Scripture: Acts 15:10-11
"Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."
Observation:
In the life of the early church, it was a big deal when the gospel was preached to the Gentiles. Years of tradition, generations of racial separation, centuries of "us vs. them" mentality came to a crossroads when God revealed His plan to Peter. The thing is, it takes a lot to overcome the "we've-always-done-it-that-way" thinking, even in the early church. In Acts 15 there is a difference of opinion about which laws have to be observed by the Gentile believers in order to truly be saved, specifically whether they ust be circumcised.
Peter's response is to say
a) that circumcision is a symbol of the law, and
b) even we, the Jews, despite years of trying, haven't been able to uphold it;
emphasizing his point that Christ-following is about grace.
Application:
It's not unheard of that the church today would have this same discussion. We change the specifics but essentially we're saying, "Those non-believers? They don't act like Christians so I am going to condemn them." But we're just like the believers in the early church that Peter was talking about--we haven't mastered the Christian life and yet we think others should do it before they have the power of Christ at work in them.
I think it's time to live with grace--knowing that without it we're lost; knowing that to extend it is to be like Christ; knowing that we've done nothing to deserve it.
Prayer:
God, I pray that through Your power You would make New Hope a place of grace--a place to give it and receive it and to see it lived out. Forgive us for selfishly receiving but failing to share. Make New Hope a place of new hope, overflowing with grace. We'll be careful to give You the honor and praise for what You accomplish. Amen.
February 7, 2008 by Keith
Acts 14: At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed. 2But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.
At first glance in verse one it seems as if Paul and Barnabas are experiencing the most effective ministry possible! Together they went as usual to the Jewish synagogue… you can assume a large crowd gathered… possibly larger than the last time because people were excited and invited their friends and family to hear about these two guys Paul and Barnabas.
Then verse 1b tells us “there they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed.” This is every teaching pastor’s dream… how great is that… they spoke so effectively. They had great points, they were articulate, they tagged teamed seamlessly, they pulled heart strings, people laughed at their jokes, and the message was clear and concise. The result: a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed. That’s what every Pastor wants to hear after every service “a great number believe.”
Then came the “But…” a great number believed… but… Like all reality… there were “other” people there that weren’t so happy with what happened. Maybe they didn’t like the teaching style, the content, or the way Paul and Barnabas were dressed. Whatever the reason verse 2 tells us, “the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.”
This happens every time effective teaching takes place… every time God is at work and someone believes…. There are those that “stir up people and poison their minds.”
It happened here with the early church and it happens today. I can’t be surprised when someone celebrates a changed life in Christ; then there will be someone ready to “poison their mind.” There will be someone ready to stir up gossip, dissention, and all kinds of problems.
Just as the story in Acts 14 continues for God’s glory, so the story continues today too.
I pledge to stray true to God and honor Him. It’s so easy to get distracted by the critics… it’s so easy to get upset… and even to sin in my heart. However, I will get my eyes on the prize – Jesus Christ.
How can I speak effectively the message of God… so that they might believe? Ultimately it’s up to God to do His work. I have to be like Paul and Barnabas and be willing to go and be used and stand up for truth… and when hard times come, endure with integrity and in love.
Father, help me to do your work. I greatly desire for those who do not know you to believe in your saving grace. Open my eyes to your work. Protect me from the poison that the enemy wants to plant in my mind and those around me. Give us wisdom on how to combat the enemy and to do it for your kingdom and your glory. Amen!
At first glance in verse one it seems as if Paul and Barnabas are experiencing the most effective ministry possible! Together they went as usual to the Jewish synagogue… you can assume a large crowd gathered… possibly larger than the last time because people were excited and invited their friends and family to hear about these two guys Paul and Barnabas.
Then verse 1b tells us “there they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed.” This is every teaching pastor’s dream… how great is that… they spoke so effectively. They had great points, they were articulate, they tagged teamed seamlessly, they pulled heart strings, people laughed at their jokes, and the message was clear and concise. The result: a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed. That’s what every Pastor wants to hear after every service “a great number believe.”
Then came the “But…” a great number believed… but… Like all reality… there were “other” people there that weren’t so happy with what happened. Maybe they didn’t like the teaching style, the content, or the way Paul and Barnabas were dressed. Whatever the reason verse 2 tells us, “the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.”
This happens every time effective teaching takes place… every time God is at work and someone believes…. There are those that “stir up people and poison their minds.”
It happened here with the early church and it happens today. I can’t be surprised when someone celebrates a changed life in Christ; then there will be someone ready to “poison their mind.” There will be someone ready to stir up gossip, dissention, and all kinds of problems.
Just as the story in Acts 14 continues for God’s glory, so the story continues today too.
I pledge to stray true to God and honor Him. It’s so easy to get distracted by the critics… it’s so easy to get upset… and even to sin in my heart. However, I will get my eyes on the prize – Jesus Christ.
How can I speak effectively the message of God… so that they might believe? Ultimately it’s up to God to do His work. I have to be like Paul and Barnabas and be willing to go and be used and stand up for truth… and when hard times come, endure with integrity and in love.
Father, help me to do your work. I greatly desire for those who do not know you to believe in your saving grace. Open my eyes to your work. Protect me from the poison that the enemy wants to plant in my mind and those around me. Give us wisdom on how to combat the enemy and to do it for your kingdom and your glory. Amen!
February 6, 2008 by Andy
Acts 13:36"For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep.
I love this verse in Acts chapter 13. it is so simple and profound at the same time. It says that David served God in his generation and then died. What is tells me is that God had a plan for David and he accomplished that during his time and then he died.
Understanding this passage is easy. In my lifetime God has placed me in America at this time to reach certain people and to accomplish certain goals. The hard part to actually seeing and doing the work. I have to my part by recognizing the needs of my generation and then putting forth the effort to work on it. I guess me even saying that I need to try and find the place to work is kind of silly because all around me there are hurting people that need to experience God’s love. I want to be the one that shows them that. I want to have that sentence in Acts written about me when I am dead. “Andy served God’s purposes in his generation and then died” I like that. It is simple and to the point.
Lord, help me to accomplish the work you have for me here. May I be able to accomplish your purposes in my generation. I want to see you work in me and through me so that your kingdom may be furthered.
I love this verse in Acts chapter 13. it is so simple and profound at the same time. It says that David served God in his generation and then died. What is tells me is that God had a plan for David and he accomplished that during his time and then he died.
Understanding this passage is easy. In my lifetime God has placed me in America at this time to reach certain people and to accomplish certain goals. The hard part to actually seeing and doing the work. I have to my part by recognizing the needs of my generation and then putting forth the effort to work on it. I guess me even saying that I need to try and find the place to work is kind of silly because all around me there are hurting people that need to experience God’s love. I want to be the one that shows them that. I want to have that sentence in Acts written about me when I am dead. “Andy served God’s purposes in his generation and then died” I like that. It is simple and to the point.
Lord, help me to accomplish the work you have for me here. May I be able to accomplish your purposes in my generation. I want to see you work in me and through me so that your kingdom may be furthered.
Feburary 5th, 2008 by Bob
Title: What Are We Dependent On?
Scripture: Ex 40:36-37, In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out — until the day it lifted.
Observation: This last passage of the last chapter of the book of Exodus is exciting as it gives us a glimpse of how our Lord choose to lead his people through the desert for 40 years. But more importantly it reveals a dependency that God wanted for his people. God desired his chosen people to live each day looking toward him and trusting him with their very lives. Unfortunately it took the Israelites a complete generation to learn how to trust their God in this manner. Future history reveals that most of these Israelites wandering in the desert would not see the Promised Land; it would be held in reserve for their sons and daughters.
Application: In Malachi 3:6 our Father tells us, “I the LORD do not change.” That means that the same Creator who desired total dependence from the Israelites seeks it from us today. But we have been born into the wealthiest nation that has ever existed, and live in a comfortable community life-style that most people in the world cannot imagine. We have only to look among our neighbors, and maybe ourselves, to observe hearts of self-sufficiency and independence.
Is it possible to live here in Bend, Oregon, but with a heart totally dependent on our LORD? Yes it is possible but not easy. It requires a sincere daily walk with God through authentic prayer, reading of his Word, and a submissiveness that allows God’s truths to transform us. It requires a genuine thankfulness for the blessings God has given us, yet a separation from these things in a way that places God first in our lives.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the abundant blessings you have bestowed on our country, our community, and our families. Although we enjoy these riches, never let them be more important then you. Help us to wake up each morning looking toward you for wisdom, guidance, and strength. Help us to keep you as our First Love, and let it start with me.
Scripture: Ex 40:36-37, In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out — until the day it lifted.
Observation: This last passage of the last chapter of the book of Exodus is exciting as it gives us a glimpse of how our Lord choose to lead his people through the desert for 40 years. But more importantly it reveals a dependency that God wanted for his people. God desired his chosen people to live each day looking toward him and trusting him with their very lives. Unfortunately it took the Israelites a complete generation to learn how to trust their God in this manner. Future history reveals that most of these Israelites wandering in the desert would not see the Promised Land; it would be held in reserve for their sons and daughters.
Application: In Malachi 3:6 our Father tells us, “I the LORD do not change.” That means that the same Creator who desired total dependence from the Israelites seeks it from us today. But we have been born into the wealthiest nation that has ever existed, and live in a comfortable community life-style that most people in the world cannot imagine. We have only to look among our neighbors, and maybe ourselves, to observe hearts of self-sufficiency and independence.
Is it possible to live here in Bend, Oregon, but with a heart totally dependent on our LORD? Yes it is possible but not easy. It requires a sincere daily walk with God through authentic prayer, reading of his Word, and a submissiveness that allows God’s truths to transform us. It requires a genuine thankfulness for the blessings God has given us, yet a separation from these things in a way that places God first in our lives.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the abundant blessings you have bestowed on our country, our community, and our families. Although we enjoy these riches, never let them be more important then you. Help us to wake up each morning looking toward you for wisdom, guidance, and strength. Help us to keep you as our First Love, and let it start with me.
Feburary 4th, 2008 by Randy
Title: Seeing God's Grace
Scripture Acts 11:23 When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.
Observation: The believers in Jerusalem heard that "something" was stirring a northern port city called Antioch. Non-Jews were coming to Christ. Concerned and curious, they sent Barnabas to check it out. The scriptures say that when he arrived he "saw evidence of the grace of God."
What did Barnabas see? We think of God's grace as an inward work of the heart, but here the Bible says that that he SAW God's grace. We know from the text, that new people were finding Christ and the church was growing spiritually and numerically. In fact, from this city of Antioch the Gospel would launched to the entire known world.
Application Wouldn't it be amazing if the grace of God was more visible in my life and in the life our church at New Hope? What would that look like? Antioch eventually overflowed to make and impact around the world. We are starting this series entitled, "OUTFLOW" at church. It is my Prayer that God would move and change our heart and lives in such a way that people will SEE God's grace in and through us.
Prayer Father, we need your grace! I need your grace. New Hope needs your grace. I ask that in the the coming days you would let us see you and your grace. Thank you for our faithfulness and love. AMEN.
Scripture Acts 11:23 When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.
Observation: The believers in Jerusalem heard that "something" was stirring a northern port city called Antioch. Non-Jews were coming to Christ. Concerned and curious, they sent Barnabas to check it out. The scriptures say that when he arrived he "saw evidence of the grace of God."
What did Barnabas see? We think of God's grace as an inward work of the heart, but here the Bible says that that he SAW God's grace. We know from the text, that new people were finding Christ and the church was growing spiritually and numerically. In fact, from this city of Antioch the Gospel would launched to the entire known world.
Application Wouldn't it be amazing if the grace of God was more visible in my life and in the life our church at New Hope? What would that look like? Antioch eventually overflowed to make and impact around the world. We are starting this series entitled, "OUTFLOW" at church. It is my Prayer that God would move and change our heart and lives in such a way that people will SEE God's grace in and through us.
Prayer Father, we need your grace! I need your grace. New Hope needs your grace. I ask that in the the coming days you would let us see you and your grace. Thank you for our faithfulness and love. AMEN.
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