Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus)

Part Two

When we talk about Jesus to people who do not yet believe and who cling to a self-motivated, self-led life; it will not be easy but necessary.  Jesus came to earth to seek and to save the lost without God. He commissioned his disciples to “go and make disciples, baptizing, and teaching them to make disciples of others; the exponential way to spread the news that God loved and sent Jesus to redeemed us from all our sins.  “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)  That means all of us have been lost until we found Jesus who removed all our sins and set us free.  Why keep this great news to ourselves?

In part two, Stephen is given an open door to tell God’s Story of Redemption through Jesus, His Son when asked, “What do you have to say for yourself?”  Stephen, a man of faith, fully led by God’s Holy Spirit walks boldly through this door of opportunity. 

Acts 6, The Message

Stephen, Full of the Holy Spirit

7 Then the Chief Priest said, “What do you have to say for yourself?”

^2-3 Stephen replied, “Friends, fathers, and brothers, the God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was still in Mesopotamia, before the move to Haran, and told him, ‘Leave your country and family and go to the land I’ll show you.’

^4-7 “So he left the country of the Chaldees and moved to Haran. After the death of his father, he immigrated to this country where you now live, but God gave him nothing, not so much as a foothold. He did promise to give the country to him and his son later on, even though Abraham had no son at the time. God let him know that his offspring would move to an alien country where they would be enslaved and brutalized for four hundred years. ‘But,’ God said, ‘I will step in and take care of those slaveholders and bring my people out so they can worship me in this place.’

⁸ “Then he made a covenant with him and signed it in Abraham’s flesh by circumcision. When Abraham had his son Isaac, within eight days he reproduced the sign of circumcision in him. Isaac became father of Jacob, and Jacob father of twelve ‘fathers,’ each faithfully passing on the covenant sign.

^9-10 “But then those ‘fathers,’ burning up with jealousy, sent Joseph off to Egypt as a slave. God was right there with him, though—he not only rescued him from all his troubles but brought him to the attention of Pharaoh, king of Egypt. He was so impressed with Joseph that he put him in charge of the whole country, including his own personal affairs.

^11-15 “Later a famine descended on that entire region, stretching from Egypt to Canaan, bringing terrific hardship. Our hungry fathers looked high and low for food, but the cupboard was bare. Jacob heard there was food in Egypt and sent our fathers to scout it out. Having confirmed the report, they went back to Egypt a second time to get food. On that visit, Joseph revealed his true identity to his brothers and introduced the Jacob family to Pharaoh. Then Joseph sent for his father, Jacob, and everyone else in the family, seventy-five in all. That’s how the Jacob family got to Egypt.

^15-16 “Jacob died, and our fathers after him. They were taken to Shechem and buried in the tomb for which Abraham paid a good price to the sons of Hamor.

^17-19 “When the four hundred years were nearly up, the time God promised Abraham for deliverance, the population of our people in Egypt had become very large. And there was now a king over Egypt who had never heard of Joseph. He exploited our race mercilessly. He went so far as forcing us to abandon our newborn infants, exposing them to the elements to die a cruel death.

^20-22 “In just such a time Moses was born, a most beautiful baby. He was hidden at home for three months. When he could be hidden no longer, he was put outside—and immediately rescued by Pharaoh’s daughter, who mothered him as her own son. Moses was educated in the best schools in Egypt. He was equally impressive as a thinker and an athlete.

^23-26 “When he was forty years old, he wondered how everything was going with his Hebrew kin and went out to look things over. He saw an Egyptian abusing one of them and stepped in, avenging his underdog brother by knocking the Egyptian flat. He thought his brothers would be glad that he was on their side, and even see him as an instrument of God to deliver them. But they didn’t see it that way. The next day two of them were fighting and he tried to break it up, told them to shake hands and get along with each other: ‘Friends, you are brothers, why are you beating up on each other?’

^27-29 “The one who had started the fight said, ‘Who put you in charge of us? Are you going to kill me like you killed that Egyptian yesterday?’ When Moses heard that, realizing that the word was out, he ran for his life and lived in exile over in Midian. During the years of exile, two sons were born to him.

^30-32 “Forty years later, in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, an angel appeared to him in the guise of flames of a burning bush. Moses, not believing his eyes, went up to take a closer look. He heard God’s voice: ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’ Frightened nearly out of his skin, Moses shut his eyes and turned away.

^33-34 “God said, ‘Kneel and pray. You are in a holy place, on holy ground. I’ve seen the agony of my people in Egypt. I’ve heard their groans. I’ve come to help them. So get yourself ready; I’m sending you back to Egypt.’

^35-39 “This is the same Moses whom they earlier rejected, saying, ‘Who put you in charge of us?’ This is the Moses that God, using the angel flaming in the burning bush, sent back as ruler and redeemer. He led them out of their slavery. He did wonderful things, setting up God-signs all through Egypt, down at the Red Sea, and out in the wilderness for forty years. This is the Moses who said to his congregation, ‘God will raise up a prophet just like me from your descendants.’ This is the Moses who stood between the angel speaking at Sinai and your fathers assembled in the wilderness and took the life-giving words given to him and handed them over to us, words our fathers would have nothing to do with.

^39-41 “They craved the old Egyptian ways, whining to Aaron, ‘Make us gods we can see and follow. This Moses who got us out here miles from nowhere—who knows what’s happened to him!’ That was the time when they made a calf-idol, brought sacrifices to it, and congratulated each other on the wonderful religious program they had put together.

^42-43 “God wasn’t at all pleased; but he let them do it their way, worship every new god that came down the pike—and live with the consequences, consequences described by the prophet Amos:

Did you bring me offerings of animals and grains
    those forty wilderness years, O Israel?
Hardly. You were too busy building shrines
    to war gods, to sex goddesses,
Worshiping them with all your might.
    That’s why I put you in exile in Babylon.

^44-47 “And all this time our ancestors had a tent shrine for true worship, made to the exact specifications God provided Moses. They had it with them as they followed Joshua, when God cleared the land of pagans, and still had it right down to the time of David. David asked God for a permanent place for worship. But Solomon built it.

^48-50 “Yet that doesn’t mean that Most High God lives in a building made by carpenters and masons. The prophet Isaiah put it well when he wrote,

“Heaven is my throne room;
    I rest my feet on earth.
So what kind of house
    will you build me?” says God.
“Where I can get away and relax?
    It’s already built, and I built it.”

^51-53 “And you continue, so bullheaded! Calluses on your hearts, flaps on your ears! Deliberately ignoring the Holy Spirit, you’re just like your ancestors. Was there ever a prophet who didn’t get the same treatment? Your ancestors killed anyone who dared talk about the coming of the Just One. And you’ve kept up the family tradition—traitors and murderers, all of you. You had God’s Law handed to you by angels—gift-wrapped!—and you squandered it!”

^54-56 At that point they went wild, a rioting mob of catcalls and whistles and invective.

But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, hardly noticed—he only had eyes for God, whom he saw in all his glory with Jesus standing at his side. He said, “Oh! I see heaven wide open and the Son of Man standing at God’s side!”

^57-58 Yelling and hissing, the mob drowned him out. Now in full stampede, they dragged him out of town and pelted him with rocks. The ringleaders took off their coats and asked a young man named Saul to watch them.

^59-60 As the rocks rained down, Stephen prayed, “Master Jesus, take my life.” Then he knelt down, praying loud enough for everyone to hear, “Master, don’t blame them for this sin”—his last words. Then he died.

Saul was right there, congratulating the killers.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Currently, we are heard by those we befriend for who they are now with a heart’s desire for them to know more.  When we speak and live the Truth about Jesus with His love in us minus judgement, most will listen.  Some will consider what we are saying but need more time to think about it.  Others will readily accept Jesus because their hearts have been “primed” by God’s Holy Spirit.  Telling others begins with preparing our hearts in prayer to the One we are talking about!  Pray devotedly for opportunity, open hearts, right words, with a right spirit and the right time. (Colossians 4:2-6)

The religious leaders misunderstood their own spiritual roots. The Jews greatly revered Abraham and prided themselves in being his “children,” but they were confusing physical descent with spiritual experience and were depending on their national heritage rather than their personal faith. John the Baptist had warned them about this sin and so had Jesus (John 8:33–59). The Jews were blind to the simple faith of Abraham and the patriarchs.

Stephen was led to walk into a “lion’s den” of bullies, demon led and soul fed by the evil one, who opposed Jesus and His followers—loudly, craftily, always looking for ways to discredit their chosen way of life.  They attempted “talk him down” with senseless arguing and false accusations and “evidence” of breaking The Law. But Stephen—full of faith, Holy Spirit led—stood firm as he retold the history of the Jews—leading to and including Jesus—the promised Messiah who came to save them.  That’s when the riot began.

Stephen’s bold witness led to a riot of the religious who did not and would not believe that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, Son of God.  The religious picked up stones and pelted him until he looked up to the heavens, smiled and then passed from this life to the arms of Jesus.  His last words was a prayer to God asking Him to forgive them—just like Jesus did from the cross. “Forgive them for they know not what they are doing” are words that flow from a heart that loves divinely.

Stephen’s stoning pleased a young impressionable man named Saul, who stood and watched that day and congratulated the killers!  Saul became one of most zealously devoted opposers of The Way of Jesus and was greatly feared by the believers. 

However, what happened later in Saul’s life on the road to Damascus where he planned to persecute and kill more believers was nothing short of miraculous!  We may never know how far reaching our witness of Jesus will go no matter what words are said or what actions are taken.  But the greatest asset and attitude is the love of Jesus in us.  Jesus saves.   We tell others how to be saved by Jesus.

When we are led to boldly take a stand, we might become the face standing in front of those who want nothing to do with Jesus.  We might become an easy target of attack.  It is easy to take shots at us with stones of mockery, taunting, and slander.  But, during all the chatter, we must remember God is there with us, Jesus advocates for us, and God’s Holy Spirit gives us the right words at the right time in the right Spirit.  And may all we say and do be delivered with God’s Holy Spirit with His love in us.

We don’t have to know all of God’s Word, we only tell what we know.  “I was blind, but now I see”—in other words, we tell what Jesus did for us, removing our sins from us with how he renewed our minds to see God at work in us and all around us as he transforms our behaviors.  To “go and make disciples” as Jesus commanded is complete surrender—giving our all—to Jesus, the One who gave His all for us!  The cost is small in comparison. 

Currently, most of us will not be persecuted on the spot like Stephen, but I wonder how long our world will allow us to stand for what we believe with the ability to tell the Truth?  It probably depends on our humble hearts who seek what God wants most—that no one perish.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Lord,

Lead us with courage and boldness but most of all with Your love in us.

In Jesus Name, Amen

Part One

Jesus reminded his disciples more than once, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 How many of us think of this verse first when we learn someone has betrayed us or worst yet, slandered our reputation with lies to gain affirmation for the betrayal? This is probably the greatest pain—betrayal by those you work alongside as you do the work God called you to be and do. Many times our first thought is payback or rebuttal.

Why does it seem to be worse when the ministry is increasing in numbers and great God-wonders are happening in the lives of those once lost without Jesus but now found?  Admit it, we ask this question or at least think it when blind-sided by evil’s schemes working in the lives of others to bring us down and stop what is good, helpful to others, and pleasing to God. 

In the middle of it all, we must remember, this is not of God but is to be expected by the enemy of God.  Gossip, slander, betrayal, grown out of envy, pride, prejudice, and arrogance are fostered by selfish motives and are not led by God’s Holy Spirit.  All these characteristics are opposite of God. 

Stephen’s story hits our hearts deeply.  What happened to Stephen happens regularly in God’s church.  Betrayal and slander have happened to me more than once. Stones of hate, jealousy, and envy are thrown hard at people as they are doing what pleases God but maybe not in the way others think it should be done.  So, at the peak, when people were growing in their love for God with the character of God, watch for the enemy to rise up.  It occurs when one is infected with Satan’s lies coupled with self-motivated desires to stop what is good with roadblocks to God’s glory at work within His children. “Satan prowls around like a roaring lion,” says Peter who has lived it, “seeking who he may devour.”  Peter, the Rock, once denied Jesus but repented of it.  He knows.

Yes, this level of hurt goes deep and is hard to overcome—impossible without the knowledge, belief and help from Jesus who understands and overcame his trials and betrayal from his enemy.  It is Jesus in us who give us the power to overcome today!  It is Jesus who forgives us when we forgive the ones who hurt us!  Stephen exemplifies this Truth.

And to think it all began with a decision to serve people more efficiently.  This passage is only part one of Stephen’s story.  Stephen’s devotion and service to the God He loved and to Jesus who saved him was evident to all who truly believed.  His life was extremely honorable, his devotion pure and holy. 

Luke writes Stephen’s story, leaving no details left unsaid to show us a man who was “full of faith and the Holy Spirit”.

Acts 6, The Message

The Word of God Prospered

6 ^1-4 During this time, as the disciples were increasing in numbers by leaps and bounds,hard feelings developed among the Greek-speaking believers—“Hellenists”—toward the Hebrew-speaking believers because their widows were being discriminated against in the daily food lines. So the Twelve called a meeting of the disciples. They said, “It wouldn’t be right for us to abandon our responsibilities for preaching and teaching the Word of God to help with the care of the poor. So, friends, choose seven men from among you whom everyone trusts, men full of the Holy Spirit and good sense, and we’ll assign them this task. Meanwhile, we’ll stick to our assigned tasks of prayer and speaking God’s Word.”

^5-6 The congregation thought this was a great idea. They went ahead and chose—

Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit,

Philip,

Procorus,

Nicanor,

Timon,

Parmenas,

Nicolas, a convert from Antioch.

Then they presented them to the apostles. Praying, the apostles laid on hands and commissioned them for their task.

⁷ The Word of God prospered. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased dramatically. Not least, a great many priests submitted themselves to the faith.

* * *

^8-10 Stephen, brimming with God’s grace and energy, was doing wonderful things among the people, unmistakable signs that God was among them. But then some men from the meeting place whose membership was made up of freed slaves, Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and some others from Cilicia and Asia, went up against him trying to argue him down. But they were no match for his wisdom and spirit when he spoke.

¹¹ So in secret they bribed men to lie: “We heard him cursing Moses and God.”

^12-14 That stirred up the people, the religious leaders, and religion scholars. They grabbed Stephen and took him before the High Council. They put forward their bribed witnesses to testify: “This man talks nonstop against this Holy Place and God’s Law. We even heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth would tear this place down and throw out all the customs Moses gave us.”

¹⁵ As all those who sat on the High Council looked at Stephen, they found they couldn’t take their eyes off him—his face was like the face of an angel!

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

ACTS—the story of Jesus at work in the lives of the apostles and disciples through the acts of His Holy Spirit.  It is also the true story of the beginnings of a growing gathering of believers with differing backgrounds and cultures to become of One Heart-One Spirit as they learn to live in harmony with each other.  Satan is still working hard to put an end to God’s glorious acts occurring in people who believe and love Him. 

Jesus is the Cornerstone of the growing church.  We must remember, Jesus is also the Overcomer of evil who victorious won the war with the enemy to save us!  To be an overcomer with Jesus is to be “full of faith and His Holy Spirit” who gives power and strength to us through every adversity.  “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” –Jesus, John 16:33 

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” –Jesus, 1 John 4:4

ACTS of the apostles also portray the acts of betrayal.  We cannot avoid the betrayal of others but we can avoid being the betrayer!

Here’s how:  Know God, Know Jesus, Know His message of Truth—know the enemy!

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.  1 Peter 5:8-9

Lord,

When we read what Stephen suffered, our own hurt rises from our soul.  But then we also remember how you brought us through it all and put our feet back on solid ground.  Stephen’s gaze never left you.  Stephen’s story parallels Jesus’ betrayal and verdict and his response was holy and pure.  May we be more like Jesus knowing that sharing in your sufferings is part of honoring and glorifying you with our acts of faith in response.  Thank you for saving my soul and making me wholly devoted to you—no matter what.

In Jesus Name, Amen

Life comes from God.  Eternal Life is the gift of God made possible by Jesus, His Son. 

“God set him on high at his side, Prince and Savior, to give Israel the gift of a changed life and sins forgiven.And we are witnesses to these things. The Holy Spirit, whom God gives to those who obey him, corroborates every detail.” –Peter, the Rock, Acts 5

This is God’s story …

Acts 5, The Message

They All Met Regularly

^12-16 Through the work of the apostles, many God-signs were set up among the people, many wonderful things done. They all met regularly and in remarkable harmony on the Temple porch named after Solomon. But even though people admired them a lot, outsiders were wary about joining them. On the other hand, those who put their trust in the Master were added right and left, men and women both. They even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on stretchers and bedrolls, hoping they would be touched by Peter’s shadow when he walked by. They came from the villages surrounding Jerusalem, throngs of them, bringing the sick and bedeviled. And they all were healed.

To Obey God Rather than Men

^17-20 Provoked mightily by all this, the Chief Priest and those on his side, mainly the sect of Sadducees, went into action, arrested the apostles and put them in the town jail. But during the night an angel of God opened the jailhouse door and led them out. He said, “Go to the Temple and take your stand. Tell the people everything there is to say about this Life.”

Promptly obedient, they entered the Temple at daybreak and went on with their teaching.

^21-23 Meanwhile, the Chief Priest and his cronies convened the High Council, Israel’s senate, and sent to the jail to have the prisoners brought in. When the police got there, they couldn’t find them anywhere in the jail. They went back and reported, “We found the jail locked tight as a drum and the guards posted at the doors, but when we went inside we didn’t find a soul.”

²⁴ The chief of the Temple police and the high priests were puzzled. “What’s going on here anyway?”

^25-26 Just then someone showed up and said, “Did you know that the men you put in jail are back in the Temple teaching the people?” The chief and his police went and got them, but they handled them gently, fearful that the people would riot and turn on them.

^27-28 Bringing them back, they stood them before the High Council. The Chief Priest said, “Didn’t we give you strict orders not to teach in Jesus’ name? And here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are trying your best to blame us for the death of this man.”

^29-32 Peter and the apostles answered, “It’s necessary to obey God rather than men. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, the One you killed by hanging him on a cross. God set him on high at his side, Prince and Savior, to give Israel the gift of a changed life and sins forgiven. And we are witnesses to these things. The Holy Spirit, whom God gives to those who obey him, corroborates every detail.”

^33-37 When they heard that, they were furious and wanted to kill them on the spot. But one of the council members stood up, a Pharisee by the name of Gamaliel, a teacher of God’s Law who was honored by everyone. He ordered the men taken out of the room for a short time, then said, “Fellow Israelites, be careful what you do to these men. Not long ago Theudas made something of a splash, claiming to be somebody, and got about four hundred men to join him. He was killed, his followers dispersed, and nothing came of it. A little later, at the time of the census, Judas the Galilean appeared and acquired a following. He also fizzled out and the people following him were scattered to the four winds.

^38-39 “So I am telling you: Hands off these men! Let them alone. If this program or this work is merely human, it will fall apart, but if it is of God, there is nothing you can do about it—and you better not be found fighting against God!”

^40-42 That convinced them. They called the apostles back in. After giving them a thorough whipping, they warned them not to speak in Jesus’ name and sent them off. The apostles went out of the High Council overjoyed because they had been given the honor of being dishonored on account of the Name. Every day they were in the Temple and homes, teaching and preaching Christ Jesus, not letting up for a minute.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

The Acts of the Apostles reveal what happens when God is in it, leading and directing all the details of our lives given to His authority. We learn that nothing on earth will stop what He wants done in and through us for His glory and so that others will know His story of redemption. 

Even those who do not believe in Jesus know enough not to get in God’s way. 

Even the demons know who Jesus is and always will be—Son of God!  They will flee when God’s people pray!

How we respond to God depends on the measure of our faith and trust in the One who saved from our sins that leads to eternal life and delivered us from our own self-seeking ways that only lead to death. 

Do I really believe what God says to be really real—or not?

Am I living haphazardly, doing life my own way, jumping on any band wagon of belief until it eventually “fizzles out,” as Gamaliel says, and comes to nothing?

What is God’s call to me?

These are important questions to consider prayerfully while seeking God first, asking what He wants with an obedient heart, mind, and soul.

We learn much from the early believers, growing from the inside out and outside in.

• Believers met regularly.  Strength and confidence build as our need to belong is met by God who loves us. Blessings come to those who seek God in Jesus Name, thanking Him for all He has done for them.
• Followers of Jesus lived in “remarkable” harmony.  Peace is a promised gift from Jesus to all who believe and trust Him no matter what is going on around them.
• They shared possessions knowing and believing that all provision comes from God.  “No one was in need.”
• Others “admired” the believers and were drawn to the Jesus in them as God’s Holy Spirit did wonderful things through them.
• They consistently told God’s Story of redemption while giving God the Glory.
• They were submissive to God’s Holy Spirit leading.
• They were “promptly obedient.”  From parting the waters of the sea, or opening the jailhouse doors—the obedient walk forward on His command to “Go and Tell” others about Life, real everlasting Life in Jesus!

When God is in it—nothing can stop us from accomplishing it.  What is it?  Helping people find and follow Jesus by pointing the way to be redeemed while being reconnected to God who loved us before we loved Him. (1 John 4:19) (John 3:16-17)

“God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 This is God’s story fulfilled in all who believe in Jesus and are promptly obedient to God’s Holy Spirit who comes to live within us. 

Oh Lord,

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

Oh what blessed assurance—This is my story: Jesus is mine and yours!

In Jesus Name, For God’s Glory, Amen.  I believe.

“First pride, then the crash— the bigger the ego, the harder the fall.” Proverbs 16-18, MSG If you’re too conceited or self-important, something will happen to make you look foolish.

In the beginnings of our studying of Acts, we have been basking in the heavenly, holy actions of the courageous apostles and powerful prayers of all the followers of Jesus.  Just yesterday (Acts 4) we observed a church who truly acts “One-hearted-One minded” while being led by God’s Holy Spirit.  We long to be a part of it all!

But, as happens with we humans who are fallible and easily distracted—even by goodness and holiness—we sin.  The One heart-One mind church must deal with the sin as soon as they discover it.  God will not sanction sin.  Through Jesus, He forgives sin when people repent.  But when a man and a woman dressed in the guise of goodness comes into the group of new believers to blatantly and willfully sin in a haughty, deceitful act to impress others, God steps in.  His Holy Spirit warns Peter.

Acts 5, The Message

Ananias and Sapphira

5 ^1-2 But a man named Ananias—his wife, Sapphira, conniving in this with him—sold a piece of land, secretly kept part of the price for himself, and then brought the rest to the apostles and made an offering of it.

^3-4 Peter said, “Ananias, how did Satan get you to lie to the Holy Spirit and secretly keep back part of the price of the field? Before you sold it, it was all yours, and after you sold it, the money was yours to do with as you wished. So what got into you to pull a trick like this? You didn’t lie to men but to God.”

^5-6 Ananias, when he heard those words, fell down dead. That put the fear of God into everyone who heard of it. The younger men went right to work and wrapped him up, then carried him out and buried him.

^7-8 Not more than three hours later, his wife, knowing nothing of what had happened, came in. Peter said, “Tell me, were you given this price for your field?”

“Yes,” she said, “that price.”

^9-10 Peter responded, “What’s going on here that you connived to conspire against the Spirit of the Master? The men who buried your husband are at the door, and you’re next.” No sooner were the words out of his mouth than she also fell down, dead. When the young men returned they found her body. They carried her out and buried her beside her husband.

¹¹ By this time the whole church and, in fact, everyone who heard of these things had a healthy respect for God. They knew God was not to be trifled with.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18, NIV

Before leaving earth for heaven, Jesus told Peter: “Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.”  Is this one of those times?  Ananias and Sapphira, led by the opposing enemy of the church with deceit, are removed.  “The powers of hell” will not conquer what Jesus is building.  Whoa.  Don’t mess with God!

We must always be on the lookout for the sly ways the enemy appears in our church groups.  The enemy slips in to cause division with confusion using the only tools he knows of envy, pride, and the comparison between the good others do with our good even if it means lying about it!  No one is exempt from Satan’s distracting and deceiving ways to destroy what Jesus is building in the lives of His believers—children of God—brothers and sisters of Jesus!

God knows all hearts so He knows before we do what could occur. His Holy Spirit, who lives in all believers of Jesus, was sent to warn us, just like He did Peter.

Is Peter remembering this act of deceit as he writes his letter of warning to all believers later? 

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.” 1 Peter 5:8-9, NLT

Another apostle, Paul, will come along later and write about how to avoid the enemy with how to clothe ourselves in ways that please God while “skirting around” our enemy’s ways!  These words of wisdom are a clear message of “Do this-not that.” 

Because of who you are in Christ now…

DO THIS:

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:12-17, NLT

NOT THAT:

“So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.” Colossians 3:5-9, NLT

What breaks the heart of God and all who believe in Him is when a person does good only to get attention and gain importance through notoriety for themselves.  As a public school teacher and leader of a church, I was often asked each year around Christmas if I knew of a “deserving family” who could use what they (individually and as a company or church) had to offer.

I soon learned to be wise with my words to protect the recipient from being extorted.  My first question was, “Will there be cameras to document this kindness; OR will you give without anyone knowing you gave?”  The answer to this question would be a deciding factor along with gaining the family’s permission to receive quietly and anonymously.

“Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.”  1 Peter 5:2

“And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 1 Peter 5:5-6, NLT

Lord,

This powerful lesson jolts our senses at first, until we realize your love for us goes so deep that it pains you for us to fall for the devil’s schemes knowing that all he has to offer us is eternal death.  May we know you more for You are Truth who gives eternal Life!  Give us wisdom to walk many steps ahead of the enemy by the power of your Holy Spirit living in us.  Give us your discernment to readily see the difference between Truth and lies. I trust in you, dear Jesus!

In Jesus Name, Amen

People groups of differing opinions and cultures seem to suddenly ban together naturally when an enemy to all their groups threatens their way of life.  It is well known by most that a “common enemy” will bring opposing sides together for the purpose to remove the unwanted enemy.

In politics, a common front is an alliance between different groups, forces, or interests in pursuit of a common goal or in opposition to a common enemy.  Various literary works hypothesizes what can broadly be described as the common-enemy effect: the interaction with a common enemy (formed by Nature, an individual, or a group) increases cooperation.  There are multiple ways common enemies affect group behaviors.

The common enemy effect begins on the playground among children.  Groups automatically form at an early age. I have observed this phenomenon as a first-grade teacher.  Children will progress into the next developmental stage of realizing they are not the only people in the world around them. Then they begin to relate and seek companionship of others.  Their need to belong begins to take root and grow.

Children may not realize what they are doing but I have observed kids playing nicely with each other until a “leader” emerges and tells the group to play a different game.  The newly announced game is so aptly called; “Follow the Leader.”  Kids who are just in it to have fun, will follow the leader until they want to be leader.  When posed with a new leader, teams begin to form and “sides” are picked.  If you have a good leader, life is good.  But a bad leader can cause problems.

What usually happens next is very interesting to a people observer like me.  Another child might over from across the playground, from another grade level, to change the way the game is played.  This child, not in any group, is now deemed (without realizing it) the “common enemy” to the groups already formed among who they know in their grade level.  The common enemy is readily pushed away as they go back to their game.

Do we outgrow common enemy behaviors to form community? Mm.  If only we could trade our common enemy mentality with a common goal.  Who is the enemy?

Luke, inspired by God’s Holy Spirit, while describing the acts of the apostles after Jesus ascended, presents us with a new way of thinking that lines up with what God wants most from his people—to be of ONE heart, ONE mind with ONE goal. This is only accomplished by our obedience to ONE source—God’s Holy Spirit.

Acts 4, the Message

One Heart, One Mind

^23-26 As soon as Peter and John were let go, they went to their friends and told them what the high priests and religious leaders had said. Hearing the report, they lifted their voices in a wonderful harmony in prayer: “Strong God, you made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. By the Holy Spirit you spoke through the mouth of your servant and our father, David:

Why the big noise, nations?
Why the mean plots, peoples?
Earth’s leaders push for position,
Potentates meet for summit talks,
The God-deniers, the Messiah-defiers!

^27-28 “For in fact they did meet—Herod and Pontius Pilate with nations and peoples, even Israel itself! —met in this very city to plot against your holy Son Jesus, the One you made Messiah, to carry out the plans you long ago set in motion.

^29-30 “And now they’re at it again! Take care of their threats and give your servants fearless confidence in preaching your Message, as you stretch out your hand to us in healings and miracles and wonders done in the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

³¹ While they were praying, the place where they were meeting trembled and shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak God’s Word with fearless confidence.

^32-33 The whole congregation of believers was united as one—one heart, one mind! They didn’t even claim ownership of their own possessions. No one said, “That’s mine; you can’t have it.” They shared everything. The apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Master Jesus, and grace was on all of them.

^34-35 And so it turned out that not a person among them was needy. Those who owned fields or houses sold them and brought the price of the sale to the apostles and made an offering of it. The apostles then distributed it according to each person’s need.

^36-37 Joseph, called by the apostles “Barnabas” (which means “Son of Comfort”), a Levite born in Cyprus, sold a field that he owned, brought the money, and made an offering of it to the apostles.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

The common enemy to the Jewish established religion and the Roman officials was Jesus.  So, for those who continue to speak in Jesus Name, they are also deemed enemies of these two opposing groups. 

This common enemy of all that is wrong with the world was sent to set things right and bring unity! What a difference! Jesus’ work provided reconciliation (reconnection) with God while bringing unity among believers in God with a common goal orchestrated by God long ago: Life Eternal.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17

What glorious behaviors emerge from this unity of God’s Holy Spirit in all who believe in Jesus!  Oh church, we can learn from these pure and holy early experiences of the church Jesus is establishing through His “one heart-one minded” people!

The “wonderful harmony of united prayer”!  When Peter and John reported back, the group gave praise to God immediately.  Take notice that no one coveted the experience of Peter and John nor did they judge the merits of their courageous speaking. They praised God!

• They praised God for the safe return of Peter and John. 
• They thanked God for His Holy Spirit’s leading.
• They praised God for “fearless confidence” to preach in Jesus Name.
• They asked for protection with this fearless confidence as they continued the work in Jesus Name. (“Take care of the threats…as you stretch out your arms of healings and miracles in Jesus Name.)  They knew Who did the work—God!
• God answered while they were praying; filling them to the full with His Holy Spirit which affirmed their “fearless confidence” with His power! 
• Praying to the One and Only who redeemed them resulted in the blessing of God’s Holy Spirit uniting the community of faith as One—one heart, one mind! 
• They shared everything. 

Ah… filled, redeemed, grateful witnesses of Jesus with fearless confidence! 

The grace of God “was over all of them” like a blanket of protection from the real enemy—the fallen angel of God.  

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12

Satan is our common enemy—not each other.

Lord,

I am so grateful for the fearless confidence you instilled in Peter and John and the rest of the apostles and disciples who stood firm to proclaim your saving grace to all. We are free to worship with how to worship in spirit and Truth because the work you did in and through all who walked before us.  I am grateful.  You are my leader and I will follow you.  Thank you for the lesson today.  May we love like you love us—without conditions or judgement—only care and correction.

In Jesus Name, For Your Glory, Amen

The enemy of God hates believers falling to their knees before God, repenting of their sins in Jesus Name, asking for forgiveness.  The enemy hates believers who tell the story of Jesus as they point others to Jesus.  The enemy knew the war with God’s Son would be difficult, but our arrogant enemy thinks he is God!  So, he keeps fighting for who he thinks he can win back.  The War may have been won, but the battle with this enemy still rages.  He’s ticked.  He will continue to rise up and wreak havoc among those who call Jesus—Savior and Lord of their lives.

Jesus warned us about this “father of lies,” prince of darkness, and the skirmishes he would throw at us to distract and deceive us on our journey with God in Jesus Name.  The best way to combat our enemy is remembering what Jesus said through John’s witness to us;

“This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.” 1 John 4:2-6, NIV

This knowledge begs this question daily:  Is the enemy gaining territory in the battle for our hearts, minds, and souls?  The enemy lost the war with God when Jesus rose from the death to Life! Jesus Christ was the Victor over eternal death in hell.  But the enemy will fight until Jesus comes again in daily skirmishes for our souls.

We also choose daily who we will love, worship, adore, and serve.  Who is influencing us?  When others see us, who do they see reflecting from our faces?  Who influences our behaviors each day?  Are we led by God’s Holy Spirit of Truth that never changes—or are we led by a group of imperfect, legalistic people who have created, ever changing, man-made practices to suit their needs, forcing us to follow religiously in order to stay in the group?  Be careful who you choose to follow.

Peter and John have chosen to follow Jesus.  They are passionately obedient to God’s Holy Spirit.  Their demeanor is obvious.  In another translation this passage of Luke tells the reaction of the religious to Peter and John’s testimony in this way; “The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.” (verse 13) 

This hits deeply.  When I do life with others, do they recognize Jesus in me? Do they recognize that I have been with Jesus before being with anyone else or doing anything of significance in Jesus Name?  Do I reflect Jesus in my behaviors?  Do I lead with love without inquiring if the recipient is worthy of my love? Do I love others even if they do not love me back?  Do they recognize Jesus is not only my Savior but the Lord of my life?  Mm, let’s pause to pray.

A legalist lives to judge. We get to observe legalists in action in this passage. Their security comes from what they do; their lineage, their law, and with getting their way. When trouble comes, the legalist relies on the power of their own resources and works. They think they will save themselves. After all, don’t they belong to the right group? Don’t they possess the right law? And haven’t they passed through the right initiation?

But, here’s the point: Salvation is God’s business. God is the One who saves his children. There is only one name under heaven that has the power to save, and that name is not yours.

Acts 4, The Message

Nothing to Hide

^1-4 While Peter and John were addressing the people, the priests, the chief of the Temple police, and some Sadducees came up, indignant that these upstart apostles were instructing the people and proclaiming that the resurrection from the dead had taken place in Jesus. They arrested them and threw them in jail until morning, for by now it was late in the evening. But many of those who listened had already believed the Message—in round numbers about five thousand!

^5-7 The next day a meeting was called in Jerusalem. The rulers, religious leaders, religion scholars, Annas the Chief Priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander—everybody who was anybody was there. They stood Peter and John in the middle of the room and grilled them: “Who put you in charge here? What business do you have doing this?”

^8-12 With that, Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, let loose: “Rulers and leaders of the people, if we have been brought to trial today for helping a sick man, put under investigation regarding this healing, I’ll be completely frank with you—we have nothing to hide. By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the One you killed on a cross, the One God raised from the dead, by means of his name this man stands before you healthy and whole. Jesus is ‘the stone you masons threw out, which is now the cornerstone.’ Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one.”

^13-14 They couldn’t take their eyes off them—Peter and John standing there so confident, so sure of themselves! Their fascination deepened when they realized these two were laymen with no training in Scripture or formal education. They recognized them as companions of Jesus, but with the man right before them, seeing him standing there so upright—so healed! —what could they say against that?

^15-17 They sent them out of the room so they could work out a plan. They talked it over: “What can we do with these men? By now it’s known all over town that a miracle has occurred, and that they are behind it. There is no way we can refute that. But so that it doesn’t go any further, let’s silence them with threats so they won’t dare to use Jesus’ name ever again with anyone.”

^18-20 They called them back and warned them that they were on no account ever again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John spoke right back, “Whether it’s right in God’s eyes to listen to you rather than to God, you decide. As for us, there’s no question—we can’t keep quiet about what we’ve seen and heard.”

^21-22 The religious leaders renewed their threats, but then released them. They couldn’t come up with a charge that would stick, that would keep them in jail. The people wouldn’t have stood for it—they were all praising God over what had happened. The man who had been miraculously healed was over forty years old.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Peter’s message produced two opposite results: (1) Some two thousand Jews believed the Word and were converted; and (2) the religious leaders of the nation rejected the message and tried to silence the apostles. We have here the beginning of the persecution by the enemy about which Jesus had already warned His followers (Matt. 10:17, 18; Luke 21:12–15; John 15:18—16:4).

We should note that the miracle was not proof of the resurrection of Christ or even of the truth of Peter’s message. Satan can perform pseudo miracles (2 Thess. 2:9, 10), and false prophets can do wonders. The miracle and the message, in the context of all that had been going on since Pentecost, was one more evidence that Jesus Christ was alive and at work in the church by His Holy Spirit. In both sermons, Peter used the Old Testament to support and explain his claims, and this is one evidence of a true prophet of God. (Isaiah 8:20).  God is at work!  He is always at work! The church Jesus is building is forming within all who believe—heart, mind, and soul!

The failure of the council was evident when Peter refused to be intimidated by their threats. All of us need to follow Peter’s example and make our decisions based on “Is it right?” and not “Is it popular?” or “Is it safe?” We must be sure, however, that we have the clear teaching of the Word of God on our side before we take a stand against the authority of the government. Peter knew what the Lord had commanded the believers to do— “be my witnesses” (1:8), and he was going to obey Him at any cost.

Our response is follow Jesus and the leading of His Holy Spirit.  There will be a cost to follow.  But the reward far outweighs the cost.  Jesus IS coming back!  In the meantime, His Spirit is with us always—blessed assurance.

Lord,

I’ve considered the cost.  I have decided to follow with no turning back.  How I follow must come from “being with you” each day for cleansing, renewing, refreshing, filling, and restoring.  Lead me, Lord.  I’m yours.

In Jesus Name, For Your Glory, Amen

How many times have you asked the question; “How is that possible?” I have asked this many times when surprised by life’s twists and turns.  Imagine someone you have known since childhood going away to school to learn to teach children then comes back and does what he was trained to do and does it well. That’s not so surprising.  Even I did that.

But then this same person you have known all your life suddenly makes a change in his life upon hearing God’s Holy Spirit say; “Now, I want you to preach my Word and help others find and follow Me.”  He answers the call of God. Studies to deliver what God has given him to say.  Then you listen with others as he stands to preach his first sermon.  You listen to hear and watch the reaction of others in the congregation.  Everyone who knew him before were in awe.  Is this the same man? How does he do that—speak in ways that help me know and understand God?  Where is he getting these words that give me a fresh perspective of God?  I forgot who was standing there as I heard God’s Words through him.

Blessed are we who learn it’s not about the man—it’s about God in the man.  It’s about God’s Holy Spirit doing His work through men and women all over the world to point the Way to God through Jesus, His Son so others will know, believe gain eternal life with Him.

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”  Matthew 19:26

Acts 3, The Message

 ^1-5 One day at three o’clock in the afternoon, Peter and John were on their way into the Temple for prayer meeting. At the same time there was a man crippled from birth being carried up. Every day he was set down at the Temple gate, the one named Beautiful, to beg from those going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter the Temple, he asked for a handout. Peter, with John at his side, looked him straight in the eye and said, “Look here.” He looked up, expecting to get something from them.

^6-8 Peter said, “I don’t have a nickel to my name, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!” He grabbed him by the right hand and pulled him up. In an instant his feet and ankles became firm. He jumped to his feet and walked.

^8-10 The man went into the Temple with them, walking back and forth, dancing and praising God. Everybody there saw him walking around and praising God. They recognized him as the one who sat begging at the Temple’s Gate Beautiful and rubbed their eyes, astonished, scarcely believing what they were seeing.

¹¹ The man threw his arms around Peter and John, ecstatic. All the people ran up to where they were at Solomon’s Porch to see it for themselves.

Turn to Face God

^12-16 When Peter saw he had a congregation, he addressed the people:

“Oh, Israelites, why does this take you by such complete surprise, and why stare at us as if our power or piety made him walk? The God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, the God of our ancestors, has glorified his Son Jesus. The very One that Pilate called innocent, you repudiated. You repudiated the Holy One, the Just One, and asked for a murderer in his place. You no sooner killed the Author of Life than God raised him from the dead—and we’re the witnesses. Faith in Jesus’ name put this man, whose condition you know so well, on his feet—yes, faith and nothing but faith put this man healed and whole right before your eyes.

^17-18 “And now, friends, I know you had no idea what you were doing when you killed Jesus, and neither did your leaders. But God, who through the preaching of all the prophets had said all along that his Messiah would be killed, knew exactly what you were doing and used it to fulfill his plans.

^19-23 “Now it’s time to change your ways! Turn to face God so he can wipe away your sins, pour out showers of blessing to refresh you, and send you the Messiah he prepared for you, namely, Jesus. For the time being he must remain out of sight in heaven until everything is restored to order again just the way God, through the preaching of his holy prophets of old, said it would be. Moses, for instance, said, ‘Your God will raise up for you a prophet just like me from your family. Listen to every word he speaks to you. Every last living soul who refuses to listen to that prophet will be wiped out from the people.’

^24-26 “All the prophets from Samuel on down said the same thing, said most emphatically that these days would come. These prophets, along with the covenant God made with your ancestors, are your family tree. God’s covenant-word to Abraham provides the text: ‘By your offspring all the families of the earth will be blessed.’ But you are first in line: God, having raised up his Son, sent him to bless you as you turn, one by one, from your evil ways.”

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Peter, along with John, went to the Temple to pray and worship God.  Given a specific time of 3pm, it seems this is a new appointed habit to connect with God.  Peter, who before Jesus thought life only happened if Peter made it happen, is a changed man, a man driven by God’s Holy Spirit within him.  Peter now sees what he ignored before, he hears what he never listened to before, and now he stops to notice a beggar sitting on the steps leading to the Temple. 

The Beggar.  Imagine this crippled man from birth, watching longingly as others freely walk up the steps to the Temple, something that was impossible for him to enjoy. The man, paralyzed, would never get to pray in the Temple.  It was impossible for him to reverently meet with God in prayer, hear God speak to His heart, or to thank God in worship.  It was impossible because of his current condition. 

Peter and John.  But then God showed up and made the impossible—possible!  Peter, now filled with God’s Holy Spirit stops and tells the beggar to look up into Peter’s eyes.  Peter, along with John do not give the beggar what he needs to survive one more day; but Peter, in the Name of Jesus, prays for the paralyzed man needs most—Jesus and His healing that will last forever!  The can now walk into the Temple with Peter and John!  But he doesn’t walk, he jumps, dances, and runs to the Temple to meet God!  (Are tears of joy sneaking down your cheeks?  This stirs my heart every time I read it!)

How is this possible?  God is within Peter and John as they pray in Jesus Name.   God doesn’t stop there!  This healing enabled the once paralyzed man to jump for joy and dance with gratitude while praising God for his new life!  Onlookers HAD to notice as they watched a man dressed in rags envelope the riches of God’s healing in Jesus Name!  What happened?  How is this possible?  “They recognized him as the one who sat begging at the Temple’s Gate Beautiful and rubbed their eyes, astonished, scarcely believing what they were seeing.”  And then what do humans who don’t know do?  Those who saw it run to Peter and John, who they thought of as “rock stars” of healing!  (This is a danger in all churches who hold up humans as the source of miracles!)

God used this miracle of the possible as another opportunity to tell His Story of Jesus, His Son!  That’s how God works!   When the crowd gathered to praise Peter and John, He immediately turned the praise to God. “Oh, Israelites, why does this take you by such complete surprise, and why stare at us as if our power or piety made him walk?” God is glorified, Jesus’ message of salvation is preached.  All in a good day’s work of God working through His servants, Peter and John.

“They went to the Temple to pray.”  Prayer is the open admission that without Christ we can do nothing. And prayer is the turning away from ourselves to God in the confidence that he will provide the help we need.  Prayer is asking God what He wants.  Prayer is where God’s power in us begins.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” –Jesus, (John 15:5)

Suppose you are totally paralyzed and could do nothing for yourself but talk. And suppose a strong and reliable Friend promised to live with you and do whatever you needed done. How could you glorify, thank, offer praise for this friend if a stranger came to see you?  Would you glorify his generosity and strength by trying to get out of bed and carry him? No! You would say, “Friend, please come lift me up, and would you put a pillow behind me so I can look at my guest? And would you please put my glasses on for me?”

And so your visitor would learn from your requests that you are helpless and that your friend is strong and kind. You glorify your friend by needing him, and by asking him for help, and counting on him.

In John 15:5, Jesus says, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” So in a way, we really are paralyzed. Without Christ, we are capable of no Christ-exalting good. But John 15:5 also says that God intends for us to do much Christ-exalting good, namely bear fruit: “Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit.” So, as our strong and reliable friend — “I have called you friends” (John 15:15) — he promises to do for us, and through us, what we can’t do for ourselves. 

How then do we glorify him? Jesus gives the answer in John 15:7: “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” We pray! We ask God to do for us through Christ what we can’t do for ourselves — bear fruit.

What are these fruits?  The fruits we bear are the character traits of God growing and flourishing in believers of Jesus!  Some of these traits are listed by Paul in his Galatians letter; “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:22-23

“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25

When we walk in step with God’s Holy Spirit, the impossible becomes possible, in Jesus Name for His Glory!

Lord,

Thank you for taking ordinary men and women and working through us to accomplish your will and plan so that no one perish but have eternal life!

In Jesus Name, For Your Glory, Amen

What is church to you?

Over the centuries since Jesus ascended, there is evidence that “church” is basically a gathering of believers of Jesus seamlessly formed by God Holy Spirit’s leading while living in the lives of His followers.  Jesus is the reason for the gathering.  Jesus is the Head of His Church.  Believers gather joyfully and expectantly to know God more as they worship God, study God’s Word, share communion to remember what God’s Son did for them, while enjoying sweet times of fellowship with each other over great meals.

God’s love dwells within their beings and inhabits the praises of His people.  It doesn’t seem to be about one person or religious group commanding, forcing, or even compelling these gatherings.  Everyone is welcome and no one is excluded.  God’s gatherings are a result of the pouring out of God’s Holy Spirit over people in ways they cannot ignore.  Believers of Jesus, led by God’s Holy Spirit are drawn together for one purpose—to be reconciled to God through Jesus who is Savior and Lord of their new lives in Him. 

Ask for God’s Spirit to lead us as we read, listen, and learn from the One who orchestrated the greatest church launch ever!

Acts 2, The Message

Peter Speaks Up

^14-21 That’s when Peter stood up and, backed by the other eleven, spoke out with bold urgency: “Fellow Jews, all of you who are visiting Jerusalem, listen carefully and get this story straight. These people aren’t drunk as some of you suspect. They haven’t had time to get drunk—it’s only nine o’clock in the morning. This is what the prophet Joel announced would happen:

“In the Last Days,” God says,
“I will pour out my Spirit
    on every kind of people:
Your sons will prophesy,
    also your daughters;
Your young men will see visions,
    your old men dream dreams.
When the time comes,
    I’ll pour out my Spirit
On those who serve me, men and women both,
    and they’ll prophesy.
I’ll set wonders in the sky above
    and signs on the earth below,
Blood and fire and billowing smoke,
    the sun turning black and the moon blood-red,
Before the Day of the Lord arrives,
    the Day tremendous and marvelous;
And whoever calls out for help
    to me, God, will be saved.”

^22-28 “Fellow Israelites, listen carefully to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man thoroughly accredited by God to you—the miracles and wonders and signs that God did through him are common knowledge—this Jesus, following the deliberate and well-thought-out plan of God, was betrayed by men who took the law into their own hands, and was handed over to you. And you pinned him to a cross and killed him. But God untied the death ropes and raised him up. Death was no match for him. David said it all:

I saw God before me for all time.
    Nothing can shake me; he’s right by my side.
I’m glad from the inside out, ecstatic;
    I’ve pitched my tent in the land of hope.
I know you’ll never dump me in Hades;
    I’ll never even smell the stench of death.
You’ve got my feet on the life-path,
    with your face shining sun-joy all around.

^29-36 “Dear friends, let me be completely frank with you. Our ancestor David is dead and buried—his tomb is in plain sight today. But being also a prophet and knowing that God had solemnly sworn that a descendant of his would rule his kingdom, seeing far ahead, he talked of the resurrection of the Messiah—‘no trip to Hades, no stench of death.’ This Jesus, God raised up. And every one of us here is a witness to it. Then, raised to the heights at the right hand of God and receiving the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, he poured out the Spirit he had just received. That is what you see and hear. For David himself did not ascend to heaven, but he did say,

God said to my Master, “Sit at my right hand
Until I make your enemies a stool for resting your feet.”

“All Israel, then, know this: There’s no longer room for doubt—God made him Master and Messiah, this Jesus whom you killed on a cross.”

³⁷ Cut to the quick, those who were there listening asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers! Brothers! So now what do we do?”

^38-39 Peter said, “Change your life. Turn to God and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, so your sins are forgiven. Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is targeted to you and your children, but also to all who are far away—whomever, in fact, our Master God invites.”

⁴⁰ He went on in this vein for a long time, urging them over and over, “Get out while you can; get out of this sick and stupid culture!”

^41-42 That day about three thousand took him at his word, were baptized and were signed up. They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers.

* * *

^43-45 Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person’s need was met.

^46-47 They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

The “church launch strategy:” They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, sharing communion and common meals, and the prayers.

Jesus not only rose from death to life to give us hope and a future; He appeared to his followers to verify the glory of God in Him.  He showed them the scars and taught them what to do next in preparation for what God was going to next.  Jesus told them to wait.  Jesus’ command to His beloved was to wait for God’s Holy Spirit to come.

The Helper/Counselor did indeed come, on God’s timetable! God’s Holy Spirit filled their hearts, taking up residence within their beings.  Then, like Jesus did, the Holy Spirit worked through the lives of those who followed Jesus and “moved into the neighborhood of humanity” making God’s Presence known.  (John 1, MSG)

It is in this passage we read how God’s Spirit leads and enables Peter, the apostles and other disciples to carry on Jesus’ mission of telling the world to repent of sins and be saved for eternity because Jesus’s sacrifice made The Way for this to happen.  This is the message: Jesus became sin, who knew no sin, to pay for our sins.  The followers boldly “go and make disciples” just as Jesus commanded.  (Matthew 28:20) Great things are about to happen!

“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” –Jesus, John 14:12-14, NIV

Jesus, our Advocate in Heaven for all who believe.

God’s Holy Spirit—our Advocate on earth who lives within all who believe.

God launched the church by first sending the power of His Holy Spirit, as promised by Jesus, to live within the hearts, minds, and souls of the devoted, committed, relentlessly focused followers who had “been with Jesus” and were witnesses to His appearances after Jesus rose from death to life.  What occurred from waiting for and leading of God’s Holy Spirit was a powerful, spontaneous work of God/Jesus/Holy Spirit through ordinary men—the greatest church launch ever! 

The Cornerstone was Jesus.  Stone by living stone became His growing church from the inside out and outside in.  Jesus built His church upon the solid Rock of Peter’s committed faith—just as Jesus said He would!  “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. –Jesus to Peter, Matthew 16:18

The amazing beginnings of the church, foretold by the prophet Joel centuries before it happened and taught by Jesus while He was on earth to His followers, is now began in Simon who Jesus renamed Peter, the Rock—the rock upon whom Jesus would build His church.  Peter boldly stood to tell the Truth powerfully and simply.  God’s Holy Spirit gave him the words and prepared hearts to receive God’s message: “Change your life. Turn to God and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, so your sins are forgiven. Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is targeted to you and your children, but also to all who are far away—whomever, in fact, our Master God invites.”

The Church met at The Temple each day but would soon begin gathering underground with secret meeting times because of persecution by those against Jesus and his followers.  Jesus’ enemies thought that by crucifying Him, all this “Messiah talk” would be put to rest.  But it was not.  Just the opposite happened.

“That day about three thousand took him at his word, were baptized and were signed up.”  –Greatest Church Launch ever!

Lord,

There is so much to learn here and more to come.  Lead us as we learn from you in the coming days.  I love how you work in the our lives!

In Jesus Name, Amen!  I believe.

Come, Holy Spirit, I need you
Come, sweet Spirit, I pray
Come in your strength and your power
Come in your own gentle way

“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. –Jesus, John 14:15-17

“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”—Jesus, Luke 24:29

“The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life.  Revelation 22:17 

“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” –Jesus, John 3:8

Acts 2, The Message

A Sound Like a Strong Wind

^1-4 When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them.

^5-11 There were many Jews staying in Jerusalem just then, devout pilgrims from all over the world. When they heard the sound, they came on the run. Then when they heard, one after another, their own mother tongues being spoken, they were blown away. They couldn’t for the life of them figure out what was going on, and kept saying, “Aren’t these all Galileans? How come we’re hearing them talk in our various mother tongues?

Parthians, Medes, and Elamites;
Visitors from Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia,
    Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia,
    Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene;
Immigrants from Rome, both Jews and proselytes;
Even Cretans and Arabs!

“They’re speaking our languages, describing God’s mighty works!”

¹² Their heads were spinning; they couldn’t make head or tail of any of it. They talked back and forth, confused: “What’s going on here?”

¹³ Others joked, “They’re drunk on cheap wine.”

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Jesus told them another advocate, the Holy Spirit of God, would come to live within His devoted followers.  In the forty days after rising from the death to life, Jesus prepared their hearts, minds, and souls for His Holy Spirit who would come and fill each soul with  wisdom and power from God to help them live daily for His glory.  This Helper and Counselor will guide them to all Truth, making Truth more easily recognizable as they combat the lies of the enemy of God. 

The ACTS of the apostles begin with the obedience to wait for the promise of the coming of God’s Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit came, just as promised, when they were gathered in one place.  They didn’t know how, when or from where His Spirit would  arrive.  But when He came, they were astonished by the power and holiness of His Presence.  They began to speak in the native languages about God to all the pilgrims who had come to the mighty metropolis of Jerusalem that day!

God’s timing is always best!  Crowds had gathered for the Jewish Feast of Pentecost.  People heard the blowing of the wind of change; curious, they came running to check out what was going on.  It was then they hear Jesus’ followers able to speak their language so they could understand fully what God wanted them to know.  Yes, this is how God works!    

The Holy Spirit in Peter then leads this former fisherman to boldly stand and speak Truth to the crowd in ways they can relate and understand.  This is monumental in the building of the church Jesus called Peter to be and do.  “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” –Jesus, Matthew 16:18, NIV

Pause to ponder.  Let this Holy Spirit act of God sink in.  It’s not as much about the strong wind, the Feast of Pentecost, being able to speak the languages of those gathered from other regions, or the even the gathering and obedient waiting.  The timing of this miraculous act was all about God who loved us and sent His Son to save the world!  ALL nations!   

God knew who would be gathered there that day.  God used all the details and circumstances of ordinary life to proclaim His glory in extraordinary ways so that others could be told the Truth of His saving grace! 

It’s all about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit working in tandem as the Three-in-One to redeem the lost so that new life with a new, lovingly intimate relationship with God can begin to grow and bear the fruits of His character in our lives!  It’s always all about God!

All scripture points to God and His Son, Jesus.  Pentecost means “fiftieth” because this feast was held fifty days after the festival of First Harvest (First fruits) (Lev. 23:15–22).

“The calendar of Jewish festivals in Leviticus 23 is an outline of the work of Jesus Christ. Passover pictures His death as the Lamb of God (John 1:29; 1 Cor. 5:7), and the festival of First Harvest pictures His resurrection from the dead (1 Cor. 15:20–23). Fifty days after First Harvest is the festival of Pentecost, which pictures the formation of the church. At Pentecost, the Jews celebrated the giving of the law, but Christians celebrate this day because of the giving of the Holy Spirit to the church.”

–Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Study Bible

The same Holy Spirit power is available to us today to make us more effective witnesses for Christ. As in all acts of God within us, it is not used to glorify us but God!  The more we understand His working at this particular time in the history of the church, the better we will be able to relate to Him and experience His power. The ministry of the Spirit is to glorify Christ in the life and witness of the believer (John 16:14), and that is what is important.

God’s Word speaks to us of the many ways His Holy Spirit helps us:

As we worship God, His Holy Spirit responds to us with care and correction.

God’s Holy Spirit assures and affirms our faith in God and our relationship with is growing with God.

God’s Holy Spirit takes up residence in our being the moment we say, “Yes, I believe Jesus died for my redemption of sin”.

God’s Holy Spirit leads us away from the distraction and deceit of the enemy while steering us from our selfishness to God’s holiness.  His Spirit is Truth and leads us to Truth.

God’s Holy Spirit helps and counsels us to lean into the wisdom God He so generously gives any time we ask.

God’s Holy Spirit unifies believers.  His Spirit leads us from judging people with help to look for Jesus in others.  Love for each other increases as His Holy Spirit grows our knowledge of God’s love in us!

God’s Holy Spirit transforms and empowers us!  We cannot just say, I’ll be good from now on, with the transforming power of God in us.  With God, all things are possible.  Without God, nothing is possible.  Every one of us is a potential means through which God wants to manifest the Spirit by displaying His power, kindness, and truth to others. As we eagerly desire spiritual gifts of all varieties (1 Corinthians 14:1), we are to ask God’s Spirit to come and do what we could never do on our own.

How different our churches might look if every member asked the Spirit to come and empower him or her to serve others for the glory of Christ!

God’s Holy Spirit teaches us as He reveals God’s Presence with us!

There is no one like our God, His Son, or His Holy Spirit!

Lord,

Thank you for reminding us of the power we have within us to overcome the darkness as well as the power to help others know and believe.  Yes, surely you are with us.

In Jesus Name, Amen

Twelve is measure we use in every day life.  We purchase in twelves.  “Give me a dozen eggs, a dozen rolls, two dozen of this and that, please.”  We measure time based on twelve—twelve hours by day and twelve hours by night.  There are twelve months in the calendar year.  As defined; “twelve is one more than eleven.”  Twelve is an even number; easily divisible by two, three, four and six.  “Give me a half dozen, please.”  Do the math!

Twelve is also a biblical number.  On a spiritual level, the number 12 symbolizes God’s power and authority and the completeness and perfection of His creation. It also signifies God’s government on Earth, which is manifested in the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles who were appointed to establish the Church. God created twelve.  Jesus multiplies in twelves—by sending people out two by two. 

Why twelve?  Twelve tribes of God’s Chosen of Israel, Twelve Disciples, and then lastly, we see in the Book of Revelation that there are 12 gates with 12 different jewels on the gates. With all these number twelves showing up, is there any meaning behind it?  Christianity.com writes:

“As shown with the 12 tribes of Israel, each of these tribes had important parts to play in history. Judah was the tribe Jesus descended from, and Paul descended from the tribe of Benjamin.  n the same way, the 12 disciples of Christ could be another imagery of the 12 tribes of Israel. While we cannot be dogmatic to say each disciple came from a different tribe of Israel because the likelihood of this is low, we can say that the number 12 was reflective of bringing God’s kingdom into the picture.

Each of the 12 disciples left their homes, livelihoods, and families to follow Jesus. They were dedicated to following Jesus to learn all they could from Him. It is also important to remember the 12 gates as recorded in the Book of Revelation, which could also connect back to the 12 disciples.  While we do not need to be quick to say 12 is the perfect number or a special number, we can see it does symbolize God’s coming kingdom.” 

MORE FUN FACTS:  Remember reading about the woman who had a bleeding problem for 12 years?  Jesue healed her on the way to bringing a 12-year-old back to life from an illness that caused death!  God, through Jesus used symbolic stories to tell of His coming Kingdom, could this be yet another way to foretell of what lies ahead?

And, we can’t overlook what Luke said about Jesus as a child.  Normally the gospel writers wouldn’t include direct ages, yet in this instance, Luke records that Jesus was 12 when He went to the temple (Luke 2:41-52). Mm.

During Jesus’ adult earthly ministry, He performed the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000. Out of a loaf of bread and a few fish, Jesus fed five thousand people. This miracle alone attested to Jesus’ divinity and power with twelve baskets leftover, one for each disciple!

God multiplies the Good News through the Twelve Disciples.  When Judas decided to go his own way and leave the Twelve to betray Jesus, they needed one more to be Twelve again. Peter, now being led by the Holy Spirit, has a plan and asks God to decide.  We see the growth of Peter begin to emerge as the Rock upon whom Jesus will build His church! 

And then there were Twelve…(To those of us “ducks in a row” people who seek perfection and order, we breathe in a sigh of completeness and peace.)

Acts 1, The Message

Replacing Judas

^15-17 During this time, Peter stood up in the company—there were about 120 of them in the room at the time—and said, “Friends, long ago the Holy Spirit spoke through David regarding Judas, who became the guide to those who arrested Jesus. That Scripture had to be fulfilled, and now has been. Judas was one of us and had his assigned place in this ministry.

^18-20 “As you know, he took the evil bribe money and bought a small farm. There he came to a bad end, rupturing his belly and spilling his guts. Everybody in Jerusalem knows this by now; they call the place Murder Meadow. It’s exactly what we find written in the Psalms:

‘Let his farm become haunted
So no one can ever live there.’

And also what was written later:  ‘Let someone else take over his post.’

^21-22 “Judas must now be replaced. The replacement must come from the company of men who stayed together with us from the time Jesus was baptized by John up to the day of his ascension, designated along with us as a witness to his resurrection.”

^23-26 They nominated two: Joseph Barsabbas, nicknamed Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed, “You, O God, know every one of us inside and out. Make plain which of these two men you choose to take the place in this ministry and leadership that Judas threw away in order to go his own way.” They then drew straws. Matthias won and was counted in with the eleven apostles.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

WARNING: 

We must not dwell on the number twelve as something to believe in such as numerology.  In no way is the number 12 in the Bible used in connection with numerology. Numerology is an anti-biblical practice that believers need to stay away from. There is nothing true about numerology, nor is it going to help you in any way. The number 12, as shown in the Bible, was decided by God’s own divine decision. You may be interested in knowing the deeper meaning behind the number 12 in the Bible but don’t become obsessed with it. Worship God alone!  God holds all power in heaven and on earth!

THE GREATER LESSON:  The first of many ACTS of the apostles.

Peter, now led by God’s Holy Spirit, takes action to replace Judas who “went his own way” to betray Jesus and then hung himself.  There are eleven—one less than Twelve.

Observe how Peter is becoming more and more like Jesus!  Peter was a “born leader,” no doubt, but his leadership skills had to be daily molded, shaped, honed and polished to reflect the image of the One who saved him!  Peter, now in obedience to God, shaped by the beautiful hands of Jesus is now more helpful, not hurtful, to building God’s Kingdom—His church.

Are we becoming more and more like Christ? 

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21

Peter’s first act of leadership, in Jesus Name, was to stand and remind the group of previous scripture that foretold their current predicament of loss.  He then brought the group into agreement with how to choose a replacement with a plan!  Most churches still use this method today! 

The method:

• Pray for God’s leading.
• Consider and nominate an experienced person who knows Jesus and is a witness to God’s glory in their lives and in the lives of others.
• Cast a vote.
• Pray for God’s choosing.  

Notice that prayer bookends the action—so like Jesus!

Lord,

Thank you for leading us to learn and grow in knowledge of You! Thank you for loving us with patience and guidance as we live for you.  Thank you for forgiving us when we “go our own way.”  Thank you for molding and shaping us as we give all ourselves to you.  Cleanse our hearts, renew our minds to match yours, refresh our souls with your new mercies for today, and restore the joy and peace of you in us and us in you who believe.  We want to be more like You, dear Jesus.

In Jesus Name, Amen