June 14, 2010, Acts 28

Key Verse:
For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

(Acts 28:30-31 New International Version)

Central Truth:

Even though Paul faced challenges, he did not cease his teachings and preachings of the Gospel. How blessed we are that we have pastors that follow in Paul’s footsteps today! They are not afraid to stand alone and preach the truth of the Bible.

STANDING ALONE

As we read this chapter about Paul preaching and the dangers he faced, the ridicule, the doubt, and even being arrested, we thought of what it must feel like to be a preacher of God’s word in today’s world.

Once the music and praise is over in a church service, the pastor walks out on that stage and stands alone. What does he “feel” from the people sitting in the seats in front of him? Can he “sense” our tension and life struggles from our faces staring back at him? Can he see our connection or lack there of from his preaching God’s word? Does God intuitively guide his focus to those not saved or even toward those that need a nudge to step up to make a public commitment to God? Does he see the tears that stream down our faces when our hearts are so filled by the Holy Spirit from words he speaks in his sermon?

It truly is amazing that pastors really exhibit and model their faith by standing alone in front of us. They stand there knowing that God is with them too as they preach unceasingly the messages of the Bible. They stand there publicly making themselves vulnerable to ridicule, skepticism, and doubt. So our prayer is to pray for the pastors of Christianity that they remain strong and unyielding just as Paul did.

June 10, 2010, Acts 26

Key Verse:

“The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner”

(Acts 26:26)

Central Truth:

There are people that are dying and going to Hell every day. We cannot afford to keep our lights hidden any longer.

HEY BUDDY, DO YOU HAVE A LIGHT?

“Hide it under a bushel? No! I’m gonna let it shine!

Hide it under a bushel? No! I’m gonna let it shine!

Hide it under a bushel? No! I’m gonna let it shine!

Let it shine! Let it shine! Let it shine!”

I’m going to be straight up with you right out of the shoot here: I think that song is a load of hooey.

I know, I know . . . a lot of you most likely grew up in church, singing that song in Sunday School or in your children’s choir. I’m sure you absolutely adore that song. “It brings back such good memories,” you say.

I still think it’s a bunch of baloney and that most Christians really don’t live that way. Oh, I think it’s a great little children’s song, and it’s awesome to listen to my kids when they sing it. But in reality, when they “grow up,” like us, will they really take those words to heart and actually let the light of Christ in their lives shine for the world to see? Will the community they live in really know that Jesus reached down from Heaven with blood stained hands and snatched them from the pit? Or, will that song just become another children’s song that is cute for their kids to sing, but isn’t really practical in the world that they live in?

I ask that because the truth of that song has to become practical in our world. The reality is that we live in a world, in a community, that needs Jesus so badly they can almost taste Him. They know they need something, and they keep reaching for everything else because they don’t know that it’s Jesus that they’re missing. People are dying and going to Hell each and every day, and the real tragedy here is that you and I know it; yet we aren’t willing to do anything about it. We are too embarrassed to be seen giving living water to those in need of a drink from the deep well of God’s love.

Now, most of us won’t ever be thrown in jail or forced to defend ourselves the way that Paul had to in this passage. But Matthew 5:14-16 says: “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” We are called to do these “good deeds,” whether or not we are comfortable with them. We have the light for those in darkness, the living water for those who thirst. It might not be easy sometimes and it might cost us something, but Hell is banking on us keeping our doors, wallets and mouths shut. It is time for us to step up and shower our community with the compassion, love and grace of Jesus Christ. Let’s make that children’s song mean something again.

Hey, do you have a light?

June 9, 2010, Acts 25

Key Verses:

“If I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if not, . . . I appeal to Ceasar . . . ."

(Acts 25:11)

"But when his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes expected . . . .and I find he has done nothing deserving of death.”

(Acts 25:18 and 25)

Central Truth:

God can take the worldly policies of those in authority to serve His gracious purposes, IF we recognize them as such. Christ expects His followers to submit to the governing authorities in their cultures, and see how that can witness of God’s authority in their lives.

WALK YOUR TALK

I greatly admire those whose "walk and talk" match, and I love it when Scripture gives us consistent examples of how to do this! But Acts 25 is a tough one to dig through! At first reading, I thought "there is not much transferable truth here." But on looking more deeply, I saw some wonderful "walk and talk" matches!!

Paul -- probably the greatest Christian man who ever lived, and the one to whom we, today, owe abundant thanks---- is the man who is the focus of this chapter. Because Paul obeyed God’s calling on his life (to be a"church planter"), the book of Acts escribes how the church grew and spread from Jerusalem (in Israel), to Asia Minor, and then to the Mediterranean area, Europe, Africa, nd eventually to us, here in America, and all over the world---WOW!

We today, in Macon, Georgia, and Piedmont Church stand on Paul’s shoulders—thanking him for enduring unmentionable hardships and imprisonments as a "church planter." He wrote more than half of the New Testament to new churches which were eing planted, and many writings were often from prisons. I am sooo thankful that he chose to be obedient to God’s purpose for IS life (and God has a purpose for EVERY Christ follower), and that he leaves clear instructions for Christ followers in every eneration since his time.

In Acts 25, we find him being presented to the "legal authorities" of his day, as mentioned in verses above. To me,the point of this chapter, historical though it is, is to show Christ followers that we have a responsibility to yield to the legal systems/governing authorities, in our cultures. During these experiences, we have the opportunity to speak of the faith that is in us. These "contacts" with "the law" may be opportunities in disguise, to show how our "walk and our talk" match.

I love some verses in Romans 13: (written by this same Paul) who learned these lessons well. "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is NO authority except that which GOD has established….for rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong….for he is GOD’S SERVANT to do you good…therefore it is NECESSARY to submit to authorities, not only because of possible punishment, but also because of conscience". (read through Romans 13:1-7 for more on "God’s servants".)

So next time you encounter "God’s servants"- when you see those blue lights flashing behind you (or your teenager), or a tax bill comes, or a subpoena arrives, or you are chosen for jury duty- remember as Paul did, that these are GOD’S SERVANTS! Submit to their authority and do what is RIGHT. Don’t try to "get out of it." These experiences with "God’s servants" can be God given opportunities to witness to what is inside of us…..our "walk matching our talk."

June 8, 2010, Acts 24

Key Verse:

For we have found this man a real pest and a fellow who stirs up dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. And he even tried to desecrate the temple; and then we arrested him. And we wanted to judge him according to our own Law.

(Acts 24:5-6)
Central Truth:

Persecution...We have no idea!
STAND UP !

The early church experienced persecution . . . the persecution that Jesus spoke of . . . "for His names sake." We don't know or experience persecution for Jesus because we don't proclaim the name of Jesus with boldness and reckless abandonment. We live in a culture that prefers, expects, requires, and demands timidity, safety, and non offensiveness! The early "Christ-followers" and leaders had so much more at stake than we do . . . their lives! They were criticized, austricized, brutalized, tortured, and killed for their faith and radical vocalization of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

I felt a lot of shame when I read this chapter. I am a poor example of what the early Christians demonstrated in their total, fearless allegiance to Jesus and His last commandment to us... "go to every city and even to the ends of the earth and preach My name, God's love and forgiveness!"

Forget the ends of the earth. Are we willing to preach, share, talk about Jesus to our "hell bound" neighbor who lives 100 yards from our safe, comfortable, non aggressive, accepting home?

Our country was once a Christian nation built and blessed on the belief, faith, and obedience of Jesus, His character and His principles. The United States of America is a passive and frightened mass of people without the Christian leadership we once were eager to follow, trust and emuilate!

Who will step up and lead ? Who will be bold ? Who will be fearless ? Who am I?! Who are you?!

"Jesus, Please strip and rebuild our passive hearts with unashamed boldness and courage to shout Your name, Your love, Your forgiveness, Your power, Your freedom to a lost and desperate neighborhood, community, city, country, and world!"
Amen!

June 7, 2010, Acts 23

Key Verse:

The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”

(Acts 23:11)

Central Truth:

God expects much, but you are never in the ring alone.

COACH GOD

I love to watch sports that I cannot do, Olympic Gymnastics for instance. The athletes fly across the floor, bounce and twirl through the air with a summersault, land flat on their stomach only to bounce up and do a back flip. It is truly a gift.

Have you ever noticed who they look at before and after their routine? It is usually their coach. He stands with a kind look on his face and gives a strong fist pump to say, "You can do it." Regardless of whether the gymnast nails his routine or falls flat on his face, the first person he goes to afterwards is his coach.

I love the scene in Acts 23:11. I picture Paul in custody and God standing off a ways. (In a movie, He would be partially in the shadows.) Paul is probably sitting on his prison cot with his arms on his knees and his head hung low. God doesn’t tell him to take a break. He says good work, but you are not done yet. Today you defeated the Sanhedrin; tomorrow we take on the Romans!

The scene reminds me of Rocky. Rocky is beat to a pulp, sitting in his corner, bleeding, eyes swollen shut. He looks to his coach and says, “Mick I ain’t got no more. I can’t win; he’s too strong.” Mickey in his raspy little voice says, “You can do it Rock. You trained like a dog. We made you strong. This is your time kid. YOU'RE AN ANIMAL! This is what you waited your whole life for! Now get out there and KNOCK HIS BLOCK OFF!” Then the music starts. Rocky staggers to the center of the ring, takes the best his opponent can give, and with Mickey screaming from the ropes, summons his last bit of strenght and starts swinging.

God trains us to glorify Him. He puts us in situations where we will fail without Him. He gave us His best and He demands our best. Our faith in God’s unmatched power gets us through the match.

So, when you are bloodied, your eyes swollen shut, and your spiritual muscles are aching, hear God in your corner saying, “I made you strong, it's your time kid.” Then, get up, stagger to the center of the ring, and start swinging as hard as you can.

June 2, 2010, Acts 20

Key Verse:

But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.

(Act 20:24)

Central Truth: 

We should hold back nothing from God but put everything into His hands. We should fix our eyes upon Him with everything that we do in life.

DON'T HOLD BACK

As I read this chapter, the key verse above Acts 20:24 stood out to me and the question arose: Are we true to ourselves in doing what God has called us to do?

We sometimes hold back what God wants us to do in life and do not give God a chance to do His work in us. His will might be for us to do something totally different than what we think we should be doing. We have to put our total trust into God, knowing that He will guide and direct us in the path that He wants us to go.

What are you pursuing with all your might? Is it you career, hobbies, family, or God? We were all put on this earth to serve a purpose. We are to pursue God with everything we have and do. We cannot fully pursue Him if we are always focused on other "important" things. Most of what we feel is critically important at times, is not. In the long run, those things don't really matter. Is this new car going to make me look good? Will this pair of shoes make me feel better about myself? Will sending my children to this school make my family "the same" as the others? Will this job give me the good reputation that I have always wanted?

We need to pursue Christ like many of us pursue these other things. It is so easy to just live life in the moment. The things of this Earth are only temporary though. We should be pursuing eternity. There are bigger and better things just waiting for us. We have to make the choice.

As Peter did in Mathew 14:29, we have to get out of boat and get out of our comfort zone.
What are you holding onto more than God? Don't let your fear of life and what others think get in the way.

Take a minute and evaluate yourself and your life. Are you really pursuing what you have been called to do and are you doing it while holding nothing back? 

June 1, 2010, Acts 19

Key Verse:

They would say, “In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are YOU?”

(Acts 19:13-15)

Central Truth:

God provides power through the Holy Spirit.

PORTABLE POWER

My answer would probably go something like this: “Who am I? You’re asking me who I am? Well… uhhh, yeahhh, about that… you see, what had happened was... OK. I’m obviously not Jesus. And I’m certainly not Paul, the Pope, Mother Theresa, Billy Graham, or Andy Stanley. Not even close. To be honest, I’m not a professional. I mean, I don’t work for the Church or anything like that. I’m just a regular guy, your average Joe. I’m an amateur, an impersonator, a stunt-double.”

I guess that’s why I so often forget- It’s not so much about WHO I am, but about WHOSE I am. By myself, I am nothing more than a dirty ragamuffin. A pile of smelly, filthy rags; even on my best days. But a child of God, who’s been given the gift of the Holy Spirit, has power. And the more intentional my relationship with God is, the stronger that power becomes.

What is the Holy Spirit? Pastor Jerry once gave a message where he said God gives us “Portable Power” through the Holy Spirit. When I am weak compared to the forces battling against me, I can tap into this portable power. It’s right here with me, wherever I go. But I can’t access the power it if I keep forgetting it’s there. Similarly, I can’t go dig through my own bag of tricks, pull out some random tool, and then expect it to work the same way. A watch battery is not an adequate substitute for a V8 engine.

So during a crisis or storm, how do we fight evil in such a way that we are tapping into the “portable power” of the Holy Spirit? How do we live our lives so that we rely on Jesus, and not our own limited strength? I don’t know- I’m figuring this stuff out as I go along, one day at a time.Stumbling, running, falling, crawling, flying, digging, walking, tumbling… as best as I can figure out how. I have no easy formulas or recipes. But I am encouraged, because I know I’m not alone- I have all of you on the journey with me.

And I can at least tell you this- that every time I have gone through a storm in the past six years, I have always remembered the last point of that sermon: “Do not ignore what the crisis reveals.” Instead of making RELIEF your sole priority, look for the purpose, the point. God uses storms to reveal things. I try to answer the questions- What am I supposed to learn from this? About my relationships? About God? About myself? Somehow finding purpose makes things easier. I don’t always find an answer. But then again, I don’t stop going bass fishing just because I don’t always catch one.