What will we be known as?

Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus.  And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch.  When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul.  And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.(Acts 11:19-26)

Those who had been scattered still continued to share the Good News. They shared with Jews, Greeks and anyone who would listen. Banabas would partner with Saul and go to Antioch. There, in Antioch, believers were won gold and obvious, that they were known by a special name....CHRISTians!

What will we be known as? When we have been allowed to come out, will we come out boldly or blend right back in to society? Everyone else has come out, why not us believers? It is time to be known!

Don't assume!

There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.(Acts 10:1-2)

Don't assume! Ask questions, pursue God and others, obey God's direction.

Just because someone is kind, generous, loving, caring and even a praying person, don't assume they are a believer! There are lots of kind atheist, agnostics, Muslims, and Jews. Cornelius was such a nice guy, yet he was a Roman General, a Gentile who do not know Christ! Yet God was pursuing him!

 Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.(Acts 10:28)

Jess do not associate with Gentiles. In fact, they had names for them! Yet the same Holy Spirit that spoke to Cornelius spoke to Peter. He arranged a meeting between the two. However, both had to be obedient!

 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also....(Acts 10:44-45)

As a result of asking, pursuing and obeying, rather than assuming,  many Ten times, including the Roman General Cornelius, were saved!

Don't assume! . . . . God is at work all around you and me!

Fearing Nothing but God!

And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.( Acts 9:29-31)

 Fearing Nothing but God! Saul(Paul) received Christ and the Holy Spirit began a mighty work indeed. Just as fervent ad Paul was to kill CHRISTians, he was now servant to save unbelievers! He was tracked down hungry Jews and believers ran from him. But Paul feared no one and no thing but God! 

As Paul was led to Tarsus, the Church throughout the region grew. Why? They were led by the Holy Spirit and lived in fear of God, not man!

What are we afraid of today? Will I lose my job? Will I be able to buy food, pay bills, keep my house? Will I stay healthy? All these things are real fears, yet when we fear ( trust and respect) God alone, He takes care of everything else.

I do not trust the government. I do not trust the economy. I cannot trust the grocery stores or banks. I can and will trust God. He has proven Himself over and over again in health, relationships, jobs and most importantly, my eternal soul!

What happened to the others?

As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven.  Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.(Acts 9:3-9)

I sometimes wonder what happened to the others?  We have probably heard the details: Saul hunted down and even killed early believers. Yet Jesus had a plan! He hunted down Saul and challenged him to follow Him, changing his name and his life for eternity! But what happened to the others? We hear nothing....

I wonder about my life....I was challenged to accept Christ as Lord and Savior of August of 1992. I was face to face with the words of Paul (coincidence?) in Romans. Simply confess with my and believe in my heart? (Romans 10:9-10). I was raised in Church but it was never explained so simply! Yes....I believe....yes I confess....yes I need You Lord! Yet I wonder about those who knew me then....what happened to the others?

Do you ever wonder? Share your thoughts in the comment section!

One on One is How It's Done!

Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is desert. So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet.  Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and overtake this chariot.” So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 The place in the Scripture which he read was this:

“He was led as a sheep to the slaughter;
And as a lamb before its shearer is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.

In His humiliation His justice was taken away,
And who will declare His generation?
For His life is taken from the earth.”

 So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?”  Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?”Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.”And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. (Acts 8:26-39)

Ok....so we are locked in and secluded! Yet we are around many (family). Like Philip, we are in many one-on-one situations with children, spouses, siblings, and perhaps like our home, grandchildren, nieces and nephews! It's been this way for months!

All over these pasts weeks and months, have we gotten to know one another better? Like Philip, have we had any one-on-one encounters? Have we taken the time to be relational? It is not enough to just memorize a few verses. We need to be able to understand Scripture to relate personal situations to God's Word. He can relate to each of us!

Let's take the time to get to know one another. Like The Ethiopian and Philip, we need to ask questions, seek answers, and share......?! Perhaps, when we are allowed to go out, we too will him out rejoicing! (Acts 8:39:26-39)

One on One is How it's Done!

Scattered or Secluded? Still SPEAK!

Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.  As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Therefore, those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. (Acts 8:1-4)

 Scattered or Secluded? Still SPEAK!
Stephen was stoned publicly far-reaching the Gospel message.....and Saul (Paul) "was consenting to his death"! Saul would furnishings mission, hunting down believers and attempting to destroy the Church.

Those scattered however, continued to speak. They shared the Good News. Even in Samaria (John 4), many more believed and were baptized, receiving the Holy Spirit!

Today we have scattered from our jobs, schools, and city squares. We have been secluded into our homes. We have not bee:-)n forbidden to speak however! We can share the Good News on the internet, on social media through Zoom, Google Classroom and the like.

Speak and Spread His Word......whether scattered or Scattered or Secluded? Still SPEAK!!

Coffee with the Lord....Holy Grounds!

And when forty years had passed, an Angel [c]of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire in a bush, in the wilderness of Mount Sinai.  When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight; and as he drew near to observe, the voice of the Lord came to him,  saying, ‘I am the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ And Moses trembled and dared not look. ‘Then the Lord said to him, “Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.(Acts 7:30-33)

Coffee with the Lord....Every morning I have a routine. It's been similar each morning form the past at last twenty years or so. I brew some coffee ( now k-cups rather than a pot) as instructed in the bible. (He-brews!) I thinnest and smell the grounds as they are roasting into my mug (not a cup!) I then open my bible to receive the fire of His Word to teach me. Thank God He is still an all-consuming fire yet He has mercy upon me                                           even this day!

God's Word is HOLY! Whenever we sit under His teaching it is a sacred time. His Word and His authority has not changed. He is immutable! Moses realized it. (Exodus 3:5) Stephen again mentions it here in Acts 7. I am so grateful the fire keeps burning , convicting, and purifying me! Yet He has not consumed me. His mercy is new every day!

Let's remain humble. God is HOLY. We must now at His feet. We must fall prostrate knowing He is Almighty God, King, Savior and Judge. When we read His Word we are on HOLY GROUNDS.

We all need to serve and give, not simply shelter and hoard.

Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.  Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.  Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,  whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.(Acts 6:1-7)

The early Church was growing. Many of Greek culture were becoming Christ followers. However, the Jewish leaders of the Church could not merry their basic needs . . . namely serving food to the Greek widows! As the apostles, the pastors of the day, were called to study and teach, they wisely appointed seven men of the Greek culture to serve their fellow believers in need. The first deacons had been chosen!

Today we have many in need. There are many of our church folk who need help due to lack of income, lack of transportation, lack of computer skills, even lack of companionship. Do we have to wait to be called? Can we donate to the food pantry? Are we able to distribute the food to seniors? Do we have the resources to order on line and have food delivered? Can we at least call to check up on aged loved ones and church members?

We all need to serve and give, not simply shelter and hoard. Let's grow the Church during this Covid-19  crisis!

Circumstance does not dictate conviction!

When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them. Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men.  For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing.  After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed.  And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing;  but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.” And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.  So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.(Acts 5:33-42)

The apostles had again been imprisoned far-reaching Jesus resurrected. In tyrannical of the night, an angel released them, to the shock of the authorities. Summoned before the Sanhedrin, Peter said, " You seized and killed Jesus, but God raised Him up!" (Acts 5:30)

They wanted to kill the apostles. Families, a respects rabbinical eventually would teach Paul/Saul (Acts 22:3), raised up and said to let them go. If they were from God, the Sanhedrin may be left fighting with God Himself! Well, is that not what happened anyway as they killed all but John eventually!

If this Covid-19 is in fact been allowed by God, and it has, we must allow God His perfect way. We must keep "standing for God" however introverted are able. (Acts 5:20) It is quite alright to obey the law as we still serve God.

Imagine the testimony we will have when allowed "out"! Suffering for Christ's sake is an honor and a privilege! (Acts 5:41) Circumstance does not dictate conviction!

He knows our needs. Just be honest!

Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.”  Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.(Acts 5:9-11)

We have all probably read these passages and know the story. Believers were selling off property and sharing then proceeds with everyone in the Church so all could be supported.  Yet when Ananias and his wife came to give the money, they held back a portion. As they came in desperately, Peter challenged reach about the amount. Individually, they both lied.....not to Peter, but to God the Holy Spirit! (Acts 5:4,9)
As a result, God took their lives right there in the church!

There was great fear.......I guess so! You and impossible tremble!

But what about You and me? How many times have we made God promises only go back on our word? God, if You will do this for me then I  will __________. Have held back our time, our efforts, our money? What promises have we broken?

We all must fearfully consider our talks with God!  He knows our needs. Just be honest!

A Need for Revival

Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold....(Acts 4:29-34)

I have been praying for a need for REVIVAL for some time now. I have pleaded with God to ignite our church and the school where I teach to be set ablaze with His Spirit. . . . Not a revival planned by man, but a REVIVAL created in us by His Holy Spirit!

Now, through this pandemic, I realize it must first start in me! I must allow the Holy Spirit to change me! I must be changed by Him. You and I must allow the Holy Spirit to work within us before the church or the school changes. REVIVAL does not occur in a building, but within God's people.

We must give over to Him so He can shake us (v.31). We must truly honor one accord (v.32). We must truly care form one another (v.34).

Then . . . and only then will we go and others will experience the  REVIVAL in us.

One Healing...One Salvation....One Name!

 . . . .let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’  Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:10-12)

 One Healing...One Salvation....One Name! The religious leaders were so angry: They would not stop preaching, teaching and healing! How dare Peter, John and then others. Turbulent speaking about this resurrected Christ. They kept healing people in His Name. They even offered forgiveness of sin and eternal life with God the Father through this Jesus! So they arrested Peter and John.

Yet Peter was so good (Acts 4:13) and so honest, that the rulers could do nothing but warn them and let them go. The people were too excited.

Adjustment the prison, Peter and Joy gave some good advice for us today as we go through COVID -19 and those other daily challenges we have seemed to have forgotten: "It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:20)

No matter the day or situation, tell others about His goodness!!!!

In need of HOPE.

Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”  And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.  So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.(Acts 3:6-8)

So many are in need today . . . jobs, relationships, finances, health, but more importantly HOPE. Hope in the medical research . . . Hope in the government . . . Hope in the economy . . . Hope in recovery. However the only real HOPE we can trust in is the HOPE Christ promises . . . an eternal relationship with God the Father! It is a promise, not a wish or a dream, for those who trust Him as Lord and Savior.

You need, like Peter told the beggar, we may not have food, money or even medicine to meet everyone's needs, but we who trust in Christ do have something much more valuable to share: HOPE in Christ!

Knowing where we will spend eternity negates a lot of fears for sure! It brings inner Peace and calmness that goes beyond human understanding. (Philippians 4:7) When all hell breaks loose, as in our societies today, Peace, the Spirit of God, steps in!


Are You in need of HOPE today? Trust the Prince of Peace!

REVIVAL in a quiet, simple life among few but like people

Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.(Acts 2:44-47)

Yes, we are still secluded, restricted and sheltered-in-place. We must live in close quarters. Sound familiar to those just after Jesus returned to heaven? (Acts 2:44)

After preaching on Pentecost, the disciples returned to small gatherings in their homes, sharing meals and everything else. They held "all things in common".

They worshipped daily. They lived in small groups! Yet They were glad and lived a simple life! Sounds a lot like today under Covid-19 regulations . . . but for the gladness!

Though not quarantined, the disciples lived a quiet, simple life among few but like people. . . . one might say family. They were not pressed to be in big groups or popular hang outs.

Yet many were getting saved! REVIVAL broken out in the quiet small surroundings. Could REVIVAL occur today? What if we focused upon worship, prayer, thanksgiving and sharing all we could with others in need . . . being quietly Christ-like?

Could REVIVAL break out today? Lord, send Your Spirit of REVIVAL among Your people!

New Life . . . . . After Death . . . . . POWER After the Resurrection

So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”(John 20:21-23)

New Life . . . . . After Death . . .  . . POWER After the Resurrection

Jesus has returned from the grave . . . .ALIVE! He has met with His disciples. He has given them power to forgive . . . the sacrament of reconciliation back to God through His sacrifice. He told them to go and tell the nations . . . but gather together and wait for the POWER to do so. It is one thin got be saved and sealed by the Spirit yet another to use the POWER He gives us!

Once they received the POWER of His Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8), they became bold and spoke about the Messiah with confidence, fearing nothing.

Today we may be shut in, but it does not mean we are to shut up! We may have to wear masks, but we do not have to mask our faith! We must continue in one accord (Acts 1:14, 2:1) in family and small groups. We are to teach, preach and share our faith offering reconciliation by and social media available. We are to serve others in any way possible. We are to pray like never before; Lord, spare Your people! (Joel 2:17)

Lord, shown us how to serve!

Alive and in Control!

 Jesus rose from the dead some 2000 years ago. There is evidence! He gave the blind sight. He allowed the deaf to hear. He caused crippled folks to walk. He brought the dead back to life. And after the authorities of the Church and Rome crucified and buried Him...He overcame death! All for you and me! Nothing is greater...no illness, no disaster, no relationship, no COVID -19! For we who believe, Jesus has made us overcomers!!! 

Jesus is alive and in control!

In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who[d] is the [e]guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your [f]understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far

above all principality[g] and [h]power and [i]might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.(Ephesians 1: 13-21)