Acts 11:3 
“You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!”

There are many churches I would love to visit and observe the work God is doing. The church in Jerusalem was one of those churches. In the early chapters of Acts, we read about this church that began as a work of the Spirit, was birthed in revival, emphasized outreach, focused on discipleship, and even sent out saints to impact the world. We read that they gathered at Solomon’s Porch (an area adjacent to the Temple), to worship, pray, and preach. No building in the city was large enough to house the multitudes who were coming to Christ, so the believers met together in homes throughout the city for prayer, study, fellowship and communion. What a thrilling time it must have been to be a part of that work of God. Sadly, by the end of the book of Acts, the church in Jerusalem had changed. No longer was it the hub for ministry that it once was. Instead, it had become a place filled with internal conflict brought about by legalism. The seed of that is found here.

Imagine the scene. Peter arrives back from his trip. He has had a vision in which God spoke to him. That is exciting!  They should be intrigued and celebrate how amazing God is; that He would interrupt Peter’s sleep and speak to Him. Beyond that, Peter had just led a whole family to Christ. The kingdom of God just got bigger! In addition, this family was not Jewish, they were Gentiles. Their acceptance of Christ was now opening up the entire world to the Gospel message. The church should have been ecstatic; celebrating the fact that the whole world was now their mission field. Instead, what these guys took away from Peter’s story was, “you ate with Gentiles!” That blows my mind! How sad, that this once vibrant church could become so legalistic.

Legalism could be defined as putting restrictions upon us that the Bible does not place on us. Now, it is clear, there are certain restrictions that the Bible does place on us. Those restrictions are the driving force behind many who refuse to come to Christ. John wrote that “. . . light came into the world but men loved darkness more than light because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). We must understand, the restrictions Scripture places on us are for our best. God is, in fact, trying to keep us from something, and that something is unnecessary suffering.

That being said, the legalist is the one who puts restrictions on us beyond what the Bible teaches. They focus on what we wear, what we eat, the day we worship, the style of music, and the list goes on and on. Once legalism enters a person’s life, or a church body, people no longer measure their Christian life by growth in Christ, but instead, by adherence to the rules. Instead of clinging to Christ and seeking for others to know Him, we become focused on making sure the women are wearing the right clothes and the men eating the correct foods.

It is abiding in Jesus, not adhering to a set of rules, that will transform our lives and attract the world to the Gospel. If we want to see Christ continue to work in us, we must continue to abide in Christ.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Acts 11

1. Peter is getting grief for going to “uncircumcised men” and eating with them. How does Peter defend himself?
2. How did the Jews in Jerusalem respond to Peters answer?
3. Barnabas was described as?
4. Barnabas brought Saul back to Antioch and they taught there for a year. This was the first place that people of the church were called __________?

Old Testament:
Joshua 11-Ganged Up On
Joshua 12- Remember When…

Acts 10:5
“Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter.”

Joppa was a port city in Israel with a wealth of history. It serves as a powerful illustration of the heart of God for the world at large. Over 700 years before Peter slept on the rooftop of the tanner’s house, another famous character passed through Joppa. His name was Jonah, and he is infamous as Israel’s most reluctant prophet. Most of us are familiar with his story of disobedience. We read, he was commissioned by God to preach a message of mercy to Nineveh, but instead, he traveled to Joppa, boarded a ship, and attempted to run from God. His story is a fascinating one, as God goes to great lengths to win the heart of this wandering servant. One of the key lessons in Jonah is, God loves the world even when His people don’t.

Over 700 years later, we find another servant of God resting quietly in this same port city. While he sleeps, his world is interrupted with a vision form heaven. The vision was simple, but the message profound. He saw a sheet filled with all kinds of animals, which he was commanded to kill and eat. Peter’s initial response was to refuse, for many of the animals were in a category marked as “unclean” by old testament standards. His rebuke was met by a further command, “What I have cleansed do not call common.” While this passage is freeing the believer to eat whatever he wants, the message is much deeper. Peter needed to learn that the Gospel was intended for all people.

As he pondered the meaning of the message, a band of men arrived, inviting him to visit Cornelius, in the city of Caesarea. Peter would soon be faced with a great dilemma, he would stand at the threshold of the house of a gentile and have to decide whether, for the sake of the Gospel, he would put aside his cultural fears and enter a gentile home.

Cornelius and his family were loved by God and needed to hear the message of salvation in Christ. Peter, like Jonah before him, would have to set aside his own personal feelings for the sake of the kingdom of God.

All mankind is loved by God, and needs to hear the message of salvation found in Christ. It is time we set aside anything that keeps us from declaring the message of the cross to a dying world.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Acts 10

1. The Roman centurion Cornelius had some interesting character traits. Being a Christian in a secular world can be tough, list the traits the bible gives us about Cornelius.
2. God spoke and Cornelius responded. How do we respond when the Lord is speaking to us?
3. For a Jew, Gentiles and certain foods were considered “unclean”. Peter was being stretched to do something that tradition stated was wrong as the early church taught that Gentiles had to become Jews (proselytize) first before becoming a Christian. Do you have any traditions in your life that may be good, yet not scriptural? What is the Lord speaking to you about your traditions?
4. Peter heeded the vision from the Lord and did something that tradition said was wrong, moreover he speaks the acceptance of God to all (verse 34-35). What does this acceptance speak to you as your walk with God continues?
5. Gentiles receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit as Peter is teaching them. Sometimes we feel we need to be in a certain place or doing a certain thing before God can speak to us or use us. Ask God to do something in your routine today….”God interrupt me, speak to me, and use me wherever I am, no matter what I am doing.”

Old Testament:
Joshua 9- Treaty
Joshua 10- Allies

Acts 9:10
“Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, ‘Ananias.’ And he said, ‘Here I am, Lord.’”

A disciple named Ananias is a somewhat obscure character in the narrative of Acts. We do not know how he first heard about Christ, what his occupation was, or his role in the local church. All we know is, when he was called to service, he rose to the occasion, and became an influential player in the life and ministry of Paul, the Apostle.

We read that Ananias had a vision. A vision is much like a dream, but happens while a person is awake, instead of when they are sleeping. There are many cases in Scripture of God speaking to His people through visions.

We are not told what Ananias was doing when God interrupted and commissioned him. We only know he obeyed. Notice, his obedience was not without trepidation. In fact, we might even say, he was a little reluctant to obey; and it is not difficult to understand why. Saul of Tarsus was the greatest human threat the early church had ever faced. He had authority to arrest and imprison Christians; and like a wild animal, was threatening them with death.

We read in Acts 8 that he was the driving force behind the death of Stephen. God was calling Ananias right into Saul’s line of fire. It does not surprise me that he would say,“Lord, I have heard from many about this man, . . .” Acts 9:13

I know it is my desire to hear from the Lord. I want my life to count for the kingdom, and to have a positive impact upon the lives of others. I also understand, that sometimes, the Lord asks us to do hard things. Sometimes, the call of God will take me outside my comfort zone and ask me to do what will make me very uncomfortable, and may even put me at some level of risk.

I think it is important to follow the example of Ananias, whose willingness to obey the Lord resulted in helping in the growth of one of Christianity’s greatest heroes. Let’s all live by the motto of, “Here I am Lord.”

Pastor Jim

Questions for Acts 9

1. Why was Saul headed to Damascus?
2. Saul’s response to the Lord was interesting considering his opposition to Christians. How do you respond when the Lord is calling you to repent?
3. How many days was Saul blind?
4. The Lord spoke to Ananias, what did God ask him to do?
5. In verse 13, this is the first time in scripture that the church is referred to as “saints”. Did you know you were a saint?
6. In verse 17, Saul is filled with the Holy Spirit and in verse 18, he is healed then baptized. Verse 20, he starts preaching. Do not think you have to wait to be used by the Lord. What is He tugging on your heart to do?
7. Who took Saul in when he returned to Jerusalem?
8. What was so special about Tabitha?

Old Testament:
Joshua 7- Banned
Joshua 8- A Little Help

Acts 8:5

“Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.”

 

Philip was one of the men selected to serve tables at the church in Jerusalem. Now we find him heading out to Samaria as a missionary and winning many souls to the Kingdom. His ministry became so effective, it drew the attention of the apostles, who came to aid him in discipling those who had been saved. As quickly as he arrived in Samaria, Philip leaves.  God calls him away from the masses, to reach an individual with the message of salvation through faith in Christ. After a muddy baptism in the desert, he headed out once again, this time making his way to Caesarea, where he settled down and raised a family of followers of Jesus.

 

Philip’s story is a fascinating one, filled with application for our daily lives. One of the most important lessons he teaches us is, in God’s economy, all service is the same. When Philip was serving tables, raising children, or leading revivals, he was simply doing what God had called him to do. Sometimes, I think we lose sight of how God wants to use us today, by being overly consumed with what the future holds. Spending all my time thinking about how God wants to use me tomorrow, will cause me to miss the opportunities He has placed in front of me today.

 

Keep your eyes open! Perhaps, today, God may lead you right into an opportunity to share Christ with someone like the Ethiopian, a man who God had prepared in every way for Philip’s arrival.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Acts 8

1. What was Saul doing to the early church?
2. Because of the persecution, the church scattered. Yet they continued to do what?
3. Hebrews 7:25 ‘Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Simon believed and he was baptized. What was his previous profession?
4. We see in verses 14-16 that receiving the Holy Spirit and baptism are 2 separate experiences. How did Peter and John address this?
5. Simon is rebuked by Peter for his lack of understanding of his faith in verse 20. What word continues to be a theme throughout the teaching in the early church (verse 22)?
6. The angel of the Lord spoke to Phillip, what was his response?
7. Because of Phillips obedience, what happened with the Ethiopian Eunuch?

Old Testament:
Joshua 5- Victory
Joshua 6- Walls

Acts 7:56
“Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”

Stephen’s story is a common one with an uncommon ending. All who have attempted to share the love of Christ with others have experienced the crowd turn on us. The very ones we have prayed for, and stepped out in faith to share with, have accused us of wrong doing, and lashed out against us. Unfortunately for Stephen, these men lashed out not only with words, but also with stones. Stephen was taken outside the city, as if he were a false prophet, and stoned to death. A martyr could be defined as one who lives for Christ, even if it means dying for Christ. Stephen is not the only martyr the church has ever seen, but he was the first.

As Stephen is facing his execution, he looks up, and for a moment the veil separating the eternal from the temporal is removed, and he is able to see the Throne of Grace. Something fascinating happens; Jesus, who sat down at the right hand of God after his ascension, is standing. We know that the work of salvation was completed on the cross, so He is standing for another purpose. That purpose was to honor the one who was honoring Him; to welcome Stephen into glory.

From earth’s perspective, Stephen failed. He attempted to share Christ with a group of people while only making them angry, and losing his life. From Heaven’s perspective, he receives the highest honor, as Jesus stands to welcome him home. It is my personal desire, that each of us will receive that welcome when we step into glory. That we, like Stephen, will choose to live, not for acceptance in this age, but in the one to come. You never know whose life you may impact. It was after Stephen’s death that Paul is first mentioned. It seems that this young man’s bold stand for Christ was one of the influencing events in winning Paul to Christ.

Let’s seek to live for Christ today, keeping our eyes on the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Acts 7

1. Verse 1, the high priest asked, “Are these things so?” What an opportunity to share Jesus! How can you share your faith today?
2. As the stoning was about to begin, Stephen saw Jesus doing what?
3. At whose feet did the witnesses lay their clothes?
4. What was Stephen’s final prayer?

Old Testament:
Joshua 3- Entering In
Joshua 4- Remember

Acts 6:3
“. . . seven men of good reputation . . .”

Scripture does not follow the stories of all seven of these men, but we know that both Stephen and Philip were remarkable men. Stephen carries the honor of being the first martyr of the church. While martyrdom is not something we should aspire to, his testimony is one of a man who refused to shy away from the threats, and boldly declared the Gospel to his community. It seems very likely his life was influential in leading to Paul’s conversion. Philip was used to begin one of the great revivals of church history. It was through his life, the people of Samaria heard the Gospel and were saved. Later we read, he raised four daughters who followed and served the Lord.

Acts 6 records for us what these men were like. We are told they were men of good reputation, filled with the Holy Spirit, wisdom and faith. The text also alludes to how they became these men. We are told, the apostles gave themselves continually to the Word of God and prayer. Something happens to us when we get plugged into a healthy church, where the Bible is being taught. As the weeks pass, we begin to develop a desire for more of the Lord, and ultimately to serve the Lord. After one of the outreach events that our church was involved in, one of my kids made the observation that it was so cool to see people come to the church, get fed the Word, and over time start serving. He said it was almost as though they could not help it.

Make sure you get plugged into a healthy church! The more time you invest in your relationship with Jesus, the more you will become a person whose life impacts those around you, for the kingdom of God.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Acts 6

1. Serving at your church can be a wonderful experience for you and your family. How can you serve the body of believers?
2. Stephen was described as a man full of faith and power. Verse 9 speaks of some people disputing with Stephen and that they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit of God, so they lied to stir up the people. Stephen was serving the Lord (waiting tables); he stood for his faith and was stoned. God has called us no matter what our occupation is. Are you taking a stand for your faith?

Old Testament:
Joshua 1- Secret To Success
Joshua 2- Story Of Redemption

Acts 5:32
“. . .the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

Jesus promised, when we are baptized with the Holy Spirit, we will receive power to be witnesses for Christ. It seems to me, I am always in need of more power than I currently have. The longer I walk with the Lord, the bigger some of the battles become. I need a greater measure of His power to deny the flesh, as well as to effectively serve the Lord. I think it is a common experience for all Christians to feel powerless against the battle in front of them. That being said, there is a critical principle revealed in this verse. Peter declares that the Holy Spirit is given to those who obey.

Throughout Scripture, we find the people of God facing obstacles bigger than themselves. We read of Moses and the congregation of Israel being chased by the Egyptian army, where they are trapped by the Red Sea. We know of Joshua and the immense walls that surrounded the city of Jericho. Later, Scripture records how Gideon faced the armies of the Midianites, and David stood toe to toe with the Philistine giant. The New Testament is filled with its share of obstacles as well. We read of the man with the withered hand, blind Bartimeus, and the lame man at the Beautiful gate of the Temple. In each of these cases, God is calling people to do the impossible. In each case, they could have excused themselves because of a lack of power. I can almost hear the excuses I would have used. “Lord I can’t do that, I don’t have that kind of power, that water is too deep, the walls too high and the giant is too tall.”

The truth stated by Peter answers those objections. The Holy Spirit is given when we obey. If we are waiting for an overwhelming sense of power to build up in us before we do battle against the flesh, or go out in service of the Lord, we are going to wait forever. If we go out in obedient faith to the promises of God, we will find that the Holy Spirit is given to those who obey. All the strength you need for the battle at hand, will be given as you walk in obedient faith to the command of God. In that struggle you are facing with the flesh, trust today, that He will empower you as you choose to obey.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Acts 5

1. Hypocrisy, are we sensitive to it? Do we overlook it? God is serious about it. Pretending to be something we are not, lying to ourselves. If there is anything in your life that falls into this category, take time now to lay it before the Lord, confess and repent. God loves you and wants to forgive you and make all things new! Read I Corinthians 5:17
2. In verse 12 we see the phrase “all in one accord” again. Being like-minded with the body of Christ is recurring theme. Is there something about your church that you question or don’t understand? Take time to call your pastor or staff and search the scriptures. Many times we may believe something that was taught to us in our younger years. It may be good, but not necessarily scriptural.
3. The apostles were put in prison; the Lord set them free and told them to go back. Our natural reaction sometimes is to run away from conflict, yet God told them to go back. Are there things in your life that you are running from? Is Lord prompting you to go back? Pray and seek Him, seek council and be obedient. There might be a miracle awaiting you?
4. Verse 29 is a wow verse! Sometimes we don’t obey God because we don’t know what He wants us to do. Keep praying, keep studying God’s Word, He will speak to you!
5. The Pharisee Gamaliel gives some interesting advice to the council in verse 38-39. How can you apply this advice to situations in your life?

Old Testament:
Deuteronomy 33- Shelter From The Storm
Deuteronomy 34- Big Shoes

Acts 4:2 
“…..they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.”

The greatest tragedy in human history was the day Christ died. The true sinfulness of mankind was expressed as the world turned on Christ, as if to say, “We won’t have this man ruling over us.” In an attempt to rid the world of Him, they nailed Him to the cross and watched Him die. In contrast to the darkness of that hour, heaven’s great light shone forth as Jesus rose from the dead, gaining victory over death, hell, and sin. The Resurrection is heaven’s great triumph.  The resurrection, proves the claims of Christ. When asked for a sign Jesus declared,

“ An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Matthew 12:39-40

Essentially, He was saying, “In addition to fulfilled prophecy, the miracles I performed, and the lives I have changed, the only sign I will give you, is that I will rise again.” Death could not hold Him down, the grave could not keep Him in. The Son of God rose from the dead triumphantly, assuring us all, His promises are true.

But the Resurrection proves something else. Not only are we guaranteed Jesus is who He said He was, but we are guaranteed there is more to life than this temporal existence. Paul declared,

“But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.”                1 Corinthians 15:20-22

The term “first-fruits” refers to the fruit on the tree that ripened first. When Israel gathered these fruits, they would celebrate, partly because they had a taste of the harvest, and partly because they knew a much greater harvest awaited them. The resurrection of Christ is like that. We celebrate that He conquered death and was raised in a glorified body, never to die again. We also rejoice in knowing, when this life comes to an end, as it will for each of us, we can be assured there is eternity.

One day, we will all breathe our last in these earthly tents. Those who have trusted Christ for salvation, will awaken in glory. The tent will be cast off, and replaced with a glorious body, designed never to wear out, but to last for all eternity. Rejoice today, as we look with anticipation to the great hope of the Resurrection.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Acts 4

1. The Sadducees were “disturbed” that Peter and John were teaching the resurrection of Jesus and had them taken into custody until the next day. Yet how many believed in spite of the Sadducees actions?
2. Again as with Jesus, the religious group of the day, the Sanhedrin, brought Peter in for questioning. Have you ever had to take a stand for Christ?
3. Trials and struggles come our way always. We see 3 important disciplines that Peter and John practiced in verse 24-30, worship, prayer and scripture. Are you including these in your daily routine?
4. Verse 32 through the end of the chapter show an interesting concept for the early church. In what ways is the Lord nudging you? Be obedient and see what blessing the Lord brings into your life!

Old Testament:
Deuteronomy 31- Life Lessons
Deuteronomy 32- What’s In It For Me?

Acts 3:6
“Then Peter said, ‘Silver and gold I do not have, . . .’”

Peter makes reference to a simple rule of life. We can only give away what we personally possess. By his own admission, Peter had no money to give this man. It is interesting to note that from an economic standpoint, Peter’s condition was no different than the beggar’s. In the world’s estimation, a man in his thirties who is too broke to share his change with a beggar, is of very little value. Peter would not make a who’s who list in the 1st Century. However, if we look more closely, we see that Peter possessed something far greater than riches that tarnish and fade. Peter said,

“. . .what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” Acts 3:6

Flat broke, jobless, and in a city that was not his home, Peter had more to offer this world than Pilate, Herod, and all the powers of Rome combined. Peter knew Jesus.

I wonder about you and me. What do we possess? If we were stopped on the street and searched, would they be able to find that Jesus resides and reigns in our heart and lives? It is when we allow Jesus to take possession of us, that we find we possess Him. It is when we allow Him to have all of our lives: our thoughts, actions, dreams, possessions, and futures, that we find, like the Psalmist of old, “Our cup runs over.”

What do you possess this morning? Is it Jesus? Could you give Him to the stranger on the street, or the person sitting near you at church, or the family member who is struggling to find meaning in life? Let’s determine together to make it our aim to know Jesus better so, through our lives, the lame may walk and the lost be found.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Acts 3

1. Peter in John became men of prayer, as they learned from Jesus. How much time do you spend seeking the Lord and developing your relationship with Him?
2. Sometimes we feel we need to give monetarily or in some other physical way. Peter and John gave an interesting thing here in verse 6. Is this your first choice in time of need?
3. After this miracle, Peter immediately gives all the credit to the Lord. He disassociates himself from the miracle and points people to Jesus. He preaches what according to verse 19.
4. God sent Jesus to bless you (or to make happy). Is the blessing of God ruling your life?

Old Testament:
Deuteronomy 29- Hidden Things
Deuteronomy 30- Choose Life

Acts 2:4
“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit…”

The Holy Spirit is the driving force behind all the ministry that will take place in the book of Acts. Jesus had commanded His disciples to go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel message, but before they went, they were to wait for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Their personal lives, their ministries, and their world, would forever be changed because the Holy Spirit came upon them.

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit, on His church and the individual Christian, is a work of God. Jesus promised He would baptize them with the Holy Spirit. However, that does not mean the disciples played no part in the event. I think it is important that we understand their involvement, as the promise of God was being fulfilled in them.

First off, they were obedient to the Word. Jesus commanded them to wait in Jerusalem, and wait they did. Next, we find them in prayer. Jesus had promised that the Holy Spirit would be given to those who ask; but He also explained that we should ask persistently. Jesus told a story of a man who knocked on his neighbor’s door in the middle of the night seeking bread. He continues to knock until the man gave him what he was seeking. The man finally gave in because of the persistence of the petitioner (Luke 11:5-8). Jesus is not teaching us to bug our neighbors to get what we want. Instead, His point was to teach the need for persistent prayer for the Holy Spirit. Finally, they were in one accord. Rather than bickering about petty things, or focusing upon their differences, they were all together with a heart and mind fixed on their need for more of Jesus. It was in this setting, that the Holy Spirit was poured out upon His church. The lives of these men and women were forever transformed.

There is no special formula behind receiving the Spirit and gifts of God. I am not suggesting that we must travel to Jerusalem, fill a room with 120 people, and wait ten days if we want to receive the Spirit of God.  I am saying,  we are active participants in the work of God. If we desire a greater work of God in our lives, we must obey Him and seek Him.

Let’s take some time this morning to ask God to fill us again with His Spirit. Certainly, the world is in desperate need of men and women who have been transformed by the power of God.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Acts 2

1. An exciting moment has taken place; the Holy Spirit has come on the Day of Pentecost. Verse 6 says “everyone heard them speak in his own language.” Verse 13 implies that some people thought they were drunk. Have you ever felt Gods Spirit move you to do something so amazing the world thought you were a bit intoxicated?
2. In Peter’s first sermon, he quotes the prophet Joel 2:28-32. Remember there should always be a scriptural basis for what is happening in our lives by the Holy Spirit. What things do you see here?
3. Peter also points out that the Crucifixion of Jesus was not an accident. His death was the plan of God. Read Psalm 16:8-11
4. According to verse 33, where is Jesus now?
5. The conviction of God moved on the people; what is Peter’s instruction?
6. The instruction from God brought the most amazing gift from being obedient. How many were saved from this outpouring of the Holy Spirit?
7. They continued “steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Which of these areas is the Lord speaking to you about?

 

Old Testament:
Deuteronomy 27- Choose
Deuteronomy 28- Head Or Tail