Monday, July 29, 2013

YOU NEVER KNOW


You never know who’s watching you—who’s learning from you—who’s testing or assessing you—sometimes from close up—sometimes from afar.  Our life may be much more influential—even to strangers—than we would ever think.
Acts 7:1-3, 39, 51-8:1
Book title—“Acts of the Apostles” or “Acts of Holy Spirit.”  Today, story is not about an apostle—about one called to “wait on tables”—to serve in the daily distribution of food.  Last week—found the qualification was to be “full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.”
Stephen—one of those men.  But he did more than that—he witnessed and confounded the Jews with his testimony—full of the Spirit and godly wisdom.
Arrested—charges that he spoke blasphemy against Moses and Temple.  So in ch. 7, Stephen gives his defense.
First he recounts the history of Israel—how he knew that history—and yet it was a history of God’s people rejecting Him and Moses and losing the Temple due to their disobedience.
Then he told them they were just like their forefathers—rejecting the prophets and killing those who told about the Messiah—and they killed the Messiah who had come.  Sounds much like the sermon of Peter earlier in Acts.
So they stoned him to death.  But notice the attitude and way of his death.  Full of the Holy Spirit—vision of heaven and Jesus the Messiah standing there.  To them—more blasphemy that Jesus would be at God’s right hand.
Notice v. 58—when they stoned him, they took off their outer robes to better throw stones, and they laid their robes at the feet of a man named “Saul.”
How does Stephen die?  As he does so, he prays a similar prayer to the prayer of Jesus when he was being crucified—“Lord do not hold this sin against them.”  And also he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
And in this way, he died.  But notice also ch. 8:1, “And Saul was there, giving approval to his death.” (NIV)
What do we see in this story about Stephen (that applies to us)?
1)      Christians need to be “full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.” 

a.       None of us ever knows what will be asked of us—or what situation we will be in, because of God’s purpose in our lives or His purpose in the world. 

2)      Christians should be ready to share their faith—to tell what Jesus did for them—to give their testimony whenever a good opportunity comes. 

a.       Peter says (1 Peter 3:15),  “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” (NIV).  Isn’t this what Stephen did? 

b.      This man knew the history of the Jews—he began where they were—with what they knew and accepted—as he shared about the Messiah. 

3)      There is a connection between being “full of the Holy Spirit and godly wisdom” and “giving a reason for the hope within you” when the opportunity arises.  Sharing Christ is not an act of a person—it is an act of the Holy Spirit through the person. 

4)      The attitude for the Christian is just as important as the words.  The two need to go together.  Stephen could have ranted and raved about how he was being mistreated and killed with trumped up charges.  Instead he died with faith in the Lord—and with compassion for those who were killing him unjustly. 

5)      We never know who’s watching or who will be affected by our words and our attitude as a believer—an attitude of being “full of the Holy Spirit and godly wisdom.” 

a.       Saul—persecutor of Christians—steeped in Jewish faith—trained by top rabbis—star pupil and Jewish evangelist—watching what went on.

b.      How did this experience of seeing this follower of Jesus killed and the faith and compassion he showed enter into Saul’s conversion later on?  Probably greatly! 

c.       God uses our faith—our experiences—our words to witness and grow others in the faith and into the faith.

d.      Saul later would become Paul—the greatest early Christian evangelist, missionary, church planter, apostle to the Gentiles.  When a new Christian, Paul “confounded the Jews” with his knowledge of OT scriptures and used them to show how Jesus was the promised Messiah.
Are you full of the Holy Spirit and godly wisdom?
Are you ready to share the “reason for the hope within you” when opportunities come?
Are your attitudes and actions things that would give a positive witness for the change Christ has made in your life?
Who’s watching you—your words—your life—your faith?  How are you affecting them—for Christ or against Christ?
You never know—you never know who—and you never know when.  But God is always at work around you, to will and work for His good purposes.
And it could even be in the way you die.  But even more, in the way you live.

 

Monday, July 22, 2013

BEYOND EXPECTATIONS

God calls—God equips—we may do more, but we should not do less. 

Acts 6:1-15 

Prejudice—within the early church—church taking care of widows—giving food—Greek speaking women not being taken care of as the Hebrew speaking women. 

The Twelve apostles knew their calling—their task within the body of Christ—“the ministry of the Word of God.”  If they were diverted from “their” calling from God, the church would not grow and expand as God wanted it to. 

Nothing wrong with waiting on tables—organizing a food ministry—serving in this way IF that is what God calls you to.  But they knew they had a different calling. 

Qualifications within the church for this food distribution ministry—“full of the Spirit and wisdom.”  Whether the task is what we think to be a spiritual task (preaching/teaching the Word) or a physical ministry (food ministry)—there was a spiritual qualification—“filled with Spirit” and wisdom. 

Delegation—this ministry would be “turned over” to others from the Apostles.  Released to others to carry it out. 

Were the apostles too good to do it?  No, it was a very important task/ministry of the early church.  But an apostle—a pastor—cannot do everything.  If he or they do that, the total ministry will suffer. 

Easy for churches to expect their pastor to do everything—and in some churches—for members to do nothing.  Several problems with that.  One, the pastor is not called to all of it.  He is called especially to pray and to preach/teach the Word of God.  When he neglects that for other things, the church suffers. 

Another problem with him doing everything is that not everyone is gifted to DO everything.  Each Christian has a gift and calling from God to put into use within the body of Christ.  When each does less than that, the church suffers. 

A third problem with pastor/apostle doing it all is that it does not allow others to grow spiritually or grow in using their call and gift from God.  Stagnation in the Christian faith for any of us is wrong!  We each are called to grow—to minister—to serve as God leads us and shows us.  Ephesians 4 says a pastor should “equip the saints for the work of service.”  That means letting others do the ministry—not do it all himself. 

Especially note the names Stephen, Philip, and a man, Nicolas from Antioch—we heard of another man from Antioch—a man named Barnabas.  The story in Acts will continue especially through these men.  These men did “more” than expected of them through this ministry of food, but they did not do “less” than expected. 

Where are the people here who are “full of faith” and the “Holy Spirit”?  God calls each of us to be that—but God especially uses those who are to enable to church to grow. 

v. 7  “So the word of God spread.  The number of disciples increased rapidly.” 

Disciples—not just followers or “hangers on”—remember disciples are learners, committed followers, those seeking to pattern their lives after Jesus.  Every Christian is called to become a disciple. 

Rest of chapter and into chapter 7, “Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs.”  Called to “wait on tables”—because of being full of Holy Spirit and wisdom”—but he did MORE than just that ministry.  He did not do less—He did MORE—and that is the spirit of discipleship—and the Spirit of God’s leading. 

Stephen shared his faith—preached—taught in power—v. 10, those who opposed him “could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.”  Stephen did MORE, not less. 

What was the difference in his life?  “full of Holy Spirit and spiritual wisdom.” 

Are you full of the Holy Spirit and spiritual wisdom?  Some say they are—but the proof is in the living—in the service—in what people see from one’s life. 

A disciple is “full of the H.S. and spiritual wisdom”—full of faith. 

So lies were told by those who opposed Stephen—that he taught blasphemy.  They did not want to believe that Jesus was Messiah. 

In chapter 7, we will find more of the story of Stephen before the Sanhedrin Council.  God will use him powerfully especially in the life of one young man as he testifies on Jesus’ behalf.  One young man—but a man who would be called by God to a ministry that you and I have benefitted from greatly. 

If you want to know more, read chapter 7. 

What is your ministry in your church—this body of Christ—what does God want you doing? 

Are you “full of the Holy Spirit” and “spiritual wisdom”?  Are you doing things that aid you in being full of the Spirit and wisdom?  A disciple will do more than expected, not less.

Monday, July 15, 2013

PRAYER ANSWERED--ACTS 4-5

The apostles prayed for boldness in sharing the gospel message.  The Holy Spirit answered their prayer and confirmed it by “shaking” the place where they were.  And later in chapter 4 and chapter 5, the story of the early church continues.

(Read from Acts 4:32-37)
Acts 4:32—37
1)      One in heart and mind—The Holy Spirit unified the early church—they were together—genuine caring for one another—taking care of one another

2)      v. 32  Prayer answered—they testified to the resurrection with great power—a prayer for boldness was answered

3)      Notice Joseph Barnabas in v. 36.  We will see much more of him later in Acts—Antioch—Paul’s partner on 1st missionary journey—the church needs more encouragers—he’s quite a contrast from Ananias and Sapphira whom we meet in Acts 5.
Acts 5:1-11

1)      Apparently, they gave money, withheld part of what they received, but told the church they gave a bigger amount than they did—Peter calls it “lying to God.”  Serious offense to try to fool God or His Holy Spirit.

2)      Ananias and Sapphira both lie—and both die for their sin.

3)      Great fear comes on the church and those who heard of it—seriousness of treating God with respect, awe, honor.  You never fool God.
Acts 5:12-16

1)      Healing and miracles were performed through power of God.  Again, prayers for boldness answered.

2)      Though people did not gather near the Temple due to fear, many came to accept the Lord and be part of His church.
Acts 5:17-41

1)      Jailed for preaching—released by God—continued preaching—when you are persecuted and stopped do you continue doing what God wants or just quit?

2)      Jewish leaders/jailers puzzled—how did they get out of jail with jail still locked and guards still present?  God does miracles!

3)      Again told not to preach/teach in Jesus name.  Peter again says, “We will obey God, not man, when there is a conflict.

4)      Notice that Peter witnesses to the Jewish leaders—“you killed Him, God raised Him, of this we are witnesses.”  Told NOT to do it—he witnesses to those telling him NOT to do it—boldness of witness—answered prayer.

5)      Gamaliel’s advice—“if this is of men, it will die out—if it is of God, it will continue and we do not want to be fighting against God.

6)      Took his advice, but beat them and threatened them again.  Then released them.

7)      Apostles rejoiced in suffering for Jesus’ sake—do you and I rejoice when we suffer for being Christian?

8)      What did apostles then do?  “Never stopped preaching and preaching good news that Jesus is Messiah—no matter where they were.

9)      Could people say of any church—we see God at work there?  Could they say, “Despite opposition, they continue sharing the message of Christ?”  Could we say of ourselves, “We never stop teaching/preaching about Jesus”?
Where’s the boldness?  Do we need to pray bigger prayers?

Where are the miraculous happenings? 

Could it be said of us, “the church is of God, therefore they are succeeding and seeing growth due to being obedient to God”?

“If it is of man, it will fail.  If it is of God, it cannot be stopped!”

Are we working/serving as the church in the power of men or the power of God?  What are the results we see happening?

Where do you personally need to pray for boldness right now?  Where does our church need to be better at teaching/preaching the message—wherever we go?

Monday, July 8, 2013

SHAKEN NOT STIRRED

“Pray without ceasing—ask and you shall receive—pray or kings and all those in authority—pray like this.”  All some very good Scripture on prayer. 

What do you want God to do in your own life—in the life of your family—in the life of your church—in the world?  So often from the prayers we pray—not really too much. 

Acts 4:23-31 

I hear so many anemic prayers in God’s church—“God bless us.”  And we wonder why our lives, our families, and our churches are not changed much!

But that is not what we find in prayers in the Bible—as here in Acts.  What’s going on here?  Peter and John heal a man who was crippled for 40 years (Acts 3). 

They are then arrested for causing problems due to their preaching and teaching about Jesus.  They are told by the Council not to continue to preach and teach in Jesus name.  They say, “You decide whether we should listen to you or to God about this matter.  We cannot stop doing this.” 

The council threatens them again and releases them.  They go to where other believers are gathered and that is where we pick up the text.  What do they pray with the others gathered? 

1)      They praise God.
2)      They remind God of those who oppose His work.
3)      They pray for a boldness to continue preaching and teaching in His name.
4)      They ask for God to continue to heal and perform miracles in Jesus name. 

What do we often do when trials and hardships come?  We pray for God to remove the threat to us—but do we ever pray for boldness in sharing the message, even among hardships and trials?  Have you ever done that? 

Interesting to note that the council called Peter and John “uneducated, ignorant men.”  And they were amazed that these men could have the boldness and knowledge that they had for who they were.  But the council also said, “They had been with Jesus.”  Now that could mean just that they traveled with Jesus. 

But it also could mean that they were “changed”—“transformed” by being with Jesus.  And I believe that’s what it would mean for you and me if we took seriously “being with Jesus” on a consistent, regular basis.  But that doesn’t come through “God bless us” prayers. 

Be specific in what you ask God—ask God to save people you want to be saved.  Pray for them to overcome sins that beset them way too often.  Pray for God to overcome barriers in people’s lives to faith and obedience.  Pray for the church to have more boldness—in fact don’t pray that.  Pray by name for each member to have more boldness in teaching and living the Word of God. 

Do you see any difference there between that and “bless everybody and heal everybody”? 

James Bond movies years ago—when he got drinks (and I’m not advocating drinking alcoholic drinks)—but he always asked for them “shaken not stirred.” 

That’s what a church needs—to be “shaken not stirred.”  So often we are stirred by a good sermon or good point in a sermon.  But we are just stirred—never shaken to the point that we change our ways based on what we heard.  We heard a man—we did not hear from God—or at least, we did not act on what we heard from God. 

Notice in v. 31, what happened after they prayed a bold prayer to God—was He pleased?  He confirmed He would answer their prayer by “shaking the place.” 

And what also happened was that they were then “filled with the Holy Spirit.”  God showed up—God showed His approval—God answered their prayer—God brought His confirmation of His power in their lives again—the filling of the H.S. 

One baptism of the H.S.—many fillings.  Saved—baptized in H.S.  When weak—when have sinned—need His filling again.  Filling implies His control over us again—and it implies the power of God active in our life again.   You don’t get more of God’s Spirit—he gets more of YOU! 

The church needs to be shaken not stirred.  And the church needs the filling of the H.S. again.  That provides the needed boldness to live for God—share Him with others—pray bolder prayer—empower us for service that we need. 

Some one here said to me one time, “We are a church of introverts.”  True—so what is needed more than maybe other places is God’s filling—shaking—God’s empowerment for boldness to go on despite being introverted. 

When God shook the place—confirming His agreement with their request—and when He filled them with the H.S.—they then “spoke the Word with boldness”  God answered their prayer. 

What do you need in your life most?  What does the church need in order to grow and be what God wants us to be?  Boldness and filling with the Holy Spirit. 

And how does that happen?  Part of the answer is through praying for boldness and praying for God’s filling. 

For God’s filling to occur, we need to confess our sins and ask God to control our life again. 

Will you begin to pray for yourself and others—will you pray for boldness and His filling? 

Are you shaken today—or just stirred?