Acts 1:1-14
Final instructions are important, whether it is for a school assignment, a work assignment, or instructions of how to put something together. Getting those instructions wrong, or ignoring them altogether can really mess up a project. Ask any cook who neglected the last few sentences of a recipe! Today’s Scripture is from the opening passage of the Book of Acts, written by Luke. The Book of Acts picks up Luke’s narrative from the final verses of his gospel. In these verses from the opening chapter of the Book of Acts, Jesus gives His final instructions to the disciples, and then ascends back up to heaven, to the glory He had before He came to earth.
As the Gospel writer Luke records, during the 40 days between Jesus’ resurrection and His ascension, the disciples became thoroughly convinced of the resurrection (vs. 3). Jesus also taught them about the Kingdom of God, and the Holy Spirit. They were His eye-witnesses. Before the resurrection they had all scattered. They were disillusioned, and feared for their lives. Now they were fearless, and risked everything to spread the Gospel message of salvation. They would face imprisonment, beatings, and often martyrdom.
The Jewish religious leaders and enemies of the Gospel were never able to challenge the empty tomb, and the truth of the disciples words (vs. 3). What better way to shut the disciples up than to produce Jesus’ lifeless corpse, if they could find it. If Jesus had not risen, and the disciples had only hidden the body, as these religious leaders had asserted, they would certainly have found it. However, they never found it, because there was no longer a dead body! Jesus had risen! They had no rebuttal to give to the disciples words and power. There is a resurrected Christ, and He has given us His Holy Spirit.
Jesus was preparing His disciples to carry on the work of the Gospel, as He was to ascend into heaven, as we read in our passage. If Jesus remained on earth, He could physically be in only one place at a time. After His ascension, the Holy Spirit would be sent. Jesus could be spiritually present everywhere through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was sent so that God would be with and within His followers after Jesus returned to heaven.
Jesus instructed the disciples to return to Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit to come upon them (vs. 4-5). The disciples had to wait for the Day of Pentecost to receive the Holy Spirit, but from that day forward, all believers receive the Holy Spirit when they are saved. Here is just some of what the Holy Spirit does for believers: We cannot belong to Christ without the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9). We are united with Jesus through His Spirit (I Corinthians 6:17). We are adopted as His children (Romans 8:14-17; Galatians 4:6-7). The Holy Spirit brings us into the Body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:13). He also helps us change to become more like Christ (Galatians 3:3; Philippians 1:6). He also seals us for the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30).
The disciples were given the final instructions to wait to receive the Holy Spirit (vs. 8). He would then give them power. Once they had this power, they were to go and witness with extraordinary results. That was the order. They weren’t to go out first, without the Holy Spirit and His power. They were not to run ahead of God, and neither should we. Wait for God’s timing and power. When the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, He gave them courage, boldness, confidence, insight, ability, and authority, and He will give that to us, as well. The Great Commission to take the Gospel all over the world still applies today.
The Ascension was Jesus’ visible departure from earth to heaven (vs. 9). His next appearance on earth will be at the Second Coming, when Jesus visibly and bodily sets His feet upon the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:4). Jesus hasn’t, and will never forget about us. He will one day return for us (vs. 11). I am reminded of the words of the great Chinese Christian, Watchman Nee (1903-1972), who said “Our old history ends with the Cross; our new history begins with the Resurrection”.
Saturday, May 23, 2020
Friday, May 22, 2020
Abiding On The True Vine
John 15:1-8
Some people are blessed to have a fruit tree or two on their property, or perhaps a grapevine. They enjoy seeing the blossoms in the springtime, and then enjoy the fruit later in the summer or early autumn. Even grapevines produce very small flowers early in their season. If the trees or vines are well cared for, they should bear fruit for many years. The owner, or a gardener he may hire, occasionally has to prune or cut back some branches in order to keep the plant healthy and producing fruit to its fullest potential. Nobody wants to see their fruit trees or vines barren, or worse, to wither and die. Our Scripture today, from the Gospel of John, is a passage familiar to many. In it, we read Jesus tell us how we can be fruitful Christians.
Several times throughout John’s Gospel, Jesus describes Himself by saying “I am ….”, such as “I am the Bread of Life”, or “I am the Light of the world”. Here He tells us that He is the “True Vine” (vs. 1). He is the Vine, and we, as believers, are the branches of that vine. What is the purpose of the branches of a grape vine? They are to produce grapes. That is the same for branches of any fruit tree or plant. They are to produce fruit. If they don’t, they are useless. The only way they can produce fruit, though, is to remain connected to the vine or tree. Once disconnected, they wither and die.
As believers, we are to live in Christ, and Christ lives in us. We draw our life from Him. Just as sap flows from the vine into the branch, the life of Jesus flows into us if we are connected to Him. That is how we bear fruit, staying in union and communion with Jesus. We belong to God just as the branch belongs to the vine. Our lives belong to Him, and outside of Him we will find no true enjoyment.
Jesus produces fruit through us as we allow Him to by abiding in Him (vs. 2). Sometimes we allow things in our life that diminish this, so He must prune us. There are times when our spiritual life seems withered, like a failing plant. God needs to get out the pruning shears and cut off what is hurting our faith life. This is done so we will bear more fruit. By pruning, God eliminates attitudes and actions that are not godly or fruit-bearing.
Pruning does not mean a loss of salvation. It is done by the Lord so that we will bear more fruit, which should be our goal. Jesus emphasized that Christians must produce fruit. He expects that of us. Vines are trimmed to produce more fruit. The same with fruit tree branches. A good gardener will do what it takes to help a vine or tree bear fruit. He will clip and cut away anything that interferes.
The life of the branch is guaranteed only when it is connected to the vine (vs. 4). Branches receive life from the vine. They share their identity. Connection to Jesus will help us be who God wants us to be. Apart from God’s saving grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, our efforts are dead. A dead branch that is unconnected to the vine is cut off and burned. That branch that bears no fruit is not a believer at all, and is cast away. They are apostates, who never really believed. Live branches are pruned to bear more fruit. They are abiding, genuine believers.
When a branch is grafted on to another plant, after a time, the two develop as one. But to know if the grafting has succeeded, the gardener pushes on the grafted branch. If it bends and then springs back, it is successful. An unsuccessful graft will cause the branch to break off. When we are connected to Jesus, we will grow strong, even during trials (vs. 5). Our strength comes from Jesus.
Not everything we do is fruitful. Much of our activity is done to please ourselves. What matters is our obedience to God. Jesus told us to bear much fruit. That is only possible when we stay connected to Him. Sometimes we fail at a task we have been given. We may not feel qualified or fit to accomplish what task God has given us. On our own we can accomplish nothing. However, with God, we can. He is more than able.
Some people are blessed to have a fruit tree or two on their property, or perhaps a grapevine. They enjoy seeing the blossoms in the springtime, and then enjoy the fruit later in the summer or early autumn. Even grapevines produce very small flowers early in their season. If the trees or vines are well cared for, they should bear fruit for many years. The owner, or a gardener he may hire, occasionally has to prune or cut back some branches in order to keep the plant healthy and producing fruit to its fullest potential. Nobody wants to see their fruit trees or vines barren, or worse, to wither and die. Our Scripture today, from the Gospel of John, is a passage familiar to many. In it, we read Jesus tell us how we can be fruitful Christians.
Several times throughout John’s Gospel, Jesus describes Himself by saying “I am ….”, such as “I am the Bread of Life”, or “I am the Light of the world”. Here He tells us that He is the “True Vine” (vs. 1). He is the Vine, and we, as believers, are the branches of that vine. What is the purpose of the branches of a grape vine? They are to produce grapes. That is the same for branches of any fruit tree or plant. They are to produce fruit. If they don’t, they are useless. The only way they can produce fruit, though, is to remain connected to the vine or tree. Once disconnected, they wither and die.
As believers, we are to live in Christ, and Christ lives in us. We draw our life from Him. Just as sap flows from the vine into the branch, the life of Jesus flows into us if we are connected to Him. That is how we bear fruit, staying in union and communion with Jesus. We belong to God just as the branch belongs to the vine. Our lives belong to Him, and outside of Him we will find no true enjoyment.
Jesus produces fruit through us as we allow Him to by abiding in Him (vs. 2). Sometimes we allow things in our life that diminish this, so He must prune us. There are times when our spiritual life seems withered, like a failing plant. God needs to get out the pruning shears and cut off what is hurting our faith life. This is done so we will bear more fruit. By pruning, God eliminates attitudes and actions that are not godly or fruit-bearing.
Pruning does not mean a loss of salvation. It is done by the Lord so that we will bear more fruit, which should be our goal. Jesus emphasized that Christians must produce fruit. He expects that of us. Vines are trimmed to produce more fruit. The same with fruit tree branches. A good gardener will do what it takes to help a vine or tree bear fruit. He will clip and cut away anything that interferes.
The life of the branch is guaranteed only when it is connected to the vine (vs. 4). Branches receive life from the vine. They share their identity. Connection to Jesus will help us be who God wants us to be. Apart from God’s saving grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, our efforts are dead. A dead branch that is unconnected to the vine is cut off and burned. That branch that bears no fruit is not a believer at all, and is cast away. They are apostates, who never really believed. Live branches are pruned to bear more fruit. They are abiding, genuine believers.
When a branch is grafted on to another plant, after a time, the two develop as one. But to know if the grafting has succeeded, the gardener pushes on the grafted branch. If it bends and then springs back, it is successful. An unsuccessful graft will cause the branch to break off. When we are connected to Jesus, we will grow strong, even during trials (vs. 5). Our strength comes from Jesus.
Not everything we do is fruitful. Much of our activity is done to please ourselves. What matters is our obedience to God. Jesus told us to bear much fruit. That is only possible when we stay connected to Him. Sometimes we fail at a task we have been given. We may not feel qualified or fit to accomplish what task God has given us. On our own we can accomplish nothing. However, with God, we can. He is more than able.
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Called To Bless And Not Curse
I Peter 3:8-18
Holding one’s tongue is not easy. In fact, it is often quite difficult to do, as I can frequently attest to! When someone serves us with a nasty or hurtful comment, how we love to answer them back with something equally as biting. If someone does something wrong to us, we are quick to think up something that we can do back to them. It seems only natural. She told lies to damage my reputation, what can I do back to her, to equally harm her? He destroyed something of mine, let me think of something equally damaging to do to him! Those are thoughts that quickly come to our minds when we’ve been hurt. As we look at another passage from the epistle that the Apostle Peter wrote to believers, we’ll see how God instructs us to act in these situations.
The early Church was still in its infancy, only a few decades old, when Peter wrote his letter to fellow believers. Right from the first days, believers suffered persecution. They were frequently attacked from both the Jewish people and also by Gentiles, along with the Roman government. Like everyone else, Christians don’t like to be attacked, either physically with bodily harm, by someone’s words, or by damage to their property or belongings. The temptation to lash back at them is always there, as that is human nature. However, Peter tells us to follow a different way, follow the words and example of Jesus.
The Scriptures here instructs us as believers to be examples, and pursue peace and unity, not bringing disruption or disharmony with others (vs. 8). Christians should be united with one another, “like-minded”, not fighting among each other. Instead of thinking of ways to get back at others who have harmed us, we should show harmony, sympathy, love, compassion, and humility to each other.
As we read in verse 9, when someone reviles us, instead of returning the same conduct, God wants us to think of a way to do them good, and to pray for them. Throughout Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, He instructed His followers to pay back the evil they receive by doing good to our enemies, praying for them, and bestowing blessings rather than retaliation and curses (Matthew 5:44).
Peter continues on in our passage (vs. 10-12), by bringing a quote from Psalm 34:12-16. In order to have a fulfilled life, we need to be humble, and show a loving attitude to everyone, giving a non-vindictive response to revilers. A Christian’s speech should be pure and honest, while we pursue peace. Our motives for what we do should be right, showing a disdain for sin. A life free from any unconfessed sins, and one lived for the Lord, will produce a good conscience, putting to shame those who might attack us (vs. 16). We may not be able to stop people from talking bad about us, but we can stop supplying them with ammunition by keeping our conduct above reproach.
Sometimes we are called upon to suffer for well-doing. Jesus is our example of suffering unjustly (vs. 17-18). He was sinless, and was the substitutionary atonement for our sins. He suffered death once - once for all. His death did not need to be repeated over and over again, like the Jewish Old Testament sacrifices. His death paid the penalty for our sins, once for all.
In the middle of our passage today, Peter brings up a point that Christians today should take note of, and that is for us to always be ready to give a defense to any who ask what we believe, and why we believe it (vs. 15). People in Peter’s day might have asked believers what they believed, and why, and they might ask the same of us today. A defense is an answer, a logical reasoning and explanation, given calmly and with meekness. As Christians, we should understand our faith and what we believe. We should be able to articulate our beliefs thoughtfully, reasonably, and biblically to others.
How would you answer, if someone asked why you are a Christian? People should notice that we are different in a good way. We should be able to explain what we believe in, and why. We should show them what Jesus has done for us, what He can do for them.
Holding one’s tongue is not easy. In fact, it is often quite difficult to do, as I can frequently attest to! When someone serves us with a nasty or hurtful comment, how we love to answer them back with something equally as biting. If someone does something wrong to us, we are quick to think up something that we can do back to them. It seems only natural. She told lies to damage my reputation, what can I do back to her, to equally harm her? He destroyed something of mine, let me think of something equally damaging to do to him! Those are thoughts that quickly come to our minds when we’ve been hurt. As we look at another passage from the epistle that the Apostle Peter wrote to believers, we’ll see how God instructs us to act in these situations.
The early Church was still in its infancy, only a few decades old, when Peter wrote his letter to fellow believers. Right from the first days, believers suffered persecution. They were frequently attacked from both the Jewish people and also by Gentiles, along with the Roman government. Like everyone else, Christians don’t like to be attacked, either physically with bodily harm, by someone’s words, or by damage to their property or belongings. The temptation to lash back at them is always there, as that is human nature. However, Peter tells us to follow a different way, follow the words and example of Jesus.
The Scriptures here instructs us as believers to be examples, and pursue peace and unity, not bringing disruption or disharmony with others (vs. 8). Christians should be united with one another, “like-minded”, not fighting among each other. Instead of thinking of ways to get back at others who have harmed us, we should show harmony, sympathy, love, compassion, and humility to each other.
As we read in verse 9, when someone reviles us, instead of returning the same conduct, God wants us to think of a way to do them good, and to pray for them. Throughout Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, He instructed His followers to pay back the evil they receive by doing good to our enemies, praying for them, and bestowing blessings rather than retaliation and curses (Matthew 5:44).
Peter continues on in our passage (vs. 10-12), by bringing a quote from Psalm 34:12-16. In order to have a fulfilled life, we need to be humble, and show a loving attitude to everyone, giving a non-vindictive response to revilers. A Christian’s speech should be pure and honest, while we pursue peace. Our motives for what we do should be right, showing a disdain for sin. A life free from any unconfessed sins, and one lived for the Lord, will produce a good conscience, putting to shame those who might attack us (vs. 16). We may not be able to stop people from talking bad about us, but we can stop supplying them with ammunition by keeping our conduct above reproach.
Sometimes we are called upon to suffer for well-doing. Jesus is our example of suffering unjustly (vs. 17-18). He was sinless, and was the substitutionary atonement for our sins. He suffered death once - once for all. His death did not need to be repeated over and over again, like the Jewish Old Testament sacrifices. His death paid the penalty for our sins, once for all.
In the middle of our passage today, Peter brings up a point that Christians today should take note of, and that is for us to always be ready to give a defense to any who ask what we believe, and why we believe it (vs. 15). People in Peter’s day might have asked believers what they believed, and why, and they might ask the same of us today. A defense is an answer, a logical reasoning and explanation, given calmly and with meekness. As Christians, we should understand our faith and what we believe. We should be able to articulate our beliefs thoughtfully, reasonably, and biblically to others.
How would you answer, if someone asked why you are a Christian? People should notice that we are different in a good way. We should be able to explain what we believe in, and why. We should show them what Jesus has done for us, what He can do for them.
Monday, May 18, 2020
All Creatures Of Our God And King
Psalm 148
The Book of Psalms has sometimes been called the hymnal of the Bible. This is rightly so, because so many of the psalms were originally set to music when they were written by David and the other psalmists. Many of the psalms are hymns of praise to God, and a number were used as inspiration for many classic hymns. This week’s psalm selection, Psalm 148, was the inspiration of the great traditional hymn “All Creatures of Our God and King”. Let’s take a look at both the psalm and the hymn today.
Many people are familiar with the great Italian saint of the Middle Ages, Francis of Assisi (1181 - 1226). In addition to founding the Franciscan Order of both monks and nuns, and of traveling and bringing the Gospel message of Jesus wherever he went, Francis deeply loved nature. He loved animals, plants, and even the stars, moon, and sun in the heavens. He did not worship them, but worshipped their Creator, and believed that as creations of God, they deserved our care and respect. It has even been reported that birds and wild animals frequently would approach him without any fear. Psalm 148 was certainly one of Francis’ favorites, as he wrote a beautiful poem, “Canticle of the Sun” based on that Psalm. Centuries later an Anglican minister, William Henry Draper, translated St. Francis’ poem into the hymn “All Creatures of Our God and King”, based on both the Canticle and Psalm 148.
This hymn of praise to God in the Book of Psalms is a psalm of universal praise, as all animal life, and the various forces of nature sing their praises to Yahweh. This psalm is like a great choir or a great orchestra, with each section singing out their praise to God. In a choir we find the sopranos, the altos, the tenors, baritones, and bass voices. In an orchestra there are the violins and other stringed instruments, the flutes, oboes, and bassoons. There are the French horns, trumpets, trombones, and other brass instruments, along with drums, harps, organs, etc. Here the psalmist brings all of creation, each in their own section, together to praise God. The sun, moon, stars, and planets (vs. 3-6). Then the creatures of the seas (vs. 7), forces of nature (vs. 8), mountains and plants (vs. 9), animals and people (vs. 10-11). The psalmist even calls upon the angels and other heavenly creatures to sing their praises (vs. 1-2). Like a great symphony, each part comes in when they should, making a beautiful chorus to sing praise to God.
Both the Canticle which St. Francis wrote, and the hymn, focuses most of their lines on the heavenly bodies of the sun, moon, and stars, along with the wind, clouds, rivers, and fire giving their own unique praise to God, which we find in verses 3-8 of the psalm. The hymn concludes by calling upon men to give praise to the Trinity.
We might wonder how inanimate objects and forces of nature can praise God. God has used various forms of nature to accomplish His will throughout history. He used fire to call the attention of Moses with the burning bush (Exodus 3:2). God also used hail as one of the ten plagues against Egypt (Exodus 9:19), and in battle against His enemies (Joshua 10:11). God sends the snow (Psalm 147:16). Clouds often proclaim His glory (Deuteronomy 4:11). God led His people through the wilderness by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21). He uses storms and wind to show His power (Genesis 8:1; Mark 4:35-41).
Though we may not always be happy with it, God sovereignly oversees all weather. He will use the forces of nature and weather greatly during the last days, as we read all throughout the Book of Revelation. Every force of nature obeys God’s command. We can ask, are we doing the same? If these forces without a brain know to obey and praise God, shouldn’t we? Let’s obey Him and sing His praises, as they do.
The Book of Psalms has sometimes been called the hymnal of the Bible. This is rightly so, because so many of the psalms were originally set to music when they were written by David and the other psalmists. Many of the psalms are hymns of praise to God, and a number were used as inspiration for many classic hymns. This week’s psalm selection, Psalm 148, was the inspiration of the great traditional hymn “All Creatures of Our God and King”. Let’s take a look at both the psalm and the hymn today.
Many people are familiar with the great Italian saint of the Middle Ages, Francis of Assisi (1181 - 1226). In addition to founding the Franciscan Order of both monks and nuns, and of traveling and bringing the Gospel message of Jesus wherever he went, Francis deeply loved nature. He loved animals, plants, and even the stars, moon, and sun in the heavens. He did not worship them, but worshipped their Creator, and believed that as creations of God, they deserved our care and respect. It has even been reported that birds and wild animals frequently would approach him without any fear. Psalm 148 was certainly one of Francis’ favorites, as he wrote a beautiful poem, “Canticle of the Sun” based on that Psalm. Centuries later an Anglican minister, William Henry Draper, translated St. Francis’ poem into the hymn “All Creatures of Our God and King”, based on both the Canticle and Psalm 148.
This hymn of praise to God in the Book of Psalms is a psalm of universal praise, as all animal life, and the various forces of nature sing their praises to Yahweh. This psalm is like a great choir or a great orchestra, with each section singing out their praise to God. In a choir we find the sopranos, the altos, the tenors, baritones, and bass voices. In an orchestra there are the violins and other stringed instruments, the flutes, oboes, and bassoons. There are the French horns, trumpets, trombones, and other brass instruments, along with drums, harps, organs, etc. Here the psalmist brings all of creation, each in their own section, together to praise God. The sun, moon, stars, and planets (vs. 3-6). Then the creatures of the seas (vs. 7), forces of nature (vs. 8), mountains and plants (vs. 9), animals and people (vs. 10-11). The psalmist even calls upon the angels and other heavenly creatures to sing their praises (vs. 1-2). Like a great symphony, each part comes in when they should, making a beautiful chorus to sing praise to God.
Both the Canticle which St. Francis wrote, and the hymn, focuses most of their lines on the heavenly bodies of the sun, moon, and stars, along with the wind, clouds, rivers, and fire giving their own unique praise to God, which we find in verses 3-8 of the psalm. The hymn concludes by calling upon men to give praise to the Trinity.
We might wonder how inanimate objects and forces of nature can praise God. God has used various forms of nature to accomplish His will throughout history. He used fire to call the attention of Moses with the burning bush (Exodus 3:2). God also used hail as one of the ten plagues against Egypt (Exodus 9:19), and in battle against His enemies (Joshua 10:11). God sends the snow (Psalm 147:16). Clouds often proclaim His glory (Deuteronomy 4:11). God led His people through the wilderness by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21). He uses storms and wind to show His power (Genesis 8:1; Mark 4:35-41).
Though we may not always be happy with it, God sovereignly oversees all weather. He will use the forces of nature and weather greatly during the last days, as we read all throughout the Book of Revelation. Every force of nature obeys God’s command. We can ask, are we doing the same? If these forces without a brain know to obey and praise God, shouldn’t we? Let’s obey Him and sing His praises, as they do.
Saturday, May 16, 2020
Sermon At The Areopagus
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.
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.
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.
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