University of Jesus

WELCOME

2010-05-08T07:49:00.007-05:00

This is the homepage for the University of Jesus.

You are invited to click on any of the LABELS on the lower left column of this page to begin a daily study of one of the Books of the New Testament.

After you click on the Book of your choice, simply repeatedly click on SHOW OLDER POSTS until you arrive at the first page of posts. Then scroll down to the bottom of that page for the first post of the Book.

More titles will be added soon.

God bless you.

PEACE

2010-05-07T04:00:00.001-05:00

II Thessalonians 3:16-18

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Peace at all times? Even when bad things are happening around us and to us?

Peace in every way? No fear for the future, anxiety in the present or guilt over the past?

Such peace is possible, but only in the way Paul suggests here – The Lord of peace himself give you peace…

The Teacher promised to give His peace to those who trust Him. The peace He Himself lived every day in every circumstances.

Jesus was peaceful in the storms of life. At peace when His enemies attacked! Peaceful even on the cross!

Paul gives the key to receiving the peace of Jesus. It is living with the sense of His continual presence in our lives.

The Lord be with all of you.

When the Lord is present there is peace!

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

WORK

2010-05-06T04:00:00.003-05:00

II Thessalonians 3:6-15

We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies.

To some people, work is a bad word. They would rather live at the expense of another’s labor.

Here Paul lays down the law - If a man will not work, he shall not eat.

Paul doesn’t say if any cannot work, but rather if one can and won’t!

Apparently some in Thessalonica were expecting the immediate return of Jesus. They stopped working and became dependent on the largesse of others.

Not only were they a burden to hardworking friends, they became busybodies. Going from house to house, gossiping and generally being a nuisance.

Such people became a bad example of what it means to be a student of Jesus.

Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat.

There is something noble in work. Right thinking people respect one who earns his own bread, even if in the most menial job.

Paul reminds them of his own conduct when he was living among them.

We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.

Good students of Jesus do not feel entitled to the benefits of another’s labor. They do not take advantage of the bonds of love between believers. They remember the Teacher’s words – It is more blessed to give than to receive! To have something to give, one must work!

PRAY

2010-05-05T04:00:00.001-05:00

II Thessalonians 3:1-5

Finally, brothers, pray…and pray…

Jesus’ life was filled with prayer. Another word for communication with His Heavenly Father!

He prayed often, sometimes all night. Other times He seemed to be in a constant state of communication with the Father. Interrupting his conversations with others to address God directly in the moment!

Prayer can and should be like that. Not only specific times when we stop what we are doing and take time to pray, but also a more general sense of God’s presence with us all the time!

A kind of running dialogue in our minds with the ever-present Teacher, Father and Holy Spirit!

Students of Jesus learn to be like their Teacher. They constantly talk to God for He is with them always.

It is natural to converse with those we love. One true measure of the strength of any relationship is the desire to communicate.

As with any relationship, specific circumstances are the subject of conversation. It is the same in our relationship to God. We can talk about anything all the time, but when situations arise we naturally pray specifically about them.

Here Paul reminds the believers to pray for certain things. For Paul and his fellow-workers! For the message of Jesus to be received by others! For personal safety from those who might persecute them!

Sometimes we share our problems with our friends. We do so knowing they do not have the ability to change the situation. We simply find comfort in someone who is willing to listen because they are interested in our welfare

Our Heavenly Father not only cares for us and hears our prayers; He has the power to help us, to change things!

May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.

SHARED GLORY

2010-05-04T04:00:00.001-05:00

II Thessalonians 2:13-17

He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the hero. He comes from heaven on an unlikely rescue mission. He succeeds gloriously!

He alone lives a perfect life, overcomes every temptation!

He dies alone, paying for the sins of everyone who ever lived!

He becomes the first to defeat death, rising never to die again!

The glory is all His!

But wait!

Jesus graciously shares His glory with everyone who trusts Him. The Good News of His victory over sin and death is the message of the Gospel. Those who believe enter into all the benefits of His victory!

...Saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.

Students of Jesus share in the glory of their Teacher. The honor of forgiveness of sins! An invitation to live with Him forever!

And more...we are invited to share His glory now through a changed life - So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you…

The glory of Jesus enlightens our hearts and lives. His victory gives us hope for the future and His teaching give us power for the present. His power works in us to change our hearts and win victories every day!

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

LOVE THE TRUTH

2010-05-03T04:00:00.002-05:00

II Thessalonians 2:1-12

For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.

The truth must be loved to be received. If a person does not love the truth, he is liable to believe a lie.

It is the truth that saves. A lie can only condemn.

Here Paul warns about a secret power of lawlessness already at work. It is the work of Satan in the world.

This is no surprise. In the very beginning it was he who led Adam and Eve into rebellion against God’s command. Lawlessness is his goal for mankind, and ultimate ruin his plan for the world.

Adam and Eve were cast out of the Garden of Eden because of disobedience. Willful disobedience to God is wickedness. And wickedness leads to destruction.

Here Paul predicts the coming of the man of lawlessness!

He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God.

Many ideas about who this person is have been proposed through the years. Some have even suggested is not one person, but a general state of lawlessness that will pervade society immediately before Jesus comes.

It is not as important to know exactly who or what Paul is talking about as it is to avoid falling into the trap of lawlessness. This is done by loving the truth of God.

There are two spirits evidently at work in the world today: lawlessness and obedience.

Nobody likes to be told what to do. There is a spirit of rebellion in every person. But anyone who has been changed by the power of God loves to be told what to do by Jesus.

HELL

2010-05-02T04:00:00.001-05:00

II Thessalonians 1:6-12

They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power…

God’s grace only looms large in our minds when we understand what would happen to us without it! When we realize the ultimate fate awaiting those who do not receive God’s grace revealed in Jesus!

Paul says – God is just!

What does this mean?

It means His very nature is about fairness. While God is also merciful, His mercy does not make Him unfair. Every wrong must be made right!

Those who are persecuting the believers in Thessalonica will be punished. In fact, every sin will receive a fair penalty. And sin’s punishment is separation from God, hell!

But God is more than just. He is also love. His love sends Jesus to take our punishment on the cross.

Jesus’ death pays for the sins of those who trust Him. Another fate awaits those who reject God’s grace. They will pay for their own sins!

He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

The thought of hell – separation from God – is a terrible thought. The idea of evil behavior going unpunished is equally troubling.

God is just and loving. Jesus takes the punishment of our sins. Now when God graciously extends the mercy of forgiveness, He is also just because the price of sin was paid by Jesus.

Why do you think Jesus spoke so often about the reality of hell?

He wanted the world to know the greatness of God’s saving grace.

GRACE AND PEACE

2010-05-01T04:00:00.001-05:00

II Thessalonians 1:1-5

Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace and Peace! What gifts from God!

God’s grace is revealed in the coming of Jesus. His perfect life freely given up on the cross for our sins!

What does this empowering grace produce?

Faith!

Trust in Jesus is the hallmark of His students.

Grace also brings peace. Peace with God and therefore peace within. And peace in our relationships!

For Grace which produces trust and brings peace also fills our hearts with God’s love. The same love that flows out to the world in the coming of Jesus, now overflows from our hearts to others by the power of the Holy Spirit within.

Paul’s prayer is for God’s grace and peace to continue to be with them. For the results are already growing in the lives of the Christians in Thessalonica!

Your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.

The Teacher says – He who is forgiven much, loves much!

Love for one another is proof of God’s grace. Love in our hearts is the evidence of our relationship with Jesus.

All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.

How can students of Jesus know they are following the Teacher? A growing trust in Him and increasing love in our hearts for others!

INTRODUCTION TO II THESSALONIANS

2010-04-30T04:00:00.002-05:00

This second letter to the church in Thessalonica is very similar to the first one.

It commends the believers’ perseverance under persecution and teaches about the Second Coming of Jesus.

Since the content is similar to the first letter, it is generally thought to have been written a short time after the first. Probably while Paul was still in Corinth about 50 A.D.

It is natural for any dynamic group of believers to have questions about many things, as well as problems. But this is especially true of a new fellowship. So it is not unusual the relatively young church in Thessalonica would have issues Paul needed to address.

This letter is filled with encouragement to continue to follow Jesus as well as correction about some false ideas.

Paul is a good student of Jesus. Remember how Jesus explained many things to His disciples when He was present with them? But no more so than in the hours before His death!

This was because He knew His departure would alter His relationship with them. He would be physically separated from them.

Here Paul is in a similar situation, having been forced to leave Thessalonica because of death threats. And like Jesus, Paul has a strong desire to communicate the truths they need to survive in his absence.

No doubt, Paul would prefer to speak face to face with them about the problems he has heard about in the church there. Unable to do so, he writes a second letter to clear up some misunderstandings that have developed.

There are four themes in the letter:

1. Commendation for the progress in faith they have made.
2. Encouragement to continue in the face of persecution.
3. Correction of certain behavior arising from false ideas about Jesus’
immediate return.
4. Instruction about the true nature and time of Jesus’ return.

The overall thrust is to establish the church on a more firm foundation.

BLAMELESS?

2010-04-29T04:00:00.001-05:00

I Thessalonians 5:23-28

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through.

Is it possible to be thoroughly sanctified, set apart for God? Is a blameless life attainable for students of Jesus?

Paul says it is!

But how?

Here is the precise point many students of Jesus go wrong. They mistakenly think holiness depends only on their efforts. They attempt it on their own.

They fail of course. Sin often, get discouraged with themselves and sometimes give up! The exact opposite result Paul hopes for the new believers in Thessalonica!

Students of Jesus can grow in the likeness of Jesus, sin less and less, and do many good things, but they can never live completely blameless/sinless lives.

Being blameless can only come through trust in Jesus's work, not personal effort. It is not something believers can do for themselves! Note carefully what Paul wrote about this:

May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul is praying for someone to keep them blameless! But who?

The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

It is God, through Jesus’ life, forgiving every sin and declaring us to be blameless. Keeping us blameless in spite of our many failings!

Students of Jesus cooperate with the leading of the Spirit. Often overcome sin and do the right thing. Fulfill their destiny, become more like the Teacher! But...

The very best student of Jesus can never be blameless in their thoughts and actions. Yet, by the grace of God the worst students are kept blameless! What an encouraging thought to close this Letter!

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

BE HAPPY

2010-04-28T04:00:00.001-05:00

I Thessalonians 5:16-22

Be joyful always…for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Always?

Is it possible to be happy all the time? Happy when you lose a job? Happy when the doctor gives you a bad report? Happy when a loved one dies?

Sorrow and pain are a part of every life. So how can one be joyful in such circumstances?

Paul is not talking about living without some negative feelings when bad things happen. He is saying that students of Jesus can maintain a joyful spirit even in the worst times.

Jesus said - In the world you will have trouble. Be of good cheer. I have overcome the world!

Our deep and lasting joy is belonging to Jesus. This joy transcends circumstances. Our most valuable possession – our relationship to Him – cannot be destroyed by any of the bad things that happen in life.

Paul continues by giving advice for being joyful always – Pray continually. By communicating our problems to God, we gain a measure of peace because we trust Him to work everything out for our ultimate good.

Paul also counsels – Give thanks in all circumstances. In every situation – good and bad – students of Jesus learn to find something for which to be thankful. They learn to look up and see beyond the temporary setback to the ultimate victory Jesus has already won for them.

You will never meet a thankful person who is not also a happy person. When we focus on what we don’t have or what is wrong with what we do have, we are caught up in ourselves. But when we thank God, our thoughts are on Him.

We can be joyful always because we know God wants us to be happy. And God is powerful to make us so. Joy…is God’s will for us!

PEACEMAKERS

2010-04-27T04:00:00.001-05:00

I Thessalonians 5:12-15

Live in peace with each other.

Peace with God, peace within and peace between people! What is more important than peace? Every good thing is possible only in peace.

Jesus is called the Prince of Peace, because He alone can create peace in all of these areas of life.

He is our peace with God. He makes this peace by His death on the cross in our place. Paying for our sins!

Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, God forgives all who trust in Him. Forgiven by God we enjoy a clean conscience before Him. Inner peace!

At peace with God and peaceful in our souls, we make peace with others. If we receive the peace of Jesus, we freely give what we have been given. We do everything to live in peace with everyone else.

Paul gives some very practical advice about how to keep the peace in all our relationships.

First, he counsels respect for our spiritual leaders. If everyone is doing their own thing without regard for those God has appointed as leaders, chaos – not peace – is the result.

Paul encourages a strong work ethic. Staying busy occupies the mind and body productively and effectively removes many temptations and troubles between people.

Paul advises help and encouragement toward the weak. And patience with everyone! He also warns against the tendency to get even when someone wrongs us.

In these ways, a student of Jesus becomes more like the Teacher - a peacemaker! Making peace is how Jesus lives. Only following Him makes this kind of life possible for us!

Always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.

PREPARED

2010-04-26T04:00:00.000-05:00

I Thessalonians 5:1-11

About times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

Here Paul echoes the words of Jesus. The Lord’s return will be unexpected. Like a thief in the night!

But Paul says students of Jesus who are paying attention to the Teacher will not be surprised - But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.

We may not know the time of Jesus’ second coming, but we know He is coming! The logical response is to be prepared all the time. In this way, students of Jesus will be prepared whenever it happens.

They prepare by staying alert and self-controlled. Watchful and expectant! Restraining behavior contrary to the desires of the Teacher!

In fact, Paul here repeats the caution to be self-controlled, because giving in to temptations leads to an unprepared heart and life. Surprised by the Lord’s sudden arrival!

Paul also encourages them to live in faith, love and hope. These three work together to create a prepared heart and life.

Faith in Jesus leads to choices pleasing to Him. Love proves and sustains our relationship with Him. And hope produces constancy and endurance.

Those who do not trust Jesus, love Him, and hope for His return will not be prepared when it happens. Paul says such people are in the darkness.

On the other hand, students of Jesus are in the light. They understand. And together, they support one another in staying prepared.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

FOREVER

2010-04-25T04:00:00.001-05:00

I Thessalonians 4:13-18

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope.

Apparently some in Thessalonica think only those who are alive when Jesus returns will be saved. They mistakenly believe they will be forever separated from their loved ones who happen to die before Jesus comes.

Not so! Paul tells them the dead will actually the first to be with Jesus!

According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive...will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep…For the Lord himself will come down from heaven…and the dead in Christ will rise first.

Here is the order: Jesus returns. The dead rise to meet the Lord. The living join them.

This is what the resurrection of Jesus means to His students. Death is not the end of the relationships they hold so dear in this life. There is no final Goodbye at the grave.

This is the great hope of the resurrection of Jesus. It means Jesus is alive and those who follow Him will be with Him. And it also means they will also be re-united with all other students of Jesus, even those who are in the grave!

We do not want our closest relationships to end. We want them to continue forever! The resurrection of Jesus answers this great desire of our hearts.

When Jesus returns what a reunion it will be! How long will it last? Paul says – forever!

And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.

ANY TIME NOW

2010-04-24T04:00:00.001-05:00

I Thessalonians 4:11,12

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you…

God supernaturally intervened in human history. God came down to earth…Jesus came! His birth, death and resurrection! Amazing things!

Jesus also ascended into heaven, promising an even more spectacular return to claim those who believe in Him.

Those who lived at the time of these incredible events naturally expected Jesus to return any day. Imagine the temptation to interrupt the daily routine of work and all the essential chores of life. Why bother if it will all end soon?

Simply stop and wait expectantly for Jesus to come back and rescue from all of life’s struggles. Run around excitedly, talking of nothing else!

It is this temptation Paul addresses here. Since nobody knows when Jesus will return, he reminds the Thessalonians of his prior instructions about this. Settle down, mind your own business and keep your job!

As students of Jesus, they have an obligation to be good employees and good citizens. They should be concerned about their influence with those who do not yet share their enthusiasm for Jesus.

…so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

If they become idle, shiftless and dependent on others, it won’t be long before students of Jesus will be the object of scorn by hard-working, conscientious people. The very people they should be influencing to become students of Jesus also!

Today, with nearly 2,000 years between us and the mind-boggling events of Jesus’ life on earth, students of Jesus better understand this truth. Life goes on, and so must we…even if we expect Him to return any time now.

MORE AND MORE

2010-04-23T04:00:00.001-05:00

I Thessalonians 4:1-10

Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living.

Paul reveals an amazing truth here. It is possible to live in such a way that God is pleased!

Paul doesn’t say the believers could live perfect lives. If such were possible then Jesus’ death on the cross would make no sense, since He died for the sins of the world!

But Paul does say our lives can be pleasing to God. Not sinless, but sinning less by becoming more like Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit within.

Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.

With the help of the Holy Spirit within, becoming more like the Teacher is a growing, developing life-process - Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.

As students of Jesus learn to think and act more like Him, God is more and more pleased!

This is an awesome thought! What we think about, what we say and what we do is of interest to our Creator. And we have it within our power to please Him!

Pleasing God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – is on the mind of these students of the Teacher. Though Paul reminds them who they are following - For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

Twice Paul uses the phrase, more and more, to describe his expectation for the believers in Thessalonica. Becoming more and more like Jesus is the destiny of every student of the Teacher!

COMMUNICATING?

2010-04-22T04:00:00.003-05:00

I Thessalonians 3:1-13

Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again...

Why does Paul write? He is in relationship with these new Christians and desires to communicate with them any way he can! If he can’t be with them in person, he writes a letter!

Communication is the essence of relationship. Proof of love, care and concern! Without it, there is no living connection.

Sometimes people speak of a personal relationship with Jesus, but few can explain what this these words actually mean.

Some think they have a relationship with Jesus because they pray to Him for forgiveness. Others may think they have a personal relationship with Jesus because they go to church.

Going to church and believing Jesus is the Savior does not necessarily lead to a close personal relationship with Him.

Praying on Sunday at church is fine, but what about all the other days in the week? See you next Sunday, Jesus!

Is it possible to have a personal relationship with Jesus only one day in the week?

Students of Jesus are in close contact with the Teacher. They are developing the discipline of awareness of His presence! They seek to be in personal moment-by-moment dialogue with Him.

Each moment of every day the relationship renews as every experience is shared with the Teacher. In real-time communication! Not only in church, at meals or before sleep at night!

The more a student pays attention to the Teacher, the closer the relationship becomes as positive changes create greater desire for more communication. In this dynamic personal relationship, students are changed to become more like the Teacher.

Communicating?

RELATIONSHIPS

2010-04-21T04:00:00.002-05:00

I Thessalonians 2:17-20

But, brothers, when we were torn away from you…out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you.

We strongly desire to be with those we love. Something is missing when we are separated from them. That’s how Paul feels about the students of Jesus in Thessalonica.

When he was forced to leave the city under extreme duress, he missed them. He wanted to return to be with them, because he grew to love them.

Paul had another relationship. A personal connection with the Teacher, Jesus Christ! It changed his life!

Being a student of Jesus filled his heart with such love and joy. He wanted to share this relationship with those who didn’t have it. That’s what led him from his home in Tarsus to the city of Thessalonica in the first place.

There, he found men and women who – through his life and teaching – entered into a relationship with Jesus also.

The relationship Paul enjoyed with his new brothers and sisters was the creation of Jesus. A bond second in intensity only to his relationship with the Teacher!

It is Jesus who creates relationships. He came to earth to bring people into a relationship with God, through Him. And everyone who comes into relationship with Jesus enjoys a connection with every other believer.

For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

This is the unique and amazing thing about a relationship with Jesus and those who follow Him – There is no final parting, no end!

LIKE JESUS

2010-04-20T04:00:00.002-05:00

I Thessalonians 2:6-16

For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children...

Paul reminds the believers in Thessalonica how he treated them when he was with them. He behaved like Jesus. That’s what good students of the Teacher try to do.

Jesus not only taught His followers about love, compassion and mercy, He lived His message. He practiced what He preached. His students experienced a personal demonstration of the truths gave.

The life of Jesus reveals a Teacher who was patient with His students. They often failed to understand His teaching at first. And they were slow to change their way of thinking and living.

Time and again, Jesus gently repeated the principles of the kingdom of God, using examples from everyday life, parables and illustrations. Above all, Jesus kept living the principles in His own life.

Understanding the Teacher’s way, Paul also exhibited patience with those he hoped would become students of Jesus - we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children.

Jesus was a living example of the kind of life He called everyone to live. By following Jesus, Paul also served as a model of good behavior before his hearers - You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.

Paul was a good student of the Teacher. He reminds the believers in Thessalonica how he treated them. - Encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

Paul personally experienced the love of Jesus and it changed his life - We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well…

Students of Jesus become like the Teacher!

MOTIVES

2010-04-19T04:00:00.005-05:00

I Thessalonians 2:1-6

We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.

Why do students of Jesus do what they do? Of course, it is important to try to do the right thing, but perhaps more crucial – from God’s point of view - are the motives for our actions.

Paul knows what he is talking about from personal experience. Both as a persecutor of Christians in his early life and now as an apostle in later life!

In both instances, Paul seeks to please God. He persecutes Christians when he mistakenly thinks it pleases God. Then he meets Jesus and begins to teach the Good News for the same reason!

Paul sums it up with these words - We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.

Here Paul informs the believers in Thessalonica about what motivates him to teach about Jesus. To become successful students of Jesus they too must learn to have a higher motive for following Him than seeking the approval of people.

With the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition.

Knowing this is a tremendous encouragement to the new Christians because they too face opposition. Like Paul, they must learn to seek to please God even if it means the disapproval of others.

Pleasing the Teacher is the motivation for every successful student of Jesus. For to become more like Him will sometimes bring persecution from others! Why?

Sometimes because of jealousy or prejudice! Often because doing the right thing makes those who are unwilling to change their lives feel condemnation by comparison. If anyone can change for the better, then everyone could! People do what they do, but God is testing their hearts, the motives.

A MODEL

2010-04-18T04:00:00.005-05:00

1 Thessalonians 1:4-10

You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.

Paul is extremely complimentary to the Christians in Thessalonica. In spite of persecution, they are not side-tracked from the purpose of every student of Jesus. To become more like the Teacher!

These new Christians find a living model of Christ-likeness in Paul and his missionary partners. They not only believe the message about Jesus Paul preaches, they want to become like Paul in their way of living.

This happens because Paul is an example for them of what it means to be a good student of Jesus - You know how we lived among you for your sake.

Every student of Jesus has an influence on every other student of Jesus. Here we see a living example in the lives of Paul and the Thessalonians how powerful a model of Christ-like living can be to change lives!

Paul mentions the joy given by the Holy Spirit. It is through the work of the Spirit in our lives that becoming more like Jesus is possible.

Jesus is the perfect model for Paul. Through Paul’s example, the Thessalonians look to Jesus as a model for their lives. Then something else happens.

The Thessalonians became a model for others also - And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.

Apparently their faith is so strong it motivates them to spread the message of Jesus beyond the city of Thessalonica. Others, who never met Paul, begin to speak of the Thessalonians as a model of changed lives.

They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven …Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

THANKFUL

2010-04-17T04:00:00.013-05:00

I Thessalonians 1:1-3

We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.

Paul’s predominate emotion is gratitude. Thankfulness to God and gratefulness for the faith of the believers in Thessalonica!

When persecution forces Paul to flee the city after only three weeks, he could not be surprised if the believers give up their new-found faith. Instead, Paul is relieved and happy to hear they stand firm in the face of fear!

They do more than hang on to their faith, they grow spiritually. Paul mentions three things about their spiritual condition for which he is thankful:
1. Faith produces works

2. Love prompts labor
3. Hope in Jesus inspires endurance

Real faith changes behavior. Trusting in Jesus leads students of the Teacher to change their guiding principles for life.

The world says - Live for today as if there will be no tomorrow! Jesus says – Live for today as if there will be no end to the tomorrows!

Faith changes the way the Christians in Thessalonica live their lives. Their behavior reflects a mind-set of faith – not only in tomorrow – but in an eternity of tomorrows!

Faith empowers them to say no to the sinful pleasures of their past way of life and to say yes to the new life of seeking to please Jesus.

Real love produces changes also. Love for Jesus seeks to please Him. And when the love of Jesus fills one’s heart, it spills over into loving actions toward others, behaviors inexplicable to those without such love.

And real hope of a future resurrection and life eternal leads to a lifestyle that seems extravagantly wasteful to those who cannot see beyond today.

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST THESSALONIANS

2010-04-16T04:00:00.011-05:00

This letter is one of the most enjoyable to read in all of the New Testament. It is filled with so much hope and gratitude.

No wonder! Paul is in high spirits! Good news has just arrived about the faithfulness of the fledgling church in Thessalonica.

From the book of Acts we learn Paul only preaches in the city of Thessalonica for three weeks, then flees for safety. Traveling on, Paul didn't know what was happening to those he left behind.

Did they succumb to the pressures of persecution and give up?

In Corinth, Paul finally receives a positive report from Timothy. His short time in Thessalonica produces surprising results! The church had not only survives but thrives.

Paul immediately sits down and pens this letter in a relieved and grateful state of mind. One can feel Paul's joy as he writes this happy letter.

This letter is very personal. We look inside Paul’s heart. Why does he do what he does, going from place to place teaching about Jesus?

Paul is a premier student of Jesus. His obsession? Making new students for Jesus.

Why? Because Jesus not only died for the sins of the world, Jesus rose from the dead. Paul serves a living Teacher!

And as he explains in this letter, Jesus will return to earth. There will be an end to things as they are now. Those who believe in Jesus and are faithful to Him will be with Him forever.

Paul can almost see the final resurrection day, when he will happily stand before Jesus with these Christians from Thessalonica! His time in Thessalonica is not lost. His work is not in vain.

We can see the smile on Paul's face as he writes, because he can see the smile of approval on the face of the Teacher he seeks to please!

A NEW CREATION

2010-04-15T04:00:00.002-05:00

Galatians 6:11-18

What counts is a new creation!

Here Paul makes one final argument against those who are seeking to require the Christians of Galatia to keep certain customs of the Law, specifically circumcision. And it is the most persuasive one.

He simply says being circumcised or not being circumcised doesn’t really matter at all!

That’s because the only thing that really matters is whether one is being changed. A New Creation!

The Law of Moses, indeed any law or custom alone can never change a person’s heart and life. No human effort can produce a peaceful relationship with God. No amount of rule-keeping can provide a clean conscience before God.

Only Jesus can do these things for us.

This is why Paul says - May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

The only way we can ever be in a right relationship with God is through Jesus. By His death on the cross, Jesus took the penalty for our sins and only by trusting what He accomplished will we ever find confidence before God.

It is the persistent tendency of religion to substitute imperfect human effort at rule-keeping for the perfect work of Jesus on the cross! So the apostle Paul says if you must have a rule, take this one - A New Creation!

By faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection we have forgiveness for all our failures in keeping God's rules. We are born again and set upon a path that leads to becoming more and more like Jesus in heart and life. This is the rule for students of Jesus.

Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, even to the Israel of God.

OPPPORTUNITIES

2010-04-14T04:00:00.001-05:00

Galatians 6:10

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

What if opportunity knocked and nobody answered?

It happens all the time, because life is constantly presenting us with chances to do something good for someone and sometimes we fail to recognize them.

Students of Jesus learn to be aware of these occasions. Paying attention to the Teacher is how we develop the skill of seizing the moment.

We see in His life how this is accomplished. In fact, Jesus’ life is described in these words – He went about doing good!

Sometimes people approached Him and asked for His help. More often it was His insight into the situation at hand that led Him to do something good for someone. Jesus intentionally set about to be good to everyone He met.

Our Teacher shows His students how to take the focus from themselves in order to see the need of others in the moment.

The books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are filled with stories of Jesus’ encounters with people. All kinds of different people in the normal day-to-day routine of His life!

For those who – like Jesus – are paying attention, opportunity constantly knocks at the door of our hearts. And like the Teacher, good students answer by thoughtful words and loving actions.

This is one very important way in which students become more like their Teacher. And like the Teacher, use their time on earth for good!

This passage of Scripture also provides a priority for our limited time and abilities. Our first concern must be for other students of Jesus, believers. But our love is broader in scope than this. It extends to all people...as we have opportunity!

ALL THE TIME

2010-04-13T04:00:00.001-05:00

Galatians 6:7-9

A man reaps what he sows!

Paul isn’t talking about agriculture. He’s talking about life!

Yet as surely as a farmer can only harvest what he has planted, a person’s life can only yield the fruit of the seeds of thoughts and actions.

Sow a thought, reap an action. Sow an action, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a character, reap a destiny.

Students of the Teacher have a God-given destiny to become like Jesus. To achieve this destiny we must purposely sow the seeds of Jesus’ own attitudes and actions in our lives!

This is what being a student of Jesus is all about.

Allowing the Teacher to shape our character as we follow Him and listen to Him. Cooperating with the Holy Spirit as our hearts are changed, our character transformed!

The one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life!

On the other hand, ignoring the Spirit’s leading produces another kind of harvest - The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction!

Unlike agriculture which has distinct times of planting and reaping, life is a constant process of sowing and reaping. We are sowing every minute of every day by what we think, say and do. And if only imperceptibly at times, we are experiencing a personal harvest.

This is because our hearts – our lives - are the field into which seeds are constantly being planted. Every moment of every day! All the time!

Conscious of this reality, students of Jesus purposely seek to be led by the Teacher and guided by the Holy Spirit.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

YOU AND ME

2010-04-12T04:00:00.001-05:00

Galatians 6:1-6

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Every student of Jesus feels certain responsibilities to every other student.

This is the law of Christ - the way of love.

It is Jesus’ law because it is how he lived His life. With a sense of responsibility for everyone else!

That’s how He lived from day-to-day! Reaching out to the poor, healing the sick, comforting the broken-hearted, freeing those ensnared by sin and bringing God’s message to everyone He met.

That’s also how He died! His death wasn’t the result of any wrongs He committed. Jesus died for the sins of everyone else!

Like Jesus, His students share each others burdens.

Yet Paul also says here:

Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.

Are these two statements contradictory: Carry each other’s burdens. Each one carries his own load?

Apparently there are some burdens we can share and some we cannot. For each person must ultimately take responsibility for their own actions.

This is what Jesus did. While He helped others and died for others, He took full responsibility for His own relationship with the Father.

Likewise, students of Jesus can encourage one another and help one another, but one student of Jesus cannot be a good student for anyone else. Every student is individually responsible to become more like the Teacher.

Being a good student of Jesus is about YOU and ME!

SPIRITUAL LIFE

2010-04-11T04:00:00.000-05:00

Galatians 5:16-26

But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law… Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Students of Jesus live by the Spirit of God, not the letter of the Law. Living by the Spirit is a higher calling than rule-keeping. The Law cannot change hearts, but Jesus can!

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.

This is an amazing statement! It is possible for students of Jesus to enter into a process that changes their hearts, their emotions and their desires to be more like Jesus!

Here’s a way of life no Law can offer: Jesus changes the heart and so changes the behavior!

The Law says – Change your behavior! Avoid the wrong and do the right! And we fail!

Jesus says – Let me change you! Then you will desire to avoid the wrong and do the right! And we find joy in the person we are becoming!

The Law merely informs a person about what is right and wrong. The Holy Spirit transforms a student of Jesus! Taking them beyond the requirements of rules into a life of freedom to actually become more and more like their Teacher!

The Teacher lives in His students representatively through the Holy Spirit. The classroom is always in session, because life is the classroom and the Teacher is always present.

What is the curriculum in the classroom of life?

Sounds like Jesus…

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

FALL FROM GRACE

2010-04-10T04:00:00.002-05:00

Galatians 5:1-15

You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.

It is somewhat ironic that Paul says one can fall from grace by trying to be right with God through rule-keeping. But the fact is, to ever be justified by keeping God’s rules would require one to keep all the rules perfectly, all the time!

However, everyone sins. Nobody is perfect. That’s why grace is needed in the first place!

In truth, if people could live perfectly sinless lives, they would have no need of the grace of God. They could earn their right standing before God through their own perfection!

Paul wants the Christians in Galatia to see the stark choice before them. They cannot choose part Grace and part Law. It is all one way or the other!

Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.

How good one is or how bad is not the test when it comes to being accepted by God. Only one Person has ever been good enough to stand before God. His name is Jesus.

It is only by faith in Him that people can be right with God!

Of course, Paul is not saying behavior isn’t important. That it doesn’t matter how imperfectly we live! Students of Jesus are in the process of becoming more like their Teacher.

As we become more like Jesus our lives naturally change for the better and we become more pleasing to God. So Paul writes:

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.

SARAH AND HAGAR

2010-04-09T04:00:00.001-05:00

Galatians 4:21-31

These things may be taken figuratively, for the women represent two covenants.

Paul uses the story of two Old Testament women to illustrate the choice before the Christians of Galatia. The choice is between two extremes. Legalism which leads to slavery or Grace which brings freedom!

God promised Abraham that through his descendants the world would be blessed. This promise was the future coming of Jesus who was born in the lineage of Abraham.

But Abraham, who was married to Sarah, grew to old age without ever having a son. Abraham mistakenly decided to have a son by one of the servants in his household. In due time, Hagar gave birth to Ishmael.

In the course of time, God kept his promise to Abraham. He and Sarah had a son named Isaac.

This resulted in confusion and contention in the household and Abraham sent Hagar and her son away. The child of the slave woman was not to share in the inheritance of the son God promised!

But what does the Scripture say? "Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman's son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman's son."

The analogy is perfect. Hagar’s child represents human effort. Sarah’s child was God’s promise, a miracle child born in old age.

Those who taught the necessity of keeping the Law of Moses represented slavery to human effort in order to please God. While Paul’s message of Jesus represents the miracle promise of Jesus’ free gift of salvation.

In this figure, Paul is urging his converts to cast out the teaching of slavery and to continue living in the promise Jesus provides.

Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.

TRANSFORMATION

2010-04-08T04:00:00.002-05:00

Galatians 4:8-20

My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you…

Here we learn what Paul thinks is most important for every student of Jesus. To be transformed into the image of Jesus! Christ...formed in you!

Transformation into the likeness of Jesus! This is the goal of every student of the Teacher. To become more like Him in heart and life!

Here Paul calls the Christians in Galatia his dear children. For he labored to bring them into the new birth of faith in Jesus. They became students of Jesus and were on the way to becoming more like Jesus.

Sadly, this process is in danger of being interrupted by false teachers, who seek to enslave these students of Jesus with requirements of the Law of Moses.

You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.

Paul’s work is in danger of being destroyed if the Christians of Galatia turn their focus away from inner spiritual transformation. If they become entangled in religious customs that have nothing to do with being a good student of Jesus!

We can imagine Paul’s concern. He is far from them. He isn’t sure what is going on - how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!

Paul does what he can. He writes this letter warning them to refuse the teaching of those who do not care about this truth - Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may be zealous for them.

Now as then, there is a persistent temptation for students of Jesus to think that customs and rituals are as important as spiritual formation. Falling for this leads to the dead-end of legalism, rather than the life-changing process of becoming more like Jesus which leads to eternal life.

INHERITANCE

2010-04-07T04:00:00.001-05:00

Galatians 4:1-7

So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.

The inheritance of God! This is everything God gives to those who are His sons and daughters. This includes forgiveness of sins, the gift of the Holy Spirit and eternal life in heaven some day!

One does not qualify for the inheritance by the keeping of the Law, but by faith in Jesus. Not because of human effort, but because of Jesus’ perfect life, sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection!

Only a son or daughter can inherit from the father. And only those who are sons and daughters of the Heavenly Father can claim a portion in the inheritance God gives?

But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.

It is by faith in Jesus one becomes a child of God. It is by the grace of God – a free gift – not by efforts in keeping the rules, as important as that may be. In fact, Paul compares a life lived under the Law with slavery.

And a slave cannot receive the Master’s inheritance!

So how do we know we are His children?

Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father."

It is the gift of the Holy Spirit in our hearts that validates our claim to the inheritance God gives His children. The Spirit of Jesus is proof of our relationship with the Father. By this we know we are His children.

It is through the Holy Spirit living in us that we know we are forgiven and living in the Family of God. And it is the Holy Spirit who helps us in our preparation to live forever in the Family of God - our final inheritance in heaven.

With Jesus as our Teacher and the Holy Spirit as our Tutor, we become more like Jesus and prepare ourselves to live forever in God’s Family.

COVERED!

2010-04-06T04:00:00.002-05:00

Galatians 3:26-29

For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

Paul uses familiar imagery here. Everyone knows clothes cover. Clothes also protect against the elements, cold and heat.

And certain clothes are needed for different occasions. What one wears to work in the field would not be suitable dress before a King.

What is the proper spiritual attire necessary to come before God and be pleasing to Him? There is only one answer – Jesus!

Anyone who comes to Jesus is covered! To be covered by Jesus means that nothing else is needed to be fully dressed before God. Without Jesus, even our best efforts at keeping God's commands leave our sins uncovered.

Paul is continuing to refute the idea that keeping parts of the Law of Moses could add anything to one’s standing before God. To be covered by Jesus’ life and death is the only way to be properly dressed before The King!

Paul reminds his readers of how they came to be clothed with Jesus. At the point their faith in Jesus led them to be baptized, they were clothed with Christ! Faith came alive and they became Sons of God by faith!

Their right standing with God did not come through any human effort. Believing is not a work. It is trusting in Jesus.

Being baptized is not a work. It is something to which one submits. In fact, it is a passive act, something that one allows another to do to him.

When faith leads one to submit to Jesus through the act of baptism in water, Jesus gives the Holy Spirit. Then with the help of the Holy Spirit a student of Jesus can actually become more like the Teacher in heart and life. It is being clothed with Jesus that matters.

If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

THE PROMISE

2010-04-05T04:00:00.001-05:00

Galatians 3:15-25

So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith.

Paul continues to marshal arguments against the teaching threatening the new churches he established in Galatia. Against the false teachers who were attempting to bind certain requirements of the Law of Moses upon students of Jesus!

He advances two arguments against keeping the Law of Moses:

1. The promise of salvation by faith in Jesus pre-dates the Law of Moses - The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise.

2. If salvation depends on keeping the law, then the promise shared with Abraham would be unnecessary - For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.

Paul then proceeds to answer the question – Why then was the Law of Moses given?

It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come…Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.

The Law cannot save from sin, because nobody can keep the Law perfectly. That’s why salvation must come through the grace of God. A promise of God, not a covenant of Law.

The coming of Jesus is the promise made to Abraham. Salvation then is by faith in Jesus, not by keeping the Law. Those teaching the necessity of keeping parts of the Law of Moses are mistaken.

But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.

Students of Jesus are only and completely saved by faith in Jesus!

FAITH NOT WORKS

2010-04-04T04:00:00.000-05:00

Galatians 3:1-14

After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?

This is Paul’s question to those who may be tempted to live by the Law of Moses in order to have a right relationship with God. He reminds them that God – the Holy Spirit – came to live in their hearts by faith, not by law-keeping!

Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard?

Law – even God’s Law – does not have the power to save anyone. Law only informs a person about what is right and wrong, it cannot transform a life. Nor can keeping rules make anyone right in the sight of God, for nobody can keep the law perfectly.

All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”

God gave the Law of Moses to show what kind of life is required to please God. Of course, God knew man would not be able to keep these rules perfectly. Man’s failure was supposed to help him realize the need for something else.

That something else is the coming of Jesus, his perfect life and sacrificial death on our behalf.

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree." He redeemed us in order that…we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

It is only by faith in what Jesus has done for us that God declares us to be right before Him. And only the Holy Spirit living within can give power to change our hearts and live a life pleasing to God

Paul reminds every student of Jesus that becoming more like the Teacher requires Divine Help. Human effort alone will never do it.

Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.

ONLY JESUS!

2010-04-03T04:00:00.000-05:00

Galatians 2:11-21

I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!

Jesus was Jewish. All of the apostles were also. In fact, most all of the first students of Jesus were too!

So who can blame some of the early Jewish Christians who wrongly believed that Gentile Christians should keep the traditions and customs of the Law of Moses as they actually continued to do?

Jewish festivals, circumcision and other customs continued to be valued and practiced by Jewish Christians. Becoming a student of Jesus didn’t change their cultural orientation overnight. And it was difficult for some to understand why Gentiles shouldn’t become more Jewish in their behavior.

But God sent Jesus to save everyone, including the majority of people in the world who are not Jewish, rather Gentile. And receiving the Good News of Jesus – becoming a student of Jesus – was never intended to be a conversion to Judaism.

Neither did Jesus intend to destroy the Law of Moses. How could He, when He is the fulfillment of the Law of Moses and all of the prophecies of the Old Testament. Jesus is the embodiment of Judaism’s promise to the world.

A promise given to Abraham years before Moses was even born. That through his descendents One would come who would bless all nations.

What we see in the Book of Galatians is a collision of cultures with a question hanging over it. Just what if any of the customs of Judaism will be required by Gentile when they become students of Jesus?

Paul’s answer is nothing is needed except faith in Jesus and willingness to follow His teaching. This was the truth for Jewish Christians and for Gentiles too. Only Jesus!

So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.

PAUL'S AUTHORITY

2010-04-02T04:00:00.000-05:00

Galatians 2:1-10

For God, who was at work in the ministry of Peter as an apostle to the Jews, was also at work in my ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles.

Paul continues to defend himself against those who were attacking him in order to discredit his message. These false teachers were requiring the Gentile Christians to be circumcised in order to be saved.

Paul wants them to know that even in Jerusalem; the church does not require Gentiles to be circumcised.

Fourteen years later I went up again to Jerusalem…yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek.

He tells of false brothers who tried to require Titus to be circumcised. Paul wants them to know how he stood against this - We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you.

At issue in all of these details is whether a relationship with Jesus is sufficient for a person to be saved. By adding legalistic requirements, the false teachers are saying Jesus isn’t enough. It is Jesus, plus this or that!

Paul concludes by letting them know that the apostles in Jerusalem accepted him and his mission to the Gentiles. And they did not advise him to require circumcision as a part of the message of Jesus. That belonged to the custom of the Jews.

James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews. All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.

PAUL'S DEFENSE

2010-04-01T04:00:00.002-05:00

Galatians 1:10-24

I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

False teachers have come into the churches of Galatia after Paul left and undermined His teaching. Because of this, Paul is in the unenviable position of defending His credentials as an apostle in order to defend his message.

He doesn’t do this to promote himself, but rather to show that His teaching comes directly from Jesus. Whereas, these false teachers do not have the authority of an apostle as Paul does.

Paul’s concern is for the spiritual health of the churches he worked so hard to establish. He fears they will fall from the grace of God into a system of legalism being taught by others. He only presents his credentials to underscore the truth of what he taught these Christians, so they won't be led into error.

Paul’s defense of his authority as an apostle of Jesus indicates something of what these false teachers must have been saying about him.

But when God…was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was…

Apparently, these false teachers were saying that Paul does not speak for the other apostles, some of whom were still in the city of Jerusalem.

Perhaps they made the argument that the other apostles felt as they did, that the Gentile Christians should be circumcised and keep the law. And therefore, Paul was wrong not to require they keep the custom of the Law of Moses.

Paul, therefore, is forced to present his credentials as someone called by Jesus. And that his message to them was only what Jesus Himself had revealed to him.

While the apostles in Jerusalem are primarily seeking to teach Jews, Jesus has given Paul the special mission and revelation to the Gentiles.

NO GOOD NEWS!

2010-03-31T04:00:00.001-05:00

Galatians 1:1-9

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel…

This letter from the apostle Paul to the churches in the province of Galatia addresses a grave problem. The persistent tendency to legalism!

Legalism is a religious term used to describe an attempt to be right with God based on how well one keeps His rules.

Of course, students of Jesus desire to refrain from conduct the Teacher has warned against. And they desire to do everything Jesus has taught them to do. But this effort to keep the rules is best understood as a grateful response to God's grace!

Being obedient to the teaching of Jesus sounds like a good thing to do, and it is! However, a person becomes legalistic when they begin to think their attempt to be obedient is what gives them good standing with God.

The problem with this system of religion is that nobody can be perfectly obedient. Everyone sins. And since everyone sins, nobody can claim a relationship with God because of their perfect obedience.

And more importantly, legalism destroys the Good News of Jesus. In fact, legalism is no good news at all. It replaces the free gift of God’s grace with faulty human effort. If our obedience could save us, why did Jesus come to die for us?

The only basis for a peaceful relationship with God is trust in Jesus. For Jesus is the Good News. And it is our faith in His perfect obedience to God and His death on the cross in our place that makes us right before God.

Paul is fighting legalism in this letter, because some false teachers were trying to enforce certain legal requirements of the Law of Moses on the Christians in Galatia.

Legalism is such a serious perversion of the Good News of Jesus Paul writes - …Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!

INTRODUCTION TO GALATIANS

2010-03-30T04:00:00.004-05:00

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to address a serious problem troubling the churches in the province of Galatia. The teaching of legalism!

Legalism implies one can only be in a right relationship with God based on human effort. Legalism stands in contradiction to the Good News Jesus brings to the world...

That only through Jesus can one come into relationship with God!

Paul worked very diligently to take the Good News of Jesus to the Gentiles. He was very successful in establishing many congregations.

However, there were some legalistic teachers who followed behind him upsetting the peace of these Christians.

These false teachers were Jewish Christians who tried to convince the Gentile Christians they needed to keep certain traditions of the Law of Moses.

One of the main ideas they taught was the necessity of circumcision. They went so far as to say that if the Gentiles weren’t circumcised they could not be saved.

Paul saw this for what it was. An attack on the sufficiency of Jesus!

For it is only by through the life and death of Jesus that anyone can be right before God. It is trust in the work of Jesus on our behalf that makes the story of Jesus such good news for us. Because our obedience will always fall far short of the perfection required to be in fellowship with God.

The entire letter of Galatians is Paul’s argument that Jesus is not only all we need to be saved, but any attempt to add other requirements is a repudiation of Jesus.

Galatians is a letter upholding salvation as the free gift of God. Our works cannot possibly justify us before God. Our sins outweigh our obedience on the scales of God's justice! Sins can only be forgiven by the grace God provides through Jesus' sacrifice for us.

Paul knows if these churches fall into the trap of legalism they will fall from this grace of God. But this letter is for students of Jesus in every age, for it is a basic tendency to try to be worthy of God’s gift by human effort. If this was sufficient, why then did Jesus come to die for us?

PRAYER

2010-03-29T04:00:00.001-05:00

James 5:13-20

The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

This raises a question. Who is righteous?

Other passages of Scripture make it clear that nobody is righteous, for all make mistakes and sin. On the other hand, everyone who comes to Jesus is made righteous on the basis of faith in Jesus’ perfect life and sacrificial death on the cross.

Students of Jesus are not righteous by themselves. God continuously declares them to be so based on their trust in what Jesus has done!

James is saying that every faithful student of Jesus is a person whose prayers are powerful and effective!

This true because every student of Jesus remains in a constant state of righteousness by the forgiveness Jesus provides. And because they are in a right relationship with God, their prayers are heard and answered!

James says that students of Jesus should pray when they are in trouble. This is good news because every day difficulties arise in life. Problems in marriage and family, job stresses, financial troubles, accidents and even death of loved ones.

It is of great comfort to know in every situation our prayers make a real difference, especially when we are in the middle of a life-sized problem!

James also says prayers are effective in times of illness - Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.

Prayer is also powerful to help us overcome sin in our lives - Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

Prayer is perhaps the most under-appreciated and under-utilized privilege available to us.

Jesus was a person of prayer. Good students of this Teacher take note.

JESUS IS NEAR

2010-03-28T04:00:00.000-05:00

James 5:7-12

You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near.

James closes his letter with words of encouragement every student of Jesus can appreciate. Be faithful because Jesus is near!

Every student of Jesus senses His presence. In every moment of life our Teacher has promised to be with us. To never leave or forsake us!

However, when circumstances of life bring trials, difficulties, tensions and troubles, we may be tempted to ask – Why is this happening to me? Is Jesus really near right now?

James reminds us that Jesus is near and that His coming is near – Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming.

Don’t give up. It won’t be long until the trial is past. It won’t be long until Jesus returns!

James counsels patience in our trials.

Having patience, as James uses the word, is more than remaining calm when things irritate us. The word literally means to stand up under the strain of a heavy load!

It is strength under pressure. The power to be faithful when it isn’t easy to do so!

It is also waiting, as a farmer waits for the rain. Not giving up, but trusting Jesus will stay ever near.

James also warns us not to grumble against one another. Isn’t that the tendency when things aren’t going well? We look for a scapegoat, someone to blame.

The One who is near, the One who is coming is also the judge of such behaviors - The Judge is standing at the door!

So persevere because the Lord is full of compassion and mercy. He knows our trials and will intervene on our behalf! Jesus is near!

PROPHETIC

2010-03-27T04:00:00.001-05:00

James 5:1-12

Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you.

Here James sounds like Amos or another of the Old Testament prophets railing against social injustice.

Some things never change - The rich get richer and the poor get poorer!

What troubles God – and should disturb students of Jesus everywhere - is how the rich get richer and why the poor get poorer!

James says very often people enrich themselves at the expense of the poor.

Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.

Isn’t it amazing that nothing escapes the watchful eye of the God of heaven? He sees the smallest details of our lives. He observes and judges!

He dislikes the inequity that exists in the world. A world where some live in opulent luxury while others starve to death!

A day of reckoning is coming. A day when the scales of justice will tip in favor of the oppressed!

A day of punishment is coming to the oppressor. They will receive the disapproval of God. On that day, their ill-gotten gains will do them no good.

You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.

Students of Jesus take note. God cares about fairness in all our dealings, especially when we occupy a position of power over others. God would have us become more like Jesus. Remember how He was a special friend to the poor.

THAT'S LIFE!

2010-03-26T04:00:00.002-05:00

James 4:13-17

You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

James is talking about the brevity of life.

Visit with those who have lived to be a hundred years old. They will not speak of long life. Instead, they seem surprised at how fast the time flew by.

We aren’t promised a tomorrow. Physical bodies all come with a lifetime warranty, but the problem is some lifetimes are not very long!

Life is fragile, uncertain. Anything may happen.

Yesterday is gone, tomorrow may never come. Today is all we can be sure of in this life.

That’s why the Lord’s will is so important!

Because at the end of life, we pass through the door of death to behold the face of God! Then we will fully realize the importance of our relationship with Him.

Gone will be the false ideas that we are in charge of our own destiny. We make our plans and will have what we will have!

There is a limit to the power of man to determine his own fate. That’s why James counsels us to begin to include Jesus in all our daily plans now - If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.

Someday soon for all of us it will be very clear just how dependent we are upon the Lord for everything. But whether we understand this fact or not, it remains the everyday truth nonetheless.

That’s life!

And that’s why James reminds students of Jesus to be busy doing the good they can do – while they can!

Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.

SUBMIT TO GOD

2010-03-25T04:00:00.001-05:00

James 4:1-12

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Here James shares the secret of a powerful life. Submit to God!

When Jesus asks those of us who become His students to follow Him – submit to His will – we should understand this is something He has already done.

He submitted to the will of His heavenly Father in all things. And because He humbled Himself – even to death on a cross – the Father lifted Him to the highest place. He rose from the dead and rules from heaven!

Submission is the secret to Jesus’ powerful life and James would have us know submitting to God is also our path to an exalted life!

James mentions three areas where submission is vital and shows how failing to submit leads to frustration of purpose.

Our relationships
Our prayers
Our choices

Think about how our pride can work against us in each of these areas of life. Also, Consider how humility can create greater harmony and happiness.

A humble and submissive attitude creates peace in all our relationships at work and at home. Pride causes contention. And frustration because ultimately we need the cooperation of others to accomplish almost anything.

James indicates our prayers will be answered when we stop asking for what we selfishly desire and humbly seek God’s will for our lives.

Finally, submitting to God’s will leads us away from the destructive power of sin to the better will of God for our lives – God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Students of Jesus will make great progress in becoming more like Jesus when they learn the power in submission. It leads to the highest and the best!

TWO WISDOMS

2010-03-24T04:00:00.001-05:00

James 3:13-18

Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

James warns of a kind of worldly wisdom. Not from heaven but of earth. Not spiritual but evil!

It is the wisdom of envy and selfish ambition, terms James mentions twice here. It is self-centered, not others-minded. The ability, position and possessions of others spark jealousy, pride and a competitive spirit.

Given free reign, this way of looking at the world leads to conflicts and evil behaviors! In the cut-throat, dog-eat-dog race to the top, anything goes. Fights, aggression, dishonesty, favoritism and self-promotion!

In short it is a selfish life. Lived with little or no regard for the welfare of others! It is me, myself and I!

The irony of this self-preoccupation is the almost total neglect of self in all the ways that ultimately matter. The final result is a lack of personal spiritual growth in the attributes that make one more fully human. The soul shrivels even as the material accomplishments and possessions pile up.

By contrast, the wisdom of Jesus brings the best kind of life, good deeds done for the benefit of others in a spirit of humility.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

Being a good student of Jesus produces a peaceful life. Peace within and peace with others!

James says that it is in this atmosphere of peace the fruit of righteousness grows into a bountiful harvest.

A person is living wisely who focuses on becoming more like Jesus. Developing in heart the characteristics of the best person who ever lived. This is the wisdom of being a student of Jesus.

TAME THE TONGUE

2010-03-23T04:00:00.001-05:00

James 3:1-12

Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.

Look at Jesus life! You will find perfection. Not only in what He did but in everything He said.

Students of Jesus, who seek to be like their Teacher, soon discover how difficult it is to control their tongues. In fact, as James says, if we could fully control our tongues, we would be perfect.

Here James uses six images that speak of the power, influence and danger of the tongue.

A bit, a rudder, a raging fire, a wild animal, a spring of either sweet or bitter water, and fruit of one kind or another!

A Bit – Small but Controlling

A Rudder – Extremely Influential

A Raging Fire – Dangerously Destructive

A Wild Animal - Uncontrollable

A Spring – either Sweet or Bitter

A Fruit – either One Kind or Another

Obviously, how well one controls the tongue is critical to spiritual health and well-being. Everyone would do well to become more like Jesus and seek to tame the tongue!

One who allows free reign to their speech, saying whatever comes to mind – good or bad - destroys their life.

It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire.

The tongue is also a powerful force for good. Our words can speak health, comfort, encouragement, truth, peace, mercy, joy and love.

This is the challenge for every student of Jesus. Tame the tongue! Restrain its destructive potential! Release its life-giving power into the lives of those around us.

This is the way Jesus has shown us.

FAITH & WORKS

2010-03-22T04:00:00.001-05:00

James 2:14-26

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Students of Jesus have puzzled over the relationship between faith and works. The problem arises over the perceived difference between what James says here – faith without deeds is dead – and Paul’s statement in the Book of Ephesians that our salvation does not come through our works.

There is no contradiction between James and Paul, only a difference in emphasis.

By emphasizing works, James isn’t saying faith is unimportant. Nor is he arguing that as long as we obey God’s commands it doesn’t matter whether we have faith or not! He is saying, true faith will reveal itself in action.

By emphasizing faith, Paul isn’t saying works are unimportant. Nor is he arguing that as long as we have faith it doesn’t matter whether we obey God’s commands or not. He is saying that all the works in the world apart from the grace of faith cannot save anyone.

True faith always produces the action or work of obedience.

You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless.

James recalls the faith of Abraham that moved him to act in obedience to God’s command to sacrifice his son Isaac. - You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.

You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.

We understand. Both faith and works are important. They complement each other, with works completing our faith.

James is simply calling those who have faith to get busy doing what God requires.

FAVORITISM

2010-03-21T04:00:00.001-05:00

James 2:8-13

Mercy triumphs over judgment!

Jesus will one day judge everyone. The thought of our own personal accountability before God should make us merciful in our judgments of others.

James wants us to understand that showing favoritism to some means that we are being unmerciful to others - If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right!

This is the problem with favoritism. It leaves some people outside of our love. And James says that when we do this it is a sin and we are convicted as lawbreakers! Not only because we broke the command to love everyone, but also because of our reason for failing to do so.

What causes us to show favoritism? Isn’t it because of our prejudice? Perhaps against the poor or the uneducated! Maybe that someone’s sin is particularly odious to us!

Whatever the reason, we must have forgotten that we also are sinners - For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.

When we fail to show mercy to anyone, we destroy the bridge over which we ourselves must pass. For we too are sinners and must necessarily hope to receive mercy from the Righteous Judge!

The Teacher said, Judge not that you be not judged! Being merciful and loving to all - without favoritism - makes perfect sense when we understand our need for God’s love and mercy.

The tendency to judge some as unworthy of our time, fellowship or respect means we are being unmerciful and unloving. It really means we are failing to be good students of our Teacher. This is the evil of favoritism!

For Jesus loves everyone in the world, died for everyone in the world and invites everyone in the world to become His student and friend.

LOVE LIKE JESUS

2010-03-20T04:00:00.002-05:00

James 2:1-7

My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism.

By definition a friend is someone for whom you have a special affection. A relationship that is more open and preferential than others. James isn’t saying students of Jesus cannot have friends.

Even Jesus had special friends like this. Mary, Martha, Lazarus, Peter, James and especially John!

But having favorites is the natural result of getting to know them and therefore having admiration and affection for who they are.

Favoritism, on the other hand, stems from malignant prejudice against a person before we even get to know anything about who they really are.

We quickly judge them and accept or reject them based on their appearance, education or status - have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

What James seeks to curb is this human tendency that instinctively works in our hearts to pre-judge people based on externals. Then automatically open our hearts to some and close them to others.

James uses the example of showing favoritism to a rich person and disrespecting a poor person. Perhaps this prejudice is pervasive because of our selfishness and insecurity. After all, a rich person may benefit us economically while a poor person cannot and may in fact have the opposite effect.

Students of Jesus follow the Teacher who had favorites but did not show favoritism. He did not seek to curry the favors of the rich, the religious intelligentsia or the political power brokers.

Jesus taught and healed and cared for the poor and the rich alike. He associated with the uneducated masses and was at home in the meanest place and He died for all and anyone can become His student!

PURE RELIGION

2010-03-19T04:00:00.001-05:00

James 1:19-27

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress…

A student of Jesus is one who practices Pure Religion. Providing for the needs of orphans and widows!

And this truth is as relevant today as when James wrote this nearly 2,000 years ago. For God does not change!

In fact, long ago in the Old Testament Scriptures, God repeatedly voiced His concern for the most helpless in society. Fatherless and widows!

In ancient times and in many countries today, to be an orphan or widow is to be among the poorest of the poor. Often in desperate need of daily necessities!

However, in modern times the more prosperous nations provide for their own citizens in the form of government subsidies for food, housing and even medical care. And not coincidentally, nations with a significant Christian population are relatively affluent.

Consequently, students of Jesus in such cultures do not often see orphans or widows in need.

How then should students of Jesus’ respond to the orphans and widows suffering throughout the world?

A recent United Nation’s study revealed that over 50% of the families throughout the world have a total net worth of under $1,100. This includes the total value of all possessions and savings.

This means that orphans and widows in such societies are virtually penniless!

This also means that anyone who has more than $1,100 dollars is richer than 50% of the people in the world.

Fortunately, the world is a smaller place today. Students of Jesus can easily reach out with significant help to the helpless who live in far-away countries and practice what James calls Pure Religion!

CHOOSE LIFE

2010-03-18T04:00:00.005-05:00

James 1:13-18

He chose to give us birth through the word of truth…

James is talking about the spiritual life, but he uses the comparison of physical birth and growth.

Just as we all are physically born and grow up, students of Jesus are born again. Then with Jesus as Teacher and the Holy Spirit as tutor, students of Jesus spend the rest of their lives growing up into the likeness of Jesus.

Unlike our physical existence, which eventually ends in death, our new birth and life in Jesus never ends. Our life becomes everlasting. A gift from God!

In contrast with God’s good and perfect gift of life, stands another way of living. This life does not seek to become more like Jesus. It seeks to fulfill the flesh and satisfy the cravings of human nature instead.

James also uses the metaphor of conception and birth to describe this way of living that ends, not in eternal life, but in death.

This is how the life given over to sin is described. It is a life dominated by human passions and desires which are the source of temptations.

But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

What James is asking us to do is to pause a moment and think about what is going on inside of every human being. To get above ourselves and be sensitive to inclinations of heart that have the power to lead us away from the good life God gave us.

James is not suggesting students of Jesus can live without sin. He is reminding them not to embrace a way of living that leads to death - Do not err, my beloved brethren...

Rather to focus on the gift of life God gives through Jesus!

TESTING

2010-03-17T04:00:00.001-05:00

James 1:2-12

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds…

James is writing to Christians who suffer persecution. How should a student of Jesus react in such trials?

James has a surprising answer – Consider it pure joy!

We might understand if he advised us to endure the trials or even muddle through them the best we can. But be happy about it!

Is he joking?

Now James isn’t saying we will ever enjoy suffering. Nor did he say trials should be joyful experiences. He said we should consider it so. He is asking us to view suffering for Jesus from a different perspective.

Trials can cause us to grow, become stronger and therefore more mature in our faith. These results of trials should be viewed as a source of joy.

…the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete…

Following Jesus involves a degree of suffering. It’s unavoidable! Becoming like Jesus, doing what Jesus did leads to trials because a life lived like His leads to confrontation with the values of the world.

And Jesus suffered, but the result was a resurrection from the dead and glory with the Father in heaven.

James wants students of Jesus who suffer for their faith to know they too will have a reward. This should be a source of joy in the trial.

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF JAMES

2010-03-16T04:00:00.004-05:00

James 1:1

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.

The author of this book is thought to be the physical brother of Jesus. One who did not believe in Jesus in the beginning, but eventually came to faith and even prominence in the church at Jerusalem.

James is one of the first books of the New Testament, probably written to Jewish Christians who were scattered from Jerusalem during the persecution of Saul.

The writer moves quickly from discussing the value of suffering to practical day-to-day Christianity. Faith in action is the general theme.

It is not enough to be a Christian if this is not shown in one’s conduct.

This is what becoming a student of Jesus is all about. Changed behavior that springs from a changed heart! A heart transformed by a faith that cooperates with the Spirit in becoming more like Jesus.

The writer provides several tests of faith.

1. How responsive am I to God’s Word?
2. Does my faith lead me to be impartial to everyone?
3. Is my faith moving me to improved behavior?
4. Is my faith producing greater self-control?
5. Does faith lead me to repudiate worldliness in favor of God’s values?
6. Is my trust in God evidenced by my prayers to Him?

Someone has said that the Book of James is the Good News is shoe leather. Like Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, this book leaves little room for theoretical maneuvers. Perhaps this is why Biblical scholars have generally denigrated it.

However, for groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, who seek to modify human behavior, the Book of James, the Sermon on the Mount and First Corinthians chapter thirteen are frequently quoted and relied upon.

Brothers, my brothers or my beloved brothers frequently appear in James. Because of his Elder Brother, James now has many brothers and sisters. This is a book for those who want to be better students of Jesus!

GREETINGS

2010-03-15T02:21:00.002-05:00

I was thinking to follow the order of the Books as they appear in the New Testament. However, I have decided to study the books in the order they are thought to have been written. Here is the proposed order, beginning with the Book of James tomorrow, March 16, 2010. Thank you for following this blog. Denny

James
Galatians
1 and 2 Thessalonians
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Romans
Colossians
Ephesians
Philippians
Philemon
1 Timothy
1 Peter
Titus
2 Timothy
2 Peter
Hebrews
Jude
John
1,2,3 John
Revelation

UNEXPECTED GOD

2010-03-14T04:00:00.003-05:00

Acts 28:17-31

Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

When Paul finally arrives in Rome, the first thing he wants to do is explain his innocence to the Jewish community - My brothers…I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our ancestors.

Much more than defending himself, Paul wants to share what God is doing through Jesus.

From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.

Some were convinced, others not so much. Paul reminds them of a prophecy of Isaiah - Go to this people and say, "You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.”

Why can’t some people receive the will of God for their lives? Is it because God always does the unexpected? Many times exactly the opposite of what we were looking for!

This is the problem even with religion. No especially with religion, because religious people get comfortable with the idea they know what to expect from God. Then when God does the unexpected, they miss out.

Remember how few were expecting Jesus to show up in a manger, grow up in Nazareth and die on a cross?

Pondering the unlimited intelligence and power of God should remind us how impossible it is for human beings to anticipate what He will do.

And so the Book of Acts ends much as it began. Although a different city, Rome instead of Jerusalem! Another preacher, Paul not Peter! But the same scenarios of unexpected Good News!

Unexpected God! Some are able to open their hearts…

ISLAND OF MALTA

2010-03-13T04:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 28:1-16

Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta.

How fortunate for his sailing companions Paul was onboard. Sometimes one student of Jesus can make all the difference in the world!

Now just as God promised – and Paul relayed to them – none of the ship’s passengers or crew lost their lives.

They are thrust onto the Island of Malta. There they are received warmly by its inhabitants.

Publius, the chief official of the island… welcomed us to his home and for three days entertained us…

They wintered on the island for three months. Finally, they were able to board an Egyptian ship to Syracuse in Sicily. And from there to Italy!

There we found some brothers who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome.

It has been nearly three years since Paul was arrested in Jerusalem. Now after numerous trials, waiting in prison and an incredible sea voyage, Paul reaches his destination.

It will be two more years before Paul’s case is heard and he is released. But his situation has changed for the better - When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.

Paul is granted greater freedom to live more normally. He will be able to receive company and share the Good News freely.

Paul’s life as a student of Jesus is every student’s narrative. Perhaps, his life seems more exciting and adventurous than most, but the theme is the same. God provides everything needed in every circumstance!

No situation arises in which we cannot fulfill our destiny to become more like Jesus and minster health and healing to those around us.

SHIPWRECKED!

2010-03-12T04:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 27:27-44

Altogether there were 276 of us on board.

Being a serious student of Jesus has risks. That’s because the Teacher we follow did not choose the path of safety. Not for Himself and so not for those who seek to become more like Him!

Paul is a prisoner on his way to Rome. It is his fourteenth night in a horrifying sea storm.

Did Paul long for the comforts of his home? Was there a moment when he regretted the day he went on his first missionary journey? Probably not!

This isn't Paul’s first experience with suffering. Deprivations, death threats, discomforts, dangers and even stoning have happened to him already. He has experienced God’s faithfulness in many other desperate situations.

Paul seems calm in the midst of the shipwreck. He’s actually giving the orders now. He’s keeping his head when all around others are losing theirs!

He tells them to take some food, not because it is their last meal, but because they will need their strength. They will survive!

The ship will break apart, but not before Paul and the other 275 persons reach the safety of an island.

Students of Jesus, like their Teacher before them, take risks. They move out of their comfort zones. Get involved in helping solve the problems of those suffering around them and they suffer too!

Look at the life of our Teacher! One so radically different from the norm! The principle difference was his relationships to hurting and even dangerous people around him.

Paul suffers shipwreck because he chose to live the same kind of risky life. It is also the most interesting and rewarding way to live!

Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it!

A STORM

2010-03-11T04:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 27:13-26

Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the "northeaster," swept down from the island.

Paul’s prediction of disaster is beginning to come true. Out on the sea in a violent storm!

Desperate times call for desperate measures. They pass ropes under the ship, in an attempt to keep the wooden ship from breaking into pieces. As lowered anchor provided a very poor brake. The next day they threw the cargo overboard. Three days later, the ship’s tackle!

When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.

Like Paul, students of Jesus sometimes find themselves in the midst of a storm. Circumstances beyond their control! Situations not of their making!

Maybe not a weather-related storm, but as fearsome and battering nonetheless. Job loss, family problems, life-threatening sickness, and even death of loved ones!

But Paul saw this storm coming and tried to warn them. Now he has an, I told you so, moment.

Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss.

Some storms can be avoided if we follow good advice or even our own conscience. But not always. And here Paul gives them encouragement in the midst of the storm, much like Jesus who calmed His disciples in a storm on the Sea of Galilee.

So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.

Paul is unafraid, for God has told him he must appear before Caesar. He has long ago learned to trust God in the storms of life.

VOYAGE TO ROME

2010-03-10T04:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 27:1-12

When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius…

Paul is placed in the custody of a centurion of Caesar’s Regiment. Probably because Paul’s case will now be heard by the Emperor himself!

After a fairly normal beginning in their voyage to Italy, the journey very quickly resembles a cruise itinerary gone terribly awry!

Due to the season of the year and the prevailing winds were against them.

By the time they changed ships in Myra, the wind was against them, impeding their progress.

We made slow headway for many days and had difficulty arriving off Cnidus.

Then the wind changed direction such that they were unable to continue on a direct course - We moved along the coast with difficulty and came to a place called Fair Havens.

Paul understands it will be dangerous sailing now at this late time in the year. His advice? Spend the winter in this safe harbor.

Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.

The centurion, however, listens to the advice of the pilot and the owner of the ship, so they press on hoping to reach a more comfortable harbor on the island of Crete.

Of course, in a short time Paul’s advice will be proven correct. Over the course of this ill-fated voyage, all of the men on this ship turn to Paul for leadership.

This is the way it often happens. God leads students of Jesus to gradually gain the respect of those around them and thus gain a hearing for the Message of Jesus.

RESURRECTION!

2010-03-09T04:00:00.002-06:00

Acts 26:19-32

That the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles!

Paul’s defense is simple. He informs them his troubles are simply the result of his testimony about the resurrection of Jesus.

Paul doesn't expect them to believe Jesus rose from the dead simply because he claims to have seen Jesus one fateful day on the road to Damascus. This was true of course, but Paul reminds them of a verifiable truth...Moses and the Old Testament prophets long ago foretold the coming of the Christ!

At this point Festus interrupts Paul with an accusation – “You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane."

Apparently, Paul’s defense – his words and manner of presentation – revealed a man of great education. But the idea of a resurrection is too incredible for the governor.

However, Agrippa is a man who is very well acquainted with the Jewish religion. He knows the prophecies. Therefore, Paul makes a direct appeal to him.

King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.

What happens next is reminiscent of the time Herod ordered the death of John the Baptist because of peer pressure. Like his great-grandfather before him, Agrippa is overly influenced by the presence of prominent military leaders and important people present with him.

Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?"

Certainly Paul is on trial for his life, but he is not the only one in the room who feels indicted. That’s because the claims of Jesus always demand a response in every heart. No doubt at this point in the proceedings, even in chains, Paul is more comfortable with his position than anyone else in the hall. Including the king!

So is everyone who trusts Jesus and believes in a future resurrection.

PAUL'S MISSION

2010-03-08T04:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 25:23-26:18

To open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins…

These are the words Paul uses to describe the mission Jesus gave him to do. It is a graphic description of the condition of everyone who does not believe in Jesus.

In darkness and under the power of Satan!

The truth is all unbelievers are blind to reality. The sphere in which they live is darkness. There sins remain unforgiven!

Surely his audience understood he was talking about them also. But Paul does not fear for his life as much as he fears for their spiritual condition! He wants to share with them the way to forgiveness of sins and entrance into the kingdom of God.

Paul is very bold to talk this frankly before such an august body of people. King Agrippa, Festus, high ranking military officers and all the leading men of the city who are themselves unbelievers. Those who have power over his life!

The text records how Agrippa and Bernice entered the assembly with great pomp. The Greek word used here is phantasia. They are all living in a fantasy, something that is unreal, temporary and will not endure!

Through birth, by education and skill or even by political maneuvering, each of those assembled have created a comfortable place for themselves in the world. Their place in society must have been a source of both pride and security to them.

But Paul understands they do not have a place among the saved. They are in great danger and don't realize it. He would bring them into the light of God’s reality. The truth of Jesus!

This is Paul’s Mission and the work of every student of the Teacher.

DISCORD

2010-03-07T04:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 25:13-22

When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected...

In private conference, Festus informs King Agrippa about Paul’s case. He shares his surprise at the charges leveled against Paul. They were not crimes a judge normally expects to hear.

Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion…

It is a sad state of affairs when people who claim to believe in the same God do not respect one another. Sadder still, when the discord rises to the level of hate and even persecution! Obviously the case with Paul's accusers!

If the God who created mankind gives freedom of choice and conscience to every person in the world, by what right do men appoint themselves guardians of the truth as they see it, and then actively seek to harm those who disagree with them?

It must break God’s heart to see anyone doing such things in the name of religion. In the name of God!

Worse yet is the effect such discord among believers has on those who do not yet believe in God! It must be very confusing!

Is it coincidental that not one of the judges before whom Paul has defended himself responded favorably to his message about Jesus? Not Felix, not Festus,! Nor will King Agrippa when he hears the message!

Paul is not able preach the message under the best conditions. And his judges are not able to hear the Good News about Jesus without prejudice. A prejudice all persons naturally feel when religious people are at each other’s throats.

Paul was respectful and did his best to defend himself in a kind manner. He presented the case for faith in Jesus in a most loving manner. But the context of discord was simply too much to overcome.

In such a situation, Festus says it best - I was at a loss how to investigate such matters.

TO CAESAR!

2010-03-06T09:13:00.001-06:00

Acts 25:1-12

You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!

Here Paul exercises his right as a Roman citizen. He appeals to Caesar’s judgment of his case.

He has no choice really.

The system is rigged against him because of a secret deal the Jewish leaders made with his new judge, Festus, who had replaced Felix as the governor.

During a prolonged meeting in Jerusalem, the religious leaders who oppose Paul, made an arrangement with Festus to have Paul transferred back to Jerusalem for judgment.

Unknown to Festus is their secret plan to assassinate him in route to the city.

…they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way.

At this final trial in Caesarea, many charges were made against Paul without sufficient proof to establish his guilt in the case. But when Paul understood that Festus had in mind to send him back to Jerusalem, he appealed to Caesar.

I am now standing before Caesar's court, where I ought to be tried…no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!

Festus and the council of judges conferred about the matter and agreed there was no choice but to send Paul to Rome.

Once again, God protects Paul from a plot against his life. A scheme that, if successful, would prevent him from continuing the work God has planned for him. To testify of Jesus in Rome and beyond!

For Paul will go to Rome. He will teach about Jesus for two years as he waits for trial. Ultimately, he will be released to continue his missionary work, before finding himself once again in Rome for another trial which tradition says resulted in his death.

MAYBE LATER...

2010-03-05T04:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 24:24-27

Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.

So much for a speedy trial! Political prisoners often languish for years in prisons. Paul will remain in custody for two more years as the case against him drags on.

Felix…sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus.

Paul has an opportunity to defend himself before the ruler, but he does much more. He tells his judge about Jesus. Surely Paul would like to be free, but he also wants Felix and his wife to become followers of Jesus.

Paul even has the audacity to talk to his judge about changing his life. The need to do right and exercise self-control!

He even warns them about the coming judgment. The impact on Felix was dramatic - Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you."

For those who do not have faith in Jesus, judgment is a fearful thing. So frightening in fact, some people simply refuse to think about it. Especially when they don’t want to change their behavior, give up their harmful ways.

Felix reaction? Don’t call me, I’ll call you! Maybe later…when I have a more convenient time!

As far as we know from the historical record, Felix never found it convenient to repent and follow Jesus.

It’s understandable. Change is never easy, even positive change can be painful. And becoming more like Jesus is a commitment to an entirely different way of relating to the world, a brand new way of living.

But as students of Jesus know, following Him leads to the best kind of life, both now and forever!

CEREMONIALLY CLEAN

2010-03-04T04:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 24:1-23

I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple courts…

The Law of Moses and the traditions surrounding it required many types of ritual cleansings. Jesus clashed with the religious authorities about some of the traditions. Hand washing before meals, for example.

However, there were special requirements of cleanliness before one could enter the temple and the presence of God. Failure to do so was a form of desecration of the temple.

Desecration of a temple of any kind was a serious offense, not only to the adherents of the particular religion, but also to Roman authority.

Part of the success of Roman governance was a respect for different religions within the Empire. With Paul standing before the governor, a charge of temple desecration, if proven, will prove most damning to Paul.

This is the angle the prosecutor, Tertullus, presses against him. And the reason he gives to justify seizing Paul in the first place.

But Paul was ceremonially clean, according to the Jewish customs, when he entered the temple and he says so. And offers in his defense - They cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me.

But Paul knows that ceremonial cleansing of the body does not make a person truly clean. Washing the outside cannot remove the guilt of sin on the inside. Only trust in Jesus and His sacrifice can make a person clean before God.

This is the message Paul has been preaching. And his success in turning people to faith in Jesus is really why he is in trouble here.

Paul deftly turns the trial away from his personal behavior to the real issue - It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today. Even on trial for his life, Paul stays on message!

GOD'S PROTECTION

2010-03-03T04:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 23:23-35

Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen…

God provides 470 soldiers, cavalry and spearmen for Paul’s safe escort out of the city of Jerusalem. Away from the reach of the 40 assassins who have conspired to kill him!

The Bible is replete with stories of God’s rescue of his people. Noah from the flood, Moses from Pharaoh, David from Goliath, and Daniel from the lions!

Here Paul is saved from death. However, God’s protection has many forms. Sometimes even death is a kind of protection.

For those who believe in the resurrection, there are things worse than death. Jesus was not saved from death, though He prayed fervently to avoid the cross if it could be God’s Will.

But God’s protection is on the other side of death as well. Jesus found this to be true in His resurrection. A greater glory and blessedness for Him because of His cross!

And protection and rescue for every man, woman, boy and girl who believes in Jesus. God’s protection from the guilt of sin through the forgiveness made possible by Jesus’ death. And rescue from death by a promised resurrection.

We pray for God’s protection to spare our lives and it may be granted. Other times, God who knows our futures, allows our lives to end here on earth in order that we might be with Him. Doubtless all who die in faith awake to a state of bliss from which they would not wish to return.

God safeguards Paul’s life because he has important work to do. He must testify of Jesus before kings and rulers. Paul will spend the next few years in prison, but because of this he will have opportunities to speak of Jesus.

Students of Jesus believe in God’s protection!

IN HIS STEPS

2010-03-02T04:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 23:12-22

We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul.

Jesus said, The student when fully trained will be like his Teacher!

We rightly interpret this to mean following in the steps of Jesus leads us to become more like Him. More loving, peaceful, joyful, merciful and kind, gentle, even powerful!

With Jesus as our Teacher and the Holy Spirit producing His fruit in our lives, we develop and mature in the traits of Jesus. It is very positive and satisfying to become a better person!

But it is equally true, the more students become like the Teacher, the more their life resembles His in ways that are not pleasant. The steps of Jesus lead in ways of struggle and danger. Even death!

This is why Jesus counsels those who prepare to follow Him to count the cost.

Now Paul knows from personal experience, both the joys and the struggles in walking in the footsteps of Jesus.

The Book of Acts not only records Paul’s wonderful successes in creating students for Jesus, but also many troubles he endured in the process. From the moment of his baptism in Damascus, Paul as been in danger of personal harm!

Here is yet another plot to kill him. Forty men vow not to eat until Paul is dead by their hands. One wonders whether they broke their vows or all died of hunger! For once again, God protects him through a warning from his nephew.

It is not one way for the Teacher and another way for students who follow Him. The steps of Jesus also lead to a cross. The cross of personal suffering!

Daily we suffer the death of selfishness and the cravings of human passions as we put them to death in order to live the life Jesus gives.

And like Paul, sometimes we suffer from the unkind words and actions of those who oppose us. But always the steps of Jesus led upward.

SHREWD PLOY

2010-03-01T04:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 23:6-11

My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead.

Paul gets off to a bad start in his defense. When he mentions living in good conscience, the High Priest orders him to be slapped. Things are not going well.

Paul realizes he must do something drastic to save himself. His strategy?

Divide and conquer.

He quickly sizes up his jury. They are two divergent groups, Sadducees and Pharisees - The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.

Paul sides with the truth and proclaims it. After all, this is what he has been preaching about Jesus all along. There is a resurrection!

The result?

The council immediately devolved into contentious debate among themselves. Pharisees siding with Paul and Sadducees arguing vigorously against him!

The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks.

Who can fault Paul for this shrewd ploy? He has been wise in his tactic and done no harm. He lives to teach another day and the Lord approves.

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

GOOD CONSCIENCE

2010-02-28T07:50:00.001-06:00

Acts 22:22-23:5

Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, "My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.”

How could Paul make such a statement? Didn’t he formerly persecute and kill followers of Jesus? Yes, but apparently, he didn’t violate his conscience in doing those things.

And now Paul is released to speak to the Supreme Court of Israel and he is set to defend his recent action of creating students for Jesus. The very idea he formerly opposed!

Apparently, Paul could look back at the contradictory actions in his life and truthfully say he did everything in good conscience.

When he persecuted Christians, he thought it was God’s Will. After meeting Jesus, he worked to spread the Good News of Jesus. In both, he did what he thought to be right at the time.

That’s a good conscience! Doing what you think is right!

Sometimes preachers and commentators make much of the fact that conscience is not a good guide. The point is often made that only God’s Word – the Bible – can properly inform our consciences.

We can be conscientious, and be very wrong! After all, Paul was wrongly persecuting Christians with a clear conscience.

These are good observations. Our consciences alone are not an infallible guide for behavior. Doing something in good conscience doesn’t necessarily mean what we are doing is right. God’s Will must be the teacher of our conscience.

But there is another truth here and this is the importance of following our consciences! A good conscience is a mark of integrity. God gave us conscience to motivate us to proper behavior and create guilty feelings when we violate it.

Consider the possibility that Jesus appeared to Paul and chose him to be an apostle precisely because he was always lived with a good conscience!

ONE-TRACK MIND

2010-02-27T04:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 21:37-22:23

Strange! Paul is in no hurry to get away from the mob that only seconds before was beating him to death.

Bruised and no doubt bleeding, Paul has only one thing on his mind. Convincing these people to become students of Jesus!

Even in pain, Paul has a one-track mind! He asks the commander of the soldiers who rescued him for permission to speak to the crowd.

This is an incredible example of dedication to the Teacher who said – Go and make students in all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Paul reminds them of his former life as a persecutor of Christians. How he participated in the stoning of Stephen and of his efforts to kill other followers of Jesus!

Then he tells them how Jesus appeared to him and he became a student of Jesus. Commissioned to take the Good News to the Gentile nations!

He tells how Ananias taught him the necessity of being baptized into Christ - And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.

He defends his mission efforts among the nations - Then the Lord said to me, 'Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'

The crowd listened quietly to Paul until he mentioned the inclusion of the Gentiles in God’s plan. At this, they began again to call for his death and the soldiers carried him away.

Did Paul believe his testimony would change their minds? That they also would become students of Jesus? He must have hoped so.

In any case, he was doing what the Jesus asked of him. He was being a good student of the Teacher! And like Jesus, he loved them.

Saying someone has a one-track mind usually isn’t a compliment. But if it is a mind set on pleasing the Teacher it is high praise indeed!

NO COINCIDENCES

2010-02-26T04:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 21:27-36

Sometimes unpleasant circumstances seem to conspire against us. When in reality they bring us closer to our destiny. This is exactly what happened to Paul when he went to the temple.

Here Paul coincidentally meets some Jews from the province of Asia. No doubt from a city Paul had visited on one of his missionary journeys. They recognize him and are very upset to see him in the temple!

Perhaps they are some of the men who were in the mob who stoned him in Lystra or other irate men who unsuccessfully opposed him in Ephesus. Angry with Paul because of his success in teaching about Jesus in their synagogues!

They begin to shout to everyone - Men of Israel, help us! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against our people and our law and this place.

Paul is a victim of circumstances. They bring a false accusation that he had defiled the temple by bringing Greeks there - They had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with Paul and assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple area.

The riot spreads through the city like wildfire. They drag Paul from the temple and begin to beat him to death. Only the intervention of a Roman troop saves his life!

Coincidence? Students of Jesus do not believe it. What seems to be accidental may be a part of God’s plan. Even unpleasant circumstances may be lead us to fulfill our destiny. God is sovereign!

When Jesus called Paul to be an apostle to the Gentiles, He told him how he would suffer for his Name and be a witness before Kings.

Now, because of this incident Paul will be tried in several Roman Courts. As an attorney, Paul will make his own defense. And his message about Jesus will be heard by the Kings who sit in judgment over him.

Eventually Paul will be executed for his faith. But not before he fulfills the work Jesus gave him. And it’s no coincidence that these men who tried to kill Paul actually propel him along on the path of God’s Will.

GOOD PLAN

2010-02-25T04:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 21:17-26

Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.

Paul arrives in Jerusalem and meets with the Elders. He’s excited to share the results of his mission trips. When they heard this, they praised God.

God gave Paul incredible success in reaching out to the Gentile people. His reputation of establishing churches with large Gentile populations has preceded him to Jerusalem. But not all rumored about Paul’s work is true.

The elders inform Paul the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem have been told Paul teaches the Gentiles to reject the teaching of Moses. The elders are concerned that Paul’s presence will disturb the peace of the Jewish Christians there.

Of course Paul taught the truth, that following the teaching of Jesus is all-sufficient. However, he didn’t teach Gentile Christians to reject Moses, he only informed them they didn’t need to keep the customs of the Jews to be pleasing to God.

But, as we have already observed, some Jewish Christians do not yet understand this truth. They believe in Jesus for salvation, but erroneously believe everyone must also keep the teachings of Moses.

The elders have a plan to remove any doubt about Paul’s personal acceptance of Jewish customs. They ask Paul to take four men to the temple and pay for their purification rites.

Then everybody will know there is no truth in these reports about you.

It is very informative that both the eldership and Paul know that these rites in the temple have nothing to do with salvation in Jesus. Yet, they are willing to participate in them for the purpose of unity with the Jewish Christians for whom these traditions are culturally relevant.

So Paul goes into a temple and makes an offering to priests who do not believe in Jesus. What does this say about our own willingness to become all things to all people that we may win them to Jesus? It's a Good Plan.

FAMILY UNIVERSAL

2010-02-24T04:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 21:1-16

All the disciples and their wives and children accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray.

The University of Jesus is also the Family Universal. Every student of Jesus finds a brother or sister in every other student of Jesus! All believers everywhere in the world are children of God in the Heavenly Family!

Now Paul is on the final leg of his third missionary journey. He finds fellow Christians – Family - in every place he stops on his way to Jerusalem. In the cities of Tyre, Ptolemais and Caesarea!

Christian hospitality is extended. Food and lodging. But Paul finds much more than a meal and a roof over his head every time he meets fellow students of Jesus.

They pray and worship together. There is also genuine concern for one another.

A mutual love that seems strange to those who do not know Jesus!

How can you care so deeply for someone you met only today?

It is a love that can only be explained as the Love of God at home in the hearts of those who know Jesus. And it is this love that changes everything! For the love of God in our hearts causes us to love everyone, especially our friends in Christ.

Here we observe brothers and sisters genuinely concerned over Paul’s safety if he ventures into Jerusalem. A prophet named, Agabus, graphically predicts Paul’s imprisonment in Jerusalem.

When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem…Then Paul answered, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."

When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, "The Lord's will be done."

This is what Family is all about!

SERVING OTHERS

2010-02-23T04:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 20:25-38

It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Paul knows what Jesus says well enough to quote Him. Paul is a good student of the Teacher. He pays attention to what Jesus says and tries to pattern his life after Him.

And like Jesus, Paul is living the sacrificial and joyful life of a giver. Devoting his life to serving others!

Here, he charges the elders from the church in Ephesus to be faithful in their service as shepherds in the church.

Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.

This is God’s plan for the church. Elders! Mature men who can serve others as examples of what it means to follow Jesus. And as teachers in the church!

As he says goodbye to these elders, he reminds them of his own lifestyle, the way he lived during the time he was with them.

He reminds them of the importance of preaching to others about the kingdom of God. He asks them to be on guard against those who might distort the truth of Jesus and lead people astray.

And Paul reminds of the importance of working in order to support their own families and to help others in need.

You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak…

When he had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again.

PAUL'S GOODBYE

2010-02-22T04:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 20:13-24

From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church.

Now Paul says goodbye to the elders of the church in Ephesus. A final farewell to students of Jesus who have matured in the likeness of Jesus and become leaders in the church!

What dear thoughts must have arisen in his mind! Did he remember the first time he came to Ephesus? No doubt he thought about the first time he met these men and how they responded to his message and became followers of Jesus.

Paul would certainly miss their close fellowship, yet be at ease knowing he was leaving the church in their loving care.

He reminds them of how he conducted himself while with them every day for over two years. What he says to them reveals to us a great deal about Paul’s personality and manner of teaching.

We see into the very heart of Paul when he shares - You know how I lived the whole time I was with you…I served the Lord with great humility and with tears.

Paul was a man of emotion and compassion. He was not a cold dispenser of facts. He cared and they had seen his love in his tears!

You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.

Sometimes Paul taught large assemblies. Often he would go to someone’s home and share the Good News with only a few.

I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus…However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

What an example of how to be a good student of Jesus Paul was to them!

BODYGUARDS?

2010-02-21T04:00:00.002-06:00

Acts 20:1-12

He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy also, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia.

Ah, mission work… What a life Paul lived!

Always in unfamiliar surroundings and far from home. The rigors of travel, different cultures and strange food!

But Paul is a great student of Jesus. The Teacher promised that anyone who leaves the comforts of home and family for the sake of teaching the Gospel will be blessed. Reimbursed a hundred times for the sacrifice!

Jesus is always right! And now Paul knows from experience. He has hundreds of fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers. The people he has led to faith in Jesus!

Paul literally has a hundred homes open to him. Hundreds of gardens filled with produce are his. Thousands of hearts filled with love for him because of the message of hope he has shared.

And here we have the names of a few of Paul’s special friends. Those whose faith and devotion moved them to forsake their homes also. These traveling companions multiply his effectiveness in teaching.

But there is an additional burden for Paul. He is under almost constant threat of death, as the enemies of the Message of Jesus seek to destroy the man who leads so many to become students of Jesus.

Through these trials, his companions also serve as bodyguards. Paul is comforted and no doubt emboldened to have them at his side. He is not alone!

This is all highly reminiscent of the ministry of Jesus. Though constantly under verbal and physical threats, the Twelve traveled with Him. Believed in His mission and supported Him.

Bodyguards? Perhaps. A source of strength? Undoubtedly!

RELIGION & MONEY

2010-02-20T04:00:00.002-06:00

Acts 19:23-41

There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited…

Money and religion together can be a good thing. The first students of Jesus in Jerusalem sold land and houses and brought the money to the apostles. These charitable contributions fed the poor and needy.

On this third missionary journey, Paul is collecting money from the Gentile churches to help the poor Christians in Jerusalem. Jesus taught the value of giving money to help the poor.

Money is not inherently evil. But the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Especially when it gets in the way of following Jesus.

Here, the advance of Christianity is opposed by a silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines for the idol worship of Artemis. Paul’s teaching that man-made gods are not gods at all affects his business. He calls an emergency meeting of the silversmiths and other craftsmen who are losing money.

Men, you know we receive a good income from this business. And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia.

These men created a riot and the whole city was in an uproar. The mob seized some of Paul’s company. Disaster was averted only when a city official managed to calm the crowd.

Religion and money are only compatible when money takes a subordinate role and is used for good and necessary purposes.

Students of Jesus are the most generous people in the world. Their contributions feed the hungry; clothe the poor, aid orphans and widows and support those who teach the Good News throughout the world.

But there is always danger when money becomes more important than Jesus.

SORCERY

2010-02-19T04:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 19:1-21

Paul decided to go to Jerusalem…"After I have been there," he said, "I must visit Rome also."

Paul looks ahead. He plans to complete this third missionary journey with a trip to Jerusalem. Then on to Rome!

From other passages in the New Testament, we learn one of Paul’s reasons for wanting to go to Jerusalem. He desires to take a gift of money to the poor Christians there.

On this tour, he plans to collect contributions from the newly formed Gentile churches for this purpose.

In the meantime, Paul is able to live and teach in the city of Ephesus for two years with great success. He established daily classes in the school of Tyrannus - so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.

As with most cities in the Roman Empire, Ephesus was home to idolatry and sorcery. Paul was able to lead people out of those superstitions into knowledge of the True and Living God and Jesus His Son.

Here we see a clash of ideas. On the one hand, reliance on superstition, soothsayers, fortune tellers, and the occult! On the other, the simple message of trust in Jesus for direction in life.

The Good News of Jesus finds great acceptance in Ephesus.

Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.

Becoming a student of Jesus means relying on Him not only for direction in life, but also for a sense of security about the future! Followers of Jesus no longer seek to peer into the future through astrology and sorcery, but completely trust their tomorrows to Jesus.

HOMECOMINGS

2010-02-18T04:00:00.003-06:00

Acts 18:18-28

After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

Paul leaves Corinth and travels to Ephesus. He doesn’t stay long. His second missionary journey comes to a close. He returns for a Homecoming - to his home base - the Antioch Church.

His first journey took him to the Island and Cyprus and then to several cities in what is now central and eastern Turkey. On this second longer journey, he revisited the churches he established on his first journey and then traveled farther west, establishing churches in the cities of Greece.

After spending some time in Antioch, Paul embarks on his third missionary tour. His purpose? To strengthen the students of Jesus he enlisted on his first two journeys!

Paul has been paying close attention to the Teacher. Jesus said to go and make students and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

But that isn’t all He said. Jesus continued by saying – Teaching them to observe everything I have commanded…

Who is responsible for nurturing new students? To show them how to become successful students? According to Jesus, it is the person who taught them and baptized them in the first place!

This is what makes Paul’s work such a model for students of Jesus today. He doesn’t go out and share the good news, make new students for Jesus, baptize them and then abandon them.

He also does the much more time-consuming work of getting involved in their lives, answering their questions and helping them through problems.

That’s why He goes back to the same places again and again. And why, when he can’t see them face to face, he writes personal letters, many of which are preserved in the New Testament. In all of this, Paul is a conscientious student of Jesus.

CORINTH

2010-02-17T04:00:00.002-06:00

Acts 18:1-17

Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.

Here God tells Paul not to worry for his personal safety. He will not be harmed in Corinth. What a relief this must have been to Paul.

He has been stoned and left for dead in Lystra and beaten and imprisoned in Philippi! Numerous death threats and often chased from town to town. Yet still managing to establish churches on the run.

Now Paul will have a time of relative peace and great success. God tells him many in this city will turn to Jesus. For a year and a half, Paul will teach the message of Jesus to the people of Corinth.

As with any new church planting, the fellowship in Corinth will experience growing pains. But Paul will lay a firm foundation of faith before he leaves the city. Later, he will write two letters of the New Testament addressing some of the problems that will develop in the church.

Paul attached himself to Aquila and Priscilla. He lived with this couple and worked side by side with them in the business of tent making. For the most part, Paul worked with his own hands to support his mission work.

At first, as his custom was, Paul reasoned with the Jews and Greeks in the synagogue. When forces of opposition grew, he devoted himself to teaching the Gentile population of Corinth exclusively.

The arrival of Silas and Timothy freed Paul from the demands of tent making and he devoted himself exclusively to preaching with great success.

And many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized.

This is the same pattern of responding to the message of Jesus that we have observed in each case of conversion recorded in the Book of Acts.

SAME MESSAGE

2010-02-16T04:00:00.002-06:00

Acts 17:16-34

In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.

Athens may be an elite city, a place of education and philosophy, nevertheless, in one respect the people are no different from people everywhere. They too must repent!

In fact, Athenian preoccupation with man-made philosophy and mythical religion has left them without any real connection with the True and Living God.

That’s why Paul’s message is the same. They must believe in Jesus and change their lives.

John the Baptizer preached the same message when he prepared the people for Jesus’ coming. Jesus also taught the necessity of repentance. The message is universal because the need is universal.

Athens certainly was no exception – Paul...was greatly distressed to see the city was full of idols.

A city filled with images and temples to various Gods! Paul noticed one altar with the inscription - TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.

Seizing the opportunity, Paul announces his intention to tell them about the God they do not know. He informs them this God cannot be contained in an image, an idol or a temple.

The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.

He challenges their misguided religious pursuits –In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.

They must repent, give up their superstitions and believe in Jesus. For Jesus will one day judge the world.

Today, for modern man, the message is The Same!

DAILY READING!

2010-02-15T04:00:00.002-06:00

Acts 17:10-15

Now the Bereans…were of more noble character…for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

The Bereans listened to Paul’s message about Jesus. But they did much more. They investigated the claims he was making.

If they had blindly accepted the Good News, they would have been - Irresponsible. If they had rejected the Message out of hand because it was new, they could be called - Prejudiced. Because they searched the Scriptures to see if it was true, God calls them - Noble.

The Bereans opened the Old Testament prophecies to see if Paul’s message about Jesus was true. Did Jesus life, death and resurrection measure up to the predictions found there about the Savior who was to come?

Their conclusion after thorough investigation:

Many of the Jews believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men.

The citizen’s of Berea serve as a classic example for students of Jesus everywhere. For them, God’s written Word was the source of authority for direction in life. For this reason, they searched the Scriptures.

The text also says they searched the Scriptures with eagerness! Their receptivity to the message is understandable. Who wouldn't be hopeful about forgiveness of sin and a future resurrection from the dead?

And while they no doubt lived very busy lives – as everyone does – they set aside some time to read and study God’s Word. It was excitement about knowing Jesus' new way for their lives that motivated them to re-arrange their priorities to make time for Bible study.

Scripture was for them both authoritative and exciting. So much so, that it is recorded - they examined the Scriptures every day!

It was a long time ago, but their attitudes and actions still describe every serious student of Jesus today. Daily Reading!

HABITS

2010-02-14T04:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 17:1-9

As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures

Paul is a great student of Jesus. He knows that some habits are good. And he learned this from the Teacher!

Jesus also had a custom of going to the synagogue on the Sabbath to read Scripture and teach the people!

Paul does what successful students of Jesus do. He pays attention to the Teacher. Not only what the Teacher says, but also what He does.

He learns that good habits are as strong and lasting as bad ones.

Often we think of habits as bad things – weakness, addiction, indulgence, sin! Perhaps everyone could name a few bad habits standing between them and a better way of living.

Bad habits are hard to break. But so are good habits!

Our Teacher doesn’t want us to do good haphazardly. He shows us how to make disciplined acts of goodness habitual, until we do them because it is who we are becoming. Until they become habit!

The Teacher shows us the way to a fuller life – the best life – is changing our habits. What is customary of us!

Here Paul reaps the positive rewards of his good habit.

Some…were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women.

By consciously disciplining ourselves to follow the example and teaching of Jesus, gradually we actually become more like Him.

Then it may be said of us – They followed Jesus as their custom was.

THE QUESTION

2010-02-13T04:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 16:29-40

Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

This is the most important question anyone can ask. It is the thought on the mind of the Philippian jailer when he understands Paul and Silas are sent by God.

And it is the reason why Paul and his company have left their homes. To take the message of rescue to the world!

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household.”

The answer to the question is Jesus! It is He who came to earth and died for the sins of the world. He rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, opening the way to live with God forever.

The jailer believed in Jesus power to save him. He took Paul and Silas out of the prison and washed their wounds - then immediately he and all his family were baptized.

We see once again the coupling of faith and baptism. Immersion in water for the remission of sins – as Peter first preached in Jerusalem –is what faith leads a student of Jesus to do.

In fact, baptism is so closely linked to faith that in the Book of Acts nobody who came to faith in Jesus delayed their baptism once they were told of its necessity.

Here it says the jailer and his household were baptized immediately!

Baptism is God’s preordained response of faith in Jesus. In baptism one demonstrates his trust in Jesus’ sacrifice. It is being born again as the Teacher said, “You must be born of water and the Spirit.”

Faith that leads to the obedience of baptism brings forgiveness of sins, entrance into the Church of Christ and the Gift of the Holy Spirit.

What must I do to be saved? This is The Question!

JOY IN SUFFERING

2010-02-12T04:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 16:16-28

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.

Paul and Silas are beaten severely and imprisoned. Doubtless without proper medical care! Their reaction is surprising. They sing!

Surely, the other prisoners must have thought them mad. But their pain is not all they feel this night. Their spirits are buoyed by the fact they have not suffered in vain, rather in loving service to the Cause of Jesus.

Jesus warned that those who follow Him would suffer as He did. As the good purposes of Jesus advance in the hearts of men and women, forces of opposition inflict physical or emotional pain and suffering.

Why is there suffering in the world? Why, if God is loving and powerful?

The usual answer is that humans cannot enjoy both free will and a world free from the suffering that wrong choices bring. This rings true. Sometimes we suffer because of the sin of others or even our own.

In a fallen world, the impulse to avoid personal suffering leads man to inflict pain on others. Shortages of food may lead to theft or even murder. Inevitably, some suffer loss of property or even their lives.

Nations war against each other over land disputes or even national honor. To avoid economic pain or loss of pride, more hurt ensues.

But choosing not to believe in God because of suffering in the world does not remove suffering. It only removes the truth that makes suffering bearable.

Jesus came to show how to deal with suffering that naturally comes in a world where hurting one another seems to offer the quickest way to avoid pain ourselves. He answered hostility and suffering with love.

Knowing they will suffer, students of Jesus like Paul and Silas, choose to redeem their suffering through love. A love that extends even to their jailer who was about to kill himself for fear his prisoners had escaped - Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!"

IN EUROPE

2010-02-11T04:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 16:11-15

From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia.

Here the Good News comes to Europe! To Philippi! A Roman city named for the father of Alexander the Great - Phillip of Macedon - the leader who united Greece.

Paul’s ability to travel freely through different countries and his ability to speak to different cultures in a common language is no accident of history. God has prepared the world for this possibility.

First by the spread of Greek culture through the conquests of Alexander the Great, the Greek language has become the second language of people throughout the world. This allows Paul – also schooled in Greek – to teach in every culture without learning their unique language.

Then, the rise of the Roman Empire has brought law and order to the known world. The Pax Romano – Roman Peace - has supressed hostile nations under Roman Law. A law enforced by Rome-appointed rulers and a strong military presence in every country.

Rome also built an elaborate system of roads and established a reliable postal system. These combined to enable safety in travel and extensive communication all over the vast Roman Empire.

By God’s providence, the world was readied for the coming of Jesus. Near perfect conditions for students of Jesus to go and make students in all nations!

On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there.

Perhaps the first convert in Europe was a woman named Lydia. Lydia and her household were baptized.

Exactly what we have observed in every case of conversion to Jesus thus far in the Book of Acts! In Jerusalem and Samaria, in Antioch and Caesarea! Paul, Cornelius, an Ethiopian, and now Lydia! Students of Jesus are baptized.

LEADING

2010-02-10T04:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 16:6-10

Jesus invites every student to follow Him. If students of Jesus are expected to follow Jesus, then He must be leading, right? But how?

As our Teacher, Jesus is leading us when we follow His example. We seek to pattern our lives to His attitudes, actions and teachings. Gradually we become more like Him as the Holy Spirit works to change us into His likeness.

Although becoming more like the Teacher is not easy, at least the process seems to be straightforward. We study and meditate on the life of Jesus for direction in transformation of heart and character.

However, for day-to-day direction there is more ambiguity. We often struggle with indecision and pray about what course of action would most please Jesus. This way or that?

Here we find Paul and his companions facing exactly that kind of situation. They wonder where Jesus wants them to go next in their missionary journey.

When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.

We are not told how Jesus prevented them from going into Bithynia. It could have been by direct communication. However, it may have been through circumstances that created obstacles which they rightly interpreted as Jesus’ desire to lead in another direction. But which way?

During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us."

Was this just a dream? Under the circumstances Paul interpreted it as Jesus’ leading. The text says that Paul came to a conclusion that God was calling him into Macedonia. If so, then the leading of Jesus sometimes involves our own best conclusions based on all the circumstances.

Now the Good News will go into Europe for the first time! And all because these students of Jesus were focused on the leading of Jesus!

MASTER BUILDER

2010-02-09T04:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 16:1-10

Churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.

It’s no coincidence the churches Paul started are growing. Nor should it surprise us that Paul is an enthusiastic and effective recruiter of students for Jesus.

Paul was formerly a fervent and proficient persecutor of the church. He scattered over 20,000 Christians from the city of Jerusalem and was going to Damascus for the same purpose when Jesus called Him to be an apostle to the Gentiles.

Now, Paul’s education, zeal and resourcefulness combine with the leading of the Holy Spirit to make him a Master Builder of churches!

But Paul’s success did not originate within himself, but rather in following the example of The Teacher. Everything we learn from Paul we see first in the teaching ministry of Jesus, because Paul’s attitudes and methods were learned from Him.

Here, Paul chooses Timothy as an apprentice. One of more than fifteen others we know by name that Paul selected to help him in ministry! Where did Paul get this idea, if not from Jesus who chose and trained and commissioned the Twelve and sent out the Seventy?

There is more here than first meets the eye. Most of the Book of Acts is a record of Paul’s efforts to share the message of Jesus. And half of the New Testament books are written by Paul!

God preserved for all future generations an inspired model of how students of Jesus can effectively share the gospel as they follow Jesus.

If we study the mission strategies of Paul, we have the best practical example of what it means for a human being to successfully fulfill the last command of our Lord to - go and make students in all nations.

Obviously, God wants us to become a companion of Paul in his journeys and take note of his methods. Like Paul, the closer we intentionally copy the ways of Jesus, the more capable and effective students of Jesus we will become. And more will become His students!

IT HAPPENS

2010-02-08T04:00:00.002-06:00

Acts 15:36-41

They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company.

It’s reality. Sometimes even faithful students of Jesus disagree. Even sharply!

Here the disagreement arises between the apostle Paul and Barnabas over whether John Mark should be allowed to go with them on their second missionary journey.

As with most such troubles between students of Jesus, the issue is not over absolute right and wrong. In those cases, believers can often find common ground by consulting and discussing the relevant Scriptures on the issue.

Yet sometimes, divisions are created by differing interpretations of the Scriptures. Many of the different kinds of Christian churches in the world today are the result of honest differences of opinion about God’s Word.

Here, however - as is usually the case - the problem arises over different ideas about how to do something both Paul and Barnabas agree ought to be done. Taking the Message of Jesus to those who haven't heart it!

And as is also very often true, both Paul and Barnabas probably have good solid reasons for their differing opinions about taking John Mark this time.

It’s easy to see why Paul wouldn’t want him along again. After all, he deserted them the first time, turned back and left them high and dry.

It’s also understandable why Barnabas would want to give the young man a second chance to serve.

Both right! Both unwilling to compromise! That’s a recipe for a division of some degree.

Yet, since both were men of good will, God uses the split to create a more effective plan. Barnabas takes John Mark and Paul takes Silas. The result is two missionary journeys instead of one!

It Happens! But such disagreements usually do no lasting harm.

WELCOMED LETTER

2010-02-07T04:00:00.002-06:00

Acts 15:22-35

The apostles and elders, your brothers, To the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia: Greetings.

The original copy of the letter sent from Jerusalem to the Antioch church has been lost to history. Nevertheless, this document is reliably reproduced here in its entirety by Luke, the author of the Book of Acts.

One can easily imagine the anxiety in the hearts of the Gentile members of the Antioch fellowship. An unease created by an unauthorized group of Jerusalem Christians who earlier visited the Antioch believers with a troubling idea – Now that you have accepted the Message of Jesus, you must keep the Jewish traditions also.

Now comes a most Welcomed Letter from the council recently concluded in Jerusalem. Gentile Christians are not required to be circumcised or keep any of the traditions of Moses!

The letter is straightforward and to the point:

First an explanation - some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said.

Then the conclusion of the apostles and elders - It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements:

You will do well to avoid these things.

1. You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols,
2. from blood,
3. from the meat of strangled animals and
4. from sexual immorality.

Though the Gentile Christians are not required to keep the Jewish traditions, they must be careful not to remain involved in the traditions of Gentile culture either! All of these restrictions are specifically designed to keep Gentile believers from the pitfalls of the practices associated with the worship of idols.

The letter closes simply, Farewell. Indeed! They will fare very well now!

PIVOTAL MOMENT

2010-02-06T04:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 15:1-21

Here we observe a critical moment for the progress of faith in the world. A council meeting convened in Jerusalem to consider a potentially corrosive issue!

At first, the issue may seem insignificant, even trivial. But in fact it is life or death for the future of Christianity!

The question brought before the apostles and elders is this: Must Gentile converts to Jesus be required to keep the Law of Moses and be circumcised?

Present at the meeting were some Jewish Christians who thought the traditions of their unique culture should be binding on every new Gentile Christian anywhere in the world.

Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, "The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses."

How this question is decided will either burden the Message of Jesus with the traditions of Judaism and so inhibit its spread throughout the world or free the Good News to be more easily assimilated into divergent cultures.

Paul’s work to plant new Gentile fellowships hangs in the balance, but Peter - who baptized the first Gentile convert - is the first to speak.

God…accepted them (Gentiles) by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them…No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.

Paul and Barnabas tell of their success among the Gentiles. James offers the definitive argument from an Old Testament prophecy about the future inclusion of the Gentiles and then makes the final pronouncement - It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.

In a Pivotal Moment, the crisis is averted. The future secured! Today, students of Jesus in cultures throughout the world live in this freedom.

BED OF ROSES?

2010-02-05T04:00:00.002-06:00

Acts 15:21-28

They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples (students).

Paul and Barnabas continue on their missionary journey with great success. They are engaged in exactly the mission Jesus gave to His followers before He ascended to heaven – Go and make students of all nations…

What do they tell these new students to expect as they begin to follow Jesus? They tell them it will not be easy - “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said.

That’s strange...something is wrong here! Why don't they tell them all their problems are over now? Why didn’t Paul instruct them to give money for his mission work and then God would resolve whatever troubles them?

Someone should tell Paul he just doesn’t understand how following Jesus really works! Obviously, Paul didn’t share the message of modern-day preachers, who in their churches and via radio and television, preach a message of prosperity!

Instead of hardship, many today teach that when you become a follower of Jesus your problems are over. Your debts will be paid, your children won’t get into trouble anymore, and your wayward spouses will come home.

Of course, Jesus has the power to bless us in many of these ways. And in the course of time, with the changes Jesus makes in our hearts, good things can and will happen through our improved example and by persistent prayer.

But there is a problem with this Bed or Roses theory of Christianity. The difficulty is this: God does not force others to do what we would have them to do simply because we wish it.

God gives everyone in the world freedom to choose their own course in life. And unfortunately some will not choose the good way.

Even Jesus says that some in our own household may become our enemies because we choose to follow Him. Following Jesus isn’t always a Bed of Roses! Sometimes we must endure hardship and be true to the faith…

SUCCESSFUL?

2010-02-04T04:00:00.002-06:00

Acts 14:1-20

They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead.

Here we see part of what Jesus meant when He called Paul to be His messenger to the Gentiles. Remember? Jesus told Paul He would show him everything he would suffer for His name.

Paul, who had persecuted Christians, now suffers the ancient execution method of stoning. Then he is dragged outside of the city and left for dead!

Why was Paul stoned? Because he was successful!

Paul and Barnabas…spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed.

Paul's success in winning new students for Jesus stirred opposition in the same way Jesus' success in teaching the people roused the jealousy and anger of those who opposed Him.

Surely, being stoned does not feel very much like success! Neither did Jesus’ death of the cross measure up to any of the usual standards of earthly achievement. Yet, we know the cross was the epitome of accomplishment!

Success in overcoming sin and providing a sacrifice that creates the possibility for God to forgive our sins. And more success when He rose from the dead! Opening the way for everyone who believes in Jesus to experience their own personal resurrection in the future!

There is another similarity between what happened to Paul and what happened to Jesus. At first the people were so receptive to Paul and Barnabas they actually wanted to worship them. This is reminiscent of how the people worshiped Jesus when He came into the city of Jerusalem, only to turn on Him with shouts of Crucify Him, Crucify Him!

Paul shows us that being a good student of Jesus isn’t a guarantee that we will receive all the blessings usually associated with success. But following in Jesus’ steps brings blessings that outweigh any losses. In this we are most successful!

THE SCRIPTURES

2010-02-03T04:00:00.002-06:00

Acts 13:32-52

Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.

Why should Paul’s audience believe what he is telling them about Jesus? Does he expect them to simply take his word for it?

On the contrary, Paul appeals to the evidence of prophecy from the Old Testament. Prophecies made hundreds of years before the time of Jesus. All of which came true in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

The Books of the Old Testament were the final authority for the Jewish people. Every Sabbath Day these Scriptures were read in synagogues everywhere in the world. These prophecies are well-known to them and to Paul.

Paul uses some of the same prophecies that Peter used in his first sermon about Jesus.

You are my Son; today I have become your Father... I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David… You will not let your Holy One see decay.

In this prophecy, God promises someone – His Son – that he will not see decay. Who could this be, since everyone dies and their body returns to the dust?

Paul points out the obvious. The prophecy could not have referred to David - For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed.

But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay!

Jesus is the one who did not remain in the tomb. He arose, just as the prophecy foretold.

Those with a proper respect and knowledge of God’s Word believed Paul’s message about Jesus - The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.

Today it is still the people who look to God's Word as the final authority that find out the truth about Jesus and how to become His students and change their lives!

PAUL'S TEACHING

2010-02-02T04:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 13:13-31

Paul was perhaps the most successful missionary who ever lived. Here, in what is today the country of Turkey, we observe him in action and learn how he led people to become students of Jesus.

First, he goes to the synagogue on the Sabbath Day. He knows he will find a ready audience of people who are acquainted with the Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming Savior. And who have a sincere desire to please God.

Next, we observe how – as a total stranger - he establishes rapport and trust with the people by accurately recounting the history of Israel which is well-known to them all.

Paul begins with the time of Israel’s slavery under the pharaohs in Egypt through to the time when God leads them to the Land of Canaan.

He mentions the time of judges which lasted until the prophet Samuel anointed Saul as the first king of Israel. And finally comes to King David, about whom he says - From this man's descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised.

Jesus is the Messiah long-anticipated by the people of Israel! But Paul also includes Gentiles - Brothers, children of Abraham, and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent.

Paul’s sermon reaches its climax when he shares the Good News of the death and resurrection of Jesus.

The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath….they asked Pilate to have him executed. When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead…

As we shall see, Paul’s sermon will continue with references to Old Testament prophecies that prove Jesus is who he claims to be. The Son of God and the promised Savior of the world!

FIRST MISSION

2010-02-01T04:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 13:1-12

So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

As the believers in Antioch are worshiping and fasting, the Holy Spirit answers with a plan of action - Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.

The Antioch group demonstrates a burning desire to carry the Good News of Jesus to places beyond their borders. They are striving to obey the command of their Teacher to go and make other students in all nations. Heaven approves!

Even today, their zeal for missions provides an admirable example for every other congregation of believers.

For more than a year Paul has been living and working in the church at Antioch. During his time in this fellowship – which includes both Jews and Gentiles – Paul has gained a practical model for creating new congregations in the places he will travel.

Here begins the first of several of Paul’s mission trips chronicled in the Book of Acts. Missionary journeys that mark a real beginning of the advance of Christianity throughout the world!

Paul and Barnabas set sail for the island of Cyprus. There they begin by preaching in the synagogues. A strategy that makes perfect sense.

In the synagogues, they will find those already familiar with the Scriptures. Paul will be able to show how Jesus is the fulfillment of over 300 prophecies contained in the Old Testament. The Messiah they have been expecting!

Paul will be able to plant new churches by first recruiting students from among those who already know the Scriptures. These will form a solid core of believers to which can be added the less informed Gentile converts, just as it was done so effectively in Antioch.

Using the Antioch Model, Paul will establish scores of new congregations. These too will include both Jews and Gentiles. And also like the Antioch church, these new groups will be charitable and mission-minded as well.

PRAYER

2010-01-31T04:00:00.002-06:00

Acts 12:1-25

So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.

King Herod begins to persecute the believers - He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. Then he arrests Peter.

The church was praying for Peter, and no doubt had prayed for James too. Peter is miraculously delivered from Herod’s clutches, but James wasn’t.

We see prayer is not a kind of magic by which we induce God to give us whatever we want. Our prayers express our desires, what we think best. But always with the understanding that we trust God to answer in the way that He knows is in our best interest!

We don’t understand why God saved Peter and allowed James to die. We can only guess about these things. But we do believe that in both cases God did what was best.

Maybe James goes to heaven sooner and Peter remains to teach and write two books of the New Testament. God’s perspective is above and beyond us. For this reason - and because of His love for us – we simply trust Him.

Sometimes it is clear why our prayers are answered or not. Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane the night of His betrayal. He asked God to remove the coming suffering. God did not. And we know why!

But Jesus also prayed – Not my will, but yours be done. He endured the cross of suffering in spite of His prayer to avoid it if possible. He had faith that His unanswered prayer was God’s way to something better for Him! And something better for everyone in the world!

Yet our prayers are not fatalistic exercises. They are powerful and mean something. Not only are they expressions of our desires, but God is moved by them. And we believe He always gives us what we ask when it is in our best interests.

But…what is in our best interest is better left to God.

CHRISTIANS

2010-01-30T04:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 11:19-30

The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

The word Christian means like Christ. That’s what students of Jesus seek to become. More like their Teacher.

Why were the Antioch believers the first to be called Christians?

Perhaps it was because this group of believers was the first fellowship comprised of both Jews and Gentiles. This inclusive spirit was new and very much like Jesus who came to unite all people.

Maybe it was because of their charitable spirit. While the Jerusalem church provided food for those in their own group who were in need, the Antioch church is the first to send relief to a those not in their immediate fellowship. They sent help to the believers in Jerusalem.

The Antioch church will also send missionaries out beyond its borders to Turkey and Greece. The Message of Jesus spread from the Jerusalem church too, but it was the persecution of Saul that sparked their mission work.

Whereas the Antioch believers – in the absence of outside influences - will prayerfully and purposely set out to evangelize beyond its borders!

Inclusive fellowship of both Jews and Gentiles, charitable giving to those not in their immediate fellowship, and purposeful mission work in other countries uniquely qualify the church in Antioch to receive the name – Christian.

Upon learning of the Gentile’s inclusion in the Antioch church, Barnabas went to Tarsus to enlist the help of Saul. Now Saul – soon to have his name changed to Paul – will embark on the prolific career of mission work for which he is remembered today.

So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

Students of Jesus today seek to be inclusive, charitable to all and mission-minded. In this way, they too become more like their Teacher. And so, Christian!

GENTILES TOO!

2010-01-29T04:00:00.004-06:00

Acts 10:46 - 11:18

The apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God.

This is shocking news! Even though Jesus told His students to go into all the world and make students in every nation, at first they didn't understand what the Teacher meant by this!

Evidently, they mistakenly thought Jesus was telling them to go to the people of Israel who had been scattered and were now living in every nation. That’s why for some period of time everyone in the Christian Community was Jewish.

Now, in the home of a Gentile, Jesus miraculously shows Peter what He meant by every nation. Jesus gives the Holy Spirit to Cornelius and his household.

The circumcised (Jewish) believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.

Understanding what has happened, Peter instructs Cornelius and his family to be baptized in water in the name of Jesus.

Returning to Jerusalem, Peter has some explaining to do - So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised (Jewish) believers criticized him and said, “You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.”

Peter carefully recounts the whole story. They are convinced. If God has given the Holy Spirit to Gentiles, then the Good News of Jesus is assuredly for them also.

When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.”

From the cradle of Judaism to the entire Gentile world! The Teacher Himself had said it. They would be His witnesses beginning in Jerusalem and Judea, then in Samaria and finally to the uttermost parts of the earth!