Author: guest

RE Verse reading–Acts 15:1-29 (day two)Election day. Tonight, some will be winners. Some will be losers. Where will we find humility? Hope? In Acts 15, both the winners and losers walked away “unanimously” or with “one mind” (15:25). How? They were convinced by sound reason (15:7-11), testimony (15:12) and Scripture (15:13-21) that there were two priorities worth uniting for. Number 1 – the gospel. “We are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus” (15:11). Peter reminds them that the gospel has always been about what Jesus did, not what we do. Number 2 – relationships. James’ request would allowing Jews and Gentiles to eat supper together. There were definitely winners and losers in this conflict, but everyone agreed that these two priorities united them. Tonight, whether you find yourself a winner or a loser will you remember the two priorities, the gospel and relationships? Jesus put it this way, “love God and love others” (Mark 12:30-31).

Guest Blogger: Josh Vaughan – Minister to Young Marrieds & Yes, Lord! Community Ministries

RE Verse reading–Acts 13:1-52 (day two)
The journey from prayer to joy sometimes takes unexpected turns. It will always begin with intently seeking the face of God not just the hand of God, seeking Him not just what He can do for you (Acts 13:2a). Then He speaks. His words may be unexpected, unplanned, or even uncomfortable, but the journey to joy won’t continue unless you take a step of obedience (13:2-3). You never know what will happen next. Maybe fruitfulness. Maybe opposition. Maybe both (13:44-45). Each new step will be another opportunity to trust the Spirit’s guiding words (13:46). One day you find that you are not journeying alone. You haven’t arrived. The difficulty is not gone. But now a quiet, inexpressible delight journeys with you. You are journeying with joy (13:52). Then the realization washes over you. Joy is not a destination to arrive at but rather a companion to travel with.

Guest Blogger: Josh Vaughan – Minister to Young Marrieds & Yes, Lord! Community Ministries

RE Verse reading–Acts 11:1-26 (day two)  “I was in the town of Joppa praying…” Peter begins his “orderly” explanation of his dramatic and controversial decision by noting his first activity. There is no hint of bragging or absolutizing his decision simply because “I prayed about it.” Others may use that phrase to avoid criticisms, but Peter simply states that while talking to God, God talked back! While we might be surprised or even a little skeptical if a friend reported that to us, Peter offers it without apology. Praying was his normal routine. Hearing from the Spirit was as well (Acts 11:12). What is your normal routine? Does it involve praying…and hearing? Unless you plan times to pray, you won’t have time to hear. Make praying and hearing your first activity this week.

Guest Blogger: Josh Vaughan – Minister to Young Marrieds & Yes, Lord! Community Ministries

Re:Verse reading – Matthew 1:18 – 2:15, 19-23 (day seven)

From Matt. 1:18 – 2:23, there are five references to prophecy and scripture being fulfilled. From, “Look! The virgin will conceive a son,” in 1:23 to “…that Jesus would be called a Nazarene” in 2:23. Jesus’s birth and life was the glorious culmination of God’s promises. Josh McDowell, in his book “The New Evidence That Demands A Verdict,” states that the Old Testament contains over three hundred references to the Messiah that were perfectly fulfilled in Jesus.
Why is important that Jesus Christ fulfilled prophecies? Because it means that God keeps His promises. The creator God, maker of heaven and earth, wants to have a relationship with us so badly that He sent His only son to die on a cross in our place. And because of this, God promised that we would live in eternity with Him if we only believe in Christ’s sacrifice. Reflect today on all that God promises you through the birth of His son. Doesn’t that make you glad?

Brad Livingston, FBC Lay Leader, guest blogger

 

Re:Verse reading – Matthew 1:18 – 2:15, 19-23 (day six)

In the very first paragraph of this passage, we learn that Mary, the virgin that was to be married, was pregnant. We don’t know how Joseph found out, but he did. Can you imagine the pain and humiliation that he must have felt upon learning his future bride was with child? Marriage is such a beautiful promise of all that is good and pure. What a shock that he was now getting damaged goods (or so he thought).
But Instead of lashing out on Facebook or exposing her on Jerry Springer, Joseph thought about Mary’s feelings and then contemplated. Imagine how many of your tough situations would have turned out different if your first action was to contemplate. Today, reflect on how you have responded in the past to situations that were hurtful or embarrassing. Were you quick to get defensive, lash out, or try to save face? Were you more interested in preserving your image or caring about the other person? Let’s respond like Joseph – slow, deliberate, careful, and with others in mind.

Brad Livingston, FBC Lay Leader, guest blogger

 

Re:Verse reading – Matthew 1:18 – 2:15, 19-23 (day four)

What’s in a name? In this case, quite a lot! The name, “Jesus,” is the Greek form of another well known name, “Joshua.” Joshua means, “The Lord saves.” What’s in a name? In the name “Jesus,” we see a declaration of God’s salvation. The God who promised to “redeem Israel from all their sins” (Psalm 130:8) is bringing the long-hoped for salvation. But that’s not all. Do you remember the other famous “Joshua” in the Bible? God appointed Joshua to be the leader of the people of Israel who would defeat Israel’s enemies. God’s great promise to Joshua was “I will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). In this Joshua, we see that God’s presence and God’s salvation go together. The same is true of the “Joshua” whom we remember at Christmas. What’s in a name? In the name “Jesus,” we have a constant reminder that God’s presence and salvation go together.

Josh Vaughan, Minister to Young Married Adults and Yes, Lord! Ministries, guest blogger

 

Re:Verse reading – Matthew 2:12 (day four)
It is always intriguing to me that God would chose to send the Magi back “another way”.  This would probably mean traveling unfamiliar territory and some inconvenience for sure.  There are moments in my life when He decides “another way” is a better plan.  Those can be uncomfortable for sure.  I often ask teenagers, “Who gets to tell you what to do?”  Their response gives a glimpse into their relationship with God.  So, let me ask the question for all, “Who gets to tell us what to do?”  I want to be “tender and responsive” to the Spirit’s guiding.  This kind of “following” does require courage, humility, and faith.  It also requires accountability and dependence.  I’m asking God to keep growing those things in my heart and life so when “another way” is the direction, I’ll walk that way with joy.  Will you pray?  Will you walk?
Scott Lane, Associate Pastor for Students and Venture Sunday School, guest blogger.

 

Re:Verse reading—Matthew 1:18-2:15, 19-23 (day three)

“Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man…” (v.19)
Joseph was a righteous man. An angel appeared in a dream and told Joseph to be not afraid. Joseph did as commanded and upon waking took Mary as his wife. And she gave birth to a son who would save his people from their sins.
An angel appeared in a dream and told Joseph to flee with Mary and Jesus to Egypt. Joseph got up and the family left for Egypt. And Jesus escaped the wrath of Herod.
Following Herod’s death, an angel appeared in a dream and told Joseph to take Mary and Jesus, and go to Israel. So Joseph got up, and took Mary and Jesus to Israel and then to live in Nazareth. And the words of the prophets were fulfilled: “He will be called a Nazarene.”
Why Joseph? And why not us, as well?

Lord, let us know you will be with us and give us the strength to be not afraid. Show us the path to a faith and obedience modeled by Joseph so that we, too, may help build your Kingdom in a mighty way.

Charlie Wedge, Associate Pastor for Administration and Operations, guest blogger

Re:Verse reading–Matthew 1:18 – 2:15, 19-23 (day two) “When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.” (v. 24)

Because we often think of Joseph as a polyurethane figurine in a tabletop nativity scene, it’s easy to forget he was a flesh-and-blood person who lived in turbulent times.  Blindsided by Mary’s perplexing pregnancy, his dreams at night became a series of ominous, life-and-death communications from God: “Do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife…”  “Escape to Egypt…for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”  “Go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”

As Joseph wrestled with his own fears and strained to hear God’s direction in the midst of the confusion, he became a person who helped tell the story of what God is doing in human history.  God still calls people—you and me included, in the midst of turbulent times—to help tell the story of what God is doing through the now-risen Savior for the sake of all people.

Bryan Richardson, Associate Pastor for Singles, Small Groups, and Pastoral Ministries, guest blogger

Re:Verse reading–Matthew 1:18 – 2:15, 19-23 (day one) “Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.” (v. 19)
Today we begin our new study: The Gospel of Matthew, and we’ll do so looking at the man, Joseph.  Have you ever wondered about God’s choice for who would be the earthly parents of His only son? Imagine the responsibility!  Imagine how Jesus would be shaped and molded by His earthly parents during His formative years.  What kind of mother would Jesus need?  What did God look for in the man who would help parent the Savior of the world?
While we know very little about Joseph, we do know (from this passage) that, in the midst of difficult circumstances emotionally and socially (1) he acted justly and (2) he showed mercy.  The man who reared Jesus had the Micah 6:8 characteristics… traits that would become second nature to Jesus Himself.
Seeing how the Savior reflected traits from his parents’ character gives me pause…How will those whom God has entrusted to me be influenced by my character traits?  Will God be glorified by that influence?
Heavenly Father, make us a people who leave a legacy of strong character.  Build in us a sense of compassion and justice that makes a mark on the generations that follow.

Blake Coffee, FBC Lay Leader, guest blogger