from sin and oppression.

                Now Saul was a religious man; however he was religiously wrong. We must be careful that we don’t fall victim to the same trap! Let us be careful that in our pursuits we don’t become religiously wrong. He was a Hebrew of Hebrews, a Jew of Jews. He understood the Jewish religion better than anyone! He felt fully justified in killing those who opposed him in the name of GOD. Similarly we mow people down in the name of the church. We put up a knock out drag out fight in defense of our “rules” and traditions; yet like Saul we can be religiously wrong. Caution and reflection is needed so that we too do not become deceived and fall into the same trap as Saul.

II.                  God’s Sovereign Calling of Sinners

The joy of this passage is not Saul, nor of his radical conversion. Rather it is upon the sovereignty and grace of God calling sinful men like Saul to himself. What a beautiful picture it is that Jesus would call Saul to him and offer forgiveness and grace to the man who sought to destroy Christ’s followers.

Saul’s sudden revelation of God’s power of sovereignty is reflected in his writing to the Romans when he says

“While we were yet sinners Christ died for us.”

While he was living in sin and on his way to cause future havoc God showed up. In the midst of our wickedness God is there to call us home. Like a father who catches us red-handed. God is there, asking us that question that sends shills up your spine, “what are you doing?”  Sin will be found out and God calls sinners to salvation. What an amazing commentary on God unfailing love.

              

  Another point of interest is Saul’s humiliation. Saul was the man. He was the guy that had it all together. No one dared to cross him because he would kill you with his bare hands. He was a tough, rough, nasty man. Nothing stood in his way. He was brazen, and full of hate. 

Imagine this young big shot riding into town on his high horse, thinking of himself to be something great knocked of his horse by a beam of light. One moment he is riding tall dreaming of all the people who would run in fear at seeing him roll into town to kill of the Christian pests that have infested the area. He was a gladiator, an exterminator. He certainly imagined the fame and the monuments that would be erected in his honor in Jerusalem for eradicating the people of the way.

                God has a way of bringing down the proud. It is a time tested fact that God has the power to bring kings and kingdoms to their knees. He has done it from the very beginning and will continue till the end of this present age. God is the only one great and the only thing that is good in us. God exalts the humble and brings down the proud.

Saul did not know who or what had caused him to become completely defeated but he knew that this power was stronger than him. He responded to this mysterious voice saying:

“Who are You, Lord?”

Jesus meets sinners where they are at and call them to repentance. Saul was left with little choice at this point. He could have chosen to ignore Gods command, He could have cursed God; however, at this point blind humiliated and helpless he realized his only hope of regain his sight would be to follow Christ. How true is this of our conversion? God found us even when we did not seek Him

III.                Saul’s Radical Change.

Saul made a complete turnaround. We are told that something like scales fell from his eyes and his eyes were opened. Later Paul would write to the Corinthians telling them that those who are carnal cannot understand or perceive spiritual truths. Until the scales fall off our eyes we cannot receive the truth. The Holy Spirit is the one who enables us to receive the truth of Jesus sacrifice and the unfailing love of the Father. Until that point in which a person encounters God and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit the will not be motivated to repentance.

At the moment a person surrenders to the power of the Holy Spirit’s conviction and commits to following Christ and submitting to his Leadership in their life there are indwelled with power and given unique spiritual authority.

Salvation and God’s  redemptive work makes a holistic change in an individual’s life. Saul could not contain himself and began immediately sharing with people the truth and relating his experiences

What impact has God’s redemptive work made on your life?

Is there evidence of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in your life?

I pray that your life is controlled by the Spirit of God and that you may go out into this dark world and see the scales fall of the eyes of the lost.

God gives us your eyes!

Swimming with Gators

Houston we have a problem...

There is an unwelcomed visitor in the pond. Imagine the shock to find a live gator swimming in your pool in your back yard. He has made his way through the fence, past the dog, through your house and into your pool. All without you noticing. Now this deadly gator has taken up residence in your swimming pool.

Imagine that you decided to simply ignore the threat of being eaten alive and choose to go swim anyway. What would compel someone to go swim with the gator? I'd say that there are only a few things: 1 the person is either blind and cannot see the danger, is drunk too delusional or out of it to think straight, or is a Scientologist and has willed the gator out of existence. No matter their reasoning anyone would call them into questioning. There is a serious problem with swimming with gators.

I once heard a story of a man from Florida. Outside of his home he had a pond full of gators. For years he had swam in that pond and never been attacked. Many people had warned him not to swim in that pond he did not heed their warning. one day after drinking a little too much dove into the pond for a swim; however, that swim was his last. He played roulette with the gators and this time the gators devoured him.

As individuals we have a problem. Worse than swimming with gators that can destroy the body; our problem is sin. Unchecked sin in our Christian walk will lead to failure. Mankind is fallen and depraved. If we allow our desires and sin to go unchecked it well devour us like a gator.

 "The heart of man is wicked and deceitful above all things and who can know it?" (Jer 17:9). 

We as mankind fall victim to our self-righteousness, sin fullness, and deceive ourselves. We think of ourself as something great, standing proud in the presence of the almighty. Yet we are wrong. Simeon the sorcerer thought of himself as righteous. He professed the name of Jesus, walked the isle, said the prayer, got dunked, and even joined the small group. But his heart was far from God.

Simeon professed Christ; however, he did so under a false pretense. His "belief" was not rooted in sincere faith and repentance, rather in self preservation and glorification.

"Though thou professest to believe, and art baptized, yet thou art not sincere.' We are as our hearts are; if they be not right, we are wrong; and they are open in the sight of God, who knows them, judges them, and judges of us by them. Our hearts are that which they are in the sight of God, who cannot be deceived" (Matthew Henery). 

Peter proceeded to tell Simeon that he was in the "Gall of bitterness." Gall is used in the bible to refer to a deadly toxin, poison, or venom. Sin is abominable to God. It is like a deadly toxin.
James speaks of this in his Epistle. He warns believers to not be deceived by the intoxicating nature of sin.  

14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.

Simeon was in a bad place. He was afflicted by his sin. He was swimming in a pool of self deception. He had bought his own lie. Simeon was like the man who talked himself into swimming in an alligator infested pond saying to himself.

"Safety is a mindset, if I tell myself I am safe than safe I am" 

What he failed to understand is that the alligators in the pond didn't have the same mindset. If your swimming with alligators it doesn't matter how safe you think you are or claim to be your not safe at all.

In our christian walk  many are treating their faith like the man swimming with alligators. We pretend as if  our sins are secret, like the alligators are not their. We deceive ourselves. Be careful of the predators you have allowed into your own pool. Don't let sin go unchecked in your walk. Don't be decieved by your lusts. Stand ground against the flesh and after you have done everything to stand in Christ.

Backroad Gospel

If they had newspaper during the 1^st century here is what the headlines would probably be.

(Interesting how some of the headlines would parallel current events. DISCLAIMER: no correlation is intended between any biblical characters and political leaders.)

Gaza Street Post

“Hometown hero executed for subversion”
“Followers carry on his work facing similar accusations and fate”

The Walling Wall Post:

 “Radical leaders stir up Chaos in Capitol City”

Pharisitico:

“Conservative group labeled terrorists amid internal conflict”

NT Times:

“Government officials attempt to control rise of upstart movement”

The Daily Jew:

“Man tried for treason and inciting rebellion in the Capitol”

Jerusalem Today

“Violence erupts between leaders over nation’s future”

The Galilean

“Tomb of executed leader empty after three days despite being guarded”

The Star:

“Recent events in Capitol cause deep divide among citizens and leaders alike.”

Jordan Gazette:

“Founding Fathers warned of current crisis in Capitol City”
Founders wrote documents which hold keys to averting further national issues and pending civil unrest.

News spreads quick and even faster in a small town. I have always joked about living in a small town where if you sneeze at one end of the town someone at the other end would say excuse me. I remember when I was called to be the preacher at a small town. Everyone in the town knew before I did. The attendant at the gas station knew more about what was going outside of my house than I did. If you wanted to find out anything one simply needs to walk through the gas station. There is the start of the town rumor mill. This is the case in many small towns. News spreads quick.

When my wife and I first found out we were expecting a child, nothing could contain my excitement. Everyone we met I shared that we were expecting. I remember walking through the grocery store, so overwhelmed with joy when asked by those passing by how I was doing I’d respond by saying great were having a baby. I told everyone the best news I had heard. It was some of the best news I had ever heard. It ranked up there with my wife saying yes to marrying me, and the day I heard the good news of Jesus Christ. It’s not hard to spread news we are passionate about.

 The news about the gospel is simple. Jesus said that unless we repent of our sinfulness and follow him we will not have eternal life (Luke 13:50. Before Jesus, John the Baptist called the Jewish people to repentance. He told tax collectors to collect no more than they were required to, soldiers to be content with their wage and not forcible take what is not theirs. He was calling them to give up their former ways and follow God. Jesus message was simple, follow me in life, love, trial, even to the point of death, and knowing that we will follow him to heaven if we commit to him.

Peter and the rest of the Christ’s followers echoed the same message. Repent of your sins and follow Christ through life, death, and the grave. It was for this reason that Peter said in Acts 2:38, “Repent, (Notice the comma: important because it breaks up the two commands)  and be baptized for (Greek word “eis” meaning “in view” or “because”) of the remission of your sins.” Following Christ is about giving up our former way of doing life and embracing a new life. It’s all about repentance. As a result of our repentance and in view of Christ sacrifice on Calvary and the forgiveness of our sins we follow Christ and one of those first steps is baptism. Jesus’s love and atonement is the good news.

Our world is in desperate need of some good news! With all the strife and filth going through the mainstream media it’s time for real good news. When it comes to sharing what we are passionate about, the world is our audience and our message is simple. We have no trouble sharing about our kids sporting accomplishments, battle scars, medical problems, accomplishments and achievements, and our feelings when they become violated. Why then do so many struggle to share their faith?

May I say, if you struggle to share your faith than it’s not something you are as passionate about as the other things in your life. You will share the things your most passionate about. If it comes easier to share about your health than the gospel you are simple more confident and passionate about those things. If it is easier to share about your kids accomplishments than the gospel perhaps they have become an idol. Jesus said you must love me more than these.

In Acts 8 we see

·         The apostles proclaimed Jesus everywhere they went. As they were traveling they preached in many villages along their way.

·         Phillip followed God wherever He led, God led him away from something that was very profitable and exciting to chase down a chariot.

·         God draws people to Himself. God drew the Ethiopian Eunuch to a relationship with Him.

·         How can anyone believe unless they hear how can they hear if there is no one to teach them?  (Roman 10:14)

·         God blesses and empowers his witnesses. Phillip was able to chase down the chariot, open his mouth with no prep (God’s word was on his heart) and then was snatched up and carried more than 100 miles away when his work was done.

This is such an amazing story of Gods sovereign power and love for mankind. Empty religion could not satisfy the longing of this man. He was not accepted by the self-righteous but God sent a man running after him to tell him he was loved.

God is running after you today and has a mission for you will you accept it?

God is asking you to share His GOOD news and promises to carry us to where we are needed

The big question:

Are we willing and open to God?