Acts 17:22-31
When someone wants to attract and get the attention of a group of people, it always helps to know the audience. Are they children, teens, or is it a group of senior citizens? Is the group Wall Street businessmen or are they farmers? Advertisers know that when one wants to get the attention of a group, the approach often varies depending on the audience. What works for one doesn’t necessarily work for another. The Apostle Paul knew this. In seeking to reach all people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, he knew he must be sensitive to his audience.
Our passage today from the Book of Acts picks up right where we left off last week. Paul and his companions had been preaching the Gospel in Thessalonica, but had been run out of town by those who hated the Lord Jesus Christ. They then went on to the smaller town of Berea, several miles away. Their enemies followed them there, stirred up trouble, and they had to leave. Paul then headed further south to the city of Athens, where his companions would join him a little later.
In Paul’s day, the city of Athens was a big center for Greek culture, for philosophy, and for education. The Areopagus, also known as Mars Hill, was where intellectuals gathered to discuss and debate philosophical, moral, and religious matters. One could always find philosophers and intellectuals gathered together there, eager to hear and discuss something new. That was where Paul decided to go while he waited for his companions to arrive.
Generally when Paul would present the Gospel in a city, he sought out a Jewish synagogue, and would proceed to use the Old Testament Scriptures to show that Jesus Christ was the Messiah. However here in Athens, these folks at the Areopagus were well-educated Gentiles. Paul was extremely well-educated himself, having gone to some of the best schools in the Middle East, and was taught by some of the most learned teachers. With a Jewish audience, Paul could use the Old Testament as a common ground, a starting off point they all knew, to begin witnessing. The Gentile Greeks did not know the Old Testament, so Paul needed a different approach.
Paul began his witness to these Greek Gentiles by commenting on an inscription he had seen on one of their religious altars, “To the Unknown God” (vs. 22-23). He was not giving an endorsement of that, but would use it as a point of entry for his witness to the true God. Paul began his message by using something the Greeks would understand, establishing a common ground. He sought to establish rapport with his audience, not to come right out and condemn or put them down. Paul commended them for even trying to worship every god there might be, and then sought to introduce them to that God they were seeking (vs. 23), moving the message on to Yahweh and the Savior, Jesus Christ.
Paul proceeded to use nature, proclaiming Yahweh as the Creator, One who is involved in the affairs of men, who is near them, and within reach to those who seek Him (vs. 24-28). Many of the Athenians were genuinely seeking for the truth, as some are today. God has revealed Himself through nature and history, so we would know He exists. No one has an excuse for not believing in Him (Romans 1:20). God sent Paul to Athens to show them the truth.
Paul did not leave his message unfinished, but brought it home by urging the listeners to repent and turn to Jesus for salvation, as the judgment day is coming (vs. 30-31). We should never neglect to seek for people to turn to Jesus. If we don’t, our message is only half given, and we have left the most important part off.
Though we are definitely called to be salt and light to the world, waving a Bible and spewing fire and brimstone isn’t always effective. We should never forget the power of Biblical truth, but use wisdom and discernment when witnessing. Paul knew what his audience was like, and he sought a common point of entry to win their attention. He began with things they could relate to and understand. But then, and most importantly, Paul moved to Jesus and their need for salvation. He never stopped trying to bring people to Jesus, no matter where he was or who was listening.
Saturday, May 16, 2020
Friday, May 15, 2020
Do You Know The Way?
John 14:1-14
This week’s Gospel passage from the Lectionary of the Book of Common Prayer is a very familiar one to most Christians, and contains some favorite verses that many have committed to memory. They are verses of comfort, of doctrinal truth, and promise. Let’s jump in and see what we can learn today.
Chapter 14 of the Gospel of John is part of a large discourse that Jesus gave to the disciples on the evening of the Last Supper, before He was betrayed and arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. John opens with the words of Jesus, ones that are often used at funerals of Christians, as they speak of a promise that Jesus gave us of the home He is preparing for us in His Kingdom (vs. 1-3). God is preparing a special place for us in heaven. He is preparing it Himself. We are expected future residents of that wonderful home. Our home here on earth might not be that pleasant. The plumbing may leak, the floors uneven, the wiring antiquated. However, the home that Jesus has gone to prepare for us is everything we could ever desire! He is preparing it, and when it is the right time, He will come for us. That is a promise we can count on!
Jesus then proceeds to tell us the way to where He is going, the way to eternal life (vs. 4-6). If we follow wrong directions given on a GPS, we will not reach where we want to be. Also, asking a person who really doesn’t know the way won’t help, either. One must follow correct directions. Finding the right path in life is important. How can we know the way to God? Jesus has told us, and shown us the only path that will bring us to the Father and heaven. He is the Son of God. He came from heaven. He knows the way, and He has told us here. Jesus, and Jesus alone, is the way. People attempt other paths, but only one actually leads there, and He is it.
In this same passage Jesus, the second Person of the Trinity, shares with us that He is Truth (vs. 6). He is true, as contrasted with false, and genuine, as contrasted with unreal. Jesus is genuine, not a false god from false religions. His Word is true, not lies. There is no part of God that dwells in dishonesty or lies. Jesus is the visible, tangible, image of God (vs. 9-11). There are no attributes of deity that Jesus does not possess. He is the complete revelation of what God is like.
Our passage concludes with Jesus instructing us about praying in His Name (vs. 12-14). This promise that He gave us does not mean that any prayer request that we tack the words “in Jesus’ Name” at the end of will automatically be fulfilled. Those words aren’t some magical formula. First, we must be in proper fellowship with God. We must be saved, and then walking in righteousness. Our requests must also be consistent with Jesus’ character. Also, our motives must be right. Will our request glorify God? Or is the motive selfish, greedy, or impure?
When Jesus said “in My Name”, it is like He said that we are to be His agents. As disciples, we are to act as agents of God, or as His ambassadors. We are to ask according to God’s character and will, not to fulfill our selfish desires. Prayer should be on the basis of Jesus’ merits, not ours, and for the pursuit of His glory alone. By recognizing Jesus’ authority as the Son of God, we can pray in His Name and have access to the Father. We will want to do God’s will, and glorify Him.
Praying in Jesus’ Name means recognizing that Jesus paved the way for us to have access to the Father (Hebrews 4:16). It means exercising the authority He has given the children of God and who are joint-heirs with Him (Romans 8:14-17). When we understand our position, we can have confidence when we look to God. Praying in Jesus’ Name signifies agreement with His will. We ask as Jesus would in our position.
As I close, I ask you, is the object of your faith worthy of that faith? We can have all the faith we can muster that if we jump off the Sears Tower we will fly, but our faith is misplaced, and we will fall to our death. Our faith in how we get to heaven must be well-placed, and that can only be through faith in Jesus, not some other false god, false philosophy, or false religion.
This week’s Gospel passage from the Lectionary of the Book of Common Prayer is a very familiar one to most Christians, and contains some favorite verses that many have committed to memory. They are verses of comfort, of doctrinal truth, and promise. Let’s jump in and see what we can learn today.
Chapter 14 of the Gospel of John is part of a large discourse that Jesus gave to the disciples on the evening of the Last Supper, before He was betrayed and arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. John opens with the words of Jesus, ones that are often used at funerals of Christians, as they speak of a promise that Jesus gave us of the home He is preparing for us in His Kingdom (vs. 1-3). God is preparing a special place for us in heaven. He is preparing it Himself. We are expected future residents of that wonderful home. Our home here on earth might not be that pleasant. The plumbing may leak, the floors uneven, the wiring antiquated. However, the home that Jesus has gone to prepare for us is everything we could ever desire! He is preparing it, and when it is the right time, He will come for us. That is a promise we can count on!
Jesus then proceeds to tell us the way to where He is going, the way to eternal life (vs. 4-6). If we follow wrong directions given on a GPS, we will not reach where we want to be. Also, asking a person who really doesn’t know the way won’t help, either. One must follow correct directions. Finding the right path in life is important. How can we know the way to God? Jesus has told us, and shown us the only path that will bring us to the Father and heaven. He is the Son of God. He came from heaven. He knows the way, and He has told us here. Jesus, and Jesus alone, is the way. People attempt other paths, but only one actually leads there, and He is it.
In this same passage Jesus, the second Person of the Trinity, shares with us that He is Truth (vs. 6). He is true, as contrasted with false, and genuine, as contrasted with unreal. Jesus is genuine, not a false god from false religions. His Word is true, not lies. There is no part of God that dwells in dishonesty or lies. Jesus is the visible, tangible, image of God (vs. 9-11). There are no attributes of deity that Jesus does not possess. He is the complete revelation of what God is like.
Our passage concludes with Jesus instructing us about praying in His Name (vs. 12-14). This promise that He gave us does not mean that any prayer request that we tack the words “in Jesus’ Name” at the end of will automatically be fulfilled. Those words aren’t some magical formula. First, we must be in proper fellowship with God. We must be saved, and then walking in righteousness. Our requests must also be consistent with Jesus’ character. Also, our motives must be right. Will our request glorify God? Or is the motive selfish, greedy, or impure?
When Jesus said “in My Name”, it is like He said that we are to be His agents. As disciples, we are to act as agents of God, or as His ambassadors. We are to ask according to God’s character and will, not to fulfill our selfish desires. Prayer should be on the basis of Jesus’ merits, not ours, and for the pursuit of His glory alone. By recognizing Jesus’ authority as the Son of God, we can pray in His Name and have access to the Father. We will want to do God’s will, and glorify Him.
Praying in Jesus’ Name means recognizing that Jesus paved the way for us to have access to the Father (Hebrews 4:16). It means exercising the authority He has given the children of God and who are joint-heirs with Him (Romans 8:14-17). When we understand our position, we can have confidence when we look to God. Praying in Jesus’ Name signifies agreement with His will. We ask as Jesus would in our position.
As I close, I ask you, is the object of your faith worthy of that faith? We can have all the faith we can muster that if we jump off the Sears Tower we will fly, but our faith is misplaced, and we will fall to our death. Our faith in how we get to heaven must be well-placed, and that can only be through faith in Jesus, not some other false god, false philosophy, or false religion.
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
A Royal Priesthood
I Peter 2:1-10
To be specially chosen is an honor that makes someone feel good about themselves. A young woman may dream about being the chosen one at a beauty pageant. A young man hopes to be chosen for the basketball or football team. People hope to be chosen for the job promotion. It feels terrible to be left out, and never chosen for anything special. In his letter to believers in the early Church, the Apostle Peter tells us that we are chosen, not by a sports coach or our boss, but by the Lord God, and that we are chosen for a special purpose. Let’s see what we can learn from our Scripture today.
Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are God’s chosen. We are chosen to be His priests, and His holy nation, His people (vs. 9). As chosen ones, we aren’t chosen to just sit back, take it easy, and relax. We, as God’s chosen ones, have a task to do. We are to represent Him to a lost and dying world.
One position that we were chosen to take, is that of a priest. Traditionally, in many religions, including the Jewish faith of the Old Testament, the people could not approach God directly on their own. A priest was the intermediary between God and man. However, since Jesus’ death upon the cross, believers can now come directly to God (Hebrews 4:16). Every believer has the privilege and responsibility of direct access to God. We are now His priests. We are chosen by God as His very own, and are called to represent Him to others. We are to bring others to a saving knowledge of Him, too (II Corinthians 5:18-21).
Another duty of a priest was to offer sacrifices to God, often for forgiveness of a person’s sins. Jesus’ death upon the cross paid the price for our sins, and made further animal sacrifices unnecessary. The one sacrifice that God does want from us is that of giving our bodies as a living sacrifice to Him (Romans 12:1-2). We are to give a sacrifice of praise to Him (Hebrews 13:15). We are to give a sacrifice of our substance (Romans 12:13), and a sacrifice of our service to Him (Hebrews 13:6). Priests also are supposed to pray for the people. As ones chosen by God to be His priests, we are to pray on behalf of others (Colossians 4:12).
In addition to being chosen to be priests, God has said that we are royalty (vs. 9). We are a royal priesthood. We are princes and princesses. That is something special. Princes are admitted into select society when common people must stand afar off. A child of God has access into the courts of heaven, directly into His presence. We have access to the wealth, honor, and power of God. As Peter tells us, we were chosen, chosen to be part of His heavenly royal family.
Peter had some other lessons he wished to pass on to the believers in this passage. One of these spiritual truths is that of growing up in Christ, and becoming mature believers. When we are saved, we become spiritual newborns. As we all know, a newborn should not stay that way forever. They should grow and mature, both physically and mentally. As Christians, if we are spiritually healthy, like a healthy baby, we will grow and mature (vs. 1-2). That can only be done through study of the Word of God. Just as a newborn desires milk, so a Christian should desire the Word of God. In order to grow as believers, we need to be reading and following the Scriptures. We must also rid ourselves of anything that hinders our walk with the Lord. Christians cannot grow unless sins are renounced.
Another spiritual truth that Peter taught in our passage is that of making sure our foundation stones are good and sure (vs. 4-8). Just as a building will lean or fall completely if the foundation is off, just like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, so will one's faith if it does not have a good foundation. Jesus is the only sure foundation. He is our Foundation, but He is also a stumbling block to unbelievers. These people stumble over Jesus because they reject Him and refuse to believe that He is the Messiah and Savior. They stumble over the One Person who can save them.
In closing, we need to remember that as children of God, His called and chosen ones, we no longer live in darkness, but have been called into the glorious light and love of Jesus Christ. We need to take our rightful place as sons and daughters of the Heavenly Father. Remember who you are in Christ! When we remember who we are, then we can call others out of darkness and into the light of Jesus.
To be specially chosen is an honor that makes someone feel good about themselves. A young woman may dream about being the chosen one at a beauty pageant. A young man hopes to be chosen for the basketball or football team. People hope to be chosen for the job promotion. It feels terrible to be left out, and never chosen for anything special. In his letter to believers in the early Church, the Apostle Peter tells us that we are chosen, not by a sports coach or our boss, but by the Lord God, and that we are chosen for a special purpose. Let’s see what we can learn from our Scripture today.
Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are God’s chosen. We are chosen to be His priests, and His holy nation, His people (vs. 9). As chosen ones, we aren’t chosen to just sit back, take it easy, and relax. We, as God’s chosen ones, have a task to do. We are to represent Him to a lost and dying world.
One position that we were chosen to take, is that of a priest. Traditionally, in many religions, including the Jewish faith of the Old Testament, the people could not approach God directly on their own. A priest was the intermediary between God and man. However, since Jesus’ death upon the cross, believers can now come directly to God (Hebrews 4:16). Every believer has the privilege and responsibility of direct access to God. We are now His priests. We are chosen by God as His very own, and are called to represent Him to others. We are to bring others to a saving knowledge of Him, too (II Corinthians 5:18-21).
Another duty of a priest was to offer sacrifices to God, often for forgiveness of a person’s sins. Jesus’ death upon the cross paid the price for our sins, and made further animal sacrifices unnecessary. The one sacrifice that God does want from us is that of giving our bodies as a living sacrifice to Him (Romans 12:1-2). We are to give a sacrifice of praise to Him (Hebrews 13:15). We are to give a sacrifice of our substance (Romans 12:13), and a sacrifice of our service to Him (Hebrews 13:6). Priests also are supposed to pray for the people. As ones chosen by God to be His priests, we are to pray on behalf of others (Colossians 4:12).
In addition to being chosen to be priests, God has said that we are royalty (vs. 9). We are a royal priesthood. We are princes and princesses. That is something special. Princes are admitted into select society when common people must stand afar off. A child of God has access into the courts of heaven, directly into His presence. We have access to the wealth, honor, and power of God. As Peter tells us, we were chosen, chosen to be part of His heavenly royal family.
Peter had some other lessons he wished to pass on to the believers in this passage. One of these spiritual truths is that of growing up in Christ, and becoming mature believers. When we are saved, we become spiritual newborns. As we all know, a newborn should not stay that way forever. They should grow and mature, both physically and mentally. As Christians, if we are spiritually healthy, like a healthy baby, we will grow and mature (vs. 1-2). That can only be done through study of the Word of God. Just as a newborn desires milk, so a Christian should desire the Word of God. In order to grow as believers, we need to be reading and following the Scriptures. We must also rid ourselves of anything that hinders our walk with the Lord. Christians cannot grow unless sins are renounced.
Another spiritual truth that Peter taught in our passage is that of making sure our foundation stones are good and sure (vs. 4-8). Just as a building will lean or fall completely if the foundation is off, just like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, so will one's faith if it does not have a good foundation. Jesus is the only sure foundation. He is our Foundation, but He is also a stumbling block to unbelievers. These people stumble over Jesus because they reject Him and refuse to believe that He is the Messiah and Savior. They stumble over the One Person who can save them.
In closing, we need to remember that as children of God, His called and chosen ones, we no longer live in darkness, but have been called into the glorious light and love of Jesus Christ. We need to take our rightful place as sons and daughters of the Heavenly Father. Remember who you are in Christ! When we remember who we are, then we can call others out of darkness and into the light of Jesus.
Monday, May 11, 2020
When God Stops Listening
Psalm 66
“I don’t hear you. I’m not listening.” Occasionally a parent might say something like that to a disobedient child, especially when that child starts to throw a tantrum, wanting their own way. Until that child decides he is going to obey his parents, stop acting willfully, and raising a ruckus, the parent is not going to respond to their wishes. Yes, the parent does hear their child. They haven’t become deaf. But they don’t “hear” them, in the sense that they don’t respond back. Not until the child decides to obey. In our psalm reading for this week, we will look at a time when the Lord will not hear us, what circumstances will cause that, and what we can do to avoid this from happening.
When a person accepts the Lord Jesus as their personal Savior, and becomes a Christian, God has promised them that He will always hear their prayers (vs. 19). To have the assurance that God will hear our prayers we must have a right relationship with Jesus Christ, by trusting Him as our Savior. We are then His child. It doesn’t matter what time of day it is or where we are, when we are His child, God hears us and is listening. We can bring our prayers to Him earnestly, with full confidence that the Lord will hear our prayers.
What happens to cause God to stop hearing us? Just like that parent who stops hearing the disobedient child, when we are disobedient to God, He “stops hearing” us (vs. 18). As believers and children of God, we must not live in ungodliness, even after salvation. We must repent of all known sin, and avoid continuing in it. We hinder our prayers if we refuse to repent of known sin. God still loves us, but stops “listening” until we are ready to give up our rebellion. He does not find worship acceptable from believers who cling unrepentantly to sin. God blesses obedience, not stubbornness.
The psalmist also brings us some other truths from the Lord in his psalm. One is found in verses 10 - 12. Hot fire refines gold and silver. The precious metals go through the extreme heat, which brings out the impurities, which are removed, leaving only the pure precious metal. In the same way, the Lord uses trials to refine our character. He allows us to go through times of testing to toughen our spiritual muscles and endurance. God teaches us to rely on Him, and purifies us to be holy, so we can become more like Christ. We can rely on God for strength and perseverance. He is refining us to be the best gold and silver.
Jesus brings us through difficult, sometimes terrible times in our life, bringing us to a place of abundance, if we turn to Him (vs. 12). We often make promises to God, that if He gets us out of the problem we’re in, we will do something for Him (vs. 13 - 15). More often than not, though, we renege on those promises. Our psalmist here had gone through some difficult times, and had made just such promises to the Lord. However, now that he is on the other side of the problem, he intends on keeping his vows. We should be careful when we make promises to God, and not make them lightly. If we promise Him something, then when the time comes to keep those promises, if it is at all within our power, we need to be sure and fulfill them, otherwise not make those promises and vows to begin with.
One final message the psalmist makes throughout his psalm, is that of wanting everyone to know what God has done for him. Towards the beginning of the psalm he calls everyone to “come and see” (vs. 5). Look and see all that God has done for His people. Then towards the end of the psalm he wants everyone to “come and hear”, as he tells of all of God’s marvelous works towards him. We are not to keep quiet about what God has done for us. We are to share our witness and testimony to others, and to proclaim God’s message of salvation to everyone.
“I don’t hear you. I’m not listening.” Occasionally a parent might say something like that to a disobedient child, especially when that child starts to throw a tantrum, wanting their own way. Until that child decides he is going to obey his parents, stop acting willfully, and raising a ruckus, the parent is not going to respond to their wishes. Yes, the parent does hear their child. They haven’t become deaf. But they don’t “hear” them, in the sense that they don’t respond back. Not until the child decides to obey. In our psalm reading for this week, we will look at a time when the Lord will not hear us, what circumstances will cause that, and what we can do to avoid this from happening.
When a person accepts the Lord Jesus as their personal Savior, and becomes a Christian, God has promised them that He will always hear their prayers (vs. 19). To have the assurance that God will hear our prayers we must have a right relationship with Jesus Christ, by trusting Him as our Savior. We are then His child. It doesn’t matter what time of day it is or where we are, when we are His child, God hears us and is listening. We can bring our prayers to Him earnestly, with full confidence that the Lord will hear our prayers.
What happens to cause God to stop hearing us? Just like that parent who stops hearing the disobedient child, when we are disobedient to God, He “stops hearing” us (vs. 18). As believers and children of God, we must not live in ungodliness, even after salvation. We must repent of all known sin, and avoid continuing in it. We hinder our prayers if we refuse to repent of known sin. God still loves us, but stops “listening” until we are ready to give up our rebellion. He does not find worship acceptable from believers who cling unrepentantly to sin. God blesses obedience, not stubbornness.
The psalmist also brings us some other truths from the Lord in his psalm. One is found in verses 10 - 12. Hot fire refines gold and silver. The precious metals go through the extreme heat, which brings out the impurities, which are removed, leaving only the pure precious metal. In the same way, the Lord uses trials to refine our character. He allows us to go through times of testing to toughen our spiritual muscles and endurance. God teaches us to rely on Him, and purifies us to be holy, so we can become more like Christ. We can rely on God for strength and perseverance. He is refining us to be the best gold and silver.
Jesus brings us through difficult, sometimes terrible times in our life, bringing us to a place of abundance, if we turn to Him (vs. 12). We often make promises to God, that if He gets us out of the problem we’re in, we will do something for Him (vs. 13 - 15). More often than not, though, we renege on those promises. Our psalmist here had gone through some difficult times, and had made just such promises to the Lord. However, now that he is on the other side of the problem, he intends on keeping his vows. We should be careful when we make promises to God, and not make them lightly. If we promise Him something, then when the time comes to keep those promises, if it is at all within our power, we need to be sure and fulfill them, otherwise not make those promises and vows to begin with.
One final message the psalmist makes throughout his psalm, is that of wanting everyone to know what God has done for him. Towards the beginning of the psalm he calls everyone to “come and see” (vs. 5). Look and see all that God has done for His people. Then towards the end of the psalm he wants everyone to “come and hear”, as he tells of all of God’s marvelous works towards him. We are not to keep quiet about what God has done for us. We are to share our witness and testimony to others, and to proclaim God’s message of salvation to everyone.
Saturday, May 9, 2020
Turning The World Upside Down
Acts 17:1-15
Any parents reading this might recognize this scene - you leave your children alone in a room for a few minutes, perhaps to step out into the yard for a moment, or into the kitchen to get dinner started, and you come back to your children, and the room is not the same as before. The mother might say to her child that he has “turned the room upside down”. It’s not in the same condition as it was before, everything is different, and you might not even recognize it. With children, that’s not usually a good thing, as they have made a mess. However, sometimes it is a good thing. When one is redecorating or remodeling a house, for a while the place is “turned upside down”, but the end result is usually good. In our Scripture reading today from this week’s Lectionary from the Book of Common Prayer, we read of some who were accused of turning the world upside down. Those who said this didn’t feel it was good, but I’m sure the Lord was pleased, and would like more of us to be doing just that.
As our passage opens, Paul and his companions had left the city of Philippi, where they had started a church and ministry, and had also been beaten and imprisoned for preaching the gospel. They journeyed on, now coming to the city of Thessalonica. Thessalonica was the capital and principal city of the Roman province of Macedonia, in current, present-day northern Greece. As was Paul’s custom during each of his missionary journeys, he looked for a local synagogue. If he found one, he would go there on the Sabbath. Most synagogues had the custom of inviting a guest to speak. Paul would gladly accept, and using the Old Testament Scriptures, proceed to show how Jesus of Nazareth was the promised Messiah, and preach salvation in His Name (vs. 1-3). Over the next several weeks Paul returned, giving the same message, and some came to believe in the saving Name of Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles.
This, however, did not sit well with the Jewish leaders. Many refused to accept that Jesus was the Messiah, someone who their own religious leaders had put to death, and who now was being claimed to have risen from the dead. They were also furious that this new religious group willingly accepted Gentiles as believers. Jealous of the popularity of Paul and those who followed what he taught, they started a riot in the city (vs. 5). When the city authorities came to halt the riot and find out what caused this uproar, the Jewish leaders stated that Paul and his companions had “turned the world upside down” (vs. 6).
Turning the world upside down, changing it, making it different and sometimes unrecognizable is the reputation that the early church had. It had revolutionized lives, broken down social barriers of the day, and thrown open personal prison doors. It caused people to care deeply about each other, which really didn’t happen in that day and age, and brought all people groups to genuine faith in the true God. In whatever communities Christians came to be, they made a difference, a change. Life was different. People found hope where there was none before. There was genuine love and caring between neighbors. Things were not the way they used to be. No other religious faith or philosophy had ever made a positive change like that among people and communities.
In the middle of this chaos we find an unsung hero - Jason (vs. 5-9). He was a believer in Thessalonica, and was probably one of the leaders in the early church there. It is possible the church met at his home. The Jews attacked him, and in order for Paul and his companions to be let go, Jason paid a security for them. He faithfully played his part to help spread the Gospel, and lives were changed because of his courage and faithfulness.
Paul and his group had to quickly flee for their lives, going about 50 miles southwest, to the village of Berea, where he founded another church. The Bereans didn’t just take Paul’s word that the Old Testament prophecies were referring to Jesus. They went home and studied it themselves, and then, seeing it was true, believed (vs. 11-12). We need to do the same, and check through the Bible ourselves to see if a preacher really is preaching sound doctrine. Always compare what you hear with what the Bible says. A true preacher’s message will align fully with Scripture.
This is a wake-up call to us. We can’t afford to believe everything we hear. Beware of spiritual wolves in sheep’s clothing. Jesus warns us of this in Matthew 7:15-23. We should follow the example of the Bereans, who used Scripture to evaluate whatever was taught. Then when we know the truth, we should go out like the early church did, and turn the world upside down in a good and godly way that will glorify the Name of Jesus.
Any parents reading this might recognize this scene - you leave your children alone in a room for a few minutes, perhaps to step out into the yard for a moment, or into the kitchen to get dinner started, and you come back to your children, and the room is not the same as before. The mother might say to her child that he has “turned the room upside down”. It’s not in the same condition as it was before, everything is different, and you might not even recognize it. With children, that’s not usually a good thing, as they have made a mess. However, sometimes it is a good thing. When one is redecorating or remodeling a house, for a while the place is “turned upside down”, but the end result is usually good. In our Scripture reading today from this week’s Lectionary from the Book of Common Prayer, we read of some who were accused of turning the world upside down. Those who said this didn’t feel it was good, but I’m sure the Lord was pleased, and would like more of us to be doing just that.
As our passage opens, Paul and his companions had left the city of Philippi, where they had started a church and ministry, and had also been beaten and imprisoned for preaching the gospel. They journeyed on, now coming to the city of Thessalonica. Thessalonica was the capital and principal city of the Roman province of Macedonia, in current, present-day northern Greece. As was Paul’s custom during each of his missionary journeys, he looked for a local synagogue. If he found one, he would go there on the Sabbath. Most synagogues had the custom of inviting a guest to speak. Paul would gladly accept, and using the Old Testament Scriptures, proceed to show how Jesus of Nazareth was the promised Messiah, and preach salvation in His Name (vs. 1-3). Over the next several weeks Paul returned, giving the same message, and some came to believe in the saving Name of Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles.
This, however, did not sit well with the Jewish leaders. Many refused to accept that Jesus was the Messiah, someone who their own religious leaders had put to death, and who now was being claimed to have risen from the dead. They were also furious that this new religious group willingly accepted Gentiles as believers. Jealous of the popularity of Paul and those who followed what he taught, they started a riot in the city (vs. 5). When the city authorities came to halt the riot and find out what caused this uproar, the Jewish leaders stated that Paul and his companions had “turned the world upside down” (vs. 6).
Turning the world upside down, changing it, making it different and sometimes unrecognizable is the reputation that the early church had. It had revolutionized lives, broken down social barriers of the day, and thrown open personal prison doors. It caused people to care deeply about each other, which really didn’t happen in that day and age, and brought all people groups to genuine faith in the true God. In whatever communities Christians came to be, they made a difference, a change. Life was different. People found hope where there was none before. There was genuine love and caring between neighbors. Things were not the way they used to be. No other religious faith or philosophy had ever made a positive change like that among people and communities.
In the middle of this chaos we find an unsung hero - Jason (vs. 5-9). He was a believer in Thessalonica, and was probably one of the leaders in the early church there. It is possible the church met at his home. The Jews attacked him, and in order for Paul and his companions to be let go, Jason paid a security for them. He faithfully played his part to help spread the Gospel, and lives were changed because of his courage and faithfulness.
Paul and his group had to quickly flee for their lives, going about 50 miles southwest, to the village of Berea, where he founded another church. The Bereans didn’t just take Paul’s word that the Old Testament prophecies were referring to Jesus. They went home and studied it themselves, and then, seeing it was true, believed (vs. 11-12). We need to do the same, and check through the Bible ourselves to see if a preacher really is preaching sound doctrine. Always compare what you hear with what the Bible says. A true preacher’s message will align fully with Scripture.
This is a wake-up call to us. We can’t afford to believe everything we hear. Beware of spiritual wolves in sheep’s clothing. Jesus warns us of this in Matthew 7:15-23. We should follow the example of the Bereans, who used Scripture to evaluate whatever was taught. Then when we know the truth, we should go out like the early church did, and turn the world upside down in a good and godly way that will glorify the Name of Jesus.
Friday, May 8, 2020
The Correct Door
John 10:1-10
Knowing the correct door is important. There have been several times when I had an appointment in a large office building, and when I got off the elevator, I stood in a long hallway with a dozen or more doors. It was good I had a specific room number, as otherwise I would not know which door to go through. Picking the correct door was important. Otherwise I would be in the wrong office, the wrong place. That could be embarrassing, plus I would be late for my appointment. There have been some game shows on television where at some point in the show the contestant needs to pick a door and they would get the prize behind the door. Pick the correct door and it was a good prize. Pick the wrong one and it might be something useless. Sometimes the door we pick to open is even more important than these. In our Scripture reading today, the Apostle John tells us from his Gospel of one Name that Jesus gave Himself, that of the Door. Let’s see what John tells us, and what we can learn today.
As our passage begins, Jesus is describing a scene that His audience would likely be familiar with, that of a shepherd and his sheep. In the evening, the shepherd would gather the sheep together into a sheepfold or sheep pen. This would be to protect the sheep from any danger at night, whether from wild animals or thieves who would try to steal the sheep. As Jesus describes the scene, He says that the thief usually won’t come through the door of the pen, but sneaks in another way (vs. 1). That’s the same with our homes. The thief often comes in through a window, or maybe the back entrance. People we allow in our front door are those we welcome into our homes. Jesus tells us that the shepherd will go through the door of the sheepfold. He calls the sheep, and they recognize his voice and come to him (vs. 2-5).
Most of us are familiar with the title Jesus gave Himself of the Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14). Here we read of Jesus calling Himself the Door (vs. 7, 9). Doors are important. They keep our houses protected, both from intruders and also from weather. Jesus is both the Good Shepherd and the Door, a door between us and our enemies. Just as a door can protect us from all harm and danger from evil, so does Jesus. The thieves and robbers are those who try to trap us with false doctrines and teachings, and the chief thief is Satan.
By going in through the Door of Jesus we find salvation (vs. 9). Just as it was important for me to find the correct door to enter for my appointments, it is important to select the correct door for salvation. Picking the wrong door will bring eternally disastrous results. There is only one door to heaven, and that is Jesus Christ. Jesus is not one way among many. He is the only way.
When we go through the Door that Jesus is, not only do we receive salvation, we are also privileged to become part of God’s family. We then go out into the world as Jesus’ witnesses. He also provides us with pasture, providing for all of our needs.
Are we listening to the voice of the Good Shepherd as He calls His sheep, or are we listening to the father of lies (John 8:42-45) ? Satan is the thief that Jesus is talking about, and he has come to steal, to kill, and to destroy (vs. 10). He will try to lead us away from the Good Shepherd. He tries to get people to select another door, any other door, than the one that is Jesus, the only door that will bring us salvation. In contrast to a thief who frequently may take a life, Jesus came to give us life, and to reconcile us to God. Someone could have all the money, belongings, friends, etc., but still have an empty life. If one doesn’t have Jesus, their life will be empty. Jesus is the only One who can bring us an abundant life.
Are we looking to go through the correct door, or will be deceived by Satan, the liar and thief? Jesus said that He is the door we have to enter in to be saved. Only one door brings the prize on the game show. Only one door will get you to the correct office. Only going through Jesus, the Door, will bring us salvation and abundant life.
Knowing the correct door is important. There have been several times when I had an appointment in a large office building, and when I got off the elevator, I stood in a long hallway with a dozen or more doors. It was good I had a specific room number, as otherwise I would not know which door to go through. Picking the correct door was important. Otherwise I would be in the wrong office, the wrong place. That could be embarrassing, plus I would be late for my appointment. There have been some game shows on television where at some point in the show the contestant needs to pick a door and they would get the prize behind the door. Pick the correct door and it was a good prize. Pick the wrong one and it might be something useless. Sometimes the door we pick to open is even more important than these. In our Scripture reading today, the Apostle John tells us from his Gospel of one Name that Jesus gave Himself, that of the Door. Let’s see what John tells us, and what we can learn today.
As our passage begins, Jesus is describing a scene that His audience would likely be familiar with, that of a shepherd and his sheep. In the evening, the shepherd would gather the sheep together into a sheepfold or sheep pen. This would be to protect the sheep from any danger at night, whether from wild animals or thieves who would try to steal the sheep. As Jesus describes the scene, He says that the thief usually won’t come through the door of the pen, but sneaks in another way (vs. 1). That’s the same with our homes. The thief often comes in through a window, or maybe the back entrance. People we allow in our front door are those we welcome into our homes. Jesus tells us that the shepherd will go through the door of the sheepfold. He calls the sheep, and they recognize his voice and come to him (vs. 2-5).
Most of us are familiar with the title Jesus gave Himself of the Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14). Here we read of Jesus calling Himself the Door (vs. 7, 9). Doors are important. They keep our houses protected, both from intruders and also from weather. Jesus is both the Good Shepherd and the Door, a door between us and our enemies. Just as a door can protect us from all harm and danger from evil, so does Jesus. The thieves and robbers are those who try to trap us with false doctrines and teachings, and the chief thief is Satan.
By going in through the Door of Jesus we find salvation (vs. 9). Just as it was important for me to find the correct door to enter for my appointments, it is important to select the correct door for salvation. Picking the wrong door will bring eternally disastrous results. There is only one door to heaven, and that is Jesus Christ. Jesus is not one way among many. He is the only way.
When we go through the Door that Jesus is, not only do we receive salvation, we are also privileged to become part of God’s family. We then go out into the world as Jesus’ witnesses. He also provides us with pasture, providing for all of our needs.
Are we listening to the voice of the Good Shepherd as He calls His sheep, or are we listening to the father of lies (John 8:42-45) ? Satan is the thief that Jesus is talking about, and he has come to steal, to kill, and to destroy (vs. 10). He will try to lead us away from the Good Shepherd. He tries to get people to select another door, any other door, than the one that is Jesus, the only door that will bring us salvation. In contrast to a thief who frequently may take a life, Jesus came to give us life, and to reconcile us to God. Someone could have all the money, belongings, friends, etc., but still have an empty life. If one doesn’t have Jesus, their life will be empty. Jesus is the only One who can bring us an abundant life.
Are we looking to go through the correct door, or will be deceived by Satan, the liar and thief? Jesus said that He is the door we have to enter in to be saved. Only one door brings the prize on the game show. Only one door will get you to the correct office. Only going through Jesus, the Door, will bring us salvation and abundant life.
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Following In The Footsteps Of Jesus
I Peter 2:19-25
Some people think that when they accept Jesus as their Savior, then all of the problems and difficulties they have in life will be over. Perhaps they were told that by another Christian. Yet when they became a Christian hardships and difficulties still happened, and it seemed that the closer they walked with Jesus, the more opposition they faced. Today’s Scripture passage comes from an epistle or letter that the Apostle Peter wrote to Christians who were suffering some terrible persecution for their faith, and who faced hardships and difficulties each day. In our passage we will read how to handle opposition and persecution that comes our way.
No one likes it when they are unjustly treated. We try to live a good, upright life, do our work well, and then we get mistreated, perhaps by our boss or co-workers, or maybe a neighbor, or even someone we thought was a friend. How do we react at these times? Do we accept it, with faith in God, trusting His sovereign care? Or do we respond in anger or discontent? Believers will sometimes be treated wrongly and unfairly in life. Peter instructs his readers here that if we act commendably, it will glorify God (vs. 21). Jesus is the pattern for Christians to follow, as He unjustly suffered, but responded with perfect patience.
Jesus’ suffering was part of God’s plan (Matthew 16:21-23). The suffering He endured was for our salvation (Matthew 20:28). All believers who seek to follow Jesus must be prepared to suffer, as well (Mark 8:34-35). Jesus is our example in everything, including our example in suffering. Often when we are ill-treated we want to fight back, to get even with those rotten, good-for-nothings that did us wrong. However, Jesus did not fight back (John 19:10-11). He showed perfect love and forgiveness (Luke 23:34). When we submit to God’s will, showing a godly example, others will be drawn to Jesus (John 12:32).
Sometimes some of our suffering is the result of our own sins or mistakes (vs. 20). The suffering, persecution, and opposition that Peter is talking about here, though, is not one that we brought upon ourselves due to our own failings, but the suffering that comes because we carry the Name of our Savior, and our doing good in His Name. Jesus never sinned, but He suffered to bring us salvation. We should face suffering as He did - with patience, calmness, and trust in God. Jesus did not retaliate (vs. 23). Throughout His ministry, when the Pharisees and Jewish leaders hurled verbal abuse His way, Jesus never answered back in kind. And when they arrested Him in the Garden of Gethsemane, beat Him, and had Him crucified, Jesus did not fight back, though all the power of Heaven was at His call. Jesus left the judging to God. Instead of retaliating, He forgave. Jesus handed Himself over to God, suffering in silence, because He trusted in God’s sovereignty.
Jesus is not only our pattern to follow, but He is also our substitute (vs. 24). He took upon Himself our sins, and was punished for them. Those who have accepted Jesus as Savior are now dead to sin because He paid the penalty for them. We have risen to a new life, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Jesus is our Shepherd (John 10:11). He is also our Overseer or Bishop, leading the Church (vs. 25). Jesus has gone before us, clearing the path. We need to follow His example, and trust God to deal with the wrongs done to us. Like a child does with their parents, we need to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.
Life isn’t always fair. Sometimes we do right, and get kicked in the pants. We are not deserving of sympathy when we are punished for doing wrong. However, God is with us when we suffer for doing right, for following Jesus’ example. When we endure suffering, others can see the Lord’s power to help His children, and will be drawn to Him.
Some people think that when they accept Jesus as their Savior, then all of the problems and difficulties they have in life will be over. Perhaps they were told that by another Christian. Yet when they became a Christian hardships and difficulties still happened, and it seemed that the closer they walked with Jesus, the more opposition they faced. Today’s Scripture passage comes from an epistle or letter that the Apostle Peter wrote to Christians who were suffering some terrible persecution for their faith, and who faced hardships and difficulties each day. In our passage we will read how to handle opposition and persecution that comes our way.
No one likes it when they are unjustly treated. We try to live a good, upright life, do our work well, and then we get mistreated, perhaps by our boss or co-workers, or maybe a neighbor, or even someone we thought was a friend. How do we react at these times? Do we accept it, with faith in God, trusting His sovereign care? Or do we respond in anger or discontent? Believers will sometimes be treated wrongly and unfairly in life. Peter instructs his readers here that if we act commendably, it will glorify God (vs. 21). Jesus is the pattern for Christians to follow, as He unjustly suffered, but responded with perfect patience.
Jesus’ suffering was part of God’s plan (Matthew 16:21-23). The suffering He endured was for our salvation (Matthew 20:28). All believers who seek to follow Jesus must be prepared to suffer, as well (Mark 8:34-35). Jesus is our example in everything, including our example in suffering. Often when we are ill-treated we want to fight back, to get even with those rotten, good-for-nothings that did us wrong. However, Jesus did not fight back (John 19:10-11). He showed perfect love and forgiveness (Luke 23:34). When we submit to God’s will, showing a godly example, others will be drawn to Jesus (John 12:32).
Sometimes some of our suffering is the result of our own sins or mistakes (vs. 20). The suffering, persecution, and opposition that Peter is talking about here, though, is not one that we brought upon ourselves due to our own failings, but the suffering that comes because we carry the Name of our Savior, and our doing good in His Name. Jesus never sinned, but He suffered to bring us salvation. We should face suffering as He did - with patience, calmness, and trust in God. Jesus did not retaliate (vs. 23). Throughout His ministry, when the Pharisees and Jewish leaders hurled verbal abuse His way, Jesus never answered back in kind. And when they arrested Him in the Garden of Gethsemane, beat Him, and had Him crucified, Jesus did not fight back, though all the power of Heaven was at His call. Jesus left the judging to God. Instead of retaliating, He forgave. Jesus handed Himself over to God, suffering in silence, because He trusted in God’s sovereignty.
Jesus is not only our pattern to follow, but He is also our substitute (vs. 24). He took upon Himself our sins, and was punished for them. Those who have accepted Jesus as Savior are now dead to sin because He paid the penalty for them. We have risen to a new life, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Jesus is our Shepherd (John 10:11). He is also our Overseer or Bishop, leading the Church (vs. 25). Jesus has gone before us, clearing the path. We need to follow His example, and trust God to deal with the wrongs done to us. Like a child does with their parents, we need to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.
Life isn’t always fair. Sometimes we do right, and get kicked in the pants. We are not deserving of sympathy when we are punished for doing wrong. However, God is with us when we suffer for doing right, for following Jesus’ example. When we endure suffering, others can see the Lord’s power to help His children, and will be drawn to Him.
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