Acts 18:22-Acts 28:11 The Final Voyages!

In this section of Acts we find Paul “shaking out his own clothes” of the Jews that he had been preaching to and sets his sights on preaching to the Gentiles exclusively. There Paul continued to preach with boldness. Apollos enters the scene in Ephesus and the text says that he spoke with great fervor.


When Paul is in Ephesus he encounters disciple of John the Baptist and then the disciples were baptized into the name of Jesus Christ. The text says with this baptism the disciples spoke in tongues. Pentecostal Christians believe that speaking in tongues is a demonstration of the Holy Spirit in someone’s life. While Methodist acknowledge speaking in tongues as a spiritual gift—we do not believe that it defines their salvation.

The church in Ephesus experiences great commotion because the challenge of the god of Artemis. Trades people were upset because their livelihood was being threatened if people no longer bought idols. There was a definite unrest in Ephesus!

Paul has a tearful goodbye with the Ephesians and heads to Jerusalem where he is arrested. Interestingly he is given permission to speak to the crowd where he preached the message of the gospel. When he got to the part of the stoning of Stephen the people wanted no more and Paul was taken and flogged. When the commander found out he had done this to a Roman citizen he was alarmed. Paul then testifies before the Sanhedrin, transferred to Caesarea and is tried in from of Festus.

Paul is sent to Rome, on the journey he warned the crew not to go any farther because of the weather—they did not listen and they were shipwrecked (but not one was lost—a miracle). Paul ultimately arrives in Rome and continues to preach.

Wow! That was a lot of material to get through—no wonder it took Paul three missionary tours and decades.

So let’s just talk

• What did you think about Acts?

It really is part of the two volume set that defines the ministry and work of Jesus Christ and the formation of the church. I love acts because is always involves motion and risk. Following Jesus going against the status quo can get you killed—or at least flogged.

• The question is-- are we willing to take the risk to tell the world about the kingdom of God and the Lord Jesus Christ? My prayer is that the answer is yes.

Hope you have enjoyed reading Acts—Bon Voyage!

Acts Chapters 13- Ch18:22 Sent off…the mission of the church!

In Chapter 13 we find Saul (soon to become Paul) sent off with Barnabas (the encourager) off to Cyprus where Paul blinds Elymas the sorcerer. They continued their travels and they came to Perga, there Paul announced that salvation had also come to the Gentiles as well as the Jews through Jesus Christ. And so begins Paul’s missionary journey. The road would not be easy in fact in even after they healed a lame man— they would stone and left for dead outside of the city gates…but they got up and kept on preaching.

Some confusion over “right doctrine” surfaced and the issue was circumcision. Some were saying that men could only be saved if they were circumcised, so Paul and Barnabas returned to Jerusalem for clarification. To us this may seem like a small issue but this was a defining moment for the church and it was decided that people are purified in their hearts by faith in Jesus Christ. No longer would circumcision be required (this was also important to the Galatians).

Paul then continues on another journey this time with Silas because he and Barnabas had a disagreement over John Mark. Funny—even back then people are still people. Paul has a vision that says he needs to abandon his original plan and move out of Asia into Macedonia (current day Europe). In Troas Lydia is the first person baptized in Macedonia.

So let’s just talk:

• What do you think about Saul/Paul?

Personally he is one of my favorite people in the bible—he was so changed by his encounter with Jesus Christ that he changed his whole life and was willing to endure beatings, stoning, shipwreck and more to share the love and grace of Jesus Christ with the whole world.

• Who are the modern day Paul’s?

Billy Graham comes to mind—he has traveled endured criticism and remained faithful to the message for all these years. Who else do you think of?

• Has faith come to you this way or your household? One of the recurring themes in the Book of Acts is that when one person comes to faith in Christ the whole household comes to believe. I know it did for mine.

Weeks 4and 5 Acts Chapters 8:5-Ch 12

The adventures of Saul the Persecutor:

 

Sorry for the delay about this! Spent a wonderful week at Storm Camp serving Jesus by serving others but my time at the computer was nonexistent. So let’s get started!

 

Wow! Chapter 8 and 9 what a conversion story, Chapter 8 starts out with Saul persecuting the church and then as Saul is on a journey to make sure the message of Jesus did not get into Damascus…God did an amazing thing. God encountered Saul, blinded him and confronted him and Saul became blind.

 

I have to tell you I have always felt really sorry for the person we encounter next, Ananias. God calls Ananias in a vision and tells him he needs to go to this mass murderer Saul, heal him and baptize him. I wonder if I would go to a modern day killer (Manson or Dalmer) and baptize them. But Ananias is faithful and something like scales fall from Saul’s eyes. Saul meets up with Barnabas and the disciples and the church experiences a period of rest.

 

So let’s just talk:

•  This conversion story is by far one of the most dramatic but conversions happen every day. What is the most amazing conversion story you have ever hear?
• Ananias seems frustrated that God wants him to go to Saul, rightfully so, Saul has been a part of killing many followers of Jesus, but Ananias is obedient. Could God be calling you to an act of obedience that you may not like? 
• What was it that Saul saw when the scales fell from his eyes?

 

 

 

Week 3 July 18th Acts Chapters 5:12- Ch 8:4

This next section of reading begins with the Apostles being jailed because the priests and Sadducees were jealous. The problem for the high priests and council is that you can’t keep the Spirit of God locked up. Can you imagine what they were thinking when they found that the apostles were not there? Who has the power?


Peter tells the council that they must obey God not man. Not surprisingly they were ready to kill them but Gamaliel challenges them to wait and see or else they may challenge God. My study notes say that Gamaliel was most likely a moderate in his views. I find it interesting that the “middle way” makes the way for the apostles to go forward. Perhaps we can learn something about being “theologically moderate.”

The reading goes on to discuss how the “church” had to organize to care for the needs of the widows. This was deemed important work and seven were “ordained deacons” which means ordained meaning set apart and deacon for service. FYI --The UMC ordains deacons—those set apart of service, teaching and caring for the needs of people.

Stephen a deacon (full of grace) was set up and the community sent him to the Council to be tried. Stephen gives a complete and eloquent response to the high priest connecting Abraham, Moses, Joseph and the patriarchs of the faith. All seemed well until he challenged the “holy place” and the leaders, blasphemy! And at that moment Stephen sees heaven and the Son of Man. They stoned him and Stephen’s last words Lord, forgive them. The text says Stephen had the face of an angel—he had the heart too.

So let’s just talk:

• This note on theologically moderate Gamaliel is intriguing to me. We seem to be in constant battle over something as Christians, whether it be the homosexuality issue, women’s ordination…the list goes on. Gamaliel warns the council not to be too quick to judge, wait and see what God will do. The challenge is how to be “moderate” without being luke warm Christians…thoughts?

• The ordination of deacons is a critical part of the work of the church. Deacons are ordained to Word and Service. What do you know about deacons? And who do you know that God has ordained for Word in service in your community?

• Stephen, our first Christian martyr, final words are forgive them. Forgiveness is at the heart of The Way of Christ. Saul (who would be Paul) was there. Who have we seen persecuted as we just stood by? The truth is we do it all the time—Father, forgive us.

Lesson 2 Acts 3 - 5 :11

Our second section of our summer reading begins with Peter and John with the crippled man at gate called Beautiful. The man every day had been set there to beg –this man’s life would be changed forever with the words—“In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk! “Peter goes on to say that healing comes from the name not from him and long story short—this did not make many people happy. In fact the text goes on to say that priests told them to never to use Jesus’ name again. Lucky for us Peter and John knew where the power came from.


Peter and John return and tell their story to their friends and when they were praying again the room shook and they were able to speak with “fearless confidence” and all of them were united in one purpose, loving and supporting each other. Well all except Ananias and Sapphira who thought they could not be fully honest—and what happened to them? They died….The Message translation reads that by this all knew that God was not to be trifled with. You can’t fool God.

So let’s just talk:

1. Peter’s first miracle is at the Gate called Beautiful where he heals a beggar. I wonder how many times I walk right by those in need, not wanting to get involved or worse yet thinking that I am powerless to help them. By Peter doesn’t walk by….why and was he really confident that this man would walk?

2. Peter calls on the congregation gathered to change their ways—in what ways does the congregation need to change their ways today? Are we ready to face God?

3. Peter and John were warned to never mention the name of Jesus again. The temple priests and Sadducees were threatened but Peter and John knew where the power came from and they stood up to the temple priests. Why are we so reluctant to speak the name of Jesus? The gospel is offensive because it challenges us to our core, but this is where the power comes.

4. One of my favorite people in the bible is Barnabas—the great encourager. I find it interesting that he is juxtaposed to Ananias and Sapphira. Barnabas gives everything to the early church yet Ananias and Sapphira think they can give them just enough—what happens? They die. Why do we think that we can hide from God? Or are we just not willing to give all we have?

Well that’s enough to chew on this week---so let’s just talk!

Summer Reading: The Book of Acts---- Let's Begin!

This year at Annual Conference Bishop Dyck asked each United Methodist to read The Book of Acts over the summer. What a wonderful way to spend the summer, learning about all the wonderful God acts that started the church. Would you join me? Each week I will post my comments on the reading for the week and explore some new insights together. So let’s get started!

 

Reading Week                      Assigned Reading 
Week 1 July 4th                Acts Chapters 1- Ch 2
Week 2 July 11th              Acts Chapters 3- Ch 5:11
Week 3 July 18th              Acts Chapters 5:12- Ch 8:4
Week 4 July 25th              Acts Chapters 8:5-Ch 9:31
Week 5 August 1st           Acts Chapters 11:18- Ch 12
Week 6 August 8th           Acts Chapters 13- Ch 15:35
Week 7 August 15th         Acts Chapters 15:36- Ch18:22
Week 8 August 22nd        Acts Chapters 18:23-Ch 21:16
Week 9 August 29th         Acts Chapters 21:17- Ch 28:30

Some helpful hints as you begin reading the Book of Acts:.

• Author-- Luke written as companion to Gospel of Luke (Gospel of Luke tells the story of Jesus and Acts tells story of the Acts of the Holy Spirit and birth of the Christian faith)
• Recipient of Both Luke and Acts was Theophilus, Luke’s benefactor
• Luke was not an eye witness to Jesus, his involvement came with Peter and Paul and the spreading of the Gospel

Theme and purpose of Acts (from NASB study bible):
1. To present a history
2. To give a defense
3. To provide a guide
4. To depict the triumph of Christianity in the face of persecution

So let’s just talk:

1. Jesus foretells His disciples of the coming of the Holy Spirit and then leaves.

I find it fascinating that right before Jesus ascends to the Father he promises them again that they will not be alone and that when the Holy Spirit comes they will receive “power“.

• What power is Jesus talking about?
• What does it mean for us?

 2. The disciples are all in one place and the Holy Spirit comes and people were astonished that they could hear in their native tongue. Imagine what that must have been like? I remember when I was living in China and someone spoke English--it was like music to my ears.

•  Why was speaking in native languages so important to the spreading of the gospel (the good news of Jesus Christ)?

Peter goes on to deliver quite a sermon and when he returns they break bread together and everyone kept feeling a sense of awe. 

• When was the last time you were filled with awe?
• Do you ever feel awe at worship on Sunday am? If not--how can we do better?

Well that’s lesson 1, we did it. I look forward to Spirit and awe filled conversation!

 

 

 

A Lesson about Life

Yesterday was a tough day. My mom’s cancer is progressing and we are making some difficult decisions about her care. And honestly I spent the better part of the day in tears. The hardest part for me was telling our girls about their grandma because we still live in a world with death, mourning, crying and pain are real.

 I am getting ready to preach on Revelation 21 on Sunday and in this scripture it talks about a new heaven and a new earth—a place called hope and promise. I don’t know how I would make it through life without this hope and promise and I know it to be true that someday Jesus will wipe every tear from our eyes.

  

 So let’s just talk:

• What lessons about life do you hold onto? 
• How do you get your strength? 
• Where do you go for words of hope, comfort and promise?

I know that many people find the Bible confusing and hard to understand. But for me on this day it reminds me who Jesus is and I can’t imagine going through this without Him in my life. People often tell me I am a crazy Christian—I am. Yet even through the tears, the pain and the mourning I know that there will be a day when all will be made new again. An important lesson for me this day about life, death and what is yet to be.

 

Prayer and Sacrifice

Sacrifice-- It has been exactly 21 days since I had my latest cup of coffee. It certainly hasn’t been easy. I find I now dream of coffee. I remember that last November I told some women friends—I think I am going to give up coffee for Lent. And they laughed. Be careful what you say out loud—God hears.

So now 21 days later how does it feel? Honestly it feels like the right thing to do. Giving up something for Lent turn my attention toward God—to where it should be all the time. Giving up coffee makes me realize how little I really sacrifice at all. But yet in a strange way I know that God sees and honors our attempts.

Prayer—My prayer life always improves when I am changing my normal patterns of life—whether it be giving up coffee or committing to exercise. My attention focuses on the One who give life.

So let’s just talk:

• How is your Lent journey going?
• Did you give something up?
• If so, is it making a difference in your faith life?

I know this ancient spiritual practice helps me remember who Jesus is and what He has done for me. I hope it is helping you. Journeying together!

What's on Our Playlist

What’s on your play list?

Well it is the New Year and once again I find myself recommitted to exercise and trying to loose these lbs. I gained over Christmas! Music is a key part of my exercise routine. I of course have the half working IPOD (the one that went through the washing machine) where half the screen works. Not so easy reading for this woman who in the past few years has added reading glasses to her life. But it works and the  music motivates—it keeps me focused—helps me with endurance and keeps me on track. I have tried to exercise without music and honestly I don’t like it.

So, let’s just talk!

What is on your play list?

• How does music affect you?
• Is it an important part of your life?
• And what about church and music—do they go together?
• Does music make a difference in a worship service?

 Here are few samples on mine…..

  Vertigo by U2
  Boom Boom Pow by Black Eyed Peas
  All The Single Ladies by Beyonce

 Surprised? Did you really think I only listened to Charles Wesley hymns…. 

 So let’s just talk!  I am really interested in how music reaches people. 

 

People of the Book

The Advent Lesson today reminds me that we are “people of the book.” We are people who form our collective identity around the greatest story ever told. Becoming a Christian means that our lineage becomes part of the cloud of witnesses who confess Jesus as Lord. I know sometimes that reading the bible can be difficult and intimidating but that is not what it was designed to do. As John reminds us “these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ”! That’s the ultimate purpose of the bible—faith in Jesus Christ.

So let’s just talk:

• Do you find reading the bible a challenge?
• What can the church do to help people better understand the bible?

Reading the bible became part of my life several years ago. I will never forget my sister in law gave me a bible for Christmas and my initial reaction was oh great—she’s trying to push this God thing on me again. It took 10 months for me to open it but when I did I was again reminded who Jesus is ant the love that God has for all of us. It was my best Christmas present ever! Today I am a part of the people of the book.

John went on to write “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” Oh but what a story there is to tell!

The Day of the Lord

This week in our congregation each person was given an Advent devotional. The material in it is from one of my favorite authors/ theologians—C.S. Lewis. The theme is A Grand Miracle—Christ’s coming into the world—truly God is with us in the flesh. Today’s devotion is about The Day of the Lord. There is a lot in the Bible about the day of the Lord. It is a Day of Judgment and Promise.

Our devotional reminds us that Judgment and Promise are the central themes of Advent and the Day of the Lord is any day that salvation takes a significant step forward.



So let’s just talk:

• What does the word judgment mean to you? Is this really something to be concerned about?
• In a world where the common vernacular is “I’m ok—you’re ok” does the day of the Lord hold any weight?
• If there is no judgment—why do we need a promise, let alone a savior?

Some pretty heavy themes in this Advent devotional—but good ones. I don’t know about you but when I stop and really think about it—God becoming human is amazing—God entering into the human race completely and totally is truly amazing grace.

Paying Attention to My Own Knitting

I don’t know why—but this phrase from Eugene Peterson’s The Message has stuck with me this past week. This section of Roman’s is about judgment and Paul reminds us to do just that—pay attention to our own knitting.

For a type a+ personality like me that’s hard. I have high expectations and as my children remind me—sometimes I push too hard and expect too much. The truth is the one I expect the most out of is me and when life doesn’t go my way I can discouraged and disappointed. Know wonder I always loved Frank Sinatra’s “I Did it My Way.” But honestly, I don’t want to do it my way, I want to do it Jesus way, full of love and compassion. So I think I am going to have to learn to knit.

To knit I am going to need several items:

• A good pair of knitting needles and yarn --the right tools and texture will make all the difference
• The use of my hands --items I regularly take for granted until I see someone with no hands
• A pattern, instructions or at least a model --something that helps me learn
• Time—knitting is not an instant gratification pursuit
• And an abundant amount of grace--because I know that there will be times when I will have to almost start all over because of one mistake

These are the resources needed to create works of art that are functional, beautiful and long lasting. The same thing holds true for a life well lived.

So let’s just talk:

• Isn’t that what we all seek really—a well lived life?
• And what does that llok like for you?

                  

Knit one, pearl two, knot one, pearl two oh well I guess I have to start again—knit one, pearl two. Happy Thanksgiving!

A win is a win, right?

A win is a win is a win….right? Or so the Minnesota Vikings say about their nail biting game on Sunday. One missed 44 yard field goal in the last seconds of the game and a Brett Farve who couldn’t even watch ended up gleeful as the Viking won 33-31.

A win is a win—right? I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to live in a society rooted at what it means to “win”-- you know a society based upon competition. You know the phrases:

• “I won—you lost!”
• “We’re winners—you’re losers!”
• “I’m right—you’re wrong!”
• “We’re stronger—you’re weaker!”
• “The bible says this—the bible says that!”
• “I’m really saved—you’re not!”

A win is a win—right? But at whose cost?

All of a sudden a sense of superiority takes hold and good fun turns ugly and someone ends up getting hurt. Ok—I am not bashing sports or good healthy competition but I do wonder how this pervasive message is playing out in life around us.

So let’s just talk:

•  How is this culture of winning influencing our lives?
• What does this say about our culture?
• What does this say about our churches?
• And does God have anything to do with this anyways?

As always I look forward to hearing what you have to say. The older I get the less interested in winning I become and am more interested in playing the game. So let’s just talk!

Are we Spiritual Yet?

The Parade section in the Sunday, October’s 4th paper yesterday posed the question “How Spiritual Are We?” I found the results very interesting.

     • 69% of people believe in God,

     • 77% pray outside of religious services

     • 75% believe that it is a parent’s responsibility to give children a religious upbringing.

Yet, 24% of people say they are “religious, not spiritual” and 45% of people who consider themselves religious do not participate in organized religion. Wow, how the landscape of religious life has changed. There is not an expectation of being a part of a church, there is no longer the fear of God that once dominated religious belief—So what does this mean as we “rethink church”?

Let’s just talk:

     • Are these statistics surprising to you?

     • Does your local community of friends and relatives reflect this information?

     • What does this mean for the local church?

There are people in my own family who say the same things—church just isn’t relevant anymore. They believe in God and are comfortable practicing their faith in their own way. I am really interested in what you think—so let’s just talk!

Reshaping the landscape

Welcome to the Homefront….

I am excited about entering into the world of blogging and discussing real issues! We have a great opportunity to demonstrate what it means to “reason together” in civil discussion. In the last week we have seen a Congress member, a tennis superstar and a music pop icon all be disrespectful—the Good News is that there is a different way. Let’s begin!

One year ago today a shockwave was sent across the globe with the bankruptcy and collapse of Lehman Brothers, a financial giant (or so it seemed) and the greatest financial crisis of our time began. Do you remember the New York Times headlines?

Lehman Files for Bankruptcy; Merrill Is Sold

The article stated that this event would “reshape the landscape of American finance” and it did. Many companies have gone out of business, and millions are unemployed. All you have to do is turn on the television, radio or pick up a newspaper and know that the life is very different for many people.

Let’s ask questions, let’s just talk:

• How did it affect you?

• How has the last year of your life been affected by Wall Street some 12 months later?

• Reshaping of the landscape---what an interesting term, what does your landscape look like now?

• Less cluttered, more cluttered, less hopeful, more hopeful?

We started reading the book of Acts together yesterday at worship….what a story of reshaping the landscape! The world would never be the same…..imagine the headlines on that day when the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples into the streets. What would the headline have read?

What can we learn from these seemingly unconnected events?

So let’s just talk……