Month: July 2014

The Right Way To Listen To A Sermon, Eagerness and Examination – Acts 17:1-15

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From my reading in Acts 17:1-15 in the One Year New Testament.

Church goers spend thousands of hours listening to sermons.

Unfortunately it is very common for people to come to church and not really listen!There is an example in the Bible of a group of people who were better at listening to sermons that others.

“Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, 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 

These Berean jews were more nobel in character because they did two things.

They listened with great eagerness.

When you go to church are you eager to hear what God has to say to you? Are you expecting to hear truth that will change your life?

Part of listening with eagerness is realizing that what is being taught will really change your life!

For example, I am a surfer and I love teaching people to surf.  Now if on this blog post I took 1,000 words to explain the intrecies of how to surf you would probably be board (no pun intended) because most likely you are not reading this in your wetsuit!

But if we were on the beach in San Diego, and you just put your wetsuit on with the sand between your toes and I was explaining how to surf you would be very interested because if you don’t pay attention you are going to fall on your face!

The other thing the Bereans did was examine the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

The didn’t just take what the preacher said at face value. They checked back with scripture for themselves.  It doesn’t matter how good a preacher is, they are human.

I believe that if church goers would approach listening to sermons with the same eagerness of the Bereans that there would be far more solid believers and a lot less false teaching in churches!

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Experience Joy In Hard Times – Acts 16:22-40

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From my reading in Acts 16:22-40 in the One Year New Testament.

One of the most amazing things that our faith in Jesus gives us is the ability to experience joy in hard times!

Paul and Silas were stripped, severly beaten and thrown into an inner dungeon, yet still praised the Lord.

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

This is an amazing example of joy in hard times.

If anyone had the right to throw a pity-party they did. Instead they had a prayer and worship service!  These men understood that even though their present circumstance was bad, God was good!

No matter how bad your circumstances are you can celebrate the goodness of God.

In bad times Christians have a hope that in heaven he will wipe away all our tears and take away our pain!

Our joy in hard times can be a witness to others.

It says that the other prisoners were listing to them. Probably there are some boring nights in the jail cell. Hearing joyful singing was probably not a common occurrence in that dungeon!

Next time you encounter a hard time pray and worship God.

It will help you get your mind off your problems and on to the only one ultimately in charge, it will also be a good example to others!

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Discerning God’s Call For Your Life As You Go – Acts 16:1-21

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From my reading in Acts 16:1-21 in the One Year New Testament.

Discerning God’s call is something that I am faced with questions about a lot as a college minister.

I believe that the way that God calls each person is different. For many people, I believe that one way to discover your calling to to try several things and see where the Holy Spirit leads you.

Paul and Silas were already called to go as missionaries. They were traveling through Asia and wanted to preach in the areas of Phrygia, Galatia, Mysia, and Bithynia. But they were prevented by the Holy Spirit! Here’s a hint: any time the Holy Spirit doesn’t let you go somewhere, don’t go!

Paul and Silas were not standing still, waiting for God to tell them where to go.

They were actively pursuing God’s mission, and the Holy Spirit was able to guide them as they were going. It has been said,

“It’s easier to steer a moving car than a stationary one.”

Especially for young people, it is helpful to try a variety of things and see where God guides you.

This is one reason I really believe in short term mission trips. You don’t need have to receive a special call to go on short trip; just go!  Who knows if God will give you a heart to go back and plant your life there. God spoke specifically in a vision to Paul calling him to Macedonia,

“During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” Acts 16:9–10

Paul was actively seeking the place that God wanted him and it was made very clear!

If you are trying to find out what God is calling you to do, pray about it of course, but also try different things and I believe he will guide you!

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The Strategic Nature of Developing Ongoing Missions Partnerships – Acts 15:22-41

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From my reading in Acts 15:22-41 in the One Year New Testament.

Developing ongoing missions partnerships is very strategic.

The ministry I lead (Challenge San Diego) has had a ministry partnership in East Asia for several years now. Because we go back every summer we are able to connect with those on the field and play an ongoing role in the ministry. We have also had three of our students go back for a year and two of those are there now for even longer!

Paul and Barnabas believed in staying connected to the places they started ministries.

They realized that after getting the churches started it would be important to come back and encourage the people and see how they were doing.

“And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” Acts 15:36

There is power in seeing people face to face.

By returning, Paul and Barnabas would encourage the fledgling churches in ways they could not otherwise. Unfortunately, Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement went their separate ways. Still both of them still led teams to go encourage the churches.

By developing ongoing partnerships you can get the joy of seeing people’s progress in their faith.  Also those you go visit gain great encouragement!

Does your church or ministry have strategic ongoing missions partnerships?

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How Legalism Makes It More Difficult For People To Turn To God – Acts 15:1-21

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From my reading in Acts 15:1-21 in the One Year New Testament.

It has always been hard for people to turn to Christ in every culture.

There are things every culture promotes that are opposed to following Christ. It is difficult for someone to give up what society says in order to follow God.

It is even more difficult when Christians make it harder to turn to God by adding extra legalistic rules.

This is what was happening in the Jerusalem Church. People were being told that they need to be circumcised in order to be saved. Regarding this dispute the apostle James said,

“And so my judgment is that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.” Acts 15:19

We should not make it difficult for people to turn to God!

Often in our churches we won’t accept people until they dress, talk, and act like us. But in order to make it easy for people to come to God we must create an atmosphere were anyone can walk in and feel welcomed.

The danger of legalism is that it starts out as a genuine desire to please God, but often leads to alienating people you could potentially reach.

Adding extra rules to the Bible does not actually make you more holy, instead it makes outsiders think that they could never live that way.

My goal for the ministries I lead is to have a place where people can hear a uncomfortable message in a comfortable environment.

Full surrender to Christ is already a hard message, we dare not make it harder with man made rules.

How can you church make it easier for people to turn to God?

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How To Care For The Sent Ones That Return Like The Antioch Church – Acts 14

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From my reading in Acts 14 in the One Year New Testament.

Recently I wrote two posts about lessons from the church in Antioch, and how to be a sending church like Antioch. Antioch sent Paul and Barnabas out well, but they also cared for and stayed connected with them.

“Finally, they returned by ship to Antioch of Syria, where their journey had begun. The believers there had entrusted them to the grace of God to do the work they had now completed. Upon arriving in Antioch, they called the church together and reported everything God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles, too. And they stayed there with the believers for a long time.” Acts 14:26-28

Welcome Missionaries Back And Listen To Their Stories

When Paul and Barnabas returned from their journey they were welcomed back. The believers who sent them were able to celebrate the stories of lives that had been changed! Paul and Barnabas gathered the people and shared a report about how the ministry is going.

My wife and I just got done doing a similar ministry report with a group of our supporters. It is a joy to share with others the great things God is doing. I feel more connected to my supporters after getting to share with them personally and those that support us also have a better idea of how they are investing in the kingdom of God.

Hearing the stories of missionaries can invigorate members of the church to go out and do similar things. Also it shows the sending church that the resources and prayer they send are not in vain.

Welcome them back for rest and rejuvenation.

It says that Paul and Barnabas stayed there for a long time before leaving again. Missionaries and church planters have exhausting work. It is helpful for missionaries to have a home base where they can rejuvenate after being on the front lines.

The church in Antioch is a good example of a church that cares for those they send. Let it be a remainder to sending churches today to not only send people out but also provide a caring home base for them to come back to.

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Serve God’s Purpose In Your Generation Before You Die – Acts 13:26-52

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From my reading in Acts 13:26-52 in the One Year New Testament.

We only get one shot at this life. We all have a purpose that God has put us on this earth for.

Only some of us obey by serving God’s purpose. But we all die. The question is are you going to fullfill your purpose or not? David is an example of a man who served God’s purpose while he was on this planet.

“Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed.” Acts 13:36

He did what he was called to do in the time and place God placed him. Each of us has a unique generation in which to serve God. We better get busy serving God while we still have time.

Knowing that I am eventually going to die is a good reminder that I only have a limited time to serve God’s purpose for my life. Also it is good to remember that I only have a limited opportunities in the time God has given me.

I pray that I would be able to serve God’s purpose for my life and then die!

If you have never read The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren it is a great book for further reading on discovering your purpose and living for Jesus.

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How To Be A Sending Church Like Antioch – Acts 13:1-25

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From my reading in Acts 13:1-25 in the One Year New Testament.

Two days ago I did an article “Lessons From The Church In Antioch.”

But what Antioch is best known for is commissioning some of the first missionaries.

“One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.” Acts 13:2-3

Be A Fasting and Praying Church

Antioch was sensitive to the Holy Spirit. They spent enough time in prayer to really hear what God wanted them to do.

How much do your church leaders pray?  After the decision was already made they fasted and prayed before laying hands on and sending out the missionaries.

Be Generous With Your Leaders

If you are a kingdom minded church, often your best leaders will be sent out.

A church that tries to keep all of it’s leaders for itself is selfish. Antioch was a kingdom focused church and was willing to give up some of it’s best leaders pursue their calling.

Be A Supportive Church

Antioch sent Paul and Barnabas on their way well. A good sending church should be intentionally about sending people off well, and support them with prayer and fasting.

I believe that one of the reasons that the gospel has not spread to all nations yet is because there are not enough “Antioch” type churches.

My prayer is that every church would find ways to play thier part in sending people to the nations.

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Lessons From The NBA Finals, Pride Will Eat You Alive, Humility Will Bring You Honor – Acts 12

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From my reading in Acts 12 in the One Year New Testament.

One modern example of a humble person being honored is NBA Player Kawhi Lenord.

He was a defensive role player for the San Antonio Spurs this year. In the finals he had a great performance and received the MVP of the finals. The Spurs team as a unit was an example of humility and unselfish play. In Kawhi’s interview he talked  about his team and even thanked God.  His humility is refreshing in the pride filled world of professional sports.

Pride is a deadly diesase that consumes the host.

One man who was killed because of his pride was Herod Agrippa.

“When the day arrived, Herod put on his royal robes, sat on his throne, and made a speech to them. The people gave him a great ovation, shouting, “It’s the voice of a god, not of a man!” Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, because he accepted the people’s worship instead of giving the glory to God. So he was consumed with worms and died.” Acts 12:21-23

Got worms?

Herod loved the attention and accepted the worship of the people. Because he didn’t give God the glory he deserved Herod was eaten alive by worms and died! Not a fun way to go!

Don’t Get Eaten Alive, Humble Yourself

Pride literally eats away at people. Those who are motivated by pride can never get enough praise. Because they care so much about what others think they are slaves to the crowd. This is an exhausting pursuit that you always eventually lose.

Humble people are the only ones who are truly free.

When you stop trying to steal God’s glory you are free to live undistracted.  God opposes those who are proud and offers grace and help to the humble. He promises to lift up those who humble themselves.

Like a worm, pride eats you alive. Humble yourself and let God bless you. Ask yourself…

Am I taking credit for what I should be glorifying God for in my life?

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Lessons From The Church In Antioch – Acts 11

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From my reading in Acts 11 in the One Year New Testament.

The church in Antioch was an good example in several ways.

Antioch’s members were some of the first to preach to the Non-Jewish people.

“However, some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the Gentiles about the Lord Jesus.” Acts 11:20

They understood that the good news was for everyone, Jew and non-Jew!

Antioch’s members preached with God’s power.

“The power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord.” Acts 11:21

They were so filled with God’s Spirit and power that a large number of people were being saved. When you have God’s power in your preaching it can change lives.

Antioch was generous toward other churches.

This is perhaps the greatest difference in the Antioch Church and many churches today. Often churches are all about their own agenda and not concerned about the bigger movement of God.

When the Antioch church heard that the Jerusalem church was going into a severe famine they took a collection and gave generously.

“So the believers in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, everyone giving as much as they could. This they did, entrusting their gifts to Barnabas and Saul to take to the elders of the church in Jerusalem.” Acts 11:29–30

They didn’t just give, they gave as much as they could!  This type of generous giving to another church is evidence of God’s work and a kingdom minded church

How can your church follow the church in Antioch’s example? 

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