Author: Scott Lane

Re:Verse reading–Acts 17:10-12, 16-34 (day five)   “Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects. For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you.”

The sin Paul confronts in Athens, is NOT atheism it is religion. The problem with religion is that is it man-made (vs 24). The danger of religion is that it distorts and detracts from God’s revelation of himself (vs. 23). It was natural and easy for those in Athens. It is just as common in our culture today. We turn to and trust things we build and can control. The lie is that a religious life will make more sense and we will be happier. The truth found in scripture is that God is the creator of the universe and everything in it. And real meaning and purpose is found only when we turn to and trust Him.

Re:Verse reading–Acts 16:11-34 (day five) 

In our Re:Verse passage this week, the work and ministry that establishes the church in Philippi begins. Years later the major theme in Paul’s letter to the believers in Philippi would be JOY. “ Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.” “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” Joy was something these Christians had seen firsthand when Paul and Silas were there. So, when Paul encourages them to have joy, they knew what it looked like. I suspect they remembered events from Acts 16.

Faithfully sharing the Gospel- 6:13-14 (“things spoken by Paul”)

Acting with courage- 6:18-19 (Paul confronted wrongdoing and evil)

Worship during suffering and persecution- 6:25 (“praying and singing hymns of praise”)

Service and Ministry to others 6:33-34 (“washed their wounds”, “set food before them”)

What would this kind of joy look like in our hearts and lives in 2017?

Re:Verse reading–Acts 15:1-29 (day five)  Acts 15:11 “But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are.” In verse 11, Peter changes the focus group in the work of salvation. The primary example in his closing statement was the Gentiles, NOT the Jews. The Jews would have said verse 11 in a different way, “Gentiles believe they are saved just like us”. In other words, Peter is proclaiming that the goal of salvation was NOT to be like the Jews. We often have the same mindset. We misunderstand the message and goal of the gospel. It is not that people become like us, but that they become like Christ. Any other goal falls far short of the promise and power of the Gospel. But, the possibility and opportunity to become more like Christ brings hope and joy to the human heart. That is GOOD NEWS!!

Re:Verse reading–Acts 13:1-52 (day five) In the first words describing the church in Antioch, we come to discover the study of God’s Word was a priority. They had teachers (plural). In Acts 11, Barnabas and Saul are preaching AND teaching. Notice in Acts 13, that teaching was accompanied by other activities: prayer, worship, fasting, and listening. Learning was not the end, but rather a means to the end of understanding and doing the will of God.

Sending Paul and Barnabas required great faith and courage. They were probably the most recognized and seasoned leaders in the church. Yet, they clearly heard God’s direction and plan. They responded with joy and obedience. Sound familiar?

Were there concerns and questions? I think so. Did the teaching ministry of the church in Antioch strengthen their faith? I think so. Did learning and understanding the faithfulness of God help guide that church to trust and follow God’s direction (change in leadership, new missional thinking). I think so.

I wonder if FBCSA demonstrates the same kind of priority (well-taught church), will our faith and trust in the Lord help us to look to the future (change in leadership, new missional thinking) with hope, joy, and obedience.  I think so.

Re:Verse reading–Acts 11:1-26 (day five)

“Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; ²⁴ for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.”

When we think of vision, we often think of God’s plan and purpose FOR a group of people. Vision keeps us looking forward and upward with hope and courage. In this week’s Re:Verse passage we see a different facet of vision. Vision is also the ability and capacity to see potential and opportunities IN a group of people. Barnabas saw this new church and didn’t immediately try to press them forward with vision. Rather, he just encouraged them with the vision of how he saw the grace of God already working IN them. Where does this kind of vision come from? (Holy Spirit and Faith vs. 23) What could happen in a church if people “full of the Holy Spirit and of faith” begin to see God’s Grace at work IN each other and intentionally encouraged obedience and joy?  “Where there is no vision, the people perish”  Proverbs 29:18

Re:Verse reading–Acts 9:1-22, 26-31 (day five)

It is an interesting response from Saul when He encounters the Living Christ. Saul asks a sincere and monumental question. “Who are you, Lord?” The answer would define his worldview and theology for the rest of His life. Jesus is the Son of God, Jesus is the Christ. It is no coincidence that first words Paul preaches and proclaims is the answer to the last words (question) Saul utters before his conversion.

When we daily read and study the scriptures or listen to lessens and sermons, we should ask that same question, Who are You, Lord?” What insight, understanding, new facet of the Lord’s nature and character can we learn, appreciate, and understand? What can we learn and discover about God. It is a question always worth asking.  The answer shapes our lives and heart for eternity!

Re:Verse reading–Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-58, 8:1-5, 26-38 (day five)

Acts 6:54 “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick,” God’s Word had done its task. It had accomplished its purpose. It had resonated deep with the human soul. Sounds like Hebrews 4:12. ¹² For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Stephen has “rightly divided the Word of Truth”.  What happens next, is the response. We read/hear the Bible and the Bible reads us. It reveals the condition of our hearts. Each and every time we listen and hear the scripture, we must “check our hearts”. Here are some responses mentioned in scripture:

James 1: Distracted and Insincere- “immediately forgotten what kind of person he was”

Acts 7: Anger and Rebellion “stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears”

Acts 8: Humility and Obedience “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?”

How do we respond to God’s Word? It will be a heart check!!

Re:Verse reading–Acts 4:5-31 (day five)

When they had placed them in the center, they began to inquire, “By what power, or in what name, have you done this?”   It was a new circumstance and experience- the first persecution of Jesus’ followers. Peter and John found themselves questioned and comfronted by a who’s who of leaders and elders.   Were they scared?  Were they anxious?  Were they intimidated?  It would seem natural. But there was  a supernatural response. They were calm and courageous.  They were faithful.  Jesus’ words must have been in their hearts and minds. “and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them. The gospel must first be preached to all the nations. When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit.”‭‭ Mark‬ ‭13.

When we face difficult situations and circumstances we must remember and trust the words and promises of the Lord.   We must be faithful.

Re: Verse reading–Acts 3:1-20  (day five) “Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.” (KJV) 

In Acts 3 we find many evidences of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. First, there is miraculous healing. Second, there is inspired preaching. Third, (maybe overlooked) is the repaired relationship between Peter and John. Just a few weeks earlier, John remained faithful to Jesus as a follower and friend (at the crucifixion- called by named to take care of Mary) while Peter denied and abandoned Jesus. After the resurrection, there was forgiveness and the restoration of a friendship and relationship between these two men. It was clear to all who knew them that somehow they were again working, witnessing, and worshipping together. Different personalities. Different approaches. Together on mission!! Sounds like a church, doesn’t it?

Do we see evidences of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in our witnessing, in our ministry, and in our relationships?

Re:Verse reading–Acts 1:1-14 (day five)

The power of the Holy Spirit promised in Acts had a very specific application to the believer- to be a witness for Jesus. “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses…” . There is both great comfort and clear direction in Jesus’ words. When the power of the Holy Spirit has influence in us and through us, we become witnesses, not merely advocates. We have the capacity to speak and share with the firsthand experience of someone who has tasted and knows who Jesus really is, and what he has done. So, begin to think how you can share the answers to these questions: “What did Jesus do in me when I became a believer?” “How did I change?” “What is Jesus doing in me now, because I know Him as Lord and Savior?” “How am I being changed?”  We can tell the world from our personal experiences the reality of the Living Christ. The promise is this power and witness will take the message of Christ to the ends of the earth.