Acts 13: 43-52
43 When the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to continue in the grace of God. 44 The next sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy; and blaspheming, they contradicted what was spoken by Paul. 46 Then both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, "It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken first to you. Since you reject it and judge yourselves to be unworthy of eternal life, we are now turning to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, 'I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles, so that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'" 48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and praised the word of the Lord; and as many as had been destined for eternal life became believers. 49 Thus the word of the Lord spread throughout the region. 50 But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their region. 51 So they shook the dust off their feet in protest against them, and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
The pattern is now established for the work of Paul and Barnabas. They enter a community and start their work in the synagogue. If they are opposed in the synagogue they then move to the greater community. The gospel is shared with the Jews and converts first. The new news is that if it is rejected there, then it is shared with the whole community.
The early church is face with opposition on many fronts. The fact that there is opposition does not limit the proclamation of Jesus. In fact it moves the church to new communities and to people that were not part of the original thinking of the apostles.
The Gentiles are now being received into the church. Paul and Barnabas now see that they are called to be a light to the Gentiles. This pattern will continue with increasing opposition from the leaders of the synagogues. The Christian movement is not intentionally leaving the synagogue, it is being forced out.
The movement still sees itself connected to the story of Israel, but it also sees its call to reach out to the whole world.
Reflection questions:
1. Note the tension between the proclamation of the gospel and the personal jealousy of the leaders of the synagogue. What role does your personal feelings play in reading and interpreting the scriptures?
2. How does opposition affect your witness? Silence it? Move it in new directions?
3. The early church faced opposition, today we see apathy more often than opposition, how is the response to apathy different than the response to opposition?
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
October 30
Acts 13: 13-42
13 Then Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. John, however, left them and returned to Jerusalem; 14 but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. 15 After the reading of the law and the prophets, the officials of the synagogue sent them a message, saying, "Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, give it." 16 So Paul stood up and with a gesture began to speak: "You Israelites, and others who fear God, listen. 17 The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. 18 For about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness. 19 After he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance 20 for about four hundred fifty years. After that he gave them judges until the time of the prophet Samuel. 21 Then they asked for a king; and God gave them Saul son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, who reigned for forty years. 22 When he had removed him, he made David their king. In his testimony about him he said, 'I have found David, son of Jesse, to be a man after my heart, who will carry out all my wishes.' 23 Of this man's posterity God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised; 24 before his coming John had already proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 And as John was finishing his work, he said, 'What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but one is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of the sandals on his feet.' 26 "My brothers, you descendants of Abraham's family, and others who fear God, to us the message of this salvation has been sent. 27 Because the residents of Jerusalem and their leaders did not recognize him or understand the words of the prophets that are read every sabbath, they fulfilled those words by condemning him. 28 Even though they found no cause for a sentence of death, they asked Pilate to have him killed. 29 When they had carried out everything that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead; 31 and for many days he appeared to those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, and they are now his witnesses to the people. 32 And we bring you the good news that what God promised to our ancestors 33 he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising Jesus; as also it is written in the second psalm, 'You are my Son; today I have begotten you.' 34 As to his raising him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way, 'I will give you the holy promises made to David.' 35 Therefore he has also said in another psalm, 'You will not let your Holy One experience corruption.' 36 For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, died, was laid beside his ancestors, and experienced corruption; 37 but he whom God raised up experienced no corruption. 38 Let it be known to you therefore, my brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you; 39 by this Jesus everyone who believes is set free from all those sins from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. 40 Beware, therefore, that what the prophets said does not happen to you: 41 'Look, you scoffers! Be amazed and perish, for in your days I am doing a work, a work that you will never believe, even if someone tells you.'" 42 As Paul and Barnabas were going out, the people urged them to speak about these things again the next sabbath.
Paul’s practice of working first in the synagogue continues. His message matches the essentials of the message that Peter and Stephen have shared in prior sermons. God is at work through the people of Israel. They consistently rebel so God sends the prophets. Jesus is the promised savior who was rejected by the leaders. God raised him from the dead and through him the forgiveness of sins is for everyone who believes.
The message assumes that the hearers know the covenant story of the Bible. Jesus is the fulfillment of the covenant. God is still and work and the admonition of the prophets now need to be heard in light of all that God has done.
Too often we read the story of Jesus limited to our own context. It may be impossible to read this story any other way. For those steeped in the history of God’s law and promises, Jesus becomes the hinge pin holding it all together. That is Paul’s point. God will forgive sin through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. It is not by vainly trying to keep the law, it is in Jesus that life and salvation is to be found.
Reflection questions:
1. How might Paul respond to those who want us to know of their good works and their good life?
2. How does knowing that in Jesus your sins are forgiven affect your willingness or ability to do good?
3. How do you respond to the comment that God chose the people of Israel?
13 Then Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. John, however, left them and returned to Jerusalem; 14 but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. 15 After the reading of the law and the prophets, the officials of the synagogue sent them a message, saying, "Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, give it." 16 So Paul stood up and with a gesture began to speak: "You Israelites, and others who fear God, listen. 17 The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. 18 For about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness. 19 After he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance 20 for about four hundred fifty years. After that he gave them judges until the time of the prophet Samuel. 21 Then they asked for a king; and God gave them Saul son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, who reigned for forty years. 22 When he had removed him, he made David their king. In his testimony about him he said, 'I have found David, son of Jesse, to be a man after my heart, who will carry out all my wishes.' 23 Of this man's posterity God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised; 24 before his coming John had already proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 And as John was finishing his work, he said, 'What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but one is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of the sandals on his feet.' 26 "My brothers, you descendants of Abraham's family, and others who fear God, to us the message of this salvation has been sent. 27 Because the residents of Jerusalem and their leaders did not recognize him or understand the words of the prophets that are read every sabbath, they fulfilled those words by condemning him. 28 Even though they found no cause for a sentence of death, they asked Pilate to have him killed. 29 When they had carried out everything that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead; 31 and for many days he appeared to those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, and they are now his witnesses to the people. 32 And we bring you the good news that what God promised to our ancestors 33 he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising Jesus; as also it is written in the second psalm, 'You are my Son; today I have begotten you.' 34 As to his raising him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way, 'I will give you the holy promises made to David.' 35 Therefore he has also said in another psalm, 'You will not let your Holy One experience corruption.' 36 For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, died, was laid beside his ancestors, and experienced corruption; 37 but he whom God raised up experienced no corruption. 38 Let it be known to you therefore, my brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you; 39 by this Jesus everyone who believes is set free from all those sins from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. 40 Beware, therefore, that what the prophets said does not happen to you: 41 'Look, you scoffers! Be amazed and perish, for in your days I am doing a work, a work that you will never believe, even if someone tells you.'" 42 As Paul and Barnabas were going out, the people urged them to speak about these things again the next sabbath.
Paul’s practice of working first in the synagogue continues. His message matches the essentials of the message that Peter and Stephen have shared in prior sermons. God is at work through the people of Israel. They consistently rebel so God sends the prophets. Jesus is the promised savior who was rejected by the leaders. God raised him from the dead and through him the forgiveness of sins is for everyone who believes.
The message assumes that the hearers know the covenant story of the Bible. Jesus is the fulfillment of the covenant. God is still and work and the admonition of the prophets now need to be heard in light of all that God has done.
Too often we read the story of Jesus limited to our own context. It may be impossible to read this story any other way. For those steeped in the history of God’s law and promises, Jesus becomes the hinge pin holding it all together. That is Paul’s point. God will forgive sin through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. It is not by vainly trying to keep the law, it is in Jesus that life and salvation is to be found.
Reflection questions:
1. How might Paul respond to those who want us to know of their good works and their good life?
2. How does knowing that in Jesus your sins are forgiven affect your willingness or ability to do good?
3. How do you respond to the comment that God chose the people of Israel?
Thursday, October 29, 2009
October 29
Acts 12:25 – 13:12
25 Then after completing their mission Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem and brought with them John, whose other name was Mark.
1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the ruler, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. 4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia; and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John also to assist them. 6 When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they met a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet, named Bar-Jesus. 7 He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and wanted to hear the word of God. 8 But the magician Elymas (for that is the translation of his name) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 But Saul, also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, "You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? 11 And now listen-- the hand of the Lord is against you, and you will be blind for a while, unable to see the sun." Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he went about groping for someone to lead him by the hand. 12 When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord.
The first missionary begins with the church discerning the call to Paul and Barnabas. The pattern of both individual and communal discernment has its roots in the early life of the church. It is important that individuals discern the gift of God which enables them to know the call to service. It is also important the church also confirm and support that call. The community is in prayer about this effort and the community sends the apostles out to serve.
Paul and Barnabas begin their mission work in the synagogues. The temple authorities may be persecuting the church in Jerusalem, but in these extended territories it is the synagogue that is the first focus of their proclamation. We have lost some of this understanding of mission. We understand the importance to reach out to other cultures with the gospel. It is often our local neighborhood that is neglected in the church’s outreach.
Bar-Jesus or “son of Jesus” is a fake. His opposition was a hindrance to Sergius Paulus ability to hear the word. Paul’s rebuke demonstrates the power of the gospel. The magician’s attempts to oppose the gospel are the result of his blindness to what God is doing. As a result he is now both spiritually and physically blind.
Reflection questions:
1. What role does the community of faith have in indentifying and calling the gifts of the Spirit in you into action?
2. How have you experienced the Spirit’s call? The call of the church community?
3. Paul identifies false prophet as making crooked the straight paths of the Lord. How might the church today make the simple gospel more complicated?
25 Then after completing their mission Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem and brought with them John, whose other name was Mark.
1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the ruler, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. 4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia; and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John also to assist them. 6 When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they met a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet, named Bar-Jesus. 7 He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and wanted to hear the word of God. 8 But the magician Elymas (for that is the translation of his name) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 But Saul, also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, "You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? 11 And now listen-- the hand of the Lord is against you, and you will be blind for a while, unable to see the sun." Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he went about groping for someone to lead him by the hand. 12 When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord.
The first missionary begins with the church discerning the call to Paul and Barnabas. The pattern of both individual and communal discernment has its roots in the early life of the church. It is important that individuals discern the gift of God which enables them to know the call to service. It is also important the church also confirm and support that call. The community is in prayer about this effort and the community sends the apostles out to serve.
Paul and Barnabas begin their mission work in the synagogues. The temple authorities may be persecuting the church in Jerusalem, but in these extended territories it is the synagogue that is the first focus of their proclamation. We have lost some of this understanding of mission. We understand the importance to reach out to other cultures with the gospel. It is often our local neighborhood that is neglected in the church’s outreach.
Bar-Jesus or “son of Jesus” is a fake. His opposition was a hindrance to Sergius Paulus ability to hear the word. Paul’s rebuke demonstrates the power of the gospel. The magician’s attempts to oppose the gospel are the result of his blindness to what God is doing. As a result he is now both spiritually and physically blind.
Reflection questions:
1. What role does the community of faith have in indentifying and calling the gifts of the Spirit in you into action?
2. How have you experienced the Spirit’s call? The call of the church community?
3. Paul identifies false prophet as making crooked the straight paths of the Lord. How might the church today make the simple gospel more complicated?
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
October 28
Acts 12: 20-24
20 Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. So they came to him in a body; and after winning over Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for a reconciliation, because their country depended on the king's country for food. 21 On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat on the platform, and delivered a public address to them. 22 The people kept shouting, "The voice of a god, and not of a mortal!" 23 And immediately, because he had not given the glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. 24 But the word of God continued to advance and gain adherents.
In the end Herod is judged. His political schemes failed in the end. Even as he is being hailed as being divine, he is judged. The people of Tyre and Sidon had suffered under the tyranny of Herod. They used the methods available to them. You appease and flatter a politician gone mad. That is what they do. Their flattery is not the final word on the subject.
Herod may speak like God. The fact is that his content does not glorify God. He is accountable to God for his reign and the decisions that he made. God’s often repeated preference for the poor and the oppressed is now visited on him. His robes, position on the platform and the flattery of the crowd do not replace his responsibility to serve God and the people over whom God has placed him.
Luther argued that civil rulers are responsible to God for the way in which they exercise their vocations. This “left hand” kingdom, as Luther called it, is ultimately responsible to God for the way in which rulers use their authority. The idea of government and good order is the gift of God for the care of creation and the protection of God’s people. When rulers oppress and favor the rich over the poor, God take offense.
Herod’s sin is not just that he has killed James or that he ignored Tyre and Sidon. His sin is that he does not give glory to God. In the end, he is a human who faces the reality of death. His divine attributes are not his. He, like all people, is accountable to God.
Reflections questions:
1. What role does the government official play in God’s reign over creation?
2. Does our separation of church and state make this text meaningless? Why? Why not?
3. How does the statement of verse 24 connect to this story?
20 Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. So they came to him in a body; and after winning over Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for a reconciliation, because their country depended on the king's country for food. 21 On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat on the platform, and delivered a public address to them. 22 The people kept shouting, "The voice of a god, and not of a mortal!" 23 And immediately, because he had not given the glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. 24 But the word of God continued to advance and gain adherents.
In the end Herod is judged. His political schemes failed in the end. Even as he is being hailed as being divine, he is judged. The people of Tyre and Sidon had suffered under the tyranny of Herod. They used the methods available to them. You appease and flatter a politician gone mad. That is what they do. Their flattery is not the final word on the subject.
Herod may speak like God. The fact is that his content does not glorify God. He is accountable to God for his reign and the decisions that he made. God’s often repeated preference for the poor and the oppressed is now visited on him. His robes, position on the platform and the flattery of the crowd do not replace his responsibility to serve God and the people over whom God has placed him.
Luther argued that civil rulers are responsible to God for the way in which they exercise their vocations. This “left hand” kingdom, as Luther called it, is ultimately responsible to God for the way in which rulers use their authority. The idea of government and good order is the gift of God for the care of creation and the protection of God’s people. When rulers oppress and favor the rich over the poor, God take offense.
Herod’s sin is not just that he has killed James or that he ignored Tyre and Sidon. His sin is that he does not give glory to God. In the end, he is a human who faces the reality of death. His divine attributes are not his. He, like all people, is accountable to God.
Reflections questions:
1. What role does the government official play in God’s reign over creation?
2. Does our separation of church and state make this text meaningless? Why? Why not?
3. How does the statement of verse 24 connect to this story?
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
October 27
Acts 12:1-19
About that time King Herod laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. 2 He had James, the brother of John, killed with the sword. 3 After he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. (This was during the festival of Unleavened Bread.) 4 When he had seized him, he put him in prison and handed him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover. 5 While Peter was kept in prison, the church prayed fervently to God for him. 6 The very night before Herod was going to bring him out, Peter, bound with two chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while guards in front of the door were keeping watch over the prison. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his wrists. 8 The angel said to him, "Fasten your belt and put on your sandals." He did so. Then he said to him, "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me." 9 Peter went out and followed him; he did not realize that what was happening with the angel's help was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 After they had passed the first and the second guard, they came before the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went outside and walked along a lane, when suddenly the angel left him. 11 Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hands of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting." 12 As soon as he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many had gathered and were praying. 13 When he knocked at the outer gate, a maid named Rhoda came to answer. 14 On recognizing Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the gate, she ran in and announced that Peter was standing at the gate. 15 They said to her, "You are out of your mind!" But she insisted that it was so. They said, "It is his angel." 16 Meanwhile Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the gate, they saw him and were amazed. 17 He motioned to them with his hand to be silent, and described for them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he added, "Tell this to James and to the believers." Then he left and went to another place. 18 When morning came, there was no small commotion among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. 19 When Herod had searched for him and could not find him, he examined the guards and ordered them to be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there.
The church in Jerusalem is now facing opposition from the religious authorities and now the civil authorities. Herod is known to Luke’s hearers as the one who had put John the Baptist to death. He conspired with Pilate in the death of Jesus. He is more of a political operative than great leader. The death of James is seen as being politically positive, so he acts by imprisoning Peter.
The fact that it comes during the Passover Festival, Feast of Unleavened Bread, is worth noting. This festival of God’s deliverance of Israel from bondage to slavery is now celebrated by Peter in bondage. God acts yet again to deliver the people of God. Even as the church is praying for Peter, he is freed.
Even Peter is at a loss to describe what happened. It seemed like it was a dream. He is escorted from prison and appears at the door of a house where the believers are gathered. The church now moves from a reality where public proclamation is possible to a place where things are said and done in secret. Jesus will be proclaimed, but not necessarily in public places.
Peter goes north to Caesarea. The guards are executed, for political types need scapegoats. The gospel will be proclaimed. The realities of the reception now change. The movement of the gospel has gone from Jerusalem, to Judea, to Samaria and now we move to the rest of the world.
Reflection questions:
1. How does adversity work to the church’s advantage?
2. The church is surprised when their prayers on Peter’s behalf are answered by his appearance. How are the answers to our prayers often surprises that we did not expect?
3. How does the political events of the world affect the church?
About that time King Herod laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. 2 He had James, the brother of John, killed with the sword. 3 After he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. (This was during the festival of Unleavened Bread.) 4 When he had seized him, he put him in prison and handed him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover. 5 While Peter was kept in prison, the church prayed fervently to God for him. 6 The very night before Herod was going to bring him out, Peter, bound with two chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while guards in front of the door were keeping watch over the prison. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his wrists. 8 The angel said to him, "Fasten your belt and put on your sandals." He did so. Then he said to him, "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me." 9 Peter went out and followed him; he did not realize that what was happening with the angel's help was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 After they had passed the first and the second guard, they came before the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went outside and walked along a lane, when suddenly the angel left him. 11 Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hands of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting." 12 As soon as he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many had gathered and were praying. 13 When he knocked at the outer gate, a maid named Rhoda came to answer. 14 On recognizing Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the gate, she ran in and announced that Peter was standing at the gate. 15 They said to her, "You are out of your mind!" But she insisted that it was so. They said, "It is his angel." 16 Meanwhile Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the gate, they saw him and were amazed. 17 He motioned to them with his hand to be silent, and described for them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he added, "Tell this to James and to the believers." Then he left and went to another place. 18 When morning came, there was no small commotion among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. 19 When Herod had searched for him and could not find him, he examined the guards and ordered them to be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there.
The church in Jerusalem is now facing opposition from the religious authorities and now the civil authorities. Herod is known to Luke’s hearers as the one who had put John the Baptist to death. He conspired with Pilate in the death of Jesus. He is more of a political operative than great leader. The death of James is seen as being politically positive, so he acts by imprisoning Peter.
The fact that it comes during the Passover Festival, Feast of Unleavened Bread, is worth noting. This festival of God’s deliverance of Israel from bondage to slavery is now celebrated by Peter in bondage. God acts yet again to deliver the people of God. Even as the church is praying for Peter, he is freed.
Even Peter is at a loss to describe what happened. It seemed like it was a dream. He is escorted from prison and appears at the door of a house where the believers are gathered. The church now moves from a reality where public proclamation is possible to a place where things are said and done in secret. Jesus will be proclaimed, but not necessarily in public places.
Peter goes north to Caesarea. The guards are executed, for political types need scapegoats. The gospel will be proclaimed. The realities of the reception now change. The movement of the gospel has gone from Jerusalem, to Judea, to Samaria and now we move to the rest of the world.
Reflection questions:
1. How does adversity work to the church’s advantage?
2. The church is surprised when their prayers on Peter’s behalf are answered by his appearance. How are the answers to our prayers often surprises that we did not expect?
3. How does the political events of the world affect the church?
Monday, October 26, 2009
October 26
Acts 11: 19-30
19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, and they spoke the word to no one except Jews. 20 But among them were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who, on coming to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. 21 The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. 22 News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. 25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they met with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called "Christians." 27 At that time prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine over all the world; and this took place during the reign of Claudius. 29 The disciples determined that according to their ability, each would send relief to the believers living in Judea; 30 this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.
The death of Stephen scattered the church. Rather than being an obstacle to the spread of the gospel, this event served to move the church out of Jerusalem to the known world. The spread of the gospel comes to Antioch through unnamed disciples. The result is people respond with faith and the leaders of the church in Jerusalem hear of this.
We are so used to planned church growth that these stories of spontaneous growth catch us by surprise. The fact is that this type of church planting is still going on today. In Africa we are seeing explosive growth in the church. “Trained evangelists” are a regular part of the church’s mission effort. We also see minority communities in this country coming together to worship and witness long before the organized church recognizes their existence.
So Barnabas is sent north to see what is happening. His response is to find Saul and to establish what will become a very important missionary team. This activity leads to a new name for this community. They are now Christians. The slow separation from the synagogue is continuing.
I find it interesting that this missionary church is also quick to respond to human need. The church in Antioch will help support the believers in Judea. There is a hunger appeal in the early church. Interesting it is in the newly established congregation supporting the “mother church”. Supporting one another in time of need is a mark of the church.
Reflection questions:
1. How could we identify and encourage the evangelists among us?
2. What new models of church and congregation does this story suggest?
3. What role does the “bearing the burdens” of others play in the church?
19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, and they spoke the word to no one except Jews. 20 But among them were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who, on coming to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. 21 The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. 22 News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. 25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they met with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called "Christians." 27 At that time prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine over all the world; and this took place during the reign of Claudius. 29 The disciples determined that according to their ability, each would send relief to the believers living in Judea; 30 this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.
The death of Stephen scattered the church. Rather than being an obstacle to the spread of the gospel, this event served to move the church out of Jerusalem to the known world. The spread of the gospel comes to Antioch through unnamed disciples. The result is people respond with faith and the leaders of the church in Jerusalem hear of this.
We are so used to planned church growth that these stories of spontaneous growth catch us by surprise. The fact is that this type of church planting is still going on today. In Africa we are seeing explosive growth in the church. “Trained evangelists” are a regular part of the church’s mission effort. We also see minority communities in this country coming together to worship and witness long before the organized church recognizes their existence.
So Barnabas is sent north to see what is happening. His response is to find Saul and to establish what will become a very important missionary team. This activity leads to a new name for this community. They are now Christians. The slow separation from the synagogue is continuing.
I find it interesting that this missionary church is also quick to respond to human need. The church in Antioch will help support the believers in Judea. There is a hunger appeal in the early church. Interesting it is in the newly established congregation supporting the “mother church”. Supporting one another in time of need is a mark of the church.
Reflection questions:
1. How could we identify and encourage the evangelists among us?
2. What new models of church and congregation does this story suggest?
3. What role does the “bearing the burdens” of others play in the church?
Saturday, October 24, 2009
October 24
Acts 11: 1-18
Now the apostles and the believers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him, 3 saying, "Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?" 4 Then Peter began to explain it to them, step by step, saying, 5 "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. There was something like a large sheet coming down from heaven, being lowered by its four corners; and it came close to me. 6 As I looked at it closely I saw four-footed animals, beasts of prey, reptiles, and birds of the air. 7 I also heard a voice saying to me, 'Get up, Peter; kill and eat.' 8 But I replied, 'By no means, Lord; for nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth.' 9 But a second time the voice answered from heaven, 'What God has made clean, you must not call profane.' 10 This happened three times; then everything was pulled up again to heaven. 11 At that very moment three men, sent to me from Caesarea, arrived at the house where we were. 12 The Spirit told me to go with them and not to make a distinction between them and us. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man's house. 13 He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, 'Send to Joppa and bring Simon, who is called Peter; 14 he will give you a message by which you and your entire household will be saved.' 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as it had upon us at the beginning. 16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' 17 If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?" 18 When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, "Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life."
The fact that Gentiles are baptized is not an uncontroversial reality in the church. The church is in many ways just an extension of the synagogue in these early days. Welcoming Gentile believers into the church will affect this relationship with the synagogue. This is reported as an easy decision, but it had ramifications.
Peter is questioned for having table fellowship with uncircumcised men. His response is his vision and the fact that God was at work among them. The question of welcome is not about the church’s welcome, it is about God’s welcome. God is obviously giving gifts to the uncircumcised. So if the gift of faith is given to them how could Peter prevent baptism?
The church was the minority community at the time it was written. The perspective of the church changes when it becomes the dominate religion. Our questions are more often directed at telling who is in the dominate church and who is outside. Since the reformation it has been a regular activity of separating from other Christians who are not like us. Note that this is not a factor in the Acts story. The question is do they have the gift of faith. If the answer is yes, then who are we to hinder God?
Reflection questions:
1. What are the requirements for us to engage in table fellowship?
2. Is confessing Jesus as Lord sufficient for our welcome into our church?
3. Are we open to those who have been outside the church being welcomed simply by their confession of faith?
Now the apostles and the believers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him, 3 saying, "Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?" 4 Then Peter began to explain it to them, step by step, saying, 5 "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. There was something like a large sheet coming down from heaven, being lowered by its four corners; and it came close to me. 6 As I looked at it closely I saw four-footed animals, beasts of prey, reptiles, and birds of the air. 7 I also heard a voice saying to me, 'Get up, Peter; kill and eat.' 8 But I replied, 'By no means, Lord; for nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth.' 9 But a second time the voice answered from heaven, 'What God has made clean, you must not call profane.' 10 This happened three times; then everything was pulled up again to heaven. 11 At that very moment three men, sent to me from Caesarea, arrived at the house where we were. 12 The Spirit told me to go with them and not to make a distinction between them and us. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man's house. 13 He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, 'Send to Joppa and bring Simon, who is called Peter; 14 he will give you a message by which you and your entire household will be saved.' 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as it had upon us at the beginning. 16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' 17 If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?" 18 When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, "Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life."
The fact that Gentiles are baptized is not an uncontroversial reality in the church. The church is in many ways just an extension of the synagogue in these early days. Welcoming Gentile believers into the church will affect this relationship with the synagogue. This is reported as an easy decision, but it had ramifications.
Peter is questioned for having table fellowship with uncircumcised men. His response is his vision and the fact that God was at work among them. The question of welcome is not about the church’s welcome, it is about God’s welcome. God is obviously giving gifts to the uncircumcised. So if the gift of faith is given to them how could Peter prevent baptism?
The church was the minority community at the time it was written. The perspective of the church changes when it becomes the dominate religion. Our questions are more often directed at telling who is in the dominate church and who is outside. Since the reformation it has been a regular activity of separating from other Christians who are not like us. Note that this is not a factor in the Acts story. The question is do they have the gift of faith. If the answer is yes, then who are we to hinder God?
Reflection questions:
1. What are the requirements for us to engage in table fellowship?
2. Is confessing Jesus as Lord sufficient for our welcome into our church?
3. Are we open to those who have been outside the church being welcomed simply by their confession of faith?
Friday, October 23, 2009
October 23
Acts 10: 17-48
17 Now while Peter was greatly puzzled about what to make of the vision that he had seen, suddenly the men sent by Cornelius appeared. They were asking for Simon's house and were standing by the gate. 18 They called out to ask whether Simon, who was called Peter, was staying there. 19 While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Look, three men are searching for you. 20 Now get up, go down, and go with them without hesitation; for I have sent them." 21 So Peter went down to the men and said, "I am the one you are looking for; what is the reason for your coming?" 22 They answered, "Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say." 23 So Peter invited them in and gave them lodging. The next day he got up and went with them, and some of the believers from Joppa accompanied him. 24 The following day they came to Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 On Peter's arrival Cornelius met him, and falling at his feet, worshiped him. 26 But Peter made him get up, saying, "Stand up; I am only a mortal." 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found that many had assembled; 28 and he said to them, "You yourselves know that it is unlawful for a Jew to associate with or to visit a Gentile; but God has shown me that I should not call anyone profane or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without objection. Now may I ask why you sent for me?" 30 Cornelius replied, "Four days ago at this very hour, at three o'clock, I was praying in my house when suddenly a man in dazzling clothes before God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon, who is called Peter; he is staying in the home of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.' 33 Therefore I sent for you immediately, and you have been kind enough to come. So now all of us are here in the presence of God to listen to all that the Lord has commanded you to say." 34 Then Peter began to speak to them: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ-- he is Lord of all. 37 That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; 40 but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." 44 While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, 46 for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, 47 "Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" 48 So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.
Peter’s mission to the Gentiles is the result of God’s intervention, not the plan or strategy of the church or of Peter. He now interprets his dream to understand that God shows no partiality. God will work faith in the hearts of all people. The message is to be proclaimed to all and the Holy Spirit works faith through the proclamation of the gospel.
God appointed Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus went about doing good. He was put to death on a cross and God raised him and made him Lord of the living and the dead. This is the simple statement of the gospel and it brings with it the power of the Holy Spirit to work faith in those who listen.
Too often we try to make faith more complicated than it is. It is this simple message that the Spirit uses to work faith in our lives and in the lives of those who will hear. This is not evangelism by answering all questions. It is evangelism by proclamation. It is acting on the love of Jesus for us by sharing it with the neighbor, even if that neighbor used to be seen as the enemy.
The result is the Holy Spirit coming to those who were not part Israel. God acted and Peter and the other disciples are once again witnesses to what God is doing. Can we withhold baptism to those who are confessing Jesus? Of course not. Cornelius and the others are baptized and they are now part of the body of Christ.
Reflection questions:
1. Who is the Cornelius of our day?
2. What will it take for us to see the Holy Spirit working in their life?
3. What restrictions might we put on others before we would baptize them?
17 Now while Peter was greatly puzzled about what to make of the vision that he had seen, suddenly the men sent by Cornelius appeared. They were asking for Simon's house and were standing by the gate. 18 They called out to ask whether Simon, who was called Peter, was staying there. 19 While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Look, three men are searching for you. 20 Now get up, go down, and go with them without hesitation; for I have sent them." 21 So Peter went down to the men and said, "I am the one you are looking for; what is the reason for your coming?" 22 They answered, "Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say." 23 So Peter invited them in and gave them lodging. The next day he got up and went with them, and some of the believers from Joppa accompanied him. 24 The following day they came to Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 On Peter's arrival Cornelius met him, and falling at his feet, worshiped him. 26 But Peter made him get up, saying, "Stand up; I am only a mortal." 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found that many had assembled; 28 and he said to them, "You yourselves know that it is unlawful for a Jew to associate with or to visit a Gentile; but God has shown me that I should not call anyone profane or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without objection. Now may I ask why you sent for me?" 30 Cornelius replied, "Four days ago at this very hour, at three o'clock, I was praying in my house when suddenly a man in dazzling clothes before God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon, who is called Peter; he is staying in the home of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.' 33 Therefore I sent for you immediately, and you have been kind enough to come. So now all of us are here in the presence of God to listen to all that the Lord has commanded you to say." 34 Then Peter began to speak to them: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ-- he is Lord of all. 37 That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; 40 but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." 44 While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, 46 for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, 47 "Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" 48 So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.
Peter’s mission to the Gentiles is the result of God’s intervention, not the plan or strategy of the church or of Peter. He now interprets his dream to understand that God shows no partiality. God will work faith in the hearts of all people. The message is to be proclaimed to all and the Holy Spirit works faith through the proclamation of the gospel.
God appointed Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus went about doing good. He was put to death on a cross and God raised him and made him Lord of the living and the dead. This is the simple statement of the gospel and it brings with it the power of the Holy Spirit to work faith in those who listen.
Too often we try to make faith more complicated than it is. It is this simple message that the Spirit uses to work faith in our lives and in the lives of those who will hear. This is not evangelism by answering all questions. It is evangelism by proclamation. It is acting on the love of Jesus for us by sharing it with the neighbor, even if that neighbor used to be seen as the enemy.
The result is the Holy Spirit coming to those who were not part Israel. God acted and Peter and the other disciples are once again witnesses to what God is doing. Can we withhold baptism to those who are confessing Jesus? Of course not. Cornelius and the others are baptized and they are now part of the body of Christ.
Reflection questions:
1. Who is the Cornelius of our day?
2. What will it take for us to see the Holy Spirit working in their life?
3. What restrictions might we put on others before we would baptize them?
Thursday, October 22, 2009
October 22
Acts 10:1-16
In Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Cohort, as it was called. 2 He was a devout man who feared God with all his household; he gave alms generously to the people and prayed constantly to God. 3 One afternoon at about three o'clock he had a vision in which he clearly saw an angel of God coming in and saying to him, "Cornelius." 4 He stared at him in terror and said, "What is it, Lord?" He answered, "Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa for a certain Simon who is called Peter; 6 he is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the seaside." 7 When the angel who spoke to him had left, he called two of his slaves and a devout soldier from the ranks of those who served him, 8 and after telling them everything, he sent them to Joppa. 9 About noon the next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. 10 He became hungry and wanted something to eat; and while it was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw the heaven opened and something like a large sheet coming down, being lowered to the ground by its four corners. 12 In it were all kinds of four-footed creatures and reptiles and birds of the air. 13 Then he heard a voice saying, "Get up, Peter; kill and eat." 14 But Peter said, "By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is profane or unclean." 15 The voice said to him again, a second time, "What God has made clean, you must not call profane." 16 This happened three times, and the thing was suddenly taken up to heaven.
How will the Christian movement go beyond being a Jewish community? This question comes into the life of the church very early. With the Ethiopian eunuch and with the growth of the church in Samaria, the question about how welcoming the church should be is presented. But is the church ready to move outside of the circles of those who have had historic relationships with the Jewish people and reach out to the Gentiles.
Cornelius is sympathetic to the Jewish witness to God. He “feared God” and gave alms. It is also clear that he is not a member of the synagogue or of the community. He encounters God in a way that causes him to send for Peter.
Peter, who is staying at the home of Simon the tanner, is the one who will be confronted with this dilemma. In preparation he has a vision. In his hunger he is tempted to kill and eat animals that a Jew is forbidden to eat. Scripture is quite clear, these animals are unclean and cannot be eaten. Peter, who is staying at a home where animal carcasses are present, is suddenly very clear that he has never eaten anything unclean.
The grace of God has the final say. If God has made something clean, it is not unclean. God is changing the rules in order to save those outside the law. The book of Leviticus is very clear that eating these animals puts one outside the community. Peter now hears that God has made them clean. The Gentile mission has begun with this reversal from God.
Reflection questions:
1. Does this change on God’s part put the whole question of God’s law into question?
2. What is the basis for this change?
3. Is there anything in this story to help us know when the law applies and when it has been changed?
In Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Cohort, as it was called. 2 He was a devout man who feared God with all his household; he gave alms generously to the people and prayed constantly to God. 3 One afternoon at about three o'clock he had a vision in which he clearly saw an angel of God coming in and saying to him, "Cornelius." 4 He stared at him in terror and said, "What is it, Lord?" He answered, "Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa for a certain Simon who is called Peter; 6 he is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the seaside." 7 When the angel who spoke to him had left, he called two of his slaves and a devout soldier from the ranks of those who served him, 8 and after telling them everything, he sent them to Joppa. 9 About noon the next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. 10 He became hungry and wanted something to eat; and while it was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw the heaven opened and something like a large sheet coming down, being lowered to the ground by its four corners. 12 In it were all kinds of four-footed creatures and reptiles and birds of the air. 13 Then he heard a voice saying, "Get up, Peter; kill and eat." 14 But Peter said, "By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is profane or unclean." 15 The voice said to him again, a second time, "What God has made clean, you must not call profane." 16 This happened three times, and the thing was suddenly taken up to heaven.
How will the Christian movement go beyond being a Jewish community? This question comes into the life of the church very early. With the Ethiopian eunuch and with the growth of the church in Samaria, the question about how welcoming the church should be is presented. But is the church ready to move outside of the circles of those who have had historic relationships with the Jewish people and reach out to the Gentiles.
Cornelius is sympathetic to the Jewish witness to God. He “feared God” and gave alms. It is also clear that he is not a member of the synagogue or of the community. He encounters God in a way that causes him to send for Peter.
Peter, who is staying at the home of Simon the tanner, is the one who will be confronted with this dilemma. In preparation he has a vision. In his hunger he is tempted to kill and eat animals that a Jew is forbidden to eat. Scripture is quite clear, these animals are unclean and cannot be eaten. Peter, who is staying at a home where animal carcasses are present, is suddenly very clear that he has never eaten anything unclean.
The grace of God has the final say. If God has made something clean, it is not unclean. God is changing the rules in order to save those outside the law. The book of Leviticus is very clear that eating these animals puts one outside the community. Peter now hears that God has made them clean. The Gentile mission has begun with this reversal from God.
Reflection questions:
1. Does this change on God’s part put the whole question of God’s law into question?
2. What is the basis for this change?
3. Is there anything in this story to help us know when the law applies and when it has been changed?
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
October 21
Acts 9: 31-43
31 Meanwhile the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was built up. Living in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. 32 Now as Peter went here and there among all the believers, he came down also to the saints living in Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years, for he was paralyzed. 34 Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed!" And immediately he got up. 35 And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. 36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. 37 At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, "Please come to us without delay." 39 So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, "Tabitha, get up." Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. 41 He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. 42 This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 Meanwhile he stayed in Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner.
Peter is confronted with the same issues that faced Jesus. Luke tells how Jesus early ministry was among those who were paralyzed and with those mourning a loved one’s death. The church is confronted with the same issues. There are striking similarities between Jesus’ actions and Peter’s.
After the conversion of Saul, we might expect that the story of the church would continue to deal with the major public events that shaped Saul, soon to be Paul, and the church. In the middle of this major movement the daily events of the church appear. The gospel is being proclaimed and a faithful disciple, Dorcas dies. The church is always about seeing how to proclaim the gospel to those who have not heard. The church is always addressing the problems of life and death on a very personal basis.
We do not have people being raised to life at their funeral service. Yet, in a very real way we are announcing the resurrection promise in the face of death at every funeral. Faithful disciples are doing good works and acts of charity are dying and being mourned in virtually every congregation of God’s people. We would like Peter to show up and bring them back to us. But that event is limited to this occasion. And yet we still proclaim the resurrection in the face of every death. The story of Dorcas is still with us.
Reflection questions:
1. Who has been the Dorcas in your congregation?
2. The early church is repeating the works of Jesus, what does this challenge us to do or think?
3. How is the church healing the sick and serving the dead?
31 Meanwhile the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was built up. Living in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. 32 Now as Peter went here and there among all the believers, he came down also to the saints living in Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years, for he was paralyzed. 34 Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed!" And immediately he got up. 35 And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. 36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. 37 At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, "Please come to us without delay." 39 So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, "Tabitha, get up." Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. 41 He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. 42 This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 Meanwhile he stayed in Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner.
Peter is confronted with the same issues that faced Jesus. Luke tells how Jesus early ministry was among those who were paralyzed and with those mourning a loved one’s death. The church is confronted with the same issues. There are striking similarities between Jesus’ actions and Peter’s.
After the conversion of Saul, we might expect that the story of the church would continue to deal with the major public events that shaped Saul, soon to be Paul, and the church. In the middle of this major movement the daily events of the church appear. The gospel is being proclaimed and a faithful disciple, Dorcas dies. The church is always about seeing how to proclaim the gospel to those who have not heard. The church is always addressing the problems of life and death on a very personal basis.
We do not have people being raised to life at their funeral service. Yet, in a very real way we are announcing the resurrection promise in the face of death at every funeral. Faithful disciples are doing good works and acts of charity are dying and being mourned in virtually every congregation of God’s people. We would like Peter to show up and bring them back to us. But that event is limited to this occasion. And yet we still proclaim the resurrection in the face of every death. The story of Dorcas is still with us.
Reflection questions:
1. Who has been the Dorcas in your congregation?
2. The early church is repeating the works of Jesus, what does this challenge us to do or think?
3. How is the church healing the sick and serving the dead?
Monday, October 19, 2009
October 20
Acts 9: 10-29
10 Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." He answered, "Here I am, Lord." 11 The Lord said to him, "Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight." 13 But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; 14 and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name." 15 But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; 16 I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." 17 So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength. For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, 20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God." 21 All who heard him were amazed and said, "Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem among those who invoked this name? And has he not come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?" 22 Saul became increasingly more powerful and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Messiah. 23 After some time had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night so that they might kill him; 25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket. 26 When he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples; and they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him, brought him to the apostles, and described for them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 So he went in and out among them in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He spoke and argued with the Hellenists; but they were attempting to kill him. 30 When the believers learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
Imagine being Ananias. You know Saul be reputation. He is on his way to your home town to arrest you and your fellow believers and take you back to Jerusalem. You are now told to go, lay hands on him so that he might regain his sight. Ananias listens to God and Saul is healed and baptized.
This is living with risk. Following Jesus is not always safe. Enemies are going to be made friends in the name of Jesus. Perhaps the church we know has acted out of a place of power and privilege for so long that we have missed the risk of confessing Jesus. For us confessing Jesus is more often a question of embarrassment or social propriety. For Ananias and later Saul this will be a question of life or death.
Saul moves from being chief prosecutor to chief target. We will later see that Saul goes first to the synagogue to proclaim Jesus. This is the pattern he establishes from the very beginning. The threats are real and his escapes are risky and often unusual, like being let over the wall in a basket. Ultimately he is sent home to Tarsus to find safety and to hear the call of God for his future and the future mission work of the church.
1. How quickly do we welcome those who are different or even our enemies when we discover they are sisters or brothers in Christ?
2. What roles do Ananias and Barnabas play in this story? What risks do they face?
3. Imagine you hear Saul proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God. What questions would this raise in your mind?
10 Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." He answered, "Here I am, Lord." 11 The Lord said to him, "Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight." 13 But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; 14 and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name." 15 But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; 16 I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." 17 So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength. For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, 20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God." 21 All who heard him were amazed and said, "Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem among those who invoked this name? And has he not come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?" 22 Saul became increasingly more powerful and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Messiah. 23 After some time had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night so that they might kill him; 25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket. 26 When he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples; and they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him, brought him to the apostles, and described for them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 So he went in and out among them in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He spoke and argued with the Hellenists; but they were attempting to kill him. 30 When the believers learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
Imagine being Ananias. You know Saul be reputation. He is on his way to your home town to arrest you and your fellow believers and take you back to Jerusalem. You are now told to go, lay hands on him so that he might regain his sight. Ananias listens to God and Saul is healed and baptized.
This is living with risk. Following Jesus is not always safe. Enemies are going to be made friends in the name of Jesus. Perhaps the church we know has acted out of a place of power and privilege for so long that we have missed the risk of confessing Jesus. For us confessing Jesus is more often a question of embarrassment or social propriety. For Ananias and later Saul this will be a question of life or death.
Saul moves from being chief prosecutor to chief target. We will later see that Saul goes first to the synagogue to proclaim Jesus. This is the pattern he establishes from the very beginning. The threats are real and his escapes are risky and often unusual, like being let over the wall in a basket. Ultimately he is sent home to Tarsus to find safety and to hear the call of God for his future and the future mission work of the church.
1. How quickly do we welcome those who are different or even our enemies when we discover they are sisters or brothers in Christ?
2. What roles do Ananias and Barnabas play in this story? What risks do they face?
3. Imagine you hear Saul proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God. What questions would this raise in your mind?
October 19
Acts 9:1-9
1Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" 5 He asked, "Who are you, Lord?" The reply came, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. 8 Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
The church is growing. Since the stoning of Stephen we are told that the church message of the gospel is being received in Samaria and through the eunuch going to Ethiopia. Gamaliel’s admonition is being proven. This is of God.
Institutions do not want to change. So the high priest authorizes Saul to be the enforcer in the synagogues in Damascus. This is an internal matter. Those who are following “the Way” are still seen as having some relationship with the temple in Jerusalem. One might ask how the synagogue movement and the high priest are able to work together. The Pharisees, the synagogue, and the Sadducees, the high priest, are not frequently seen in agreement. This threat of the church brings them together.
Saul is confronted with the resurrected Jesus. Only Saul sees Jesus, but his companions hear the voice. Paul now sees Jesus and is sightless to the world. He is transformed by this experience. His persecution of the church is in fact seen by God as persecution of Jesus. The good Pharisee, Saul enters into a time of fasting in order to understand what has taken place. He is no longer in charge of his life. He has been claimed and will never be the same again.
Reflection questions:
1. What role does religious experience play in your faith life? How do you interpret these experiences.
2. What does the selection of Saul/Paul say about the deep of God’s grace?
3. What does Jesus statement that Paul is persecuting him say about Jesus’ relationship with the church?
1Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" 5 He asked, "Who are you, Lord?" The reply came, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. 8 Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
The church is growing. Since the stoning of Stephen we are told that the church message of the gospel is being received in Samaria and through the eunuch going to Ethiopia. Gamaliel’s admonition is being proven. This is of God.
Institutions do not want to change. So the high priest authorizes Saul to be the enforcer in the synagogues in Damascus. This is an internal matter. Those who are following “the Way” are still seen as having some relationship with the temple in Jerusalem. One might ask how the synagogue movement and the high priest are able to work together. The Pharisees, the synagogue, and the Sadducees, the high priest, are not frequently seen in agreement. This threat of the church brings them together.
Saul is confronted with the resurrected Jesus. Only Saul sees Jesus, but his companions hear the voice. Paul now sees Jesus and is sightless to the world. He is transformed by this experience. His persecution of the church is in fact seen by God as persecution of Jesus. The good Pharisee, Saul enters into a time of fasting in order to understand what has taken place. He is no longer in charge of his life. He has been claimed and will never be the same again.
Reflection questions:
1. What role does religious experience play in your faith life? How do you interpret these experiences.
2. What does the selection of Saul/Paul say about the deep of God’s grace?
3. What does Jesus statement that Paul is persecuting him say about Jesus’ relationship with the church?
Sunday, October 18, 2009
October 18
Acts 8: 26-40
26 Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Get up and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." (This is a wilderness road.) 27 So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go over to this chariot and join it." 30 So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?" 31 He replied, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. 32 Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this: "Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth. 33 In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth." 34 The eunuch asked Philip, "About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?" 35 Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. 36 As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?" 37 38 He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.
Philip is one of the Hellenists that, like Stephen, had been appointed to make sure that their widows received their food. We also hear of him in John’s gospel. He is a bridge between the Hellenistic Jews and Jesus. Now he will begin the movement of the church into all the world.
The decision to go to Gaza is not his. A messenger of the Lord directs him to the road. Often the mission of the church is not decided by strategic planning, as important as that is. The opportunity to share the faith in Jesus just happens or so it seems.
We have some historical evidence of a relationship between Ethiopia and the people of Israel. The Queen of Sheba had come to Jerusalem during the time of King Solomon. There may have been some who went to Ethiopia from Judea at the time of the Babylonian captivity. There is a pre-existing relationship between these peoples. So the fact that the treasurer of Ethiopia is coming to Jerusalem is not that unusual. The fact that he is a eunuch is. Deuteronomy 23 prohibits eunuch from the assembly of the Lord.
This literate court official is more than just casually interested in the God of Israel. Reading Isaiah 53 he asks Philip for help. The response is a question that appears obvious to us, but was ground breaking then. “What is to prevent him from being baptized?” So the church now includes a Gentile brother from Ethiopia. The full implications of this act have yet to be realized. The path is set for the church and change is coming.
Reflection questions:
1. How do we decide to whom our proclamation is shared?
2. Are we open to God’s movement in people we do not expect to be interested in the Gospel?
3. What are the things we might think would prevent someone from being baptized?
26 Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Get up and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." (This is a wilderness road.) 27 So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go over to this chariot and join it." 30 So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?" 31 He replied, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. 32 Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this: "Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth. 33 In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth." 34 The eunuch asked Philip, "About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?" 35 Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. 36 As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?" 37 38 He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.
Philip is one of the Hellenists that, like Stephen, had been appointed to make sure that their widows received their food. We also hear of him in John’s gospel. He is a bridge between the Hellenistic Jews and Jesus. Now he will begin the movement of the church into all the world.
The decision to go to Gaza is not his. A messenger of the Lord directs him to the road. Often the mission of the church is not decided by strategic planning, as important as that is. The opportunity to share the faith in Jesus just happens or so it seems.
We have some historical evidence of a relationship between Ethiopia and the people of Israel. The Queen of Sheba had come to Jerusalem during the time of King Solomon. There may have been some who went to Ethiopia from Judea at the time of the Babylonian captivity. There is a pre-existing relationship between these peoples. So the fact that the treasurer of Ethiopia is coming to Jerusalem is not that unusual. The fact that he is a eunuch is. Deuteronomy 23 prohibits eunuch from the assembly of the Lord.
This literate court official is more than just casually interested in the God of Israel. Reading Isaiah 53 he asks Philip for help. The response is a question that appears obvious to us, but was ground breaking then. “What is to prevent him from being baptized?” So the church now includes a Gentile brother from Ethiopia. The full implications of this act have yet to be realized. The path is set for the church and change is coming.
Reflection questions:
1. How do we decide to whom our proclamation is shared?
2. Are we open to God’s movement in people we do not expect to be interested in the Gospel?
3. What are the things we might think would prevent someone from being baptized?
Saturday, October 17, 2009
October 17
Acts 8:9-25
9 Now a certain man named Simon had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he was someone great. 10 All of them, from the least to the greatest, listened to him eagerly, saying, "This man is the power of God that is called Great." 11 And they listened eagerly to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip, who was proclaiming the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed. After being baptized, he stayed constantly with Philip and was amazed when he saw the signs and great miracles that took place. 14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15 The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit 16 (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). 17 Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, "Give me also this power so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit." 20 But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain God's gift with money! 21 You have no part or share in this, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and the chains of wickedness." 24 Simon answered, "Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may happen to me." 25 Now after Peter and John had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, proclaiming the good news to many villages of the Samaritans.
Much of what the church is called to do is of interest to the rest of the world. There have always been people who have been interested in the church not for the gospel, but for the status or money that they could get from naïve believers. Simon was a wonder worker who saw in the church a way of expanding his influence.
Simon is also a believer. The church has been given the power to heal. That healing is so that the brokenness of the world might be resorted to God’s desire for the health of the world. Jesus presence in the church is the focus of the proclamation. This is not about the disciple’s success. It is about the sharing of God’s goodness.
The church also has the responsibility to identify and confirm that the gifts of the Spirit are present in the believer. People are often invited to discern if they might serve as pastors, diaconal ministers, associates in ministry or deaconesses. The candidacy process of the ELCA is there to both help the individual hear and act on this call and to discern as the church if the gifts given the individual will be best served in these public offices. Like Simon we would like to find ways to shorten the process.
In the end Simon apparently lives out his life in the community in ways other than being a healer. He ask for the apostles’ prayers. He remains connected to the community but we do not hear of his role. The story is not about Simon, it is about the proclamation of the good news.
Reflection questions:
1. How does your congregation help you discern your gifts of service?
2. How should the church or congregation help people see that they do not have the gifts required for the role they desire?
3. How might you help others to expand their vision of what God is calling them to do or be?
4. What role does personal ambition play in life in the community of faith?
9 Now a certain man named Simon had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he was someone great. 10 All of them, from the least to the greatest, listened to him eagerly, saying, "This man is the power of God that is called Great." 11 And they listened eagerly to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip, who was proclaiming the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed. After being baptized, he stayed constantly with Philip and was amazed when he saw the signs and great miracles that took place. 14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15 The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit 16 (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). 17 Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, "Give me also this power so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit." 20 But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain God's gift with money! 21 You have no part or share in this, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and the chains of wickedness." 24 Simon answered, "Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may happen to me." 25 Now after Peter and John had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, proclaiming the good news to many villages of the Samaritans.
Much of what the church is called to do is of interest to the rest of the world. There have always been people who have been interested in the church not for the gospel, but for the status or money that they could get from naïve believers. Simon was a wonder worker who saw in the church a way of expanding his influence.
Simon is also a believer. The church has been given the power to heal. That healing is so that the brokenness of the world might be resorted to God’s desire for the health of the world. Jesus presence in the church is the focus of the proclamation. This is not about the disciple’s success. It is about the sharing of God’s goodness.
The church also has the responsibility to identify and confirm that the gifts of the Spirit are present in the believer. People are often invited to discern if they might serve as pastors, diaconal ministers, associates in ministry or deaconesses. The candidacy process of the ELCA is there to both help the individual hear and act on this call and to discern as the church if the gifts given the individual will be best served in these public offices. Like Simon we would like to find ways to shorten the process.
In the end Simon apparently lives out his life in the community in ways other than being a healer. He ask for the apostles’ prayers. He remains connected to the community but we do not hear of his role. The story is not about Simon, it is about the proclamation of the good news.
Reflection questions:
1. How does your congregation help you discern your gifts of service?
2. How should the church or congregation help people see that they do not have the gifts required for the role they desire?
3. How might you help others to expand their vision of what God is calling them to do or be?
4. What role does personal ambition play in life in the community of faith?
Thursday, October 15, 2009
October 16
Acts 8: 1-8
1And Saul approved of their killing him. That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria. 2 Devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation over him. 3 But Saul was ravaging the church by entering house after house; dragging off both men and women, he committed them to prison. 4 Now those who were scattered went from place to place, proclaiming the word. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. 6 The crowds with one accord listened eagerly to what was said by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs that he did, 7 for unclean spirits, crying with loud shrieks, came out of many who were possessed; and many others who were paralyzed or lame were cured. 8 So there was great joy in that city.
The stoning of Stephen had the potential of being devastating for the young church. Proclaiming Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises and the one who forgives sins is now not just a way of getting into trouble with the authorities. It is now life threatening. The message of life is now the reason for putting someone to death.
Saul moves from this event to be more than a holder of coats. He is now the chief enthusiast In the eradication of this new movement. Under threat, what will the church do?
It does what it was called to do. It does now scatter. As it scatters, the Christians proclaim the message of Jesus and heal those who are broken. The church will undergo various times of threat. The fact of its commission to proclaim the gospel and to act on it with healing is never set aside due to local conditions.
The result is not fear, but great joy in the city of Samaria. Philip’s ministry is not trouble making, it is the source of joy. It is clear that when faced with opposition, the church responds with its mission.
Reflection questions:
1. How does your baptismal call influence your response to threat?
2. Was the scattering of the church a problem or a blessing?
3. How does the church bring joy to its “city”?
1And Saul approved of their killing him. That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria. 2 Devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation over him. 3 But Saul was ravaging the church by entering house after house; dragging off both men and women, he committed them to prison. 4 Now those who were scattered went from place to place, proclaiming the word. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. 6 The crowds with one accord listened eagerly to what was said by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs that he did, 7 for unclean spirits, crying with loud shrieks, came out of many who were possessed; and many others who were paralyzed or lame were cured. 8 So there was great joy in that city.
The stoning of Stephen had the potential of being devastating for the young church. Proclaiming Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises and the one who forgives sins is now not just a way of getting into trouble with the authorities. It is now life threatening. The message of life is now the reason for putting someone to death.
Saul moves from this event to be more than a holder of coats. He is now the chief enthusiast In the eradication of this new movement. Under threat, what will the church do?
It does what it was called to do. It does now scatter. As it scatters, the Christians proclaim the message of Jesus and heal those who are broken. The church will undergo various times of threat. The fact of its commission to proclaim the gospel and to act on it with healing is never set aside due to local conditions.
The result is not fear, but great joy in the city of Samaria. Philip’s ministry is not trouble making, it is the source of joy. It is clear that when faced with opposition, the church responds with its mission.
Reflection questions:
1. How does your baptismal call influence your response to threat?
2. Was the scattering of the church a problem or a blessing?
3. How does the church bring joy to its “city”?
October 15
Acts 7:1-53
1Then the high priest asked him, "Are these things so?" 2 And Stephen replied: "Brothers and fathers, listen to me. The God of glory appeared to our ancestor Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, 3 and said to him, 'Leave your country and your relatives and go to the land that I will show you.' 4 Then he left the country of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After his father died, God had him move from there to this country in which you are now living. 5 He did not give him any of it as a heritage, not even a foot's length, but promised to give it to him as his possession and to his descendants after him, even though he had no child. 6 And God spoke in these terms, that his descendants would be resident aliens in a country belonging to others, who would enslave them and mistreat them during four hundred years. 7 'But I will judge the nation that they serve,' said God, 'and after that they shall come out and worship me in this place.' 8 Then he gave him the covenant of circumcision. And so Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs. 9 "The patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him, 10 and rescued him from all his afflictions, and enabled him to win favor and to show wisdom when he stood before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and over all his household. 11 Now there came a famine throughout Egypt and Canaan, and great suffering, and our ancestors could find no food. 12 But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our ancestors there on their first visit. 13 On the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph's family became known to Pharaoh. 14 Then Joseph sent and invited his father Jacob and all his relatives to come to him, seventy-five in all; 15 so Jacob went down to Egypt. He himself died there as well as our ancestors, 16 and their bodies were brought back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem. 17 "But as the time drew near for the fulfillment of the promise that God had made to Abraham, our people in Egypt increased and multiplied 18 until another king who had not known Joseph ruled over Egypt. 19 He dealt craftily with our race and forced our ancestors to abandon their infants so that they would die. 20 At this time Moses was born, and he was beautiful before God. For three months he was brought up in his father's house; 21 and when he was abandoned, Pharaoh's daughter adopted him and brought him up as her own son. 22 So Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in his words and deeds. 23 "When he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his relatives, the Israelites. 24 When he saw one of them being wronged, he defended the oppressed man and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian. 25 He supposed that his kinsfolk would understand that God through him was rescuing them, but they did not understand. 26 The next day he came to some of them as they were quarreling and tried to reconcile them, saying, 'Men, you are brothers; why do you wrong each other?' 27 But the man who was wronging his neighbor pushed Moses aside, saying, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? 28 Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?' 29 When he heard this, Moses fled and became a resident alien in the land of Midian. There he became the father of two sons. 30 "Now when forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in the flame of a burning bush. 31 When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight; and as he approached to look, there came the voice of the Lord: 32 'I am the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.' Moses began to tremble and did not dare to look. 33 Then the Lord said to him, 'Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. 34 I have surely seen the mistreatment of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their groaning, and I have come down to rescue them. Come now, I will send you to Egypt.' 35 "It was this Moses whom they rejected when they said, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge?' and whom God now sent as both ruler and liberator through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. 36 He led them out, having performed wonders and signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and in the wilderness for forty years. 37 This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, 'God will raise up a prophet for you from your own people as he raised me up.' 38 He is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our ancestors; and he received living oracles to give to us. 39 Our ancestors were unwilling to obey him; instead, they pushed him aside, and in their hearts they turned back to Egypt, 40 saying to Aaron, 'Make gods for us who will lead the way for us; as for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him.' 41 At that time they made a calf, offered a sacrifice to the idol, and reveled in the works of their hands. 42 But God turned away from them and handed them over to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: 'Did you offer to me slain victims and sacrifices forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? 43 No; you took along the tent of Moloch, and the star of your god Rephan, the images that you made to worship; so I will remove you beyond Babylon.' 44 "Our ancestors had the tent of testimony in the wilderness, as God directed when he spoke to Moses, ordering him to make it according to the pattern he had seen. 45 Our ancestors in turn brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before our ancestors. And it was there until the time of David, 46 who found favor with God and asked that he might find a dwelling place for the house of Jacob. 47 But it was Solomon who built a house for him. 48 Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made with human hands; as the prophet says, 49 'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest? 50 Did not my hand make all these things?' 51 "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are forever opposing the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors used to do. 52 Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, and now you have become his betrayers and murderers. 53 You are the ones that received the law as ordained by angels, and yet you have not kept it." 54 When they heard these things, they became enraged and ground their teeth at Stephen. 55 But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 "Look," he said, "I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" 57 But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. 58 Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60 Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he died.
Stephen becomes the first to die for confessing the faith. The man chosen to care for the widows becomes the one who interprets the history of God’s activity with the people of Israel to the religious authorities of Israel. With the Spirit’s presence, he sees reality in new ways.
The followers of Jesus are part of the story begun with Abraham and Moses. The temple was important, but it is a man made building. The law and promise of God is the focus of our faith. In the end the temple becomes and obstacle to seeing what God is doing in Jesus.
There is a danger in this text that we will see this sermon as directed against the leaders of Israel and miss the point of God’s activity. Stephen is proclaiming the holy history of God and God’s people. He interprets this history as being finding its completion in Jesus. Notice that the opposition does not see the vision, they only hear Stephen’s report.
Their rage leads to violence. We are introduced to Saul, who will become the focus of the narrative soon. That aside, Stephen repeats the words from Jesus death. Receive my spirit and do not hold this sin against them. In the face of death the forgiving message of the gospel is still present. In that truth the believer can commit his spirit into the hands of Jesus.
Reflection questions:
1. How do you hear the story of God’s activity with Israel?
2. What is the relationship between forgiving sins of those who harm us and committing our spirits into Jesus?
3. The Greek word for witness is the same is the root for the word martyr. How does our witness reflect that?
1Then the high priest asked him, "Are these things so?" 2 And Stephen replied: "Brothers and fathers, listen to me. The God of glory appeared to our ancestor Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, 3 and said to him, 'Leave your country and your relatives and go to the land that I will show you.' 4 Then he left the country of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After his father died, God had him move from there to this country in which you are now living. 5 He did not give him any of it as a heritage, not even a foot's length, but promised to give it to him as his possession and to his descendants after him, even though he had no child. 6 And God spoke in these terms, that his descendants would be resident aliens in a country belonging to others, who would enslave them and mistreat them during four hundred years. 7 'But I will judge the nation that they serve,' said God, 'and after that they shall come out and worship me in this place.' 8 Then he gave him the covenant of circumcision. And so Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs. 9 "The patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him, 10 and rescued him from all his afflictions, and enabled him to win favor and to show wisdom when he stood before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and over all his household. 11 Now there came a famine throughout Egypt and Canaan, and great suffering, and our ancestors could find no food. 12 But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our ancestors there on their first visit. 13 On the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph's family became known to Pharaoh. 14 Then Joseph sent and invited his father Jacob and all his relatives to come to him, seventy-five in all; 15 so Jacob went down to Egypt. He himself died there as well as our ancestors, 16 and their bodies were brought back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem. 17 "But as the time drew near for the fulfillment of the promise that God had made to Abraham, our people in Egypt increased and multiplied 18 until another king who had not known Joseph ruled over Egypt. 19 He dealt craftily with our race and forced our ancestors to abandon their infants so that they would die. 20 At this time Moses was born, and he was beautiful before God. For three months he was brought up in his father's house; 21 and when he was abandoned, Pharaoh's daughter adopted him and brought him up as her own son. 22 So Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in his words and deeds. 23 "When he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his relatives, the Israelites. 24 When he saw one of them being wronged, he defended the oppressed man and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian. 25 He supposed that his kinsfolk would understand that God through him was rescuing them, but they did not understand. 26 The next day he came to some of them as they were quarreling and tried to reconcile them, saying, 'Men, you are brothers; why do you wrong each other?' 27 But the man who was wronging his neighbor pushed Moses aside, saying, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? 28 Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?' 29 When he heard this, Moses fled and became a resident alien in the land of Midian. There he became the father of two sons. 30 "Now when forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in the flame of a burning bush. 31 When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight; and as he approached to look, there came the voice of the Lord: 32 'I am the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.' Moses began to tremble and did not dare to look. 33 Then the Lord said to him, 'Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. 34 I have surely seen the mistreatment of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their groaning, and I have come down to rescue them. Come now, I will send you to Egypt.' 35 "It was this Moses whom they rejected when they said, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge?' and whom God now sent as both ruler and liberator through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. 36 He led them out, having performed wonders and signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and in the wilderness for forty years. 37 This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, 'God will raise up a prophet for you from your own people as he raised me up.' 38 He is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our ancestors; and he received living oracles to give to us. 39 Our ancestors were unwilling to obey him; instead, they pushed him aside, and in their hearts they turned back to Egypt, 40 saying to Aaron, 'Make gods for us who will lead the way for us; as for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him.' 41 At that time they made a calf, offered a sacrifice to the idol, and reveled in the works of their hands. 42 But God turned away from them and handed them over to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: 'Did you offer to me slain victims and sacrifices forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? 43 No; you took along the tent of Moloch, and the star of your god Rephan, the images that you made to worship; so I will remove you beyond Babylon.' 44 "Our ancestors had the tent of testimony in the wilderness, as God directed when he spoke to Moses, ordering him to make it according to the pattern he had seen. 45 Our ancestors in turn brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before our ancestors. And it was there until the time of David, 46 who found favor with God and asked that he might find a dwelling place for the house of Jacob. 47 But it was Solomon who built a house for him. 48 Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made with human hands; as the prophet says, 49 'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest? 50 Did not my hand make all these things?' 51 "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are forever opposing the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors used to do. 52 Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, and now you have become his betrayers and murderers. 53 You are the ones that received the law as ordained by angels, and yet you have not kept it." 54 When they heard these things, they became enraged and ground their teeth at Stephen. 55 But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 "Look," he said, "I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" 57 But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. 58 Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60 Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he died.
Stephen becomes the first to die for confessing the faith. The man chosen to care for the widows becomes the one who interprets the history of God’s activity with the people of Israel to the religious authorities of Israel. With the Spirit’s presence, he sees reality in new ways.
The followers of Jesus are part of the story begun with Abraham and Moses. The temple was important, but it is a man made building. The law and promise of God is the focus of our faith. In the end the temple becomes and obstacle to seeing what God is doing in Jesus.
There is a danger in this text that we will see this sermon as directed against the leaders of Israel and miss the point of God’s activity. Stephen is proclaiming the holy history of God and God’s people. He interprets this history as being finding its completion in Jesus. Notice that the opposition does not see the vision, they only hear Stephen’s report.
Their rage leads to violence. We are introduced to Saul, who will become the focus of the narrative soon. That aside, Stephen repeats the words from Jesus death. Receive my spirit and do not hold this sin against them. In the face of death the forgiving message of the gospel is still present. In that truth the believer can commit his spirit into the hands of Jesus.
Reflection questions:
1. How do you hear the story of God’s activity with Israel?
2. What is the relationship between forgiving sins of those who harm us and committing our spirits into Jesus?
3. The Greek word for witness is the same is the root for the word martyr. How does our witness reflect that?
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
October 14
Acts 6: 7-15
7 The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. 8 Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and others of those from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. 10 But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. 11 Then they secretly instigated some men to say, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God." 12 They stirred up the people as well as the elders and the scribes; then they suddenly confronted him, seized him, and brought him before the council. 13 They set up false witnesses who said, "This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law; 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses handed on to us." 15 And all who sat in the council looked intently at him, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Stephen was just set apart to help with the distribution of food among the Hellenist’s widows. Now we find him engaging members of a synagogue. Often the call we think we have received from God is not fully the call that we will be asked to perform. In our age of specialization we might say to Stephen that the twelve had appointed him so that they could engage the proclamation of the gospel. This is not his job.
The fact is that giving witness to the hope that is in us belongs to every Christian. Stephen speaks the truth to the synagogue. He has probably been involved with this synagogue. Like Stephen the members of this synagogue are Hellenistic Jews. So Stephen is practicing what we understand to be the most effective evangelism. He is sharing his faith with his friends and relatives. He begins with the people who know him.
As is often the case, these people who know him dismiss his story. They know him too well or they are resistant to the witness to Jesus. This Jesus talk will change the customs of Moses. The concern is not about the promise of God and the power of the resurrection. It is about the customs of Moses. This is often expressed today as “we have never done it that way before.” The challenge of the gospel is to see God at work in Jesus and to follow in hope.
Reflection questions:
1. How would we recognize when God is doing a new thing?
2. How to we look at our customs when challenged to see what should be kept and what should be changed.
3. How do we respond to those who are new to the faith when they bring up new ideas?
7 The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. 8 Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and others of those from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. 10 But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. 11 Then they secretly instigated some men to say, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God." 12 They stirred up the people as well as the elders and the scribes; then they suddenly confronted him, seized him, and brought him before the council. 13 They set up false witnesses who said, "This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law; 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses handed on to us." 15 And all who sat in the council looked intently at him, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Stephen was just set apart to help with the distribution of food among the Hellenist’s widows. Now we find him engaging members of a synagogue. Often the call we think we have received from God is not fully the call that we will be asked to perform. In our age of specialization we might say to Stephen that the twelve had appointed him so that they could engage the proclamation of the gospel. This is not his job.
The fact is that giving witness to the hope that is in us belongs to every Christian. Stephen speaks the truth to the synagogue. He has probably been involved with this synagogue. Like Stephen the members of this synagogue are Hellenistic Jews. So Stephen is practicing what we understand to be the most effective evangelism. He is sharing his faith with his friends and relatives. He begins with the people who know him.
As is often the case, these people who know him dismiss his story. They know him too well or they are resistant to the witness to Jesus. This Jesus talk will change the customs of Moses. The concern is not about the promise of God and the power of the resurrection. It is about the customs of Moses. This is often expressed today as “we have never done it that way before.” The challenge of the gospel is to see God at work in Jesus and to follow in hope.
Reflection questions:
1. How would we recognize when God is doing a new thing?
2. How to we look at our customs when challenged to see what should be kept and what should be changed.
3. How do we respond to those who are new to the faith when they bring up new ideas?
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
October 13
Acts 6:1-6
1Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. 2 And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, 4 while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word." 5 What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
The tension between the evangelistic work of the church and the service work of the church is not new to us. As the church became more “multicultural” the interests of the communities are at odds. The twelve are under pressure to insure an equitable distribution of food. The administrative tasks of the community are taking time from the outreach efforts of the twelve.
The solution is to recognize gifts of the Spirit in the community and to use those gifts to build up the body. They are going to find seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and wisdom. The job qualifications are not just gifts of administration. They are to be trustworthy and faithful. Looking at the names of those chosen, they are also from the community that is being neglected.
Like Moses recognition that he could not lead the people by himself, the twelve discover that they are not going to lead the church by themselves. God has provided a variety of leaders. It is important that they work together and bring their skills to the community. The twelve are able to see that God is empowering leaders among the Hellenists. They share the leadership with these men to the benefit of the community.
Reflection questions:
1. Who are the Hellenists in our community who are left out of our life together?
2. What stands in the way of sharing leadership in these communities?
3. What gifts has God given you that can help lead the church?
1Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. 2 And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, 4 while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word." 5 What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
The tension between the evangelistic work of the church and the service work of the church is not new to us. As the church became more “multicultural” the interests of the communities are at odds. The twelve are under pressure to insure an equitable distribution of food. The administrative tasks of the community are taking time from the outreach efforts of the twelve.
The solution is to recognize gifts of the Spirit in the community and to use those gifts to build up the body. They are going to find seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and wisdom. The job qualifications are not just gifts of administration. They are to be trustworthy and faithful. Looking at the names of those chosen, they are also from the community that is being neglected.
Like Moses recognition that he could not lead the people by himself, the twelve discover that they are not going to lead the church by themselves. God has provided a variety of leaders. It is important that they work together and bring their skills to the community. The twelve are able to see that God is empowering leaders among the Hellenists. They share the leadership with these men to the benefit of the community.
Reflection questions:
1. Who are the Hellenists in our community who are left out of our life together?
2. What stands in the way of sharing leadership in these communities?
3. What gifts has God given you that can help lead the church?
Monday, October 12, 2009
October 12
Acts 5:12-42
12 Now many signs and wonders were done among the people through the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico. 13 None of the rest dared to join them, but the people held them in high esteem. 14 Yet more than ever believers were added to the Lord, great numbers of both men and women, 15 so that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots and mats, in order that Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he came by. 16 A great number of people would also gather from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all cured. 17 Then the high priest took action; he and all who were with him (that is, the sect of the Sadducees), being filled with jealousy, 18 arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors, brought them out, and said, 20 "Go, stand in the temple and tell the people the whole message about this life." 21 When they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and went on with their teaching. When the high priest and those with him arrived, they called together the council and the whole body of the elders of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22 But when the temple police went there, they did not find them in the prison; so they returned and reported, 23 "We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside." 24 Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were perplexed about them, wondering what might be going on. 25 Then someone arrived and announced, "Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!" 26 Then the captain went with the temple police and brought them, but without violence, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people. 27 When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, 28 saying, "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man's blood on us." 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than any human authority. 30 The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him." 33 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up and ordered the men to be put outside for a short time. 35 Then he said to them, "Fellow Israelites, consider carefully what you propose to do to these men. 36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him; but he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and disappeared. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up at the time of the census and got people to follow him; he also perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them-- in that case you may even be found fighting against God!" They were convinced by him, 40 and when they had called in the apostles, they had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 As they left the council, they rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name. 42 And every day in the temple and at home they did not cease to teach and proclaim Jesus as the Messiah.
The tension set up in chapter 4 now is played out. Peter and John were ordered to be silent about Jesus. Instead they continue to speak and people are healed just by coming into contact with the apostles. There is danger in becoming a follower, yet the reputation of the disciples is high. They are attracting attention and the religious authorities are nervous.
There is a sense that following Jesus will bring personal success. The early church faced the opposite reaction. If you followed Jesus you were at risk. Some of the followers were arrested, but miraculously released. Instead of hiding they go back to public ministry. This has the expected reaction among the religious authorities. Like most politicians, the question is how to silence the opposition. Confronted with the gospel message, the authorities respond with the threat of death.
We often quote Gamaliel’s response. It is wise counsel, if this is a human effort, it will fail. If it is of God, then we could be found opposing God. It is easier at times to want the quick response rather than let having faith that God will support and bless the faithful work of the church.
Reflection questions
1. How do we decide when to speak and when to remain silent?
2. Is it easier or harder to give witness in a society that tolerates Christianity?
3. Do we have the patience to live with Gamaliel’s advice?
12 Now many signs and wonders were done among the people through the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico. 13 None of the rest dared to join them, but the people held them in high esteem. 14 Yet more than ever believers were added to the Lord, great numbers of both men and women, 15 so that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots and mats, in order that Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he came by. 16 A great number of people would also gather from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all cured. 17 Then the high priest took action; he and all who were with him (that is, the sect of the Sadducees), being filled with jealousy, 18 arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors, brought them out, and said, 20 "Go, stand in the temple and tell the people the whole message about this life." 21 When they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and went on with their teaching. When the high priest and those with him arrived, they called together the council and the whole body of the elders of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22 But when the temple police went there, they did not find them in the prison; so they returned and reported, 23 "We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside." 24 Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were perplexed about them, wondering what might be going on. 25 Then someone arrived and announced, "Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!" 26 Then the captain went with the temple police and brought them, but without violence, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people. 27 When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, 28 saying, "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man's blood on us." 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than any human authority. 30 The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him." 33 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up and ordered the men to be put outside for a short time. 35 Then he said to them, "Fellow Israelites, consider carefully what you propose to do to these men. 36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him; but he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and disappeared. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up at the time of the census and got people to follow him; he also perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them-- in that case you may even be found fighting against God!" They were convinced by him, 40 and when they had called in the apostles, they had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 As they left the council, they rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name. 42 And every day in the temple and at home they did not cease to teach and proclaim Jesus as the Messiah.
The tension set up in chapter 4 now is played out. Peter and John were ordered to be silent about Jesus. Instead they continue to speak and people are healed just by coming into contact with the apostles. There is danger in becoming a follower, yet the reputation of the disciples is high. They are attracting attention and the religious authorities are nervous.
There is a sense that following Jesus will bring personal success. The early church faced the opposite reaction. If you followed Jesus you were at risk. Some of the followers were arrested, but miraculously released. Instead of hiding they go back to public ministry. This has the expected reaction among the religious authorities. Like most politicians, the question is how to silence the opposition. Confronted with the gospel message, the authorities respond with the threat of death.
We often quote Gamaliel’s response. It is wise counsel, if this is a human effort, it will fail. If it is of God, then we could be found opposing God. It is easier at times to want the quick response rather than let having faith that God will support and bless the faithful work of the church.
Reflection questions
1. How do we decide when to speak and when to remain silent?
2. Is it easier or harder to give witness in a society that tolerates Christianity?
3. Do we have the patience to live with Gamaliel’s advice?
Sunday, October 11, 2009
October 11
Acts 5: 1-11
But a man named Ananias, with the consent of his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property; 2 with his wife's knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds, and brought only a part and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3 "Ananias," Peter asked, "why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, were not the proceeds at your disposal? How is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You did not lie to us but to God!" 5 Now when Ananias heard these words, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard of it. 6 The young men came and wrapped up his body, then carried him out and buried him. 7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter said to her, "Tell me whether you and your husband sold the land for such and such a price." And she said, "Yes, that was the price." 9 Then Peter said to her, "How is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out." 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and died. When the young men came in they found her dead, so they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear seized the whole church and all who heard of these things.
The first recorded deaths in the Christian church come as a result of poor stewardship. It would be better to say that they came from not telling the truth about their stewardship. Apparently Ananias and Sapphira responded to the movement to sell all that they had and live in community. He also kept some of the proceeds for himself. The problem is that he says one thing and does the other.
Stewardship of wealth was and has the potential for temptation. The church is a community of the faithful. We do not tax the members to develop the funds needed to care for the poor and do the work of the resurrected Jesus. Ananias apparently could have made the decision to not sell his property. The appearance is that this couple has acted in faith with the expectation that they will now live in community. In fact they hold back some of the proceeds and lie to Peter.
The church is the body of Christ, so this lie is not to Peter but to God. We like to think that we control our wealth. The fact is that we, individually and corporately, controlled by our wealth or our fears about our wealth. In many ways we treat our wallets as our God. We put our fear, love and trust in what we can buy. In the early church and today we continue to wrestle with the temptations of wealth.
Reflection questions:
1. How does your wallet affect your life of faith?
2. In many congregations there is reluctance to talk about financial stewardship. How might this relate to this story?
3. How could we use our wealth to reflect our faith?
But a man named Ananias, with the consent of his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property; 2 with his wife's knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds, and brought only a part and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3 "Ananias," Peter asked, "why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, were not the proceeds at your disposal? How is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You did not lie to us but to God!" 5 Now when Ananias heard these words, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard of it. 6 The young men came and wrapped up his body, then carried him out and buried him. 7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter said to her, "Tell me whether you and your husband sold the land for such and such a price." And she said, "Yes, that was the price." 9 Then Peter said to her, "How is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out." 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and died. When the young men came in they found her dead, so they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear seized the whole church and all who heard of these things.
The first recorded deaths in the Christian church come as a result of poor stewardship. It would be better to say that they came from not telling the truth about their stewardship. Apparently Ananias and Sapphira responded to the movement to sell all that they had and live in community. He also kept some of the proceeds for himself. The problem is that he says one thing and does the other.
Stewardship of wealth was and has the potential for temptation. The church is a community of the faithful. We do not tax the members to develop the funds needed to care for the poor and do the work of the resurrected Jesus. Ananias apparently could have made the decision to not sell his property. The appearance is that this couple has acted in faith with the expectation that they will now live in community. In fact they hold back some of the proceeds and lie to Peter.
The church is the body of Christ, so this lie is not to Peter but to God. We like to think that we control our wealth. The fact is that we, individually and corporately, controlled by our wealth or our fears about our wealth. In many ways we treat our wallets as our God. We put our fear, love and trust in what we can buy. In the early church and today we continue to wrestle with the temptations of wealth.
Reflection questions:
1. How does your wallet affect your life of faith?
2. In many congregations there is reluctance to talk about financial stewardship. How might this relate to this story?
3. How could we use our wealth to reflect our faith?
Saturday, October 10, 2009
October 10
Acts 4: 24-37
24 When they heard it, they raised their voices together to God and said, "Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth, the sea, and everything in them, 25 it is you who said by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant: 'Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples imagine vain things? 26 The kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers have gathered together against the Lord and against his Messiah.' 27 For in this city, in fact, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31 When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness. 32 Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. 33 With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. 35 They laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means "son of encouragement"). 37 He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
The early church is portrayed as being fully committed to the proclamation of the gospel and in caring for each other. They were of “one heart and soul”. The result of this is that “there was not a needy person among them.” There have been many appeals to the “communism” described in verse 32 to support calls for a Biblical economy. It is true that the gospel has changed the hearts of those who follow Jesus.
It is the testimony to the resurrection of Jesus that is the focus. Their economic structure is not the focus. They are a changed people because of their mission. They are proclaiming Jesus. This is done with the power and grace of the Holy Spirit. Now their life and actions reflect the power and grace of their mission.
It is easy to focus on the structure, worship, or other aspects of the church. It is the message of the early church that shaped and structured it. Its message of the resurrected Jesus is seen even at the economic level. The stewardship of the gifts given the church is in the care of each other and in the proclaiming the resurrection.
Reflection questions:
1. What defines your congregation?
2. Do we know each other well enough to be able to make sure that there is no one in need?
3. How do we define our needs today? How is this affected by the resurrection of Jesus?
24 When they heard it, they raised their voices together to God and said, "Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth, the sea, and everything in them, 25 it is you who said by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant: 'Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples imagine vain things? 26 The kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers have gathered together against the Lord and against his Messiah.' 27 For in this city, in fact, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31 When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness. 32 Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. 33 With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. 35 They laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means "son of encouragement"). 37 He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
The early church is portrayed as being fully committed to the proclamation of the gospel and in caring for each other. They were of “one heart and soul”. The result of this is that “there was not a needy person among them.” There have been many appeals to the “communism” described in verse 32 to support calls for a Biblical economy. It is true that the gospel has changed the hearts of those who follow Jesus.
It is the testimony to the resurrection of Jesus that is the focus. Their economic structure is not the focus. They are a changed people because of their mission. They are proclaiming Jesus. This is done with the power and grace of the Holy Spirit. Now their life and actions reflect the power and grace of their mission.
It is easy to focus on the structure, worship, or other aspects of the church. It is the message of the early church that shaped and structured it. Its message of the resurrected Jesus is seen even at the economic level. The stewardship of the gifts given the church is in the care of each other and in the proclaiming the resurrection.
Reflection questions:
1. What defines your congregation?
2. Do we know each other well enough to be able to make sure that there is no one in need?
3. How do we define our needs today? How is this affected by the resurrection of Jesus?
Friday, October 9, 2009
October 9
Acts 4: 14-31
14 When they saw the man who had been cured standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. 15 So they ordered them to leave the council while they discussed the matter with one another. 16 They said, "What will we do with them? For it is obvious to all who live in Jerusalem that a notable sign has been done through them; we cannot deny it. 17 But to keep it from spreading further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name." 18 So they called them and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in God's sight to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge; 20 for we cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard." 21 After threatening them again, they let them go, finding no way to punish them because of the people, for all of them praised God for what had happened. 22 For the man on whom this sign of healing had been performed was more than forty years old. 23 After they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard it, they raised their voices together to God and said, "Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth, the sea, and everything in them, 25 it is you who said by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant: 'Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples imagine vain things? 26 The kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers have gathered together against the Lord and against his Messiah.' 27 For in this city, in fact, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31 When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.
We live in an age when there is the freedom to speak about Jesus yet few of us do it. The leaders of the council are confronted with the boldness of Peter and John and the sight of a man who is no longer lame. The evidence of the power of Jesus is standing before them. For the leaders of the council the Jesus problem is still with them and spreading. Their response is to silence the witnesses.
Peter puts the order in perspective. His choice is to obey the council or God. The response to the order is obvious. All in the room know that you obey God. So they are released and keep talking.
We like to boast of our freedom of expression and religion in this country. The fact is that few of us find ourselves giving direct witness to Jesus. Our witness is too is to Jesus, who forgives and who empowers us to serve in his name. Our reputed niceness becomes an excuse to silence and a lack of witness. God does not call us to make up a new story or to answer all of the religious questions of our day. Rather we are called to speak the word of Jesus who is actively forgiving, healing and restore each of us in his church.
Reflection questions:
1. When was the last time you spoke of your faith in Jesus to another person?
2. What are the threats you feel that inhibit your witness?
3. Where in your congregation or community do you see Jesus? How can you give witness to this?
14 When they saw the man who had been cured standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. 15 So they ordered them to leave the council while they discussed the matter with one another. 16 They said, "What will we do with them? For it is obvious to all who live in Jerusalem that a notable sign has been done through them; we cannot deny it. 17 But to keep it from spreading further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name." 18 So they called them and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in God's sight to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge; 20 for we cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard." 21 After threatening them again, they let them go, finding no way to punish them because of the people, for all of them praised God for what had happened. 22 For the man on whom this sign of healing had been performed was more than forty years old. 23 After they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard it, they raised their voices together to God and said, "Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth, the sea, and everything in them, 25 it is you who said by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant: 'Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples imagine vain things? 26 The kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers have gathered together against the Lord and against his Messiah.' 27 For in this city, in fact, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31 When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.
We live in an age when there is the freedom to speak about Jesus yet few of us do it. The leaders of the council are confronted with the boldness of Peter and John and the sight of a man who is no longer lame. The evidence of the power of Jesus is standing before them. For the leaders of the council the Jesus problem is still with them and spreading. Their response is to silence the witnesses.
Peter puts the order in perspective. His choice is to obey the council or God. The response to the order is obvious. All in the room know that you obey God. So they are released and keep talking.
We like to boast of our freedom of expression and religion in this country. The fact is that few of us find ourselves giving direct witness to Jesus. Our witness is too is to Jesus, who forgives and who empowers us to serve in his name. Our reputed niceness becomes an excuse to silence and a lack of witness. God does not call us to make up a new story or to answer all of the religious questions of our day. Rather we are called to speak the word of Jesus who is actively forgiving, healing and restore each of us in his church.
Reflection questions:
1. When was the last time you spoke of your faith in Jesus to another person?
2. What are the threats you feel that inhibit your witness?
3. Where in your congregation or community do you see Jesus? How can you give witness to this?
Thursday, October 8, 2009
October 8
Acts 4: 1-13 While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came to them, 2 much annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming that in Jesus there is the resurrection of the dead. 3 So they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. 4 But many of those who heard the word believed; and they numbered about five thousand. 5 The next day their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, 6 with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. 7 When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, "By what power or by what name did you do this?" 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders, 9 if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, 10 let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. 11 This Jesus is 'the stone that was rejected by you, the builders; it has become the cornerstone.' 12 There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved." 13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognized them as companions of Jesus.
Peter’s sermon stirs us up the religious authorities. It all started with a lame beggar asking for alms. That is the way the world works. The lame, the blind, the outcast know their place in the temple. They are present to ask those coming to the temple to fulfill the law and care for those in need. Peter’s healing response in the name of Jesus does more than was expected. It fulfilled the law, and it upset the system.
Just as Jesus was taken before the rulers and elders of the people, so too his follows are taken before the rulers and elders. Peter, who denied know Jesus, now proclaims Jesus as the only name under heaven which saves. This message of Jesus changes Peter from an “uneducated and ordinary man” into a bold proclaimer of the gospel. Again we see that Peter’s defense is not his power or authority, but the work of God through Jesus Christ.
The church is made up of ordinary people. Our education, class, or status is not the message. Rather it is the same God who raised Jesus from the dead that empowers and uses the ordinary people in the church. Too often we step back from the lame man for fear that we will not be able to accomplish what God is calling us to do. Peter and John become role models for the church. We offer what we have, Jesus Christ. That gift of God will heal and will change the system.
Reflection questions:
1. Who are the lame at our temple gates today?
2. How does the knowledge of Jesus as the name who saves empower us to witness?
3. Where is the church being changed to bring healing and life to the world? Do you expect such change?
Peter’s sermon stirs us up the religious authorities. It all started with a lame beggar asking for alms. That is the way the world works. The lame, the blind, the outcast know their place in the temple. They are present to ask those coming to the temple to fulfill the law and care for those in need. Peter’s healing response in the name of Jesus does more than was expected. It fulfilled the law, and it upset the system.
Just as Jesus was taken before the rulers and elders of the people, so too his follows are taken before the rulers and elders. Peter, who denied know Jesus, now proclaims Jesus as the only name under heaven which saves. This message of Jesus changes Peter from an “uneducated and ordinary man” into a bold proclaimer of the gospel. Again we see that Peter’s defense is not his power or authority, but the work of God through Jesus Christ.
The church is made up of ordinary people. Our education, class, or status is not the message. Rather it is the same God who raised Jesus from the dead that empowers and uses the ordinary people in the church. Too often we step back from the lame man for fear that we will not be able to accomplish what God is calling us to do. Peter and John become role models for the church. We offer what we have, Jesus Christ. That gift of God will heal and will change the system.
Reflection questions:
1. Who are the lame at our temple gates today?
2. How does the knowledge of Jesus as the name who saves empower us to witness?
3. Where is the church being changed to bring healing and life to the world? Do you expect such change?
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
October 7
Acts 3:1-26 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o'clock in the afternoon. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried in. People would lay him daily at the gate of the temple called the Beautiful Gate so that he could ask for alms from those entering the temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them for alms. 4 Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, "Look at us." 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, "I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk." 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 Jumping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 All the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and they recognized him as the one who used to sit and ask for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. 11 While he clung to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the portico called Solomon's Portico, utterly astonished. 12 When Peter saw it, he addressed the people, "You Israelites, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we had made him walk? 13 The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our ancestors has glorified his servant Jesus, whom you handed over and rejected in the presence of Pilate, though he had decided to release him. 14 But you rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked to have a murderer given to you, 15 and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. 16 And by faith in his name, his name itself has made this man strong, whom you see and know; and the faith that is through Jesus has given him this perfect health in the presence of all of you. 17 "And now, friends, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 In this way God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer. 19 Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, 20 so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah appointed for you, that is, Jesus, 21 who must remain in heaven until the time of universal restoration that God announced long ago through his holy prophets. 22 Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you from your own people a prophet like me. You must listen to whatever he tells you. 23 And it will be that everyone who does not listen to that prophet will be utterly rooted out of the people.' 24 And all the prophets, as many as have spoken, from Samuel and those after him, also predicted these days. 25 You are the descendants of the prophets and of the covenant that God gave to your ancestors, saying to Abraham, 'And in your descendants all the families of the earth shall be blessed.' 26 When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you, to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways."
The church is formed and the work begins. The proclamation of the gospel and the sharing of God’s compassion always come together. There is not tension between meeting human need and proclaiming Jesus as Savior and Lord. Peter announces the healing of the lame man in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
The following sermon lays out the basics of the gospel from Luke’s perspective. The one who heals is the one who is the Author of Life. This one God raised from the dead. Faith in his name healed this man and will wipe out sins. This Jesus is the Messiah, the one whom God had promised.
There is an exclusive claim to the gospel. God is at work in the world through Jesus. This is not a Messiah, this is the Messiah. Repenting and following this Messiah is life giving and sin forgiving. This is not an exclusivity to exclude; it is an exclusivity that invites a response from the hearers. God has been at work in the work in history since Abraham, Moses and Samuel. All of this is prelude to God’s work. You will be blessed as God turns us from our ways to God’s ways.
Reflection questions:
1. In what ways is God's blessing changing you?
2. How does Peter use the Old Testament in telling the story of Jesus?
3. How does the promise of a Messiah speak to your life?
The church is formed and the work begins. The proclamation of the gospel and the sharing of God’s compassion always come together. There is not tension between meeting human need and proclaiming Jesus as Savior and Lord. Peter announces the healing of the lame man in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
The following sermon lays out the basics of the gospel from Luke’s perspective. The one who heals is the one who is the Author of Life. This one God raised from the dead. Faith in his name healed this man and will wipe out sins. This Jesus is the Messiah, the one whom God had promised.
There is an exclusive claim to the gospel. God is at work in the world through Jesus. This is not a Messiah, this is the Messiah. Repenting and following this Messiah is life giving and sin forgiving. This is not an exclusivity to exclude; it is an exclusivity that invites a response from the hearers. God has been at work in the work in history since Abraham, Moses and Samuel. All of this is prelude to God’s work. You will be blessed as God turns us from our ways to God’s ways.
Reflection questions:
1. In what ways is God's blessing changing you?
2. How does Peter use the Old Testament in telling the story of Jesus?
3. How does the promise of a Messiah speak to your life?
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
October 6
Acts 2:36-47
36 Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified." 37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?" 38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him." 40 And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41 So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added. 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Peter’s sermon is heard. The hearers respond with a question. What should we do? Peter’s response is simple, Repent and be baptized. In this your sins are forgiven and the Holy Spirit is at work in your life. In other words, turn or change your life and be baptized into the Jesus community. The call to follow Jesus is not simply saying yes to Jesus and continuing life as before. This Jesus community will be different from what you have known.
It is true that each of us brings our personal sins to the cross of Jesus. In that cross we receive forgiveness that the gift of the Holy Spirit for new life. The fact is that forgiveness is not the goal. It is a means to the goal. The goal is the reign of God and the community of God’s people. As our culture becomes more individualistic, we miss the power and the benefits of coming together into a community in which we share the gifts that God has given the community through us. We were created for relationships with God and with God’s creation. The church becomes the sign of this reality.
In a day when individuals are concerned about their legacy, the early church is a community where everyone’s possessions are used to insure that the needs of all are met. This is not a political philosophy. It is a community that takes its call from God seriously and devotes itself to it.
Reflection questions:
1. What gets in our way of seeing the community of faith as the primary support community?
2. From what do you need to repent?
3. From what should the church call the world to repent?
36 Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified." 37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?" 38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him." 40 And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41 So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added. 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Peter’s sermon is heard. The hearers respond with a question. What should we do? Peter’s response is simple, Repent and be baptized. In this your sins are forgiven and the Holy Spirit is at work in your life. In other words, turn or change your life and be baptized into the Jesus community. The call to follow Jesus is not simply saying yes to Jesus and continuing life as before. This Jesus community will be different from what you have known.
It is true that each of us brings our personal sins to the cross of Jesus. In that cross we receive forgiveness that the gift of the Holy Spirit for new life. The fact is that forgiveness is not the goal. It is a means to the goal. The goal is the reign of God and the community of God’s people. As our culture becomes more individualistic, we miss the power and the benefits of coming together into a community in which we share the gifts that God has given the community through us. We were created for relationships with God and with God’s creation. The church becomes the sign of this reality.
In a day when individuals are concerned about their legacy, the early church is a community where everyone’s possessions are used to insure that the needs of all are met. This is not a political philosophy. It is a community that takes its call from God seriously and devotes itself to it.
Reflection questions:
1. What gets in our way of seeing the community of faith as the primary support community?
2. From what do you need to repent?
3. From what should the church call the world to repent?
Monday, October 5, 2009
October 5
Acts 2: 22- 35
22"You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know-- 23 this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. 24 But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power. 25 For David says concerning him, 'I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken; 26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will live in hope. 27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One experience corruption. 28 You have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.' 29 "Fellow Israelites, I may say to you confidently of our ancestor David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would put one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Foreseeing this, David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying, 'He was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh experience corruption.' 32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you both see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, 'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand, 35 until I make your enemies your footstool."'
Peter’s first sermon is about what God is doing in Jesus. Often we expect that a sermon will look at our situation and address our problems. Peter is more concerned about what God did through Jesus of Nazareth. Yes, the audience hearing Peter could well have had a role in the crucifixion. Instead of placing blame, instead Peter invites his hearers recognize what God is doing in Jesus.
Jesus of Nazareth, a man through whom God was at work, was put to death and God raised him from the dead. Not only was he raised, he now reigns over the living and the dead. This is about the present reality of Jesus presence and Jesus reign. Too often the church today speaks only of Jesus saving us from our personal sin. Peter first says that through Jesus, God is involved in all of creation and is the one to whom we must give an account.
It is clear that the book of Acts understands that our world is subject to the will and reign of God. This is not a neutral world. This is a world that is captive to death and corruption. In Jesus the rules have changed and death and corruption are now the footstool of the risen Jesus.
Reflection questions:
1. How does Peter’s world view challenge yours?
2. What role does God’s promises play in this sermon?
3. How does Peter use the scripture in making his point?
Grace and Peace
22"You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know-- 23 this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. 24 But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power. 25 For David says concerning him, 'I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken; 26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will live in hope. 27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One experience corruption. 28 You have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.' 29 "Fellow Israelites, I may say to you confidently of our ancestor David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would put one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Foreseeing this, David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying, 'He was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh experience corruption.' 32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you both see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, 'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand, 35 until I make your enemies your footstool."'
Peter’s first sermon is about what God is doing in Jesus. Often we expect that a sermon will look at our situation and address our problems. Peter is more concerned about what God did through Jesus of Nazareth. Yes, the audience hearing Peter could well have had a role in the crucifixion. Instead of placing blame, instead Peter invites his hearers recognize what God is doing in Jesus.
Jesus of Nazareth, a man through whom God was at work, was put to death and God raised him from the dead. Not only was he raised, he now reigns over the living and the dead. This is about the present reality of Jesus presence and Jesus reign. Too often the church today speaks only of Jesus saving us from our personal sin. Peter first says that through Jesus, God is involved in all of creation and is the one to whom we must give an account.
It is clear that the book of Acts understands that our world is subject to the will and reign of God. This is not a neutral world. This is a world that is captive to death and corruption. In Jesus the rules have changed and death and corruption are now the footstool of the risen Jesus.
Reflection questions:
1. How does Peter’s world view challenge yours?
2. What role does God’s promises play in this sermon?
3. How does Peter use the scripture in making his point?
Grace and Peace
Sunday, October 4, 2009
October 4
2 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. 5 Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. 6 And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. 7 Amazed and astonished, they asked, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs-- in our own languages we hear them speaking about God's deeds of power." 12 All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?" 13 But others sneered and said, "They are filled with new wine." 14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, "Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. 15 Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o'clock in the morning. 16 No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: 17 'In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. 18 Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. 19 And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. 20 The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord's great and glorious day. 21 Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'
The church is born. This is the work of the Holy Spirit, not a strategic planning process or constitution writing committee. The church is the creation of God. Interestingly when the Holy Spirit is poured out on the disciples, people hear in their own languages. They speak in other languages and they are understood. That is the miracle. Martin Luther in his explanation of the third article of the Apostles’ Creed makes it clear that I do not understand the gospel by my efforts. It is the Holy Spirit who calls, gathers and enlightens each of us through the word and sacraments.
It has been that way since the first day of the church’s life. The Holy Spirit is poured out on all believers. It is each one of us called, gathered, and enlightened that are witnesses to these things. Peter makes the proclamation and the others are speaking so that each one hears in their language. In this moment every Christian is ordained an evangelist. In our “professional” church we forget that we are all inspired by the Spirit to speak and act on the gospel as missionaries of Jesus Christ.
Salvation comes by calling on the name of the Lord. We are back in the relationship mode. Salvation comes in the work of the Spirit, who gives us a faith that trusts God will keep God’s promises. Salvation is not a code of conduct that makes us good nor is it intellectual assent to doctrinal propositions. Salvation is trusting God through Jesus to be sufficient. It is trusting God. That is the work of the Spirit
Reflection questions:
1. How is God using you to proclaim the mighty acts of God?
2. What gifts of the Spirit do you share with your congregation?
3. Who spoke the faith in a language that you understood?
The church is born. This is the work of the Holy Spirit, not a strategic planning process or constitution writing committee. The church is the creation of God. Interestingly when the Holy Spirit is poured out on the disciples, people hear in their own languages. They speak in other languages and they are understood. That is the miracle. Martin Luther in his explanation of the third article of the Apostles’ Creed makes it clear that I do not understand the gospel by my efforts. It is the Holy Spirit who calls, gathers and enlightens each of us through the word and sacraments.
It has been that way since the first day of the church’s life. The Holy Spirit is poured out on all believers. It is each one of us called, gathered, and enlightened that are witnesses to these things. Peter makes the proclamation and the others are speaking so that each one hears in their language. In this moment every Christian is ordained an evangelist. In our “professional” church we forget that we are all inspired by the Spirit to speak and act on the gospel as missionaries of Jesus Christ.
Salvation comes by calling on the name of the Lord. We are back in the relationship mode. Salvation comes in the work of the Spirit, who gives us a faith that trusts God will keep God’s promises. Salvation is not a code of conduct that makes us good nor is it intellectual assent to doctrinal propositions. Salvation is trusting God through Jesus to be sufficient. It is trusting God. That is the work of the Spirit
Reflection questions:
1. How is God using you to proclaim the mighty acts of God?
2. What gifts of the Spirit do you share with your congregation?
3. Who spoke the faith in a language that you understood?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)