As things go when things are not going someone’s way, the whining begins here in the early church. They’re getting better stuff than I am! How come he gets better stuff? As the church grows, more people are coming to the faith. Not all of them are Jews anymore. So a split happens between the Greeks and the Hebrews. As can happen, some things were going on that the leaders in the Church didn’t have the capacity to deal with. They needed help. Seven men were chose (who were wise, known for their good character, and full of the Holy Spirit) to help with some of the “work” items like giving out food. It allowed the apostles to focus on teaching and prayer.
One of those men is Stephen. The passage notes him specifically as being full of the Holy Spirit. He was arrested. Things seem to be intensifying between the Jewish leaders and the Christ-following Jews. If you look at some of the charges raised against him, you can see how they are a bit skewed from what he would have actually said. They keep watching for some sort of oppression or overthrow. But something happened. It’s like his face started to shine or something.
I hope everything works out for him…..
A Little Bit About Me...
- Jason
- I have many hats that I wear. I am a husband and father. I am pastor/teacher at my church. I am part of a team working on a large project at work. I am a friend. I am a budding visionary. I am a writer, an actor, and a director. I am an artist. I am a student of the Bible. I have a brain that comes up with some pretty crazy and interesting ideas, and I have a personality to match. I try to treat all people how I would like to be treated. I strive to be steadfast, immovable in my faith. I seek after the TRUTH, and I believe that it can be found, not just 'from my perspective', but for all people.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Friday, March 2, 2012
The Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 5… for Day 5!
Ok, so this is a really busy chapter! Lots going on. We start with Ananias and Sapphira. They had a piece of land. They sold the land. They gave some of the money to the Apostles, but told them that they gave all of it. The Apostles challenged them and when they did, they died. They lied to the Holy Spirit and died for it. Scary thought. It’s not that they didn’t give all of the money. It is just that they tried to make people think that they did. Have you ever told someone a lie to make yourself look batter then you really were?
Next is something that we see a few times in the book of Acts. The disciples were preaching, and then they were arrested. While in prison an angel comes and breaks them out, and they go back out and keep preaching. Of note… In China, today, there are areas where it is illegal to be a Christian. One of the requirements of being a pastor is that you have to have been in jail for the cause of Christ. We see this theme all through Scripture. There are men and women that resolve to follow Christ, and obey him even if the authorities say it is illegal.
Also one other thing… there is a mention of a man named Gamaliel. He seems pretty wise. Let them speak. If it is of God, it will do well, and you do not want to fight God. If not, it will not be successful. He is a mentor to man we will hear about a WHOLE bunch later in this book.
Next is one of my favourite passages in the Bible. As the disciples were praying for people to be healed verse 15 says, “As a result of the apostles’ work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter’s shadow might fall across some of them as he went by.” People were healed when the apostles’ shadows went over them! Imagine being so filled with the Holy Spirit that your shadow healed people!
Also one other thing… there is a mention of a man named Gamaliel. He seems pretty wise. Let them speak. If it is of God, it will do well, and you do not want to fight God. If not, it will not be successful. He is a mentor to man we will hear about a WHOLE bunch later in this book.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Day 4! Acts 4
Ok, so i don't know about you, but this chapter could be taken from two perspectives.... One is, "Oh, no, they got arrested for preaching about Jesus." Two is, "AMAZING! They preached and 5000 people got saved, and then they got a private audience with some very high profile people, and got to share Jesus with them!"
I prefer the second one.
This chapter is another example of how when someone is filled with the Holy Spirit, God gives them the words to speak and the courage to do what needs to be done. There was a strong attempt at intimidation here. The religious leaders were trying to silence these apostles... Peter and John. But like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego of the book of Daniel, these men chose to follow Jesus no matter what.
It is interesting to note that one of the things that stopped the argument was the formerly-crippled beggar standing outside. The religious leaders could not argue with what they had seen. They could not argue with what God had done in this man's life. Same thing for you. People can't argue with God is doing in your life.
Something I learned: Later in the book we will hear about Paul and Barnabas... Barbanas' name is really Joseph. Barnabas was more of a nickname. :) It would be neat to have someone call me something like "Son of Encouragement".
It is also interesting that people are selling off property so that the needs of the poor can be met. It should be interesting to see how that goes. I hope no one tries to take advantage of them.
I prefer the second one.
This chapter is another example of how when someone is filled with the Holy Spirit, God gives them the words to speak and the courage to do what needs to be done. There was a strong attempt at intimidation here. The religious leaders were trying to silence these apostles... Peter and John. But like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego of the book of Daniel, these men chose to follow Jesus no matter what. It is interesting to note that one of the things that stopped the argument was the formerly-crippled beggar standing outside. The religious leaders could not argue with what they had seen. They could not argue with what God had done in this man's life. Same thing for you. People can't argue with God is doing in your life.
Something I learned: Later in the book we will hear about Paul and Barnabas... Barbanas' name is really Joseph. Barnabas was more of a nickname. :) It would be neat to have someone call me something like "Son of Encouragement".
It is also interesting that people are selling off property so that the needs of the poor can be met. It should be interesting to see how that goes. I hope no one tries to take advantage of them.
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