By Carla Castro
Acts 6 starts out with a situation similar to that which I see occurring at Anchor.
Acts 6:1-7
"In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word." This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith."
Now, let's look at it in terms of today:
The number of Anchorites are increasing and people have seen the need increasing as well for those in the church and the neighborhood. Up until now, a large amount of responsibility has been set upon the shoulders of Pastor Tim and he found himself trying to balance ministry and helping the needy, leading to a large workload. He has succeeded in doing everything and doing it well; however, as we all know, doing too much all the time leads to burnout. Instead of neglecting any responsibitilies, he opted to hire me on staff to Anchor to assist with helping with the people's needs. He saw in me the experience and knowledge of the social service world and the desire to love people in a Christlike manner. When I began the work at Anchor, Pastor Tim pulled my family and I to the front of the church during service to pray for us and the service that I could offer Anchor. Through this, we hope to see the number of followers increasing and movement towards the ideal circumstances that people at Anchor are no longer needy.
History often repeats itself, from small situations to large historical events. In Acts 6, the basic beginnings of the church is described. In the present at Anchor, we are hoping to make a small impact in the world. But, isn't it interesting as we read, how we can draw these connections? Often, I turn to the Bible in times of trouble and just flip it open instead of reading a specific passage, I allow God to show me what he would like me to see. And more often than not, the page or chapter I turn to is more help than I could ever have imagined. How amazing is it that he provides us His wisdom through the Bible when we allow him to?
I would be lying if I said that I have ever been devout and good about reading the Bible daily. Until recently, when Tim has shown the value of reading the Bible in our lives, have I realized what I was missing. I'm far from achieving what I would like to in regards to following the Word, but would hope that through the weekly readings of Acts, I continue to form a habit. And I hope that as you follow the reading and blogging, we can together learn more about God, the history of Christianity, and find how truely important it is in our lives as Christians.
And I am so grateful to everyone that has supported Anchor's decision to hire me to help with the needs of the church and look forward to the time to come in serving the church and the neighborhood.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Chill Out
By Steve Dennie
Acts 5:33-42
People freak out way too easily.
When the year 2000 rolled around, thousands of people horded freeze-dried food and built underground shelters, fearing the Y2K bug...which turned out to be nothing.
I’ve seen people get all worked up about End Times prophecies. A high school friend told me he didn’t intend to go to college, because his church told him Christ would return in a couple years. That was in 1973.
People get way too worked up about politics. They see George Bush, or Barack Obama, or the Tea Baggers, or whatever sinister forces Glenn Beck imagines, as leading to the end of America. They see socialists, communists, Nazis, gun confiscators, progressives, fundamentalists—whatever they fear--lurking under every bush.
Today, people keep talking about the Mayan calendar, which ends in 2012, implying that that’s when the world ends. The Mayans themselves pretty much ended in the 1400s, so I’m not too concerned.
Working for the denomination, I’ve seen younger ministers, excited about a certain proposal, grow apocalyptic when it doesn’t pass. As if the whole Great Commission is now stymied.
Anyway, people need to chill out.
That was Gamaliel’s advice in Acts 5. People in Jerusalem saw all these people flocking to Christianity, and verse 33 says, “They were furious and wanted to put them to death.”
I don’t know what Gamaliel thought of the Christians, whether he was for or against them. But here, he was the voice of reason. He stood up and basically said: “Hey, everybody—take a breath. Chill.”
He told people that this Christianity thing, if it’s false, will die out on its own. Just give it time, and it’ll go away. Prophets have come and gone, leaving no lasting impact. This Jesus will probably be the same way. So don’t get all worked up.
He also added that if it was the real thing, then there was nothing they could do to stop it. Which turned out to be the case.
But regardless, it was good advice. We need to quit listening to the alarmists who tell us the sky is falling, and just chill out. Things will work out.
Acts 5:33-42
People freak out way too easily.
When the year 2000 rolled around, thousands of people horded freeze-dried food and built underground shelters, fearing the Y2K bug...which turned out to be nothing.
I’ve seen people get all worked up about End Times prophecies. A high school friend told me he didn’t intend to go to college, because his church told him Christ would return in a couple years. That was in 1973.
People get way too worked up about politics. They see George Bush, or Barack Obama, or the Tea Baggers, or whatever sinister forces Glenn Beck imagines, as leading to the end of America. They see socialists, communists, Nazis, gun confiscators, progressives, fundamentalists—whatever they fear--lurking under every bush.
Today, people keep talking about the Mayan calendar, which ends in 2012, implying that that’s when the world ends. The Mayans themselves pretty much ended in the 1400s, so I’m not too concerned.
Working for the denomination, I’ve seen younger ministers, excited about a certain proposal, grow apocalyptic when it doesn’t pass. As if the whole Great Commission is now stymied.
Anyway, people need to chill out.
That was Gamaliel’s advice in Acts 5. People in Jerusalem saw all these people flocking to Christianity, and verse 33 says, “They were furious and wanted to put them to death.”
I don’t know what Gamaliel thought of the Christians, whether he was for or against them. But here, he was the voice of reason. He stood up and basically said: “Hey, everybody—take a breath. Chill.”
He told people that this Christianity thing, if it’s false, will die out on its own. Just give it time, and it’ll go away. Prophets have come and gone, leaving no lasting impact. This Jesus will probably be the same way. So don’t get all worked up.
He also added that if it was the real thing, then there was nothing they could do to stop it. Which turned out to be the case.
But regardless, it was good advice. We need to quit listening to the alarmists who tell us the sky is falling, and just chill out. Things will work out.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
YES FEAR!
By Matt Kennedy
Acts 5:11
“Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.”
Have you ever seen those shirts that have “No Fear!” printed on them? I remember when they first came out. I never did buy one but I liked the premise of that logo – “Fear is for wimps. I am not a wimp. I can face anything without fear. Nothing, not even you, can scare me!”
Maybe, given this particular meaning, having fear is a bad thing. Yet when we read this story of Ananias and Sapphira we see something happen that is, in my opinion, the best thing that could have happened to the church. God instills within them fear.
Maybe, given this particular meaning, having fear is a bad thing. Yet when we read this story of Ananias and Sapphira we see something happen that is, in my opinion, the best thing that could have happened to the church. God instills within them fear.
This made me think about the end game for God. I mean, what was he thinking? When you read a story like this one you can become so enamored by the fact that these two people drop over dead (literally) that we miss the fruit of what God’s discipline brought… FEAR.
Why fear? What is it that God wants us to be afraid of? Well, actually nothing. At least nothing with regard to the way we typically think of fear. After all “God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”
One of my go-to theologians is Wayne Grudem. He always has an answer to all my questions that challenge me or explains things in a way that help me make sense of things. So, I looked up the Fear of God in his book “Systematic Theology” just to see what he had to say. I found out he had very little to say about the ‘Fear of God’. In fact, none of the theologians I looked at had much to say about it, if they even bothered to address the issue at all. Yet what Mr. Grudem did say about the Fear of God caught me by surprise. He mentions it under the heading “Motives for Obedience to God in the Christian Life”. “Motives for Obedience?” Where was he going with this?
So what about you? Are you afraid of God? I hope not. Do you fear Him? I hope so!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Persecution.
By Carla Castro
Acts 5:12-32
In reading this selection from Acts 5, I see the disciples being persecuted for teaching the people about the Resurrection. They are jailed for their faith and sharing it.
It's a story told over and over and over in the Bible.
I just wonder, what would I do if I didn't live in a country where I was free to practice the religion of my choice? What if I knew I would be faced with a horrific punishment due to speaking and freely practicing Christianity?
I mean, the disciples actually got it easy at first by simply being put into jail. But in some other Biblical experiences that we learn in Sunday School, it wasn't usually that simple. Daniel was thrown into a den with hungry lions. Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego were thrown into a fiery furnace.
Would I be strong enough to face the political leaders and say, "I don't care what you want to do to me; I will follow and speak of my faith." I wish I could say that there's no doubt in my mind that I would.
What would you do if the President came and told you that you would be faced with your biggest fears and the most torturous death unless you stopped being a Christian and didn't talk about the promise that Jesus can give if you just accept Him as your personal Savior?
Pastor Tim pointed out on FB a very important point to me: "You can't oppress people who don't fear death." Whoa. Almost knocked the wind out of me. And it causes me to question: Why would it matter what they threatened me with? I have an eternal promise that no matter how much power or political leadership they have, they cannot take it away. I can endure anything I am faced with here on earth because I will have a glorious eternity. Really puts things into perspective about persecution, eh?
Acts 5:12-32
In reading this selection from Acts 5, I see the disciples being persecuted for teaching the people about the Resurrection. They are jailed for their faith and sharing it.
It's a story told over and over and over in the Bible.
I just wonder, what would I do if I didn't live in a country where I was free to practice the religion of my choice? What if I knew I would be faced with a horrific punishment due to speaking and freely practicing Christianity?
I mean, the disciples actually got it easy at first by simply being put into jail. But in some other Biblical experiences that we learn in Sunday School, it wasn't usually that simple. Daniel was thrown into a den with hungry lions. Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego were thrown into a fiery furnace.
Would I be strong enough to face the political leaders and say, "I don't care what you want to do to me; I will follow and speak of my faith." I wish I could say that there's no doubt in my mind that I would.
What would you do if the President came and told you that you would be faced with your biggest fears and the most torturous death unless you stopped being a Christian and didn't talk about the promise that Jesus can give if you just accept Him as your personal Savior?
Pastor Tim pointed out on FB a very important point to me: "You can't oppress people who don't fear death." Whoa. Almost knocked the wind out of me. And it causes me to question: Why would it matter what they threatened me with? I have an eternal promise that no matter how much power or political leadership they have, they cannot take it away. I can endure anything I am faced with here on earth because I will have a glorious eternity. Really puts things into perspective about persecution, eh?
Friday, June 11, 2010
Some Gave All
By Steve Dennie
Acts 4:32-37
I'm giving Pastor Tim a choice. Which would he prefer?
Acts 4:32 says those early Christians did both. We Americans, so conscious of money and possessions, focus on the second part. But the verse actually starts by saying, "All the believers were one in heart and mind." Wow, that's pretty significant. And we just skip over it and go right to the money part.
What were they one in heart and mind about? This Christianity thing was all new to them. They were sort of making it up as they went, feeling their way along, trying to discern how they should now live their lives. There were no classes to take, no books to read. Nobody had written out a set of doctrinal beliefs. So there probably wasn't all that much to agree on. But I'm guessing that their heart-and-mind agreement included these things:
What would that look like at Anchor? It goes way, way beyond liking the same music, dressing casually, and agreeing that Tim's a pretty nice guy.
Now, as commendable as it was to share all their possessions, this is not a command that we must follow. Acts just tells what happened in the early church. They did some good things, and some misguided things. Like I said, they were figuring things out as they went. Only here, in the very early days after Jesus ascended, does the Bible tell about believers sharing all their possessions, and even selling land and homes to share with other believers. They were fallible people operating purely on unbridled passion.
Should Pam and I sell our house, bring the money to Pastor Tim, and say, "Distribute this to other people in need"? After all, that's what the early Christians did.
Well, it's quite possible that we should. Can't rule it out. Jesus did tell one fellow that to sell everything he had and give it to the poor. Following Jesus isn't supposed to be safe and convenient and full of bling.
But (back to Acts), a few years later, in Romans 15, the Apostle Paul is going around Macadonia and other places taking up an offering for the believers in Jerusalem. What's that all about?
Let me be very contrarian. Could it be that, in liquidating their assets, those Jerusalem Christians did something foolish? It was certainly done out of a good heart. But was it wise in God's eyes? They gave away their assets, and now they needed a bailout. How did God view it?
I'm asking, because I don't know. I'm just wondering.
And yet, I'll bet that those people who sold land and homes had no regrets. God takes care of his people. You find that out when you give until it hurts. That's what those early Christians did. They weren't giving out of their abundance, but giving everything.
And maybe, in being freed of taking care of property and hoarding possessions, those early Christians felt a true liberation. They were now free to throw themselves fully into changing the world.
Which is what they did. What started with a handful of people, then grew into a few thousand people, now accounts for several billion people throughout the world. I would say that that's worth selling a few acres.
Acts 4:32-37
I'm giving Pastor Tim a choice. Which would he prefer?
- That the people of Anchor share the same heart and mind.
- That the people of Anchor freely share all their possessions with each other.
Acts 4:32 says those early Christians did both. We Americans, so conscious of money and possessions, focus on the second part. But the verse actually starts by saying, "All the believers were one in heart and mind." Wow, that's pretty significant. And we just skip over it and go right to the money part.
What were they one in heart and mind about? This Christianity thing was all new to them. They were sort of making it up as they went, feeling their way along, trying to discern how they should now live their lives. There were no classes to take, no books to read. Nobody had written out a set of doctrinal beliefs. So there probably wasn't all that much to agree on. But I'm guessing that their heart-and-mind agreement included these things:
- Jesus really did rise from the dead just a few weeks before.
- Everything must change.
- The Holy Spirit has revolutionized their lives, and they'll never be the same.
- They've got to tell others about what has happened in their lives.
- Loving others is really really important.
What would that look like at Anchor? It goes way, way beyond liking the same music, dressing casually, and agreeing that Tim's a pretty nice guy.
Now, as commendable as it was to share all their possessions, this is not a command that we must follow. Acts just tells what happened in the early church. They did some good things, and some misguided things. Like I said, they were figuring things out as they went. Only here, in the very early days after Jesus ascended, does the Bible tell about believers sharing all their possessions, and even selling land and homes to share with other believers. They were fallible people operating purely on unbridled passion.
Should Pam and I sell our house, bring the money to Pastor Tim, and say, "Distribute this to other people in need"? After all, that's what the early Christians did.
Well, it's quite possible that we should. Can't rule it out. Jesus did tell one fellow that to sell everything he had and give it to the poor. Following Jesus isn't supposed to be safe and convenient and full of bling.
But (back to Acts), a few years later, in Romans 15, the Apostle Paul is going around Macadonia and other places taking up an offering for the believers in Jerusalem. What's that all about?
Let me be very contrarian. Could it be that, in liquidating their assets, those Jerusalem Christians did something foolish? It was certainly done out of a good heart. But was it wise in God's eyes? They gave away their assets, and now they needed a bailout. How did God view it?
I'm asking, because I don't know. I'm just wondering.
And yet, I'll bet that those people who sold land and homes had no regrets. God takes care of his people. You find that out when you give until it hurts. That's what those early Christians did. They weren't giving out of their abundance, but giving everything.
And maybe, in being freed of taking care of property and hoarding possessions, those early Christians felt a true liberation. They were now free to throw themselves fully into changing the world.
Which is what they did. What started with a handful of people, then grew into a few thousand people, now accounts for several billion people throughout the world. I would say that that's worth selling a few acres.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Ask...And You Shall Recieve
By Carla Castro
" 'Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.' After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Not often do we ask and immediately recieve what we are asking for. If you are a parent, you hold the power to deny the inobtainable, and often, unreasonable requests of your child.
"Can I eat the entire box of cookies?"
"Please, can I climb the shelf to reach the books on top?"
"If I brush my teeth, can I have candy before breakfast?"
"I see the lightening, but, please, please, please, can I go swimming in the pool?"
No.
And how often does God answer our requests, sometimes not so inobtainable or unreasonable, because He has a better plan for us?
"God, please make my marriage easier."
"Lord, I just need you to help me pay these credit card bills."
"I love my house, Father, please stop the forclosure."
"Make this path of following you an easy one, dear Lord."
No.
But in Acts 3, the people cried out. They begged God.They didn't understand why people were turning against them and asked for His help, for the ability to speak His word and to minister to others. And as soon as they asked, they recieved the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Now, this is not a one time thing. It's a reoccurring theme. Earlier in Acts, the disciples asked and they too recieved the Holy Spirit. It is seen time and time again, people genuinely ask God to be with them, to give them the Holy Spirit and to use them to do His Will, and for this question, He will say "Yes."
If you say "yes" to God and want to be a tool for Him, he will use you. And it's never a decision to be made lightly. It leads to a life full of bumps and bruises, trials and tribulations, but in the end, the jounry is worth it. But it is up to each person whether they want to ask for the journey, no matter how inobtainable or unreasonable, and God will provide his answer.
Yes.
" 'Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.' After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Not often do we ask and immediately recieve what we are asking for. If you are a parent, you hold the power to deny the inobtainable, and often, unreasonable requests of your child.
"Can I eat the entire box of cookies?"
"Please, can I climb the shelf to reach the books on top?"
"If I brush my teeth, can I have candy before breakfast?"
"I see the lightening, but, please, please, please, can I go swimming in the pool?"
No.
And how often does God answer our requests, sometimes not so inobtainable or unreasonable, because He has a better plan for us?
"God, please make my marriage easier."
"Lord, I just need you to help me pay these credit card bills."
"I love my house, Father, please stop the forclosure."
"Make this path of following you an easy one, dear Lord."
No.
But in Acts 3, the people cried out. They begged God.They didn't understand why people were turning against them and asked for His help, for the ability to speak His word and to minister to others. And as soon as they asked, they recieved the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Now, this is not a one time thing. It's a reoccurring theme. Earlier in Acts, the disciples asked and they too recieved the Holy Spirit. It is seen time and time again, people genuinely ask God to be with them, to give them the Holy Spirit and to use them to do His Will, and for this question, He will say "Yes."
If you say "yes" to God and want to be a tool for Him, he will use you. And it's never a decision to be made lightly. It leads to a life full of bumps and bruises, trials and tribulations, but in the end, the jounry is worth it. But it is up to each person whether they want to ask for the journey, no matter how inobtainable or unreasonable, and God will provide his answer.
Yes.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
If it Ain't Broke . . .
Bree Johnson
I once had a pastor tell me that if I didn’t give my heart to God, I would one day walk out a door and fall head-first into the pits of hell. Imagine being fifteen years old and having to cope with that! Isn’t it funny the tactics some Christians use to scare or shame others into accepting Jesus? And isn’t it interesting that such tactics always fail?
In Acts chapter three we read about the crippled man who waited at the Beautiful Gate, hoping to receive alms from those going to pray in the Jewish Temple. Along came Peter and John to heal the man in the name of Jesus in the plain sight of countless unbelievers. The man was instantly healed and leaped off, praising God all the while. This got everyone’s attention and opened the door for Peter and John to share the Good News of Jesus with all that would receive it.
And apparently, there were many who wanted to receive it. Acts 4:4 states, “But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.” (ESV)
Men. The number of MEN came to five thousand--as in five thousand heads of households, as in men with wives and children. So, the number of believers could automatically be tripled into ten to twenty thousand easily when women and children are added to the equation. That’s a lot of people to suddenly convert from Judaism to Christianity and the Jewish priests no doubt felt threatened--threatened so much in fact that they found it imperative to silence Peter and John.
This Jesus, this Man everyone now sought after, He challenged everything they ever believed or taught others to believe. The Sadducees taught that there was no life after death and these men, Peter and John, were contradicting everything with their talk of a Savior who promised that this life was just the appetizer before the succulent entrée to come. The priests couldn’t have their faith rivaled and Peter and John were imprisoned.
What happens next is interesting: When Peter and John sit before the Counsel of the Jewish rulers and elders, it is never questioned whether or not the miracle actually took place but by what authority they, two fishermen, performed the miracle.
Acts 4:8 says that Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit when he addressed the Counsel. Interestingly, Jesus promises His assistance for this very moment back in Luke 12:11-12: “And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” (ESV)
Last year, Stephen and I participated in a FAITH ministry. FAITH promised to teach believers how to convince non-believers of Jesus and show them how they could be saved. For weeks, we struggled to memorize verse after verse that would help lead others to Christ. When the time came to go door-to-door (something I’ve always hated doing-- I see it that if you’re unsaved, the last thing that’s going to convert you is some sweaty bible thumper disturbing your dinner to share the Good News of Someone you don’t even believe exists) we would get so nervous that we couldn’t remember the verses and would stand there looking like fools as we searched for something to say. Needless to say, the twelve weeks that followed were long and cumbersome and not a single soul was saved as a result.
The problem stemmed from not being prepared for reality. On our FAITH visits, we were armed with a script and a list of responses for what unbelievers said to us before they slammed the door in our faces. We didn’t speak from the heart and we didn’t trust the Holy Spirit to guide us. We tried to script our way to saving souls and our efforts failed miserably.
I wish we could’ve been more like Peter. He wasn’t afraid or nervous because he was filled with the Holy Spirit. He just told them how it was, he didn’t quote countless bible verses and try to outsmart them. He didn’t try to scare them with the threat of demons or hell. He was bold and straight-forward just as we should have been.
A pastor made a statement in a sermon a few months back that Stephen quotes all the time. It’s a statement that the pastor probably doesn’t even remember making but one that Stephen and I will never forget. He said, “The only way to be saved is through Jesus. You’re welcome to try alternate methods if you want to. They won’t work, but you’re welcome to try.” We liked that. It was clear and to the point. The statement wasn’t meant to mesmerize or scare anyone, it was just the plain and simple, shoot-from-the-hip truth. And it was a lot like what Peter told the counsel when asked by what authority they healed the man.
To share Jesus with others, we need not offer a shock-and-awe factor. There’s no need for theatrics and Roman chants to play in the background. We don’t need to nag unbelievers to the point that they run for cover every time they see us walking their way. We just need to tell them the truth--the unashamed, it-is-what-it-is, take-it-or-leave-it truth: there is no other name by which one can be saved. Once the unbeliever wraps his or her mind around that fact everything else will fall into place.
It’s not up to us to make this or any other moment a moment of epiphany for unbelievers. We just need to tell them what we know and if we want to add a few words from personal experience for extra sustenance, that’s great. But the best way to share Jesus is by example, just like Peter and John did. They lead thousands to Jesus and they didn’t make up stories or prey on people’s fears to do it. They showed them what Jesus was capable of and shared with them what they knew. And despite having walked with Jesus on earth and witnessing first-hand His miracles, they weren’t holier-than-thou about it. They shared Jesus with truth and simplicity-- by example and their methods have worked for thousands of years. I think I’ll stick with what works.
I once had a pastor tell me that if I didn’t give my heart to God, I would one day walk out a door and fall head-first into the pits of hell. Imagine being fifteen years old and having to cope with that! Isn’t it funny the tactics some Christians use to scare or shame others into accepting Jesus? And isn’t it interesting that such tactics always fail?
In Acts chapter three we read about the crippled man who waited at the Beautiful Gate, hoping to receive alms from those going to pray in the Jewish Temple. Along came Peter and John to heal the man in the name of Jesus in the plain sight of countless unbelievers. The man was instantly healed and leaped off, praising God all the while. This got everyone’s attention and opened the door for Peter and John to share the Good News of Jesus with all that would receive it.
And apparently, there were many who wanted to receive it. Acts 4:4 states, “But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.” (ESV)
Men. The number of MEN came to five thousand--as in five thousand heads of households, as in men with wives and children. So, the number of believers could automatically be tripled into ten to twenty thousand easily when women and children are added to the equation. That’s a lot of people to suddenly convert from Judaism to Christianity and the Jewish priests no doubt felt threatened--threatened so much in fact that they found it imperative to silence Peter and John.
This Jesus, this Man everyone now sought after, He challenged everything they ever believed or taught others to believe. The Sadducees taught that there was no life after death and these men, Peter and John, were contradicting everything with their talk of a Savior who promised that this life was just the appetizer before the succulent entrée to come. The priests couldn’t have their faith rivaled and Peter and John were imprisoned.
What happens next is interesting: When Peter and John sit before the Counsel of the Jewish rulers and elders, it is never questioned whether or not the miracle actually took place but by what authority they, two fishermen, performed the miracle.
Acts 4:8 says that Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit when he addressed the Counsel. Interestingly, Jesus promises His assistance for this very moment back in Luke 12:11-12: “And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” (ESV)
Last year, Stephen and I participated in a FAITH ministry. FAITH promised to teach believers how to convince non-believers of Jesus and show them how they could be saved. For weeks, we struggled to memorize verse after verse that would help lead others to Christ. When the time came to go door-to-door (something I’ve always hated doing-- I see it that if you’re unsaved, the last thing that’s going to convert you is some sweaty bible thumper disturbing your dinner to share the Good News of Someone you don’t even believe exists) we would get so nervous that we couldn’t remember the verses and would stand there looking like fools as we searched for something to say. Needless to say, the twelve weeks that followed were long and cumbersome and not a single soul was saved as a result.
The problem stemmed from not being prepared for reality. On our FAITH visits, we were armed with a script and a list of responses for what unbelievers said to us before they slammed the door in our faces. We didn’t speak from the heart and we didn’t trust the Holy Spirit to guide us. We tried to script our way to saving souls and our efforts failed miserably.
I wish we could’ve been more like Peter. He wasn’t afraid or nervous because he was filled with the Holy Spirit. He just told them how it was, he didn’t quote countless bible verses and try to outsmart them. He didn’t try to scare them with the threat of demons or hell. He was bold and straight-forward just as we should have been.
A pastor made a statement in a sermon a few months back that Stephen quotes all the time. It’s a statement that the pastor probably doesn’t even remember making but one that Stephen and I will never forget. He said, “The only way to be saved is through Jesus. You’re welcome to try alternate methods if you want to. They won’t work, but you’re welcome to try.” We liked that. It was clear and to the point. The statement wasn’t meant to mesmerize or scare anyone, it was just the plain and simple, shoot-from-the-hip truth. And it was a lot like what Peter told the counsel when asked by what authority they healed the man.
To share Jesus with others, we need not offer a shock-and-awe factor. There’s no need for theatrics and Roman chants to play in the background. We don’t need to nag unbelievers to the point that they run for cover every time they see us walking their way. We just need to tell them the truth--the unashamed, it-is-what-it-is, take-it-or-leave-it truth: there is no other name by which one can be saved. Once the unbeliever wraps his or her mind around that fact everything else will fall into place.
It’s not up to us to make this or any other moment a moment of epiphany for unbelievers. We just need to tell them what we know and if we want to add a few words from personal experience for extra sustenance, that’s great. But the best way to share Jesus is by example, just like Peter and John did. They lead thousands to Jesus and they didn’t make up stories or prey on people’s fears to do it. They showed them what Jesus was capable of and shared with them what they knew. And despite having walked with Jesus on earth and witnessing first-hand His miracles, they weren’t holier-than-thou about it. They shared Jesus with truth and simplicity-- by example and their methods have worked for thousands of years. I think I’ll stick with what works.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Beyond Baptism
by Steve Dennie
Acts 3:17-26
Peter has just got done reading people the riot act. "You killed the Holy One. You asked that Barabbas--a murderer, for heaven's sakes!--be released! You killed the One who created all life!"
But then, in verse 17, he lets them off the hook. "Hey, I realize you didn't know what you were doing. Neither did your leaders. You didn't mean it. You're good people at heart. If you had known the scoop, I'm sure you would have behaved differently."
I don't usually think of Peter as being diplomatic. But here, a whiff of tact leaked out. Interesting to see.
In verse 19, Peter tells people: "Repent and turn to God, so that your sins may be forgiven." Contrast that with Acts 2:38, where he tells people, "Repent and be baptized, for the forgiveness of your sins."
He left out baptism. Why was that? Was he all worn out with baptizing 3000 people a few days before? Maybe his body was still all wrinkly from being in water for hours on end, and he just couldn't stomach the thought of descending back into the water to dunk a bunch of people again.
If they repented, that was between them and God. But if they also wanted to be baptized, then Peter got dragged into doing the baptism. So he was saying, "Just repent. That'll be good enough for now."
I'm obviously speculating. I don't know why Peter omitted the baptism part. I'm sure he hadn't decided it was unnecessary.
On the other hand, he added the command, "Turn to God." Start looking to God for direction, and follow him.
This is discipleship. I'm sure Peter wasn't casting aside the idea of baptism, but he knew that baptism wasn't the culmination. He was looking beyond baptism to the ongoing life-change he wanted to see in people. "Turn to God, and never take your eyes off of him." I suspect that's what he wanted to see happen.
Acts 3:17-26
Peter has just got done reading people the riot act. "You killed the Holy One. You asked that Barabbas--a murderer, for heaven's sakes!--be released! You killed the One who created all life!"
But then, in verse 17, he lets them off the hook. "Hey, I realize you didn't know what you were doing. Neither did your leaders. You didn't mean it. You're good people at heart. If you had known the scoop, I'm sure you would have behaved differently."
I don't usually think of Peter as being diplomatic. But here, a whiff of tact leaked out. Interesting to see.
In verse 19, Peter tells people: "Repent and turn to God, so that your sins may be forgiven." Contrast that with Acts 2:38, where he tells people, "Repent and be baptized, for the forgiveness of your sins."
He left out baptism. Why was that? Was he all worn out with baptizing 3000 people a few days before? Maybe his body was still all wrinkly from being in water for hours on end, and he just couldn't stomach the thought of descending back into the water to dunk a bunch of people again.
If they repented, that was between them and God. But if they also wanted to be baptized, then Peter got dragged into doing the baptism. So he was saying, "Just repent. That'll be good enough for now."
I'm obviously speculating. I don't know why Peter omitted the baptism part. I'm sure he hadn't decided it was unnecessary.
On the other hand, he added the command, "Turn to God." Start looking to God for direction, and follow him.
This is discipleship. I'm sure Peter wasn't casting aside the idea of baptism, but he knew that baptism wasn't the culmination. He was looking beyond baptism to the ongoing life-change he wanted to see in people. "Turn to God, and never take your eyes off of him." I suspect that's what he wanted to see happen.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
The Truth Hurts
When arguing with my husband (or anyone for that matter), nothing hurts more than when they point out the truth. It stings, and at times, I would rather be straight up punched in the gut. I would rather be in an arguement with someone and them accuse me of all sorts of insane and unrealistic allegations than to point out the cold hard facts to me. I cannot justify or brush away the truth.
Could you imagine how hard it was for the people in Acts 3 to swallow Peter's words to them? (Acts 3:13-15)
"The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this."
GULP! Oh, man.
But his next words were of hope, for the people then and for people now. Whether it is something minor, like realizing that it was my turn to do the dishes and I did not, or something huge, like responsibility for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, there is hope.
"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."
I subscribe to this daily email (All Pro Dad's Play of the Day) and yesterday it talked of the difference between saying sorry and asking for forgiveness (in respect to parenting, but very true for our lives as well).
" 'Sorry' is OK for accidents, like spilling milk or bumping into someone. But when your kids do something on purpose -- calling their brother or sister a name, not sharing -- then they have to say, "I was wrong -- please forgive me." And they have to do it without making excuses and without a bad attitude. Asking for forgiveness is an experience that teaches humility and responsibility. And that's nothing to be sorry about.
I wish I could offer words of wisdom and advice on how to make it easier to hear the truth and react, especially when it's truth that we're ashamed of or reality that we do not want to face, but in all honesty, I still struggle with this. It's a day to day thing to look in the mirror without the smokescreen and say, "I messed up and now, I need to fix it." If you feel like this is an area that hits home to you, maybe today is the day to repent to God and ask Him to wipe away your sins. If He can forgive the death of His son, why wouldn't he be able to forgive you?
Could you imagine how hard it was for the people in Acts 3 to swallow Peter's words to them? (Acts 3:13-15)
"The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this."
GULP! Oh, man.
But his next words were of hope, for the people then and for people now. Whether it is something minor, like realizing that it was my turn to do the dishes and I did not, or something huge, like responsibility for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, there is hope.
"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."
I subscribe to this daily email (All Pro Dad's Play of the Day) and yesterday it talked of the difference between saying sorry and asking for forgiveness (in respect to parenting, but very true for our lives as well).
" 'Sorry' is OK for accidents, like spilling milk or bumping into someone. But when your kids do something on purpose -- calling their brother or sister a name, not sharing -- then they have to say, "I was wrong -- please forgive me." And they have to do it without making excuses and without a bad attitude. Asking for forgiveness is an experience that teaches humility and responsibility. And that's nothing to be sorry about.
I wish I could offer words of wisdom and advice on how to make it easier to hear the truth and react, especially when it's truth that we're ashamed of or reality that we do not want to face, but in all honesty, I still struggle with this. It's a day to day thing to look in the mirror without the smokescreen and say, "I messed up and now, I need to fix it." If you feel like this is an area that hits home to you, maybe today is the day to repent to God and ask Him to wipe away your sins. If He can forgive the death of His son, why wouldn't he be able to forgive you?
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Clueless
I’ve always been a praying person. Even as a little girl I prayed, often asking and sometimes begging God to “let me have this” or “let this happen for me.” And when my prayers were answered, I was thankful and in awe, but for a moment before something new captured my attention. But when God would neglect to answer my prayers in the time I felt appropriate, I would often get frustrated--sometimes even angry-- that I didn’t get my way. And I’m ashamed to admit, I get very impatient now when my prayers aren't answered in my time, much in the same way I did as a child.
My dad has always told me that God has three answers to prayers: yes, no and not now. Not now means that God will answer my prayer, but in His time, not mine. This works to teach me patience. Yes means yes but may not be for the best, a kind of “be careful what you wish for” scenario at times. And no means that God has something even better in store for me. While I’ve never found any biblical evidence to support my dad’s thinking, I’ve found that the “rule of three answers” has always been pretty accurate in my prayer life.
I can certainly handle the “yes” answers and I’m starting to get used to the “not now” but I’m still a big cry baby when God tells me no. After all, don’t I know what’s best for me and my life? Shouldn't I be the one to make the really big decisions? Aren't I a big girl now?
Unfortunately, I don’t have a clue what’s best most of the time. I didn’t create me, therefore I can’t possibly know what’s best for me. My future is not in my hands and pretending to know what’s best is like driving a car blindly, not knowing where to turn because I don’t know the final destination.
It was only after I began to realize that “no” really meant “ask for something else” did the finality of a “no” answer become not-so-final after all. Instead, “no” is more of a new beginning--a change in course, a detour to a destination far better than the one I had originally thought ideal.
In the first third of Acts chapter three, we find Peter and John at the Temple precisely at the hour of Jewish prayer. They watch as a man, lame from birth, is carried to the Beautiful Gate--not by strangers, no doubt, but by people fully aware of the severity of his affliction. The man obviously made it a habit to come to the Temple at the busiest time of day--the Hour of Prayer--to beg from those going to worship.
The man sees Peter and John and asks to receive alms. Peter instructs the man to look at them and tells him that he has no silver or gold but he will give him what he does have and, in the name of Jesus, heals the man. A man who was crippled since birth, an obviously well-known man, unable to walk or work, was immediately healed in plain sight of countless onlookers. The man then stood and began to walk and leap, praising God all the while.
But he didn't ask the men to heal him; all he wanted held mere monetary value. He had probably never even entertained the idea that his condition could ever be cured. Instead he spent day after day at the Beautiful Gate, begging for whatever the others around him could spare. And he was no doubt content with what he received, never realizing what he was missing. He probably could’ve spent the rest of his life carrying on much in the same way he always had without even daring to think of what his life could be. He was content with mediocrity and satisfied with the mundane.
The lame man didn’t receive what he wanted from Peter and John, instead he received something far greater than he could’ve ever imagined. He just didn’t know what to ask for. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” (ESV) It's my favorite verse and the one that's gotten me through many bouts of "this is so unfair" and "why is this happening to me?" So while my life and it’s direction may be somewhat out of my hands, I know that God is saying to me, “I’ve got this. Just trust Me.” Now when I pray, I pray with purpose but with a fuzzy image of the outcome because I know, in the end, it’s all in God’s hands and it will all come together just as He intends. And chances are, it’ll be far better than anything I could’ve imagined for myself. That’s one of the many wonderful things about God; He always knows what’s best for me and what I need, precisely when I need it.
My dad has always told me that God has three answers to prayers: yes, no and not now. Not now means that God will answer my prayer, but in His time, not mine. This works to teach me patience. Yes means yes but may not be for the best, a kind of “be careful what you wish for” scenario at times. And no means that God has something even better in store for me. While I’ve never found any biblical evidence to support my dad’s thinking, I’ve found that the “rule of three answers” has always been pretty accurate in my prayer life.
I can certainly handle the “yes” answers and I’m starting to get used to the “not now” but I’m still a big cry baby when God tells me no. After all, don’t I know what’s best for me and my life? Shouldn't I be the one to make the really big decisions? Aren't I a big girl now?
Unfortunately, I don’t have a clue what’s best most of the time. I didn’t create me, therefore I can’t possibly know what’s best for me. My future is not in my hands and pretending to know what’s best is like driving a car blindly, not knowing where to turn because I don’t know the final destination.
It was only after I began to realize that “no” really meant “ask for something else” did the finality of a “no” answer become not-so-final after all. Instead, “no” is more of a new beginning--a change in course, a detour to a destination far better than the one I had originally thought ideal.
In the first third of Acts chapter three, we find Peter and John at the Temple precisely at the hour of Jewish prayer. They watch as a man, lame from birth, is carried to the Beautiful Gate--not by strangers, no doubt, but by people fully aware of the severity of his affliction. The man obviously made it a habit to come to the Temple at the busiest time of day--the Hour of Prayer--to beg from those going to worship.
The man sees Peter and John and asks to receive alms. Peter instructs the man to look at them and tells him that he has no silver or gold but he will give him what he does have and, in the name of Jesus, heals the man. A man who was crippled since birth, an obviously well-known man, unable to walk or work, was immediately healed in plain sight of countless onlookers. The man then stood and began to walk and leap, praising God all the while.
But he didn't ask the men to heal him; all he wanted held mere monetary value. He had probably never even entertained the idea that his condition could ever be cured. Instead he spent day after day at the Beautiful Gate, begging for whatever the others around him could spare. And he was no doubt content with what he received, never realizing what he was missing. He probably could’ve spent the rest of his life carrying on much in the same way he always had without even daring to think of what his life could be. He was content with mediocrity and satisfied with the mundane.
The lame man didn’t receive what he wanted from Peter and John, instead he received something far greater than he could’ve ever imagined. He just didn’t know what to ask for. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” (ESV) It's my favorite verse and the one that's gotten me through many bouts of "this is so unfair" and "why is this happening to me?" So while my life and it’s direction may be somewhat out of my hands, I know that God is saying to me, “I’ve got this. Just trust Me.” Now when I pray, I pray with purpose but with a fuzzy image of the outcome because I know, in the end, it’s all in God’s hands and it will all come together just as He intends. And chances are, it’ll be far better than anything I could’ve imagined for myself. That’s one of the many wonderful things about God; He always knows what’s best for me and what I need, precisely when I need it.
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