Tag: Service

Covet the Greater Gifts

On By TimIn 1 Corinthians 12, GiftsLeave a comment

But earnestly covet the greater gifts.

1 Corinthians 12:31

Wait! I thought we were not supposed to covet.

Here, Paul is telling the Corinthian church to covet something. They are to covet the greater gifts. One might ask what are the greater gifts?

That could be a good question to ask here. But I think there is one far greater. That is, how often do any of us think about the gifts of the Spirit to even know which are the greater ones to covet?

When speaking of gifts of the Spirit, I am most certain that the first one that comes to mind for most is going to be speaking in tongues. This is foremost in many conversations about the gifts the Spirit gives. But, if Paul is tanking those gifts in an ordinal way, it might be shocking to discover how Paul ranks tongues.

God has put these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, and various tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have the gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?

1 Corinthians 12:28–30

Clearly, tongues lands as the last in the list. If the list is ordinal, tongue is the least desirable gift to covet. That fascinates me.

I do not hold to Cessationism. I do not think the Spirit has stopped bestowing these gifts. The gift of apostles, some say is still available today. Others think apostles have to be eyewitnesses of the resurrected Jesus. It might seem impossible for today, but there are lots of accounts from Iran and China where people are meeting Jesus. Those ideas are fantastical, yes. And apostles were sent out to plant churches. I am uncertain here, and don’t think it is plausible that there are apostles around today, as these would have been taught by Jesus in person. Consider the importance of apostles to the early church… Having been taught personally by Jesus and then sent out Toolan churches.

Setting aside that gift of apostles, look at the next. It’s the gift of prophets. Now prophets don’t predict things. They are not seers. Prophecy is not about predicting or laying out the future. It is simply relating the truth for what It is. To some, the way prophecy is delivered seems rude, curt, and impolite. It comes without ambiguities and subtleties. As one of my pastors called it… It is “forth-telling.” If the gifts are ranked, why would this one be second?

Then there is the gift of teachers. Many know those with this gift. I am one that thinks it abounds. In fact the gifts are given individually but may be shared by many in any one congregation. When thinking of teachers, do you partake of teachings led by others in your local church?

I think wanting and then using these gifts in a congregation makes it healthy and vibrant. What would it do to the faith of anyone who were eyewitnesses to a bona fide miracle?

Paul said there is a gift of miracles, then healings and helps. Healings is basically self-explanatory. Helps is a bit more vague, but consider that hospitality, facilities, and the like. These are the people that setup and clean up. These hold doors, welcome folks, are ready to speak with anyone. They readily engage and encourage others.

Then comes governments. ThatI makes me smile, because these are the leaders and decision makers that affect the entire congregation. In the ordinal rankings, this is second to last on this list. Could it be that this is God’s way of doing things?

He does say that the older shall serve the younger; the strong protect the weak; and the first is last. But on any organizational chart, governments are at the top. In God’s way of doing things, they are necessary, but rank as far less desirable.

Then there are tongues on the bottom.

I know the gifts that the Holy Spirit has given me. Some are on this list. Others are not. There are even gifts that I’ve asked for and received. Yes, I can think of a few I’ve asked just for myself. But others were a desire to share them with the body of believers. It took me over 30 years of being a Christian to get to that point of wanting gifts from God, and asking for them. What opened my eyes was the first thing I remembered asking God to give me. I even like the way He revealed it to me. That is one of those anchor points of my faith just as much as my salvation and baptism are.

My God is real! And He is lavish in giving. He gave His Son. He gave eternal life to any who would want it. And He gives a multitude of gifts.

This list cited so far is not all inclusive. There are additional gifts listed in this chapter. That list contains one gift I covet over the others. I want it because I think it is of utmost importance in these dark days. Our lives are ever-increasingly crushed by evil. The Church needs people that can prophecy. It needs people that can teach. It also needs miracles and healings. There will always be plenty willing to pitch-in, lead a project, and speak.

What would your church be like if there were regular workings by prophets, teachers, miracle-workers, and healers?

Have you ever given a thought to be one of those in your church?

Escaping the Corruption of the World

On By TimIn 2 Peter 01, Eternal Security, Salvation1 Comment

There exists a vast difference in between the ones who escape the corruption of the world and partake of the divine nature and those who escape the defilements of the world for a season.

Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who have received a faith as precious as ours through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.
Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

2 Peter 1:2

In the introduction, Peter is established the tone. That tone is to Peter is encourage other believers to hold fast. Not that they might lose out on eternal life at some future time, but to ensure their own maturity in the faith. To grow to maturity ought to be the goal of every Christian.

At the beginning of this epistle, Peter establishes a premise. Sometimes that premise is blurred by the particular translation of the Bible used which may lead to some insecurities. Because of this, I prefer a literal word-for-word translation. This helps me to grasp the nuances in word meanings being translated. It also helps to have tools available to try and understand the subtleties in the original language that do not translate clearly. Taking the extra time for a bit of a deeper dive helps to ensure right division of the Bible.

With that said, let’s dive in!

His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who has called us by His own glory and excellence, by which He has given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, so that through these things you might become partakers of the divine nature and escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.

2 Peter 1:3–4

At the outset, Peter is saying that Christians have everything they need no to live godly lives. These come by the promises of God. Promises that you have no part in save to receive them. He keeps them, even in light of what you do… Because it’s His word. His word is not made void by the freedom He has bestowed on us.

Because we have these promises, we escape the corruption of the world and become partakers of the divine nature. That statement is loaded with lots of stuff to unpack. Note the phrasing, escape the corruption. The corruption is in the world through lust. Think of the word lust as desire and intense craving.

Focus on the word corruption. It is the Greek word phthoras which does mean corruption and can also mean destruction. The destruction is ultimately death. That is the end result of sin. But the Christian escapes this.

For this reason make every effort to add virtue to your faith; and to your virtue, knowledge; and to your knowledge, self-control; and to your self-control, patient endurance; and to your patient endurance, godliness; and to your godliness, brotherly kindness; and to your brotherly kindness, love.

2 Peter 1:5–7

Peter then provides a prescription for the saved person who has eternal life. Keep in mind that God has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness. The outline is indeed doable by every Christian.

It is self-explanatory in nature. Faith is required to get eternal life and forgiveness is sins, it is also necessary to live a Christian life. It’s not faith alone. We add virtue onto our faith.

Virtue is excellence of character… Blamelessness. Add knowledge to virtue and then self-control. Self-control is different than virtue and comes after. Patience, godliness, kindness then follow, and finally love.

Most of us get it backwards. We think we love first. Peter is telling us that we cannot truly love without all of those things that come orderly before.

For if these things reside in you and abound, they ensure that you will neither be useless nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:8

The discussions that sometimes revolve around 2 Peter tend toward who is really saved. The reality is Peter is encouraging us to be useful and fruitful. This is not unlike much of the Bible, which itself teaches us how to be useful to God. Yes, first we need to be saved. Being useful and fruitful comes with maturity.

Virtue Revisited

I need to say more about virtue. It is a word that conveys an idea of blamelessness. Paul helps us to understand this idea of blamelessness and from whence it comes. He calls it a gift.

But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if through the trespass of one man many died, then how much more has the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. The gift is not like the result that came through the one who sinned. For the judgment from one sin led to condemnation, but the free gift, which came after many trespasses, leads to justification. For if by one man’s trespass death reigned through him, then how much more will those who receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:15–17

Righteousness is the quality of being in accordance with God’s requirements. It’s to be blameless in the law. Paul says this gift comes freely by Jesus to any who want it. Recall what Peter said, He has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness. We don’t add to it, not maintain it. We simply cannot!

It is this gift of righteousness that leads to justification of life. Meaning you and I as Christians can stand blameless in the presence of God. It’s like me saying “Just as if I’d never sinned!”

Strong’s Dictionary gives us some additional insight to this word virtue (Greek aretē.) It means excellence of character, whether that excellence is intrinsic or attributed. As Paul showed, righteousness is attributed to us by God as a gift.

There is another sense conveyed by virtue… It is the idea of valor. Valor is the strength of mind needed to resist fear and brave danger. Think about that. God has given you that strength of mind.

Adding Virtue to Faith is Then Easy

If you are a Christian… You are saved. You have eternal life. Nothing can move you from that position. Fear can trick you but you don’t have to succumb to it. We resist that fear.

When the enemy comes and tells you you’re not doing enough and therefore not valuable to God, know it’s a lie. It’s designed to make you afraid. Resist it the fear, and the enemy has to flee.

God sent His Son Jesus for us. You and I have value and worth far greater than you can imagine.

The journey from faith to virtue is easy. God gives it to us. It means those that have eternal life by faith cannot be removed from it. If there’s a struggle on whether you can lose the gift of eternal life and your salvation, it stops here. And the text is going to show us that clearly.

Blind and Shortsighted in Forgetfulness

But the one who lacks these things is blind and shortsighted because he has forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.

2 Peter 1:9

When we forget who we are, and more to the point… Whose we are… It can lead to shortsightedness. Remember, you and I are already cleansed from former sins. Yes that is true. Yet it goes beyond former sins. Remember Peter saying that we might become partakers of the divine nature?

Paul says we already are.

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has resurrected together with Him, having forgiven you all sins. He blotted out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us and contrary to us, and He took it out of the way, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed authorities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them by the cross.

Colossians 2:13–15

We are already resurrected with Him. There is no way that can happen unless we are already partaking of the divine nature. Not only that, we are forgiven all sins. These are not just the former sins, but all of them!

Whatever claim the enemy had on us is gone. That’s the freedom of the Christian life. That’s the virtue that we courageously stand in now. We are immovable. We cannot sin enough to lose out on anything God has already given to us. Why would any of us really want to do that?

Now knowledge is added to the virtue. So what now?

Add the rest, self-control, patience, godliness, kindness, and love.

Calling and Election

Therefore, brothers, diligently make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never stumble. For in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly provided for you.

2 Peter 1:10–11

We make our calling and election sure. That is not about salvation. It’s about being useful, useful to God. He has given to every one of us unique gifts to be of service to Him. It is our responsibility to know what these things are and how to employ them for His glory. That is making sure your calling is to a particular place of service. Your election is to be useful to God… Not just saved.

Championing Us

Therefore I will not be negligent to always remind you of these things, though you know them and are established in the truth that is present with you. I consider it right, as long as I live in this body, to stir you up by reminding you, knowing that soon I will take off this body, even as our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me. And I will also be diligent to make sure that after my death you will always remember these things.

2 Peter 1:12–15

We all need encouragement. It ought be a strong part of our lives to encourage and admonish others in the same love that Peter does. We do that by reminding ourselves and others of all of these things.

Warnings

But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with deceptive words. Their judgment, made long ago, does not linger, and their destruction does not slumber.

2 Peter 2:1–3

This discussion takes a darker turn away from encouragement. Peter is instructing as he exposes false teachers and those led astray by them. These deny the Lord that bought them. Does that mean they have lost salvation?

No. As we have already witnessed in Colossians, sin has been nailed to the cross and taken out of the way freeing humanity from the grips of the enemy. The Lord bought the lot of Adam’s race, every single human that has, had, or will have life. To deny that is to never ever come to salvation and receive the gifts of eternal life and righteousness. I admit, it’s a simple conclusion, but it’s right there. It is the truth. That’s why the writer of Hebrews put it this way:

Therefore we should be more attentive to what we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken by angels was true, and every sin and disobedience received a just recompense, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation, which was first declared by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him?

Hebrews 2:1–3

Considering the immeasurable generosity is such a gesture, how do people ignore it as if nothing really happened?

It would be the height of arrogance and indifference. It’s easy to understand why people go to perdition. And Peter does not have kind things to say about these types of people and the ideas they share with others.

For when they speak arrogant words of vanity, they entice by the lusts of the flesh and by depravity those who barely escaped from those who live in error.

2 Peter 2:18

Remember, the first phrase… Escape the corruption (phthoras.) Peter uses the same idea of escape again. This time it is to describe those who barely escape from those who live in error. I think he is speaking of Christians. These false teachers entice believers with religion. Religion is the idea that people can make themselves presentable to God by abstaining from sin.

Promised Freedom

Although they promise them freedom, they themselves are slaves of corruption, for by that which a man is overcome, to this he is enslaved. For if after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then turn back from the holy commandment that was delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb, “The dog returns to his own vomit,” and “the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mud.”

2 Peter 2:19–22

Freedom is contrasted with the enslavement to corruption. Instead of teaching reliance on the promises of God, the false teacher offers a semblance of freedom that is really slavery.

These teachers have themselves not yet escaped corruption (phthoras) but are still slaves to it. Remember what Paul said:

Do you not know that to whom you yield yourselves as slaves to obey, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?

Romans 6:16

Stepping out to sin is presenting yourself as a slave to it. Sin leads to death… The (phthoras) destruction.

Back to the text in 2 Peter, these false teachers seem to escape the defilements of the world. Defilements in the Greek is the word miasmata. It’s different than phthoras, and is only used this once in the entire New Testament. The single usage connotes it has some significance.

Miasmata means shameful deeds, or what we would call sins. In other words, it seems these are escaping sins. But it only seems for a bit as they return to the carnality of the world.

When a person hears the Gospel of Jesus Christ presented they receive the knowledge of Him as Savior. What they do with that is of paramount importance as Peter hints at.

Let’s consider an example. It’s like when people come to church. They might enjoy the time of worship and even get something from the message given. They may even enjoy the fellowship and kindness that abounded. Then they leave and not applying what they heard. They are not changed. Yet, for a short period of time in church… They escaped the defilements of the world in the shelter of the Spirit present in the body of Christ. They did not repent, were not saved, and they did not receive eternal life. These go back to their carnality.

The part of having not known the way of righteousness the becomes condemnation. Each time the Gospel is ignored it hardens the heart. At each iteration it will become easier to not respond. That is why the latter state is worse not hearing.

Escape the Corruption

Christians escape the corruption and become partakers of the divine nature. It is escaping destruction. And such can never become corrupted again. Therefore losing eternal life and salvation are not possible.

Those that escape the defilements can sometimes be described with a term I like, “churchians.” These are folks who go to church and try to live a good life by not sinning, somehow thinking those things give them credibility. Some even shame others for not living like they do. Self-help and motivational therapy is not Christianity. Doing good deeds is not what makes a Christian. Neither is keeping the law or obeying commands. Don’t fall prey to the quaint religious language.

A Christian is one who believes in the One Whom God sent… Jesus. It’s His name we bear. It’s I solely in Him Who we trust. We know He lived, died for our sins, and spent three days in the grave. That was not the end… For He rose again as Victor over death.

Believing that is what makes one a Christian. Jesus keeps those who are His. Those things don’t come by following a set of rules.

Who is Like God?

On By TimIn Exhortation, Psalm 113Leave a comment

Praise the Lord!
Praise, O you servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. From the rising of the sun to its going down, the Lord’s name is to be praised. The Lord is high above all nations, and His glory above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God,
who dwells on high, who looks down on the things that are in heaven and on the earth?

Psalm 113:1–6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Who, exactly, is like God?

His name is worthy to be praised at all times. There is no power above Him. There is no authority over Him.

But consider that last verse, “who looks down on the things that are in heaven and on the earth(.)”

Another translation puts it this way:

who ⌊condescends to look at⌋ what is in the heavens and in the earth?

Psalm 113:6 — W. Hall Harris III et al., eds., The Lexham English Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012)

We start to see a hint as to what is really happening. The note for the bracketed phrase in that translation says the meaning of it is “makes low to see.”

Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!

Psalm 113:6 — The Holy Bible: King James Version

The translators of the King James see clearly what is happening. The exclamation point tells us to pay attention.

The idea given is that any time that God deals with His creation, whether in heaven or earth, He humbles Himself. He has to do that. Nevertheless, it is a part of Who He is. He loves His creation so much that He humbles Himself to take part in it.

I want you to keep that point in mind.

He raises up the poor out of the dust and lifts the needy out of the ash heap, to make them sit with princes, even with the princes of His people. He gives the barren woman a dwelling, making her the joyful mother of children.
Praise the Lord!

Psalm 113:7–9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He raises up the poor out of the dust and lifts the needy from the ash pit. That’s us. Each of us humans is made from the dust of the ground, and in ourselves, we are condemned in the place of burning. He lifts us out of that to sit with princes!

It gets better. The barren have a place and can bear fruit. Each of us that understands how God has humbled Himself can share that Good News with others, bearing children for the Lord Himself.

But who, exactly, is like God?

Can I say… You and I are. Any time we set aside our own desires to help another, we are like God. For most who do it, it is perceived as small gesture, if even that. Yet each of us can help another with the gifts we have. In that ministry, those others who receive also have opportunity to minister to others, maybe even the one ministering to them!

When we take in a stranger, clothe and feed someone who is homeless… When we lift someone from a place of despair, even if it is only for a moment. In that way, each of us are like God.

This isn’t to make you feel superior in anyway, but just to encourage you to continue helping. It may not be visible to others, but your Heavenly Father has humbled Himself to see it. Just as you had to humble yourself to see the need in others.

And like God ministers to us, we minister back to Him by praise.

Praise the Lord!

Why Does the Past Hurt?

On By TimIn 1 Corinthians 13, LoveLeave a comment

Love suffers long and is kind; love envies not; love flaunts not itself and is not puffed up, does not behave itself improperly, seeks not its own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil; rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

1 Corinthians 13:4–7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

When reminded of past trauma and the hurt that comes with it, ask yourself… How much pain is legitimate, meaning what is outside of my control?

How much is internal, that is what comes from my offense at being hurt?

These things are important to consider if only for one point. What is external can remain external and a person can move on. But… We tend to internalize these hurts by taking offense. Is it any wonder that the instructions on what love is teach us that it is not offended. This means clearly, if you’re offended, you’ve internalized an external hurt. You’ve brought it inside of you.

I am telling you, hurts will come. Sometimes they will be severe and devastating. It is okay to experience hurt.

Your response to it is wholly up to you. You can embrace it, internalize it, and be offended. That comes with a price. It will negate whatever you think you are doing for God. Your being offended will hinder your work… Guaranteed.

It may also give a foothold to the enemy. It might provide him a subtle way to attack and even waylay you.

There is another response. Submit yourself to the hurt. Let it roll over you. Let God defend you. Do what you do for Jesus in spite of those who would deride you.

Whatever service you do for God, step up, continue in it. Even more so… Press into it. Make it the effort to only honor Him in spite of whatever the naysayers say or do. If it is your calling, it is your calling. Rest assured, if you’re working for Jesus, you will suffer hurt. It is part of the work. The hurt is temporary, and the blessings and joy that come from serving God always exceed whatever temporary hurt that comes.

Be Like the God You Worship

On By TimIn Psalm 115, WorshipLeave a comment

Those who make them are like them; so is everyone who trusts in them.

Psalm 115:8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In the previous discussion, we learned about those who make idols for adoration and worship. They eventually become like them. Their idols can’t see, hear or talk… They have no way to get around. It will be interesting to find how this idea will be repeated.

O Israel, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield. O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield. You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield.

Psalm 115:9–11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The psalmist’s admonition to us is to trust the Lord. He is a real help and a shelter in times of trouble. This is also how we become like Him, we shelter those who trust us. We do not betray their trust.

That’s a hard one. It’s hard for me, but it used to be said in the U.S. a man’s word was his bond. It isn’t much like that today. People go back on their words. Let it not be so with us. Let those who trust us not be hurt by our frivolities.

The Lord has been mindful of us; He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron. He will bless those who fear the Lord, both the small and great ones.

Psalm 115:12–13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

God is mindful of believers. Sure these promises are to the Israelis and the house of Aaron, but we share in those promises because of our position in Jesus. We are grafted-in to them to bear fruit for God.

To be like our God means to be mindful of others. It also means to bless them. That is hard! We ought to be willing to bless others… Those that are meek and those not so much, alike.

The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your children. You are blessed of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 115:14–15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The more you become like God, the more you want to serve Him, and by extension His people. His people could be the unbelieving Israelis we meet every day. His people are also other Christians, whether we fellowship locally with them or not.

His blessing is on these. And He calls them blessed. If you are a believer, He calls you blessed, too. Imagine that, the One Who made the heaven and the earth increases your reach and takes the time to call you blessed.

The choice is yours, you can try to increase your own reach and blessing by your own hard work, or you can present yourself to God and let Him work through you. Trust me, the latter is far better and healthier. It is also easier, though it may seem daunting now. Remember, trust in the Lord, He is a shield.

The heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth He has given to the children of men.

Psalm 115:16 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

God has given the earth to humans. The usurpers have stepped in by insurrection and hijacked it. Yet here is the psalmist singing the truth. In so doing, it’s a hint to the coming second Adam who put those entities to shame. He is the One worthy to take possession of it. We also know the New Testament calls the believer (you and I) joint-heirs. Let that thought sit in your mind for a moment.

Remember when Jesus said the meek shall inherit the earth?

That’s Jesus, and us joint-heirs with Him.

Praise God!

The dead do not praise the Lord, nor do any who go down into silence.

Psalm 115:17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is the future for those who die in their sins. Those who do not have Jesus and His gift of eternal life—they perish into silence. It’s not annihilation or ceasing to exist. It is a conscious descent into silence where there is no escape. Is that similar to not having limbs that work, hearing, or speaking just like their idols?

My hope and prayer are that none of you reading this are like those.

But we will bless the Lord
from this time and for evermore.
Praise the Lord!

Psalm 115:18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We believers are not mute… Or deaf… Or not-seeing. We can stand and raise our arms and shout…

Praise God!

Go Your Way

On By TimIn Acts 09, Daily Walk, Encouragement, ExhortationLeave a comment

A disciple named Ananias was in Damascus. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.”
He said, “Here I am, Lord.”

Acts 9:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Here I am.

There is no other way to answer the Lord when He calls, at least for those who love Him. Many of us wait for that call. Sometimes, it is subtle, other times not so much. For Ananias, it was the latter. He trusts his Lord and awaits his assignment.

Little did he know beforehand…

The Lord said to him, “Rise and go to Straight Street, and inquire at Judas’ house for someone named Saul of Tarsus, for he is praying, and has seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he may see again.”

Acts 9:11–12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

God is asking him to go meet a man whom he has never met, yet knows of his zealous reputation. It’s not good for him and his friends. God has appointed Ananias. Shown Saul who to expect. He gives clear instruction on how to identify Saul and what to do then.

answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how many evil things he has done to Your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”

Acts 9:13–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

What does one do in this situation?

Being asked to put yourself in a serving dangerous situation.

God desires to restore a man and has chosen Saul for a particular way to serve Him. Ananias knows the man is bad news for those of the way, as they called Christianity then. That dangerous man Saul also has the authority to put believers in fetters. Yet God’s instructions are clear. Go your way.

He appointed Ananias as he did Saul. It’s just like God to care for Ananias as much as He does for Saul. God will gently encourage Ananias to go the way assigned to him so that Saul can take the path he’s assigned.

But the Lord said to him, “Go your way. For this man is a chosen vessel of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the sons of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.”
Then Ananias went his way and entered the house. Putting his hands on him, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the way as you came, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he could see again. And he rose up and was baptized. When he had eaten, he was strengthened.

Acts 9:15–19 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Ananias’ trepidation disappeared at that. Look at how he greets Saul as brother Saul. He did as God asked him to do, and Saul’s sight returned.

It says he was strengthened. In the midst of his blindness, Saul was being shown what he must suffer for Jesus. He’s living through it all beforehand with Jesus as his only guide. It must have been daunting.

God made good on His first promises to Saul. He showed Saul all that his life would cost to do as God wanted. When his sight returned, he set to the task. He was baptized. He then ended his fast.

I can imagine that Saul was shown all that he must suffer beforehand so that in those moments, he would know that the suffering being experienced is really light and momentary. Jesus was with him beforehand to help Saul be prepared. He is also with him in the midst of the affliction.

Ananias seems to get an honorable mention here. Especially in light of the future deeds of Saul. Have you considered the integral part Ananias had in Saul’s ministry?

What Paul set to do being called by God, is shared by Ananias. Not for any glory other than that of Jesus. Ananias believed Jesus. He did as Jesus asked him to do. The Gospel has gone to the end of the earth because of it.

Sometimes our tasks from God seem daunting, or maybe even menial. We may want to shy away from them for those reasons. Be encouraged by the obedience of Ananias. He is part of the foundation of Paul’s ministry.

You might be stuck inside with limitations on mobility, but you can still have a great Kingdom impact. You can pray. You can encourage others. Did I mention you can pray?

Something as simple as standing in the gap for someone else can lead to an influence far greater than can be imagined. Pray for an evangelist, your neighbor, your family… Even a stranger you’ve never met. God can change the world because of your intercession, just as He did with Ananias’.

First

On By TimIn Acts 03, JesusLeave a comment

God, having raised up His Son Jesus, sent Him to you first, to bless you in turning every one of you from your iniquities.”

Acts 3:26 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Peter… Peter… Sometimes the things you are recorded as saying surprise me. Especially when given your actions that ensure years afterward.

You know, I think lots of people might believe that in the Old Covenant, only Jewish folk could be believers and get to heaven. Maybe it’s because I once held to that long ago that I think that way. Part of that erroneous belief begins with the idea folks are saved by the sacrifices and offerings contained in the law.

To hold to those ideas is understandable, but as I handily learned, they are rather shallow conclusions that lack real study.

People were being saved in the Old Testament long before The Law came to be. People have known their need for a Savior since Eden. The Law serves only to make this necessity painfully evident. It was given to a set-aside vessel for service. That vessel is Israel. The service is to make God known to the nations of the world. (I cheated you out of discovering that fit yourself.)

There is this encounter of a gentile Canaanite with Jesus.

Then Jesus went from there and departed into the regions of Tyre and Sidon. There, a woman of Canaan came out of the same regions and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David. My daughter is severely possessed by a demon.”
But He did not answer her a word. And His disciples came and begged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.”
But He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

Matthew 15:21–24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This woman persistently pleaded with Jesus to heal her daughter. Jesus’ reply might come as a shock to some. Read it carefully. Jesus said He was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.

What did Jesus mean?

Perhaps one could make the statement imply that salvation was only intended for Jewish folk. But we know better. Gentiles were being saved long before Israel came to be. They were being saved by this same Seed promised to Eve.

There’s this noisy woman. The disciples are tired of her cries. Jesus seems to side with them.

Then she came and worshipped Him, saying, “Lord, help me.”

Matthew 15:25 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This woman was devout. She knew the only place to get help was from Him. She was insistent.

But He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s bread and to throw it to dogs.”

Matthew 15:26 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The children’s bread, the gifts God would bestow on His people. God sent manna to the Israelites in the wilderness to provide sustenance for them. This is exactly what the manna provided by God pointed to… The bread of heaven… Jesus. That bread to make folks whole was only for the children.

There is an order to things. But didn’t Gentiles in the mixed multitude that left Egypt also eat of and thrive by the manna?

She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”
Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith. Let it be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

Matthew 15:27–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

She didn’t ask to take anything from Israel. In the scheme of things, what she was asking of Jesus was insignificant considering Who He is. He was going to show how significant her belief in Him is.

Back to Peter.

Peter was echoing the same thing Jesus said. That is, Jesus was sent to the lost sheep of Israel. Peter was preaching this message to those lost sheep. We come to that last sentence in his sermon where Peter says Jesus was sent to them first. That implies something greater follows.

Like the word only in what Jesus said, here’s this word first. Jesus came first to Israel. He was rejected by them. Yet the fact remains, He came to only them first.

Then Paul and Barnabas boldly said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first. But seeing you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we are turning to the Gentiles. For thus has the Lord commanded us:
‘I have established you to be a light of the Gentiles,
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

Acts 13:46–47 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Peter Exhorts Elders

On By TimIn 1 Peter 05, ExhortationLeave a comment

I exhort the elders who are among you, as one who is also an elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ as well as a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

1 Peter 5:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Peter writes an encouragement to the elders… Not as someone who is above them in any way. He does it this way so as to not usurp Jesus Christ as Lord. Peter identifies himself as a witness of what happened to Jesus. He also tells the elder that he like them, and is looking forward to eternity with Jesus.

Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, take care of them, not by constraint, but willingly, not for dishonest gain, but eagerly.

1 Peter 5:2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It is the elder who shepherds. A shepherd doesn’t just guide his sheep. He is with them always. He tends to their needs and pastures them for feeding. He even smells like his sheep. The sheep know the voice of the shepherd. These are all things to keep in mind when seeing the word shepherd.

The elder ought to also serve not because he is forced to do so. Nor should it be a burden. Such a person enters into the service willingly. He doesn’t do it for the accolades. Nor does he use his position for selfish gain.

Do not lord over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock.

1 Peter 5:3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The idea of being an elder is to be an example. This is for all leaders in the church. Elders don’t bark orders and expect the sheep to blindly comply. As a shepherd guides sheep, barking orders and expecting compliance won’t work.

Too many want to lead and be the one who orders charges to do the bidding. It doesn’t work that way in God’s economy. We are all fellow partakers, and an elder is an intimate part of the flock he tends. He must lead by example.

And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of glory that will not fade away.

1 Peter 5:4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The Chief Shepherd is Jesus Christ. He is coming back. When He does, what you’ve worked for is yours. It’s yours forever.

Those things that you sow in the kingdom of God don’t fade away. They don’t disappear and they cannot be taken away from you.

The elder ultimately serves because he wants to do it. Selfless service is costly in the real world we live in now. Yet we are promised it is handsomely rewarded in the next.