"Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, 'Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.' This is desert. So he arose and went."
Acts 8:26-27a
There must be a reason for the aside, "This is desert." The desert is a hot, barren, forsaken, dusty, lonely place. I love the desert because it has its own beauty and attraction. But it is not a place of choice without air-conditioning! But when Philip was told to go – without air – to this forsake place, he did not dilly-dally around. He knew that if God called him to the desert, there must be a purpose. We sometimes go through the desert in our spiritual experiences and it can be a lonely place. But God has a purpose if we are open to it. Someone on the same desert road needs to hear of God's grace.
Today's Thought: If God leads through the desert, he has a purpose.
Have a purposeful day. Love you.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- God Sees The Heart
"But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, 'This man is the great power of God.' "
Acts 8:9-10
Simon is an intriguing figure to me. In the Samaria revival under Philip's preaching, he believed and was baptized (vs. 13). But his heart was still not right with God (vs. 21). He wanted this new power and thought he could buy it to use for his own purposes (vs. 18). He was severely rebuked and asked for prayer (vs. 24). The question is: Was Simon truly saved? I don't have a clear answer. I do know that attitudes and motivations of the old life frequently hang on to the new Christian. But I also know that "believing" is not the end of the story. If we are new creatures in Christ, there should be a change in our lives. I'm glad that God, who sees the heart, is the judge, and not me.
Today's Thought: There should be a change in the motives and attitudes of a believer.
Have a new day. Love you.
Acts 8:9-10
Simon is an intriguing figure to me. In the Samaria revival under Philip's preaching, he believed and was baptized (vs. 13). But his heart was still not right with God (vs. 21). He wanted this new power and thought he could buy it to use for his own purposes (vs. 18). He was severely rebuked and asked for prayer (vs. 24). The question is: Was Simon truly saved? I don't have a clear answer. I do know that attitudes and motivations of the old life frequently hang on to the new Christian. But I also know that "believing" is not the end of the story. If we are new creatures in Christ, there should be a change in our lives. I'm glad that God, who sees the heart, is the judge, and not me.
Today's Thought: There should be a change in the motives and attitudes of a believer.
Have a new day. Love you.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Reaching Out
"Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did (exorcisms and healings)....And there was great joy in the city."
Acts 8:5-6, 8
The rest of the Book of Act is the record of the spread of the Gospel outside of Jerusalem – in Samaria, in Joppa, to a Roman at Caesarea, in Antioch, and through Paul to the "uttermost." The Jews were not inclined to reach out to non-Jews. But Jesus had "other sheep" (John 10:16) who needed to hear the good news. Jesus was not exclusive and, even though the Jews traditionally hated the Samaritans, He went to the city of Samaria (John 4) and planted seed. I can imagine that when Philip preached Jesus to them, they said among themselves, "Is this the same Jesus that came here a couple of years ago?" We need to be like Jesus and Philip, and reach out to people who are not a part of our ethnic or social sphere. Everyone needs Jesus.
Today's Thought: The Gospel is not just for an exclusive club, but is for everyone.
Have a reaching day. Love you.
Acts 8:5-6, 8
The rest of the Book of Act is the record of the spread of the Gospel outside of Jerusalem – in Samaria, in Joppa, to a Roman at Caesarea, in Antioch, and through Paul to the "uttermost." The Jews were not inclined to reach out to non-Jews. But Jesus had "other sheep" (John 10:16) who needed to hear the good news. Jesus was not exclusive and, even though the Jews traditionally hated the Samaritans, He went to the city of Samaria (John 4) and planted seed. I can imagine that when Philip preached Jesus to them, they said among themselves, "Is this the same Jesus that came here a couple of years ago?" We need to be like Jesus and Philip, and reach out to people who are not a part of our ethnic or social sphere. Everyone needs Jesus.
Today's Thought: The Gospel is not just for an exclusive club, but is for everyone.
Have a reaching day. Love you.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Comfort Zones
"At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the region of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles...Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word."
Acts 8:1b, 4
Just before Jesus returned to heaven, he told His disciples to be witnesses in Judea and Samaria (Acts 1:8). Apparently they had become so blessed in Jerusalem that they did not obey this instruction. So He prompted them by allowing persecution, which pushed them out into ministry. Sometimes we fail to do what God tells us to do, so He allows negative things – even tragedy – to come into our lives to get us out of our comfort zone. Sometimes extreme measures are needed to get us to do His will. That's why He puts thorns in our nests – to get us to fly.
Today's Thought: God uses negative circumstances to get us out of our comfort zone to do His will.
Have an "uncomfortable" day. Love you.
Acts 8:1b, 4
Just before Jesus returned to heaven, he told His disciples to be witnesses in Judea and Samaria (Acts 1:8). Apparently they had become so blessed in Jerusalem that they did not obey this instruction. So He prompted them by allowing persecution, which pushed them out into ministry. Sometimes we fail to do what God tells us to do, so He allows negative things – even tragedy – to come into our lives to get us out of our comfort zone. Sometimes extreme measures are needed to get us to do His will. That's why He puts thorns in our nests – to get us to fly.
Today's Thought: God uses negative circumstances to get us out of our comfort zone to do His will.
Have an "uncomfortable" day. Love you.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Zealous
"Now Saul was consenting to his (Stephen's) death....As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison."
Acts 8:1a, 3
If nothing else, Saul was zealous for what he believed. In his resume or bio, he listed his heritage – circumcised and blameless according to the law, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews, a Pharisee, "concerning zeal, persecuting the church" (Philippians 3:5-6). When he became a Christian, he had that same zeal for the Gospel. Most people I know are apathetic regarding spiritual things. They don't get excited about their faith. They just float along with a "ho-hum" attitude. Oh God, I want to be zealous for You!
Today's Thought: God can use people who are zealous.
Have a zealous day. Love you.
Acts 8:1a, 3
If nothing else, Saul was zealous for what he believed. In his resume or bio, he listed his heritage – circumcised and blameless according to the law, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews, a Pharisee, "concerning zeal, persecuting the church" (Philippians 3:5-6). When he became a Christian, he had that same zeal for the Gospel. Most people I know are apathetic regarding spiritual things. They don't get excited about their faith. They just float along with a "ho-hum" attitude. Oh God, I want to be zealous for You!
Today's Thought: God can use people who are zealous.
Have a zealous day. Love you.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Dad's Rambling -- When Under Attack
"And they stoned Stephen, as he was calling on God and saying, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, 'Lord, do not charge them with this sin.' And when he had said this, he fell asleep [died]."
Acts 7:59-60
As Stephen was being pounded by the torrent of rocks and suffering much pain, he did what Jesus did when he hung on the cross – he cried out to God and asked forgiveness for his persecutors. It is not easy to keep this kind of spirit when being attacked. The human response is usually cursing and retaliation. The Jesus response is to love them, bless them, do good for them, and pray for them (Matthew 5:44). This can only be done by being full of the Holy Spirit – the Spirit of Jesus.
Today's Thought: When under attack, the Jesus response is not natural – it is supernatural.
Have a Jesus day. Love you.
Acts 7:59-60
As Stephen was being pounded by the torrent of rocks and suffering much pain, he did what Jesus did when he hung on the cross – he cried out to God and asked forgiveness for his persecutors. It is not easy to keep this kind of spirit when being attacked. The human response is usually cursing and retaliation. The Jesus response is to love them, bless them, do good for them, and pray for them (Matthew 5:44). This can only be done by being full of the Holy Spirit – the Spirit of Jesus.
Today's Thought: When under attack, the Jesus response is not natural – it is supernatural.
Have a Jesus day. Love you.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Plugged Ears
"Then they cried out with aloud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul."
Acts 7:57-58
Saul (later to be called Paul) was a party to the travesty against Stephen. But there was something different about Saul that set him apart from the others. The Jewish leaders did not want to hear the truth, so they "stopped their ears." To use Peter's phrase, they were "willingly ignorant" (II Peter 3:5). But Saul, I believe, really wanted truth. His own confession was that even though he was a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent, yet he received grace because he did it in ignorance (I Timothy 1:13). The Holy Spirit can convict a person who sincerely wants the truth. People with a hardened heart that rejects truth are more difficult to reach. As for me, even though I may not be entirely correct in my theology, I do desire to know God's truth. So I keep my ears open to listen, and then weigh what I hear against God's Word.
Today's Thought: People who do not want to hear the truth willfully plug their ears.
Have a listening day. Love you.
Acts 7:57-58
Saul (later to be called Paul) was a party to the travesty against Stephen. But there was something different about Saul that set him apart from the others. The Jewish leaders did not want to hear the truth, so they "stopped their ears." To use Peter's phrase, they were "willingly ignorant" (II Peter 3:5). But Saul, I believe, really wanted truth. His own confession was that even though he was a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent, yet he received grace because he did it in ignorance (I Timothy 1:13). The Holy Spirit can convict a person who sincerely wants the truth. People with a hardened heart that rejects truth are more difficult to reach. As for me, even though I may not be entirely correct in my theology, I do desire to know God's truth. So I keep my ears open to listen, and then weigh what I hear against God's Word.
Today's Thought: People who do not want to hear the truth willfully plug their ears.
Have a listening day. Love you.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Dad's Rambling -- A Vision of Jesus
"But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, 'Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.' "
Acts 7:55-56
In the midst of the conflict, God opened Stephen's eyes to see beyond the current situation into heaven to see God's glory. There he saw Jesus standing. In other Scriptures, Jesus is pictured sitting at the Father's right hand (Mark 14:16, 22:69; Luke 22:69; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 10:12). But Jesus stood for Stephen. Standing is a sign of respect (as when a man stands for a lady), honor (as a standing ovation), and welcome. Keeping my eyes upon Jesus and on the glory of God will get me through the toughest times here on earth until He welcomes me home. I look to Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith (Hebrews 12:2).
Today's Thought: A vision of Jesus will get us through any problem here on earth.
Have a "visionary" day. Love you.
Acts 7:55-56
In the midst of the conflict, God opened Stephen's eyes to see beyond the current situation into heaven to see God's glory. There he saw Jesus standing. In other Scriptures, Jesus is pictured sitting at the Father's right hand (Mark 14:16, 22:69; Luke 22:69; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 10:12). But Jesus stood for Stephen. Standing is a sign of respect (as when a man stands for a lady), honor (as a standing ovation), and welcome. Keeping my eyes upon Jesus and on the glory of God will get me through the toughest times here on earth until He welcomes me home. I look to Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith (Hebrews 12:2).
Today's Thought: A vision of Jesus will get us through any problem here on earth.
Have a "visionary" day. Love you.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Responses to Conviction
"Then the High Priest said, 'Are these things so?' ....[Sermon] ... [Then Stephen said] 'You stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit ; as your fathers did, so do you.' ..... When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth."
Acts 7:1, 51, 54
Stephen preached a long sermon outlining the history of the Israelites from Abraham, through Moses, to David and Solomon. Then he gave the altar call where he nailed his congregation to the wall – "You murdered the Just One" (vs. 52). Conviction was heavy and they were "cut to the heart." Anger is a sign of conviction. Often people become mad when confronted with their sin. They know that the word against them is true, but instead of repenting, they lash out at the messenger. The problem is not the preacher; it is their own rebellion against conviction by the Holy Spirit and against God.
Today's Thought: Anger is a sign of conviction of sin.
Have a humble day. Love you.
Acts 7:1, 51, 54
Stephen preached a long sermon outlining the history of the Israelites from Abraham, through Moses, to David and Solomon. Then he gave the altar call where he nailed his congregation to the wall – "You murdered the Just One" (vs. 52). Conviction was heavy and they were "cut to the heart." Anger is a sign of conviction. Often people become mad when confronted with their sin. They know that the word against them is true, but instead of repenting, they lash out at the messenger. The problem is not the preacher; it is their own rebellion against conviction by the Holy Spirit and against God.
Today's Thought: Anger is a sign of conviction of sin.
Have a humble day. Love you.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Lies and Rumors
"Then they secretly induced men to say, 'We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.' And they stirred up the people...and brought him to the council. They also set up false witnesses...And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel."
Acts 6:10-15
Stephen was not swayed from his message, but kept a sweet spirit in the face of lies about him. Those who reject truth have no problem lying. They made false accusations against the Lord Jesus, and they will do it against Jesus' witnesses. The bold witness can expect to encounter lies and rumors. It is a challenge to keep on track with the message, and not be distracted to rebut the falsehoods.
Today's Thought: The effective witness does not get sidetracked to defend himself against false accusations.
Have a sweet day. Love you.
Acts 6:10-15
Stephen was not swayed from his message, but kept a sweet spirit in the face of lies about him. Those who reject truth have no problem lying. They made false accusations against the Lord Jesus, and they will do it against Jesus' witnesses. The bold witness can expect to encounter lies and rumors. It is a challenge to keep on track with the message, and not be distracted to rebut the falsehoods.
Today's Thought: The effective witness does not get sidetracked to defend himself against false accusations.
Have a sweet day. Love you.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- The Spirit-filled spirit
"And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then there arose some...disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke."
Acts 6:8-10
The wisdom and spirit of Stephen were irresistible. The translators of the NKJV capitalized "Spirit," referring to the Holy Spirit. But I am inclined to think it refers instead to Stephen's spirit that was full of the Holy Spirit (vs. 5), and manifesting the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) – love, longsuffering, kindness, and gentleness. A spirit of pride, anger, condescension, or harshness, makes people put up walls. But the spirit that is manifesting Christ's Spirit breaks down walls and is hard to resist. That is not a guarantee that people will receive the message, but it does preclude my being the cause of their hardness.
Today's Thought: A spirit filled with Christ's Spirit is hard to resist.
Have a Spirit-filled day. Love you.
Acts 6:8-10
The wisdom and spirit of Stephen were irresistible. The translators of the NKJV capitalized "Spirit," referring to the Holy Spirit. But I am inclined to think it refers instead to Stephen's spirit that was full of the Holy Spirit (vs. 5), and manifesting the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) – love, longsuffering, kindness, and gentleness. A spirit of pride, anger, condescension, or harshness, makes people put up walls. But the spirit that is manifesting Christ's Spirit breaks down walls and is hard to resist. That is not a guarantee that people will receive the message, but it does preclude my being the cause of their hardness.
Today's Thought: A spirit filled with Christ's Spirit is hard to resist.
Have a Spirit-filled day. Love you.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Dad's Rambling -- The Neglected Doctrine
"And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them."
Acts 6:5-6
The doctrine of "laying on of hands" is one of the eight basic doctrines listed in Hebrews 6:1-2, yet is perhaps the most neglected doctrines of the Christian belief. Probably not many Christians could give a concise statement of this doctrine. I don't understand all of its significance, but there seems to be some kind of spiritual transference of power in setting apart a person for ministry as with Timothy (I Timothy 4:14), in healing (Mark 16:18), and in giving a spiritual inheritance or blessing (Genesis 48:13-20). Touch was often present in the healing ministry of Jesus. So why do we neglect it so?
Today's Thought: Laying on of hands is an important, though neglected, doctrine.
Have a "laying on of hands" day. Love you.
Acts 6:5-6
The doctrine of "laying on of hands" is one of the eight basic doctrines listed in Hebrews 6:1-2, yet is perhaps the most neglected doctrines of the Christian belief. Probably not many Christians could give a concise statement of this doctrine. I don't understand all of its significance, but there seems to be some kind of spiritual transference of power in setting apart a person for ministry as with Timothy (I Timothy 4:14), in healing (Mark 16:18), and in giving a spiritual inheritance or blessing (Genesis 48:13-20). Touch was often present in the healing ministry of Jesus. So why do we neglect it so?
Today's Thought: Laying on of hands is an important, though neglected, doctrine.
Have a "laying on of hands" day. Love you.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Variety of Ministries
Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, 'It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.' "
Acts 6:2-4
It was inevitable that the church would become organized. A small group of people can't do everything. Thus the need for deacons. The responsibilities need to be spread around. This does not mean that some people are more important than other people. It is just a recognition of variety of ministries – unique job descriptions. Those who provide the spiritual leadership are not necessarily called to do the physical ministry. To expect the pastor to do all the work is not "desirable." His job is to equip the saints for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:12). Deacons are responsible for the physical ministry, thus relieving the pastor to pray and study the word. Deacons are to be men of wisdom and full of the Holy Spirit – not simply popular or successful. They are godly leaders in their own right.
Today's Thought: God's plan is for the spiritual leaders to be free to spend time in prayer and study of the word so that they can equip others to do the ministry.
Have a good day. Love you.
Acts 6:2-4
It was inevitable that the church would become organized. A small group of people can't do everything. Thus the need for deacons. The responsibilities need to be spread around. This does not mean that some people are more important than other people. It is just a recognition of variety of ministries – unique job descriptions. Those who provide the spiritual leadership are not necessarily called to do the physical ministry. To expect the pastor to do all the work is not "desirable." His job is to equip the saints for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:12). Deacons are responsible for the physical ministry, thus relieving the pastor to pray and study the word. Deacons are to be men of wisdom and full of the Holy Spirit – not simply popular or successful. They are godly leaders in their own right.
Today's Thought: God's plan is for the spiritual leaders to be free to spend time in prayer and study of the word so that they can equip others to do the ministry.
Have a good day. Love you.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Discrimination
"Now in those days, when the number of disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution."
Acts 6:1
It seems that it is human nature to treat as inferior people who are not like me – whether it is race, nationality, education, or economic status. The feeling of superiority causes one to treat people in an unchristlike manner. Christians are not immune to this problem. Jesus doesn't show favoritism. With Him there is neither Jew nor Greek, male or female, bond or free because we are all one in Christ (Galatians 3:28). Jesus treats everyone the same, and so should we.
Today's Thought: There is no room for discrimination in Christ's Church.
Have a Christian day. Love you.
Acts 6:1
It seems that it is human nature to treat as inferior people who are not like me – whether it is race, nationality, education, or economic status. The feeling of superiority causes one to treat people in an unchristlike manner. Christians are not immune to this problem. Jesus doesn't show favoritism. With Him there is neither Jew nor Greek, male or female, bond or free because we are all one in Christ (Galatians 3:28). Jesus treats everyone the same, and so should we.
Today's Thought: There is no room for discrimination in Christ's Church.
Have a Christian day. Love you.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Worthy To Suffer
"And [the council] agreed with [Gamaliel], and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching Jesus as the Christ."
Acts 5:40-42
After being beaten, they rejoiced. It would probably have been easier to have a pity-party. Scriptures tells us to count it all joy when we fall into various trials (James 1:2). Our Chinese brethren have learned this secret and consider imprisonment and torture as a badge of honor. Self pity will cause us to draw back from witnessing. Joy caused them to keep on keeping on.
Today's Thought: It is an honor to be counted worthy to suffer for our Lord Jesus.
Have a joyful day. Love you.
Acts 5:40-42
After being beaten, they rejoiced. It would probably have been easier to have a pity-party. Scriptures tells us to count it all joy when we fall into various trials (James 1:2). Our Chinese brethren have learned this secret and consider imprisonment and torture as a badge of honor. Self pity will cause us to draw back from witnessing. Joy caused them to keep on keeping on.
Today's Thought: It is an honor to be counted worthy to suffer for our Lord Jesus.
Have a joyful day. Love you.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Fighting Against God
"Then one of the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel....And he said to them: 'Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men....And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this is the plan or work of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it – lest you even be found to fight against God.' "
Acts 5:34a, 35, 38-39
I need to remember this wise advice. I am prone to criticize some of the practices and teachings of ministries that do not fit into my frame of reference. So I disparage them just like some people do regarding Pentecostals who speak in tongues. Those things I cannot agree with, I need to "keep away from and let them alone" and commit them to God, lest I be guilty of fighting against God.
Today's Thought: I need to be careful about criticizing the doctrines and practices of other Christians that do I do not agree with,
because they may be of God and I may be wrong.
Have a wise day. Love you.
Acts 5:34a, 35, 38-39
I need to remember this wise advice. I am prone to criticize some of the practices and teachings of ministries that do not fit into my frame of reference. So I disparage them just like some people do regarding Pentecostals who speak in tongues. Those things I cannot agree with, I need to "keep away from and let them alone" and commit them to God, lest I be guilty of fighting against God.
Today's Thought: I need to be careful about criticizing the doctrines and practices of other Christians that do I do not agree with,
because they may be of God and I may be wrong.
Have a wise day. Love you.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- The Gospel Message
" 'The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.' "
Acts 5:30-32
The message the apostles preached remained the same in the sermons they preached: YOU murdered Jesus, but God raised Him from the dead to bring salvation, and sent the Holy Spirit (see Acts 2:22-39; 3:13-26; 4:8-12). It did not change just because of the audience. It is a temptation to tone down the message to make it acceptable to the unsaved. This is the problem with the "seeker-friendly" approach. In an attempt to make the sinner comfortable, the Gospel is reduced to pablum, and it loses its power to convict. As His witnesses, we need to guard against trying to appease people by making the Gospel non-confrontational and acceptable. People may not receive the message, but that is not our problem. Our job is to be faithful witnesses.
Today's Thought: The Gospel message remains the same regardless of the hearer.
Have a faithful day. Love you.
Acts 5:30-32
The message the apostles preached remained the same in the sermons they preached: YOU murdered Jesus, but God raised Him from the dead to bring salvation, and sent the Holy Spirit (see Acts 2:22-39; 3:13-26; 4:8-12). It did not change just because of the audience. It is a temptation to tone down the message to make it acceptable to the unsaved. This is the problem with the "seeker-friendly" approach. In an attempt to make the sinner comfortable, the Gospel is reduced to pablum, and it loses its power to convict. As His witnesses, we need to guard against trying to appease people by making the Gospel non-confrontational and acceptable. People may not receive the message, but that is not our problem. Our job is to be faithful witnesses.
Today's Thought: The Gospel message remains the same regardless of the hearer.
Have a faithful day. Love you.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Obeying God
"But Peter and the other apostles answered and said, 'We ought to obey God rather than men.' "
Acts 5:29
This is not a license to be rebellious. A consistent teaching of Scripture is to submit to and obey those who have authority over us – whether it is children to parents (Ephesians 6:1; Colossians. 3:20); on our jobs (Colossians 3:22); spiritual leaders (Hebrews 13:17); or governmental leaders (I Peter 2:13). However, in those rare times when we are required to do things that violate our consciences and the truth, we must make a choice whether to obey them or be true to God. We must determine to obey God, even if there are negative consequences.
Today's Thought: Obedience to God always overrules submission to ungodliness.
Have a submitted day. Love you.
Acts 5:29
This is not a license to be rebellious. A consistent teaching of Scripture is to submit to and obey those who have authority over us – whether it is children to parents (Ephesians 6:1; Colossians. 3:20); on our jobs (Colossians 3:22); spiritual leaders (Hebrews 13:17); or governmental leaders (I Peter 2:13). However, in those rare times when we are required to do things that violate our consciences and the truth, we must make a choice whether to obey them or be true to God. We must determine to obey God, even if there are negative consequences.
Today's Thought: Obedience to God always overrules submission to ungodliness.
Have a submitted day. Love you.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- "Fess Up!"
"And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, 'Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man's blood upon us.' "
Acts 5:27-28
"Who me? Did I do that?" This is a classic "pass the buck" moment. It was obvious that the high priest and others were guilty of murdering Jesus. But to cover their tracks, they had to feign innocence and impugn the Apostles' testimony by saying their motive was to "bring this Man's blood upon us." They were guilty even without the witness of the Apostles, and they could have repented and confessed their part, and been saved. But pride would not let them, so they continued in the charade of their denial. We all are guilty at one time or another of trying gloss over our guilt by passing the buck. How much better to "fess up" and face the music.
Today's Thought: Blaming someone else does not absolve us from guilt.
Have an honest day. Love you.
Acts 5:27-28
"Who me? Did I do that?" This is a classic "pass the buck" moment. It was obvious that the high priest and others were guilty of murdering Jesus. But to cover their tracks, they had to feign innocence and impugn the Apostles' testimony by saying their motive was to "bring this Man's blood upon us." They were guilty even without the witness of the Apostles, and they could have repented and confessed their part, and been saved. But pride would not let them, so they continued in the charade of their denial. We all are guilty at one time or another of trying gloss over our guilt by passing the buck. How much better to "fess up" and face the music.
Today's Thought: Blaming someone else does not absolve us from guilt.
Have an honest day. Love you.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Surprise!!!
"But when the officers came and did not find them in prison, they returned and reported, saying, 'Indeed, we found the prison shut securely, and the guards standing outside before the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside!' Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be."
Acts 5:22-24
Surprise!!! I think God must take delight in surprising people who think they have things all locked down and under control. When God by-passes their limitations, they are left to wonder, "What's going to happen next?" God is still in control and we can expect the unexpected.
Today's Thought: God is in control and does the unexpected.
Have an expectant day. Love you.
Acts 5:22-24
Surprise!!! I think God must take delight in surprising people who think they have things all locked down and under control. When God by-passes their limitations, they are left to wonder, "What's going to happen next?" God is still in control and we can expect the unexpected.
Today's Thought: God is in control and does the unexpected.
Have an expectant day. Love you.
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