“But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus.
(Acts 19:9)
“And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.”
(Acts 19:10)
God has become very active sequentially moving and replacing shepherd’s between Corinth and Ephesus.
First, there was Paul in Ephesus, then came along Apollos. Soon, Apollos decided to go where Paul had just spent over 1 1/2 years in Corinth ministering the Gospel. Now Ephesus is back open for Paul to return, and he finds a group of 12 who possibly (and I say this with caution) had been regenerated, but not yet filled with a subsequent filling of the Holy Spirit, for their gifting.
Now Paul, who had recently determined not to minister to the Jews ever again, v 18:6, go’s back for more abuse a third time, only to leave to a hall, where he took a group of the true church and spent two years ministering.
Now we've all heard the catchy commercial “five dollar foot long", but how about 5 hour sermon, daily? Five hours of Bible study, 7 days a week, for 24 months.
This guy labored tirelessly in Tyrannus’s hall for the Gospels sake.
His calling and commitment to Christ and His Word, brought about amazing signs. I mean this Apostle had an unusual anointing from the Holy Spirit that others throughout the centuries have tried to duplicate, and have ended up looking like a pig in a tree. Stupid.
According to the Scriptures, God had anointed the handkerchief and aprons that had touched his skin, to heal the sick, and exercise the evil spirits out of people.
But where modern day faith teachers would say that it must have been his sweat or skin that gave the anointing, the sons of Sceva recognized that it was the “name of Jesus” that had done the miracles.
“Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, sayings, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches””
(Acts 19:13)
As Paul labored diligently at the teachings and reasoning of the Word, great things began to occur. His love for Jesus and His people, by His grace alone, helped transform the sinner into an example bearing the mark of his Savior..
While God most likely will never do such unusual signs and wonders so consistently again, He still pours out His Spirit in unusual times, when His name is being glorified and exalted.
Never underestimate what God can do when the name of Jesus is relentlessly spoken about.
Make this the pattern you follow; labor hard for truth, labor long for love, and prepare for God to do some unusual signs in unusual times.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Athen(ology) Acts 17 (Pt. 2)
We will hear you again about this. . . .
The resurrection of Jesus Christ causes many people to jump ship.
Everyone will confess they sin in some capacity, because their conscience bears witness to it. But to convince the hearer that Jesus Himself rose from the grave is a truth that draws the line and separates the saved from the condemned. It apparently is far easier to struggle in a vehement ocean and drown, than to receive the gift of salvation Jesus has to offer.
In Paul’s sermon in Athens, it appeared he had had the attention of his audience as he worked his way through the Deity. So long as he did not force the issue of Jesus into their lives, he was able to speak. Even as he personally confessed to believe Jesus as God, that was ok, too, because common teachings at the UA was that all roads lead to some form of higher consciousness. However way you choose to get there.. is up to you. (I know I am border-lining on conjecture, but this is fairly safe to say given the fact that the scriptures tell us who his audience was.)
I can hear all of these smarty’s concluding that God is whoever or whatever you interpret Him to be, and all agreeing, that His incarnation manifest itself in many different forms, and likenesses.(let’s not forget about the Gnostics)
They may even have argued that there are no such things as absolutes, because if there were, and we could understand them, then we’d have absoluteness, and by pagan reasoning, there is no such thing. All humans are finite, and death comes to all, plus, the thought of God and ambiguity go together, and that alone is the reason for the multiplicity of religions. Sound familiar?
When Paul said that God was near to all of us, and that all people are His offspring, they accepted that because it fit into their structure of thought. But when Paul spoke on the resurrection- they mocked at him.
Like one woman said to me once (as I spoke on the resurrection), “that’s where I get off”
The resurrection forces a decision.
Jesus’ earthy professions said little to the culture He was reaching out towards, His miracles helped, but His resurrection sealed the deal. As Paul stated to the Corinthians church later on;
If Jesus had failed to rise again, we Christians would be the most pitiable of all men. 1 Corinthians 15:12-20
But indeed He has risen- He has risen, indeed!
Now that is Supremacy and Deity working together.
It was not at all a loss, however, because the Word was spoken which brought about accountability to those who heard it, and God called His chosen to spring forth to new life in Dion & Damaris, as well as others.
Now on to Corinth. . .
The resurrection of Jesus Christ causes many people to jump ship.
Everyone will confess they sin in some capacity, because their conscience bears witness to it. But to convince the hearer that Jesus Himself rose from the grave is a truth that draws the line and separates the saved from the condemned. It apparently is far easier to struggle in a vehement ocean and drown, than to receive the gift of salvation Jesus has to offer.
In Paul’s sermon in Athens, it appeared he had had the attention of his audience as he worked his way through the Deity. So long as he did not force the issue of Jesus into their lives, he was able to speak. Even as he personally confessed to believe Jesus as God, that was ok, too, because common teachings at the UA was that all roads lead to some form of higher consciousness. However way you choose to get there.. is up to you. (I know I am border-lining on conjecture, but this is fairly safe to say given the fact that the scriptures tell us who his audience was.)
I can hear all of these smarty’s concluding that God is whoever or whatever you interpret Him to be, and all agreeing, that His incarnation manifest itself in many different forms, and likenesses.(let’s not forget about the Gnostics)
They may even have argued that there are no such things as absolutes, because if there were, and we could understand them, then we’d have absoluteness, and by pagan reasoning, there is no such thing. All humans are finite, and death comes to all, plus, the thought of God and ambiguity go together, and that alone is the reason for the multiplicity of religions. Sound familiar?
When Paul said that God was near to all of us, and that all people are His offspring, they accepted that because it fit into their structure of thought. But when Paul spoke on the resurrection- they mocked at him.
Like one woman said to me once (as I spoke on the resurrection), “that’s where I get off”
The resurrection forces a decision.
Jesus’ earthy professions said little to the culture He was reaching out towards, His miracles helped, but His resurrection sealed the deal. As Paul stated to the Corinthians church later on;
If Jesus had failed to rise again, we Christians would be the most pitiable of all men. 1 Corinthians 15:12-20
But indeed He has risen- He has risen, indeed!
Now that is Supremacy and Deity working together.
It was not at all a loss, however, because the Word was spoken which brought about accountability to those who heard it, and God called His chosen to spring forth to new life in Dion & Damaris, as well as others.
Now on to Corinth. . .
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
a(paul)ogetics (Acts 17:2-3)
“Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them for three Sabbaths and reasoned with them from the Scriptures.
Explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “this Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.” (Acts 17:2-3)
The Holy Spirit had directed Paul to Macedonia because their was a great work to be done in the region. We always want to go where the ground is most fertile for the gospel.
So far the Philippians, Thessalonians, and soon the Corinthian churches will be birthed on this part of the mission.
Every church formed here in this portion of Acts was because Paul reasoned from the scriptures. Those who listen and received became born-again, and those who did not, hassled, or just left without any response at all.
Paul’s method of evangelism had been interpreted by the higher knowledge people as nothing more than babble. Much like our culture today, Athens represent our post-modern ethos. Six out of every ten Americans blend their religion. This is the spirit of Anti-christ.
This babblers message struck a cord for the men of Athens.
It bought Paul a ticket as a key-note speaker at the University of Aeropagus.
New agers, philosophers. mystics, astrologers and perhaps professors of religious studies all gathered this day at the UA to hear something new, and Paul the great apologist went to work.
It seems they were familiar with all the gods, except the one true and living God-man, Jesus.. Just as it is today in 2010.
In his brief appearance at AU- Paul preached the deity and supremacy. These two distinct doctrines alone are sufficient for salvation, and these cultural intellectuals needed to understand monotheism, as opposed to their pluralism. Using Pagan examples to preach divine truth was Paul’s way showing us the efficacy of the method.
Paul, an intellectual himself, related to their way of thinking, and carried the simplicity of the message to a level they could understand.
There will always be a little truth in a whole lot of lie. We can educate ourselves to use the lie to preach about the truth and it can end of being the right provision for the right miracle. Some just may believe.
Take whatever community God has placed you in, guard yourself with truth, and embrace the challenge.
Preach deity and supremacy and leave the rest to God.
Explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “this Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.” (Acts 17:2-3)
The Holy Spirit had directed Paul to Macedonia because their was a great work to be done in the region. We always want to go where the ground is most fertile for the gospel.
So far the Philippians, Thessalonians, and soon the Corinthian churches will be birthed on this part of the mission.
Every church formed here in this portion of Acts was because Paul reasoned from the scriptures. Those who listen and received became born-again, and those who did not, hassled, or just left without any response at all.
Paul’s method of evangelism had been interpreted by the higher knowledge people as nothing more than babble. Much like our culture today, Athens represent our post-modern ethos. Six out of every ten Americans blend their religion. This is the spirit of Anti-christ.
This babblers message struck a cord for the men of Athens.
It bought Paul a ticket as a key-note speaker at the University of Aeropagus.
New agers, philosophers. mystics, astrologers and perhaps professors of religious studies all gathered this day at the UA to hear something new, and Paul the great apologist went to work.
It seems they were familiar with all the gods, except the one true and living God-man, Jesus.. Just as it is today in 2010.
In his brief appearance at AU- Paul preached the deity and supremacy. These two distinct doctrines alone are sufficient for salvation, and these cultural intellectuals needed to understand monotheism, as opposed to their pluralism. Using Pagan examples to preach divine truth was Paul’s way showing us the efficacy of the method.
Paul, an intellectual himself, related to their way of thinking, and carried the simplicity of the message to a level they could understand.
There will always be a little truth in a whole lot of lie. We can educate ourselves to use the lie to preach about the truth and it can end of being the right provision for the right miracle. Some just may believe.
Take whatever community God has placed you in, guard yourself with truth, and embrace the challenge.
Preach deity and supremacy and leave the rest to God.
Anything the devil can do, God can do better (Acts 16:16-40)
Macedonia meant salvation & hardship.
Just in case you haven’t figured this out yet, ministry comes with it’s highs and lows.
How exciting was it for the Apostles to see the regeneration process working before hand in the life of this woman Lydia, in that she had already been moved by God to believe prior to the proclamation! No arguing, no vacillation, just simple submission and baptism. A welcomed witness to the other woman at the Riverside.
However, this place of prayer must have been called Georgia, because the devil went down there to annoy and hinder their progress..
It never fails-
In a matter of days, they’ve gone from singing to shekels, praise to prison & from a freed woman to a possessed woman as fast as one can stir the chocolate in his milk.
Macedonia had become Messa-donia like Nestlé’s Quick, that is, up until mid-night, when Paul and Sylus began to sing and pray, and then suddenly all hell broke loose and heaven prevailed.
The light shone in their darkness, and broke loose the captives chains-
Anything the devil can do, God can do better!
The jailor went from suicide to salvation and they all had gone from the dungeon to a dinner by one thump of the Masters hand.
God can do miracles in your darkness- He is there with you now.
For lo, I am with you always (everywhere), even unto the end of the age! Matt 28:20. His promise to you is that He will never leave you nor forsake you. Hebrews 13:5
It seems from our reflections from this book of the Acts of the Apostles that there will be darkness ahead…
Forge through it, Christian…. You will be victorious.
Just in case you haven’t figured this out yet, ministry comes with it’s highs and lows.
How exciting was it for the Apostles to see the regeneration process working before hand in the life of this woman Lydia, in that she had already been moved by God to believe prior to the proclamation! No arguing, no vacillation, just simple submission and baptism. A welcomed witness to the other woman at the Riverside.
However, this place of prayer must have been called Georgia, because the devil went down there to annoy and hinder their progress..
It never fails-
In a matter of days, they’ve gone from singing to shekels, praise to prison & from a freed woman to a possessed woman as fast as one can stir the chocolate in his milk.
Macedonia had become Messa-donia like Nestlé’s Quick, that is, up until mid-night, when Paul and Sylus began to sing and pray, and then suddenly all hell broke loose and heaven prevailed.
The light shone in their darkness, and broke loose the captives chains-
Anything the devil can do, God can do better!
The jailor went from suicide to salvation and they all had gone from the dungeon to a dinner by one thump of the Masters hand.
God can do miracles in your darkness- He is there with you now.
For lo, I am with you always (everywhere), even unto the end of the age! Matt 28:20. His promise to you is that He will never leave you nor forsake you. Hebrews 13:5
It seems from our reflections from this book of the Acts of the Apostles that there will be darkness ahead…
Forge through it, Christian…. You will be victorious.
Monday, December 14, 2009
A new frontier (Acts 16:6-10)
The administration of the Holy Spirit is as follows; calling and equipping, comforting, as well as teaching. He can even be a drag on our plans…in a good way that is.
We‘ve come to a situation in our text were we now see Him hindering the plans of Paul, Silas, and Timothy. The Ghost of God only wants what will honor the Father and glorify the Son.
The Apostles set out to nourish the saints in the various cities, but God had a different idea in mind. It is not that their motives were wrong, or that what they wanted to do, not necessary, it is just that God had something better for them.
Here are a few points to consider.
A. They were flexible to go where they would be most effective.
B. They were obedient and willing to do whatever they were told to do.
C. They did not resist the Spirits leading.
D. They did not grumble at God.
Most of us can look back at the scripture, submit to its authority , and conclude, that God was establishing His church by super-natural intromission. But do we believe in it enough to see its relevancy in the lives of people today who step out in faith , even though at times there seems confusion or disorientation?
If God is the same both yesterday, today and forever, working out all things for the good for those who love Him and are the called according to His purpose, then we should never be to critical of the ones whose plans He changes.
If we have become guilty of pointing fingers in judgment to those in whom are believing God for their lives, than we had better digress, at once.
It would also be wise to pull back the reigns and dismount the horse of your making,and remember that the animal goes where the animal is lead.
We would be far better off being more concerned about where we are going, and making sure we get there, rather than where the Holy Spirit is leading others.
I’m just saying. . .
We‘ve come to a situation in our text were we now see Him hindering the plans of Paul, Silas, and Timothy. The Ghost of God only wants what will honor the Father and glorify the Son.
The Apostles set out to nourish the saints in the various cities, but God had a different idea in mind. It is not that their motives were wrong, or that what they wanted to do, not necessary, it is just that God had something better for them.
Here are a few points to consider.
A. They were flexible to go where they would be most effective.
B. They were obedient and willing to do whatever they were told to do.
C. They did not resist the Spirits leading.
D. They did not grumble at God.
Most of us can look back at the scripture, submit to its authority , and conclude, that God was establishing His church by super-natural intromission. But do we believe in it enough to see its relevancy in the lives of people today who step out in faith , even though at times there seems confusion or disorientation?
If God is the same both yesterday, today and forever, working out all things for the good for those who love Him and are the called according to His purpose, then we should never be to critical of the ones whose plans He changes.
If we have become guilty of pointing fingers in judgment to those in whom are believing God for their lives, than we had better digress, at once.
It would also be wise to pull back the reigns and dismount the horse of your making,and remember that the animal goes where the animal is lead.
We would be far better off being more concerned about where we are going, and making sure we get there, rather than where the Holy Spirit is leading others.
I’m just saying. . .
Friday, December 11, 2009
Silenced by Truth (acts 15)
It seems on to many occasions today that the church becomes heavy ladened by divisive un-necessities. It never fails. Whether it is a single person causing strife, or a large group of malcontent’s challenging the leadership, it just happens, and we must mount up our expectations for these predictable inevitabilities.
We find in the text before us a serious problem had surfaced. There had become a heated debate with the Apostles regarding circumcision. Supposedly, there were some outsiders unraveling the Apostles doctrine to the general congregation, by saying that in order to be saved, you must keep with the Mosaic customs of circumcision. Wow.. hold the Fritos please! This brought an insurmountable amount of confusion and distraction to the folks in Judea.
And so the boys tripped out towards Jerusalem to get more backing.
Now what was a concern in Judea, eventually became a concern in Jerusalem. This was a matter that needed a quick and sure resolution..
Peter stands up and addresses the Church with truth. This is our first and main point to consider.
Jesus said, “I AM the way the truth and the life’’.
The truth here silenced the assembly! Paul then testified to the work of God to the Gent’s as a witness of the purpose of God, then we read the head elder in Jerusalem, James, by name, concluded with a definitive judgment of which all submitted to. Now that is called resolution.
These trouble makers were silenced by truth, not by love, because the truth is real love.
The church needs biblical leadership and good methodical practices, however, just as much as we need good leadership, we need holy people.
When we have disgruntled saints, we need to stand on the truth, and allow the truth to set them free. The sad truth is, is that not everyone will accept the truth. This is not our problem, it is theirs.
Our responsibilities before God is to give the truth and live the truth. Should practicing this method not be sufficient grounds for the troubled people, then we are to send them out to troubled waters. There is no real reason to harbor a sinking ship.
Forgive them.. yes. Pray for them, certainly. Appease to their flesh, nope.
We don’t know what had happened to these first century trouble makers. Perhaps they repented. Maybe they just left quietly (I doubt it because of the way they came in), or, maybe, they were asked to leave. What we do know however, was that they were certainly listed as some of first of many more to follow.
And so Christian, mount up your expectations, stand on the truth, season yourself in love, and grow some thick skin. Prepare yourself to press on towards the goal for the prize of the upwards call of God in Christ, no matter what adversities face you today.
Forget not this-
Not only did the truth silence the council at Jerusalem, it also silenced the misguided in Judea!
We find in the text before us a serious problem had surfaced. There had become a heated debate with the Apostles regarding circumcision. Supposedly, there were some outsiders unraveling the Apostles doctrine to the general congregation, by saying that in order to be saved, you must keep with the Mosaic customs of circumcision. Wow.. hold the Fritos please! This brought an insurmountable amount of confusion and distraction to the folks in Judea.
And so the boys tripped out towards Jerusalem to get more backing.
Now what was a concern in Judea, eventually became a concern in Jerusalem. This was a matter that needed a quick and sure resolution..
Peter stands up and addresses the Church with truth. This is our first and main point to consider.
Jesus said, “I AM the way the truth and the life’’.
The truth here silenced the assembly! Paul then testified to the work of God to the Gent’s as a witness of the purpose of God, then we read the head elder in Jerusalem, James, by name, concluded with a definitive judgment of which all submitted to. Now that is called resolution.
These trouble makers were silenced by truth, not by love, because the truth is real love.
The church needs biblical leadership and good methodical practices, however, just as much as we need good leadership, we need holy people.
When we have disgruntled saints, we need to stand on the truth, and allow the truth to set them free. The sad truth is, is that not everyone will accept the truth. This is not our problem, it is theirs.
Our responsibilities before God is to give the truth and live the truth. Should practicing this method not be sufficient grounds for the troubled people, then we are to send them out to troubled waters. There is no real reason to harbor a sinking ship.
Forgive them.. yes. Pray for them, certainly. Appease to their flesh, nope.
We don’t know what had happened to these first century trouble makers. Perhaps they repented. Maybe they just left quietly (I doubt it because of the way they came in), or, maybe, they were asked to leave. What we do know however, was that they were certainly listed as some of first of many more to follow.
And so Christian, mount up your expectations, stand on the truth, season yourself in love, and grow some thick skin. Prepare yourself to press on towards the goal for the prize of the upwards call of God in Christ, no matter what adversities face you today.
Forget not this-
Not only did the truth silence the council at Jerusalem, it also silenced the misguided in Judea!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
The 6 points of commission-ism (Acts 13:2-3)
-Worship, fast, listen, pray, hands upon, sent off-
Historically, Israel & the Church have operated, on a large part, by a point system. ( following list not exhaustive, of coarse.)
Let’s begin the downhill progression with sin. Sin pointed to Adam, and Adam pointed to Eve. Abraham pointed to a promise, and the promise pointed to an offspring. Moses pointed to the law, the law pointed to depravity, and, depravity pointed to the need for grace.
The Prophets pointed to warnings, judgments and world events but mainly to the Messiah.
Then Christ came pointing to God, while God pointed back to Christ. The church points to Christ, and Christ points to the prophets.
Then came Catholicism pointing to the Pope, and, while the Muslims pointed at the Crusaders, the Crusaders pointed to England.
Luther pointed to his 95 thesis, and Calvin pointed to his five points. Reformers point back at the aforementioned points, while Armenianist point to their free will.
Replacement people point to Israel as the church, and Dispensationalist point to seven distinct timelines.
Then you have the Pre-wrathers pointing to the trib, while pre-tribers point to the rapture, all the while Preterist point to A.D. 70 which makes us all stare and point at the Olivet Discourse.
Let’s not forget about the Pentecostals who point to their experience, all the while we have the Mystics pointing to the East.
Oh, and our friendly Fundamentalist point to fundamentalisms, while the Liberals point to their tolerances.
But at the end of the day it really all points to one of two destinations
Heaven or Hell
It is safe to say then that there has been a lot of pointing going on, and because of that, if I may, allow me to exercise my freedom at pointing to God’s 6 points of commission as stated in our text. (Note: this is not a pattern to worship by, nor a secret method to write a book about, and make lots of money on, because it has already been written.)
So what say you? This I say…
They simply just worshiped the Lord, and fasted, and THEN, they heard from the Lord. So they prayed about what they heard, discussed it, came to an agreement, had hands laid upon them, and they were pointed & sent out in the right direction by the Holy Spirit.
God’s 6 points of commission.. all pointing to the Cross, that without which, there would be no point.
Historically, Israel & the Church have operated, on a large part, by a point system. ( following list not exhaustive, of coarse.)
Let’s begin the downhill progression with sin. Sin pointed to Adam, and Adam pointed to Eve. Abraham pointed to a promise, and the promise pointed to an offspring. Moses pointed to the law, the law pointed to depravity, and, depravity pointed to the need for grace.
The Prophets pointed to warnings, judgments and world events but mainly to the Messiah.
Then Christ came pointing to God, while God pointed back to Christ. The church points to Christ, and Christ points to the prophets.
Then came Catholicism pointing to the Pope, and, while the Muslims pointed at the Crusaders, the Crusaders pointed to England.
Luther pointed to his 95 thesis, and Calvin pointed to his five points. Reformers point back at the aforementioned points, while Armenianist point to their free will.
Replacement people point to Israel as the church, and Dispensationalist point to seven distinct timelines.
Then you have the Pre-wrathers pointing to the trib, while pre-tribers point to the rapture, all the while Preterist point to A.D. 70 which makes us all stare and point at the Olivet Discourse.
Let’s not forget about the Pentecostals who point to their experience, all the while we have the Mystics pointing to the East.
Oh, and our friendly Fundamentalist point to fundamentalisms, while the Liberals point to their tolerances.
But at the end of the day it really all points to one of two destinations
Heaven or Hell
It is safe to say then that there has been a lot of pointing going on, and because of that, if I may, allow me to exercise my freedom at pointing to God’s 6 points of commission as stated in our text. (Note: this is not a pattern to worship by, nor a secret method to write a book about, and make lots of money on, because it has already been written.)
So what say you? This I say…
They simply just worshiped the Lord, and fasted, and THEN, they heard from the Lord. So they prayed about what they heard, discussed it, came to an agreement, had hands laid upon them, and they were pointed & sent out in the right direction by the Holy Spirit.
God’s 6 points of commission.. all pointing to the Cross, that without which, there would be no point.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
The light will shine in your darkness (Acts 12:7)
And behold an angel of the Lord stood next to him and a light shone in the cell.
Our text tells us that Peter had become helplessly bound in a dark prison cell, guarded by God’s purposes, and that he could not see beyond his chains. He knew Jesus had risen, and had set the captives free of which one he had now become. He recalled the miracles Jesus had preformed through him and he knew the church was aware of his position and were praying. With this he slept, for he could do nothing else.
His shadow healed people, but his hands could not break loose.
His message cut through the heart of the unregenerate unto belief for salvation, but he could not save himself.
He had just witnessed a brother martyred, and now he to was awaiting his impending death, by the hand of Herod.
It may be conjecture, but prior to falling asleep, perhaps he thought to himself,
“Peter, its all over with” You have preached your last sermon, and have fished your last fish. Just like John the Baptist, off with my head.. Goodbye, world..
Are you in Peters shoes?
Do you think back and remember God’s display of grace, and the works He demonstrated through you, only now to see nothing at all?
Perhaps the devil accuses you of some sin, and convinces you that you’ve fallen out of God’s favor? Or maybe even that God is just done with you.
Whatever the case may be, consider it all a lie.
Here is a personal suggestion
Stop praying for deliverance, and start thanking Him for your circumstances. Thank Him for your chains. Thank Him that others are being used, while you are chained. Thank Him in your cell, and for your uncertain future..
Remember that you do not deserve anything.. And that He owes you nothing.
Surrender to your circumstances at once, and submit to His wisdom. Embrace your weakness and laugh at your pride as it lays in the dust.
Then suddenly the light will shine in your darkness.
Our text tells us that Peter had become helplessly bound in a dark prison cell, guarded by God’s purposes, and that he could not see beyond his chains. He knew Jesus had risen, and had set the captives free of which one he had now become. He recalled the miracles Jesus had preformed through him and he knew the church was aware of his position and were praying. With this he slept, for he could do nothing else.
His shadow healed people, but his hands could not break loose.
His message cut through the heart of the unregenerate unto belief for salvation, but he could not save himself.
He had just witnessed a brother martyred, and now he to was awaiting his impending death, by the hand of Herod.
It may be conjecture, but prior to falling asleep, perhaps he thought to himself,
“Peter, its all over with” You have preached your last sermon, and have fished your last fish. Just like John the Baptist, off with my head.. Goodbye, world..
Are you in Peters shoes?
Do you think back and remember God’s display of grace, and the works He demonstrated through you, only now to see nothing at all?
Perhaps the devil accuses you of some sin, and convinces you that you’ve fallen out of God’s favor? Or maybe even that God is just done with you.
Whatever the case may be, consider it all a lie.
Here is a personal suggestion
Stop praying for deliverance, and start thanking Him for your circumstances. Thank Him for your chains. Thank Him that others are being used, while you are chained. Thank Him in your cell, and for your uncertain future..
Remember that you do not deserve anything.. And that He owes you nothing.
Surrender to your circumstances at once, and submit to His wisdom. Embrace your weakness and laugh at your pride as it lays in the dust.
Then suddenly the light will shine in your darkness.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
You may be healed (Acts 9:32-35)
Aeneas was a bedridden, paralyzed man. For eight years he laid motionless, staring into his future, knowing that he was no different then a dead man.
The antithesis of this illustration is the same as the unsaved today. They may be alive, but paralyzed by their sin, helpless to do anything worthy of God’s Kingdom, because of their depravity. There may not be a physical connection here, but certainly a spiritual one worth mentioning.
Then comes along Peter; no invite, no begging, no good works to draw him near, he just shows up, and raises him up. Jesus chose to heal Aeneas. We don’t read him arguing about the miracle, and no one else was offended by it either.
What a good day it is when God regenerates a soul!
I love how Peter told him to make his bed, rather than throwing it out the window and burning it, because of what it had represented or because of disease.
Instead he told him to make it. Allow it to serve as a reminder, a memorial to what God has done for you. Use it for His glory-
You may be healed, but now you have work to do!
The antithesis of this illustration is the same as the unsaved today. They may be alive, but paralyzed by their sin, helpless to do anything worthy of God’s Kingdom, because of their depravity. There may not be a physical connection here, but certainly a spiritual one worth mentioning.
Then comes along Peter; no invite, no begging, no good works to draw him near, he just shows up, and raises him up. Jesus chose to heal Aeneas. We don’t read him arguing about the miracle, and no one else was offended by it either.
What a good day it is when God regenerates a soul!
I love how Peter told him to make his bed, rather than throwing it out the window and burning it, because of what it had represented or because of disease.
Instead he told him to make it. Allow it to serve as a reminder, a memorial to what God has done for you. Use it for His glory-
You may be healed, but now you have work to do!
Faithful with the first assignment (Acts 8:4-8)
Philip had been numbered among the seven deacons to serve tables. After Stephens nuclear sermon that brought the worst out of Saul and his cronies, the church became scattered, and now Philip became an Evangelist.
God’s Spirit was not limited to the Apostles during this unique time period, as even the deacons had became 1st century power- houses. Preaching, casting out demons, and healing, were all on the menu.
I love the fact that Philip’s part was just to proclaim Christ alone- God did the rest.
I wonder how many of us are discontent over the first assignment God has asked us to do for Him? Do we see it as insignificant, unimportant, or not fitting to our own personal visions, and ambitions?
Philip served God’s disgruntled people in the good times, and in the bad times, he was launched out by God and the circumstances, for a greater purpose. He would have never had had the anointing to do the next thing unless he was first blessed to do the first thing.
God’s Spirit was not limited to the Apostles during this unique time period, as even the deacons had became 1st century power- houses. Preaching, casting out demons, and healing, were all on the menu.
I love the fact that Philip’s part was just to proclaim Christ alone- God did the rest.
I wonder how many of us are discontent over the first assignment God has asked us to do for Him? Do we see it as insignificant, unimportant, or not fitting to our own personal visions, and ambitions?
Philip served God’s disgruntled people in the good times, and in the bad times, he was launched out by God and the circumstances, for a greater purpose. He would have never had had the anointing to do the next thing unless he was first blessed to do the first thing.
New church plant..
This is my friend Tony and his new church plant in Spearfish, ND. Launch date scheduled for Dec.6th,2009.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Unity in the essentials (acts 4:32)
They were of one heart and one soul..
I think if there is one need in the church today that transcends all other needs, it is the need for the church to be unified on this one principal. We would be far more productive in reaching the lost if we would stop bickering about who or who is not the elect. If we would expend more of our time and energy watching and learning how to use the free will choices of those in bondage, to Christ’s advantage, maybe then, we would spend less time arguing about the complexities of free moral agency.
If only we be unified with the simplicities of the first century church: to be of one heart and one soul, maybe then, we would witness a super-natural harvest transpire right before our eyes like Peter, James and John had on the Mt. transfiguration. Our tents would become temporary, and our vision, eternal!
I think if there is one need in the church today that transcends all other needs, it is the need for the church to be unified on this one principal. We would be far more productive in reaching the lost if we would stop bickering about who or who is not the elect. If we would expend more of our time and energy watching and learning how to use the free will choices of those in bondage, to Christ’s advantage, maybe then, we would spend less time arguing about the complexities of free moral agency.
If only we be unified with the simplicities of the first century church: to be of one heart and one soul, maybe then, we would witness a super-natural harvest transpire right before our eyes like Peter, James and John had on the Mt. transfiguration. Our tents would become temporary, and our vision, eternal!
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