Month: September 2012

RE Verse reading–Acts 3:1-10 (day one)  “Peter looked straight at him, as did John. . .Then Peter said, ‘Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you.’ ” (vs 4, 6)  It is a marvelous paradox.  Being spiritual (i.e. being filled with the Spirit of God) makes us practical people–concerned about health, home, jobs etc.  Having the love of God poured out within our hearts (see Romans5:5) gives us the margin necessary to pour love out on others!  The old criticism is not true.  “He is so heavenly-minded that he is of no earthly good”  The opposite is what God intends.  As we read Acts 3 this week, I hope you will notice the kind of relationships that come with Spirit-filled life.  What it is they (we) believe about people?  What is it we believe about ourselves and our ability to help?  May this story work in us for the glory of God and the (practical) good of others!

RE Verse reading–Acts 1:12-14, 2:1-18 (day seven)  “These men are not drunk. . .this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind.’ ” (vs 15-17)  It is a cliche of this age.  People speak of being “spiritual” with little or no understanding of the Scripture’s picture of this unique life.  One huge difference is the element of conviction.  “When the Spirit comes, He will convict the world of sin”  (John 16:8)  The Spirit-filled person will not live an easy relationship with the world system.  His presence in us will sting the conscience of our friends and family, raising either confusion “What does this mean?”  or criticism “These people are drunk”.  It is unavoidable.  Those filled with the Spirit of God will feel the tension that exists between the Spirit and the flesh.  May we be inspired to suffer the tension well.  God is at work convicting people of sin!

RE Verse reading–Acts 1:12-14, Acts 2:1-18 (day six)  “And they all continued in amazement and great perplexity, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’ ” (2:12)  At times, they are the majority.  Neither convinced nor cynical.  Perplexed people.  The greek word is helpful.  Dia (through or thoroughly) a (not) poros (a way).  A person thoroughly confused as to the way forward.  There are many in this category, particularly when the subject is the Spirit.  People (professed Christians included) are often interested but unconvinced, fascinated but fearful–perplexed about being filled as God promised we would be.  Are you among them?  It is an issue that must be resolved.  The Christian life is life in the Spirit.  We are born in the Spirit.  We walk in the Spirit.  Pentecost was day one for a new race of people who are changed by the Spirit of God for a life-time of powerful service.  Are you perplexed or participant in this new life?

RE Verse reading–Acts 1:12-14, 2:1-18 (day five)  “When the day of Pentecost came. . .suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind”  (2:1-2)  In one sense, Pentecost came suddenly.  In another, it was the culmination of a long, painful period.  The disciples had payed a price.  They had lost everything (first by following Christ,then by watching Him die, then by having Him taken from them into heaven).  We can hardly imagine the shock these events sent through their souls and emotions.  And the culmination of this painful period?  New life!  The Lord will later tell Paul this disturbing principle.  “My power is made perfect in weakness”  (2 Corinthians 12:9)  The Bible give us both assurance and assignment as we face difficult moments.  ” With the temptation there will be a way of escape (assurance) so that you may be able to endure it(assignment)”. (1 Corinthians 10:13)  Don’t give up, friend!  After the darkness comes light.  First the cross, then resurrection and Pentecost.

RE Verse reading–Acts 1:12-14, 2:1-18 (day four)  “In the last days. . .I will pour forth of My Spirit on all mankind”  (2:17)  When John the Baptist spoke of Jesus, he used two verbs.  “He is on who baptizes with the Holy Spirit”  (John 1:23)  “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”  (John 1:29)  Two verbs describe His ministry.  He removes sin and bestows life.  Ezekiel saw the same vision.  “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. . .I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes”  (Ezekiel 36:25, 27)  As we study Pentecost this week, let us review the lessons of the last inaugural event of our Lord’s ministry.  On the cross, we see our sins being removed.  At Pentecost, we see His life poured out into ours.  How tragic for some Christians to receive and value only part of God’s gracious work.  He has two gifts for His children.

RE Verse reading–Acts 1:12-14, 2:1-18 (day three)  “These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers”  (1:14)  I wonder what these days were like for the disciples.  Exciting?  Joyful?  Or were they hard with spiritual struggle?   I remember that Peter and James and John had stuggled with prayer in the garden.  Was it still a difficult discipline for them? “We wrestle not against flesh and blood”  (Ephesians 6:2)  Our text suggests an answer.  “Devoting themselves” translates a word that meant “to be strong toward”.  It implies a measure of resolve, a necessary struggle.  This hour required them to be strong against distractions, brave against fears.  It is the same with us.  Even with the promises of God and the expectation of exciting days ahead, our participation via prayer will still require energy and devotion.  “Watch and pray. . .the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”  (Matthew 26:41)

RE Verse reading–Acts 1:12-14, 2:1-18 (day two)  “He commanded them to . . .wait for what the Father had promised.” (Acts 1:4)  “They returned to Jerusalem. . .(and were) continually devoting themselves to prayer”  (1:12, 14)  I cannot think of anything I hate worse than waiting.  The ultimate insult to my self-absorbtion.  Why are the people in the check-out line so slow?  Why is traffic?  Why does God require me to seek His face in patient prayer when I have so many pressing things to do?  None of us should miss the Lord’s purpose in this common frustration.  Waiting on the Lord is a spiritual exercise.  It teaches our souls that WHAT we want and WHEN we want it is not central to the story.  Larger issues are in play than our convenience or momentary happiness.  Until we learn to wait, God cannot fill us with His Spirit because our pride is too much in charge.  “Those who wait upon the Lord will gain new strength”  (Isaiah 40:31)

RE Verse reading–Acts 1:12-14, 2:1-18 (day one)  ” ‘In the last days’, God says, ‘I will pour forth of my Spirit upon all mankind. . .even upon my bondslaves.’ ” (2:17, 18)  I have a new question re. Acts 2.  Familiar story. The first disciples obey Christ and return to Jerusalem.  They wait and pray.  Pentecost arrives (an old Jewish holiday which God is pleased to “fill full” of new meaning, just as He had done Passover 50 day earlier)  They are baptized through the Holy Spirit.  The immediate effect is boldness of praise to God.  Ignoring the danger and the disapproval, they tell the great story!  Peter claims it fulfills Joel’s prophecy.  Here is my question.  Did God promise (in Joel) to pour His Spirit out on ALL mankind or on ALL WHO MEET THE CONDITIONS of salvation and surrender?  Are ALL people promised this blessing?  Do ALL who claim Christ have this boldness?  Who are the “bondservants” in vs 18?  Much to think about this week!

RE Verse reading–Acts 1:1-8 (day seven)  “Lord, is it at this time that you are restoring the Kingdom to Israel?”  (vs 6)  Another in a long list of things they did not expect.  The disciples had not anticipated the cross.  Certainly not the resurrection. Now, their question reveals that they are not expecting a chapter of world-wide, Spirit-led missionary expansion either. Paul will later say,  God is always “more than we ask or expect”  (Ephesians 3:20)  Question: How seriously do we take the idea that our plans are not His? How ready are we to embrace life when it is different than we expect?  We should be proud of these first followers.  In Acts 1:14  (read it next week) they return to Jerusalem and do exactly as He has commanded!  No pouting.  No resistance or doubt.   In inspiring fashion, they practiced what we preach (and sing). . .”Have thine own way, Lord, have thine own way.  Thou art the potter, I am the clay.”

RE Verse reading–Acts 1:1-8 (day six)  “Gathering them together He COMMANDED them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised”  (vs 4)  There is a great story in Luke 7.  It tells of a Roman Centurian who came to Christ seeking help.  He describes Himself as, “a man under authority, with soldiers (also) placed under me” (Luke 7:8)  Experiencing authority from both sides (as commander and commanded) the Centurian understood the respect that was required of him in relating to Christ.   Jesus was impressed.  He identified the Centurian’s understanding was an essential ingredient of faith.  Perhaps we have drifted from this insight.  If we believe in Christ we will also submit to His authority.  We will not resist His commands–even when He requires us to wait.  Kingdoms require both Kings and loyal subjects.  How blessed we are to have a commander worthy of our trust.  How wise we are to submit to His commands becoming people under authority.