The Other Story

"But when they realized he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: ‘Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" Acts 19:34

Two hours shouting! Oh my! Sounds like some of the recent protests from around the world. The poor Jew who was shouted down was a guy named Alexander who was just trying to squelch a riot. The riot was stirred up by a silversmith named Demetrius, who made Artemis idols. Why is there so often a money or power angle to riots? Well, at the heart of this reaction was people turning away from idolatry and towards Jesus and whipped up about how that would affect the traditions and the idol industry. People will miss the truth in the name of not wanting to change or for a few dollars. This is human nature: selfish, rebellious and lazy. Why is it even in the Bible? Devotionals should only be about encouragement and victory, healing and salvation, right? Well, New Testament life had low moments too. On this day, the crowd rejected the truth of Christ and resisted change. Not every Bible account is a victory. The believers would regroup and move forward. A little discouraged, but faithful. When we are tested, we move forward, knowing He is for us. Can’t win them all. But we keep on keeping on, knowing the truth is still the truth. The news can be discouraging, but the truth is greater.

Daily for Two Years

"He took the disciples with him and had discussion daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of God." Acts 19:9b-10

Wow! No wonder God called Paul. He is so effective. What a dedicated and tireless servant. Every day for two years. Over 700 Bible discussion sessions with the disciples (not the 12, all the disciple believers in that region) Did every Jew and Greek attend one or more of these 700 sessions? Is that how it got spread? I don’t think so, I think all those disciples discussed it with everyone they knew and it spread exponentially. It is a good thing to invite people to church. It is more effective to share your faith in the contact of everyday life to do this we must feel a sense of urgency. If you possess the key truth of life, how can you not share it? It takes time to get discipled. It takes disciplers to disciple eager believers. The world needs Jesus. That is not an annual event, or a quarterly effort, or a monthly program. Be part of His kingdom work, your King deserves that.

Vigorous Refutation

"For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scripture that Jesus was the Christ." Acts 18:28

This verse speaks of Apollos, a fiery preacher that Aquila and Priscilla mentored. They were Paul’s tentmaker friends. In the early church, there was a lot of ministry training going on. Apollos needed to be taken deeper in his understanding of the faith, and as he grasped it, he then vigorously and passionately shared his deeper faith and used the Word of God to support his claims about Jesus being the Messiah and the Way. When we will study the Bible with those who are more knowledgeable and more mature we can be used to reach others. Sometimes it is very convenient to not know enough to share. It is like not knowing how to swim well and using that as an excuse to not get in the water at all. Or, not knowing how to dance, so you refuse to even try. You may not be an Apollos, or a Paul, or a Priscilla or Aquila, but if you will learn more you could be passionate about your faith and a much better witness. Apollos was a natural preacher, but needed training and deepening. How could God use you if you let go of your excuses? I am not a strong swimmer, but I always get in the water. Early on I learned from friends and took calculated risks. What could you vigorously do with some training?

How to Strengthen

"After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples." Acts 18:23

We all need it. Paul needed it. He got it and he shared it. But how did he do it> How exactly do you help believers get stronger? If we look at Paul’s efforts over a period of time, we can list the ways he strengthened all the believers. This takes skill and sensitivity. Can’t just pass out exercise programs and expect people to work out. Can’t just talk about it either. Strengthening happens when we turn faith into action.

The Value of Vows

"Before he sailed, he has his hair cut off at Genchrae because of a vow he had taken." Acts 18:18b

Paul was a real man. He was reflective and humble, bold, brave, and willing to do whatever. After a long mission stint in Corinth and before he went to the next place (which, by the way, was Syria), he gets a serious hair cut. It is widely believed he took a Nazarite vow. Jews made personal vows, which are a little like our recommitments and rededications. I am sure with the success of the outreach in Corinth, a number of believers made deep decisions to follow Christ. Some consecrated these acts with personal vows. The Nazarite vow says you cut your hair as a sacrifice to God. In the Old Testament, the hair was burned. Paul supported and joined the serious new believers in their commitment. I hope we return to a more serious "total commitment" time. Back in the Jesus Movement time in the 60s, many believers made vows and practiced spiritual discipline. I will list 13 spiritual disciplines in hopes that some of you might make short term vows to express your dedication to Christ.

I Got Your Back

"One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision, ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.’ So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God." Acts 18:9-10

Paul knew how to balance caution, boundaries and spiritual freedom. He was able to hear God embolden him for a long season and an important mission. God can help you know your limitations and cut you loose when He needs you. Paul heard God in a vision. God calmed him and reassured him. I have had this happen. The Lord from time to time lets me know He has my back, either through the encouragement of others, or in a dream or vision that still, small voice says to me, "You are going to be fine, don’t be afraid, keep sharing, I am with you, you are safe…" The boldness that comes from this reassurance is wonderful. He indeed, "never leaves us or forsakes us." He is truly with us, for us, and in us. Paul stays for 18 months longer because of this assurance. Life and ministry has its ups and downs, from the mountaintop to the valley. He is with us the whole way. We must trust Him for each season, long or short, high or low. As it says in His word, "He who began a good work in us is faithful and just to complete it." I just must listen, trust and obey, just like Paul.

With His Power,
Pastor Fred

Boundaries

"But when the Jews opposed Paul and he became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles." Acts 18:6

I love to hear Paul set boundaries. He loves the Jews but rightfully decided to step back from them and let them face their consequences. He drew a line about the verbal and physical abuse. He said, “No more” when it was time. He knew when he was done. Scripture says he “shook out his clothes”, a symbolic action of letting go and shaking off all the hurt. He surrendered the Jews to God. He refused to take their responsibility and to repeat the cycle of rejection, drama and abuse. The words and the feels ended. He released the chain and was free to move on. Who are you chained to? Who keeps dragging you abusively into the drama? When we truly surrender toxic situations to God, He takes them and we are done with them. Until you do, you are destined to repeat the crazy making and continue the abuse. Do you still love people? Of course. Do you still care, of course! Are you available under the right conditions? Yes. But the cycle stops. Paul drew a line, stayed behind it with this group. The results are miraculous. When we have our boundaries, God can move without us being in the way. Try it.

Show Me the Way

Our Thursday Devotion comes to us from Member, Heather Gent:

Over the years, I've often teased my 20 year older husband about his taste in music, and one night not long ago when I had to borrow his iPod was no exception. As I headed out to the fitness room, I playfully poked at what I might hear when I turned it on, never dreaming that what I heard would be the inspiration for what I now write. As I listened to Styx when they came up in the queue, I found myself not only smiling, but also senselessly singing along - at least until I remembered there were other people in the room. Most intriguing to me as the words rolled across my tongue was the lyrical parallel to my life as I frequently find myself asking God to show me the way. I am ever aware of my weaknesses, especially my internal navigation system for the future, which seems to recalculate on every whim. More than once I've messed things up, gotten ahead of God, and fallen because of it all, but at a time in my walk with Him when I feel strong in my faith and discerning of His voice, I recently found myself feeling dejected over my ceaseless questioning regarding days ahead. It was in this low moment, however, that He gently reminded me that the day I stop asking Him to show me the way is the day I'll actually lose my way.

Aquila and Priscilla

"After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them." Acts 18:1-3

I not only enjoy writing devotionals, I also enjoy Bible study. Reading and writing devotionals does not replace Bible study. All Christians must study God’s Word if they expect to mature in their faith and walk. Going to church, attending church events, serving the Lord, and even witnessing do not replace Bible study. Giving, praying, and being the pastor do not replace studying God’s Word either. Most Christians lack adequate biblical understanding. Let me share a list of ten quick Bible notes from this passage that Christians who study His Word should be able to deduce.

Full of Idols

"While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols." Acts 17:16

Athens, Greece. Greek Gods, the Parthenon... etc. It’s not surprising that the city of Athens would be full of idols. It’s also not surprising that Paul would be distressed by that fact. He is caught in a precarious position. He is a Jew, a Pharisee even and a well-studied and intellectual type, able to discuss all matters of philosophy and discussion. Note that he now is a follower of the Christ, the Messiah. He is building trust among believers and is distrusted by the Jews. He comes to Athens ahead of his new Christian friends and waits for them.

One Teenager's Journey

I didn't have to search or look too far to inspire me for my devotional message this week. I don't get to read the newspaper every day (who else reads the newspaper anymore, huh?) as I'd like to, but for some reason this Monday morning, something caught my eye on the front page of the Late Extra section of the Los Angeles Times, "Glendale's teen's moving campaign. Sebouh Bazikian raises money to buy bikes for Kenyan orphans". And if that wasn't enough, the love is… cartoon on the next page was "SAVE THE CHILDREN", stating "love is… supporting a good cause." Okay, I got the feeling that God likely (definitely) wanted me to share this message with others because it so touched my heart and likely will yours too. I don't have the space to share the whole article, but if you're interested, you can go on-line to read the full story [LATIMES.COM, Mon. Sept. 9, 2013, Page AA3]. It's inspiring! When Sebouh learned how orphans in Kenya had to walk an hour to school, he wanted to find a way to help make their lives a little easier. So, for a year, Sebouh worked to raise about $5,000 to buy 43 new bicycles through the organization World Bike Relief. When the bikes were delivered in August to the children at the Machao Orphanage in Makueni, about 115 miles from Nairobi, Sebouh traveled to be there when the orphans received the bikes. He also helped the older kids learn how to ride the bikes, and watched with amazement when the older kids, after they had gained enough confidence on the bikes, taught the youngest of the children how to ride. Sebouh said "this was probably one of my greatest experiences. I felt I was like their parent teaching them how to ride a bike. You always have to keep a promise, especially to children who have absolutely nothing. I wasn't going to flake out."

Better Christians

""Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." Acts 17:11

Not all Christians are the same. There are more noble ones and less noble ones. This has always been a weakness and a strength for the kingdom work--a weakness, because it is confusing to unbelievers when believers don't act like believers should, and a strength, in that believers are just humans and their weaknesses can be a witness as they are transformed. The problem is that too many weak Christians don't become very transformed and they can give us all a bad name. Our response to this reality should not be to be defensive of the weakness of Christians, but rather to be honest about our shortcomings. We should neither try to explain away or defend bad Christian behavior.

Paul’s Custom

"As his custom was, Paul went into the Synagogue and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead." Acts 17:2-3

Paul was always ready to teach. He was always ready to share from his experience and especially from the Word of God. He used the Scriptures effectively from the Old Testament to show the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. He focused on two fundamental truths that are pivotal to our faith. One, the necessity of the Cross and the other the necessity of the Resurrection.

About Praying and Singing

"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them." Acts 16:25

Just so you know, Paul got arrested a lot. He seemed to be in the unenviable position of being disliked by both the Jews and the local officials. So therefore, between the two of those groups being frustrated with his incessant witnessing, they locked him up to try to shut him up. I don’t know how much you know about jail (probably more than you often admit) but, in jail, there is a lot of witnessing and praying and bible study and singing going on.

Come and Stay at my House

"When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. "If you consider me a believer in the Lord", she said, "Come and stay at my house." And she persuaded us." Acts 16:15

There is a unique and special type of hospitality that Christians should be capable of that transcends family, culture, friendliness and concern. Lydia is the woman in this passage and she was a businesswoman who sold purple cloth in her day. (How do I know this?) It says so in other places in the New Testament.) She came to the river to wash that cloth and there she witnessed baptisms. She was curious, then interested and asked questions. She believed on Jesus Christ and was baptized along with her whole household. This is not uncommon that the witness begins with one person in a family and spreads to others.

Sharp Disagreements

"Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing. Barnabas wanted to take John also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches." Acts 15:36-41"

I wonder why Luke chose to share this part of the inner workings of the early church. Obviously because he is led of the Spirit in writing Acts and what is included in what God intended for us to study. Luke is sharing as he is inspired and not trying to paint a pretty picture or one that is touched up for appearances.

Legalism Should Be Dead

"Through Him (Jesus) everyone is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses." Acts 13:39"

You have your choice in life. Either you can be religious or faithful. You can have grace or the law. Jesus makes a new way for us to deal with all of our sin. All of us have sin. We cannot avoid it. It is part of the human experience. We do stuff, say stuff, think stuff and allow stuff that shouldn't happen. We fail to do many things that should happen. This is called the sin of omission. How can anyone possibly not sin? Only Jesus did this. Everyone else has sinned. There is not an exception. Moses sinned, Abraham sinned, Mary sinned, Joseph sinned and all the disciples sinned. We are human. That is not an excuse that is a condition. The human condition.

The Word of God

"But the Word of God continued to increase and spread." Acts 12:24"

In the same way I always am compelled to ask, “What is the therefore there for?”, I also ask, “But what about the but?” What precedes this comment about the Word of God is the nasty death of Herod. I say nasty because Herod was struck down by an angel with worms for allowing people to call him God. Shocking, but true. On the other hand, God's Word increases and spreads. Still true today. Over the centuries, the powers, individuals, and other religions that would destroy the Word of God have come and gone, but his truth endures. That will always be true. Nothing can stop it. The more it increases the more it spreads. The more it spreads, the more it increases. It is the very nature of truth and the light to do that. He is the truth, He is the light. He is the Word that was made flesh. Until the end, His Word will increase and spread. Eventually every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is God. So, we work and wait. Is His Word increasing in you? If it does it will spread through you. The very purpose of God's Word increasing is so that it will spread. This is why we spread the Good News, that Jesus Christ is Lord!!! Everything else passes away, only He and His Truth remains. Herod thought he could shut down or slow down the Word of God and it cost him his life. Whatever happens in your life, even if you die, God's Word will increase and spread. So, try to do your part and I will try to do mine.

So Then

"So if God gave them the same gift as He gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?" When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God saying, "So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life." Acts 11:17

The choice of language has an interesting way of conveying deep sentiment. Peter is sharing that it is now revealed that God's will is that Gentiles are included in the family of God through faith in Jesus. This is a huge change. Not only does this make sense, but it also is a heart correction that needed to be made for some time. For centuries there had grown a superior and "holier than thou" feeling, that the Jews had over Gentiles (non-Jews). This is easy to have happen. We experience it in the church today. People who have been 'believers' for a long time can begin to exclude others easily and begin to feel exclusive about who can belong in the church family.

The Ability to Respond

"During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.)The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul." Acts 11:27-30

The responsiveness to need by Christians is amazing, and a glory to God! The unresponsiveness of Christians to need is a selfish shame. The early church was a picture of the potential of believers to find and do God's Will. They did so by being decisive, generous and compassionate. I note in this passage that each disciple, according to their ability, made a decision of what to give to alleviate the effect of the coming famine on brothers and sisters far away. They did more than talk, they acted. They also, literally, put their money where their mouth was. It is one thing to care, and another to respond. We must do both, and with the right heart and the personal commitment. Three observations to wrap up today's devotional. 1) The sum total of the end result was more important than any individual effort. 2) The timely response unified together was miraculous. 3) The integrity of each disciple making a prayerful decision about how generous to be, was truly exemplary. We have much to learn from the early church about decisiveness, compassion and generosity. Believers across the world are suffering and we are seemingly hamstrung to respond. Praise God for how much Christians glorify God by caring through giving. And Lord, forgive us for any shameful selfishness that hampers God's plan in any way.