Before the Sanhedrin...stand strong!

What an incredible story of faith and holy spirit fervor lies inside the book of Acts! Peter and John have healed the crippled beggar from birth in the name of Jesus. Tongues of fire rest upon the apostle during the day of Pentecost signaling the power of the Holy Spirit. Believers in Christ share their possessions (the Bible says they shared everything they had!) and helped one another so that everyone had enough for their daily bread. Crowds gather around the apostles bringing their sick and they were healed. However, all of these miraculous signs and wonders do not go unnoticed! The high priest, the Sadducees, and the Pharisees are filled with jealousy. Our blog today starts from in the middle of Acts 5:

"Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.” At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people.

When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles. But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were at a loss, wondering what this might lead to...

Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

This is a long passage but I would like to highlight a few portions for us to think about today. First, not every story starts out with a jailbreak, but our story today does! Who ever said that the Lord never rescues prison inmates? God has been saving prisoners and outcast of society for a very long time...(Think about how God rescued Joseph as a slave in Egypt or how God spared the life of Cain who killed his brother) I think the lesson for us hear is to remember that the Lord opens the doors of the jail so that the apostles could share the Good News of Jesus Christ. In the same way, we have been "set free" from our bondage of sin to spread the Gospel.

Second, I love the reply of Peter and the other apostles who said, "We must obey God rather than men!" The apostle knew that obedience to God was the highest, most important, and #1 priority. In today's modern world, I know that it is very difficult to listen and obey God amidst all the other influences in life (media, society, culture, fashion, money, etc...) And yet, all of us need to make a stand one day before God and answer if we obeyed God rather than men.

Third, there is not a lot of times in the Bible (maybe none except for this portion of Scripture) that I can genuinely appreciate a Pharisee's response. Gamaliel, a teacher of the law and a Pharisee, however, gives a wise response to the accusations brought up against the apostles of Christ. He says, "Therefore, in the present case I advice you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." What I have learned from this verse is that God's will WILL be done! Nothing in heaven or on earth can ever stop the will of God. So I rejoice in the fact that the God of angel armies is always by my side!!!

Peter, John, and the crippled beggar

"It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazereth..." In Acts 3 and 4, our story begins with Peter, John, and the crippled beggar. I like how the passage begins like a story with "One day Peter and John were going up to the temple..." In this story, the two apostles perform a miracle in the name of Jesus by the temple gate called Beautiful! A crippled beggar from birth was carried each day day to this same spot to beg for money. But on this day...on THIS day...This crippled beggar was given a far better gift then silver or gold -- He was completely healed through the power of God!

There are passages, quotes, and verses in the Bible that really jump out at you. Acts 3:6 is one of those for me. Peter says, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." BOOM! Doesn't that verse just hit the breath straight out of you? But of course, there is more to this miraculous healing...

Peter and John share the Good News of Jesus how He lived, was crucified, was buried, and rose gain. Then, there is the call to salvation. Peter says, "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may sent the Christ , who has been appointed for you-even Jesus."

What does the passage teach me? I might not have silver or gold to pass around to every person in need...but one thing I have is the Gospel. I can always give away the greatest treasure which is the gift of salvation from Jesus Christ and the relationship that comes along with that precious gift. So I hope you will join me as I earnestly pledge to lift up the name of Jesus, wherever I am, whenever I can, and whoever I meet...Let us be able to say, "It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazereth."

What does "Acts" stand for?

As we begin the book of Acts for our church bible reading...I would first like you to think about what you think about "Acts". Is Acts about the acts of the apostles for you? Or is Acts about the acts of the Holy Spirit? Or is Acts really about the acts of Jesus? (Of course, we all know that the New Testament is all about Jesus right!!!) I ask this question to get us started thinking about the book of Acts. In the ancient world, the word "Acts" usually denoted books that described great deeds/history of remarkable people or even cities and countries. (Random fact #1: In theater or drama, the word "Acts" denotes a scene in a play like in Shakespeare plays.)

So now that we have started thinking about "Acts", maybe the next question is to ask what is the main theme or purpose of Act? Scholars throughout history have put deep thought into this question. Some say "Acts" provides some of the only early historical records of early Christians. (Random fact #2: The "Histories" of Herodotus is considered the founding work of history in Western literature, I've actually read parts of it...not recommended unless you are a huge history buff.) Some other scholars say "Acts" is an "apology" which is basically a defense of one's beliefs that is usually aimed to convince or pursued an audience for a particular viewpoint. Still others say that "Acts" is more about equipping or strengthening the church.

Today, I just want to spend time on what the Bible says in the first chapter of Acts. Perhaps, the main purpose is much larger, grander, and more complex than anyone has ever conceived...Perhaps, the book of Acts would took one man a lifetime to begin discovering the ultimate purpose. In Acts 1:1-4, the author writes, "In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about."

From the first four verses, we can draw a few thoughts: First, the book of Acts is addressed to a man named Theophilus. (Random fact #3: Actually this fact is probably not so random but is probably an important to note that Theophilus is Greek for lover of God. This could mean that Theophilus might possibly have been recently converted to Christianity) Second, we do not know who the author is but that this author did write a former book about the life of Jesus. (The author is traditionally defined as Luke although there is no specific reference, the author must have been close enough to be eyewitness of the teachings of Jesus) Third, the author felt it was important (or actually a better word might be VITAL) to quote the importance of waiting for the Holy Spirit because he mentions a direct quote from Jesus not once but twice in just the first chapter! So that is really about all that I can draw from the first four verses at this time. Although, I bet there is a lot more in just those four verses than I could discover at this time. Thanks for reading and the next time, I will be continuing more discussion on the book of Acts!

The Farewell Prayer of Jesus (2/2)

In the last post, we began meditating on the Farewell Prayer of Jesus. Here is a fun fact - This prayer in John 17:1-26 is the longest prayer that Jesus prayed (and is one of my favorite prayers of all time). There is something powerful about how Jesus prays for His disciples. His sacrificial and caring love is made truly imminent in His last words. Indeed, not only did he pray for His immediate disciples...Jesus also prayed for all believers including you, me, and anyone who has heard the Gospel message. Let us look at the remaining portion of John 17:13-26 that we did not read in the last post.

“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

Jesus prays for all who will believe in the future which includes all of us today! In addition, Jesus desires all of us to be where He is (seated in heaven) and to see the glory of God. Just imagine for one split moment how glorious heaven will be when we stand before the Creator. How do you imagine God's glory? A brilliant white light? Beautiful crystal? A gentle warm smile? Indescribable awe and beauty? Peace that overcomes all else? A joy that conquers all sorrow? No matter how you picture it...I can promise you one thing...God's glory will blow your mind and overwhelm your very soul. There is nothing that compares to God's glory in all the universe. I hope you have enjoyed reading John 17 and are filled with amazement!

The Farewell Prayer of Jesus (1/2)

In this week's devotional reading, John records the detailed events right after the Lord's supper on the night before the crucifixion of Jesus. As I read through this passage, I was overwhelmed with the passion of Jesus Christ. He knew exactly what was coming...the betrayal, the trial, and the cross...but rather than thinking about the tragedy before Him, Jesus comforts His disciples. Some scholars have called this the "Farewell Discourse" where Jesus is giving His last words to His disciples right before the start of His passion. Bible scholars have also highlighted four key parts of this portion of Scripture:

The first discourse is found in Chapter 14 where Jesus begins encouraging His disciples that though He will depart soon...He promises to send a helper - the Holy Spirit. I shared about the second discourse in my previous post about Jesus as the Vine and we as the Branches...how Jesus is the source of life for the church in Chapter 15:1-17. In the third discourse between Chapter 15:18-Chapter 16:33, Jesus prepares His disciples that the world will hate them but that the Father will always care for them. In addition, Jesus again promises that the Spirit of truth will guide them into all truth. Finally, in chapter 17:1-26, Jesus ends with a prayer! This is what I would us to meditate on today. In today's post, we will look at John 17:1-12.

After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

“I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

This week, I have been preparing the Praise Team with a lesson on "Living for God's glory, not our own" and John 17 actually deals directly with that theme! The first part of the prayer might seems to some that Jesus is focusing on himself, but I find the subtitle for this portion a bit misleading. I think a better subtitle would be "Jesus prays for God's glory to be revealed through Him." Let's remember that Jesus is the Son of God! He has every right to be praying for himself so to speak...in fact, Jesus in one sense is always in communion/prayer with God. However, I believe the beginning of Jesus' prayer teaches us the important of giving God the glory and living our lives for Him! In the next post, we will look at John 17:13-26 and discuss more the Farewell Prayer of Jesus.

I am the Vine; You are the Branches

The passage in this week's devotional is one well known by many Christians. Today, I hope we can remember just how important it is for God's children to remain in Jesus. I want to begin this post today by making it clear that John 15 is not a parable (because the passage is not telling a story) but instead it is a metaphor. The picture of a vine and branches is like more like an analogy you find in the old SATs. Vine (is to) Branches as what (is to) what?

John records Jesus response that He is the Vine and We are the Branches. What is the importance of this analogy? Well first off, you cannot have branches without a vine. If you have ever seen a grape vine or some other vine plant, you will know that you cannot have the leaves and branches without the vine. And of course, you cannot have fruit without the leaves, branches, and the vine. Second, the vine and branches are all connected. What I mean by this is that...nutrients come from the roots of the vine into the rest of the plant. The branches and leaves absorb sunlight in a process we call photosynthesis that converts light energy from the sun into chemical energy for the plant's activities. Third, as a final food for thought, the Vine image actually occurs in the Old Testament multiple times especially in Jeremiah and Isaiah. Almost every time this Vine image is recorded in the Bible, it is associated with the theme of judgement.

Here is the passage that I want to focus on today from John 15:5-17 that says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other."

Here are some of my thoughts that I hope might give you some deeper thoughts into this passage. When Jesus says that He is the vine, He is the one taking on all the judgement and bearing our sins at the cross. When Jesus says that we are the branches, we are partaking (or joining) with Him...But instead being punished for our sins, Jesus gladly bears our judgement on Himself and instead exchanges God's rightful judgement with God's eternal love. This is an example how much the Son of God loved us that He took our place and accepted punishment on our behalf.

To top this loving act off, Jesus not only extended love instead of the justice we deserved. Jesus also called us out and became a friend. We are friends of God (not because we wanted to be friends with God but because God befriended us). Thus, Jesus says, "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends...You did not choose me but I chose you...this is my command: Love each other." I hope this passage really inspires you and overwhelms you...imagine if Jesus never died for our sins, if God gave us the punishment we deserved, or if we faced judgement on our own...However, rest assured that Jesus did die for our sins, God did not give us the punishment we deserve, and that we will not face judgement on our own because Jesus will advocate for everyone who trusts in Him.